bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing Rigor, Equity and Pedagogy: The Role of Specifications Grading in Higher Education Assessment
Authors: Jadhav Smita
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the impact of Specifications Grading (Specs) compared to Traditional Grading in a General Chemistry II course. Specifications Grading focuses on student competency, aiming to promote deeper learning, academic rigor, and equity through clear and standardized criteria. In this study, students were assessed using tasks aligned with Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) and were provided multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery. The study found a significant increase in the percentage of students passing under the Specifications Grading system compared to Traditional Grading, with the passing rate increasing from 21% under traditional methods to 56% under Specs. This shift highlights the potential of Specifications Grading to improve student success and mastery of course material. Additionally, a student survey conducted at the end of the course revealed positive feedback toward the Specifications Grading system. Students reported that they found the system to be more transparent and equitable than traditional grading methods. Many expressed that the clear expectations and multiple chances for improvement made them feel more in control of their learning experience, contributing to greater engagement and reduced anxiety. The study concludes that Specifications Grading is an effective and pedagogically sound approach that fosters fairness, promotes mastery, and supports better student outcomes. These insights offer valuable guidance for educators looking to refine their assessment strategies.
Estimating Students' Adjustment Level in Distance Education Using Machine Learning and Resampling
Authors: Alkan Ayşe
Published: February 2025

COVID-19's impact catalyzed the integration of distance education into our lives, shaping a crucial facet of modern learning. Initially, students, educators, and administrators encountered diverse challenges in navigating this paradigm shift. Swiftly addressing these hurdles promises enhanced efficacy in remote education. This research, blending experimental and descriptive methodologies, scrutinizes the "Students Adaptability Level in Online Education" dataset. It aims to assess students' adaptability in distance learning using five distinct machine learning techniques and identify pivotal factors influencing adaptation. Multiple classification endeavors aim to bolster predictive accuracy. Leveraging 14 resampling approaches, 70 classifications per algorithm—both with and without sampling—were conducted, each meticulously evaluated using four performance metrics. The Random Forest model, coupled with KMeansSMOTE oversampling, yielded a notable 93% accuracy, showcasing heightened classifier efficacy through resampling. Noteworthy correlations emerged, indicating that lesson durations of 1-3 hours, reliable internet connectivity, and financial assistance to families correlate with enhanced student adaptation. This study underscores the potential of resampling techniques in refining classification accuracy and underscores actionable strategies for optimizing distance education's effectiveness.
ReadSmart: Generative AI and Augmented Reality Solution for Supporting Students with Dyslexia Learning Disabilities
Authors: Kuerban Yushan , Oyelere Solomon Sunday , Sanusi Ismaila Temitayo
Published: February 2025

Dyslexia is a learning disability that significantly hinders students' abilities to read and comprehend educational materials, posing a substantial challenge within educational environments. This paper introduces an innovative educational system, ReadSmart, that integrates both Augmented Reality (AR) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies, specifically designed to support students with dyslexia. ReadSmart utilizes Microsoft HoloLens 2, Unity3D, and the Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK2) to develop an immersive AR environment. Key functionalities of ReadSmart include Optical Character Recognition (OCR) facilitated by Azure Cognitive Services, which extracts text from images captured in real-time, and OpenAI's GPT-4 model, which is responsible for generating concise text summaries and illustrative images to enhance comprehension. Moreover, ReadSmart incorporates Text-to-Speech (TTS) capabilities to improve the accessibility of content for dyslexic learners. Evaluations conducted through self-assessment and peer feedback suggest that ReadSmart has significant potential in reducing the time required for reading and in enhancing comprehension. Initial findings indicate that this system could substantially improve the educational experience for students with dyslexia. Future research will focus on refining ReadSmart's features and conducting comprehensive trials to validate its effectiveness and explore its broader applicability.
Determining Students’ Argumentation Levels towards Space Research through Astronomy Workshop Activities
Authors: Sogut Seda , Genc Murat
Published: February 2025

In today's world, where technology is advancing day by day and it is easier to access information, developments in science bring along a process that involves dilemmas regarding the ethical and moral values of individuals as well as providing basic scientific knowledge to society. Space exploration refers to a perspective that examines the social, cultural, economic and political effects of these studies as well as scientific studies aimed at exploring and understanding the universe. In this study, it is aimed to determine the effect of astronomy workshop activities on middle school students' argumentation levels towards space exploration. The study was conducted with 25 middle school students in a face-to-face astronomy workshop according to a 10-week plan. The activities in the implementation process were prepared and implemented by the researcher. The data obtained from the research were analyzed by content analysis. In determining the argumentation levels, argumentation tables prepared in accordance with Toulmin Argument Model were analyzed. The findings of the study indicated an augmentation in the diversity of student perspectives on space exploration, a socio-scientific issue that was addressed. The analysis revealed that the astronomy workshop activities designed to facilitate space exploration exhibited a significant impact on the students' argumentation levels.
Web Tabanlı Eğitim Platformlarının Web ve Mobil Kullanılabilirlik Standartlarının Karşılaştırılması
Authors: Bertiz Yasemin
Published: February 2025

Bu araştırmanın amacı, web tabanlı eğitim platformlarının web ve mobil kullanılabilirliklerinin değerlendirilmesinde uzmanlar tarafından mobil ve masaüstü platformlar için ayrı ayrı belirlenmiş olan kullanılabilirlik standartlarının mobil ve masaüstü platformlarda ki web sitelerini değerlendirirken ne gibi kısıtlama ve farklılıklara sahip olduğunu incelemektir. Bu amaçla konu ile ilgili belirlenmiş olan “kullanılabilirlik”, “web kullanılabilirliği”, “mobil kullanılabilirlik”, “eğitim platformu” ve “eğitsel yazılım” anahtar kelimeleriyle Ulusal Tez Merkezi, Proquest, Web of Science ve EBSCO veri tabanlarında alan yazın taraması yapılmıştır. Çalışma, mobil ve masaüstü platformlarda geliştirilmiş olan eğitsel web sitelerinin etkililiğinin, verimliliğinin ve kullanıcı memnuniyetinin en üst düzeyde olmasını sağlamak için belirlenmiş olan mobil ve masaüstü platformlardaki kullanılabilirlik standartlarının neler olduğunu, bu standartların platformlar arasında farklılık gösterip göstermediğini ve farklılık gösteriyorsa ne gibi farklılıkların olduğunu ortaya çıkarma şeklinde tasarlanmıştır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemi olan betimsel araştırma türlerinden “tarama” modeli kullanılmıştır.
Hayat Bilgisi 2. Sınıf Dersinde Yer Alan Dün, Bugün, Yarın Temasında Geçen Kazanımların Gerçekleşme Düzeylerine İlişkin Öğretmen Görüşleri
Authors: Aydemir Hasan , Karalı Yalçın , Çelik Özer
Published: February 2025

Bu araştırmanın amacı; sınıf öğretmenin görüşlerine dayalı olarak Hayat Bilgisi 2.sınıf dersinde yer alan “Dün, Bugün, Yarın” temasında geçen kazanımların gerçekleşme düzeylerini belirlemektir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu 2015-2016 eğitim-öğretim yılında ve Darende, Hekimhan, Kuluncak ilçelerinde görev yapmakta olan 100 sınıf öğretmeni oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin toplanmasında, Hayat Bilgisi 2.sınıf öğretmen kılavuzunda bulunan kazanımlardan yararlanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler SPSS 17 istatistik programı ile analiz edilmiştir. Öğretmenlerin cinsiyetlerine göre ilişkisiz t-testi, öğretmenlerin yaş, kıdem ve görev yaptığı ilçe değişkenlerine göre; tek yönlü varyans analizi “ANOVA” kullanılarak bulgulara ulaşılmış ve bulgular yorumlanmıştır. “ANOVA” testi sonucunda anlamlı farklılaşmanın olduğu durumlarda farklılaşmanın hangi grup ya da gruplardan kaynaklandığını tespit etmek için “post-hoc” tekniklerinden “LSD” uygulanmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen bulgulara göre; Hayat Bilgisi 2. Sınıf dersinde yer alan “Dün, Bugün, Yarın” temasında geçen kazanımların iyi düzeyde gerçekleştiği görülmüştür. Ayrıca öğretmenlerin cinsiyet, yaş, kıdem ve görev yaptığı ilçe değişkenleri arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Kazanımların daha iyi düzeyde gerçekleştirilmesi için gerekli önlemlerin alınması gerektiği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Biyoloji Öğretmen Adaylarının Bilimsel Süreç Becerileri ve Biyoloji Laboratuvarına Yönelik Tutumları, Özyeterlikleri, Özgüvenleri
Authors: Dervişoğlu Sevilay , Acarlı Dilek Sultan
Published: February 2025

Bu araştırma, rehberli sorgulama yaklaşımına dayalı biyoloji laboratuvar uygulamalarının biyoloji öğretmen adaylarının bilimsel süreç becerilerine ve biyoloji laboratuvarına ilişkin tutumlarına, özyeterliklerine, özgüvenlerine etkisini belirlemek amacıyla yapılan bir çalışmanın ön bulgularını içermektedir. Bu bağlamda biyoloji öğretmenliği 1. sınıf öğrencilerine (N=25) Bilimsel Süreç Becerileri Testi (Geban, Askar & Özkan, 1992; Okey, Wise & Burns, 1982), Laboratuvara Yönelik Özgüven Testi (Krystyniak, 2001; Yurdatapan, 2013), Biyoloji Özyeterlik Ölçeği (Ekici, 2009; Hsu, 2000; Woo, 1999) ve Biyoloji Öğretmenlerinin Laboratuvar Dersine Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği (Ekici, 2002) uygulanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda genel olarak öğretmen adaylarının bilimsel süreç becerilerinin orta düzeyde olduğu görülmüştür. Bilimsel süreç becerileriyle ilgili eksiklikleri belirlenmiş ve yorumlanmıştır. Öğretmen adayları tutum, özyeterlik ve özgüven ölçeklerinden yüksek puanlar almışlardır. Ayrıca öğretmen adaylarının bilimsel süreç becerileri ile tutum, özgüven ve özyeterlikleri arasında anlamlı ilişki olmadığı belirlenmiştir. Tutum, özyeterlik ve özgüven arasında ise yüksek düzeyde anlamlı ilişki bulunmuştur.
ECO-INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION
Authors:   CIHEAM – Mediterranean agronomic Instutute of Bari, Italy, Todorović Mladen
Published: February 2025

The EU Green Deal plan emphasized the relevance of Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies in the agricultural sector. This paper focusses on some important aspects of the above strategies and management solutions to be implemented on the road of adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts and promotion of resilient and climate-smart agriculture and food production in the Western Balkans. The emphasis is given to the eco-efficiency concept in the valorization of agri-food production’s chain, adoption of organic farming practices and climate-smart management solutions.
CHEMICAL WEED CONTROL IN CONDITIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors:   Faculty for Agricultural Sciences and Food, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, R. N. Macedonia, Pacanoski Zvonko
Published: February 2025

Elevate CO2 levels in the atmosphere might have prominent consequences on weed phenology, subsequently changing herbicide behavior on weeds. Increased atmospheric CO2 concentration strengthens leaf consistency and minimizes number of stomata and their conductivity potentially reducing the absorption of POST-em applied herbicides. On the other side, higher temperature stimulates stomata conductance, reduce the viscosity of epicuticle waxes, thus increasing the penetration and diffusion of herbicides because of modifications in the structure and the penetrability of the cuticle. However, in some circumstances higher temperatures might cause hastened metabolism, which consequently decreases herbicide activity on target plants. In conditions of higher RH, cuticle hydrating and stomatal conductivity increases, consequently increases the penetrability and translocation particularly of hydrophilic herbicides into the leaf surface. Similarly, under higher irradiance, stomata stay open, photosynthetic rate increases consequently increasing absorption, penetration and subsequent phloem translocation of POST-em systemic herbicides in weed plant tissue. Drought might cause increased cuticle thickness and intensify growth of leaf pubescence, with consequent minimization in herbicide absorption in the leaves. Rainfall after POST-em herbicides application might reduce their efficiency through washing out. Increased occurrence and intensiveness of precipitation will have negative consequences on absorption, translocation, and efficacy of PRE-m herbicides.
INNOVATIVE INDEX FOR OPTIMIZING USING SALINE WATER IN IRRIGATION
Authors:   Upper Euphrates Basin Developing Center, University of Anbar, Iraq, Abdulhameed Isam M. , Yaman Nese ,   Dicle University, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. of Farm Structures and Irrigation, Diyarbakir, Türkiye
Published: February 2025

According to the climate change in arid and semi-arid regions, saline water will be used in irrigation to mitigate the water gap between available water resources and the water demand. Using saline water to expand the irrigated area was followed by decreasing the crop yield due to osmotic potential, so an optimal indicator must be prepared to optimize the use of saline water.
As climate changes effects water quantity and quality, the aim of this study is to mitigate the climate effects on water by improving the mathematical models and computer programs that are constructed to optimize the use of saline water in irrigation.

This paper proposes an innovative indicator depending on the use of two water resources, river high quality water (1dS/m), and saline drainage water (6dS/m). The relation between Total Dissolved Salts (TDS) and Electrical Conductivity (EC), in saline drainage water is derived from field data of 400 samples taken during 2 years from the Main Outfall Drain (MOD) in Iraq.

This paper proposes an innovative indicator depending on the use of two water resources, river high quality water (1dS/m), and saline drainage water (6dS/m). The relation between Total Dissolved Salts (TDS) and Electrical Conductivity (EC), in saline drainage water is derived from field data of 400 samples taken during 2 years from the Main Outfall Drain (MOD) in Iraq. The study concluded that there is a nonlinear relation between TDS and EC for saline water.

The Crop Productivity Index (CPI) is proposed in this study and defined as a ratio of the volume of fresh water saved according to the use of saline water to the yield losses due to salinity effects. As this ratio is a benefit-cost ratio, its value must be greater than 1, in this study, the CPI critical value is 1.1.
CPI depends on the water salinity and the crop tolerance to salinity, the maximum CPI value for 40 plants selected in this study is 6.43 for barely, (the highest field crop tolerance), while the lowest CPI is 0.4 for bean, (sensitive crop tolerance). The CPI values of many sensitive crops are less than the critical value, that means the irrigation of these crops by saline water is uneconomical financially insufficient.
CPI recommends that the relative yield of any crop irrigated by saline water must be more than 60% to optimize the saline water use.
THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WHEAT PRODUCTION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors:   University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Agriculture, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milić Vesna , Đurđić Igor ,   University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Agriculture, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Govedarica Branka ,   University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Agriculture, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lalić Saša ,   Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mijatović Tanja ,   University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Agriculture, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: February 2025

Agriculture has long been the backbone of the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to its contribution to overall employment and ensuring food security for a large part of the population. Cereal production, especially wheat, forms the basis for providing food to the population, while corn production is crucial for livestock feed. It is anticipated that the impact of climate change on agricultural production will be largely negative, as water regimes change, and rising temperatures worsen existing challenges to agricultural productivity. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, floods pose the greatest threat to the community, but other natural disasters also cause significant damage to infrastructure, material assets, agriculture, and forests.
STABILITY OF GRAIN WEIGHT PER SPIKE IN DIFFERENT WHEAT GENOTYPES IN YEARS WITH PRONOUNCED CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors:   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia, Luković Kristina , Bratković Kamenko ,   Center for Small Grains and Rural Development, Kragujevac, Serbia, Zečević Veselinka ,   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia, Rakonjac Aleksandra ,   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia, Tupajić Ivan ,   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia, Matković Stojšin Mirela ,   Tamiš Research and Development Institute, Pančevo, Serbia, Perišić Vladimir ,   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia
Published: February 2025

Grain weight per spike is an important yield component, greatly influenced by environmental factors. The aim of this research was to examine the stability of different wheat genotypes in terms of grain weight per spike under different agroecological conditions. The research was conducted during 2013/2014 at three locations (Kragujevac, Sombor, and Kruševac). The AMMI model was used to assess the genotype × environment interaction. The results of the analysis of the variance of the AMMI model for grain weight per spike showed statistically significant differences between the studied genotypes, locations, and their interactions. Both genotype and environment contributed 33% to the total variation of the experiment, while the contribution of the G × E interaction was 9.78%. The most stable genotypes were KG-244/4, KG-1/6, KG-52/23, and KG-307/4, with the KG-244/4 genotype achieving an average value of grain weight per spike at the average level of the experiment. The KG-1/6, KG-52/23, and KG-307/4 genotypes had above-average values of the observed traits. Kragujevac emerged as the most productive locality, achieving the highest average grain weight per spike, though with a significant interaction value. The smallest interaction effect was acquired in Kruševac but with the lowest average value of the studied trait. The genotype KG-52/23 achieved the highest average value of grain weight per spike and exhibited the highest stability of all analyzed genotypes. This indicates that the genotype KG-52/23 retains good productive characteristics of the spike even in less favorable environmental conditions, which makes it suitable for growing in different agroecological conditions. In breeding programs, wheat genotypes like this can be the basis for the future improvement of productive traits, primarily grain yield.
EFFECT OF INTERCROPING ON SOME IMPORTANT YIELD COMPONENTS OF SMALL GRAINS
Authors:   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia, Perišić Vladimir , Cvikić Dejan ,   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia, Perišić Vesna ,   Faculty of Agriculture Kruševac, University of Niš, Kruševac, Serbia, Živković Ivana ,   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia, Rajičić Vera ,   Faculty of Agriculture Kruševac, University of Niš, Kruševac, Serbia, Bratković Kamenko ,   Center for Small Grains and Rural Development, Kragujevac, Serbia, Luković Kristina ,   Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka, S. Palanka, Serbia
Published: February 2025

Characteristics of small grains, such as density of plants number per unit area and development in less favorable periods of the year, enable the application of sustainable agriculture principles and the production of healthy food. The trial was set up in the Šumadija District, in four locations, with conventional and intercropping system of winter cereals and peas. The intercropping system had an effect on spike length on some localities and for some species, while no effect on number of grains per spike. Results showed that the main sources of variation had significant effects on examined yield components.
GRAIN YIELD OF BUCKWHEAT (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) IN DIFFERENT SOW DENSITIES
Authors:   University Educons, Faculty of Ecological Agriculture, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia, Nikolić Olivera , Srećkov Zorana ,   University Educons, Faculty of Ecological Agriculture, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia, Sabadoš Vladimir ,   Vladimir Sabadoš
Published: February 2025

The buckwheat is a current plant due to its compliance with the demands of sustainable agriculture and the high standards of the modern population when it comes to food and dietary regimes. The aim of the work is to explain the influence of sowing densities on grain yield of common buckwheat and the existence of economic reasons for increasing the sowing density. So, 12 genotypes were examined, in 2 years and 3 sowing densities: 160, 120 and 80 kg grains m-2. Results showed there was not a significant difference between average grain yield reached by 120 and 160 kg grains m-2. Such result indicates economic viability of buckwheat growing.
ADAPTATION OF SUGAR BEET PRODUCTION IN TIMES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors:   Research and Development Center, Sunoko, Inđija, Serbia, Miličević Zlatko , Milosavljević Anja ,   Research and Development Center, Sunoko, Inđija, Serbia, Anđelković Ana ,   Institute for plant protection and environment, Belgrade, Serbia, Šikuljak Danijela ,   Institute for plant protection and environment, Belgrade, Serbia, Trkulja Nenad ,   Institute for plant protection and environment, Belgrade, Serbia
Published: February 2025

Climate change is increasingly exerting a negative impact on the sustainability of agricultural production. The application of numerous plant protection agents and crop fertilizers contributes to soil, food, and water pollution, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions, thus influencing climatic parameters. Conversely, climate change, through altered precipitation patterns, rising air temperatures, hailstorms during summer, and spring frosts, increases the intensity of plant diseases, insect outbreaks (including resistant strains), and vegetation changes, all of which disrupt sugar beet production. These interrelations between climate and sugar beet production technology necessitate the modification of existing production methods. In response, the Research Center of Sunoko is investigating and implementing various methods, such as soil and plant tissue analyses, weed control machinery, biopreparations, and non-chemical disease and weed control measures. These efforts aim to preserve the environment, mitigate climate impacts, and achieve high yields. The goal of Sunoko’s sustainable sugar beet production is to develop new cultivation technologies that responsibly manage natural resources, soil, surface and groundwater, biodiversity, and the safety and health of humans and animals.
IS GLOBAL WARMING OUR CONCERN OR NOT?
Authors: Neagoe Ovidiu Daniel , Dobrescu Codruta Mihaela , Lutu Oana Alexandra
Published: February 2025

Global warming and climate change represent current topics that are approached in many articles, conferences, agreements, etc. Even though the terms ”global warming” and ”climate change” are sometimes used as synonyms, global warming refers to the long-term warming of the planet and represents only one aspect of climate change. The extreme weather - heat waves, storms, droughts, and floods - that was observed in the last period all over the world is considered to be the result of climate change. The opinions regarding this subject are different; therefore there appear to be arguments: some believe that global warming is a natural process while others think that it`s the result of human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, which led to CO2 incresead concentration. Each of them has their own perspectives and motivations and attempts convincing public opinion through mass media and social media platforms. Contradiction itself is the main "tool of human evolution", so this dispute should be seen as a step forward in discovering in detail what changes our planet is undergoing.
FRUITING YIELD OF SOME PLEUROTUS STRAINS
Authors: Rusu Ionuț Cristian , Zagrean Alexandru Valentin , Israel Roming Florentina
Published: February 2025

Oyster mushrooms are highly popular and farmed extensively given their culinary and therapeutic properties alongside their development versatility on a broad assortment of substrate materials. Many biologically active compounds produced by this macromycetes have been found to be important in forestall and therapy of some medical conditions. Structural polysaccharides like glucans, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, triterpenes are noteworthy biocompounds produced by these mushrooms that have numerous health benefits acting as immunomodulator, antitumoral, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, antiviral and antibacterial factors. The current study attempted to explore the production yields of some Pleurotus spp. strains in relation to various technological methods and different nutritive supports that consisted of several industrial left overs. Two granular spawn variations were obtained from solid (SISS) and liquid (LISS) inoculum, while the third thechnological spawn was constituted by liquid spawn (LS) derived from liquid inoculum. Vegetal resources including winery pomace, brewery spent grains, corn cobs, coffee grinds and fruits scraps have been examined.
Morphometric Characterization of African bonytongue (Heterotis niloticus Cuvier, 1829) Found in the Lower River Niger of Nigeria
Authors: Nwachı Oster Francis
Published: February 2025

This study was conducted to characterize the African bonytongue (Heterotis niloticus) found in the lower River Niger of Nigeria at the following locations; Onitsha (6.1329° N, 6.7924°E), illah (6.4219° N, 6.6491°E) and Ilushi (6.6688° N, 6.6304°E) with the use of morphometric (measured distance) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A total of one hundred and fifty (150) samples were used for the study. Morphometric distances of body parts were subjected to the Principal Component Analysis on Unscramble@ X version 10.4 software. DNA samples were analyzed using muscular portion of the caudal region. Genomic molecular analysis was carried out for the RAPD band pattern. Denodogram was constructed using clustering analysis (UPGMA). PCR was confirmed using gel electrophoreses. Result shows that the Anal fin length at Illah point is statistically significant to Illushi but different from Onitsha, with F value of 3.326 and the P value of 0.039 and standard deviation of 0.1479, snout length of fish sampled at Onitsha is significantly different from those sampled in Illah and Illushi, having F value of 3.837 and P value of 0.024 and standard deviation of 0.0125, Dorsal fin length sampled in Illushi is statistically significant to Illah but different from Onitsha having F value of 4.164, P value 0.017 with standard deviation of 0.0145. A total of 46% of original grouped cases were correctly classified, while 45.3% of cross-validated grouped cases were also classified with overall diversity of 0.67 to 1.00. This gives respective similarity coefficients of 0.45, 0.37 and 0.31.
Perceptions and Strategies for Sustainable Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria: Insights from Stakeholders
Authors: Ikuemonisan Edamisan
Published: February 2025

Background: This study aims to assess the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the development of agribusiness entrepreneurship in Nigeria. The research involved two phases: first, identifying the internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, perceived by stakeholders as major obstacles to agribusiness entrepreneurship development in Nigeria; second, gathering and analyzing stakeholders' opinions on the effectiveness of sustainable agribusiness development strategies.
Methods: Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through 28 in-depth interviews, four focus group discussions, and interviews with key informants across four states: Kano, Benue, Cross River, and Oyo. Selected crops included rice, maize, yam, oranges, cassava, and palm oil. Major actors in agribusiness were engaged to provide insights into the sector's role in nutritional diets and income generation, particularly among youth.
Results: The study found that creating a favorable macropolicy environment, ensuring food safety and market supply consistency, enhancing human capacity, improving access to finance, and strengthening research capacity are crucial for sustainable agribusiness development. These strategies align with institutional economics and market failure theory, emphasizing the importance of supportive policies and quality control.
Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to create an enabling environment for agribusiness entrepreneurship, aiming to boost productivity, competitiveness, and profitability while addressing economic and societal challenges.
Modelling Changes in Milk Components of Damascus Goats during Lactation
Authors: Mıkaıl Nazire , Yılmaz Ayhan , Kara Muhammet Ali , Ceritoğlu Figen , Güneş Ercan
Published: February 2025

In this study, the possibilities of determining the changes of lactation milk components in Damascus goats by mathematical models were investigated. The animal material of the study consisted of 47 Damascus goats raised in Gökçebağ village of Siirt province. Milk components were analyzed in milk samples collected at 2-week intervals after parturition. Milk components were analyzed using the Lactoscan Milk Analyzer. Wood and Ali-Schaeffer models, which are assumed to be the most appropriate for the definition of lactation curves, were applied to the milk component data obtained to describe the change in milk components, the best fitting model was determined, mathematical and biological relationships were solved in protein and fat ratio, and the relationship between the parameters was examined. Samples taken from dairy goats in the local enterprise were expressed with mathematical models using the R statistical package program and the change in milk content during lactation was tried to be learned. The results are intended to form the basis for the improvement of goat milk content and breeding projects in Siirt.
Evaluation of Associative Effects of Gliricidia sepium and Megathyrsus maximus Combinations on Fibre Fractions, In-Vitro Carbon Dioxide and Methane Production
Authors: Iwuchukwu Godswill Arinzechukwu , Odu Olatunbosun
Published: February 2025

The voluntary feed intake and digestibility of ruminants are contingent upon the quality of the pasture, which in turn has an impact on their productivity. There is limited research on the proximate/chemical composition, in-vitro gas production and degradability of mixtures containing Megathyrsus maximus (MM) and Gliricidia sepium (GS). The study investigated the impact of different combinations of MM and GS on in-vitro gas generation, degradability and chemical composition. MM and GS were combined as follows: T1- 100%MM + 0%GS, T2- 75%MM + 25%GS, T3- 50%MM + 50%GS, T4- 25%MM + 75%GS, and T5- 0%MM + 100%GS. The treatments were assayed using standard procedures. The proximate composition of the treatments was also determined using standard procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Initial gas produced in T1 and T2 and net gas volume (NGV) observed in T1 and T2 was significantly lower compared to other treatments. In addition, the CO2 gas produced in T3, T4 and T5 were significantly higher compared to T1 and T2. However, T1 had the lowest CO2 gas production. T5 had the highest methane (CH4) production followed by T4 and T3. T1 and T2 had the lowest CH4 production. In terms of degradability, it was observed that T5 had significantly higher organic matter degradability (OMD) compared to other dietary treatments. The crude protein observed in T5 was also significantly higher than other treatments. In conclusion, mixtures with a high content of soluble carbohydrates presented the lowest gas production. A mixture of 75% Megathyrsus maximus and 25% Gliricidia sepium is recommended for increased carbohydrate, ash, lower moisture content and methane reduction.
The Effects of NaCl Solution Application Frequency on Hazelnut Sucker Management
Authors: Serdar Ümit , Beyhan Neriman , Gülser Coşkun , Akyüz Burak
Published: February 2025

Hazelnut is a nut species that is strategically important to Türkiye. Hazelnut cultivation has various cost factors, with the highest share belonging to the harvesting. Following harvesting, sucker management, and fertilization are the most significant cost factors. Due to high labor requirements and costs, sucker removal, which is recommended to be performed twice a year, is often conducted only once a year or every two years. This situation leads to reduced yield per hectare and income loss for producers. To reduce costs, some producers use herbicides to remove hazelnut suckers. However, the widespread use of herbicides causes irreversible environmental damage and can lead to erosion, particularly on sloped lands. Moreover, the continuous use of herbicides poses risks such as leaving residues in the soil, harming soil microorganisms, and threatening the health of hazelnut plants. This study aimed to determine the effects of the application frequency of a 15% salt (NaCl) solution on hazelnut sucker removal, focusing on its impact on soil EC and pH. The study was conducted at the Ondokuz Mayıs University Ali Nihat Gökyiğit Research Station from 2019 to 2021. NaCl solution applications were planned to be performed once, twice, and three times a year. The effects of application frequency on the drying rate of suckers, the number and length of newly emerged suckers, and changes in soil pH and EC were evaluated. The results revealed that applying the NaCl solution three times a year was the most effective method for sucker management and did not cause adverse changes in soil pH or EC levels.0
Enhancing Cadmium Tolerance in Common Bean Plants by Seed Priming with Putrescine
Authors: Yılmaz Hilal , Çiftçi Vahdettin
Published: February 2025

This study highlights the potential of putrescine seed priming in alleviating cadmium-induced oxidative stress in common bean plants. Cadmium exposure significantly increased oxidative stress markers, such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), while reducing antioxidative enzyme activities, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Putrescine treatments, particularly at higher concentrations (0.5 and 1 mmol), significantly enhanced antioxidative defenses by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and APX activities and reducing H₂O₂ accumulation, thereby mitigating oxidative damage. The results also revealed improvements in photosynthetic performance with putrescine application. Higher chlorophyll a content, an improved chlorophyll a/b ratio, and increased total carotenoid levels were observed, indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency under cadmium stress. Among the treatments, Cd-P3 (1 mmol putrescine) showed the most substantial improvements, effectively reversing the adverse effects of cadmium on photosynthetic pigments and physiological health.
In addition to its effects on photosynthesis, putrescine enhanced the accumulation of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which contributed to the plants’ antioxidant capacity. These improvements were evidenced by higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP values, highlighting the strong antioxidative potential of putrescine. Overall, this study demonstrates that putrescine seed priming is an effective and sustainable strategy for reducing cadmium toxicity in plants. By modulating antioxidant systems, stabilizing photosynthetic pigments, and promoting bioactive compound synthesis, putrescine enhances plant resilience to heavy metal stress. These findings provide a basis for further research into the application of putrescine in agricultural practices to improve crop tolerance to abiotic stresses.
The Phenomenon of Political Dynasties in Regional Head Elections and Their Impact on Democracy in Indonesia
Authors: Pratiwi Ni Putu Ika Armitha , Widyantara I Made Minggu
Published: February 2025

The aim of this research is to study how dynastic politics affects democratic principles, including fair competition, community participation, and accountability of regional heads to the people. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach, utilizing secondary qualitative data which is explained descriptively to answer research questions. The results of this research state that dynastic political practices in Indonesia damage the integrity of democracy and regional government by concentrating power in one family, ignoring the qualifications of other candidates, and hindering healthy political competition.
Emotional Intelligence and Its Contribution to Academic Performance in Students, Quality Education (SDG 4)
Authors: Manrique Antony Mejia , Lazoni Erick Marco Boy , Zaga Celmira Cornejo , Chávarry Stefanny Lisset Zárate , Valdivia Yuri Freddy Curo , Reyes Miriam Rosmery Muñoz , Torres Celeste Bilbeth Rojas
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study aims to establish the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Academic Performance (AP) in primary school students.
 
Theoretical Framework: The study is based on theories of Emotional Intelligence (Salovey & Mayer, 1990; Goleman, 1995), which define EI as the ability to recognize, manage, and apply emotions effectively. It also incorporates perspectives on Academic Performance (Touron, 2004) as a key indicator of educational success.
 
Method: A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational research design was employed. The study examined a sample of 132 primary school students selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data collection was conducted using two questionnaires.
 
Results and Discussion: The findings reveal a positive but statistically insignificant correlation between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Academic Performance (AP) (r = 0.229, p = 0.130). Similarly, the EI subdimensions—emotional perception, understanding, and regulation—show positive trends but lack statistical significance. These results align with previous research debating EI’s impact on AP, suggesting that other mediating factors may influence this relationship and highlighting the need for further investigation.
 
Research Implications: This research contributes to understanding the intersection of emotional and academic development. It highlights the importance of considering emotional skills in educational strategies to enhance student outcomes.
 
Originality/Value: This study provides new insights into the relationship between EI and AP in the Peruvian primary education context, where limited research has explored this connection. By focusing on primary school students, it underscores the significance of emotional development at an early educational stage and its potential implications for long-term academic performance.
Promoting Flexible Work Arrangements: The Case of Selected Medium-Size BPO Company in Metro Manila
Authors:   University of Santo Tomas & Espana, Manila, Philippines, Arcedera Jill V. , Canoy Jr. Leonardo M. ,   University of Santo Tomas & Espana, Manila, Philippines
Published: February 2025

This study examined the impact of Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) on employee engagement, retention, productivity, and work-life balance in selected medium-size BPO companies in Metro Manila. A convergent mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating survey responses (n=286) with qualitative interviews. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model provided the framework to assess FWAs as job resources that mitigate workplace demands and enhance employee well-being. Results showed that hybrid work (M=4.30) and telecommuting (M=4.25) had the most positive effects on engagement, retention (r=0.61), and productivity (B=0.45, p <0.001). Employees with caregiving responsibilities and younger workers reported the highest satisfaction with FWAs. Key benefits included improved well-being (82%) and reduced stress (85%), aligning with previous research on workplace flexibility. However, challenges such as communication barriers (48%) and blurred work-life boundaries (41%) were identified, highlighting the complexities of managing hybrid workforces. This study contributes to the growing literature on FWAs, particularly in high-stress environments like call centers. It underscores the importance of structured implementation, technological support, and tailored policies to maximize FWAs’ effectiveness. Organizations must integrate FWAs as a core strategy for sustainable workforce management. Future research should examine FWAs across multiple industries and cultural contexts to enhance generalizability and inform policymaking in the evolving global labor market.
The Influence of Hedonistic Lifestyle, Brand Image and Product Quality on Iphone Product Purchase Decisions
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Maulana M Iqbal , Qurrotul’Ain Wardah ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Safitri Dhira Ervina ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Nuzzila Soraya Firdausi ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, . Iskandar ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Amaliyah Nur Lailatul ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Nathasya Fara Ditha ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, . Budiyono ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Saputra Wahyu Agung ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Hariadi Sugeng ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Qomariah Nurul ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, . Nursaid ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember
Published: February 2025

In the era of disruption like today, it can be said that technology has become a basic need. Through the use of technology, communication processes and information delivery can be carried out easily. This has an impact on the high number of Smartphone users so that many companies in Indonesia and other countries compete to launch their best products. This study aims to determine and analyze the influence of hedonistic lifestyle, brand image and product quality on purchasing decisions for iPhone products. The object of research is Universities/Colleges located in Jember Regency. This type of research uses a quantitative method with a sample size of 100 respondents and uses a purposive proportional random sampling technique. This study uses a data collection technique in the form of a questionnaire to respondents. The data analysis technique for this study uses instrument testing, classical assumptions, multiple linear regression and hypothesis testing. The results of the analysis obtained indicate that hedonistic lifestyle, brand image and product quality have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions for iPhone products in Jember Regency.
Implementation of Merdeka Curriculum in the Learning Process through Outdoor Learning Methods
Authors:   Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Ivet, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, Slamet Slamet , Soelistijanto Raden ,   Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Ivet, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, Setyaningsih Sri ,   Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Ivet, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, Redjeki Sri ,   Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Ivet, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, Sayekti Sri ,   Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Ivet, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
Published: February 2025

The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia aims to transform education, fostering a new generation of quality human beings. This study explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing this curriculum through outdoor learning, a pedagogical approach that emphasizes experiential learning in natural settings. This qualitative study used observation, documentation, and interviews to gather data from public and private high schools in Semarang City. Data were analyzed using an interactive model involving data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The study found that while most schools have adopted the Merdeka Curriculum, key challenges hinder effective implementation, including a lack of comprehensive teacher understanding of the curriculum’s content and limited experience with independent learning programs. Specifically, many teachers reported feeling unprepared to implement the curriculum's flexible learning framework. To address these challenges, the study suggests prioritizing professional development focused on the nuances of the Merdeka Curriculum and practical strategies for its implementation in outdoor learning environments. Furthermore, schools can optimize resource utilization through strategies such as rotating schedules and explore external funding opportunities through sponsorships and alumni networks to enhance facilities and infrastructure. These findings underscore the need for targeted support and resources to ensure the successful integration of the Merdeka Curriculum, particularly within innovative pedagogical approaches like outdoor learning. Further research could explore the long-term impact of these challenges and the effectiveness of proposed solutions.
PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS AND A MULTILINGUALCONSTRUCT TO DETERMINE THE UNDERGRADUATE MAJORSELECTION FACTORS
Authors: Assanbayeva Gulzhaukhar
Published: February 2025

In this article, we review mathematics behind well-known Principal Component Analysis from Linear Algebra implemented in variousapplied fields. As an application, we develop a construct to measure factors that affect college students in their major selection. This is a multilingual construct given in three languages, namely Kazakh, Russian, and English. To this end, we prepare a survey consisting of 27 Likert scale items in three languages and it isconducted among 314 undergraduate students in Kazakhstan. For dimensionalityreduction, Principal Component Analysis is carried in python programming language which resulted in 9 major scales with only 22 elements. The overall reliability of the test is calculated to be 0,856. The nine scales are the effect of Uniform National Testing, state grant affect, personal interest affect, skills affect, occupation salary affect, teacher affect, external affect, university cost affect, parent’s affect.