Development of a New Shoe Fitting for Obese Adults

Background: Standard fit as well as wide-fit footwear not currently being pertinent and comfortable for the obese adults. The biometric measurements of obese foot (such as foot length, foot width, heel girth, instep girth, waist girth, and ball girth,) significantly differ from healthy adults. Aim: This study aims to develop a new shoe fitting for obese adults based on significant relationships among the relevant biometric parameters of the foot. Method: These measurements of obese foot were determined using a Brannock device and measuring tape. All kinds of foot girth measurements were analyzed against scaling based on foot width or current fitting, BMI, foot length, heel girth, instep girth, waist girth and ball girth and compared these data with ANOVA. Result: Results showed that responses of all kinds of girths against waist girth scaling provide best fitting prospects of obese adults than current standard fit as well as other parameters. Conclusion: From the study and results, it can be concluded that shoe fitting based on waist girth can give more precise comfort and improve the ergonomic fitness of the product for obese users. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21(1) 2022 Page : 45-53

IDENTIFICATION OF SOME ROOTSTOCKS FOR WATERMELON CULTURES FROM ROMANIA

Among the grafting aims are (1) to enhance plant growth, fruit yield and quality; (2) to control wilt caused by pathogens; (3) to reduce viral, fungal and bacterial infection; (4) to strengthen tolerance to thermal or saline stress; (5) to increase nutrient and mineral uptake to the shoot. The cultivars used to obtain of grafted seedlings were from the Baronesa F1 (Citrullus lanatus) hybrid scion and the Pelops F1 (Lagenaria siceraria), Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) and Zefir (Benicasa hispida) rootstocks. The rootstock has influenced the number of fruits per plant, weight/fruit and production/plant; the Pelops rootstock has had a positive influence and the Kiwano and Zefir rootstocks have had a negative influence compared to the non-grafted variant. The Pelops rootstock (105.84 t/ha) has had a positive influence and the Kiwano rootstock (53.45 t/ha) and Zefir rootstock (51.38 t/ha) have had have a negative influence compared to the non-grafted variant (95.5 t/ha). The biometric measurements on watermelon fruit yield were made in 2020 year. The experience aimed the identification of some rootstocks for the watermelon cultures from Romania. The research shows that the rootstocks has influenced fruit yield and some grafting combinations researched may be recommended for cropping in Romania.

POMOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LOCAL AND INTRODUCED WALNUT CULTIVARS IN SOUTH BULGARIA

A study of local and introduced walnut cultivars was carried out at the Fruit-Growing Institute – Plovdiv in the period 2018 – 2020. Four introduced walnut cultivars – two Romanian (‘Valmit’ and ‘Valeris’) and two Turkish (‘Şebin’ and ‘Yalova 1’) – and the standard Bulgarian cultivars ‘Izvor 10’ and ‘Silistrenski’ were the object of the study. Their vegetative habits were investigated and biometric measurements of the nuts were performed. Based on the results obtained the pomological characteristics of the studied cultivars were evaluated. When grown in the conditions of South Bulgaria, the cultivars introduced from Romania – ‘Valmit’ and ‘Valeris’ and from Turkey – ‘Yalova 1’, are characterized by very large nuts. ‘Izvor 10’ and ‘Şebin’ have a high kernel ratio.

Tear Production, Intraocular Pressure, Ultrasound Biometric Features and Conjunctival Flora Identification in Clinically Normal Eyes of Two Italian Breeds of Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Given the abundance of chickens in Italy, it is important for veterinarians to know the normal state of chickens’ eyes in order to identify any ophthalmic pathological changes. The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of select ocular parameters and to evaluate conjunctival microflora in two Italian chicken breeds. Sixty-six healthy chickens underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, which included a phenol red thread test (PRTT) for the evaluation of tear production and the assessment of intraocular pressure by rebound tonometry. B-mode ultrasound biometric measurements and conjunctival microflora identification were also performed in twenty-seven chickens. Mean PRTT was 23.77 ± 2.99 mm/15 s in the Livorno breed and 19.95 ± 2.81 mm/15 s in the Siciliana breed. Mean intraocular pressure was 14.3 ± 1.17 mmHg in the Livorno breed and 14.06 ± 1.15 mmHg in the Siciliana breed. Reference ranges for morphometric parameters were reported in the two breeds. Twenty-three chickens (85.18%) were bacteriologically positive. Chlamydia spp. antigen was detected in 14.81% of chickens. No positive cultures were obtained for fungi. Normal reference range values for selected ophthalmic parameters were obtained in clinically healthy chickens, which could facilitate accurate diagnosis and better management of ophthalmic diseases in these animals.

Correlations between body measures with live weight in young male goats

Data analysis in goat production, such as those related to body and scrotal measurements, indicate the productive and reproductive animal development. The current study aimed to evaluate the correlations between thoracic perimeter (TP), body length (BL), body compacity (BC), body volume (BV), and scrotal circumference (SC) with body weight (BW) in young male goats of Saanen and Boer breeds. It was used 38 Saanen and 24 Boer male goats, with age average of 7.2 ± 2.0 months. Thoracic perimeter and body length measurements were obtained using a tape measure (cm) and the live weight (kg) a mechanic scale. The variables body compacity (BC) and body volume (BV) were calculated using the equations: and . Boer breed showed live weight and body compacity higher than Saanen breed (p < 0.05). Regarding correlations between biometric measurements and body weight, we did not find any statistical differences between the breeds (p > 0.05). The scrotal circumference presented the lowest association with body weight (p < 0.05). However, all biometric measurements showed highly significant correlations with live body (p < 0.01). In conclusion, thoracic perimeter was the main measure of body weight predictor, considering efficiency and practical aspects.

Оптимизация элементов технологии возделывания томатов в защищенном грунте по малообъемной технологии

The elements of the technology of cultivation of tomatoes by a low-volume hydroponic method using the mineral wool substrate "Grodan" have been studied. The advantages of growing crops by the method of low-volume technology in the greenhouse complex SRL "Polimer Gaz Conducte", Falesti, Moldova are shown. The trade name of the branch is "EcoAgroPrim". Greenhouse SRL "PolimerGazPrim" is a member of the Moldovan Association "Association of Farmers of Moldova", which includes 128 greenhouse facilities. The enterprise produces 130-245 tons of pink-fruited indoor (greenhouse) tomato per year. We studied and analyzed the elements of technology for growing tomatoes in greenhouses using low-volume technology and carried out phenological observations and biometric measurements of plants for several years 2015-2020. It is shown that based on the analysis of phenological observations and biometric measurements, a table of the seasonal development of the crop was compiled, and the highest yield was noted in May and June for all years of observation and, accordingly, the gross harvest was the highest during this period.

Analysis of body condition indices reveals different ecotypes of the Antillean manatee

Assessing the body condition of wild animals is necessary to monitor the health of the population and is critical to defining a framework for conservation actions. Body condition indices (BCIs) are a non-invasive and relatively simple means to assess the health of individual animals, useful for addressing a wide variety of ecological, behavioral, and management questions. The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is an endangered subspecies of the West Indian manatee, facing a wide variety of threats from mostly human-related origins. Our objective was to define specific BCIs for the subspecies that, coupled with additional health, genetic and demographic information, can be valuable to guide management decisions. Biometric measurements of 380 wild Antillean manatees captured in seven different locations within their range of distribution were obtained. From this information, we developed three BCIs (BCI1 = UG/SL, BCI2 = W/SL3, BCI3 = W/(SL*UG2)). Linear models and two-way ANCOVA tests showed significant differences of the BCIs among sexes and locations. Although our three BCIs are suitable for Antillean manatees, BCI1 is more practical as it does not require information about weight, which can be a metric logistically difficult to collect under particular circumstances. BCI1 was significantly different among environments, revealing that the phenotypic plasticity of the subspecies have originated at least two ecotypes—coastal marine and riverine—of Antillean manatees.

Selection of perspective early mutant lines of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in drought conditions

In 2020 a field experiment was conducted with mutant lines of common bean from M4 generations at the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Plovdiv. The aim of the study was to determine the productivity of plants in drought conditions. Twenty four mutant lines were studied in two variants: optimal (non-treated) and reduced (treated) irrigation regimes. A description of the mutant lines was made according to the following features: color: coloring of the flag; beans - length without beak; bean shape in cross section (through the seed); beans-basic coloring; flowering time. Phenological data were collected for phenophases: budding, flowering, fruit size, consumption and botanical maturity. At consumption maturity, biometric measurements were made of 5 plants per repetition on the following indicators: fresh weight (g) of a plant; number and fresh mass (g) of green beans per plant; length (cm) and width (cm) of beans, total fresh biomass (g). The highest productivity found among the treated plants in consumption maturity were the early mutant lines M 564-193-9-1-1 and 564-193-9-1-2, followed by M 564-190-1-1-1, M 564-110-1-2, and M 564-191-1-1-2, compared to the parent line L 564 and all the rest of early mutant lines. The treated plants developed the phenophases 7-10 days later than those with optimal watering.

The morphological and biological characteristics of the specimens from Monarda didyma

The plants of the genus Monarda of the family Lamiaceae are little known in our country. The species Monarda didyma is mainly distributed. It is used in landscaping as a perennial ornamental crop. In addition to its original blossoms, it has a pleasant aroma combining the aromas of bergamot, lemon and mint, due to the essential oils contained in the leaves, blossoms and stems of the plant. The Institute of Ornamental and Medicinal Plants - Sofia has a perennial species collection in which the genus Monarda is represendted by 32 genotypes of the Monarda didyma species. The plants are characterized by different habit, color and shape of the blossoms. During the phenological observations it was established that in the Sofia field region the Мonarda vegetation begins in the beginning of March and ends in the beginning of October. The flowering period in almost all samples covers the months of June to August, with mass flowering in the beginning of July. Biometric measurements show differences in the size of the tufts formed, the size of the leaves and the flowers. After analyzes, genotypes with emphasized decorative qualities were separated, which will be used to diversify the range of seedlings in the Monarda didyma type offered on the market.