bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primer análisis comparativo de la actividad antioxidante, hemolítica y antihemolítica de extractos acuosos de cinco especies del género hibiscus presentes en Latinoamérica
Authors: Pacheco Coello Franklin Jesús
Published: January 2024

Introducción: El género Hibiscus pertenece a la familia Malvaceae y está compuesto por plantas herbáceas o arbustos que poseen flores solitarias, axila foliar y segmento del epicáliz lineares. Entre las numerosas especies del género Hibiscus la especie más conocida y estudiada es Hibiscus sabdariffa conocida como flor de Jamaica la cual se ha evidenciado que tiene una potente actividad antioxidante.
Objetivos: En la investigación se planteó como objetivo caracterizar y comparar la concentración de metabolitos biactivos y su actividad antioxidante, hemolítica y antihemolítica de extractos acuosos de cinco especies del género Hibiscus.
Materiales y métodos: los extractos se prepararon a partir de cálices de H. sabdariffa y pétalos deshidratados de las especies H. arnotiannus, H. cannabinus, H. mutabilis, H. rosa-sinensis. Para la actividad antioxidante se empleó el método de 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), inhibición de la oxidación de las LDL colesterol y una suspensión de glóbulos rojos.
Resultados: Las especies H. sabdariffa y H. cannabinus presentaron la mayor concentración de compuestos fenólicos y redujeron de manera significativa el DPPH. Así mismo se evidenció en los extractos puros de dichas especies que poseen una alta actividad hemolítica. Por otro lado las especies que exhibieron mejor actividad antihemolítica frente a peróxido fueron H. sabdariffa e H. cannabinus mientras que H. arnotiannus e H. mutabilis sus extractos puros inhibieron significativamente el efecto hemolítico del carbonato de calcio.
Conclusiones: los hallazgos permiten concluir que la actividad antioxidante, hemolítica y antihemolítica en estas especies se incrementa conforme aumenta el contenido de metabolitos bioactivos.
Mechanisms of Action of Flavonoids: Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Authors: Rodríguez Bianca , Pacheco Lirianny , Bernal Iran , Piña Marianne
Published: January 2024

Flavonoids, a diverse group of natural polyphenolic compounds found in various sources like fruits and vegetables, have garnered attention for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This comprehensive review delves into the mechanisms through which flavonoids combat oxidative stress and hinder the growth of bacteria and fungi. In terms of antioxidative action, flavonoids showcase their efficacy by neutralizing reactive oxygen species through hydrogen atom and electron donation, augmenting endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity, and chelating transition metal ions. Their antibacterial effects target both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting key enzymatic processes, and suppressing efflux pumps, collectively impeding bacterial growth, and causing cell death. Additionally, flavonoids exhibit antifungal properties by interfering with fungal cell membrane integrity, disrupting ergosterol biosynthesis, and modulating critical signal transduction pathways, ultimately hindering fungal growth and pathogenicity. This nuanced understanding of flavonoid mechanisms not only holds promise for therapeutic development but also inspires future advancements in pharmacological research.
Editorial
Authors: Maroto Martín Luis Orlando
Published: January 2024

La revista Ciencia, Ambiente y Clima es una publicación de la comunidad científica dominicana que se presenta en formato impreso y electrónico. Desde sus inicios, esta revista ha sido un espacio de referencia para las investigaciones científicas nacionales e internacionales en las ciencias naturales. Su progreso es posible gracias al esfuerzo conjunto de su Comité Editorial, equipo de soporte, el Área de Ciencias Básicas y Ambientales, y la Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Vinculación del Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC).
High Speed and Area Efficient Scalable n-Bit Digital Comparator
Authors: Dhanalakshmi B. , Shireesha A. , Ramya A. , Reddy T. Bharath Simha , Kishore G. Krishna , Madhurima Dr. V.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The digital comparator is a crucial design element in various applications, including scientific computations. It is optimized for general-purpose computer architecture, memory addressing logic, queue buffers, and test circuits. High-speed comparators are essential for arithmetic operations, data sorting, and decision-making processes in digital systems. Area efficiency is crucial in integrated circuit design, as it minimizes the physical space a comparator occupies on a chip, reducing manufacturing costs and optimizing performance. The term "scalable" means the comparator can be adapted to handle different word lengths (n-bit), making it versatile for various applications. This project proposes an area-efficient n-bit digital comparator with high operating speed and low-power dissipation. The comparator structure consists of two modules: the Comparison Evaluation Module (CEM) and the Final Module (FM). The CEM involves the regular structure of repeated logic cells used for parallel prefix tree structure, while the FM validates the final comparison based on results from the CEM. The design is implemented using Tanner EDA in 45nm technology
Intertidal Faunal Diversity of Malvan & Kondura Coast of Sindhudurg (MS), India
Authors: Koli Yogesh J. , Sawant Pravin S. , Kadam Gurunath G.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The distribution and diversity of intertidal marine fauna were collected from sandy and rocky habitat along the coast of Malvan and Kondura beach, Maharashtra, India from January 2021 to May 2023. A total of 37 species belonging to 26 families, 19 orders and 5 phyla were identified. All these observations were made by taking live photographs of those organisms without disturbing them. As crowding of tourists and human activities are increasing, they are badly impacting the natural habitat of the tidal organisms
The Influence of Workplace Well-Being on Employee Turnover Intentions at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
Authors: Darmawan I Nengah Riky Agus , Sihombing Irene Hanna H. , Witarsana I Gusti Agung Gede
Published: January 2024

The high demands of work at hotels and the lack of employee well-being will have an impact on the emergence of intentional behavior and turnover intentions. Workplace Studentwell-being is one of the important factors that is thought to contribute to lowering the turnover intention at the workplace. When employee well-being in the workplace is fulfilled, then employees will feel comfortable and will give their best effort (peak performance) for the organization. The purpose of this research is to analyze how workplace well-being (X) can influence employee turnover intentions (Y) at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. This study uses a quantitative approach with a research tool using a questionnaire on the workplace well-being index and turnover intention. The number of subjects is 100, using the method of purposive sampling. Data analysis uses simple linear regression analysis with the help of the IBM SPSS application Statistic Version 25 For Windows. The results of the analysis that has been carried out show that workplace well-being has a significance score of 0.000 <0.05 and a Pearson correlation of (-0.473), which indicates that there is a significant negative direction of workplace well-being on turnover intention. The higher it is in workplace well-being, the lower will be turnover intention, even though the opposite is true if workplace well-being gets lower, the higher will be turnover intention.
The digital marketing as a marketing communication tool for sustainable promotion of paid services of healthcare institutions in Latvia
Authors:   Riga Stradins University, Gurtina Paula , Bormane Santa ,   Riga Stradins University
Published: January 2024

The article highlights the importance of digital marketing in consumer behaviour choosing paid health services. The promotion of health care and paid services is complicated, dependent on several ethical, legal etc. factors. Digital marketing enables healthcare specialists to demonstrate their competence to potential patients, expand their professional domain, and improve the image of the healthcare industry. But we must not forget about sustainability - ensuring a healthy life and promoting well-being for all society. The aim of the study is to identify digital marketing tools that positively influence consumer choices in the purchase process of paid health services. To achieve the goal, the following research methods were used - monographic, secondary data analysis and quantitative research (survey) methods. The consumption of digital tool changes depending on level of education – higher educated respondents use more tools than lower educated respondents. Irrespective of gender, income and education, respondents aged between 18 and 27 are more affected by digital tools than other age groups. In contrast, respondents aged over 65 are practically unaffected by digital tools, except some cases at a certain level of education and income or depending on gender. The article deals with UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDGs 3 (Good health and well-being). The results of the study have both theoretical and practical significance.
Implementation of project management stakeholder matrix in social enterprises in Latvia
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia, Millere Jolanta , Miltovica Baiba ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia, Rozniece Agnese ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Published: January 2024

Over the past decade, the role of social entrepreneurship has increased rapidly. The driving force of the social enterprises is the succesfull project management and ability to use various tools to further improve the work with stakeholders. Project management, unlike management in general, is a continuous process that has a specific end result that is limited in time and finance and is the key differentiator of project management from management. There are many project management programs and tools available; however, social entrepreneurs are unaware of or reluctant to implement them. It is estimated that there are altogether approximately 300 management tools are availabe in the world (Rudder, 2022). One of such tools is project management stakeholder matrix. The aim of the paper is to determine the awareness of the project management stakeholder matrix in social enterprises in Latvia. To achieve this aim, the following steps are determined: to provide a theoretical explanation of project management in the context of social entrepreneurship and empirically obtained information to identify the awareness about project management stakeholder matrix in social enterprises in Latvia. The paper employed quantitative research - surveying social enterprise project managers in Latvia. One of the tools that helps improve social entrepreneurs project management and achieve project goals is a stakeholder analysis of the project. The knowledge about the project management stakeholder matrix helps social entrepreneurs to increase the security to deal with low use of digital tools capacity in the team and allows better management of the project team.
Development trends and challenges in beef cattle breeding in Latvia
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Skujina Evija , Pilvere Irina ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Published: January 2024

In the European Union (EU), the cattle sector is made up of meat and dairy farming. These sectors are closely interlinked, as a significant proportion of dairy cows are slaughtered for meat. In the mid-1990s, as market conditions changed in Latvia's agricultural sector, the development of specialised breeds of beef cattle began, so the aim of the research is to examine trends in the development of beef cattle breeding in Latvia. Dairy farming is still one of the largest agricultural sectors in Latvia, but between 2003 and 2023 the total number of specialised beef cattle herds in Latvia has decreased by 46.9%, while the number of specialised beef cattle themselves has increased almost four times compared to 2003. The results of the study show, in 2023, the most popular beef cattle breeds were Charolais, Limousine, Hereford and Aberdinangus, and these breeds accounted for 87% of the total number of beef cattle. The beef cattle industry showed a positive trend in the development of specialized beef cattle breeds with an increase in the number of herds of 3-49 and 50-199 cattle in 2023, which accounted for 86% of the total number of beef cattle. In Latvia, beef cattle are concentrated in certain districts in the eastern, western, and northern parts of the country where favourable conditions (pastures) are available for rearing them. Authors conclude that in the future, farms producing cattle of specialized beef breeds will have to review their production practices in order to adapt to environmentally friendly solutions and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Pedagogiska dilemman vid anonymiserad examination och bedömning
Authors: Bergqvist Rydén Johanna
Published: January 2024

För- och nackdelar med anonymisering av examinationer har diskuterats i decennier. Det är inte svårt att förstå varför ämnet har varit brännande och att det varit så under lång tid. Frågan har i hög grad varit studentdriven, både i Sverige och internationellt, och har sin grund i oro för bias vid bedömning och betygsättning. I Sverige infördes anonymisering av examinationer vid många lärosäten för 10–15 år sedan. Åtgärden föregicks dock sällan av diskussioner om eventuella pedagogiska konsekvenser. Senare års  studier av effekterna av anonymisering, tillsammans med kunskaper om hur examination och bedömning påverkar studenters lärande, visar emellertid att en sådan diskussion bör föras. Forskningen har inte kunnat finna tydliga belägg för att anonymisering har positiva konsekvenser i form av minskad bias vid betygsättning. Det finns dessutom risk att centrala kvaliteter som framåtsyftande återkoppling, bedömning av progression, utvecklandet av lärandeorienterade examinationsformer samt en relationsrik högre utbildning motverkas av en examinationskultur som styrs av anonymiseringskrav. I diskussionen som följer argumenterar jag för en viss försiktighet vad gäller tillämpandet av anonymisering samt efterlyser en nyanserad diskussion där studenters lärande står i fokus.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT
Pedagogical dilemmas when anonymizing examination and assessment
Advantages and disadvantages of anonymisation of assessment procedures have been discussed for decades. It is not difficult to understand why the issue has been on the agenda for such a long time. To a large extent, both in Sweden and internationally, it is the students who request anonymisation in examination procedures, and their demands stem from a concern about bias in assessment and grading. In Sweden, anonymized assessment was introduced at many higher education institutions about a decade ago. The implementation, however, was rarely preceded by discussions about potential pedagogical consequences. Research of later years on effects of anonymisation, as well as knowledge about the effects of assessment on student learning, call for a discussion. Researchers have not been able to find evidence of positive consequences of anonymisation in terms of reduced bias in grading. Instead, there is a risk that central qualities in assessment procedures are undermined by an assessment culture steered by requirements on anonymisation. For example, qualities such as feed forward, assessment of progression, the development of learning-oriented assessment forms and a relationship rich higher education are at risk. In this article, I advocate a certain degree of caution when it comes to the implementation of anonymized assessment methods, and call for a nuanced discussion, focusing assessment as a tool for student learning.
Effect of Different Packaging Materials on the Preservation of Juice and Gur of Date Palm
Authors: S Choudhury
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this research is to evaluate packaging materials and technologies for preserving date palm juice and gur for longer periods of time. It is necessary to develop a method for preserving juice that has a long storage life. Three different jars, including a clay pot (T1 ), stainless steel jars with insulation and an ice-cooling system (T2 ), and a stainless steel jar without insulation and an ice-cooling system (T3 ), were used to collect and preserve the juice. Gur samples were packaged in a variety of materials, including newspaper, earthen pot, painted earthen pot, and brown paper. Gur samples were collected from a variety of sources, including gur prepared by SAU-designed machines, contact growers by traditional method, Jashore and Khulna local markets. The findings revealed that juice collected in stainless steel jars with insulation performed better than the other juice collectors in terms of shelf life and quality. Gur prepared by SAU designed machine had the highest total soluble solid and ascorbic acid content, while gur collected from Jashore and Khulna markets had the lowest. However, gur procured from markets (Jashore and Khulna) showed the highest levels of microbial activity and reducing sugar, while gur produced by machine showed the lowest levels of microbial activity. Among all packaging materials, the painted earthen pot effectively extends the shelf life of gur.
The Nutritious Food Mushroom: Cultivation, Benefits and its Diversity and Utilization in Prospective of Ethiopia
Authors: T Abena
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, mushroom is popular valuable food worldwide because it contain many essential amino acids and are thus good sources of protein, some unsaturated fatty acids; provide several vitamins (B vitamins, and vitamin D) as well as the minerals potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Mushrooms can be used as medicine for compromised health and its crude extract products mainly can be used as dietary supplements (nutriceuticals). As they use agricultural waste as substrate for their growth and biosynthesize, they reduce crop residue that cause environmental pollution and heath problem. The fungal/mushroom mycelia involved in bioremediation process and this is referred as mycoremediation. Thus, in general this review defines mushroom, give its historic background, and shows the different types of mushrooms, application in different disciplines like medical, environmental and bioremediation. And also this review describes different medium of mushroom, spawn running and types of fermentation used. Specifically, it also discusses the mushroom diversity in Ethiopia, utilization of wild edible mushroom as well as it discusses the attempts made to cultivate mushroom and the challenges have been faced the business In Ethiopia.
Mathematical Modelling of the Drying Characteristics of Indian Spinach Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: AO Jegede
Published: January 2024

This study employs machine learning techniques to investigate the drying characteristics of Indian spinach leaves. Drying experiments were conducted at varying air temperatures (50°C, 60°C, 70°C) and velocities (1.2m/s and 1.4m/s) while monitoring drying time, moisture content, and important parameters. Artificial neural networks and support vector machine were used to predict drying rate and final moisture content based on conditions. Higher temperatures and air velocities lead to shorter drying times and lower moisture contents, with higher air velocities enhancing moisture diffusion and reducing energy intensity. Nine drying models were fitted, with the Page and Hii, et al. models showing strong performance. The MultiLayer Perceptron (MLP) 3-8-1 configuration achieves high accuracy, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models with the Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel perform well in predicting moisture ratio. These findings offer insights into Indian spinach drying behavior and highlight the effectiveness of machine learning models. The obtained values aid in optimizing drying conditions, and the robust performance of MLP and SVM models holds potential for applications beyond drying, including diabetic retinopathy diagnosis.
Food Irradiation - An Effective Technology for Food Safety and Security
Authors: BN Edae
Published: January 2024

This review will look at the irradiation-based food preservation method. A country’s ability to successfully adopt new technologies hinges on the availability of a suitable infrastructure. Irradiation has a low operating cost and utilizes minimal energy, but it requires significant capital investments and a minimum output volume to be economical. Over a specific threshold concentration, off tastes might develop and organoleptic changes can occur. At low quantities, however, not all pathogens and their poisons will be eliminated. Radiation therapy can be difficult to standardize because the results vary. How effectively the therapy works depends on several factors, including the commodity and cultivar, radiation dose, level of maturity, physiological status, temperature and environment before and after treatment, pre-and post-harvest treatments, and the sensitivity of the microorganisms to be controlled. Tolerance varies with the maturity level. Depending on public perception, regulatory actions, economics, and logistics associated with specific conditions, irradiation as a method of reducing foodborne diseases will be used. Not all foods can be irradiated in all situations due to technological and financial restrictions. Irradiation cannot indefinitely extend the shelf life of fresh food because the enzymes in foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, shellfish, meat, and poultry are still active and resistant to even high-dose radiation. If foods are exposed to too much radiation, they may lose flavor, especially if they are high in fat. Irradiated grains and legumes must be packaged carefully to prevent insect infestations because irradiation does not leave behind any harmful residue that would deter insects. Irradiation produces very little chemical changes in food, and the changes are similar to those by other preservation methods like heat. The application of irradiation technology will benefit farmers whose post-harvest grain lost value as a result of food spoilage, consumers who experience health problems as a result of virus exposure, exporters of such cereals, and ultimately the government, which gains economically from the hard cash generated. It will also benefit firms that package food, extension agents, technical assistants, and researchers. Radiation processing of food has been approved by various international statutory bodies and organizations to ensure ‘Food Security & Safety’, and overcome ‘Technical barrier to International Trade’ and currently is being practiced in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Irony of Urban Food Basket and Rural Wild Edible Resources- A Case from India
Authors: RP Harisha
Published: January 2024

This article sheds light on the current system of urban food gamut, future vulnerabilities, and interventions. Wild edible plants for urban consumers a prospects and encounters for sustainable innovation which creates a win-win situation. The term “Wild Food Plants” refers to non-cultivated wild edible plants gathered from natural forests and agricultural land. It is food for thought as the urban poor population increasing exponentially. It is also a very good alternative and chief source of nutritive food which has been practiced by indigenous people since immemorial. It could be a local substitute for global high-carbon food available in urban markets. Moreover, wild food plants have many ailments aiding in getting nutritive elements locally instead of globally produced food that is alien to our gut system.
Physico-Chemical, Mechanical, Microstructural, and Antioxidant Properties of Chickpea Protein-Based Composite Bioactive Films
Authors: H Sebii
Published: January 2024

Chickpea protein concentrate (CPC) was used in the preparation of edible bio-films. Glycerol and sorbitol, with a different ratios, were used as plasticizing agents. Physico-chemical, microstructure, and mechanical properties of CPC-based biofilms plasticized with glycerol (G100), sorbitol (S100), and a mix of glycerol and sorbitol (G50/S50) were investigated. G100 showed the highest hydrophilicity, solubility, and the lowest thickness compared to S100 and G50/S50. The mechanical properties analysis revealed that (G50/S50) possessed the highest elongation at break and tensile strength. All observed differences were attributed to the interactions between protein and plasticizer which were evaluated by FTIR. In addition, G100, S100, and G50/S50 films demonstrated high antioxidant activity.
Ways of Food Contamination, Its Impact and Prevention
Authors: FA Shaltout
Published: January 2024

Cross food contamination means transportation of bacteria or other microorganisms from contaminated substance to the food. Cross food contamination can happen during any stage of food production. Each year, a large number of people’s worldwide experience a foodborne illness, while there are number of causes, a most and common preventable one is cross food contamination. Cross food contamination as Bacterial cross food contamination is defined as the transportation of bacteria or other microorganisms from contaminated substance to the food. Other types of cross food contamination include the transportation of food allergens, chemicals, or toxins. Foodborne illness may cause by eating at restaurants, but there are many ways in which cross food contamination can occur, including, primary food production, from plants and animals on farms, during harvest or slaughtering of food animals, secondary food production including food processing and manufacturing, transportation of food, storage of food, distribution of food, grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and more, food preparation and serving at home, restaurants, and other foodservice operations, Given that there are many points at which cross food contamination can occur, it’s important to learn about the different types and how we can prevent cross food contamination.
Production of Plastic Composite Material from Both of Agricultural and Plastic Wastes
Authors: HA Farag
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, interest in recycling the products in general has increased. The agricultural waste considers one of the most vital products that the world seeks to treat it. In addition, the danger caused by the waste of the plastic materials raises the concern about need the treat and recycling. The aim of this research study is using a mixture of rice husk and polypropylene to produce a plastic composite with quality characteristics. 27 samples of the plastic composite produced from three different polypropylene diameters (5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm) mixed with three sizes (length) of rice husk (1 mm, 2mm and 3 mm). The composite mixture ratios were 20% and 75%, 30% and 65% and 40% and 55% for agricultural wastes (Rice Husk) and plastic wastes (polypropylene) respectively. 5% of binding material was added to all the mixture composite. These samples were experienced to determine several physical and mechanicals properties. The results indicated that the mixture values of the strength was 54±0.10 MPa found with 3mm, 15mm and 40% with 55% for T1, T2 and M ratio. For the stress, impact, share and hardness the maximum values were 13.5 MPa, 9.2 J/mm2, 52 MPa, and 98 BHW respectively. On the other hand water absorption was ranged from 1.2 to 0.08 depending on the mixture ratio. The x-ray analysis obtained that adding of natural fibres (RH) to the plastic composite led to deformation in the crystallographic structures. Finally the samples were tested to determine the (MFI) and the results showed only the mixture ratio of the composite have a significant effect on the (MFI) and the maximum value was 14.2 g/10 min.
A Perspective Review on Sugar Industry Wastes, Uses and Treatment Techniques
Authors: M Amjad
Published: January 2024

The increase in sugarcane production involves a proportional increase in sugar industry waste. As a result of such a growing trend, the sugar industry is observing severe environmental problems due to a lack of permanent solution for their waste management. Therefore, immediate consideration is needed to find suitable methods of waste management. The sugar industry waste and effluent are the main sources of environmental pollution and associated with health risks. In this paper, various sources of solids and liquids wastes from the sugar manufacturing industry are reviewed. Different effective and economical sugar industry wastewater treatment techniques are also discussed. The sources and uses of some waste like bagasse, bagasse fly ash, and pressmud have also been discussed.
La gouvernance d’entreprise: Un déterminant du management du risque bancaire
Authors:   ERC, Université Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal, Haji Aboubakre , Lechguar Mehdi ,   Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Économiques et Sociales de Casablanca, Adraoui Mohammed ,   Université Hassan II Casablanca
Published: January 2024

The aim of our study is to propose ownership structure and board of directors as two innovative risk management criteria. Our mixed-method approach, combining a qualitative, exploratory study with 7 executives and a confirmatory quantitative study with 78 executives, aimed to assess the impact of these mechanisms on the risk of corporate failure. The results significantly demonstrate the influence of ownership structure and board of directors on default risk. Thus, examination of the interactions between the various players in the governance system reveals a relationship of support and complementarity rather than one of discipline. Our study confirms that the configuration of the ownership structure and the composition of the board of directors play a key role in preventing corporate credit risk. Thus, these results suggest that optimizing these mechanisms may not only reduce the risk of default, but also provide a perspective for a comprehensive and proactive approach to bank credit risk.
Demonstration and Adoption of Integrated Pest Management Strategies for the Management of Pink Bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) in Cotton
Authors: Narayanamma V. Lakshmi , Ratnakar V. , Shiva B. , Vishwatej R. , Prasad B. Ram , Veeranna G. , Reddy R. Uma
Published: January 2024

The present study was carried out in the farmers’ fields of Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India during Kharif (June–December) seasons of 2018, 2019 and 2020 to demonstrate the integrated pest management strategies for the management of pink bollworm and to know its rate of adoption among the farming community. The treatments consisted of technology demonstration and farmers’ practice. During three years of study, the population of pink bollworm has showed increasing trends. More than 10% of the rosette flowers were observed during the crop period starting from 36th SMW and continued up to 48th SMW. The green boll damage caused by PBW ranged between 2.1–19.2 in the demo plot, while the range was 2.2–20.6 in the control. Average population in pheromone traps was 4.48, 5.31 and 5.34 trap-1 during 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. Standard weeks 36–38 (3rd September–23rd September) 51–3 (17th December–21st January) were minimum or no activity periods due to low temperature, while standard weeks, 40–44 (1st October–4th November) were high activity periods during these study years. The population of pheromone traps correlated with temperature and rainfall had shown negative and non-significant correlation during 2018 and 2020, while positive and non-significant correlation during 2019. Cotton seed yield in the technology demonstrated plot was higher (1965, 2055 and 2095 kg ha-1) compared to farmers practice (1607, 1708 and 1725 kg ha-1) during 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. By adopting the IPM strategies against this pest, farmers’ can avoid the yield losses up to 22.3%. Nearly 65% of the respondents had medium level of adoption on management practices for the control of PBW.
Elements Affecting Seed Potato Quality In India- A Review
Authors: Sadawarti Murlidhar J. , Singh S. P. , Buckseth Tanuja , Devi Sugani , Singh R. K. , Kumar Vinod , Katare Subhash , Singh Brajesh , Khambalkar Priyadarshani A. , Samadhiya R. K. , Singh Y. P.
Published: January 2024

Potato has high potential for food and nutritional security. In India, potato cultivation was spread over different states over diverse agro-climatic conditions.  Even though edaphic and climatic conditions are suitable for cultivation in India, national average productivity is very low (24.12 t ha-1) as compared to some of the developed countries in the world. Hence with increasing demand of potato, high quality seed is of utmost importance to increasing the productivity. Quality seed is a critical input in potato cultivation and accounts for about 40–50% of the total cost of cultivation. Most significant constraint in lower productivity is attributed to lack of quality seed tubers especially to small and marginal farmers in India. Varietal purity, seed health, physiological age, prevalence of pest and diseases, change in virus vector relationship and poor knowledge of seed selection and ignorance about Seed Plot Technique are the important aspects which affect the seed potato quality. Pre harvest and post-harvest elements viz selection of variety, area of seed production/climatic conditions, agronomy/ agro techniques for seed production, improving tuber size, rouging, plant protection measures, harvesting, post harvest handling and storage are the important elements which affect quality of seed potato production. Therefore, this review mainly focuses on the above said factors for the quality seed potato production and further enhancement of the productivity.
A Study on the Awareness Status of Health Insurance Schemes: Among the Waste Collectors in Poonamallee, A Municipal Corporation in Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.
Authors: Christella Dr. J. Jesu Arul
Published: January 2024

Economic growth is fuelled in proportion to the stances of Liberalisation, Globalization and Privatization. Waste accumulation made India a “POOL OF WASTE" or Waste generation is a major problem in a city like GREATER CHENNAI. The urban population is on increase, the waste collectors and their helping hand in making capital cities clean “CLEAN INDIA” is indispensable. Growth in the number of waste pickers helps in waste management. Waste collectors are different from Rag pickers. Waste collection is a type of informal work that provides survival to large number of poverty-stricken people in India. They are exposed to toxins and the working environment also lacks protection. There is no health insurance policy exclusively for waste pickers and the available schemes are also not accessed by them. Waste Collectors from Poonamalleee municipality, Thiruvallure District, Tamil Nadu are most vulnerable socially, economically and also on health ground. Socially they are subject to harassment and sexual abuse- Health needs of these people are not met due to poor awareness and accessibility. The migrant workers are worse affected and the fruits of Government Health Insurance Schemes do not reach them. Government initiation is essential to make this Informal Waste Collecting group to enjoy the fruits of Government Health Insurance Schemes and Policy.
Examination of Music Teachers' Childhood Experiences of Music
Authors: ALGAN Cemal , CETİN Abdullah
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This study aims to examine the musical experiences of music teachers in childhood.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was conducted using the phenomenology research design within the framework of the qualitative research approach. Participants of the study consist of twenty-three music teachers working in the secondary and high schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education in the Kahramanmaraş province in the 2020-2021 academic year. The research data were collected using a semi-structured interview form and conducted for content analysis.

Findings: Family, teacher, school, and environment play an important role in individuals' musical experiences in childhood. Participants' tendency towards music during childhood is attributed to their parents’ interest in music and encouragement of music in their children, discovery and guidance of the students’ musical talent, the facilities offered by the school, including an appropriate setting for learning music, organization of the musical activities such as choirs and courses at school, and events held by non-governmental organizations.

Highlights: It is seen that music helped introverted and/or shy individuals socialize by allowing them to express themselves better. It was also revealed that the participants interested in music during childhood were self-confident, happy, and peaceful individuals with a wide social circle and without financial concerns.
The Experiences of The Practicum Dyad: A Meta-Synthesis From Turkish EFL Case (2012-2022)
Authors: MUTLU GÜLBAK Gizem
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The practicum component of teacher education programs and its active participants, mentor teachers (cooperating teachers) and student teachers, have a special place in teacher education programs. With a focus on the experiences of this practicum dyad, this meta-synthesis aims to describe a broader picture of practicum practices in the Turkish EFL context.

Design/Methodology/Approach: It investigates the recent qualitative studies published between 2012 and 2022 through a meta-synthesis

Findings: The synthesis identified three main themes: (1) challenges, (2) expectations, and (3) appreciation of both members, which were further categorized as practicum-based, profession-based, and school-based.

Highlights: The results provided not only valuable data to inform a mentor training program but also uncovered the concerns experienced by all three groups, which should be carefully examined, and necessary actions should be taken accordingly. Through a review of in-depth qualitative studies related to the experiences of the EFL practicum dyad, it provides a broader lens for the practicum studies conducted in language teacher education programs in Turkey and raised issues to be addressed by supervisors, mentors, student teachers, and policy makers, which could also lead to further inquiries for other teaching contexts.
A Multiple Case Study of the Motivational Effects of a High-Stakes Examination
Authors: OZASLAN Gokhan , ÖZASLAN Aslı
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study is to understand whether success on the High School Entrance Examination (HSEE) has a motivational effect on subsequent high-stakes exams by viewing it from the perspective of the High Performance Cycle Model (HPC).

Design/Methodology/Approach: Two rounds of interviews were conducted with eight dyads, each consisting of an eighth-grade student and a parent. The first interview took place approximately two months before the HSEE exam and the second approximately six months after the exam. Interview data were subjected to matrix analysis.

Findings: The research results show that consistent with the assumption of the HPC model, three participating students who scored highest on the HSEE expressed a desire to begin preparing for the university exam because they experienced an increase in their self-efficacy. It can be concluded that, consistent with the assumptions of the HPC model, a high score on the HSEE may provide students with self-renewing test motivation.

Highlights: Based on the findings, it is recommended that students be given behavioral and learning goals rather than performance goals, and the HPC model should be used for students' holistic development so that they can demonstrate their potential.
Investigation of Burnout Levels and Reasons of Teachers Teaching Languages (Language Trainers) to Foreign Primary School Students
Authors: ÇEVİK KANSU Ceren , ÇALIŞIR Musa
Published: January 2024

the Integration of Syrian Children into the Turkish Education System (PIKTES). The study was conducted with mixed method. Quantitative data were collected through personal information form and Maslack Burnout Inventory (MBI), while qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Nonparametric tests were used to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The sample of the study consists of 301 Turkish language instructors from different cities and branches, who were determined by simple random sampling method, one of the probability sampling methods. According to the findings of the research, as a result of quantitative data analysis, it was determined that Turkish Language Teachers were moderately exhausted in the emotional exhaustion sub-dimension, highly exhausted in the depersonalization sub-dimension and low in the personal accomplishment sub-dimension. It was found that the burnout levels of Turkish language instructors differed significantly in the sub-dimensions of the scale according to their views on age, branch and workload, but did not differ significantly according to the number of students. As a result of the qualitative analyses, Turkish language instructors stated that the fact that they were working under the labor law within the scope of PIKTES negatively affected them emotionally and that there were cases where they received negative reactions from their colleagues and supervisors. It was concluded that working with foreign national students negatively affected them physically and emotionally and that PIKTES had a negative impact on their motivation due to working conditions.
The Power of Strategy in Advertising. A Brief Theoretical Approach
Authors:   University of Bucharest, Romania, MORARU Mădălina
Published: January 2024

This study aims to theoretically emphasize the role of account planning in advertising. The main purpose is to persuade young professionals and students interested in the advertising field that a campaign should be perceived as an algorithm, where products, consumers’ desires, sales, or even the creative ideas are not the sole relevant aspects of success. Conversely, understanding consumers’ mentality, feelings, motivation, fears, and reasons for rejecting a brand is the crucial key for discovering the most effective way to build a loyal relationship with them. The paper explains the main concepts that guide every account planner to the right insight, such as brand awareness, brand capital, brand identity, brand associations, media strategy, positioning, and brand loyalty. Additionally, some concepts have been adapted to the Romanian local market to provide a clear understanding or, at the very least, motivation for the strategy. Why is account planning so relevant in the market, especially considering that agencies operate both globally and locally? There is a singular answer motivating the topic of this study, namely the instability of consumers influenced by such factors as technology, market evolution, unexpected desires, social development, and even professional updates
Perceptions and attitudes of the students of Babeș-Bolyai University towards online, face-to-face, and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   Babeș-Bolyai University and HUN-REN Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Geambașu Réka , Szabó Júlia ,   Qualitas Centre, Babeș-Bolyai University, László Éva ,   Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Babeș-Bolyai University, Veres Valér ,   Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Babeș-Bolyai University,, Bogdan Anamaria ,   Qualitas Centre, Babeș-Bolyai University
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory sociological survey conducted at Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca focusing on student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper aims to investigate student experiences and attitudes toward different modes of education. Our research goals were to evaluate students’ perspectives on online, face-to-face, and hybrid teaching activities, to assess the challenges they faced, to group students into clusters based on their attitudes toward online learning and to identify those factors that shape student experiences and preferences. The study utilizes cluster analysis as a methodological approach to categorize students into three groups according to their preferences for teaching modes: (1) ‘Balancers’ (43.5%) favored a blend of online and in-person classes, (2) ‘Onliners’ or ‘screenagers’ (28.9%) preferred online courses, as opposed to (3) the adepts of face-to-face learning (27.6%). In spite of its challenges, online teaching was preferred by nearly 30% of the students, among whom those pursing their master’s degrees and young people coming from lower status families and thus already in employment were overrepresented. Their experiences and attitudes show that these students have indeed developed effective strategies for online education. In opposition to those who preferred face-to-face classes, ‘onliners’ were more likely to show satisfaction with their teachers, more likely to be better equipped for online courses and also to have passed the exams. With these results the article contributes to the scholarly and expert debate concerning the possible effects of the flexibilization of higher education upon students’ access to tertiary education. We argue that for an important segment of the students, online courses provided a valuable chance to pursue their studies which they took advantage of, showing higher levels of commitment and willingness to meet the university requirements.
Self-Compassion Mediates the Relationships Between University Students’ Mindfulness, Dysfunctional Attitudes, and Various Distress and Well-Being Indicators
Authors:   Evidence-Based Psychological Assessment and Interventions Doctoral School, Babeș-Bolyai University, Póka Tünde , Barta Andrea ,   Department of Applied Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Mérő László ,   Department of Affective Psychology, ELTE, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Lóránd University
Published: January 2024

Objective. The current study intended to model the relationships between mindfulness, dysfunctional attitudes, and self-compassion in predicting university students’ various indicators of emotional distress and well-being of university students. We aimed to examine the mediative role of self-compassion and the mediative roles of self-coldness and self-warmth in these relationships. Methods. Applying a correlational design, validated instruments were used to measure mindfulness, dysfunctional attitudes, self-compassion (and its two main components: self-warmth and self-coldness), various indicators of emotional distress (i.e., negative affect, depression, anxiety, stress), and well-being (i.e., soothing positive affect, activating positive affect, satisfaction with life). The final sample consisted of N = 176 university students. The proposed models were tested by SEM (structural equation modeling) using SPSS AMOS 20. Results. The main results obtained were consistent with the hypotheses. As expected, higher levels of mindfulness led to higher well-being and lower emotional distress through increased self-compassion, and higher levels of dysfunctional attitudes led to lower well-being and higher emotional distress through decreased self-compassion. However, the results also indicated that self-coldness was more important than self-warmth in all of these relationships. Conclusion. The results of the proposed current study supported the models for the relationships between dysfunctional attitudes, mindfulness, and self-compassion (and its positive and negative components) in predicting the various indicators of emotional distress and well-being of university students. These findings support the use of self-compassion interventions, particularly those aimed at reducing self-coldness, to improve well-being and reduce distress among university students.