bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paydaşlarının Görüşlerine Göre Anadolu Liselerinin Yeterliliği: İzmir İli Örneği
Authors: Hepsöğütlü Zerrin Benal , Toprakcı Erdal
Published: September 2024

Eğitimin örgün kısmı, her biri birer eğitim kurumu olan okullarda verilir. Okul, toplumun eğitim amacını gerçekleştirmek için kurulmuş öğretmen, öğrenci, yönetici, program, bina, araç ve gereçlerden oluşan örgütlerdir. Ortaöğretim okulları ortaokul sonrası eğitim veren okulları kapsar. Bunlardan biri de Anadolu Liseleridir. Anadolu liselerinin etkili olabilmeleri yeterli olmalarına bağlıdır. Bu araştırmada Anadolu liselerinin yeterliğinin düzeyi araştırılmıştır. Bunun için nicel tarama modelinde araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen ve 30 sorudan oluşan 4’lü Likert türünde [Zayıf (1), Orta (2), İyi (3), Çok iyi (4)] “Okul Yeterlik Ölçeği” adlı ölçek kullanılmıştır. Ölçeğin uyum değerleri ve güvenirliği kabul edilebilirdir. Ölçeğin uygulanması için XX Üniversitesi Etik Kurulundan gerekli izinler alınmıştır. Verilerin analizinde aritmetik ortalamalar için Seçeneklere Göre Kodlanan Puan Aralığı (SKPA) tekniği, verilerin normal dağıldığı durumlarda t testi ve varyans analizleri; dağılmadığında Kruskall-Wallis Mann Whitney U testleri ile yön tespitlerinde ise en küçük anlamlılık testi ile yine Mann Whitney U testi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın genel sonucu, okul yöneticisi, öğretmen, öğrenci ve velilerden oluşan paydaşlara göre Anadolu liselerinin genel olarak yeterliğinin iyi düzeyinde çıkmış olmasıdır. Bu düzey çeşitli alt boyutlar açısından düşebilirken; paydaşların çeşitli özelliklerine göre de farklılıklar gösterebilmektedir. Araştırmacılara, Anadolu liselerinin yeterliği ile ilgili genişletilmiş bir örneklem grubu (diğer iller, bölgeler) ve başka okul türleri (okulöncesi, ilkokul, ortaokul vb.) ile ilgili çalışmalar yapmaları önerilebilir. Bu çalışmanın, uygulama içinde bulunan il, ilçe eğitim ve okul yöneticileri ile MEB’daki ilgili kişilere yol gösterebilmesi açısından ilgili kişi veya makamlarca incelenmesi önerilebilir.
Construction and Validation of a Secure-base Leadership Model in Educational Organizations: A Mixed-methods Exploratory Study
Authors: Khalijian Sadaf , Shams Gholamreza , Pardakhtchi Mohammad Hassan , Mirkamali Mohammad
Published: September 2024

There is no doubt about the importance of leadership and attachment styles on individual behavior and organizational outcomes. However, researchers have neglected to apply and integrate attachment concepts in management and organizational studies for years. One of the basic concepts in attachment theory is the secure base. In 2010, Coombe considered the application of this concept in leadership, which resulted in representing the theory of secure base leadership. The present study aimed at constructing and validating a secure base leadership model. The research method is a mixed exploratory method composed of qualitative and quantitative measures including thematic analysis and survey, respectively. The participants of the qualitative section were 14 faculty members, specialists, and experts in the field of educational management and psychology selected using the purposive sampling method and snowball technique. Besides, the participants of the quantitative part included 441 administrative staff and teachers in Tehran were by cluster sampling. Open, axial, and selective coding was used to analyze interview data in the former part, while in the latter, structural equations were used. The results of the qualitative analysis indicated that secure base leadership includes three main aspects, namely security (accepting people (acceptance), support, providing security, mutual trust, independence, fairness, staying calm (controlling and adjusting emotions)), exploration (risk-taking, increasing individual capacities, being responsive and sensible, intellectual stimulation), and deep intellectual bond (positive attitude, high emotional capacity, transparency in relationships, compatibility, being a good listener). Also, the quantitative part of the research results showed validity and reliability as well as a good fit of the proposed model.
Effects of classical and organomineral fertilizer applications on pollen quality and quantity in gemlik olive cultivar
Authors: Karabıyık Şenay , Çelik Olcay , Saridas Mehmet Ali , Paydaş Sevgi
Published: September 2024

Olive is one of the important plants worldwide in terms of economic and cultural conditions. It is used in fresh consumption, olive oil, cosmetic and pharmaceutic fields and unique numinous plants. Olive can maintain its life for many years even in barren conditions but for an economic cultivation, fertile and preferred cultivars should be used in orchards and optimum maintenance conditions should be provided. At the same time the climate change is also convert the usual behavior of the plants. This study aims to determine the effects of classic and organomineral fertilizers on pollen quality and quantity parameters. In this study, classical fertilizers like Urea+MgSO4 and KNO3+H3BO3+ZnSO4 with Raykat Start, Raykat Growth and Fitomare organomineral fertilizers were sprayed foliarly before flowering on Gemlik olive cultivar and pollen studies were conducted on the flowers formed at full flowering. Within the study, effects of the treatments were evaluated on pollen viability and germination levels, the amount of pollen produced in one flower and the normally developed pollen ratio. As a result of this study, fertilization treatments positively affected pollen quality and quantity with regard to control treatment. In this context, the pollen viability level differed between 74.15% and 89.92%, the pollen germination level between 45.48% and 70.35% and pollen per flower was between 307.238 and 446.761. The lowest data were obtained from control treatments, while the highest were from Raykat group fertilizers. Especially, the 54% increase in pollen germination level with Raykat growth fertilization was one of the most important results of this study. In conclusion, it was determined that the foliar spray of organomineral fertilizers enhanced the pollen properties. Raykat Start, Raykat Growth and Fitomare organomineral fertilizers used in this study significantly increased pollen quality and quantity.
Karyotype analysis of Minuartia mesogitana subsp. mesogitana and Minuartia elmalia (Caryophyllaceae, Alsinoideae).
Authors: Yüce O?uz , Ero?lu Halil Erhan , Koç Murat , Hamzao?lu Ergin
Published: September 2024

Mitotic metaphase chromosomes, karyotypic characters, monoploid karyograms and ideograms of Minuartia mesogitana subsp. mesogitana and Minuartia elmalia were investigated. Analysis of somatic metaphases showed that the chromosome numbers and the karyotype formula of these taxa were 2n = 2x = 24 = 8m + 8sm + 8st for Minuartia mesogitana subsp. mesogitana and 2n = 2x = 32 = 12m + 16sm + 4st for Minuartia elmalia. No satellites were observed in the karyotypes of the taxa. The intrachromosomal and interchromosomal karyotype asymmetries were estimated with Mean Centromeric Asymmetry (MCA) and Coefficient of Variation of Chromosome Length (CVCL).
Architecture of the genus Gutierrezia (Asteraceae: Astereae, Solidagininae).
Authors: Gambino Silvana , Ratto Francisco , Bartoli Adriana
Published: September 2024

An architectural study of the genus Gutierrezia Lag. was carried out, and seven different models were established. Differences in architecture between North American and South American species are pointed out. A key to differentiate the models is provided.
Development of Personality Functioning in the Context of Life Events: A Multi-Metric Approach
Authors: Wright Amanda Jo , Luhmann Maike , Salzburg Sophia , Koss Maren , Haehner Peter
Published: September 2024

Dimensional conceptualizations of personality disorders, including assessing personality functioning, allow for thorough investigations of their development. Although evidence for when and why personality functioning changes is limited, life events are a promising candidate. As such, we used data from a year-long, four-wave study of young adults in Germany (N = 2,105; Mage = 25.38) to address three questions: (1) How does personality functioning normatively change? (2) How are life events related to personality functioning development? (3) Are there predictors of individual differences in event-related changes? We further tested the questions with four metrics: rank-order stability, mean-level change, within-person variability, and ipsative consistency. Results indicated personality functioning was moderately rank-order stable with little to no average change in other metrics over a year. However, the largely null average effects masked considerable heterogeneity in development, which life events partly accounted for. At the between-person level, events were associated with lower rank-order stability, greater mean-level increases, and less within-person variability. At the within-person level, events predicted mean-level decreases and increases in within-person variability. Notable heterogeneity emerged for event-related changes across metrics and these individual differences were explained by some demographic and event-related moderators. We discuss results within the scope of the development of pathological versus normal-range personality, utility of multiple metrics and levels of analysis, and importance of understanding what drives change for theory development and treatment.
Questionable prospective effect of grip strength on cognitive function: A simulated reanalysis and comment on Cui et al. (2024)
Authors: Sorjonen Kimmo , Melin Bo
Published: September 2024

Based on findings from analyses with cross-lagged panel models, Cui et al. (2024) concluded that muscle strength, measured as grip strength, can protect against cognitive decline among the elderly. Here, we simulated data to resemble the data used by Cui et al. We used triangulation and fitted complementary models to the simulated data and found contradicting increasing, decreasing, and null effects of initial grip strength on subsequent change in cognitive function. These divergent findings suggest that it is premature to assume a protective effect of muscle strength on cognitive decline and the conclusion by Cui et al. in this regard can be challenged. It is important for researchers to be aware that correlations, including adjusted cross-lagged effects, do not prove causality in order not to overinterpret findings, something that appears to have happened to Cui et al. We recommend researchers to triangulate by fitting complementary models to their data in order to evaluate if observed effects may be due to true causal effect or if they appear to be spurious.
Learning Variability Network Exchange (LEVANTE): A global framework for measuring children’s learning variability through collaborative data sharing
Authors: Frank Michael C.
Published: September 2024

Despite the ubiquity of variation in child development within individuals, across groups, and across tasks, timescales, and contexts, dominant methods in developmental science and education research still favor group averages, short snapshots of time, and single environments. These methods cannot provide evidence about variability or potential interactions among different dimensions of variability. The Learning Variability Network Exchange (LEVANTE) is a framework designed to enable coordinated data collection by diverse individual research teams worldwide, with the goal of measuring children’s variability within and across individuals, groups, and cultures. The measure set developed for LEVANTE aims to capture variability in learning outcomes (literacy and numeracy) as well as core cognitive constructs (language, reasoning, executive function, spatial cognition) and social constructs (social cognition, caregiver engagement, relations with peers), with each measure selected based on length, psychometric properties, cross-cultural applicability, and age span. LEVANTE will yield a large, open access longitudinal dataset for long-term research use. This repository will not only facilitate the science of learning variability, but also constitute the backbone of a larger multidisciplinary research network working toward improving children’s learning and development globally.
The mental rotation of visual features and feature conjunctions
Authors: Weksler Assaf , Hemed Eitan , Clarke Sam , eitam baruch , Goldstein Ariel
Published: September 2024

When we mentally rotate a coloured object, that object’s colours can introspectively seem to remain ‘stuck’ to the object’s shape without any additional effort on the part of the subject. Here, we use an objective measure to provide evidence that this introspective impression is, in fact, correct. We compared participants’ ability to rotate complex shapes, whose parts are differently coloured, with their ability to rotate identical monochromatic shapes. Our results indicate that colour can remain 'glued' to shape parts for free, i.e., without implying any cost to mental rotation performance. These results are discussed in relation to ongoing debates over the format of visual imagery. Our results further suggest that the human brain can produce ‘inextricably bound’ representations of multi-feature objects, wherein the manipulation of one feature implies the manipulation of others. We consider some possible ramifications for the study of conscious experience as well as for deep-learning models of human cognition.
Doubtful prospective effect of optimism on depression: A simulated reanalysis and comment on Karhu et al. (2024)
Authors: Sorjonen Kimmo , Melin Bo
Published: September 2024

Based on findings from analyses with cross-lagged panel models, Karhu et al. (2024) concluded that optimism may intervene against depression. Here, we simulated data to resemble the data used by Karhu et al. We used triangulation and fitted complementary models to the simulated data and found contradicting decreasing and increasing effects of initial optimism on subsequent change in depression. These divergent findings suggest that it is premature to assume an intervening effect of optimism on depression and the conclusion by Karhu et al. in this regard can be challenged. It is important for researchers to be aware that correlations, including adjusted cross-lagged effects, do not prove causality in order not to overinterpret findings, something that appears to have happened to Karhu et al. We recommend researchers to triangulate by fitting complementary models to their data in order to evaluate if observed effects may be due to true causal effect or if they appear to be spurious.
The content and structure of dreams are coupled to affect
Authors: Leckie Luke , Bershad Anya K. , Heppler Jes , McClay Mason , Rappe Sofiia , Foster Jacob G.
Published: September 2024

Dreams offer a unique window into the cognitive and affective dynamics of the sleeping and the waking mind. Recent quantitative linguistic approaches have shown promise in obtaining corpus-level measures of dream sentiment and topic occurrence. However, it is currently unclear how the affective content of individual dreams relates to their semantic content and structure. Here, we combine word embedding, topic modeling, and network analysis to investigate this relationship. By applying Discourse Atom Topic Modeling (DATM) to the DreamBank corpus of >18K dream reports, we represent the latent themes arising within dreams as a sparse dictionary of topics and identify the affective associations of those topics. We show that variation in dream affect (valence and arousal) is associated with changes in topical content. By representing each dream report as a network of topics, we demonstrate that the affective content of dreams is also coupled to semantic structure. Specifically, positively valenced dreams exhibit more coherent, structured, and linear narratives, whilst negatively valenced dreams have more narrative loops and dominant topics. Additionally, topic networks of high arousal dreams are structurally dominated by few high arousal topics and incoherent topical connections, whereas low arousal dreams contain more loops. These findings suggest that affective processes are associated with both the content and structure of dreams. Our approach showcases the potential of integrating natural language processing and network analysis with psychology to elucidate the interplay of affect, cognition and narrative in dreams. This methodology has broad applications for the study of narrated experience and psychiatric symptomatology.
We-information can facilitate performance in joint teleoperation over a humanoid robot
Authors: Wozniak Mateusz M , Ari Ilkay , De Tommaso Davide , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: September 2024

In this study, we developed a setup allowing two participants (“operators”) to jointly control a single humanoid robot body. Specifically, each operator controlled one robot arm, using their anatomically congruent hand (left hand controlling a left robot arm and vice versa). In our task participants had to move each robot arm into one of two possible positions (arm raised or lowered). We used this setup to investigate (1) whether presenting prior information about the relationship between movements performed by each participant (“We-information”) can facilitate performance in this task, (2) how joint control over a robot body affects sense of control over the robot and sense of joint agency with the other operator, and (3) how it influences the perceived boundaries between oneself and the others (the robot and the other operator), the so-called “self-other” overlap. We found that (1) “We-information” increased the speed of task performance, but only for simpler configurations, (2) participants experienced high level of sense of control over the robot which increased throughout the task, and (3) a short session of joint control over a humanoid led to pronounced increase in self-other overlap (blurring of boundaries) with both the robot and a co-operator. We discuss implications of our results for understanding of human body representation and how they can inform future applications, such as exoskeletons for individuals affected with hemiplegia.
A study on the influence of social movements on political representation focusing on the minimum wage case in the mid- 2010s American states
Authors: Yeo Jihun
Published: September 2024

This study examines how the social movement can contribute to improving political representation with the case of the minimum wage legislation in American states after 2012. The contribution of this research is that it’s an empirical analysis of how social movement affects the legislative process, especially in the agenda-setting stage and how social discourse takes part in this process, given the lack of research concerning determinants of the state legislation of the higher minimum wage, especially focusing on the influence of the social movement on the legislation. I analyze the impact of the social movement, measured by the media exposure frequency, on public opinion, the proposal of bills and the legislation with the national-level time serial and the state-level data. I investigate the impact of the social discourse on public opinion and the legislative process to illuminate the underlying mechanism where the social movement affects the political outcome. The social movement contributes to the improvement of political representation by spreading the social discourse, setting the agenda in civic and political society and triggering partisan politics for institutional change.
The role of family structure in women’s mental well-being: Do family stressors influence mental health gaps between lone and partnered mothers?
Authors: Mcdonnell Cadhla , Gracia Pablo
Published: September 2024

Lone mothers have been found to report lower average mental health than partnered mothers. Following the ‘stress process model’, disparities in women’s mental health by family structure could be explained by lone mothers’ higher exposure to multiple forms of stressors, compared to partnered mothers. Yet, this hypothesis has not been tested in previous studies. This study analysed four waves of longitudinal data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, spanning between the year when women gave birth (2008) to nine years later (2017) (N = 5,654 women), to examine how family stressors (i.e., financial strain, caregiving strain, work-related strain, and parental conflict) influence women’s depressive symptoms by family structure. Analyses applied random-effects models and Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) decomposition techniques, combined with different model specifications as robustness checks (i.e., fixed-effects). Results indicate that: (1) net of sociodemographic factors, lone mothers experience higher levels of depressive symptoms than partnered mothers, with additional analyses confirming that transitioning from partnered to lone mother is associated with higher depressive symptoms, and from lone to partnered mother with reduced depressive symptoms; (2) although 41% of the observed statistical association between family structure and mothers’ depressive symptoms is direct, a larger 59% of this mental health gap is mediated by inequalities between lone and partnered mothers in their exposure to family stressors; and (3) the largest share of the observed mediation by family stressors is explained by lone mothers’ higher risks of current and past caregiving strain and parental conflict, but also by their current higher financial strain. Overall, this study suggests that lone mothers’ lower mental health, compared to partnered mothers, is largely explained by disparities in exposure to family stressors, pointing to how accumulated caregiving and parental stressors, as well as poverty risks, are key explanatory factors behind the mental well-being disadvantage that lone mothers face.
A STUDY OF THE EMERGENCE OF WELFARE CLEAVAGES IN SOUTH KOREA
Authors: Yeo Jihun
Published: September 2024

This study aims to trace the cause of an emerging welfare cleavage under circumstances where discourses on economic growth have been dominant in Korean politics. On the basis of the theories of interaction between changing social structure and social-norm dynamics, this paper explores the causes of an emerging welfare cleavage in the case of South Korea during the late 2000s. To analyze the change of economic structure and public awareness regarding public welfare, I used the data of macro-economic indicators and public opinion polls and utilized press releases to analyze discourses of political actors.The linked-policies effects of an immature “developmental welfare regime” and neo-liberal economic policies caused social polarization and expansion of the poverty stratum in the course of a slowdown in economic growth in the 1990s and foreign exchange crisis in 1998. The existing norm (i.e., economic growth could solve problems concerning people's livelihood) that had been maintained in the era of rapid economic growth was weakened. A conflict between an education superintendent and the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Council triggered a debate on free meals and welfare in 2009. Civil society groups were organized on a national scale, and they started a discourse struggle to replace individual interests with public interests and to obtain social legitimacy. Political parties gradually accepted the welfare issue as the primary electoral pledge for their political interests after public preference regarding growth and distribution changed when confronted with political crises.This study draws an implication that general factors affecting Western welfare states (e.g., power alliance and democratic institutions) influence East Asian welfare states by analyzing the case of South Korean welfare politics. It means that studies of East Asian welfare states can use explanatory building blocks partly from existing welfare theories rather than stressing the exceptionalism of East Asian welfare states. However, owing to the different economic and political structures of East Asian states from those of Western countries during the formative stage of welfare states, studies of East Asian welfare states need to consider path dependency in the historical context of East Asian political economy.
The Divergent Trajectory of Environmental Politics between the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: Yeo Jihun
Published: September 2024

This study examines factors affecting the divergent environmental performances between the U.S. and the U.K. from the perspective of social movement. I look into domestic political factors, especially social movements causing different environmental performances in two countries that attain the high level of economic growth and are under the same international factors. Given that previous research dealing with domestic political factors tends to focus on political institutions and that the comparative research on the cases of the U.S. and the U.K. are limited, this research is relevant. I utilize the EPI scores, protest data, public opinion data and party manifestos. I conclude that the strong connection of environmental movement with political parties, less dispersive social movement agendas, favorable conditions from the EU and relatively weak anti-environmental movement led Britain to making a better environmental performance than the U.S.
‘Influencing the influencers’: Exploring the impact of an in-person summit on TikTokers’ mental health communication habits and beliefs
Authors: Xu Meng Meng , Scherer Elissa , Robbins Rebecca , Liu Yuning , Motta Matt , Yarnell Amanda
Published: September 2024

Social media platforms such as TikTok hold tremendous promise for reaching large proportions of the general population with health messaging. However, the proliferation of health misinformation on these platforms poses a significant public health risk. Partnerships between public health experts and social media content creators are a novel intervention which may overcome concerns about misinformation and catalyze the proliferation of evidence-based health messages on social media. To build such partnerships between creators and mental health and health communication experts, The Center for Health Communication (CHC) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health held an in-person summit that attracted mental health creators working on TikTok and other social media platforms. Over the course of two days, creators were exposed to techniques for communicating evidence-based research and recommendations that promote mental health. Following the summit, creators who attended the summit were re-contacted for in-depth interviews to assess the summit's impact on their beliefs and behaviors. Results reveal that attending the summit changed creators’ content-making behaviors, increased their sense of responsibility and awareness of their power to impact mental health outcomes among social media users, validated their work and motivation as health communicators, and created a much-needed community of support among peers. Given that social media is a primary source of health information for many people, our findings provide a blueprint for public health communicators hoping to build lasting strategic relationships with today’s most influential media gatekeepers.
Sub-acute dermal toxicity of Jatropha curcas Linn. leaf extract coated silver nanoparticles (SNPs) in wistar rats
Authors: Dhaije GC , Rajurkar SR , Jadhav Nitin D , Pawar AR , Narladkar BW , Chigure GM , Jadhav MD , Rathod PR , Sharma Anil Kumar
Published: September 2024

The application of different nanoparticles is underway in the development of phyto-medicines. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used as coating agents to treat various bacterial and viral diseases. Their safety and potential toxicity necessitate further research to explore the development of nanoparticles coated herbal drugs. The Azadirachta indica (neem) 5% leaf extract and silver nitrate was used to prepare the silver nanoparticles (SNPs) with the biological reduction (green synthesis) method [1]. The application of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) coated with J. carcus leaf extract (JcLE) on Wistar rats showed no adverse sign of toxicity on hematological parameters except an increase in the neutrophil count and increased in total erythrocyte count (TEC) on 28th day. Similarly, serum biochemical values exhibited an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) and alanine transaminase (ALT/SGPT) with JcLE-coated SNPs in treated groups. The histopathology revealed that there was no alteration in skin architecture, however, minimal alteration was observed in the liver and kidney with dilatation of the central vein and sinusoidal space, fatty change in the liver, multifocal necrobiotic changes, cystic degeneration and mild focal glomerular atrophy and hyaline cast in the lumen of tubules of kidney. It indicates the proper absorption and excretion of SNPs from the body. There was no significant effect on hematological parameters in the rats treated with J. curcas leaf extract-coated SNP. However, the serum biochemical analysis revealed a toxic effect on the kidney.
Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of seven Wild mushrooms species used in Niger
Authors: Ousmane Zakari Chaibou , Chaibou Moctar , Doka Dahiratou Ibrahim , Ikhiri Khalid
Published: September 2024

Mushrooms are widely used in the treatment of many chronic diseases such as: hepatitis, chronic bronchitis, hypertension, diabetes and cancer. However, despite the importance of mushrooms in the traditional pharmacopoeia in Niger, this field is very little explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemicals screening and antioxidant activity of seven mushrooms species used in Niger. Phytochemical screening was carried out according to colorimetric reactions. The total polyphenols content was determined spectrophotometrically by Folin-Ciocalteau method, total flavonoid content was measured by the aluminium chloride method and condensing tannin content was measured by using vanilic acid method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method by varying the concentration. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several secondary metabolites: alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and quinones. The total phenol contents varied between 03.38±0.36 and 121.57±3.54 mg EAG/g. The tannins content varied from 0.34±0,03 to 2.02±0,042 mg TAE/g and total flavonoids ranged from 1.82±0.12 to 24.95±1.63mg EQ/g. The concentration IC50 ranged from 78.05±2.42 to 8790 ±70.15 µg/mL. The phytochemical and antioxidant activity of Agaricus subsaharianus and Phellinus alardii are reported for the first time in the literature through this study. These secondary metabolites confer therapeutic potentialities to these mushrooms species such as the antioxidant properties.
Study on synergistic and antimicrobial activity of certain Bifidobacterium bifidum strains and plant extracts against clinical isolates
Authors: Srinu Beesam , Devi K Kasturi , Rao T Madhava
Published: September 2024

To evaluate the synergistic and antimicrobial activity of certain Bifidobacterium bifidum strains and methanolic extracts of Withania somnifera (Aswagandha) and Aloe vera plant extracts against clinical isolates from veterinary hospitals by using well diffusion method. The results obtained from the combined testing of Bifidobacterium adolescentis 236 strain and methanolic plant extracts of Withania somnifera showed significantly higher antibacterial/synergistic activity against isolates of E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus with an average zone of inhibition of 19.0 mm and 20.0 mm respectively, whereas against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium showed resistance/lower zone of inhibition with an average zone of inhibition 13.0 mm and 14.0 mm, respectively. Further, it was also observed that the Bifidobacterium bifidum strains and Withania somnifera and Aloe vera plants methanolic extracts exhibited excellent antibiotic activity when they were tested alone against the clinical pathogens. However, Bifidobacterium bifidum strains 229 and 232 tested in combination with methanolic extracts of Withania somnifera and Aloe vera plant extracts exhibited significantly low antibacterial activity/zone of inhibition against clinically isolated pathogens. The present study specifies that the Bifidobacterium adolescentis 236 strain and methanolic extract of Withania somnifera extracts exhibited good antibacterial activity when they are used in combination, such combinations can be further tested as an alternative to antibiotics for effective prophylactic measures and also for treatment of contagious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
Insights into the Structural and Thermal Properties of Pepsin-Soluble Collagen from Daggertooth pike conger (Muraenesox cinereus)
Authors: Kuppadakath Sreelakshmi Aravind , Panicker Varuna Purushothama , Vijayan Chinnu Mundakkal , Radhakrishnan Uma , Ajay Nimna , Narayanan Athira
Published: September 2024

Pepsin soluble collagen (PSC) is a type-1 collagen which is abundant in skin. The pepsin soluble collagen was successfully extracted from the skin of Daggertooth pike conger (Muraenesox cinereus) by using the conventional method of salt precipitation followed by dialysis. Pepsin-soluble collagen showed a yield of 10.12% on wet matter basis and 25.5% on dry matter basis. The triple helical structure of collagen was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Isolated PSC was confirmed as type 1 collagen by Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). FTIR spectra of PSC suggested that the secondary structure of the triple helical collagen was intact even after pepsin digestion. Pepsin-soluble collagen was soluble in acidic pH with maximum solubility at pH 4. The solubility was found to be decreased with an increase in the concentration of sodium chloride with a minimum solubility at 4%. The present PSC isolate from eel fish exhibited comparatively high thermal stability of 36 ͦ C. Morphological analysis by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a porous structure and comparatively high thermal stability makes it a promising biomaterial.
Unveiling the Sleep-Immunity Nexus: Plant Bioresources for Ameliorating Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Paliwal Lata , Ambwani Sonu
Published: September 2024

Sleep is a fundamental physiological process that not only supports immune function but also contributes significantly to overall well-being. Because of the established decline in the average amount of sleep due to lifestyle and rise in shift work over the past few decades, exploring the relationship between sleep and immunity has become crucial. Moreover, infections trigger increased sleep as a result of the host's immunological response, particularly the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-1. Understanding the mechanisms governing the human immune response against different pathogens during sleep, as well as the neuroimmune interconnections, immune regulatory effects of sleep, and the impact of cytokines in sleep deprivation, is crucial. Traditional medicine has employed plant derived preparations for treating various sleep disorders and promoting better sleep. While some plant derived products have shown positive effects on sleep, it is essential to acknowledge the limited scientific research in this area, and altered individual responses to these. In conclusion, recognizing the critical connection between sleep and immunity underscores the importance of prioritizing sufficient and restorative sleep to bolster overall health and well-being. While certain products may offer potential benefits for better sleep, further scientific investigation is necessary to fully understand their effectiveness and applicability on an individual basis.
Comparative in vitro evaluation of fungicides against collar rot pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii in elephant foot yam
Authors: Sreechithra MS , Salam Sherin A , Heera G , Shimi GJ , Radhakrishnan NV
Published: September 2024

Amorphophallus or elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) popularly known as the ‘King of tubers’ is one of the major tuber crops grown in India and other parts of the world. Collar rot disease, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is one of the primary obstacles to tuber cultivation which can significantly reduce yield up to 100%. Saprophytic nature, broad host range, and ability to produce resting structures make it difficult to manage. In this experiment, 10 isolates of S. rolfsii were isolated by the surveying Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha districts of Kerala, proved the pathogenicity by inoculating the pathogen cultured in sand- maize meal media (9:1). The isolate I3 obtained from Thiruvananthapuram district was found to be the most virulent based on the days taken for symptom development (4 days). Six fungicides (copper oxy chloride (50% WP), mancozeb (75% WP), propiconazole (25% EC), carbendazim (50% WP), trifloxystrobin (25%) + tebuconazole (50%) 75 WG, and carbendazim (12%) + mancozeb (63%) WP @ 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm were evaluated in vitro for their efficacy in inhibiting the fungal mycelial growth and sclerotia formation in isolate I3. All fungicides except carbendazim 50% WP and copper oxy chloride 50% WP, considerably reduced the mycelial development of S. rolfsii. Mancozeb 75%WP and trifloxystrobin (25%) + tebuconazole (50%) 75WG, showed complete inhibition of mycelial growth even at a lower concentration of 50 ppm.
Harnessing the Power of Nature: Nyctanthes arbortristis as an Alternative Medicine
Authors: Swain Nibedita , Sahoo Raj Kishore , Parameswaran C , Singh Nihar Ranjan , Behera Biswaranjan , Samantaray Sanghamitra
Published: September 2024

The Nyctanthes arbortristis, frequently referred to as Night-flowering Jasmine or Parijat, has a longstanding presence in traditional medicine. In this study, our objective was to assess its potential as an alternative therapy by analyzing its therapeutic uses and the scientific data that supports it. Nyctanthes arbortristis, a plant widely used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic qualities, has shown promise in the treatment of several health disorders such as persistent fever, arthritis, parasite infections, and respiratory ailments. Recent studies have found several bioactive chemicals in this plant, including alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, and glycosides. These substances contribute to the pharmacological effects of the plant. This report consolidates current research results on the many health advantages of the plant and proposes potential topics for future investigations on the most effective ways to use it for therapeutic purposes. By incorporating Nyctanthes arbortristis into contemporary healthcare, it will be possible to create treatment plans that are both natural and sustainable, while also complementing current practices.
Introducing Saffron and a few medicinal and high value plants for small farms and water deficit conditions of northern New Mexico
Authors: Salmasi Saeid Zehtab , Martin Charles
Published: September 2024

This document reviews the potential of cultivating saffron and other high-value medicinal and aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, chamomile, and Damask rose on small farms in northern New Mexico, particularly under water deficit conditions. Medicinal and aromatic plants, rich in secondary metabolites, are crucial to various industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. With an increasing global market for herbal products and a rising interest in traditional medicine, these plants offer economic benefits and sustainability for small-scale farmers. Northern New Mexico's diverse climate and soil conditions are suitable for growing a wide range of these plants, which are more lucrative and adaptable to dryland farming compared to traditional crops. Saffron (Crocus sativus), the most expensive herb globally, thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions and requires minimal resources. Its cultivation can enhance farm profitability through the integration of summer vegetable production. Lavender (Lavandula spp.), another high-value crop, is well-suited for the region and offers multiple uses in essential oils and personal care products. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are also highlighted for their drought tolerance and medicinal properties. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Damask rose (Rosa damascena) are noted for their medicinal uses and potential in commercial production. The document underscores the importance of proper soil and water management, organic farming practices, and the role of secondary metabolites in enhancing crop quality under stressful conditions. Intercropping and the use of farm residues for soil conservation are also discussed. The review concludes that these high-value crops can diversify farm income, improve land use efficiency, and offer sustainable agricultural solutions for water-scarce regions in northern New Mexico.
Current state and promising directions of technical modernization of the agricultural sector
Authors:   Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «Federal Rostov Agricultural Research Centre», Rassvet, Rostov Region, Russia, Kuznetsov Vladimir V. , Kholodov Oleg A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Rostov State University of Economics (RINH)», Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Samygin Denis Yu. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Penza State University», Penza, Russia, Kholodova Marina A. ,   Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «Federal Rostov Agricultural Research Centre», Rassvet, Rostov Region, Russia
Published: September 2024

The paper outlines the current state and promising directions of technical and technological modernization of the agricultural sector, which determines the vector of competitiveness of the country’s agriculture. Much attention is paid to government support and technical modernization programs as tools to stimulate and upgrade the country’s agricultural machinery and tractor fleet. It is argued that these tools of technical modernization of the industry are used in different ways by different subjects of the Russian Federation. The work highlights the leading regions for the renewal of the main fleet of agricultural machinery. The experience of technical and technological modernization of the crop industry in a large agricultural region of Southern Russia - the Rostov region - is studied. Taking into account the author’s coefficients for determining the normative need for the main types of agricultural machinery, recommended parameters for updating the machine and tractor fleet of the region have been developed, allowing to provide the agricultural sector with new generation equipment and increase its competitiveness. The implementation of the proposed parameters assumes the preservation of the level of regional support for the industry in terms of its technical modernization, the stabilization of grain prices in the country and in the global agri-food market.
Directions and trends of information and communication transformation of agri-food systems: regional aspect
Authors:   Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Kolesnyak Antonina A. , Polyanskaya Natalya M. ,   Banzarov Buryat State University, Ulan-Ude, Russia
Published: September 2024

In accordance with the Strategy for the Development of the Information Society in the Russian Federation, in the context of ensuring strategic national priorities, transformation and modernization of information and communication processes in all spheres of the national economy are envisaged. However, in the agri-food sector, these processes are significantly delayed due to the significant natural, climatic and socio-economic differentiation of Russian regions. Objectively, info-communication development and digitalization are an indispensable driving force for the further balanced development of agro-food systems and ensuring national food security. The information transformation of agri-food systems in the regions should be based not just on the introduction of digital technologies and services, but on the formation of an integrated digital ecosystem of resource-targeted management. The article examines the main directions and trends in the development of information and communication processes in the agricultural sector, summarizes digital technologies used in agricultural sectors, and identifies the main problems in the field of digital transformation. Using the example of one regions, a digital technology-based mechanism for resource-targeted management of an agri-food system is presented, the software of which is based on two platforms: a production information aggregator platform, where the primary collection and accumulation of data necessary for management is carried out, and an application platform, where services for the formation of specific tasks are concentrated. The conceptual structure of the digital agro-food passport of the region is proposed, which, according to the authors, is objectively necessary in modern conditions to form a unified database of digital data on the state of the agro-food systems of the regions.
The development of the tools of the economic mechanism in the AIC of Russia
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Research Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics”, Moscow, Russia, Maslova Vlada V. , Zaruk Natalya F. ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Research Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics”, Moscow, Russia, Savkina Galina M. ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Research Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics”, Moscow, Russia, Avdeev Mikhail V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Research Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics”, Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the issues of improving the tools of economic regulation in the agro-industrial complex of Russia in the context of modern challenges and threats. The authors emphasize that state support for the agro-industrial complex includes a whole system of existing mechanisms and tools. Despite the fact that the agri-food sector is one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the economy, in recent years there has been the decrease in the profitability of agricultural producers, the increase in price imbalances between various sectors of the AIC, the decrease in investment activity, insufficient efficiency of agricultural insurance and the low stimulating role of taxation. The article notes that at present the role of the state in the formation of the organizational and economic mechanism for the development of agriculture is significantly increasing. In this regard, the authors have proposed the set of tools for an economic mechanism aimed at forming sustainable and dynamic trends in the development of the country’s agri-food sector in order to ensure its extended reproduction.