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Trichoderma fungus isolates have begun to be recognized as biofertilizers, which are expected to not only play a role in breaking down organic material that produces nutrients for plants, but also help plants to live normally in acidic soil conditions and dry land with low light intensity. The initial growth period is a critical phase for upland rice in facing environmental stress including low light intensity and soil acidity. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of providing 60% paranet shading and Trichoderma biological fertilizer on the vegetative growth response of upland rice leaves on acid soil. The experimental treatments were arranged in a split plot design. The primary plot is comprised of two categories: 'without shade' and 'shade of 60%'. The subplots are Trichoderma biological pupils consisting of: without Trichoderma or control, Trichoderma isolate Tc-Jjr-02 and Trichoderma isolate Tc-Jro-02. The treatment was repeated 4 times to obtain a total of 24 experimental units. Weekly observations were made of plant height growth and number of tillers, as well as, the total amount of chlorophyll and the total amount of carotenoids at the end of the vegetative phase. Observational data were analysed using analysis of variance at the 5% level to determine the effect of treatment on the growth response of upland rice. To determine the differences between treatments, an Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test was performed at the 5% level. The results showed that shade, biofertilizer and interaction had no significant effect on plant height, but a very significant effect on number of tillers. Application of Trichoderma biofertilizer without shade showed most tillers and was able to help upland rice plants overcome acid soil stress in the vegetative phase. The shade of 60% can increase 29.8% total chlorophyll and 40% total carotenoids of upland rice leaves. The interaction between shade and Trichoderma biological fertilizer has made a significant impact on the number of tillers in treatments 21 and 56 days after planting. Key words: Carotenoid, chlorophyll, shade, Trichoderma biological fertilizer, upland rice, INTRODUCTION Rice is a very strategic commodity in Indonesia, so efforts to maintain its availability continue to be developed. However, to secure food stocks, imports are often carried out. The [...]

Current sport consumer behavior research examines a fan's experience with one team relocation or expansion at a time. However, this work is limited as many fans have experienced multiple relocations and expansions, exposing them to teams at various levels of play. To better understand how this experience impacts team identification development and maintenance and advance sport consumer behavior knowledge, we interviewed 1 1 hockey fans from Belleville, Ontario, Canada, as that region has had four cases of expansion and relocation since 1981. Participants suggested three ways their experiences impacted their fandom. First, geography, distinctiveness, and childhood exposure were motives to cheer for a newly established team, while existing team allegiances were barriers. Second, fans developed different points of attachment to an amateur team versus a professional minor league team, as well as points of detachment with minor league hockey. Lastly, responding to shifts in fan identity resulted in empathy, reluctance to commit, and skepticism. Finally, we recommend that new teams entering a market once served by a former team in the same sport embrace the former team's history and traditions, lest they alienate the market's existing fans. Keywords: sport fans; hockey; social identity theory; sport consumer behavior, Sports leagues are continually expanding and relocating teams. Since the year 2000, at least 13 teams in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, Women's National Basketball [...]

Sorghum is one of the most important and under-utilized cereal crops in the Arid and Semi-Arid land (ASAL) regions of Kenya. The crop is grown in drought-prone marginal agricultural areas of Western Central and Eastern and coastal regions of Kenya. The diverse biotic and abiotic constraints including climate changes reduce sorghum productivity. Sorghum technology generators continue promoting suitable management practices and innovations to cushion and improve the resilience of smallholder farmers against the adverse effects of climate change. These interventions contribute to the attainment of not only household and national food security but also enhance incomes. Despite the increasing sorghum production and utilization in West Pokot County, there is limited knowledge of the status of production, processing, and utilization technologies. The aim of this study was to assess the current sorghum production, processing, utilization technology, innovations, and management practices among smallholder farmers. A household survey was undertaken using a jointly developed structured questionnaire by a multi- and inter-disciplinary team of researchers. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 599 households were randomly selected and interviewed. Data collected were on household and farm characteristics including technologies. The study revealed that compared to maize and pasture, land allocated to sorghum enterprise was relatively low ranging from 0.32 acres to 0.80 acres with an average of 0.73 acres. The adoption of various sorghum technological components was also low. Adoption of improved sorghum varieties was less than 7% while fertilizer use was less than 20%. These contribute to low crop yields of about 140kg per acre. In addition, value addition was also low. Sorghum use was limited to ugali (56%) and porridge (39%) against the diverse value-added products including bread baking. and industrial processing of pure and blended products. More farmer and stakeholders training need to be done. In order to fully upgrade the sorghum value chain; there is the need to have targeted sorghum policies focusing on a range of activities along the value chain. These interventions could be integrated into the West Pokot County Integrated Development Plan. Key words: Sorghum, Production, Marketing, Utilization, Challenges, Opportunities, West Pokot, INTRODUCTION Background Sorghum (Sorghum bicolar (L.) Moench) lies fifth globally after rice, wheat, maize, and barley [1, 2] and is one of the underutilized crops in Kenya. The crop is [...]

Pineapple is one of the most important tropical fruit species, widely cultivated and economically important in Benin. This study aimed to identify potentially favorable areas for the cultivation of pineapple under current and future environmental conditions in Benin. The two cultivars of pineapple grown in Benin were separately considered: Sugarloaf and Smooth Cayenne. Five (05) modeling algorithms such as Maxent, Random Forest (RF), Support-Vector Machines (SVM), Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) and Generalized Linear Model (GLM) were compared using the criteria: area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's Kappa, deviance and True Skill Statistic (TSS). The future climate models available for Africa at horizon 2055 were used under the 'Representative Concentration Pathways scenario 4.5 and 8.5. Results suggested that pineapple suitable areas were governed by a combination of effects of climate (temperature and precipitation) and soils characteristics. Indeed, soil pH, temperature seasonality and precipitation of driest quarter were the main variables driving pineapple production in Benin. Results also indicated that RF was the most suitable technique to model the distribution of pineapples regardless of the variety. The current potential range of favorable areas for the two varieties was mainly found in the central and southern parts of the country. In the future, following the RCP4.5 scenario, there will be an increase in the area favorable for the cultivation of Smooth Cayenne variety by 5.28% compared to the current situation whereas, the area favorable for the cultivation of the Sugarloaf variety will be increased by 7.7%. However, suitable areas for cultivation of Smooth Cayenne and Sugarloaf following the RCP8.5 scenario will be increased, respectively by 21.82% and 31.64%. The low and medium suitability areas for the cultivation of smooth cayenne will decrease by 15.57% and 2.93%, respectively at the horizon 2055 with future conditions under RCP4.5, and 15.48% and 4.97%, respectively at the horizon 2055 with future conditions under RCP8.5. For sugarloaf, the low and medium suitable cultivation areas will decrease by 1.59% and 14.24, respectively at the horizon 2055 with future conditions under RCP4.5. According to RCP8.5, the low suitable areas will decrease by 5.08%. This study constitutes an initial step towards a sustainable scheme for planning exploration of the possibility of extending pineapple cultivation in Benin. Key words: Climate change, modeling, algorithms, pineapple, potential area distribution L'ananas est l'une des esp ces fruiti res tropicales les plus importantes, largement cultiv e et conomiquement importante au B nin. L' tude visait l'identification des zones potentiellement favorables la culture de l'ananas dans les conditions environnementales actuelles et futures au B nin. Les vari t s d'ananas cultiv es au B nin ont t consid r es s par ment: Pain de Sucre et Cayenne Lisse. Cinq algorithmes de mod lisation: Maxent, Random Forest (RF), Support-Vector Machines (SVM), Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) et Generalized Linear Model (GLM) ont t compar s selon les crit res: l'aire en dessous de la courbe (AUC), la vraie statistique de comp tence (TSS), la statistique de Kappa, la sensitivit et la sp cificit . Les mod les de climat futur disponibles pour l'Afrique l'horizon 2055 ont t utilis s dans le cadre des sc narios RCP 4.5 et RCP 8.5. Les r sultats ont sugg r que les zones propices l'ananas sont r gies par la combinaison des effets du climat et des caract ristiques des sols. Le pH du sol, la saisonnalit des temp ratures et les pr cipitations du quart le plus sec sont les principales variables d terminant la production d'ananas au B nin. Les r sultats ont indiqu aussi que l'algorithme RF tait la plus appropri e pour mod liser la distribution de l'ananas quelle que soit la vari t . L'aire de r partition potentielle actuelle des deux vari t s se trouve principalement dans le centre et le sud du pays. Dans le futur, suite au sc nario RCP4.5, on observera une augmentation de la superficie favorable la culture de la vari t Cayenne Lisse de 5,28% par rapport la situation actuelle alors que la superficie favorable la culture de la vari t Pain de sucre sera augment e de 7,7%. Cependant les superficies propices la culture de Cayenne Lisse et de Pain de Sucre suivant le sc nario RCP8.5 augmenteront respectivement de 21,82% et 31,64%. Les zones d'aptitude faible et moyenne la culture de la cayenne lisse diminueront respectivement de 15,57% et 2,93% l'horizon 2055 avec des conditions futures sous RCP4.5 et de 15,48% et 4,97% respectivement l'horizon 2055 avec des conditions futures sous RCP8.5. Pour le pain de sucre, les zones d'aptitude faible et moyenne diminueront respectivement de 1,59% et 14,24 l'horizon 2055 avec les conditions futures sous RCP4.5. Selon le RCP8.5, les faibles surfaces convenables diminueront de 5,08%. Cette tude constitue une premi re tape vers une gestion durable en explorant les possibilit s d'extension de la culture de l'ananas au B nin. Mots cl s: Changement Climatique, mod lisation, algorithmes, ananas, zones potentielles de distribution, INTRODUCTION World agricultural production has to be increased by 70% in the next 30 years to keep pace with the burgeoning population [1]. However, this production must be achieved in [...]

Pinlo abalone populations in the Salish Sea, WA have declined precipitously in the last several decades and have not recovered despite fishery closure in 1994. The Puget Sound Restoration Fund, in collaboration with state and federal agencies, has been outplanting juvenile pinto abalone at sites in the San Juan Archipelago, and some sites are much more successful than others despite similar physical characteristics. The sites, however, likely differ in oceanic parameters, such as temperature, salinity, and pH, which are in turn changing as the climate of the Earth is changing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature fluctuation and pC[O.sub.2] levels on the survival, growth, and oxygen consumption of juvenile pinto abalone. In a fully crossed experiment, juvenile pinto abalone were held at either currently ambient (400 ppm) or elevated (1,200 ppm) pC[O.sub.2] and at constant (10[degrees]C) or fluctuating (10 [right arrow] 14 [right arrow] 10[degrees]C) temperature. Survival was monitored weekly and growth was measured after 4 wk. In a second experiment, abalone were held in the same crossed pC[O.sub.2] and temperature treatments, and oxygen consumption was measured. High pC[O.sub.2] and fluctuating temperature both significantly decreased abalone survival. Abalone growth was not affected by pC[O.sub.2] level (temperature could not be analyzed due to very poor survival in the fluctuating temperature treatments). In addition, there was an interaction between fluctuating temperature and pC[O.sub.2] level on abalone oxygen consumption. Abalone in the constant temperature treatment had higher oxygen consumption when exposed to elevated pCO,; however, this pattern was not observed in the fluctuating temperature treatment. The results of this experiment indicate that outplant sites with minimal temperature fluctuation and lower pC[O.sub.2] levels could lead to improvements in outplanting success of juvenile pinto abalone. KEY WORDS: Haliotis kamtschatkana kamtschatkana. abalone restoration, outplanting, climate change, INTRODUCTION Pinto abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana kamtschatkana Jonas) is the only abalone species found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean and it has cultural, economic, and ecological importance to both indigenous and [...]

Severe declines in commercial and recreational fisheries of the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, and the success of the Chinese industry have led to increased interest in aquaculture in the United States. In recent years, the Chinese industry has sought to improve production through marker-assisted selection and has identified several candidates that may be predictive of performance. We explored the utility of a subset of these markers [size- related quantitative trait loci (QTL) marked by ten microsatellites and four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the myostatin gene] to improve the growth performance of bay scallops in North Carolina (NC) using quantitative genetics and marker- assisted selection. Mature scallops were collected from three wild populations in the fall of 2019 in Topsail Sound, Core Sound, and Bogue Sound. The wild scallops were brought back to the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Shellfish Research Hatchery (SRH), and each group was spawned separately. The wild scallops were genotyped at the 14 markers to confirm their presence in NC populations. The 2019 offspring lines were genotyped, and growth monitored to evaluate the association of the microsatellite and myostatin SNP genetic markers with growth performance. Except for a single marker in a single line, no association of the markers with growth metrics was observed. Consequently, in the fall of 2020, performance-based selection was implemented by sorting 2019 lines into 'Big' and 'Little' groups based on shell height and spawned separately. Evaluation of microsatellite and SNP genetic markers in broodstock scallops revealed significant genetic differences among the size groups; however, no consistent significant association between the genetic markers and performance was observed in broodstock scallops. Offspring of the size-sorted groups were deployed to three NC aquaculture farms in April 2021 and monitored for 7 mo. Overall survival ranged from 3% on Farm B (terminated in August 2021) to 37% on Farm A and was 16% at UNCW (terminated in November 2021). Offspring of the 'Little' broodstock survived better at UNCW (19% versus 14%) but there was no difference at the other two sites. Growth also differed among sites. At UNCW there were no significant differences in any of the growth metrics assessed between the offspring of the 'Big' and 'Little' broodstock; however, there were significant differences between the offspring on Farm A. The 'Little' line was significantly smaller than the 'Big' which was similar in size to the scallops at UNCW except for shell width and adductor muscle weight. The results of this study suggest the genetic markers identified for selective breeding in Chinese bay scallops are not applicable for predicting superior performance in NC bay scallops. KEY WORDS: Argopecten irradians, bay scallop, aquaculture, genetics, growth. North Carolina, INTRODUCTION The bay scallop, Argopecten irradians (Lamarck 1819), is an epibenthic bivalve that occurs in sheltered bays and sounds along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Massachusetts, [...]

Bambara groundnut (BGN), a legume in the Fabaceae family, is typically cultivated on a small scale by female subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite being the largest exporter of BGN in southern Africa, Zimbabwe considers BGN a supplementary crop. Although components of BGN have been previously studied, this study involved active participation from local farmers, leading to a more community-driven understanding of perceptions and practices surrounding this legume. This study was conducted in the Syringavale community in Marula, situated in the Matabeleland South province of Zimbabwe and consisted of fifty Black African respondents [females (86%) and males (14%)]. The primary aim was to collect indigenous information on consumer perceptions, agricultural and processing practices, cultural beliefs and superstitions, and the overall significance of BGN in the community. Simple random sampling was used to select fifty households, from a list of sixty BGN-cultivating households, in the study area, followed by judgmental sampling to choose one respondent per selected household. Then after, a mixed-methods approach was applied, with structured questionnaire administered first, followed by in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to systematically identify and categorise themes, sub-themes and patterns within qualitative responses. Bambara groundnut was cultivated at household level, mostly by married women over the age of 40 and held dietary, agricultural, medicinal and traditional significance. Different components of the BGN crop, such as the seeds, leaves, flowers, roots and pods were reported to serve as food, fodder, medicine, maturity indicators and compost. Boiling, soaking, roasting, baking, cracking and frying were the cooking methods used in the community, with boiling being the most common method used by 100% of respondents. Respondents (100%) showed a preference for the mature green seed over the dry seed due to the significant time and energy consumption associated with cooking the latter. Some respondents (52%) sold their BGN produce in the open market, at home, to wholesalers, as well as in petty batter. Urbanisation, heavy rains and cultural beliefs were cited as major hindrances to BGN production. The prioritisation of BGN in terms of land allocation was recommended considering its nutritional and economic value as well as its potential contribution to the alleviation of poverty and malnutrition. Key words: Bambara groundnut, subsistence farming, legumes, poverty alleviation, small scale farmers, INTRODUCTION Bambara groundnut (BGN) [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc] is a highly inbred, self-pollinating annual legume belonging to the Fabaceae family, commonly cultivated on a small scale by low-income female subsistence [...]

Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is among the leading vegetables in Kenya that is mainly grown for export with the potential to increase household income. There are few programs in Kenya that focus on breeding new cultivars for increased production. The development of snap bean varieties that are resilient to the changing climate is crucial for sustainable agriculture in Kenya. To achieve this, knowledge of gene action, trait expression, and heritability is vital in effective breeding for quantitative traits like pod quality and yield. A study was conducted to investigate the inheritance of pod quality and yield traits in snap beans, which can inform the breeding of snap beans. A half diallel cross involving two indeterminate dry beans (G2333 and MCM 5001) and five determinate snap beans (Amy, Moonstone, Seagull, Serengeti and Vanilla) varieties was conducted. Data on pod traits (pod weight per plant, pod number per plant, pod length, pod diameter, pod wall fiber and pod suture string) were collected from 21 Fis and 7 parents grown in two locations (Embu and Kirinyaga Counties) in Kenya. The results showed significant genotypic and environmental effects (P < 0.001) for all traits, with significant genotype by environment (G x E) interactions for most traits. Additionally, general combining abilities (GCA) and specific combining abilities (SCA) were significant for all traits evaluated. The significance of GCA and SCA indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects in controlling the traits, although the additive gene effects were predominant. The study revealed that Vanilla and Serengeti had the highest GCA estimate for pod quality traits, while G2333 and MCM5001 had the highest GCA estimate for pod yield traits. Snap bean pod yield and quality are quantitative traits controlled by multiple genes and influenced by the environment. Therefore, the predominance of additive gene effects suggests that selection for these traits in segregating generations could yield satisfactory gains. The results of this study could impact the development of snap bean varieties that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. Thus, improving the sustainability and productivity of the agriculture sector in Kenya. Key words: Snap bean, GCA, SCA, gene action, heritability, combining ability, INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the cornerstone of most African economies, contributing as much as 55% to the continent's gross domestic product [1]. Agriculture serves as the foundation for food security in [...]

The sharpspine skate (Okamejei acutispina), a small skate belonging to the family Rajidae, inhabits sandy-muddy bottoms at depths of 20-175 m in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, from the waters of [...]

Miraculous growth has been China's hallmark for decades. In recent years, however, China's gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate has slowed down considerably [See Figure 1]. Never has this change [...]

Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to examine whether the Van Horne coefficient model impacts company growth, as indicated by the EPS indicator. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted on non-financial companies listed on the WIG, DAX, and OMX indices. The main tool of the analysis is the Van Horn sustainable growth model and its correlation with the EPS of the companies. Findings: The study found that the VSGR coefficient has a negative impact on the 3-year growth of companies listed on stock exchanges in Germany and Sweden. Similar results were obtained in the 5-year period study. For the Polish market, the VSGR coefficient is not statistically significant (OLS model). However, the study highlighted the significant role of the ROE coefficient and the level of company assets in shaping EPS. Research limitations/implications: At this stage, the study compares the Polish market to two other selected markets, which serve more as indicators of the future for us rather than as a comparative group. This perspective on the researched issue is significant but requires further investigation, taking into account other markets, including those similar to the Polish market. It is also important to extend the research to include longer time horizons in the models. Practical implications: The conducted study aligns with the current and important trend of research on sustainable development, which is a priority element in building company strategies within the European Union. Given the lower level of development of the Polish market compared to the German or Scandinavian markets, the findings for the comparative markets provide an insight into the situation we may encounter in Poland if we choose a similar pattern of actions and development. Originality/value: The conducted analyses are the first to use the Van Horne model on such a broad sample, indicating the potential for implementing sustainable development strategies in Polish companies with the aim of achieving development according to the model observed in Western European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Many studies focusing on childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may have neglected the consequences related to experiencing other types of childhood maltreatment, such as psychological maltreatment. Moreover, the literature has focused more on negative consequences related to CSA, hence potentially leaving out more adaptive and resilient trajectories. This qualitative study aimed to explore childhood psychological maltreatment and CSA, mindfulness, sexuality, and intimate relationships in adult survivors. The interview data from 19 individuals who experienced CSA and psychological maltreatment were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Four conceptual categories developed: (a) an unsafe family environment that hindered the development of positive experiences and relationships; (b) impaired mindfulness dispositions: the reliving of trauma, the avoidance of suffering, and feeling engulfed; (c) impaired intimacy: instability, codependence, emotional distance, and self-silencing; and (d) mindfulness dispositions and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in participants' intimate lives. These findings highlight that mindfulness, sexuality, and intimate relationships are often poor among survivors of psychological maltreatment and CSA. Yet opportunities to develop mindfulness dispositions appear to enhance PTG in survivors' intimate relationships, significantly contributing to survivors' healing processes. KEYWORDS: Childhood maltreatment, intimate relationships, mindfulness, posttraumatic growth, sexuality, Research on childhood maltreatment, defined as the exposure to negative interpersonal events occurring during childhood by parental or other significant adult figures (e.g., childhood sexual abuse [CSA], psychological abuse, and [...]

Postharvest loss reduction, which will contribute to several sustainable development goals (SDGs) including SDG 1, 2, 3, 9, 12 and 13, is an important strategy for food and nutrition security. It requires interventions designed based on timely and reliable statistical data. However, lack of produce-specific loss data and associated factors along the postharvest value chain stages remains a challenge to implement appropriate interventions. Therefore, a survey was conducted on socio-demographic characteristics, postharvest practices, extent and causes of losses, and factors influencing postharvest loss of potato crops in Tiyo district of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia in 2022. A multistage sampling method was used to select a total of 209 smallholder potato farming household heads through a combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Quantitative data collection was carried out online using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) by programming a semi-structured questionnaire in KoboCollect software for tablets. Descriptive statistics and ordinal probit regression model were used to analyze the collected data and determinant factors influencing postharvest loss of potatoes at various farm-level stages, respectively. An aggregate of 15-46% loss exists between harvesting and marketing. Losses during harvesting, sorting, cleaning, packaging, field-to-storage transport, storage, and storage-to-market transport were 58.9%, 6.2%, 2.9%, 2.4%, 3.8%, 20.1%, and 5.7%, respectively. Elevated loss during harvesting and storage in the area is likely to reflect poor handling and storage practices. The primary causes of losses were poor harvesting and handling techniques, poor storage facility, and insects and worms. Moreover, regression model estimations of categorical losses, as perceived by farmers, reveal that socio-demographic variables and postharvest factors influenced potato loss. During the harvest stage, working family members significantly (p Key words: CAPI, Ethiopia, ordinal probit regression, postharvest practices, potato loss determinants, INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the most important sector in Ethiopia; it accounts for 46% of GDP, 80% of export value, and about 73% of employment [1]. Vegetable production is becoming an [...]

Pacific razor clam shell growth was examined using data provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game containing 235,606 length-al-age records based on visible annuli on the shell from 57,534 individual clams measured from 1966 to 2021 at nine locations in Cook Inlet, AK. Shell growth was modeled via the von Bertalanffy Growth Function treating each individual clam as a random effect. Asymptotic mean length at time infinity (LJ varied considerably between sites, from 121.35 to 186.58 mm, as did the growth coefficient k which ranged from 0.28 to 0.54 [y.sup.-1]. When both [L.sub.[infinity]] and k were examined collectively via a growth performance index ([empty set]'), all Cook Inlet sites were similar ([empty set]' range: 3.80-4.02). The growth performance of Pacific razor clams in Cook Inlet was also compared with summary statistics from previously published mean length-at-age estimates for Pacific razor clams across their distribution. Growth performance estimates from Alaska and British Columbia sites were largely similar, whereas sites in Washington, Oregon, and California were generally characterized by faster growth and smaller maximal lengths. Although this study did not attempt to quantitatively identify predictors of variation in growth parameters and performance within and outside of Cook Inlet, AK, this manuscript concludes with speculations on possible correlates to growth and recommendations for future work. KEY WORDS: Pacific razor clams (Siliquapatuld), von Bertalanffy growth function, Alaska, INTRODUCTION The Pacific razor clam, Siliqua patula, is a large bivalve that inhabits fine to medium-grain sandy beaches from southern California to the Aleutian Islands, AK (Weymouth et al. 1925, [...]

The supply of macroalgal feed materials for abalone aquaculture is threatened by increasing costs, limited availability. and the allocation of seaweed resources for other purposes. The use of biofouling Sargassum horneri (SH) as additional macroalgal biomass for abalone has been studied, albeit full inclusion is discouraged due to low utilization. This study applied heat treatment and fermentation to increase the nutritive value of SH meals for the aquaculture feed industry. Untreated (UN) as control, heat treated (HT, 121[degrees]C for 20 min), and fermented (FE, 10' CFU/mL each of Bacillus sp. SJ-10 and Bacillus sp. KRF-7) SH meal was fed to the abalone (11.60 [+ or -] 0.02 g body weight and 42.98 [+ or -] 0.53 mm shell length) for 8-wk growth trial. The results showed that there is no apparent difference in the growth performance (body weight and shell length morphometries) and survival of abalone given experimental diets (P > 0.05). The crude protein, lipid, and ash composition of edible abalone flesh were similarly unaffected (P > 0.05). The gut microbiota profile of abalone was analyzed through next-generation sequencing. The [alpha]-diversity indicators (microbial richness and abundance) were statistically similar (P > 0.05). and the [beta]-diversity of operational laxonomic units revealed short distances within samples and clustering among diet groups. The core phyla (Fusobacteria, Proteobaeteria. Tenericutes) and genera (Psychrilyohacter, Vibrio, Mycoplasma) known to inhabit the gut of abalone predominantly were likewise identilied irrespective of diets; however, there is a difference in their relative abundance. Genus Psychrilyohacter was relatively abundant in UN and FE compared with HT, whereas Vibrio and Mycoplasma had higher abundance in FE and HT-fed abalone, respectively. Taste sensory attributes were discriminated in the abalone meat using an electronic tongue. Principal component analysis of sensor scores revealed several overlapping points, resulting in a negative discrimination index (-184). which means no apparent difference in the general taste profile was detected. Furthermore, the taste screening matrix through radar mapping revealed slight intensity differences in the umami. saltiness, and sourness flavor. Overall, the methods used for heat treatment and fermentation procedures herein were ineffective in improving the nutritive value of seaweed meal for abalone. KEY WORDS: abalone, gulfweed. heat treatment, fermentation. Haliotis discus harmed, Sargassum horneri, INTRODUCTION The abalone (Haliotis spp.) is an ecologically and economically important marine gastropod mollusc worldwide. They are found in tropical and temperate regions, particularly in the low intertidaj zone of [...]

Barrier islands are a common geological feature found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Researchers have historically described barrier islands, and in particular dune habitats, as being physically controlled. Dune plant species experience high surface temperatures, low water-holding capacity of the substrate, sand movement, salt aerosols, high solar irradiance, and saltwater overwash. In this study, we investigated characteristics of three common plant species growing on the dunes of Sapelo Island, Georgia to understand how they survive and apparently thrive in the harsh, transient, and dynamic environment. Specifically, we examined leaf size, leaf thickness, stomatal frequency, internal leaf anatomy, and xylem water potential of Ipomoea brasiliensis, Croton punctatus, and Hydrocotyle bonariensis in relation to where individuals grew in the dune system. Leaves of plants of each species were smaller and thicker when growing on the front of dunes compared to the back of dunes. For each species, stomata were more abundant on the adaxial versus the abaxial leaf surfaces. In general, for each species, leaves growing on the front of dunes had a higher stomatal frequency than leaves growing on the back of dunes. Internal leaf anatomy for each species was equifacial with no appreciable differences in architecture between leaves growing on the front as compared to the back of dunes. Neither I. imbricata nor H. bonariensis experienced water stress over a typical summer day (the water potential of I. brasiliensis could not be measured due to the presence of latex). The difference in morphology of leaves of plants growing on the front of dunes as compared to the back of dunes illustrates classic phenotypic plasticity in relation to sun and shade leaves. The stomatal frequency and internal leaf anatomy of each species indicates that light is being processed by both the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. Leaf succulence, presence of trichomes, and root architecture may allow C. punctatus to maintain a relatively high water potential. Translocation of water among ramets is a strategy used by H. bonariensis to avoid water deficit. Ipomoea brasiliensis, Croton punctatus, and Hydrocotle bonariensis demonstrate various leaf anatomy, morphology, and water conservation strategies that may serve as adaptations to the dune environment. Keywords: barrier island, dune plants, water potential, leaf anatomy, Sapelo Island, INTRODUCTION Barrier islands are found on approximately 15% of the world's shorelines with extensive chains located along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of North America (Ehrenfeld 1990; Pilkey 2003). Eighty-five [...]

Countries devote a lot of time and effort to develop economically, but they nevertheless struggle to attain that growth consistently. Research into economic growth should have provided some guidance as to which actions these countries should adopt, but multiple studies using different methods and datasets generally have led to an array of outcomes that contradict one another. However, Granger causality analysis can provide better insight into the relationship between some key variables and economic growth to give these countries more direction. Granger causality results establish a stronger connection between variables, even though they do not depict true causation. We therefore use a Vector Auto Regression method with Generalized Method of Moments estimation and then Granger-causality to discover how commonly used variables in the literature individually impact economic growth and in what way for a selection of OECD and non-OECD countries. We choose government expenditure, foreign direct investment (FDI), education (as a proxy for human capital), population growth, urbanization, and trade openness as our variables of interest. We also utilize updated datasets from the World Development Indicators (WDI) ranging from the years 2000-2016, based on the availability of the data. We find that FDI and population growth do Granger-cause economic development for OECD countries but that government expenditures, education, urbanization, and trade openness do not show such Granger causality. However economic growth Granger-causes government expenditures, FDI, and education for these OECD countries. For the non-OECD countries, we find that FDI, population growth, and trade openness Granger-cause growth but Granger causality does not occur from government expenditure, education, and urbanization to economic development. Yet similar to the OECD countries, economic growth does Granger-cause FDI and trade openness for the non-OECD countries as well. The overall results indicate that all countries should encourage the expansion of foreign direct investment to grow their economy, which then in turn can lead to additional investment as well as more resources available for the country as a whole. We also suggest further studies should focus on the economic development of individual countries rather than regions, particularly in terms of how technology can drive growth and impact these other variables. JEL Classifications: H11, O1 Keywords: economic growth, Granger causality, OECD, non-OECD, INTRODUCTION Economic growth provides a multitude of benefits. It helps countries to exploit their resources more efficiently. It creates a higher standard of living for citizens even as it increases [...]

Abstract This article covers the topic of the relationship between the growth of companies and their financial condition when different business profiles are surveyed, such as high-tech, growth potential companies included in the NASDAQ Composite Index and traditional, matured companies included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), commonly known as blue-chip stocks. The hypothesis that the relationship between the Altman Z-score and the growth of enterprises as measured by assets, equity, sales, and earnings per share is positive was tested with Granger and VAR models. The main difference was found to be related to the size of the companies size and dynamics of growth. It was also shown that between NASDAQ enterprises there was no relationship between their growth and Altman Z-score, whereas when the DJIA blue chips were taken into account, a positive relationship was identified. It can be concluded that high-tech enterprises grow in a less predictable way not related to their economic condition, but mature enterprises focused on the growth and their condition. The value added of the article is finding that high-tech companies with growth potential and blue chips are managed in a different way due to their strategies of development.

Byline: S. Wibowo, W. Syafii, G. Pari, E.N. Herliyana, L. Efiyanti and S. Komarayati Keywords: cat whiskers, hydroponic, liquid smoke, plant growth, pyrolysis INTRODUCTION Industrialization in various sectors of life [...]

Byline: S. M. Hussain, M. Noor, Shafaqat Ali, F. Khurram, A. I. Hussain, M. Zubair-ul-Hassan Arsalan, N. Ahmad and D. Riaz Keywords: Quinoa seed meal, Pseudocereal plants, Fishmeal, Growth performance, [...]