bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FASILITAS PARIWISATA TERHADAP KEPUASAN PENGUNJUNG OBJEK WISATA DI PULAU PAHAWANG KABUPATEN PESAWARAN
Authors: Wibowo Prengki , Purnama Husna , Elina Maria , Astuti Hesti Widi , Ikhsan Adhisyahfitri Evalina
Published: January 2024

Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini fasilitas utama dan Fasilitas pendukung bagi wisatawan ke Pulau Pahawang sangat minim berpengaruh terhadap kepuasan pengunjung objek wisata pulau Pahawang.Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh Fasilitas Pariwisata terhadap Kepuasan Pengunjung objek Wisata di Pulau Pahawang Kabupaten Pesawaran.Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan berupa data primer dan data sekunder. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi dan quisioner. Populasi dan sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 29 Pengunjung Objek wisata Pulau Pahawang.Hasil pengujian hipotesis pengaruh fasilitas pariwisata terhadap kepuasan pengunjung objek wisata dapat ditunjukkan dengan nilai R square = 0,651 atau sebesar 65,1% sedangkan sisanya sebesar 34,9% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini. nilai t hitung sebesar 7.097 dan t tabel pada n = 29 dan α=0,05 diperoleh t tabel = 1,699 dan tingkat signifikansi sebesar 0,00, dengan demikian t hitung t tabel atau 7097 1,699 dan tingkat signifikansi sebesar 0,00 0,05 maka   Ha diterima. Hal ini berarti fasilitas pariwisata memiliki kontribusi dan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan pengunjung objek wisata di Pulau Pahawang Kabupaten Pesawaran.
Effect of combined Ce and Er Addition on Solidification, Microstructure of the Al-7Si-alloy
Authors:   University Technology Malaysia, Majeed Faraj Saeid Adrees , Suhaimi Mohd Azlan ,   University Technology Malaysia, Bin Mohd Yusof Nordin ,   University Technology Malaysia, Bin Ahmad Rosli ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Asmael Mohammed Basher ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Hj.Yusof Mohd Sallehuddin ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Published: January 2024

This paper highlights the effects of the additions of two rare earth elements (REEs) (Ce and Er) on microstructure and to investigate the characteristic temperatures during solidification of the modified alloy. Five changes of Al-7Si alloys with xEr+xCe additions (x=0.15, 0.25,0.4, 0.5 and 0.75) were produced by casting technique via the solidification parameters examined using computer-aided cooling curve thermal analysis (CA-CCTA). The thermal analysis tests were carried out for each one by using a thermal analysis system that includes (K-type Thermocouple, EPAD-TH8-K, EPAD-Baes2 and Laptop with Dewesoft-7.5-Lt). To estimate the change in microstructure and solidification as a result of adding (Ce+Er) additions, the obtained result showed that the growth TG Al-Phaseand nucleation TNAl-Phasetemperatures decreased to lower temperatures 614.7°C and 615.5°C respectively as the amount Ce, Er increased.
A Review of Recent Skills Required as Engineering Project Managers
Authors:   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Othman M.H. , Sulor M.A. ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Haidar Mohammed ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Published: January 2024

Most of the project engineers are presumed to be promoted as the project manager after certain period of services. However, they are required to attain certain qualities in order to manage the project effectively. Hence, this paper summarised several recent skills required for an engineering project managers. This paper relates the role of the engineering project manager with the skills required to accomplish the managerial jobs. The skills are divided into six categories, which are conceptual skills, human skills, political skills, technical skills, negotiating skills and budgeting skills. Each of these skills were discussed with several examples as the reference. It was believed that these skills are needed for the project managers to boost up the management performance, in the real engineering project field, and the findings of this paper could become the appropriate guidelines for the young engineers as the motivation to climb up the promotional ladder as some successful project managers.
Comparative Study of Two Dimensional Boundary Layer over NACA 23012 and NACA 23021 Airfoils by Using Keller’s Box Method
Authors:   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Kumar Vinod Kumar K Sivak , Abdullah Aslam ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Basuno Bambang ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Published: January 2024

This paper begins with general description onvarious methods for solving boundary layer equation. In particular, Prandtl's boundary layer equation is a simplified version of Navier-Stokes equation thatis solved integrally. Order of magnitudeanalysiscan be used to solve laminar and turbulent flow problems along the boundary layer.A more complex technique based onKeller’sbox method isalso discussed.This study aims atutilising a developed computercode which allows one to predict the development of boundary layer characteristics along airfoils’ surface, andhavea comparative understanding on flow behavioursbetween NACA 23012 and NACA 23021 airfoils, as well as 0⁰ and 5⁰angles of attack. The ability of Keller’s box method to solve the boundary layer equation prevails through correctskin friction,momentum thickness, and shape factor distributions over the surfaces. It was found that skin frictionin boundary layer over NACA23021 is higher than that over NACA23012 for about 10% of the chord length from the leading edge. However, momentum thickness of the boundary layer over NACA23021is lessthan the boundary layer momentum thickness over NACA23012for the whole chord length. Similarly, the shape factor Hfor the boundary layer over the formeris smallerin comparison to the latterfor about 30% of the chord length.
Indoor Air Quality Performance in Buildings – A Review
Authors:   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Anak Semang Stewart Sumping , Razali Mohd Azahari ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Published: January 2024

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the term used to describe the quality of the air within buildings and other structures, particularly as it relates to the wellbeing and comfort of building users. This review covers the fundamentals of the parameters to be measured to determine the IAQ of a building. Reduced risk of indoor health issues can be achieved by understanding and managing common indoor contaminants. Within hours of exposure or perhaps years later, indoor air pollution can have a negative impact on health. Following a single exposure or several exposures to a pollutant, some health consequences such as headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat may become apparent. Therefore, IAQ assessment must be implemented to measure the parameters according to the standards and guidelines set.
Strength control of grey cast iron by electrographic method
Authors: Minenko Georgy
Published: January 2024

The experimental procedure carried out on a test installation to determine the electrical resistance value in the process of crystallization of cast iron is presented. A scheme of a test installation using a measuring circuit based on the Wheatstone bridge circuit to determine the electrical resistance value of crystallized cast iron is given. Recording measured data over time allowed constructing a graphical dependence of the change in the values of specific electrical resistance during the crystallization of gray cast iron. Experimental data on changes in the values of the specific electrical conductivity of a sample of gray cast iron during crystallization and their relationship to the amount of supercooling of the melt of this alloy are presented. The obtained dependence made it possible to identify on the curve of specific electrical resistivity change under supercooling of cast-iron test sample those areas, which were exposed to the cast-iron melt supercooling. The ratio of the initial and final values of the electrical resistivity under supercooling of cast iron allowed calculating the values of the relative electrical resistivity. Measurements of cast iron strength have shown that they are functionally related to the value of the relative electrical resistivity of gray cast iron, determined by the degree of supercooling of the cast iron melt. The use of this method will make it possible to predict gray cast iron strength and will allow reducing the amount of castings defective in terms of mechanical properties and at the same time increasing foundry production profitability.
Using Predicted Academic Performance to Identify At-Risk Students in Public Schools
Authors: Fazlul Ishtiaque , Koedel Cory , Parsons Eric
Published: January 2024

Measures of student disadvantage—or risk—are critical components of equity-focused education policies. However, the risk measures used in contemporary policies have significant limitations, and despite continued advances in data infrastructure and analytic capacity, there has been little innovation in these measures for decades. We develop a new measure of student risk for use in education policies, which we call Predicted Academic Performance (PAP). PAP is a flexible, data-rich indicator that identifies students at risk of poor academic outcomes. It blends concepts from emerging early warning systems with principles of incentive design to balance the competing priorities of accurate risk measurement and suitability for policy use. In proof-of-concept policy simulations using data from Missouri, we show PAP is more effective than common alternatives at identifying students who are at risk of poor academic outcomes and can be used to target resources toward these students—and students who belong to several other associated risk categories—more efficiently.
Toolkit for modelling the socio-demographic development of regional economies
Authors:   Institute of Social and Economic Researches - Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Science, Gainanov Damir , Nizamutdinov Marsel , Akhmetzyanova Milyausha , Minyazev Aidar , Migranova Lilia , Oreshnikov Vladimir , Sayfullina Larisa , Davletova Zulfiya , Kashirina Ekaterina , Gaisina Amina
Published: January 2024

The monograph presents generalised results of trend analysis, substantiation of factors and formalised description of models for assessing interdependence of the factors of socio-demographic development and structural transformation of the regional economy. structural transformation of regional economy, the corresponding mechanisms of regulation, planning and management are substantiated. mechanisms of regulation, planning and management. It is recommended for researchers and practitioners, teachers, postgraduates and students studying the problems of economics, demography, labour market and education.
Approaches and tools for assessing the performance of regional public finances under conditions of uncertainty
Authors:   Institute of Social and Economic Researches - Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Science, Gainanov Damir , Altufieva Tatyana , Gafarova Leysan , Rakhmatullin Yulay , Shmakova Marina , Franz Marina , Farkhutdinova Aliya , Sakhapova Gulnara , Lavrik Artem , Dzizinskaya Diana , Divaeva Elvira , Kuznetsova Yulia ,   Institute of Social and Economic Researches - Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Science
Published: January 2024

The monograph presents the results of a study of theoretical, methodological and applied aspects of defining the concept and assessing the effectiveness of the use of public finance at the regional level, considered from the perspective of ensuring sustainable development of the territory under conditions of uncertainty. Based on an analysis of the experience of “best practices” in public finance management, problems of assessing the effectiveness of their use are identified and tools are proposed to take into account the impact of public finance on achieving the final indicators of socio-economic development and environmental well-being of territories. Potential areas have been identified and recommendations have been formulated to improve the effectiveness of state financial support for economic sectors of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the implementation of which will contribute to achieving the strategic priorities of the socio-economic development of the region and improving the quality of life of the population. Of interest to researchers, specialists, students and graduate students involved in the development and study of regional issues.
Muslim Holy Sites in the Southern Urals: geoinformation mapping and spatial analysis
Authors: Valeeva A. F. , Tuzbekov A. I.
Published: January 2024

In the last decade, there has been a tendency in the Southern Urals to reconstruct old and to form new holy places revered by Muslims. To date, more than 115 such objects have been recorded. Most of them are revered only by the residents of small villages, but some have acquired great importance for Muslims throughout the region. The purpose of this work is to identify the most popular places of worship of Muslims in the Southern Urals. Considering that some of the objects of regional importance have been revered by Muslims since the XIV century, and others, having appeared relatively recently, quickly became one of the most visited places, it is necessary to determine the factors influencing the growth of this popularity. The study supposed the Geoinformation methods to be used. Thus, using free Quantum GIS software, and on the basis of archival materials, archaeologists’, ethnographers’, religious scholars’, culturologists’ groundwork, as well as referring to the materials of Internet communities and other open sources, we have created the following layers: 1) Mausoleums, 2) Places of worship according to the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, 3) Places of worship according to the Internet community Sufi RB, 4) Religious tourist routes. Using a comparative method, it was determined that the most popular among Muslims in the region are the mausoleum of Hussein-Bey and Mount Narystau (Ilchigulovo IV, kurgan burial ground). The results of the study indicate that the popularity of objects is influenced by a number of factors: they can be identified as the presence of a monumental structure, the representation of the object in the media space and in the Internet, as well as the availability of objective scientific data about it.
The Psychological Basis of the Interaction of Elements of Chinese Culture and Culture of Islamic Peoples in China
Authors: Aleksandrova E. A.
Published: January 2024

The article attempts to describe Islam in China in terms of Chinese psychology and the Chinese culture’s style of adding new cultural material. The article highlights some elements of the cultural configuration thanks to which it is possible to observe interpenetration of two cultural complexes as the natural from the psychological point of interpenetration. Such elements include, for example, folklore and martial arts. Both folklore and martial arts as part of the cultural system in China play a significant role in the functioning of folk culture, used as “soft power” in the intercultural and interreligious dialogue within the People’s Republic of China and beyond its borders. The reason why the folklore elements and martial arts are considered as important in the given context hides in their role in Chinese cultural history. It is obvious that folklore is one of the basics of ethnic group genesis and identification. Chinese and Islam culture co-existence leads to the rejuvenation of folk tradition by means of introducing a new character recognizable for the domestic population. As for martial arts – it is a kind of way of narrating Chinese culture, natural and essential for people inside country and, in its turn, recognizable for external viewers. The methodology used in the analysis of materials is interdisciplinary. In the general framework of Cultural Studies the methods of Cross Cultural Psychology, Cultural Anthropology, and the Psychology of Religion are applied. The mixed methodology, based on the concept of cultural configuration, gives a focus on the combination of Chinese traditional and Islamic culture as objectively existing, living and natural.
The Christianization of the Horde in the 14th – the first half of the 15th centuries
Authors: Alexander Alexander
Published: January 2024

The article examines the missionary and canonical activities of the Russian Orthodox clergy in the Horde during the period of pressure from the Catholic West and the Islamization of the Horde, the activities of the Sarai bishopric, aimed not only at the spiritual nourishment of the Russians in the Horde, but also at the spread of Christianity among other peoples, including those surrounding the Horde khans, interaction metropolitans and Sarai bishops with the descendants of Genghis Khan, which created a certain stability of the church organization in Eastern Europe.
The history of the training of Russian language translators during the late Qing – the Russian language school of the capital’s Tongwen Guan College
Authors: Liqun Li , Hong Xu
Published: January 2024

The object of this article is to study the history of the Russian language school of the capitals Tongwen-guan College, its creation, the time of its foundation, the study of teaching staff and the process and methods of teaching, as well as other aspects.
The developmental history of Japanese education in Russia in 18th – 21st centuries
Authors: Yaoyao Xu
Published: January 2024

This article focuses on exploring the developmental history of Japanese education in Russia since the drifted Japanese Dembei arrived in Russia during the early 18th century. It is found out that Japanese education has evolved constantly in Russia, from accidental, small-scale and low-level to official, large-scale and high-level. Especially in the years after the Cold War, it ranks higher than any other Eastern European countries in the number of Japanese teaching institutions, Japanese teachers and learners.
The relations between Czech and Slovenian Sokol clubs in the beginnings of their history (1863–1872)
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kotov Viktor
Published: January 2024

The article deals with the relations between Czech and Slovenian gymnastic clubs in the 1860s and early 1870s. The history of the launch and the spread of the Sokol (Czech and Slovenian for a «falcon») movement is analyzed from the perspective of cultural transfers. Special emphasis has been given to the mission of Czech gymnastic instructor Jan Zdeněk Veselý, who worked in Ljubljana from 1870 to 1872. The research is based on the analysis of Czech, Slovenian and German newspapers and magazines, as well as other primary sources.
An artistic look at the history of Slovenians and their future (on the material of I. Cankar's prose)
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chepelevskaia Tatyana
Published: January 2024

In the article discusses the following several key themes in the works of I. Cankar (1876–1918) (primarily in his prose of the early 20th century), giving an idea of his vision of the historical path of the Slovenian people, among them are peasant uprisings, the problem of emigration and the First World War. Another important task of the study is to identify the writer’s ideas about the future of Slovenes, expressed in artistic form, through the components of the Slovenian World Model (SMM), to characterize the features of which two concepts are chosen: road / path and house. The analysis of the prose of the outstanding Slovenian writer, dedicated to the important stages of the historical path of the Slovenian people, as well as the artistic embodiment of the central concepts of the Slovenian model of the world, leads to the conclusion that I. Cankar, based on mythopoetic and religious traditions, was able to express the main ideas that unite the Slovenians and explain them centripetal tendencies, as well as to outline the vector of movement for the future.
The power of AI-enabled chatbots as an organizational social listening tool
Authors: Zhou Alvin , Men Rita Linjuan , Tsai Wan-Hsiu Sunny
Published: January 2024

This chapter explores the potential of AI-enabled social chatbots as a listening agent for organizations. Informed by a comprehensive review of literature in public relations, computer-mediated communication, and human-machine communication, this chapter presents a holistic framework to theorize how organizations can effectively harness the power of social chatbots for organizational listening. We further discuss how listening via social chatbots may influence public relations effectiveness. In particular, we propose that chatbots’ social conversation characterized by social presence and conversational human voice can enhance perceived organizational listening, which in turn, leads to perceptual and relational outcomes of perceived organizational transparency, positive corporate characters as well as organization-public relationships. We conclude our chapter with strategic implications for organizations’ communication practices.
Mathur and Shpitser respond to "The evolution of selection bias in the recent epidemiologic literature – a selective overview''
Authors: Mathur Maya B , Shpitser Ilya
Published: January 2024

We respond to Lu et al.'s commentary on our recent paper.
Underestimation of carbon dioxide emissions from organic-rich agricultural soils
Authors: Liang Zhi , Hermansen Cecilie , Weber Peter Lystbæk , Pesch Charles , Greve Mogens Humlekrog , de Jonge Lis Wollesen , Leifeld Jens , Elsgaard Lars
Published: January 2024

Organic-rich agricultural soils, including drained peatlands, are hotspots for biogenic CO2 emissions, contributing to elevated atmospheric CO2 levels. Due to microbial mineralisation, the organic carbon (OC) content of these soils transitions to that of mineral soils, but it remains unclear how the residual OC content controls the rate of CO2 emission. We show that area-scaled CO2 emissions from soils with >6% OC are not controlled by OC content and OC density. National greenhouse gas inventories assign area-scaled CO2 emission factors to soils with >12% OC, but soils with 6-12% OC are disregarded or treated with lower emission factors than soils with >12% OC. In this respect, our results suggest that CO2 emissions from organic soils could be underestimated by 40% in the Danish National Inventory Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). We conclude that a global underestimation of CO2 emissions from 6-12% OC soils occurs in countries with large proportions of organic soils in transition from organic to organo-mineral soils due to agricultural management. Refining CO2 emission estimates for 6-12% OC soils is critical for the accuracy of national inventories, but also for recognising the climate benefits of emerging initiatives to rewet drained organic soils.
Theoretical models for corporate social media use
Authors: Zhou Alvin , Men Rita Linjuan
Published: January 2024

This chapter is structured into four sections to summarize theoretical frameworks currently employed to study corporate social media use and discuss new ways forward to further theorize the impact of digital media on public relations. Upon reviewing social media use by and in corporations, we first summarize theoretical approaches and frameworks, such as mediated dialogue, public engagement, and parasocial interactions. Then the chapter provides an overview of how recent literature has theorized corporate social media use in various prominent research areas. Next, we provide a critical assessment of the assumption held by many scholars and practitioners that social media use is good for public relations. The chapter concludes with discussions on research gaps and provides suggestions for future theory development in corporate digital communication.
LIFE AND MAN: MICROGRAPHY OF THE UNIVERSE
Authors: Lolis Kostas
Published: January 2024

Man and the Universe in parallel existence proving this theory with examples and parallel similarities.
Assessment of Hydrochemistry and Groundwater Quality in Ijokodo and It’s Environment, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Mafimisebi Peter , Martins Grace
Published: January 2024

The study area occurs within the Precambrian basement complex composed of quartzite, quartz-schist, biotite-andbiotite-hornblende-gneiss (migmatite) as the main rock units. Physiochemical assessment of shallow groundwater in Ijokodo area was carried out to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. Thirteen (13) groundwater samples were collected and subjected field measurements of physical parameters followed by chemical analyses methods. The results of the physicochemical and the hydrochemical studies show that the Ijokodo stream is slightly alkaline. The trace metals show varied average results in the streams samples of the study area. Results of AF (<1) show that the Ijokodo streams have not been heavily contaminated. The estimated results of geo-accumulation (<0) also confirmed this. The computed values of SAR on the average indicated that the water phase of the Ijokodo streams contain a slight low sodium hazard of 9.5 and this may not be potentially hazardous for irrigation practices. The result of EC, TDS, MR, Kelly’s ratio shows that the water samples are good for irrigation The Gibb’s diagrams suggest that chemical weathering of the rock forming minerals is the main process which contributes the ions concentration in the water while, the Wilcox diagram result reveals that all water samples are within the area of excellent to good.
Somatosensory impact on motor cortex: how touch shapes motor behaviour
Authors: Zafarana Antonio , Muret Dollyane , FARNE ALESSANDRO , Tamè Luigi
Published: January 2024

The ability to manipulate objects is a critical skill for humans. Such function is carried out primarily by the motor system. However, such a process would not be possible without the continuous information provided by the somatosensory system. The somatosensory feedback is particularly important when a movement must be adjusted while performing an action. Effective interactions between the somatosensory and motor systems are paramount for performing fine motor behaviour, as made dramatically clear by brain damage. Somatosensory deficits following nervous system lesions have received little attention compared to motor control. Yet, patients suffering from somatosensory deficits usually show reduced recovery of motor functions, preserved somatosensation being a good predictor of motor recovery. Despite the importance of touch in shaping motor behaviour, the functional relationships between the somatosensory and motor systems remain unclear. Here we examine the potential role of somatosensory information in modulating motor behaviour. We focus on a series of empirical studies that investigated the crosstalk between the somatosensory and motor systems, specifically on the role of touch in shaping motor behaviour. We will start by describing, across different species, the anatomical and neurophysiological connections between these systems and the nature of these communications. We will then present evidence from neuropathological studies and the severe consequences of somatosensory signals’ disruption on motor performance. Finally, we will examine the impact of short- and long-term tactile learning on the motor system as a promising approach for developing novel somatosensory-to-motor rehabilitation strategies, for people suffering from brain injury and other neurological conditions.
Is financial literacy enough to explain investment decisions? Understanding the role of psychological characteristics
Authors: Robba Matteo , Sorgente Angela , Miccoli Maria Rosa , Iannello Paola
Published: January 2024

Behavioral sciences have largely demonstrated that psychological, emotional, and motivational factors influence financial behaviors. However, psychological characteristics have been quite overlooked concerning investment decision-making, as research focused mainly on financial knowledge and skills. In this framework, the present study aimed to explore the role of specific socio-demographic and psychological factors in predicting financial market participation. Analyzing cross-sectional data on a representative sample of 1,110 individuals, the impact of socio-demographic characters, financial literacy, financial self-efficacy, financial risk attitude, and impulsivity on the decision to participate in financial markets was investigated. Findings from a multinomial logistic regression model showed that besides financial literacy, psychological characteristics (i.e., risk tolerance, financial self-efficacy, and impulsivity) significantly affect the probability of investing. From one side, these results confirm the relevant role that financial literacy plays for a proper investment decision-making. On the other side, the present study reveals that decision-making processes is affected by investors’ psychological characteristics as well. Thus, considering psychological factors, such as risk attitudes and individual differences is essential to better understand investment decisions.
Breaking Barriers: Decolonization as a Key to Overcoming Compartmentality in Progressive Initiatives
Authors: Hosseini S A Hamed
Published: January 2024

In the realm of contemporary discourse, grasping the complexities of the pluriverse and its potential to transcend compartmentality has emerged as a central and pressing concern. Rooted in political ontology, pluriversalist perspectives offer a critical lens through which to challenge the deep-seated Western epistemological divisions between humanity and nature. This short preprint, as a complementary piece of a broader scholarly endeavor, explores the intricate concept of compartmentality and its manifestation within the ‘Actually Existing Pluriverse.’ Through a comprehensive analysis of respondents’ prioritization of ‘Ultimate Outcomes,’ including decolonization, ecological health, public well-being, social justice, and economic democratization, this study reveals the role of decolonization in overcoming compartmentality within progressive initiatives.
Combining ability and gene action analysis in a half-diallel cross of Brassica rapa L.
Authors:   Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh, Uzzal Ahmed Liton M M ,   Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T2N2, Canada., Rashid Bhuiyan Shahidur ,   Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh., Zeba Naheed ,   Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh., Rashid2,3 M. Harunur ,   Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh; Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh., Ali Akkas ,   Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Published: January 2024

Fifteen hybrids along with six parents were tested to identify good combiners through analyzing combining ability and gene action for yield and its attributes. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2010/11 at research farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka. Data for days to 50% flowering and 80% maturity, plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, seed yield and 1000-seed weight was recorded for analysis.The results showed that mean squares for parents, hybrids, parent vs hybrid were significantly different (p<0.01 or p<0.05) for most of the traits. Highly significant mean squares due to general combining ability (GCA) were found for all the traits except for length of pod, whereas highly significant mean squares due to specific combining ability (SCA) were also found for days to 50% flowering, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, length of pod and seed yield per plant. This indicated that both additive and non-additive gene effects were important but additive gene effects were predominant for the expression of most of the measured traits. Estimates of GCA and SCA effects for yield and its attributes suggested that parent BARI Sarisha-6, BARI Sarisha-15 and Tori-7 was good combiners for different traits. Hayman’s graphical analysis indicated both over- and partial-dominance for growth and yield attributes. As dominant (non-fixable) variation was high for most of the attributes, substantial improvements of these traits may be possible by transferring complementary gene into non-epistatic high-dominance crosses or eliminating duplicate genes from high-dominance crosses. Considering GCA, SCA and per se performance BARI Sarisha-6, BARI Sarisha-15 and Tori-7 might be good parents towards an effective breeding programme.
Increasing the shelf-life and quality of matured scotch bonnet (Ata rodo) and tomato using chitosan coating
Authors:   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (PCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan., Ogungbemi Kunle , Ilesanmi F. F. ,   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (DCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan., Ilori A.O. ,   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (DCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan., Odeniyi T. A. ,   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (DCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan., Balogun D. ,   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (PCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan., Ajisafe S. S. ,   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (DCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan., Balogun B. ,   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (DCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan., Oke B. A. ,   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (DCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan., Adeniyi B. M. ,   Biochemistry/Chemistry Unit, (PCRD), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan.
Published: January 2024

Loss in quantity and quality of several perishable crops occur between harvest and handling process to the final consumer. In tomatoes and scotch bonnet, the quality loss occurs majorly due to over-ripening, mechanical damage, fungal infection and decay. Extending the shelf life and storability of these perishable crops has been of major concern to researchers. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the protective effect of chitosan coating on post-harvest qualities of matured scotch bonnet and tomato. Freshly harvested scotch bonnets and tomatoes from a field plot at Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan were sorted on the basis of color, size and absence of external injuries. The selected crops were randomly divided into two groups (group with chitosan and without chitosan). Chitosan synthesized from Chemistry Department in Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan was used to coat the scotch bonnets and tomatoes crops in group 1 while group 2 served as the control. The coated scotch bonnets and tomatoes where kept at room temperature and monitored on daily basis for seven days for scotch bonnet and twenty days for tomato. Chitosan coating markedly reduced the weight loss, fungal infection, shrinking and decay, improving the firmness and titratable acidity in group coated with chitosan. It can be concluded that chitosan coating delays senescence and fungal infection in scotch bonnet and tomato most likely due to its ability to alleviate water stress and its anti-fungal activities.
Suitability assessment of soils derived from fine-grained biotite gneiss and schist in rainforest region of southwestern Nigeria for pepper (Capsicum Sp. L.) production
Authors:   Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria., Olajide Oluwatosin Mayowa , Ojetade Julius Olayinka ,   Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria., Muda Sikiru Adekoya ,   Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria., Oyebiyi Oluwatoyosi Oyetola ,   Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria., Amusan Adeagbo Alani ,   Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Published: January 2024

Soils derived from fine-grained biotite gneiss and schist are extensive in southwestern Nigeria and are reportedly suitable for both arable and tree crops. Pepper is an indispensable part of the daily diet of millions of Nigerians. However, its productivity in southwestern Nigeria is low compared with its’ demand. This study assessed the suitability of soils formed in fine-grained biotite gneiss and schist in rainforest area of southwestern Nigeria for pepper production. The selected toposequence was delineated into four physiographic units and soil profile pits were established, described and sampled at each unit. The soil samples collected were analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, salinity and organic carbon. Land characteristics obtained were matched with the crop requirements for pepper to obtain the soils’ suitability classes using parametric method. Results show that the soils were currently marginally suitable (S3) to not suitable (N) for pepper production. The major agronomic constraints of the soils in order of severity were climate (too high rainfall), fertility (high soil acidity) and topography (slope greater than 3%). It was therefore recommended that planting in areas with less amount of rainfall (750-900 mm) and effective agronomic practices will ensure sustainable pepper production.
Determinants of choice of Climate Smart Agricultural practices adoption among yam based farming households in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors:   Centre of Excellence for Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria., Faleye Oluwafemi S. , Afolami Carolyn A. ,   Centre of Excellence for Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Published: January 2024

Agriculture is highly vulnerable to the effect of climate change even though is the most weather dependent of human activities. Thus, there is a need for sustainable approach to practice of agriculture in the region. This study examined the determinants of adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices among yam based farming households in Ogun State, Nigeria. A sample of 160 respondents were selected through multi stage sampling technique from two out of the four Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) zones in the state and data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire, which was also used as an interview guide. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate probit model. The findings showed that 89.38% of the yam based farmers were men. Majority (65%) of the farmers were between 41 to 60 years. Also, it was revealed that only 16.3% of the respondents did not have any form of formal education. Mulching was found to be the CSA practice that is mostly adopted in the area with 90.6% of the respondents adopting the practice while mixed farming was the least adopted with 20.6% of the respondents adopting it. Also, it was revealed that on the average, a farmer adopted three out of the five practices considered. Furthermore, the multivariate probit results revealed the following factors that influence adoption of the various CSA practices; radio information, farm size, volume of credit, farming experience, number of contact with extension agent, and membership of cooperative society were positively significant at 1%, 5% and 10 % while sex, age, years of education, use of credit, access to extension service and membership of farmers association were negatively significant at 1%, 5% and 10 %. The study recommended that CSA practices should be introduced to yam based farmers not as a new set of technology but should be diffused to them as an improvement on those indigenous practices they are used to, to enable fast adoption of CSA practice in the area.
Selenium accumulation and growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as affected by pig manure composting
Authors:   Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 27, (Latokartanonkaari 5),  00014 Helsinki, Finland., Owusu-Sekyere Anthony
Published: January 2024

At trace concentrations, selenium (Se) has been shown to exert positive effects on plant growth, but Se essentiality to higher plants remains in doubt. Plants can absorb Se from the soil in inorganic or organic forms, but the cycling and bioavailability of organic Se in the manure-soil-plant system remain to be fully understood. This study investigated the effects of pig manure composting on the growth and Se accumulation in Lolium perenne L. (cv. Riikka) at different growth stages. A pot experiment with silica sand amended with Se-enriched mineral fertilizer (NPK-Se), dried, ground pig manure (PM) and pig manure compost (PMC) at 200 mg N kg-1 soil was carried out under controlled greenhouse conditions. Addition of NPK-Se, PM and PMC significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased dry matter content in the stems and roots, on average, by 28 and 19% respectively. Inorganic (NPK-Se) and organic (PM and PMC) treatments slightly increased net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and leaf area in plants. Inorganic Se (NPK-Se) markedly increased Se content in the shoots, on average, by 35% at all growth stages. Even though Se concentration in the roots was 3-fold higher in pig manure (PM and PMC) fertilized-plants, translocation to the shoots was reduced. Interestingly, Se concentration in the shoots was higher in PMC-plants compared to PM-plants at all growth stages. However, the effect of composting on Se concentration was not significant. Overall, the results indicate that composting improves the fertilizer value of pig manure with possible stimulatory effects on organic-Se mineralization.
Antibacterial effects of some selected spices used in Nigerian pepper soup on cooked broiler meat on days 3 and 6 of refrigeration storage
Authors:   Department of Animal Science, Osun State University, P.M.B 4494, Osogbo. Osun State, Nigeria., Akinduro V. O. , Asaniyan E. K. ,   Department of Animal Production and Health, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B.353,  Okitipupa. Ondo State, Nigeria., Osho I. B. ,   Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure. Ondo State Nigeria.
Published: January 2024

Food deterioration with subsequent spoilage has been attributed to the presence of micro-organisms, in which bacteria play a prominent role in this regard, especially in the tropics. However, study of this nature was designed to help boost existing progress made in line of curtailing the activities of this micro-organism. Research studies have shown that spices have anti-microbial properties, hence the ability to inhibit the activities of bacteria. The experiment was conducted in phases: phase one investigated the antibacterial effects of some selected individual spices used in Nigerian pepper soup, phase two investigated the effects of mixture of the spices in an unformed manner, (as prepared in the open market), while phase three, investigated the effects in an informed manner, that is, preparation based on the results from phases one and two of the study. The selected spices were Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aidon fruit), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Piper gueneense (Guinea pepper), Aframomum melegueta (Grain of paradise), Xylopia aethiopica (Ethiopian pepper), Allium sativum (Garlic), Ocimum gratissimum (big leaf basil), Ocimum basilicum (small leaf basil) and Monodora myristica (African nutmeg). The experiments investigated the effects of the spices on days three and six of refrigerated storage using serial dilution method. The selected spices significantly (p<0.05) reduced bacterial load on the two separate days of refrigerated storage. This could have been due to the presence of phytochemical in them.
Development of rice varieties BRRI dhan93, BRRI dhan94 and BRRI dhan95 for rainfed lowland ecosystem of Bangladesh
Authors:   Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh., Kader Md. Abdul , Aditya Tamal Lata ,   Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh., Majumder Ratna Rani ,   Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh., Hore Tapas Kumer ,   Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh., Shalahuddin A K M ,   Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh., Haq Md. Ehsanul ,   Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh.
Published: January 2024

Newly released rice varieties BRRI dhan93, BRRI dhan94 and BRRI dhan95, are suitable for rainfed lowland ecosystem of Bangladesh as an improvement over existing rice varieties. These varieties have satisfactorily been passed in the proposed varietal trial conducted at the farmers’ field. As a result, National Seed Board (NSB) approved these for commercial cultivation in the wet season in September 2019. BRRI dhan93, BRRI dhan94 and BRRI dhan95 have modern plant type with 117, 118 and 120 cm plant height and matures in 134 days, 134 days and 125 days with production of 5.8, 5.9 and 5.7 t/ha yield respectively. BRRI dhan93 has deep green leaf, erect flag leaf, late leaf senescence, 1000 grain weight is 18.95 g having reddish colored medium bold grain. BRRI dhan94 has deep green leaf, semi-erect flag leaf, 1000 grain weight of 18.60 g having reddish colored medium bold grain. BRRI dhan95 has deep green leaf, erect flag leaf, 1000 grain weight is 21.50 g and medium bold type deep red coloured attractive grain. BRRI dhan93, BRRI dhan94 and BRRI dhan95 are highly promising rice varieties for cultivation in the rainfed lowland area which help farmers to obtain high economic output and contribute to sustaining food security.