bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research activities in the teaching intensive university: Scholarship reconsidered & repositioned
Authors: Shannon Anthony G
Published: August 2018

A quarter of a century has passed since Professor Ernest L. Boyer's landmark book, Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate, challenged the publish-or-perish status quo that dominated the academic landscape then and has continued to do so through a variety of research league-table games. His powerful and enduring argument for a broader approach to academic roles and rewards within universities continues to be important as higher education providers balance the varying expectations of their role in society. This paper is more an examination of the provenance of the Boyer model than a review of the book.
Exploring the Relationships Among Innovation, Collaboration, and School Change in a Mixed Methods
Authors: Walker Aneta Hogan
Published: August 2018

Continuous school improvement efforts require schools to prepare, organize, and lead change.  This study examined how a school created a context for change by implementing an innovation to improve teaching practices, school culture, and student learning outcomes.  Implementing innovation requires school leaders to understand the process of change to successfully sustain school improvement efforts.  The purpose of this research study was to assess the effectiveness that an innovative hybrid schedule had on improving student learning outcomes and school culture.  This mixed-method research study used data generated by the AdvancEdÂ®â€™s Stakeholder Feedback Survey, the ACT AspireÂ® Student Achievement Tests, and teacher interviews.

The analysis of this studyâ€™s data indicated several factors that facilitated change through the implementation of the innovative hybrid schedule.  The researcher discovered these overall factors related to the benefits of students changing classes, teachers becoming content specialists, collaboration through PLCs and vertical planning.  Additionally, the results revealed that significant change occurred in school culture based on the AdvancEdÂ®â€™s Stakeholder Feedback Survey.  Additionally, student learning outcomes measured by ACT AspireÂ® Reading and Mathematics Student Achievement Tests showed a statistically significant improvement in both reading and math.
Challenges of Water Resource Development and Management in Zing Town, Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Oruonye E D , Bange E
Published: August 2018

This study examined the challenges of water resource development and management in Zing town,Taraba State, Nigeria. The study considered issues of sources of water supply in Zing town, the nature of water challenges, impacts of the water challenges on the socio-economic life of the people, water management strategies and prospect of urban water resource development in the study area. 110 questionnaires were systematically administered in ten streets that were purposively selected in Zing town. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of the finding indicates that majority (45.5%) of the respondent have their water source from borehole, 18.2% streams, 18.2% hand dug wells and 9.1% from other sources (mostly water vendors). The study shows that 68.2% of the respondents had their water point located outside their households, while only 31.8% claimed to have their water sources located within their compounds (this is mostly hand dug wells). The nature of water challenge in the area ranges from severe (50%), not severe (27.3%) and normal (22.7%). The results also shows that only 34% of respondents claimed to have access to sufficient water daily, while 66% of the respondents hardly have access to sufficient water on daily basis. The study shows that the water management strategy adopted mostly by the respondent ranges from storing water in large container (48.2%), reduce water use (29.1%), increase amount spent on water (13.6%) and others 9.1% (mainly re-use of water). The prospect of water resource development in the study area is very bright with the proposal of a small earth dam in Monkin settlement by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Monkin small earth dam which is meant to generate 500KW of electricity can be integrated into an urban water supply project in the area. This will assure more reliable water supply all year round. It will also help to overcome some of the challenges of servicing the hand pumps which rendered them inadequate when they break down. This study recommends the need to replace the old and obsolete borehole equipment with new ones and increase the number of boreholes to meet the increasing water demand in the area.
Semantically Incorrect: Analysis of some Akan Constructions.
Authors: Appiah Mr. George , OfosuMarfo Dr. Charles
Published: August 2018

The use of particular constructions in Akan may be regarded as semantically incorrect through Feature Theory (e.g. Kaplan & Bresnan (1982)) and (semantic) feature analysis (e.g. Dalrymple et al. (1995), (Aitchison 2002)); i.e. they fail to conform to some semantic restrictions. We observe that, normally, this incorrectness is due to clash of features. In this paper, we identify some of such constructions in Akan, descriptively analyze them in terms of feature analysis, and proceed to provide the correct forms per proper feature description. Drawing clues from aspects of ethnography of communication theory (e.g. Gumperz (1972),Saville-Troike (2003)), however, we also strive to argue for the fact that these semantically incorrect or questionable constructions are accepted by the speakers of the language and that a semantic-defined yardstick cannot always solely be the determining factor of what is appropriate or not.
DETERMINATION OF THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFICACY OF BIO-CHEMICAL FERTILIZER ON THE SOIL, YIELD AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum L.)
Authors: Ann Yap Chin
Published: August 2018

The last nutrient management review of black pepper was done in 1968. There is, therefore, a need to develop new technology to improve pepper production and transfer that technology to production site. This experiment was carried out to study the effect of newly developed biochemical fertilizer on some physiological characteristics, yield and soil fertility of pepper. The treatment consisted of T1 (BS): chemical fertilizer (N:12%, P:12%, K:17%); T2 (BK1): biochemical fertilizer F1 N:15%, P:5%, K:14) and T3 (BK2): biochemical fertilizer F2 (N:13%, P:4%, K:12). The biochemical fertilizer F1 out-yielded chemical and biochemical fertilizer F2 by 75.38% and 16.45% respectively with the higher yield being associated with various phonotypical alterations, which are reported here. Significant measureable changes were observed in physiological processes and plant characteristics, such as large leaf area index, more chlorophyll content and high photosynthesis rate coupled with lower transpiration rate in biochemical fertilizer F1(BK1) treatment compared with other treatment. The high fertility level in biochemical fertilizer F1 and biochemical fertilizer F2 (BK2) reflected the important of organic material in improving soil quality. In conclusion, the achieve high growth performance and yield in pepper, chemical fertilizer alone is insufficient whilst combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer with balance nutrient content gave a significant increase in yield and growth of pepper.
QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTIC OF FORAGE OF BIRD'S-FOOT-TREFOIL CULTIVARS (LOTUS CORNICULATUS L.), GROWN IN THE REGION OF TROYAN
Authors: Churkova Boryana
Published: August 2018

The chemical composition of following bird's foot-trefoil cultivars was evaluated: 'Bright', 'Georgia 1' (USA), 'Nueltin' (USA), 'Witt', 'Pardee' (USA), 'Roseau' (USA), 'Steadfast', 'Trevig' (USA), harvested in the experimental field of RIMSA-Troyan during the period of 2010/2012. The indicators for crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extractable substances (NFE), calcium and phosphorus were followed. The correlation dependences among them, the yield and morphological composition of grassland were calculated. After their statistical processing and comparative assessment was found the variability among cultivars according to undergrowths. Very low variability (VC) was registered regarding the content of crude protein (6.51 and 8.44), crude fiber (3.38 and 5.58), nitrogen-free extractable substances (5.02 and 3.46), ash (5.06 and 2.69) and it was low for calcium (10.97 and 7.99) and phosphorus (5.52 and 12.53). Genotypes of 'Trevig' and 'Pardee' cultivars were outlined as the most perspective for use in the selection programmes and for introduction in production under specific soil and climate conditions. 'Trevig' cultivar especially distinguished itself as it combined high content of protein (179.0 and 210.9 g kg-1) and low content of crude fiber (268.7 and 277.3 g kg-1). The strong positive correlation between content of crude protein and the relative share of leaves in the grassland (r=0,796); the content of crude fiber and height of plants (r=0,605); generative organs and content of calcium (r=0,597), which were found, showed that these features were interrelated.
Study on the effect of soil moisture content and plowing speed on draft requirements of a moldboard plow
Authors: ALSUHAIBANI SALEH A. , Wahby Mohammed F. , Aboukarima Abdulwahed M. , Tabash Ibrahim S.
Published: August 2018

This study was conducted to study the effect of soil moisture content and plowingspeed of the implement on draft force of a moldboard plow (mounted-type). Three soil moisture content (5.08, 5.14 and 6.82 %db) and three plowing speed (2.67, 3.95 and 4.53 km/h) were investigated. The average tillage depth was 20 cm and the average soil bulk density was 1.73 g/cm3.The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with two replications. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Also, Least Significant Difference Test (LSD) at 5% probability was performed to compare the means of different treatments. The statistical results of the study indicated that soil moisture content and plowing speed significantly (P < 0.05) affected draft force. Draft force also decreased by increasing soil moisture content and increased by increasing plowing speed.
Effects of Planter Type and Seeding Rate in No-tillage Systems on Wheat Yield in Pol- e Dokhtar
Authors: Mehranzadeh Mohammad , Rokrok Borzoo shikhi
Published: August 2018

In the cropping year 2013-2014, a split plot experiment using the randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in a field in Pol-e Dokhtar in Lorestan Province to study the effects of planter type and seeding rates used in direct and customary planting practices. Results showed there were significant differences between planters with respect to percentage of broken seeds at the 1% level. Comparison of the means indicated the highest percentage of broken seeds (5.1%) belonged to the Barzagar-e Hamadani planter and the lowest to the Gaspardo and Sfoggia direct planters. Type of planter also influenced precision in longitudinal distance at the 5% level. Moreover, comparison of the means revealed that the best uniformity in appropriate longitudinal distance between seeds in planted rows was that of the Gaspardo and Sfoggia direct planters and the worst that of the Barzegar-e Hamadani planter and that the effects of various planters were significant at the 5% level. The Gaspardo and Sfoggia direct planters, with 88.26 and 86.49%, respectively, had the maximum uniformity in depth of planting, and the Barzegar-e Hamadani with 79.03% the minimum. ANOVA suggested the various planters were not significantly different in wheat yield, while the effects of seeding rate treatments on wheat seed yield were significant at the 5% level. Nevertheless, comparison of the means showed that the Gaspardo direct planter raised seed yield by 1.32 and 11.13% compared to the Sfoggia direct planter and the Barzegar-e Hamadani planter, respectively, and that it enjoyed relative superiority over them. Moreover, comparison of the means related to seeding rates indicated the 200 kg/ha rate increased seed yield by 11.05 and 24.36%, respectively, compared to the 160 and 240 kg/ha rates. Results of this research suggested direct planting with the Gaspardo planter at the seeding rate of 200 kg/ha achieved maximum seed yield. Therefore, this combination was recommended for the region.
Pathogens of forrest trees in nurseries a minireview
Authors: Fendrihan Sergiu
Published: August 2018

The forest trees nurseries are attacked by different pathogens which are causing important damages and economic loss in forest commercial exploitations. One of the most important losses are in the tree nurseries, damaging the trees in their first stages of life Main pathogens for roots and stems are shown in this work. The fungi described may atack many agricultural cultures, and only some of them are specific for forest trees. The economic damages can be semnificatives. Some solutions for prevention and treatment of fungal pathogens attack are discussed further.
The use of Aglepristone in the treatment of pregnancy related diabetic ketoacidosis: description of a case in a bitch
Authors: Callegari Daniela , Bresciani Carla , Bianchi Ezio , De Cesaris Valeria , Parmigiani Enrico , Bigaran Virginia , Bigliardi Enrico
Published: August 2018

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a rare disease in dogs that depends from an endogenous insulin supply that is insufficient to meet the tissues demands for the action of diabetogenic molecules like progesterone (P4), estradiol, growth hormone (GH), placental lactogen and placental cytokines. This report describes for the first time a case of GDM complicated by ketoacidosis treated with the P4 receptor blocker aglepristone. In our case aglepristone seemed to increase insulin sensitivity, helping in the resolution of ketoacidosis and of diabetes mellitus. Aglepristone may represent an effective and well tolerated therapeutic option in case of GDM.
N-alkane profile in some plants grazed by sheep in Chilo Archipelago, Chile
Authors: Martnez Pelez Mar­a Eugenia , Cesa Ariela
Published: August 2018

In this study, the pattern of n-alkanes of fifteen species collected in a naturalized grassland grazed by sheep in the Archipelago of Chilo, Chile was analyzed. The concentrations of odd-chain n-alkanes between C23 and C31 were placed on the recommended values for obtaining reliable estimates of consumption. It was also observed that species showed marked differences in their individual patterns. The results show a promising horizon to advance in determining the composition of the diet of sheep grazing in the Archipelago of Chilo (Chile).
The pathogen of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) in the Czech Republic
Authors: Safrankova Ivana , P Kolackova , G Rutivckova
Published: August 2018

Milk thistle is grown in the Czech Republic as a medicinal herb; silymarin is isolated from its achenes and used for the production of liver and gallbladder medicine. The quality and content of the active compound is influenced not only by environmental factors, but also by pests and pathogens. The occurrence of pests of milk thistle variety Silyb was observed in two localities during the years 2011 2013. In the year 2011 the mycoflora of seeds of four milk thistle varieties was determined. Representatives of 15 species were isolated from the seeds, most of them saprophytic. 21 fungal species were isolated and identified from milk thistle plants during the vegetation; Septoria silybi among the most important ones. Possibilities of protection of milt thistle against pathogens are discussed.
Organic Agriculture and Food Security: The Story of Africa
Authors: Arah Isaac Kojo , Kumah Ernest Kodzo
Published: August 2018

Global food security problem has raise concerns on the best agricultural practices that will stand the test of time to replace the already failing conventional agriculture. Yields are reportedly decreasing despite the increasing use of imputes. In the quest of solving this problem, researches have revealed that organic agriculture can get the needed results in a more sustainable manner. Activists of organic agriculture are therefore of the view that it is the best option for food sustainability especially in developing worlds like Africa. Critics also think organic agriculture is a sort of luxurious lifestyle being champion by some few rich consumers at the expense of the vulnerable majority. It is therefore unclear whether organic agriculture is the answer to Africas food crisis. It was shown by literature that organic agriculture is the best model of agriculture for Africa in tackling the food needs of the continent. The superiority of organic agriculture over conventional agriculture was seen in its high yielding crops, high nutrient food produced, less energy consumption and less greenhouse gas produced during production, high drought and flood resistant crops with an overall positive impact on the ecosystem. However, challenges such as lack of national organic agriculture policies, low/no research in organic agriculture, high cost of organic certification and imputes, high illiteracy rate, and under developed markets in most African countries hampers widespread adoption of organic agriculture in Africa. Until these challenges are addressed by governments of African countries, organic agriculture cannot be the answer to Africas food crises.
Welfare of a pair of Captive Tigers: a Hand-Reared Female and a Parent-Reared Male
Authors: Bertocchi Mara , Caterina Spiezio , Francesco Di Ianni , Elisabetta Macchi , Enrico Parmigiani , Camillo Sandri , Patrizia Ponzio , Fausto Quintavalla
Published: August 2018

Animal welfare assessment has undergone considerable development. The management and rearing of big cats may lead these animals to express behavioral problems. This study was performed to assess the well-being of a non-breeding pair of Siberian tigers using ethological and physiological parameters. During the day, the animals were kept together in the outdoor exhibit, whereas overnight the tigers were individually housed. Twenty 45-min sessions were run for each subject. The Focal Animal Sampling method was used to record individual and social behaviors. In addition, fecal cortisol levels were monitored and determined by enzyme immunoassay. Single case analysis was run to analyze behavioral data and cortisol levels. Findings highlight that species-specific behaviors were performed by both animals. However, significant differences between the two tigers were observed in stress-related behaviors: the female showed stereotypic behavior, whereas the male did not. No significant differences in fecal cortisol levels were observed. Results suggest that the ethological parameters could be more sensitive than the physiological ones in detecting a stressful condition. Analyzing behavioral data together with physiological stress markers may allow for a more complete assessment of animal welfare.
Screening for resistance of grape varieties to powdery mildew (Erysiphenecator) disease
Authors: Mwamahonje Andekelile , Kilambo Deusdedit , Mrosso Leon , Feyissa Tileye
Published: August 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of grapevine varieties to powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a disease caused by a fungal, Erysiphenecator, and an obligate parasite of grapevine (Vitisvinifera L.). Powdery mildew causes drastic yield losses of 50 to 70%. Commercial grapevines grown in producing countries are susceptible to powdery mildew. Use of fungicides to control the disease is expensive and not environmentally friendly. Therefore, use of grapevine resistant varieties to powdery mildew is cost-effective control method. In this study, ten varieties (Black rose, Regina, Queen of Vineyards, Alphoncelavallee, Makutupora red, Chancellor, Halilibelyji, Syrah, Ruby seedless and Makutupora white) were screened for resistance to powdery mildew, using artificial inoculation of spore suspension and dry inoculums. Infected grape leaves were sampled from the field and grounded to obtain powder which was used as dry inoculum. The spore suspension inoculum was made by mixing powder with sterilized distilled water. The inoculation was done in two blocks with concentration of 2x105 spore/ml. Disease severity was evaluated based on a scale of 0 5; 0, means immune and 5, high level of disease severity. Results showed significant difference (P<0.05) of disease among grape vine varieties evaluated. It was found that 11.1% were resistant, 33.4% tolerant and 55% susceptible to disease. Grapevine variety Chancellor showed the highest level of resistance, and Black rose the most susceptible. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of using inoculation methods in screening resistance to powdery mildew.
Prospects of Biotechnology in Grape Breeding
Authors: Mwamahonje Andekelile , Kilambo Deusdedit , Mrosso Leon , Feyissa Tileye
Published: August 2018

Genetic improvement of grape cultivars to obtain high quality wine and table grape varieties by conventional breeding methods has been difficult and time consuming. The elite grape varieties developed by conventional breeding techniques have less resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases, drought, quality and yield per plant. Breeding programs of grapes are difficult due to lack of true bred from seed and few traits of importance. Though most grapes constitute large number of genes, they have less effect in tolerating biotic and abiotic stresses. Genetic improvement of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) through application of biotechnological techniques provide new strategies in grape breeding programs based on rapid selection or induction of desired traits by marker assisted breeding, genetic engineering and plant tissue culture. This review paper therefore, aims to discuss biotechnological techniques proposed for improvement of grape breeding.
Genetic diversity of grapevine (Vitis vinefera L.) from Tanzania as revealed by ISSR markers
Authors: Mwamahonje Andekelile , Kilambo Deusdedit , Mrosso Leon , Feyissa Tileye
Published: August 2018

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a perennial horticultural crop which is used worldwide for production of wine, table grapes, dried fruits and grape juice. In spite of its importance as a cash crop, the purity of each variety and genetic diversity of this crop has not been identified. The study therefore, was conducted to assess the purity and genetic diversity among and within 10 varieties of grapevines represented by a total of 43 individual plants. By using nine ISSR primers, a total of 56 polymorphic bands were generated. Within variety diversity based on polymorphic bands ranged from 26.79% for Ruby seedless to 73.21% for Alphoncelavallee with a mean of 55.18 %, Neis genetic diversity of 0.089 0.308 with a mean of 0.202, Shannon information index of 0.137â€“0.445 with a mean of 0.302 and analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) of 76.767% within varieties were detected. With all diversity parameters, the highest diversity was obtained from Regina, Alphoncelavallee, Syrah and Makutupora white varieties, whereas the lowest was from Ruby seedless. AMOVA showed a 23.23% between varieties variability was less than that of within varieties variation. Varieties differentiation with Fixation index (FST) was 0.23. From Jaccards pairwise similarity coefficient, Makutupora red and Chancellor were most related varieties exhibiting 0.976 meanwhile Queen of vineyard and Ruby seedless were most distantly related varieties with similarity of 0.408. Alphoncelavallee and Makutupora white varieties exhibited the highest genetic diversity. Therefore, these varieties should be considered for further improvement of this species.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF MORADA NOVA EWE SUBJECTED TO ESTRUS INDUCTION BY MALE EFFECT
Authors: Viana Neto Mr Aderson Martins
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of crossbred sheep (New Address) nulliparous, primiparous and pluriparous, subjected or not to the male effect. There were used 79 ewes and two rams (one vasectomised ram â€“ teaser ram) and a breeder). In the first year, the females were subjected to the male effect (ME: male effect), in the following year, there has been no application of this method (AME: absence of male effect). Ewes subjected to ME showed a higher synchronization (P <0.05) compared to AME females. Nulliparous and primiparous ewes subjected to ME exhibited a higher synchronization, in relation to ewes in the absence of male effect. When specified by birth order, there were superior results (P <0.05) within the same method (AME) for prolificacy index and twinning rate for pluriparous females relative to nulliparous and primiparous. There were also significant differences (P <0.05) for the use of the male effect, but with superiority of pluriparous and primiparous females when compared to nulliparous. Between the methods, ME primiparous females (72.22%) were superior (P <0.05) to AME ewes (33.33%) for twinning rate. Thus, it can be concluded that the male effect is feasible for estrus synchronization in ewes up to the first lambing birth, besides possibly causing better ovulation rate, due to better results of twinning rate and prolificacy index.
Assessment of some biochemical parameters of apple juices from two cashew varieties as affected by three regions of co´te d Ivoire
Authors: DABONNE Soumaila , Naka Touré , Martin Djè Kouakou , Patrice Kouamé Lucien
Published: August 2018

Some biochemical parameters of juices from two red and yellow cashew apple varieties from three regions of Cote d Ivoire were analyzed. The parameters such as proteins, total soluble solids, total sugars, dry matters, and ashes had contents in juices ranging from 0.35 ± 0.01 % to 0.65 ± 0.02 %, 9.66 ± 0.28 % to 14.40 ± 0.10 %, 270.20 ± 5.15 g/L to 381.04 ± 9.86 g/L, 8.94 ± 0.02 % to 11.45 ± 0.43 % and 1.19 ± 0.01 % to 1.51 ± 0.03 % respectively. Besides, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that the region and variety had significant effects (Pâ‰¤ 0.05) on these parameters. It so appeared significant differences (Pâ‰¤ 0.05) between their contents. As for pH, these values varying from 4.00 ± 0.10 to 4.74 ± 0.10, differed meaningfully (Pâ‰¤ 0.05) from one variety to another, whatever the region is. Otherwise, the results revealed that both red and yellow cashew apple varieties juices contained high rate of Tannins (1081.99 ± 34.64 - 2561.61 ± 95.11 mg/L), Flavonoids (223.83 ± 2.94 mg/L - 490.04 ± 5.32 mg/L) and total phenolic compounds (1587.59 ± 76.99 - 3043.03 ± 69.87 mg/L) whereas the carotenoid (0.97± 0.02 mg/mL -2.94 ± 0.02 mg/L) and Anthocyanin (6.57 ± 0.17 mg/L to 10.38 ± 0.15 mg/L) contents were found low. They also indicated yellow cashew apple variety juice didn't contain Anthocyanin content. Besides, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the region and variety main effect had significant effects (P 0.05) on these parameters. Thus, there were significant differences (P 0.05) between their rates. Furthermore, studies mineral elements (K, P, Mg, and Na) were only affected by improvement zone except to Na and they varied significantly (p 0.05). Red and yellow Cashew apple juices were the best sources of mineral elements and could be used in the diets of infants and young children. It was also rich in Vitamin C (210.61±5.01 mg/100mL and 403.73 ± 8.88 mg/100mL) and should be considered a potential supply source of adequate daily nutritional requirement for children and adults.
Phenotypic Stability Analysis of Oil Yield in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Verities across the Awash Valleys in Ethiopia
Authors: Dawud Mohammed Abate , Alemu Firew Mekbib
Published: August 2018

A study was conducted to estimate the nature and magnitude of G x E Interaction (GEI) for oil yield in sesame varieties and to identify stable and promising varieties for general and specific adaptations. The experiment was carried out at three locations across the areas of the Awash Valley in Ethiopia; namely Assaita, Melkassa and Werer over two seasons during the 2011 cropping and 2012 off seasons. Ten improved sesame varieties were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated trice in each location and year. Analysis of variance using AMMI model revealed significant differences (P<0.01) for genotype, environment, GEI and interaction principal component (IPCA1), suggesting differential response of varieties across testing environments and the need for stability analysis. Stability analysis using Biplot graph and AMMI stability value were done to further shed light on the GEI of oil yield. The study revealed that the environment Wr1 (Werer season-I) had relatively little interaction effects with above average mean oil yield per environment. Hence, it can be recommended as ideal environment for growing the present set of sesame genotypes for breeding programme. Ranking of genotypes based on the different stability indices identified the varieties Adi and Serkamo to be the most stable genotypes across all environments. Therefore, these varieties can be recommended as promising cultivars for oil yield of sesame across diverse agro-ecologies of the Awash Valley to exploit their yield potential. On the other hand, the two high yielding varieties Abasena and Tate were found to be highly interactive and they are recommended for cultivation under favorable environmental conditions for oil yield. Moreover, the study indicated that high performance of genotypes for oil yield recorded in season two (2012). Hence, the off season generally is suggested as the best environment for oil yield of sesame across the areas of the Awash Valley. In this study, AMMI analysis with two IPCA was the best predictive model to reveal the maximum GEI for oil yield in sesame.
Biometrics seeds, emergence and vigor of camu-camu seedlings depending on the seed coat coloring
Authors: Smiderle Oscar J. , Chagas Edvan Alves , Souza Aline G. , Barcelar-Lima Christinny Giselly , Ribeiro Maria Isabel Garcia , Chagas Pollyana Cardoso , Souza Olisson Mesquita
Published: August 2018

In the Brazilian Amazon is significant diversity of fruit species, the agronomic characteristics of which are still little studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of tegument coloration on germination and vigor of camu-camu seeds. The seeds were obtained from ripe and healthy fruits coming from population of the Urubu River in Roraima and were classified visually according to the tegument coloration of green, red and brown color. 200 seeds for each class of colors were utilized, evaluating the following biometric characters: length, breadth, thickness and individual mass, obtained with the aid of a digital caliper and precision balance. The experimental design utilized was the completely randomized with three treatments and 10 replications of 20 seeds. The highest means of mass and volume were obtained from brown and red seeds. The brown seeds produce higher content of root dry mass than both the green and red seeds. The physiological quality of camu-camu seeds of the Urubu River is associated with tegument coloration. Seeds with brown tegument have better development, greater growth of seedlings with greater accumulation of dry matter both in the roots and shoots.
THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF HOUSEHOLDS IN POLAND COMPARED TO OTHER EU MEMBER STATES
Authors: Mokrzycka Joanna Szwacka
Published: August 2018

The objective of this article is to present the standard of living of households in Poland in comparison with other EU member states. The starting point for analysis was the economic condition of Poland against the background of other EU member states. The next step consisted of assessment of the standard of living of inhabitants of individual EU member states on the basis of financial condition of households and the structure of consumption expenditure. It was found that the differences within the EU in terms of economic development and the standard of living of households still remain substantial.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Ethiopian Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Germplasm using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Markers
Authors: Dawud Mohammed Abate , Alemu Firew Mekbib
Published: August 2018

Genetic diversity among 128 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes representing 10 geographically distinct populations in Ethiopia was assessed at DNA level using RAPD analysis. Eleven RAPD primers used amplified a total of 149 bands, of which 142 (95. 45%) were polymorphic. Each primer generated 7 to 23 amplified fragments with an average of 13.5 bands per primer. Percent of polymorphic loci (P%), number of different (Na) and effective (Ne) alleles along with Shannon information index (I) and Neiâ€™s gene diversity (He) values suggested that the population of Oromia was the most diverse of all populations, while populations from Afar (cultivars) and AM-NSh were found to be the least diverse. Based on average dissimilarity values obtained with RAPD primers, AM-NG-25, SNNP-7 and SNNP-8 were the most distinct of all genotypes, while genotypes ORO-20 and TIGR-5 showed maximum similarity with others. The UPGMA clustering based on the dissimilarity matrix clustered the genotypes into 3 major groups and 11 subgroups, while three genotypes viz., BENSH-6, ORO-14 and SNNP-5 were found out-grouped from the rest and did not join any of the cluster; they are then most divergent genotypes. Generally, both clustering and PCoA patterns revealed that most genotypes located geographically far apart were found to cluster in the same group, while those genotypes from the same origin dispersed. Overall results indicated that RAPD technique revealed a high level of genetic variation among sesame genotypes collected from diverse ecologies of Ethiopia.Â
Step by Step Design Analysis and Calculations of an African Breadfruit Dehulling Machine
Authors: S Ozigbo Emmanuel , M Murphy Kayode
Published: August 2018

African breadfruit seeds dehulling is a lucrative business in Nigeria. There is a high demand of the seeds in Southeastern of the Country. A little quantity of it is highly priced in the market. Despite the high demand of the breadfruit seeds for both nutritional and medicinal value, the rural processors usually dodge the production process. This is as a result of hard labour, time wasted and rigorous processes as associated with the manual method of dehulling the seeds which are usually over 900 seeds in a single fruit, spongy pulp. The seeds have two coats, the outer coat is usually harder and thicker than the inner coat which make dehulling operation more tedious. The dehulling takes about 70% operation of the African breadfruit processing. Therefore, this paper reviewed the types of materials that can be used for fabrication a dehuller; designs considerations; design analysis and calculations of an African breadfruit seeds dehuller so as to provide a working document for designers and fabricators who may want to go into the production of African breadfruit seeds dehullers.
A study on the contamination routes of tomato and bell pepper plants by Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua
Authors: Neetoo Swaleha Hudaa , Ganeshan Seelavarn
Published: August 2018

Tomatoes and bell peppers have been the source of recent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses due to contamination by human pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenesin the field. The objectives of the present study were to investigate (i) the potential uptake of bacterial surrogates of E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli(EC) and L. innocua(LI), from soil into the edible parts of tomato and pepper plants, and (ii) the survivability of EC and LI in the plant environment (soil, rhizosphere and phyllosphere).Mature tomato and bell pepper plants were soil-inoculated with a bacterial suspension(population density of ca. 108 cfu/ml) ofNalidixic-acid resistant EC or LI. Tomatoes and pepperswere also artificially contaminated on the surface with 1 ml of an overnight culture of Nalidixic-acid resistant EC and LI (population density of ca. 109cfu/ml). Samples of vegetables as well as non-edible parts (soil, roots, stem, foliage) were subjected to microbiological analyses by plating on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar and Listeria Identification Agar supplemented with Nalidixic acid to a final concentration of 50 mg/ml to recover EC and LIrespectively. We observed no evidence of internalization of EC or LI into the edible fruits. However, these bacteria were recovered from different non-edible parts of the tomato plant at varying population densities of 3.0-3.6, 1.8-2.2 and < 0.7 log cfu/g in the bulk soil, roots and foliage respectively. They were also found to persist in the soil for up to 4 days post-inoculation. Tomatoes and peppers surface-inoculated with EC or LI were shown to harborthe bacteria for > 48 h.Â  Taken together, findings of this study point to the microbiological and health risks associated with consumption of raw tomatoes and bell peppers due to the possibilities of pre-harvest microbial contamination by human pathogens.
NON-DESTRUCTIVE, REAL-TIME, AND AUTOMATIC MEASUREMENT OF TRANSPIRATION FROM A PLANT CANOPY STAND
Authors: Takakura Tadashi , Akutsu Masako , Sunagawa Haruki , Usui Takae , Tamaki Maro , Taniai Naoki , Hirata Masaki , Kaiho Akira
Published: August 2018

This study to measure plant canopy stand transpiration was conducted using newly developed sensor units. Transpiration from the tomato stand and by artificial leaves made of towel and paper filters showed good agreement with data measured by weight loss using a weighing device. The problem of sun flecks directly on the back side of the sensor causes malfunction of the energy balance equation, which is the basis of this method when LAI is not dense. During the period when a sun fleck was on the sensor, the data were eliminated. Overall measurements of this kind are far superior to measurements taken using a leaf porometer to estimate transpiration from the entire plant canopy stand.
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO THREATS AND THREAT SEVERITY OF ADAMAWA RANGELANDS, NIGERIA
Authors: D KHOBE , C AKOSIM , B.T KWAGA
Published: August 2018

This study was undertaken to assess threats, rangeland susceptibility to threats and their severity in Adamawa rangelands, Northeast Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from both pastoralists and the management of the range sites. Data on threats factors was analysed using the following indices: prevalent threat, range sites susceptibility, the mean score of threat factors and the relative threat factor severity. Threats to biodiversity, their prevalence and the number of range sites they occurred showed that invasion by undesirable plants, over-exploitation of forage resources, and bush fires occurred in the three range sites with 100% prevalent threat indices. Diseases and pests, conflicts and settlement policy problems occurred in two of the range sites with 66.7% prevalent threat indices. While farmer encroachment, erosion drought, population increase, poaching and problems associated with rangeland policies occurred in one of the range sites with prevalent threat indices of 33.3%. The threats with the highest severity indices include over-exploitation of forage resources, conflicts, invasion by undesirable plant species, drought, diseases and pests. Others are settlement policy, population increase, bush fire and rangeland policy. Planned burning combined with reseeding of the range sites should be carried out to improve on the composition and abundance of forage resources of the rangelands.
THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF Brachiaria GRASS CULTIVARS AT KATUMANI DRYLAND RESEARCH STATION IN SOUTH EASTERN KENYA
Authors: Nguku Susan Akinyi , Musimba Nashon K.R. , Njarui Donald N. , Mwobobia Royford Murangiri
Published: August 2018

The study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Katumani, Machakos to evaluate the herbage quality of Brachiaria grass cultivars in semi arid regions of Eastern Kenya. Brachiaria cultivars namely B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, Brachiaria hybrid  Mulato II, four Brachiaria brizantha cultivars Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, MG4 and Brachiaria humidicola cv Llanero were assessed with reference to their chemical and nutritive composition at 22, 24 and 28 weeks post seedling emergence. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana cv KATR3) and Napier grass (P. pupureum cv. Kakamega I) were included as controls. There were significant differences (p<0.05) among the cultivars for crude protein, crude fibre (NDF, ADF and ADL) Ash, Calcium, Phosphorus, Dry Matter Digestibilty and Metabolisable energy during the the week 22 and 24 post seedling emergence harvest. At week 28 harvest interval, however, ADL values for all the cultivars were similar and only Marandu was significantly different (p<0.05) in terms of metabolizable energy from the rest. The mean CP content of the grasses decreased from 11.1% at week 22 to 6.3% at harvest week 28 harvest intervals. MG4, Mulato II and Xaraes were the only grasses able to meet minimum CP (7.0%) requirement for rumen microbial function throughout the harvest period. Ash and phosphorus values decreased whereas Calcium content increased for all the cultivars during the harvest intervals, with Mulato II recording the highest ash (15%) content during this period. Chloris gayana KATR3 recorded highest average NDF (72.9%), ADF (48.1%) and ADL (6.1%) content during this period. Xaraes, Marandu and Mulato II were the only cultivars able to achieve the highest metabolizable energy of  7.0 MJ/kg DM recorded for the grass cultivars throughout the harvest intervals. These results indicate that Brachiaria grasses can be a good source of forage for livestock and a boost to the forage resource base in the semi arid regions of Kenya. Further research is needed to quantify their productivity in both dry and wet periods and to assess the effect of feeding on animal production performance.
The Effect of Harvesting Time and Variety on Fiber andCottonStalkYield Potential and its Companent for Use in the Pulp andPaperIndustry
Authors: Akhlaghi Amiri Zeinolabedin , Dehghani Firouzabadi Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2018

Survey of cotton fiber yield, in addition to the identification of its best variety can cause cotton residual enhancement. The remainder of cotton stalk in farms is an illness-causing agent and leads to yield reduction in the next cultivation stage, an event which requires burial. So the usage of cotton stalk in the pulp and paper industry,which faces a shortage of raw material, results in a reduction intillage costs, thus, fiber and stalk yield potential gain importance. In this study, we investigated the effect of variety and harvesting time on cotton yield and its components, which was obtained from experiments of the plot of the 2009 cultivation year. An amount of dry material of each part of the components was also obtained. Experiments on factors containedfive varieties: Sepid, Sahel, Armaghan, Golestan and number200. The harvesting times were also three, namely: 145, 175 and 205 days after cultivation replicated in 4 blocks. Results of the variance analysis showed that the effects of variety and harvesting time on total dry material yields, leaf, stalk, bast and the core, cotton yield, empty and closed boll, stalk height and diameter were significated. The Armaghan variety in the second harvesting time had the highest cotton yield(2413.95) ,whilethe Sepid variety had the most cotton stalk yield in the third harvesting time(3716.76). Except for boll, cotton and total dry material yield, in the other evaluated characteristics, the third harvesting time had the best yield, and the most total dry material yield was related to the second harvesting time.
INVESTIGATING NPK, MOLYBDENUM AND ZINC EFFECTS ON SOYBEAN NODULATION, NITROGEN FIXATION AND YIELD IN NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA SOILS
Authors: Odoh Nkiruka , C.O Nâ€™cho
Published: August 2018

Soybean, like other grain legumes, requires some essential nutrients to accomplish the dual purpose of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and high yielding. A screen house experiment was then setup to investigate the effect of N, P, K, Zn and Mo onnodulation and growth of soybean. Soils from six farmers’ fields in Kaya, northern Guinea savanna and seven fertilizercompounds were used in a factorial experiment laid out in completely randomized design. Data collected at 8 weeks afterplanting on biomass yields, nodulation variables, N2-fixation, mycorrhizal roots colonization, and N and P uptake wereanalyzed using SAS. Soils test revealed variation of soils’ chemical contents among farmers field, especially for P with51.7 mg kg-1in Soil 1 to 2.7 mg kg-1in Soil 4. Significant effects from soils and fertilizers were observed on biomass yield,nodulation and nutrient uptake. Nitrogen fixation potential of TGX 1448–2E, however, was not increased by soils orfertilizer treatments. Soil x fertilizer effects was significant on P-uptake, shoot and nodule dry weight. It was observed thatK application reduced shoot dry weight and P-uptake in soil 1. Owing to these results in response to fertilizer treatments,soybean fertilization should be recommended according to soil inherent fertility.
Quality of ‘Ubá’ mangos from harvest to receipt by the processing plant
Authors: Neves Érica Granato Faria
Published: August 2018

Currently, fruit is one of the most competitive segments of the Brazilian agricultural sector. Fresh fruit and itsderivatives show an upward trend in exports. The sectors potential stems from an increase in consumption in both internal and external markets. The increasing consumption of fruits worldwide is one of the factors that signal favourable opportunities for Brazilian fruit growing. Brazil, which is the third largest fruit producer in the world behind China and India, has been gradually expanding its participation in the world trade of fresh fruits and derivatives (Vilela and Moreira, 2008)25. The region of Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais contains several factory, which prepare fruits produced in the region. Among the currently marketed fruit products, „Ubá? mangos are well accepted by processing plant because of their colour characteristics, flavour and texture and their acceptance by domestic and foreign markets (Ramos et al., 2005)22. The climate throughout much of the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais is appropriate for the cultivation of mango trees that is it exhibits well-defined dry and rainy seasons. This climate has led to the region becoming an important producing centre for mangos, including organic fruits. During the period of floral differentiation and flowering, the climate exhibits dry, mild temperatures, while during the formation and filling phase of the fruits, the temperatures and precipitationincrease, allowing a satisfactory production of fruits without the need for intensive cultivation.