Hybrid Programming Research Articles

Morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analyses of Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)

The genetic diversity among the genotypes were useful resources that enabled breeders to comprehend the performance of attributes or genotypes. This understanding is crucial in selecting appropriate genotypes or traits for hybridization programmes. A total of 15 sweet corn genotypes were utilized to assess the characteristics of genetic diversity, correlation, path coefficient and genetic divergence study. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits examined, suggesting certain degree of interaction with the environment. The heritability estimates for all variables examined in this study were found to be high. The genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) identified a significant difference between high and low values. The traits ear weight with husk, ear weight without husk, husk ratio, chlorophyll content, ear length, ear girth, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100 kernel weight, shelling percentage, cob yield per plot and fodder yield per plot exhibited high heritability and high GAM. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive association for the aforementioned attributes. Additionally, the path coefficient analysis for these traits indicated a favourable direct influence. A total of 15 genotypes were categorized into seven clusters based on their genetic distance. The features that made the biggest contribution to divergence were fodder yield per plot (21%) and shelling percentage (21%), followed by ear weight (14%) and cob yield per plot (10%). The results of this study would be valuable for identifying the desirable characteristics and genetic makeup that can be used in future breeding programmes aimed at enhancing the production of corn cobs in sweet corn.

GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS IN SOME LOW LAND RICE LANDRACES USING AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS

Forty four landraces of lowland rice were assessed for genetic diversity using D2 statistics based on various grain yielding parameters. Significant variability was found among the traits studied. Eight diverse clusters were made to set them into groups. The pattern of distribution of genotypes from different eco geographic regions into various clusters was at random indicating that geographical diversity and genetic diversity were not related. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and IV (1033.15), followed by clusters II and VIII (935.07). Maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster IV (731.01). Divergence analysis revealed significant variation among the parental lines for all the agro-morphological traits. Cluster analysis showed that superior cultivars like ‘Kanakchur’ from cluster IV; cv. ‘FR13A’, ‘Jaladhi2’, ‘Matla’ and ‘Purni’ from cluster III; cv. ‘Latisail’, ‘Pimpu Dibasa’, ‘Jeeringa Samba’ and ‘Shib Chato’ from cluster II; and cv. ‘ARC11210’, ‘Kumar Gore’, ‘NC678’, ‘Sada Mota’ and ‘Kantaranga’ from cluster VI may be taken in hybridization program, based on the genetic distance, relative contribution of characters towards total divergence and yield potential of genotypes. The characters viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle weight and number of grains panicle-1contributed maximum towards the divergence among genotypes taken for this study. So, allelic diversity among the genotypes and the concerned traits taken for this experiment should be taken into consideration while framing a rice breeding programme.

Evaluation of a foreign languages school hybrid program in Turkey through Stake’s Responsive Evaluation Model

Evaluation of a foreign languages school hybrid program in Turkey through Stake’s Responsive Evaluation Model

Digital and Hybrid Pediatric and Youth Mental Health Program Implementation Challenges During the Pandemic: Literature Review With a Knowledge Translation and Theoretical Lens Analysis.

The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for child and youth mental health. There was a rise in depression, anxiety, and symptoms of suicidal ideation. The aims of this knowledge synthesis were to gain a deeper understanding of what types of mental health knowledge translation (KT) programs, mental health first aid training, and positive psychology interventions were developed and evaluated for youth mental health. We undertook a literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE for relevant studies on youth mental health including digital and hybrid programs undertaken during the pandemic (2020-2022). A total of 60 studies were included in this review. A few KT programs were identified that engaged with a wide range of stakeholders during the pandemic, and a few were informed by KT theories. Key challenges during the implementation of mental health programs for youth included lack of access to technology and privacy concerns. Hybrid web-based and face-to-face KT and mental health care were recommended. Providers required adequate training in using telehealth and space. There is an opportunity to reduce the barriers to implementing tele-mental health in youth by providing adequate technological access, Wi-Fi and stationary internet connectivity, and privacy protection. Staff gained new knowledge and training from the pandemic experience of using telehealth, which will serve as a useful foundation for the future. Future research should aim to maximize the benefits of hybrid models of tele-mental health and face-to-face sessions while working on minimizing the potential barriers that were identified. In addition, future programs could consider combining mental health first aid training with hybrid digital and face-to-face mental health program delivery along with mindfulness and resilience building in a unified model of care, knowledge dissemination, and implementation.

MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL DISSECTION OF HEAT TOLERANCE IN CERTAIN POOL OF SOYBEAN GENOTYPES

Under the scenario of climate change, crop diversification through the incorporation of non-conventional oilseed crops like soybean in the cropping pattern is a need of the time. However, being native to regions having mild temperatures, soybean faces difficulty in adaptation in areas of lower latitude with high temperatures and short day lengths during growing periods. This situation directs the researchers to determine the tolerance of soybean genotypes against high temperatures and to establish a selection criterion for the identification of adaptable traits. For this purpose, a study was conducted at Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad. Forty soybean genotypes including approved varieties were screened for tolerance against high temperatures in the growth chamber and glass house. At the seedling stage, genotypes were categorized into tolerant, moderately tolerant, and susceptible categories based on their STI values in the growth chamber and values of certain morpho-physiological parameters in a glass house. Considering the seed yield an ultimate goal in the adaptation process, its study is crucial in field conditions. Tolerant and moderately tolerant genotypes from previous experiments were sown in the field. Data of yield and contributing traits were recorded at maturity and subjected to analysis. Results showed great variability among genotypes for all the traits. AARI Soybean gave the best yield followed by Faisal Soybean, ORI-SOY-91, and ORI-SOY-102. All of these genotypes/varieties also performed well in terms of electrolyte leakage and leaf-relative water content. To conclude, these varieties would show better adaptation in high-temperature areas. Moreover, both the varieties along with 2 best-performing genotypes may prove to be better parents in future hybridization programs.

Designing a Hybrid Program to Utilize Tacit Knowledge

This design case focused on the design of an intervention set aimed at capturing and sharing tacit knowledge in the workplace. The design case demonstrated the design process of expanding a single chatbot intervention into a comprehensive hybrid intervention set to cooperate with learners of different technology competencies and learning needs. This design case also details insights gained by the design team on how to utilize shared design knowledge through different design disciplines to resolve a design problem, and how to make revisions to improve the design.

Bridging the Gap: Challenges and Solutions in Online Nephrology Education

The outbreak of COVID-19 has created an unprecedented situation that has accelerated online education in areas like nephrology, which are traditionally served by onsite training. Efforts to educate clinicians remotely provide convenience and flexibility but may leave many open questions when it comes to how well-trained professionals maybe after completing their programs online. This review paper has emphasized the deleterious effects of online nephrology education and identified a number of ways in which it can be problematic such as lack of hands-on training, less patient interface, lack of proper supervision, and inconsistent quality of programs. The ability to make a difference, however, is further restricted by technological barriers and resource constraints. Whilst these programs tend to focus on creating knowledgeable graduates, they often fail to provide the clinical exposure necessary for preparedness. Hybrid programs - which combine online courses with clinical training in person are required to deliver high-quality nephrology care.

The Role of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Cognitive Pain Therapy: A Narrative Review.

This review investigates the roles of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) in enhancing cognitive pain therapy for chronic pain management. The work assesses current research, outlines benefits and limitations and examines their potential integration into existing pain management methods. Advances in VR have shown promise in chronic pain management through immersive cognitive therapy exercises, with evidence supporting VR's effectiveness in symptom reduction. AI's personalization of treatment plans and its support for mental health through AI-driven avatars are emerging trends. The integration of AI in hybrid programs indicates a future with real-time adaptive technology tailored to individual needs in chronic pain management. Incorporating AI and VR into chronic pain cognitive therapy represents a promising approach to enhance management by leveraging VR's immersive experiences and AI's personalized tactics, aiming to improve patient engagement and outcomes. Nonetheless, further empirical studies are needed to standardized methodologies, compare these technologies to traditional therapies and fully realize their clinical potential.

Planning With a Basic Income

Problem, research strategy, and findings The rapid growth of basic income programs in U.S. cities raises questions about the contributions of no-strings-attached cash payments to common equity planning goals. Drawing on a database of more than 100 basic income trials and interviews with 75 program designers and administrators, we evaluated basic income’s potential uses in planning. First, we analyzed evaluations of completed basic income trials, linking the policy’s effects to common equity planning goals. Second, we identified pathways from basic income trials to permanent policy and program reform. We found that large-scale, public basic income trials are likely to lead to reform in state-level social policy and that private and hybrid programs have multiple pathways for renewal, expansion, and replication. Takeaways for practice Planners can maximize the contributions of basic income programs to equity planning goals by distinguishing among the different capacities and scale-up options for public, private and hybrid programs. Practitioners focused on policy change and securing additional state resources for low-income households should prioritize publicly financed basic income trials and seek to translate basic income demonstrations into state-level policy change. Practitioners focused on “wicked” problems within narrowly defined subcommunities should focus on hybrid and private programs, which expand the capacities of community organizations and secure funding renewal from foundations. Important though these distinctions between programs are, all types of basic income programs contribute directly household resources, stability and capabilities, and all three types have led to either expanded basic income programs or the addition of no-strings-attached cash to other programs.

DUS Characterization of Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgare L.) Genotypes for Morpho-physiological Traits under Rainfed Conditions

Background: The current investigation was carried out in the year 2021-22 at Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Budgam. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications in field and completely randomized design (CRD) in vitro conditions for evaluating different traits of genotypes. DUS characterization was conducted as per the DUS testing guidelines by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Act, Authority, Descriptors for rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) GOI, New Delhi [reproduced from Plant Variety Journal of India. Vol.1 (1), 2007]. Methods: The observations were recorded on 18 DUS characters including morphological and quality attributes and physiological characters. For all the features studied, the analysis of variance for morpho-physiological and qualitative attributes found significant differences, providing adequate chance to select the genotypes with desired qualities. DUS traits were examined in accordance with the descriptor, “state” and “code” provided for each character. Result: The observed range of variation were recorded for different traits for different genotypes. Cluster analysis for morphological, maturity, yield and quality characteristics arranged the rajmash genotypes into 11 clusters, as per Mahalanobis D2 analysis using Tocher’s method with cluster III having the maximum number of genotypes (8), followed by cluster I, II, IV and V with 6 genotypes, 2 genotypes were grouped in cluster VII and XI and the remaining clusters with 1 genotype each. Diversity analysis showed grouping of genotypes in 11 clusters, which will help in selection of genetically divergent parents for exploitation in hybridization programme and would constitute an essential gene pool for future breeding programme.

A method for screening salt stress tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) (L.) Czern & Coss at seedling stage

Fifty-nine diverse Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) genotypes were used to find an effective screening method to identify salt tolerance at the germination and seedling stages. Salinity stress limits crop productivity and is difficult to simulate on farms, hindering parental selection for hybridization programmes and the development of tolerant cultivars. To estimate an optimum salt concentration for screening, seeds of 15 genotypes were selected randomly and grown in vitro at 0 mM/L, 75 mM/L, 150 mM/L, 225 mM/L, and 300 mM/L concentrations of NaCl in 2 replications in a complete randomized design. Various morphological parameters, viz., length of seedling, root and shoot length, fresh weight, and dry weight, were observed to determine a single concentration using the Salt Injury Index. Then, this optimum concentration (225 mM/L) was used to assess the salt tolerance of all the 59 genotypes in 4 replications while observing the same morphological parameters. With the help of Mean Membership Function Value evaluation criteria, the genotypes were categorized into 5 grades: 4 highly salt-tolerant (HST), 6 salt-tolerant (ST), 19 moderately salt-tolerant (MST), 21 salt-sensitive (SS), and 9 highly salt-sensitive (HSS). Seedling fresh weight (SFW) at 225 mM/L was found to be an ideal trait, which demonstrates the extent to which B. juncea genotypes respond to saline conditions. This is the first report that establishes a highly efficient and reliable method for evaluating the salinity tolerance of Indian mustard at the seedling stage and will facilitate breeders in the development of salt-tolerant cultivars.

Broadening the genetic base of the diploids with biotic resistance to accelerate banana (Musa acuminata L.) breeding

Success of banana (Musa acuminata L.) breeding mainly depends on the male diploid parents used in the hybridization program. Developing intermediate diploid breeding lines with fertile pollen production ability, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and fruit quality through the diploid x diploid strategy is the key step in improving commercial cultivars. Till now, at the global level only a limited number of diploid accessions is being used in banana breeding programs. In the present study, through the diploid x diploid breeding strategy, the genetic diversity of diploids has been broadened by developing nine polleniferous biotic-stress-resistant diploid lines. Among these, except for two progenies (P), all were resistant to the eumusae leaf spot disease. A single progeny (P 134) showed resistance to root-lesion and root-knot nematodes, whereas P 148 showed moderate resistance to root-knot nematodes alone. Three progenies of cv. Rose x Pisang Lilin (P 427, P 428 and P 429) were moderately resistant to banana stem weevil. Irrespective of cross combinations, barring two, all other progenies exhibited resistant reactions to fusarium wilt, Foc race 1 under both hot spot and pot culture screening. Among the nine diploid progenies, P 427, P 428 and P 429 were the best prospects to contribute multiple resistance against pests (banana stem weevil) and diseases (eumusae leaf spot and Foc race 1), whereas P 134 could be used as the resistant source for root-knot nematodes. The pyramiding of resistant/defense-related alleles in the progenies has been confirmed through SSR markers associated with Foc resistance. These polleniferous resistant improved diploid progenies are the potential source for accelerating the banana breeding program for improving biotic resistances in the triploid commercial cultivars through reconstructive breeding and/or for stacking the resistant genes in other genetic backgrounds.

Discerning ideal blackgram (Vigna mungo) genotypes using multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index

Meticulous identification of ideal parental types with most of the improved traits is essential to develop superior varieties. The recently developed genotype-ideotype distance based selection index furnished an improved way in selection of ideal genotypes in plant breeding. The present experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2021 and 2022 at research farm of Agricultural College (Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University), Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh to identify potential blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] genotypes with majority of the improved traits. A total of 127 blackgram genotypes were analyzed by using Multi-trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) to select superior genotypes with improved traits. MGIDI provided selection differential and selection gain for all the traits with desired values. After varimax rotation, 10 traits were grouped under 4 factors, which cumulatively explained about 76.4% of total variance with eigen value more than 1. Out of 127 studied blackgram genotypes, MGID index identified 6 superior genotypes (GAVT 12, GAVT 7, TBG 106, VBG 13-003, GBG 12 and MBG 1046) at 5% selection intensity. Per cent contribution of factors towards the MGIDI values indicated that, the factor 3 which includes days to maturity, plant height and pod length contributed least and factor 1 which includes grain yield/plant, clusters/plant, pods/plant and seeds/pod contributed most. These selected genotypes with superior per se performance for multiple traits based on the MGIDI can be used as genitors in any hybridization programme to develop superior varieties in turn improving the blackgram productivity.

Phenotypic Assessment and Cluster Analysis for Economic Traits in Advanced Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Breeding Lines

Diversity for economic traits like yield is crucial in rice breeding programmes. In this context, the experiment aimed to identify genetically divergent rice genotypes for hybridization programs, analysing eleven yield and yield-related traits across 35 advanced breeding lines and four check varieties. Employing Mahalanobis’ D2 analysis, the study identified six clusters indicating significant genetic diversity, with the widest divergence observed between clusters VI and IV (203.42) and the closest proximity between clusters III and I (69.25). Traits such as the grain number per panicle and L/B ratio significantly contributed to genetic divergence. Notably, certain breeding line combinations, including KMLT-4 × KPR-2-4-3-1-1, JGL-1798 × KPR-2-7-2-3-4, KMLT-4 × KPR-2-1-7-1-2, KMLT-4 × KPR-2-2-3-1-2-4, and KMLT-4 × KPR-2-2-2-8-2-1-1-2-3, exhibited superior mean yield performance compared to the check varieties under lowland conditions. These promising genotypes offer potential as parental candidates for future hybridization endeavours, aiming to build elite rice cultivars with broader genetic bases, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience.

Estimating yield stability and predicting the response of sesame genotypes to climate change using the SALTMED model

AbstractClimate change (CC) could lead to many crises. Therefore, increasing the number of cultivated varieties represents a low‐cost factor in confronting this problem. The effect of the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on yield stability was estimated for 28 new sesame lines in the Beni Suwef, El‐Beheira and El‐Menoufia governorates in Egypt across 15 environments from 2019 to 2022 using AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model was used to predict the yield of sesame plants under five increasing air temperature scenarios (CC factor) to obtain future projections of sesame yield to determine the lines that are most genetically stable and facing CC. Variance analysis revealed significant differences in yield between the G and E groups and between the G × E interaction group. Fifteen genotypes yielded better control, and C6.4, C5.8 and C9.6 were selected as genetically stable according to AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model predicted that the yields of lines C3.8 and C6.2 were not affected under the high‐temperature scenarios across the three governorates, moreover lines C1.8, C2.3, and, C6.12 productions were not affected under Beni Suwef and El‐Beheira governorates. of lines C1.8, C2.3 and C6.12 were also not affected by the Beni Suwef or El‐Beheira governorates. It is now possible to establish a hybridization programme in sesame that combines parents with high productivity and high resilience to CC.

Exploring the Genetic Diversity and Agronomic Performance of Okra Varieties Using Variance Analysis

The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Genetics and Plant Breeding Department of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka Bangladesh during March 2017 to July 2017. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. Twenty eight genotypes of okra were used in this study which was collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur and local market. The extent of diversity present between genotypes determines the extent of improvement gained through selection and hybridization. The more divergent the two genotypes are the more will be the probability of improving through selection and hybridization. Mean square of most of the characters studied revealed that genotypes showed highly significant (P< 0.01) differences for all the traits studied. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for primary branches (43.91 and 33.64) and fruit yield per plant (37.51 and 32.48). So, divergent genotypes are recommended to use as parents in future hybridization program.

Pursuing Success in a Hybrid PhD Nursing Program.

Little is known about hybrid PhD nursing students' experiences. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the experiences of PhD nursing students in a hybrid program using a convergent mixed methods design. Recent nursing PhD alumni (n = 18), and current PhD students (n = 4) were recruited at a research-intensive university in the southwestern United States. Four metainferences were identified: (1) the facilitator of faculty as both advisors and mentors; (2) the facilitator of peers as support, motivation, and a source of advice that preceded advisors; (3) the barrier of receiving conflicting feedback from advisory and dissertation committees; and (4) the barrier of not understanding the PhD student process. Peer support is fundamental for hybrid PhD nursing student success; conflicting feedback and not understanding the process are significant barriers. Strategies are recommended to mitigate barriers to facilitate hybrid PhD nursing students' success. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(5):328-331.].

Genetic diversity analysis and molecular characterization of tropical rose (Rosa spp.) varieties

Characterization of rose varieties becomes essential for understanding, utilizing, and preserving the diversity among them, for their genetic improvement, cultivation, and conservation. With this purpose, 19 tropical rose varieties were evaluated via quantitative morphological and molecular markers. A significant degree of variation was observed across nearly all descriptors, suggesting a notable level of genetic diversity among the released rose varieties. Traits like flower diameter, flower yield/plot, and shelf life, considered to be of vital importance given the aesthetic value of rose, exhibited remarkable differences that would further aid in the selection of desirable varieties. The maximum flower diameter, flower yield/plot, and shelf life were recorded in Yellow Page, Lambada, and Delhi Princess, respectively. The varieties were evaluated by correlation matrix, hierarchical agglomerative clustering method-based dendrogram, network plot on phenotypic correlation, colour intensity graph including Red-Green-Blue (RGB) scattered plot. In the correlation matrix, it was found that more number of primary shoot contributes to higher flower yield, while increase in leaf area degraded the shelf life of the flower. Realizing the importance of molecular characterization, 10 selected polymorphic inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism primers were tested that amplified total 187 polymorphic loci with 94.4 % polymorphism. Cent percent polymorphism were found with SCoT-2, SCoT-18, SCoT-19, HB-12 and ISSCR3 primers. A principal component analysis based on molecular diversity highlighted that First Red, Local Selection 2, and Himroz exhibited distinct characteristics compared to the other varieties. The 19 varieties were grouped into 8 clusters viaunweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean-based dendrogram at 0.4 similarity co-efficient. The analysis revealed a significant genetic distance between Himroz, First Red, and Grand Gala, suggesting their potential to be utilized in hybridization programs for crop improvement. The distinguishable genetic background and high degree of variation revealed by molecular markers, specifically ISSR and SCoT, offer valuable insights that can contribute to the strategic improvement of roses. These findings provide a foundation for expediting rose breeding programs and comprehensive crop improvement strategies.

Selection Index in Rainfed Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the period from May, 2014 to July, 2016. Twenty diverse rice genotypes were screened for drought tolerance. Screening was carried out in the target environment i. e. upland virippu. Morphological characters of the genotypes were studied. A selection index was developed for identifying the best six parents combining yield and drought tolerance. Twenty upland rice genotypes were assessed for study of genetic variability and construction of selection indices for enhancing selection efficiency. The indices were worked out on the basis of yield and eight component characters viz., panicle length, number of spikelets panicle-1, number of filled grains panicle-1, grain weight panicle-1, 1000 grain weight, straw yield plant-1, harvest index and biological yield plant-1 having high significant genotypic correlation with grain yield. Among the twenty genotypes Vaishak ranked first with the highest index value followed by Thottacheera, Kalladiaryan, Vyttila 6, Harsha and Swarnaprabha. The varieties with least index value were Uma, Aathira and Kanchana. The highest index value showing first six parents were considered for hybridization program for the development of drought tolerant variety.

Living on the Coach-Consultant Hyphen: Reflections on a Hybrid Program for Women Entrepreneurs

The term living on a hyphen denotes a hybrid identity that seeks to integrate two distinct roles, knowledge sets, and value systems. We share practitioner experience of an attempt to live on the coaching-consultant hyphen in a program for women entrepreneurs. The program was designed for intentional shifts between coaching and consulting and for these helping modes to remain clear and distinct across the 6-month engagement. This kind of practice contrasts with much professional guidance, especially on the coaching side, which maintains the importance of staying in the coaching lane. We explain our reasons for the hybrid approach in relation to this client group. This hybrid practice was more involving and demanding than single-mode work, requiring the development of more complex and authentic relationships with clients. We share our learning and call for research to clarify the conditions and capacities necessary to work effectively on the coaching-consulting hyphen.