Maturity Values Research Articles

Impact of changes in fat mass and lean soft tissue on bone mineral density accrual in adolescents engaged in different sports: ABCD Growth Study.

To analyze the impact of changes in lean soft tissue (LST) and fat mass on areal bone mineral density (BMD) accrual in the lower limbs among adolescents engaged in sports with different weight-bearing levels. Longitudinal (12months: measurements at two time points). Adolescents of both sexes (n = 191; 62 girls [32.5%] and 129 boys [67.5%]) were divided into three groups: control group (n = 65), swimming group (n = 25), and weight-bearing sports group (n = 100). Absolute changes in LST (kg) and fat mass (kg) were the independent variables, while BMD accrual (left and right legs) was the dependent variable. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between dependent and independent variables in a multivariate model adjusted by sex, body weight, somatic maturation, serum osteocalcin, and baseline values of BMD of the lower limbs. For the left leg, LST was positively related to areal BMD accrual in the control (β = 0.021 [95%CI: 0.001 to 0.042]) and weight-bearing sport groups (β = 0.051 [95%CI: 0.037 to 0.065]), but not among swimmers (β = 0.029 [95%CI: - 0.004 to 0.062]). For the right leg, LST was positively related to areal BMD accrual in the swimming group (β = 0.065 [95%CI: 0.031 to 0.100]) and weight-bearing sport groups (β = 0.048 [95%CI: 0.034 to 0.062]), but not in the control group (β = 0.014 [95%CI: - 0.002 to 0.030]). Fat mass was not significantly related to areal BMD in either leg. Changes in LST were the most relevant determinant of BMD accrual in the lower limbs, mainly among adolescents engaged in sports.

Humification Process and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Assessment During Oily Sludge Composting

The petroleum sludge composting in a bioreactor with green wastes was made in interest to assess the organic matter biotransformation, the total petroleum hydrocarbons biodegradation and the maturity of the final product. During the composting process the C/N and NH4+/NO3− ratios decreased to reach values of maturity for the second test B. Otherwise, the decomposition rate was found to be high for test B, as the maximal temperature reached 52 °C for test B while it was only 40 °C for test A. The humification process was monitored by the increase of the humic substance and the HA/FA ratio, and by the FTIR which demonstrated the decrease of the aliphatic group bands and the persistence of the aromatic group bands. The three analysis methods revealed a similarity in the assessment of total petroleum hydrocarbons removal, which reached a rate of 94%. The composting process had also led to a reduction of the phytotoxicity by increasing the germination index.

The value of early physical maturity to young adult labor market outcomes

Puberty is the most important developmental milestone closely preceding a young adult’s labor market decisions. Thus, we examine the variation in the timing of physical maturity during adolescence to isolate its association with employment and hourly wages for US young adults. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data, we find an early maturity premium of about 6% for females and 8% for males, but no employment advantage, in excess of gains from height and physical attractiveness. Cognitive and personality factors significantly explain this premium for both genders, but job attributes are also important for males.

EVALUASI SISTEM INFORMASI RAWAT JALAN PADA RUMAH SAKIT MENGGUNAKAN FRAMEWORK COBIT 4.1

Brayat Minulya Hospital is a privately owned hospital engaged in health care services for the general public. In the patient service process, the hospital has used an information system called Graphasoft which is used for outpatient and inpatient services. Currently the outpatient information system (SiRajal) has been running computerized, where all the processes associated with the patient have been input into the system, but there are still obstacles with the slow performance of patient registration on SiRajal and not yet the implementation of monitoring and evaluation process on SiRajal so it is not known whether the system runs in accordance with the hospital's business plan. From these problems, it is necessary to evaluate the outpatient information system using a method that refers to the IT Governance standard that is using the COBIT framework (Control Objectives For Information And Related Technology). The COBIT framework used is version 4.1, with the domain focus of ME (Monitor and Evaluate) on the ME1 subdomain (Monitor and Evaluate IT Performance). Acquisition of data to be processed taken by interview method, questionnaire, analysis of evaluation framework COBIT 4.1. The results of data analysis showed that obtained the calculation of the mean value of maturity of CO ME1 that is at maturity level 2 (Repeatable but Intuitive). still far below the expectations of management. For that recommendation of improvement of findings of the analysis of the results of the Institution is expected to make the work program appropriately, effectively and efficiently to set standards, policies, and procedures on monitoring IT performance optimally, so that SiRajal performance can run smoothly in the future.Keywords : Information System, Framework COBIT 4.1, Maturity Level

Economic policy uncertainty and dividend sustainability: new insight from emerging equity market of China

We examine the influence of Economic Policy Uncertainty (E.P.U.) on dividend sustainability – dividend termination and dividend initiation decision. Using a sample of 1,375 firms over the time span 2000–2015, our main result reveals that during high E.P.U. past dividend payers are more likely to terminate and past non-payers are less likely to initiate dividends. However, firms that rely more on internal finance (I.F.), generate high return on invested capital (R.O.I.C.) and state-owned enterprises (S.O.E.s) are less exposed to E.P.U. Therefore, negative (positive) effect of E.P.U. on firms’ dividend initiation (termination) decision is mitigated by considering firms’ heterogeneous characteristics. Results also show that firms having high asset growth, maturity, profitability, cash holdings and high firm value are more likely to initiate and less likely to terminate dividend during period of high E.P.U. In addition, effects of E.P.U. on dividend sustainability is higher for firms functioning in high marketised areas relative to low marketised groups. These findings are robust under different robustness check. Finding confirms that transparent and stable implementation of economic policies can improve sustainability of firm’s dividend policy.

Comparing biodegradation and thermal maturity of some Nigerian oils.

Organic geochemical (Biomarker) method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to access the thermal maturity and biodegradation levels of the Agbada, Afowo, Yolde, and Bima Formation oils. Results obtained reveals that the Sterane and homohopane maturity parameters for the studied oils and their corresponding trisnorhopane thermal indicators (Ts:Tm ratio) are consistent with the thermal maturity values of petroleum source rocks within the oil window. This suggests that all the studied oils were generated as conventional light oil, some of which later degraded into heavy oils. Total Ion Current (TIC) fragmentogram of the saturate fractions of the studied oils shows progressive depletion of chromatographically resolved hydrocarbons relative to the unresolved hydrocarbon mixture, forming an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) hump consistent with oils that have undergone biodegradation except for the reservoired Agbada1 oil which was deeply buried beyond 2000 m and hence not biodegraded. Where these reservoir sands occur at depths greater than 2000m, it is possible to find non-biodegraded oils in them as long as they are properly sealed and connected to active petroleum source rocks.

Source rocks study and thermal modelling in Salawati basin, West Papua

Hydrocarbon in Salawati Basin is generated from Tertiary and Pre-Tertiary source rock. Several source rocks studies have been conducted, such as in Sirga, Kais and Klasafet Formation. Lack of knowledge in characteristics and thermal modelling source rock in Sirga and Pre-Faumai Formation, also curiosity to observe basin reverse polarity occurrence is intriguing to be researched further. The purposes of this research are to know: a.) Sirga and Pre-Faumai Formation source rock characteristics to generate hydrocarbon in Salawati Basin; b.) Maturity values based on %Ro, Tmax and 1D basin modelling. Research methodology was carried out using petroleum geochemistry analysis, including: TOC, Rock Eval Pyrolysis, kerogen typing, vitrinite reflectance from 9 cutting samples. Based on TOC parameter, organic-rich materials in both formations show good to very good quantity. On the other hand, PY parameter shows fair to good potency quality as source rock to generate hydrocarbon. Kerogen type composition dominated NFA which indicates oxidizing marine or lacustrine depositional environment. Sirga and Pre-Faumai Formation show low level maturity based on %Ro and Tmax. On the contrary, based on 1D basin modelling maturity of the source rock on Warir-1X well and WIR-1A (outside research area) show higher level maturity (early to mid-mature) since Middle Pliocene and progressed into late maturity stage on oil generation since Early Pleistocene. Basin polarity reversal occurred since Pliocene and changed basin configuration i.e. depocenter from on southern area becoming on northern area. Sirga and the Pre-Faumai Formation are believed to be the two formations as hydrocarbon generating source rocks in the Salawati Basin based on geochemical characteristics analysis. Maturity based on% Ro shows the level of immature to peak mature.

The Processing of Non-Timber Forest Products through Small and Medium Enterprises—A Review of Enabling and Constraining Factors

Research Highlights: This study reviews the available literature on processed non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in order to comprehensively identify relevant factors enabling or constraining their potential to contribute to rural development. Background and Objectives: NTFPs, such as wild foods, medicinal plants, and raw materials for handicrafts, make significant contributions to rural livelihoods. NTFPs can help fulfil households’ subsistence and consumption needs, serve as a safety-net in times of crises, and provide cash income. In particular, the processing of NTFPs has often been suggested to positively influence sustainable economic development in rural areas. However, despite rising interest and recognition of the potential contributions of such industries as key sources of employment and their strategic role in overall growth strategies of developing countries, many NTFP processing enterprises remain in the informal sector and an in-depth understanding of the underlying factors is lacking. This review aims to identify enabling and constraining factors affecting NTFP processing enterprises. Materials and Methods: Using systematic review methodology, studies investigating commercialized, processed NTFPs and their economic impacts have been identified and the current evidence base with regard to NTFP processing and small and medium sized enterprise (SME) development synthesized. Results: Despite the diverse nature of NTFPs, a number of constraining and enabling factors affecting NTFP processing and commercialization were identified. The former includes aspects such as the lack of resource access (finances, skills, technologies, etc.), market information, and basic infrastructure; the latter, amongst others, the role of key entrepreneurs; and cooperation across the value chain, amongst producers, and among members of the institutional environment or an abundant resource base. Moving from small-scale NTFP commercialization in local markets to more mature NTFP value chains reaching export markets, the increasing role of cooperation and having a supportive institutional framework in place, becomes apparent. Conclusions: Overall, successful NTFP processing strongly depends on the socio-economic and environmental context in question, requiring a holistic approach tailored to the respective context and value chain.

Quantifying the late-to post-Variscan pervasive heat flow, central Netherlands, Southern Permian Basin

The Southern Permian Basin is marked by significant Latest Carboniferous-Early Permian magmatism attributed to mantle plume emplacement. This intense magmatic activity is commonly assumed to have impacted the heat flow in this area. In the central Netherlands a large number of wells show evidence of magmatic activity dated as Permo-Carboniferous. In addition, high maturity values have been measured for the Carboniferous and below. Theoretical models for tectonic heat flow and maturity evolution presented in this paper show that mantle upwelling, underplating, and intrusions have a significant effect on maturity-depth trends. Tectonic modelling of five selected wells shows that tectonic subsidence and exhumation can be correlated with a significant heat flow pulse at Latest Carboniferous-Early Permian time. This could well explain the widespread elevated maturity/depth gradient in Carboniferous rocks. Quantitative assessment of heat flow, based on a model of mantle plume emplacement, shows that mantle upwelling and underplating at the base of the crust, proposed by previous studies, provides insufficient heat flow to explain strongly elevated maturity-depth trends. In contrast, widespread Permo-Carboniferous calc-alkaline magmatism at shallow crustal levels provides a mechanism for elevated heat flow with a regional impact, consistent with observed high maturity-depth trends. The model and maturity data demonstrate that elevated maturity at shallow burial-depth levels of 500–1000 m is probably sited in the gas window during a heat pulse, occurring at Late Carboniferous times. • Late-to post-Variscan thermal perturbation related to magmatic event. • High maturity in central Netherlands by deep lithospheric processes. • Distinct, short lived thermal peak in carboniferous sediments. • Result fit with regional geodynamic models and magmatic occurrences across the Southern Permian Basin.

A Dual-Purpose Model for Spring-Sown Oats in Cold Regions of Northern China

Alpine regions in northern China are the traditional animal husbandry base. The lack of high-quality forage supply resulting from degradation of natural grasslands and low forage production due to short growing seasons greatly restricts development of animal husbandry in these areas. Spring oats have been widely planted in cold regions worldwide harvesting as either grains or forages because of their great adaptative ability to low temperatures and early maturation and high nutritional values. To maximize forage and grain production, we developed a dual-purpose model for spring-sown oats in the cold regions of northeastern China using two oat species, Avena nuda L. (cv. Bayou6) and Avena. sativa L. (cv. Qinghai444). Growth, forage production and quality, grain yield, and re-growth ability of the two oats were investigated in field trials and field demonstration. Maximal dry weight was found to occur at 70 days of emergence for both oats with higher forage production and crude protein (CP) in Bayou6 than Qinghai444 oat species. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of the two oats increased with time during the early vegetative growing stage, while the relative feed value showed a decrease during vegetative growing stage. The re-growth ability following cutting for the two oats reduced with increasing growth times during vegetative stage. Plant height, tiller density, CP and NDF contents of re-growing seedlings harvested at 30–40 days of emergence did not significantly differ from those of un-cutting control. The overall cumulative dry weight of biomass following cutting at 30 days of emergence was significantly higher than that of control without cutting in both oat species. Seed yield from plots cut at 30 days of emergence for both oat species was insignificantly different from that of control plots. Harvesting of spring-sown oats at 30 days of emergence enhanced forage production, but it did not influence seed yield. Results from 2-year field demonstration confirmed these conclusions. These findings highlight that this dual-purpose oat management model can have great applications in the cold regions of China.

Peanut maturity classification using hyperspectral imagery

Seed maturity in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) determines economic return to a producer because of its impact on seed weight (yield), and critically influences seed vigour and other quality characteristics. During seed development, the inner mesocarp layer of the pericarp (hull) transitions in colour from white to black as the seed matures. The maturity assessment process involves the removal of the exocarp of the hull and visually categorizing the mesocarp colours into varying colour classes from immature (white, yellow, orange) to mature (brown, and black). This visual colour classification is time consuming because the exocarp must be manually removed. In addition, the visual classification process involves human assessment of colours, which leads to large variability of colour classification from observer to observer. A more objective, digital imaging approach to peanut maturity is needed, optimally without the requirement of removal of the hull's exocarp. This study examined the use of a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) process to determine pod maturity with intact pericarps. The HSI method leveraged spectral differences between mature and immature pods within a classification algorithm to identify the mature and immature pods. Therefore, there is no need to remove the exocarp nor is there a need for subjective colour assessment in the proposed process. The results showed a consistent high classification accuracy using samples from different years and cultivars. In addition, the proposed method was capable of estimating a continuous-valued, pixel-level maturity value for individual peanut pods, allowing for a valuable tool that can be utilized in seed quality research. This new method solves issues of labour intensity and subjective error that all current methods of peanut maturity determination have.

Community Structure of Soil Nematodes Associated with the Rhizosphere of Solanum Lycopersicum in a Major Production Area in Argentina: a Case Study Among Agroecosystem Types

The objective of this work was to describe the status of the assemblages of soil nematodes associated with tomato crops, in a major tomato production area in Argentina, by studying ecological indices of nematode food web and determining which indices describe alterations in horticultural soils. Three agroecosystem types were compared: agroecological, conventional with organic amendments, and conventional with methyl bromide (MeBr) application. A pristine site without anthropogenic intervention was also studied. Abundance, frequency, diversity indices, maturity indices, trophic groups, colonizer-persister values (cp), and guilds of nematodes were analyzed and compared statistically between the sampling sites. The most abundant genera in the agroecosystems were Rhabditis, Helicotylenchus, and Filenchus belonging to the guilds bacterivorous (Ba1), plant feeders (Pl3), and fungivorous (Fu2). Within agroecosystems, the agroecological site showed the highest values of diversity and maturity, while the lowest values were found in the site treated with MeBr. Trophic groups, cp, guilds, and the indices provided useful information on the state of maturity and enrichment that effectively contrasted and differentiated the practices of horticultural management. This updated report of the nematode fauna constitutes one of the most important for the horticultural region of La Plata considering the scarcity of studies on this subject.

Augmented Reality for the enhancement of space product assurance and safety

A growing number of companies in the aerospace industry are already leading projects to deploy Augmented Reality (AR) to improve their workplace performance, knowledge transfer, as well as workforce productivity. In parallel, national and international agencies in aerospace, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), are running studies to evaluate the application of AR to enhance the quality and cost effectiveness of space missions.We hereby present the results of a study performed by ESA to assess the maturity and potential business value of AR for application to space product assurance and safety activities. For this purpose, we conduct an on-line survey and interviews with product assurance and safety professionals. Moreover, we provide a detailed review of space industry use case requirements and readiness levels of potentially involved technology components. Findings indicate that maturity of many components enabling AR may not fully satisfy the space industry's requirements, while, at the same time, there is great potential for impact and long-term benefits from AR introduction.

Maturity estimation for Type II-S kerogen using Raman spectroscopy – A case study from the Najmah and Makhul Formations in Kuwait

Raman spectroscopy is used to estimate thermal maturity of shale samples collected from seven wells in the Najmah Formation in Kuwait, encompassing a range of maturities between 0.80 and 1.40%VRE. The Najmah Formation contains kerogen Type II-S (S/C > 0.04) and therefore, maturity correlations for Type II are not applicable due to differences in organic material structure, kinetics and thermal transformation pathways. A new correlation is proposed for the purpose of thermal maturity estimation in Type II-S kerogens. The presented correlation is able to predict the thermal maturity, based on Raman spectra, with good accuracy when compared to the reflectance-derived thermal maturity values.

Gene action for quality and quantitative characters in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The present investigation had shown the genetic analysis of different agronomic characters as well as quality traits in linseed of six parents were evaluated in 2009-10, during rabi season at Students Instructional Farm, C. S. A. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, U.P., revealed the role of both additive and non-additive gene action for all ten characters through diallel cross analysis. Average degree of dominance showed the presence of partial dominance for all the characters except iodine value which showed over dominance. The proportions of positive and negative effects in the parents were asymmetrical for all the characters. The ratio of dominant and recessive alleles in parents (KD/KR), indicated the dominant alleles were more frequent than recessive alleles for the characters, number of capsules per plant, days to maturity and iodine value in F1 and days to flower in F2 generation. Characters, plant height, number of primary and secondary branches per plant, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant and oil content in both F1 and F2 generations showed that recessive alleles were more frequent determining the extents of genetic gain that can be made in particular direction. If the alleles present in the population are predominantly of recessive nature, the extent of genetic advance will be limited. The computed ratio of (ĥ2/Ĥ2) estimate the number of gene groups suggested the preponderance of recessive genes; however they do have dominant genes. ‘t2’ value for uniformly test for Wr, Vr interprets distribution of dominant and recessive genes among the parents by investigating the relations.

The Value of Early Physical Maturity to Young Adult Labor Market Outcomes

Puberty is the most important developmental milestone closely preceding a young adult’s labor market decisions. Thus, we examine the variation in the timing of physical maturity during adolescence to isolate its impact on employment and hourly wages for US young adults. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data, we find an early maturity premium of about 6% for females and 8% for males, but no employment effects, in excess of gains from height and physical attractiveness. Cognitive and personality factors significantly explain this premium for both genders, but job attributes are also important for males.

A study protocol of vaginal laser therapy in gynecological cancer survivors

Objectives: Sexual dysfunction and radiation cystitis are common adverse events following radiotherapy for gynecological cancer (GC). This study aims to assess the efficacy of intravaginal CO2 laser on GC survivors with dyspareunia following pelvic radiation and/or brachytherapy.Methods: This is the study protocol of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. All participants will receive five therapies (active or placebo) at monthly intervals. Outcomes will include a 10-cm visual analog scale measuring dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, and other symptom intensity, 3-day voiding diary, Day-to Day Impact of Vaginal Aging questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire cervical cancer module, Urogenital Distress Inventory short form, King's Health Questionnaire, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire short form/female lower urinary tract symptoms, patient perception of improvement, sexual satisfaction of male partners, vaginal maturation value, and Vaginal Health Index. Differences between groups will be assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following the five laser therapies.Results: As this is a study protocol, the study is ongoing with an expected end of recruitment and analysis date of 2021.Conclusion: Pelvic radiotherapy for GC increases the 5-year survival rate but with a negative impact on women’s quality of life due to sexual dysfunction and radiation cystitis onset. With this study, CO2 laser therapy will be evaluated for the first time in GC survivors treated with radiotherapy. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT03714581

Chemical defense over decadal scales: Ontogenetic allocation trajectories and consequences for fitness in a foundation tree species

Abstract Expression of herbivore defense traits can change dramatically during the course of plant development. Little is known, however, about the degree of genetic or sexual variation in these ontogenetic defense trajectories or whether the trajectories themselves are adaptive, especially in long‐lived species. We used a 13‐year dataset of chemical defense traits, growth and survivorship from a common garden of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) genotypes to document long‐term defense trajectories and their relationship to tree fitness during juvenile and early mature stages. Overall, concentrations of the two principal classes of aspen defense compounds (salicinoid phenolic glycosides [SPGs] and condensed tannins [CTs]) decreased to differing degrees in foliage of juvenile trees and then remained relatively constant in maturity. Initial values, juvenile rates of change and average mature values all exhibited significant genetic variation for both SPGs and CTs. Relationships between defense trajectory parameters and metrics of tree fitness (growth and survivorship) depended on compound type and tree sex. Females with higher‐allocation SPG trajectories (high initial juvenile concentrations, slow juvenile declines, high mature concentrations) grew more slowly relative to females with lower‐allocation trajectories. In males, higher‐allocation SPG trajectories had a lesser effect on growth but were associated with reduced mortality. Juvenile CT trajectories were not correlated with tree fitness, but average CT concentration in maturity was positively related to growth in females. These results suggest that ontogenetic defense trajectories are adaptive and subject to natural selection. Genotypic variation and ontogeny shape tree defensive chemistry, both independently and interactively. These patterns of defense expression have the potential to structure trophic interactions and the genetic composition of forests in both space and time. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Palynofacies, paleoenvironment and thermal maturity of early Silurian shales in Saudi Arabia (Qusaiba Member of Qalibah Formation)

The early Silurian Qusaiba Shales are proven source rocks of the many Paleozoic petroleum systems of Saudi Arabia. In this study, a new, simple and cost-effective method for semi-quantitative analysis and graphical representation of palynological assemblage composition (PZC Phytoplankton–Zooplankton–Cryptospore ternary diagram) and a new visual thermal alteration index (IPA–TAI Integrated Palynomorph–Amorphous organic matter Thermal Alteration Index) integrating amorphous organic matter and palynomorph color, were developed based on the palynological/palynofacies analysis of some selected wells penetrating the early Silurian Qusaiba Shales throughout Saudi Arabia. The methods were tested against independent paleoenvironmental and thermal maturity indicators mainly based on geochemical parameters, confirming their validity as effective alternative methods for optical kerogen analysis and interpretation. The thermal maturity values estimated for core samples in the Qusaiba Shales from 13 wells in Saudi Arabia showed a strong correlation with Vitrinite Reflectance Equivalent (VRE%) maturity values determined from graptolite reflectance and pyrolysis Tmax measurements in the entire range of maturities (immature to overmature stages), proving that the present visual thermal alteration index can be successfully employed as a time efficient and reliable method for estimating thermal maturity in the Qusaiba Shales of Saudi Arabia. The present results show that the Qusaiba Shales were deposited in mostly mid- to outer shelf, and occasionally nearshore marine environments under prevailing dysoxic and anoxic water conditions, resulting in accumulation and preservation of organic matter.

Feasibility assessment of phenotyping cotton fiber maturity using infrared spectroscopy and algorithms for genotyping analyses

BackgroundCotton fiber maturity is an important property that partially determines the processing and performance of cotton. Due to difficulties of obtaining fiber maturity values accurately from every plant of a genetic population, cotton geneticists often use micronaire (MIC) and/or lint percentage for classifying immature phenotypes from mature fiber phenotypes although they are complex fiber traits. The recent development of an algorithm for determining cotton fiber maturity (MIR) from Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra explores a novel way to measure fiber maturity efficiently and accurately. However, the algorithm has not been tested with a genetic population consisting of a large number of progeny plants.ResultsThe merits and limits of the MIC- or lint percentage-based phenotyping method were demonstrated by comparing the observed phenotypes with the predicted phenotypes based on their DNA marker genotypes in a genetic population consisting of 708 F2 plants with various fiber maturity. The observed MIC-based fiber phenotypes matched to the predicted phenotypes better than the observed lint percentage-based fiber phenotypes. The lint percentage was obtained from each of F2 plants, whereas the MIC values were unable to be obtained from the entire population since certain F2 plants produced insufficient fiber mass for their measurements. To test the feasibility of cotton fiber infrared maturity (MIR) as a viable phenotyping tool for genetic analyses, we measured FT-IR spectra from the second population composed of 80 F2 plants with various fiber maturities, determined MIR values using the algorithms, and compared them with their genotypes in addition to other fiber phenotypes. The results showed that MIR values were successfully obtained from each of the F2 plants, and the observed MIR-based phenotypes fit well to the predicted phenotypes based on their DNA marker genotypes as well as the observed phenotypes based on a combination of MIC and lint percentage.ConclusionsThe MIR value obtained from FT-IR spectra of cotton fibers is able to accurately assess fiber maturity of all plants of a population in a quantitative way. The technique provides an option for cotton geneticists to determine fiber maturity rapidly and efficiently.