Treatment Interaction Effects Research Articles

Utility of a controlled amphetamine withdrawal paradigm among adults who use methamphetamine: A pilot clinical trial.

The continued increase in prevalence of methamphetamine use in the United States has resulted in a significant increase in the number of patients entering treatment for methamphetamine use. However, no robustly efficacious pharmacologic treatment for methamphetamine use or withdrawal has been identified to date after stopping methamphetamine use. Given the association between methamphetamine withdrawal and relapse during early treatment, this study tested a controlled d-amphetamine withdrawal paradigm among methamphetamine-using individuals. Treatment-seeking adults who used methamphetamine (N = 34; 47% female; 100% white) were enrolled in a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in a residential setting, in which all participants were maintained on d-amphetamine (30 mg BID) during week 1, then half were switched to placebo during weeks 2-3. All participants received placebo during week 4. Outcomes included vital signs, withdrawal, cravings for methamphetamine, mood, and cognition. Bivariate analyses tested treatment group differences on baseline demographic and outcome variables. Repeated measures models examined main and interaction effects of treatment over time. Participants were successfully randomized and safely stabilized on d-amphetamine. Craving for methamphetamine increased during weeks 2-3 in the placebo group relative to those on d-amphetamine. Interactions with age and heart rate were noted. To our knowledge, this is the first double-blind, placebo-controlled trial measuring pharmacologic effects of abruptly stopping controlled d-amphetamine administration in adults who use methamphetamine. Results support the potential of this withdrawal paradigm to further examine the efficacy of pharmacologic agents in ameliorating methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms.

Gender difference in students’ performance in chemistry – can computer simulation bridge the gap?

ABSTRACT Background Science educators around the world have recognised that difference in performance exists between male and female students in chemistry and there have been several efforts and interventions through research and workshops to bridge this gap. Purpose Owing to the current growth of the effects of the use of computer simulations on students’ performance in science in the literature, this study investigated if the use of computer simulation as an intervention would enhance the performance of female students relative to males in senior school chemistry in Ado-Odo-Ota, Nigeria. Sample A total of 83 chemistry students in senior secondary year two (SS2) comprising 51 females and 32 males participated in the study. The average age of the students was 14 years. Design and method The research design was quasi-experimental (a pre-test post-test non-equivalent group) design. The instrument used to gather data was the electrolysis and electroplating achievement test (EEPAT) which had a reliability coefficient of 0.76. The experimental group was taught with the aid of computer simulation while the control group was taught with the traditional lecture method. The data (pre-test and post-test scores) collected were analysed using ancova since the participants were not randomly assigned to the groups. Results The study found no statistically significant difference between the performance of the male and female students [F(1,41) = .04; p > .05]. While there was a statistically significant main effect of treatment on the students’ performance, the interaction effect of gender and treatment did not attain statistical significance. Conclusions Hence, the study concluded that the use of computer simulation can help bridge the gap between male and female students’ performance in chemistry and overall, boost the performance of the students. Recommendations which concern the government, school owners and chemistry teachers for the implementation of the findings of this study and further research were made.

Evaluation of Bio-Pesticides against the South American Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in India

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most economically important pests of tomato worldwide. Despite its global importance, the management of this oligophagous pest has still been a challenging task, due to its high capability to develop resistance against synthetic insecticides. Given the limited studies on the effectiveness of different bio-pesticides in India, the objective of this research was to determine the pathogenicity of different commercial formulations of Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, and neem (Azadirachtin), against T. absoluta, under laboratory and field conditions. For the Bacillus thuringiensis formulations, Green Larvicide® and Delfin® recorded an LC50 of 4.10 × 10⁹ CFU/mL and 8.06 × 106 spores/mg, respectively, while for the B. bassiana formulations, Green Beauveria® and BB Power® were 4.473 × 107 spores/mL and 1.367 × 107 CFU/g, respectively. Furthermore, the results showed high susceptibility to both the commercial neem formulations with Ecotin®, recording an LC50 of 91.866 ppm, and Econeem Plus® recording 212.676 ppm. The results from the field conditions at different locations of Andhra Pradesh, India, showed significant differences (p < 0.001) for leaf and fruit infestation among the interaction effect of treatments and locations. Bio-pesticides, especially neem and B. thuringiensis formulations, reduced T. absoluta infestation similarly to the chemical treatment, without affecting the yield. Therefore, bio-pesticides can be considered as safe alternatives to synthetic pesticides, for the management of T. absoluta.

EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUALIZED COMPUTER-BASED INSTRUCTION ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN BUSINESS STUDIES

The study investigated the effect of individualized computer based instruction on junior secondary school students’ academic achievement in Business Studies. The study adopted a pre-test posttest control quasi-experimental design. Eighty (80) students purposively selected in public schools in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria participated in the study. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The Business Studies Achievement Test (BSAT) r = 0.88 was the major instrument used for data collection. The data from the study were analysed using analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA) and Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA). There was a significant main effect of treatment on students’ achievement in Business Studies (F(1,75) = 347.617, P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no two-way significant interaction effect of treatment and gender (F(1,75) = .956, P > 0.05) on students achievement in Business Studies. It is recommended among others, that computer based instructional strategy should be incorporated into the teaching and learning of Business Studies with a view to enhancing students’ academic performance in the subject at the junior secondary level of education in Nigeria.

Enterocin Ent7420 and sage application as feed additives for broiler rabbits to improve meat carcass parameters and amino acid profile

The effect of enterocin (Ent)7420 and sage on rabbit meat carcass quality and amino acid (AA) conetnt was evaluated. Ninty-six Hyla male rabbits (35 days aged) were divided into experimental: E (Ent7420), S (sage), E + S (Ent7420 + sage) and control (C) groups. The additives were administrated in drinking water during 21 days. Time and time and treatment interaction effect were noted on carcass traits. The highest protein level was noted in rabbits LTL receiving Ent7420 in combination with sage. Essential (EAA) and non-essential amino acid (NEAA) levels increased in all experimental groups, with the highest EAAs in group E + S (E + S vs. E, S: P < 0.01; E + S, E, S vs. C: P < 0.001) and NEAAs in group E (E vs. S, E + S, C: P < 0.001). The dietary inclusion of Ent7420 alone and in combination with sage can improve the rabbit meat quality due to its higher protein, EAAs and NEAAs profile.

Effect of Ethephon and Packaging Practices On Ripening of Mango cv. Maldah

The present research was conducted on two factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight treatments and three replications. A set of experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of postharvest ethephon treatment and packaging on ripening of mango cv. Maldah. The treatments consisted of ripening agent i.e., ethephon and control treatment under different packaging condition i.e., fiber with hole, fiber without hole, plastic with hole and plastic without hole. The result revealed that different packaging condition and ripening agents influenced the ripening behavior of mango. The highest TSS (15.26), sugar-acid ratio (23.66) and juice content (126.05) were recorded with fiber (without hole) and the lowest TSS (12.60), sugar-acid ratio (9.01) and juice content (116.05) with plastic (without hole). The highest TA (1.44) was recorded with plastic (without hole) and the lowest (0.66) with fiber (without hole). Similarly, the highest BT (2.83) was recorded with fiber (with hole) and the lowest (1.66) with plastic (without hole). Firmness, sweetness, TSS and juice content were the highest with the interaction effect of fiber bag (without hole) and ethephon treatment. In conclusion, mango fruits with ethephon treatment packed in fiber bag (without hole) enhances quality and ripening of mango whereas under controlled condition and without hole plastic packaging mangoes had low quality performance in terms of physio-chemical properties. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 155-163 (2021)

Effects of shading and fertilizer treatments on the growth characteristics of Chamaecyparis obtusa (S. et Z.) Endlicher seedlings

Chamaecyparis obtusa is increasing the main reforestation species in the warmer southern part of the Republic of Korea because of its resistance to climate warming and economic value for timber. In this study, we investigated the growth response of Chamaecyparis obtusa 2-0 container seedlings to combined artificial shading (full sunlight, 35%, 55%, and 75%) and fertilization (no fertilization, 0.5 g/L, 1.0 g/L 1.5 g/L, 2.0 g/L, 3.0 g/L) treatments. Seedlings treated with 1.0 g/L fertilization and in full sunlight condition showed the highest height growth while seedlings treated with 0.5 g/L fertilization and in full sunlight condition showed the highest growth of root collar diameter. Seedlings treated with 1.0 g/L fertilization and in full sunlight condition showed the highest total dry weight while those treated with 0.5 g/L, 1.0 g/L and 1.5 g/L fertilization and in full sunlight condition and 0.5 g/L fertilization in 35% artificial shading showed the highest Height/Root collar diameter ratio. In addition, seedlings treated with 1.0 g/L fertilization and in full sunlight condition showed the highest seedling quality index. In general, the fertilization treatment effects on seedling growth characteristics were appreciably significantly different across the shading treatment conditions. The magnitude of the differences in the interaction effect of the fertilization treatments is higher in lower than in higher shading treatment conditions. The results suggest that 1.0 g/L seedling fertilization growing in full sunlight condition is the most appropriate nursery treatment level for producing superior quality Chamaecyparis obtusa 2-0 container seedlings. The suggested optimum artificial shading and fertilizer treatments level can be used as preliminary data for producing superior seedlings Chamaecyparis obtusa 2-0 container seedlings capable of achieving sustained reforestation and landscape restoration success in the southern part of the Republic of Korea and similar locations with warming climatic and conditions.

Biopriming with Seaweed Extract and Microbial-Based Commercial Biostimulants Influences Seed Germination of Five Abelmoschus esculentus Genotypes.

Seed germination is a crucial step in plant propagation, as it controls seedling production, stand establishment and ultimately crop yield. Approaches that can promote seed germination of valuable crops remain of great interest globally. The current study evaluated the effect of biostimulant (Kelpak® and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria—PGPR) biopriming on the seed germination of five (VI037996, VI046567, VI055421, VI050956, and VI033796) Abelmoschus esculentus genotypes. The germination responses of the bio-primed seeds were measured using six parameters, including final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), and time spread of germination (TSG). Biostimulant application significantly affected MGT (1.1–2.2 days), CVG (1.4–5.9), and TSG (1.2–3.0 days). Genotype also significantly influenced the TSG (1–3 days). Significant interaction effect of biostimulant treatment and genotype was evident on the FGP, GI, and GRI of the germinated seeds. The most noteworthy effect was demonstrated by Kelpak® (1:100) applied to genotype VI037996, with significantly improved FGP (82%), GI (238), and GRI (77%/day) when compared to the control. Overall, the current findings suggest the potential stimulatory effect of biostimulants (especially Kelpak®) on the germination of Abelmoschus esculentus seeds. However, this influence was strongly dependent on the type of genotype.

Subclinical nematode parasitism affects activity and rumination patterns in first-season grazing cattle

Sickness behaviour has been suggested as an applicable indicator for monitoring disease. Deviating feeding behaviour and activity can provide information about animals’ health and welfare status. Recent advances in sensor technology enable monitoring of such behaviours and could potentially be utilized as an indicator of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections. This study investigated activity and rumination patterns in first-season grazing steers exposed to subclinical infection levels of the GIN Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora. At turnout, animals were allocated to one of four experimental groups and were faced with “high” (H1, n = 15; H2, n = 17) or “low” (L1, n = 17; L2, n = 11) levels of parasite exposure by grazing in similar enclosures contaminated with overwintering third stage (L3) GIN larvae. Animals in H1 and H2 (HP) received a 1:1 mix of approximately 10,000 O. ostertagi and C. oncophora L3 at turnout; whereas the animals in L1 and L2 (LP) were treated monthly with ivermectin. Activity and rumination patterns were monitored by fitting animals with leg- (IceQube) and neck-mounted (Heatime) sensors. BW was recorded every fortnight, whereas faecal and blood samples were examined every four weeks for nematode faecal egg count and serum pepsinogen concentrations (SPCs). There was an interaction effect of exposure level and period (P < 0.0001) on average lying daily time across the entire grazing time. A higher mean daily lying time (P = 0.0037) was found in HP compared with LP during the first 40 days on pasture. There was also interaction effects of treatment and day since turnout on rumination time (P < 0.0001) and rumination change (P = 0.0008). Also mean daily steps (P < 0.0001) and mean daily motion index (P < 0.0001) were markedly higher in HP during days 62–69, coinciding with peaking SPC in HP. Strongyle eggs were observed both in HP and LP from 31 days after turnout. Eggs per gram (EPG) differed between parasite exposure levels (P < 0.0001), with mean EPG remaining low in LP throughout the experiment. Similarly, an increase in SPC was observed (P < 0.0001), but only in HP where it peaked at day 56. In contrast, no difference in BW gain (BWG) (P = 0.78) between HP and LP was observed. In conclusion, this study shows that behavioural measurements monitored with sensors were affected even at low infection levels not affecting BWG. These combined results demonstrate the potential of automated behavioural recordings as a tool for detection of subclinical parasitism.

Land-use drives the temporal stability and magnitude of soil microbial functions and modulates climate effects.

Soil microbial community functions are essential indicators of ecosystem multifunctionality in managed land-use systems. Going forward, the development of adaptation strategies and predictive models under future climate scenarios will require a better understanding of how both land-use and climate disturbances influence soil microbial functions over time. Between March and November 2018, we assessed the effects of climate change on the magnitude and temporal stability of soil basal respiration, soil microbial biomass and soil functional diversity across a range of land-use types and intensities in a large-scale field experiment. Soils were sampled from five common land-use types including conventional and organic croplands, intensive and extensive meadows, and extensive pastures, under ambient and projected future climate conditions (reduced summer precipitation and increased temperature) at the Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF) in Bad Lauchstädt, Germany. Land-use and climate treatment interaction effects were significant in September, a month when precipitation levels slightly rebounded following a period of drought in central Germany: compared to ambient climate, in future climate treatments, basal respiration declined in pastures and increased in intensive meadows, functional diversity declined in pastures and croplands, and respiration-to-biomass ratio increased in intensive and extensive meadows. Low rainfall between May and August likely strengthened soil microbial responses toward the future climate treatment in September. Although microbial biomass showed declining levels in extensive meadows and pastures under future climate treatments, overall, microbial function magnitudes were higher in these land-use types compared to croplands, indicating that improved management practices could sustain high microbial ecosystem functioning in future climates. In contrast to our hypothesis that more disturbed land-use systems would have destabilized microbial functions, intensive meadows and organic croplands showed stabilized soil microbial biomass compared to all other land-use types, suggesting that temporal stability, in addition to magnitude-based measurements, may be useful for revealing context-dependent effects on soil ecosystem functioning.

Oxytocinergic Modulation of Threat-Specific Amygdala Sensitization in Humans Is Critically Mediated by Serotonergic Mechanisms

BackgroundOverarching conceptualizations propose that the complex social-emotional effects of oxytocin (OXT) in humans are partly mediated by interactions with other neurotransmitter systems. Recent animal models suggest that the anxiolytic effects of OXT are critically mediated by the serotonin (5-HT) system, yet direct evidence in humans is lacking. MethodsTo determine the role of 5-HT in OXT-induced attenuation of amygdala threat reactivity and sensitization/desensitization, we conducted a parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind experiment during which 121 healthy subjects underwent a transient decrease in 5-HT signaling via acute tryptophan depletion or the corresponding placebo-control protocol before the administration of intranasal OXT or placebo intranasal spray, respectively. Mean and repetition-dependent changes in threat-specific amygdala reactivity toward threatening stimuli (angry faces) as assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging served as the primary outcome. ResultsNo main or interaction effects of treatment on amygdala threat reactivity were observed, yet OXT switched bilateral amygdala threat sensitization to desensitization, and this effect was significantly attenuated during decreased central 5-HT signaling via pretreatment with acute tryptophan depletion. ConclusionsThe present findings provide the first evidence for a role of OXT in threat-specific amygdala desensitization in humans and suggest that these effects are critically mediated by the 5-HT system. OXT may have a therapeutic potential to facilitate amygdala desensitization, and adjunct upregulation of 5-HT neurotransmission may facilitate OXT’s anxiolytic potential.

بررسی تأثیر باکتری تیوباسیلوس، کود گوگردی و فسفری بر جمعیت باکتری‌های حل‌کننده فسفات در خاک

Introduction: According to WHO and FAO studies, the diseases caused by contaminated foods are of the most widespread threats to human health in developing and developed countries. Therefore, in recent years, researchers have been trying to use soil microorganisms to solve this problem and maintain the health of plants and the environment. Phosphorus after nitrogen, is a major macronutrient in plants which controls the growth, seeding and fruit production and involves in basic biological functions such as cell division, nucleic acids synthesis, photosynthesis and respiration and energy transfer. However, high amount of soluble inorganic phosphate is annually applied to the soil as chemical fertilizer but a large portion of it is immobilized rapidly after application due to phosphate fixation by aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium and soil colloids and becomes unavailable to plants. The use of biological agents especially phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, can play an important role in supplying plant nutrients and improves crop health and productivity without causing any harm in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Bacteria and fungi are the two important groups of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria in soil include Rhizobium, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Achromobacter, Enterobacter and Burkholderia, and the most important ones i.e., Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas flourescens. Material and Methods: In order to evaluate the effect of Thiobacillus, sulfur and phosphorus applicationon population of phosphate solubilizing bacteria in soil, a field experiment was conducted at Zarghan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Iran in a factorial, based on complete randomized block design with 3 replications. Treatments consisted of three levels of sulfur fertilizer with biofertilizer containing Thiobacillus bacteria (without sulfur and biofertilizer containing Thiobacillus (S0), application of 500 kg S + 10 kg biofertilizer containing Thiobacillus (S1), 1000 kg S + 20 kg biofertilizer containing Thiobacillus (S2) and 2000 kg S + 40 kg biofertilizer containing Thiobacillus (S3) per hectare), three levels of triple super phosphate (without phosphorus (P0), 100% (P1) and 65% (P2) percent phosphorus recommended based on the soil test) in two corn planted and not planted states. After harvesting, 72 soil samples were collected from each plot and transferred to the biology laboratory of soil and water research institute of Karaj. Soil samples were stored in sterile conditions at 4◦C. In order to isolate phosphate solubilizing bacteria, 10 gram of soil from each sample was suspended in 90 ml of sterilized water to make 1:10 dilution. Then, series of dilution were made (101 – 107) and 0.1 ml of suspensions of the diluted soil sample were transferred to petri dishes containing pikovskaya medium and incubated at 28- 30˚C. To identify PSP from halos surrounding characterized colonies was used and counting was performed 1-14 days after cultivation. The colonies were isolated on the basis morphological characteristics such as shape, color and size and then purified by linear culture. Finally, 60 strains were purified that were used to compare phosphate solubilizing capability. Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the main and interaction effects of sulfur fertilizer and biofertilizer treatments of Thiobacillus, phosphorus and plants on the population of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (cells per gram of dry soil) in Pikovskaya medium were significant at 0.01 level probability. The highest population of bacteria was obtained at the lowest level (S1). Increasing the level of sulfur fertilizer and Thiobacillus biofertilizer decreased the population of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and the highest level of sulfur and Thiobacillus biofertilizer led to the lowest bacterial population. Also, the study of phosphorus application on the bacterial population showed that phosphorus fertilizer at both levels significantly increased the bacterial population compared to the control (no application phosphorus). The best fertilizer treatment for phosphorus application was P1 which had the greatest effect on bacterial population compared to P2 treatment in Pikovskaya environment. In this experiment, the population of bacteria in corn planted conditions was higher than in non-planted conditions and this population increase was observed in almost all different levels of sulfur and phosphorus fertilizers. The highest bacterial population was observed in combined treatment of S1P2 under corn planted conditions. The results of microscopic, physiological and biochemical tests of the strains showed that all 60 bacterial strains were capable to form clear zone in Pikovskaya medium. Among them, 15 strains (7, 3, 2 and 3 strains belonging to Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescent, respectively) had higher phosphate solubility than the others.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Pumpkin Seed Flour of &lt;em&gt;Cucurbita maxima&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Cucurbita moschata&lt;/em&gt; Species

Pumpkin seeds are rich source of nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds. In Sri Lanka, pumpkin seeds are discarded without being used. Physicochemical characteristics of seeds and functional properties of pumpkin seed flour (PSF) of two varieties of <em>Cucurbita maxima </em>(Suprema and <em>Bingha F1</em>) and one variety of <em>Cucurbita moschata </em>(<em>Padma</em>) were determined. Seeds collected from each variety were subjected to different treatments before preparation of PSF: roast at 80-90°C for 15 min, germinate and dry at 50-60°C for 4h, and dry at 50-60°C for 4h as the control, prior to prepare PSF. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic, total flavonoids and flour properties such as water holding capacity (WHC), swelling capacity (SC), oil holding capacity (OHC), emulsion stability (ES), organic molecule absorption capacity (OMAC)) of nine types of PSF were determined. A sensory evaluation (Hedonic scale) was conducted to determine the effect of 25, 50 and 75% substitution with PSF in biscuit production. The variety × treatment interaction effect was significant (p&lt;0.05) for WRC, OHC, SC and OMAC but not for WHC and ES. Germinated and dried PSF of the Suprema variety possessed the highest WHC (6.31±0.16 g/g), OHC (3.23± 0.07 g/g) and SC (6.00±0.28 mL/g) while the highest antioxidant activity (90.06±0.24%) and flavonoid content (19.87±1.08 mg QE/g) were observed in germinated dried seeds of <em>Bingha F1 </em>variety PSF. In roasted PSF, the highest phenolic content (1.52±0.02 mg GAE/g) was in <em>Bingha F1 </em>variety. Substitution with 25% PSF was selected as the optimum level in formulation of biscuit with the acceptable sensory attributes. Hence, PSF possesses a high potential as a source of functional food ingredient in the food manufacturing industry.

The Use of Deep Container and Heterogeneous Substrate as Potentially Effective Nursery Practice to Produce Good Quality Nodal Seedlings of Populus sibirica Tausch

Nursery practices are considered major factors influencing seedling quality, which are likely to be maintained in the early establishment phase in the field. Here, we investigated the effects of container depth and substrate heterogeneity on the growth of Populus sibirica nodal seedlings to suggest an effective nursery practice for producing quality seedlings appropriate for forest establishment in a dry environment. We used two substrate heterogeneities (homogeneous and heterogeneous) and two container depth treatments (30 and 60 cm). Variations in root collar diameter (RCD) growth, height growth, stem and root biomass, root to stem ratio, and root mass in the first 15 cm depth from the soil surface across the treatments were computed. Results revealed that both substrate heterogeneity and container depth had no significant effects on the RCD and height growth of P. sibirica seedlings but significantly improved their root and stem biomass. Seedlings in the 60 cm containers generally accumulated higher root biomass than those in the 30 cm containers. There was an interaction effect of container depth and substrate heterogeneity treatments on root and total dry mass, such that seedlings grown in the 60 cm container using heterogeneous substrate resulted in the highest root and total biomass. Analyses of proportional root growth in the upper 15 cm of the containers compared to the total indicated that both the main effects of deeper containers (60 cm) and heterogeneous substrate have fewer roots at this depth, indicating a greater root density in the bottom of the deeper containers. Therefore, deeper containers and heterogeneous substrate may be used as an effective nursery practice to produce seedlings with root traits potentially suitable for harsh conditions, such as arid and semi-arid environments. However, further studies using other seedling morphological traits in conjunction with field-trial tests are needed for a definitive assessment of the effectiveness of deeper containers and heterogeneous substrate in producing good quality seedlings potentially suitable in a dry environment.

Evaluation of the effect of different concentrations of organic amendments and botanical extracts on the mortality and hatching of Meloidogyne javanica.

Organic amendments and botanical extracts are considered as some of the eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticide in suppressing plant pathogenic nematodes (PPN). Root-knot nematode (RKN) is the most important group of PPN distributed globally causing both qualitative and quantitative damage to many crops. Vermicompost and biogas digestate (BD) are two forms of organic amendments reported to have potential to limit RKN infestation. Likewise, marigold (Tagates spp.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea) are two widely studied botanicals having shown their potential to control RKN. However, there was not much in vitro research related to organic amendments and botanicals targeting a particular species of RKN to observe their nematicidal effect. An in vitro experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effect of these organic amendments and botanical extracts at different concentrations (10.0%, 25.0%, 50.0% and 100.0%) on the hatching and mortality of Meloidogyne javanica at different time spans. Mortality of J2 and inhibition of hatching of egg mass of M. javanica differed significantly (p < 0.0001) among the interaction effect of treatments and incubation time for both organic amendments and botanical extracts. Findings of this experiment indicated that potentiality for increasing mortality and inhibition of hatching was higher and steadier in botanical extracts than those of organic amendments.

Long-term wheat production management effects on soil fertility indicators in the semi-arid eastern Free State, South Africa

This study evaluated temporal effects of wheat production management practices on soil fertility under semi-arid conditions. Treatments applied for 37 years included straw management (unburned and burned), tillage practices (no-tillage, stubble mulch, and mouldboard ploughing) and weed control methods (chemical and mechanical). Soil samples were collected from 0–50, 50–150 and 150–250 mm layers, in 1990, 1999, 2010 and 2016, and analysed for organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen, pH, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Supplied grain yield data were used to estimate straw yield. Uptake of N, P and K by grain (removal) and straw (recycle) were estimated across sampling periods. Results revealed that OC, C:N ratio and P generally increased from 1990 to 1999 or 2010, and that conservation tillage increased soil fertility as compared with mouldboard ploughing. The only year × treatment interaction effects were on pH and K in the soil layers 0–50 and 50–150 mm in some treatments. However, all soil fertility indicators increased from 1990 to 1999 or 2010, then declined or stabilised across all treatments. The results suggest that adoption of conservation tillage with associated straw and nutrient recycling and additions cannot enable farmers to maintain or improve soil fertility and yields over time.

Long-term effect of masked hypertension management on cognitive functions in geriatric age: geriatric MASked hypertension and cognition follow-up study (G-MASH-cog MONITOR).

Masked hypertension, defined as nonelevated clinic blood pressure with elevated out of clinic blood pressure, has been associated with increased cardiovascular events, mortality and cognitive impairment. No evidence exists regarding the effect of treating masked hypertension. In this study, we followed-up the patients in the G-MASH-cog study for 1 year and aimed to examine the effect of the management of masked hypertension on cognitive functions. The G-MASH-cog study participants were followed-up for 1 year. In masked hypertensive individuals, lifestyle modification and antihypertensive treatment (perindopril or amlodipine) were initiated for blood pressure control. Measurements of cognitive tests and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at baseline and at 1-year follow-up were compared. A total of 61 patients (30 in masked hypertension group; 31 in normotensive group) were included. Mean age was 72.3 ± 5.1 and 59% of the participants were female. Compared with baseline ambulatory blood pressure measurement results, patients with masked hypertension had significantly lower ambulatory blood pressure measurement results after 1-year follow-up. The quick mild cognitive impairment test (Q-MCI-TR) score increased with antihypertensive treatment (Q-MCI score at baseline = 41(19-66.5), at 1 year = 45.5 (22-70), P = 0.005) in masked hypertensive patients. In the final model of the mixed-effects analysis, when adjusted for covariates, interaction effect of the masked hypertension treatment with time was only significant in influencing the changes in Q-MCI scores over time in patients aged between 65 and 74 years (P = 0.002). Treatment of masked hypertension in older adults was associated with improvement in cognitive functions.

EIGHT-WEEK SET-PIECES AND DOUBLE-TEAMING TRAINING ON SCORING PRECISION OF UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN FOOTBALL PLAYERS, IBADAN, NIGERIA

This study sought to investigate the effect of eight-week set-pieces and double-teaming training on scoring precision of the University of Ibadan football players. The proposed sample size for this study was twenty one football players of the University of Ibadan. All the participants completed the intervention programme. Randomised pretest-posttest experimental research design of 3 X 2 X 3 factorial matrix was used for the study. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages was used to analyse the demographic data and research questions while inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Two research questions were answered while seven hypotheses were tested. Findings from this study revealed that there was a significant main effect of treatment on scoring precision of the football players. (F = 65.120, p&lt;.05, η2=.963). The eta value of 0.963 showed that 96.3% of the variance in the participant’s score was accounted for by the intervention. It was also observed that there was a variance of 87.5 percent accounted for by the independent variables combined together. There was no significant main effect of playing position on scoring precision. Likewise, there was no significant main effect of playing experience on scoring precision. The interaction effect of the two moderating variables was not significant. The study also concluded that the interaction effect of treatment, playing position and playing experience has no significant effect on scoring precision of the University of Ibadan players. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that the treatment was effective on scoring precision among football players. However, it was noted that double-teaming was better on scoring precision than set-pieces.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0798/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Impact of Watershed Interventions on Soil Physicochemical Properties in Kechi Micro-Watersheds of Kechi District, Dawuro Zone, Ethiopia

A watershed refers to any topographically delineated area that can collect water and is drained by river system with an outlet. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of watershed interventions on soil properties micro-watershed of Kechi distirict, Dawuro zone, SNNPR Ethiopia. In this study the researcher adopted a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The necessary information was collected from both from primary and secondary sources. Soil samples were collected using 15-cm depth auger and 294.375 cm3 core sampler at a depth of 0–30 cm. A total of 24 composite and core soil samples from Conserved and Non conserved watershed were collected. Soil samples were collected from upstream, midstream, and downstream part of the watershed to make representative for the whole watershed. Soil sample which was taken from representative area was analyzed by soil laboratory analysis. Watershed interventions have resulted in a statistically significantly higher mean value of total nitrogen, exchangeable Na+ and Mg2+ at p < 0.01, and of soil organic carbon and organic matter at p < 0.05 in the watershed. The clay content, soil reaction, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable K+ showed non-significant, but higher mean values in conserved plots. Furthermore, the effects of conservation practices on soil properties were found more effective in cultivated land uses as compared to that of grazing land uses. This is because conservation treatments had significant effects on organic carbon, total nitrogen, exchangeable Na+ and Mg2+ in cultivated land uses but only on exchangeable Na+ in grazing land uses. The interaction effect of treatments and land uses did not reach a statistically significant result for any of the soil properties considered in this study. Watershed interventions have important implications for improving soil fertility in the kechi micro watershed. Therefore, proper guidance and follow-up, use of agro-forestry and grass strips, and maintenance are required for the watershed’s sustainability and good soil Keywords: - Analysis of variance, Kechi micro watersheds, Socio-Economic Status, Soil properties DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/74-04 Publication date: March 31 st 2021

Effectiveness of music therapy on reading skills of pupils with intellectual disability

Objective: Reading is an indispensable skill. The study investigated the effects of music therapy on the reading skills of pupils with intellectual disability. Methods: An experimental research design was used. The sample was purposively selected from two special schools for pupils with intellectual disability in Ibadan, Nigeria. Seventeen pupils were randomly assigned to two groups (music therapy and control groups). Eighteen sessions of music therapy were conducted with the experimental group only. The Reading Skills Test was used before and after the intervention to collect data. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used for data analysis. Results: The data indicated that there was a significant statistical difference between pre-test and post-test results. The interaction effect of treatment and parents’ socio-economic status was not significant for the participants’ reading. Conclusion: Music therapy enhanced the reading skills of pupils with intellectual disability and should be adopted in teaching pupils with intellectual disability.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Music therapy; parents’ socio-economic status; pupils with intellectual disability; reading skills