Honest Significant Difference Test Research Articles

Pemanfaatan Jenis Inokulan dengan Lama Inokulasi pada Fermentasi Limbah Sludge Kelapa Sawit untuk Pakan Ternak

Sludge is solid waste resulting from palm oil processing that has not been widely utilized and causes environmental pollution. The research was carried out for 2 months from March to April 2024, in Inderalaya, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra Province. The research uses experimental methods with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment in the form of inoculam type (J), consisting of Aspergillus oryzale (J1), Rhizopus orizae (J2), and Neurospora shitophilla (J3), and fermentation time (I), consisting of 3 days (I1), 6 days (I2), and 9 days (I3). The parameters observed were dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber, before fermentation and after fermentation. Data were analyzed using analysis of variansces (ANOVA). Accuracy is tested with the Diversity Coefficient, and treatments that have a real to very real effect is tested using the Honestly Significant Difference Test (HST). The resulting conclusion is that sludge can be used as additional feed for ruminants, by first fermenting it using an inoculant. Sludge fermentation using the inoculant Neurosprora shitophilla produces the best quality sludge for use as animal feed, because it contains high protein and crude fat and low dry matter and fiber. The best fermentation time is 9 days, because it can reduce dry matter and crude fiber, and increase protein and crude fat.

Breaking the Dormancy of Some Varieties of Papaya (Carica Papaya L.) Soaking KNO3 Solution

Dormancy is a state of stopping growth experienced by plants. This research aimed to determine the concentration of KNO3 solution in breaking dormancy in several papaya varieties. The research method used in this research was a completely randomized design (RAL) Factorial with 2 treatment factors. The first factor is variety (V), consisting of V1 = Callina, V2 = California, and V3 = Local. The second factor is the concentration of the KNO3 (K) solution consisting of: K0 = Control, K1 = 10%, K2 = 20% and K3 = 30%. The variables observed were growth synchrony and germination speed index. Data analysis uses analysis of variance. The variables observed were growth synchrony and germination speed index. An analysis of variance was used to test the effect of treatment. To test mean differences between treatments, honest significant difference tests, regression, and correlation were carried out at a test level of 5%. The research results showed that seed variety had a significant effect on growth synchrony and germination speed index. The concentration of KNO3 solution has a significant effect on growth synchrony and germination speed index. The interaction between the variety and concentration of KNO3 solution had no significant effect on all observed parameters.

The Effect Plant Media Composition on the Growth and Production Some Varieties Strawberry

This research was conducted in Barus Jahe Village, Barus Jahe District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, with an altitude of 1,367 meters above sea level. This study aims to determine the effect of the composition of the planting medium and several varieties on the production and growth of strawberry plants. The design used in this research is a Factorial Split Plot Design (RPT), which consists of two factors. The first factor is the main plot, Variety (V), with 3 levels: V1 = California, V2 = Local Bandung, and V3 = Local Brastagi. The second factor is the subplot, namely Planting Media Composition (M), which consists of Soil: Charcoal Husk: Chicken Manure, namely: M1= 1:1:1, M2= 2:1:1, M3= 1:2:1, and M4= 2:1:2.The variables observed were plant height, plant wet weight and plant dry weight, fruit weight and sugar content (Brix). Analysis of variance was used to test the effect of treatment and mean differences between treatments; honest significant difference tests, regression, and correlation were carried out at a test level of 5%. The research results showed that the composition of the planting media had no significant effect on the observed parameters. However, in some varieties, V1 (California) has a substantial impact on fruit weight and sugar content (Brix), and V2 (Local Bandung) has a significant effect on plant height, wet weight, and dry weight.

Biomechanical characterization of cadaveric brachial plexus regions using uniaxial tensile tests

IntroductionThe proximal regions of the brachial plexus (roots, trunks) are more susceptible to permanent damage due to stretch injuries than the distal regions (cords, terminal branches). A better description of brachial plexus mechanical behavior is necessary to better understand deformation mechanisms in stretch injury.The purpose of this study was to model the biomechanical behavior of each portion of the brachial plexus (roots, trunks, cords, peripheral nerves) in a cadaveric model and report differences in elastic modulus, maximum stress and maximum strain. MethodsEight cadaveric plexi, divided into 47 segments according to regions of interest, underwent cyclical uniaxial tensile tests, using a BOSE® Electroforce® 3330 and INSTRON® 5969 material testing machines, to obtain the stress and strain histories of each specimen.Maximum stress, maximum strain and elastic modulus were extracted from the load–displacement and stress–strain curves.Statistical analyses used 1-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) and Mann-Whitney tests. ResultsMean elastic modulus was 8.65 MPa for roots, 8.82 MPa for trunks, 22.44 MPa for cords, and 26.43 MPa for peripheral nerves. Differences in elastic modulus and in maximum stress were statistically significant (p < 0.001) between proximal (roots, trunks) and distal (cords, peripheral nerves) specimens. ConclusionsProximal structures demonstrated significantly smaller elastic modulus and maximum stress than distal structures. These data confirm the greater fragility of proximal regions of the brachial plexus.

Normative Values for Daily Functional Recovery Patterns Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundWearable devices provide the ability for clinical teams to continuously monitor patients’ rehabilitation progress with objective data. Understanding expected recovery patterns following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) enables prompt identification of patients failing to meet these milestones. The aim of this study was to establish normative values for daily functional recovery in the first 6 weeks after TKA using a wearable device. MethodsThis prospective study included patients who underwent TKA between 2020 and 2023, treated by 11 surgeons from 8 institutions. Eligible participants were aged 18 or older, had a primary unilateral TKA, and owned a smartphone. Knee range of motion, total daily steps, cadence, and device usage were measured continuously over 6 weeks. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance using post hoc Tukey honest significant difference tests. ResultsThe cohort of 566 participants had a mean age of 65 and 69 for men and women, respectively (range, 50 to 80). Women comprised 61% (n = 345) of study participants. There were 82% of women and 90% of men who had a body mass index > 30. The average daily wear time of the device was 12 hours (±4) for a total of 45 days (±27). Recovery was nonlinear, with the greatest gains in the first 3 weeks postsurgery for all metrics. Men demonstrated greater total daily step counts and cadence when compared to women. Obese patients demonstrated poorer performance when compared to lower body mass index patients. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this study presents the first normative data for tracking daily functional recovery in TKA patients using wearable sensors. Standardizing the TKA recovery timeline allows surgeons to isolate factors affecting patients’ healing processes, accurately counsel them preoperatively, and intervene more promptly postoperatively when rehabilitation is not within standard recovery parameters.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of Triphala mouthwash and Curcumin mouthwash in the treatment of gingivitis – A randomized controlled study

BackgroundNumerous studies on Triphala and Curcumin mouthwashes were analyzed individually and no study has compared the efficacy of Triphala mouthwash to Curcumin mouthwash in the management of gingivitis. Although various mouthwashes have shown reduction of plaque and gingivitis the search is still on for an ideal mouthwash with minimum side effects and better patient acceptance. ObjectivesTo access the efficacy of all the mouthwashes in the management of gingivitis. MethodsBy purposive sampling, 81 patients of both sexes with gingivitis were randomized by lottery method into 3 groups - A, B and C. Group A received scaling and Triphala mouthwash, Group B received scaling and Curcumin mouthwash and Group C underwent scaling and received Chlorhexidine mouthwash. Oral hygiene was assessed using Plaque, Gingival and Bleeding indices at baseline,7th day and 14th day. The inter-group comparisons were analysed using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons using Tukey's Honest significant difference test (α = 0.05) and the intra-group comparisons for the indices across various time periods within each group were analysed using Repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons post hoc test (α = 0.05). The statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. ResultsThe study has shown that herbal mouthwashes are as effective as chlorhexidine in treating gingivitis although curcumin mouthwash showed a greater potential in reducing gingival inflammation. ConclusionBoth Triphala and Curcumin mouthwashes were proven to be equally effective in reducing plaque, gingival and bleeding scores, although curcumin was better in reducing gingival inflammation. Hence herbal mouthwashes such as Triphala and Curcumin with no side effects can be considered as an alternative mouthwash to chlorhexidine.

Investigation of volatile compounds of Liberica coffee beans fermented at varying degrees of roasting

Liberica coffee (Coffea liberica Bull ex Hiern) has gained worldwide popularity, because it has a unique taste and aroma, and it is able to adapt to peatlands and is more tolerant of disease. Previous studies suggested that fermentation with hydrolytic bacteria could improve flavors, mostly determined by volatile compounds by the roasting process. However, studies about the volatile compounds and their roles in the taste and aroma of this coffee are still limited. This study aimed to investigate volatile compounds from fermented Liberica coffee beans roasted at light roast (150-160°C, 2.2 Mbar, 12 mins); medium roast (175-185°C, 2.2 Mbar, 7.30 mins); and dark roast (200-220°C, 2.2 Mbar, 10 mins). Samples were collected from various fermentation times 0, 4, 8, and 12 hrs and dried. Green beans with a moisture content of 12% were roasted in 3 roast stages. In this work, the extraction of volatile coffee compounds was performed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To determine the significance of fermentation time and degree of coffee roasting in the area, a two-way univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used, followed by a Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test with a statistical significance level of p&lt;0.05. The results showed that a total of 59 of the 130 volatile compounds had a significant difference at different roasting degrees to the area of compounds with a statistical significance level of p&lt;0.05. Those compounds consisted of 5 aldehydes, 18 furans, 4 ketones, 9 phenols, 13 pyrazines, 5 pyridines and 5 pyrroles.

Exploring the Role of EZH2 and BCL2 in Demarcating Oral Verrucous Hyperplasia and Verrucous Carcinoma

Introduction Oral verrucous hyperplasia (OVH) and verrucous carcinoma (OVC) are precursors of oral squamous cell carcinoma exhibiting overlapping histopathological picture which warrants distinction. EZH2 is an epigenetic marker possessing multifaceted function in cellular proliferation, migration, and malignant transformation, whereas BCL2 is an integral part of the antiapoptotic mechanism regulating cellular homeostasis. Aim The aim was to distinguish OVH and OVC by analysis of immunohistochemical expression of EZH2 and BCL2. Material and Methods The study sample consisted of 79 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections of normal oral mucosa (10), OVH (10), oral OVC (27), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (32). Immunohistochemical analysis of EZH2 and BCL2 was done and labeling indices were calculated. Additionally, six histopathological parameters were assessed in OVH and OVC. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal–Wallis test, Tukey honest significant difference test, and Spearman's correlation. Receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted and sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff score of each marker were calculated. Result and Discussion Labeling indices of EZH2 and BCL2 depicted a gradual incline from normal mucosa to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Significant difference of EZH2 and nonsignificant difference in BCL2 expression between OVH and OVC were noted. Out of the six histopathological parameters, keratin plugging, juxtaepithelial lymphocytic response, and frank endophytic growth yielded a significant difference. EZH2 serves as a superior marker than BCL2 to differentiate OVH and OVC. Juxtaepithelial lymphocytic response can also serve as a histopathological parameter in distinguishing OVH and OVC.

Efficacy of Biofungicide with Active Ingredients Trichoderma sp. Against Late Blight Disease (Phytophthora infestans) in Potato Plants

The cultivation of potatoes in Indonesia faces challenges, particularly a decline in production attributed to the devastating impact of late blight caused by the fungus P. infestans. Traditional control methods involve the frequent use of chemical pesticides, which pose environmental and health risks. To address this, the research aimed to assess the efficacy of biofungicide containing Trichoderma sp. as a biological agent in controlling late blight on potatoes. The study, conducted in Sumberbrantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, East Java, and the plant disease laboratory at Brawijaya University from January to April 2023, employed both in vivo and in vitro experiments. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used for in vivo research, while a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed for in vitro studies, each comprising five concentration treatments with five repetitions. Parameters such as disease intensity, efficacy level, potato production, and biofungicide inhibition were observed. Analysis of variance and the Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test were applied to the data and processed using Microsoft Excel. The results indicated that biofungicide with Trichoderma sp. concentrations of 6 ml/l, 4.5 ml/l, 3 ml/l, and 1.5 ml/l effectively reduced the intensity of late blight on potatoes, with efficacy levels exceeding 50%. The highest potato production occurred with a concentration of 6 ml/l, yielding 15.44 tons/ha, followed by 14.67 tons/ha for the 4.5 ml/l concentration. The biofungicide with a concentration of 6 ml/l exhibited the lowest disease intensity at 14.28% and the highest efficacy at 83.08%. Inhibition tests demonstrated that concentrations of 6 ml/l and 4.5 ml were highly effective, inhibiting P. infestans growth by an average of 62.04% and 59.90%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of biofungicide with Trichoderma sp. in managing late blight on potatoes, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

Deep Learning Reconstruction for DWIs by EPI and FASE Sequences for Head and Neck Tumors.

Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) obtained by echo-planar imaging (EPI) are frequently degraded by susceptibility artifacts. It has been suggested that DWI obtained by fast advanced spin-echo (FASE) or reconstructed with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) could be useful for image quality improvements. The purpose of this investigation using in vitro and in vivo studies was to determine the influence of sequence difference and of DLR for DWI on image quality, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) evaluation, and differentiation of malignant from benign head and neck tumors. For the in vitro study, a DWI phantom was scanned by FASE and EPI sequences and reconstructed with and without DLR. Each ADC within the phantom for each DWI was then assessed and correlated for each measured ADC and standard value by Spearman's rank correlation analysis. For the in vivo study, DWIs obtained by EPI and FASE sequences were also obtained for head and neck tumor patients. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and ADC were then determined based on ROI measurements, while SNR of tumors and ADC were compared between all DWI data sets by means of Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. For the in vitro study, all correlations between measured ADC and standard reference were significant and excellent (0.92 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.99, p < 0.0001). For the in vivo study, the SNR of FASE with DLR was significantly higher than that of FASE without DLR (p = 0.02), while ADC values for benign and malignant tumors showed significant differences between each sequence with and without DLR (p < 0.05). In comparison with EPI sequence, FASE sequence and DLR can improve image quality and distortion of DWIs without significantly influencing ADC measurements or differentiation capability of malignant from benign head and neck tumors.

Shifting Patterns and Evolving User Sentiments Regarding Artificial Intelligence in Financial Decision Making

This research studies the impact of user perceptions on trust and acceptance of artificial intelligence in financial decision-making. A structured questionnaire was administered to capture user sentiments regarding challenges and opportunities associated with AI in finance. Statistical techniques that is ANOVA, paired sample t-tests, and the Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test, were performed to explore the data and assess the significant differences in user attitudes. The results supported the alternative hypothesis, revealing that user perceptions significantly impact their trust and acceptance of AI-driven financial solutions. ANOVA analysis demonstrated varying levels of trust and acceptance among different user groups, while paired sample t-tests highlighted significant disparities in concerns about security and privacy, trust in AI, and satisfaction with transparency. Further, key findings suggest that users who perceive more challenges or fewer opportunities tend to have lower trust in AI for financial decisions. Moreover, key differences were found across different demographic groups that highlights the need for customer-focused methods in the development of AI. The implications for financial institutions underscore the importance of addressing user concerns to enhance trust and acceptance of AI-driven solutions. This study contributes to the growing body of research on AI adoption in finance and provides opportunities for future research into longitudinal trends and user-centric AI development strategies. Keywords: artificial intelligence, finance, user perceptions, trust, acceptance, ANOVA, paired sample t-tests, Tukey HSD test, customer-focused methods, AI adoption.

The Metamorphosis of Patient Priorities Throughout the Breast Reconstruction Process.

Breast reconstruction is a lengthy, multistage process guided by patients. It is vital to understand how their goals vary over time to achieve optimal outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate how breast reconstruction patients' priorities changed throughout the reconstructive process. Fifty women who underwent immediate breast reconstruction completed a quality of life survey at their preoperative appointment, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and then again 10 years later. Scores on the survey's subsections corresponded to different patient priorities: survival, restitution, symmetry, and enhancement. The relationship between time and survey-measured patient priorities was analyzed with mixed-effects regression models and Tukey's HSD (honestly significant difference) tests were performed to make pairwise comparisons between time points. Survival scores decreased between 3 and 12 months after surgery (P < .001) before returning to baseline at long-term follow-up. Restitution scores were decreased only at 12 months postoperatively (T3 vs T0, T1, and T2, P < .001; T3 vs T4, P = .003). Symmetry scores increased from preoperatively to 6 months postoperatively (P < .001), and then fell back to baseline by month 12 (P < .001) and remained at that level at long-term follow-up. Enhancement scores increased from preoperatively to 12 months after surgery (P < .001), before returning to baseline at 10-year follow-up (T0 vs T4, P > .99; T3 vs T4, P < .001). Time had an overall significant effect on each subsection score (P < .001), but this relationship was restricted to certain time points. In the year following immediate breast reconstruction, patients' concern over their physical health decreases while they become increasingly focused on enhancing the appearance of their reconstructed breasts. However, by 10 years after surgery, patients' priorities were virtually unchanged from their preoperative desires.

Characterization of Post-harvest Losses along the Supply Chain of Vegetables in Punjab

Background: The loss of vegetables is immense which is accrued to its perishability and sub optimal level of post-harvest management. There is a technological gap in adoption of harvesting and post-harvesting practices by farmers. There is sparse qualitative and quantitative assessment of post-harvest losses of vegetables in Punjab. The objective of the study is to identify the operation and channel where the losses are crossing the threshold, to estimate the extent of losses and characterize them at various post-harvest operations and levels for selected vegetables in Punjab and to analyse the factors responsible for post-harvest losses. Methods: The sample in survey location consisted of all the stakeholders of supply chain network for vegetables in the state of Punjab, India. The stakeholders consisted of farmers, wholesalers and retailers. The study adopted cluster sampling technique. The clusters selected for the study were Nakodar, Malerkotla and Baba Bakala Sahib and the vegetables selected for the study were potato, pea, tomato, okra and cauliflower. Further snowball sampling technique was used to select 80 farmers from each cluster, making up a total sample of 240 farmers and one reference each for wholesaler and retailer was identified in every cluster. Then using snowball technique, 2 wholesalers and 10 retailers were selected from each cluster. Thus, making total sample of 10 wholesalers and 30 retailers were selected for the study. The instrument used for the data collection was a structured interview schedule. The one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference test were employed to understand the significant difference in post-harvest losses between the selected vegetables and along the supply chain. Result: The results revealed that the maximum losses were observed in tomato crop at farm level (17.71%) and retailer level (30.10%) whereas at wholesaler level maximum losses were recorded in pea (8.19%). The extent of losses at farm level has been higher as compared to wholesaler level and it was highest at the retailer level. At farmer’s level it was observed that there have been significantly higher losses in tomato crop (17.7±13.35). At retailer level, significantly higher losses were observed in tomato (30.10±15.80) whereas at wholesaler level, significantly higher losses occurred in pea (12.29±3.15). There was no significant difference in losses between farmer and retailer level. Major cause of loss reported by tomato growers (88.6%) was infestation of fruits with disease and insect. Main reason of post-harvest losses in okra and cauliflower as stated by farmers were bruises/blackening and over maturity. Since the findings reveal that the major losses in the supply chain of vegetables was due to lack adoption of harvest and post-harvest practices at farmer’s level. It is suggested that field level training should be imparted to farmers regarding post-harvest management techniques.

Growth, Yield, and Stem Quality of Tectona grandis Grown with Different Spacings at Longuza Forest Plantation, Tanzania

Spacing is a silvicultural practice that affects the growth of trees in forest plantations. However, the yield depends on growth, which is determined by spacing. In addition, spacing influences the quantity of the final crop available for harvesting, specifically in forest plantations for sawlog production. Spacing is also used as a management practice to control the quality of trees, as dense stands are expected to have trees with good stem quality. However, little has been done to address the effects of spacing on the growth, yield, and stem quality of Tectona grandis until final harvesting age. Teak plantations in Tanzania are grown at a rotation age of 20 years. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of spacing on the growth, yield, and stem quality of 24-year-old T. grandis in a Longuza Forest plantation in Muheza, Tanzania. Data were collected from a spacing trial using a randomized complete block design with three treatments: 2 m × 2 m, 3 × 3 m, and 4 m × 4 m, with three replications. The growth and yield parameters assessed were diameter at breast height (dbh) total tree height, and stem quality. Data were analyzed to obtain the basal area, volume, and mean annual increment. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple comparisons among treatment means were performed using Tukey's honest significant difference test (p-value = 0.05). The results showed that spacing did not significantly affect growth and yield parameters. The stem quality was significantly different in some treatments. The highest dbh and height growth were observed at 4 m× 4 m spacing. The highest values of basal area, volume, and mean annual increment were observed at a 3 m× 3 m spacing. Stem quality differed significantly between the 2 m× 2 m and 4 m× 4 m spacings. Because teak plantations in Tanzania are aimed at sawlog production, it is recommended to continue practising a spacing of 3 m× 3 m, which will ensure a higher mean annual increment with a higher volume at the stand level. In addition, a spacing of 3 m × 3 m ensured a higher percentage of trees with good stem quality.

Potential Antifungal of Merang Padi Extract (Oryza sativa) Against Fungal Growth

&lt;div&gt;&lt;table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"&gt;&lt;tbody&gt;&lt;tr&gt;&lt;td align="left" valign="top"&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Merang padi is a traditional medicine that comes from natural ingredients, namely plants. However, there has not been much research on the activity of rice straw extract (Oryza sativa) being explored and researched. The aim of this research was to determine the yield of extracts and the number of antifungal isolates in inhibiting fungal growth and their potential as antifungals against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus fungi. This research uses experimental research with a quantitative approach carried out through laboratory tests. The design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which was grouped into 6 treatment groups, namely 4 groups of rice straw extract and 2 control groups which were repeated for each treatment 4 times. The treatment group consisted of P1 with rice straw extract with a concentration of 20,000 ppm, P2 with rice straw extract with a concentration of 40,000 ppm, P3 with rice straw extract with a concentration of 60,000 ppm and P4 with rice straw extract with a concentration of 80,000 ppm. Meanwhile, the control group, namely P0 as a negative control, namely NaCl 0.9% and P5 as a positive control, namely Nystatin 100,000 IU. The research sample was rice straw from rice plants that had been identified and then weighed. Data analysis used one way ANOVA SPSS version 20. If there were differences then a further test was carried out, namely the Honest Significant Difference Test (BNJ) to see the differences between each treatment based on the coefficient of diversity (KK) value obtained at the 5% test level. The results of tests that have been carried out show that the n-hexane fraction of rice straw has no antifungal activity, while the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions have antifungal activity. The concentration of ethyl acetate in this study was greater than the other compounds.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;&lt;/tr&gt;&lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords : Candida albicus, merang padi, mushrooms, oryza sativa&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Team Sports and Executive Functions: A Comparative Observational Pilot Study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the executive functional ability among participants regularly practicing and participating in four different sports, including Cricket, Volleyball, Kho-Kho, and Kabaddi, and the active control group.METHODS: This pilot study included 125 university youths aged 19-25 years. Twenty-five participants were selected for each of the four different sports disciplines, including Cricket, Volleyball, Kho-Kho, and Kabaddi, to meet the purpose of the study. Twenty-five active, healthy male participants served as the control group. Moreover, participants in the control group did not regularly engage in organized sports; however, they were all recreationally active and healthy. The Executive Functions (EFs) of all sampled participants were assessed using the Tower of London (TOL) and Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT). Mean, standard deviation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey’s honest significant difference (HSD) post-hoc tests were used for data analysis and interpretation.RESULTS: One-way ANOVA demonstrated significant differences among groups in both tests; thus, the post-hoc Tukey’s HSD test was conducted, which gave pairwise comparisons between and within groups. Pairwise comparison of the TOL test indicated significantly higher EFs in Kabaddi players than those in the Volleyball (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.01), Kho-kho (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05), and the control (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001) groups; however, there was no significant difference between the Kabaddi and Cricket groups. The Cricket group demonstrated higher EFs than the control group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). The pairwise comparison results of the SCWT test indicated significantly higher EFs in Volleyball (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.001) and Khokho (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05) players than those in the control group.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that people involved in regular physical and team sports activities have higher EFs than nontrainer active control individuals.

Effects of Auxin and Gibberellins Hormones on Regeneration of Pineapple Propagules from Crown Leaves (with Buds) in Kilifi County Kenya

Kilifi county has a large potential of over 2,000 Ha suitable for pineapple cultivation that has not been fully exploited due to lack of adequate clean planting material. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of auxin and gibberellin hormones on regeneration of pineapple propagules from pineapple crown leaves (with buds). The study was carried out at Pwani University Crop Science farm. A randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement replicated thrice was used. Treatments included auxin and gibberellins hormones where the cut crown leaves (with buds) were dipped and planted at a spacing of 4 cm by 6 cm in plastic containers filled with coir dust. Five plastic containers were used for each hormone treatment. In each container, three plants were tagged for data collection. The plastic containers (the plots) measured 30cm by 36cm by 15cm height. Data collected from the tagged plants included, time to shoot emergence, plant height, leaf length and breadth, number of leaves per plant, final root length and final number of roots. These were used to determine effects of auxin, gibberellins on growth of the propagules up to a height of 15-20 cm. Obtained data was subjected to ANOVA analysis using Genstat Statistical software 14th Edition and means obtained compared using Tukey’s honest significant difference test (p &lt; 0.05). The results indicated auxin treated propagules had 50.7%, 50.6%, 64.2%, 52.6%, 24.4%, 10.4%, 39.0%, and 9.9% higher final values of plant weight, shoot weight, dry shoot weight, fresh root weight, plant height, leaf number, root number, dry root weight and root length, respectively, compared to those treated with gibberellins. The study also showed that auxin treated propagules had their initial roots originating from the base of the seedlings, while gibberellins treated propagules had their initial roots originating from the base of the cut crown leaves.

Pengaruh berbagai dosis pupuk organik cair urin sapi terhadap pertumbuhan semai durian (Durio zibethinus Murr) di lapangan

Cow urine is an alternative to increase the availability, adequacy, and efficiency of nutrient uptake for plants containing microorganisms so that it can reduce the use of inorganic fertilisers (N, P, and K) and increase plant yields to the maximum. The application of liquid organic fertiliser must pay attention to the concentration or dose applied to the plants. This research aims to determine the effect of various concentrations of liquid organic fertiliser made from cow urine on the growth of durian seedlings. This research was carried out for three months, from February to May 2023, at the Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry, Tadulako University. This research used a completely randomised design (CRD) method consisting of five treatments. M0 = control, M1 = (150 ml POC: 850 ml water), M2 = (200 ml POC: 800 ml water), M3 = (250 ml POC: 750 ml water), and M4 = (300 ml POC: 700 ml water). The five treatments were repeated six times, so the total experimental units were 30. The parameters observed in this research were the increase in seedling height, the increase in the number of seedling leaves, and the increase in seedling diameter. Research data was analysed using analysis of variance. Further tests were carried out using the Honestly Significant Difference (BNJ) test at the 5% level. The results of the variance analysis showed that the application of various concentrations of liquid organic fertiliser made from cow urine had a significant effect on the increase in height, the number of leaves, and the diameter of durian seedlings. Based on the results of the BNJ test at the 5% level, it shows that the average increase in seedling height, number of leaves, and diameter of durian seedlings in the M4 treatment was significantly different from the M3, M2, M1, and M0 treatments. The average increase in height of durian seedlings is M4 = 5 cm, M3 = 4.66 cm, M2 = 4 cm, M1 = 2.91 cm, and M0 = 2.08. Average increase in number of leaves: M4 = 4 pieces, M3 = 3.33 pieces, M2 = 2.66 pieces, M1 = 2.16 cm, and M0 = 1.83. Average increase in diameter: M4 = 1.21, M3 = 1.03, M2 = 0.73, M1 = 0.45, and M0 = 0.28.

Effects of stimulating single acupoint and combination acupoints on diabetic gastroparesis: A randomised controlled trial study

Background and aimThe most effective among the acupoints remains to be determined for treating diabetic gastroparesis (DGP). This study aimed to compare single and combination acupoints for their effectiveness in DGP. Experimental procedureA prospective, patient-assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial was designed to compare the efficacy of 8-week acupuncture at a single acupoint (Zhongwan, CV-12), combination acupoints (Zhongwan, CV-12 and Zusanli, ST-36), and a sham-acupoint, in 99 adults with DGP. The primary clinical outcome was measured using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI), while barium meal examination, fasting plasma glucose, the 2-h plasma glucose, short-form health survey (SF-36), and GCSI subscales were performed for evaluating secondary clinical outcomes. These results were analysed by two factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Chi-Square, Fisher Exact, Kruskal–Wallis tests and Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test. ResultsAfter randomization, 97 patients completed the study. GCSI scores of all groups decreased during both post-treatment and the follow-up period, they were statistically significant compared to the baseline period (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference among the groups (p > 0.05) during the post-treatment period. GCSI scores improved more in the combination acupoints group than in the single acupoint group which was better than the sham group after treatment. During the follow-up period, the same trend was observed. ConclusionsAmong patients with DGP, the combination acupoints were more beneficial compared with single and sham acupoints. Trial registration numberNCT02452489.

Surface strain at the cervical area and fracture strength of flared root canals reinforced using a zirconia tube and glass-fiber post

Background/purposeRecently, an effective core build-up system for teeth with flared root canals is needed. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of foundation restorations using a composite resin core with a fiber post reinforced with a zirconia tube for the surface strain at the cervical area and the fracture load of teeth with flared root canals. Materials and methodsBovine teeth were shaped to mimic human premolars with flared root canals and restored using three types of composite resin foundation restorations with each materials described below: a fiber post (FC), a zirconia tube (ZC), a fiber post and zirconia tube (ZFC). Each specimen was restored with a zirconia crown. The surface strains of the specimens at the cervical area and fracture loads were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's honest significant difference test. ResultsThe surface strains of Groups ZFC and ZC were significantly lower than that of Group FC in the buccal root. The fracture strengths of Groups ZFC and ZC were significantly higher than that of Group FC. The strength of Group ZFC was significantly higher than that of Group ZC. ConclusionThe use of a composite resin core with a zirconia tube for the simulated premolar with flared root canals reduced surface strain at the cervical area and provided higher fracture strength compared to using a composite resin core with a fiber post. And the zirconia tubes provided even higher fracture strength when used with a fiber post.