Range Test Research Articles

Comparing the effects of computerized versus manual methods of identifying point-specific acupuncture as an adjunct to physiotherapy in the management of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial protocol.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent condition causing significant pain and functional impairment. Acupuncture has shown promise as an adjunctive therapy, but conventional manual selection of acupoints lacks standardization. The Acugraph system provides a computerized method for identifying acupoints, potentially enhancing treatment precision. This study aims to compare the effects of computerized Acugraph-guided acupuncture versus manually selected acupuncture as adjuncts to physiotherapy in managing KOA. A randomized, double-blind controlled trial will be conducted with 50 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate KOA. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group 1 Comp-AcuPhysio (n = 25), receiving Acugraph-guided acupuncture with physiotherapy, or Group 2 Man-AcuPhysio (n = 25), receiving manually selected acupuncture with physiotherapy. Both groups will undergo 12 weekly treatment sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. Outcome measures, including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, active knee flexion range, Timed Up and Go test, Visual Analog Scale for pain, Short Form-36 health survey, and Personal Integrated Energetics score, will be assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. An intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. Changes from baseline to 12 weeks will be analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance for both within-group and between-group comparisons. This study will provide a definitive assessment of the effectiveness of computerized Acugraph-guided acupuncture compared to manually selected acupuncture as supplementary treatments alongside KOA physiotherapeutic rehabilitation. This trial will offer insights into how incorporating technology-driven approaches, such as Acugraph, with physiotherapy can enhance the customization and effectiveness of KOA management, leading to improved clinical outcomes. These results could advocate for the integration of technological tools in acupuncture to boost treatment precision and efficacy for KOA. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12624000646549p).

PRODUCTION of AROMATIC BRAN USING LIQUID ORGANIC SUPPLEMENT of COW MANURE EFFECTS ON LACTIC ACID, pH, DRY MATTER LOSS and FLEIGH VALUE (NF)

This study aims to determine the effect of different doses of liquid organic supplements made cow manure added to rice bran to produce aromatic rice bran with the best values in terms of lactic acid, pH, dry matter loss, and Fleigh Value (NF). The research was conducted from May - June 2024 at the Ruminant Nutrition and Animal Feed Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Science, Padjadjaran University. This experimental study employed a Completely Randomized Design with 3 treatments and 6 replications, P0 = 1 kilogram of bran + 300 grams of molasses, P1 = 1 kilogram of bran + 200 grams of molasses + 100 mL of SOC, and P2 = 1 kilogram of bran + 100 grams of molasses + 200 mL of SOC. Data analysis was using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the use of cow manure SOC affected the pH, lactic acid content, and dry matter loss of aromatic rice bran, but did not affect the Fleigh Value (FV). The application of SOC with a dose of 100 grams of molasses + 200 mL SOC produced high lactic acid (21.12%), the lowest pH value (4.52), dry matter loss (8.21%), and a Fleigh value of (167.59%).

Kinetically-derived maximal dose (KMD) confirms lack of humanrelevance for high-dose effects of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4).

The kinetically-derived maximal dose (KMD) is defined as the maximum external dose at which kinetics are unchanged relative to lower doses, e.g., doses at which kinetic processes are not saturated. Toxicity produced at doses above the KMD can be qualitatively different from toxicity produced at lower doses. Here, we test the hypothesis that high-dose-dependent toxicological effects of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) occur secondary to kinetic overload. Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) is a volatile, highly lipophilic monomer used to produce silicone polymers, which are ingredients in many consumer products and used widely in industrial applications and processes. Chronic inhalation at D4 concentrations 104 times greater than human exposures produces mild effects in rat respiratory tract, liver weight increase and pigment accumulation, nephropathy, uterine endometrial epithelial hyperplasia, non-significant increased uterine endometrial adenomas, and reduced fertility secondary to inhibition of rat-specific luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Mechanistic studies indicate a lack of human relevance for most of these effects. Respiratory tract effects arise in rats due to direct epithelial contact with mixed vapor/aerosols and increased liver weight is a rodent-specific adaptative induction of drug-metabolizing hepatic enzymes. D4 is not mutagenic or genotoxic, does not interact with dopamine receptors, and interacts at ERα with potency insufficient to cause uterine effects or to alter the LH surge in rats. These mechanistic findings suggest high-dose-dependence of the toxicological effects secondary to kinetic overload, a hypothesis that can be tested when appropriate kinetic data are available that can be probed for the existence of a KMD. We applied Bayesian analysis with differential equations to information from kinetic studies on D4 to build statistical distributions of plausible values of the Km and Vmax for D4 elimination. From those distributions of likely Km and Vmax values, a set of Michaelis-Menten equations were generated that are likely to represent the slope function for the relationship between D4 exposure and blood concentration. The resulting Michaelis-Menten functions were then investigated using a change-point methodology known as the "kneedle" algorithm to identify the probable KMD range. We validated our Km and Vmax using out of sample data. Analysis of the Michaelis-Menten elimination curve generated from those Vmax and Km values indicates a KMD with an interquartile range of 230.0-488.0ppm [2790-5920mg/m3; 9.41-19.96µM]. The KMD determined here for D4 is consistent with prior work indicating saturation of D4 metabolism at approximately 300ppm [3640mg/m3; 12.27µM] and supports the hypothesis that many adverse effects of D4 arise secondary to high-dose-dependent events, likely due to mechanisms of action that cannot occur at concentrations below the KMD. Regulatory methods to evaluate D4 for human health protection should avoid endpoint data from rodents exposed to D4 above the KMD range and future toxicological testing should focus on doses below the KMD range.

The antioxidant content and activity of lemongrass [Cymbopogon citratus (DC. ex Nees) Stapf] under the combination of drought stress and nano-silica treatments

The study aimed to determine the effect of a combination of drought stress and nano-silica treatments to increase the content of antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity of lemongrass [Cymbopogon citratus (DC. ex Nees) Stapf] and determine the optimal combination. The research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors with 5 replications. The first factor was the level of drought stress (without drought stress, moderate, and severe). The second factor was the nano-silica dose, (0 mg/L, 125 mg/L, and 250 mg/L) with a volume of 10 mL per plant. The parameters measured were carotenoid content, proline content, total phenolics content, and antioxidant activity. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that there is a specific combination of drought stress and nano-silica which can increase the content of carotenoids, proline, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity in lemongrass. The treatment of moderate and severe drought stress with 125 and 250 mg/L nano-silica increased the carotenoid and proline content maximally. Higher total phenol content and antioxidant activity were obtained from the combination of 250 mg/L nano-silica without drought stress. The highest chlorophyll content was recorded from the combination of severe drought stress and 250 mg/L nano-silica. Drought stress treatment with 250 mg/L nano-silica could increase the antioxidants of lemongrass plants, but maximum production of antioxidants required different combinations of drought stress and nano-silica treatments. Nano-silica treatment at a dose of 250 mg/L in conditions of sufficient water or lack of water can be an optimal combination treatment in lemongrass cultivation.

One size does not fit all: Classical weed biological control across continents

Pre-release quarantine testing of weed biological control agents is frequently initiated using simple no-choice tests. However, these fundamental host range tests are conservative and often do not realistically depict how potential biological control agents might interact with surrounding non-target plants in the field. If no-choice tests are the only method employed it can lead to the rejection of sufficiently host-specific agents. Ecological host range studies in areas where the biological control agent is native or already present can test the validity of laboratory findings with the advantage of evaluating long-range host-recognition behaviors of the insect. A weed biological control program targeting Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) was given permission to release Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in Florida, USA in 2019. Information from the program in the USA has provided insight for other countries with invasive Brazilian peppertree, such as Australia, which has several native non-target species within the Anacardiaceae family. To evaluate the risk of non-target attack by P. ichini on three Australian native non-target species (Rhus taitensis, Pleiogynium timoriense, and Euroschinus falcatus), we performed a two-phase open-field experiment to simulate the spillover risk of the biological control agent in both the presence and absence of their preferred host, S. terebinthifolia. Also included in the open-field experiment were Schinus molle, a close relative of S. terebinthifolia introduced in the USA and Australia, and the Hawaii native Rhus sandwicensis. The results suggest that P. ichini populations may spill over onto two non-target plants, S. molle and R. taitensis, in the absence of the target weed S. terebinthifolia, and could pose a risk to this native species in Australia. This work highlights the importance of international collaborations on invasive plant biocontrol programs.

Pengaruh Pupuk Kotoran Kambing dan Media Arang Sekam Terhadap Pertumbuhan Sawi Hijau (Brassica juncea L.)

One of the vegetable commodities with the highest economic worth is green mustard greens. Optimizing the usage of fertilizers and planting material can increase the yield of green mustard greens. Plant growth and soil quality may be sustainably enhanced by using rice husk charcoal and goat manure. Goat dung and rice husk charcoal are being used in this study to boost the development and production of green mustard greens until the ideal fertilizer dose and planting media ratio are determined. ln May and June of 2024, this survey was conducted on land owned by residents of Wanasari Villager, Cibeber Region, Lebak Regencies, Banten Province. ln this investigation, three replications and two variables were employed in a factorial randomized block design (RAK). Goat dung dosage is the first factor, and it comes in three levels: 0 g/polybag, 1000 g/polybag, and 2000 g/polybag. A comparison of three levels of rice husk charcoal 0 g rice husk charcoal media and 2000 g soil (0:2)/polybag, 1000 g rice husk charcoal media and 1000 g soil (1:1)/polybag, and 2000 g rice husk charcoal media and 1000 g soil (2:1)/polybag is the second factor. This process is repeated three times to yield 27 plants. ANOVA and a post hoc test employing the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level were employed in this investigation. Plant height, leaf quantity, main leaf length, main leaf breadth, fresh plant weight, root length, and wet root weight were the characteristics measured in this investigation. The goat manure dosage had a notably distinct impact on green mustard development across all criteria, with 1000 g/polybag being the optimal amount.

Karakteristik Fermentasi Kedelai yang Diperkaya Cu dengan Rhizopus oryzae

Copper (Cu) addition prevents deficiency and optimizes the enzyme system, metabolic system, and increases immunity. This study examines Rhizopus oryzae in soybean media with the addition of Cu and different fermentation times on fluctuations in soybean media fermentation. The study used a factorial completely randomized design with two factors with 4 replications. Factor A is Cu (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 ppm), and factor B is the fermentation time (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 days). The variables observed were humidity, media shrinkage, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, and pH. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) using SPSS 25. The results showed that fermented soybean media Rhizopus oryzae, Cu significantly (p<0.05) reduced media shrinkage, ash, and acidity levels, and did not affect BK, and BO. Based on the fermentation time, it significantly (p<0.05) reduced media shrinkage, BK and BO, did not affect ash, and increased acidity levels. The conclusion of the study is that Cu has influence on effectiveness of Rhizopus oryzae on soybean media.

Modulating Role of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Meal on Spermatogenic and Steroidogenic Functions of West African Dwarf Bucks Testis

Vernonia amygdalina has a unique nutritional and phytochemical property with numerous physiological, biochemical and morphological benefits due to its anti-oxidative and anti-helminthic properties. This study evaluated the effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on follicle stimulating (FSH), luteinizing hormones (LH) and testosterone regulation of seminal characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Twenty-four (24) WAD bucks were randomly assigned to four treatments (A, B, C and D) in a completely randomized design for a nutritional trial of eight weeks. Animals were given diets containing 0, 20, 30 and 40g VALM/kg feed. Animals were weighed and blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and subsequently forth-nightly before the end of the experiment for hormonal assay. Semen volume, semen color, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology were determined from the semen samples obtained forth-nightly by electro-ejaculation. All data collected were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedure of SAS, (2002). Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in most of the hormones studied except testosterone which was not significantly affected by VALM. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology increased significantly (P<0.05) and was highest at 40 g of VALM/kg feed. The color of the semen from all the treatments was whitish grey. It was therefore concluded that VALM improved the FSH and LH production at 40 g of VALM/kg feed with improved sperm quality in WAD bucks, thereby enhancing the reproductive performance of the goats. Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, semen quality, hormone, goats

Analysis of sweet corn growth and yield with the use of organic cow manure fertilizer

Sweet corn is a horticultural crop that is widely cultivated and consumed by Indonesian people. Meeting the demand for sweet corn is still reliant on imports; therefore, increasing production by improving soil properties through proper fertilization. Cow manure with a content of N 2.33%, P 0.61%, and K 1.58% is able to add nutrients to the soil. This research aimed to obtain an optimum dose of organic fertilizer for sweet corn growth and yield. The doses of cow manure consisting of 5 levels: control, 10, 20, 30, and 40 tons ha⁻¹ were assigned in the randomized complete block design with 5 replications. Data analysis deployed analysis of variance (Anova) at 5% level, and if there were significant differences, it would be proceeded to Duncan Multiple Range Test 5% and orthogonal polynomial. The results showed that a dose of 20 tons ha⁻¹ was able to increase growth in plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves by 12.92%, 26.29%, and 15.67%, respectively, compared to the control. A dose of 35 tons ha⁻¹ can produce a weight of cob-husk and cob without-husk per plot, respectively, 4.38 kg plot⁻¹ and 2.64 kg plot⁻¹, and a productivity of cob-husk of 5.30 tons ha⁻¹. A dose of 38 tons ha⁻¹ can produce a cob without-husk productivity of 3.29 tons ha⁻¹.

DINAMIKA POPULASI GULMA PADA PERTANAMAN SEMANGKA(Citrulus vulgaris Schard)DARI PENGARUH DOSIS KALIUM YANG BERBEDA PADA TANAH ULTISOL

This research aims to determine the effect of potassium fertilizer doses on the growth and yield of watermelon plants planted in ultisol soil, and determine short-term changes in weed composition.The experiment used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with five treatments of potassium (D) doses and three replications. The treatment doses are: Without fertilizer (control) equivalent to 0 kg/plot; A dose of 125 kg/ha is equivalent to 37.4 g/plot; A dose of 250 kg/ha is equivalent to 74.8 g/plot; A dose of 375 kg/ha is equivalent to 112.1 g/plot; A dose of 500 kg/ha is equivalent to 149.5 g/plot. The research data was analyzed using Sidik Ragam to find out whether the treatment had a real effect or an insignificant effect. If the results of the analysis have a real or very real effect, then continue with the Duncant's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level.This research concluded: (1) The dose of potassium fertilizer had no significant effect on plant length and fruit weight per plant but had a very significant effect on fruit weight per plot. Potassium fertilizer dose of 500 kg/ha provides the highest fruit weight per plot; (2) Potassium fertilizer doses tend to provide different weed populations and dry weights in watermelon plantings. The higher the dose of potassium fertilizer given tends to increase the weed population and weed dry weight; (3) The weed community coefficient index between mid and late weeds in watermelon planting is the same. However, the number of weed populations and biomass in the middle observation was higher than the final observation of watermelon planting.

Clarias Gariepinus Parasites as Bioindicator For Assessing Water Quality in Omi Dam, Kogi State, Nigeria

Studies using host-parasite dynamics as bioindicator of effects and accumulators of heavy metals for assessing environmental quality are still scarce, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed at elucidating the possible use of parasites of fish in monitoring and assessing water quality. 102 samples of 18 species of parasites of Clarias gariepinus were analyzed for copper, lead, manganese, iron, zinc and cadmium concentrations. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Physico-chemical parameters were measured on sites using Hanna instrument. The nutrients and non-toxic constituents of water were also determined using methods by (American Public Health Association, 1999). The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance and significant differences accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Duncan Multiple range test was used to compare the heavy metal accumulation in the parasites and sample t- test was used to compare the values of physico-chemical parameters, nutrients and non-toxic constituents of the water. The heavy metal concentrations in parasites of C. gariepinus were in the order of Lead>Cadmium>Copper>Iron>Magnese>Zinc. Bioindicating capacity of parasites were in the order Nematodes>Cestodes>Protozoan>Trematodes. All physico-chemical parameters of the water (pH, temperature, salinity, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid) except dissolved oxygen were within the permissible level of the WHO (2011) permissible limits. The water nutrients except fluoride were within the permissible limits of WHO (2011). The non-toxic constituents were within permissible limits except NH4+ in the control study sites and PO43- in both study sites that was not within permissible limits. This study revealed that parasites can be ideal indicators for both effects and accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic environments. Findings from this study demonstrate the need for an ecosystem friendly approach towards sustainable management of dams and rivers. This will curb aquatic pollution which can directly and indirectly affect the structure and composition of fish parasite communities and also lead to a health risk in people consuming aquatic resources contaminated with heavy metals.

Respons Pertumbuhan Rimpang Bangle (Zingiber purpureum) Pada Perlakuan PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria)

Bangle (Zingiber purpureum Rosc.) is one of the species of the Zingiberaceae family that has medicinal properties. Secondary metabolites contained in bangle rhizomes have biological activity as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-asthma, anti-aging, neuroprotective, antimicrobial. Environmentally friendly technological innovation to increase soil nutrient content and plant growth in sustainable plant cultivation efforts is by utilizing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). This study aims to determine the effect of PGPR concentration on the growth of bangle rhizomes. This study was conducted at the Physiology and Development Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sriwijaya University. A completely randomized study design was used with five PGPR concentration treatments (0; 75; 125; 175; and 225 ppm). Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (Anova) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The study showed that PGPR treatment can increase the growth of bangle rhizomes compared to no PGPR treatment. The best results at a PGPR concentration of 175 ppm in increasing the growth of bangle rhizomes.

Open Protocols, the new standard for acoustic tracking: results from interoperability and performance tests in European waters

BackgroundThe lack of compatibility between acoustic telemetry equipment from different manufacturers has been a major obstacle to consolidating large collaborative tracking networks. Undisclosed encrypted signal coding protocols limit the use of acoustic telemetry to study animal movements over large spatial scales, reduce competition between manufacturers, and stifle innovation. The European Tracking Network, in collaboration with several acoustic telemetry manufacturers, has worked to develop new transparent protocols for acoustic tracking. The results are energy-efficient transmission protocols accessible to all researchers and manufacturers. Today, the Open Protocols (OP) are already available to manufacturers and developers, and the first transmitters and receivers to implement them are already in the water.ResultsThe main objective of this study was to confirm the compatibility between devices from different manufacturers using OP, characterise the acoustic range of each transmitter–receiver manufacturer combination, compare the detection efficiency to the standard protocols used at present (R64K and encrypted protocols), and assess its robustness against spurious detections. An international collaborative effort was made to conduct acoustic range tests in four main aquatic habitats: a river, a coastal lagoon, a coastal habitat, and the open sea. Receivers and transmitters from different manufacturers were deployed at increasing distances from each other using the same experimental design at each location. The decay of detection probability with distance was modelled for each transmitter–receiver manufacturer combination by applying logistic regression using a Bayesian approach. Furthermore, to thoroughly assess performance differences in an applied research context, we conducted a direct field comparison between groups of smolts tagged with OP and R64K tags, tracking their migration to the sea.ConclusionsOur results confirm full compatibility between the tested devices, with negligible differences in the measured acoustic ranges between OP manufacturers and when compared to encrypted protocols. The OP was also robust against spurious detections, and the field comparison between OP and R64K showed equal performance. We hope these novel insights will encourage international research groups to promote OP-based studies to ensure compatibility and maximise the benefits of acoustic telemetry networks.

The Effect of Weed Control at Different Periods on Antioxidant Content of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a significant member of the Fabaceae family, known for its high protein content and rich phenolic compounds essential for human nutrition. These phenolic compounds, which belong to the group of secondary metabolites, serve as important dietary components. Secondary metabolites, act as plant defence mechanisms and can fluctuate under stress conditions. Weeds negatively impact the growth of cultivated plants by competing for nutrients and creating a stressful environment. This study evaluated the effects of weeds on the yield and quality parameters of faba bean. Conducted in Sakarya, the research aimed to determine how weed control frequency affects the yield and some secondary metabolites of faba bean. The experiment used a randomized block design with four replications and included four faba bean genotypes: two registered varieties (Eresen-87 and Salkım) and two local populations (Bilecik and Sakarya). Weed control treatments; comprised weedy control, hoeing every 15 days, and hoeing every 30 days. Measured parameters included plant height (cm), number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 1000 seed weight (g), dry seed yield (g), and DPPH radical scavenging activity (%). Data were analyzed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test with SPSS, revealing statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in all measured parameters. The tallest plants were found in the Salkım×Control plot, while the shortest were in Sakarya×15. The highest number of pods occurred in Sakarya×30, and the lowest in Eresen-87×15. The highest number of seeds per pod was recorded in Bilecik×15, while the lowest was in all treatments of the Salkım variety and the Eresen-87×15 plot. The highest dry seed yield came from Bilecik×15, with the lowest from Eresen-87×30. DPPH activity peaked in Bilecik×Control, indicating significant differences in yield and nutritional content among faba bean genotypes. These findings indicate that different genotypes excel in various agricultural and nutritional characteristics, demonstrating that these differences can play an important role in shaping future production strategies.

Growth and Yield Response of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) to Different Application Levels of High Molecular Weight Chitosan

Purpose: This study examines soaking ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in different High Molecular Weight Chitosan (HMWCHT) concentrations to assess its influence on growth and yield. The study examined the impact of chitosan soaking on ginger growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed a randomised complete block design. Three chitosan concentrations (0, 50, and 100 ppm) were used, and growth parameters (plant height, leaf count, and chlorophyll content) were assessed over 12 weeks. Means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) as the significance test at p≤ 0.05. Findings: Weeks 10 and 12 saw remarkable values for plant height (66.3 cm and 69.1 cm), leaf count (20.33 and 22.0), and chlorophyll content (79.0 and 81.0) in ginger soaked in 50 ppm, highlighting the potential of high chitosan concentrations for ginger growth. Moreover, 50 and 100 ppm chitosan resulted in significantly higher yields, with ginger soaked in 100 ppm yielding the most (1830 g). Research Limitation: The study's controlled conditions and limited chitosan concentrations may not fully capture field variability or broader application ranges. Practical Implications: Soaking ginger in 100 ppm chitosan significantly enhances growth and yield, offering practical, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilisers. Social Implications: Improved ginger yields support food security, farmer income, and sustainable agricultural development through environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Originality/Value: This study underscores the positive impact of high-molecular-weight chitosan soaking on ginger's growth and yield response. Chitosan, particularly at a concentration of 100 ppm, holds promise as a growth enhancer for commercial ginger cultivation.

Enhancing the Quality of Chicken Meatball with Egg Albumen as Binding Agent: Study on Chemical, Texture Profile, and Sensory Properties

Meatball is well-known meat product especially in Indonesia, made from various kind of meat that could be accepted by consumers. The study aimed to investigate chemical, texture profile, and sensory properties of broiler chicken meatball added by egg albumen as a natural additive to increase texture and sensory properties. Meatball composition consisted of chicken breast (60.12%), tapioca starch (20.04%), salt (2.51%), seasonings (2.3%), ice cube (15.03%) and egg albumen based on meat weights. The experiment study used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Treatments consisted of the addition of 0% (P0), 5% (P1), 10% (P2), 15% (P3), and 20% (P4) egg albumen measured by meat proportion. Parameters assessed were chemical (protein and fat), textural profile (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and adhesiveness), and sensorial properties (color, taste, texture, and chewiness). Collected data of protein, fat, and texture profile were tested by analysis of variance, significant data continued by DMRT (Duncan’s Multiple Range Test). Sensory properties were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis. In result, the addition of egg albumen were significantly affected (p<0.05) to protein, fat, hardness, and all sensory properties, but it was not significantly affected (p>0.05) to cohesiveness, springiness, and adhesiveness. The addition of 20% egg albumen produced the highest protein and fat content, 11,83±0,30 and 1,55±0,17%, respectively. Then, hardness of chicken meatball on control treatment was the lowest than all treatment, with the highest was 2351,04±7,39 g. Average of cohesiveness, springiness, and adhesiveness were 0,66±0,02; 9,03±0,16 mm; and 0,04±0,03 mJ, respectively. The best sensory properties of chicken meatball with 20% egg albumen were white grayish color, delicious in taste, compact texture, and good chewiness. It could be summarized that adding 20% of egg albumen made the best characteristic on chemical dan sensory properties of chicken meatball.

Electrochemical Biosensors and Their Applications in Detection of Infectious Disease

The emergence of the new viruses, bacteria and parasites leads to the widespread infection of the disease. This requires an efficient testing instrument with high sensitivity, high selectivity and rapid speed of detection. The electrochemical method is introduced to the clinical test of a wide range of disease nowadays. Compared with the traditional method of disease detection, the electrochemical biosensor has a relatively better performance in diagnosing disease. Therefore, this work focuses on the application of electrochemical biosensors in disease diagnosis. The basic structure and the mechanism of the electrochemical biosensor is similar to the primary battery. The current can be circulated through a series of electrochemical redox reactions, and it can be generated mainly in three ways in enzymatic electrochemical biosensor. The electrode materials are mainly made by inert metals and carbon-based material. When using electrochemical biosensor to detect various infectious disease, different bioreceptors are needed to be used. They are mainly antibodies and nucleic acid probes. The nucleic acid probes can be used in all virus-caused, bacteria-caused and parasites caused disease, while the antibodies can only be used in viral disease detection. The disease-detecting electrochemical biosensor has a good prospect in the future.

Physicochemical Parameters of Sabke Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

Reservoirs, as critical water resources, serve diverse purposes such as irrigation, fisheries, and domestic water supply. This study evaluates the physicochemical parameters of Sabke Reservoir in Katsina State, Nigeria, with focusing on understanding their ecological impact and pollution status. The research, conducted between June and November 2024, analysed parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), and conductivity across three sampling stations (upstream, middle, and downstream). Measurements were taken following APHA standards and subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and the Duncan Multiple Range Test at a 95% confidence interval. Results revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations in the reservoir’s physicochemical parameters. Temperature ranged from 27.96°C to 30.00°C, with higher values observed during October. Turbidity peaked at 55.83 NTU in November, exceeding WHO permissible limits and reflecting sedimentation and runoff impacts. pH values remained neutral to slightly acidic (6.32–6.89), suitable for aquatic organisms. DO concentrations (5.09–5.63 mg/L) were stable but slightly below WHO recommendations for aquatic life. TDS values (319.3–397.3 mg/L) exceeded permissible limits, correlating strongly with conductivity (r=0.617, p<0.01), indicating increased ionic concentrations. The study underscores the influence of seasonal changes and anthropogenic activities on water quality. High turbidity and TDS levels pose potential risks to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. These findings are consistent with studies across Nigeria and other tropical regions, emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies to mitigate pollution and sustain the ecological health of reservoirs.

The Use of Gamal Leaves (Gliricidia sepium) to Accelerate Fresh Fruit Bunch Detachment and Improve the Quality of Crude Palm Oil

Acceleration of processing for fresh fruit bunches (FFB) is crucial to increase profitability and business opportunities for oil palm farmers. This research aims to evaluate the effect of using gamal (Gliricidia sepium) leaves and the duration of ripening on the percentage of FFB processing as well as the quality of crude palm oil. This study employed a factorial completely randomized design (CRD). The data were analyzed using ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at a significance level of 5%. The results of the analysis showed that the best treatment was S3T2 (40% gamal leaves, 20 h of ripening) with a natural processing percentage of 45.87% of the FFB weight and 60.34% of the total bunch weight. The use of gamal leaves and the duration of ripening significantly affected the quality parameters of the oil, especially the free fatty acid content. Treatment S1T1 (20% gamal leaves, 10 h of ripening) showed the best results with a free fatty acid value of 1.30%, meeting the quality standard (<5%). However, the moisture content still exceeded the quality standard (<0.5%), although treatment S3T2 yielded the best result at 0.63%. While, the impurity content quality met the quality standard (<0.5%), with the best value achieved by treatment S1T1 at 0.15%. Keywords: Bunch detachment, CPO quality, Ethylene, Gliricidia sepium, Ripening.

DIFFERENCES IN PERCENTAGE OF CASTOR OIL ON WATER ABSORPTION AND SOFTNESS OF RABBIT ZEEMLER SKIN

This study aims to evaluate the flexibility and water absorption of the skin of oil-tanned rabbits / zeemler with different percentages of castor oil. A total of 9 pieces of rabbit skin were randomly divided into 3 treatments with 3 replications. The treatment given was the percentage of castor oil (15%), medium (20%) and high (25%). Variables observed included weakness and water absorption. The data collected was analyzed by analysis of variance followed by Duncan's New Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the suppleness of oil tanned leather with the percentage of 15% and 25% castor oil was higher (P>0.05) than the percentage of 20%. The percentage of 15% castor oil resulted in a higher water absorption than the percentages of 20% and 25%. It was concluded that the quality of the zeemler rabbit skin tanned with castor oil met the Indonesian National Standard No 06-1752-1990. The use of various castor oil had no effect on the results of the Zeemler skin moisture absorption and skin elasticity tests.