Factorial Design Study Research Articles

Leveraging textured flickers: a leap toward practical, visually comfortable, and high-performance dry EEG code-VEP BCI.

Reactive Brain-Computer Interfaces (rBCIs) typically rely on repetitive visual stimuli, which can strain the eyes and cause attentional distraction. To address these challenges, we propose a novel approach rooted in visual neuroscience to design visual Stimuli for Augmented Response (StAR). The StAR stimuli consist of small, randomly-oriented Gabor or Ricker patches that optimize foveal neural response while reducing peripheral distraction.

Methods: In a factorial design study, 24 participants equipped with an 8-dry electrode EEG system focused on series of target flickers presented under three formats: traditional Plain flickers, Gabor-based, or Ricker-based flickers. These flickers were part of a five-class Code Visually Evoked Potentials (c-VEP) paradigm featuring low-frequency, short, and aperiodic visual flashes.

Results: Subjective ratings revealed that Gabor and Ricker stimuli were visually comfortable and nearly invisible in peripheral vision compared to plain flickers. Moreover, Gabor and Ricker-based textures achieved higher accuracy (93.6% and 96.3%, respectively) with only 88 seconds of calibration data, compared to plain flickers (65.6%). A follow-up online implementation of this experiment was conducted to validate our findings in naturalistic operations. During this trial, remarkable accuracies of 97.5% in a cued task and 94.3% in an asynchronous digicode task were achieved, with a mean decoding time as low as 1.68 seconds.

Conclusion: This work demonstrates the potential to expand BCI applications beyond the lab by integrating visually unobtrusive systems with gel-free, low-density EEG technology, thereby making BCIs more accessible and efficient. The datasets, algorithms, and BCI implementations are shared through open-access repositories.

PSXI-12 Effects of Flint corn with or without high concentration of amylase and particle size on in vitro fermentation parameters, gas production and methane emission

Abstract The objective of this trial was to evaluate the fermentation parameters, gas production and dry matter (DM) disappearance in vitro of two corn hybrids with two particle sizes. A 2 × 2 factorial design study was carried out to evaluate two types of Flint corn with or without high amylase concentration (Enogen flint or Tropical Flint, respectively), and two particle sizes (1.5 or 2.5 mm). Incubations were carried out for a total period of 24 h using the automatic gas pressure system (ANKOM, RF). The ruminal liquid was combined with buffer in a 1:4 ratio respectively and each bottle received 150 mL of this mixture plus 1.5 g of DM corn sample. At the end of the 24-h period, a gas sample was taken for methane analysis, a sample was taken for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis, and DM was performed on the final residue from the bottles to estimate the disappearance of DM. Data were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed (9.4). There was no interaction effect between corn hybrid and particle size for the variables evaluated. Enogen Flint corn increased the proportion of propionate (30.7 vs. 28.1 mM/100 mM; P = 0.03) and reduced isovalerate (1.23 vs. 1.65 mM/100 mM; P = 0.01), and acetate:propionate ratio (1.85 vs. 2.11; P = 0.04), with no effect on the other fermentation variables evaluated. The particle size affected the pH of the fluid, with lower pH observed when using 1.5 mm particle size (6.64 vs. 6.70; P < 0.01). Regarding the disappearance of DM, Enogen Flint corn increased disappearance compared with Tropical Flint (80.8 vs. 77.5%; P < 0.01), and the 1.5 mm particle size also resulted in an increase in DM disappearance (81.9 vs. 76.4%; P < 0.01), with no interaction between the factors studied. (P = 0.80). Corn hybrids did not affect total gas production and methane production. However, the 1.5 mm particle size increased the total gas production (117.5 vs. 103.2 mL/24 h; P < 0.01), with no effect on methane production. In conclusion, Enogen technology optimizes the rumen fermentation process and increases corn dry matter degradability, and 1.5 mm particle size of the corn grain also increases degradability.

PSXI-14 Effects of diets with high and low inclusion of corn with or without high concentration of amylase on in vitro fermentative parameters and gas production

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the effects of corn hybrids and the level of inclusion in the diet on in vitro fermentative parameters, DM disappearance, total gas and methane production. A 3 × 2 factorial design study was carried out to evaluate the Tropical Flint corn (TFC), Enogen Flint corn (EFC) and Enogen Dent corn (EDC), and the corn inclusion content in the diet (H: 71%; L: 42.5% of DM). The experiment was carried out using automatic gas pressure detection modules (ANKOM, RF). Rumen fluid was collected from two animals fitted with a rumen cannula and fed a diet containing 60% forage. The ruminal liquid was combined with buffer in a 1:4 ratio respectively and each bottle received 150 mL of this mixture plus 1.5 g of DM corn sample. Gas production was evaluated at the end of 24 h of incubation and a gas sample was taken for methane analysis. Furthermore, the pH of the liquid was measured at the end of 24 h and a sample was obtained for analysis of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), ammonia concentration and the final residue was used to determine de DM disappearance. The data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS (9.4). There was an interaction between corn hybrid and inclusion level for the variable total SCFA (H-TFC: 70.5; H-EFC: 41.5; H-EDC: 40.7; L-TFC: 43.7; L-EFC: 38.8; L-EDC: 39.7 mM; P = 0.02) and proportion of butyrate (H-TFC: 9.25; H-EFC: 5.53; H-EDC: 6.01; L-TFC: 5.80; L-EFC: 5.41; L-EDC: 5.99 mM/100mM; P = 0.02), with greater values observed for the inclusion of TFC in relation to the other treatments. The inclusion of Enogen corn (Flint or Dent) increased propionate (TFC: 32.1; EFC: 36.3; EDC: 36.7 mM/100mM; P < 0.01) and reduced acetate (TFC: 56.7; EFC: 55.1; EDC: 54.8 mM/100mM; P = 0.02) and the acetate:propionate ratio (TFC: 1.83; EFC: 1.56; EDC: 1.53; P < 0.01). On the other hand, greater inclusion of corn in the diet increased propionate (H: 36.8; L: 33.3 mM/100mM; P < 0.01) and reduced acetate (H: 53.5; L: 57.6 mM/100mM; P < 0.01), acetate:propionate ratio (H: 1.50; L: 1.77; P < 0.01), and fluid pH (H: 6.39; L: 6.46; P < 0.01). Corn hybrids with Enogen technology increased the DM disappearance (TFC: 70.5; EFC: 73.3; EDC: 74.3%; P < 0.01), without affecting the production of gases and methane. Furthermore, greater inclusion of corn in the diet increased the DM disappearance (H: 74.1; L: 71.2%; P < 0.01) and gas production (H: 193.8; L: 160.5 mg/24 h; P < 0.01), without effect on methane production. Enogen technology and increasing corn in the diet improve fermentation and increase degradation of dry matter; however, methane production increases with greater corn inclusion in the diet.

Concrete properties with recycled coarse aggregate and rice husk ash: factorial design study

Methods of design of experiment have been implemented for the evaluation of the impact of the inclusion of recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and rice husk ash (RHA) on strength and other chosen parameters of concrete. A specific general factorial design method, two-way analysis of variance (Anova), has been used for the current exploration considering two key factors – that is, percentage of RCA (0% and 100%) and percentage of RHA (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35%). This approach has been used to assess the effect of these materials on various concrete properties, including 3, 7, 28 and 90 days compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, water absorption, volume of voids and density. The outcomes of the analysis have been presented in the form of Anova table, individual, main effect, contour and interaction plots. The results of the analysis show that the levels of RCA and RHA had a significant effect on the properties of concrete.

Sex, tissue, and mitochondrial interactions modify the transcriptional response to rapamycin in Drosophila

BackgroundMany common diseases exhibit uncontrolled mTOR signaling, prompting considerable interest in the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin, to treat a range of conditions, including cancer, aging-related pathologies, and neurological disorders. Despite encouraging preclinical results, the success of mTOR interventions in the clinic has been limited by off-target side effects and dose-limiting toxicities. Improving clinical efficacy and mitigating side effects require a better understanding of the influence of key clinical factors, such as sex, tissue, and genomic background, on the outcomes of mTOR-targeting therapies.ResultsWe assayed gene expression with and without rapamycin exposure across three distinct body parts (head, thorax, abdomen) of D. melanogaster flies, bearing either their native melanogaster mitochondrial genome or the mitochondrial genome from a related species, D. simulans. The fully factorial RNA-seq study design revealed a large number of genes that responded to the rapamycin treatment in a sex-dependent and tissue-dependent manner, and relatively few genes with the transcriptional response to rapamycin affected by the mitochondrial background. Reanalysis of an earlier study confirmed that mitochondria can have a temporal influence on rapamycin response.ConclusionsWe found significant and wide-ranging effects of sex and body part, alongside a subtle, potentially time-dependent, influence of mitochondria on the transcriptional response to rapamycin. Our findings suggest a number of pathways that could be crucial for predicting potential side effects of mTOR inhibition in a particular sex or tissue. Further studies of the temporal response to rapamycin are necessary to elucidate the effects of the mitochondrial background on mTOR and its inhibition.

Application of graphene oxide/titanium dioxide nanoparticle on the rheological, filtration and shale swelling characteristics in water-based mud system: experimental and full factorial design study

Application of graphene oxide/titanium dioxide nanoparticle on the rheological, filtration and shale swelling characteristics in water-based mud system: experimental and full factorial design study

Stretch‐tolerant PECVD gas barrier coatings for sustainable flexible packaging

AbstractThis study employs X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thickness measurements, permeation analysis and laser scanning microscopy to analyse the stretch tolerance in dependence of the chemical composition and deposition rates of plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition coatings. SiOx and SiOCH coatings are deposited on polyethylene terephthalate film using a full factorial study design of three parameters (monomer/oxygen mass flow and pulse duration). They exhibit distinct differences, with the monomer mass flow emerging as a critical factor influencing deposition rates and stretch tolerance. SiOCH coatings demonstrate faster growth rates due to higher monomer flow. SiOx coatings exhibit superior barrier performance. Stretch tolerance does not solely correlate with atomic composition, since a SiOx coating with higher‐than‐predicted stretch tolerance was observed.

The use of Cyclodextrin-SLS-PEG 4000 Complex to Solubilize Three BCS Class II and IV Drug´S through A Factorial Study Design

Objective: Drugs classified as Class II and IV on the Biopharmaceutical Classification System are commonly associated with solubility challenges. This research aims to investigate the impact of cyclodextrin combined with both PEG 4000 and SLS, individually and in combination, on the enhancement of solubility and dissolution rate of three drugs belonging to BCS Class II (celecoxib and Valsartan) and Class IV (Furosemide). Methods: A series of 23 factorial experiments were conducted to assess drug solubility in eight selected fluids containing Beta Cyclodextrin, Poly Ethylene Glycol 4000, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, both separately and in binary and ternary combinations. Solid inclusion complexes of each drug with beta Cyclodextrin, PEG 4000 and SLS were prepared using the kneading method. The impact of each excipient on dissolution rates was evaluated through a23 factorial design. Results: The presence of the studied excipients significantly improved the solubility of the three drugs under investigation. Celecoxib solubility was highly enhanced by Cyclodextrin combined toPEG 4000 and SLS(2,77 ratio). Furosemide solubility was highly enhanced by Cyclodextrin combinedto SLS (ac) (2,96 ratio). And valsartan solubility by beta cyclodextrin combined to PEG 4000 and SLS(2,43 ratio). Among dissolution rates, the addition of PEG 4000 and SLS alongside Cyclodextrin led to even more substantial improvements: 14.96-ratio and 7.34-ratio enhancements, respectively on celecoxib dissolution rates, and 9,22-ratio and 11,73-ratio increases, respectively, for furosemide dissolution rates, then.2,09-ratio and 1,88-ratio, respectively on valsartan dissolution rates. Conclusion: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate demonstrates efficacy as a solubilizer both independently and in conjunction with ßCD and PEG 4000, effectively enhancing the solubility and dissolution rate of the selected BCS Class II and IV drugs.

Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Metal-Polymer Friction Stir Composite Joints-A Full Factorial Design of Experiments.

With the increasing demand for lighter, more environmentally friendly, and affordable solutions in the mobility sector, designers and engineers are actively promoting the use of innovative integral dissimilar structures. In this field, friction stir-based technologies offer unique advantages compared with conventional joining technologies, such as mechanical fastening and adhesive bonding, which recently demonstrated promising results. In this study, an aluminum alloy and a glass fiber-reinforced polymer were friction stir joined in an overlap configuration. To assess the main effects, interactions, and influence of processing parameters on the mechanical strength and processing temperature of the fabricated joints, a full factorial design study with three factors and two levels was carried out. The design of experiments resulted in statistical models with excellent fit to the experimental data, enabling a thorough understanding of the influence of rotational speed, travel speed, and tool tilt angle on dissimilar metal-to-polymer friction stir composite joints. The mechanical strength of the composite joints ranged from 1708.1 ± 45.5 N to 3414.2 ± 317.1, while the processing temperature was between 203.6 ± 10.7 °C and 251.5 ± 9.7.

Magnetic nanoparticles loaded hydrochar for effective Cr(VI) removal from water: Batch and column studies

Chromium considered as most toxic trace metal and is essential to remove it from aqueous using influential adsorbents. Hydrochar prepared from mango peels biomass by thermal activation process was applied to produce activated hydrochr (ACH) which further prepared magnetic nano-composite activated hydrochar (Fe3O4-ACH) material as an effectual sorbent and tested for adsorption of Cr(VI) ions. SEM/EDS, BET, FTIR, VSM, and XRD instruments were utilized to evaluate the characteristics of produced Fe3O4-ACH. The obtained results revealed that the nanoparticle modification increased the surface area and improved the adsorption ability of ACH. A vibrating sample magnetometer was applied for magnetic properties in which the external magnetic field responded by saturation magnetization leading to quickly adsorbed metal ions from water. The factorial design studies were achieved to optimize the removal conditions of metal ions. Equilibrium data for isotherms (Langmuir isotherm) and kinetic mechanisms (pseudo second order) well fitted with the models. The obtained adsorption capacity for Langmuir isotherm was 174.7 mg/g under optimized conditions (dose 0.03 g, contact time 120 min, Cr(VI) solution 50 mg/L). Practical applications of real water samples were studied by fixed-bed column adsorption. The obtained results revealed that the synthesized Fe3O4-ACH was promising for Cr(VI) removal with adsorption capacity of 60.24 mg/g at optimized conditions; bed height (1.3 cm), Cr(VI) ions concentration (50 mg/L) and flow rate (12 mL/min). The experimental breakthrough curve results were compared in a fixed-bed column and were successfully fitted with kinetic models. The given results of distribution and selectivity coefficients proven that Fe3O4-ACH composite has a greater adsorption selectivity than adsorption of Cr(VI). Furthermore, computational molecular modeling was performed to evaluate the interaction types between Cr(VI), Fe3O4, and ACH. The Cr(VI) adsorption mainly carried hydrogen bonding, π–π, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Desorption of chromium ions from Fe3O4-ACH composite adsorbent was more effective with 94.1% desorption efficiency. An approximate cost analysis of 3.15 USD/Kg in a week was assumed for activated hydrochar which was cheaper than the commercially available activated carbon which cost 20 USD/Kg. The obtained results indicated that the produced Fe3O4-ACH composite is a capable adsorbent to decontaminate Cr(VI) from real water samples.

Optimizing the generation of mature bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in vitro: a factorial study design

BackgroundFactorial design is a simple, yet elegant method to investigate the effect of multiple factors and their interaction on a specific response simultaneously. Hence, this type of study design reaches the best optimization conditions of a process. Although the interaction between the variables is widely prevalent in cell culture procedures, factorial design per se is infrequently utilized in improving cell culture output. Therefore, we aim to optimize the experimental conditions for generating mature bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Two different variables were investigated, including the concentrations of the inducing factors and the starting density of the bone marrow mononuclear cells. In the current study, we utilized the design of experiments (DoE), a statistical approach, to systematically assess the impact of factors with varying levels on cell culture outcomes. Herein, we apply a two-factor, two-level (22) factorial experiment resulting in four conditions that are run in triplicate. The two variables investigated here are cytokines combinations with two levels, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) alone or with interleukin-4 (IL4). The other parameter is cell density with two different concentrations, 2 × 106 and 4 × 106 cells/mL. Then, we measured cell viability using the trypan blue exclusion method, and a flow cytometer was used to detect the BMDCs expressing the markers FITC-CD80, CD86, CD83, and CD14. BMDC marker expression levels were calculated using arbitrary units (AU) of the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). ResultsThe current study showed that the highest total viable cells and cells yield obtained were in cell group seeded at 2 × 106 cells/mL and treated with GM-CSF and IL-4. Importantly, the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD83 and CD80/CD86 were statistically significant for cell density of 2 × 106 cells/mL (P < 0.01, two-way ANOVA). Bone marrow mononuclear cells seeded at 4 × 106 in the presence of the cytokine mix less efficiently differentiated and matured into BMDCs. Statistical analysis via two-way ANOVA revealed an interaction between cell density and cytokine combinations. ConclusionThe analysis of this study indicates a substantial interaction between cytokines combinations and cell densities on BMDC maturation. However, higher cell density is not associated with optimizing DC maturation. Notably, applying DoE in bioprocess designs increases experimental efficacy and reliability while minimizing experiments, time, and process costs.

Optimal Laboratory Cultivation Conditions of Limnospira maxima for Large-Scale Production.

Cultivating Limnospira maxima, renowned for its abundant proteins and valuable pigments, faces substantial challenges rooted in the limited understanding of its optimal growth parameters, associated high costs, and constraints in the procurement of traditional nitrogen sources, particularly NaNO3. To overcome these challenges, we conducted a comprehensive 4 × 3 factorial design study. Factors considered included white, red, blue, and yellow light spectra, along with nitrogen sources NaNO3 and KNO3, as well as a nitrogen-free control, for large-scale implementation. Optimal growth, measured by Optical Density, occurred with white and yellow light combined with KNO3 as the nitrogen source. These conditions also increased dry weight and Chl-a content. Cultures with nitrogen deprivation exhibited high values for these variables, attributed to carbon accumulation in response to nitrogen scarcity. Phycocyanin, a crucial pigment for nutrition and industry, reached its highest levels in cultures exposed to white light and supplemented with KNO3, with an impressive content of 384.11 g kg-1 of dry weight. These results highlight the efficacy and cost-efficiency of using a combination of white light and KNO3 for large-scale L. maxima cultivation. This strategy offers promising opportunities to address global food security challenges and enhance the production of industrially relevant pigments.

Nominal logistic regression analysis of variables determining needle visibility in ultrasound images – a full factorial cadaver study

BackgroundNeedle visualization is essential to avoid vascular puncture and nerve injury in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Several factors that statistically influence needle visibility have been described but the dimensions of their individual impact remain unclear. This study aimed to quantify the impact of various independent factors on ultrasound needle visibility.MethodsA total of 1500 ultrasound videos of in-plane needle insertions were obtained in embalmed cadavers with ten different commercially available echogenic and non-echogenic needles at different insertion angles and bevel orientations in a full factorial study design. The visibility of needle tip and shaft were rated as “good” or “poor” visibility. Nominal logistic regression analyses were calculated for the visibility of the needle tip and shaft.ResultsSonoPlex Stim Sprotte, SonoTAP Facet (needle tip and shaft) and Spinostar PencilPoint (needle tip)), insertion angle and bevel orientation were associated with good ultrasound visibility, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05). The range of the effect on the log-odds scale for needle tip visibility was largest for the insertion angle with 6.33, followed by the tissue condition (3.76), bevel orientation (1.45) and the needle types (1.25). Regarding the needle shaft visibility, the largest effect range was observed with the insertion angle (7.36), followed by the tissue conditions with 3.96, needle type (1.86) and bevel orientation (0.95).ConclusionIn-plane needle visibility in ultrasound images depends mainly on the insertion angle, as expected. This is closely followed by the tissue condition, which is a factor related to the patient, thus cannot be altered to improve needle visibility. In the dimensions of the log-odds scale, the choice of a specific needle is far less important towards achieving a good visualization, whereas optimizing the bevel orientation can have a larger impact than the needle choice. Concluding from the relative dimensions of factors that determine needle visibility in this model, the importance of needles with echogenic features may be overrated.

Pharmaceutical wastewater treatment in ceramic separator MFC: Optimisation of operating parameters to improve organic removal and power generation

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) can be used to simultaneously treat wastewater and generate energy using microorganisms as biocatalysts. To improve its performance, optimization of the various process variables and determination of effects of their interactions needs to be explored. In the present study, a full factorial statistical experimental design study of 11 runs was conducted to analyse the effect of influent COD (1500–3500 mg/L), pH (5–9) and recirculation ratio (0–1:1) on power density and COD removal efficiency while treating pharmaceutical wastewater. Statistical models were developed using full factorial design (α = 0.05, p < 0.05). The main effects of the all the three factors were found to be significant on COD removal efficiency; however, the interaction effects were found to be insignificant. On the other hand, the main effects as well as the interaction effect of COD and pH were found to be significant on power density. It was predicted that the optimum COD removal efficiency of 68 % and power density of 219.4 mW/m3 can be achieved in an MFC with an influent COD of 1960 mg/L and pH of 8.9 at a recirculation ratio of 0.99.

Design, Development, and In vitro Evaluation of Single Unit Hydrodynamically Balanced System of Captopril

Background: This study investigated the use of in situ polyelectrolyte complex formation by using two oppositely charged polysaccharides [Chitosan (cationic), Sodium Alginate (anionic)]. It forms 3-D intercalation and interpenetrating network helping in controlling the release of highly acid-soluble Captopril. Objective: To develop a polyelectrolyte complex based single unit gastroretentive tablet by using optimization based 3 (2) Taguchi factorial design for controlled delivery of Captopril. Materials and Methods: Gastroretentive Captopril tablets were prepared by the direct compression technique. Total 09 batches were prepared as per 3 (2) Taguchi factorial design studies of 100 tablets each. Results: Thermal analysis method revealed that there is a formation of PEC between chitosan and sodium alginate. In vitro buoyancy and T60%, drug release studies revealed that due to complex formation, formulation remains stable and remains buoyant. From factorial design studies, it was interpreted that for buoyancy time (Y1) chitosan desired effect value was found higher. For 60% drug release (T60%; Y2) both chitosan and sodium alginate have a synergistic effect. Durbin Watson's statistical model and residual data suggested that the model is statistically validated. All formulations follow the zero-order kinetics. Stability studies revealed that formulations F5 and F9 remain stable for long-term stability studies without showing any significant changes. The fit analysis studies indicated that the prepared formulation was different from the innovator product indicating low f1 and f2 values. Conclusion: From the result generated it was concluded that chitosan-sodium alginate polyelectrolyte complex has sufficient potential to retard the release of CPT.

Antifungal activity of Punica granatum linn extracts against Malassezia pachydermatis

Malassezia pachydermatis causes external otitis, often affecting dogs, and control methods for this microorganism have been resistant to synthetic antifungals. Therefore, this study evaluated the antifungal activity of aqueous extracts of Punica granatum Linn (AEP) fruit peel dehydrated (AEPd) and in natura (AEPn) against Malassezia pachydermatis. The M. pachydermatis samples were from the Microbiology Laboratory of the State University of Northern Paraná (UENP), PR, Brazil. The strains were identified and replicated after inoculation in the Sabouraud dextrose medium. Subsequently, the P. granatum extract was obtained through different extraction methods: cold, water bath, decoction, and infusion. Each test was run fivefold at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% after 10, 20, and 30 minutes. The sensitivity of isolates was determined with the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and indicated by an inhibition zone larger than 15 mm. The results were evaluated with a 2x3x6 factorial study design, ANOVA, and Tukey's test at 5% significance. AEPn showed antifungal activity on M. pachydermatis strains, and AEPd did not present an inhibitory influence at any concentration and time. Extraction by decoction was the most efficient, followed by water bath, cold, and infusion. The extracts at a 50% concentration showed the best results, but all other doses determined an inhibition zone larger than 15 mm. Thus, AEP showed a significant therapeutic potential for controlling M. pachydermatis.

Effect of pre- and postpartum supplementation of a pure glycerol product to dairy cows on feeding behavior, lying behavior, and reticulorumen pH

The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of supplementing a low level of dry glycerol product pre- and postpartum on the feeding behavior, lying behavior, and reticulorumen pH of dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 60) were enrolled in a 2 × 2 factorial design study. Twenty-one days before expected parturition, cows individually received a dry cow diet with (1) 250 g/d glycerol supplementation (GLY; 66% pure glycerol, United States Pharmacopeia grade), or (2) no supplementation (CON). Following parturition, cows were individually assigned to either (1) 250 g/d glycerol product (GLY; 66% pure glycerol), or (2) no supplementation (CON) to their partial mixed ration (PMR) for the first 21 d in milk (DIM). All cows were milked by an automated milking system and offered a target of 5.4 kg/d pellet (23% of target total dry matter intake [DMI]). For both treatment periods, cows were individually assigned to automated feed bins to measure PMR feeding behavior. Rumination time and lying behavior were monitored with electronic sensors for the whole study (-21 to 21 DIM). Reticulorumen pH boluses were administered to a subset of cows (n = 40) where pH was recorded every 10 min from 21 d prepartum to 21 d postpartum. Prepartum, cows fed GLY had fewer, larger meals and spent 20.2% more time feeding than CON while consuming feed at a similar rate. Cows on the CON diet prepartum spent more time lying down in more frequent bouts in the 21 d before calving. Following parturition, cows that received GLY prepartum continued to devote more time to eating, while tending to spend less time ruminating per kilogram of DMI. Cows receiving CON postpartum had larger meals with longer intervals between meals. In the first 21 DIM, cows receiving CON prepartum tended to have shorter, but significantly more frequent, lying bouts than cows fed GLY prepartum. Glycerol supplementation pre- and postpartum resulted in less time spent lying down following parturition. Minimal differences between treatments were observed for pre- and postpartum sorting behavior or reticulorumen pH. Overall, supplementation of glycerol pre- and postpartum altered cow time budgets, with cows spending more time eating pre- and postpartum, less time lying pre- and postpartum, and having fewer, larger meals prepartum when receiving glycerol prepartum, and with cows having slower feeding rates and smaller meals following parturition with postpartum glycerol supplementation.

The Application of Compost Extract and Biopesticide in Three Different Varieties of Soybean (Glycine max L.)

Soybeans are high in protein and vegetable oil. However, soil fertility, among other factors, has resulted in low production. This study aimed to compare the effects of shrimp shells compost extract (EKKU) and Mushroom Substrate Media Compost Extract (EKMTJ) fertilizers in combination with bio-insecticides with active ingredients from Beauveria bassiana on the growth and production of soybean. This was a factorial randomised design study with two factors. The first factor was compost extract, with P1: EKKU and P2: EKMTJ. Furthermore, the second factor is a dosage of bioinsecticides with B. bassiana active ingredients of 1 litre/ha (B1) and 2 litres/ha (B2). The results showed that the application of shrimp shell compost extract (EKKU) combined with 2 litres/ha bioinsecticide gave the best results in plant height and shoot weight. On the other hand, the application of mushroom substrate medium compost extract (EKMTJ) gave the best results for wet and dry weight of plant pods and canopy dry weight.

Removal of methylene blue using Bombax buonopozense bark: factorial experimental design, DFT, and molecular dynamics studies

Removal of methylene blue using Bombax buonopozense bark: factorial experimental design, DFT, and molecular dynamics studies

Effect of lifestyle or metformin interventions before IVF/ICSI treatment on infertile women with overweight/obese and insulin resistance: a factorial design randomised controlled pilot trial

BackgroundFor infertile women with overweight/obesity and insulin resistance (IR), it is uncertain whether intervention before infertility treatment can improve live birth rate (LBR). We implemented a factorial-design study to explore the effectiveness of lifestyle and metformin interventions. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a definitive study.MethodsWe randomised 80 women without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who planned to start their first or second IVF/ICSI treatment with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and IR. Participants were randomised (1:1:1:1) into four groups: (A) lifestyle intervention, (B) metformin intervention, (C) lifestyle + metformin intervention, or (D) no intervention. All interventions were performed before IVF/ICSI treatment.ResultsDuring 10 months, 114 women were screened and eligible; 80 were randomised, and 72 received the assigned treatment. The recruitment rate was 70.18% (80/114, 95% CI 61.65%–78.70%). An average of 10 participants were randomised each month. None of the participants crossed over from one group to another. Approximately 93.15% (68/73) of the participants achieved good intervention compliance. Only 77.78% (56/72) of the recruited participants started infertility treatment after achieving the goal of the intervention. All randomised participants completed the follow-up. Mild adverse events after metformin administration were reported in 43.24% (16/37) of the cases, although no serious adverse events related to the interventions occurred. The LBR for groups A + C and B + D were 33.33% (12/36) and 33.33% (12/36) (RR = 1.00, 95%CI:0.52–1.92) (lifestyle intervention effect). The LBR for groups B + C and A + D were 43.24% (16/37) and 22.86% (8/35) (RR = 1.89, 95% CI:0.93–3.86) (metformin intervention effect). There was no evidence for an intervention interaction between lifestyle and metformin. We cannot yet confirm the effects of lifestyle, metformin, or their interaction owing to the insufficient sample size in this pilot study.ConclusionsInstituting a 2 × 2 factorial design randomized controlled trial (RCT) is feasible, as the pilot study showed a high recruitment rate and compliance. There is no evidence that lifestyle or metformin improves live birth, and adequately powered clinical trials are required.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov NCT03898037. Registered: April 1, 2019.