High Significant Correlation Research Articles

Academic performance and psychological well-being of students in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kosovo

COVID-19 has heavily influenced the mental health and academic performance of students all around the globe. The purpose of this study was to investigate the academic performance and psychological well-being of students in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kosovo. The study was conducted through social media channels from October 2020 to December 2021. One thousand five hundred and eighty-eight (N=1588) undergraduate students from Public and Privat Higher Education Institutions in Kosovo were surveyed using a user-designed online questionnaire. Data were analyzed through the Social Science Package (SPSS), version 21.0. Correlation analysis and regression were used to explore the relationship between students' academic performance and psychological well-being during distance learning. From Pearson correlation analysis, it is seen that academic performance and psychological well-being have very high significant positive correlations (r= .836**; p =.000). Results highlight that academic performance is a strong predictor (69.9%) of students' psychological well-being. The current study's findings can provide policymakers and professionals in education with valuable information on academic performance and psychological well-being as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESISTÊNCIA DO SOLO E ANÁLISES MULTIVARIADAS COMO UM MÉTODO A UXILIAR PARA A SELEÇÃO DE PROGÊNIES DE Calophyllum brasiliense

ABSTRACT Precision silviculture is being developed to manage and improve Calophyllum brasiliense, a tree species associated with wet and swampy soils. This study estimated genetic parameters for growth traits in response to soil resistance as an auxiliary tool for identifying and selecting progenies adapted to water-saturated soils. This was undertaken in a progeny test of C. brasiliense in which 1,200 seedlings grown from seeds collected from a natural population were planted in a randomized complete block design for single-tree plots. Genetic statistical analysis was conducted using the REML/BLUP method. Significant differences (p<0.01) in diameter at breast height were observed among the progenies. The coefficients of genetic variation and heritability at the individual and progeny levels were low for diameter at breast height and height, indicating low genetic control for these traits, while high positive and significant genetic and phenotypic correlations were detected between diameter at breast height and height. Theoretical genetic gains and multivariate statistical analysis indicated three groups of progenies with different degrees of tolerance and adaptability to flooded soils, which could be useful in future breeding programs for this species, although further analysis at advanced ages is still required. The mean heights of tolerant and sensitive progenies were 12 and 58%, respectively, lower than the theoretical values, indicating that constant soil flooding is harmful to this species.

The design, development, and calibration of cervical abrasion index of treatment needs probe for measurement of cervical abrasion

Context:Although a common dental problem, there are no simple instruments or reliable methods to measure cervical abrasion.Aim:To study the design, development, calibration, efficacy, and compliance of usage of a novel Cervical Abrasion Index of Treatment Need (CAITN) probe to measure cervical abrasion.Settings and Design:The ex-vivo study was conducted as a part of comprehensive study for the development of standardized CAITN probe and index with a standard methodology for recording the abrasion.Materials and Methods:The compliance and usage of the probe were assessed by a standardized set of questionnaires to the interns followed by an ex-vivo study in 100 subjects. Gold standard comparisons with Vernier caliper, inter-examiner, and intra-examiner reliability were analyzed using SPSS.Results:Data from the questionnaire indicate that 100% of examiners had no difficulty in handling the instrument or measuring and reading the values. Comparison between the CAITN probe and the gold standard was statistically significant indicating a correlation for cervical abrasion measurement between the two methods (p < 0.001). The mean difference between the two measurements using the CAITN probe and gold standard method was calculated with paired t-test and was insignificant (p > 0.05). High statistical significant correlation was also found for intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability measurement of CAITN probe (p < 0.001).Conclusion:The design and structure of the CAITN probe are standardized with a fair gold standard comparison and that the novel probe can be used as an effective tool to measure the depth of cervical abrasion and its treatment needs.

Association of Serum Levels of Cystatin C and Cognition in a Cohort of Egyptian Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dementia are common morbidities of elders. Serum cystatin C has been suggested to be an ideal marker for kidney function. The current study aimed to detect the serum levels of cystatin C in CKD patients and to correlate these levels to cognitive performance. The study involved 90 subjects aged 65 years and more, divided into two groups: Group 1: 60 patients with CKD, and Group 2: 30 control participants. Exclusion criteria included cardiac failure, hepatic failure, thyroid diseases, dialysis for more than one month, polycystic kidney disease, organ transplantation, and immunosuppressive therapy within the past six months. All participants had routine laboratory workup, serum cystatin C using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, and cognitive assessment using mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Serum cystatin level was significantly high in CKD patients while MMSE scores were significantly lower in CKD patients. A high significant negative correlation was found between serum cystatin C levels and both degree of cognitive impairment and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Also, a significant positive correlation was found between the degree of cognitive impairment and GFR levels. Serum cystatin levels are significantly associated with cognitive impairment in CKD patients, and this correlation becomes more evident with the worsening of CKD stages. That may help in better understanding of the pathogenesis of dementia in CKD patients with the emergence of therapeutic options depending on these data.

Mineral Uptake, Total Polyphenols and Total Flavonoids of Barley as Affected by Tillage Practices under Semi-Arid Conditions

Aims: Conservation agriculture has been recommended as an option to mitigate climate change impact when practicing conventional, to ensure sustainability and food security This study examined the effect of conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) on mineral elements uptake, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of barley.&#x0D; Study Design: Split-plot design was applied for this study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in ESAK station (Boulifa, kef, North West Tunisia) during 2016/2017 cultivation year.&#x0D; Methodology: Mineral elements uptake, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of barley were studied as affected by conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) for tillering and grain filling stages.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that tillage practices (T) had no significant effect on mineral uptake, total phenolic content and total flavonoids content under rainfed conditions. The stage (S) had showed significant effects on P, Ca and Na amounts for both tillage practices when it had no effect on K amount. The interaction T x S had no significant effect on mineral elements concentrations and TFC. However, this interaction had affected TPC significantly. Phosphorous (P) showed high significant positive correlations with Ca and Na. In addition, P presented high significant negative correlations with TPC and TFC. For partial correlation based on Tillage practices, similar correlations values were noted. Considering the partial correlation based on plant stages, no significant correlations had been noted.&#x0D; Conclusion: This work enlarges our knowledge on barley mineral elements uptake, TPC and TFC as influenced by tillage practices aiding decision makers in increasing no tillage adoption in Tunisia under rainfed conditions.

A Study on Vitality and Happiness Levels of Sports High School Students

The present study is aimed at determining subjective vitality and subjective happiness levels of sport high school students and to examine the levels based on certain variables. Relational screening model was used in this study. The sample of the research consisted of a total of 185 students, 113 (61.1%) male and 72 (38.9%) female, who continued their education at “Trabzon Sports High School” in 2019-2020. “Personal Information Form” designed by the researcher, “Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS)” and “Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS)” were used as data collection tools in the research. It was accepted that the research data showed a normal distribution according to the skewness and kurtosis values. Accordingly, descriptive statistics were used as a statistical method in the analysis of the data, and T-Test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation and regression analyzes were used for independent groups.In line with the research analysis, it was found that the students of sports high schools had above-average levels of vitality and happiness. It has been observed that the subjective vitality and happiness levels are higher among male students and students affiliated with a sports club (licensed/unlicensed). In addition, it was concluded that the subjective happiness and vitality levels are higher among students who do team sports and those who have longer years of practising sports, and no significant difference was determined according to the variable of socio-economic status of the family. As a result, it was found that there was a high (.81) significant positive correlation between subjective happiness and vitality. Another important result is that subjective vitality (66%) has an important role in predicting subjective happiness.

Relationship between Objectively and Subjectively Measured Physical Activity in Adolescents during and after COVID-19 Restrictions.

Background: Studying the relationship between subjectively and objectively measured physical activity (PA) can provide viable information on youths’ behaviors. However, the restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced children’s possibilities to be active, may negatively affect it. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between subjectively and objectively measured PA levels (light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous) during COVID-19-based restrictions and after they were lifted, and to determine whether such relationships changed in these two periods. Methods: A total of 26 adolescents (58% girls; mean age = 12.4 ± 0.5) wore accelerometers during public restrictions and after they were removed. Participants also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire during the same periods. Results: High significant correlations were found at all levels of PA (r = 0.767–0.968) in both time periods, except for moderate PA during restrictions. Comparing the two periods, significantly higher correlations were found for moderate PA (p < 0.001) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (p = 0.003) after restrictions were lifted. Conclusions: In this highly active cohort of adolescents, results emphasize the potential threat of lockdown conditions for youths’ ability to accurately perceive their behaviors, with possible detrimental consequences on the short- and long-term health.

Investigating the relationship between linguistic changes in L2 writers’ paraphrasing, paraphrasing performance and L2 proficiency

Abstract While the typology of paraphrasing revolves around linguistic changes of paraphrasing, little is known about the importance of different types of linguistic changes and their relationship between paraphrasing performance and L2 proficiency. Empirical enquiry has focused on L2 writers’ inappropriate paraphrasing performance against the norm of L1 writer, which is problematic in that L2 and L1 writers displayed considerable variation in paraphrasing. The present study drew upon 202 Chinese EFL writers’ written responses in a paraphrasing test to look into the discrete linguistic transformations in paraphrasing and examine how the frequency of different linguistic changes in paraphrasing relates to their paraphrasing performance and L2 proficiency. Correlation analysis was run to analyze the relationship between the frequency of linguistic changes and paraphrasing performance. Multivariate analysis of variance analysis was conducted to examine how the frequency of linguistic changes relates to L2 proficiency. The findings revealed that Conceptual Transformation had the highest significant correlation with paraphrasing scores, followed by Lexical Transformation and then Syntactic Transformation. The frequency of Synonym Substitution, Morphology, Multiple Word Units, Phrase/Clause Shift, Active/Passive Shift and Conceptual Transformation increased as L2 writers’ proficiency levels increased. Implications are drawn from the findings for paraphrasing instruction and assessment, research in paraphrasing and L2 writers’ academic writing practice.

Developing the Persian version of the Anticipated Turnover Scale (P-ATS) and measuring its psychometric properties among Iranian industrial workers

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to measure the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Anticipated Turnover Scale (P-ATS) using a large sample of workers in the oil industry in Iran (N = 443). The psychometric properties of the scale were assessed using face, content, convergent, and construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability methods. A two-factor solution emerged from exploratory then confirmatory factor analyses. Content validity index and ratio were .93 and .98, respectively. There were high significant correlations between P-ATS and both perceived stress and workability. The Cronbach’s alpha was .90 and test-retest correlation coefficient was .87. The P-ATS exhibited very good psychometric properties and can be applied as a useful tool to predict job turnover among Iranian employees.

Preoperative Expectations Do Not Correlate With Postoperative iHOT-33 Scores and Patient Satisfaction Following Hip Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

To examine the correlation between preoperative patient expectation and International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) score and postoperative satisfaction of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Patients scheduled for surgery completed the Hip Preservation Surgery Expectations Survey (HPSES), as well as the preoperative and a minimum 2-year postoperative iHOT-33. Patient demographics that were collected included gender, age, occupation, and body mass index (BMI). At the latest follow-up, patients were evaluated for their subjective satisfaction and postoperative complications. An in-depth analysis was performed to assess the correlation between HPSES, iHOT-33, and patient satisfaction. Sixty-nine patients (62.3% males; mean age: 33.7 ± 13.1 years; BMI: 23.9 ± 3.5 kg/m2) were included in this study. The mean HPSES score was 83.8 ± 16.5. The mean iHOT-33 improved from 31.6 ± 15.8 preoperatively to 73 ± 25.9 postoperatively (95% CI= 35.2,47.8; P < .01), and the mean patient satisfaction was 75.9 ± 26.9. There were no statistically significant differences in mean HPSES score between males and females (95% CI= 79.9,87.8; P= .35) nor between different occupational groups (95% CI= 79.4,87.6, P= .095). No correlation was found between age and HPSES score (r= .036; P=.76). There was a negligible correlation between HPSES score and postoperative iHOT-33 score (r=-.117; P= .34) and patient satisfaction (r=-.042; P= .73). Postoperative iHOT-33 score had a significant high correlation with patient satisfaction (r= .8; P < .001). Preoperative expectations do not correlate with postoperative iHOT-33 scores and patient satisfaction with surgery at 2 years after surgery. Gender and occupation did not differ significantly with regard to preoperative expectations, and there was no correlation between age and HPSES score. IV, retrospective case series.

Multi-year monitoring land surface phenology in relation to climatic variables using MODIS-NDVI time-series in Mediterranean forest, Northeast Tunisia

The Mediterranean region is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. The majority of climate models forecast a rise in temperatures and less rainfall, which have been observed in recent decades. These changes will affect several vegetation properties, especially phenological dynamics and traits, by increasing drought intensity and recurrence. In this climate change context, the present study aims to assess the evolution of vegetation state and its relation with the climate dynamics in the Mediterranean forest region of northeast Tunisia using Land Surface Phenology (LSP) metrics and the vegetation index (NDVI) analysis from 2000 to 2017. To conduct this work, we used precipitation and temperature data from the two closest weather stations and 16-day NDVI composite images from the MODIS satellite source, with 250-m spatial resolution. Three phenological metrics— start of season (SOS), end of season (EOS), and length of season (LOS) — were obtained and compared for different vegetation types. The LSP variation in response to climatic metrics was also analyzed. The results showed that the LSP in our study area changed significantly during the 2000–2017 period, which includes an average 7.8 days delay in the SOS, an average advance in the EOS by 5 days, and LOS shortened by an average 12.8 days. Autumn (Pr_9) and spring (Pr_3 and P3_4) precipitations, as well as maximum temperature (Tx9+10), represent the best climate parameters to explain the changes in LSP. Both the NDVI and SPEI showed a significant high correlation (p < 0.001) on longer time scales. LSP and NDVI proved useful tools for monitoring the vegetation state according to climate for better planning territory purposes.

Molecular detection and antibiotyping of multi-drug resistant Enterococcus faecium from healthy broiler chickens in Bangladesh.

Background Enterococcus faecium is a ubiquitously distributed member of the intestinal microbiota of both humans and animals. Antibiotic resistant E. faecium are a major public health concern.ObjectivesThis study aimed to detect multi‐drug resistant (MDR) E. faecium and their antibiotic resistance genes from broiler chickens in Bangladesh.MethodsA total of 100 faecal samples of healthy broilers were screened by conventional methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect E. faecium and their resistance genes. Disk diffusion test was employed to determine antibiotic profiles.ResultsBy PCR, among 100 samples, 45% [95% confidence interval (CI): 35.62%–54.76%] were positive for E. faecium. Based on antibiogram, all the E. faecium isolates were found resistant to ampicillin, and frequently (93.33%–55.56%) resistant to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, streptomycin, erythromycin, and imipenem; moderate to lower (26.67%–4.44%) resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and vancomycin. Interestingly, 80% (95% CI: 66.18%–89.10%) E. faecium isolates were MDR in nature. In addition, the indices of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) ranged from 0.08 to 0.83. By bivariate analysis, high positive significant correlations were observed between resistance profiles of erythromycin and imipenem, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, erythromycin and streptomycin, ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, tetracycline and chloramphenicol, and streptomycin and imipenem. Furthermore, the prevalence of resistance genes of E. faecium was 58.33% (tetA), 33.33% (tetB), 35.56% (blaTEM ), 60% (CITM), 13.33% (aadA1), and 12% (SHV).ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Bangladesh to detect MDR and MAR E. faecium and their associated resistance genes. The detection of MDR and MAR E. faecium and their corresponding resistance genes from healthy broilers is of public health concern because of their potential to enter into the food chain.

Correlation of Triglyceride with Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Pre-Diabetic Chronic Stable Angina Patients

Background: Individuals with prediabetes have multiple disturbances in lipoprotein metabolism resulting from multiple combinations of insulin deficiency, insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Dyslipidemia is the commonest complication of prediabetes and diabetes, and it predispose to premature atherosclerosis causing cardiovascular complication. The aim of this study was to assess correlation of triglyceride (TG) with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity in pre-diabetic chronic stable angina patients.&#x0D; Methods: Our cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 pre-diabetic patients (HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4%) with different levels of TG and stable CAD, referred to Tanta university hospitals. Each patient had been subjected to adequate history taking, complete clinical examination and laboratory investigations and electrocardiogram with transthoracic echocardiography. SYNTAX score was calculated.&#x0D; Results: There were significant positive correlations between TG and LDL, ratio and TLC respectively while there was a significant negative correlation between TG and HDL. There was significant positive correlation between SYNTAX and LDL, ratio and urea respectively while there was high significant negative correlation between TG and HDL. TG level was significantly higher in male than female (p= 0.028). There was no significant difference in SYNTAX regarding gender. For the multivariate analysis, only LDL was a significant independent predictor for CAD.&#x0D; Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between the TG and the severity of coronary lesions in pre-diabetic stable angina pectoris patients.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Medication Adherence to Direct-Acting Agents in Patients with Hepatitis C.

This study aims to develop a new self-report tool (HCV-AD) measuring adherence factors, intentional or unintentional, during Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) aiming to achieve high efficacy, otherwise resulting in drug resistance and treatment failure. Two phases were conducted: in the first phase, items were generated based on an extensive literature review, and, in the second phase, a prospective cohort study was conducted using HCV patients from Gastroenterology Department from University County Hospital of Craiova, Romania (n = 222), to evaluate the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. A number of 19 items were generated following a systematic review and through expert opinion. The internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. The construct validity was assessed using correlations with two other instruments: visual analog scale (VAS) and medication possession ratio (MPR). The final questionnaire (HCV-AD10) was derived through exploratory factor analysis, with 82% of total variance explained. This instrument appeared as a reliable and valid measure for medication adherence, with Cronbach’s alpha (0.867) and significant high positive correlations between adherence scores calculated with HCV-AD10 and VAS (ρ = 0.61, p < 0.001) or with HCV-AD10 and MPR (ρ = 0.75, p < 0.001). This research would make a worthwhile contribution to HCV management.

Contamination of grain in West Siberia by Alternaria fungi and their mycotoxins

The ubiquitous occurrence of Alternaria fungi belonging to sections Alternaria and Infectoriae was confirmed using&#x0D; real-time PCR in wheat, barley and oat grain grown in West Siberia in 2018‒2019. The DNA amount of Alternaria section&#x0D; Alternaria fungi varied from 53×10-4 to 21731×10-4 pg/ng and on average exceeded the DNA amount of Alternaria section&#x0D; Infectoriae fungi by 4.5‒14.6 times, depending on the crop and harvest year.The average DNA amount of Alternaria fungi&#x0D; belonging to both sections in the oat grain was lower than in wheat and barley grain. The grain samples from Altay region&#x0D; were the most infected with Alternaria fungi. The alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), tentoxin&#x0D; (TEN), and tenuazonic acid (TeA) mycotoxins produced by Alternaria fungi were detected by HPLC-MS/MS in 23 %,&#x0D; 6 %, 85 %, and 83 % of analyzed grain samples, respectively. The majority (61 %) of the samples contained two Alternaria&#x0D; mycotoxins in the grain (mainly TEN and TeA), 19 % of the samples three mycotoxins, and only one sample all four&#x0D; together. In the most of samples the content of Alternaria mycotoxins did not exceed 100 μg/kg, and only TeA content&#x0D; was higher (from 113 to 14963 μg/kg) than others. The significant differences in grain crops by the Alternaria mycotoxins&#x0D; content were revealed: more amounts of AOH, AME, and less amount of TEN were found in oat grain then in barley&#x0D; grain. A high positive significant correlation between the DNA amount of Alternaria section Alternaria fungi and TeA was&#x0D; established that indicates the role of these fungi as the main producers of TeA in the grain.

48 Genomic Studies of Feed Efficiency and Component Traits in American Mink

Abstract Feed costs are the largest expense in mink production systems. Therefore, improvement of feed efficiency (FE) is the best way to use limited resources efficiently and increase the mink industry’s sustainability. The objectives of this project are to 1) identify the genetic relationships among different FE measures and their component traits, and 2) discover the genetic architecture of FE and implement genomic selection for FE traits to increase the genetic gain in American mink. Final body weight (FBW), final body length (FBL), daily feed intake (DFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), residual gain (RG), residual intake and gain (RIG) and Kleiber ratio (KR) traits were measured based on the phenotypic records on 1,088 American mink from the Canadian Center for Fur Animal Research (Nova Scotia, Canada). Univariate models were applied to test the significance of sex, color type, age, and nested Row(Year) as fixed effects and random maternal effect. Genetic parameters were estimated via bivariate models using ASReml-R 4. Estimated heritabilities (±SE) were 0.38±0.10, 0.36±0.10, 0.25±0.10, 0.34±0.09, 0.38±0.08, 0.37±0.07, 0.29±0.10, 0.32±0.10 and 0.34±0.10 for FBW, FBL, DFI, ADG, FCR, RFI, RG, RIG and KR, respectively. RFI showed non-significant (P &amp;gt;0.05) genetic correlations with component traits such as FBW (0.00±0.17) and FBL (0.30±0.16) but significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) high genetic correlation with DFI (0.74±0.09), indicating that selection based on RFI will reduce the feed intake without any negative effects on the size and growth. The estimated genetic parameters for FE traits suggested the possibility to implement genetic/genomic selection to improve the FE in American mink. Consequently, the ongoing project on genetic mapping and genomic selection will enhance the knowledge of FE and improve the efficacy of selection for more feed-efficient mink.

İNSANSIZ HAVA ARACI TEKNOLOJİSİ KULLANILARAK AYÇİÇEĞİ (HELİANTHUS ANNUUS) BİTKİSİNİN KLOROFİL İÇERİKLERİNİN TAHMİN EDİLEBİLİRLİĞİNİN ARAŞTIRILMASI

High-resolution images obtained with multispectral cameras mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer significant potential for agricultural monitoring activities. Chlorophyll content is one of the important parameters in monitoring the growing periods of sunflower plants. In this study, the potential of UAV technology to monitor spatial and temporal changes of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) chlorophyll content was tested. Chlorophyll and vegetation indices calculated using multispectral images taken from the UAV were compared with field chlorophyll measurements using a Spad meter. Significant (p&lt;0.01) high correlations were obtained between the calculated indices and chlorophyll values. The results revealed that the chlorophyll content of sunflower plants can reliably be modeled at p&lt;0.001 significance level using a multivariate linear regression model. The model obtained could successfully explain 28% 𝑅𝐴𝑑𝑗 2 = 0.28 of the variation in chlorophyll content of sunflowers. The results showed that the models developed between Spad measurement and UAVimages were successful in explaining the variation at a high level of importance. However, although statistically significant, the indices produced in the study could only explained 28% of the variation in chlorophyll content of sunflower plants. Keywords: Sunflower, UAV, Spad meter, Estimation, Vegetation indices

Evaluation of Algerian’s honey in terms of quality and authenticity based on the melissopalynology and physicochemical analysis and their antioxidant powers

BACKGROUND: Honey is a vegetable and animal product which comes from nectar and/or honeydew. It is used in different nutritional and therapeutic fields. OBJECTIVE: Melissopalynology and physicochemical analysis of Algerian honeys, determination of their phenolic compounds and authenticity parameters and the evaluation of their antioxidant properties. METHODS: Twenty Algerians honey were studied for their physicochemical parameters (moisture, pH, proteins, proline, hydroxymethylfurfural, ash, color, electrical conductivity, and optical rotation), floral origin and phenolic compounds contents. Antioxidant activities were tested too. RESULTS: Melissopalynologycal analyses revealed that the studied honeys were twelve multifloral, seven Fabaceae, and one Myrtaceae. All honeys were acidic (3.65≤pH≤4.35) and most of them were low in moisture content. The electrical conductivity varied between 0.29 mS/cm and 1.78 mS/cm. Ash, protein and proline contents results showed that the majority of honeys were in agreement with the legislation and were authentic. The color varied from mimosa yellow to dark brown. The specific rotation was levorotatory in most honey samples and the hydroxymethylfurfural values (from 1.5 mg/kg to 34.73 mg/kg) agreed with the international requirements. Honeys were rich in total phenolic compounds, 22.41 (Honey11) to 96.16 (Honey15) mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g, and flavonoids, 8.90 (Honey11) to 80.02 (Honey02) mg quercetin equivalents/100 g. Honey samples 15, 03, 05, 01, and 06 exerted more than 50% reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radicals and were able to reduce iron while honey samples 12, 18, 19, 14, and 11 chelate efficiently iron. High significant correlations between physicochemical parameters and antioxidant activities were found. CONCLUSION: The Algerian honeys analyzed were authentic and variations in their quality parameters and phenolics composition were directly associated with their demonstrated antioxidant properties.

Efficiency of pre-sowing seeds by UV-C and X-ray exposure on the accumulation of antioxidants in inflorescence of plants of Matricaria chamomilla L. genotypes

Secondary metabolites of the medicinal plants are among the main active substances of the drugs used in medicine. An important place among them belongs to phenols and flavonoids, which are some constitutive components of the redox homeostasis maintaining system through the animal and plant organisms.Radiation exposure is one of the most powerful factors leading to the oxidative stress, stimulating the formation of radioprotectors with antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The data presented in the previous report indicated some differences in the pharmaceutical raw material yield stimulation of various genotypes under UV-C and X-ray exposure. This stage of the study is devoted to the investigation of the stimulating the yield of flavonoids and phenols as the markers of the secondary metabolism reorganization.The differences in the dynamics of the flavonoids and phenols content in plants of eight genotypes of the chamomile in the control and under pre-sowing UV-C and X-ray radiation exposure of seeds were studied. Groups of the genotypes by the stimulating effect on the content of antioxidants were determined mainly under UV-C exposure, as well as groups with a significant increase in the content of antioxidants under X-ray exposure have been identified. A high significant correlation (R = 0.84) between the stimulation of the flavonoid synthesis under X-ray exposure and the level of these antioxidants in the control is shown. Above average (R = 0.64) insignificant correlation is observed between the flavonoids level under UV-C exposure and in the control variant.

Sweetpotato Root Development Influences Susceptibility to Black Rot Caused by the Fungal Pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata.

Black rot of sweetpotato, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata, is an important reemerging disease threatening sweetpotato production in the United States. This study assessed disease susceptibility of the storage root surface, storage root cambium, and slips (vine cuttings) of 48 sweetpotato cultivars, advanced breeding lines, and wild relative accessions. We also characterized the effect of storage root development on susceptibility to C. fimbriata. None of the cultivars examined at the storage root level were resistant, with most cultivars exhibiting similar levels of susceptibility. In storage roots, Jewel and Covington were the least susceptible and significantly different from White Bonita, the most susceptible cultivar. In the slip, significant differences in disease incidence were observed for above- and below-ground plant structures among cultivars, advanced breeding lines, and wild relative accessions. Burgundy and Ipomoea littoralis displayed less below-ground disease incidence compared with NASPOT 8, Sunnyside, and LSU-417, the most susceptible cultivars. Correlation of black rot susceptibility between storage roots and slips was not significant, suggesting that slip assays are not useful to predict resistance in storage roots. Immature, early-developing storage roots were comparatively more susceptible than older, fully developed storage roots. The high significant correlation between the storage root cross-section area and the cross-sectional lesion ratio suggests the presence of an unfavorable environment for C. fimbriata as the storage root develops. Incorporating applications of effective fungicides at transplanting and during early-storage root development when sweetpotato tissues are most susceptible to black rot infection may improve disease management efforts.