bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPECIES COMPOSITION OF SOY AGROCENOSE PESTS AND CONTROL OF THEIR NUMBER IN THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE
Authors: Rudska Nina
Published: February 2023

The article presents the results of research to clarify the species composition of the harmful entomocomplex of soybean agrocenosis in the Right Bank Forest-Steppe. It was found that the most harmful phytophagous were Etiella zinckenella Tr., Tetranychus urticae Koch. and bedbugs (Miridae). Six periods of development of soybean plants have been identified, which are associated with certain phytophagous complexes, three of which are critical when active protection measures are needed. Depending on the damage to various plant organs, soybean phytophages are conventionally divided into the following groups of pests: nodules, root system, leaves and stems and generative organs. The application of methods and effectiveness of modern chemical and biological drugs and their mixtures against the most dangerous species of arthropods are substantiated. According to the results of our research, we found that spraying soybean crops in the period of the beginning of the formation of beans against acacia fire is the most effective: Dragun, k.e. (1,2 l/ha), Decis f-Lux, 10% m.e. (0,25 l/ha) and a mixture of Dragoon, k.e. with Aktofit, k.e. (0,6 + 1,0 l/ha), the technical efficiency of which was 95,3 and 98,7% (above the standard Zolon, k.e. – 94,5%). At the same time, seed damage decreased by 4,2–5,6 times, and the preserved yield averaged 0,59–0,63 t/ha. Aktofit, k.e., was somewhat inferior in efficiency. (89,4%). When spraying soybean crops against common spider mites, the most effective were Dragun, k.e. (1,2 l/ha), Syntax (0,2 g/l) and a mixture of Syntax, g/l with Aktofit, k.e. Their technical efficiency was 95,2 and 99,7%, respectively (Zolon, k.e. – 87,9%). The saved yield was 0,55 and 0,66 t/ha.
Economic Implications of COVID-19 in African Countries: Looking Beyond the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Moyo Tafadzwa , Keith Tichaona Tashu
Published: February 2023

Economic development or growth is interlinked with socio-political outcomes in any government. The outbreak of the COVID-19, a health crisis, across the globe coupled with policy responses formulated to address the spread of the disease has had greater implications for the economic trajectory of developing countries in Africa. This research paper is built upon a qualitative research design of data collection to explore the contextual and structural factors that further expose African countries to become more vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper further goes to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on African economies as well as assessing possible strategies that can be adopted towards economic recovery through documentary analysis. Data collected from journal articles, financial reports, newspaper articles and books was analyzed through thematic means to derive meanings and relationships across the data set. The study established that the pandemic resulted in a decline in Foreign Direct Investments, Development Assistance Funds, and decline in household incomes, lost productivity (low levels of GDP) and high debt deficit among other challenges. The study indicates that African countries have to look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to identify possible strategies towards spurring economic development. In the same light, developing countries ought to also address context specific challenges like corruption hindering effective economic growth. The study recommends developing countries to diversify their revenue sources, digitize tax systems and introduce fiscal policies towards addressing COVID-19 effects.
Edukasi Kanker Serviks (Skrining, Diagnosa dan Pencegahan)
Authors: Baroroh Ida
Published: February 2023

Cervical Cancer is a malignant tumor that grows inside the cervix (the lowest part of the uterus attached to the top of the vagina) that usually affects women aged 35-55 years. Lack of knowledge and public awareness about the dangers of cervical cancer increases the incidence of the disease in Indonesia. Government efforts in tackling cervical cancer include HPV vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer, but it is not yet possible to provide it to all women for free. Therefore, it is necessary to educate various lines of society, not only housewives but working mothers and husbands must be exposed to information about cervical cancer so that symptoms can be detected as early as possible and improve a healthy lifestyle as a prevention of cancer. The purpose of this community service is to increase mothers' knowledge about Cervical Cancer Education (Screening, Diagnosis and Prevention). The health education methods carried out are (1) Socialization and Licensing (2) Conduct Affirmation and Pre Test (3) Conduct health education on Cervical Cancer Education (Screening, Diagnosis and Prevention) (4) Evaluation of the results of health education activities with Post Test. The results of this health education can increase participants' knowledge and understanding of the importance of reproductive health and Cervical Cancer Education (Screening, Diagnosis and Prevention), so that they can better maintain their reproductive health and prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer in reproductive age mothers.
“FAMILY CHRONICLE” IN ENGLISH LITERARY CRITICISM
Authors:   Doctor of Philosophy in philological sciences (Ph.D.), Lecturer, Uzbekistan State University of World Languages, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Lokteva Nadejda
Published: February 2023

The article explores the meaning of the genre of literature ‘family saga’ in modern American literary criticism. The general meaning of ‘Family saga’ gives us a definition that this genre chronicles represent the way of life and traditions of a family or several related or interconnected families over some time. The article aims to present traditions that are emerging, evolving, and how they are handed on over time. ‘Family saga’ gives us glimpses beyond the daily struggles of life in ways that resonate with our deepest connections to our own families. The article has an analytical and historical approach to the study of these novels. The scientific novelty of the research work lies in the aspects forming family values of American families who lived in the period under review are compared, as every literary family has its secrets and stories that can be difficult and heartrending. The article examines the question posed in world literary studies about the genre of family chronicle, the peculiarities of its principles in general, and individual families in particular. The study reveals a peculiar form of a story about the life of a particular society.
LINGUOCULTUROLOGICAL RESEARCH OF ARTISTIC VISUAL MEANS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES
Authors:   Assistant, Department of Teaching languages, Fergana Polytechnic Institute, Fergana, Uzbekistan, Mohiraxon Parpiyeva
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the issue of the comparative-typological study of the status of artistic means in linguistics, their linguocultural bases, structural-semantic and communicative-pragmatic aspects on the example of English and Uzbek languages.
Remuneration Packages of Executive Directors and Financial Performance of Money Deposit Banks: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Okpo Sunday Asukwo , Eshiet Udeme Enobong , Emenyi Emmanuel Okon
Published: February 2023

The robust and expensive lifestyles of bank executive directors have drawn negative criticisms stakeholders in the banking sector. This was particularly so when the performance of such banks were not at par with their lifestyles. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the effect of pay packages offered to executive directors on the financial performance of deposit money banks. The main objective of the study was to determine whether compensations packages made to the executive directors in deposit money banks are able to motivate them to better productivity. Executive compensation was proxied by cash, bonus, stock and perquisites of office compensation. The dependent variable was proxied by return on liquid asset. The study used ex-post facto research design. Data were extracted from the financial statements of five randomly selected deposit money banks in Nigeria for years 2015 to 2019. The data were analysed with correlation and regression models and SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data. The results of analysis show that the return on liquid asset were significant and positively related to various proxies of executive compensation. However, though the result shows a positive relationship between cash compensation and return on liquid asset, it was not significant. The study concluded that compensation packages made to the executive is significantly related to the financial performance of deposit money banks. The study recommends amongst others that a uniform compensation packages be developed for all deposit money banks by the regulatory authority in Nigeria.
Employee Well-Being: Recognition and Non-Academic Staff Performance in Select Federal Universities, South-South Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria
Authors: Okon Mercy G.D. , John Nsikan E. , Imagha Orok
Published: February 2023

Employee recognition has become essential aspect of employee well-being in work place worldwide. This is so, as it affects performance of employees in organisations. The researcher investigated, the extent which employee well-being variable, recognition affect performance of non-academic staff (PNAS) in select Federal Universities, South-South geo-political zone, Nigeria. A survey research design was employed for this study. Hypothesis was developed to guide the study. The population of 19649 non-academic staff was used. Sample size of 392 was determined from Taro Yamane method. Data were collected from structured questionnaire. Stratified and random sampling technique were adopted. Useable instruments of 380 were returned. This was analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. The findings indicated that a relationship existed between employee recognition and performance in terms of commitment. The results also revealed that positive and significant relationship existed between employee well-being: recognition with Beta coefficients (β) value of 0.444, at P<0.000). In conclusion, employee well-being and recognition had significant and positive effect on staff performance. It is recommended that universities should establish and maintain work culture that acknowledges employees’ achievement openly among peers, to motivate employees for superior performance.
Executive Compensation and Bank Performance in Nigeria
Authors: Omotola Akinwale Oluwafemi
Published: February 2023

This study provides empirical evidence on executive compensation and bank performance. The objective of this study is to examine the influence director compensation, CEO compensation, chairman’s compensation and CEO ownership on bank performance. This study employed a quantitative and longitudinal research design in which secondary data were collected from the quoted banks in the Nigeria Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2016. Multiple regression technique, descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation matrix, Variance Inflation Factor for multicollinearity and Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey Heteroskedasticity test for heteroskedasticity in the regression results the data analysis are performed using EViews 8.0 econometric software. The empirical results show that director compensation has a negative and insignificant influence on bank performance measured by return on equity, CEO compensation has a positive and a significant influence on bank performance, chairman compensation has a negative and a significant influence on bank performance, CEO ownership has a positive and insignificant influence on bank performance while the control variable, firm size has positive and insignificant influence on bank performance. The study recommended that quoted companies in Nigeria should be more concern of CEO ownership and compensation as it had a negative impact on the performance of the organization. The study recommends that quoted banks in Nigeria should be more concern of chairman’s compensation due to it negative influence on bank performance. The study also suggests that remuneration drive CEO motivation to enhance performance.
Management Development Training Needs Assessment of Public Senior High School Heads in Ghana
Authors: Gabriel-Wettey Francis Kwesi Nsakwa
Published: February 2023

This study sought to assess the Management Development Training (MDT) needs of public Senior High Schools (SHSs) heads in the Central Region of Ghana. The study took place in three districts of Ghana’s Central Region: Effutu Municipality, Awutu-Senya West, and Gomoa East. Mixed methods approach (MMA) based on explanatory sequential mixed methods design was adopted for the study. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire distributed to 280 public SHS teachers using a simple random sampling technique. Also, semi-structured interview schedule was used to gather primary data from seven school heads and three district training officers (DTOs) using purposive and census sampling techniques respectively. Document analysis was used to access relevant secondary data. SPSS (24.0) was used in the data analysis process. Demographic features were described using descriptive statistics. Data obtained through interviews and questionnaires were analysed by identifying patterns and themes from participants’ responses. The findings indicated that SHS heads needed MDT in ICT, financial management, academic management, and HRM to efficiently and effectively run schools and influence school heads performance. The study concluded that MDT needs assessment have positive impact on school heads. The study recommends detailed needs assessment should be conducted before any training
Prospects of Online Teaching and Learning in Nigeria
Authors: Douglas O. Nwaokugha , Henry W. Wogonwu
Published: February 2023

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has great impacts on the education industry so much that it has introduced revolutionary trends into the education industry that have potentials to usher in fundamental and desirable changes. The desirable impressions of coronavirus in the education landscape are so visible that many stakeholders pray that it will be unthinkable for any reasonable state to return to the practices in the education industry prior to the coronavirus pandemic. One desirable change brought about by the coronavirus pandemic is online teaching and learning. Using the philosophical methodology, this paper discusses the prospects of online teaching and learning. The paper establishes that online teaching and learning is advantageous to teacher, learners and administration of educational institutions. It helps to improve the professional development of the teacher and through this way grows the teaching profession, enables teachers and learners to revisit what had been taught and learnt, makes teaching and learning more flexible and more convenient for both the teacher and the learners, saves cost for management, enhances effective documentation by management. The paper among other things recommends that the sense of collaboration the education industry witnessed during this period should be sustained and teacher education should be repositioned to integrate those revolutionary changes popped up during this period into the curriculum of teacher education institutions.
Examination Malpractice in State Owned Institutions of Higher Learning, Causes and Remedies: A Study of Some Selected States in The North Eastern, Nigeria
Authors: Jibrin Hassan , Ibrahim Shehu
Published: February 2023

The paper investigated examination malpractices in state owned institutions of higher learning in the north-eastern geo-political zone, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised of staff and students of three (3) selected institutions of higher learning from nine (9) states in the north-east geo-political zone, Nigeria.
Contributions of the School in Teaching and Learning of Norms and Values in Nigeria
Authors: Anyanwu Jerome , Iderima E. Christian
Published: February 2023

The paper examined the contributions of the school as an agent of socialization in the teaching and learning of norms and values which are two essential ingredients that can make a society secure and safe. It is revealed in the paper that, the current status of high crime waves as witnessed in society (i.e youth restiveness, examination malpractice, bribery and corruption, human trafficking drug abuse, banditry, kidnappings) among others, could be minimised if not eradicated when the school effectively and efficiently contributes its role. Teaching democratic principles such as: rule of laws, due process, liberty, peaceful coexistence, tolerance, teaching the need to appreciate the virtue of hard work as against the get rich quick syndrome among others, are some of the ways the school contributes to the teaching and learning of norms and values in Nigerian.
Conversational Skills, Speech Production and Academic Achievement Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Special Needs Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ajemba Marvis , Chujor Chujor J.
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the relationship between conversational skills, speech production and academic achievement among children with autism spectrum disorder in special needs schools. The study adopted a correlational survey design. Four research questions and four corresponding hypotheses were raised and formulated to guide the study. The population for this study consists of all 80 male and female pupils diagnosed with ASD in seven special needs schools in Rivers State. The research instrument that was used in this study is a modified four-point Likert type scale questionnaire titled “Conversational Skills, Speech Production and Academic Achievement Questionnaire” (CSSPAAQ). Cronbach Alpha statistics was used to estimate the reliability of the instrument and the reliability coefficients of 0.81 for conversational skills, 0.70 for speech production and 0.92 for academic achievement were obtained. Data was collected and analysed using simple regression while t-test and beta value associated with simple regression was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. From the data analyzed, it was found that conversational skills and speech production are significantly related to academic achievement among children with ASD in special needs schools. Based on these findings the following recommendations were made: Counsellors, teachers, school administrators and caregivers of children with ASD should encourage conversational skills by supplementing intervention strategies that draw from a variety of theories and involve varying degrees of adult-directed activities with child-centered activities in order to increase interaction and generalization of learnt skills to new settings and communication partners; and teachers, caregivers, and parents of children with ASD should encourage speech production by engaging the use of video modelling technique in teaching and during play activities and everyday routines to encourage the use of new words in different contexts.
Exhibition, Selective Dissemination of Information and Students’ Patronage of Library Information Services in Tertiary Institutions in Akwa Ibom State
Authors: Obi Hilda Eno
Published: February 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of exhibition, selective dissemination of information on students’ patronage of information services in public tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. The population of the study was all the 12739 registered undergraduate library users in public tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom state for the 2021/2022 academic session. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 790 students for the study. A researcher developed questionnaire named “Exhibition, Selective Dissemination of Information and Students’ Patronage of Information Services Questionnaire” (ESDISPISQ) was used in collecting data for the study. The instrument was face validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument and a coefficient of .78 was obtained. Mean was used to answer the research questions while independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings of the study indicated that there is significant influence of exhibition and selective information dissemination on students’ patronage of information services in public tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It was recommended among others that librarians need to conduct exhibition and dissemination of information in order to improve students’ patronage of library information services.
The Effective a Native Teacher of English Language in Saudi Arabia EFL Classroom
Authors: Abu Majed
Published: February 2023

This research study attempts to find out the best practices that can make a Native English teacher an efficient and effective teacher in Saudi Arabia and the cultural difference that can effect students’ learning process. English teaching by native English teachers is preferred due to their high fluency and proficiency on the language, however they bring their own set of cultural norms and perspectives in the classroom that they value the most. Cultural milieus must be given much attention, when a foreign language is taught, as children are still in the early stages of internalizing their own culture and values. A mixed approach was utilized for the study. A questionnaire on a 5-point scale was distributed to students to understand their perceptions on the effectiveness of native English teachers in the classroom. A semi-structured interview with open ended questions was also conducted with native English teachers to understand how they perform in classroom. Three themes were generally focused on teacher effectiveness, cultural difference, and preferred language in classroom. Overall, the students were satisfied with the teaching capabilities of NESTs having neutral opinions about cultural difference. Cultural barrier was considered as a hurdle by the teachers but at the same time teacher’s nativity was reflected as significant in learning. Where students’ preferred bilingual methods in the classroom, teachers considered the use of mother tongue an impedance in English learning and therefore should be avoided.
Impact of Online English Teaching Awareness among College Students
Authors: Alhatim Odeh Sahmi , Elgoudman Khatmeh S. , Yunus Kamariah
Published: February 2023

Computers and cell phones reaching every house hold in urban regions and spreading towards rural areas, e-teaching can be made use to impart teaching. T.V. and Multimedia should be used for Educational purpose definitely a picture is worth 1000 words. Animation technologies and 3D technologies can be used to impart effective teaching. Many difficult scientific and technical principles can be explained easily and effectively using e-learning methods, 3D technologies, animation and Multimedia techniques. Online Teaching is Integrated Communication Technology in a specified area or field. It is the technological development that reflects the new society and has its place within education. With many new initiatives, Online Teaching obviously has its problems that can be addressed over time. Online English Teaching requires the strenuous efforts of the teacher in preparing English lessons and delivering them online. The English Teacher has to update the scientific knowledge in the use of computers for teaching English. The objective of the study was to find out the effectiveness of Online Teaching Awareness among college students. In the present study, the investigator followed the normative survey method. The findings of the study are that the level of Online English Teaching Awareness among college students is moderate and there was a significant difference in Online English Teaching Awareness among college students with respect to Gender and Medium of Instruction.
Direct Teacher Corrective Feedback in EFL Writing Class at Tran Quoc Tuan University in Vietnam: To What Extent Students’ Writing Performance Affected
Authors: Ky Do Van
Published: February 2023

The study is aimed at investigating the influence of using teacher’s direct corrective feedback on second-year cadets’ writing performance in a foreign language writing class. It is an action research, employing interviews, writing analysis and survey as research instruments, which was conducted with 3 English teachers and 16 second-year non-English major students of Tran Quoc Tuan University of 2018/2019 academic year. The findings revealed through writing analysis that, firstly, the overall accuracy score tended to increase in the subsequent texts, which partially supports the conclusion that the use of direct corrective feedback (hereafter, DCF) may help the students enhance their writing accuracy over a period of treatment. Secondly, it could be said that DCF could be advantageous for tense, S-V agreement and spelling, but it brought few benefits to the use of articles in the cadets’ writings. Finally, through the survey and interview, most students responded that they got significant progress in their writing after the teacher’s DCF intervention. In addition, the students believed that teacher’s DCF improved their English competence as well as their writing performance.
Direct and Indirect Technical Vocabulary Teaching Strategies used by Subject Teachers in a Saudi Industrial College
Authors: Alghamdi Abdullah
Published: February 2023

This paper Investigates the beliefs and practices of the subject area teachers about using direct and/or indirect teaching of English Technical Vocabulary (ETV) items in a Saudi Arabian Industrial college called Yanbu Industrial College (YIC). It also aims to explore the specific vocabulary teaching strategies VTS they use to achieve their teaching goals Methodologically, a qualitative study under the case study tradition was conducted. Six Content Area Teachers (CATs) were interviewed to understand their beliefs regarding the directness and/or indirectness of ETV items instruction and to list the strategies they employ towards this endeavor. The study found that CATs stated that they directly and frequently use the following strategies: definitions, exemplifications and pictures. These three strategies, according to all the CATs interviewed, are used jointly most of the time to present the meaning of novel ETV items directly. Secondly, the data also shows that CATs use most of the strategies to teach directly. Thirdly, some strategies were also reported to be used jointly. The study suggested some educational implications and recommended experts in the area to carry out future scrutiny to understand this topic from different dimensions.
A meta-analysis of Effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy on the Cardiac diastolic function in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors:   Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Liu Gejing , Ren Man , Du Yingshi , Xu Xinni , Zhao Ruoyu , Wu Yu , Liu Yongming , Qi Liang
Published: February 2023

Review question / Objective: P:Subclinical Hypothyroidism(Age over 18); I:thyroid hormone replacement therapy; C:baseline(before-after study in the same patient); O:Cardiac diastolic function measurement by echocardiography. Condition being studied: Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with anomalies left ventricular diastolic functions, however, there are still disputes about whether to use levothyroxine for treatment. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether levothyroxine (LT4), commonly used to treat hypothyroidism, affects cardiovascular indices in SCH patients as measured by echocardiography.
Development Sociology and the Interaction Between the Social and Natural Sciences
Authors:   Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands, Visser Leontine
Published: February 2023

This paper addresses the conceptual and practical difficulties in interdisciplinary cooperation between the natural sciences and the social sciences. The perspective taken is that of Rural Development Sociology of the Social Sciences group of Wageningen University and Research Center. It is proposed to use the term transdisciplinarity in order to better express the fact that the outcomes of integrated projects definitely move beyond any of the disciplines involved. But they can also be sub-optimal from a mono-sectoral or mono-disciplinary point of view. Coastal area development and watershed management are used as examples. In Wageningen, international education is directly related to transdisciplinary research, especially within the social sciences.
Agriculture Diversification in the Mekong Delta: Farmers' Motives and Contributions to Livelihoods
Authors:   Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Bosma Roel , Udo Henk ,   Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Verreth Johan ,   Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Visser Leontine ,   Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Nam Cao Quoc ,   Can Tho University, Vietnam
Published: February 2023

Although specialization is the global trend in agriculture, integrated farming systems have emerged in Vietnam. An important motive was the desire to improve the livelihoods and the diet of the nuclear families; this was evident in the analysis using the household life cycle of five phases. Off-farm diversification was especially important for a new household. At the onset of expansion, the new mothers replaced off-farm with homebound activities. During expansion the farmers increased virtual farm size by keeping more livestock; during accumulation they invested in land or education, and during consolidation old couples adjusted farm activities to their labor capacity. Livestock, including fish, was essential for livelihood. The distribution of goats instead of cattle by credit or by "passing-on-the-gift" was far more effective for poverty alleviation. Technological innovations on the cultivation of rice and fruits, and the breeding of fish were essential for change. The improved food security and reduced cash income from rice after the 1986 reforms pushed farmers to take risks. The farm area and number of component farm activities providing cash determined the level of cash income from agriculture. Farms with at least four flows of biomass between components earned more, demonstrating that real integration improved profits. A minimum area of land in, or close to, the homestead, and know-how are required for an effective integration of components.
The Role of Supply Chains and International Networks in Enhancing the Agricultural Sector's Competitiveness in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV)
Authors:   Technology, Innovation, Environment, and Sustainability, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Wong Larry
Published: February 2023

The expansion of supermarkets in Asia typifiesthe effects of the increasing liberalization in trade and the inflow of foreign investment. The supermarket revolution thus occupies a focal point in this paper which tracks its phenomenal growth in Asia, and its continuing in roads into CLMV – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. Given the significant transformation that this major development is expected to bring into these countries' agricultural sector as well as food distribution systems, the paper examines the growing role of supply chain management. The value-adding potential at each level of the chain will allow agriculture to drive overall development by leveraging on the nations' advantage at the input, processing, wholesale and retail trade as well as international trade levels. The initial successes in Myanmar and Vietnam are highlighted. In the wake of these developments, the paper emphasizes the glaring need to address the issue of how to balance the interests of the key players along the supply chain with that of the national interest, and how to gear up for globalization while also strengthening internal structures and institutions. The challenge is to ensure the orderly and balanced development of supply chains. Specifically, the respective governments would need to launch focused and holistic interventions that would not only manage the supply chains and international networks, but also minimize the marginalization of small farmers and other stakeholders.
Overview of the World Broiler Industry: Implications for the Philippines
Authors:   University of New England, Australia, Chang Hui-Shung
Published: February 2023

Global production of broiler meat has been growing since the 1960s, faster than that of any other meat. In recent years, this growth has occurred in developing countries. Broiler meat is popular because it is cheaper, more versatile, and is perceived to give more health benefits than red meat. In spite of these advantages, the world broiler industry increasingly faces pressure to improve its production methods, with consumers and government citing health, environment, and animal welfare as the areas for improvement. Demand outlook is positive for the Philippine broiler industry because of the continuing growth in population and household incomes in the country. However, it faces threats from cheaper imports as a result of its higher cost of production and its less efficient marketing system. To compete, the Philippine broiler industry must aim for more efficient systems of production and marketing, and the government must provide an environment conducive to productivity improvement.
Book Review | 'E' Issues in Agribusiness The 'What,' 'Why,' 'How' by Kim P. Bryceson
Authors:   School of Management and Executive Director Center for Food and Agri Business University of Asia and the Pacific Pasig City, Philippines, Dy Rolando
Published: February 2023

The book is one of the few notable books on agribusiness that I came across in recent years. Kim Bryceson has vast experience in the agribusiness and energy sectors. She is a Senior Lecturer in Agribusiness from the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. UQ is one of her country's sandstone universities while Queensland is an agribusiness region.
The Transformation of Food Retail in the Philippines
Authors:   University of the Philippines Mindanao, Romo Glory Dee , Digal Larry ,   School of Management, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Reardon Thomas ,   Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University
Published: February 2023

From a small base by the end of the 1990s, modern retail (the chains selling at least some food) in the Philippines grew very rapidly in the 2000s, at thrice the rate of the country's GDP growth. Reaching 13 billion USD of overall sales by 2010, 5.25 billion USD of this amount came from food sales. While much of the policy debate about market development focuses on export markets, we will show that supermarkets in the Philippines already sell twice the value (volume priced at export prices) of food that is exported – and modern retail is growing faster. Modern retail has reached 45 percent of urban food retail – already beyond the share of the middle class in the population, and about 35 percent of the national food market – from a tiny fraction of that figure two decades ago. Modern food retail is itself rapidly transforming – with a rise of fresh produce sales, industry concentration, format diversification off-mall into formats that permit greater market penetration, and emerging procurement system modernization. While traditional food retail (and even most aspects of modern food retail) in the Philippines track international experience, the lack of major foreign presence even after retail foreign direct investment (FDI) liberalization in 2000 is a puzzle about which we present hypotheses. Given the already large and increasing importance of food retail modernization in the Philippines, this theme should enter the agrifood research mainstream and be the subject of systematic field surv
Impact of Water Management on Agricultural Production
Authors:   Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Quaid-e-Azam University Campus, Haq Rashida , Shafique Saima ,   NUML
Published: February 2023

This paper explores the impact of water management on output, labor, and capital growth for an agriculture-based developing economy like Pakistan. According to empirical findings, capital stock and labor force in the agriculture sector significantly affect output growth. Improvement of capital stock in the form of mechanization, improved seeds, fertilizers and pesticides on one hand, and labor force skills, techniques and management, on the other hand, will bring positive and significant impact on agricultural output. Any improvement in policy management by authorities will enhance agricultural production manifold. Water at farm gate, tube wells, and access to credit of farmers increase agricultural output by enhancing the productivity of capital and labor. Proper water management will result in efficient allocation of resources and has an indirect positive impact on growth of output. To increase overall efficiency, an irrigation technology that efficiently uses water for intensive crop production must be developed.
Risk Perceptions, Attitudes, and Influential Factors of Rainfed Lowland Rice Farmers in Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Authors:   Department of Economics, Mariano Marcos State University, Lucas Marilou , Pabuayon Isabelita ,   University of the Philippines Los Baños
Published: February 2023

This study analyzes the risk perceptions and risk attitudes of farmers practicing different rice-based cropping patterns in the rainfed lowland ecosystems of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The Likert scale and Kruskal-Wallis test were employed to assess the farmersâ€™ risk perceptions while the experimental method was applied to determine the farmersâ€™ risk attitudes (i.e., risk averse, risk neutral, or risk taker). Regression analysis highlights the significant factors affecting perceptions and attitudes. Resource-endowed and resource-poor farmers generally perceived various risk sources as moderately low regardless of crops planted. However, on the average, resource-poor farmers were more likely to consider farming as not risky possibly because they had little to lose or gain compared to their resource-endowed counterparts. By source of risk, both farmer groups perceived that farming is relatively risky considering the increasing price of fertilizer and environmental factors (e.g., weather), which are beyond their control. By crop, the farmers considered rice and corn as relatively risky compared to other crops. The major crops are rice during the wet season and corn in the dry season. High fertilizer costs and erratic climatic conditions usually burden the farmers during the wet season. Similarly, corn output is badly affected by adverse weather circumstances. Farm size and wealth are the variables that affect the farmersâ€™ risk perceptions. The farmers in Ilocos Norte were found to be generally risk averse. Wealth, age, and availability of credit are important determinants of the farmersâ€™ risk attitudes, but their impacts vary across cropping patterns.
Governance, Institutional, and Pro-Poor Analysis of Cassava Contract Farming in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Authors:   Faculty of Business Administration, Vietnam National University, Tuan Nham Phong
Published: February 2023

Contract farming is seen as one of the measures to facilitate participation of farmers in commercial agriculture, adding more value to agricultural products. Vietnam, however, shows mixed evidence on the well-known advantages of contract farming to small farmers such as reduced cost of accessing the market; access to credit information on market opportunities or new technologies, inputs, and product markets; and reduced price fluctuations. This study analyzed the impact of contract farming on farmers and identified policies that may facilitate farmers’ entry into beneficial contractual relationships. In addition to the literature review, an intensive case study of cassava contract farming was conducted. Data were analyzed using a dual-method approach—governance and institutional analysis and a pro-poor analysis. Factors found to be important to contract farming are extension services, farmer empowerment (technical and managerial), and capacity building of the farmer organization. The results from the study have direct relevanc
Document Clustering in the Age of Big Data: Incorporating Semantic Information for Improved Results
Authors: Haji Saad Hikmat , Al-zebari Adel , Sengur Abdulkadir , Fattah Shakir , Mahdi Nasiba
Published: February 2023

There has been a meteoric rise in the total amount of digital texts as a direct result of the proliferation of internet access. As a direct result of this, document clustering has evolved into a crucial method that must be used in order to successfully extract relevant information from big document collections. When employing the document clustering approach, documents are automatically sorted into groups whose members have a high degree of similarity to one another. These groups are created by applying the document clustering technique. Because they do not take into account the semantic linkages that exist between the texts, traditional clustering approaches are unable to provide an acceptable description of a collection of texts. This is because traditional clustering techniques. Document clusters, in which texts are ordered according to their meaning rather than their use of keywords, have been extensively utilized as a means of overcoming these challenges as a result of the incorporation of semantic information. This has been possible as a result of the fact that document clusters can group together related texts. In this investigation, we looked at a total of 27 distinct papers that were published over the previous five years and categorized the documents based on the semantic similarities that existed between the various pieces. A detailed literature evaluation is included to each and every one of the publications that were selected for further consideration. Comparative research is carried out on a wide variety of evaluation strategies, including as algorithms, similarity metrics, instruments, and processes. Following that, there is a drawn-out discussion that analyzes the similarities and differences between the activities.
Heterosis and Combining Ability Studies in A 5x5 Diallel Crosses of Maize Inbred Lines
Authors: Kamal Naveed , Khanum Saeeda , Siddique Muhammad , Saeed Muhammad , Ahmed Muhammad Farooq , Kalyar Muhammad Tanveer Ahmed , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Mahmood Basharat
Published: February 2023

The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic architecture of five diverse maize genotypes using combining ability analyses. General combining ability (GCA) mean squares were non-significant for grain yield and its related components. Specific combining ability (SCA) mean squares were highly significant for grain yield, the number of grains per row and cob girth while non-significant for days to tasseling, days to silking, plant height, cob height and cob length. These studies suggested the preponderance of non-additive type of gene action for grain yield, cob girth and number of grains per row and additive gene action for days to tasseling, days to silking, plant height, cob height and cob length. The genotypes MIL2020-51 and MIL2020-52 were good general combiners for grain yield, grains per row, cob height and plant height. These lines were the poorest general combiner for days to 50% tasseling and days to 50% silking which suggested that these genotypes had sufficient genes for inducing earliness. The crosses MIL2020-51 x MIL2020-54, MIL2020-52 x MIL2020-53, MIL2020-51 x MIL2020-55, MIL2020-53 x MIL2020-55and MIL2020-52 x MIL2020-55 were the best performing combinations for grain yield. These crosses involved good x good and good x poor general combiners. The reciprocal cross combinations MIL2020-55 x MIL2020-53, MIL2020-52 x MIL20220-51, MIL2020-54I x MIL2020-52, MIL2020-55 x MIL2020-51, MIL2020-54 x MIL2020-51and MIL2020-55 x MIL2020-54 showed large positive estimates for grain yield suggesting that cytoplasmic inheritance also had a role in the expression of grain yield. SCA variances were higher than GCA variances for grain yield, plant height, cob height, number of grains per row, cob girth and cob length which highlighted major role of non-additive genes in the inheritance of these traits. Additive gene action was found more important for number of days to 50% tasseling and number of days to 50% silking
Comparative Toxicant Efficacy of Some Novel Insecticides against Metamorphosis of Papilio demoleus (L.) Larvae
Authors: Mangrio Wali Muhammad , Sahito Hakim Ali
Published: February 2023

The Papilio demoleus is a key pest of citrus orchards found throughout the year. Their infestation causes defoliation, retards growth, and yields reduction. The five insecticides namely; Emamectin Benzoate 1.9 EC, Belt 480g/L SC (Flubendiamide), Helmet 40 EC (Chlorpyrifos), Coragen (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC), and Regent 5% SC (Fipronil) were tested on C. limon orchard leaves against the larvae population of the lemon butterfly under laboratory conditions during, 2020. The maximum cumulative effect of all treatments was observed in three replications. The mortality of larvae and efficacy of insecticides were recorded after 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 hours of post-sprays. The result revealed that Belt pesticide proved with maximum larval mortality (66.64±8.16%) followed by Regent (60.26±0.76), Coragen (59.66±7.72), Helmet (57.14±7.65), Emamectin and (56.18±7.50), respectively. It is concluded that the Belt insecticide provided better mortality % against the larval population. The one-way ANOVA showed significant difference among all tested insecticides at p<0.05 level. After insecticide application larvae reduced movement, skin became wrinkled, thin, and yellow-brown pigmentation visibly appeared with loose muscle concentration by releasing hyper-salivation and semi-liquid frass. Thus; it is recommended to be applied at time interval basis to suppress the population of lemon butterflies
Response of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Different Tillage Practices and Nitrogen Levels in a Clay Loam Soil
Authors: Sanaullah  , Said Ghulam  , Qudrat Ullah Khan  , Muhammad Azeem  , Latif Abdul , Ullah Rehmat , Muhammad Arsalan  , Khan Madeeha , Ijaz Ahmad  , Muhammad Faisal Shahzad  , Muhammad Ehsan  , Eimen Ume , Adnan Noor Shah
Published: February 2023

We can overcome this global challenge by minimizing input costs and optimizing yields by employing appropriate tillage techniques and balanced fertilizer application. Appropriate tillage practices together with balanced fertilizer may be a promising practice of soil management to improve soil properties and crop production. The present study was carried out in wheat-maize cropping pattern (in the year 2019-20) at agricultural research farm of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. The experiment was set up in a split-plot layout with a randomized complete blocks design. The nitrogen levels of 0, 90, 120, 150, and 180 kg N ha-1 were assigned to subplots. Tillage and nitrogen treatments separately had a significant impact on growth and yield characteristics, but the interaction between them had minimal effect, according to the findings. The tallest heights were found in the conventional tillage plots and the high N input (N180) plots, with heights of 101 and 104 cm, respectively. The spikes per m2 were found 242 in zero tillage plots, while the highest number of spikes per plot (265) was recorded in N180. The yield contributing factor number of grain spike-1 was 48.7 in zero tillage, while the nitrogen fertilizer @ 180 kg ha-1 yielded 52, 1000-grain weight of 35g was measured in conventional tillage and 38.8g in nitrogen fertilizer plots. Deep tillage where the nitrogen @ 150 kg ha-1 was applied gave the maximum grain yields, with 3113 kg ha-1 and 3415 kg ha-1, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio of different treatments was highest in zero tillage plots, with nitrogen @ 150 kg ha-1, at 1.65. Hence, it may be concluded from the study that both tillage and nitrogen levels influenced the agronomic properties of wheat, influenced the economics of farmers, and soil fertility.