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Homeira Vafaei,1 Shohreh Roozmeh,1 Kamran Hessami,1,2 Maryam Kasraeian,1 Nasrin Asadi,1 Azam Faraji,1 Khadije Bazrafshan,1 Najmieh Saadati,3 Soudabeh Kazemi Aski,4 Elahe Zarean,5 Mahboobeh Golshahi,6 Mansoureh Haghiri,7 Nazanin Abdi,8 Reza Tabrizi,9 Bahram Heshmati,10 Elham Arshadi11 1Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; 2Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; 3Fertility Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; 4Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Health Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; 5Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; 6Department of Psychology, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran; 7Department of Perinatology, Maternal-Fetal Center, Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 8Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran; 9Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; 10Medical Journalism Department, Paramedical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; 11Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranCorrespondence: Nasrin AsadiMaternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Maternal- Fetal Medicine (Perinatology), Hafez Hospital, Chamran Ave, Shiraz, IranTel +98-71-36128257Fax +98-71-362128257Email nasadi2012@yahoo.caBackground: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become the most challenging issue for healthcare organizations and governments all over the world. The lack of evidence-based data on the management of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy causes an additional stress for obstetrics healthcare providers (HCPs). Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate depression, perceived social support, and quality of life among obstetrics HCPs.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in eight cities in Iran. During the study period, 599 HCPs were separated into direct, no direct, and unknown contact groups according to their exposure to COVID-19-infected pregnant patients. The Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used to assess depression, perceived social support, and quality of life.Results: Obstetrics and gynecology specialists had significantly higher social functioning and general health scores compared to other HCPs (residents/students or nurses/midwives). Depression was negatively correlated with most of the domains of quality of life, regardless of the COVID-19 contact status of the study participants. Social support, however, was positively correlated with some domains of quality of life, such as physical functioning, energy/fatigue, and emotional well-being, among staff members who had either direct contact or no contact with COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: During the COVID-19 outbreak, the depression score among obstetrics HCPs was negatively associated with quality of life. Social support, however, had a reinforcing effect on quality of life.Keywords: coronavirus, COVID-19, healthcare provider, obstetrics, quality of life, SARS-CoV 2

Zohreh Karimi, 1 Ali Mousavizadeh, 2 Hossein Rafiei, 3 Naeem Abdi, 4 Mohammad Behnammoghadam, 5 Maryam Khastavaneh, 6 Sharif Shahini 6 1Department of Operating Room, School of Paramedicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 2Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 3Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; 4School of Paramedicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 5Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 6Department of Nursing, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, IranCorrespondence: Mohammad BehnammoghadamMedicine Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Next to Imam Sajad Hospital, Bagher Street, Yasuj, IranTel +98 743 323 6172Fax +98 743 323 4011Email mbehnam1363@gmail.comIntroduction and Aim: Prevention of pressure injuries in patients hospitalized in intensive care units is significantly important. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of using olive oil and fish oil prophylactic dressings on the development of heel pressure injuries was investigated.Methods: The present study was a clinical trial conducted in the intensive care unit of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, in Yasuj. Fifty patients, who were at moderate to high risk of pressure injuries development, were randomly divided into two groups based on the mean score of the Braden scale. In one group, patients’ heels were dressed using olive oil prophylactic dressing, and in the other group, patients’ heels were dressed using fish oil prophylactic dressing. The dressings were changed 3 times a day. Collected data were then analyzed using SPSS v16.Results: No significant difference was determined in demographic variables among the two groups (p< 0.05). In terms of the development of heel pressure injuries, none of the patients in the olive oil and fish oil groups had pressure injuries.Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in either treatment group related to heel pressure injuries outcomes during the 7 days observed in the study. Additionally, both dressings had the same effects. Further studies are recommended in this regard.Keywords: preventive dressings, pressure injuries, nursing care, critical patients, olive oil, fish oil

Zohreh Karimi,1,2 Mohammad Behnammoghadam,3,4 Hossein Rafiei,5 Naeem Abdi,6,7 Mohammad Zoladl,8 Mohammad Sharif Talebianpoor,9 Arash Arya,10 Maryam Khastavaneh81Department of Operating Room, School of Paramedicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 2Deputy Education School of Paramedicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 3Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 4Center of Disease Registry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 5Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran; 6Department of Critical Care Nursing, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 7School of Paramedicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 8Department of Nursing, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 9Department of Pharmacology, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran; 10Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, IranBackground: This study aimed 1) to examine the impact of honey on diabetic foot; 2) to examine the effect of olive oil on diabetic foot; and 3) to compare the impact of honey and olive oil in the healing of diabetic foot.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 45 patients took part. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups. In the honey group, the wound was dressed using gauzes with honey daily for 1 month. In the olive oil group, the wound was dressed using gauzes with olive oil (4 mL) daily for 1 month. Patients in the control group received usual dressing. Wounds were assessed before and after intervention using the Wagner scoring system and the checklist of diabetic foot healing (where a higher score indicates better wound healing).Results: Demographic characteristics of patients in the three groups were similar. Mean scores of tissue around the wound, wound grade, wound drainage, and wound healing were similar before intervention in all three groups. After intervention, means score of tissue around the wound, wound grade, wound drainage, and wound healing were significantly higher in patients in the honey and olive oil groups compared to patients in the control group.Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that honey is as effective as olive oil in the treatment of diabetic foot. Given the few studies on this topic, further investigation is needed.Keywords: foot ulcer, olive oil, therapeutic use, honey

In this paper, we study the effects of the widths of unstable particles on the one-loop electroweak corrections for the pp ⟶ WW process at the TeV scale within the framework of the complex mass scheme. We also investigate, for this same process, the unitarity of the theory at high energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean productivity in paddy fields is influenced by variety selection and grass management practices. This study aimed to assess several soybean varieties and evaluate the impact of soil processing and weed control on Summed Dominance Ratio (SDR), as well as growth and yield of soybean seeds. Conducted in Sungai Kakap, Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, during 2021, the research employed a Randomized Block Design with 15 treatments and 3 replications. Treatments included various combinations of tillage methods, weed control techniques, and mulching. The study identified four soybean varieties Detap-1, Derap-1, Devon-1, and Dena-2 with large seed sizes and high yields. These varieties also exhibited resistance to common pests such as Etiella zinkenella, Riptortus linearis, and Spodoptera litura. Weed composition analysis revealed O. sativa and Ageratum conyzoides as dominant species. Weed dry weight was lowest in the perfect tillage + pre-emergence herbicide treatment and highest in the minimum tillage + weeds are not controlled treatment. The highest plant growth and seed yield were observed in the minimum tillage + pre-emergence herbicide and perfect tillage + pre-emergence herbicide treatments. Plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, and dry seed yield were significantly higher in these treatments compared to others. In conclusion, varieties Detap-1, Derap-1, Devon-1, and Dena-2 possess suitable physical characteristics for cultivation in Indonesia. The most effective grass management models identified were minimum tillage + pre-emergence herbicide and perfect tillage + pre-emergence herbicide. These findings contribute to optimizing soybean cultivation practices, emphasizing varietal selection and weed control strategies for improved crop performance.

This study intended to remove Cr(VI) from an aqueous synthetic solution employing synthesized biochar adsorbent from a blend of locally sourced banana peel, and corn cob biomass wastes. An equal ratio of the prepared powder was activated with ZnCl2 solution (1:1 wt basis) and carbonized for 2 h at 600 °C. The proximate analysis of the selected BP-CCAC@ZC3 biochar was conducted. Subsequently, its surface area, surface functions, and morphology were examined using BET analysis, FTIR, and SEM techniques, respectively. The proximate analysis of BP–CCAC@ZC3 showed a moisture content of 2.37 ± 0.80 %, an ash content of 8.07 ± 0.75 %, volatile matter of 19.38 ± 2.66 %, and fixed carbon of 70.18 %. It was found that the synthesized BP–CCAC@ZC3 had 432.149 m2/g of a specific area as per the BET surface area analysis. The highest efficiency for Cr(VI) removal was determined to be 97.92 % through adsorption batch tests using a dose of 0.4 g of BP-CCAC@ZC3, an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 20 mg/L, pH of 2, and 35 min contact time. Likewise, the adsorption process was effectively described by the Langmuir isotherm model, which had a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9977) and a maximum adsorption capacity of 19.16 mg/g, indicating a monolayer adsorption mechanism. The BP-CCAC@ZC3 biochar exhibited reusability for up to four cycles with only a slight decrease in effectiveness, highlighting its potential for sustainable wastewater treatment. Overall, using corn cob and banana peel composites to synthesize activated carbon with ZnCl2 offers a promising method for effectively removing Cr(VI) containing wastewater.

Summary: Background: The development of a universal influenza virus vaccine, to protect against both seasonal and pandemic influenza A viruses, is a long-standing public health goal. The conserved stalk domain of haemagglutinin (HA) is a promising vaccine target. However, the stalk is immunosubdominant. As such, innovative approaches are required to elicit robust immunity against this domain. In a previously reported observer-blind, randomised placebo-controlled phase I trial (NCT03300050), immunisation regimens using chimeric HA (cHA)-based immunogens formulated as inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) −/+ AS03 adjuvant, or live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV), elicited durable HA stalk-specific antibodies with broad reactivity. In this study, we sought to determine if these vaccines could also boost T cell responses against HA stalk, and nucleoprotein (NP). Methods: We measured interferon-γ (IFN-γ) responses by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot (ELISpot) assay at baseline, seven days post-prime, pre-boost and seven days post-boost following heterologous prime:boost regimens of LAIV and/or adjuvanted/unadjuvanted IIV-cHA vaccines. Findings: Our findings demonstrate that immunisation with adjuvanted cHA-based IIVs boost HA stalk-specific and NP-specific T cell responses in humans. To date, it has been unclear if HA stalk-specific T cells can be boosted in humans by HA-stalk focused universal vaccines. Therefore, our study will provide valuable insights for the design of future studies to determine the precise role of HA stalk-specific T cells in broad protection. Interpretation: Considering that cHA-based vaccines also elicit stalk-specific antibodies, these data support the further clinical advancement of cHA-based universal influenza vaccine candidates. Funding: This study was funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

BackgroundBurns are one of the most common forms of trauma globally. P. aeruginosa plays a prominent role as an etiological agent among burn patients. There is a paucity of information about the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of P. aeruginosa among burn patients in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was designed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial-resistant patterns of P. aeruginosa among burn patients attending Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsHospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College among burn patients from November 2020 to April 2021. Identification of P. aeruginosa was performed using Culture, Biochemical tests, and, Gram staining. Antimicrobial resistance testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Logistic regression was computed to determine associated factors.ResultsFrom 210 burn wound cultures, 27 (12.86%) were found positive for P. aeruginosa. All the isolates showed greater than 70% susceptibility to the tested antibiotics except Gentamycin, Ceftazidime, and, Ciprofloxacin. In addition, 33.33% of P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug-resistant. Admission type, Hospital stay time and Total body surface area (TBSA) had a statistically significant association (all with P-value ConclusionOverall, the prevalence of P. aeruginosa isolates among burn patients is almost 13%. Most P. aeruginosa isolates were sensitive to Imipenem, while they were most resistant to Gentamycin. One-third of P. aeruginosa were multidrug-resistant. This suggests the need to monitor the treatment of infection with the pathogen to limit the possibility of the emergence of multidrug-resistant isolates in burn centers.

History and background of blackberry cultivars and wild species is unclear in the south coast of the Caspian Sea as an origin of diversity center in Iran. In the present study, genetic diversity of 45 genotypes of blackberries (thorny and thornless) from the collection of Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU) located in south of the Caspian Sea were studied by using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers. Jaccard's similarity coefficient was used to plot the cluster diagram according to the Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic averages (UPGMA) algorithm. Results showed that 10 ISSR primers amplified 345 fragments, of which 344 were polymorphic. The average numbers of bands were 34.5 per primers. Based on the Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCA) results, blackberry genotypes were classified in three groups. Some wild genotypes were located closed to commercial thorny cultivars. Cluster analysis divided the genotypes to six groups. Introduced genotypes that were in the same group were separated in sub-groups according to maturity time (early, mid, and late ripening cultivars). These genetic traits separated them and confirmed the morphological results, identifying them as thorny cultivars Silvan, Marion, and Tupi. The results indicated that gene pool of thornless blackberry is not limited to chimera type (as first generation of thornlessness) and it probably includes the two further steps in evolution, and even include some new and evolved types of native thornlessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTHerpes zoster (HZ) is a debilitating vaccine-preventable disease. Impairment of cell-mediated immunity, as observed with aging and immunosuppressive disorders and therapies, increases risk. Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is efficacious against HZ in adults aged ≥50 years in different settings, and in immunocompromised adults aged ≥18 years who are at increased risk of developing HZ. RZV is the first and only HZ vaccine approved for use in immunocompromised adults globally, including in Europe and the US. RZV has a clinically acceptable safety profile and elicits robust immune responses in adults aged ≥50 years, and in immunocompromised adults aged ≥18 years who are at increased risk of HZ. Additionally, RZV is efficacious against HZ complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia and HZ-related pain. This review updates knowledge from a randomized controlled trial setting on the efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, and impact on quality of life of RZV.

BackgroundThe accurate estimation of gestational age is crucial in identifying prematurity and other health problems in newborns and in providing appropriate perinatal care. Although there are numerous methods for measuring gestational age, they are not always applicable. During these situations, it becomes challenging to ascertain whether a baby has been born prematurely or not. Therefore, this study aims to estimate gestational age by utilizing newborn anthropometric parameters.PurposeThe objective of this study is to estimate the gestational age of newborns in public hospitals located in the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia, by using anthropometric parameters.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at a facility from February 2022 to April 2022, using an interview-based questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The anthropometric parameters that were measured include foot length (FL), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and chest and head circumference (CHC). The study’s sample size had a total of 420 participants. The data were cleaned, edited, manually checked for completeness, and entered into Epi-data version 3.1. Subsequently, the data were transferred into SPSS for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regressions. Finally, the data were presented using statements and tables.ResultsThere is a significant and positive correlation between anthropometric parameters, including head circumference (r: 0.483), MUAC (r: 0.481), foot length (r: 0.457), and chest circumference (r: 0.482) with gestational age. All anthropometric parameters demonstrated positive and significant estimates of gestational age. The combination of the four measurements yielded the strongest estimate of gestational age. Gestational age can be calculated by the formula: Gestational age (Weeks) = 9.78 + 0.209*CHC + 0.607*MUAC + 0.727*FL + 0.322*HC.ConclusionGestational age can be measured using head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, foot length, and chest circumference. Utilizing the four anthropometric parameters in combination exhibits greater efficacy in estimating gestational age than using them individually. Therefore, it is recommended to use these alternative approaches when standard methods are not applicable.

BackgroundMaternal satisfaction with intrapartum care is a multidimensional assumption of satisfaction with self and with the physical environment of the delivery ward and quality of care. Maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care affects the selection of birthplace and helps to identify gaps between actual and intended healthcare outcomes. This study aims to assess factors that affect maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care.ObjectivesTo assess maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in public hospitals in the South-west Shewa Zone, Ethiopia, 2022.MethodsA cross-sectional study approach among 420 mothers was conducted between April 14 and June 14, 2022. Systematic random sampling was used to select mothers for face-to-face interviews every two intervals. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. P-values of

Pengabdian ini bertujuan buat memberikan masukkan kepada Panti Asuhan agar dapat mengaplikasikan Interpretasi Standar Akuntansi Keuangan (ISAK)35 dalam penyajikan laporan keuangan yang akan disampaikan kepada pihak-pihak donatour sehingga pihak penyumbang dapat percaya dengan dana yang disumbangkannya kepada pihak panti, sehingga akan terjadi keberlanjutan para pihak donatour untuk menyumbangkan dananya kepada panti asuhan. Adapun metode pengabdian yang dilakukan menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptip yaitu melakukan wawancara mendalam kepada pihak panti asuhan tentang bagaimana selama ini sistem pelaporan keuangan yang digunakan pada panti asuhan dan bagaimana tanggapan pihak donatour terhadap sistem pelaporan yang dilakukan pihak panti, apakah pihak donatour dapat menerimanya atau tidak. Pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan pada bulan Desember 2021 dengan jumlah peserta 8 orang. Adapun yang menjadi hasil dari wawancara yang didapatkan dari pihak panti asuhan bahwa selama ini penyajian laporan keuangan hanya digunakan dengan menyajikan penerimaan aliran kas dan pengeluaran aliran kas saja yang diumumkan pada gereja setiap akhir bulannya di dalam warta jemaat. Sehingga bisa disimpulkan bahwa panti asuhan gelora kasih belum menerapkan secara sepenuhnya ISAK 35 dalam penyajian laporan keuangannya itu disebabkan keterbatasan sumber daya manusia yang dimiliki pada panti asuhan, dengan demikian dengan adanya pelatihan ini panti asuhan dapat menerapkan ISAK 35 dalam penyusunan laporan keuangannya.

Background: This study aims to assess factors associated with food security and dietary diversity among poor urban households of western Oromia, Ethiopia, after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in May to June 2021 with 361 poor urban households in the Horo Guduru Wollega zone, western Oromia, Ethiopia. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Twenty-four hour reminder points were used to assess household dietary diversity, and household food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale tool. Data were evaluated using the statistical software SPSS version 25.0. Results: This study showed a prevalence of food insecurity in households of 59.6%. The mean and standard deviation of household dietary diversity values were 4.19 ± 1.844. Family size (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI:3.295–21.92), monthly income (AOR = 3.52; 95% CI; 1.771–6.986), dietary diversity (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI; 3.92–18.59), knowledge (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.08–)8.347), attitude (AOR = 8.35, 95% CI:3.112–22.39) and practices against Covid-19 (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI:1.299–11.4) were factors significantly associated with food insecurity. Variables like educational status (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI:1.44–8.312), increased family size after the Covid-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI:1.02–5.04), food security (AOR = 6.7; 95% CI:4.01–19.01), knowledge (AOR = 3.96; 95% CI:1.57–10.0), attitude (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI:1.75–8.82) and practices toward coronavirus (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI:2.18–23.95) were predictors significantly associated with dietary diversity. Conclusion: This study concluded that family size, monthly income, and dietary diversity were factors contributed to household food security. On the other hand, variables such as educational status, family size, and food security were highly relevant factors for dietary diversity after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices were also variables related to both household food security and dietary diversity. Therefore, immediate interventions such as nutrition-specific interventions can be suggested to address food insecurity and problems of inadequate food intake in poor urban households. In addition, governmental and non-governmental organizations should raise awareness and policies to support those at higher risk by developing affordable, sustainable and targeted social protection systems that ensure food security and adequate dietary intake at the household level.

After exposing Pea (Pisum sativum L.)-rhizobia symbiosis to two levels of NaCl (namely, 100 and 150 mM) in perlite culture, the salt-stressed plants were analyzed for nodulation, plant dry weight, total phenols, Hydrogen peroxide ( H2O2), Peroxidase (PO), PolyPhenol Oxidase (PPO), and Electrolyte Leakage (EL). In results, it was observed that the shoot dry weight of all examined P. sativum-rhizobia symbiosis had a statistically significant increase. It was also ascertained that the presence of salt increased the root length as well as the root dry weight. This increase ranged between 76 and 80%, respectively, under 100 and 150 mM NaCl. The same trend was detected for the nodule number and dry weight, which increased in response to salt stress in P. sativum-rhizobia symbiosis. Under salt stress (150 mM), shoot N content was three times more than in root. A relationship was revealed between nodulation and growth that was associated with N level in shoot and root. Generally, EL values were affected by salt in leaves with variations ranging between 22 and 37% under 150 and 100 mM NaCl supply, respectively. Concerning H2O2 content in leaves, significant differences were noted in comparison to the control treatment that was stabilized after 30 days of inoculation. After 50 days of inoculation, H2O2 content in leaves was almost six times higher than after 10 days. In general, salt stress did not affect PO activity. However, PPO activity increased over time, exceeding 10 μmol g-1 FW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this work is to study the ability of the enzymatic reaction. For the performance of the experiment, it is desirable to control variations so that they are minimized to the maximum extend and therefore an optimum operating point can be maintained. To achieve this target, the central composite design takes into account all interaction effects that may be useful for creating a mathematical model in agreement with the validity criteria. The model showed to be more suitable for the saccharification experiments in batch mode than in continuous mode. In batch mode, a correlation coefficient close to unity ( R2 = .98) was obtained. Moreover, the resulting mathematical model was satisfactory in accordance with the validation criteria. For continuous mode, the coefficient value obtained was R2 = .83 indicating that the model to study the ability of the enzymatic reaction was inferior than the batch mode conditions of the analysis. Practical applications The ability of the enzymatic reaction to maintain its performance at small experimental condition variations was studied., The central composite design conformed to criterion validity., A correlation coefficient close to unity ( R2 = .98) was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]