Variability In Production Research Articles

Application of Machine Learning to Predict the Capacity of Fractured Horizontal Wells in Shale Reservoirs

Shale oil wells typically have numerous volume fracturing segments in their horizontal sections, resulting in significant variability in productivity across these segments. Conventional productivity prediction and fracturing effect evaluation methods are challenging to apply effectively. Establishing a stable and efficient intelligent productivity prediction method using machine learning is a promising approach for the effective development of shale oil reservoirs. This study is based on geological data, fracturing records, and a production database of 91 production wells in a shale oil reservoir in a specific area. Fourteen key parameters affecting productivity were selected from geological and engineering perspectives, and the recursive feature elimination method based on support vector machines identified five optimal main controlling factors. Three machine learning methods—decision tree, random forest, and gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT)—were used to model productivity prediction, with root mean square error (RMSE) employed to evaluate model performance. The study results indicate that formation coefficient, cluster spacing, treatment volume, sand volume, and fracturing segment length are the main controlling factors influencing productivity in fractured horizontal wells. Among the models, the random forest algorithm with bootstrap sampling produced the most stable prediction results, achieving a prediction accuracy of 94% and an RMSE of 0.934 on the test set, outperforming the decision tree and GBDT models in terms of minimum RMSE on the test set.

Nonlinear Dynamics Analysis of Handgrip Strength Using the Poincaré Plot Method Through Video Processing Techniques

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the nonlinear dynamics of handgrip strength (HGS) in young adults, focusing on hand dominance, by employing the Poincaré plot method to assess short- and long-term variability utilizing dynamometry and video motion capture during sustained isometric contractions. Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted on 30 healthy subjects (mean age 21.6 ± 1.3 years, 13 males and 17 females), measuring HGS for both the dominant hand (DH) and nondominant hand (NDH) using a Saehan hydraulic dynamometer during 25-s sustained isometric contractions. A GoPro HERO11 Black camera recorded the dynamometer’s needle movements, and the video data were analyzed using Kinovea software. Angular values were converted to force using a calibration-based formula, and the Poincaré plot computed variability indices (short-term variability—SD1, long-term variability—SD2, ratio SD1/SD2, and area of the fitting ellipse) for each hand in relation to HGS and angular velocity (AV). Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: We demonstrated a strong correlation between mechanical and video measurements (p ≤ 0.001), confirming the reliability of the video method. The findings highlight the importance of nonlinear analysis in understanding neuromuscular function and fatigue, revealing significant correlations among HGS, AV, Poincaré indices, and fatigue levels in both hands (p ≤ 0.001). Increased maximum HGS and AV correlated with higher nonlinear variability in force production. Conclusions: This study confirms the reliability of the proposed video-based HGS assessment and demonstrates the effectiveness of Poincaré plot analysis for capturing nonlinear variability in HGS.

Quantification and histochemical localization of secondary metabolites during development in Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae).

Histolocalization and quantification of secondary metabolites established the occurrence of alkaloids, phenols and acetogenins in various plant organs of A. muricata at different stages of plant growth. Annona muricata L. possesses broad assemblage of ethno-pharmaceutical and therapeutic upsides ascribed to biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Currently, the bioactivity is characterized by the production of acetogenins (ACGs), and also by the biosynthesis of alkaloids, primarily benzylisoquinolines derived from tyrosine and phenolic compounds. As a result of high variability of metabolite production in A. muricata, the present study evaluated the histochemical analysis of various plant parts at different developmental stages of growth. Presences of phytometabolites were determined using in-situ histochemical localization of alkaloids, phenolic compounds and acetogenins, while its estimation employing spectroscopic quantification techniques to understand structure, development, time-course deposition, content and distribution of secondary phytoconstituents. Study revealed distinct presence of secondary metabolites in cells and tissues of all plant organs in various intensities and patterns. Alkaloids and acetogenins occurred mostly in secretory cavities or idioblast cells while sparsely associated with other cells or tissues. Phenolic compounds emerged widely, with no confined distribution patterns occurring in storage cells and tissues. Quantitative analysis revealed highest accumulation of alkaloids, phenols and acetogenins in mature root-barks, mature unripe fruit rind and mature leaf respectively. Secondary metabolites generally occurred in young stages at low concentrations as compared to matured growth stages of plant parts. Such in-situ histochemical and biochemical approach will help in identifying the cells and tissues responsible for synthesis, storage and biological effects of potential secondary metabolites which could be further used for culturing and enhancing its production with biotechnological aids.

Dynamics of CO2 fluxes and environmental responses in a Poplar plantation

Forest plantations cover a large percentage of global forest landscapes contributing significantly to carbon sequestration. By using continuous eddy covariance technique, we observed net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE), gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (ER), and meteorological variables from August 2018 to December 2019 in a Poplar plantation. The Poplar plantation ecosystem was a carbon sink overall, with high carbon uptake in growing season and limited uptake/emission in non-growing season. The annual cumulative NEE, GEP, and ER were −763.61, 1542.19, and 778.58 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) significantly influenced NEE both at half-hourly and daily scale (P < 0.01 for both), while relative humidity (RH) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) only significantly affected NEE at half-hourly scale (P < 0.01). The prevailing wind direction throughout 2019 was southeast and it varied between seasons. Southeast wind was the prevailing wind direction in summer and winter, while southwest and northeast wind were the dominant wind direction in spring and autumn, respectively. Our results highlight that polar plantations play an important role in storing carbon, and that understanding meteorological conditions is crucial in investigating ecosystem-atmosphere interactions and their impacts on carbon cycling.

Assessing the Climatological Characteristics of Observed and Simulated Seasonal Onset of Precipitation Over Southern and Eastern Africa

ABSTRACTPrediction of seasonal onset is crucial to agriculture in southern and eastern Africa. Here, we applied two definitions of onset, namely meteorological and agricultural (crop‐germination), to evaluate CMIP6 models through the lens of rainfall onset over representative maize agricultural regions of South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. We use the ERA5 reanalysis as a proxy for observations, and robust regression to calculate a statistical comparison of the onset definitions for the period 1979–2021. Evaluation of ERA5 reanalysis shows similar magnitude and pattern as gauge based MSWEP. Our results show that, for meteorological onset, Johannesburg, with a subtropical highland climate, experienced earliest onset after 23 December; and an increasing trend (later onset) but not statistically significant (p = 0.2). Over Bethlehem, which has continental climate, the earliest onset date was after October 9 and an increasing interannual variability since 2000 is noted. The standard deviation of onset dates across the regions shows an East‐Central‐South gradient. We also found that the crop‐germination onset definition shows earlier onset of seasonal rains, it differs considerably across regions, and has higher interannual variability, in comparison with the meteorological definition. Over Lilongwe, Mbeya and Lusaka, late meteorological onset with a weak positive and insignificant trend is observed. The CMIP6 model's representation of onset trend differs from reanalysis data, with inter‐model differences. Late meteorological onset is underestimated by GFDL‐CM4 and MPI while INM5, MPI and NorESM overestimate the observed earliest onset. The largest bias is shown by INM and MPI which simulate earliest and latest onset as 190 (07 January) and 206 (23 January) respectively. In addition, models often fail to simulate sufficient precipitation to produce onset for seed germination and crop development. The ACCESS model showed an insignificant trend (p value = 2) and later onset over Lilongwe, an insignificant trend (p value = 0.9) over Lusaka, and an earlier onset over Mbeya. Using the agricultural onset definition, over Bethlehem, all the models and the ERA5 reanalysis did not produce enough precipitation to meet onset conditions. We suggest that rainfall onset studies use several definitions or metrics of onset and that the choice of metric be informed by the research question. Using such an ensemble of onset metrics contributes to a better understanding of variability and uncertainties in agricultural productivity.

Associations between a range of enteric methane emission traits and performance traits in indoor-fed growing cattle.

Despite the multiple definitions currently used to express enteric methane emissions from ruminants, no consensus has been reached on the most appropriate definition. The objective of the present study was to explore alternative trait definitions reflecting animal level differences in enteric methane emissions in growing cattle. It is likely that no single methane trait definition will be best suited to all intended use cases, but at least, knowing the relationships between the different traits may help inform the selection process. The research aimed to understand the complex interrelationships between traditional and novel methane traits and their association with performance traits across multiple breeds and sexes of cattle; also of interest was the extent of variability in daily enteric methane emissions independent of performance traits like feed intake, growth and live-weight. Methane and carbon dioxide data were collected using the Greenfeed system on 939 growing crossbred cattle from a commercial feedlot. Performance traits including feed intake, feeding behavior, liveweight, live animal ultrasound, subjectively scored skeletal and muscular traits, and slaughter data were also available. A total of 13 different methane traits were generated, including (average) daily methane production, five ratio traits and seven residual methane (RMP) traits. The RMP traits were defined as methane production adjusted statistically for different combinations of the performance traits of energy intake, liveweight, average daily gain and carcass weight; terms reflecting systematic effects were also included in the fixed effects linear models. Of the performance traits investigated, liveweight and energy intake individually explained more of the variability in methane production than growth rate or fat. All definitions of RMP were strongly phenotypically correlated with each other (>0.90) as well as with methane production itself (>0.86); the RMP traits were also moderately correlated with the methane ratio traits (>0.57). The dataset included heifers, steers and bulls; bulls were either fed a total mixed ration or ad lib concentrates. When all sexes fed total mixed ration were compared, bulls, on average, emitted the most enteric methane per day of 269.53g, while heifers and steers produced 237.54g and 253.26g, respectively. Breed differences in the methane traits existed, with Limousins, on average, producing the least amount of methane of the breeds investigated. Herefords and Montbéliardes produced 124.50g and 130.77g more methane per day, respectively, than Limousins. The most efficient 10% of test-day records, as defined by daily methane independent of both energy intake and liveweight emitted, on average, 54.60g/d less methane than animals that were average for daily methane independent of both energy intake and liveweight. This equates to 6.5kg less methane production per animal over a 120-day finishing period for the same feed intake and liveweight.

Productivity of grafted papaya growing under open environment in the Mexican pacific

ABSTRACT The phytosanitary problems and the complex floral biology influence the fruit quality and productivity of papaya. Use of grafting mitigates adverse aspects, becoming a complementary activity of crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic behaviour of grafted papaya plants. Two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, the treatments were derived from six rootstock/scion combinations and four controls, based on commercial genotypes. In the second experiment, four rootstocks and two genotypes formed eight rootstock/scion treatments, and two controls were used. The morphological variables as well as the qualitative and productive variables of fruits were recorded. Results showed that plant height was maintained or reduced in some treatments, whereas stem girth and leaf numbers in grafted treatments were increased. The fruit quality was not influenced by grafting. In the productivity, the grafted plants showed higher fruit production. For an example, the Rootstock 'MSXJ' × Scion 'Maradona' and the Rootstock 'BS2' × Scion 'Maradol'>40 kg · plant−1 and almost 9 kg · m–2, respectively; and the Rootstock 'Robusta' × Scion 'Maradol' treatment was higher than the other treatments, reaching 38.39 kg · plant–1 and 8.53 kg · m–2, in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Grafting on papaya positively changed the morphological variables, increased the number of fruits per plant in grafted plant treatments, as well as yield per area, surpassing controls by 25% and 22% in both experiments, respectively.

Assessment of the Production Variability and Composite Performance Index for Conventional and High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Balanced Mix Design Mixtures

The balanced mix design (BMD) concept enables the design of engineered mixtures containing conventional and high reclaimed asphalt pavement (HRAP) contents, moving beyond the constraints of traditional volumetric design methodologies. During production, the designed mixture undergoes verification and potential modifications at the plant to accommodate actual production and field circumstances, regardless of the mix design method. This study assessed the impact of production and associated performance variability on a volumetrically designed control mixture and five mixtures designed with the BMD concept. This investigation showed relatively precise gradation control, but exceedances of volumetric property tolerances were observed in BMD-optimized mixtures during production. Performance, including durability, cracking, and rutting susceptibility, was evaluated using the Cantabro test, indirect tensile cracking test (IDT-CT), and asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) test, respectively. Test results uncovered that produced mixtures may become unbalanced. Observations from the Cantabro test and IDT-CT highlighted the necessity and effectiveness of employing the BMD for HRAP mixtures. The potential aging effect introduced during the reheating process may compromise durability and cracking resistance. In addition, a three-dimensional plot with a revised composite performance index (CPIR) was used to optimize the process of evaluating the mixture “balance” status among multiple primary performances. It revealed that almost all produced HRAP mixtures demonstrated a well-balanced status. Finally, agencies can use the CPIR as part of their acceptance program for BMD mixtures to determine a pay factor for possible bonuses or penalties.

An Investigation of Indoor Environment Quality on Occupants’ Thermal Responses, Health, and Productivity: A Study Based on Physiological Data in Occupied Office Space

This study explores the impact of Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) on the health and productivity of office workers in an office building in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan. Previous studies have shown that IEQ can affect the physiological responses of occupants, such as of skin temperature, heart rate, and metabolic rate, which are indicators of health and productivity. However, most studies took place in controlled laboratory environments, which may not accurately represent real-life experiences. The study collected subjective and objective data from actual occupied office space, including on perceptions of IEQ, health, and productivity, and measurements of IEQ parameters such as on the thermal environment, light environment, indoor air quality, and acoustics. The study used correlation and linear regression methods to examine the relationship between IEQ, physiological data, and subjective responses to health and productivity. The stable thermal environment and low physical intensity of office work may contribute to the weak correlation between physiological data, thermal responses, and health–productivity variables. The results of this study can provide insights into how IEQ affects the psychological responses, well-being, and performance of office workers in real-world settings.

Analisis Pengaruh Penerapan Strategi Bauran Pemasaran terhadap Keputusan Pembelian pada UMKM Serba Nanas Alam Sari Subang Jawa Barat

UMKM One of the producers in Subang offering processed pineapples is Serba Nanas Alam Sari. Processed pineapple sales are erratic. Businesses must create a strong marketing mix strategy in order to overcome consumer preferences and market rivalry. The purpose of this study is to examine how purchase decisions at Serba Nanas Alam Sari UMKM in Subang, West Java, are affected by the application of a marketing mix approach. In order to collect data for this study, 100 UMKM customers were given questionnaires. Mixed methods were used in this research. The techniques employed for gathering data included surveys, interviews, documentation, and observation. A Likert scale is used for variable measurement, and MSI is used to alter it. Multiple linear regression data analysis was used to ascertain the impact of place, promotion, price, and product variables on consumer purchase decisions. The study's findings indicate that the significant value is less than 0.05, indicating that purchase decisions are influenced by product, price, place, and promotion all at the same time. With a result of 1,042, the product variable has the biggest impact. This is due to the product's variety, good taste, and guaranteed product quality. The variables that affect promotion, pricing, and location are next in line. Based on the study's findings, Serba Nanas Alam Sari UMKM can benefit from an efficient marketing plan that combines quality products, competitive pricing, effective distribution, and eye-catching promotions to influence more customers' purchases.

Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets with Different Protein, Energy Levels, and Essential Oils During the Warm Season in Dry Tropics

This study evaluated the productive performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens during the warm season in dry tropical conditions. Two hundred, 1-day-old chicks were used. Birds were fed on reduced (RED) and standard (STD) diets, and two essential oils (EOs) levels, 0 and 200 ppm. The RED diets were formulated with 10% less energy and 10% less protein than STD diets. In the starter phase, weight gain was greater (p < 0.01) in birds fed STD than birds fed RED. In the starter phase, productive variables were not affected (p ≥ 0.14) by EOs. In the finisher phase, greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p = 0.04) were observed in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.97) for STD and RED. Throughout this study (1–42 d), greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p < 0.01) were found in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.51) for STD and RED. Broiler chickens on EO-supplemented diets had better feed conversion (p ≥ 0.08). Hot carcass weight was greater (p < 0.01) in birds on STD. Greater yields of leg-thigh (p = 0.01), back (p = 0.01), and wings (p < 0.01) were observed in RED. Carcass yields, breast yield, pH, and meat temperature were not influenced (p ≥ 0.14) by nutrient concentrations in the diet. Carcass evaluations were not affected (p ≥ 0.11) by EOs. Body temperature was lower (p = 0.03) in birds receiving RED, however EOs had no effect (p ≥ 0.22) on body temperature. For the length of the study, at 20:00 h, broiler chickens fed on RED diets showed lower (p = 0.04) body temperatures. In conclusion, broiler chickens were under heat stress during the study, and body temperatures were reduced in chickens fed on RED diets or with EOs. Diet modification or EO-supplementation may improve feed conversion, though RED diets may have a negative effect on weight gain or carcass values.

Rapid and Specific Detection of Bacillus cereus Using Phage Protein-Based Lateral Flow Assays.

Rapid and precise diagnostic techniques are essential for identifying foodborne pathogens, including Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), which poses significant challenges to food safety. Traditional detection methods are limited by long incubation times and high costs. In this context, gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based lateral flow assays (LFAs) are emerging as valuable tools for rapid screening. However, the use of antibodies in LFAs faces challenges, including complex production processes, ethical concerns, or variability. Here, we address these challenges by proposing an innovative approach using bacteriophage-derived proteins for pathogen detection on LFAs. We used the engineered endolysin cell-wall-binding domain (CBD) and distal tail proteins (Dit) from bacteriophages that specifically target B. cereus. The protein-binding properties, essential for the formation of efficient capture and detection biointerfaces in LFAs, were extensively characterized from the microstructural to the LFA device level. Machine-learning models leverage knowledge of the protein sequence to predict advantageous protein orientations on the nitrocellulose membrane and AuNPs. The study of the biointerface binding quantified the degree of attachment of AuNPs to bacteria, providing, for the first time, a microscopic model of the number of AuNPs binding to bacteria. It highlighted the binding of up to one hundred 40 nm AuNPs per bacterium in conditions mimicking LFAs. Eventually, phage proteins were demonstrated as efficient bioreceptors in a straightforward LFA prototype combining the two proteins, providing a rapid colorimetric response within 15 min upon the detection of 105 B. cereus cells. Recombinantly produced phage binding proteins present an opportunity to generate a customizable library of proteins with precise binding capabilities, offering a cost-effective and ethical alternative to antibodies. This study enhances our understanding of phage protein biointerfaces, laying the groundwork for their utilization as efficient bioreceptors in LFAs and rapid point-of-care diagnostic assays, thus potentially strengthening public health measures.

Road Freight Demand Forecasting Using National Accounts’ Data—The Case of Cereals

This paper investigates the potential of utilising historical agricultural production data for enhancing road freight transport forecasting, focusing on cereal production. This study applies a multiple linear regression analysis using national statistical accounts and secondary data. The data were sourced from Finland’s Statistics Agency and the Natural Resources Institute. The analysis identifies an observable correlation between agricultural production and road freight volumes, although this correlation is not statistically significant. The highest adjusted R² observed in the models was 0.62. The analysis reveals that previous years’ production data can help forecast future road freight volumes, with vehicle mileage estimable from recent production and stock levels. Additionally, annual percentage changes in the volume of transported cereals can be partially predicted by the changes in total available cereals and opening stocks from two years prior. This exploratory research highlights the untapped predictive potential of agricultural production variables in forecasting road freight demand, suggesting areas for further forecasting enhancement.

Pengaruh Bauran Pemasaran Terhadap Keputusan Menjadi Anggota di BMT Al-Ishlah Kota Jambi

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the marketing mix consisting of product, price, location, and promotion has a significant effect on the decision to become a member of BMT Al-Ishlah Jambi City. The method and type of research used is quantitative influence. The research was conducted at BMT Al-Ishlah Jambi City because it is easy to collect data and obtain research permits, support for academic research and a sufficient population of 564. The sampling method used was simple random sampling, so that 85 samples were obtained. The research instruments used documentation and questionnaires. The data processing and analysis methods used in this study include descriptive analysis, validity and reability tests, data analysis and hypotesis testing. The results showed that the product, location and promotion variables partially had No. significant effect on the decision to become a member of BMT Al-Ishlah Jambi City, while on the price variable partially had a positive and significant effect on the decision to become a member of BMT Al-Ishlah Jambi City. And simultaneously, the variables of product, price, location, and promotion affect the decision to become a member of BMT Al-Ishlah Jambi City.

Pengaruh Strategi Marketing Mix Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian pada Alyasini Mart Rembang

In keeping up with the development of the lifestyle of the surrounding residents. As well as business strategy movements such as minimarkets such as Indomart and Alfamart that are familiar everywhere, performance efforts to retain Alyasini Mart minimarket consumers are very important in order to plan the overall marketing communication program process or marketing mix. This study aims to explain the influence of marketing mix strategy on purchasing decisions at Alyasini Mart Rembang, and among the variables are products, prices, promotions, locations. To measure the above influence, the researcher used a quantitative approach with a sample survey type, this study was 100 respondents who were consumers of Alyasini Mart. The data analysis used is analysis with multiple regression analysis, validity test of classical assumption test, hypothesis test (T and F test) with the help of spss, the results of this study show that product variables partially have a positive and significant effect on purchase decisions. Price partially has a positive and significant impact on purchase decisions. Promotions partially have a positive and significant impact on purchase decisions. Places partially have a positive and significant influence impact on purchase decisions. Marketing Mix (Product, Price, Promotion, Place) simultaneously has a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions at Alyasini Mart Rembang.

Sensory dimensions of typicality and association with affective-related responses: a study on local multifloral honey

Local foods offer benefits for the sustainability of the food supply chain, yet they face challenges due to variability in production and market saturation. This highlights the importance of strategies to enhance their value. Among local foods, multifloral honey is one of the products most closely tied to the territory. A comprehension of how multifloral honey is structured from a sensory standpoint can prove advantageous in enhancing its recognition and valorization among consumers. The present study aimed to promote multifloral honey in the case of a local area, identifying typical examples of multifloral honey and their sensory determinants, and identifying the association among sensory attributes and affective-related responses of consumers. Thirty samples of multifloral honey were collected from a target local area (Trento province - Italy). Experts in honey sensory evaluation (n=47) performed a rapid descriptive task (check-all-that-apply questions) and a categorization task (typicality evaluation). Six samples representative of the category sensory space were selected for consumer evaluation. Consumers recruited from the local area (n=131) rated liking and elicited post-consumption emotional product associations. The results unveiled the sensory representation of the multifloral honey category, with samples arrangement in accordance with category typicality. The study defined the sensory characteristics associated with typicality of the multifloral honey from the target local area and identified local consumers' affective-related responses to the features that define the typicality. Beyond the honey realm, this approach can represent a model of a methodological approach for studying the enhancement of local foods that exhibit relevant sensory variability.

Genetic parameters and genome-wide association analyses for lifetime productivity in Chinese Holstein cattle

Lifetime productivity is a trait of great importance to dairy cattle populations, as it combines information from production and longevity variables. Therefore, we investigated the genetic background of lifetime productivity in high-producing dairy cattle by integrating genomics and transcriptomics datasets. A total of 3,365,612 test-day milk yield records from 134,029 Chinese Holstein cows were used to define 6 lifetime productivity traits, including lifetime milk yield covering full lifespan and 5 cumulative milk yield traits covering partial lifespan. Genetic parameters were estimated based on univariate and bivariate linear animal models and the restricted maximum likelihood method. Genome-wide association studies and weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA) were performed to identify candidate genes associated with lifetime productivity based on genomic data from 3,424 cows and peripheral blood RNA-sequencing data from 23 cows, respectively. Lifetime milk yield averaged 24,800.8 ± 14,396.6 kg (mean ± SD) across an average of 2.4 parities in Chinese Holstein population. The heritability estimates for lifetime productivity traits ranged from 0.05 (±0.01 for SE) to 0.10 (±0.02 for SE). The estimate of genetic correlation between lifetime milk yield and productive life is 0.88 (±0.3 for SE), whereas the genetic correlation with 305-d milk yield in the first lactation was 0.49 (±0.08 for SE). Absolute values for most genetic correlation estimates between lifetime productivity and type traits were lower than 0.30. Moderate genetic correlations were found between udder related traits and lifetime productivity, such as with udder depth (0.33), rear udder attachment height (0.33), and udder system (0.34). Some single nucleotide polymorphisms and gene co-expression modules significantly associated with lifetime milk yield were identified based on GWAS and WGCNA analyses, respectively. Functional enrichment analyses of the candidate genes identified revealed important pathways related to immune system, longevity, energy utilization, and metabolism, and FoxO signaling. The genes NTMT1, FNBP1, and S1PR1 were considered to be the most important candidate genes influencing lifetime productivity in Holstein cows. Overall, our findings indicate that lifetime productivity is heritable in Chinese Holstein cattle, and important candidate genes were identified by integrating genomic and transcriptomic datasets.

Produção e qualidade da couve folha hidropônica sob estresse salino e concentrações de KNO3

ABSTRACT Potassium is a nutrient with the potential to increase plant tolerance to salt stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production and quality of kale subjected to salt stress and potassium concentrations in a protected environment. The experimental design was in split plots, with plots composed of five nutrient solutions (control treatment, S1 - standard nutrient solution prepared in low-salinity water, 0.5 dS m-1 (500 mg L-1 of KNO3), and four nutrient solutions prepared in brackish waters (3.5 dS m-1) containing four concentrations of KNO3 (S2 - 500 mg L-1, S3 - 625 mg L-1, S4 - 750 mg L-1, S5 - 1,000 mg L-1), and subplots represented by two leaf kale cultivars (Manteiga and Manteiga da Geórgia). Leaf production variables and post-harvest physical and chemical qualities were evaluated. The saline nutrient solution with the addition of NaCl (S2) reduced production but did not reduce the post-harvest quality of kale. The extra addition of KNO3 at 25% (S3) was efficient in reducing the deleterious effects of salt stress on the variables leaf length, leaf area, leaf production, and number of bunches. The cv. Manteiga da Geórgia was more tolerant to salt stress than the cv. Manteiga.

Performance Pheretima sp. and The Quality of Vermicompost on Media Using Clam and Snail Shell Flour

The abundance of green mussel shells, clam shells, and snail shells that have not been maximally utilized has caused environmental disturbances. These shells can be used as a substitute for worm food because of their good nutritional content. This research aimed to analyze the productivity of Pheretima sp. with the combination of shell powder (green mussel, clam, and snail) and cow dung to their living media (feed) and the quality of vermicompost. The data were analyzed using SAS Studio application with completely randomized design (CRD), 10 treatment levels, with 3 replications each. The observed variables included earthworm productivity, vermicompost quality, and vermicompost performance. The results of the studyshow a significant (P<0.05) on the use of green mussel shell 10% in all earthworm productivity variables, and show a significant (P<0.05) on the use of green mussel shell 30% in vermicompost quality and vermicompost performance. The combination of 10% green mussel shell powder in cow dung media can increase the productivity of Pheretima sp. The best vermicompost testing result on water spinach plants was found in the treatment with the addition of 30% green mussel shell powder in cow dung media.

Energy Consumption and Economic Growth: Evidence from SADC Countries

This article examined the nexus between energy consumption and economic growth in selected Southern African Development Community countries for the period 1980 to 2015. The study used both simple and multiple linear regression models to examine the relationship between the variables. The statistical results of the simple linear regression model between energy use and economic growth show a correlation coefficient of 0.060. This represents a weak positive correlation between the model variables. A coefficient of determination of 0.00476 depicts that energy use explains only 0.476% of the variability in the gross domestic product of countries investigated. The multiple linear regression model results show a multiple R of 0.3684, and an R2 of 0.1358. This also depicts a weak positive correlation between the model variables. A coefficient of determination of 0.1358 means that energy use and electric power consumption accounts for only 13.58% of the values of the gross domestic product of selected Southern African Development Community countries and the balance is explained by the terms that are not specified in the model. This article is of value to policy makers in the region as well as the academia as it strives to close the gap in knowledge.