Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

What Medical Specialties do ME/CFS Sufferers Consult? A Public Health Study on the need for Better Medical Education and Training

The disease ME/CFS is unknown to many doctors in Germany. Within the healthcare system, significant deficits in dealing with ME/CFS patients have been repeatedly revealed. Hence, the aim of the present study was to identify the specialties of the doctors consulted by ME/CFS patients and to find out whether information on the medical procedure in the context of the diagnosis process can be derived from this. As part of the APAV-ME/CFS survey, the quantitative responses of 674 adult ME/CFS sufferers (>20 y.; 554 ♀, 120 ♂) who already had a medical ME/CFS diagnosis were statistically examined. The sampling was done by self-activation and via the snowball principle. The data were primarily evaluated descriptively. An analysis of variance was carried out to consider possible relationships. Almost a quarter of the patients said they had suffered from ME/CFS for 6 to 10 years. Diagnosis was made within 10 years of disease onset in 62%. For 6.4% it took 21-40 years. 75% of the participants consulted 6 to 15 different doctors from a wide range of disciplines in the course of the disease, in particular from general medicine, neurology, internal medicine and psychosomatics/psychiatry. Diagnosis was made in particular by GPs and immunologists. On average, the test persons named 11 mostly neuroregulatory symptoms. The results suggest that in the context of finding a diagnosis in Germany for ME/CFS, referral behaviour to specialists based on single ME/CFS symptoms or rather arbitrary contacting of doctors from a wide variety of disciplines has prevailed so far. Therefore, training and further education measures on the subject of ME/CFS are urgently needed in all specialist disciplines in the resident, inpatient and rehabilitation sectors.

Formation of biochemical parameters of oat grain depending on the genotype and weather conditions

The studies were conducted to assess the dependence of the biochemical parameters of oat grains (crude protein, starch, oil and β-glucans) on the genotype and weather conditions to determine the prospects for their use in the breeding process. In the forest-steppe of the Trans-Urals in 2021–2023, 21 samples of naked and 64 samples of covered oats were studied, which are most actively used in breeding in Western Siberia. Tyumen nudibranch was taken as the standard for naked cultivars, and for covered cultivars it was Otrada. It was found that the genotype played a significant role in the content of crude protein and β-glucans in oat grain (78…80 %); weather conditions – 12…15 %, with minimal interaction of these factors – 4 and 7 % (Ffact . Ftheor.) respectively. Retention of oil and seaweed at 85…86 % exceeds the permissible values, and now to a minimum extent – 3 and 6 %, respectively (Ffact. Ftheor.). The effect of the genotype and the subsequent level on the oil content is 11 %. A close relationship between content and consumption has been established. Protein and oil in naked oats (r=0.96; p=5 %), in frequent cases it was the average (r=0.25; p=5 %). The content of β-glucans had an inverse average correlation with protein in the grain of filmy genotypes (P= –0.38), it was absent in nudibranchs. A negative correlation was established between the content of β-glucans and oil (g= –0.32; p=5 %) in covered samples. The analysis of variance and correlation showed the possibility of targeted selection in terms of protein and oil content. It is recommended to introduce the following genotypes into the breeding process to increase the content: starch (60.1…62.3 %) – Vyatsky (14960), MF 9521–281 (15096), MF9714–32 (15227), Progress (15339), Korolek (15461); β-glucans (6.1…6.3 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Argamak (14648), Neklan (14936), Konkur (15068); Ozone (15473); protein (16.1…17.5 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Percheron (15275), Pomor (15117), Taidon (15183); oils (6.1…7.4 %) – Sapsan (15444), Pegas (15114), Petrovich (15691).

Functional post-processing of extrusion-based 3D printed parts: polyaniline (PAni) as a coating for thermoplastics components

Purpose This study aims to evaluate in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline (Ani) as a post-processing method to promote extrusion-based 3D printed parts, made from insulating polymers, to components with functional properties, including electrical conductivity and chemical sensitivity. Design/methodology/approach Extrusion-based 3D printed parts of polyethylene terephthalate modified with glycol (PETG) and polypropylene (PP) were coated in an aqueous acid solution via in situ oxidative polymerization of Ani. First, the feedstocks were characterized. Densely printed samples were then used to assess the adhesion of polyaniline (PAni) and electrical conductivity on printed parts. The best feedstock candidate for PAni coating was selected for further analysis. Last, a Taguchi methodology was used to evaluate the influence of printing parameters on the coating of porous samples. Analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test were used to identify the best levels for each parameter. Findings Colorimetry measurements showed significant color shifts in PP samples and no shifts in PETG samples upon pullout testing. The incorporation of PAni content and electrical conductivity were, respectively, 41% and 571% higher for PETG in comparison to PP. Upon coating, the surface energy of both materials decreased. Additionally, the dynamic mechanical analysis test showed minimal influence of PAni over the dynamic mechanical properties of PETG. The parametric study indicated that only layer thickness and infill pattern had a significant influence on PAni incorporation and electrical conductivity of coated porous samples. Originality/value Current literature reports difficulties in incorporating PAni without affecting dimensional precision and feedstock stability. In situ, oxidative polymerization of Ani could overcome these limitations. However, its use as a functional post-processing of extrusion-based printed parts is a novelty.

Assessment of the Levels of Pesticide Residues and Trace Metal Elements (TME) in Soils in the Cotton-Growing Region of North-West Benin

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to evaluate the levels of pesticide residues and trace metal elements (ETM) in the soils of the cotton-growing zone in north-west Benin. The soils under cotton, maize and soybean were retained in a Complete Random Block design with 12 repetitions. 36 sites were sampled, with 12 of them being allocated to each crop. The analysis involved determining permethrin, cypermethrin, and glyphosate from soil samples taken by HPLC. The determination of Cd and Pb was carried out by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma after organic matter destruction. A analysis of variance was used to compare soil types with the data obtained. Linear regression equation models were created to estimate trace metal elements values based on pesticide residue values. The results showed that the average amounts of permethrin (0.61 ± 0.03 µg/mg), cypermethrin (0.69 ± 0.07 µg/mg), glyphosate (0.82 ± 0.01 µg/kg), cadmium (Cd) (1.78 ± 0.21 µg/kg), lead (Pb) (1.04 ± 0.14 µg/kg) were higher (p < 0.05) in soils under cotton crops. As for lead, it can only be estimated using permethrin (Pb = 0.18 + 0.37 Per) or cypermethrin (Pb = 0.24 + 0.34Cy) or both with high determination coefficient R2 (R2= 82.01%).

A SCIENTIFIC STUDY ON HEART RATE AND MUSCULAR ENDURANCE OF AEROBIC, ANAEROBIC AND COMBINED AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC ACTIVITIES AMONG ELITE WOMEN

A planned, systematic and chronic training regimen will always leads to significant adaptations on physical and cardiac functions. The heart is an involuntary organ which directly get impact by any systematic training protocol as compared to any other organ of the body, based on this the investigator is throwing a light on how a long distance running training, middle distance running and weight lifting training protocol leads to a significant impact on heart rate at rest and muscular endurance. To fulfill the objectives of the study the investigator has chosen (N=45) elite women volunteered athletes of each (N=15) of long distance running, middle distance running and weight lifting, between 18 to 22 years. All the volunteered elite athletes are trained by their coaches for about 7 to 9 years. The selected criterian parameters are Heart Rate at rest (HR) and Muscular endurance, and they were measure by M- Mode Doppler Echocardiography with the support of qualified cardiologist and bent knee sit-ups (1 min) respectively. The level of significance is set at 0.01 level of assurance. The investigator has concluded that a regular and systematic long distance running, middle distance running and weight lifting training have significantly brought desired changes in heart rate at rest and muscular endurance as compared the normal, healthy, and untrained women reference values. Further, the investigation come to an that the long distance running has significantly lowered heart rate at rest, and significantly enhanced muscular endurance as compared to the middle distance running and weight lifting groups. In ordered to find out the significant difference the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed. When the ‘F’ ratio is significant, the Scheffe’s post-hock test was used to find the paired mean significant difference, if any, among the groups of chosen parameters. KEYWORDS: long distance running, middle distance running, weight lifting, heart rate at rest, muscular endurance

Hybrid Layer, Shear Bond Strength, and Fracture Patterns of Titanium Dioxide–Doped Phosphate Glass–Filled Universal Dental Adhesives

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to explore the potential effects of incorporating 5 and 10 wt% of TiO2-doped phosphate glass powder as fillers into the universal adhesive system. Materials and Methods Human permanent premolars and molars were used in the study. Five and 10 wt% of TiO2-doped phosphate glass powder as fillers were added into the universal adhesive system. Unmodified universal adhesive was used as control. The effects of the added filler in the universal adhesive were examined on hybrid layer formation at the resin composite and dentine interface (mesio-occlusal-distal [MOD] cavities) under scanning electron microscope (SEM), shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite to dentine using shear bond testing machine, and the patterns of fracture at the resin composite–dentin interface, which were examined under stereomicroscope. The SBS analyses were performed with (8 samples per group, n = 24) and without (8 samples per group, n = 24) 5,000 cycles of thermocycling. Statistical Analysis One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data of the SBS. For bond strength, the effects of adding fillers into the universal adhesive were analyzed. Results The SEM images showed that the hybrid layers were similar in all the groups of unmodified and modified adhesives. An ANOVA test revealed that the SBSs of control and modified adhesives were not significantly different before (p = 0.15) or after (p = 0.39) thermocycling for all the groups. The patterns of fracture revealed various types of fracture in all adhesive groups including composite resin, adhesive, and dentine failure. Composite resin fractures are the most encountered pattern of fracture. Conclusion Adding 5 and 10 wt% of TiO2 into universal adhesive did not adversely affect the hybrid layer, SBS, or mode of failure of composite resin to dentine. The pattern of fracture at the resin composite and dentine interface showed a favorable bonding with more cohesive than adhesive failure, particularly with the 5 wt% glass-modified adhesive group.

Microwave ablation on ex vivo porcine pancreas: The influence of ablation parameters on ablation results and fat liquefaction.

The pancreas is adjacent to critical organs; excessive microwave ablation (MWA) can result in serious complications. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reference data of pancreas MWA for clinicians, analyze the ablation outcomes under different ablation parameters, and determine the critical temperature of pancreatic surface fat liquefaction outflow. Combinations of two power levels (30 W and 55 W), three antenna diameters (1.3 mm, 1.6 mm, and 1.9 mm), and three ablation times (1 min, 1.5 min, and 2 min) were applied to an ex vivo pig pancreas. Temperature measurements were taken at four thermocouple points. The center point is located 5 mm horizontally from the antenna slot, with a temperature measurement point located 5 mm above, below, and to the right of the center point. Main effect analysis and variance analysis were used to quantify the influences of each factor on the ablation outcomes. At 30 W, the antenna diameter contributing the most at 48.5%. At 30 W-1.3 mm-1 min, the spherical index (1.41) is closest to 1. At 55 W, the coagulation zone size was almost only affected by the ablation time, with a contribution rate of 28.7%, the temperature at point C exceeds point B. On the surface of the ex vivo porcine pancreas, the fat outflow temperature was 54ã. Ablation combinations with low power, short duration, and small antenna diameter results in a more nearly spherical coagulation zone. When performing MWA on the pancreas, it is advisable to avoid areas with higher fat content, while keeping the pancreatic surface temperature below 54°C.

ASSESSMENT OF 16-YEAR-OLD FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS WITH CHRONOJUMP SYSTEM

In the basketball game, lower extremity strength plays a key role in various game actions. The jumping mat (Chronojump), an open-source (free software and open hardware), is available to the public on official servers, emphasizing peer review and corrections by the user community. The aim of this study was to establish the explosive power of the lower limbs of 16-year-old female basketball players from the Bulgarian National Basketball Team. We used specialized software, a signal transducer, and an electro-contact mat Chronojump. The subject of the study was the explosive power of the lower limbs of 16-year-old female basketball players from the national team of Bulgaria. The object of the study was the performance of the Chronojump platform tests to establish the explosive strength of the lower limbs. The study was conducted among 16 active female basketball players selected for the Bulgarian national team. Each participant performed all jumps at the same time of day. They performed CMJ - 90-degree squat jump; SJ - Squat, two-second hold, and jump; CMJAT - Jump with arms extended forward and up; RCMJ - Manipulative 90-degree squat jump; Stiff ness - Manipulative ankle jump. The test’s mathematical-statistical results were processed with variance analysis and One-way ANOVA, with a critical value of the F-criterion (F = 2.38) and high statistical reliability (Pt ≥ 95%). Results showed that hand involvement is key in rebounding. In terms of jumping endurance and explosiveness quotient, female athletes had a lower level of development. This research has the potential to significantly impact the training and performance of female basketball players.

School or home: Exploring the impact of digital infrastructure on digital literacy of school-age young people in a developing economy

Digital literacy plays a very important role for a developing innovative economy, since one of the global trends significantly affecting the dynamics of open innovation is strengthening of the influence of digital technologies on all spheres of society. This paper seeks to study the impact of digital infrastructure on digital literacy of school-age young people, which starts and develops both at school and/or at home. This paper uses a balanced panel of statistical data that includes 18 regions of Kazakhstan surveyed for the period between 2016 and 2022 on four indicators: the level of digital literacy in Kazakhstan, the share of households with Internet access, the share of Internet users aged 6-15, and the number of students per PC in public schools. Methods of correlation, variance, and structural model analysis proposed hereby consist of successive stages and include five hypotheses for verification. The results have shown that (a) the literature has not accumulated a unified methodology for assessing digital literacy yet; (b) digital infrastructure in Kazakhstan’s public schools has been found to have a negligible impact on formation of digital literacy, as well as on the increase in the number of school-age Internet users; (c) the number of young school-age Internet users have been found to have a positive effect on formation of digital literacy in Kazakhstan; (d) access to the Internet at home has been found to have a significant stable impact on digital literacy in Kazakhstan and an increase in the share of young school-age Internet users. This paper is intended for decision makers, researchers, education and open innovation experts interested in opportunities for the development of citizens’ digital skills and competencies and the implementation of an open innovation economy strategy.

Intraspecific variation in photosynthetic thermal acclimation in Fagus crenata seedlings from two populations growing at different elevations in northern Japan.

Plants can acclimate their photosynthesis to growth temperature, but the contribution of local adaptation to intraspecific variation in thermal acclimation of photosynthesis is not fully understood. Here, we experimentally investigated the photosynthetic thermal acclimation in Fagus crenata seedlings from two populations growing at different elevations and temperature regimes (low- and high-elevation sites) in northern Japan. We acclimated seedlings for 14-23days at 22°C (control) or 27°C (warm treatment) daytime temperature and obtained photosynthetic temperature-response curves in the range of 19 to 32°C. The optimum temperature of photosynthesis (Topt) was ca. 0.6°C higher in seedlings acclimated at 27°C than in those acclimated at 22°C, and it was significantly lower in seedlings with higher stomatal sensitivity to leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) than in those with lower sensitivity. The effects of warm treatment, population, and treatment-population interaction on Topt were not significant in the two-way analysis of variance, but the effect of treatment became significant when stomatal sensitivity to leaf-to-air VPD was included as a covariate in the model. Structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated that seedlings with lower root biomass had lower Topt because of the high stomatal sensitivity to leaf-to-air VPD. SEM also indicated that the way of shifting the Topt differed between the two populations: seedlings from a high-elevation site depended on decreasing photosynthetic rates at low temperatures for the increase in Topt but seedlings from a low-elevation site did not. We suggest that difference in thermal acclimation of photosynthesis between the two populations may reflect adaptation to different climate regimes and that belowground traits should be considered when investigating thermal acclimation capacity, especially in seedlings.

Effect of Saga Leaf Extract (Abrus precatorius Linn) in Inhibiting Enterococcus faecalis Bacteria Growth as an Alternative Root Canal Irrigation Material

Abstract Objective This study aims to examine the antibacterial effect of saga leaf extract on Enterococcus faecalis bacteria, which causes root canal treatment failure. Materials and Methods This research was conducted using a laboratory experimental method with saga leaf extract at 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% concentrations. Two percent chlorhexidine acts as the positive control, and 100% dimethyl sulfoxide as the negative control. The diameter of the inhibition zones was measured using the well diffusion test method. Statistical Analysis Data from the measurement of inhibition zone diameter were obtained and tested statistically using the normality test (Shapiro–Wilk), homogeneity test (Levene), parametric test (one-way analysis of variance), and further test (post hoc test). Results The largest inhibition zone diameter observed in this study was 9.46 mm at 100% concentration; however, it was not bigger than the positive control, which was measured at 16.55 mm. The research data were analyzed based on the classification of Davis and Stout inhibition zones. Conclusion This study concludes that saga leaf extract has an antibacterial effect on the growth of E. faecalis bacteria.

Leisure-time physical activity improves happiness, health, and mood profile better than work-related physical activity.

In an online survey of Lithuanian adults (n = 1140) aged 18 to 64 years, we sought to better understand the factors influencing the structure of physical activity (PA). We hypothesised that the PA paradox (i.e. the benefits of PA will be much greater during leisure-time than work-related or household moderate to vigorous PA) occurs more subjectively for psychological well-being indicators, than physiological well-being indicators, and should not depend on age or gender. An online questionnaire was distributed as to potential participants through the Facebook social networking website within the period May 2021 to December 2021. PA was assessed using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Mood responses were assessed using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS-LTU). Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSREIT). Perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive analysis, a two-way analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis were used to interpret the data. The results revealed that a PA paradox occurred in women and men in terms of health, happiness, vigour and perceived stress, and only in women according to morbidity and overeating. According to the regression analysis, women's and men's subjective health (β = 0.135; p < 0.001), happiness (β = 0.084; p = 0.018) and vigour (β = 0.169; p < 0.001) were significantly positively, and perceived stress (β = -0.088; p = 0.009) negatively correlated (regardless of age) only with leisure-time moderate to vigorous PA. 'Healthy', i.e. the amount of leisure-time PA in men decreases with age, while it does not change in women. We believe that this study has expanded a clearer understanding of the PA paradox and its possible application to improving the health of individuals of different age groups.

Assessment of Solvent Extraction using Sonication to Recover Tryptophan from Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex Silva: Experimental and Modelling

The application of Kappaphycus alvarezii in the food system has attracted researchers due to its bioactive compounds, including tryptophan. The present study was conducted to extract tryptophan from K. alvarezii with the aid of sonication. A reduced multilevel factorial design was conducted to evaluate the effect of solvent, ultrasound power, duty-pulse cycle, time and temperature on the recovery of tryptophan. Analysis of variance suggested that the type of solvent and combination setting of power and duty-pulse cycle significantly influenced the extraction (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, extraction time and temperature did not alter the extraction (p &gt; 0.05). The optimum was using ethanol, ultrasound power 80 %, pulse duty-cycle 0.8 s–1, extraction time 10 min, and temperature 25 °C and tryptophan concentration was 56.41 ± 2.42 mg L–1. Subsequently, a COnducto-like Screening MOdel for Real Solvent (COSMO-RS) was performed to clarify the impact of solvent affinity and polarity on the tryptophan extraction from K. alvarezii.

Assessing Cell Viability: Comparative Analysis of Calcium Hydroxide, Triple Antibiotic Paste, and Their Synergistic Impact on human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Abstract Objective The American Association of Endodontists recommends the use of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) or triple antibiotic paste (TAP) as preferred medicaments in regenerative endodontic treatment. Although both medicaments showed an excellent antibacterial property, their impact on the viability of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) when used in combination remains uncertain. Previous studies have indicated that at certain concentrations, both Ca(OH)2 and TAP can be harmful to cells. Therefore, it is aimed to assess the effects of Ca(OH)2, TAP, and their combined application on the viability of hDPSCs in this study. Materials and Methods Primary cultured hDPSCs, reaching 80% confluency and at passages 3rd to 4th, were subjected to 24-hour starvation. Subsequently, they were cultured in media supplemented with Ca(OH)2, TAP at 0.1 and 1 mg/mL concentrations, and a combination of Ca(OH)2 and TAP at equivalent concentrations, with Dulbecco's modified eagle medium serving as the control group. The viability and morphology of hDPSCs were assessed using both the quantitative 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and qualitative 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. Statistical Analysis First, the data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni post hoc to compare between groups. All the tests were conducted at a significance level of 95% (p &lt; 0.05). Results In this study, a notable variation in hDPSCs viability was observed among all groups, with the lowest viability recorded in the combination of Ca(OH)2 + TAP at 1 mg/mL (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion Ca(OH)2, TAP, and their combination are not toxic to hDPSCs and the use of their combination was superior in hDPSCs viability on Ca(OH)2 + TAP in the 0.1 mg/mL group.

The GG genotype of rs743572 in CYP17A1 gene regulating the decrease of T/E ratio can be an independent risk factor for MetS-BPH: a retrospective cohort study

PurposeTo confirm if the CYP17A1 gene regulates the ratio of T/E leading to MetS-BPH.Methods824 men, aged 47–88 years, were recruited into this study through consecutive routine physical examination programs and long-term outpatient screening. Several parameters, including SNPs of CYP17A1 gene, total testosterone, estradiol, and the ratio of total testosterone to estradiol (T/E) were obtained for each participant. Based on the diagnosis of BPH, MetS, and MetS-BPH, the participants were divided into BPH and non-BPH groups, MetS and non-MetS groups, and MetS-BPH and non-MetS-BPH groups. Values of the obtained parameters were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance, Student’s t-test, Chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis.ResultsSNPs of the CYP17A1 gene, including the rs743572 genotypes (GG, GA, and AA), rs3781287 genotypes (GG, GT, TT), and rs4919686 genotypes (CC, CA, and AA), were present in every group. Only the GG genotype of rs743572 was independently associated with BPH (OR = 5.868, 95% CI: 3.363–7.974, P < 0.001), MetS (OR = 7.228, 95% CI: 3.925–11.331, P < 0.001), and MetS-BPH (OR = 3.417, 95% CI: 1.783–5.266, P < 0.001) after adjusting for age. In the population of genotype GG of rs743572, the decrease in T/E ratio was an independent risk factor for BPH (OR = 839.756, 95% CI: 36.978-1334.263, P = 0.001), MetS (OR = 376.988, 95% CI: 12.980-488.976, P < 0.003), and MetS-BPH (OR = 388.236, 95% CI: 24.869-495.363, P = 0.003).ConclusionThe GG genotype of rs743572 in CYP17A1 gene regulating the decrease of T/E ratio can be an independent risk factor for MetS-BPH populations.Trial registration numberChiCTR2200057632 “retrospectively registered”.Date of registrationMarch 15, 2022 “retrospectively registered”.

Evaluating Friction Characteristics of High Friction Surface Treatment Application Under Varied Polishing and Slippery Conditions

The frictional attributes of high friction surface treatment (HFST) play a crucial role in ensuring optimal traffic safety, particularly in wet weather conditions. Friction consists of two important components: adhesion and hysteresis. This research focuses on evaluating these essential factors in HFST using two different aggregates and two distinct sizes by considering various abrasion and polishing methods. To isolate these components for assessment, testing was carried out under various slippery conditions, including dry, wet with water, and wet with water + soap. The inclusion of liquid hand soap in the test procedure effectively minimized or even eliminated the adhesion component’s influence, making it possible to primarily focus on the hysteresis component. Consequently, the British Pendulum Number (BPN) measured in this research predominantly reflected the hysteresis-related friction. The analysis of variance results emphasized the substantial impact of different abrasion and polishing methods on the BPN values obtained under various surface conditions. Notably, Micro-Deval Abrasion (MDA) with 105, 180, and 240 min abrasion exhibited the most pronounced influence on BPN variation and the higher F-value for the MDA 105 min indicated that this specific abrasion time exerted a more significant influence on the variation in BPN values than other factors. Furthermore, the utilization of the Aggregate Image Measurement System yielded valuable insights into the micro-texture of the aggregates. It revealed that the calcined bauxite HFST size is anticipated to provide the rougher surface morphology (texture) on a pavement surface compared with other sources in this study, thereby contributing to high pavement surface friction. The findings from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the frictional characteristics of HFST under different scenarios, providing valuable insights for optimizing HFST applications to enhance road safety and skid resistance.

Flavonoids and their relationship with the physiological quality of seeds from different soybean genotypes

Flavonoids are compounds that result from the secondary metabolism of plants and play a crucial role in plant development and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. The highest levels of flavonoids are found in legumes such as soybean. Breeding programs aim to increase desirable traits, such as higher flavonoid contents and vigorous seeds. Soybeans are one of the richest sources of protein in the plant kingdom and the main source of flavonoid derivatives for human health. In view of this, the hypothesis of this study is based on the possibility that the concentration of isoflavones in soybean seeds contributes to the physiological quality of the seeds. The aim of this study was to analyze the content of flavonoids in soybean genotypes and their influence on the physiological quality of the seeds. Seeds from thirty-two soybean genotypes were obtained by carrying out a field experiment during the 2021/22 crop season. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications and thirty-two F3 soybean populations. The seeds obtained were subjected to germination, first germination counting, electrical conductivity and tetrazolium vigor and viability tests. After drying and milling the material from each genotype, liquid chromatography analysis was carried out to obtain flavonoids, performed at UPLC level. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and, when significant, the means were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The results found here show the occurrence of genotypes with higher amounts of flavonoids when compared to their peers. The flavonoid FLVD_G2 had the highest concentration and differed from the others. Thus, we can assume that the type and concentration of flavonoids does not influence the physiological quality of seeds from different soybean genotypes, but it does indirectly contribute to viability and vigor, since the genotypes with the highest FLVD_G2 levels had better FGC values. The findings indicate that there is a difference between the content of flavonoids in soybean genotypes, with a higher content of genistein. The content of flavonoids does not influence the physiological quality of seeds, but contributes to increasing viability and vigor.

Application of graphical analysis and principal components to identify the effect of genotype × trait in maize hybrids

AbstractIn order to identify the effect of genotype × trait, 20 maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids were cultivated and investigated in a randomized complete block design in three replications in the Karaj region. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of genotype in terms of all traits except for the traits of days until the tassel dries, peduncle outside the flag leaf, tassel length, the number of fill seeds, and the depth of the seeds are significantly different. Based on the mean comparison done by Duncan's method, G3, G6, G7, and G4 genotypes were identified as favorable hybrids. Based on the graphic analysis, the genotypes G5, G4, G6, G3, G9, and G14 can be identified as desirable hybrids. The correlation diagram indicated that the grain yield trait has a positive correlation with tassel length, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf surface traits. Based on the principal component analysis, the first 10 components explained more than 74% of the data variance. The traits were classified into 10 components: components of ear characteristics, time characteristics in terms of maturity, leaf characteristics, characteristics of maize plant 1 (cob corn diameter, peduncle length, and grain yield traits), characteristics of maize plant 2 (number of tassel branches, leaf surface, and grain yield traits), physiological characteristics and germination, the crown part of the ear characteristics, grain characteristics, grain yield, and characteristics of the ear head. The experiment results indicated that G8, G15, G1, and G6 hybrids were more favorable in terms of grain yield trait.

Suitable Water–Fertilizer Management and Ozone Synergy Can Enhance Substrate-Based Lettuce Yield and Water–Fertilizer Use Efficiency

As living standards rise, enhancing quality has become a central objective for many researchers. Soilless cultivation, known for its efficient use of resources, is increasingly used in vegetable production. It is critical to develop effective water and fertilizer management strategies to achieve high-quality yields and promote sustainable development in modern agriculture. This study employed an orthogonal experimental design to assess the impact of varying nutrient solution concentrations (50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of Hoagland’s), lower irrigation thresholds (40%, 55%, 70%, and 85% field capacity (FC)), and ozone concentrations (0, 1, 2, and 4 mg·L−1) on lettuce growth, yield, quality, and water–fertilizer use efficiency. The results indicated that fixed nutrient solution concentrations and lower irrigation thresholds enhanced growth metrics for lettuce. Similarly, increasing ozone concentrations initially improved, then reduced growth metrics when the lower irrigation threshold was constant. Furthermore, maintaining stable ozone concentrations while raising the nutrient solution concentration initially boosted, then diminished, growth indicators. Optimal conditions for water and fertilizer management were identified at a nutrient solution concentration of 75% to 100% and an ozone concentration of 0 to 1 mg·L−1. Variance analysis highlighted the significant effects of nutrient solution concentration, lower irrigation thresholds, and ozone concentrations on lettuce yield, quality, and water and fertilizer use efficiency. Range analysis revealed the optimal management combination to be a nutrient solution concentration of 100%, an 85% lower FC irrigation threshold, and an ozone concentration of 1 mg·L−1, yielding 16.82 t·ha−1 of lettuce and a water use efficiency of 40.14 kg·m−3. These findings provide theoretical support for the sustainable advancement of soilless cultivation in contemporary agriculture.

In Situ High-Precision Measurement of Deep-Sea Dissolved Methane by Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic and Light-Induced Thermoelastic Spectroscopy.

Rapid and accurate realization of in situ analysis of deep-sea dissolved gases imperative to the study of ecological geology, oil and gas resource exploration, and global climate change. Herein, we report for the first time the deep-sea dissolved methane (CH4) in situ sensor based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic and light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy. The developed sensor system has a volume of φ120 mm × 430 mm and a power consumption of 7.6 W. The sensor, in the manner of frequency division multiplexing, is able to simultaneously measure the photoacoustic signals and light-induced thermoelastic signals, which can accurately correct laser-intensity induced influence on concentration. The spectral response of CH4 concentration varying from 0.01 to 5% is calibrated in detail based on the pressure and temperature in the application environment. The trend of the photoacoustic signal of CH4 at different water molecule (H2O) concentrations is investigated. An Allan variance analysis of several hours demonstrates a minimum detection limit of 0.21 ppm for the CH4 spectrometer. The sensor combined with the gas-liquid separation and enrichment unit is integrated into a compact marine standalone system. Since the specifically designed photoacoustic cell has a volume of only 1.2 mL, the time response for dissolved CH4 detection is reduced to 4 min. Furthermore, the sensor is successfully deployed in the vicinity of the "HaiMa" cold seeps at 1380 m underwater in the South China Sea, completing three consecutive days of measurements of dissolved CH4.