Duncan's Multiple Range Test Research Articles

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Dumpsites on Groundwater Quality in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State

The study was conducted to compare the effects of dumpsites on groundwater quality in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State. It aimed at examining the effect of dumpsites from physicochemical and heavy metal content of borehole water and determining the water quality rating of boreholes in the study areas. Three (3) dumpsites, namely Uyo Village Road Dumpsite (UVD), Atiku Road Dumpsite (ARD) and Ediene Uyo Dumpsite (EUD) were used for the study. The triangular sampling method was used to select three boreholes in each dumpsite area, giving a total of thirty-six (36) samples on replication for the three dumpsites and control. The water samples were collected in well-labeled pretreated 1-litre plastic bottles and were immediately transported to the laboratory for analysis. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and means of significant parameters were separated using the Duncan multiple range test at 5% level of probability. The result showed that mean pH was 7.49 in control, significantly lower than 8.22–8.66 in the study areas. Electrical conductivity was 245.33–580.67 μs/cm with 335.00 μs/cm as control. Mean temperatures were 28.53–28.67 oC and 28.0 oC for control. Also, values obtained for turbidity were 3.47–4.21 and 3.47 in control. DO in control borehole water was 3.07 mg/l while that of dumpsites was 3.18–3.37 mg/l. The calculated water indices were 1871.92, 33492.86 and 32288.10 for UVD, ARD and EUD respectively. The findings revealed that mean values in water quality parameters like Magnesium, Dissolved Oxygen, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel and Zinc were above the permissible limit of the World Health Organization for drinking water, indicating higher evidence of groundwater pollution in the study area. The study generally showed that borehole water samples from the three dumpsites were unsuitable for drinking. Public awareness among borehole owners and users within the dumpsite environment on ground water contamination by dumpsites was recommended among others in the study area and the water should be treated before human consumption.

PERFORMANCE AND STABILITY FOR GRAIN YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF SIX-ROW BARLEY CULTIVARS UNDER VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTS IN KURDISTAN REGION-IRAQ

This study was aimed to investigate yield and yield components of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under six different environmental conditions E1- E6 including two sowing date S1 and S2 at three location (Qlyasan, Kanipanka, Chamchamal) in KIR using 10 barley cultivars (C), Numar, Rafidain, Al-warka, Al-Amal, IPPA 265, IPPA 99, Arivat (local), Samir, Qalay 1, and Ukraine (Common cultivated). Experiment was applied using to complete randomized blocks design. The stability analysis was done using the linear regression model. The differences between the means were compared through Duncan multiple range test. The results was revealed that the mean sum of squares due to cultivars, environment, and C x E were highly significant for all studied characters. The cultivar Numar which had highest mean grain yield (3.559) th-1, high bi value1.96 and low S2di 0.058) considered optimal yield stability cultivar. The combination C1E3 gave the top grain yielding (6.91 th-1) due to very high GS, high NS and good TGW performances.

Assessment of Nitrogen Volatilization and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Urea with N-stabilizer in a Productive Oil Palm Plantation (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Nitrogen fertilization plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth. However, nitrogen in the soil can be lost through rainwater leaching. To address this issue, the concept of fertilizing N-stabilizer-coated urea was proposed. The aim is to reduce nitrogen loss on the field due to vaporization and minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this N-stabilizer-coated urea in reducing nitrogen loss through vaporization, improving GHG emissions, and its impact on plant growth and leaf quality. The research was conducted at IPB-Cargill Jonggol, Bogor, West Java, oil palm education and research station from August 2021 to March 2022. The experimental design employed a completely randomized block design. The fertilizer treatments included four types of nitrogen fertilizers: urea (46% N), coated urea with N-stabilizer (46% N), ZA (21% N), and NPK (15-15-15, 15% N). Additionally, a control treatment without any fertilizer application was included. All treatments were replicated three times. Data analysis was done using the SAS (Statistical Analysis System) 9.0 program. The F-test was conducted, followed by DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test) advanced tests at a 5% error level. The results revealed that urea with N-stabilizer fertilization significantly reduced NH3-vaporization by 53% in the first week compared to the application of normal urea. NH3-vaporization level from ZA and NPK was < 1% compared to urea application. Field application of urea with N-stabilizer showed no significant difference in greenhouse gas emission (GHG) compared to the other nitrogen fertilizer types. The GHG values ranged from 7.10 to 7.29 g CO2-e.m-2 per day. The use of N-stabilizer-coated urea could be an effective approach to minimize nitrogen loss through vaporization and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining comparable results to other nitrogen fertilizer types in terms of GHG emissions on the field.

Selenium efficiency in protecting sperm quality and testicular parameters of South African indigenous Zulu rams exposed to heat stress.

The study investigated selenium's (Se) efficiency in preserving South African Zulu rams' sperm quality and testicular parameters when they were exposed to heat stress. Indigenous Zulu rams (20) between 2 and 5 years old were allocated into four groups, namely the Se, testicular heat stress (THS), selenium plus testicular heat stress (SeTHS), and control. Each group comprised five rams; the groups were balanced according to the rams' body weight and scrotal circumference. The Se and SeTHS groups received sodium selenite orally bi-weekly for 5 months. To induce heat stress, testicular heat insulation bags were wrapped around the testes of the rams receiving the THS and SeTHS treatments for 49 days. Semen was collected from the rams weekly from the third month onward; the first two months were for Se & THS acclimatization. In addition, testicular measurements were taken bi-weekly. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the sperm quality data. Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare the groups' data for significant differences. The results showed that the Se-supplemented rams' scrotal circumference was smaller (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. The Se, SeTHS, and control groups demonstrated similar total sperm motility; in contrast, the THS and SeTHS groups recorded low and high total sperm motility, respectively, compared with other treatment groups (p < 0.05). The semen from the rams that received THS without Se displayed a significantly higher number of immotile sperm cells (p < 0.05) and poor sperm quality, including total and progressive motility, and kinematic parameters when compared with other treatments, suggesting that Se protects sperm against THS. We concluded that selenium protected some sperm parameters (TSM, PSM, MV, VCL, VSL) of THS- treated rams while others did not improve (RV, NSM, C, STR).

Running Title: Gluten-Free Biscuit for Autism Children Gluten-Free Biscuit for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Made from Modified Taro Flour and Coconut Pulp Flour

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is common in children, many of whom require a gluten-free diet. This study explored gluten-free biscuits made with modified taro flour and coconut pulp flour, which are rich in carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and protein. The goal was to assess the physical, sensory, and chemical properties of biscuits made with different ratios of these flours. The research used four formulations of taro flour to coconut pulp flour: P0 (100:0), P1 (70:30), P2 (50:50), and P3 (30:70), with five replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. Results showed that the P2 (50:50) formulation produced the heaviest biscuits (5.32g) and scored highest in color (3.82) and taste (3.78) in sensory tests. The P3 (30:70) formulation was rated best for aroma (3.56) and texture (3.82). Chemical analysis revealed that P0 (100:0) had the highest water (1.85%), ash (2.22%), and carbohydrate content (61.32%). The P2 (50:50) formulation had the highest protein content (4.42%), while P3 (30:70) had the most fat (49.03%) and fiber (7.96%). This study concluded that modified taro flour and coconut pulp flour are effective in creating nutritious, gluten-free biscuits, offering a suitable alternative for children with ASD.

Effect of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)-Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) composite flour on quality properties of pasta.

Non-wheat flours are gaining attention as substitutes for wheat flour, offering the potential to optimize local resource utilization and alleviate the demand for wheat. The study investigates the use of non-wheat flours, particularly a blend of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Ipomoea batatas) and Bambara groundnut (BG) (Vigna subterranean), as a partial replacement for wheat flour in pasta production. The aim is to improve the utilization of local resources, reduce the reliance on wheat, and enhance the nutritional quality of pasta. The production of OFSP and BG flour took place at Agricultural Research Council Roodeplaat Campus. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and significant means were separated using the Duncan multiple range test. The research found that pasta made from composite flour significantly influenced its composition and cooking characteristics when compared to 100% wheat pasta. The most nutritionally enriched pasta was achieved with a blend of 50% wheat, 25% OFSP, and 25% BG, featuring higher protein, ash, and fiber content. Consumers preferred pasta made from a composite flour of 70% wheat, 15% OFSP, and 15% BG. This research suggests the potential for producing pasta using OFSP and BG composite flour as a viable option. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The practical application of the research on orange-fleshed sweet potatoes-Bambara groundnut-based pasta has the potential to improve nutrition, stimulate local economies, enhance agricultural sustainability, and promote food security in regions where vitamin A deficiency is a concern and wheat importation is high.

Evaluation of Black Pepper, Tumeric, Corriander and Their Blend as Supplementary Phytoadditives on Growth Performance and Meat Sensory Assessment of Broiler Chickens

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of black pepper, tumeric, corriander and their blend as supplementary phytoadditives in dosage 1 kg per ton of feed on the growth performance and meat sensory assessment of broiler chickens. A total of three hundred (300) day-old broiler chicks were used for the study. At the starter phase, the chicks were weighed at day old and randomly assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water was provided ad libitum during the trial period. The birds were weighed at the beginning of the trial and weekly thereafter. Weight gain, feed intake, left over feeds were measured and recorded, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogramme weight gain were calculated and mortality rate recorded as they occurred. Medication and vaccine administration was carried out as required. Performance parameters calculated include feed intake, weight gain, feed to gain ratio, feed cost per kilogram gain and mortality. For the finisher phase, one hundred and five four weeks old chicks were allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were replicated three times with fifteen chicks per replicate. Performance parameters measured were the same as for the starter phase. The experimental study lasted seven weeks. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS (2008), while the significant differences between treatment means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at a 5% level of significance. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in final weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, feed cost per gain and mortality. Birds fed corriander supplemented diet (T4) had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher final weight, weight gain and least cost of production which were at par with birds fed black pepper supplemented diet (T2). The least performance was observed for birds fed black pepper, tumeric and corriander ..........

Efficacy of Probiotics on Nutrient Intake and Egg Weight in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of lactic acid bacteria probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactococcus lactis on nutrient consumption and egg weight of Japanese quail. A total of 120 females Japanese quails comprised four treatments and six replications. T0, T1, T2, and T3 treatment groups were administered L. acidophilus and L. lactis with concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mL/liter of drinking water. Consumption data were collected weekly, and egg weight data were collected daily during treatment. The data obtained were then analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and continued with the Duncan multiple range test (p &lt; 0.05). The results of this study showed that probiotics in drinking water reported significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) compared between treatments (T1, T2, and T3) to reduce nutrient intake of organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber and increase egg weight of quail. It can be concluded that the combination of L. acidophilus and L. lactis can reduce nutrient consumption but can increase the egg weight of Japanese quail.

Antimalarial potentials of Solanum dasyphyllum fractions against Plasmodium berghei infected mice

BackgroundThe leaves of Solanum dasyphyllum are commonly utilized in the management of fever in traditional medicine, yet scientific evidence supporting their antimalarial effectiveness is lacking. ObjectiveThus, this study aimed to assess the antioxidant properties of solvent fractions derived from these leaves, alongside investigating antimalarial potential against Plasmodium berghei in mice. MethodsAntioxidant activity was evaluated through total phenolic content determination, DPPH radical scavenging, and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay. The fractions were tested against Plasmodium berghei (NK65) in 4-day suppressive, prophylaxis, and curative models, with mice orally administered 1% Tween80 (control), Solanum dasyphyllum hexane fraction (SdHXF), Solanum dasyphyllum dichloromethane fraction (SdDMF), Solanum dasyphyllum ethyl-acetate fraction (SdEAF), and Solanum dasyphyllum aqueous fraction (SdAQF) (each at 125mg/kg), and chloroquine (10 mg/kg). IC50 values were determined via linear regression analysis, and antimalarial study results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan multiple range tests, considering significance at P value < 0.05. ResultsThe SdHXF (60.4%), SdDMF (56.8%), SdEAF (86.4%), and SdAQF (94.8%) exhibited notable percentage chemosuppression compared to the control in the 4-day suppressive test. In the prophylaxis test, SdEAF (80.6%) and SdAQF (80.0%) demonstrated similar percentage chemosuppression. In the curative test, the mean survival time significantly increased in SdHXF (30.2 ± 1.3 days), SdDMF (30.8 ± 3.2 days), SdEAF (31.4 ± 2.3 days), and SdAQF (30.1 ± 2.0 days) compared to the control (10.3 ± 0.1 days). The antioxidant activity of the fractions increased with concentration; however, it was lower than that of the positive controls (gallic acid and ascorbic acid). ConclusionThese results suggest that the fractions possess potent antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei, particularly in the mid-polar fractions, indicating the potential of the plant as a source of novel antimalarial agents.

Impact of Different Soil Amendments on Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization in Ultisols

Quantifying the nutrient mineralization in soils amended with different materials is vital for understanding the nutrient availability for plant uptake. It helps to improve nutrient management by minimizing nutrient loss from the soil. The present research was conducted as a laboratory incubation to assess the nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) mineralization in Ultisols amended with cattle manure, spent poultry layer litter, Gliricidia leaves (Gliricidia sepium), leaf litter compost, urea, and Siam weed leaves (Chromolaena odorata). A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used with four replicates, and means were compared with Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) after analyzing the data with the SPSS 25 statistical package. CO2-C evolution in amended soils increased up to day 14 of incubation and became stable as incubation progressed. The highest total flux of CO2-C (171.89 g/kg) was obtained in cattle manure-amended soil. Compost-amended soil showed significantly higher (p=0.05) release of mineralized nitrogen (1530.31 mg/kg) over unamended control. The pH in all the amended soils increased over time, with the highest pH in soil amended with compost. Thus, the present study indicated rapid C and N mineralization when different amendments are integrated into the soil.

Architecture Pruning Technique (Pollarding) of Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

Moringa is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10–12 m and is not traditionally pollarded in agriculture production. A field experiment was conducted between May 2023 and Jun 2024 in MARDI, Serdang to determine the effect of pollarding at different levels of pruning heights on vegetative growth and yield of Moringa. The trial was laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and five plants per plot and the data was analyzed using ANOVA in SAS (SAS 9.4) software. Differences between means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at P≤0.05. Five months after being cultivated on field condition, trees were pruned pollarding at four levels: 30, 60, 90 cm and control (unpruned). Subsequently, the growth performance was evaluated by collecting data on plant height, diameter of the main stem, length of the secondary branch, number of budbursts, diameter of the secondary branch and leave area. Meanwhile, the yield components were recorded based on the fresh weight and dry weight of the leaves. Results showed that different levels of pruning heights significantly affected overall dependent variables. Unpruned trees produced an optimal response for all dependent variables, but it is not suggested due to the trees growing erratically, challenging to harvest, and having an uneven canopy structure. Meanwhile, for the yield components' pruning at 60 and 90 cm from the ground level was comparable and did not differ significantly from unpruned trees. Therefore, pruning at 60 cm was suggested as an architecture pruning technique for moringa production cultivated on mineral soil under tropical climates. Pollarding can be a way to improve the productivity of agricultural produce, but further evaluation of yield trends must be conducted to ensure the consistency of production.

Comparison of the Use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) of Red Onion and Shallot Extracts on the Growth of Green Spinach Plants (Amaranthus sp.)

Green spinach is one type of vegetable commodity that the people of Indonesia most widely consume because it has a relatively high nutritional content such as iron, vitamin C, protein, and carbohydrates. However, currently, there is a decrease in green spinach vegetable productivity in Indonesia due to several things, including cultivation techniques that could be more optimal, low seed quality, and limited application of agricultural technology. For this reason, agrarian intensification is needed by using natural plant growth regulators (PGR) to increase the growth of green spinach. Red onions and shallots are part of the allium genus, which has growth phytohormones, namely auxin and gibberellins, which have the potential to be natural PGR. This study aims to compare the use of red onion and shallot extracts in increasing the growth of green spinach plants. The research design used was a randomised group design (RGD) with variations in extract concentrations (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%). Parameters of observation of green spinach plant growth are plant height, number of leaves, leaf circumference, and wet biomass of harvested plants. The application of red onion and shallot extracts was carried out on green spinach plants aged seven days after planting (DAP) with a time interval of 1 week until 28 DAP. Observation of green spinach plant growth parameters began at the age of 14-35 DAP. Statistical analysis of the data using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and then the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) further t-test a 5% significance level. The results showed that red onion and shallot extracts affected all observed growth parameters of green spinach plants. Shallot extract with a concentration of 45% gave the best results on all green spinach plant growth parameters.

Evaluation of antimalarial compounds in Prosopis africana stem bark fractions against Plasmodium berghei

Prosopis africana, a traditional medicinal plant for malaria treatment, requires further scientific evidence. This study aimed to assess the antimalarial potential of Prosopis africana stem bark fractions in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice and identify the responsible compounds. The aqueous extract underwent partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, followed by antimalarial evaluation. F5 was the most potent fraction based on its antimalarial potential. The study pooled 36 chromatographic separation sub-fractions into five using TLC analysis Rf values. In Plasmodium berghei-infected mice, fraction F5 at 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) was tested for antimalarial activity. Compound analysis of F5 utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupolar mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis employed Analysis of Variance and Duncan's multiple range tests (p &lt; 0.05). The methanol, n-hexane, and ethylacetate extracts displayed suppression of P. berghei by 90%, 72.2%, and 73.6%, respectively. Methanol, n-hexane, and ethylacetate extracts suppressed P. berghei by 90%, 72.2%, and 73.6% respectively. F5 showed significantly higher chemo-suppression (67.21%) than F1 (63.94%), F2 (6.99%), F3 (2.81%), and F4 (37.3%). At 12.5 mg/kg bw, F5 suppressed P. berghei by 91.09%, surpassing chloroquine (87.79%), and restored altered hematological indices and CD4+ counts. Compounds identified in F5 included caffeate, linalool, terpinene-4-ol, quinovic acid, quercetin, prosopinine, catechin, and apigeninin. In conclusion, the fraction F5 of P. africana stem bark exhibited higher antimalarial activity than chloroquine and the identified compound might likely contribute to its activity.

Influence of Maternal Dietary Protein during Late Gestation on Performance of Black Bengal Does and Their Kids.

The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of different levels of dietary protein during late pregnancy on the performance of Black Bengal does and their kids. Twelve does were divided into three groups, with four in each, and three diets, i.e., high protein (18% CP), medium protein (14% CP), and low protein (10% CP) were supplied for 50 days, commencing from 100 days post-coitum to parturition. During the first 100 days of pregnancy, uniform rations with similar ingredients were provided to fulfill the nutrient requirements depending on the live weight of does. All three diets were isocaloric (10.0 MJ/kg DM). Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA, and the significance of the difference among means was determined by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The main effects of diet and sex, as well as their interaction, were analyzed by two-way ANOVA by using the GLM procedure. The relative expression values of qPCR were calculated by using the 2-ΔΔCt analysis method. Live weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high-protein-fed dams than other groups during the experimental period. The milk yield of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high-protein-fed goats than in the low-protein group. The lactation length of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high- and medium-protein-fed does than in the low-protein-fed does. The duration of post-partum anestrus of does was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the low-protein-fed dams than in the high-protein group. The birth weight of kids tended to be higher in the high-protein group but did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. In male kids, weaning weight, final weight, live weight gain, and average daily gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in female kids. Weaning weight was higher (p < 0.05) in kids of the high-protein-fed does than the low-protein group. Final weight and live weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of the high-protein-fed does than in the low-protein-fed group. On the other hand, average daily gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of the high- and medium-protein-fed does than the low-protein group. The average body length and wither height of kids at the 32nd week was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than those of the low-protein-fed group. The average heart girth of kids at the 32nd week was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than the medium- and low-protein groups. The survival rate of kids was higher in the medium- and high-protein-fed does than in low-protein group. Hot carcass weight and ether extract content of meat were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high-protein group than in the other groups. The dressing percentage was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the kids of high-protein-fed does than low-protein-fed goats. The expression of the H-FABP gene was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kids of high-protein-fed does than those of the medium- and low-protein groups. In conclusion, maternal dietary protein levels positively influences the production performance of Black Bengal does and their kids.

Impact of Golden Banana Puree (Musa acuminata) Enrichment on the pH, Lactic Acid Bacteria Count, and Viscosity of Kefir

The addition of golden banana puree (Musa acuminata) as a prebiotic has been hypothesized to enhance the growth of lactic acid bacteria in kefir. This study aimed to determine the effects of adding golden banana puree on the pH value, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count, and viscosity of kefir. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and three replications. The treatments included the addition of 0% (P0), 6% (P1), 8% (P2), and 10% (P3) banana puree. The observed variables were pH value, total LAB, and viscosity. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) when a significant treatment effect was detected. The results indicated that the addition of golden banana puree had a very significant effect (P0.01) on the pH value, total LAB count, and viscosity of kefir. The study concluded that increasing the concentration of golden banana puree leads to a higher total LAB count and viscosity, while inversely lowering the pH value.

The Effect of Heavy Metals in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes for Some Physiological Parameters

The main aim of this study is to identify physiological characteristics, including Chl a, b, total Chl "a+b" and carotenoids, in potato genotypes under the influence of lead (Pb+2) and cadmium (Cd+2) heavy metals. Two potato genotypes from the Netherlands, Riviera and Agria, were used in the study. Potato tubers were transferred to 2 kg compost pots and placed in a controlled environment with a 12 photoperiod, a day/night temperature of 25/19°C and a relative humidity of 75%. Since Pb+2 and Cd+2 poisoning was greater than in the control and different fractions of heavy metal residues in the substrate were transferred to plant organs, the amounts of these two metals in each treatment (outside the control) were measured. Plant pigments were extracted from fresh leaves in amounts ranging from 60 to 100 mg and these were then extracted into samples containing 80/20% (v/v) acetone/water with 0.5% w/v MgCO3 at room temperature for a full day. Photosynthetic pigments of each sample were extracted three times. The absorbances obtained at 663 nm, 644 nm and 452.5 nm for the maximum absorption of Chl a, Chl b and carotenoids, respectively, were used to measure the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids. Differences between Pb+2 and Cd+2 and physiological markers were examined with the Duncan Multiple Range test. Information on Pb+2 and Cd+2 content in applications revealed wide variability. When potato genotype seedlings were exposed to varying levels of Pb+2 and Cd+2, the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids in their leaves was lower than the control group. The results showed that there were significant and statistically significant changes in carotenoid and chlorophyll concentration at the LSD p = 0.01 level. Similar to Pb+2 and Cd+2 inhibiting plant growth, it had a negative effect on photosynthesis as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Moreover, these effects became more pronounced when the concentrations of two stress factors (Pb+2 and Cd+2) increased.

Off-season production of Bell Pepper (Capsicum anuum, L.) as influenced by soil enhancers and mulching materials

In a study focused on off-season bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) production, 1,152 seedlings were sown, transplanted, and distributed across 48 plots measuring 4.4 sq.m. Each plot accommodated 24 seedlings, and meticulous care and observation were maintained throughout the study. Employing a 2x4 factorial design, this investigation aimed to assess the influence of soil enhancers and mulching materials on bell pepper cultivation. The data analysis was conducted using the analysis of variance in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with mean comparisons facilitated through Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The treatments consisted of two factors: Factor A involved soil enhancers, with Treatment A1 as the control, A2 as carabao manure, A3 as goat manure, and A4 as chicken manure. Factor B encompassed mulching materials, including B1 (control), B2 (rice hull), B3 (rice straw), and B4 (plastic mulching). The study's findings highlighted the substantial impact of soil enhancers, particularly chicken manure, on the vegetative growth phase of bell pepper. Furthermore, the combined application of soil enhancers and mulching materials, as well as individual applications, significantly affected the development of fruiting branches, with chicken manure particularly influencing the diameter of bell pepper fruits. In summation, the research suggests that the utilization of soil enhancers, especially chicken manure, constitutes a promising approach to enhance bell pepper vegetative growth during off-season production.

Evaluating the physical properties of microwave-cured and heat-cured acrylic denture base materials after the addition of ZrO2 nanoparticles.

Background: The structural, physical, and mechanical properties of denture-based acrylic resin are still compromised by water sorption, water solubility, and porosity. These issues have long called for improved techniques, and the use of nanoparticles is one of them. The main objective of the current investigation was to evaluate and contrast some physical parameters (water sorption, water solubility, and porosity) after the incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles (0%, 3% and 5%) into heat-cured acrylic denture base materials (Ivoclare, Major) and microwave-cured acrylic (Acron MC). Materials and methods: A total of 60 resin specimens were manufactured, including 5 specimens for each concentration of ZrO2 NP (30 for porosity and 30 for water sorption and solubility). Followed the manufacturer's directions for preparing the sample of each material. Results: The results were analysed with descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) test, Duncan multiple range test, and independent T test demonstrated that the addition of nanoparticles (3% and 5%) decreased water sorption, water solubility, and porosity of PMMA(polymethyl methacrylate) for both types(microwave-cured and heat-cured acrylic denture base materials). Where, at 3%, the ZrO2 nanoparticles showed the best values for all tests compared to the control group. Conclusions: ZrO2 (3% and 5%) nanoparticle reinforcement of acrylic resin can be a useful tactic for lowering water sorption, solubility and porosity, thereby enhancing the performance of the material in various applications for microwave-cured and heat-cured acrylic denture base materials.

EFFECTS OF ADDITION BAGASSE DEGRADANT BY CELLULOLYTIC BACTERIA Bacillus subtilis ON GROWTH MEDIA OF OYSTER MUSHROOM Pleurotus ostreatus

Background: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) serves as a valuable resource for the sugar and beverage industries, a significant quantity of its by-product, bagasse, remains underutilized. A promising strategy for increasing the value of bagasse involves improving its substrate quality through the application of cellulose-degrading bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis. Methods: The objective of this research is to investigate the influence of bagasse degradant supplementation on the growth of oyster mushrooms. A randomized experimental design was employed to evaluate growth media containing varying concentrations of bagasse degradant (500, 600, 700, and 800 gram) in comparison to a control group. The study assessed the impact of bagasse degradant on pin diameter, fresh weight, dry weight, and water content, using ANOVA and the Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a significance level of 5%. Results: The study showed the addition of bagasse degradant affected the pin diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight of oyster mushroom. However, it is not effective towards the water content of oyster mushroom. Conclusion: The addition of bagasse degradant affected the pin diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight, whereas the water composition did not affected the growth of P. ostreatu

Physico-chemical Characterization of Tofu By-Product Silage Supplemented with Fine Rice Bran and Chestnut Tannin as Silage Additives

This study seeks to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of tofu waste silage with the inclusion of refined rice bran and chestnut tannins as additives. This study employed an experimental method using a completely randomized design, comprising four treatments and five replications. The treatments included are T1: Fresh Tofu Waste (FTW as control), T2: FTW + 5% fine rice bran (DM basis), T3: FTW + 1% chestnut tannin (DM basis), and T4: FTW + 5% fine rice bran + 1% chestnut tannin (DM basis). The variables measured were temperature, humidity, pH, mold growth, aroma, texture, color, and dry matter loss. The data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan's multiple range test was applied at a 5% significance level to assess significant differences between treatments. The findings revealed that the inclusion of fine rice bran and chestnut tannin had a significant impact (P&lt;0.05) on the temperature, humidity, pH, mold growth, aroma, texture, color, and dry matter loss of fresh tofu waste silage. In conclusion, the addition of 5% fine rice bran and 1% chestnut tannin resulted in tofu waste silage with superior physico-chemical quality, as evidenced by the lowest dry matter loss compared to the other treatments.