Least Significant Difference Research Articles

A comparative study on the effectiveness of blended learning, physical learning, and online learning in functional skills training among higher vocational education

The widespread dissemination of the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a transition from traditional, in-person pedagogy to online methods within higher vocational education. The inherent limitations of online learning have become progressively conspicuous. Given its pivotal role amidst the pandemic, numerous institutions have endeavored to integrate technology with traditional classroom pedagogies. Consequently, blended learning has emerged as a focal point within vocational education, garnering notable attention and interest. The question arises: which learning method proves most effective for vocational skills development? This study endeavored to ascertain the comparative effectiveness of various learning methods for vocational skills training. Specifically, employing a quantitative approach, the study conducted a comprehensive questionnaire survey of graduates of higher vocational institutions in China. Participants have undergone training via exclusively physical, thoroughly online, and blended learning formats, respectively. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of these three methods as perceived by higher vocational graduates. In addition, the study aimed to analyze the personal and pedagogical factors that influence the effectiveness of these learning methods. The collected data underwent analysis utilizing SPSS software. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, correlation analyses, and subsequent least significant difference (LSD) post-hoc analyses were employed to investigate the correlations between demographic variables and factors related to teachers and educational resources across the three learning methods. These findings indicate that blended learning is the most efficient approach, with a notable preference among vocational graduates. Physical learning demonstrated superior effectiveness, particularly in functional skills training. In divergence, online learning ranked the lowest among graduates' preference, efficiency, and efficacy in functional skills training. Among the demographic factors examined, gender and duration of graduation exhibited notable variances across the effectiveness of different learning methods. However, there are no significant differences in the area of origin, economic region, type of higher vocational institution, and majors. These insights provide valuable guidance for higher vocational institutions in selecting the most suitable learning methods for enhancing functional skills training.

Adaptation of Napier grass varieties in the highlands of East Gojjam

The experiment was conducted in the East Gojjam Zone of the Amhara Regional State to evaluate the varieties of released Napier grass in the study area. The four varieties of Napier grass considered for this research experiment were Maralfalafa, ILRI- 16743, ILRI-14984 and Zehone-03 (Acc. 16819). The varieties were planted in 4 m x 3 m plots using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the beginning of the main rainy season. Root splits at the Debremarkos onstation and Debere Eliyas sites were planted in four rows per plot. The analysis was conducted using R software. Least significance difference (LSD) at the 5% significance level was used for the comparison of means. The combined plant height, number of tillers per plant, total fresh biomass yield per hectare (t/ha), and total dry matter yield (t/ha) did not significantly differ between the varieties. The leaf-to-stem ratios of the Napier grass varieties were significantly different. In the present study, ILRI-14984 was found to be leafier than the other tested varieties. The combined analysis of the second- and third-year data revealed significant differences in plant height, number of tillers and leaf-to-stem ratio among the tested years. The greatest plant height (152.42 cm) at harvest was found in the second year after establishment, which was 2022, whereas the number of tillers per plant was greater in the 2023 harvest season. The testing location did not affect plant height, total fresh biomass yield per hectare, or total dry matter yield per hectare. The number of tillers per plant and the leaf-to-stem ratio significantly differed among the tested locations. A greater number of tillers per plant was recorded at the Debre Eliyas testing site. Similarly, the leaf-to-stem ratio was significantly greater at the same testing site.

Comparative analysis of the remineralization potential of different active ingredients based toothpastes using SEM/EDX: An in vitro study

Background/Aim: The principal purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of different active ingredients to inhibit demineralization around the margins of cervical cavities in natural teeth by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-Ray elemantal analysis (SEM-EDX). Material and Methods: Thirty-two sound human molars were used. Box-shaped cavities were prepared along the cemento enamel junction (CEJ). The samples were were immersed in a demineralization solution (pH=1) maintained for 72 hours and randomly divided into 4 groups. Surfaces according to the groups were treated with potassium nitrate, arginine and calciumsodiumphosphosilicate containing remineralization agents for 14 days, respectively and the samples in control group were submitted to toothbrushing with deionized water. The samples were analyzed by using SEM-EDX analysis. Data was statistically analyzed using by one way ANOVA (analysis of variance) test and LSD (least significant difference) test for comparison between means at a significance level of 0.05. Results: SEM-EDX elemental mapping was used to evaluate the degradation from depth profiles of fluoride (F), Calcium (Ca), and phosphate (P) leaching. Micromorphological and elemental analyses were done using SEM and EDX. SEM EDX Analysis on enamel showed a significant difference between the groups except the control group (p<0.05). The dentine results showed significant differences between the control group and all other groups (p<0.05). Elemental analysis showed significant differences in Ca weight percentage among the first and second observation levels in all groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, all tested toothpastes showed some ability to resist demineralization at the margins. The groups except control group showed better outcomes compared with the other tested samples.

Variations in micronutrient concentrations and retentions in fufu made from yellow-fleshed cassava as a function of genotype and processing methods.

The biofortification of staple foods such as cassava is one of the technological breakthroughs in the nutritional improvement of foods. Fufu is one of the fermented cassava products produced and consumed in major West African countries, including Sierra Leone, and the majority of the processes involved in its production have direct and indirect effects on its properties. This study looked at how the concentration and retention of micronutrients in yellow-fleshed cassava fufu varied depending on genotype and processing method. Six yellow-fleshed cassava root genotypes (TMS-070557, TMS-011371, TMS-011412, TMS-011663, TMS-083724, TMS-083774) and one white (TME 419 as a control) were processed into fufu using both conventional (oven and sun-dried) and traditional (bowl and river) methods. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4 was used to analyze data using means, percentages, analysis of variance and means separated by least significant differences (LSD). In the modified traditional river method, raw and cooked fufu samples had significantly higher β-carotene concentrations and true retention (TR) percentages (11.06 g/g (46.77%) and 4.54 g/g (16.94%), respectively) than other genotypes (p < 0.0001). Modified traditional fufu processing methods increased total β-carotene concentrations, while raw roots showed a significant decrease in total carotenoid and β-carotene concentrations, regardless of genotype or processing method. Sun-drying was the most effective method, with significantly higher concentrations and TR percentages of iron (10.01 mg/kg, 18.02%) and zinc (11.49 mg/kg, 40.64%) in raw and cooked fufu samples. Genotype TMS-083724 outperformed both conventional fufu processing methods, displaying a significant total carotenoid concentration and true retention percentage. Finally, this study found that the concentrations and percentages of TR of micronutrients varied depending on the processing method and genotype. It is recommended that a modified traditional river fufu processing method be further developed and improved in order to maximize provitamin A carotenoids, concentrations, and percentage TR.

COMPARATIVE APPRAISEMENT OF SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS, PHYTOCHEMICALS AND HOST RESISTANCE TOWARDS FUSARIUM MONILIFORME CAUSING STALK ROT OF MAIZE

Stalk rot of maize is one of the most important emerging threat to the successful production of Pakistan. It causes 10-40% yield losses which may reach up to 100% due to conducive conditions in some areas of country. Current research effort was made to cope with stalk rot of maize caused by Fusarium moniliforme (Fm) through synthetic chemicals, botanical extracts and source of resistance. Disease samples of maize were collected from Faisalabad regions to isolate pathogenic fungus. Screening of ten varieties (Gohar-19, Sahiwal Gold, Malka-2016, FH-1046, YH-5427, Pearl, DK-6317 MMRI, AS-5101, and DK-9108) was done. Among these varieties, YH-5427 expressed highly resistance response. By using poisoned food technique, five synthetic chemicals (Tilt, Belanty, Forum-Top, Cabrio-Top, and Enervin Duo) and eight phytochemicals (Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum, Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Ficus benjamina, Cinnamomum tamala, Mentha piperita and Moringa olerifas) were evaluated against Fm at three different concentrations (50, 100, 150ppm) and (3, 5 and 7%) respectively under lab conditions. Among all tested treatments, tilt and moringa showed significant results under lab conditions and further investigated under field conditions alone and in combination against stalk rot of maize. Minimum disease incidence was expressed by Tilt + Moringa (9.69%) in integration followed by Tilt (16.78%) and Moringa (30.89%) as compared to control. Lab and field experiments were conducted under Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) respectively. To observe the difference among the treatments towards maize stalk rot, least significant difference (LSD) was used at 0.05 % probability level.

Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative traits of ten lowland chili genotypes

One of the important stages in chili breeding is the multi-location test. The lowlands became one agroecology in the chili multi-location test because most farmers, especially in Sumatra, plant chilies on the lowlands after the rice planting season. The purpose of this study was to understand the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of chili genotypes in a lowland area. The experiment was arranged in a single-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The chili genotypes evaluated were four test lines and six check varieties. The quantitative data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by evaluation of genotype means using the least significant difference (LSD) tests by SPSS Statistics software. The results showed that the check variety having the lowest productivity was CH3 (1.19 tons ha-1) and the highest was Elegant (4.55 tons ha-1). The productivity of four genotypes from IPB were significantly different from the CH3 and Imperial 10 varieties, but not significantly different from Baja (2.96 tons ha-1), Balebat (3.87 tons ha-1), Elegant (4.55 tons ha-1) and Gada (3.04 tons ha-1) varieties. This research shows that the four genotypes from IPB have the potential to become new superior varieties.&#x0D; Keywords: Lampung; multi-location; plant breeding; varieties

Effectiveness of green betel leaf extract cream in healing cut wounds

Green betel leaf (Piper betle L.) is widely used in the healing of cut wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of green betel leaf extract cream in the healing of cut wounds on the skin of white Wistar rats. The design employed was a pre-test post-test with a control group design and a sample size of 20 white rats divided into four groups. Betel leaf extract was prepared using the maceration method, while a cream preparation of betel leaf extract was prepared using the oil-in-water emulsion type (M/A). Macroscopic histopathological evaluation was performed by examining fibroblast growth. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (p &lt; 0.05) was used to determine the difference between groups, and a post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test was used to analyze which treatment group had the greatest efficacy. Technical terms were explained upon first use, and the language used was clear, objective, and value-neutral to improve academic quality. The text was free from grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and unnecessary jargon. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (p &lt; 0.05) was used to determine the difference between groups, and a post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test was used to analyze which treatment group had the greatest efficacy. The study revealed a substantial difference in the average wound healing rates between the control group (P0) and treatment groups P1, P2, and P3. This is due to the lack of active substances in the control group (P0), which aids in accelerating the wound healing process. Notably, the 15% green betel leaf extract cream demonstrated superior efficacy in healing wounds in white rats compared to the 10% and 25% green betel leaf extract creams. The results indicated no significant difference between the application of 15% and 25% green betel leaf extract cream. This is due to the fact that secondary metabolite compounds present in the extract produce a healing effect on wounds at these particular levels. However, lower concentrations only act as microorganism inhibitors, rendering them less effective for promoting wound healing.

Lactic acid bacteria viability and antibacterial activity of Etawa goat's synbiotic fermented milk

Abstract. Rizal S, Suharyono, Suroso E, Melatiningsih A, Suyarto VA. 2023. Lactic acid bacteria viability and antibacterial activity of Etawa goat's synbiotic fermented milk. Biodiversitas 24: 6440-6446. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of kepok banana peel extract and white ginger extract (Zingiber officinale Var. Amarum) on the lactic acid bacteria viability and the antibacterial activity of Etawa goat's synbiotic fermented milk. This study used two treatments and three replications. The first treatment was the concentration of kepok banana peel extract (0, 1, 2, and 3% (v/v)) and the second treatment was the concentration of white ginger extract (0, 1, 2, and 3% (v/v)). All treatments were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. The characteristics of Etawa goat’s synbiotic fermented milk was evaluated by total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), total lactic acid, pH value, and antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, Salmonella typhimurium. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Least Significance Different (LSD) at 5%. The results showed that kepok banana peel extract had a significant effect on increasing total LAB, total lactic acid, pH value, and antibacterial activity. Meanwhile, white ginger extract had no significant effect on total LAB, total lactic acid, and pH but had a significant effect on the antibacterial activity. The addition of 3% kepok banana peel extract and 3% white ginger extract produced the best Etawa goat's synbiotic fermented milk. The best treatments produced Etawa goat’s synbiotic fermented milk with a total LAB of 9.13 Log cfu/mL, a total lactic acid of 0.82%, 3.41 pH, and antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium with a 16.33 mm diameter clear zone.

Physicochemical characteristics of kombucha based on various concentration of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria (Berg.) Roscoe)

Currently, kombucha can not only be made from tea but also other substrates such as fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices. This research presented the usage of white turmeric with various concentrations as kombucha substrate to enhance the bioactivity of white turmeric. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with one factor of white turmeric concentration (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%) with three replications each. White turmeric powder was made into drinks with determined concentrations, then fermented into kombucha by SCOBY culture at room temperature for 12 days. Physicochemical characteristics such as acidity content (pH), total sugars, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity was analyzed along with identification of bioactive compounds. The data obtained was analyzed statistically using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Fisher's LSD (Least Significance Different) test at p < 0.05. The best treatment was determined with Zeleny's method. Research showed that kombucha fermentation changed pH, decreased total sugar content, enhanced total phenolic content, and improved antioxidant activity also increased bioactive compounds of white turmeric. The best results were obtained in kombucha with 0.8% (w/v) white turmeric concentration with the characteristics as follows: pH of 3.52 ± 0.02, total sugar content of 3.34% ± 0.08%, total phenol content of 174.20 ± 0.83 mg GAE/ml, and antioxidant activity IC50 of 113.07 ± 1.54 ppm.

Uji ketahanan empat varietas tanaman jagung (Zea mays) terhadap intensitas serangan ulat grayak (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith)

The aim of this research was to examine differences in the intensity of armyworm attacks on several varieties of corn plants. This experiment was carried out in Cikalong Village, Sukahaji District, Majalengka Regency. The trial period starts from October 2022 to January 2023. The materials that will be used consist of 4 superior varieties of corn, namely NK 007, Bisi 2, Bisi 18, and Bisi 99. The research method uses a non-factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 4 treatments. repeated 6 times. So the number of experimental plots obtained was 24 experimental plots. The research variables observed included the intensity of armyworm pest attacks, leaf length, number of leaves, leaf area, ear length, ear diameter, weight of husk ear and dry shell weight per ear. To see the effect of treatment, it was tested using the F test at the 5% level. If the calculated F is greater than the F table then the test continues using the LSD (Least Significant Differences) Test. The results of the research showed that the four varieties of corn, namely NK 007, Bisi 18, Bisi 2 and Bisi 99, did not differ significantly in the intensity of attacks by corn armyworm pests, at 14 and 28 HST, number of leaves, leaf width, cob length, diameter. cobs and dry shell weight per cob but were significantly different in the intensity of armyworm attacks at 42 and 56 DAP and the average weight per cob. The Bisi 2 variety provides the most optimal results compared to other varieties planted on average.

THE EFFECT OF ADDING PETROFISH PROBIOTICS TO FEED AT DIFFERENT DOSES ON THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF BARRAMUNDI (Lates calcarifer) JUVENILES

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding Petrofish probiotics to feed at different doses on the growth and survival of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) juveniles. The research utilized an experimental method with 120 barramundi juveniles as test subjects, distributed into treatments A (Control), B 10mL/kg dosage), C (15mL/kg dosage), and D (20mL/kg dosage). The study was conducted for 30 days, using 12 buckets containing ten barramundi juveniles. The research employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Least Significant Difference (LSD) post hoc tests. The results indicated significant effects for each treatment. The highest absolute weight and length were observed in treatment D at 0.90 g and 0.73 cm, followed by treatment C at 0.77 g and 0.67 cm, treatment B at 0.69 g and 0.62 cm, and the lowest values were in treatment A at 9.51 g and 0.58 cm

Effect of Ficus carica leaves Aqueous Crud Extract on the Number of Wild Fruit Flies and Sperm Morphology of Laboratory Albino Male Mice

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two concentrations of aqueous crude extract from Ficus carica leaves on fruit fly numbers, sex ratios, and generations, as well as laboratory albino mouse sperm abnormalities. Fruit flies were given the concentrations of 1% marked as C1 and 2% marked as C2 in culture media and allowed to complete their life cycle at an acceptable temperature (25o C±2) in an incubator. Same concentrations were given to the tested mice in drinking water. Each treatment consisted of five replications, with untreated mice and flies serving as the control groups. Fruit fly findings were seen in the first and second generations, and mouse sperm morphology was examined one month following treatment. The results revealed that tested concentrations had no significant impact (P≤0.05) on the quantity of fruit flies mean values were (40.650 ± 2.40 5and 39.250 ± 2.624) froe first and second concentrations compared to 34.550 ± 2.12 in control group, but they did have a significant impact (P≤0.05) on the sex ratio (shifted toward females (40.733 ± 1.969) in comparison to males (35.566 ± 1.838), least significant differences(L.S.D.) were = 5.148, and generation-concentration interactions, the highest number were recorded was females in second generation (42.900 ± 2.203). The treated mice showed Significant effect of concentrations on sperm without tail and highly significant effect (P≤0.01) on sperm without hook (mean values were 5.6 ± 0.37 and 2.0 ± 0.44 in high concentration while in control group the values were 2.0 ± 0.44 and1.0 ± 0.44) for both aberrations respectively. Our results clearly indicated change in sex ratio among treated fruit flies and induction of some morphologic changes in mice sperms after treatment of fig leaves aqueous crud extract.

Impact of Yeast Diet on the Number of Eggs and Larvae Produced in Honey Bee Colonies (Apis Mellifera L.) Apidae: Hymenoptera

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are important social insects because of the honey production and pollination services they provide. Diet quality affects bee progression through different life stages, adult longevity, fecundity and foraging activity, among other likely phenotypes. This study was conducted to determine the probable effect of colony food availability on the number of eggs and resulting larvae produced by honey bee colonies. Sixteen honey bee hives were used in the study. The hives were split into groups of four, with each group receiving one of the following four treatment diets: (1) T1 – sugar water (1 l water + 250 g sugar), (2) T2 - yeast water (1 l water and 50 g Brewer’s yeast‒ non-floral protein diet in dry form), (3) T3 – water (1 l water), and (4) T4 – no diet. The impact of the colony diet (sugar syrup and yeast with treatments mentioned above) on the number of eggs and larvae produced was determined using a one-way ANOVA conducted using the statistical program “R” version 2.15.3. Where appropriate, means were compared using the least significant difference (LSD). Numerically, the average number of eggs and larvae on sugar solution were 24.20 ± 1.72 and 26.8 ± 1.808 respectively, while on the yeast diet were 33.66 ± 2.92 and 31.55 ± 2.324, respectively. Significantly, the number of eggs (P-value 4.74E-10, F value 21.50528 and F-tabulated value as 2.731807) and larvae (P-value 5.31E-05, F-value 8.70 and F-tabulated value 2.73) produced was significant when colonies were fed with yeast and sugar solution.

EFFECTS OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) VARIETIES AND SOWING DATES ON PERFORMANCE OF COWPEA IN SESAME AND COWPEA INTERCROPPED IN SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

Farmers in different parts of the world intercropped different crops according to their preferences on social and biological needs. The introduction of legumes intercropped with non-legumes has drawn considerable attention because of its ability to improve cash returns by increasing land use efficiency, among others. However, yields are very low due to lack of improved varieties and poor management practices such as time of introducing the companion crop into the system. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of cowpea variety and cowpea sowing date for growth and yield of cowpea intercropped with Sesame in Sudan Savanna Nigeria. Field studies were conducted during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons using split plot design with three replications and two treatments. Treatments consisted of three cowpea varieties (UAM-09-1046-6-1, IT99K-573-1-1 and Borno Brown) and three sowing dates; simultaneous sowing of cowpea with sesame, two weeks after sowing sesame and three weeks after sowing sesame). Data were collected on number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm), number of pods per plant, 100 grain weight and grain yield/ha. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine significant differences among treatment means. The means were compared using Least Significant Differences (LSD) and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Cowpea variety has significant influence on grain yield, pod yield and number of leaves per plant, where UAM-09-1046-6-1recorded superior grain yield, and number of pods per plant, respectively, although Borno Brown had better number of leaves per plant and plant height. Cowpea variety interacted positively with sowing date. Cowpea grain yield/ha across years increases when IT99K-573-1-1 was sown simultaneously with sesame while Borno Brown sown three weeks after sesame produced the least grain yield. For the sowing date, simultaneous sowing of cowpea with sesame(0 WASS) had better plant height, number of leaves per plant and plant height, whereas the 2 and 3 WASS plants had the lowest growth. Grain yields of cowpea intercrop are best realized by simultaneous sowing of sesame in association with IT99K-573-1-1variety in the Sudan savannah.

Volume energy density and laser power: key determinants in SLS-processed PA12 mechanical properties

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) represents a significant breakthrough in the field of engineering, revolutionizing the way products and components are designed and manufactured. Among the various methods used to employ polymer materials in AM, powder bed fusion (PBF) processes, specifically selective laser sintering (SLS), stand out as one of the most widely utilized approaches. This method offers substantial advantages over other AM techniques for treating polymers. However, SLS is inherently based on complex underlying physical mechanisms and phenomena and it involves a significant number of process parameters, making a comprehensive and extensive study of the process necessary. In the present article, we conduct an experimental study to examine the impact of two pivotal process parameters in SLS: volumetric energy density (VED) and nominal laser power (LP), on the mechanical properties of Polyamide 12 (PA12). The assessment of the material’s mechanical behavior was conducted by measuring its tensile, compressive, and flexural properties, adhering to the respective ASTM standards. Additionally, we employed appropriate statistical tests, including the Coefficient of Variation (CV) to estimate the process’s repeatability and consistency, and Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) method to determine significant differences between mean property values for different process parameters. The results revealed the impact of volumetric energy density (VED) and nominal laser power (LP) on each mechanical property and mechanical index. Furthermore, the study identifies general rules and trends related to the efficiency and feasible thresholds of the process. Finally, we provide an interpretation of the results based on the fundamental physical mechanisms, also supported by the respective XRD and microscopy images.

The Use of Rice Harvest Residue as Soil Amendment for Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) on Acid Sulfate Soil

The area of rice fields in Indonesia decreased every year. Acid sulfate soil, which was sub-marginal land, had the potential to be converted into rice fields, but it needed improvement, one of which was by using organic materials as ameliorants. This research aimed to obtain the best composition of applying rice harvest residue as an ameliorant on acid sulfate soil in improving the growth and yield of rice. The research was conducted at the greenhouse of Panca Bhakti University Pontianak from January to April 2022. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments consisted of: p0: Control, p1: Rice straw = 40 gr/polybag, p2: Rice husk = 40 gr/polybag, p3: Rice husk charcoal = 40 gr/polybag, p4: Rice husk ash = 40 gr/polybag, p5: Rice straw + rice husk, p6: Rice straw + rice husk charcoal, p7: Rice straw + rice husk ash, p8: Rice husk + rice husk charcoal, p9: Rice husk + rice husk ash, p10: Rice husk charcoal + rice husk ash, with each material weighing 20 gr/polybag. The observation variables were plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, dry weight of grains per hill, and 100-grain weight. Analysis of variance used F-test and continued with Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% level. The application of rice harvest residue had a better effect on the growth and yield of rice than the treatment without the application of rice harvest residue. Treatment p6 had the best effect on the dry weight of grains per hill, which was 65.67 grams. Keywords: Acidic Sulfate Soils, Ameliorant, Rice, Rice husk charcoal, Straw

The Effect of Organic Fertilization and Jasmonic Acid on the Morphological, Quantitative, and Chemical Parameters of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) variety Hussainawiya

A study was conducted in a field belonging to the Najaf Agriculture Directorate/Najaf/Iraq during the spring growing season of 2021. The study aimed to analyze the response of okra variety Hussainiya for two factors. The first studied factor was three levels of DPW (decomposed palm waste), including 0, 16, and 32 tonha-1, while the second factor was three levels of a foliar application of Jasmonic acid, including 0, 15, and 30 mgL-1. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to model the factorial experiment with three replications, and the Least Significant Differences (LSD) were selected to compare the means at the probability level of 0.05. The results showed the significant superiority of organic fertilization treatment of DPW at the level of 32-ton ha-1 compared with control treatments in the studied parameters, recording the highest value of the plant height, total number of leaves, total leaf area, dry weight of the vegetative system, number of fruits per plant, the yield of one plant, total yield, the percentage of nitrogen in leaves, the total chlorophyll percentage, and the total soluble carbohydrates in fruits. The foliar application of 30 mg. L-1 Jasmonic acid gave significantly higher values for the above indicators than control treatments. The interaction between the application of 32 tons. ha-1 DPW and 30 mg L-1 Jasmonic acids showed significant superiority over other treatments in all studied indicators. These indicators were plant height 131.66 cm, total number of leaves 42.55 leaves plant-1, total leaf area 1.66 m2plant-1, dry weight of the vegetative system 95.48 g plant-1, fruits number 77.15 fruit plant-1, yield of one plant 884.75 g plant-1, total yield 56.17 tons. ha-1, nitrogen in leaves 2.262%, total chlorophyll in leaves 80.91 mg.100 g-1FW, and carbohydrates in fruits 20.33%. While the interaction between non-fertilized plants sprayed with water only recorded significantly the lowest value of these indicators, which scored 77.10 cm, 20.36 leaf plant-1, 0.59 m2plant-1, 54.11 g plant-1, 47.23 fruit plant-1, 237.42 g plant-1, 15.07-ton ha-1, 1.351%, 47.45 mg.100 g-1 fresh weight, and 6.77% respectively. Keywords: Abelmoschus plant; decomposed palm waste; Jasmonic acid; okra, Organic fertilizer; yield indicators.

Effects of Green Tea Leaf Extract on Viability, Apoptosis, and Expression of Interleukin-6 in Keloid Fibroblasts

Green tea leaf (Camellia sinensis) extract contains polyphenols, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic agents that may effectively to as keloid therapy. This study aims to examine the effect of green tea leaf extract on viability, apoptosis, and interleukin-6 expression in keloid fibroblasts. Keloid fibroblast cultures were divided into groups that were cultivated with green tea extract at dosages of 100, 200, 400, and 800 μg/mL, negative control (10% Fetal Bovine Serum/FBS), and positive control (100 μM dexamethasone). This study used post-test-only control group design. The highest mean IL-6 expression was in the GTE 200 (275,942.7 pg/mL), while the lowest was in the GTE 800 ( -2,890.6 pg/mL). The viability and apoptosis was analized by using one-way ANOVA, continued with Least Significant Difference (LSD) with a significance of p 0.05 in the GTE 800 treatment group compared to the entire intervention group. Kruskal-Wallis followed by a Mann-Whitney was carried out for interleukin-6 (IL-6) with a significance of p 0.05 in the extract therapy group at dosages of 200, 400, 800 μg/ml and 100 μM dexamethasone. In conclusion, green tea leaf extract at 800 μg/ml could reduce viability interleukin-6 expression and increase apoptotic caspase-3 expression in keloid fibroblast cells.

The effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on lipid profiles and renal function in people with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most important microvascular complications of diabetes. Despite the modern treatments, herbs or medicinal plants have gained wide attention. One of these herbs is green tea (Camellia sinensis), which may have an impact on renal function, lipid profiles, and HbA1c. However, the evidence for this is unclear and limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of green tea on these parameters in type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM) with nephropathy. Sixty-six individuals with T2DM nephropathy (aged 30-70 years) were randomly assigned to receive three cups of green tea/day (n = 22), two cups of green tea/day (n = 22), and the control group (n = 22) for 12 weeks. Lipid profiles, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and renal markers were measured before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), least significant difference (LSD) post hoc, and analysis of covariance were used to compare quantitative variables. In total, 64 participants completed the study. Consuming three cups of infusion green tea per day (7.5 gr) led to a significant reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.009) and HbA1c (p = 0.006) and increased in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.02) compared with the control group who did not drink green tea. However, no significant differences were observed for other variables. In general, it was found that drinking three cups of green tea infusion (7.5 gr) per day produced beneficial effects on some lipid profiles and HbA1c without any adverse effects on renal function in patients with T2DM nephropathy. More studies are needed to fully elucidate these findings. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) under registry number: IRCT2014020114538N2.

Application of Compost and Manure in the Biopore Infiltration Hole to Improve Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Shc) of Soil in the Coffee Root Zone

Coffee is one of the primary sources of foreign exchange in Indonesia. The factors causing fluctuations in coffee production are climate change, high soil density, less organic material, which causes coffee roots to be unable to absorb water and nutrients optimally. The soil water movement measured by saturated hydraulic conductivity which represents the soil ability to transmit water. The application of compost and manure in the biopore infiltration hole (BIH) is an effective technology in reducing surface-runoff and organic wastes management, as well as soil characteristics improvement. This study was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with four treatments and four replications. The treatments were P1 as control (without BIH), P2 (BIH without compost), P3 (BIH+compost), and P4 (BIH+goat manure). Data analysis was carried out using the Ftest (ANOVA), and continued with Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5% level, when there was a significant difference. Observations of soil characteristics were carried out every two months in three depth of root zone, 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm. While the observation of the Auger hole at a depth of 0-30 cm and 0-60 cm. Research variables include soil texture, soil bulk density, Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of soil by Auger-Hole, Soil Organic Matter (SOC), pH, Cation Exchange Capasity (CEC), and coffee yield. Results showed that treatment of BIH+goat manure gave the best results, measured by improving soil hydraulic conductivity up to 40%. The highest coffee yield was found in the BIH+manure treatment to 3.29 t ha-1.