High Positive Association Research Articles

Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) Promising Lines

An experiment on character association and path coefficient analysis in ashwagandha was conducted at Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Station, SKLTSHU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during late Kharif season of 2022- 2023. In correlation studies, dry root yield per plant exhibited high significant and positive association with fresh root weight per plant followed by days to berry formation, days to root harvest, main root diameter, main root length, days to flower initiation, number of seeds per berry, plant height, number of branches per plant and leaf length. In path coefficient analysis, the characters viz., fresh root weight per plant, main root diameter, plant height, days to flower initiation, days to root harvest and starch content exhibited maximum positive direct and indirect effects on dry root yield per plant and at the same time these traits also had highly significant and positive correlations with dry root yield per plant.

The relationship of foot anthropometry with countermovement jump and squat jump performance among male university-level athletes

This study assessed the relationship between foot anthropometry with countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) performance among university-level male athletes. A total of 51 male athletes were selected from different sports. Various gross and acute anthropometric measurements were conducted. Each participant performed three CMJs and SJs each. Standing height has a moderate positive correlation with CMJ force (ρ = .368, p = .008) and power (ρ = .326, p = .019). Body mass demonstrated a high positive association with CMJ force (ρ = .568, p = .001) and a moderate positive correlation with power (ρ = .446, p = .001). The lower leg length was moderately positively correlated with CMJ flight time (ρ = .316, p = .024) (ρ = .311, p = .026), velocity (ρ = .304, p = .030), and power and showed a weak positive correlation with CMJ height (ρ = .290), p = .039). Foot length had a moderate positive correlation with CMJ force (ρ = .419, p = .002) and power (ρ = .377, p = .002). Conversely, a weak negative correlation was observed between foot arch height and both CMJ height (ρ = -.286, p = .042) and CMJ velocity (ρ = -.285, p = .043). These findings suggest the significant relationships between specific anthropometric characteristics with CMJ and SJ performance. However, the correlations showed moderate or lower strengths, underscoring the importance of further investigation.

Autecology of Amorphophallus gigas in Batang Natal Watershed, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Rambey R, Rahmawaty, Suratman MN, Rauf A, Nababan ESM, Delvian, Aththorick TA, Ismail MH, Gendaseca S. 2024. Autecology of Amorphophallus gigas in Batang Natal Watershed, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2887-2900. Amorphophallus gigas Teijsm. & Binn., a member of the Araceae family, is distributed across Sumatra, particularly within the Batang Natal watershed of Mandailing Natal District. This plant population thrives significantly under the forest canopy in high-humidity environments, such as a watershed, despite being exposed to certain challenges. The Batang Natal Watershed, spanning 70.5 km and originating in the Batang Natal Sub-district, is frequently subjected to mining activities. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the autecology of A. gigas in the watershed, focusing on factors such as occurrence, associated plant species, vegetation composition, and soil characteristics. The occurrences of A. gigas were identified through direct interviews with the local community, complemented by field collection of coordinate points in five villages. The vegetation around A. gigas habitats was then analyzed using nested sampling with a plot size of 1 ha. There was no A. gigas in Aek Garingging Village despite the reported presence in 2020, while there were nine individuals in each village of Rao-Rao and Lubuk Bondar Panjang and six and three individuals in Bangkelang and Aek Nangali, respectively. There were 63 tree and 39 understory species recorded around the A. gigas habitat. Lubuk Bondar was dominated by Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg. across several strata, with generally low to very low associations. Bangkelang was characterized by Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm. in the pole and tree strata, with similarly low associations. In Rao-Rao, Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner was prominent in the seedling and sapling strata, showing low but consistent associations, and Selaginella willdenowii (Desv.) Baker in the understorey had a high positive association. The dominant species in each site typically had low to very low associations with other species, indicating limited ecological connectivity with A. gigas. The spatial distribution of A. gigas suggested a clumped pattern to ensure A. gigas preservation in the Batang Natal Watershed, it is essential to designate the plant's natural habitat as an in situ conservation area.

Which Strength Manifestation Is More Related to Regional Swimmers' Performance and In-Water Forces? Maximal Neuromuscular Capacities Versus Maximal Mechanical Maintenance Capacity.

To explore the association of the load-velocity (L-V) relationship variables and ability to maintain maximal mechanical performance during the prone bench-pull exercise with sprint swimming performance and in-water forces. Eleven competitive adult male swimmers (50-m front crawl World Aquatics points: 488 [66], performance level 4) performed 1 experimental session. The L-V relationship variables (L0[ie, maximal theoretical load at 0 velocity]; v0 [ie, maximal theoretical velocity at 0 load], and Aline [ie, area under the L-V relationship]) and maximal mechanical maintenance capacity were assessed at the beginning of the session. Afterward, sprint swimming performance and in-water force production were tested through a 50-m front-crawl all-out trial and 15-s fully-tethered swimming, respectively. Only v0 presented high positive associations with 50-m time and swimming kinematics (r > .532; P < .046). The L0, v0,and Aline showed very high positive associations with the in-water forces during tethered swimming (r > .523; P < .049). However, the ability to maintain maximal mechanical performance, assessed by the mean velocity decline during the prone bench pull, was only significantly correlated with stroke rate (r = -.647; P = .016) and stroke index (r = .614; P = .022). These findings indicate that maximal neuromuscular capacities, especially v0, have a stronger correlation with swimming performance and in-water force production than the ability to maintain maximal mechanical performance in level 4 swimmers.

Assessment of Some Physiological, Immunological and Molecular Biomarkers in Sample of Iraqi Women Undergoing Caesarean Section and Normal Delivery

Pregnancy and delivery are physiological conditions that are marked by abrupt alterations to hormones, immunological and molecular characters. The current study aimed to evaluate oxytocin (OT), prolactin (PRL), cortisol and insulin growth factor-2 (IGF-2) levels as physiological biomarkers; programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1),interleukin-6 (IL-6) as immunological biomarkers, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs53576 and rs2254298) of oxytocin receptor gene OXTR as molecular factors in samples of Iraqi women undergoing caesarean section (CS) and normal delivery (ND). Blood samples were collected from 96 pregnant women at term with ages ranging between 16-43 years. Regarding the physiological biomarkers, the study findings indicated that the change in OT, cortisol and IGF-2 between CS and ND groups was not significant, While the PRL level indicated a highly significant (P≤0.001) decrease in the CS group, especially in comparison with the ND group. Immunological biomarkers demonstrated a significant (P≤05) elevation for PD-1 as well as for PD-L1 in the CS group as compared to the ND group. However, PD-1/PD-L1 ratio revealed a high significant (P≤0.001) rise in CS compared with ND. The IL-6 results revealed a significant (P≤0.001) reduction in the CS groups compared to the ND group. And regarding the SNP of OXTR (rs53576), the findings revealed no notable association in genotypes CC, TC and TT between both groups. In addition, the mutant C allele and the wild T allele revealed no significant association between CS and ND groups [OR=1.26 (0.68-2.3%)]. The SNP results of OXTR (rs2254298) showed a high positive association (P≤0.001) in genotypes GG, AG and AA between CS and ND groups. Also, the mutant G allele and the wild A allele revealed high significance (P≤0.001) between both groups [OR=5.3 (2.8-9.76%)].

Health Literacy of Polish University Students and Its Relation to Sources of Health Education and Socialization

This study aimed to evaluate Polish university students’ health literacy (HL) in the context of school and out-of-school health education and socialisation. The survey was conducted in two Polish universities between March 2023 and April 2024 using an online questionnaire. The research revealed the correlation between the HL of Polish university students and both school and non-school health education and socialisation, with a higher positive association with non-school health socialisation. Furthermore, the study revealed statistically significant differences between the general HL of Polish university students and the sources of health education. The lack of health education at school seemed to be the most significant differentiating factor. Health-literate students mean health-literate citizens. Achieving this goal should be at the forefront of future policy decisions. Therefore, implementing health education and health promotion throughout the school system (including higher education) should be a priority today.

Effects of Sales and Distribution Expenses on Organizational Performance in Nigeria’s Consumer Goods Sector

The end goal of any organization is to deliver value to the consumers. This can be achieved by ensuring quality products get to the consumer through efficient sales and distribution channels. There are several costs associated with sales and distribution, including costs relating to the moment production is complete to the point it gets to the consumer and everything in between, including the cost associated with making the products attractive or desirable to consumers. These costs related to sales and distribution have the potential to impact some metrics of organizational performance. This study examines the impact of such costs on revenue, return on assets, and return on equity and gross margin in the Nigeria consumer goods sector from 2013 to 2021 in 14 companies. The results revealed that sales and distribution cost has (a) moderate to high positive association to revenue; (b) very high positive association to gross margin (c) and no established relationship with Return on Asset and Return on Equity. The study also revealed that alcoholic beverage companies spend comparatively more on sales and distribution costs. Ultimately, this results from this study when combined with future studies can help identify points of maximum efficiency in the sales and distribution cost, i.e. the point where maximum returns in terms of revenue and profit is reached before equilibrium or decline happens for every sales and distribution expense.

Video-Based Instruction as a Learning Remediation Strategy in Teaching Laws of Thermodynamics Among Prospective Science Teachers

This study examined the effectiveness of Video based instruction as a learning remediation strategy in teaching Laws of Thermodynamics among Prospective Science Teachers of Bulacan State University. The researchers employed one – group pretest – posttest design to assess the thirty- five (35) prospective science teachers who were purposively selected. More so, data was gathered through research – made- pretest-posttest achievement test and adapted Likert survey questionnaire. The data was treated descriptively and inferentially. The findings showed that video-based instruction (VBI) as a learning remediation strategy had a positive effect on the achievement of the pre – service teachers’, as evidenced by the significantly greater mean in the posttest than in the pretest. In addition, data shows that there is a significant difference between the pretest and posttest in teaching the laws of thermodynamics. Looking on the ease of use of video – based instruction as learning remediation in teaching laws of thermodynamics in terms of pedagogical content, individual learning focus, ability to work at own pace and increased engagement was observed strongly effective. The learning achievement of the prospective science teachers was significantly related to the ease of use of video-based instruction (VBI) as a learning remediation. However, it was observed to have a high positive association. Future utilization of Video Based instruction to enhance the prospective science teacher’s competence in the utilization of the Video Based instruction in teaching science subjects.

Exploring the link between mood disorders and Alzheimer’s disease in the Australian Imaging, Biomarker &amp; Lifestyle Study of Ageing (AIBL)

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological studies have demonstrated a positive association between mood disorders (anxiety and depression) and mild cognitive impairment (MC)/ Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the relationship between anxiety/depression and the progression of cognitive decline (PCD, i.e. cognitively unimpaired [CU] to MCI, and MCI to AD) in AD is not clearly understood.MethodA total of 2129 AIBL participants with data collected at 10 longitudinal timepoints were included in this study. The logistic regression model was employed to calculate the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR), to assess the association between the anxiety/depression and MCI/AD. To determine the correlation between anxiety/depression and PCD, only participants who had anxiety/depression diagnosed prior to PCD was included for analysis. Potential confounders (smoking, alcohol, marital status, education, or sex) were adjusted for in the analysis.ResultAfter adjusting for all potential confounders, anxiety and depression were associated with an increased risk of MCI (anxiety OR:1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.00 ‐ 2.37], p = 0.049 / depression OR: 1.94, 95%CI: [1.30 ‐ 2.92], p = 0.001) or AD (anxiety OR: 2.43, 95%CI: [1.74 ‐ 3.39], p &lt; 0.001 / depression OR: 2.27, 95%CI: [1.63 ‐ 3.16], p &lt; 0.001). Both anxiety and depression were positively associated with a higher risk of progression from CU to MCI, though not statistically significant. After adjusting for all potential confounders, anxiety showed a high positive association with the progression from CU to AD (OR:2.25, 95%CI:[1.12 ‐ 4.53], p = 0.023) and MCI to AD (OR: 1.93, 95%CI: [1.15 ‐ 3.24], p = 0.013). Participants with anxiety also formed 1.53‐fold increased odds of PCD compared to those without anxiety. Similar calculations were performed for depression, but all associations observed in each condition were not statistically significant.ConclusionIn AIBL, we demonstrated a positive association between anxiety/depression and MCI/AD. Interestingly, anxiety but not depression was found to be a risk factor for PCD.

Physiochemical Quality Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Sources A Case Study of Southwest, Nigeria

Surface and ground waters can originate from rain, the ocean, glaciers, lakes, ponds, wells, rivers, springs, and boreholes, among other places. These waters must be pollution-free for them to be useful. For this reason, the study evaluated the quality of water samples from three states and identified pollution based on physicochemical characteristics. In all, thirty-four water samples (dug well, rivers, borehole, and rain) were obtained from Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti State, and on-the-spot determinations of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and temp (temperature) using a portable multi-parameter meter (the Temp/pH/TDS/EC meter), was made to measure the pH, temperature, TDS, and electrical conductivity in situ. The mean results were as follows: pH (6.87), temperature (28.17 oC), TDS (126.71 mg/L), and electrical conductivity (253.06 μs/cm). There were correlations (EC has a high positive association with TDS (r = 0.999, Cl = (0.998, 1.000) and a modest link with Temp (r = 0.233, Cl = (-0.106, 0.528). It should be noted that there were weak relationships between pH and temperature (r=0.139), TDS (r=0.027), and EC (r=0.022)) and the cluster analysis showed only a cluster of the water sample locations. The investigation revealed that the physicochemical were within the acceptable ranges of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Standard for Water Quality (NSDWQ).

The Relationship Between Argumentative Speaking and Writing among EFL Students

This study looks at the connection between argumentative writing and speaking among sixth-semester EFL students at Moulay Ismail University in Morocco’s English Studies department. In order to achieve this objective, a total of 80 undergraduate students who were learning English as a foreign language (EFL) were selected as participants. Participants were then given both speaking and writing examinations to assess their argumentation skills in these two areas. Regression and correlation analyses were performed in SPSS on the study’s data. The findings show a substantial difference between speaking and writing in contentious discourse, in addition to a high positive association. Argumentative speaking was statistically proven to predict a great proportion of argumentative writing. The findings suggest integrating argumentative speaking and writing in teaching and assessment practices in a balanced way. The two skills can be taught along with each other to facilitate correspondences between the two modalities in argumentative genre. As the study concludes, it offers valuable insights into the implications of these findings, highlights the research limitations encountered during the research process, and provides recommendations for future endeavors in the realm of language pedagogy and assessment. This study not only contributes to our understanding of the interplay between argumentative writing and speaking but also paves the way for more comprehensive and integrated language instruction practices in EFL contexts.

Productivity of soft and hard spring wheat varieties under the conditions of Primorsky Krai

Relevance. Currently, the most important tasks of breeding are the creation and introduction into production of new high—yielding varieties, resistant to stressful environmental conditions and with high grain quality, adapted to the conditions of the monsoon climate.The purpose of the study is to study varieties of spring soft and durum wheat of various origins according to the main economically valuable characteristics in the conditions of the Primorsky Territory.Methods. The research was conducted at FSBSI «FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A.K. Chaiki» in 2020–2022. Sixteen spring wheat varieties of various breeding origin served as the research object — six soft spring wheat varieties and ten hard spring wheat varieties. The weather conditions during the growing season of wheat differed over the years of the research (2020–2022). This allowed an objective evaluation of the breeding material for adaptability and resistance to stress factors.Results. For breeding and production, wheat varieties with high yields (more than 4.0 t/ha) have been identified: spring soft — Voronezh 18, Rima, Primorskaya 50, spring hard — Don Elegia. As a result of the correlation analysis, high positive associations were revealed between yield and productive bushiness (r = 0.95), the mass of 1000 grains (r = 0.85), the number of spikelets in the ear (r = 0.84). Aleyskaya, Khabarovsk and Primorskaya 40 varieties stood out with the highest index of protein and gluten in grain. Variety Sunny 573 was distinguished by high hardness (67.5%) and grain type (785 g/l).

Vulnerability to sleep-related affective disturbances? A closer look at dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep as a moderator of daily sleep-affect associations in young people

Study objectivesSleep and affect are closely related. Whether modifiable cognitive factors moderate this association is unclear. This study examined whether Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep moderate the impact of sleep on next-day affect in young people. MethodsFour hundred and sixty-eight young people (205 adolescents, 54.1% female, M ± SDage=16.92 ± 0.87; 263 emerging adults, 71.9% female, M±SDage=21.29 ± 1.73) self-reported sleep and affect, and wore an actigraph for 7-28 days, providing >5000 daily observations. Linear mixed-effects models tested whether Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep moderated daily associations between self-reported and actigraphic sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and next-day affect on between- and within-person levels. Both valence (positive/negative) and arousal (high/low) dimensions of affect were examined. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, day of week, and previous-day affect. ResultsDysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep significantly moderated sleep and high arousal positive affect associations on between- but not within-person levels. Individuals with higher Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (+1 SD) and lower average sleep duration (actigraphic: p = .020; self-reported: p = .047) and efficiency (actigraphic: p = .047) had significantly lower levels of high arousal positive affect. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep did not moderate relationships between sleep duration and low arousal positive affect (p ≥ .340). ConclusionsYoung people with more unhelpful beliefs about sleep and shorter, or poorer, sleep may experience dampened levels of high arousal positive affect. DBAS may constitute a modifiable factor increasing affective vulnerability on a global but not day-to-day level. Intervention studies are needed to determine if changing Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep may reduce sleep-related affect disturbances in young people.

Assessment of Genetic Variation and Character Association among Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) Inbred Lines

In this study, forty-six sweet corn inbred lines were evaluated to assess the variability and association among 11 yield and yield attributing traits at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU. The traits plant height, ear height, cob length, cob girth, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row, cob weight with husk and cob weight without husk have shown moderate to high range of PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance over mean displaying the importance of these traits in selecting superior sweet corn inbreds. Critical analysis of results obtained from correlation and path analysis revealed that the traits cob length, cob girth, number of kernel rows per ear and cob weight without husk posses high positive significant associations and positive direct effects. From this study it was concluded that cob length, cob girth, number of kernel rows per ear and cob weight without husk are the key traits to be given prime importance during selection for further improvement of production as they exhibited significant positive direct effects with cob weight with husk.

Assessment of Shelf life of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflora Tzelev.) var. Marigold Flowers as Influenced by Phenophase Based Irrigation and Nutrition Schedule

The present investigation was conducted in the Division of Flower and Medicinal Crops at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, to evaluate the influence of phenophase based irrigation and fertigation schedules on shelf life of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflora Tzelev.) var. Marigold. The experiment comprised of three main plots (irrigation regimes) and five sub plots (nutrient regimes) and was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Irrigation regime at 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 ER at vegetative, bud and flowering phases, respectively along with weekly fertigation of NPK @ 75:112.5:75 kg /ha (75% RDF) in three split doses of 40:20:20 % NPK during vegetative phase, 30:40:40 % NPK during bud phase and 30:40:40% NPK during flowering phase, recorded the maximum shelf life of flowers (12.15 days) whereas, the minimum shelf life (7.60 days) was observed in the irrigation regime at 0.6,0.8 and 1.0 ER at vegetative, bud and flowering phases, respectively along with conventional method soil application of recommended dose of fertilizer (100:150:100 Kg NPK/ha).The shelf life of flowers had significantly high positive association with the physiological parameters of the plant viz., relative water content (0.728), transpiration rate (0.201), single flower weight (0.559) and stomatal conductance rate (0.492). Whereas, the photosynthetic rate (0.214), diameter of the flower head (0.269) and estimated flower yield (0.047) were significantly and positively correlated with shelf life of flowers. However, the days taken for bud appearance (-0.250) was negatively associated with shelf life of flowers.

The Impact of Job Satisfaction on Creating a Sustainable Workplace: An Empirical Analysis of Organizational Commitment and Lifestyle Behavior

The COVID-19 pandemic recently swept the globe, and quarantine sadly compelled most businesses and employees to adapt to the sudden change. Because of this, the employee may face psychological risks like a change in lifestyle, tiredness, burnout, and a drop in job satisfaction. Establishing how each aspect is associated with the job satisfaction of supply chain workers in the Philippines is the main topic of this study. Purposive sampling via an online survey is the non-probability sample method used in this investigation. The target respondents are the logistics company’s employees. Google Forms were used to deliver the self-administered online survey questionnaire. The SEM model was assessed using the hypothesis test’s beta coefficient and R2 findings. The model was proven sufficient to explain or forecast the employee’s loyalty to the organization, stress at work, and job satisfaction. Results of the study revealed that organizational commitment (β = 0.716; p-value &lt; 0.001) had the highest positive association with workers’ job satisfaction, while work stress proved to have a negative association with job satisfaction (β = −0.166; p-value = 0.039). Similarly, job characteristics (β = 0.684; p-value &lt; 0.001) and job involvement (β = 0.189; p-value = 0.009) were also proved to have a strong positive association with organizational commitment, which in turn influences job satisfaction. Finally, lifestyle behavior was found to have a positive association with work stress (β = 0.467; p-value &lt; 0.001) and job burnout (β = 0.369; p-value = 0.001), negatively influencing job satisfaction. As a result, this study can offer supply-chain company personnel more information on the effect of organization commitment, lifestyle behavior, work stress, and job burnout on job satisfaction, which is a key component of job sustainability. Companies must ensure that employees are treated well and meet their demands to promote a sustainable workplace.

An Experimental Approach to Measure the Impact of Musical Logos on Brand Equity

Using musical logos (MLs; jingles) for brand promotion is a time-tested marketing strategy to develop brand recognition and aid memorability among consumers. The researchers adopted an experimental approach to measure the impact of MLs on brand equity (BE) for the Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG) companies. The study is based on empirical evidence collected through an online survey featuring audio media circulated through referrals among ( n = 632) end consumers of 25 popular brands of FMCG companies in India. Correlation and regression analysis were used to measure the cause-and-effect relationship between MLs and BE by developing brand awareness (BAW) and creating favourable brand associations (BASs). The results of the study reflect that consumers showed high BAW and positive associations regarding FMCG brands, which employed MLs in their promotions. It can be stated that there exists a positive relationship between the use of MLs and generation of BE. The study offers further suggestions to effectively utilize the potential of MLs in business.

Strategic Decision-Making Approaches and Organizational Performance Case of Rugarama Estate Park, Rwanda

Abstract Decision making is a critical role that managers of organizations play and gives a bearing on the long-term survival of the organization. The study aimed to assess the influence of strategic decision making on organizational performance, taking the case of Rugarama Estate Park. Descriptive design was utilized with a population of 153 constituting of staff of Rugarama Estate Park as per the Human Resource records. A sample of 111 was utilized and purposive and simple random sampling approaches adopted in selecting the respondents to participate in study. The data was primary in nature collected using questionnaires. The study adopted theory of planned behavior. IBM SPSS Version 21 was used in analyzing data. The findings involved computing means, percentages, and frequencies, standard deviation and these were presented in tables. Descriptive statistics did reveal a mean of averagely 2 and less than 1 standard deviation in the case of advocacy decision making approach. However, dialogic and decision systems revealed an average mean of 4. Additionally, the corresponding coefficients for advocacy, dialogic and decision support systems were 0.260, 0.670 and 0.710 respectively. The regression coefficients for advocacy, dialogic and decision support systems were 0.092, 0.142 and 0.174 respectively with corresponding p values of 0.048, 0.002 and 0.001. This implied that advocacy decision making is not widely practiced while dialogic and decision support systems are widely practiced at Rugarama Estate Park. Study also concluded there was low positive significant association between advocacy approach and organization performance while dialogic and decision-making support systems had high positive association with organization performance. The null hypotheses were rejected hence a conclusion there was positive significant influence of advocacy, dialogic and decision support systems on organization performance. The study recommended independent and group thinking to be practiced in organization in decision making process, proposals regarding decision changes should be made available to members and every member given time to go through, all Stakeholders to be involved in decision making process to be able to feel part and parcel of the organization activities and lastly organizations to invest in technology systems that aids in speedy and efficient decision making process.. Keywords: Strategic Decision Making, Organizational Performance, Rugarama Estate Park, Rwanda

Morpho-agronomic variability, traits association and path analysis in Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.) genotypes from Ethiopia

Forty-five rosemary genotypes collected from different parts of Ethiopia were evaluated for quantitative morphological traits to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and association of characters. The genotypes displayed significant differences for all of the studied traits, showing the presence of wide variability among the tested genotypes. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were found to be medium and high for all growth and yield traits except for leaf length. Moderately high to high broad-sense heritability (0.66 -0.97) coupled with moderate to high genetic advance as a percent of the mean (10.37 -79.14) values were found for all traits. Correlation coefficient and path coefficient analysis revealed that characters vis. branch number plant-1, fresh leaf weight plant-1, dry leaf weight plant-1, fresh leaf yield ha-1, and essential oil content had a high positive direct effect and significant positive association with essential oil yield ha-1. Thus direct selection for these traits would be quite effective for essential oil yield enhancement in rosemary. In general, the studied accessions were diverse in nature and could be exploited in the conservation, breeding and commercialization of the crop.

The Relation between Induced Electric Field and TMS-Evoked Potentials: A Deep TMS-EEG Study

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in humans induces electric fields (E-fields, EF) that perturb and modulate the brain’s endogenous neuronal activity and result in the generation of TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs). The exact relation of the characteristics of the induced E-field and the intensity of the brains’ response, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG), is presently unclear. In this pilot study, conducted on three healthy subjects and two patients with generalized epilepsy (total: 3 males, 2 females, mean age of 26 years; healthy: 2 males, 1 female, mean age of 25.7 years; patients: 1 male, 1 female, mean age of 26.5 years), we investigated the temporal and spatial relations of the E-field, induced by single-pulse stimuli, and the brain’s response to TMS. Brain stimulation was performed with a deep TMS device (BrainsWay Ltd., Jerusalem, Israel) and an H7 coil placed over the central area. The induced EF was computed on personalized anatomical models of the subjects through magneto quasi-static simulations. We identified specific time instances and brain regions that exhibit high positive or negative associations of the E-field with brain activity. In addition, we identified significant correlations of the brain’s response intensity with the strength of the induced E-field and finally prove that TEPs are better correlated with E-field characteristics than with the stimulator’s output. These observations provide further insight in the relation between E-field and the ensuing cortical activation, validate in a clinically relevant manner the results of E-field modeling and reinforce the view that personalized approaches should be adopted in the field of non-invasive brain stimulation.