Negative Linear Relationship Research Articles

Relationship between the Characteristics of Bread Wheat Grains, Storage Time and Germination.

Seed storage is important to farmers, breeders and for germplasm preservation. During storage, seeds accumulate damage at the structural and metabolic level, which disrupt their function and reduce resistance to adverse external conditions. In this regard, issues related to seed aging prove to be relevant for maintaining the viability of genetic collections. We analyzed morphological characteristics of grains and their coat color for 44 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of bread wheat grown in four different seasons, 2003, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Our investigations were performed in 2020. For 19 RILs from the same seasons germination was evaluated. Our results demonstrate that genotype significantly affects the variability of all seed traits, and the year of harvesting affects about 80% of them (including all the traits of shape and size). To identify the trend between changes in grain characteristics and harvesting year, we estimated correlation coefficients between them. No significant trend was detected for the grain shape/size traits, while 90% of the color traits demonstrated such a trend. The most significant negative correlations were found between the harvesting year and the traits of grain redness: the greater the storage time, the more intensive is red color component for the grains. At the same time, it was shown that grains of longer storage time (earlier harvesting year) have lighter coat. Analysis of linear correlations between germination of wheat seeds of different genotypes and harvesting years and their seed traits revealed a negative linear relationship between the red component of coat color and germination: the redder the grains, the lower their germination rate. The results obtained demonstrate manifestations of metabolic changes in the coat of grains associated with storage time and their relationship with a decrease of seed viability.

Impact of intrarectal chromofungin treatment on dendritic cells-related markers in different immune compartments in colonic inflammatory conditions.

BACKGROUNDChromofungin (CHR: chromogranin-A 47-66) is a chromogranin-A derived peptide with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by a colonic decrease of CHR and a dysregulation of dendritic CD11c+ cells.AIMTo investigate the association between CHR treatment and dendritic cells (DCs)-related markers in different immune compartments in colitis.METHODSA model of acute UC-like colitis using dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) was used in addition to biopsies collected from UC patients.RESULTSIntrarectal CHR treatment reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis and was associated with a significant decrease in the expression of CD11c, CD40, CD80, CD86 and interleukin (IL)-12p40 in the inflamed colonic mucosa and CD11c, CD80, CD86 IL-6 and IL-12p40 within the mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen. Furthermore, CHR treatment decreased CD80 and CD86 expression markers of splenic CD11c+ cells and decreased NF-κB expression in the colon and of splenic CD11c+ cells. In vitro, CHR decreased CD40, CD80, CD86 IL-6 and IL-12p40 expression in naïve bone marrow-derived CD11c+ DCs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Pharmacological studies demonstrated an impact of CHR on the NF-κB pathway. In patients with active UC, CHR level was reduced and showed a negative linear relationship with CD11c and CD86.CONCLUSIONCHR has protective properties against intestinal inflammation via the regulation of DC-related markers and CD11c+ cells. CHR could be a potential therapy of UC.

Dosimetric Verification of Gamma Passing Rate for Head and Neck Cases Treated with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Treatment Planning Technique

Each Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) plan needs to be tested and verified before any treatment to check its quality. Octavius 4D-1500 phantom detector is a modern and qualified device for quality assurance procedure. This study aims to compare the common dosimetric criteria 3%/3 mm with 2%/2 mm for H&N plans for the IMRT technique. Twenty-five patients with head and neck (H&N) tumor were with 6MV x-ray photon beam using Monaco 5.1 treatment planning software and exported to Elekta synergy linear accelerator then tested for pretreatment verification study using Octavius 4D-1500 phantom detector. The difference between planned and measured dose were assessed by using local and global gamma index (GI) analysis method at threshold 10%. The DD/DTA criteria are performed with 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm. A significant difference is shown between the measured and calculated point dose for the treatment plans. A comparison made between the gamma passing rate between the 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm shows a significant difference for local and global which shows that the 2%/2 mm are more sensitive to dose variation than 3%/3 mm. The total monitor unit (MU) shows a negative linear relationship with both criteria and %GP types. A significant correlation is shown between the total MU and global %GP at 2%/2 mm criterion. The conclusion of the study indicates that 2%/2 mm criterion is more sensitive to the dose distribution changes than the 3%/3 mm. The total number of monitor units should be taken into consideration during the planning of H&N tumors using the IMRT plans.

A Novel Intuitionistic Fuzzy Correlation Algorithm and Its Applications in Pattern Recognition and Student Admission Process

Many computing methods have been studied in intuitionistic fuzzy environment to enhance the resourcefulness of intuitionistic fuzzy sets in modelling real-life problems, among which, correlation coefficient is prominent. This paper proposes a new intuitionistic fuzzy correlation algorithm via intuitionistic fuzzy deviation, variance and covariance by taking into account the complete parameters of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. This new computing technique does not only evaluates the strength of relationship between the intuitionistic fuzzy sets but also indicates whether the intuitionistic fuzzy sets have either positive or negative linear relationship. The proposed technique is substantiated with some theoretical results, and numerically validated to be superior in terms of performance index in contrast to some hitherto methods. Multi-criteria decision-making processes involving pattern recognition and students’ admission process are determined with the aid of the proposed intuitionistic fuzzy correlation algorithm coded with JAVA programming language.

The Solar Radiation Climate of Greece

The solar radiation climate of Greece is investigated by using typical meteorological years (TMYs) at 43 locations in Greece based on a period of 10 years (2007–2016). These TMYs include hourly values of global, Hg, and diffuse, Hd, horizontal irradiances from which the direct, Hb, horizontal irradiance is estimated. Use of the diffuse fraction, kd, and the definition of the direct-beam fraction, kb, is made. Solar maps of annual mean Hg, Hd, kd, and kb are prepared over Greece under clear and all skies, which show interesting but explainable patterns. Additionally, the intra-annual and seasonal variabilities of these parameters are presented and regression equations are provided. It is found that Hb has a negative linear relationship with kd; the same applies to Hg with respect to kd or with respect to the latitude of the site. It is shown that kd (kb) can reflect the scattering (absorption) effects of the atmosphere on solar radiation, and, therefore, this parameter can be used as a scattering (absorption) index. An analysis shows that the influence of solar variability (sunspot cycle) on the Hg levels over Athens in the period 1953–2018 was less dominant than the anthropogenic (air-pollution) footprint that caused the global dimming effect.

Dose-response effects of alcohol on biochemical markers of bone turnover in non-human primates: Effects of species, sex and age of onset of drinking

PurposeAlcohol consumption suppressed bone turnover in male non-human primates; however, it is unclear the extent to which this effect depends upon biological variables. Using archived plasma samples, we investigated whether sex, age of onset of alcohol intake, and species influence the effects of graded increases in alcohol consumption on bone turnover markers. Methods91 male and female macaques (rhesus and cynomolgus), ranging in age from 4 years (adolescent) to 10 years (adult) were required to increase their consumption of ethanol in 30-day increments: 0 g/kg/day, followed by 0.5 g/kg/day, 1.0 g/kg/day, and, finally, 1.5 g/kg/day. Plasma osteocalcin (formation), plasma CTX (resorption) and osteocalcin to CTX ratio (turnover balance) were measured during these intervals to assess the dose-response effects of alcohol. ResultsWe detected no relationship between dose and osteocalcin when all monkeys were combined, but there was a significant effect of sex (lower levels in females) and interactions between alcohol dose and sex (osteocalcin levels increased with dose in rhesus females). In contrast, we detected a negative linear dose-response relationship for ethanol and CTX. We did not detect a relationship between dose and osteocalcin to CTX ratio overall, but there was a significant positive relationship detected in females (no change in males). Increased age predicted lower biomarker levels for both osteocalcin and CTX. Species was a significant predictor for osteocalcin and the osteocalcin to CTX ratio in these models. ConclusionThese findings indicate that age, sex, and species influence bone turnover and support the concept that factors beyond quantity of alcohol affect skeletal response to alcohol consumption.

Impacts of soil‐borne disease on plant yield and farm profit in dairying soils

AbstractIntroductionGlobally, soil‐borne plant pathogens are a significant contributor to plant yield loss in agricultural systems, including pasture production. The extent of soil biological constraints in high‐value dairy systems was assessed across three major dairying regions of New Zealand.Materials and MethodsRegional measures of disease pressure were obtained by comparing white clover, perennial ryegrass and plantain growth in 30 farm soils with (non‐pasteurised) or without (microwave pasteurised) their normal complement of microbial and nematode pathogens.ResultsPasteurising soils from the Waikato region led to significant average increases in clover (35%) and ryegrass (19%) shoot dry matter. Individual site yields increased up to 74% for clover and 38% for ryegrass. For Canterbury and Southland, there was no increase in plant yield with pasteurisation on a regional basis, but increases in either clover or ryegrass were significant at three individual farm sites. Across all regions, negative linear relationships between disease pressure (% growth change) and a proxy of soil organic matter quality (anaerobically mineralizable nitrogen:total nitrogen ratio were found for both clover and ryegrass, accounting for 34% of the variation in both clover and ryegrass growth. A positive linear relationship was found between disease pressure and Heterodera cyst nematode abundance, accounting for 33% and 17% of the variation in clover and ryegrass growth change, respectively. The most prevalent putative fungal and oomycete pathogens isolated from the roots and stem bases of clover and ryegrass seedlings were Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium culmorum, and various Pythium species.ConclusionOur results suggest that root pathogens on New Zeland dairy farms are most prevalent and damaging in the Waikato region where economic modelling estimated clover and ryegrass root disease to cost 211 kg MS ha−1 year−1 in milk production and $909 ha−1 year−1 in farm profitability. Given the scale of these costs, targeted management of soil borne disease could present an economically viable approach to improving the resilience of these multi‐plant multi‐pathogen ecosystems.

Comparative study of grain quality characteristics of some selected traditional and improved rice varieties in Sri Lanka: A review

Consumer acceptability and market demand in rice (Oryza sativa L.) are mainly determined by its grain quality. Therefore, the main aim of the present analytical review was to evaluate some selected traditional and improved rice varieties in Sri Lanka for their grain quality characteristics that include physical, physico-chemical, milling, cooking and eating and nutritional properties. Information from higher number of traditional varieties than that of improved varieties was used in the review as existing number of traditional varieties is about ten times higher than that of improved varieties in the country. Most of the traditional rice varieties are red with short to medium size grains having round and bold shape. Most of the improved rice varieties are white with long to medium-size grains having either round, bold, or internationally acceptable slender shapes. The total milling recoveries of both traditional and improved rice varieties are more or less similar and are in the range of 69-74%. Nutritional value of rice is influenced by genotype, soil and environmental condition under which the rice is grown as well as postharvest processing and storage condition and also degree of milling influences on the end-use nutritional quality. Both the cooking and eating quality and nutritional properties varied within traditional as well as within improved varieties. Total carbohydrate content of almost all of the improved rice varieties is higher except in the improved variety Bg 360 than that of the traditional varieties studied. Available data on grain protein, crude fat and crude fiber contents of traditional and improved rice varieties are significantly varying and inconsistent within and between traditional and improved rice varieties. The majority of the traditional and improved rice varieties belong to high amylose class, however, improved rice variety At 405 recorded the lowest amylose content and several traditional rice varieties recorded intermediate amylose content. Both traditional and improved rice varieties showed a similar swelling power. Though the swelling power of rice grains has shown a negative linear relationship with grain amylose content in general, a positive linear relationship between those two characteristics has been observed between improved and traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka.

Computational Study on Homolytic Bond Energies of the Ag-X (X = C, O, and H) Complexes and Hammett-Type Analysis of Reactivity.

Thirty-seven calculation methods were benchmarked against the available experimental bond lengths and energies data regarding the Ag–X bonds. The theoretical protocol PBE0/VDZ//ωB97x-D/mVTZ was found to be capable of accurately predicting the homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of Ag–X complexes with a precision of 1.9 kcal/mol. With the available method in hand, a wide range of different Ag–X BDEs were estimated. BDE(Ag–CH2X), BDE(Ag–PhX), BDE(Ag–OPhX), and BDE(Ag–OCOPhX) (X = NH2, OMe, Me, H, Cl, and NO2) were found to be in the ranges of 27–47, 51–54, 19–39, and 64–70 kcal/mol, respectively. Subsequently, Hammett-type analysis was carried out with reactivity parameters. Good positive linear relationships were found for BDE of Ag−O bands and decarboxylation barriers of Ag–OCOPhX with the Hammett constant σ. It suggested that electron-donating substituents could promote either the homolytic cleavage of the Ag–OPhX bond to undergo a radical process or Ag–OCOPhX decarboxylation. Moreover, ligand effects on Ag–H bonds were investigated using BDE(Ag–H) and related NPA charges on Ag. In the case of P-ligands, carbene ligands, and other small molecule ligands (i.e., CO, CO2, and H2O), a good negative linear relationship was found. In contrast, N-ligands could have a reverse effect. Understanding the intrinsic relationships of BDE(Ag–X) with related reactivity parameters might help gain insights into the structure–reactivity relationships in Ag–X-assisted C–H activation/decarboxylation.

Climate Finance: Mapping Air Pollution and Finance Market in Time Series

Climate finance is growing popular in addressing challenges of climate change because it controls the funding and resources to emission entities and promotes green manufacturing. In this study, we determined that PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 are the target pollutant in the atmosphere and we use a deep neural network to enhance the regression analysis in order to investigate the relationship between air pollution and stock prices of the targeted manufacturer. We also conduct time series analysis based on air pollution and heavy industry manufacturing in China, as the country is facing serious air pollution problems. Our study uses Convolutional-Long Short Term Memory in 2 Dimension (ConvLSTM2D) to extract the features from air pollution and enhance the time series regression in the financial market. The main contribution in our paper is discovering a feature term that impacts the stock price in the financial market, particularly for the companies that are highly impacted by the local environment. We offer a higher accurate model than the traditional time series in the stock price prediction by considering the environmental factor. The experimental results suggest that there is a negative linear relationship between air pollution and the stock market, which demonstrates that air pollution has a negative effect on the financial market. It promotes the manufacturer’s improving their emission recycling and encourages them to invest in green manufacture—otherwise, the drop in stock price will impact the company funding process.

Effects of weed infestation on the productivity of hybrid and inbred rice varieties in Myanmar

AbstractDouble rice‐cropping areas in the dry and wet seasons have been increasing in Myanmar, and hybrid rice has been cultivated throughout the country. However, weeds are often not adequately managed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of weed infestation on rice production of three hybrid varieties (Palethwe 1, Palethwe 3, and Palethwe Basmati) and three inbred varieties (Manaw Thu Kha, Shwe Thwe Yin, and Sin Thwe Latt) in the dry and wet seasons in a lowland rice field. In the dry and wet seasons, 19 ‐ 20 weed species were naturally infested into the fields. Limnocharis flava was the most abundant weed in both seasons. Weed dry weight and rice grain yield showed a negative linear relationship in both seasons. Manaw Thu Kha showed the highest yield loss in the un‐weeded fields in both seasons, while Sin Thwe Latt and Palethwe Basmati showed the lowest yield loss in the dry season and wet season, respectively. Sin Thwe Latt recorded the lowest yield loss of 30.21% on average in both seasons, and the highest yield loss of 60.37% was recorded for Manaw Thu Kha. The average rice grain yield loss of all the varieties in the un‐weeded fields was 64.37 and 33.66% for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Thus, the yield loss in the dry season was 1.9‐times greater than that in the wet season. The present research suggests that adequate weed management is necessary for rice cultivation, especially in the dry season in Myanmar.

A spatial land use clustering framework for investigating the role of land use in mediating the effect of meteorology on urban air quality

Air pollution in urban areas is driven by emission sources and modulated by local meteorology, including the effects of urban form on wind speed and ventilation, and thus varies markedly in space and time. Recently, mobile measurement campaigns have been conducted in urban areas to measure the spatial distribution of air pollutant concentrations. While the main focus of these studies has been revealing spatial patterns in mean (or median) concentrations, they have mostly ignored the temporal aspects of air pollution. However, assessing the temporal variability of air pollution is essential in understanding the integrated exposure of individuals to pollutants above critical thresholds. Here, we examine the role of urban land use in mediating the effect of regional meteorology on Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations measured in different regions of Oakland, CA. Inspired by Land Use Regression (LUR) models, we cluster 30-m road segments in the urban area based on their land use. The concentration data from the resulting clusters are stratified based on seasonality and conditionally averaged based on concurrent wind speeds. The clustering analysis yielded 7 clusters, with 4 of them chosen for further statistical analysis due to their large sample sizes. Two of the four clusters demonstrated in winter a strong negative linear relationship between NO 2 concentration and wind speed ( R 2 > 0.87) with a slope of approximately 3 ppb/m s -1 . A weaker correlation and flatter slope was found for the cluster representing road segments belonging to interstate highways ( R 2 > 0.73 and slope < 2 ppb/m s -1 ). No significant relationship was found during the summer season. These findings are consistent with the concept of strong vertical mixing due to highway traffic and increased surface heat fluxes during summer weakening the relationship between wind speed and NO 2 concentrations. In summary, the clustering analysis framework presented here provides a novel tool for use with large-scale mobile measurements to reveal the effect of urban land form on the temporal dynamics of pollutant concentrations and ultimately human exposure. • Clustering framework developed for spatio-temporal analysis of mobile measurements. • Domain-related procedure for selecting number of clusters in k-means is presented. • Effect of meteorology on pollutant levels as mediated by land-use is investigated. • Wind speed is only effective in reducing pollutant levels in some urban regions.

Evidence That Hypothalamic Gliosis Is Related to Impaired Glucose Homeostasis in Adults With Obesity.

Preclinical research implicates hypothalamic glial cell responses in the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In the current study we sought to translate such findings to humans by testing whether radiologic markers of gliosis in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) were greater in individuals with obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis or T2D. Using cross-sectional and prospective cohort study designs, we applied a validated quantitative MRI approach to assess gliosis in 67 adults with obesity and normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or T2D. Assessments of glucose homeostasis were conducted via oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and β-cell modeling. We found significantly greater T2 relaxation times (a marker of gliosis by MRI), that were independent of adiposity, in the groups with IGT and T2D as compared with the group with normal glucose tolerance. Findings were present in the MBH, but not control regions. Moreover, positive linear associations were present in the MBH but not control regions between T2 relaxation time and glucose area under the curve during an OGTT, fasting glucose concentrations, hemoglobin A1c, and visceral adipose tissue mass, whereas negative linear relationships were present in the MBH for markers of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. In a prospective cohort study, greater MBH T2 relaxation times predicted declining insulin sensitivity over 1 year. Findings support a role for hypothalamic gliosis in the progression of insulin resistance in obesity and thus T2D pathogenesis in humans.

Equilibrium and Hysteresis Formation of Water Vapor Adsorption on Microporous Adsorbents: Effect of Adsorbent Properties and Temperature

Water vapor has been one of the vital problems in purification of volatile organic compounds. In this study, the adsorption-desorption equilibrium of water vapor were conducted at 298, 308, 318 and 328K on three adsorbents: hypercrosslinked polymeric adsorbents (HPA), activated carbon fiber (ACF) and granular activated carbon (GAC). The obtained isotherms were type V and the adsorption capacity at the same condition was as follows: GAC>ACF>HPA. Cluster Formation Induced Micro-pore Filling (CIMF) model was adopted to fit the adsorption isotherms and the fitting parameters showed that adsorption capacities of water vapor on micropores and functional groups had a negative logarithmic linear relationship with temperature. The existence of functional groups could weaken the negative influence of temperature on the water adsorption performance, while the influence of temperature had negligible relationship with microporous volume. The hysteresis loops at different temperatures on three adsorbents had similar shape, the size of which were also as follows: GAC>ACF>HPA. They mainly occurred in micropore adsorption, but their size had positive relationships with both functional groups and microporous volume. The hysteresis became smaller along with the increase of temperature, closely related with the stability of water clusters. In conclusion, temperature, functional groups and porous structure played crucial roles for water vapor adsorption and the formation of hysteresis.

Hardness-Deformation Energy Relationship in Metals and Alloys: A Comparative Evaluation Based on Nanoindentation Testing and Thermodynamic Consideration.

Nanoindentation testing using a Berkovich indenter was conducted to explore the relationships among indentation hardness (H), elastic work energy (We), plastic work energy (Wp), and total energy (Wt = We + Wp) for deformation among a wide range of pure metal and alloy samples with different hardness, including iron, steel, austenitic stainless steel (H ≈ 2600–9000 MPa), high purity copper, single-crystal tungsten, and 55Ni–45Ti (mass%) alloy. Similar to previous studies, We/Wt and Wp/Wt showed positive and negative linear relationships with elastic strain resistance (H/Er), respectively, where Er is the reduced Young’s modulus obtained by using the nanoindentation. It is typically considered that Wp has no relationship with We; however, we found that Wp/We correlated well with H/Er for all the studied materials. With increasing H/Er, the curve converged toward Wp/We = 1, because the Gibbs free energy should not become negative when indents remain after the indentation. Moreover, H/Er must be less than or equal to 0.08. Thermodynamic analyses emphasized the physical meaning of hardness obtained by nanoindentation; that is, when Er is identical, harder materials show smaller values of Wp/We than those of softer ones during nanoindentation under the same applied load. This fundamental knowledge will be useful for identifying and developing metallic materials with an adequate balance of elastic and plastic energies depending on the application (such as construction or medical equipment).

Direct and indirect effects of nitrogen enrichment and grazing on grassland productivity through intraspecific trait variability

Abstract In the context of global change, the effects of livestock grazing and nitrogen (N) deposition on ecosystem structure and function of grasslands are not isolated, but simultaneous or even interactive. However, most studies on variations in plant functional traits and linkages to ecosystem function have focused on grazing or N enrichment alone. Few studies have combined these two factors to explore the role of intraspecific trait variability in community assembly and primary productivity, and their pathways on ANPP remain unclear. Here, we examined the effects of N addition and grazing on intra‐ and interspecific variations in plant functional traits in Inner Mongolia steppe based on two manipulative experiments with six N addition rates or grazing intensities over 6 years. The direct and indirect effects of N addition and grazing on ANPP were further analysed. Our results showed that N enrichment greatly enhanced intraspecific trait variability compared to grazing, which played an important role in maintaining species diversity and primary productivity. There was a negative linear relationship between species richness and intraspecific trait variance within community (TIP/IC), indicating that N enrichment promoted intraspecific trait variability and increased interspecific niche width, leading to a decrease in species richness. ANPP was positively correlated with TIP/IC values under N addition or grazing, suggesting that higher intraspecific trait variability was beneficial to maintaining grassland productivity. We also found that N addition had a direct positive effect on ANPP, and intraspecific trait variation was the secondary cause of ANPP variation; in contrast, grazing had an indirect negative effect on ANPP, mainly through species richness and interspecific trait variation. Synthesis and applications. Our findings have important implications for the restoration and management of semi‐arid grasslands. Considering the offsetting effects of N addition and grazing on primary productivity, fertilization measures can be integrated into pasture management to quickly restore productivity. In the restoration of degraded grassland by artificial reseeding, the optimal seedling density related to intraspecific variation should be determined, and the forge species should be selected according to plant functional traits, taking into account the strategies of both conservative resource‐use and grazing tolerance.

Focus on blood pressure levels and variability in the early phase of acute ischemic stroke with hypertension and carotid stenosis.

To investigate the optimal blood pressure (BP) levels and relative importance of BP and BP variability in the early phase of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) for hypertensive patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS). A single‐center cohort study included 750 AIS patients with hypertension and tests were performed for CAS. Participants were categorized to Group 1 (SBP < 140 mm Hg and DBP < 90 mm Hg), Group 2: (SBP: 140–159 mm Hg and or DBP: 90–99 mm Hg), and Group 3: (SBP ≥160 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥100 mm Hg) according to the guidelines. The associations of mean BP levels and variability with outcomes (recurrent stroke, all‐cause death and the composite cardiovascular events) at 6 months were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard models. The associations of BP variability with BP levels and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were analyzed by linear regression and generalized additive models. Both for primary and secondary outcome, more events occurred in Group 1 compared with Group 2, while no significant difference was found in Group 3 with higher BP levels. Lower systolic BP variability showed better prognosis and higher CBF. The associations were more significant in patients with CAS ≥50%. BP variability exhibited a linear negative relationship with BP levels. In the early phase of AIS with hypertension and CAS, maintaining low blood pressure variability may be important to improve outcomes while low BP levels (SBP/DBP < 140/90 mm Hg) were harmful, especially in those patients with CAS ≥ 50%.

Community interventions in landslide scar use in the upper Manafwa catchment, Eastern Uganda

ABSTRACT The risk of landslides is increasing on the slopes of Mt Elgon in the upper Manafwa catchment in Eastern Uganda; landslides have affected the landscape and people’s livelihoods. Field investigations were conducted to characterise landslide scars and their distribution. Household and key informant interviews as well as focus group discussions were held to establish community interventions and their effectiveness in the rehabilitation and use of landslide scars which were rated on a five-point scale. Positive and negative linear relationships were determined between different adoption factors alongside the local interventions. Afforestation and mixed cropping were the most popular responses. Runoff channels and application of fertilisers were the least popular interventions. Grass strips, runoff channels and mixed cropping were perceived as the most effective community interventions. Afforestation and agroforestry should be encouraged especially for areas experiencing shallow landslides since they have been found to be effective against their effects.

Propolis Supplementation on Broiler Chicken Performances, Nutrient Digestibility, and Carcass Characteristics: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary propolis supplementation on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility evaluated at the starter and finisher phases. An online literature search was conducted using scientific platforms of Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar to identify the studies utilizing propolis as dietary supplementation in broiler chickens. A total of 39 publications comprising of 58 experiments met the inclusion criteria. A mixed model procedure for meta-analysis was performed, considering the studies as a random effect and levels of propolis as a fixed effect. Regression analysis suggested that average daily gain (ADG), body weight, and average daily feed intake (ADFI) at starter and finisher phases were quadratically affected by supplementing propolis in the diet (p<0.01). Propolis also lowered the feed conversion ratio (FCR) throughout the periods (p<0.05). In addition, a positive effect of propolis inclusion was also observed on breast meat percentage (p<0.05). However, there was a negative linear relationship between propolis and the digestibility of dry matter (DMD) and organic matter (OMD) (p<0.01) at the starter period. Conversely, there was a linear increase in DMD (p<0.05) and a tendency to improve apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and phosphorus digestibility at the finisher period (p<0.10). Overall, it can be concluded that dietary propolis supplementation promoted better growth performance and feed efficiency when given at ~1.66-2.13 g/kg diets for starter and finisher phases in the broiler chickens. The effect of propolis on nutrient digestibility was positive at the finisher phase while it was detrimental at the starter phase.

Biodiversity–productivity relationships in a natural grassland community vary under diversity loss scenarios

Abstract Understanding the biodiversity–productivity relationship and underlying mechanisms in natural ecosystems under realistic diversity loss scenarios remains a major challenge for ecologists despite its importance for predicting impacts of rapid loss of biodiversity worldwide. Here we report the results of a plant functional group (PFG) removal experiment conducted on the Mongolian Plateau, the largest remaining natural grassland in the world. Our results demonstrated that the biodiversity–productivity relationship varied among positive linear, neutral and unimodal forms under different PFG loss patterns. Moreover, the form of this relationship with the same PFG loss pattern sometimes changed through time. The abundance of the remaining PFG(s) before removal and their compensation following the loss of other PFGs were two major mechanisms affecting the biodiversity–productivity relationship under diversity loss scenarios. The abundance effect promoted positive responses of productivity to biodiversity, but the compensation effect caused several biodiversity–productivity relationships, hinging on its direction (positive or negative) and strength. As indicated by the values of the compensation index, negative, zero and partial compensations contributed to the positive relationships, while full compensation resulted in a neutral relationship. Overcompensation at intermediate PFG richness levels created a unimodal curve in our system, but it could also lead to a negative linear relationship. Synthesis. Our experiment provides a vivid picture of how the form of the biodiversity–productivity relationship varies among different diversity loss patterns in a natural ecosystem. We argue that compensation by the remaining species, which is not revealed by synthesized biodiversity experiments, plays a critical role in shaping the form of this relationship when diversity is lost from existing systems. The direction and strength of compensation are highly dependent on extirpation scenarios. Thus, impacts of biodiversity loss on natural ecosystems are likely more complex than predicted by the canonical positive saturating curve obtained from the synthesized biodiversity experiments. We suggest that models forecasting the consequences of biodiversity declines on natural ecosystems should take into account diversity loss patterns and the ensuing compensation.