Agricultural Education Research Research Articles

MENEROKA ISU DAN CABARAN MENGINTEGRASIKAN MATLAMAT PEMBANGUNAN MAMPAN (SDGs) DALAM KURIKULUM PERTANIAN DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH KEBANGSAAN (SMK) MALAYSIA

This article discusses the issues and challenges of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the agricultural curriculum at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Malaysia. Integrating the SDGs into the agricultural curriculum in Malaysia provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of pressing global issues, foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment and promote the development of students as responsible individuals in contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. This study uses a qualitative design involving semi-structured interview methods to explore issues and challenges in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the agricultural curriculum in Malaysia. The type of sampling used in this study is purposive snowball sampling of 5 agriculture teachers at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Malaysia. Then, the research data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of this study show that the issues and challenges to integrating the SDGs in the agricultural curriculum in Malaysia are the concentration of existing curriculum content that focuses on the traditional curriculum, the limited awareness and understanding of agricultural teachers towards the SDGs and the absence of basic guidelines to apply Education for Sustainable Development (PPM). in the agricultural curriculum in Malaysia. The results of this study are expected to help agriculture teachers, agricultural curriculum developers, the Malaysian Ministry of Education (KPM) and agricultural education research organizations to find out about the issues that hinder the integration of Sustainable Development elements in the agricultural curriculum in Malaysian National Secondary Schools (SMK).

Reporting Expertise in Agricultural Communications, Education, Extension, and Leadership Research: The Development of an Expertise Rubric

Reporting Expertise in Agricultural Communications, Education, Extension, and Leadership Research: The Development of an Expertise Rubric

Female Agriculture Teachers’ Lived Experiences and Perceived Professional Development Needs when Teaching Students with Special Needs

Although previous research in agricultural education has described the needs of SBAE teachers in regard to teaching students with special needs, the reported findings have been overwhelmingly quantitative in nature and have over-relied on females’ perspectives. As such, the purpose of this case study was to explore the experiences and professional development needs of female SBAE instructors in Louisiana when teaching students with special needs. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Borich (1980) model, which identified emergent themes of (1) perceived importance and (2) perceived ability. Additional sub-themes were the perceived importance of identified approaches used to accommodate students and perceptions when teaching students with special needs. Meanwhile, in the theme of perceived importance, participants identified prior education and professional development experiences as critical factors to success when teaching students with special needs. As a result of these findings, we recommended that state agricultural education leaders promote professional development opportunities to improve how female teachers can accommodate students with special needs, specifically in laboratory settings. Further, we recommend that future professional development for women SBAE teachers focus on specific disability types and inclusion strategies, rather than broad and non-specific special education training experiences.

Determining the Effects of Response Mode and Incentives on Survey Response Rates of School-based Agricultural Education Teachers: An Experimental Study

A decline in response rates was found for agricultural education research studies using survey research methods. The use of incentives and various response modes can affect survey response rates and were the focus of this experiment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of survey response mode and incentives on response rates when surveying SBAE teachers. Findings revealed a significant increase in response rates for groups receiving an incentive. No significant differences were found between groups using different survey response modes. When examining summated scale scores for each construct in the questionnaire, participants answering on paper scored more positively in four of the six constructs compared to web responses. Recommendations for practice included using mixed response modes when financially feasible and oversampling to achieve the desired sample size to represent a population. Further research on the effects of communication mode on response rates is needed. An examination of why differences in scale scores occur with different response modes is recommended.

Pattern of human resource development in Indian agricultural universities

Agriculture is the primary sector of Indian economy contributing substantially towards GDP of the country. Qualified and quality human resources contribute significantly towards agricultural sector in the economy. The present study (2021) attempts to analyze the human resource development in terms of enrollment pattern of students in undergraduate (UG) course of agriculture and allied sciences and reflects on evolving strategies for attracting talented students in this sector. Present study shows that there is a close correlation with State Value of Output in agricultural sector and number of students enrolled in higher agricultural and allied studies. Presently, there are 74 agricultural universities (AUs) under the National Agricultural Research Education System and the present study attempts to analyze the student enrollment patterns of under-graduate students in agricultural universities of India for meeting the scientific manpower needs towards achieving targeted agricultural growth. Five years of enrollment data (2015–20) across AUs was considered. Human resource development in terms of enrolment in the higher agricultural education of agricultural universities is quite low when compared to enrolment of students overall in higher education and pattern of enrollment of girls varied in different regions of the country. This study has brought out an important aspect linked to higher agricultural education that the State Value of Output in agriculture has a positive association with enrollment of the students in higher agricultural education from the state in agricultural sector. It is important to assess the future human resource needs for the various sub-sectors of agriculture.

Impact of MOOC on Agricultural Professionals in India - A Case Study

The past few years have witnessed a rapid surge in the development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The ICT and associated technologies have necessitated that academic and research community shift to online mode of education. At the same time we have witnessed parallel rise in number of MOOC platforms across the globe. As MOOCs grow in popularity, academic institutes in the world have shifted their mode of imparting knowledge from mere class room to blended mode. The online courses are attracting the learners with their content and user-friendly platform. This paper presents a case study of MOOC on Information Handling Skills for Teaching Learning and Research which was organized for Agricultural Stakeholders of NARS as part of ICAR - NAHEP (IG) Sub Project on National Knowledge Management Centre for Agricultural Education Research (NKMC4AER). A total of 1118 participants were registered for the MOOC comprising of video lectures, live interactive lectures, online quizzes, and discussion forum. In this paper an attempt has been made to study the participants use of course lecture videos, time spent, an in-depth picture of participants, how their own background and capabilities related to their achievement and persistence, and how their interactions with curricular and pedagogical aspects. It also focused on completion rates and assessments.

A Quantitative Content Analysis of Survey Research Methods Over a 40-Year Time Period in the Journal of Agricultural Education

To provide a benchmark of survey methods used in agricultural education research, a content analysis of Journal of Agricultural Education (JAE) research articles was conducted to determine populations studied, survey contact and response mode use, the use of incentives, and response and participation rates reported. Findings revealed survey research is still the most commonly used research methodology for articles published in the JAE. School-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers are the population most frequently surveyed with contact and response modes shifting from mailed paper surveys to online surveys. Incentives were rarely used in the sampled articles. Response and participation rates have declined 20 – 30% from 1979 to 2019, increasing the possibility for nonresponse error. Recommendations for practice include providing more specific information in manuscripts related to tailoring survey methods for a particular population and reporting participation and response rates more accurately. Further research was recommended for determining which survey modes are most successful for populations commonly studied in agricultural education research, conducting a cost analysis of using incentives, and exploring new technologies to reach populations via research.

Comparative Analysis of Cocoyam Varieties on Yield under Irrigation in Kano State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to compare the growth rate and yield of Xanthosomasagittaifolium and Colocasiaesculenta cultivated under irrigation with NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer application at the rates of (100kg) and cow dung at the rate of 20t/ha respectively at two different locations. This was aimed at identifying growth rate and tuber yield potentials of the cocoyam cultivars on different experimental condition. The two locations used for the study were the Agricultural Education Research Farm; Federal College of Education (Tech) Bichi and Watari Irrigation Scheme site along Bichi-Bagwai and Gwarzo road. The two cultivars cultivated were replicated at both sites. The result showed that application of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer increased growth rate (height and leaf size) of Xanthosomasagittaifolium with a mean value of 39.66 and 31.94, while the tuber yield has a mean value of 2.23 at WatariIrrigation Scheme respectively. Also, Colocasiaesculenta cultivated at Agricultural Education Research Farm with organic manure application has a higher tuber yield mean value of 1.98 than those at WatariIrrigation Scheme. The highest tuber yield of Xanthosomasagittaifolium was realized in response to the application of 100kg/ha NPK fertilizer application. Further increases above these rates in the locations caused non-significant decline in tuber yield. However, Colocasiaesculentacultivated at Imane(Major Producing Area) with organic manure application yielded better than those cultivated at WatariIrrigation Scheme with organic manure application under irrigation. The study concluded that both Xanthosomasagittaifolium and Colocasiaesculentacan be cultivated under irrigation. It was recommended that these cocoyam cultivars should be made available to farmers for trial and subsequent adoption through collaboration with extension agents. This will on the long run contribute to enhance and promote food security in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

Effects of Weed Management Strategies and Organic Matter in Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L. ABB) Yield in Agricultural Research Farm, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Effects of weed infestation on plantain bunch yield in Nigeria is very alarming coupled with low nutritional status of the tropical soil. Therefore, field experiments were carried out in 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 to investigate the effects of weed management strategies and organic manure on the performance of plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.ABB). The experiments were carried out in Agricultural Education Research Farm, College of Education, Afaha Nsit. Seven treatments were replicated three times. These were sweet potato (20,000 plants/ha) + poultry manure (20t/ha); sweet potato (20,000plants/ha) + sawdust (40t/ha); hand-slashing at three months interval + poultry manure (20t/ha); hand-slashing at three months interval + sawdust 40t/ha; sweet potato + egusi-melon + poultry manure (20t/ha); sweet potato + egusi-melon + sawdust (40t/ha) and weedy + no organic manure. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance was carried out on data obtained on weed studies and plantain performance. Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. The unfertilized weedy plot reduced plantain bunch yield by 89.7% followed by 41.9% and 43.0% obtained from the sawdust treatment plots integrated with egusi-melon plus hand-slashed and sweet potato respectively. The treatment plot of sweet potato integrated with egusi-melon plus poultry manure (20t/ha) significantly controlled weeds satisfactorily, accelerated plantain growth, reduced 50% flowering time by 23.5% and significantly enhanced plantain bunch yield hence; it is recommended.
 Keywords: Plantain, sweet potato, hand-slashing, organic manure.

Frontier: Discipline-Based Education Research to Advance Authentic Learning in Agricultural and Biological Engineering

HighlightsDiscipline-based education research can provide unique insights for agricultural and biological engineering.Authentic learning has the potential to transform teaching practices and student learning.Work in the five areas of engineering education research provides a foundation for discipline-specific inquiry.An agricultural and biological engineering education research agenda is advised. Keywords: Authentic learning, Discipline-based education research.

Encapsulated of Cassava, Skim Milk and Malto Dextrin Symbiotic Characteristic and their Synergitic Effects against Salmonella sp. Inhibition

Center for Agricultural Education Research Fund, 2019, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Indonesia

Queering Agricultural Education Research: Challenges and Strategies for Advancing Inclusion

For more than 30 years, the field of agricultural education has grappled with complex questions of how to recruit, support, retain, and teach diverse youth. Yet the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community is rarely included in published agricultural education research. This philosophical paper addresses the immediate need for understanding more about LGBTQ youth in agricultural education, while identifying opportunities and specific strategies to shift the culture of agricultural education research towards inclusion. Queer theory is leveraged to reveal a nascent body of literature related to sexuality in 4-H and school-based agricultural education. LGBTQ youth in agricultural education face significant challenges: educators ill prepared to meet their needs, a lack of policies to inform decision making, active homophobia from teachers and peers, among others. Agricultural education researchers face methodological and disciplinary barriers to conducting LGBTQ research. Authors employ unique tacticsto conduct and disseminate their work. Understanding these strategies and analyzing the conditions that necessitate their use contributes to the disciplinary knowledge of how to conduct inclusive research – not just for LGBTQ youth – but for the profession writ large.

Evaluating the Immunogenicity of Avian Influenza Virus Nucleoprotein

1- Department of Biochemistry, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2- Department of Proteomics and Biochemistry, Razi vaccine and serum research institute, Agricultural research education and extension organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran , madanirasool@gmail.com 3- Department of Proteomics and Biochemistry, Razi vaccine and serum research institute, Agricultural research education and extension organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran

Effects of Cyclosporine Therapy on Liver and Kidney Retrieval in Poisoned Male Rats by Mesobuthus eupeus Scorpion Venom

Background: Mesobuthus eupeus venom is a member of Buthidae family, which can enter the blood circulation exerting detrimental effects on body organs, such as the liver and kidney through inflammation. Cyclosporine, known as an anti-inflammatory drug, is used to treat many inflammation-associated diseases. Objectives: In this study, cyclosporine was selected to inhibit the scorpion toxin effects on rat organs. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran, from June to November 2019. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10, including the control (10 mg/kg olive oil i.p), M. eupeus venom (10 mg/kg i.p.), cyclosporine 10 mg/kg (venom 10 mg/kg for 30 min i.p followed by cyclosporine 10/kg mg for 7 day i.p.), cyclosporine 20 mg/kg (venom 10 mg/kg for 30 min i.p followed by cyclosporine 20 mg/kg for 7 day i.p.), and cyclosporine 30 mg/kg (venom 10 mg/kg for 30 min i.p followed by cyclosporine 30 mg/kg for 7 day i.p.). After treatment with cyclosporine, the liver and kidney function was analyzed by calculating some biochemical enzymes, including serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-2 (IL-2), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine, and urea via ELISA and spectrophotometry. Then, to determine the rate of apoptosis in tissue, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method was done. Results: At the end of the study, the results showed a significant elevation in SGPT (164.5 ± 10 vs. 126.2 ± 7, P < 0.0001), SGOT (190.37 ± 11 vs. 148 ± 10, P < 0.0001), NO (24.4 ± 1.17 vs. 17.4 ± 1.4, P = 0.02), and MDA (0.42 ± 0.05 vs. 0.22 ± 0.04, P < 0.0001) in the venom group compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in the urea, IL-2, and creatinine between the venom and control groups. However, the group receiving cyclosporine (30 mg/kg) showed a significant decline in SGPT (96.42 ± 5.7 vs. 164.5 ± 10, P < 0.0001), SGOT (144.57 ± 9.24 vs. 190.37 ± 11, P < 0.0001), urea (28.83 ± 1.32 vs. 38.83 ± 1.6, P = 0.00), creatinine (0.023 ± 0.01vs. 0.29 ± 0.005, P < 0.0001), and MDA (0.10 ± 0.01 vs. 0.42 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001), as well as increased apoptosis rate (P < 0.05), compared with the venom group. No significant difference was observed between the cyclosporine and venom groups in NO and IL-2. Conclusions: Cyclosporine at a dose of 30 mg was able to decrease inflammatory responses and induce apoptosis rate. Therefore, it could be a suitable drug for patients bitten by a scorpion sting.

Elevating the Impacts of Research in Agricultural Education

Dissemination of research is a critical part of the research process. Researchers in agricultural education have long embraced this process. However, the Internet has changed the ways in which research is disseminated, with the potential for much broader impacts around the world. The purpose of this study was to provide a benchmark of the current impact of research in agricultural education by examining how journals and researchers in the field fare on commonly used research metrics. It was concluded that many of the common journals in agricultural education are not even listed in the indices that provide metrics to assess journals. It was also concluded that many researchers in agricultural education are not taking steps to provide public profiles of their research and thus do not have individual researcher metrics. In some ways, we are invisible to the broader scientific community. Practical suggestions are provided to elevate the reputations of our journals and the reputations of our researchers.

An Investigation of the Routes to Certification and Turnover Intentions of Wisconsin Agriculture Teachers

The purpose of this study was to examine the routes to certification and turnover intentions of agriculture teachers to identify differences between alternatively and traditionally certified teachers. The population consisted of a census of early career agriculture teachers in Wisconsin with fewer than three years of teaching (N = 67) with a response rate of 52% (n = 35). The majority of respondents were traditionally certified (71%) through a bachelor’s degree program, and 29% were alternatively certified through three different routes. Respondents had moderately low turnover intentions to leave the agriculture classroom as a teacher with no statistical difference (U = 130.50, p = .843) between traditionally and alternatively certified teachers. Additionally, there was no correlation between turnover intentions and traditional and alternative certification routes. While this study is not generalizable to other populations, it does provide the first insight into agricultural education research on how teachers are being alternatively certified. The results of this study prompt the need for further research on alternative certification in agricultural education, focusing on the types of programs and preparation, as well as the impact of certification route on turnover.

Organizational and economic principles of functioning of the infrastructure of investment activity in the agricultural sector of Ukraine

Purpose. The aim of the article is the development of practical recommendations for the development of infrastructure for investment activities in the agricultural sector of Ukraine. Methodology of research. The methodological and theoretical basis of the study is a dialectical method of cognition and a systematic approach to the study of the fundamental provisions of economics in relation to the implementation of investment activities in the agricultural sector of Ukraine. A set of special methods of economic research is used in the research process. The conclusions of the research are formulated with the help of abstract and logical method. The method of theoretical generalization is used in the critical analysis of research results of domestic scientists on the substantiation of the development of infrastructure in the agricultural sector of Ukraine. Findings. It has been proved that an important tool for intensifying the investment activity of agricultural producers at the level of the country and individual regions is the creation of investment infrastructure, as well as a favourable macro-environment. The main elements of the investment infrastructure should be organizations that provide information, technical and technological, research, personnel, consulting, financial support, as well as logistics services. Tools for regulating investment processes should be aimed at regulating inter-budgetary relations, coordinating the interests of participants in investment activities, placement of projects, providing investors with preferences, organizing their implementation. Originality. The expediency of creating a system of institutional structures focused on increasing the investment attractiveness and service of agricultural producers directly is substantiated in order to intensify investment processes in agricultural enterprises. It is proved that at the regional level it is advisable to create an agricultural investment park on the basis of agricultural higher education institutions and research institutes of agro-industrial production of NAAS of Ukraine, the main purpose of which will be a set of measures to meet the needs of agricultural enterprises in investment services. Practical value. The proposed measures for the formation of institutions for infrastructure support of the investment process in the agricultural sector of Ukraine, in particular the creation of agro-investment parks, can be implemented at the regional level (Vynnytsia region). According to the results of the activities of similar institutions in the Kyiv region, there is activity among small and medium-sized farms in the corporate sector to obtain services for investing funds in expanding their production and economic activities. Key words: agricultural sector, investment activity, infrastructure, agro-investment park, investment.

Monoclonal Antibody Preparation Against Nucleoprotein of Avian Influenza Virus Subtype H9N2

Background: In recent years, various poultry diseases have posed risks to this industry. Respiratory and infectious diseases are the most common diseases. According to previous findings, influenza disease is recognized as a significant life-threatening disease in the industry of poultry worldwide. Influenza virus type A, which belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae, is responsible for a serious infectious disease. H9N2 AVI subtype circulates in the poultry worldwide, causing significant economic losses and infections in humans, also domestic and wild animals. Objectives: The purpose of the present experimental research was monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) production in contradiction of the NP of avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2 subtype to detect AIV antigens and antibodies in the Department of Proteomics and Biochemistry, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran. in 2017. Methods: The conserved protein of NP from H9N2A/Chicken/Iran/259/2014 virus, with 60 kDa molecular weight, was isolated using the electroelution method. The purified protein was applied for Australian BALB/c mice immunization. After evaluating immunization by ELISA assay, the spleen of immunized mice was isolated and hybridized with SP2/0 myeloma cell. Next, the hybridized cell was cultured, and clone soups were collected after 15 days to examine antibodies via ELISA assay. The produced antibodies using Western blotting and antibody isotype kits were characterized. Results: Thirty antibody-producing clones were examined for reactivity against Nucleoprotein (NP), the antigen, at 1 µg/mL concentration. According to the ELISA assay of antibody titers, two (3/F10 and 2/D7) out of 30 antibodies were bound to the antigen with titer 0.863 and 1.641, respectively. Two hybrid clones, 2D7 and 3F10, which produced anti-NP antibodies, were isolated and cultured. Characterizing of the produced antibodies using Western blotting was performed using H9N2 virus; finally, two clone soups (3/F10 and 2/D7) reacted with the NP virus protein. According to the isotyping of antibodies produced by 3F10 and 2D7 clones, 3F10 clone produced IgG1 with a κ chain, and IgG1 concentration was 1.997, based on ELISA assay. Also, 2D7 clone produced IgG2a with a κ chain, and IgG2a concentration was obtained 1.951. Conclusions: According to the findings of our study, the produced antibody might be used in the diagnosis of influenza.

Gap Analysis for Future Agricultural Education Research in Eswatini, Swaziland

From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, agriculture educators began to use research as a way of verifying, creating, disseminating and applying new knowledge. However, existing literature is inconclusive on research themes covered and yet to be covered in Agricultural Education in Eswatini. Thus, this study sought to identify themes and gaps for future research in Agricultural Education in Eswatini. This was a qualitative study employing desk review in data collection. Trustworthiness of the content analysis guide was ensured through the use of experts from the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension (AEE) at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA). Data analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that in Agricultural Education, gaps existed in the following thematic areas: primary themes - programme delivery methodologies and curriculum programme planning; and secondary themes- creative thinking and problem-solving; innovative instructional technologies; teaching basic and academic skills; professional staff development; educational methodologies for teaching and learning; professional preparation and competence; and needs of future agricultural workforce. The study concluded that research conducted in Agricultural Education in Eswatini is imbalanced in both primary and secondary research themes. Therefore, the Department of AEE at UNESWA must establish a research agenda to ensure that the research conducted is thematically balanced. Keywords: Agricultural Education, primary themes, research project, research thematic areas, secondary themes, University of Eswatini

International Agricultural Education from 1975 to Present: A Research Synthesis

With the increasing interdependence of international agriculture, agricultural education has, and will, continue to play a significant role in the success of all nations’ agriculture. The purpose of this research synthesis was to examine the literature on international agricultural education since 1975 to identify major research themes and determine if the transformative learning process is present. Inclusion criteria for this synthesis included a) publish date after 1975 in a peer- reviewed journal, b) address international agricultural education, c) demonstrate at least one stage of transformative learning, and d) be identified through search strategies. Seventy-one articles were identified. Themes in current research included studies on education abroad, explorations of other nations’ agricultural education systems, globalization of American curriculum, and extension efforts abroad. The most common stage of transformative learning present in articles was the critical assessment of assumptions. Recommendations include further research on the impact of international experiences on secondary agriculture teachers and to increase the use of the transformative learning theory (Mezirow, 1991) as a theoretical lens in international agricultural education research.