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Introduction: Attitudes and beliefs guide our decision-making. In the educational context, prior research has noted the existence of prejudices and stereotypes among teachers that make it difficult to identify and care for gifted students. Stereotypes towards gifted students can hinder the identification and development of potential and the development of personality. This study examines Spanish pre-service teachers' stereotypical conceptions of gifted and non-gifted students focusing on physical appearance and athletic ability. Methods: Following a mixed methods research with between subjects design and using a convenience sampling, 455 last-year pre-service teachers enrolled during 2023–2024 in one of three university degrees or one Master's degree related to teacher training at University of Murcia were randomly assigned a vignette in order to rate the intellectual ability, motivation, prosociality, and physical characteristics of a fictitious 12-year-old student whose ability level (gifted/non-gifted) and gender (girl/boy), varied. Additionally, participants were asked to describe how they imagined the fictitious student's physical appearance. After exploring measurement invariance (SPSS AMOS 29), a MANCOVA was performed to compare the results across vignettes (SPSS 28). The study delves specifically into the physical characteristics attributed to gifted students through qualitative analysis addressing co-occurrence coefficients (Atlas.ti 9). Results: The results suggest that pre-service teachers described gifted students as more intelligent and with better physical attributes, especially gifted females. Furthermore, gifted students of both genders were defined as more intelligent, creative, and tall. They considered gifted girls to be attractive and gifted boys to be good at sports, highly fit, formally dressed, and wearing glasses. Discussion: The results are relevant as they allow a greater understanding of the perception of these students. As pointed out by pioneering studies in the field, implicit theories relate intelligence to physical appearance. This evidence could improve the training of future teachers, and therefore, the identification and assessment of gifted students from different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talent identification and player development are crucial aspects of sports management, particularly in volleyball, where understanding players' performance predictors is essential. The primary objective is to investigate the relationships between players' demographic and physical attributes and their on-court performance, providing valuable insights for talent identification and player development strategies. The dataset comprises demographic and physical attributes alongside performance metrics of college-level female volleyball players in India. Data were meticulously collected from various institutions participating in volleyball tournaments across India. Three machine learning algorithms--linear regression, random forest regression, and XGBoost regression--were trained using the pre-processed dataset. Standard regression evaluation metrics such as mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and R-squared (R2) score were used to assess model performance. Random forest regression emerged as the top-performing ML technique, achieving a prediction accuracy of 94.18%, followed by XGBoost regression with 92.76%. Height, muscle mass, and bone mass exhibited strong positive correlations with performance prediction, emphasizing their significance. This study highlights ML techniques' potential, particularly random forest regression, in improving talent identification and performance prediction in college-level female volleyball players in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a training program using small-sided games and experimental matches on the development of physical attributes among football players. The research sample consisted of (40) players from Al-Yarmouk Club, randomly selected, with ages below (15) years. The researchers employed an experimental approach using a pre-test and post-test design for the experimental group, considering its suitability for the nature of the study. Physical tests were used as a study tool. The researchers implemented a (12-week) training program, comprising (four) training sessions per week. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test measurements, which were then processed using appropriate statistical methods with the SPSS software. The researchers found that the training program resulted in the development of physical attributes including "endurance, speed, strength, flexibility, agility, and coordination". They recommended that coaches prioritize the use of small-sided games and experimental matches when designing training programs for football players, particularly for the youth category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Table tennis requires a combination of anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, agility, short reaction times, and precise motor skills. The aim of this study is to investigate gender-specific physiological profiles and performance measures in young elite table tennis players. The objectives are to identify key physical and anthropometric attributes contributing to table tennis performance, compare these attributes between male and female athletes, and develop targeted training recommendations. The study involved sixteen players (8 males and 8 females) within the age range of 10 to 18 years who train regularly at Istanbul Pendik Sports Hall. Inclusion criteria required training at least three times per week and participating at championship levels. Anthropometric measurements were taken using a Seca 220R stadiometer and a Seca 710R weighing scale, with body fat percentage estimated via a Tanita scale. Performance tests included vertical jump height (Witty Microgate device), reaction times (custom device), and heart rates (Activio Sport System). Assessments were carried out between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Male athletes had higher mean values in height (159.00 ± 13.29 cm), weight (50.00 ± 12.06 kg), and vertical jump height, whereas female athletes had better reaction times (1.17 ± 0.14 seconds). No statistically significant differences were found in body fat percentage and mean heart rate. t-Tests revealed that gender differences in most performance metrics were not statistically significant, but correlation analysis showed statistically significant relationships between various physical characteristics and performance outcomes (p<0.05). As a result, physical fitness and reaction time are crucial for table tennis performance. Tailored training programs should focus on these attributes to enhance performance in young elite players. Future studies should follow these metrics longitudinally to understand their impact on competitive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-water rowing performance consists of the integration of physical and technical attributes. This exploratory study aimed to describe key physical and technical variables for elite and junior rowers and examine the associations and predictive capacity of these variables with on-water rowing performance outcomes. Twenty-eight junior (16 females, 16 ± 0.8 years and 12 males, 17 ± 0.7 years) and 24 elite rowers (12 females, 24 ± 2.7 years and 12 males, 27 ± 2.6 years) completed an on-water, single sculling biomechanics assessment combined with a series of physical, strength and power tests. Elite men and women were superior in mean gate force, distance per stroke and recovery distance compared to junior groups as determined by independent t-tests and effect size appraisal (p < 0.017, d > 1.2). Large associations (p < 0.01) were evident between anthropometry, strength and power assessments with the on-water measures of catch angle, mean gate force, recovery distance and boat speed. Differences in ROM and flexibility attributes did not distinguish between elite and junior rowers. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that individual rowers can be appropriately categorised by sex and performance level based on their physical and technical attributes. This battery of testing with world-class athletes represents an excellent level of ecological validity for the assessment of rowers pertinent to on-water performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognised for their significant impact on the environment and human health. Understanding MPs is crucial to grasp their widespread presence in various environmental areas. The unique properties of MPs, such as their small size, durability, and potential to adsorb and transport environmental pollutants, underscore the necessity of studying their characteristics. This study aims to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of polypropylene microplastics (PPMPs) and address the dispersion stability issues associated with them. The PPMPs were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a surface structure marked by cracks, fractures, and a rough texture. The PPMPs were observed as irregularly shaped, white particles. Their size distribution spans from 14 to 96 µm, with a mean size of 50.00 µm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of polypropylene functional groups, specifically identifying characteristic peaks at 2952-2846 cm-1 and 1456 -1376 cm-1, indicating C-H stretching and bending vibrations, respectively, with additional peaks suggesting degradation. The effect of different concentrations of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on PPMPs dispersion indicated that 5% SLS led to superior dispersion of PPMPs, thereby addressing the stability issue. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the physical and chemical attributes of PPMPs and their dispersion stability, offering a foundation for informed environmental assessments and the development of effective mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionAttitudes and beliefs guide our decision-making. In the educational context, prior research has noted the existence of prejudices and stereotypes among teachers that make it difficult to identify and care for gifted students. Stereotypes towards gifted students can hinder the identification and development of potential and the development of personality. This study examines Spanish pre-service teachers' stereotypical conceptions of gifted and non-gifted students focusing on physical appearance and athletic ability.MethodsFollowing a mixed methods research with between subjects design and using a convenience sampling, 455 last-year pre-service teachers enrolled during 2023–2024 in one of three university degrees or one Master's degree related to teacher training at University of Murcia were randomly assigned a vignette in order to rate the intellectual ability, motivation, prosociality, and physical characteristics of a fictitious 12-year-old student whose ability level (gifted/non-gifted) and gender (girl/boy), varied. Additionally, participants were asked to describe how they imagined the fictitious student's physical appearance. After exploring measurement invariance (SPSS AMOS 29), a MANCOVA was performed to compare the results across vignettes (SPSS 28). The study delves specifically into the physical characteristics attributed to gifted students through qualitative analysis addressing co-occurrence coefficients (Atlas.ti 9).ResultsThe results suggest that pre-service teachers described gifted students as more intelligent and with better physical attributes, especially gifted females. Furthermore, gifted students of both genders were defined as more intelligent, creative, and tall. They considered gifted girls to be attractive and gifted boys to be good at sports, highly fit, formally dressed, and wearing glasses.DiscussionThe results are relevant as they allow a greater understanding of the perception of these students. As pointed out by pioneering studies in the field, implicit theories relate intelligence to physical appearance. This evidence could improve the training of future teachers, and therefore, the identification and assessment of gifted students from different areas.

There is a growing trend toward planting native and pollinator-friendly plants in residential gardens and landscapes due to concerns about invasive plant species, water conservation, and urban land management. Yet, understanding consumer purchase behavior and how knowledge affects their purchase intent is largely unknown. In this analysis, we integrated national online and in-person surveys to determine the influence of consumers' subjective and objective knowledge of native and pollinator-friendly ornamental plants on their purchase decisions. Factors influencing plant purchase decisions were measured using a 7-point Likert rating scale. We found that participants with relatively higher knowledge of native and pollinator-attractive plants placed more emphasis on sustainable production methods relative to the plant's physical attributes (e.g., plant size, shape, etc.) and care-related characteristics (e.g., plant health, easiness of care, etc.). Plant lovers (i.e., frequent purchasers who spent relatively more money on plants than infrequent purchasers) were more likely to prioritize sustainable production methods over the plants' physical attributes. In contrast, participants primarily buying plants from mass merchandisers/box stores tend to focus on visual appeal or aesthetic characteristics. Consumer marketing implications for the nursery and greenhouse industry stakeholders are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding customer satisfaction in the cruise industry has mainly focused on intangible attributes like dining and spa experiences. This study explores the impact of cruise-ship servicescape, shaped by physical characteristics such as size and width. Our research confirms the impact of servicescape on passenger satisfaction within the cruise industry. Specifically, passengers typically prefer newer, stable, and less crowded ships. We advocate for greater attention to servicescape design for a distinct, sustainable competitive advantage. Recognizing its significance can enhance customer experiences and market positioning. In addition to contributing to the research on the cruise industry and servicescape literature, this study provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders to enhance their understanding and management of customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Soil quality (SQ) assessment is affected by methods that convert data sets into indices, and such analyses are expensive and time‐consuming. Qualitative SQ assessments are faster and cheaper than quantitative methods and they can be repeated to monitor SQ in crop and pasture systems. We evaluated SQ using qualitative and quantitative SQ indicators of two grazing systems under Voisin rational grazing (VRG) with trees (WT) or without trees (NT). We took an adjacent native forest as a reference and we used principal component analysis (PCA) to compare the accuracy of the assessment methods. RESULTS: According to the set of indicators used for quantitative assessment, the WT system and the Forest had higher SQ than other systems as a result of higher values of soil physical and chemical indicators. This the reflected better performance of soil in functions related to structural support, nutrient cycling and biological productivity. According to the set of indicators used for qualitative assessment, the WT system showed better SQ than the NT areas because of the higher scores of all indicators and better performance of the soil functions, and those values were close to the Forest in the indicators. PCA applied to integrate the data of qualitative and quantitative indicators indicated that SQ in WT was similar to Forest. CONCLUSION: The qualitative evaluation was as efficient as the quantitative evaluation for SQ assessment in VRG areas with and without trees. Its use can promote farmers' autonomy and the development of skills to identify environmental factors that help to evaluate their practices. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light at night, as captured by nighttime light (NTL) remote sensing, typically consists of two components: static urban lighting facilities and dynamic outdoor human activities. Separating these components can improve our understanding of the mechanism underlying NTL remote sensing and broaden its applications. In this paper, we introduce the concept of Nighttime Light Background Value (NLBV) to represent NTL emitted solely by static urban lighting facilities, excluding the influence of outdoor human activities. By utilizing a random forest method, we derived the pixel-level NLBV for Shanghai from NTL data. Comparative analysis demonstrates that NLBV exhibits a stronger correlation with building density and road density compared to the original NTL data. Our empirical findings demonstrate that the definition and application of NLBV can significantly enhance NTL-based applications for extracting urban physical attributes and estimating socioeconomic variables. Firstly, the urban built-up area extracted based on NLBV outperforms the original NTL data, especially in highly urbanized. Secondly, separating static urban lighting and dynamic human activity enables a more accurate estimation of socioeconomic variables with different contributions. Moreover, our results highlight the significant potential of incorporating NLBV in NTL-based applications across various disciplines. Overall, this study demonstrates the significance of NLBV in improving the accuracy and applicability of NTL data, opening up new opportunities for research and practical applications across various domains.

Diclofenac sodium, a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory medicine, is efficacious in treating osteoarthritis. However, it might cause adverse gastrointestinal symptoms and may lead to liver metabolic complications when used orally. Hence, the development of an efficacious treatment, specifically the diclofenac sodium patch with a membrane, is imperative. The goal of this research was to identify the optimal formulation for a membrane-type diclofenac sodium patch with Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) as a reservoir, using a solvent casting technique with HPMC 606 as the rate-controlling membrane. Diclofenac sodium patch with NLC Formula 1 was determined to be the most effective formula, as it showed good physical attributes such as drug content and drug homogeneity above 85%, spherical particles, a higher release flux of 12.246 ± 0.60 µg/cm²/min1/2 compared to Formula 2 and Formula 3, and the release kinetics in all formula followed the Higuchi model. Using the most optimal patch formula, a penetration test showed a higher flux penetration of 0.329 ± 0.01 µg/cm²/min compared to the comparison, which involved a diclofenac sodium patch with physical mixture. The research suggested that diclofenac sodium patch with NLC holds significant potential as a transdermal drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern times have required studies that take into account the main soil features, aligning the use of land with the protection of more sensitive environments. From this perspective, this study aimed to perform a morphological description and determine the physical and chemical attributes for soil classification in the community of Poção, located in the municipality of Martins/RN, by highlighting the more sensitive attributes in the differentiation of environments through multivariate analysis. Nine soil profiles were identified to perform the morphological description and collect samples for physical and chemical analyses. The study updates the soil classes found in the study area: Acrisols, Planosols, and Cambisols, with the relief being the main factor responsible for the difference between soil attributes. The influence of organic matter on the soil attributes highlights the importance of its maintenance. Aluminum and the clay fraction are responsible for the distinction of the Acrisol class, whereas silt, potassium sodium, total organic carbon, the electrical conductivity of the saturation extract, and the cation exchange capacity allow the differentiation of Fluvisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract The effects of whey protein, basil seed gum (BSG), and κ-carrageenan (CGN) on the structure–rheology interactions of low- and high-fat cream were investigated. Pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior of cream was found for all the samples and the pseudoplasticity was increased with an increased level of stabilizers. The apparent viscosity (η a) of the forward curves is greater than that of the backward ones, which may be the result of the breakdown of the fat globule structure under shear stress. The viscosity of cream was reduced, while using a stabilizer (BSG/CGN) can be related to the water binding of hydrocolloid molecules contributing to resistance in flow. For all samples, elastic modulus was greater than viscous modulus, indicating a greater contribution from elastic characteristics. With the increase of BSG/CGN levels, the molecules may be competitively adsorbed onto the surface of fat droplets, thereby changing its surface tension and decreasing its particle size. Increases in whey proteins, fat, and BSG also significantly increased hardness, whereas increases in CGN significantly decreased it. The globular aggregates in the microstructure of high-fat dairy cream were smaller than those in low-fat dairy cream, allowing more water to be retained in the high-fat samples. Therefore, synergistic interactions between polysaccharides and proteins may encourage the formation of a cross-linked network.

As one of the important pests, fruit flies derived from Tephritidae family have caused the worst consequences in losing the economic value of fresh horticultural commodity including on the dragon fruits. As a prospective quarantine treatment, gamma irradiation has been thrived to eliminate totally the appearance of those adults’ flies with less impact on the fruit quality degradation. In this study, a series of irradiation dosages were examined to both the third instar larvae (subsequently from Bactrocera papayae, B. cucurbitae and B. carambolae) infesting fruits and the non-infested ones afterwards at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 Gy. For a number of the infested fruits, a series of observations were persisted in at room temperature (27±1°C) until two weeks of the post-treatment period. Whereas the non-infested fruits were stored at 11±1°C for 17 days of the storage. Results showed that B. papayae required the highest recommended dosages (the effective dose = 248.4 Gy; the minimum dose = 225.1 Gy; the maximum dose = 279.6 Gy) for achieving LD0.99 rather than the other tested spesies. There were also no significant differences among each of the non-infested fruits in terms of altering of the observed physical attributes. This result has become a distinct indication that a higher dose value than the generic one is mostly recommended both for phytosanitary irradiation and stabilization of fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study some physical and geometrical properties of 11 superior apricot genotypes were determined. These properties such as respiration rate, Mass, fruit dimensions, perimeter, surface area, volume, geometric mean diameter, projected area, shape factor, circularity, compact factor, length to width ratio, length to thickness ratio, and length to mass ratio were measured at harvesting moisture content ranging from 75.19 to 87.67 %. Then the correlation among average values of the attributes was performed and the genotypes were classified using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that all the genotypes had significant differences in terms of all the studied attributes (P<0.01). There was a significant and positive correlation between fruit length and weight and fruit length and moisture content. Fruit shape factor and compression factor showed a positive and significant correlation, while these attributes had negative and significant correlations with circularity. This study showed that Iranian apricot genotypes could be discriminated by differences in their geometrical characteristics using principal component analysis. Based on the PCA results, the first two components account for the most of the variation in the data (91%) and five distinct groups were observed. Overall, the results of this study can be beneficial for the design of equipment for harvesting, transportation, separating, packaging, and processing of apricot fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sugarcane crop has a long history of land use and occupation in Brazil. With the increase in fuel demand, and consequently in planted area, it is observed that some soil physical characteristics, such as high soil density, have limited sugarcane productivity. This work sought to assess sugarcane root system development via minirhizotron, its relationships with the physical, water and chemical attributes of the soil, as well as possible genetic interferences for plant development. The experiment was carried out in a Ferralsol soil located in Goianésia, state of Goiás, Brazil. The varieties studied were RB034045, RB987935 and RB985476. Based on crop productivity, it is possible to observe that in homogeneous soil and climate development conditions, the varieties develop mainly in the 0–0.20 m layer. When introducing restrictions in subsequent layers, the variety RB034045 showed higher yield and root volume, possibly due to genetic factors, but the variety RB985476 showed higher economic value due to the better development of the root system in deeper layers when compared to the other varieties studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out in Department of Post Harvest Technology at College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh during 2017 and 2018 to study the effect of different pretreatments on physical characteristics of onion slices. In preparation of dehydrated onion slices, four pre-treatments viz., 0.5% potassium metabisulfite (KMS), 2% calcium chloride (CaCl2), 2% Sodium chloride (NaCl) and control. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized factorial design with the above two factors at unequal levels and replicated thrice. Among the pretreatments and varieties, powder prepared from Agrifound Dark Red variety pretreated with 0.5% KMS (13.15%) recorded maximum recovery percentage. Regarding moisture content, powder prepared from the slices pretreated with 2 % CaCl2 recorded lowest (4.12%) among pretreatments. Among the varieties, lowest was observed in Agrifound Dark Red (4.76%). Concerning Dehydration ratio was noticed minimum in powder prepared from Agrifound Dark Red variety pretreated with 0.5% KMS (7.60). Among the pretreatments, maximum rehydration ratio recorded in powder prepared from the slices pretreated with 0.5% KMS (5.06). Among the varieties, Phule Safed recorded minimum rehydration ratio (4.94). Among the pretreatments, lowest water activity was recorded in powder prepared from the slices pretreated with 0.5% KMS (0.53). Among the varieties, Agrifound Dark Red recorded lowest water activity (0.56). Onion powder could be stored up to 60 days of storage at ambient conditions with less loss in quality. Microbial spoilage (bacteria and fungi) was observed in eight treatments but was under permissible limit until 30th day of storage. It was found that onion powder prepared from Agrifound Dark Red variety pretreated with 0.5% KMS was found with better retention of physical attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study investigates the estimation of hydrological signatures in Brazilian catchments using physical attributes and machine learning algorithms. Using CABra’s dataset with 735 catchments, we tested 163 signatures with regression techniques, including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Support Vector Regression (SVR). A key aspect was the algorithmic approach, providing models with topographic (area, elevation, slope), climatic (precipitation, evapotranspiration, aridity index), soil (silt, clay, organic content), and land cover attributes without assuming correlations. This enabled the models to uncover complex patterns. Cross-validation (k-fold) showed most signatures were satisfactorily predicted (R2 > 0.7), suggesting their application in ungauged basins. Climatic factors, like precipitation, were crucial for predicting most signatures, especially high-flow, while silt content and latitude influenced low-flow and baseflow. Slope and latitude were key for basin dynamics, influencing the flashiness index, and land cover was important for low-flow. CatBoost was the best model. The SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) analysis highlighted the importance of variables with low linear correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rust is the main disease affecting Coffea arabica, the most economically important coffee species. The objective of this study was to analyze C. arabica cultivars with different levels of rust resistance, including bean size, raw bean appearance, final sensory scores (FSS), and aroma and taste nuances of the coffee cup. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks (RBD) with three replications and 20 treatments (cultivars), totaling 60 experimental plots. The rust-susceptible cultivars IPR 100, Rubi MG 1192, and Topázio MG 1190 were compared with 17 rust-resistant cultivars. Cultivars IPR 103, MGS Aranãs, and Saíra II presented the highest percentages of high sieves, highest scores of raw bean appearance, and low percentages of mocha-type beans. All cultivars had FSS above 82 and were classified as specialty coffees. The cultivars with the highest FSS (Arara and Catiguá MG2) showed a greater diversity of coffee cup aroma and flavor nuances. Rust-resistant Arabica coffee cultivars are promising for the physical quality of beans and have potential for the specialty coffee market.

Rust is the main disease affecting Coffea arabica, the most economically important coffee species. The objective of this study was to analyze C. arabica cultivars with different levels of rust resistance, including bean size, raw bean appearance, final sensory scores (FSS), and aroma and taste nuances of the coffee cup. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks (RBD) with three replications and 20 treatments (cultivars), totaling 60 experimental plots. The rust-susceptible cultivars IPR 100, Rubi MG 1192, and Topázio MG 1190 were compared with 17 rust-resistant cultivars. Cultivars IPR 103, MGS Aranãs, and Saíra II presented the highest percentages of high sieves, highest scores of raw bean appearance, and low percentages of mocha-type beans. All cultivars had FSS above 82 and were classified as specialty coffees. The cultivars with the highest FSS (Arara and Catiguá MG2) showed a greater diversity of coffee cup aroma and flavor nuances. Rust-resistant Arabica coffee cultivars are promising for the physical quality of beans and have potential for the specialty coffee market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Sports Creativity is the property of Journal of Sports Creativity and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effects of whey protein, basil seed gum (BSG), and κ-carrageenan (CGN) on the structure–rheology interactions of low- and high-fat cream were investigated. Pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior of cream was found for all the samples and the pseudoplasticity was increased with an increased level of stabilizers. The apparent viscosity (ηa) of the forward curves is greater than that of the backward ones, which may be the result of the breakdown of the fat globule structure under shear stress. The viscosity of cream was reduced, while using a stabilizer (BSG/CGN) can be related to the water binding of hydrocolloid molecules contributing to resistance in flow. For all samples, elastic modulus was greater than viscous modulus, indicating a greater contribution from elastic characteristics. With the increase of BSG/CGN levels, the molecules may be competitively adsorbed onto the surface of fat droplets, thereby changing its surface tension and decreasing its particle size. Increases in whey proteins, fat, and BSG also significantly increased hardness, whereas increases in CGN significantly decreased it. The globular aggregates in the microstructure of high-fat dairy cream were smaller than those in low-fat dairy cream, allowing more water to be retained in the high-fat samples. Therefore, synergistic interactions between polysaccharides and proteins may encourage the formation of a cross-linked network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topsoil compaction is a persistent problem in minesoils, jeopardizing the revegetation and ecological reclamation of the mined land. Evaluation of soil structural quality (Sq) through quantitative methods is usually labor-intensive and/or costly, especially if a large area has to be examined. Therefore, reconciling cost-effective and accurate diagnose of minesoil Sq is crucial. The Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) is a spade-based method scoring the soil Sq from 1 (good) to 5 (poor), which has not yet been validated for minesoils, and this was exactly the aim of this study. We made use of our long-term field experiment where quantitative physical attributes differed between perennial grasses used for minesoil revegetation, creating a Sq range to be screened by VESS. The minesoil, located in Southern Brazil, was revegetated for 14.3 years with Hemarthria altissima , Paspalum notatum , Cynodon dactylon , and Urochloa brizantha. The Sq of the minesoil (0.00–0.10 and 0.10–0.20 m layer) was evaluated by VESS and tensile strength of aggregates (TS), soil macroaggregates and microaggregates (%), soil organic matter (SOM) content, bulk density (BD), macroporosity (MaP), microporosity, total porosity (TP), and soil penetration resistance (PR). Through significant correlations between VESS scores and TS, MaP, macroaggregates (%), microaggregates (%), TP, SOM and especially BD (r = 0.60) and PR (r = 0.56), we found VESS to be a suitable method for reliable assessment of minesoil Sq. VESS scores 2.0–3.1 confirmed improved Sq at 0.00–0.10 m compared to 0.10–0.20 m (2.7–3.5), and this was supported by the ordination of 0.00–0.10 m samples together with SOM, macroaggregates (%), MaP and TP by principal component analysis. Moreover, VESS confirmed improved Sq in H. altissima (2.7) compared to C. dactylon (3.6) at 0.10–0.20 m, likely due to gains in soil MaP, TP, macroaggregates (%) and SOM. In this pioneering study we validated VESS as a practical and science-grounded method to monitor the Sq of a clayey subtropical minesoil. • 14.3 years of minesoil revegetation with grasses enhances topsoil structural quality. • VESS correlates significantly with six minesoil physical variables and organic matter. • VESS detected less (0.00–0.10 m) and more (0.10–0.20 m) compacted layers. • VESS scores respond sensitively to grasses used for revegetation of clayey minesoil. • Validation of VESS to monitor the structural quality of revegetated minesoils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to see the physical attributes and content of the English Textbook used teaching English to intermediate classes in all public and private colleges in Sindh, Pakistan. It is a needbased and relevant study that matches with the discipline of social sciences subject. The authors employed concurrent research design of the mixed method. The researchers, at first level inducted two experts relevant the field, analyzed features and content of the textbook, and at second, researchers assessed 100 randomly selected teachers’ perspectives to examine attributes and content of the textbook under the discussion of the study. This study recommends that intermediate English textbook (Prose -II) requires certain changes pertaining to colour images, appropriate font size, and proper margin setting, hence; it needs redesigning making it more attractive, appealing and reader friendly. Further, it recommends inclusion of interesting topics, colourful images and local culture of the province to attract mind of the students. Hence, colourful images, small chapters and updated information can make English textbook (Prose II) more beautiful and interesting for English language learning purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at knowing the effect of aerobic training, drinking water and aerobic training just before meals on weight and some physical qualities of junior female athletes of the endurance races in athletics team at Yarmouk University for the academic year (2017-2018). The study sample consisted of (12) players divided into two groups, the experimental group consists of (6) players and the control group consists of (6) players. The researcher used the experimental method called pre and post measurement because of its suitability to the nature of this study, where the experimental group applied the aerobic training program with drinking water before eating meals, while the control group applied the aerobic training program without drinking water. The application of the training program took eight successive weeks, with three training units per week, ranging in time for one training unit,between (45- 60) minutes. The results of the study showed that there are statistically significant differences for the pre and post measurements and in favor of the post measurement to lose weight and some physical characteristics of the experimental group. The study also showed that there are no statistically significant differences among the players of the control group. Thus, the study recommends the necessity of using aerobic training and drinking water before meals, as they have positive impact on weight loss and on some physical attributes in addition to its impact on the improvement of some physical measurements and obtaining a consistent body and ideal weight suitable for the nature of sports practice,. The studyalso recommends conducting studies similar to this study and samples involving different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Webster, TM, Comfort, P, and Jones, PA. Relationship between physical fitness and the physical demands of 50-over cricket in fast bowlers. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): e66-e72, 2022-Professional cricket is constantly evolving and resulting in increased physiological demand placed on players. Fast bowlers experience the greatest physical demand during match-play; despite this, research has overlooked the importance of specific physical attributes to optimizing physical match performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between 50-Over physical match performance and tests of physical qualities in fast bowlers. Fifteen professional male fast bowlers (age = 23.8 +/- 4.0 years; height = 183.4 +/- 6.7 cm; body mass = 82.9 +/- 9.2 kg) participated in the study. Subjects completed the following physical fitness tests; sum of skinfolds, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1. Global positioning system data were collected during 6 professional 50-Over fixtures. Moderate correlations were established between CMJ height to total distance covered (r = 0.585; p = 0.022), sprinting distance ([rho] = 0.554; p = 0.032), and maximal velocity (r = 0.567; p = 0.027); 20-m sprint time to total distance covered ([rho] = -0.519; p = 0.047) and PlayerLoad ([rho] = -0.561; p = 0.03); and Yo-Yo distance to total match distance (r = 0.520; p = 0.047) and sprinting distance ([rho] = 0.524; p = 0.045). These findings demonstrate the predictive importance of prolonged intermittent running ability, jump, and sprint performance to match running performance of elite fast bowlers in 1-day cricket. Strength and conditioning coaches should use such information to design training to ensure fast bowlers are adequately conditioned to meet the demands of match running performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In a griculture it is essential to use high-quality seeds capable of expressing their maximum vigour. Image analysis has been used to assess the quality of seed batches. The aim of this study was to characterise seedling growth in the mung bean and the external morphology of the seeds using image analysis, and identify the morphological characteristics associated with high physiological potential. The trial was conducted using two accessions of the mung bean (yellow and green). The 1000-seed weight and germination test were carried out in an initial characterisation. Using image analysis, the following parameters were evaluated in the seeds: area, perimeter, colour, circularity, length and width. In the seedlings, the length and dry matter of the shoots and root system were evaluated together with the total dry matter. A germination of 100% and 89.5%, and 1000-seed weight of 54.91 g and 35.49 g were found for the yellow and green mung beans. In the yellow mung bean, the largest seeds showed a direct relationship with the other morphological parameters of the seeds in addition to a strong relationship between the length of the shoots and the root system. In the green mung bean, there was a direct relationship between seed area and perimeter, length, width and colour; however, the best seedling performance was found in the smaller seeds. The use of image analysis makes it possible to identify seeds of greater physiological potential, which allows more-vigorous batches of mung bean seeds to be selected.

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Organic residues are an important factor that directly affects fruiting tree seedlings' health at earlier stages. It provides a suitable environment for seedling growth by providing better nutrient ions, water, and aeration. However, low organic contents and high shrinkage of most organic materials mostly deteriorate ideal potting media characteristics. Low aeration, high water, and nutrients leaching decrease seedling growth and cause a significant loss of valuable resources. That is why the current study was conducted to screen out the best indigenous materials based on particle size to produce good characteristics bearing potting media. For that, eight different ingredients, i.e., "sugarcane", "coconut coir", "wheat straw", "rice straw", "corn cob", "leaf litter", "farmyard manure", and "sunflower heads" were collected. Initially, all the materials were air-dried and processes as per requirement. After grinding, three particles size (fine = < 2 mm, medium = 3 mm and coarse = 5 mm) were separated by sieving. Results showed that decreasing particle size in "rice straw", "corn cob", "farmyard manure," and "sunflower head" decreased leachate pH. Higher EC in leachates was negatively correlated with particle size in all potting media ingredients. Except for farmyard manure, fine particle size increases the water-holding ability of potting media ingredients. However, air-filled porosity was associated with a decrease in particle size of potting media in gradients. In conclusion, farmyard manure, "sunflower heads", "leaf litter" and "sugarcane" should be incorporated while making a combination for potting media. More investigations are suggested by mixing different particle size ingredients to prepare potting media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil position in the landscape reveals its formation history. Landscapes combine surface features and subsurface components (parent material) of the earth, at which the soil inserts as a three-dimensional and dynamic natural body. The present research aimed to study the soil–landscape relationship in a sandstone-gneiss topolithosequence and the factors determining soil diversification in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. The study extended along a transect of 9253 m, covering the distance between the first and the last profile, for a total of five profiles opened. Profile selection considered landscape topography, from the highest to the lowest relief of the terrain. Soil profiles characterization and classification were based on morphological, chemical, and physical properties and the mineralogy of the clay fraction by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Lithological contrasts and landscape variations determined the different soil types along the topolithosequence. Morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical attributes also varied along the landscape. The relief and the parent material, sandstone-gneiss, were the main factors influencing the pedogenesis. Goethite (5–40 g kg–1) was the predominant Fe oxide in all the soils, reflecting the low total iron content (Fet ≤ 68 g kg–1) of the soils and parent materials. The predominance of the sand fraction in all the studied profiles reflected the alluvial nature of the parent material, with the highest values (total sand > 800 g kg–1) occurring in the convex creep slope. Knowing the geomorphic surfaces and the parent material was effective for understanding the variation of the soil attributes along the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple test for shelf-life assessment of frozen spinach and parsley is presented. A specific shelf-life test that considers three storage temperatures is proposed to accelerate the rate of quality decay in frozen spinach and parsley. The scope was to provide a reliable and rapid way (one month vs years) to predict shelf-life by using a simple experimental approach and mathematical models based on some physical quality product attributes. Physical properties were evaluated at three storage temperatures: –5°C, –10°C and –26°C, to simulate a possible thermal abuse. Mechanical and thermal indexes were defined measuring maximum compression force (N) and latent heat involved in ice melting (J/g). A zeroorder kinetic model was used to properly fit experimental data and thus to obtain related reaction rates. The determination coefficient indicates that there is a strong linear relation between kinetic parameters at –10°C or –5°C and –26°C. This suggests a reliable procedure for shelf-life estimation, carrying out a test at –10°C or –5°C for one month and extending values to data acquired at – 26°C for the same period of time. The relations obtained from this research have led to a simple practical approach: one day at –10°C could be considered roughly equivalent to 30 days at –26°C. Accordingly, it could be possible to obtain a shelf-life estimation in short time, also considering other similar products.

Objective: To verify the physical attributes and assess the chemical quality from prickly pear's seeds (Opuntia albicarpa Seheinvar cv. Villanueva), including seeds' size, internal friction, external friction, performance for size reduction, sieving and electric conductivity, soluble protein, total protein, phosphorous, carbohydrates, amount of oil and minerals. Design/methodology/approach: To verify and compare the physical attributes and chemical parameters using proved and reliable techniques, to explore their impacts on its future potential, when seeds are intended to agro-industrial processes, considering; its size and quality of space storage and their effect when interacting with handling apparatus and the material they are manufactured with. Results: Selected groups of 100 seeds from four consecutive prickly pears harvests had no differences. While for their chemical analysis, seeds were milled and their revised chemical compounds showed differences between harvest, therefore, drought, management and crop protection significantly affect those attributes. The factors were not included in this study. Limitations on study/implications: Prickly pears are harvested for 4 months per year. This reduces the availability of raw material from other varieties and from other regions, to expand this study and to compare between diverse parameters. Findings/conclusions: There were not significant differences in seed size (wide, large, thickness), external friction and electric conductivity; therefore, handling equipment does not need specifications. While, for the internal friction and all chemical compounds analyzed from seeds' flour, significate differences were quantified. The latter means that, it is adequate to homogenize these parameters by using other compounds in the agrifood processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils attributes such as granulometry and density determine the distribution of pore size and condition physical and differentiated hydraulic behavior. Thus, knowing the characteristics of the soils allow the use of more adequate management techniques that lead to the improvement of the performance of the use of this resource. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diameters of granulometric fractions and the physical-hydric behavior of sandy soils from semiarid region of Brazil. Trenches were excavated to collect, describe, and characterize the morphology of soil samples. The soil bulk density, particle density, granulometry, water retention curve, total porosity and pore size distribution were evaluated. The textural difference among soil studied is expressed with greater emphasis on the amount of macropores, high retention micropores and cryptopores. Fine and very fine sand are the most impacted granulometric fractions increasing macroporosity and reducing high tension microporosity and cryptoporosity. Luvisol with predominance of silt and clay fractions, presents a greater risk of densification and erosion, thus the use of lower irrigation levels is recommended. Acrisols and Luvisol, with predominance of fine and very fine sand fractions, present similar conditions of macroporosity and cryptopores with a low textural gradient. Acrisols and Luvisol do not present major problems regarding the reduction of hydraulic conductivity along the profile. Lower irrigation levels with higher application frequency are suggested due to the low water retention capacity and higher risk nutrients leaching.

The present study was undertaken during summer season on four mature Jaffarabadi buffalo bulls at the Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh, from March to June, 2021. A total of 24 semen ejaculates (6 ejaculates/bull) collected by AV method were evaluated for physical characteristics and oxidative stress parameters, viz., lipid peroxidation (LPO/MDA) and GST enzyme activity in seminal plasma using standard procedures and assay kits on an autoanalyzer. The mean values of fresh semen characteristics observed were ejaculate volume 4.03±0.38 ml, sperm concentration 1464±82.05 x106/ml, mass motility score 3.79±0.08, individual motility 90.00±0.52%, live sperm 92.04±0.59%, total sperm abnormalities 4.50±0.22%, intact acrosome 87.08±0.58%, and HOS reacted sperm 83.00±0.49 %. Among all the parameters studied, only the sperm concentration and sperm morphological abnormalities varied significantly (P<0.05) between bulls. The mean values of LPO and GST activities in fresh seminal plasma were 6.84±1.76 µM MDA and 18.64±1.34 nmol CDNB /ml/min, respectively, without significant variation between bulls. Overall, the semen picture and oxidative markers were within the normal physiological range of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Among low‐income families in developing countries, foods fed to infants and young children are rich in carbohydrates but limiting in protein and important micronutrients. Our objective was to develop a high‐protein weaning food (porridge), with enhanced nutritional contents and acceptable sensory attributes. Cooked light red kidney beans and brown rice and semi‐ripe Cavendish bananas were air‐dried (60°C, 8–16 hr) and milled into flours to formulate seven banana‐rice‐bean (BRB) porridge premixes; 80:10:10, 70:10:20, 70:20:10, 60:25:15, 55:20:25, 50:30:20, and 45:40:15 BRBs, respectively. The premixes were analyzed for nutritional (protein, dietary fiber, resistant starch, minerals) and physical properties (moisture, color, density, water solubility, oil and water absorption capacity). Four prepared porridges were evaluated for selected sensory attributes by 31 African/Asian mothers. All BRB porridge premixes met the World Health Organization recommended levels of protein for complementary foods (5.70–8.52 g/100 g). Resistant starch and dietary fiber contents were 6.35–9.21 and 10.1–11.82 g/100 g, respectively. The oligosaccharide (raffinose, stachyose) ranged from 0.19 to 0.46 mg/g and 3.49–6.27 mg/g, respectively. The Tristimulus color values showed a mixed trend, with significant differences among porridges for CIE L*and a* values and Hue angle, whereas no differences were observed for CIE b* value and Chroma. The sensory quality of all prepared porridges was shown to be acceptable, with scores of 6.5–7.1, on a 9‐point Hedonic scale. Twenty‐nine panelists indicated that they would feed BRB porridge to a child under 5 years old. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the BRB porridge could be used as a nutritious weaning food.

Studies related to the monitoring of soil quality by physical attributes are important for the evaluation and maintenance of the sustainability of agricultural systems, besides indicating the appropriate management of the environment, aiming at its conservation and productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of aggregates and organic carbon after the application of gypsum, soil scarification and a succession of crops. The treatments consisted of an absence and addition of gypsum, absence and presence of soil scarification, and three systems of crops in succession. The experimental design was made of randomized blocks, in a 2x2x4 factorial scheme, with eight replications. The aggregates were evaluated as stabled in water and soil organic carbon content. The treatment where gypsum was applied, as well as the soybean/maize/brachiaria/fallow (SMBF) succession system, presented better results in soil aggregation and higher levels of organic carbon.

Studies related to the monitoring of soil quality by physical attributes are important for the evaluation and maintenance of the sustainability of agricultural systems, besides indicating the appropriate management of the environment, aiming at its conservation and productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of aggregates and organic carbon after the application of gypsum, soil scarification and a succession of crops. The treatments consisted of an absence and addition of gypsum, absence and presence of soil scarification, and three systems of crops in succession. The experimental design was made of randomized blocks, in a 2x2x4 factorial scheme, with eight replications. The aggregates were evaluated as stabled in water and soil organic carbon content. The treatment where gypsum was applied, as well as the soybean/maize/brachiaria/fallow (SMBF) succession system, presented better results in soil aggregation and higher levels of organic carbon.

ABSTRACT The expansion of the agricultural frontier into different geological environments in the west of the state of Pará, northern Brazil, makes it necessary to know the influence of the parent material on local soil attributes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different parent materials on five soil profiles along a lithosequence exposed by the BR-163 highway, which runs from north to south through western Pará. The soils were classified, morphologically described and their main horizons sampled for physical, mineralogical and chemical analyses, including the determination of micronutrients, forms of phosphorus and secondary forms of iron. Multivariate analysis was used to group the different soil-parent material associations. The results demonstrated that the diversity of the parent material was a determinant of soil attributes, and was a conditioning factor for the formation of different clay minerals. Multivariate analysis grouped the soils along the lithosequence into a group formed by profiles derived from basic and intermediate igneous rocks, and a second group consisting of profiles derived from sediments and sedimentary rocks. The profile derived from acidic igneous rock showed greater similarity with the profiles derived from sedimentary materials in comparison to those derived from other igneous rocks.