High Positive Correlation Research Articles

Study of Correlations and Genetic Associations of Body Measurements in Female Reindeer (<i>Rangifer tarandus</i>) of the Nenets Breed

The breeding potential of reindeer husbandry is determined by competent work with genetic resources; therefore, the study of the phenotypic traits of reindeer must be carried out in combination with the study of the features of their gene pools. In this work, we analysed the correlations and genetic associations of phenotypic traits in 98 female reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) of the Nenets breed aged from 3 to 9 years in a comparative aspect according to the main body measurements and physique indexes calculated from these measurements. A panel of 16 microsatellite loci (BMS1788, RT30, RT1, RT9, C143, RT7, OHEQ, FCB193, RT6, C217, RT24, C32, BMS745 NVHRT16, T40 and C276) was used for analysis. The search for associations between the genotype and phenotype of reindeer was performed using regression analysis; only for three phenotypic traits, height at the withers, chest depth and the index of prolixity, non-zero heritability was revealed. Using correlation analysis, it was found that the live weight of adult females, taking into account age and genetic relationship, has a high positive correlation with the height at the withers (r ≈ 0.70), chest girth (r ≈ 0.79) and chest depth (r ≈ 0.73).

The Correlation of a Novel Photographic Parameter for Facial Profile Assessment in Subjects With Different Sagittal Malocclusions: A Prospective Study.

Aim The soft tissue paradigm shift is the current trend in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. This study's aim was to assess the correlation of newly derived photographic Frankfort horizontal plane-subnasale to soft tissue pogonion (FSA) angle with other established soft tissue cephalometric angles, such as the Z angle and the Holdaway (H) angle, for estimating facial profile convexity in subjects with all classes ofsagittal malocclusions. Materials and methods This prospective study included a sample of 60 Dravidian population subjects consisting of 30 males and 30 females with different skeletal sagittal malocclusions (Class I, Class II, and Class III) based on the radiographic criteria (ANB angle). The Z and Holdaway angles on lateral cephalograms were compared with the FSA angles in cephalograms and digital profile photographs. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)software version 23.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). Pearson's correlationwas done to assess the correlation between soft tissue FSA angle on digital photographs and cephalometric angle (Z angle and Holdaway angle). Results The overall Pearson's correlation was significant (p < 0.05) between the Z and FSA angles in ClassI, II, and III malocclusions, which had a high positive correlation. There was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the Holdaway and FSA angles in subjects with Class Iand Class II malocclusions. A moderate positivecorrelation was noted between the Holdaway and FSA angles in Class III. Conclusion Photographic FSA anglecan be used to evaluate the facial profile of subjects with different sagittal malocclusions. This angle has a good correlation with other cephalometric profile measures, such as the Z and Holdaway angles used to assess facial profile convexity.

Evaluation of lumbar lordosis in symptomatic individuals and comparative analysis of six different techniques: a retrospective radiologic study.

The aim of this study; evaluate lumbar lordosis (LL) in symptomatic individuals with six different techniques and to examine the techniques comparatively. Thus, to provide an overview of lumbal lordosis and techniques. Cobb L1-L5, Cobb L1-S1, Posterior Tangent, tangential radiologic assessment of lumbar lordosis (TRALL), vertebral centroid measurement of lumbar lordosis (CLL) and Risser Ferguson measurement techniques were used to assess LL from radiographs of 175 symptomatic adults. Correlations between techniques and relationship between the measurements obtained, gender and age were analyzed. Also ınterclass correlation (ICC) analyzed. Bland-Altman plots were performed to compare the techniques with Cobb. ICC for all methods were greater than 0.96. For each method, no difference in LL was observed with respect to gender or age (p > 0.05). High positive correlation was observed between the Risser Ferguson, Posterior Tangent, Cobb L1-L5, Cobb L1-S1 and CLL techniques (p < 0.001), and moderate positive correlation between TRALL and all other techniques (p < 0.001). In this study, it was found that the mean lumbar lordosis values of symptomatic participants were lower than most of the other asymptomatic studies in the literature and there was no significant difference in lumbar lordosis values in terms of gender and age in symptomatic individuals. Based on statistical findings, Risser Ferguson can be used to assess LL. These results and the data obtained as a result of the comparative examination of techniques according to age groups and gender will benefit clinicians and those working in the field by providing a better understanding LL.

Live Weight, Fleece Yield and Quality after Shearing in Hamdani and Karakaş Sheep

This study was carried out to determine some wool yield characteristics and post-shearing live weight of 35 head Hamdani and 40 head Karakaş sheep reared in fully extensive conditions in Central Budakli village of Hakkari province.In the study, the results for length (Hauter), length (Barbie), elasticity, fineness, strength, clean fleece percentage, greasy fleece weight and post-shearing live weight were found to be; 42.38 mm-40.51 mm-, 58.25 mm-54.64 mm, 32.34%-32.31%, 36.64 μ-37.62 μ, 36.15 cN tex -34.80 cN tex, 63.88%-65.94%, 2.12 kg-1.84 kg and 60.33 kg-48.55 kg respectively in Hamdani and Karakaş ewes.In Hamdani sheep, the correlation between elasticity and strength (0.499) and between greasy fleece weight and post-shearing live weight (0.599) was very significant (p

Incidence of tactical formations on the results of soccer matches played at altitude

Background: The Ecuadorian Professional Soccer League is a tournament that has teams that reside in cities at altitude and at sea level, for such reason the applied tactical formations differ with the objective of achieving a positive result when the encounter ends. Objective: To determine the incidence and effectiveness of the tactical formations applied in the results of soccer matches played in cities at altitudes between 2500 and 3250 meters above sea level. Method: Non-experimental quantitative study of correlational approach, in a study sample of 123 soccer matches played between 2020 and 2021 under these conditions, analyzed through the Instat Scout platform and the opinion of experts to determine the tactical formations of visiting teams residing at sea level, taking into account the effectiveness of points and goals obtained. Results: There were no differences between the means of goals scored and goals conceded by tactical formation; however, at a descriptive level, there was evidence of greater effectiveness in the 4-3-3 tactical formation due to the number of matches analyzed in relation to a higher mean of goals scored and a lower mean of goals conceded; statistically, there was a high positive correlation between the 1-3-4-3 tactical formation and goals scored with a significance level of P&lt;0.01. Conclusion: The data obtained shows that the formations that use a line of 4 defenders obtain better results in comparison with the formations that use only 3 defenders, being the 1-4-3-3-3 tactical formation the one that obtained better results in contrast with the 1-3-5-2 formation that obtained the worst results. Keywords: Altitude; Tactical Formations; Away games; Points and goals effectiveness; Instat Scout Platform.

Variation of mercury in 4 major estuaries in the Gulf of Thailand during wet season

The Mae Klong River (MK), Tha Chin River (TC), Chao Phraya River (CP), and Bang Pakong River (BPK) are recognized as critical conveyors of terrestrial substances, including pollutants, into the Inner Gulf of Thailand (Inner GOT). This study sought to explore the presence of mercury (Hg), a highly toxic and bioavailable pollutant, in both water and surface sediment at the mouths of the four rivers in pre- and post-wet season (WS). The results revealed that the total mercury (T-Hg) concentrations in the water ranged from 10 ng/L (TC) to 125 ng/L (CP) in pre-WS and 17 ng/L (MK) to 1011 ng/L (TC) in post-WS. Notably, the post-WS concentrations of T-Hg were relatively higher than the pre-WS, with an average concentration of particulate Hg (P–Hg) increasing by approximately 3–5 times. Consequently, the average P–Hg proportion to T-Hg of each estuary in the post-WS was comprised of greater than 67%. Moreover, a correlation was observed among salinity, total suspended solid (TSS) and particulate Hg (P–Hg). Similarly, the estuarine sediment, excluding MK, exhibited a higher average concentration of T-Hg during the post-WS period. The average T-Hg concentration in sediment ranged from 17 (BPK) to 119 (MK) μg/kg in pre-WS and 15 (MK) to 140 (CP) μg/kg in post-WS. The presence of organic matter (total organic carbon or TOC content), and clay-sized particles were identified as potential factors influencing the concentration of T-Hg in the sediment. In addition, a higher positive correlation was observed between T-Hg and silt-sized particles in BPK. In this study, both T-Hg in the water column and T-Hg in sediment increased during the post-WS period, suggesting that Hg transportation from sources to river mouths during WS were intensified. Furthermore, the correlation between T-Hg and fine-grained particle, as well as the greater T-Hg levels in the estuarine sediment, indicates that Hg may be transported from rivers to the offshore marine environment via the fine-grained fraction.

Impact on result interpretation of correct and incorrect selection of veterinary glucometer canine and feline settings.

Veterinary glucometers should be correctly coded for the patient species; however, coding errors occur in clinical settings and the impact of such errors has not been characterized. We compared glucose concentrations in 127 canine and 37 feline samples using both canine and feline settings on a veterinary glucometer (AlphaTrak; Zoetis). All samples were measured first on the canine setting and then measured using the feline setting. Glucose concentration was also measured using a central laboratory biochemical analyzer (Cobas c311; Roche). Three data comparisons for each species were investigated: incorrectly coded glucometer vs. correctly coded glucometer, correctly coded glucometer vs. Cobas c311, and incorrectly coded glucometer vs. Cobas c311. For each comparison, the following analyses were conducted: Spearman rank correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman difference plot analysis, mountain plot analysis, and Deming regression. For clinical context, Clarke error grids were constructed. There was high positive correlation for all comparisons with both species. For all comparisons, mean difference was low (-0.7 to 0.5 mmol/L for canine samples, 1.0-2.0 mmol/L for feline samples). Incorrect glucometer coding resulted in proportional bias for canine samples and positive constant bias for feline samples, and individual differences could be large (-4.44 mmol/L for one dog, 6.16 mmol/L for one cat). Although the glucometer should be used per the manufacturer's recommendation, coding errors are unlikely to have severe adverse clinical consequences for most patients based on error grid analysis.

Detecting Air Pollution Clusters in Japan: A Spatial Analysis Approach

Abstract We rely on satellite data to study the spatial distribution of air pollutants and economic activity for 1,650 municipalities of all four main islands of Japan: Honshu, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Shikoku. Specifically, we analyze atmospheric particulate matter and ozone concentrations, as well as population density, accessibility to cities, and night lights for the above islands. We then make use of principal component analysis, spatial dependence analysis, and methods of regionalization to endogenously classify the municipalities based on their similarity in attributes and geographic location. The spatial dependence analysis provides results which show us the specific sites where the high-value clusters (hot spots) and low-value clusters (cold spots) are located. These show a high positive correlation between economic activity and air pollution. Additionally, we perform a regionalization analysis of the variables under consideration, which specifies how the four main islands can be regionalized into six to nine geographical regions or structures, each. The regionalization takes into consideration both pollution levels and economic activity. We then conclude by discussing how these different analyses can complement each other, and how they contribute in finding the locations where policies related to air quality can help in improving the quality of life of the population.

Microbial estimation using real-time monitoring of vegetable wash water quality parameters

The real-time effectiveness of washing fresh-cut produce is hard to evaluate because it is impossible to rapidly measure the bacteria levels in the produce and wash water during a continuous washing step. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between microbial levels (total aerobic bacteria [TAB] and coliforms) and water quality parameters (turbidity, color, salinity, and temperature) during the processing of salted Chinese cabbages. Results showed that wash water and cabbage samples were contaminated with TAB and coliforms but not Escherichia coli. Turbidity, as a measure of the wash water quality, had a wide measurement range (0.48–43.48 NTU). There was a very high positive correlation between the TAB levels in all four washing tanks and turbidity (r = 0.98). The error between actual and estimated TAB levels, based on turbidity, was within 8 %. These results suggest that real-time monitoring of turbidity can be applied to the water supply control system to maintain the cleaning effect of salted Chinese cabbages.

한국판 비합리적 수행신념 척도(iPBIK) 타당화 연구

Objectives The purposes of this study were to develop and validate the original British version of the 28 items iPBI as a Korean version (iPBIK) reflecting the Korean language and culture. The irrational Performance Beliefs Inventory (iPBI) is a scale which was developed based on Ellis' modern rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) theory to measure irrational beliefs in performance environments such as achievement and failure. Methods 296 former and current teachers in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do were tested for translated irrational performance beliefs inventory(iPBI), general attitude and belief scale of korean version(GABS-K), and Stress Emotions Scale by online surveys. Based on the collected data, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis for iPBI were conducted in parallel. For statistical analysis, SPSS 29.0 and AMOS 29.0 programs were used. Results As a result of exploratory factor analysis, 28 items of the four-factor structure of the primary irrational belief, the low frustration tolerance, the awfulizing, and the depreciation were identified. In the first confirmatory factor analysis using Structural Equation Modeling(SEM), eight items with low standard regression coefficients were identified. A second confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to select 20 items of iPBIK as the final model. It was confirmed that the model fit was improved by allowing error term variance. Conclusions iPBIK showed high positive correlation with the conventional irrational belief scale, the General Attitude and Belief Scale (GABS-K), and also with the Stress Emotions Scale that measures anxiety, depression, and anger, proving its validity. In addition, internal consistency was also found to be high, and iPBIK was supported as a reliable and reasonable measure. These findings suggest that members' irrational beliefs in performance settings such as work place, military, sports, and schools reflect cognitive vulnerabilities related to emotional stress, and iPBIK can be used as a useful tool to evaluate these irrational beliefs.

Multivariate Analysis in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for Yield and Attributing Traits under Soil Salinity and Alkalinity in Haryana

Salt-affected soils could be used by improving and developing salt-tolerant genotypes depending upon the amount of genetic variation and salt stress response of adapted and donor sources of wheat. Salt stress affects 20% of global cultivable land and is increasing continuously owing to the change in climate and anthropogenic activities. Globally, saline soils cover 3.1% i.e. 397 mha of the total land area and around 6.74 mha area of India is affected due to salinity. Salinity stress negatively affects the growth and development of wheat leading to low grain yield and quality. A station varietal trial was conducted to identify salt-tolerant genotypes, wherein 24 genotypes including 4 checks, namely, KRL 19, WH 157, KRL 210 and KRL 283 were evaluated in 6 replications in 4.0 m x 1.20 m in RBD under natural saline patch (pH 8.5, ECe 4.2 dsm-1) at Research area of Wheat and Barley Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding and Department of Soil Science (pH 8.5, ECe 4.5 dsm-1), CCS HAU, Hisar during Rabi 2021-22. Observations were recorded for germination (%), days to heading, days to maturity, plant height (cm), tillers per meter row, 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield per plot (g/plot) and hectoliter weight (kg/hl). High positive correlation has been observed for 1000-GW (g) with GY/P (g/plot), PH (cm) with hectoliter weight (kg/hl). Non-significant correlation was observed between days to heading and germination with plant height and hectoliter weight. Clustering of genotypes based on Ward’s Euclidean method was done so that identical genotypes may grouped together; 24 genotypes were grouped into three distinct clusters. Hectolitre weight (kg/hl) expressed as point of dissection of studied traits as GY/P (g/plot), 1000-GW (g), DM and PH (cm) falls at one side and germination (%), DH and T/meter row lies at another side. Entries, namely, WH 1313 (59.6 q/ha), WH 1306 (54.9 q/ha) and WH 1309 (52.9 q/ha) performed better and found significantly superior to the best check WH 157 (43.5+8.2 q/ha) at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. P 13582 (61.6 q/ha), P 13650 (62.1 q/ha) performed better and found significantly superior to best check KRL 283 (46.4+13.7 q/ha) at Department of Soil Sciences. Identification of wheat genotypes based on simultaneous selection among contributing traits will improve grain yield. Stable and promising genotypes may be included in breeding program aimed to develop salt tolerant varieties at state and national level to ensure nutritional food security.

Ultrasound-derived fat fraction for detection of hepatic steatosis and quantification of liver fat content.

To compare ultrasound (US) and US-derived fat fraction (UDFF) with magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) for the detection of hepatic steatosis and quantification of liver fat content. Between October and December 2022, 149 patients scheduled for an abdominal MRI agreed to participate in this study and underwent MRI-PDFF, US and UDFF. Inclusion criteria were: (a) no chronic liver disease or jaundice; (b) no MRI motion artifacts; (c) adequate liver examination at US. Exclusion criteria were: (a) alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or jaundice; (b) MRI artifacts or insufficient US examination. The median of 10 MRI-PDFF and UDFF measurements in the right hepatic lobe was analyzed. UDFF and MRI-PDFF were compared by Bland-Altman difference plot and Pearson's test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC-ROC) of US and UDFF were calculated using an MRI-PDFF cut-off value of 5%. p values ≤ 0.05 were statistically significant. 122 patients were included (61 men, mean age 60years, standard deviation 15years). The median MRI-PDFF value was 4.1% (interquartile range 2.9-6); 37.7% patients had a median MRI-PDFF value ≥ 5%. UDFF and MRI-PDFF had high agreement (p = 0.11) and positive correlation (⍴ = 0.81, p < 0.001). UDFF had a higher diagnostic value than US for the detection of steatosis, with AUC-ROCs of 0.75 (95% CI 0.65, 0.84) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.42, 0.64), respectively. UDFF reliably quantifies liver fat content and improves the diagnostic value of US for the detection of hepatic steatosis.

The effect of digitalism on the economic growth and foreign trade of creative, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and high-tech products in OECD countries

The use of digital technologies has come to the fore in every aspect of life due to closures, social distance and bans during the pandemic period. Today, digital technologies are used in many sectors and their importance is increasing day by day. While digitalism refers to the increased use and integration of digital technologies, ICT appears to have a profound effect on economic growth and foreign trade in the creative and high-tech industries.&#x0D; In 2022, it is seen that 5.3 billion people, which corresponds to 66.3 percent of the world's total population, have access to the internet. Active mobile-broadband subscriptions has reached 86.9 percent in 2022 in the world. Exports in ICT goods were 2.77 trillion USD and ICT services were 848.4 billion USD in 2021. The share of ICT goods as percentage of total trade in the world was 13.2 percent whereas it was 7 percent in OECD countries. Share of ICT services as percentage of total trade in the world was 14 percent whereas it was 13.3 percent in OECD.&#x0D; The study aims to investigate the relationship between the export performance in “Creative”, “ICT” and “High-tech” products with their digital infrastructure and economic growth in OECD countries.&#x0D; The results show that there is a positive correlation between overall index scores and GDP per capita in OECD countries. “The share of ITC employment in total employment” and “the share of information and communication (ISIC rev4) in GDP” have a high positive correlation coefficient as 0.693 so that the correlation is significant even at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). “GDP growth rate” and “GDP growth in information and communication (ISIC rev4)” ” have a high positive correlation coefficient as 0.585 so that the correlation is significant even at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). “High-tech export share in total merchandise export” and “share of ICT goods as percentage of total trade, annual” have a high positive correlation coefficient as 0.656 so that the correlation is significant even at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). “The share of ITC employment in total employment” and “share of ICT services as percentage of total trade, annual” have a high positive correlation coefficient as 0.501 so that the correlation is significant even at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

Analysis of spatial–temporal evolution trends and influential factors of desert-oasis thermal environment in typical arid zone: The case of Turpan–Hami region

As a typical geographic landscape unit in the arid zone of northwest China, the distribution of the thermal environment in the substratum of the desert-oasis is of great significance to the monitoring of the ecological environment and the quality of human habitat in the region. The purpose of this research is to reveal the spatial–temporal evolution pattern of the thermal environment of the desert–oasis in the Turpan–Hami region from 2005 to 2020 and its trend changes, and to investigate the relationship between natural and human factors and the thermal environment and to conduct a long time series analysis. Firstly, the accuracy of MODIS land surface temperature (LST) data combined with site data was verified. Secondly, the mean-standard deviation method is used to identify desert heat island and oasis cold island zones. Again, the spatial–temporal distribution and change trends of thermal environment are explored by using standard deviation ellipse and spatial autocorrelation combined with land use/land cover (LULC) types. Finally, based on the multi-source remote sensing data, the natural factors and human factors are selected to explore their correlation with the thermal environment using Pearson correlation analysis. The results show that (1) the desert heat island zones are distributed in the desert areas on the periphery of urban built-up areas in Gaochang District, Shanshan County and Yizhou District of Hami Region. The oasis cold island zones are concentrated in the urban built-up areas of Gaochang District and Yizhou District, mainly because the vegetation coverage of urban built-up areas is higher than that of the peripheral desert areas. (2) The spatial development characteristics of the extremely high temperature (EHT) zone and the high temperature (HT)zone from 2005 to 2020 are “southeast-northeast-northwest” and “southeast-northwest” respectively, and the area of construction land 16a increased by 0.31%. This indicates that the spatial evolution of the thermal environment is closely related to the LULC and the degree of urbanization development. (3) From a four–period image with P < 0.001 and Z > 2.58, the thermal environment displays a high positive spatial correlation with Moran's I values of 0.45, 0.54, 0.47, and 0.45. (4) Temperature (Tem), downward longwave radiation (LWdown), and nighttime light intensity (NPP) all exhibited positive correlations with the LST and are significant in the desert region (p < 0.05); The albedo exhibited negative correlations with the LST and is significant in the grassland and woodland regions (p < 0.05).

Sifat Fisika dan Mekanika Kayu Acacia aulacocarpa dari KHDTK Wanagama

This study aims to determinethe physical properties and mechanical properties at axial (base, middle, and top) and radial (near the pith, middle, and near the bark) positions, as well as the relationship between the specific gravity and mechanical properties of Acacia aulacocarpa wood. Three 27-year-old trees planted at KHDTK Wanagama wereused. Wood physical and mechanical propertieswere tested per British Standard 373:1957. The statistical analysis used was a two-way ANOVA and a follow-up test of Tukey HSD. The results showed that the average moisture content was 98.95%; the green and air-dry sepesific gravity were 0.58 and 0.61. Radial, tangential, and longitudinal shrinkage from green to oven-dry conditions (total shrinkage) were 2.02%, 5.09%, and 0.33%. The tangential/radial (T/R) ratio was 2.80%. The static bending strength of stress at proportion limit, MoE, and MoR were 498.13 kg/cm2, 116.16x1000 kg/cm2, and 1043.68 kg/cm2, respectively. The compressive strength parallel to the grain and perpendicular to the grain were 596.05 kg/cm2 and 227.25 kg/cm2, respectively. The results of the variance analysis showed that the radial position factor has a significant effect on green moisture content, green and air-dry specificgravity, total radial shrinkage, T/R ratio, static bending strength at stress of proportion limit, MoE, MoR, compressive strength parallel to the grain, and compressive strength perpendicular to the grain. However, the axial position factor did not show any significant differences in the physical and mechanical properties of the wood. Furthermore, air-dry specific gravity has a significant moderate to high positive correlation with all mechanical properties.&#x0D; Keywords: Acacia aulacocarpa, physical properties, mechanical properties, axial position, radial position

Morphological Characterization and Genetic Variability Study on Early Maturing Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Lines

Background: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (2n=22)] is the second most important pulse crop in India after chickpea. In the present study, two-hundred early maturing (less than 140 days) pigeonpea germplasm accessions were evaluated for their genetic parameters based on morphological characters and were subsequently characterized as per the DUS descriptors for pigeonpea. Genetic variability of the population was assessed through genetic parameters and character association analysis. Methods: The plant material comprised of 193 pigeonpea genotypes along with seven checks and the experiment was conducted during kharif 2020-21 and 2021-22 in augmented design. Result: The twenty-one DUS characters were recorded at different crop growth stages. Out of those, the characters for plant height, branching pattern, time to 50% flowering, colour of base of petal, pattern of streaks on petal, pod colour, pod number of seeds, seed colour, seed colour pattern, seed shape and seed size exhibited variation across the accessions. The analysis of variance was executed for the eight different biometrical characters. The highest GCV and PCV value was obtained for the character seed yield per plant (19.91 and 21.4 respectively). Almost all the yield attributing characters except plant height showed high heritability indicating that selection for the characters for crop improvement would be highly effective. Highest genetic advance was observed for the trait pods per plant (42.34) and highest genetic advance as percent of mean was obtained for seed yield per plant (38.24). Correlation analysis among the characters for yield revealed that high positive correlation existed between seed yield per plant with pods per plant (0.580). The character for PH also showed high correlation with seed yield (0.185) which is indicative that high pods per plant and tall plant character contribute significantly towards yield enhancement.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging for monitoring the efficacy of near-infrared photoimmunotherapy

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a promising cancer therapy combining NIR-light irradiation with an antibody and IR700DX, a light-sensitive substance, to destroy tumours. However, homogeneous irradiation is difficult because the light varies depending on the distance and tissue environment. Therefore, markers that indicate sufficient irradiation are necessary. Nanoparticles sized 10∼200nm show enhanced permeation and retention within tumours, which is further enhanced via NIR-PIT (super enhanced permeability and retention, SUPR). We aimed to monitor the effectiveness of NIR-PIT by measuring SUPR. A xenograft mouse tumour model was established by inoculating human cancer cells in both buttocks of Balb/C-nu/nu mice, and NIR-PIT was performed on only one side. To evaluate SUPR, fluorescent signal examination was performed using QD800-fluorescent nanoparticles and NIR-fluorescent poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolic acid) (NIR-PLGA) microparticles. Harmonic signals were evaluated using micro-bubbles of the contrast agent Sonazoid and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. The correlation between SUPR immediately after treatment and NIR-PIT effectiveness on the day after treatment was evaluated. QD800 fluorescent signals persisted only in the treated tumours, and the intensity of remaining signals showed high positive correlation with the therapeutic effect. NIR-PLGA fluorescent signals and Sonazoid-derived harmonic signals remained for a longer time in the treated tumours than in the controls, and the kE value of the two-compartment model correlated with NIR-PIT effectiveness. SUPR measurement using Sonazoid and CEUS imaging could be easily adapted for clinical use as a therapeutic image-based biomarker for monitoring and confirming of NIR-PIT efficacy. This research was supported by ARIM JAPAN of MEXT, the Program for Developing Next-generation Researchers (Japan Science and Technology Agency), KAKEN (18K15923, 21K07217) (JSPS), CREST (JPMJCR19H2, JST), and FOREST-Souhatsu (JST). Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research; Takeda Science Foundation; The Japan Health Foundation; and Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund. Funders only provided financial support and had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and writing of the report.

The Predicting Power of Primary School Students' Critical Thinking Tendencies on Entrepreneurial Tendencies

This study aimed to determine the relationship between primary school students' critical thinking and entrepreneurial tendencies. The relational screening model was used. Three hundred seventy-three primary school students participated in the research. The data were collected with the "Critical Thinking Tendency Scale for Primary School Students" and the "Entrepreneurial Tendency Inventory for Children". In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation, and regression analyses were applied. According to the findings, primary school students' critical thinking and entrepreneurial tendencies were high. While critical thinking tendencies did not differ significantly by gender, entrepreneurial tendencies showed significant differences. Critical thinking and entrepreneurial tendencies did not differ significantly by grade level. A high positive correlation was found between the critical thinking tendencies of primary school students and their entrepreneurial tendencies. It was determined that students' critical thinking tendencies significantly predicted their entrepreneurial tendencies. As a result, it can be said that students' critical thinking tendencies affect their entrepreneurial tendencies at a high level and positively.

Effect of soy protein isolate, egg white protein and whey protein isolate on the flavor characteristics of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) surimi

The objective of this study was to investigate effects of soy protein isolate (SPI), egg white protein (EW) and whey protein isolate (WPI) on flavor characteristics of silver carp surimi. A total 72 volatile odor compounds (VOCs) were identified in surimi gels with non-muscle proteins (NMPs). SPI had significant effects on the VOCs with low thresholds in surimi gels, while EW had relatively lower effect. They all reduced undesirable VOCs, such as nonanal, 1-octen-3-ol. Three proteins reduced fatty acids (FAs) in surimi, while most free amino acids (FAAs) were reduced in surimi with SPI or EW. Most of the VOCs had higher positive correlation with FAAs in surimi with SPI or WPI, but negative correlation with EW. FAs of surimi with SPI were higher than those with EW or WPI, while a few of VOCs (1-octen-3-ol, hexanal and nonanal) had higher correlation with FAs. Three proteins reduced protein and lipid oxidations in surimi gels, while WPI more reduced protein and lipid oxidations. FAAs were main causes of VOC changes in surimi gels with NMPs. Results suggested NMPs could modify the flavor of surimi gels and cover up the fishy odor and 2% or 4% was the appropriate addition of NMPs.

Global Trends of Prostate Cancer by Age, and Their Associations With Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Human Development Index (HDI), Smoking, and Alcohol Drinking.

We aimed to examine the global disease burden and trends of prostate cancer incidence and mortality by age, and their associations with gross domestic product (GDP), human development index (HDI), smoking, and alcohol drinking. We retrieved the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) database for the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in 2020; the World Bank for GDP per capita; the United Nations for HDI; the WHO Global Health Observatory for prevalence of smoking and alcohol drinking; the Cancer Incidence in 5 Continents (CI5), WHO mortality database, for trend analysis. We presented the prostate cancer incidence and mortality using age-standardized rates. We examined their associations with GDP, HDI, smoking, and alcohol drinking by Spearman's correlations and multivariable regression. We estimated the 10-year trend of incidence and mortality by joinpoint regression analysis with average annual percent change with 95% confidence intervals in different age groups. A wide variation in the burden of prostate cancer with the highest mortality found in low-income countries while the highest incidence was observed in high-income countries. We found moderate to high positive correlations for GDP, HDI, and alcohol drinking with prostate cancer incidence, whilst a low negative correlation was observed for smoking. Globally, there was an increasing incidence but decreasing mortality of prostate cancer, and such trends were particularly prominent in Europe. Notably, the incidence increase was also found in the younger population aged <50 years. There was a global variation in the burden of prostate cancer associated with GDP, HDI, smoking, and alcohol drinking.