bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMANFAATAN MEDIA SOSIAL DAN BLOG UNTUK MEMPERLUAS JEJARING DIGITAL
Authors: Risdiansyah Deni , Dewi Sari , Maulana Muhammad Sony , Sasongko Agung
Published: May 2023

Semakin majunya teknologi dan informasi yang ada pada jaman sekarang memberikan kemudahan pada masyarakat, terutama dalam pemanfaatan media sosial. Media sosial adalah medium di internet yang memungkinkan pengguna merepresentasikan dirinya maupun berinteraksi, bekerja sama, berbagi, berkomunikasi dengan pengguna lain membentuk ikatan sosial secara virtual.Tidak dapat disangkal bahwa pada saat ini sosial media telah menjadi cara baru masyarakat dalam berkomunikasi. Hal ini berdampak pada berbagai sisi kehidupan masyarakat. Kehadiran media sosial telah membawa dampak yang sangat signifikan. Media sosial menjadi salah satu hal yang harus dikuasai dan dimanfaatkan dengan baik oleh lembaga yang ingin mempublikasikan aktivitasnya. Dewasa ini banyak sekali media sosial bermunculan dengan berbagai fitur yang bisa dimanfaatkan untuk sarana berpromosi. Promosi bisa dilakukan melalui jejaring sosial yang mampu menghapus jarak dan waktu. Oleh karena itu, penggunaan media sosial yang salah satunya blog sebagai sarana promosi produk semakin gencar dilakukan. Sudah selayaknya para guru dan memanfaatkan kecanggihan teknologi untuk menarik perhatian calon siswa dan orangtuanya. Pelatihan penggunaan media sosial ini memiliki tujuan dimana banyak lembaga-lembaga belum mempunyai akun media sosial dan blog. Hal ini penting, karena aktivitas-aktivitas dan keunggulan-keunggulan lembaga tersebut perlu untuk dipublikasikan kepada orang lain. Dibutuhkan komitmen yang baik untuk mengelola sebuah lembaga dan salah satunya lewat publikasi sebuah lembaga akan dikenal khalayak ramai. Pelatihan ini bertujuan untuk melatih tenaga pengajar Pondok Pesantren Muthasim Bilah untuk menafaatkan blog dan media sosial sebagai sarana untuk mempromosikan lembaga mereka.
PENDAMPINGAN PENGELOLAAN ORGANISASI DI MASYARAKAT KHUSUS DI KALANGAN SISWA SMK PENSANTREN TEKNOLOGI RIAU
Authors: Chandra Roni , Wongso Fery , Kasman Hendra
Published: May 2023

Organisasi merupakan salah satu bagian yang terpenting dalam fungsi manajemen yakni planing, organisasi, actuating dan kontrol. Organisasi  sebagai  alat  dalam  arti  abstrak  untuk  merealisir,  apa  yang  menjadi  keputusan  starategik  yang  ditetapkan,  maka  mau  tidak  harus  mengikuti  atas  perubahan  lingkungan  yang  digerakkan  oleh  kekuatan  kepemimpinan  untuk  hidup  dan  bertahan,  oleh  karena  itu,  organisasi  sebagai alat dimanifestasikan terutama dalam hubungan dua faktor yang disebut dengan fleksibilitas. Oleh  karena  itu,  suatu  organisasi  dalam  abad  21,  haruslah  dibangun  sebagai  organisasi yang  memiliki  sifat  fleksibel  dan  mudah  dikontrol,  maka  organisasi  itu  tidaklah  terlalu  muda  atau  terlalu  tua,  tahap  ini  dinamakan  PRIMA  dalam  daur  hidup  organisasi.  Organisasi  dalam  keadaan PRIMA,   benar-benar   diperlengkapi   untuk   menerima   dan   menanggapi   perubahan   yang   cepat  didalam pasar, teknologi, kompetisi dan kebutuhan pelanggan disatu sisi dan disisi lain adalah dapat tidaknya dikontrol. Hasil pengabdian ini adalah kegiatan pada pelatihan ini dihasilkan bahwa setiap masyarakat diharapkan dapat bergorganisasi dengan secara tepat dengan prinsip-prinsip manajemen yang berkualitas
Acceptance of Mental Health Off Day in Malaysian Job Culture
Authors: Yeoh Wee Win
Published: May 2023

The work life balance in Malaysian working culture had been showing concerning signs where the lack of the health working culture had triggered the impact on the mental state of the Malaysian employees. In the same direction, the initiative of the mental health off day had been introduced to promote better wellbeing practice within the employees. However, the employers in Malaysia are still having lack of the action into the initiative of the metal health off days due to multiple concerns. Based on the key findings, there is major highlights on the concerns for the employers towards the understanding on the mental health off day initiative which include the productivity impact, financial impact as well as the shift in the expectations for the employees. However, the employees had viewed the mental health off day as strong positive initiatives that could become a game changer for the working culture in Malaysia. It is believed that the mental health off day will become the big step for the Malaysian working culture to move into the positive direction to promote better mental health among the employees. Therefore, the recommendation had been clear where the mental health off day should be supported by employers and employees to provide the positive impact towards the development of the motivation and retention of the employees.
Pelatihan Penyusunan Perangkat Pembelajaran Pada Guru Mata Pelajaran Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial Di Kabupaten Barru
Authors: Bustan Bustan , Torro Supriadi , Rusdi Rusdi
Published: May 2023

This activity aims to provide training to subject IPS teachers in Barru district to increase understanding and skills in preparing plans to evaluating learning. The main target of the activity is the Student Subject Teacher Consultation (MGMP), Social Sciences (IPS) both teaching integrated social studies subjects and those which are still divided between History, Economics, Geography and Sociology subjects. The place of implementation of the activity is in the hall of the district education office. The results of the dedication show their seriousness and sincerity in following the training material. The material presented is curriculum review, Jigsaw learning models, making worksheets and learning reflections. The driving factor is the active participation of the participants while the inhibiting factor is the limited time and inadequate LCD facilities.
Pelatihan Penulisan Artikel Ilmiah Bagi Guru SMAN 15 Kabupaten Bone
Authors: Asmunandar Asmunandar , Gani Andika Wahyudi , Darmayanti Dyan Paramitha , Manda Darman , Sadriani Andi
Published: May 2023

To improve student achievement, teachers must innovate in learning. This ensures that students learn at their best, both independently and in the classroom. Learning model innovation is very necessary and very urgent, especially in the development of new learning models that can lead to better learning outcomes and increase efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, teachers must develop their potential in various ways. One of them is improving the ability to write scientific papers. By conducting article writing training, teachers are expected to have dual roles as practitioners and researchers. Therefore, teachers must conduct research to solve problems that arise in class and to serve as material for promotion. The Scientific Article Writing Training for Teachers of SMA Negeri 15 Bone, Bone Regency, was carried out in Bone Regency with the target of this activity being the teachers at the school. This activity is in the form of training with an emphasis on mastery of article writing.
PKM Taman Baca Kampung Pesisir Karabba (Sekolah Sore)
Authors: Amalia Nur , Subair Ahmad , Malihu La , Patahuddin Patahuddin
Published: May 2023

The Partner of this Community Partnership Program is a karabba slum community located on the coast of makassar city. The people of karabba slums face various problems amid the rapid urbanization of makassar city. among them in the field of education, namely the low interest and awareness of learning of the karabba slum community in formal education schools, this occurs due to the lack of educational facilities available in karabba slums, as well as the lack of educator resources available in karabba slums. With the karabba slum community partnership program, it is hoped that it will be able to deal with one of the urbanization problems in karabba village, namely increasing the quality of education for the karabba slum community and achieving a common awareness between the karabba village community about the importance of going to school in the midst of the rapid flow of urban urbanization and encouraged by various resources available in the field of education so as to be able to achieve the sustainability of the quality of education karabba slum community.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Media Pembelajaran Bagi Guru SMP Negeri 1 Duampanua Kabupaten Pinrang
Authors: Musa Chalid Imran , Parinsi W. Kristina , Agustang Andi Tenri Pada , Musa Dwi Anugerah Lestari , Rasyid Rusman
Published: May 2023

This Community Partnership Program (CPP) aims to produce products that can be used as learning media that allow students to be active, creative and fun in their learning activities. In turn, it will increase the effectiveness and quality of the learning process. The form of activity in this community partnership program activity uses a training strategy involving 30 participants through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, practice, and observation methods. To assess the success of this program through indicators (1), participants' attendance rate during the extension process was up to 80%. (2) All extension activities are carried out in accordance with the plan following the proposal. (3) A statement of satisfaction from extension participants and the school. Implementing this CPP can increase teachers' knowledge and skills in creating and optimizing learning media in the teaching and learning process in the classroom. The participants' enthusiasm evidenced this in participating in these activities. Besides, CPP produces products in the form of 30 learning media that can be used in the classroom's teaching and learning process.
Pelatihan Membuat Tasbih Pada Siswa Tunagrahita Di SLB YP3LB Makassar
Authors: Bastiana Bastiana , Meidina Tatiana , Ade Putri Andi Anggi , Jannah Nurlaelatul , Nurlailah Nurlailah , Widianti Widianti
Published: May 2023

SLB must prepare its graduates to have adequate income for themselves. One simple skill that is expected to provide income is tasbih making. This community service activity is carried out through training activities on making simple prayer beads for intellectual disability students at SLB YP3LB Makassar. Implementation of service using the demonstration method. The presenter introduces materials and tools then demonstrates how to make simple tasbih, after which the presenter guides step by step how to make tasbih. Participants in the service activity were intellectual disability students in class 11 SLB YP3LB Makassar, totaling 5 people. Community service activities can be carried out properly. Intellectual  disability students can make simple tasbih even with the help of activity companion students. It is recommended to prepare students' initial abilities before providing training. It is hoped that this training can be continued with tasbih that are more varied and have a sale value
Sosialisasi Pembuatan Mesin Pirolis Plastik Sederhana sebagai Alat Pengolah Sampah Plastik Menjadi Bahan Bakar Minyak di Desa Lopo Kabupaten Gorontalo
Authors: Yunus Muhammad , Madjid Nursia , Kurniasari Septiana , Irsan Irsan , S. Payu Citron , Hendra Hendra
Published: May 2023

Garbage is something that humans throw away because it can no longer be used. An environment with a buildup of garbage can cause various problems such as hygiene, health, beauty, environmental pollution, and social issues. One of the problems regarding waste is located in Lopo Village-Gorontalo District. Garbage is thrown away and then burned, especially plastic waste. The combustion results can undoubtedly pollute the environment. This happens due to the need for more guidance and community empowerment in recycling waste into something that can be useful. One of the solutions for handling waste into something that can be useful is to convert plastic waste into fuel oil through the socialization of making a simple plastic pyrolysis machine. This socialization activity provides an understanding of waste and its impact on the environment, methods of waste management, and how to make a simple plastic pyrolysis machine. The participants were very enthusiastic about participating in this socialization because they learned how to process plastic waste into fuel and make simple plastic pyrolysis machines that can be products of high economic value
Sustainable Eco-village for the Displaced Community of Hatay, Turkey
Authors: Mya SuSan  , H. Semih Eryıldız
Published: May 2023

Recent earthquake outbreaks and refugee crisis in southern Turkey demands more wholesome and considerate approaches in built environment design more so than ever for the country. Sustainability has been a subject of concern in various levels of our society. Many times, urban design overlooks the unusual and rich achievements of Ecovillages. Ecovillage offers the society an orderly, recyclable and sustainable life on contrary to polluted hectic city life. Overconsumption is replaced by underconsumption and self-consumption. Adobe is used as an alternative sustainable material for this proposal. Qualitative case studies on different eco villages, adobe city and sustainable urban projects are made. This paper discuss how sustainable architecture can facilitate the displaced people by proposing Eco-Village design in Hatay region of Turkey.
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Kinerja Keuangan : Rasio Likuiditas, Total Aset Turnover, dan Ukuran Perusahaan
Authors: Nur Rahmah Hesti , Adini Shalihah Dwi , Kuntadi Cris , Pramukty Rachmat
Published: May 2023

Dalam konteks riset atau artikel ilmiah, penelitian sebelumnya atau riset terkait topik serupa adalah hal yang paling penting. Riset sebelumnya terkait hal tersebut membantu memperkuat hipotesis serta fenomena yang menggambarkan korelasi. Artikel ini memiliki tujuan untuk melakukan risert selanjutnya guna membangun hipotesis memiliki pengaruh antar variabel. Terdapat hasil antar variabel di dalam literature review ini ialah:  1) Rasio Likuiditas berdampak pada Kinerja Keuangan; 2) Total Aset Turnover berdampak pada Kinerja Keuangan; dan 3) Ukuran Perusahaan berdampak pada Kinerja Keuangan.
The Influence of Work Motivation on Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance: Case Study at the East Timor Coffee Institute in Ermera, East Timor
Authors: Santos Arlindo dos , Kellen Pius Bumi , Soares Augusto da Conceição
Published: May 2023

This research was conducted to determine the effect of work motivation on employee performance, the Effect of work motivation on Job Satisfaction and the Effect of Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance. The population in this study were 75 employees at East Timor Coffee Institute (ETCI), all working on the ETCI campus and consisting of 52 lecturers and 23 employees, with the determination of the sample taking all of the employees currently working at ETCI. This study uses quantitative data with data collection methods using questionnaires. This method is supported by non-participant observation. This study uses an approach variance based or component based by using analysis tools Partial Least Square (PLS). The results showed that 1) work motivation has a significant positive effect on employee performance 2) work motivation has a significant positive effect on job satisfaction and 3) job satisfaction has no significant positive effect on employee performance.
Effect of Organic Waste Extracts as Potential Biocontrol of Golden Apple Snail
Authors: Khalisanni Khalid
Published: May 2023

Golden apple snail (GAS; Pomacea canaliculata) is a member of the genus for freshwater snails with gill and operculum. It is an aquatic gastropod mollusc in the family Ampullariidae. This species has been introduced outside its native South American region and considered invasive because of its voracious appetite for paddy and other plants. In this study, the effect of bioresources and commercial waste were experimented to determine their effects on GAS. Garlic (Allium sativum) skins, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) shells, used coffee (Coffea liberica) grounds and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) stems were extracted at 100 °C in aqueous system. The potential of these aqueous extracts as nanobiocontrol were investigated through the characterisation of particle size and molluscicidal activity. The results indicated that the aqueous extracts from water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) in the form of nanoparticle (780.93 ± 2.45 nm) showed more lethal effect on GAS after 5 ± 1 min of exposure compared to used coffee grounds nanoparticle aqueous extract (553.64 ± 1.32 nm) at 45 ± 15 min, garlic skin aqueous extract (1381.34 ± 7.15 nm) at 8 ± 1 min and ground skin aqueous extract (1114.39 ± 10.35 nm) at 7 ± 2 min, respectively. These organic materials have the potential to be developed as biocontrol of GAS.
Physiological and Productivity Impact of Mechanical Wounding and Mortex Stimulation on Rubber Clones RRIM 2025 and PB 350
Authors: Nor Mayati Che Husin  , Mohd Fazri Kamarrudin
Published: May 2023

The effects of mechanical wounding involving mechanical boring and tapping followed by the application of Mortex, an ethylene-based stimulant, on Hevea clones RRIM 2025 and PB 350 were investigated. Mortex at three different concentrations of 0.75%, 2.5% and 5% were applied at the tapping panel and the response of both clones in influencing wound-induced ethylene, latex yield, sugar, thiol and proline contents were determined. Data were analysed against control 1 (untapped and unstimulated), control 2 (tapped and unstimulated) and the application of nanosilver solution (Silversol), an ethylene inhibitor containing Ag+. Latex yield of both clones appeared to be induced and dependent on ethylene stimulation. Mortex at 2.5% was suggested to be optimum for high yield stimulation in both clones. Application of 5% Mortex gave the highest yield for both clones and induced highest wound-induced ethylene release in the shaved bark of RRIM 2025. Meanwhile, 2.5% Mortex gave the highest wound ethylene evolution in shaved bark of PB 350. Wounding by tapping alone produced wound ethylene at low levels in both clones. The very low levels of accumulated wound ethylene found in bored holes at 2 cm above tapping cut was likely due to tapping activity and not influenced by Mortex application. Silversol was found to successfully inhibit ethylene action by reducing wound ethylene release in shaved bark of both clones. Reduced sucrose content in the latex with 5% Mortex was observed. In contrast, unstimulated trees and an application of Silversol appeared to reduce latex yield in both clones with a concomitant increase in sucrose content. Suppression of ethylene action by Ag+ also reduced thiol and inorganic phosphorus content, suggesting that Silversol was effective in overcoming the stress effects related to ethylene regulation.
In Vitro Shoot and Root Induction of Kaempferia parviflora (Zingiberaceae) Rhizome Using 6-Benzylaminopurine
Authors: Nur Adilla Khairudin  , Zainol Haid  , Mansor Hakiman
Published: May 2023

Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker is a medicinal plant from the Zingiberaceae family. This plant is native to Thailand and currently gaining high popularity in Malaysia. Its popularity is mainly due to the discovery of medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergies, anti-cancer, anti-plasmodial and anti-fungal. This plant is conventionally propagated via rhizome. However, conventional propagation of K. parviflora is time consuming due to the long dormancy period thus difficult to fulfill the market demand for raw materials. To overcome this problem, the tissue culture technique was introduced in this study as a propagation tool to mass-produce and break its dormancy. This study aimed to establish an aseptic culture of K. parviflora using different concentrations of Clorox® and to induce the shoot and root of K. parviflora buds using different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The results showed that 50% Clorox® was the best concentration to reduce the contamination by microorganisms and produce a high survival rate. In the subsequent experiment, the Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L BAP was found to exhibit the best results on the numbers of shoot, length of shoot and number of roots. In conclusion, this study proved that the rhizome explant was successfully sterilised using Clorox®, and root and shoot formation was induced in the presence of cytokinin, particularly 6-benzylaminopurine.
The Effects of Drought and the Recovery Phase of Two Tropical Epiphytic Ferns
Authors: Nurnadheerah Suhaimi  , Daniele Cicuzza
Published: May 2023

The climate change scenario results in a reduction in rain precipitation in a large part of the tropical regions. This could be particularly severe for epiphytic species that rely entirely on rain or air humidity. Therefore, the knowledge of whether epiphytic plants can recover after a prolonged period of drought is pivotal in understanding their ecology, allowing us to better act for their conservation. In this study, drought stress was induced for 10 weeks in Asplenium nidus and Davallia denticulata, two tropical epiphytic ferns, by the exclusion of their water supply. Subsequently, they were rehydrated for 3 weeks. The aim was to test the effects of drought and the recovery rate of the fern species, and its relationship with stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content. In the prolonged drought stress period, D. denticulata showed a decline in both stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content values whilst A. nidus only showed a decline in stomatal conductance. In the rehydration interval, both species showed a steady recovery. The results indicated that the two species were negatively impacted by the 10 weeks of drought stress. However, A. nidus and D. denticulata recovered quickly in terms of stomatal conductance whereas for chlorophyll content, D. denticulata recovered at a slower rate compared to A. nidus. Therefore this study highlighted that A. nidus is better adapted to low precipitation and performed better in relation to future changes in precipitation. D. denticulata ranked second due to having more difficulty recovering from drought.
Development of Genic SSR Markers from Transcriptome Sequences of Baeckea frutescens (Cucur Atap) for Genetic Diversity Assessment
Authors: Nur Nabilah Alias  , Chai Ting Lee  , Nurul Farhanah Zakaria  , Soon Leong Lee  , Kevin Kit Siong Ng  , Chin Hong Ng  , Lee Hong Tnah  , Norlia Basherudin
Published: May 2023

Baeckea frutescens or Cucur Atap, is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used as herbal medicine and has great potential for pharmaceutical application due to its biological properties. The increasing demand for B. frutescens herbal medicinal products has led to its over-exploitation. Therefore, it is crucial to generate baseline genetic information in order to formulate conservation and breeding programmes for this species. In this study, a total of 26 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have been developed in B. frutescens based on the leaf transcriptome sequence data obtained via next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. These markers were evaluated using 32 individuals from Forest Research Institute Malaysia Research Station in Setiu, Terengganu. The mean number of alleles was two and the average expected (HE) and observed heterozygosity (HO) were 0.484 and 0.900, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed high genetic similarity among the individuals, whereby many of them were of the same clones. It is essential to assess more individuals from other populations for better understanding on the genetic diversity of this useful medicinal plant.
Effects of UV-B and DMSO Treatments on the Production of Artemisinin in Low-Artemisinin Producing Artemisia annua Cell Cultures
Authors: Melissa Kam Yit Yee  , Winnie Yap Soo Ping
Published: May 2023

Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua L., and has a variety of biological properties, such as immunoregulatory and anticancer effects, and therapeutic applications. As a result of its naturally low production and compartmentalised synthesis, the irregular agricultural supply often leads to price fluctuations and reduction of the artemisinin inventory. In this study, elicitation efficiencies of ultraviolet B (UV-B) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on a low-artemisinin producing (LAP) chemotype of the species A. annua were investigated. Exposure of cell suspension cultures to short-term UV-B radiation and DMSO treatment did not result in significant changes in artemisinin yield. The lack of stimulation could be associated with the growth condition such as the incubation duration after treatment, the physiological state of suspension-cultured cells, and the regulation of cellular metabolic homeostasis. Further molecular analysis with RT-PCR revealed the absence of mRNA transcripts of key genes ADS, DBR2, and ALDH1 which might affect artemisinin synthesis. This study demonstrated the complexity of stress-induced responses of   cell suspension cultures in relation to metabolic processes which are important for artemisinin formation.
Fruit Ripeness Effects on Characteristics, Germination and Desiccation Tolerance of Syzygium myrtifolium Walp. Seeds
Authors: Fui Ying Tsan  , Nur Farhanis Awang
Published: May 2023

To plant Syzygium myrtifolium Walp. on harsh urban sites, planting materials of seed origin having better developed tap roots are preferred compared to those propagated from stem cuttings. However, fully ripe fruits at 8 weeks after fruit set are heavily lost to birds. In the current study, the unpalatable semi-ripe fruits at 7 weeks were found suitable for propagation. The seeds from the semi-ripe fruits showed mean germination rate of 93% and developed normal seedlings within 1 week, although continued growth with increases in size and fresh weight (FW) in the fruits and seeds was significant towards completion of fruit ripening. Thus, harvesting of fruits within the short period between these two fruit developmental phases is critical in the seed procurement process of this plant species. At the semi-ripe stage, pericarp exhibiting mixture of red and black colour can be a practical guide to indicate the suitable time for harvesting the fruits. Nonetheless, subsequent desiccation trial aimed to determine the storability of the seeds at postharvest found that the seeds obtained from both the semi-ripe and fully ripe fruits had drastic loss of germinability at seed moisture content of approximately 0.3 g H2O/g FW. Storage of the seeds above this relatively high moisture level for future planting was detrimental because the seeds age rapidly when they remain metabolically active with high respiration rates. Microbial infestation will also be an added problem during seed storage. Therefore, the seeds need to be sown fresh.
Selected Physiological Traits of Hevea brasiliensis Clonal Seedlings Influenced by Water Stress
Authors: Noorliana Mohd Zan
Published: May 2023

Water stress has been identified as one of the most critical environmental factors that will affect crop productivity in the coming years. Since the propagation of Hevea brasiliensis uses the bud-grafting method, selecting a good rootstock is crucial to withstand water stress conditions. This is due to the rootstock scion interaction accounting for about 20% contribution to the scion growth. In this study, four Hevea clonal seedlings namely RRIM 2002, RRIM 2020, RRIM 2023 and RRIM 2024, were observed for their intrinsic tolerance to water stress conditions. Two to three whorls of plants in polybags were grown in the glasshouse and subjected to two water treatments which were well-watered and water stress by withholding irrigation for 14 days. Physiological traits (chlorophyll pigments, membrane stability and epicuticular wax content), relative water content, and proline and sucrose contents were observed. After commencing the water stress condition for 14 days, all four clonal seedlings showed significantly decreased leaf relative water content. In addition, variation was discerned in leaf cell membrane stability that coincided with significantly lower membrane injury. An increasing trend in proline content from day seven to 14 and a comparable sucrose content in leaf tissue throughout the experiment were also observed. RRIM 2023 exhibited the highest membrane stability, whilst RRIM 2020 was severely affected, which reflected on their low ability to withstand water stress. A similar trend was observed for epicuticular wax content, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll of RRIM 2023 compared to RRIM 2020. Hence, membrane stability supported by epicuticular wax content and chlorophyll levels revealed RRIM 2023 as the most resilient to water stress.
Physiological Responses and Root Profiles of Melastoma malabathricum Grown with Food Waste Compost and Lime as Soil Amendments in Acidic Soil Condition
Authors: Lili Syahani Rusli  , Normaniza Osman  , Rosazlin Abdullah  , Jamilah Syafawati Yaacob  , Siti Nur Zahira Omar
Published: May 2023

Soil acidification prevents the elongation of roots, which is one of the major constraints to crop productivity. Proper acidic soil amelioration can improve soil fertility, resulting in an increase in plant physiological processes and the survival of the plants. The interaction of physiological responses and root profiles in Melastoma malabathricum as a result of soil amelioration using food waste compost, liming, and a combination of food waste compost and liming when grown in acidic soil conditions was assessed. The resulting plants exhibited an outstanding leaf area index, relative chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency in food waste compost treatment. Similarly, the plants also showed the highest root volume and diameter. The results implied that the application of soil amendment, specifically food waste compost towards acidic soil was able to enhance plant growth through better gas exchange and root morphology. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between root diameter and root volume with the physiological responses, indicating that soil amendments assisted plants in getting the nutrients necessary for gas exchange, hence influencing the plant roots. In conclusion, the use of food waste compost alone was deemed adequate as it showed good effects on plant physiological performances as well as root profiles. Hence, the preliminary results of this study highlight the potential use of food waste compost as a promising solution to support the growth and development of plants, especially those grown under acidic soil conditions.
Nanotechnology: Recent Progress in Agriculture and Effects on Physiology of Plants
Authors: Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim  , Ng Lee Chuen  , Mohd Sabri Mohd Ghazali  , Aziz Ahmad
Published: May 2023

The naturally occurring and synthesised nanoparticles (NPs) display significant effects on the physiology of plants. This paper emphasised the current application of synthetic NPs in agriculture, several advantages and physiological responses during the growth of plants. Nano pore size of particles provides higher surface areas hence enhances the water holding capacity of the soil, efficacy delivery of fertilisers and pesticides (pest and diseases infestation) on crops. The application of NPs via soil or mist involves uptake by plant via roots or foliar cell wall and translocation to other organs through vascular system and plasmodesmata within the cells. The physicochemical properties of NPs have advantages including enabling the increase of soil water retention in mitigating the drought and/or salinity stresses in plants. Nanoparticles enhance the germination of seed and maintain plant growth by promoting the production of enzymes in scavenging oxygen radicals, phytohormone balancing, nutrient metabolisms and expression of amino acid biosynthetic genes and photosystem. Given the diverse physiological and molecular effects of NPs, precautionary steps prior to their application either as fertiliser or carrier should be considered to avoid toxicity and destructive effects on plants, animals, water body and the environment.
Comparative Effect of Ectomycorrhizal Inoculation, Mineral and Organic Amendments and their Interactions on the Juvenile Growth of Afzelia africana in the Nursery
Authors: Bérince S. Roméo Hounsouvo  , Thierry Dèhouégnon Houehanou  , Gérard Nounangnon Gouwakinnou  , Comlan Julien Hadonou  , Christine A. I. Nougbodé Ouinsavi
Published: May 2023

Afzelia africana (Fabaceae) is one of the multipurpose plants native in tropical Africa, mainly used for its medicinal properties, fodder value and the quality of its wood. However, the species is highly threatened due to several factors including regeneration problems. This study aimed to assess the effect of ectomycorrhizal inoculation, organic and mineral amendments and their interactions on the juvenile growth of A. africana in a nursery. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with twelve treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of ectomycorrhizal inoculation namely uninoculated, inoculated with Scleroderma verrucosum or inoculated with Lactarius gymnocarpus, and organic amendment and mineral fertiliser NPK 13-10-10 in the soil. Growth parameters such as total height, stem diameter and phyllode number were recorded monthly for 5 months. The effect of different treatments on the growth performance of A. africana seedling was assessed by performing analyses of variance and the averages were compared using the Newman Keul test. For ectomycorrhizal inoculation, only S. verrucosum was able to increase growth parameters of A. africana and the effect was significantly (p<0.05) dependent on the type of adopted fertiliser. The highest values of growth parameters were obtained under the combination of S. verrucosum with 166 g of manure or 20 g of mineral fertiliser. It appeared that the combined application of fertiliser and inoculum of S. verrucosum on A. africana seedlings improved the growth of the plants in the nursery.
Occurrences of Aflatoxins in Selected Rice Production Areas in Malaysia
Authors: Khalisanni Khalid  , Noorhapizah Napiah  , Ruzaina Ishak  , Raseetha Siva  , Sumaiyah Abdullah
Published: May 2023

Mycotoxins contamination in rice often occurs in the field prior to harvest, processing and storage. The possible coexistence of four mycotoxins in rice including aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 were investigated in the present study. The samples of rice were collected in 33 rice production areas of Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) Rice Factories (KBB) in Malaysia. These toxins were extracted from the samples, purified and finally quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorimetry detection. Contamination of aflatoxin G1 was found to be the most prominent, followed by B2, G2 and B1. The coexistence of aflatoxin G1 in rice was found in the highest percentage. Occurrences of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 at 36 rice production areas showed a significant difference between east, north and central Peninsular Malaysia ranging from 0.45 to 5.98 ng/g. The mean values for aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 were 3.234, 4.697, 6.588 and 0.773 ng/g, respectively. The total aflatoxin levels for Kuching (7.61 ng/g), KBB Sungai Limau (7.33 ng/g) and KBB Paya Keladi (6.59 ng/g) were found to exceed the levels set by the European Commission (EC) as well as by the Malaysia Food Regulation 1985. Moreover, the B1 levels for Kuching (3.56 ng/g) and Sarikei (2.42 ng/g) samples also exceeded the level set for B1 by the European Commission. Nevertheless, the findings showed that the concentrations of aflatoxin in most of the rice production areas in Malaysia are still below the permissible limit under both the EC and Malaysia.
Agroforestry Practices to Achieve Sustainable and Climate Resilient Forests
Authors: Jeyanny Vijayanathan  , Darshini Rawichandran  , Mohd Zaki Abdullah  , Rosdi Koter  , Rozita Ahmad  , Mohd Afif Hazmi Anuar
Published: May 2023

The agroforestry system is practiced all over the world and it has major importance in the reduction of theclimate change impacts. Currently, climate change is a problem in developed or developing countries suchas Malaysia, and the establishment of commercially successful agroforestry can be implemented inovercoming the problems. Although numerous research agencies have done dispersed studies, the resultsare not coordinated, and some are yet to be published. Several agroforestry models, however, can be appliedto large-scale implementation, particularly in monoculture crop plantations with a long gestation time orlow investment returns. The guidelines for the effective growth of agroforestry in the country have beenidentified based on the case studies and the restrictions of agroforestry. The recommended agroforestrytechniques are still being refined and proposed to be implemented according to their suitability. Theagroforestry concept has been used in a policy to address ways to boost the availability of scarce domesticresources such as land and raw materials. Furthermore, it also explores opportunities related to climatechange mitigation. In conclusion, advanced technologies and incentives for marginalised communities andfarmers are important in improving the agricultural productivity of forests towards promoting agroforestrysystems, and achieving the sustainable development goals.
Effects of Cadmium on Biochemical Parameters, Viability and Bioaccumulation of Kappaphycus alvarezii
Authors: Najihah Ismail  , Mohd Ikmal Asmuni  , Roohaida Othman
Published: May 2023

The Rhodophyta, Kappaphycus alvarezii, is widely cultivated for its highly valuable kappa carrageenan. K.alvarezii has also been known for its capacity to absorb and accumulate excess heavy metal from itssurrounding. The study was undertaken to unravel the effect of different cadmium treatments towards K.alvarezii at different exposure times by determining the biomass change percentage, algal cell viability andthe changes in chlorophyll and protein content at Cd concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 μM for 5, 10and 15 days. While there was no significant change in the percentage of the biomass change, the viabilityof the algal cells increased significantly with increasing Cd concentration and exposure time. This wasaccompanied by significant increase in protein content following similar pattern as shown by the viabilityof the cells. In contrast, chlorophylls a and b content decreased significantly with increasing Cdconcentration. The ability of the alga to uptake Cd was also increased with increasing Cd concentrationspossibly indicating that the ability of K. alvarezii to survive the high level of Cd might be due to its abilityto accumulate heavy metal. The results from this research revealed the unique manner in which K. alvareziiresponds to Cd stress which is unlike any other algae. Thus the findings obtained from this study maycontribute important information on how macroalgae adapt to heavy metal pollution.
African traditional system of government and its efficacy in governance: A comparative analysis of Idomaland Ojira and Igboland Aladinma/Oha
Authors: Adikwuoyi Abutu Freeman Gabriel , Omanchi Samuel Alegwu
Published: May 2023

Emerging trends in governance particularly in post-Colonial Africa have continued to show a display of a high level of inefficiency in the adopted and practiced Western system of government. While much has been suggested as lead factors for these inefficiencies, little or nothing has been done concerning the strangeness of these adopted European systems of Government in Africa. This paper examines the two traditional systems of governance: Ojira and Aladinma/Oha to explore their differences, practices, and efficiency in the administration of pre-colonial Idomaland/Igboland of present-day Nigeria. Adopting the use of historical qualitative methodology, this paper holds that: although these pre-colonial African systems of governance had their challenges, their efficacy in administering the populace before European incursion cannot be overemphasized. To this end, the paper suggests that rather than continue in these European-styled systems of governance that have led Africans nowhere, attempts should be made to incorporate the indigenous African system of governance into modern government to increase and accelerate good governance and development.
Women and the maintenance of peace in Nigeria's rural communities: A study of Oshi Ekwa Leka of the Eziobodo people
Authors: Ndu Maureen , Nwafor Oluchukwu , Adama Chijioke
Published: May 2023

Women all over the world and in Nigeria play vital role in the maintenance and nurturing of peace in homes and in the society. Despite this, in times of conflict, women are not represented in peace negotiations and in planning and execution of post- conflict reconstruction efforts and strategies. Women's participation and strong influence in peace building and maintenance bring about an immediate agreement. The influence of their intervention processes positively correlates with a great likelihood of the agreements implemented. Peace agreement, including women in reconstruction, rehabilitation, and negotiations for peace improves the quality of agreements made and increases the likelihood that they will be carried through. This paper examines the role and place of women in the maintenance of peace in rural communities in Nigeria. The paper adopts womanism as its theoretical framework as it looks into the activities of the Oshi ekwa leka, a women's group of the Eziobodo Alachara Mgbowo of Awgu Local government Area of Enugu state, Nigeria. The study employed the survey method, where key informant interviews or in-depth interview (IDI) was used to collect qualitative data from the women leader and chairman of the community. The paper identifies the activities of the women in the maintenance of peace in their community and advocates women's inclusion in peace negotiations at round tables.
The nexus between the Federal Government of Nigeria, social media and peaceful coexistence: A critical review
Authors: Afolaranmi Adebayo Ola
Published: May 2023

Social media has become a phenomenon that is changing all spheres of life tremendously. It is affecting the peaceful coexistence of people in the society both positively and negatively. Almost every government throughout the world is reacting in one way or the other to this influence, especially the perceived adverse influence of social media on the peaceful coexistence of people in the society. This paper aims at exploring the interplay between the Federal Government of Nigeria and social media in relation to the peaceful coexistence of people in the country. Public Sphere Theory is used as the theoretical framework. The paper is a follow-up to a study on how Baptist pastors in the Ibadan metropolis are using social media in conflict resolution and promotion of peaceful coexistence among members of their church. It further reviews some existing literatures on the subject matter where the history of social media in Nigeria and some specific effects of social media in relation to peaceful coexistence in Nigeria are explored before exploring the interplay. Some recommendations are given to the Federal Government of Nigeria at the end of the paper.
Prank content creation and its implication on the Nigerian society: An exploratory study of Facebook prank videos
Authors: Ayih Livinus , Shem Woyopwa
Published: May 2023

This study examined the theme of "prank content creation and its implication on the Nigerian society". The study adopted a mixed research method where content analysis, in-depth interviews, and observation were used. Content analysis was used to study the content of prank videos online, while in-depth analysis was used to know the perceptions of social media users on online prank videos. The population of this study consisted of Facebook users and prank videos uploaded on Facebook. Findings of the study revealed that some of the existing online prank videos have adverse implications on society because they are capable of causing uproar or health complications on victims. Furthermore, it was also found that Facebook users perceived online prank videos as a source of entertainment; however, the majority of them revealed that they would not like to play pranks because of some of the repercussions associated with some pranks. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended, among other things, that there is a need for a professional body that would regulate the conduct of content creators in Nigeria. Furthermore, there is a need for Nigerian content creators, especially pranksters, to be enlightened on media law and ethics.
A critical discourse analysis of selected political interviews in Nigerian news media
Authors: Abdulkadir Aliyu Uthman
Published: May 2023

Several studies have been carried out on political discourse using different linguistic approaches of Pragmatics, Critical Discourse Analysis, Stylistics as well as implicature. However, little attention has been given to the blend of Critical Discourse Analysis and rhetoric as a means to unravel different ideological stances in political discourse. Thus, this paper investigated how ideological beliefs of individuals or groups were conveyed through linguistic expressions to manipulate those of others in political interviews of Nigerian politicians. A total of two (2) interviews conducted by Channels Television were randomly selected.  The data for the study were video files downloaded from the official YouTube page of the Channel Tv station and were transcribed so as to draw out relevant extracts. van Dijk’s 2006 socio cognitive aspects of Critical Discourse Analysis and rhetoric were used as its theoretical framework. Findings revealed that ideology is an individual’s perception or experience of the world. It also revealed that the interviewees in the selected interviews deployed language as a strategy of domination and supremacy by exploiting lexical items and strong imperatives which allow them to impose their views on others. Commonly, it was found that they created asymmetrical power relations of privileged ‘we’, ‘us’ and less privileged ‘they’, ‘them’ through positive self-presentation of us and negative other presentation of them. It was also revealed that certain rhetorical and ideological strategies such as actor description, polarisation, burden, categorisation, comparison, consensus, populism, vagueness and appeal to emotions among others present in the selected political interviews are implicitly used to project different ideological positions of the politicians.