Search Results (57)

In this study, software add-ins were developed and presented to allow data processing and statistical analysis of the unique shape of cotton fiber length distribution. The approach uses VBA coding in Excel to process the data, as well as the JMP 14-17 application and add-in builder tools to fit finite mixture models to empirical fiber length distributions. The resulting model derives a parametric expression for the fiber length probability density function. The analysis add-in was applied and validated on a wide range of empirical length distributions and proved to parameterize the complex distribution patterns with an excellent goodness of fit. Both tools were compiled into installable add-ins that extended the capabilities of MS Excel for the processing of AFIS distribution reports and the statistical toolbox of JMP using the Application Builder JSL coding. Installable add-ins, along with a user manual, are available for download by cotton researchers. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of milk from Kazakh mares kept under free-grazing conditions on natural pasture without supplementary feeding. Fifty Kazakh mares were aged 3 to 13 years, kept in herds, and categorized by age, number of foalings, and lactation stage for statistical analysis. Milk samples were collected, chilled, and analyzed on the same day using a Milkoscan FT2. The composition of fat, protein, lactose, total solids, casein, and other components was examined. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, PCA, CDA, and Pearson correlation analysis, were performed using JMP 17 Pro to assess the effects of lactation stage, mare age, and foaling number and to identify key relationships. The results showed that milk composition was significantly influenced by these factors. Milk from the late-lactation stage contained higher protein, lactose, and total nutrients, while milk from the early-lactation stage had a higher sugar content and acidity. Older mares and those with higher foalings produced milk with higher concentrations of glucose and galactose, while younger mares and those with fewer foalings produced milk with higher fat. A key aspect of this experiment was that all mares grazed exclusively on natural pastures without supplementation, allowing for an objective assessment of their inherent productive potential. These findings deepen the understanding of mare milk composition dynamics in Kazakh breed horses under extensive management, supporting its potential for organic dairy production. Full article

Maize (corn) (Zea mays L.) yield is influenced by complex factors, including abiotic and biotic stress and inconsistent nutrient use efficiency, which challenge optimal yield. Standard management recommendations often fall short, prompting interest in intensive management strategies within an Adaptive Maize Management System (ACMS). To investigate this, we employed an addition/omission technique within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to compare standard maize management recommendations with an intensive management protocol aimed at identifying yield-limiting factors. Our intensive management approach combined early-season biostimulant applications with mid-season supplementation of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and nitrogen (N) at the V7 stage, followed by foliar fungicides and additional foliar N at the R1 stage. Field trials spanned five Virginia locations over 2022 and 2023 under both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions, yielding ten site-years of data. Analysis via ANOVA in JMP^® Version 18 with Dunnett’s test revealed that the intensive management approach significantly increased grain yield in 3 of 10 experiments. Under non-irrigated conditions, the intensive management practices averaged 5.9% higher yield than the standard management check. We observed a higher response to irrigation in standard management check (34%) than in intensive management check (8.9%). Site-specific irrigation impacts ranged from 14% to 61%. Results emphasize site-specific input recommendations for yield enhancement. Full article

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) provides both linear and nonlinear autonomic proxies that can be informative of health status in fibromyalgia (FM), where sympatho-vagal abnormalities are common. This retrospective observational study aims to: 1. detect differences in correlation dimension (D2) between FM patients and healthy controls (HCs); 2. correlate D2 with standard HRV parameters; 3. correlate the degree of HRV changes using a global composite parameter called HRV grade, derived from three linear indices (SDNN = intervals between normal sinus beats; RMSSD = mean square of successive differences; total power), with FM clinical outcomes; 4. correlate all linear and nonlinear HRV parameters with clinical variables in patients. Methods: N = 85 patients were considered for the analysis and compared to 35 healthy subjects. According to standard diagnostic protocol, they underwent a systematic HRV protocol with a 5-min paced breathing task. Disease duration, pain intensity, mood, sleep, fatigue, and quality of life were assessed. Non-parametric tests for independent samples and pairwise correlations were performed using JMP (all p < 0.001). Results: Mann-Whitney U found a significant difference in D2 values between FM patients and HCs (p < 0.001). In patients, D2 was associated with all HRV standard indices (all p < 0.001) and FM impairment (FIQ = −0.4567; p < 0.001). HRV grade was also associated with FM impairment (FIQ = 0.5058; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Combining different HRV measurements may help understand the correlates of autonomic dysregulation in FM. Specifically, clinical protocols could benefit from the inclusion and validation of D2 and HRV parameters to target FM severity and related dysautonomia. Full article

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) results from complex anatomical and functional interactions, including urethral mobility, muscle activity, and pelvic floor support. Despite advancements in imaging and electrophysiology, a comprehensive model remains elusive. This study employed shear wave elastography (SWE), incorporating sound touch elastography (STE) and sound touch quantification (STQ) with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology, to assess urethral elasticity and bladder neck descent (BND) in women with SUI and continent controls. Between October 2024 and January 2025, 30 women (15 with SUI, 15 controls) underwent transperineal and intravaginal ultrasonography at IRCCS San Gerardo. Statistical analysis, conducted using JMP 17, revealed significantly greater BND in the SUI group (21.8 ± 7.8 mm vs. 10.5 ± 5 mm) and increased urethral stiffness (Young’s modulus: middle urethra, 57.8 ± 15.6 kPa vs. 30.7 ± 6.4 kPa; p < 0.0001). Mean urethral pressure was the strongest predictor of SUI (p < 0.0001). Findings emphasize the role of urethral support and connective tissue integrity in continence. By demonstrating SWE’s diagnostic utility, this study provides a foundation for personalized, evidence-based approaches to SUI assessment and management. Full article

Ni-W-Al₂O₃ nanocomposite coatings were fabricated using ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition (UAJED) to improve the wear resistance of agricultural machinery parts. To find the best combination of process parameters, the response surface plotter, contour plotter, and pre-set plotter in the JMP (version Pro 14.3.0) software were employed to investigate the effects of various process parameters (jet rate, Al₂O₃ content, and ultrasonic power) on the microhardness of the nanocomposite coatings. The surface morphology, microstructure, and properties of the coatings, which were prepared under various combinations of process parameters, were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a microhardness tester, and tribemates to determine the optimal process parameters for creating Ni-W-Al₂O₃ nanocomposite coatings. The results indicated that the jet rate, Al₂O₃ content, ultrasonic power, interaction terms, and quadratic terms significantly influenced the microhardness of the coatings. The optimized process parameters using the JMP software were a jet rate of 3.71 m/s, Al₂O₃ content of 15.38 g/L, and ultrasonic power of 210 W. Furthermore, the coatings produced under these optimal conditions showed low wear rates and friction coefficients, a refined grain size, a dense surface topology, and a high microhardness (724.9 HV). Full article

To begin formulating broiler diets on a digestible calcium (Ca) basis, robust Ca digestibility values for ingredients and factors affecting this digestibility are needed. This study had three main objectives: (1) determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Ca and phosphorus (P) for seven plant-based feed ingredients in broilers, (2) assess the impact of phytate source on SID Ca from limestone (LS), and (3) evaluate the effect of phytase on SID Ca and P for the different ingredients. Two experiments were conducted to satisfy these objectives. In Experiment 1, a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial design was used, with four plant-based feed ingredients (corn, wheat, sorghum, and full-fat soybean meal (FFS)), two LS inclusions in the diet (absence of LS and the inclusion of LS required to achieve 0.65% Ca in the final diet), and two phytase doses (0 and 1000 FTU/kg diet). Experiment 2 utilized a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design with three plant-based ingredients (soybean meal (SBM), rapeseed meal (RSM), and sunflower meal (SFM)), two LS inclusions in the diet (absence of LS and the inclusion of LS required to achieve 0.65% Ca in the final diet), and two phytase doses (0 and 1000 FTU/kg diet). The trial had eight replicate pens (6 broilers/replicate) per treatment. Data were analyzed using a factorial analysis in JMP Pro 16.0 with means separation performed when p < 0.05, using Tukey HSD. The SID Ca in the absence of phytase for wheat (72.9%) and FFS (69.9%) was higher (p < 0.05) than for sorghum (54.5%) and corn (46.3%). In Experiment 2, the SID Ca in the absence of phytase from SFM (61.0%) was higher (p < 0.01) than RSM (42.7%) and SBM (46.8%). The SID Ca from added LS was affected by the ingredient, with diets containing wheat and FFS resulting in the lowest (p < 0.05) SID Ca versus those containing corn and sorghum irrespective of phytase dose in Experiment 1, and the lowest (p < 0.05) for SBM and RSM vs. SFM in the absence of phytase in Experiment 2. Phytase supplementation increased (p < 0.01) SID Ca and SID P across all feed ingredients compared to non-supplemented diets. There was a two-way interaction (p < 0.01) of LS addition and ingredient on SID P in both experiments. The results of this study provide SID Ca and SID P values from the selected ingredients and show that phytate from different ingredients reacts differently with Ca from LS and should be considered when developing SID coefficients of Ca and P for use in commercial broiler feed formulation. The SID coefficients of Ca and P for the individual feed ingredients evaluated in this study will allow for the further development and transition towards dCa and dP in commercial feed formulation. Full article

Access to reliable water supply is critical for sustainable development and public health, yet many peri-urban and rural communities in the developing world face challenges such as poor maintenance, faulty infrastructure, and inadequate governance of water services, hindering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In Emina-Boadi, a small town in Kumasi, Ghana, residents increasingly rely on boreholes due to substandard service from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). This shift highlights concerns about water reliability, quality, and affordability, impacting public health and hindering progress toward SDG 6. This case study assesses water service levels using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as quantity, quality, affordability, accessibility, and reliability, focusing on sources like boreholes, hand pumps, piped water, hand-dug wells, rainwater, and surface waters. The study aims to delineate the roles of different water providers, understand community dynamics, and evaluate contributions to rural development and SDG 6 through stakeholder interviews and questionnaires. By leveraging the WASHCost framework, which aims to improve planning methods and the provision of water and sanitation services by addressing the lack of cost information in rural and peri-urban areas, and the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) framework, which monitors progress toward global targets related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, the study categorizes indicators and draws connections among them. The findings reveal a significant preference for borehole services, with 87% usage and an 83% reliability rate compared to 13% for GWCL. Daily water consumption averages 60.75 L per person, with on-premises access improving water collection efficiency to 7 min. Dissatisfaction with GWCL services highlights the need for improved delivery aligned with community needs and SDG targets. Adopting sustainable management practices, enhancing infrastructure, and improving governance are crucial for ensuring safe and affordable water access for all residents of Emina-Boadi and similar communities. Full article

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an orthopedic procedure performed on patients with severe knee pain and advanced knee conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, in order to restore joint function. Despite the procedure’s high success rates, persistent postoperative pain (PPP) remains a significant complication, affecting a substantial proportion of patients. Identifying predictors of PPP is crucial for improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Methods: A retrospective analytic study was conducted, reviewing the medical records of patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral TKA at King Abdulaziz Medical City. The data collection focused on demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentations, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes. Data were analyzed using JMP software. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study included 838 patients, predominantly female (71.5%), with an average age of 65.4 years. Osteoarthritis was the primary reason for surgery (98.3%). The mean preoperative pain score was 3.4, and the average pain duration prior to surgery was 6.2 years. We identified dyslipidemia as a significant predictor of PPP (OR 1.40, p = 0.042), while we found younger age to be a significant predictor (OR 0.979, 95% CI 0.967–0.991, p = 0.001). Other factors such as gender, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, tobacco use, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, and BMI were not significant predictors of PPP. Conclusion: This study identifies younger age and dyslipidemia as significant predictors of persistent postoperative pain and improved outcomes following total knee arthroplasty Further research is needed to validate these results in diverse populations and settings, with the objective should be to refine preoperative counseling and postoperative pain management protocols. Full article

One of the most important challenges faced by any listed cultural heritage is the development of a management system that conveys a resilient and integrated approach that can sustain its values for future generations. Management is one of the main factors affecting World Heritage Sites; thus, the increased complexity of a serial nomination enhances this risk. By integrating different stakeholders, a Joint Management Plan (JMP) is a key tool to settle common procedures and help different managers maintain a satisfactory balance in safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in each component part. This paper aims to provide a framework for the development of JMPs for serial nominations, with support on the nomination proposal “Álvaro Siza’s Architecture: A Modern Contextualism Legacy”. Methods result from the cross-analysis of (i) policy analysis; (ii) archival research and digital documentation; (iii) collaborative strategies (surveys, interviews, workshops, meetings, consultations); (iv) fieldwork. Results confirmed that the development of JMPs must be sustained by an open and dynamic process, where engagement, mediation of conflicts, and flexibility are key principles. This work approaches a significant subject concerning the management of World Heritage serial nominations, focusing on JMPs for serial nominations, which are a rising trend in heritage management. A demonstration is applied to the WH nomination of works by Álvaro Siza, a prominent figure in worldwide contemporary architecture. Full article

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (NE) is an enteric disease that inflicts significant economic losses in the poultry industry, primarily by reducing performance in commercial flocks but without significant mortality. This study evaluated the effects of a variety of phytogenic blends on broilers’ performance and carcass composition during an induced NE challenge. In this study, 1120 day (d)-old male broilers were allocated to four treatments groups (14 replicate floor pens, 20 birds/pen): the control (CONT) group, fed a basal corn-soybean diet, and three phytogenic blend dietary additives (PHYTO1, PHYTO2, and PHYTO3) added to the basal diet at 150, 250, and 500 mg/kg feed, respectively. Subclinical NE was induced by spraying a concentrated coccidiosis vaccine onto the feed and litter 24 h post-placement. On day 8, two birds/pen were necropsied for NE lesions. On days 8, 14, 28, and 42, the average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. On day 42, two birds/pen were euthanized to assess carcass composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Statistical analyses for all data were performed using the ANOVA procedure (JMP, Pro 16) and significance (p ≤ 0.05) between treatments was determined by the LSD test. There was no effect of treatment on NE lesions. PHYTO1, PHYTO2, and PHYTO3 significantly improved FCR from days 9 to 14, 0 to 14, and 0 to 42 and resulted in greater ADG from days 9 to 14, 29 to 42 and cumulatively on days 0 to 42. Carcass composition data revealed a numerically higher lean-to-fat ratio in the PHYTO groups compared to the CONT group. These results indicate that the dietary supplementation of phytogenic blends could alleviate the adverse effects of NE challenge on broilers’ performance and carcass composition. Full article

Currently, the viscoelastic properties of conventional asphalt cement need to be improved to meet the increasing demands caused by larger traffic loads, increased stress, and changing environmental conditions. Thus, using modifiers is suggested. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promote using waste materials and new technologies in asphalt pavement technology. The present study aims to fill this gap by investigating the use of pulverized oil palm industry clinker (POPIC) as an asphalt–cement modifier to improve the fatigue life of bituminous concrete using an innovative prediction approach. Thus, this study proposes an approach that integrates statistically based machine learning approaches and investigates the effects of applied stress and temperature on the fatigue life of POPIC-modified bituminous concrete. POPIC-modified bituminous concrete (POPIC-MBC) is produced from a standard Marshall mix. The interactions between POPIC concentration, stress, and temperature were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), resulting in 7.5% POPIC, 11.7 °C, and 0.2 MPa as the optimum parameters for fatigue life. To improve the prediction accuracy and robustness of the results, RSM and ANN models were used and analyzed using MATLAB and JMP Pro, respectively. The performance of the developed model was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean relative error (MRE). The study found that using RSM, MATLAB, and JMP Pro resulted in a comprehensive analysis. MATLAB achieved an R² value of 0.9844, RMSE of 3.094, and MRE of 312.427, and JMP Pro achieved an R² value of 0.998, RMSE of 1.245, and MRE of 126.243, demonstrating higher prediction accuracy and superior performance than RSM, which had an R² value of 0.979, RMSE of 3.757, and MRE of 357.846. Further validation with parity, Taylor, and violin plots demonstrates that both models have good prediction accuracy, with the JMP Pro ANN model outperforming in terms of accuracy and alignment. This demonstrates the machine learning approach’s efficiency in analyzing the fatigue life of POPIC-MBC, revealing it to be a useful tool for future research and practical applications. Furthermore, the study reveals that the innovative approach adopted and POPIC modifier, obtained from biomass waste, meets zero-waste and circular bioeconomy goals, contributing to the UN’s SDGs 9, 11, 12, and 13. Full article

Two experiments were conducted to assess the efficiency of including the novel protein ingredient Arthrospira platensis or improved soybean meal in a broiler diet. The first experiment aimed to determine the feeding value of soybean meal produced from varieties of soybeans bred for increased amino acid content (SBAA) and improved oil content (SBO) compared to a conventional soybean variety in an ANOVA design fed to Cobb 500 female broilers for 28–42 d. The SBAA and SBO soybeans contained overall higher amino acid content and lower oligosaccharide content compared to the conventional soybean variety in addition to improved oil quality. The second experiment assessed the novel protein ingredient microalgae, Arthrospira platensis (algae), and was conducted to evaluate algae and corn distillers’ grain (DDGS) inclusion on broiler performance for a 28–42 d feeding period in Cobb CF05 male broilers with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment array. Prior to the experimental period, all birds were reared on common feeds. In Experiment 1, birds were fed a diet containing 20% inclusion of an experimental soybean source in the form of full-fat soybean meal. In Experiment 2, the four dietary treatments consisted of diets containing algae at inclusion levels of either 0 or 2% and DDGS at inclusion levels of 0% and 8%. Diets were fed to 288 female broilers (Experiment 1) and 384 male broilers (Experiment 2), placed in eight replicate pens of twelve birds, and live performance was assessed from d 28 to 42. At d 42, six birds from each pen were randomly selected and processed for evaluation of carcass traits and incidence of woody breast. For Experiment 1, all performance data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA using JMP Pro 16 software with diet as the fixed effect and block as a random effect. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05. No significant responses were observed for any recorded measurement for live performance, carcass traits, or woody breast. All data in Experiment 2 were analyzed as a full factorial with a mixed model using JMP software with algae, DDGS, and algae × DDGS as fixed effects and block as a random effect. The F-protected Fisher’s LSD test was used to separate means when p ≤ 0.05. No significant responses were observed for the algae, DDGS, and algae × DDGS influences on BWG, FI, and FCR or processing characteristics; the ingredient source did not affect bird performance. Experimental soybean lines developed at the University of Arkansas were able to be incorporated into broiler diets without decreasing performance. Algae has the potential to be a protein-contributing ingredient for broilers. Full article

Abnormal serum phosphorus is a concern for adults undergoing dialysis due to the risk for mortality and morbidity. General recommendations for maintaining serum phosphorus within normal limits is monitoring dietary intake of phosphorus and taking phosphate binders, as prescribed. However, limited research is available about adults’ phosphorus knowledge and dietary intake of phosphorus. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the association between phosphorus knowledge and dietary intake of phosphorus of adults on dialysis. An online Qualtrics survey was conducted during February–September 2023. Participants (n = 107) responded to the 74-item questionnaire (30-day food frequency questionnaire, phosphorus knowledge questionnaire, and demographic questions). Analysis included frequencies, descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Spearman correlations. JMP SAS v16 was used with a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Of the participants, 57.0% (n = 61) were on peritoneal dialysis and 43.0% (n = 46) were on hemodialysis. Average phosphorus knowledge score was 10.6 ± 3.0 out of 19 or 55.8%, with those on peritoneal dialysis having lower scores (54.7%) compared to participants on hemodialysis (58.1%) (p < 0.05). The daily average dietary phosphorus intake was 605 ± 297 mg. Participants on peritoneal dialysis consumed more phosphorus (625 mg) compared to participants on hemodialysis (576 mg) (p < 0.05). There was no association with phosphorus knowledge scores and dietary intake of phosphorus. There were positive correlations between discussing about phosphorus, knowing serum phosphorus concentration, and phosphorus knowledge scores. These results can aid practitioners in providing tailored nutrition education among adults on dialysis. Full article

Galectins are innate immune system regulators associated with disease progression in cancer. This paper aims to investigate the correlation between mutated cancer-critical genes and galectin levels in breast cancer patients to determine whether galectins and genetic profiles can be used as biomarkers for disease and potential therapy targets. Prisma Health Cancer Institute’s Biorepository provided seventy-one breast cancer samples, including all four stages spanning the major molecular subtypes and histologies. Hotspot mutation statuses of cancer-critical genes were determined using multiplex PCR in tumor samples from the same patients by Precision Genetics and the University of South Carolina Functional Genomics Core Facility. The galectin-1, -3, and -9 levels in patients’ sera were analyzed using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). An analysis was performed using JMP software to compare mean and median serum galectin levels between samples with and without specific cancer-critical genes, including pooled t-test, Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, ANOVA, and Steel Dwass Test ($\alpha =0.05$). Our analysis indicates that KIT mutations correlate with elevated serum levels of galectin-9 in patients with breast cancer. In patients with Luminal A subtype, FLT3 mutation correlates with lower serum galectin-1 and -9 levels and TP53 mutations correlate with higher serum galectin-3 levels. Patients with invasive ductal carcinoma had significantly higher serum galectin-3 levels than patients with ductal carcinoma in situ. Patients with both TP53 and PIK3CA mutations exhibit elevated serum galectin-3 levels, while patients with one or neither mutation show no significant difference in serum galectin-3 levels. In addition, metastatic breast cancer samples were more likely to have a KIT or PIK3CA mutation compared to primary breast cancer samples. The relationship between genetic mutations and galectin levels has the potential to identify appropriate candidates for combined therapy, targeting genetic mutations and galectins. Further understanding of the effect of genetic mutations and galectin levels on cancer progression and metastasis could aid in the search for biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis, disease progression, and prognosis. Full article