bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Implementation of Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development (CPD): The Role of Teachers’ Personal Characteristics, Perception towards CPD, and Support of School Leaders
Authors: Berhanu Kelemu Zelalem
Published: September 2024

Professional development for teachers propels schools to excellence and contributes to school growth. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of teachers’ personal characteristics, perception towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and support of school leaders in the implementation of teachers’ CPD at Finote Selam town secondary school in Ethiopia. To accomplish this, Ecological Theory served as a theoretical lens, and a convergent parallel mixed design was used. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 304 teachers selected using a comprehensive sampling strategy, as well as 11 interviewers. As findings, teachers’ implementation of CPD has no correlation with age, length of service, and perception of teachers towards CPD. However, there is a significant, strong, and positive relationship between teachers’ implementation of CPD and school leaders’ contribution to CPD. The support of school leaders explains 39.6 % of the total variance of teachers' CPD implementation. Finally, lack of good school culture among use in professional development activities, lack of commitment, lack of funding, and lack of common understanding related to CPD were the most prominent challenges affecting teachers’ implementation of CPD. The findings provide theoretical implications to the literature and practical implication to educational institution leaders by identifying the main challenges of teachers in the implementation of CPD.
Pengaruh model LSQ berbantuan video terhadap kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis Siswa
Authors: Susilawati Siska , Fitri Amalia
Published: September 2024

Rendahnya pemahaman konsep matematika Siswa dapat dipengaruhi oleh media dan model yang diterapkan Guru dalam proses pembelajaran matematika. Oleh karena itu, dalam proses pembelajaran diupayakan menggunakan media dan model pembelajaran yang tepat sehingga siswa lebih mudah dalam memahami konsep yang dipelajari. Salah satu alternatif yang dapat digunakan yaitu menggunakan model Learning Start with a Question (LSQ) dengan bantuan media video. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui apakah kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis yang dimiliki Siswa ketika diajar dengan model LSQ berbantuan video lebih tinggi jika dibandingkan model Problem-Based Learning (PBL) yang ada di SMK Gondang. Populasi pada penelitian ini yaitu Siswa kelas X TKRO, dengan X TKRO 2 sebagai kelas eksperimen dan X TKRO 1 sebagai kelas kontrol. Pendekatan kuantitatif digunakan dalam penelitian ini dan jenis penelitiannya adalah quasi-experimental design. Desain yang digunakan penelitian ini adalah nonequivalent posttest-only control group design. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan tes, sedangkan analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji independent sample t-test. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini, diperoleh bahwa nilai thitung (2,515) > ttabel (1,997) maka H1 diterima. Dengan demikian disimpulkan kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis Siswa yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan model LSQ berbantuan video lebih baik dibandingkan Siswa yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan model PBL.
Cuantificación y categorización de la pérdida de suelo por erosión hídrica en la cuenca del arroyo Santa María, Corrientes, Argentina
Authors: Ybarra Diego D. , Kurtz Ditmar B.
Published: September 2024

Se analizó la cuenca de llanura del arroyo Santa María (centro-norte de la provincia de Corrientes, Argentina). El objetivo fue evaluar y categorizar la degradación de suelos mediante la estimación cuantitativa de erosión hídrica potencial (Ap) y actual (A), utilizando un entorno SIG. Se seleccionaron sitios mediante tipos, usos y manejos de suelos, resultando en 21 sitios de evaluación. Se realizó la correlación entre los factores de erodabilidad del suelo (K), el efecto de la longitud (L) y la pendiente (S) y la Ap. Los cálculos de Ap para cada sitio en la cuenca indicaron que el 73% de la variación de la Ap está explicada por los valores de K, mientras que los valores del grado y longitud de pendiente explican el 54%. Al calcular Ap, el 65,96% de la superficie de la cuenca (42161,9 ha) se clasificaron como moderadamente baja, significando pérdidas de suelo entre 20-50 Mg.ha-1.año-1. El cálculo de la pérdida de suelo por erosión hídrica actual para cada sitio evaluado permitió evidenciar que el 79% de la cuenca del arroyo Santa María presenta pérdidas de suelos Muy Bajas (inferiores a 10 Mg.ha-1.año-1).
Potencial apícola de Corrientes: producción de mieles monoflorales de origen exótico
Authors: Kühbacher Brigitte M. E. , Sobrado Sandra V. , Salgado Laurenti Cristina R.
Published: September 2024

Corrientes es una de las provincias del Nordeste Argentino emergentes en la producción apícola. Con el objetivo de aportar a la definición del perfil del tipo de miel de la zona, se realizaron estudios integrados sobre 19 muestras del periodo apícola 2020-2021, provistas por la Cooperativa CAEMC Ltda. Se efectuaron análisis cuali- y cuantitativos según técnicas convencionales de Melisopalinología y determinación de parámetros fisicoquímicos de rutina para la comercialización de mieles. Mediante la aplicación de herramientas SIG y Sensores Remotos, se calcularon los índices NDVI, NBR y dNBR en torno a tres apiarios seleccionados del Departamento Monte Caseros. Se determinaron mieles monofloras de Eucalyptus sp., de Citrus sp. y polifloras de especies nativas con eucalipto como polen secundario. Las familias botánicas mejor representadas fueron Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae y Euphorbiaceae; siendo el 90% de los taxa nativos y el 10% restante exóticos. Los indicadores polínicos acompañantes están representados por especies nativas del NEA, principalmente arbóreas. Según el contenido de polen absoluto, las muestras fueron clasificadas como clase II, III y IV. Los valores de parámetros fisicoquímicos obtenidos se corresponden a los establecidos en el Código Alimentario Argentino. No se evidenció una relación directa entre las categorías de mieles, su origen botánico y los parámetros fisicoquímicos evaluados. Con los resultados de SIG y teledetección se logró una aproximación de la caracterización global del uso del suelo, estado de la vegetación y calidad de recuperación de la cobertura verde, luego de eventos de incendio/quemas.
PELATIHAN MINDFULNESSS-BASED COGNITIVE COUNSELING PADA GURU BIMBINGAN DAN KONSELING
Authors: Satrianta Hengki , Alfalathi Siti Aminah , Suryaman Neng Triyaningsih
Published: September 2024

Dewasa ini teknik-teknik dalam konseling berkembang pesat. Hal ini belum mampu diakomodir oleh guru Bimbingan dan Konseling mengingat keterbatasan yang dimiliki. Salah satu teknik dalam konseling yang dapat dikatakan belum begitu terkenal di kalangan guru Bimbingan dan Konseling yakni Mindfulnesss-Based Cognitive Counseling. Teknik ini merupakan kombinasi dari teknik terapi kognitif perilaku dengan mindfulness-based stress reduction, di mana Mindfulnesss-Based Cognitive Counseling berfokus pada kesadaran penuh terhadap pikiran manusia. Dalam berbagai literatur teknik ini cocok digunakan dalam penanganan masalah-masalah psikologis seperti kecemasan, stres, depresi, trauma, dan sejenisnya. Masalah utamanya adalah belum semua guru Bimbingan dan Konseling mampu melakukan teknik ini. Untuk itu dilakukan kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat untuk memberikan pelatihan Mindfulnesss-Based Cognitive Counseling bagi guru BK dengan harapan agar guru Bimbingan dan Konseling mampu mengoperasionalkan teknik ini dalam konteks kinerjanya. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan di Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) Negeri 15 Jakarta melalui workshop. Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilakukan melalui tahap perencanaan, tahap kegiatan, dan tahap evaluasi dan tindak lanjut. Hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah a) peserta mampu konsep teori dan praksis Mindfulnesss-Based Cognitive Counseling, b) peserta mampu mengoperasionalkan Mindfulnesss-Based Cognitive Counseling dalam beberapa penanganan kasus tertentu, dan c) direkomendasikan agar kegiatan serupa dilakukan dalam mengembangkan kompetensi profesional guru Bimbingan dan Konseling.
PELATIHAN AKUNTANSI DALAM PERHITUNGAN HPP DAN LABA PENJUALAN ANEKA OLAHAN KERIPIK KENTANG DI PKK KELURAHAN CIRACAS JAKARTA TIMUR
Authors: Zeinora Zeinora , Hapsari Fadjriah , Widati Endah , Safitri Inda
Published: September 2024

PKK sebagai organisasi kemasyarakatan yang memberdayakan wanita untuk turut berpartisipasi dalam pembangunan Indonesia khususnya didalam masyarakat dalam satu rukun warga. Dengan timbulnya rasa kesadaran untuk meningkatkan keuangan keluargayang dimotori ibu ibu PKK Pokja 2. Menentukan Harga pokok produksi bagi ibu rumah tangga bukanlah hal yang mudah.. Perhitungan dan penentuan harga pokok produksi sangat penting guna mengetahui penghitungan penentuan hpp dan prediksi laba penjualan. Ibu ibu Pokja 2 TP PKK selama ini belum melakukan perhitungan harga pokok produksi secara akurat karena kurangnya pengetahuan tentang ilmu akuntansi. Dilakukannya pelatihan mengenai perhitungan harga pokok produksi dan Laporan Laba Rugi sesuai ilmu akuntansi diharapkan dapat menghasilkan informasi yang akurat dan dapat digunakan sebagai pertimbangan dalam menentukan harga jual produk dengan lebih akurat. Dalam menghitung harga pokok produk perlu diketahui unsur-unsur biaya yang digunakan termasuk sifat dari biaya tersebut baik yang bersifat tetap maupun yang bersifat variable. Program pelatihan yang diberikan akan membantu ibu ibu TP PKK untuk dapat melakukan perhitungan harga pokok produksi secara akurat yang nantinya akan bermanfaat menentukan biaya produksi, memantau laba dan rugi periodik.
PENYULUHAN PEMILAHAN SAMPAH ORGANIK DAN ANORGANIK
Authors: Septariani Desy , Widiyarini Widiyarini , Asikin Iin , Johan Ria Susanti
Published: September 2024

Pada saat ini telah muncul kesadaran untuk menjaga dan memeliharakelestarian lingkungan karena semua masyarakar pasti menginginkan lingkungan hidup yang bersih serta nyaman. Pada berbagai kota banyak yang mencanangkan program hijau and bersih dimana program tersebut bertujuan mewujudkan sebuah kota yang bersih dan nyaman tanpa adanya sampah yang berserakan di mana - mana. Program tersebut antara selain memanfaatkan peran warga juga memanfaatkan peran ibu-ibu rumah tangga dalam mengurangi dan memanfaatkan sampah yang ada di lingkungan sekitarnya. Ibu rumah tangga merupakan bagian dari masyarakat yang paling banyak menghasilkan sampah. Penyumbang sampah yang cukup banyak ke lingkungan setiap harinya adalah berasal dari aktivitas rumah tangga, baik berupa sampah organik maupun sampah anorganik. Bermacam-macam sampah organik danorganik tersebut selama ini kebanyakan hanya dibuang dan menumpuk menjadi gunungan sampah.
Isolation and characterization of a novel nitrogen fixer Beijerinckia fluminensis strain BAUMS11 from litchi (Litchi chinensis L.) rhizosphere
Authors: Singh Mahendra , Kumar Santosh , Singh Dhirendra Kumar , Ranjan Tushar , Pandey Alok Kumar
Published: September 2024

Indiscriminate use of mineral fertilizers has a broad negative impact on soil health. Because of the above, there is an urgent need to search for natural organic alternatives, including using soil microbial resources to replenish soil nutrients for enhanced Agri productivity vis a vis sustainably maintaining soil health. The nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria (NFR) are such type of bacteria which fix gaseous atmospheric nitrogen in the soil and in nodules of certain plant species in considerable amounts that are readily available for plants' uptake and may be considered as a viable alternative source of mineral nitrogen application. The present study was conducted to isolate the most potent nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the litchi rhizosphere. Hence, Five NFR (NFR1 to NFR5) were isolated from the rhizosphere of litchi orchard of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhgalpur, India, based on their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in a nitrogen-free mineral salt medium. NFR2 was found to be the most potent in fixing atmospheric nitrogen (11.31 mg N per gram carbon source)among all the isolated rhizobacterial strains. Hence, on the basis of biological nitrogen fixation ability, the isolate NFR2 was subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing for molecular characterization. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, NFR2 showed the closest sequence homology with Beijerinckia fluminensis and was identified and reported as Beijerinckia fluminensis strain BAUMS11, Accession number MN533953. The study noticeably indicated that the B. fluminensis strain BAUMS11 was found most efficient in fixing gaseous atmospheric nitrogen and may be used for the manufacturing of nitrogenous biofertilizer, which can fix atmospheric nitrogen to the tune-up to 30 kg N ha-1yr-1.
Determining the sound absorption coefficient of bagasse using the Two-microphone transfer function method
Authors: Ole Faith Celeste B. , Tan Emerita M.
Published: September 2024

Noise pollution is ranked as the third environmental pollution that can interfere with communication, recreation, or concentration. Hence, choosing the best materials could be one way to resolve a sustainable solution for noise pollution problems. Materials like bagasse are suitable composite materials for construction. Its natural fiber properties exhibit a good absorber characteristic that would be used for acoustics barriers. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the sound absorption of bagasse using the two-microphone transfer function method. Using two different thicknesses for the samples, 2.0 cm and 4.0 cm, the measured sound absorption coefficients were considerably higher than the conventional concrete. The measurements revealed that the 4.0 cm samples exhibited better sound absorption behavior between the two thicknesses, having a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 40% to 80%. It can be noted that it has shown consistency in the energy absorption throughout the frequency range of 250 Hz – 3000 Hz. Meanwhile, for the 2.0 cm-thickness samples, bagasse's performance is less absorptive from 250 Hz-1000 Hz but becomes more absorptive as it goes to higher frequencies with a peak value of approximately 95%. Also, the material's density and the sample's thickness influence the measured sound absorption coefficients. The result implies that bagasse, a green waste, can be a suitable candidate for acoustic building applications. Its advantages included low-cost materials from renewable sources, non-toxicity, and comparably high performance compared to standard or commercial products. These types of barriers can positively impact the noise level in the areas.
Effect of artificial light sources on the growth of green oak lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in plant factories
Authors: Etae Nursalmeeyah , Utaipan Tanyarath , Ruangrak Eaknarin , Khummueng Weeraya
Published: September 2024

Artificial light sources in plant factories offer numerous advantages over traditional plant production. Optimal artificial lighting systems will provide sufficient light to promote plant growth. Thus, this study aimed to determine different artificial light sources on plant growth, especially on internode length, root length, potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) contents of green oak lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Three artificial light sources were utilized in the plant factory: a fluorescent lamp (FL) typically used in plant factories and two light-emitting diodes (LED): bulb-LED and bar-LED lamps. Alternate periods of 12 h of light and dark were applied to the used factories. The results indicated that the lettuce grown under bulb-LED irradiation exhibited the lowest internode length and highest root length of green oak lettuce, regardless to light intensity and the higher photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) values of bulb-LED at the growing stage. K, Ca, and Mg contents in the lettuce shoot decreased in the order of K > Ca > Mg for all artificial light sources. The highest K, Ca, and Mg contents were 14.77±3.08, 4.77±0.92 and 108.14±9.36 mg/g dried weight (DW) obtained in lettuce grown under FL irradiation. Lower FL light intensity promotes nutrient deficiency, resulting in increased plant uptake. There was no significant difference in nutrient content between plants grown with bulb-LED and bar-LED. The K/Ca and K/Mg mole ratios were lowest in plants grown under FL irradiation. These findings suggest that FL can be used to control lettuce nutrient levels, whereas bulb-LED can be used to control lettuce growth.
Allelopathic activity of Zea mays extracts on some physiological and anatomical features of corn and wheat cultivars
Authors: Ibrahim Faten khaleel , Jasim Iman Radha , Shihab Hiba F.A. , Salih Fula Kaydar Mohamad
Published: September 2024

Wheat is often planted directly after maize in fields following the maize harvest, and maize residues decompose in the soil by various biological factors, releasing phenolic compounds that affect the germination and growth of some crops planted with or after it. This research aimed to identify the effect of Zea mays leaf extract on seed germination physiological and anatomical features of Z. mays var. (Drachma, Mahali) and Triticum aestivum var. (Baraka, Abu Ghraib) . The results showed Z. mays leaf extract stimulated some traits germination (100%) in Drachama at control, plumule length (7.8cm) in Abu-Graib, radicle length (11.6cm) in Baraka at 2%, fresh weight of plumule and radical (0.0113, 0.0148gm) respectively in Drachama at control. There was highest reduction germination (60%) in Drachama at 6% extract [plumule length (1.0)cm, radicle length (4.2cm), fresh weight of plumule (0.0052cm) in Mahali at 4%],  fresh weight of radical (0.00026gm) in Abu-Graib at 6%. There was a difference in response in greenhouse experiments. Anatomical traits of the two corn cultivars differed at 2% and 4% concentrations. The highest increase in germination  (96.7%) was in Baraka at 4%, shoot length (22.1cm) in Drachama at 4%, fresh weight of root (0.254gm) in Abu-Graib at 4%, [root length (44cm), fresh weight of root (0.052 gm) in Abu-Graib at 4%], the highest reduction in germination (80%) in Abu-Graib, dry weight of root (23gm) in Abu-Graib at 2%. Using HPLC, compounds tannic acid, gallic acid, benzoic acid, and salicylic acid were identified from Z. mays L. extracts. The study will help to develop sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, to increase crop productivity and reduce reliance on chemicals.
Evaluation of the agronomic performance of nerium genotypes (Nerium oleander L.) under the Eastern dry zone of Karnataka
Authors: Siddalingappa Manjula Belagihalli , Kulkarni Balaji Shreedhar , Patil Sangappa
Published: September 2024

Nerium oleander is a popular shrub because of its drought-tolerant capacity and least susceptibility to pests and diseases. Despite its widespread cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions, there has been a lack of information on the performance of different genotypes regarding growth and yield parameters. The present study aimed to assess the performance of ten different Nerium genotypes for growth and yield traits. Genotypes were procured from various nurseries in the suburbs of Bengaluru. The collection of genotypes was based on flower morphology, flower colour, the stature of plants, and leaf variegation. A randomised complete block design with three replications was used and 1.2 m × 1.2 m spacing was followed throughout January 2018 to April 2019. The observations were made every 60 days up to 300 DAP (Days After Planting), and there were notable variations in the growth and yield metrics of the genotypes. Five tagged plants in each replication were used to record all observations. Genotype BNC-1 (Bengaluru Nerium Collection- 1) recorded the highest value for plant height (107.33 cm), plant spread (1770.66 cm2), chlorophyll (1.16 mg/g) as well as yield of flower per plant and per hectare (1.85 kg and 12.73 t respectively) while genotype BNC-6 (Bengaluru Nerium Collection- 6) recorded the highest number of branches (45.00). The lowest flower yield per plant and hectare was observed in BNC-6 (0.32 kg and 2.26 t, respectively). In conclusion, genotype BNC-1 exhibits characteristics warranting its consideration for cultivation and inclusion in breeding programs aimed at varietal development.
Comparative metagenomic analysis of bacterial diversity in three distantly related soils in India
Authors: Sankhwar Ruchi , Kumar Abhishek , Kapoor Deshraj Deepak , Gupta Ravi Kr.
Published: September 2024

Soil microbial diversity is a vital factor for the progression of vegetation and biogeochemical cycles in an ecosystem. It is affected by the chemical composition, soil microenvironment and anthropogenic activities. The present study investigated the effect of environmental conditions and anthropogenic activities on the bacterial diversity of three distantly related soils in India. The multiple soil samples were collected from Hospital waste sites (BTC2) with extensive anthropogenic activity, Himalayan forest soil (RM1) with low anthropogenic activity and Tso Kar Lake sediment soil samples with negligible anthropogenic activity with environmental factors such as soil pH, temperature and altitude on the bacterial diversity. The soil samples were analyzed for physico-chemical properties that suggest significant variations in pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature and altitude. The SEM-EDS (Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) analysis revealed the elemental composition of the soil samples. The bacterial diversity of three different soil samples was studied using 16S rRNA sequencing-based metagenomic analysis. The results suggested that the bacterial diversity in Hospital waste site soil samples was higher than in the other two soil samples based on chao1 (richness and evenness) analysis. The Phyla Firmicutes were more abundant in Hospital waste site soil, and Himalayan forest soil showed a higher abundance of phylum Proteobacteria (28.86%) and Actinobacteria (26.70%). Tso Kar Lake sediment soil samples showed the most abundant phylum as Proteobacteria (46.28%). The study suggests that increased anthropogenic activity increases soil bacterial diversity. It may eventually help to develop new approaches for sustainable land-use management practices.
Enhancing sensory attributes of dried boneless siganids (Siganus canaliculatus) with cryoprotectant marinades: Extension program guide
Authors: Jr. Sutero S. Macabudbud, , Silguera Naomi E. , Jr. Rogelio C. Sala,
Published: September 2024

Drying is one of the important methods of preserving fish throughout the world. The study aimed to explore the sensory attributes of dried boneless siganids treated with cryoprotectant marinades developed across these formulations. This experimental study employed three distinct formulations, varying in the quantities of Carabao milk (CM), Carrageenan powder (CP), Calamansi extract, Salt, and Coconut water treatments. It sought to assess the general acceptability of these mixtures concerning color, flavor, odor, and texture, identify the most preferred formulation (F1, F2, and F3) based on a panel of tasters, and examine potential significant differences among the product attributes. Data analysis involved computing weighted means and conducting One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings indicated that F1, comprising 50g CM, 2.5g CP, 5g Calamansi extract, 10g salt, and 500g coconut water, was the most favored in terms of color, flavor, odor, and texture, with overall means of 3.94, 3.90, 4.18, and 3.98, respectively. Furthermore, the results revealed an insignificant relationship between the computed F values and the tabulated F value, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The sensory acceptability rating of the most preferred formulation was deemed "acceptable" with a mean of 4.0. Based on these findings, 50g CM and 2.5g CP were adopted as guidelines for the Extension program “Mugna Kaluwasan”.
First global registration of an isolate producing aflatoxin B1 from the fungus (Rhizopus microsporus) from stored grains and nuts in Iraq
Authors: Hassan Ban Mousa , Alasady Doaa Faik Ali , Neamah Maytham Naser
Published: September 2024

This study delineates the mycotoxin-producing capabilities of Rhizopus microsporus strains isolated from stored grains and nuts. Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1, are significant due to their deleterious effects on human and animal health and their economic impact on vital agricultural commodities. Employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identification, one isolate was confirmed to produce aflatoxin B1 and was associated with R. microsporus. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and ammonia gas tests substantiated the isolate’s toxin-producing ability. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantified aflatoxin B1 concentration, revealing a yield of 395.19 PPb. This study’s findings are unprecedented, marking the first known instance of such isolates producing toxins globally. DNA extraction from fungal hyphae, PCR analysis, nucleotide sequencing, and submission to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database further corroborated the isolate’s classification as R. microsporus. The isolate was formally registered in the Gene Bank with serial number OP205376.1, representing a notable contribution to Iraqi and international scientific communities.
Synergistic effects of silicon and seaweed extract on growth and leaf nutrient content of papaya cv Red Lady
Authors: Mirza Anis , Tejasree Akkiraju
Published: September 2024

Silicon is crucial in the process of absorbing and transporting nutrients to the plants, which in turn helps to decrease the toxicity of iron (Fe), aluminium (Al), and manganese (Mn). Plants can better endure drought and salt stress because it strengthens their tissues. Seaweed extracts serve as biostimulants and are considered vital nutrients for sustainable agriculture due to their organic nature and ability to decompose naturally. The present study aimed to compare the nutritional content and growth rate of papaya cv. Red Lady after being treated with silicon and seaweed extract. The papaya plants were moved to new spots 1.5m x 1.5m apart. A Factorial Randomised Block Design with nine treatments and three replications was used for the field experiments. At 6, 7, 8, and 9 months after replanting, silicon (potassium silicate at 0.3% and 0.5%) and seaweed extract at 3% and 5% were made through foliar application. The study showed that the plant's height (278.66 cm), stem width (174.8 cm), number of leaves per plant (33.17), petiole length (127.3 cm), and leaf length (123 cm) were all higher in T8 (SE 5%+PS 0.5%) than in T7 (SE 5%+PS 0.3%) or T5 (SE 3%+PS 0.5%). A study of leaf minerals in synchrony showed that the highest levels of N, P, K, S, Ca, and Mg were found in the leaves nine months after the crop was transplanted.  Thus , using modest concentrations of silicon and seaweed extracts topically enhances growth, nutritional content in leaves, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, as well as Papaya Ring Spot Virus (PRSV), collar rot, and anthracnose.
Gonadotoxicity due to cypermethrin in Wistar albino rats and its effect on the growth and development of their progeny
Authors: Shuklan Priyanka , Rani Sudesh
Published: September 2024

Cypermethrin (CYP) is a synthetic pyrethroid. It acts as an endocrine disruptor which negatively affects animal’s reproductive and developmental processes of progeny. So, The present study aimed to examine the toxicity of oral administration of CYP at three different doses (25mg, 50mg, and 75mg/kg) on the reproductive organs of albino rats and also on the growth and development of pups. For this study, animals were divided into four groups: Group I was the control group, and the remaining three were experimental groups that received CYP at a dose of 25mg (group II), 50mg (group III), and 75mg (group IV) per kg body weight (BW) of rat per day for 30 days. There are sixteen animals in each group- eight males and eight females. Histological studies of reproductive organs suggested that CYP exposure caused alteration in the structure of the ovary and testis tissue. In females, significant changes in the ovary, such as distorted follicles, loss of follicular stages, presence of antral follicles, damaged granulosa and theca cells, and blood vessel congestion, were observed, while in males, there were alterations in testes tissue damage in seminiferous tubules, reduced number of germinal cells, and reduction in the size of seminiferous tubules. A significant reduction was observed in the number, length, eyes opening, fur arrival time, and size of pups. Fertility was also recorded up to 80% in the 50 and 75mg CYP-treated female rats. The study suggested that CYP exposure caused gonadal toxicity in albino rats and affected the development of neonates.
Experimental screening and selection criteria of natural coagulants towards wastewater treatment
Authors: Dash Swathi , Raj Aman , Vara Saritha
Published: September 2024

The search for eco-friendly materials has greatly evolved ahead of basic requirements encompassing sustainable practices. The selection of such sustainable material requires procedural systematic screening tests to facilitate decision-making. Water and wastewater treatment processes involve several chemicals, and they need to transition from commercial to natural materials owing to their environmental and economic concerns. The present study aimed to select and screen natural coagulants for wastewater treatment. The criteria assessment factors for the present study were easy availability, economic value, turbidity removal efficiency, and reduced sludge generation with high dewaterability. A standard jar test apparatus was used for the coagulation experimental runs. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods. The results presented positive insights into the efficiency of tested natural coagulants, with the least turbidity removal of 83.3% by rice husk at 1gm/500ml and the highest being 96.4% by onion peel at 1gm/500ml. The sludge obtained after treatment with natural coagulants has presented an excellent dewaterability, with the least being 29.17% by tamarind seeds at 1gm/500ml and the maximum being 90.2% by coconut fibre at 1gm/500ml. From the study, was concluded that the screening method promoted the selection of the best coagulant type and dose and reduced the efforts and time needed to eliminate the non-performers.
Prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and serotyping of Salmonella spp. in Zenata and Mansouria regions of Morocco
Authors: Sara Ghaichat , Imane Mahari , Hasnaa Zekhnini , Fatiha EL Mellouli , Hamid Lakhiari
Published: September 2024

Due to their immobile nature and filter-feeding habits, which enable biological particles to accumulate in their tissues, mussels are recognized as vectors of foodborne diseases. Consuming these shellfish uncooked or partly processed might result in food poisoning because of accumulated bacteria originating from the culture environment and unhygienic handling. The present study aimed to assess the presence of Salmonella and Escherichia coli as well as to biochemically and serotypically confirm Salmonella spp. in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) taken from two locations in Morocco: Zenata and Mansouria. A total of 90 mussel samples were collected from October 2022 to August 2023. Two methods were employed in this study: AFNOR NF EN ISO 6579-1 (2017) for the detection of Salmonella spp., and the most probable number method (MPN) using Norm ISO/TS 16649–3 (2017) for E. coli. The number of E. coli varied between 0.2/100 g and 1.7 x 103/100 g of mussels. The percentage of Salmonella spp. detected in mussel samples was 4,4%. Further analysis revealed the identification of two distinct Salmonella serotypes, namely S. kentucky (1 isolate) and S. Typhimurium (3 isolates). This research highlights the potential risks to public health due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria in mussels from two regions of Morocco where shellfish farming and coastal tourism are significant contributors to the local economy.
Poultry manure and vegetables as vehicles for antimicrobial resistance determinants distribution in some Farms in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Egbule Olivia Sochi , Odum Edward Ikenna , Oyubu Obaro Levinson , Odibe Sophia Chidinma , Iweriebor Benson Chuck
Published: September 2024

Antimicrobial resistance has become a major threat to human health globally. One of the reasons for this increase is the abuse and misuse of antibiotics in the poultry industry as a growth promoter. This practice has resulted in the rise of the spread of antimicrobial resistance within the environment as poultry waste is used as manure in the growth of vegetables. With reduced enthusiasm on the part of the pharmaceutical industries to embark on developing new antimicrobial agents in the face of increasing resistance evolution, few options are available in the armamentarium to combat bacterial infections.  The study aimed to determine if domestically grown leafy vegetables and soil amended with poultry manure constitute a possible reservoir of antibiotic resistance and assessed their ability to transfer resistance via conjugation experiment. Twenty-seven leafy vegetable samples and poultry manure-enriched soils were collected from some Delta State, Nigeria farms under aseptic conditions. Standard bacteriological methods were used to isolate and identify isolates, then examined for their susceptibility to fifteen antibiotics and potential for resistance transfer via conjugation experiment. Of the 76 bacterial isolates recovered, 52 originated from vegetables, while 24 were from poultry manure-enriched soil.  Escherichia coli (14.5%) and Bacillus subtilis (7.9%) were the most prevalent isolates in vegetables and soil, respectively. The antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates indicated very high resistance levels in Gram-negative isolates obtained from the soil to all tested antibiotics. The resistance profile of Gram-positive isolates from both vegetables and soil showed ≥ 50% resistance in tetracycline. Also, high level of resistance of between 50% to 100% was detected in Bacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp. to erythromycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates served as donor cells, while standard Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus served as recipient strains. The rate of antibiotic resistance transfer was generally high, particularly for tetracycline (57.1%) and chloramphenicol (61.9%). The high rate of antibiotic resistance transfer observed in this study highlights the risk of MDR spreading through poultry manure use.
Enhancing the biodegradability and environmental impact of microplastics utilizing Eisenia fetida earthworms with treated low-density polyethylene for sustainable plastic management
Authors: Palanna Arpana Pallavi , Sayantan D.
Published: September 2024

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in food packaging and agricultural mulching, but its disposal generates macro, meso and microplastics that infiltrate the food chain and carry harmful substances. The present study aimed to improve remediation strategies for soils contaminated with LDPE and enhance the survivability of Eisenia fetida.  The study dissolved LDPE in trichloroethylene and treated it with starch, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid and acetic acid, initiating thermo-oxidative reactions. The treatment decreased LDPE's crystallinity index from 48.48% to 44.06% (single treatment), 44.06% to 40.02% (double treatment) and 40.02% to 32.98% (triple treatment), achieving a 15.5% reduction in crystallinity. LDPE microplastics with 40.02% crystallinity showed lower mortality rates in Eisenia fetida earthworms compared to those with 44.06% and 32.98% crystallinity and untreated LDPE. When introduced to E. fetida, microbiota in the earthworm casts included unidentified species from Pseudomonas and Zoopagomycota, known polyethylene degraders. Microbial analysis of treated LDPE microplastics showed changes in gut microbiota, including potential degraders from Aeromonas and Malassezia restricta.  XRD (X-ray diffraction techniques analyses) and FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analyses provided insights into distinct LDPE degradation patterns, identifying hydroxyl and carboxylic groups as functional groups. The study also investigated the ability of altered microflora with treated microplastics to degrade LDPE, favouring decreased earthworm mortality rates. The crystallinity index of treated polyethylene further reduced from 40.02% to 23.58% after 21 days of exposure to E. fetida. This research advances the understanding of oxidised plastics' ecological impacts and will help to develop environmentally sustainable and biodegradable LDPE.
Acceptability of Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) fruit extract as an additive for dishwashing liquid
Authors: General Edralin A. , Graham- Wilberforce Lynne E. , Costan Felix C. , Vilbar Aurelio P.
Published: September 2024

Recently, there has been a growing interest in utilizing natural additives in household cleaning products to promote sustainability and reduce chemical usage. Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) fruit, known for its acidic properties and potential antimicrobial effects, presents a viable alternative for enhancing the quality and safety of dishwashing liquids. The present study was conducted to utilize Kamias (A. bilimbi) fruit extract as an additive in the production of dishwashing liquid. Physical and microbial tests were performed to ensure the dishwashing liquid's quality, consistency and microbial safety. These tests measured pH, specific gravity, total plate count, Staphylococcus aureus , and Escherichia coli detection. A 4-point Hedonic scale using a modified sensory evaluation tool was used to describe the acceptability of the dishwashing liquid in terms of appearance, fragrance, texture (hand-feel), longevity of suds, degreasing power, and overall quality. The study showed that the appearance (     3.50), degreasing power (       3.57), and overall quality (       3.63) of Kamias fruit extract dishwashing liquid were liked very much. The texture (hand-feel) was interpreted as liked moderately, with a mean value of 3.47. In terms of fragrance (         3.40) and longevity of suds (       3.20), the Kamias dishwashing liquid was liked moderately. Data also showed that Kamias dishwashing liquid has a pH (7.00 @ 22.20C) in the neutral range and a specific gravity of 1.0290, which indicates its density relative to water. Furthermore, the detected microbial count demonstrated a significantly low microbial load (<10 Est.) as determined by the total plate count data. The absence of S. aureus  and E. coli  indicated a hygienic state, increasing the sample's safety quotient across various applications.
Dye wastewater treatment with rice husk-derived silica xerogel: An eco-friendly process
Authors: Jaturapiree Adisak , Sukrat Kanjarat , Chaichana Ekrachan , Chidthong Rungtiwa , Saowapark Thanunya
Published: September 2024

Removal of dye contamination from wastewater is crucial for protecting human health and the environment, and adsorption is considered an effective removal method. In addition, agricultural residues are attractive for use as adsorbents for the adsorption due to their renewability. Therefore, the present work aimed to develop silica xerogel from rice husk (agricultural residue in rice production) into an adsorbent for dye wastewater treatment. In the xerogel synthesis, a non-toxic organic acid (citric acid) was used instead of a toxic inorganic acid for leaching and precipitation steps to lower the environmental impact of the process. It was found that the obtained silica xerogel has physical properties such as a surface area and pore volume, comparable with silica xerogels in other literature. When applying it in the dye (methylene blue) wastewater treatment, the obtained silica xerogel showed better adsorption capacity than unprocessed silica at all studied conditions, i.e. various times, pH and initial concentration. The maximum adsorption capacity of the xerogel and unprocessed silica were 103.45 and 61.78 mg/g, respectively. This indicates the benefit of silica xerogel with low environmental impact when applied in dye wastewater treatment. The adsorption isotherms and kinetic for both types of silica were also conducted. It was found that the adsorption process of methylene blue on the silica fitted the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. This provides valuable information for optimizing the operating parameters for best performance in a given situation.
Plasposon mutagenesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates illustrates the role of ABC transporter in intrinsic resistance to antibiotics
Authors: Younis Rafal Mhaide , Faisal Rayan Mazin
Published: September 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunist pathogen most commonly related to nosocomial infections. P. aeruginosa infection therapy poses a significant challenge due to its ability to resist various antibiotics currently available. As a result, excessive use of antibiotics during therapy expedites the development of multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa. Hence, this study aimed to identify novel genes involved in multiple antibiotic resistance using plasposon mutagenesis technique. One hundred and ten P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from various clinical sources involving urine, burns and wound’s pus.  An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed to detect their resistance to 18 antibiotics. Results showed that all isolates were resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline, and the highest resistance ras were detected for nitrofurantoin and sulfamethoxazole (99%), followed by amoxiclav, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, and kanamycin (98%). While the lowest resistance rate was towards imipenem (49%). Plasposon mutagenesis was used to detect the genes involved in multi-antibiotic resistance. The pTnMod-Gm was introduced to the recipient P. aeruginosa PA4 isolate via triparental mating using E. coli HB101/ pRK2013 as a helper strain. Mutants were screened for resistance defects by plating them on nutrient agar supplemented with different antibiotics. Two mutants were identified; one (M1) exhibited susceptibility to tetracycline, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime, and the other (M9) to ceftazidime and ceftriaxone. The analysis of these mutants revealed the insertion of the plasposon into an open reading frame for the ABC transporter in P. aeruginosa, which plays a distinctive role in extruding antibiotics out of cells.
Efecto de la temperatura y de la luz sobre la germinación de Nicotiana longiflora Cavaniles y Oenothera indecora Camb.
Authors: Faccini D. , Puricelli E.
Published: September 2024

Nicotiana longiflora y Oenothera indecora son especies de reciente difusión en lotes agrícolas de la región pampeana argentina y se desconocen los factores ambientales que afectan su germinación. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la influencia de la temperatura y de la luz sobre la germinación de ambas especies. Con temperaturas constantes la germinación fue mayor con luz entre los 20 y 35 °C para N. longiflora y entre 10 y 20 °C para O. indecora. Con temperaturas alternadas, N. longiflora presentó mayor germinación en un rango amplio rango con luz, y en oscuridad fue mayor sólo con 10-20 °C. O. indecora germinó sólo con luz en un amplio rango de temperaturas alternadas. La temperatura base en luz y en oscuridad fue de aproximadamente 14 °C para N. longiflora y de aproximadamente 6 °C para O. indecora. A partir de la temperatura base se puede inferir que N. longiflora es una especie con un ciclo de crecimiento primavero-estival y O. indecora otoño-primavero-estival.
Contribución relativa del nitrógeno del suelo y del fijado biológicamente a la economía de la nutrición nitrogenada de maní (Arachis hypogaea L.) en diferentes condiciones de fertilidad
Authors: Castro S. , Cerioni G. , Giayetto O. , Fabra A.
Published: September 2024

La producción de maní en Argentina se concentra en la región central de la provincia de Córdoba, la cual experimentó últimamente una pérdida importante de la productividad de los suelos y una declinación aleatoria del rendimiento de los cultivos. La contribución relativa de la fijación biológica (FBN) de nitrógeno al maní en suelos de diferente fertilidad no ha sido suficientemente estudiada.Entonces, se evaluó el efecto de cepas de rizobios (TTOO2R, SEMIA 6144R y TAL 1000R) sobre el rendimiento y el balance de nitrógeno de maní cultivado en suelos con alto y bajo contenido del nutriente. No hubo diferencias significativas en los parámetros simbióticos y de rendimiento del cultivo entre las cepas introducidas y las nativas, pero se observó una contribución relativa mayor de la FBN en el suelo con bajo contenido de nitrógeno (~58% de contribución) que en el suelo con alto contenido (~27% de contribución). Esta comprobación del aporte relativo de la FBN asociada a la fertilidad del suelo, no registra antecedentes en la región central de Córdoba y debería recibir mayor consideración en el manejo del cultivo particularmente por su localización actual al sur de la provincia, donde los suelos presentan menores niveles de fertilidad. El rendimiento de maní confitería mostró mayores valores, si bien no significativos, con la inoculación en los 3 años del estudio.
Modeling population dynamics of Anoda cristata in a glyphosate-resistant soybean crop under different management systems
Authors: Puricelli E. , Vitta J.I. , Sabbatini M.R. , Orioli G.
Published: September 2024

Se desarrolló un modelo de simulación de la dinámica del banco de semillas de Anoda cristata (L.) Schlecht en un cultivo de soja. El modelo considera distintas estrategias de manejo: ausencia de control, control con la dosis recomendada y con la mitad de dicha dosis y dos espaciamientos entre filas del cultivo de soja (35 y 70 cm). El modelo fue evaluado usando datos de experiencias previas realizadas durante 4 años consecutivos. El modelo reprodujo ajustadamente la dinámica del banco de semillas. El banco de semillas decreció más cuando no se produjeron semillas; en ausencia de control, alcanzó una densidad de equilibrio.Cuando se produjeron semillas todos los años, el modelo fue más sensible a cambios en la tasa de predación pero cuando no se produjeron semillas, la mortalidad de éstas fue el proceso más importante. Las imulación muestra que puede ocurrir erradicación a largo plazo con el uso continuo de glifosato a la dosis recomendada, o con la combinación de soja sembrada a 35 cm entre filas y la mitad de la dosis recomendada
Aspectos biológicos y epidemiológicos del carbón del maní (Arachis hypogaea L.) causado por Thecaphora frezii Carranza & Lindquist
Authors: Marinelli A. , March G.J. , Oddino C.
Published: September 2024

El carbón fue detectado por primera vez en maní cultivado en la campaña 1994/95, y desde entonces se ha observado en lotes aislados y con baja incidencia.Considerando la importancia de este cultivo para Córdoba, y que el 80% de la producción es destinada a exportación, se estudiaron aspectos biológicos y epidemiológicos de la enfermedad. Para determinar sitios y forma de infección (postulados de Koch) se realizaron inoculaciones a flores y suelo y se sembraron semillas parcialmente afectadas y contaminadas externamente. Para cuantificar la enfermedad se monitorearon lotes (prevalencia e incidencia) en siete campañas agrícolas, y se desarrollo una metodología para detectar el patógeno en muestras de suelo. Se concluye que Thecaphora frezii es el causal del carbón de frutos de maní cultivado y que la infección es localizada en el ginóforo cuando penetra al suelo. Los únicos órganos colonizados son los frutos y las semillas,que pueden transformarse en una masa carbonosa. La dispersión ocurre a través de semilla enferma o contaminada externamente. El patógeno sobrevive en el suelo y es posible detectarlo mediante muestreos y observación al microscopio de las teliosporas. La prevalencia osciló entre 9-24% de lotes monitoreados, y la incidencia entre 0,13 y 2,7%; se detectó un lote con incidencia 6,4%.