Higher Estimates Research Articles

Effect of vermicompost on the nutraceutical quality of tender cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica

The consumption of tender cladodes knows as “nopalitos” (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller.) has increased worldwide. That is because it is an important nutritional source in the human diet given its content of fiber, minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds and secondary metabolites (antioxidants, phenols and flavonoids), which are essential for human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of doses of vermicompost (0, 5, 15 and 25 t ha-1) on the yield and nutraceutical quality of tender cladodes of O. ficus-indica. The measured variables were tender cladodes production and nutraceutical quality. The results showed no significant effect on the content of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. However, the application of vermicompost showed significant effects on the yield, in which higher estimates were achieved for the highest dose with up to 100% compared to the control. The data obtained indicate that the dose of 25 t ha-1 of vermicompost promotes and increase in yield without compromising the nutraceutical quality of “nopalitos”.

Genetic Evaluation of Monthly Test-Day Milk Yields of Jersey Crossbred Cattle Under Farmers’ Production System in Tamil Nadu, India

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is bereft of any native dairy or dual-purpose cattle breeds, and the state depends chiefly on crossbred cattle for milk production. Jersey crossbred cattle account for 90% of the state’s milk production. This genetic evaluation study aimed to assess milk production traits, including test-day milk yields (TDMYs), total lactation milk yield (TMY), and 305-day milk yield (305MY), in these cattle reared under farmers’ conditions. Data on monthly TDMYs (TDMY1 to TDMY10) of Jersey crossbred cows (n = 75,627) reared by the farmers over 11 years (2012–2022) were collected for evaluation. The influence of non-genetic factors viz., location (agroclimatic zones), period and season of calving, and parity on TDMYs, TMY and 305MY were assessed, and the variance and covariance components for genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) of the traits were estimated by the method of restricted maximum likelihood (REML) under a multivariate animal model and by a random regression model (RRM). The overall means of various TDMYs ranged from 4.98 (TDMY10) to 9.95 kg (TDMY2), and for TMY and 305MY, the means were 2480.33 and 2393.71 kg, respectively. The heritabilities estimated by the multivariate animal model for TDMYs were moderate and ranged from 0.26 ± 0.02 to 0.37 ± 0.02 and the estimates were less variable throughout lactation, while the estimates obtained by RRM were medium to high and ranged between 0.29 ± 0.01 and 0.67 ± 0.02 for milk yield on day 5 to 305 (DIM 5–DIM 305). The heritabilities estimated for TMY and 305MY were 0.43 ± 0.02 and 0.43 ± 0.02, respectively. The estimates of heritability for mid-lactation yields were comparatively less than those at the beginning and the end of lactation. The moderate to high estimates of heritabilities for TDMYs, TMY, and 305MY obtained in the present study offer ample scope for improving milk production through selective breeding. Genetic correlations between TDMYs estimated by the multivariate animal model were positive and high, with a range between 0.75 ± 0.03 and 0.99 ± 0.00. Considerably higher estimates (0.98–0.99) were observed between adjacent TDMYs showing strong genetic associations. By RRM, genetic correlations estimated between DIMs were positive (except for DIM 5 with DIM 125 to DIM 185 and DIM 125 with DIM 305), and the magnitude of genetic correlation decreased with an increase in the interval between the DIMs. The high genetic correlation observed between the TDMYs (in the early stage of lactation) and total lactation milk yield suggested that these test-day yields could be used favorably for the early selection of cows for milk production, which facilitates reduction in the generation interval and consequently increases the annual genetic gain for the milk production traits.

Prevalence and risk of psychiatric disorders in young people: prospective cohort study exploring the role of childhood trauma (the HUNT study).

Better knowledge about childhood trauma as a risk factor for psychiatric disorders in young people could help strengthen the timeliness and effectiveness of prevention and treatment efforts. To estimate the prevalence and risk of psychiatric disorders in young people following exposure to childhood trauma, including interpersonal violence. This prospective cohort study followed 8199 adolescents (age range 12-20 years) over 13-15 years, into young adulthood (age range 25-35 years). Data about childhood trauma exposure from adolescents participating in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT, 2006-2008) were linked to data about subsequent development of psychiatric disorders from the Norwegian Patient Registry (2008-2021). One in four (24.3%) adolescents were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder by young adulthood. Regression analyses showed consistent and significant relationships between childhood exposure to both interpersonal violence and other potentially traumatic events, and subsequent psychiatric disorders and psychiatric comorbidity. The highest estimates were observed for childhood exposure to two or more types of interpersonal violence (polyvictimisation), and development of psychotic disorders (odds ratio 3.41, 95% CI 1.93-5.72), stress and adjustment disorders (odds ratio 4.20, 95% CI 3.05-5.71), personality disorders (odds ratio 3.98, 95% CI 2.70-5.76), alcohol-related disorders (odds ratio 3.28, 95% CI 2.06-5.04) and drug-related disorders (odds ratio 4.67, 95% CI 2.87-7.33). These findings emphasise the importance of integrating knowledge about childhood trauma as a potent risk factor for psychopathology into the planning and implementation of services for children, adolescents and young adults.

Use of oral moist tobacco (snus) in puberty and its association with asthma in the population-based RHINESSA study

ObjectivesTo investigate the association of early snus use initiation (≤15 years of age) with asthma and asthma symptoms.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort.SettingStudy centres in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and...

Person-specific and pooled prediction models for binge eating, alcohol use and binge drinking in bulimia nervosa and alcohol use disorder.

Machine learning could predict binge behavior and help develop treatments for bulimia nervosa (BN) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Therefore, this study evaluates person-specific and pooled prediction models for binge eating (BE), alcohol use, and binge drinking (BD) in daily life, and identifies the most important predictors. A total of 120 patients (BN: 50; AUD: 51; BN/AUD: 19) participated in an experience sampling study, where over a period of 12 months they reported on their eating and drinking behaviors as well as on several other emotional, behavioral, and contextual factors in daily life. The study had a burst-measurement design, where assessments occurred eight times a day on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in seven bursts of three weeks. Afterwards, person-specific and pooled models were fit with elastic net regularized regression and evaluated with cross-validation. From these models, the variables with the 10% highest estimates were identified. The person-specific models had a median AUC of 0.61, 0.80, and 0.85 for BE, alcohol use, and BD respectively, while the pooled models had a median AUC of 0.70, 0.90, and 0.93. The most important predictors across the behaviors were craving and time of day. However, predictors concerning social context and affect differed among BE, alcohol use, and BD. Pooled models outperformed person-specific models and the models for alcohol use and BD outperformed those for BE. Future studies should explore how the performance of these models can be improved and how they can be used to deliver interventions in daily life.

Incidence and assessment of delirium following open cardiac surgery; A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought i) to provide an overview of the incidence of delirium following open cardiac surgery and ii) to investigate how incidences of delirium are associated with different assessment tools. A systematic search of studies investigating delirium following open cardiac surgery were conducted in Medline (Ovid), EMBASE, PsycINFO, CiNAHL and the Cochrane Database. Only studies with patients diagnosed or screened with a validated tool were included. Studies published from 2005 to 2021 were included in the meta-analysis.Of 7,126 individual studies retrieved, 106 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis, hereof 31% of high quality. The weighted pooled incidence of delirium following open cardiac surgery across all studies was 23% (95% CI 20-26%), however we found a considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 99%), which could not be explained by subgroups or further sensitivity analyses. The most commonly applied screening tool for delirium is CAM/CAM-ICU. The lowest estimates of delirium were found by applying the Delirium Observation Scale (incidence 14%, 95% CI 8-20%), and the highest estimates in studies using "other" screening tools (Organic Brain Symptom Scale, Delirium Symptom Interview) pooled incidence of 43%, (95% CI 19 - 66%), however, only two studies applied these. Delirium following open cardiac surgery remains a complication with a high incidence of overall 23%, when applying a validated tool for screening or diagnosis. Nevertheless, this systematic review and meta-analyses highlight the significant inconsistency in current evidence regarding assessment tools and regimens. Prospero CRD42020215519.

Rapid quantification models for assessing melamine adulteration in sport nutrition supplements via benchtop and portable NIRS instruments

Sport nutrition supplements (SNS) are vulnerable to adulteration with melamine, artificially augmenting their protein content as determined by conventional assay methodologies. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques are suitable for the detection of adulteration because they allow rapid analysis, require minimal sample preparation, and can perform numerous analyses in a short time. The aim of this study was to develop rapid quantification models for the determination of melamine adulteration in a variety of SNS matrices using NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) in combination with multivariate data processing. Moreover, a comparison of benchtop and portable NIR instruments was carried out. Employing a stepwise approach involving OPLS-DA and PLS analysis, matrix discrimination and prediction ability were investigated. The benchtop instrument effectively discriminated among matrices (R2Y = 0.964, Q2 = 0.933), while the portable device, although showing a slightly altered pattern, maintained favorable discrimination capability (R2Y = 0.966, Q2 = 0.931). The quantitative PLS models for each SNS matrix exhibited comparable statistical indicators for both instruments with reasonable errors for melamine content estimation and prediction (RMSEE: 0.3–2.4 %, RMSEP: 0.98–2.99 %). Higher estimation and prediction errors were observed for protein-containing samples in both acquisition modes, probably due to the tendency of protein agglomeration and adhesion to different surfaces, which affects the homogeneity of the powder. Despite data loss due to the narrower spectral range and lower resolution of the portable instrument, all models were found to be suitable for predicting melamine content in sport nutrition supplements.

Comparison of prevalence estimates of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions in Plasmodium falciparum determined by conventional PCR and multiplex qPCR and implications for surveillance and monitoring

ObjectivesThe accuracy of malaria rapid diagnostic tests is threatened by Plasmodium falciparum with pfhrp2/3 deletions. This study compares gene deletion prevalence determined by multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) using existing samples with clonality previously determined by microsatellite genotyping. MethodsMultiplex qPCR was used to estimate prevalence of pfhrp2/3 deletions in three sets of previously collected patient samples from Eritrea and Peru. The qPCR was validated by multiplex digital polymerase chain reaction. Sample classification was compared with cPCR, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal ΔCq threshold that aligned the results of the two assays. ResultsqPCR classified 75% (637 of 849) of samples as single, and 212 as mixed-pfhrp2/3 genotypes, with a positive association between clonality and proportion of mixed-pfhrp2/3 genotype samples. The sample classification agreement between cPCR and qPCR was 75.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68.6-80.7%) and 47.8% (95% CI 38.9-56.9%) for monoclonal and polyclonal infections. The qPCR prevalence estimates of pfhrp2/3 deletions showed almost perfect (κ = 0.804, 95% CI 0.714-0.895) and substantial agreement (κ = 0.717, 95% CI 0.562-0.872) with cPCR for Peru and 2016 Eritrean samples, respectively. For 2019 Eritrean samples, the prevalence of double pfhrp2/3 deletions was approximately two-fold higher using qPCR. The optimal threshold for matching the assay results was ΔCq = 3. ConclusionsMultiplex qPCR and cPCR produce comparable estimates of gene deletion prevalence when monoclonal infections dominate; however, qPCR provides higher estimates where multi-clonal infections are common.

Assessing uncertainties and discrepancies in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions estimation in China: A comprehensive review

Due to diverse methodologies and data sources, China's agricultural greenhouse gas (AGHG) emissions estimates demonstrate significant variability. A quantitative review was conducted on the prevalence and application of various accounting methods to clarify and reduce discrepancies in AGHG emissions estimation techniques and data application. Using a systematic PRISMA framework, 4257 global studies were analyzed, yielding 681 AGHG emission records from 57 papers and four databases explicitly focusing on China. The analysis reveals similarities between Chinese and global research trends, concentrating on environmental science, soil science, and ecology. Furthermore, the spatial scale and methodologies for China's AGHG emissions estimation are relatively centralized, with 53.21% of the research targeting site-specific scales and 74.12% employing inventory methods and statistical analysis. Regarding the variability in China's AGHG emission estimates between 1996 and 2020, estimates ranged from 100 to 800 Mt. C-eq, with the highest estimate being approximately 25 times the minimum within the same period. Notably, compared to the average AGHG emissions calculated for 1996–2020 (284.7 to 548.7 Mt. C-eq), estimates from the FAO and Our World in Data were higher by an average of 114.7% and 81.9%, respectively. These findings underscore the need to enhance remote sensing and survey data application and standardize AGHG emissions estimation methodologies and boundaries to ensure comparability across various accounting methods and datasets. This study conducts a quantitative analysis to identify and bridge the gaps in AGHG emission evaluation techniques, laying the groundwork for establishing a more comprehensive and resilient framework for AGHG emissions assessments.

Animal growth models as a tool to estimate resilience indicators in Bos indicus and Bos taurus heifers: Selection effects and genetics parameters

The aim of the study is to analyze different growth models for the estimation of resilience indicators and to assess the impacts of selection for yearling weight and breed on the resilience capacity of Nelore, Guzerá and Caracu heifers. Weight records of females (n = 38,937) from birth to the measurement of weight adjusted to 550 days of age (W550) were used to fit growth curves. Next, three resilience indicators were calculated based on weight deviations (residuals): natural logarithm of residual variance (LnVar), lag-one autocorrelation (rauto), and skewness of deviations. The means of the resilience indicators were compared between Nelore selection lines (NeC: selected based on the mean of the contemporary groups for W550; NeS: selected based on the highest selection differential for W550; and NeT: selected based on an index considering highest selection differential for W550 and lower residual feed intake) and breeds (Nelore, Guzerá, and Caracu). Additionally, the heritabilities of the resilience indicators were estimated, as well as the genetic correlations between these indicators and productive traits using blupf90+ program. The results indicated that selection for yearling weight had an impact on the resilience capacity of the animals, with NeS and NeT heifers exhibiting greater weight variability (mean LnVar: 6.09 ± 0.02 and 6.12 ± 0.02, respectively) but also the highest recovery rate (rauto: 0.04 ± 0.01 and 0.04 ± 0.01, respectively). Nelore heifers were the most resilient, with a fast recovery rate (rauto: 0.01 ± 0.05) and there was little influence of the environment on performance (skewness: 0.00 ± 0.01). Caracu was the breed most affected by environmental disturbances (LnVar: 6.46 ± 0.02), with inverse subsequent weight deviations (rauto: -0.12 ± 0.05). The heritabilities of the resilience indicators were low and moderate, with the highest estimates being observed for LnVar in the three breeds (0.05 ± 0.05 to 0.38 ± 0.07). LnVar and skewness showed moderate positive genetic correlations with W550 (0.29 ± 0.18 to 0.55 ± 0.12), while the genetic correlations of rauto with W550 were weak and negative (-0.19 ± 0.17 to -0.28 ± 0.20). Selection for yearling weight influenced the resilience capability to environmental challenges in heifers during the growth phase. The results reinforce the greater adaptation capacity of zebuine breeds (Bos indicus) to tropical environments when compared to taurine breeds (Bos taurus). LnVar showed enough genetic variability to be included in breeding programs for zebu breeds aiming selection for more resilient animals.

Effect of using hydrogel polymers on morphometric, forage production, and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear

The use of cactus pear has shown poor performance in some areas of semi-arid climate regions, as the species needs a wide gradient between temperatures during the day and night to develop, which does not occur in such zones. To lessen this negative occurrence, moisture availability provides better performance for the species, such as using hydrogel instead of irrigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using hydrogel polymers on the production of cactus pear (Opuntia stricta cv. Mexican Elephant Ear). Three treatments with six replications were used, totalling 18 experimental units. The treatments were, (1) Conventional fertilization using fertilizer in granulated format; (2) Foliar fertilization with polymer using a dilution dose of 6 grams of polymer L-1 of water associated with the fertilizer in liquid form through the foliar route; (3) Foliar fertilization without polymer using only foliar fertilization in the same formulation as the treatment with polymer. There was no effect of fertilization strategy on plant height, cladode length, cladode width, cladode thickness, cladode area, and biomass. There was an effect of the fertilization strategy on dry matter, in which higher estimates were measured for conventional fertilization and foliar fertilization without polymer. On the other hand, foliar fertilization with polymer promoted increases of 13% in mineral matter and 42% in crude protein in relation to conventional fertilization. The fertilization strategy did not change the other chemical attributes of cactus pear. The use of the hydrogel did not influence the morphometric development of the Mexican Elephant Ear cultivar but promoted increments in the chemical composition.

A Comparison of CT Perfusion Output of RapidAI and Viz.ai Software in the Evaluation of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Automated CTP postprocessing packages have been developed for managing acute ischemic stroke. These packages use image processing techniques to identify the ischemic core and penumbra. This study aimed to investigate the agreement of decision-making rules and output derived from RapidAI and Viz.ai software packages in early and late time windows and to identify predictors of inadequate quality CTP studies. One hundred twenty-nine patients with acute ischemic stroke who had CTP performed on presentation were analyzed by RapidAI and Viz.ai. Volumetric outputs were compared between packages by performing Spearman rank-order correlation and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with subanalysis performed at early (<6 hours) and extended (>6 hours) time windows. The concordance of selecting patients on the basis of DAWN and DEFUSE 3 eligibility criteria was assessed using the McNemar test. One hundred eight of 129 patients were found to have adequate-quality studies. Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients were calculated on time-to-maximum >6-second volume, time-to-maximum >10-second volume, CBF <30% volume, mismatch volume, and mismatch ratio between both software packages with correlation coefficients of 0.82, 0.65, 0.77, 0.78, 0.59, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was also performed on time-to-maximum >6-second volume, time-to-maximum >10-second volume, CBF <30% volume, mismatch volume, and mismatch ratio with P values of .30, .016, <.001, .03, <.001, respectively. In a 1-sided test, CBF <30% was greater in Viz.ai (P < .001). Although this finding resulted in statistically significant differences, it did not cause clinically significant differences when applied to the DAWN and DEFUSE 3 criteria. A lower ejection fraction predicted an inadequate study in both software packages (P = .018; 95% CI, 0.01-0.113) and (P = .024; 95% CI, 0.008-0.109) for RapidAI and Viz.ai, respectively. Penumbra and infarct core predictions between Rapid and Viz.ai correlated but were statistically different and resulted in equivalent triage using DAWN and DEFUSE3 criteria. Viz.ai predicted higher ischemic core volumes than RapidAI. Viz.ai predicted lower combined core and penumbra values than RapidAI at lower volumes and higher estimates than RapidAI at higher volumes. Clinicians should be cautious when using different software packages for clinical decision-making.

Comparison of performances of SIREN or MFSRS in stroke risk prediction in an African environment

BackgroundThe Modified Framingham Stroke Risk Score (MFSRS) is a widely utilized stroke risk assessment algorithm usually applied in international comparison. The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) is the only known African-specific stroke risk assessment algorithm.Aims and objectivesTo compare stroke risk estimates from the SIREN and the MFSRS in an African community.MethodsThis was a population-based cross-sectional survey involving consecutively recruited 310 consenting adult residents (mean age = 37.21 ± 15.84 years) of a Nigerian community. Risk factors of stroke were assessed among the participants and were utilized in calculating stroke risk estimates on the MFSRS and the SIREN. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Spearman-rank order correlation test at an alpha level of 0.05.ResultsThe percentage stroke risk scores estimated by the SIREN and the MFSRS were 34.5% and 6.79% respectively. The most prevalent risk factors among the participants were hypertriglyceridemia (100.0%), raised waist-hip ratio (50.6%), hypercholesterolemia (45.5), physical inactivity (43.2%), psychological stress (41.3%), and hypertension (37.7%). Only two (hypertriglyceridemia and high blood pressure) out of the six factors considered in the MFSRS were rated among the first 10 most impactful risks by the SIREN. There was a weak correlation between the total scores on the MFSRS and the SIREN (rho = 0.39; p < 0.01) suggesting that the two ratings were discordant.ConclusionThere were disagreements between the risk estimates on the SIREN and MFSRS with SIREN having a higher estimate that corresponded with the literature; this may be suggesting a poorer estimation of stroke risks by the MFSRS in an African environment. There is a need for large African-based quality control studies to determine and address these lapses.

How to Equalize High- and Low-Intensity Endurance Exercise Dose.

Without appropriate standardization of exercise doses, comparing high- (HI) and low-intensity (LI) training outcomes might become a matter of speculation. In athletic preparation, proper quantification ensures an optimized stress-to-recovery ratio. This review aims to compare HI and LI doses by estimating theoretically the conversion ratio, 1:x, between HI and LI: How many minutes, x, of LI are equivalent to 1minute of HI using various quantification methods? A scrutinized analysis on how the dose increases in relation to duration and intensity was also made. An estimation was conducted across 4 categories encompassing 10 different approaches: (1)"arbitrary" methods, (2)physiological and perceptual measurements duringexercise, (3)postexercise measurements, andcomparison to (4a) acute and (4b) chronic intensity-related maximum dose. The first 2 categories provide the most conservative estimation for the HI:LI ratio (1:1.5-1:10), and the third, slightly higher (1:4-1:11). The category (4a) provides the highest estimation (1:52+) and (4b) suggests 1:10 to 1:20. The exercise dose in the majority of the approaches increase linearly in relation to duration and exponentially in relation to intensity. As dose estimations provide divergent evaluations of the HI:LI ratio, the choice of metric will have a large impact on the research designs, results, and interpretations. Therefore, researchers should familiarize themselves with the foundations and weaknesses of their metrics and justify their choice. Last, the linear relationship between duration and exercise dose is in many cases assumed rather than thoroughly tested, and its use should be subjected to closer scrutiny.

EFFECT OF GENOTYPE, SEX AND AGE AND ITS ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY WEIGHTS AND BODY MEASUREMENTS IN INDIGENOUS CHICKEN POPULATION

A study was carried out to determine the effect of genotype, sex and age and its association between body weights and body measurements in indigenous chicken population. The parent stocks were sourced from the local markets within Dutsin-Ma and its environs. Each parental genetic group was separated into breeding groups of 1:10 cock to hen, respectively on a deep litter. Performance data of body weight (BW), chest girth (CG), body length (BL), shank length (SL), shank circumference (SL), wing length (WL) and keel length (KL), respectively of 120 progenies generated at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, Version, 9.1). Generally, body increased with age. The overall mean obtained were 659.64 g, 20.93 cm, 22.12 cm, 8.00 cm, 11.93 cm, and 8.24 cm for body weight, chest girth, body length, shank length, wing length and keel length, respectively. The effect of genotype on body weight and body measurements were significant (P&lt;0.05). The naked neck chickens had higher values for all the morphological traits, followed by normal and frizzle feathered birds, respectively. Males had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher body weights and body measurements than females. The phenotypic correlations among growth traits were positive moderate, high and significant (P&lt;0.05). The estimates ranged from 0.49 to 0.73 between body weight and body measurements. Highest estimates were observed between body weight and chest girth (rp=0.73) in naked neck chicken. Correlations between sexes were generally high and positive and ranged from 0.61 to 0.77 and 0.56 to 0.70 in males and females, respectively. The highest (rp=0.77) positive coefficient was recorded between body weight and wing length in males and between body weight and body length (rp=0.71) in the females. This implies that selection for improvement in the linear body traits could lead to improvement in body weight of these chickens.

Studies on Variability, Heritability, and Genetic Advance in Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) with Special Reference to Satna, Madhya Pradesh

Fourteen diverse cultivars of paddy grown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) at AKS University, Satna, during Kharif season on July 2022. Data were collected foreleven quantitative traits and estimated forvariance,genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance.The design of the experiment indicated highly significant differences for all the characters due to treatments. The analysis of variance indicated the existence of sufficient amount of variability among genotypes for all the studiedcharacters. The maximum GCV along with PCV was observed forgrain yield per plant (g) followed by panicle length (cm), number of spikelets per panicle, harvest index (%), kernel length (mm), number of panicles per plant. Higher estimates (h2b) &gt;80% were observed for Number of spikelets per panicle, days to development, plant level (cm), number of panicles per plant, test weight (g), grain yield per plant (g), panicle length (cm). High heritability combined with high hereditary development for the person number of panicles per plant, number of spikelets per panicle, panicle length (cm), test weight (g) and grain yield per plant (g) indicating that these characters could be prominently governed by additive gene action.

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF TRANSFORMING TO SOLAR ENERGY : CASE STUDY FROM RAJARATA UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA

Increasing energy consumption is one of the most critical determinants of climate change. Therefore, energy efficiency strategies and the growing demand for renewable energy sources are significant to minimize the negative impacts of climate change across the globe. This study examines the current electricity consumption of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. It explores the potential of using solar power as a renewable energy source to meet the faculty’s electricity demand. As the university is located in a dry zone, using solar power as a renewable energy source has enormous potential. This research was based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from academic and non-academic staff through key person interviews and students through a survey based on a structured questionnaire. Secondary data were collected from electricity bills of the FSSH and available electrical equipment data. Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) is mainly employed to examine the financial and economic viability of transforming to solar power to meet the energy requirements of the faculty. This study disclosed that the electricity consumption of the university in general and the FSSH had increased drastically during 2015 - 2018. The study found that electricity consumption creates an external cost of 31856.53 LKR as CO2 emission per year. Results of the financial CBA estimates indicate that installing a solar power system to the FSSH will generate 27,340,401.08 LKR of Net Present Value (NPV) and 1.86 of Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR), and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is 21.63%. After considering the externalities, the results of the economic CBA generate little higher estimates than the financial CBA with 27,677,889.62 LKR of Net Present Value, 1.87 of CBR and 21.81 of IRR. Therefore, it can be concluded that investing in solar energy systems for the FSSH is a financially and economically viable and environmentally sound business.

Laying performance, genetic parameters, and the expression of FSHβ, LHβ, FSHR, and LHR genes in Japanese quails selected for early egg production

Investigating the impact of early egg production selection (the first 90 d of laying) on egg production features, cumulative selection response (CSR), and the mRNA expression of gonadotropins (FSHβ and LHβ), and their receptors (FSHR and LHR), in Japanese quails was the goal. The selection experiment involved 1293 females in all, 257 from the base group and 1036 from the 4 selected generations. Age and body weight at sexual maturity (ASM, BWSM), weight of the first egg (WFE), days to the first 10 eggs (DF10E), egg mass for the first 10 eggs (EMF10E), egg weight (EW), egg number at the first 90 d of laying (EN90D), and egg mass at the first 90 d of laying (EM90D) were all recorded. Most egg production traits had heritability estimates that were low to moderate and ranged from 0.17 to 0.33., where the highest estimates were reported for EN90D (0.33) and BWSM (0.32). With the exception of EN90D, low to moderate positive genetic correlations were observed between ASM and other egg production traits (0.17-0.44). The fourth generation showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower ASM and DF10E but higher BWSM, WFE, EN90D, EM10E, and EM90D when compared with the base generation. CSR were significant (P < 0.05) for ASM (-6.67 d), BWSM (27.13 g), WFE (0.93 g), DF10E (-1.25 d), EN90D (7.24 egg), EM10E (10.57 g), and EM90D (140.0 g). FSHβ, LHβ, FSHR, and LHR gene mRNA expression was considerably (P < 0.05) greater in the fourth generation compared to the base generation. In conclusion, selection programs depending on the efficiency of egg production (EN90D) could improve the genetic gain of egg production traits and upregulate the mRNA expression of FSHβ, LHβ, FSHR, and LHR genes in selected quails (fourth generation). These findings might help to enhance breeding plans and create commercial lines of high egg production Japanese quails.

Systematic review of seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and appraisal of evidence, prior to the widespread introduction of vaccine programmes in the WHO European Region, January–December 2020

ObjectivesSystematic review of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies undertaken in the WHO European Region to measure pre-existing and cumulative seropositivity prior to the roll out of vaccination programmes.DesignA systematic review of the...

Preterm birth and stillbirth rates during COVID-19 pandemic: differences by socioeconomic status

Abstract Background At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were concerns about maternal and newborn health because of increased stress, economic difficulties and restrictions to healthcare. However, preterm birth (PTB) rates declined in some countries in 2020, while stillbirth (SB) rates remained stable or were slightly elevated. Hypotheses for the PTB result include positive consequences of lockdowns (more rest, less pollution, less exposure to infection) or restricted healthcare, leading to fewer indicated preterm births. These effects have not been examined on a population-level by socioeconomic (SES) group. Methods The Euro-Peristat network developed a Common Data Model and R scripts to produce aggregated data tables from vital statistics and birth registers. This analysis uses data from 2015 to 2020 on singleton PTB rates and SB rates as well as on mother's educational level (preferred) or area level deprivation/occupation of mother (if education unavailable). SES measures were harmonised into 3 groups (low, medium, high). We computed observed versus expected risks of the outcomes for the year 2020, given linear trends from 2015 to 2019, overall and by SES group; these estimates were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Results 19 countries provided data on perinatal outcomes by SES group. The overall pooled mixed effect measure for PTB was -0.04 (95%CI of -0.06 to -0.02), corresponding to a 4% decline in 2020 over expected levels. This estimate was the same in low and high SES groups (-0.04 (-0.07 to 0.02) versus -0.04 (-0.06 to -0.02)). For stillbirth, the overall pooled measure was 0.02 (-0.03 to 0.07), corresponding to an increase of 2%, with higher estimates in the low SES group 0.05 (-0.02 to 0.11) versus 0.2 (-0.3 to 0.7) in the high group, although confidence limits overlapped. Conclusions A small decrease in PTB was observed in all SES groups, while results are suggestive of increases in SB rates among women in lower SES groups. Key messages • Previous results in some countries of decreased preterm birth rates in the general population in 2020 were confirmed in this European study, with similar associations in all socioeconomic groups. • Stillbirth rates were not increased in the overall population, but a 5% increase was observed in lower SES groups.