High Coefficient Of Variation Research Articles

Response of the root anatomical structure of Carex moorcroftii to habitat drought in the Western Sichuan Plateau of China

Main conclusionThe anatomical structures of Carex moorcroftii roots showing stronger plasticity during drought had a lower coefficient of variation in cell size in the same habitats, while those showing weaker plasticity had a higher coefficient of variation. The complementary relationship between these factors comprises the adaptation mechanism of the C. moorcroftii root to drought.To explore the effects of habitat drought on root anatomy of hygrophytic plants, this study focused on roots of C. moorcroftii. Five sample plots were set up along a soil moisture gradient in the Western Sichuan Plateau to collect experimental materials. Paraffin sectioning was used to obtain root anatomy, and one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and RDA ranking were applied to analyze the relationship between root anatomy and soil water content. The results showed that the root transverse section area, thickness of epidermal cells, exodermis and Casparian strips, and area of aerenchyma were significantly and positively correlated with soil moisture content (P < 0.01). The diameter of the vascular cylinder and the number and total area of vessels were significantly and negatively correlated with the soil moisture content (P < 0.01). The plasticity of the anatomical structures was strong for the diameter and area of the vascular cylinder and thickness of the Casparian strip and epidermis, while it was weak for vessel diameter and area. In addition, there was an asymmetrical relationship between the functional adaptation of root anatomical structure in different soil moisture and the variation degree of root anatomical structure in the same soil moisture. Therefore, the roots of C. moorcroftii can shorten the water transport distance from the epidermis to the vascular cylinder, increase the area of the vascular cylinder and the number of vessels, and establish a complementary relationship between the functional adaptation of root anatomical structure in different habitats and the variation degree of root anatomical structure in the same habitat to adapt to habitat drought. This study provides a scientific basis for understanding the response of plateau wetland plants to habitat changes and their ecological adaptation strategies. More scientific experimental methods should be adopted to further study the mutual coordination mechanisms of different anatomical structures during root adaptation to habitat drought for hygrophytic plants.

High-Throughput Phenotyping: Application in Maize Breeding

In breeding programs, the demand for high-throughput phenotyping is substantial as it serves as a crucial tool for enhancing technological sophistication and efficiency. This advanced approach to phenotyping enables the rapid and precise measurement of complex traits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the correlation between vegetation indices (VIs) and grain yield and to identify the optimal timing for accurately estimating yield. Furthermore, this study aims to employ photographic quantification to measure the characteristics of corn ears and establish their correlation with corn grain yield. Ten corn hybrids were evaluated in a Complete Randomized Block (CRB) design with three replications across three locations. Vegetation and green leaf area indices were estimated throughout the growing cycle using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and were subsequently correlated with grain yield. The experiments consistently exhibited high levels of experimental quality across different locations, characterized by both high accuracy and low coefficients of variation. The experimental quality was consistently significant across all sites, with accuracy ranging from 79.07% to 95.94%. UAV flights conducted at the beginning of the crop cycle revealed a positive correlation between grain yield and the evaluated vegetation indices. However, a positive correlation with yield was observed at the V5 vegetative growth stage in Lavras and Ijaci, as well as at the V8 stage in Nazareno. In terms of corn ear phenotyping, the regression coefficients for ear width, length, and total number of grains (TNG) were 0.92, 0.88, and 0.62, respectively, demonstrating a strong association with manual measurements. The use of imaging for ear phenotyping is promising as a method for measuring corn components. It also enables the identification of the optimal timing to accurately estimate corn grain yield, leading to advancements in the agricultural imaging sector by streamlining the process of estimating corn production.

Studies on Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Its Attributed Traits in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The genotypes of brinjal were assessed for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of growth and yield characters. The present investigation was carried out during rabi season of 2021 in randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation for all the traits among the genotypes. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the traits such as fruit weight (99.24 % and 99.27 %), number of fruits per plant (57.33 % and 57.58 %), fruit size index (54.80 % and 54.83 %), fruit length (36.54 % and 36.82 %), fruit circumference (32.16 % and 32.46 %) and fruit yield per hectare (27.26 % and 27.42 %) indicating the existence of wider variability among the genotypes for different characters. High heritability in broad sense along with high genetic advance as percent of mean was found in suggesting that these traits can be improved through direct selection due to the existence of additive gene action.

Test-retest reliability of transfer function analysis metrics for assessing dynamic cerebral autoregulation to spontaneous blood pressure oscillations.

Transfer function analysis (TFA) is a widely used method for assessing dynamic cerebral autoregulation in humans. In the present study, we assessed the test-retest reliability of established TFA metrics derived from spontaneous blood pressure oscillations and based on 5min recordings. The TFA-based gain, phase and coherence in the low-frequency range (0.07-0.20Hz) from 19 healthy volunteers, 37 patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage and 19 patients with sepsis were included. Reliability assessments included the smallest real difference (SRD) and the coefficient of variance for comparing consecutive 5min recordings, temporally separated 5min recordings and consecutive recordings with a minimal length of 10 min. In healthy volunteers, temporally separating the 5min recordings led to a 0.38 (0.01-0.79) cms-1mmHg-1 higher SRD for gain (P=0.032), and extending the duration of recordings did not affect the reliability. In subarachnoid haemorrhage, temporal separation led to a 0.85 (-0.13 to 1.93) cms-1mmHg-1 higher SRD (P=0.047) and a 20 (-2 to 41)% higher coefficient of variance (P=0.038) for gain, but neither metric was affected by extending the recording duration. In sepsis, temporal separation increased the SRD for phase by 94 (23-160)° (P=0.006) but was unaffected by extending the recording. A recording duration of 8 min was required to achieve stable gain and normalized gain measures in healthy individuals, and even longer recordings were required in patients. In conclusion, a recording duration of 5 min appears insufficient for obtaining stable and reliable TFA metrics when based on spontaneous blood pressure oscillations, particularly in critically ill patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage and sepsis.

Vegetation–Topographic Landscape and the Influence of Water and Sediment in the Shule River Basin

The study of the effect of vegetation cover on water and sediment content is of great significance for the in-depth understanding of ecological and environmental effects in river basins and the formulation of corresponding management measures. Based on the monitoring data of rainfall and runoff of Panjiazhuang and Dangchengwan Hydrologic Stations in Shule River Basin from 2000 to 2020 and the sediment discharge of Changmabao, methods such as geographic information technology (GIS), landscape pattern analysis, land use transfer matrix, correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and linear regression analysis were used to study water and sediment change, land use pattern, vegetation change characteristics, and local water and sediment change in Shule River Basin and construct vegetation–topographic landscape factors. The main research results are as follows: (1) Vegetation coverage in the Shule River Basin increased year by year from 2000 to 2020, with a cumulative increase of 0.064 in 20 years. Vegetation cover has a significant effect on water and sediment content, and the correlation is −0.966. (2) The cultivated land area of the Shule River Basin increased by 604 km2 from 2000 to 2020, and the conversion rate was 67%. From 2000 to 2020, the water area increased by 442 km2, and the conversion rate was 51%. The area of grassland and forest increased by 198 km2 and 12 km2, respectively, and the conversion rate was 68% and 33%, respectively. Forest had the highest transfer rate (0.67). The lowest conversion rate was 0.32 for grassland. (3) The variation coefficient of water and sediment content in Shule River Basin during 1971–2020 was 45.21%, and the highest variation coefficient during 2001–2010 was 49.15%. The lowest variation coefficient was 39.73% during 2011–2020. The annual sediment transport in the Shule River Basin fluctuates greatly and has a high degree of dispersion during 1971–2020. (4) The results of the landscape index in Shule River Basin during 2000–2020 had a small difference, with a difference of less than 0.5. According to the principal component analysis of landscape index and water and sediment content, the maximum patch index (LPI) had the strongest positive correlation with water and sediment content (0.958). The diversity index SHDI had the strongest negative correlation with water and sediment content (−0.995).

Genetic Variability and Multivariate Analysis of Physio-Biochemical Traits in Coloured Grape Genotypes

Twenty-two coloured grape accessions were screened for various physio-biochemical traits. The genetic variability and multivariate analysis were carried out for growth and biochemical parameters of grape accessions grown under Pune conditions. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were observed in average bunch weight, berry weight, proline and total tannin. All the biochemical parameters showed very high estimated heritability for broad sense (h2b.s.). Higher genetic gain was recorded for average bunch weight, total tannin, proline and protein while low genetic gain was observed in berry diameter and seeds/berry. The multivariate analysis revealed that biochemical parameters could be potentially used for discrimination of grape genotype. The heat map cluster analysis showed higher biochemical parameters in Kali Sahebi, Kishmish Maldovski, Red Ficosa, H-516 and Omania Black. Among the accessions studied, Kali Sahebi performed better concerning growth attributes like average bunch weight, berry diameter, berry and seed weight, days to harvest and biochemical constituents like total phenol, anthocyanin and colour intensity. A very close association was observed between phenotypic and genotypic variation, particularly for biochemical parameters. Therefore, very high heritability and genetic advance were recorded in these parameters. It can be concluded that the parameters governing the very close association between phenotypic and genotypic variation can contribute to the varietal selection and trait-specific varietal development programmes.

The role of &lt;i&gt;LEP&lt;/i&gt; R25C polymorphism in the predisposition of cows to ketosis

In conditions of intensification of the dairy cattle industry, persistent stress of metabolic processes in the cow's body can lead to metabolic disorders and the development of ketosis. Scientists have established the genetic susceptibility of cows to ketosis. The available data allow us to consider the leptin gene (LEP) as one of the candidate genes. The purpose of the study is to carry out an associative analysis of the predisposition to ketosis of Kostroma cows of different genotypes according to the leptin gene. The research was carried out in 2022-2023 yy on clinically healthy and highly productive fresh cows of third lactation and higher of the kostroma breed (n=167) in pedigree farms of the Kostroma region. In animals in the postpartum period, the content of ketone bodies in the blood was determined by express method and the RT-PCR genotypes were determined by the R25C locus of the LEP gene. Groups of cows were formed depending on the content of ketone bodies in the blood: 1st – 0-1.2 mmol/l (healthy), 2nd – above 1.2 mmol/l (subclinical ketosis). It was found out that among the experimental cows of the Kostroma breed, the CT genotype is characterized by the highest frequency. The almost complete absence of differences in the concentration of ketone bodies in the blood between carriers of different LEP genotypes from group 1 was determined. At the same time, among the animals of the 2nd group, the highest level of ketone bodies in the blood was observed in heterozygous animals, whereas carriers of the CC and TT genotypes did not differ from each other in this indicator. Heterozygous animals classified as subclinical ketosis had the highest average ketone concentration in the blood with the highest coefficient of variation (Cv=51.6%), which indicates a pronounced influence of other genetic factors. Thus, the role of LEP R25C polymorphism in the predisposition of cows to ketosis disease has not been established in this sample of animals, but may be supplemented by the influence of other factors, these hypotheses need to be tested in a larger sample and in other breeds of cattle. These data can be used to conduct such exploratory studies, such as the research of complex genotypes of genes that cause predisposition of cattle to ketosis.

Genetic Variability Analysis for Yield and Its Attributing Traits in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) under Phosphorus-sufficient and Deficient Field Conditions

Aim: The present study aims to identify phosphorus deficiency tolerant rice genotypes under both phosphorus-sufficient and deficient conditions. Materials and Methods: Two kinds of fields (high and low phosphorus content) were selected based on their soil phosphorus availability. Hundred diverse rice germplasm was collected and planted in an augmented design along with four local checks namely, Swarna sub-1, MTU 1153, MTU 7029 and Uttar Sona. The data was recorded for 14 traits and subjected to different types of variability analysis. Place and Season of Study: The experiment took place at instructional Farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India during the Kharif season of 2021. Results: The variability analysis revealed that phosphorus uptake showed a high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) under phosphorus-deficient condition and high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) under both conditions. Grain yield showed high GCV and PCV under both the phosphorus conditions. Heritability was moderate whereas high Genetic advance as percentage of mean was observed under both the conditions for both phosphorus uptake and grain yield. Strong positive correlations were observed between days to flowering and various yield-related traits under both the conditions. Positive correlation was observed between phosphorus uptake and grain yield under phosphorus-sufficient condition, but a weaker correlation under phosphorus-deficient condition.

Assessment of the salt tolerance of diverse bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes during the early growth stage under hydroponic culture conditions

ObjectivesSoil salinity affects the growth of crop plants, leading to reduced productivity, and is a major challenge for wheat production worldwide. Various adaptations and mitigation approaches in combination with tolerant wheat genotypes can be useful for the sustainability of crop production in saline environments. However, the development of salt-tolerant wheat genotypes is one of the best and most efficient solutions for obtaining desirable yields. Considering these issues, an investigation was carried out under hydroponic nutrient culture conditions to assess the genetic variability and selection of salt-tolerant wheat genotypes by categorizing inequitable morphophysiological and genetic variability as well as multivariate analysis. MethodsTo meet the objectives of this study, 100 wheat genotypes were tested hydroponically in 0 (control) and 15 dS m−1 salt solutions. ConclusionFor all the wheat genotypes grown under saline conditions, the shoot length (SL), root length (RL), shoot fresh weight (SFW), root fresh weight (RFW), total fresh weight (TFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW), and total dry weight (TDW) decreased significantly. Furthermore, significant variation was observed among the genotypes in terms of their characteristics only under saline conditions. In the case of genetic diversity analysis, a high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genetic advance in the percentage of the mean (GAM) and high heritability (h2b) were recorded for all tested wheat genotypes based on the SDW, RDW and TDW. Correlation analysis for both genotypic and phenotypic relationships revealed strong positive correlations for TDW, SDW, TFW and SFW. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that TDW, TFW, SDW, and SFW were the most discriminative variables for the wheat genotypes, which was confirmed by discriminant function analysis (DFA). PCA-biplot analysis also revealed significant positive correlations between SDW and SFW and between TDW and TFW. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed for ten clusters based on the relative performance of the genotypes, where the genotypes were characterized into salt-tolerant, medium-salt-tolerant, medium-salt-susceptible and salt-susceptible groups. Among the genotypes, G11, G25 and G29 under cluster VII were categorized as salt tolerant based on their outstanding performance in terms of characteristics only under saline conditions. D2 analysis proved that the wheat genotypes of this cluster were highly divergent from the other cluster genotypes; as a result, these genotypes might be utilized as parents in the development of salt-tolerant wheat genotypes. The current study concluded that SDW and TDW could be employed as criteria for selecting and defining salt-tolerant genotypes during the early growth stage of wheat.

A synergistic effect of dietary β-glucan and mannan oligosaccharide on growth performance, haematology, body composition, nutrient utilisation, and intestinal morphology in pompano, Trachinotus ovatus

Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is an economically important aquacultural species. Intensive pompano cultivation faces numerous obstacles including pathogens, environmental stress, and the use of chemicals and drugs. It has been demonstrated that prebiotics, particularly mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and β-glucan (BG), support growth and improve general health in a variety of species. However, studies on the effects of combining BG and MOS on the pompano performance are lacking. Thus, this study examined the influence of BG and MOS on pompano weighing 13.12±0.14 g for 8 weeks. The results revealed that fish fed BG, MOS, or BG+MOS had significantly increased growth rates (P≤0.001). The survival rate ranged from 97.3% to 99.4% without significant differences (P≤0.022). Fish in the control group had the highest coefficient of variation (CV) (30.78%), whereas fish in the MOS+BG group had the lowest CV (23.10%). RBC and WBC counts were higher in all supplemented-diet treatments (P ≤ 0.042). Among the supplemented diets, the combination diet resulted in the highest RBC and WBC count. The feed conversion ratios (FCR) of fish fed BG, MOS, or MOS + BG decreased significantly (P≤0.017). The FCR of fish fed both BG and MOS was lower than that of fish fed either BG or MOS (P≤0.032). Fish fed both BG and MOS had a higher feed conversion eficiency (FCE) than those fed only BG or MOS (P≤0.014). Protein content was the highest in pompanos fed BG + MOS and lowest in fish fed only BG or MOS. Dietary BG, MOS, or BG + MOS decreased the lipid content in pompano (P≤0.037). The protein efficiency ratio of pompano fed BG+MOS diet was significantly increased (P≤0.021). Villus length, villus width, and villous surface area increased in fish fed the supplemented diet, with the highest values observed in fish fed the combination of BG and MOS. It is recommended to offer pompano, T. ovatus, a mixture of 1 g kg β-glucan and 4 g kg mannan oligosaccharide to improve growth performance, hematology, feed and nutrient utilization, and gut morphology.

Exploitation of the Genetic Variability of Diverse Metric Traits of Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum Desf.) Cultivars for Local Adaptation to Semi-Arid Regions of Algeria.

Abiotic stresses pose significant challenges to wheat farming, yet exploiting the genetic variability within germplasm collections offers an opportunity to effectively address these challenges. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity of key agronomic traits among twenty durum wheat cultivars, with the intention to pinpoint those better suited to semi-arid conditions. Field trials were conducted at the ITGC-FDPS Institute, Setif, Algeria, during the winter season of 2021/22. A completely randomized design was used with three replicates. Statistical analyses revealed significant variation among the genotypes for most of the studied traits, with some cultivars exhibiting a superior performance in a stressful environment. Notably, traits like the number of grains per spike (NGS) and the grain yield (GY) displayed high genotypic coefficients of variation (CVg). Except for membrane thermostability (MT) and biological yield (BY), the majority of the assessed traits exhibited moderate-to-high heritability estimates. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation studies have confirmed the importance of many yield-related traits in the expression of GY. The harvest index (HI) underscored the highest genotypic direct effect on GY, followed closely by spike number (SN), serving as consistent pathways through which most of the measured traits indirectly influenced GY. The cluster analysis categorized the durum wheat cultivars into seven distinct clusters. The largest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters G3 and G4 (D2 = 6145.86), reflecting maximum dissimilarity between the individuals of these clusters. Hybridizing divergent clusters may benefit future breeding programs aiming to develop potential durum wheat varieties through cross combinations. This study's findings contribute to sustainable agriculture efforts by facilitating the selection of genotypes with enhanced resilience and productivity, particularly for cultivation in challenging semi-arid regions.

Studies of Genetic Variability in Sesame (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sesamum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;indicum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Collections for Morpho-Agronomic Traits at Werer, Ethiopia

Knowledge of genetic variability is necessary to develop a suitable breeding method for crop improvement. Thus, further information on the existence of variability in sesame accessions is needed to set appropriate breeding strategies and improve sesame in terms of yield and desired quality traits. Based on this concern, this research was conducted to estimate the phenotypic and genotypic variability, heritability, and genetic advance among sesame accessions. A total of sixty-four sesame (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sesamum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;indicum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Accessions were evaluated in an 8*8 lattice design with two replications in 2021 at the Werer Agricultural Research Center. The results of the analysis of variance showed that, except for the 50% days to emergence and the number of seeds per pod, there were statistically significant differences between the accessions for all traits. A relatively high (&amp;gt;20%) phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was estimated for the number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, seed yield, and biomass yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) was recorded for thousand seed weight, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, biomass yield, and seed yield. The information and genetic variability obtained in the present study could be used to plant appropriate breeding procedures and develop genotypes with high productivity in future sesame improvement programs.

High intra-patient variability of tacrolimus within post-operative 1month predicted worse 1-year outcomes in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus (TAC) show high intra-patient variability (IPV), which is associated with poor long-term outcomes following adult liver transplantation(LT). However, this relationship remains to be confirmed in pediatric liver transplant (PLT) recipients. The present study aimed to investigate the association between TAC IPV and grafts or patient outcomes after pediatric liver transplantion. This retrospective study included 848 PLT recipients (including infants) between January, 2016, and June, 2021. The IPV of TAC concentrations was estimated by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV) of trough concentrations in whole blood within 1month after transplantation. Patients were categorized into two groups, low IPV (CV < 45%) and high IPV (CV ≥ 45%), based on the third quartile of the CV distribution. A total of 848 patients were included in our study. The low CV group included 614 patients, with a mean TAC trough concentration of 8.59 ± 1.65ng/ml and a median CV of 32.37%. In contrast, the high CV group included 214 patients, the mean TAC trough concentration and median CV were 8.81 ± 2.00ng/ml and 54.88%, respectively. The median hospital duration was significantly higher in the high CV group (22days vs. 20days, P = 0.01). Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate the significant differences in 1-year recipient survival (P = 0.041) and 1-year graft survival (P = 0.005) between the high- and low-CV groups. Moreover, high CV (HR 2.316, 95%CI 1.026-5.231, P = 0.043) and persistent EBV viremia (HR 13.165, 95%CI 3.090-56.081, P < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for 1- year mortality after PLT. PLT recipients with high TAC trough concentration of CV in the first month were associated with poor 1-year outcomes. This CV calculation provides a valuable strategy to monitor TAC exposure.

Exploring the Genetic Variability of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Genotypes Over Environments

Background: The present investigation was carried out in 50 diverse blackgram genotypes during rabi 2021-22 in three different locations viz., Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai (E1), National Pulses Research Institute, Vamban (E2) and a farmer’s field at Vizhudhudayan, Ariyalur district (E3) for exploring the genetic variability of the blackgram genotypes over environments. Methods: The data on 10 quantitative traits viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, total number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), hundred seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g) were subjected to genetic variability analysis. Result: The traits viz., plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, total number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g) revealed a high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean. Hence, these traits may be given much importance during selection due to their additive gene action. These results might render yield enhancement in future breeding programs.

Evaluation of Germplasm for Reproductive Stage Salinity Tolerance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The current study was carried out to identify salt tolerant genotypes by screening 76 rice germplasm at reproductive stage salinity stress. The test entries were subjected to salt stress under field conditions and salinity was noted at different intervals of crop growth period i.e., 30 and 67 days after sowing and at the time of harvesting with the pH value of 5.4 and electrical conductivity of 4.3 dSm-1, 5.3 dSm-1and 7.2 dSm-1 respectively. The characters namely, salinity score, days to 50 percent flowering, plant height, panicle length, productive tillers/plant, number of filled grains/panicle, total number of grains/panicle, spikelet fertility and grain yield/plant were studied under saline conditions. Variability, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean showed high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for grain yield plant-1indicating the presence of considerable amount of variation among the genotypes for potential yield improvement through selection. The trait grain yield per plant had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean indicating that it is regulated by additive gene action and therefore selection could be practiced based on phenotypic performance. Association studies under saline conditions, revealed favorable and significant correlation of grain yield per plant with days to 50% flowering, panicle length, plant height, total number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle and productive tillers per plant whereas, spikelet fertility and plant height on the other hand, recorded negative non-significant correlation, indicating the undesirable causes of salinity on plant growth and yield potential.

Probabilistic slope stability analysis: A novel distribution for soils exhibiting highly variable spatial properties

Slope stability calculation depends on the soil properties (cohesion and the friction angle) of the soil. Heterogeneous terrains are frequently observed in civil and mining projects where the properties are highly spatially variable. Based on a real data from case studies, this paper presents a probabilistic analysis of the slope stability of highly heterogeneous terrains with a very high coefficient of variation (COV) of the cohesion distribution. The existing deterministic and probabilistic approaches for calculating slope stability lack the capability to effectively consider the significant heterogeneity present in the terrain The objective of the paper is to develop a new bounded interval distribution having a COV that is as high (>150%) as the COV of the cohesion distribution The results obtained with this new distribution are compared to 4 other semi-infinite distributions. To consider the correlation between cohesion and the friction angle, a specific formulation was developed to generate friction angles varying between fixed minimum and maximum limits and having the desired correlation coefficient, mean, and standard deviation. The new cohesion and friction angle distributions were incorporated and tested in a probabilistic numerical model. The new distribution can presently be applied to geotechnical studies for terrains and heterogenous materials with properties exhibiting high spatial variability.

Clinical assessment of corneal alterations in endocrine disorders

Corneal alterations are frequent in many endocrine disorders like Grave’s ophthalmopathy and diabetes mellitus. Since early diagnosis of such a change can prevent visual impairment, it presents a challenge to an ophthalmologist.Clinical assessment &amp; significance of corneal alterations in endocrine disorders.1. To conduct comprehensive assessment of corneal alterations in endocrine disorders. 2. To Identify specific corneal abnormalities in patients with endocrine disorders. 3. To delineate the clinical significance of corneal alterations in endocrine disorders by determining their impact on visual function and guiding therapeutic strategies.This study was a prospective, observational, hospital-based study conducted over a period of two years including 150 patients of different endocrine disorders. Ocular examination included physical examination to check for any pain on ocular movements, ophthalmoplegia, diplopia, or proptosis. Visual acuity was examined by Snellen’s chart, anterior segment by slit-lamp, intra-ocular pressure by non-contact tonometer, qualitative measurement of corneal sensation by a cotton-wisp and central corneal thickness was measured by pachymetry. Corneal endothelial cell parameters like endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation of cell area (CV), percentage of hexagonal cell (HEX) were measured by clinical specular microscope.The age range was 14 to 82 years with mean age being 48.43±14.2 years. The male to female ratio was 1.34:1. Type-2 diabetes mellitus was the most frequently encountered endocrine disorder (64.7%), followed by hypothyroidism (13.3%). Addison’s disease was the least encountered (0.7%). The most severe changes to the cornea, such as chronic epithelial abnormalities, superficial punctate keratopathy, altered corneal sensations, and dry eyes, were observed in patients with type 2 diabetes, followed by Graves’s ophthalmopathy and hypothyroidism. Patients with T2DM and T1DM had elevated CCT values, reduced endothelial cell density, abnormally high coefficient of variance and low hexagonal cells.The present study showed that different corneal alterations can be possible in endocrine disorders. So all endocrine disorders should undergo comprehensive ophthalmological examination to prevent visual impairment.

Study of Genetic Diversity and Genetic Advance in Brinjal for Morpho-Economic Traits (Solanum melongena L.)

In two distinct environments (E1 and E2), the current experiment was set up using a randomized block design with the goal of determining the extent of genetic diversity, heritability, and genetic advancement among 15 yield-related variables in brinjal. The analysis of variance results revealed that there were significant genetic variances across brinjal genotypes, indicating a significant degree of variability and boosting the opportunity for selection to improve the essential traits. There was a noticeable variance in mean values between the genotypes for several traits, from modest to wide. For most of the features under investigation, with the exception of days to 50% flowering, moderate to high genotypic coefficient of variation, moderate to high heritability, and genetic advancement as a percentage of mean were reported.

Radiological biomarkers reflecting visceral fat distribution help distinguish inflammatory bowel disease subtypes: a multicenter cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo achieve automated quantification of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) distribution in CT images and screen out parameters with discriminative value for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subtypes.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter study included Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients from three institutions between 2012 and 2021, with patients with acute appendicitis as controls. An automatic VAT segmentation algorithm was developed using abdominal CT scans. The VAT volume, as well as the coefficient of variation (CV) of areas within the lumbar region, was calculated. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the potential of indicators to distinguish between IBD subtypes.ResultsThe study included 772 patients (365 CDs, median age [inter-quartile range] = 31.0. (25.0, 42.0) years, 255 males; 241 UCs, 46.0 (34.0, 55.5) years, 138 males; 166 controls, 40.0 (29.0, 53.0) years, 80 males). CD patients had lower VAT volume (CD = 1584.95 ± 1128.31 cm3, UC = 1855.30 ± 1326.12 cm3, controls = 2470.91 ± 1646.42 cm3) but a higher CV (CD = 29.42 ± 15.54 %, p = 0.006 and p ˂ 0.001) compared to UC and controls (25.69 ± 12.61 % vs. 23.42 ± 15.62 %, p = 0.11). Multivariate analysis showed CV was a significant predictor for CD (odds ratio = 6.05 (1.17, 31.12), p = 0.03). The inclusion of CV improved diagnostic efficiency (AUC = 0.811 (0.774, 0.844) vs. 0.803 (0.766, 0.836), p = 0.08).ConclusionCT-based VAT distribution can serve as a potential biomarker for distinguishing IBD subtypes.Critical relevance statementVisceral fat distribution features extracted from CT images using an automated segmentation algorithm (1.14 min) show differences between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and are promising for practical radiological screening.Key points• Radiological parameters reflecting visceral fat distribution were extracted for the discrimination of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).• In CD, visceral fat was concentrated in the lower lumbar vertebrae, and the coefficient of variation was a significant predictor (OR = 6.05 (1.17, 31.12), p = 0.03).• The differences between CD, UC, and controls are promising for practical radiological screening.Graphical

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Seed Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Vigna radiata L. Wilczek, sometimes known as greengram or mungbean, is a popular pulse crop in India. Most of its cultivation takes place in India's subsistence farming systems. It is cultivated in three distinct seasons in India, despite the extremely low average productivity. Due to the crop's extensive growth in a variety of environmental circumstances, the local germplasm exhibits a high degree of genetic variation. In order to determine the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advancement of 40 green gram genotypes, a study utilizing twelve quantitative variables was conducted. For every traits, significant variance was discovered using basic descriptive statistics. High Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) and high Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV) were identified for seed yield per plant, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, biological yield per plant, number of pods per plant and 100 seed weight. Moderate PCV and GCV values observed for number of seeds per pod, plant height, harvest index, pod length and days to 50% flowering, whereas low PCV and GCV values were observed for days to maturity. Most of the characters studied in the current study had high estimates of heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance as a percentage of mean. This may be attributed to the preponderance of additive gene action and their high selective value, meaning that selection pressure can be applied profitably to these characters to improve them rationally.