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Ethnobotanically in Indonesia, Diospyros celebica Bakh is recognized as having antidiabetic activity. This study aimed to isolate antidiabetic compounds from the leaves of Eboni (Diospyros celebica). D. celebica leaves were dried and extracted with 96% ethanol, then fractionated and purified guided by antioxidant activity test, a-glucosidase inhibitory test, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitory test until bioactive isolates were obtained. The isolates were identified and their structures were determined based on NMR 1H, 13C, 2D, and LCMS/MS spectroscopic data. Extracts and fractions have potential antioxidant (DPPH), glucosidase inhibitor, and DPP-4 inhibitor activities as well as containing flavonoids and polyphenols. From the ethyl acetate fraction, isolate 26a-2 namely 3,5-digalloyl-(-)- epiafzelechin was obtained which was active as a DPPH scavenger, glucosidase inhibitor, and DPP4 inhibitor. The extracts, fractions, and flavonoid compounds in D. celebica leaves have the potential for antidiabetic drug candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine the psychometric properties of the Diabetes Management Experiences Questionnaire (DME‐Q). Adapted from the validated Glucose Monitoring Experiences Questionnaire, the DME‐Q captures satisfaction with diabetes management irrespective of treatment modalities. Methods: The DME‐Q was completed by adults with type 1 diabetes as part of a randomized controlled trial comparing hybrid closed loop (HCL) to standard therapy. Most psychometric properties were examined with pre‐randomization data (n = 149); responsiveness was examined using baseline and 26‐week follow‐up data (n = 120). Results: Pre‐randomization, participants' mean age was 44 ± 12 years, 52% were women. HbA1c was 61 ± 11 mmol/mol (7.8 ± 1.0%), diabetes duration was 24 ± 12 years and 47% used an insulin pump prior to the trial. A forced three‐factor analysis revealed three expected domains, that is, 'Convenience', 'Effectiveness' and 'Intrusiveness', and a forced one‐factor solution was also satisfactory. Internal consistency reliability was strong for the three subscales (α range = 0.74–0.84) and 'Total satisfaction' (α = 0.85). Convergent validity was demonstrated with moderate correlations between DME‐Q 'Total satisfaction' and diabetes distress (PAID: rs = −0.57) and treatment satisfaction (DTSQ; rs = 0.58). Divergent validity was demonstrated with a weak correlation with prospective/retrospective memory (PRMQ: rs = −0.16 and − 0.13 respectively). Responsiveness was demonstrated, as participants randomized to HCL had higher 'Effectiveness' and 'Total satisfaction' scores than those randomized to standard therapy. Conclusions: The 22‐item DME‐Q is a brief, acceptable, reliable measure with satisfactory structural and construct validity, which is responsive to intervention. The DME‐Q is likely to be useful for evaluation of new pharmaceutical agents and technologies in research and clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the military's use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR), it has become necessary to use jamming techniques to protect sensitive sites of friendly forces from being intercepted by SAR. To combat SAR sensors, two jamming techniques are typically available: noise jamming and deceptive jamming. In this paper the design and hardware implementation of a proposed active decoy which works as deceptive jamming system, is achieved using field programmable gate array (FPGA). The performance of the developed system is evaluated by SystemVue. 2015.01, using "hardware in the loop" methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient application has been in general overlooked in oil palm fertilisation programmes. Considering the importance of a balanced fertiliser in plant nutrition, it was necessary to determine the requirements of important micronutrients for their further recommendation in oil palm fertilisation programmes to ensure better growth and good yield. An experiment was conducted to identify the optimum concentrations of B, Cu and Mn for the growth of oil palm seedlings. The concentrations tested were 0, 0.25, 0.50, 1 and 2 mg B /L; 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg Cu /L; 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg Mn/L. Germinated oil palm seeds were supplied with different concentrations of the selected micronutrients for three months in soilless culture. The assessment of the growth and physiological parameters showed that 2 mg/L for both B and Cu gave better response, while all the tested Mn concentrations were suppressive to the growth of oil palm seedlings. Therefore, 2 mg/L for both B and Cu and a minimal concentration of 2 mg Mn/L are being tested in new experiments in single and different possible combinations on nutritional, biochemical and growth parameters of oil palm seedlings from two to eight months for their future incorporation in oil palm fertilisers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responses of eight upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties subjected to different drought levels were investigated in laboratory to evaluate eight local upland rice varieties against five drought levels (0, -2, -4, -6, and -8 bars) at germination and early seedling growth stage of plant development. Data were analyzed statistically for growth parameters; shoot length, root length, and dry matter yield, and biochemical parameters; proline and antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase), were measured. Experiment units were arranged factorial completely randomized design with four replications. The drought-tolerant variety, Pulot Wangi tolerated PEG at the highest drought level (-8 bar) and showed no significantly difference relation to control. However, drought-sensitive variety, Kusam was markedly affected even at the lowest drought level used. Concomitantly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the drought-tolerant varieties increased markedly during drought stress, while decreased by drought stress in the drought sensitive variety. Consequently, this led to a marked difference in the accumulation of proline in the upland rice varieties. It may be concluded that the activities of antioxidant enzymes and proline accumulation were associated with the dry mass production and consequently with the drought tolerance of the upland rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of genetic diversity of tree crop is very important for breeding and improvement program for the purpose of improving the yield and quality of its produce. Genetic diversity study and analysis of genetic relationship among 20 Moringa oleifera were carried out with the aid of twelve primers from, random amplified polymorphic DNA marker. The seeds of twenty M. oleifera genotypes from various origins were collected and germinated and raised in nursery before transplanting to the field at University Agricultural Park (TPU). Genetic diversity parameter, such as Shannon's information index and expected heterozygosity, revealed the presence of high genetic divergence with value of 1.80 and 0.13 for Malaysian population and 0.30 and 0.19 for the international population, respectively. Mean of Nei's gene diversity index for the two populations was estimated to be 0.20. In addition, a dendrogram constructed, using UPGMA cluster analysis based on Nei's genetic distance, grouped the twenty M. oleifera into five distinct clusters. The study revealed a great extent of variation which is essential for successful breeding and improvement program. From this study, M. oleifera genotypes of wide genetic origin, such as T-01, T-06, M-01, and M-02, are recommended to be used as parent in future breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coupling different techniques in spectroscopy is an efficient approach to characterise complex biological material. This work is carried out to characterise maize stem cell wall composition in the context of biofuel production. In this research, we propose to couple infrared, fluorescence and Raman hyperspectral images. Investigations have been attempted in coupling spectral data by means of multiblock methods. Multiblock techniques have been assumed to be equally applicable and effective in the analysis of biological samples with complex chemical composition and structure. The most commonly used methods are based on sequential approaches. In this article, we propose 1) to condition the data to be analysed towards multiblock analysis in term of pre-processing and organising the blocks from the initial hyperspectral images, 2) to apply Multiple Co-inertia Analysis (MCoA) a symmetrical method providing orthogonal loadings for spectral interpretation and score images for spatial analysis, and 3) to interpret and to analyse in one hand the common structure revealed by the three modalities and in the other hand the independent contribution to explain the variability under each block. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hyperspectral imaging in various spectral domains is used to perform in situ biochemical analysis of biological material. In the present work, two complementary microspectroscopies—mid-infrared and fluorescence—were coupled to characterise maize stem cell walls. In practice, each microspectroscopy operates with its own resolution, infrared pixels covering a 5×5μm² surface and fluorescence pixels a 1×1μm² area, making the coupling of both spectral ranges through unfolding the spectral images not straightforward. A data structure that preserved the spatial resolution in the two domains was built resulting in a two-way data table with a spatial way and a spectral way, paired to a three-way data table with two spatial ways and a spectral way. The multivariate inter-battery Tucker analysis was investigated in order to give each spectral domain a symmetric role. First, the inter-battery Tucker analysis was applied after averaging the three-way data table under the third mode to obtain a classical two-way data table. This led to work at the lowest resolution. Second, the method has been extended for coupling the three-way data table with the two-way data table. The spectral loadings were similar in both cases showing that phloem cell walls were rich in hydroxycinnamic acids and sclerenchyma cell walls in lignins. The extended version provided with fluorescence scores that preserved the spatial resolution showing more fluorescence intensity in cell junctions. The strong point of the extended inter-battery Tucker analysis is to allow the joint analysis of the two tables without altering their qualities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aluminium (Al) phytotoxicity is an important soil constraint that limits crop yield. The objectives of this study were to investigate how growth, physiology, nutrient content and organic acid concentration is affected by Al, and to assess the degree of Al tolerance in different oil palm progeny (OPP). Four OPPs ['A' (Angola dura × Angola dura), 'B' (Nigerian dura × Nigerian dura), 'C' (Deli dura × AVROS pisifera) and 'D' (Deli dura × Dumpy AVROS pisifera)] were grown in different Al concentrations (0, 100 and 200 μ) in aerated Hoagland solution, pH 4.4, for 80 days. We observed a severe reduction (57.5%) in shoot dry weight, and root tips were reduced by 46.5% in 200 μ Al. In 'B' and 'C', the majority of macro- and micronutrients in plants were reduced significantly by 200 μ Al, with Mg being lowered by more than 50% in roots and shoots. The 200 μ Al treatment resulted in a 56.50% reduction in total leaf area, a 20% reduction in net photosynthesis and a 17% reduction in SPAD chlorophyll value in the third leaf. Root tips (0-5 mm) showed a significant increase in oxalic acid content with increasing Al concentration (∼5.86-fold); progeny 'A' had the highest concentration of oxalic acid. There was a significant interaction between Al concentration × OPP on total leaf number, root volume, lateral root length, Mg and K in root and shoot tissues, and Ca and N in shoots. The OPPs could be ranked in their tolerance to Al as: 'A' > 'D' > 'B' > 'C'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pineapple cultivars 'Moris' (Queen cultivar), 'N-36' ('Sarawak' × 'Gandul' hybrid), 'Gandul' (Singapore Spanish cultivars), and 'Josapine' ('Singapore Spanish' × 'Smooth Cayenne' hybrid) are mostly grown on peat soils in Malaysia, whereas 'Sarawak' ('Smooth Cayenne' cultivar) is more commonly grown on mineral soils. To obtain good yields of fruit of high quality, it is important to understand the differences in nutrient requirements for these cultivars in the different soils in which they are grown. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to determine the biomass and nutrient partitioning of the different pineapple cultivars and to determine the plant variables affecting fruit yield and quality. Plants of each of the pineapple cultivars were randomly sampled from different locations of the major pineapple-growing areas in Malaysia. Only plants having A-grade fruit of marketable quality at harvest were selected. The cultivars and respective field sites were as follows: 'Sarawak,' Bukit Tandak farm, Kelantan (5° 55.274' N, 102° 00.608' E); 'Moris,' 'N-36,' and 'Gandul,' Peninsula Pineapple Plantations, Simpang Renggam, Johor (1° 49.909' N, 103° 14.053' E); and 'Josapine,' Goh Swee Eng Pineapple Farm, Simpang Renggam, Johor (1° 48.441' N, 103° 11.935' E). Plants were partitioned into roots, stem, leaves, peduncle, fruit, and crown, and fresh and dry weights were recorded. Total biomasses for the different cultivars were 733.46 ± 22.83 g for 'Gandul,' 842.34 ± 43.26 g for 'N-36,' 927.38 ± 53.10 g for 'Moris,' 434.77 ± 16.82 g for 'Josapine,' and 2446.94 ± 156.00 g for 'Sarawak.' Leaves accounted for the greatest proportion of dry matter (48.5%), followed by fruit (22.9%) and stem (21.6%), and a smaller proportion (1.2-2.5%) was roots, peduncle, and crown. The proportions of the dry-matter accumulation in leaves and stem for the cultivars were 53.5 ± 0.7 and 16.7 ± 0.9% for 'Gandul'; 45.1 ± 0.5 and 17.7 ± 0.7% for 'N-36'; 51.9 ± 1.6 and 16.8 ± 0.6% for 'Moris'; 56.5 ± 1.0 and 12.0 ± 0.9% for 'Josapine'; and 54.2 ± 5.1 and 27.7 ± 4.4% for 'Sarawak.' The proportion of the macro- and micronutrients in pineapple parts differed widely between cultivars. Potassium (K) showed the greatest proportion (7.96 ± 0.6 to 29.73 ± 1.17%) in leaves and (4.46 ± 0.70 to 9.35 ± 0.28%) in fruit followed by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) with lower proportions. Most pineapple cultivars grown showed variation in nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) with respect to the elements measured with values of <1.0 g dry matter g-1 nutrient. The NUE values of >1.0 g dry matter g-1 nutrient were observed for magnesium (Mg) in 'Gandul' and 'N-36' and for calcium (Ca) and copper (Cu) in 'N-36.' Total nutrient accumulation in the plant components differed approximately according to their cultivar origins ('Smooth Cayenne,' 'Queen,' 'Singapore Spanish'). It is interesting that the results for the 'Singapore Spanish' × 'Smooth Cayenne' hybrid Josapine were more similar to the 'Singapore Spanish' cultivars than being between the parents. Partitioning of biomass and nutrients in pineapple provides a means to categorize them and makes it possible to use a cultivar-based fertilization program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work was conducted with 10 rice germplasm during T. Aman (wet season), 2004, at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur, to assess the different lodging concerned parameters and their interrelationships. A great extent of diversity among aromatic rice genotypes was observed in respect to canopy architecture and lodging related characters. Minimum seedling height was 30 cm for BR39 and the maximum was 47 cm for Hatisail. Variations were found in the cultivars regarding penultimate and flag leaf angles and dimensions of both the leaves. Maximum plant height was recorded to be 153 cm in Baoi jhak and the minimum was 100 cm in BR28. The longest panicle was observed in Nizersail (27 cm) and shortest in Hatisail (21 cm). The range of culm diameter was 4.0-4.7 mm and culm thickness was 0.40-0.51 mm. Rice cultivars varied for bending moment from 812 g · cm (BR28) to 2263 g · cm (Doiar guro). Lodging index was at a minimum 2.7 in BR28 and a maximum 11.28 in Sugandha-1. Plant height exhibited positive correlation with panicle exertion and internode lengths, and hence lodging index. Lodging index was found to have a negative relationship with breaking strength. In path analysis, bending moment projected highest positive direct effect on lodging index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice production is a large industry and there are a lot of opportunities which can be obtained from it. Recently, the demand for specialty and high quality rice has increased remarkably, owing to the affluent and health-conscious consumers in Malaysia. The research on upland rice has been neglected because of its low yield, though it has many good characteristics, including good fragrance and long grains. Furthermore, it has the advantage of being cultivated on dry land without accumulation of water. Therefore, a large track of idle lands in Malaysia can be developed for this purpose. This study involves a documentation of upland rice in natural conditions. Basic information on the varieties of upland rice which produce high grain yields and quality (fragrance, colour) was collected from selected locations in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. For this purpose, both soil and plant materials (at harvest) were collected. The soil and plant materials were analysed for their macro- and micro-nutrient contents. Standard agronomic characteristics, during growing period and at harvesting time, were also measured. The data were analysed using the SAS statistical software and the mean values were then compared using the Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 0.05 level of significance. Seventeen upland rice fields were identified in several locations during the course of this survey. Thirty-five (35) varieties of upland rice seeds were successfully collected. In particular, upland rice and forest soil (as a control) were acidic, contain low nitrogen content and CEC value at 0 -20 and at 20-40 cm depth. Higher Fe content was also observed, with a major limitation for the growth of upland rice. Ageh, Kendinga, and Strao varieties were selected for further evaluation on nutrient requirements using an idle land soil, owing to its growth cycle, productivity, and seed availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen and phosphorus efficiencies are the main constraints to food production in the sub-humid and humid tropic soils. A laboratory and glasshouse study was initiated to examine the differences in the root architecture of Malaysian upland rice landraces and relate them to efficiency of the nitrogen fertilizer uptake. Six upland rice landraces, obtained locally, were soaked in water and allowed to germinate using the cigar role method. The seedlings were fertilized with a complete nutrient solution daily and the roots which were allowed to develop after 14 days were measured using the WINRHIZO. The same landraces were planted in the glasshouse in polybags containing 25 kg soil in four replications. N-15 labelled urea was applied at 170 kg N/ha and N use efficiency was measured at harvest. Significant differences in root length, surface area, root volume, average root diameter, and number of forks, between the 6 landraces were studied. Nitrogen in the plant (derived from fertilizer applied) was found to range from 6.22-27.6%. Nevertheless, a poor correlation was obtained between the length of root and the dry matter yield and the total N uptake. Five of the landraces tested showed a good potential in taking up the fertilizer N applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations generate a large quantity of by-products, such as empty fruit bunches (EFB) and palm fronds. These by-products are very difficult to decompose in natural condition. Vermicomposting of these by-products would be able to provide some useful nutrients for crop growth. There was no information available on the composting condition of these oil palm by-products using earthworms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of earthworms in vermi-composting of oil palm by-products and to evaluate the quality of the vermicompost. Only one species of earthworm, E foetida, was able to survive in these by-products and further evaluated for stocking density, precomposting time and size of organic materials, and vermicompost quality. One month precomposting and the addition of cow dung as food supplement to earthworms would be able to reduce the mortality rate and maintain the growth of earthworms. The ratio of 1:10 (earthworm/media) was the most appropriate for the earthworms to survive in EFB culture. Vermicomposting of EFB was able to provide beneficial nutrients, such as N, K, and Mg to plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin tailings are characterized by coarse sand; low in nutrient content, water-holding capacity, pH, organic matter and microbial activity; poor/absence of soil aggregation and high surface soil temperature. Therefore, the area is unsuitable for agriculture and forestry. An attempt was made to rejuvenate these lands into a sustainable production system through establishment of Acacia mangium and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) agroforestry (AF) system. Performance of A. mangium and peanut AF system with different P rates and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) inoculation was studied on degraded ex-tin mining land in Serdang, Malaysia. Three P rates viz. 0, 50 and 100 g Gafsa phosphate rock (GPR) plant-1 in combination with and without AM were evaluated on A. mangium seedlings during 190 to 290 days after planting (DAP). The experiment was conducted in split-plot design with three replications. Pea- nut was sown in the alleys of A. mangium at 185 DAP. Three P rates at 0, 50 and 100 kg P ha-1 along with and without AM were studied on peanut. Growth of A. mangium given 50 g GPR plant-1 with AM was found higher throughout the study, while at 100 kg P ha-1 with AM was optimum for peanut. The application of AM and P fertilizer tended to increase soil organic-C, N and available P. There was an indication of improvement of soil fertility with such cropping, which might also ensure better future production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Food products can be considered as complex systems that have to be described by several kinds of measurements. Nowadays, in food industry, more and more studies result in different data tables obtained from various types of measurements carried out on the same samples. In these situations, chemometrics provide invaluable tools, which makes it possible to take into account the whole information contained in the data tables and to discriminate between samples. We show in this work that the investigation of the relationships among data tables collected on the same samples can be a powerful approach in: [–] Food engineering and reverse engineering. In this case the relationships among data tables collected in the course of the fabrication process can be used to set up “technological paths” of the products. [–] The global characterization of food products. In this case the relationships among data tables collected by means of different methods can be used for an exhaustive characterization of the products. Each of these topics is illustrated in this paper by a case study. The investigation of the relationships between data tables was performed using a chemometric method: Common Components and Specific Weights Analysis. A brief presentation of the method together with recent developments is outlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peat soils collected from two sites that have been under continuous pineapple cultivation for 21 (site 1) and 42 (site 2) years were used to study the loss of applied nitrogen (N) and its retention in different soil column depths after leaching for a period of 28 days in laboratory conditions. Nitrogen concentration in the leachate of the fertilized peat soils declined with increased pore volumes of the soil columns. The cumulative losses of N increased with the duration of leaching both at site 1 and site 2. About 53 and 66% of the applied N was lost through leaching from site 1 and site 2, respectively. Total nitrogen retention at different soil column depths varied significantly at both sites. Nitrogen accumulation increased with increased soil column depths at site 1, but it declined with increased depths at site 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical and chemical properties of sandy tin tailings are unsuitable for agricultural purpose without proper fertilizer and crop management practices. Malaysia has a vast area (200,000 ha) of abandoned, barren sandy tailings. An attempt was made to convert these lands into a sustainable production by planting of pineapple using fertilization and irrigation techniques. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the optimum rate of fertilizer for the growth and the production of high quality pineapple, cv. Josapine, for fresh consumption. The fertilizers used were prepared from mixture of urea, triple superphosphate, muriate of potash, gypsum, kieserite, and copper sulfate, and the respective rates (in oxide form) of fertilizers in kg ha[SUP-1] were (i) Plot 1L: 872, 24, 400, 108, 24, and 2, (ii) Plot 2L: 750, 48, 266, 84, 36, and 3, and (iii) Plot 3L: 600, 72, 798, 108, 24, and 3.2. For each plot, a similar quantity of Fe, B, Mn, Zn, and Mo was added. There were 32 plants in each sub-unit (for the three classes of ground suckers used -- A, B, and C) in each treatment. The plant parameters, soil and plant analyses were determined during this period. There were significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences in the plant height, number of leaf and "D"-leaf area for each sub-unit with time. The fruits in sub-unit "A" showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases of fruit diameter and length and total acidity. The optimum rate of fertilizer used for growth and production of pineapple, cv. Josapine, on sandy tin tailings was for plot 1L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of compound controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) in the soil is essential in order to establish an appropriate soil management and fertilizer application technique. A compound fertilizer containing about 15% nitrogen (N), 2% phosphorus (P), 16% potassium (K), 4% calcium (Ca), 1% magnesium (Mg), and 1% copper (Cu) was prepared and subsequently coated with natural rubber (NR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylamide (PA), and polylactic acid (PLA). Evaluations of the compound CRF were conducted in the laboratory and in the field using an open leaching technique. The soil column was prepared using an acid Bungor soil (Typic Paleudult) packed in PVC tube for the laboratory and an undisturbed soil column for the field studies. A 25-g sample of each coated fertilizer was mixed with the soil in the top (0-60 mm) of the soil column. Nutrients released by the compound CRF in the appropriate soil column were monitored in the leachate for 30 d (about 18.0 pore volume (PV) of leachate), while in the field they were exposed to the atmosphere for about 90 d. The uncoated compound fertilizer gave significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher amount of nutrient loss compared to the coated fertilizers during leaching in the laboratory. The values ranged from 3023.0 mg N (80.3% of that added) to 1.4 mg Cu (6.2% of that added). Among the coated fertilizers, there were wide variations in the amounts and types of nutrient losses between different coating materials. By taking the summation of nutrients in the leachate, the effectiveness of the uncoated and coated compound fertilizers decreased in the order: PVC ≈ NR > PLA > PA ... uncoated. Depth distribution of nutrients and their amounts remaining in the soil column of the respective treatments showed no significant difference between leaching in the laboratory and that in the field. Thus, the effectiveness of the compound uncoated and coated fertilizers was similar to that measured in the laboratory using a fraction... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Acceptable and accessible interventions are needed to address 'psychological insulin resistance', which is a common barrier to insulin uptake among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our aim was to test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) study design and acceptability of a theoretically grounded, psycho-educational, web-based resource to reduce negative insulin appraisals among adults with T2D. Methods: A double-blinded, parallel group, two-arm pilot RCT (1:1), comparing intervention with active control (existing online information about insulin). Eligible participants were Australian adults with T2D, taking oral diabetes medications. Exclusion criteria: prior use of injectable medicines; being 'very willing' to commence insulin. Primary outcomes: study feasibility (recruitment ease, protocol fulfilment, attrition, data completeness); secondary outcomes: intervention acceptability (intervention engagement, user feedback) and likely efficacy (negative Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale [ITAS] scores at follow-up). Online surveys completed at baseline and 2 weeks. Results: During 4-week recruitment, 76 people expressed interest: 51 eligible and 35 enrolled (intervention = 17, control = 18; median[interquartile range] age = 62[53, 69] years; 17 women). Protocol fulfilment achieved by 26 (74%) participants (n = 13 per arm), with low participant attrition (n = 6, 17%). Intervention acceptability was high (>80% endorsement, except format preference = 60%). ITAS negative scores differed between-groups at follow-up (M diff = -6.5, 95% confidence interval: -10.7 to -2.4), favouring the intervention. Conclusions: This novel web-based resource ("Is insulin right for me?") is acceptable and associated with a likely reduction in negative insulin appraisals, relative to existing resources. This pilot shows the study design is feasible and supports conduct of a fully powered RCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to reduce the use of chemical pesticides currently fosters great interest in eco-friendly biological control agents. In addition, the isolation of plant allelopathic substances and the evaluation of their phytotoxic effects can lead to the discovery of new natural herbicides. In this context, our study aimed to assess the herbicidal activity of ten crude extracts obtained from aerial parts of Tunisian spontaneous plants against Trifolium incarnatum, Silybum marianum and Phalaris minor. It confirmed that the Cynara cardunculus methanolic extract best inhibited weed germination and seedling growth, and caused necrosis or chlorosis. Following a bioassay-guided fractionation, five main phenolic compounds, (1) syringic acid, (2) p -coumaric acid, (3) myricitrin, (4) quercetin and (5) naringenin were identified in the most active crude methanolic extract. Then, only 3 of the flavonoids contained in the most active fraction were tested on Trifolium incarnatum. The 3 compounds had a significant phytotoxic effect and therefore could be employed in a new composition of botanical herbicides to control crop weeds. Besides, a novel herbicide composition was designed to improve the post-emergence activity of the methanolic extract. The formulation containing the C. cardunculus crude methanolic extract showed the same herbicidal activity as the standard industrial bioherbicide containing pelargonic acid. These results make C. cardunculus a suitable source of natural compounds potentially usable as natural herbicides. Image, graphical abstract • C. cardunculus extract had the best herbicidal activity among 10 plant extracts. • Five phenolic compounds were identified in C. cardunculus. • Myricitrin, naringenin and quercetin were the main active compounds in C. cardunculus. • Fraction 2 of C. cardunculus had the same herbicidal effect as biological herbicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of focal vibration (FV) on muscle tone, kinematic parameters and motor functions in individuals with stroke, Parkinson' disease and multiple sclerosis. It also determined the influence of vibration parameters such as frequency and amplitude, stimulation session duration, and the total number of intervention sessions on the outcome measures. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and EBSCO were searched, yielding 21 qualifying articles. Within a week post-treatment, FV effectively reduced elbow spasticity (P = 0.04), improved upper limb kinematic parameters (SMD = -0.75, 95% CI: -1.50 to -0.01), and enhanced upper limb motor function (P = 0.05) in stroke patients. FV significantly improved lower limb kinematic parameters of Parkinson's disease patients (P = 0.03). Over a week post-treatment, the effect of FV was not significant in reducing spasticity for upper limb in stroke (P = 0.25) and improving kinematic parameters for lower limb in Parkinson's disease (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: -0.58 to 1.35). The total therapy sessions significantly associated with the effect size (p = 0.042) for upper limb motor function outcome measure. Conclusion, integrating FV into rehabilitation may benefit patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of rice agronomic traits are complex, multi factorial and polygenic. As the mechanisms and genes determining grain size and yield are largely unknown, the identification of regulatory genes related to grain development remains a preeminent approach in rice genetic studies and breeding programs. Genes regulating cell proliferation and expansion in spikelet hulls and participating in endosperm development are the main controllers of rice kernel elongation and grain size. We review here and discuss recent findings on genes controlling rice grain size and the mechanisms, epialleles, epigenomic variation, and assessment of controlling genes using genome-editing tools relating to kernel elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of genetic diversity of tree crop is very important for breeding and improvement program for the purpose of improving the yield and quality of its produce. Genetic diversity study and analysis of genetic relationship among 20 Moringa oleifera were carried out with the aid of twelve primers from, random amplified polymorphic DNA marker. The seeds of twenty M. oleifera genotypes from various origins were collected and germinated and raised in nursery before transplanting to the field at University Agricultural Park (TPU). Genetic diversity parameter, such as Shannon's information index and expected heterozygosity, revealed the presence of high genetic divergence with value of 1.80 and 0.13 for Malaysian population and 0.30 and 0.19 for the international population, respectively. Mean of Nei's gene diversity index for the two populations was estimated to be 0.20. In addition, a dendrogram constructed, using UPGMA cluster analysis based on Nei's genetic distance, grouped the twenty M. oleifera into five distinct clusters. The study revealed a great extent of variation which is essential for successful breeding and improvement program. From this study, M. oleifera genotypes of wide genetic origin, such as T-01, T-06, M-01, and M-02, are recommended to be used as parent in future breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widening of the narrow genetic base of Jatropha curcas through germplasm collection, diversity study and evaluation is needed to bring about much needed improvement in its seed yield and oil content. This study was carried out to profile the divergence patterns of 45 Jatropha curcas from three populations (Kelantan, Selangor and Terengganu) and to evaluate their yield over a period of three years. Eleven (11) morphological traits together with ISSR markers were used in this study. The percentage of polymotphism for the ISSR markers among the three populations was very high, ranging from 90.38-100%. Shannon information index (I) and expected heterozygosity (He) were found to be highest in the Kelantan population, at 0.58 and 0.40 respectively. Genetic differentiation (Analysis of molecular variance) expressed as fixation index (0.46) revealed that variations within the population accounted for about 100% of the total variation. Interestingly, the cluster analysis based on molecular and morphological traits, as presented in the dendrogram, grouped the 45 accessions into seven and five clusters respectively. For morphological traits, variability in terms of coefficient of variation (CV) was very high, as much as 53.19 and 51 % in total number of seeds and oil yield/ha. Small differences were seen between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (≤ 10%) for the yield trait. Broad sense heritability for virtually all the yield and yield components was very high (≥ 67.8). Accessions B-01- 03, D-01-06, T-01-06, B-06-02 have been identified and recommended for further evaluation under field conditions before they are chosen for future breeding programmes for seed yield and oil improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to assess the responses of salinity on the growth, nutrient accumulation and yield of rice genotypes. Five Malaysian genotypes (MR33, MR52, MR211, MR232 and MR219), two salt sensitive (BRRI dhan 29 and IR20) and one salt tolerant genotypes (Pokkali) were evaluated in four levels of salinity. Two factors complete randomized design (CRD) was used with four replications. Dry weight of root, shoot and yield significantly decreased with the increase of salinity levels, while MR232 and MR211 were less affected. Na+ ions accumulations increased in the root and shoot with the increase of salinity, while the lowest accumulation was in MR211. Na+/ K+ratio sharply increased in the root with increasing the salinity. Whereas, Ca++/Na+ and Mg++/Ca++ ratio showed decreasing trend with increasing salinity level. The maximum amount of nitrogen and phosphorous accumulation was observed in the shoot of MR211, while Na+ in BRRI dhan29, K+ in Pokkali. The highest accumulation of Na+ and K+ observed in the root of MR219. The maximum Ca++ and Mg++ were found in MR33 and MR211, respectively. Considering all, genotypes MR211 andMR232 were found to be relatively tolerant to salt than the other genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five Malaysian rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, MR33, MR52, MR211, MR219, and MR232, were tested in pot culture under different salinity regimes for biochemical response, physiological activity, and grain yield. Three different levels of salt stresses, namely, 4, 8, and 12 dS m-1, were used in a randomized complete block design with four replications under glass house conditions. The results revealed that the chlorophyll content, proline, sugar content, soluble protein, free amino acid, and yield per plant of all the genotypes were influenced by different salinity levels. The chlorophyll content was observed to decrease with salinity level but the proline increased with salinity levels in all varieties. Reducing sugar and total sugar increased up to 8 dS m-1 and decreased up to 12 dS m-1. Nonreducing sugar decreased with increasing the salinity levels in all varieties. Soluble protein and free amino acid also decreased with increasing salinity levels. Cortical cells of MR211 and MR232 did not show cell collapse up to 8 dS m-1 salinity levels compared to susceptible checks (IR20 and BRRI dhan29). Therefore, considering all parameters, MR211 and MR232 showed better salinity tolerance among the tested varieties. Both cluster and principal component analyses depict the similar results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El chile es un cultivo comercial importante en Bangladesh pero su rendimiento promedio es muy bajo (0.89 t ha-1) y la potencialidad genética de las variedades nativas de chile de Bangladesh para desarrollar variedades híbridas no se ha evaluado. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer el comportamiento heterótico siguiendo el modelo de Gardner y Eberhart (1966) II. Seis diferentes padres divergentes homocigóticos CCA 2, CCA 5, BARI Morich 1, CCA 11, CCA 15 y CCA 19 se usaron para estimar la heterosis. Hubo una cantidad significativa de heterosis en el rendimiento y las características que contribuyeron al rendimiento. La estimación de la heterosis varietal para rendimiento por planta fue significativamente positiva en CCA 5 y BARI Morich 1. En BARI Morich 1, la heterosis varietal significativa y positiva para el rendimiento por planta se asoció con las estimaciones significativas y positivas de heterosis para el número de frutos por planta y el número de semillas por fruto, sugiriendo que estos rasgos de rendimiento contribuyeron a la heterosis final manifiesta a través del rendimiento. Las cruzas nativas×exóticas mostraron una cantidad significativa de heterosis. Se puede enfatizar las cruzas nativas×exóticas para un buen rendimiento del fruto, particularmente si se usan como híbridos comerciales. Los híbridos de BARI Morich 1×CCA 19 and CCA 5×BARI Morich 1 mostraron un mejor rendimiento. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chilli is an important cash crop in Bangladesh but average yield is very low (0.89 t ha-1) and genetic potentiality of Bangladeshi chilli landraces for hybrid variety development has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to find out heterotic behavior following Gardner and Eberhart model (1966) II. Six different homozygous divergent parents CCA 2, CCA 5, BARI Morich 1, CCA 11, CCA 15 and CCA 19 were used to estimate heterosis. A significant amount of heterosis was present in yield and yield contributing traits. Estimate of variety heterosis for yield per plant was significantly positive in CCA 5 and BARI Morich 1. In BARI Morich 1, the significant and positive variety heterosis for yield per plant was associated with significant and positive estimates of heterosis for number of fruits per plant and number of seeds per fruit, suggesting that these yield traits contributed to the final heterosis manifested through yield. Indigenous×exotic crosses showed significant amount of heterosis. It is possible to emphasize indigenous×exotic crosses for good fruit yield, particularly to be used as commercial hybrids. Hybrids of BARI Morich 1×CCA 19 and CCA 5×BARI Morich 1 showed better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is an important produced cereal in the world. We evaluated the effect of salt compositions including NaCl and Na2SO4 on suberin lamellae as a major barrier to radial ion and water movements in two rice genotypes representing contrasting salt tolerance levels under salinity stress. Two rice genotypes, Fajr as salt tolerant and Khazar as salt sensitive, were transplanted in sand culture under glasshouse condition. Rice seedlings were treated with five salt compositions including NaCl, Na2SO4, 1 :1, 1 :2, and 2:1 molar ratios for 40 days. It was proven that suberin lamellae in endodermis of root cell wall were thickened with Na2SO4 treatment. The results demonstrated that the number of passage cells was higher in Fajr genotype than that in Khazar genotype under saline condition. Calcium concentration in root tissue decreased as the SO4 2- concentration in rootmedia increased. It can be concluded that Fajr genotype is able to keep some passage cells open to maintain Ca2+ uptake. The Ca2+/Na+ ratio in shoot tissue can be also a reliable index for the early recognition of salt stress in these rice genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In many application areas, experimental approaches both involve an experimental design that determines changes in the studying factors and an untargeted analytical method (IR, LC-MS, NMR,…) used to characterize the samples by a large number of variables. This leads to a resulting data set which can be structured in blocks with respect to the different levels of the experimental factors. Among the methods that have been developed to address this situation, the ANOVA-Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA) is the only one which proposes the use of a multiblock technique to date. Nevertheless, other possibilities are achievable. Therefore in this article, we propose 1) to adopt another way of defining and organizing the blocks from the initial matrix and 2) to apply Multiple Co-inertia Analysis (MCoA) a multiblock method different from Simultaneous Component Analysis to manage this new scenario. The complementarities of our proposal with ASCA are demonstrated on a case study related to cheese processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plant cells accumulate praline as an osmoprotectant to conserve osmotic stability and prevent damage. However, the accumulation of proline may not be associated with tolerance to salinity. This study considered the influences of NaCl and Na2SO4 compositions, at different concentrations, on seed germination and accumulation of proline in eleven rice genotypes. Rice seeds were grown in petri dishes in the laboratory and treated with distilled water as a control and NaCI and Na2SO4 (1:1 molar concentration ratio) at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 dS m-1 electrical conductivity for 14 days. The mean germination time (MGT) was positively affected by the increase in the concentration of salt. Conversely, there was a negative relationship between germination index (GI) and salt concentration. Shirodi, Fajr, and Shafag can be classified into salt tolerant group, while Tarom-e-Hashemi was identified as salt susceptible, based on MGT and GI. Slight changes were recorded within dry weight and water content of seedlings at different salt levels. The maximum accumulation of proline was observed at 5 dS m-1 salt concentration. No relationship was established between the accumulation of proline and the growth parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Malaysia, pineapples are grown on peat soils, but most phosphorus (P) fertilizer recommendations are made without due quantification of P uptake; the distribution of P in roots, stem, leaves, peduncle, fruit, and crown; or loss through leaching even though P retention in peat soils is low. This study was conducted to determine applied P-use efficiency under a conventionally recommended fertilization regime in pineapple cultivation with in situ residues burning before replanting. Results showed that most of the P uptake in pineapple can be found in the fruit, stem, leaves, and crown, but the general trend of P distribution was in the order of fruits>leaves>stem>crown>peduncle>roots. Phosphorus recovery in pineapple cultivation was about 40%, and this low recovery was attributed to leaching. Hence, fertilizer recommendations need to take into consideration P loss through leaching. This will help to increase P-use efficiency because it is not possible to build up P content of peat soils. As a result, the need to assess the possibility of side-dress applications of phosphatic fertilizers on peat soil is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear and quadratic discriminant analysis are likely to lead to unstable models and poor predictions in the presence of quasicolinearity among variables or in the case of the small sample and high-dimensional setting. A simple regularization procedure is proposed to cope with this problem. It is based on the introduction of a tuning parameter that draws a line between linear or quadratic discriminant analysis that is based on Mahalanobis distance and discriminant analysis based on the identity matrix. The tuning parameter is customized to individual situations by minimizing the cross-validated misclassification risk. The efficiency of the method of analysis in comparison with existing procedures is demonstrated on the basis of a data set and a large simulation study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]