Agricultural Interests Research Articles

Hot-Air Drying Using Near UV Visible NIR Radiation Spectroscopy and Edge Computing Control System : A Study On Apple Slices

Near-UV, Visible Light, and Near-Infrared Radiation are some of the light wavelength regions that are of great interest for energy, agriculture, medical, and food industry research. The use of light spectrum for non-destructive, real-time sensing for imaging, food quality, and safety evaluation is becoming increasingly important in all these fields. Edge computing, which enables real-time monitoring of devices and control using machine learning methods, is necessary to improve system stability, minimize errors and develop tools that facilitate robotic intervention. In this study, the effect and performance of a drying system using Near-UV-vis-NIR radiation measurement in food drying using edge computing is presented. The system comprises three multi-spectral sensors that allow 18 different measurements. Sensors are also placed to measure the weight of the objects, temperature, and humidity inside the cabin. The data acquired is processed in real-time using a microcontroller (Arduino Nano 33 BLE) that can perform machine learning algorithms and control the cabin. Edge computing enables data processing and analytic operations to be performed on the device, thus providing real-time results and control operations. In this study, the change in radiation levels and the effect on drying quality during the drying process of apple slices are investigated. The results show that measurements performed using edge computing technology can effectively be performed during the drying process of apple slices.

Drought and High Temperatures Impact the Plant–Pollinator Interactions in Fagopyrum esculentum

As a result of climate change, temperate regions are facing the simultaneous increase in water and heat stress. These changes may affect the interactions between plants and pollinators, which will have an impact on entomophilous crop yields. Here, we investigated the consequences of high temperatures and water stress on plant growth, floral biology, flower-reward production, and insect visitation of five varieties of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), an entomophilous crop of growing interest for sustainable agriculture. The plants were grown under two temperature regimes (21 °C/19 °C and 28 °C/26 °C, day/night) and two watering regimes (well-watered and water-stressed). Our results showed that the reproductive growth was more affected by drought and high temperatures than was the vegetative growth, and that combined stress had more detrimental effects. However, the impact of drought and high temperatures was variety-dependent. Drought and/or high temperatures reduced the number of open flowers per plant, as well as the floral resources (nectar and pollen), resulting in a decrease in pollinator visits, mainly under combined stress. Although the proportion of Hymenoptera visiting the flowers decreased with high temperatures, the proportion of Diptera remained stable. The insect visiting behavior was not strongly affected by drought and high temperatures. In conclusion, the modification of floral display and floral resources induced by abiotic stresses related to climate change alters plant–pollinator interactions in common buckwheat.

Phytochemical Investigation and Antioxidant Activity of Onopordum acanthium L. in Different Regions of Western Iraq Using GC-MS Analysis

The present study undertakes the phytochemical analysis of Onopordum acanthium L., commonly named Scotch thistle, collected from five different places in the western region of Iraq, for its antioxidant activities. Consequently, an attempt to identify the chemical composition of the plant for Al-Karmah, Ramadi, Hit, Fallujah, and Al-Qaim, respectively, was stated on the strength of GC-MS technology. The outcomes showed a region-inducing, high variability in the chemical profile of this plant with active compounds in the range of 18 to 29, which is the highest number in Hit and Al-Karmah, indicating the richer biodiversity or favorable environmental conditions of the area. Compounds detected in all the regions included neovitadiene and hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, which are critical building blocks of the plant's metabolic framework for survival at different scales. Antioxidant activity of O. acanthium was also performed, and the plant sample from Ramadi presented the highest scavenging activity, 86% ± 0.05, reflecting higher antioxidant potential. In contrast, the lowest activity was found for the samples from Fallujah, 51% ± 0.32, probably due to less appropriate environmental conditions. The present study underlines the importance of regional environmental factors affecting the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in O. acanthium. Consequently, such environmental conditions have a pronounced impact on the antioxidant properties of this plant, which might be of interest for pharmacy and agriculture. Also, the presence of ascorbic acid in the samples shows that this plant can be very useful for natural antioxidants; thus, other studies could be developed from its medicinal and nutritional use.

Controlled Temperature Condition to Optimize the Storage Period and the Seeds Quality of Five Coffee Varieties

There is increasing interest of Indonesian coffee farmers to propagate coffee plants by using generative seeds due to easiness on distribution and production.The harvest time of coffee seed and the time for sowing/planting is separated by six months. This requires coffee seeds to be stored at least for the period.Technology for coffee storage is challenging due to the characteristic of coffee seeds as intermediate seeds which are sensitive to drying. The development of efficient and effective storage methods for coffee seeds is urgently needed. This study was aimed to evaluate the germination viability and quality of coffee seedlings obtained from the seeds that have been stored for up to 12 months in the warehouse. This study employed five coffee varieties including three Arabica coffee (USDA 762, P 88, and Gayo 1), and two Robusta coffee (propellegitim and Hibiro). One kilogram package of each variety (four replications) was stored in the warehouse at a temperature of 20 °C ± 2 °C. Each replication of the coffee seeds was then evaluated for germination viability and seedling quality on 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of storage. Fresh coffee seeds (without storage) were used for comparison. The results showed a decrease in seeds’ moisture content during storage. Arabica coffee seeds were able to maintain their viability after six months of storage and Robusta coffee seeds after three months. Fresh coffee seeds showed the best seedling growth performance and seedling quality index. Arabica coffee USDA 762 stored for six months was able to produce seedlings with high plant performance, root length, stem diameter, and number of leaves similar to that of seedlings generated from fresh seed. Robusta coffee seedlings sown from fresh seeds had better quality compared to those from stored ones.

Detection of a Reassortant Swine‐ and Human‐Origin H3N2 Influenza A Virus in Farmed Mink in British Columbia, Canada

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn December 2021, influenza A viruses (IAV) were detected in a population of farmed mink in British Columbia, Canada. Circulation of IAVs in farmed mink populations has raised public health concerns due to similarities between mustelid and human respiratory physiology, potentially facilitating spillover of zoonotic influenzas from livestock.MethodsOropharyngeal specimens were collected from mink as part of a surveillance program for SARS‐CoV‐2. Diagnostic RT‐qPCR testing was performed using a multiplex assay targeting SARS‐CoV‐2, IAV, influenza B virus and respiratory syncytial virus. Whole viral genome sequencing was conducted on IAV‐positive specimens, followed by phylogenetic analysis with other animal and human IAV genome sequences from large global databases.ResultsIAVs were detected in 17 of 65 mink by RT‐qPCR. Based on genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, these IAVs were subtyped as H3N2s that originated from reassortment of swine H3N2 (clade 1990.4 h), human seasonal H1N1 (pdm09) and swine H1N2 (clade 1A.1.1.3). This reassortant has been subsequently observed in swine in several Midwest American states, as well as in swine and turkeys in Ontario, suggesting its spillover into farmed mink in British Columbia was incidental to its broader dissemination in North American swine populations.ConclusionsThese detections reaffirm the need for extensive genomic surveillance of IAVs in swine populations to monitor reassortments that might become public health concerns. They also highlight the need for closer surveillance of IAVs in mink to preserve animal health, protect agricultural interests, and monitor potential zoonotic threats.

Domestic Lentil Production in Bangladesh Is More Advantageous Than Using Overseas Imports

ABSTRACTLentils (Lens culinaris), often referred to as the “meat of the poor,” are essential for ensuring food and nutrition security worldwide, including in Bangladesh. Despite being a staple food, Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on lentil imports to meet domestic demand. However, comprehensive economic analyses comparing domestic lentil production with imports are scarce. This study fills a critical research gap by providing evidence‐based insights into the financial and economic advantages of domestic lentil production over overseas imports, using primary data collected from 196 farmers in central Bangladesh between March and April 2022. The financial profitability analysis revealed a total cost of USD 979.13/ha, generating a net profit of USD 423.55/ha and yielding a benefit–cost ratio of 1.43. However, the economic profitability analysis indicated a lower total cost of USD 692.00/ha, with a net profit of USD 119.37/ha and a benefit–cost ratio of 1.17. Domestic resource cost analysis revealed that local farmers enjoyed a comparative advantage in lentil production. Similarly, the constructed policy analysis matrix (PAM) demonstrated that, at import parity prices, revenue transfers were positive, affirming the economic viability of domestic lentil production. The estimated indicators—including the nominal protection coefficient on output, nominal protection coefficient on input, effective protection coefficient, and private cost ratio—suggest that existing policies effectively safeguard the interests of domestic farmers. To capitalize on this comparative advantage, measures should be implemented to encourage farmers to expand lentil cultivation. Additionally, further research is essential to develop and integrate improved short‐duration lentil varieties within the prevailing rice‐dominated cropping patterns.

Causality between Agricultural Investments, Inflation and Interest Rates in Nigeria

This study examined the linkages between agricultural investment (comprising Foreign Direct Investment in agriculture, government investment in agriculture and private sector investment in agriculture), inflation rate and interest rate in Nigeria (1981 – 2020). Data for the study were sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and analyzed using Granger causality tests. Results showed that government investment in agriculture (p < 0.05) and private sector investment in agriculture (p < 0.1) has significant uni-directional causality to the level of agricultural foreign direct investment in Nigeria. Also there was uni-directional causality from inflation rate to interest rate (significant at 10%). It was recommended that public and private sectors’ investment in agriculture should be strategic to attract foreign investments in order to boost the productivity of agriculture in Nigeria.

On willingness to pay and impact mechanism of green agricultural products: a case of shrimp rice in Hunan, China

The burgeoning interest in green agriculture represents a pivotal shift towards environmentally friendly farming systems but sales of its products have been poor. Therefore, guiding consumers to pay reasonably can help green agricultural enterprises formulate appropriate marketing strategies and enhance public health and environmental quality. This paper takes shrimp rice (SR) as an example, based on 1,158 consumers in the largest rice province Hunan, and seeks to detect which factors affect the public’s willingness to pay (WTP) by adopting the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Heckman two-step Model. After removing biased observations, the results show that most respondents recognize the value of SR, whose premium is 1.47 yuan/kg, with a 25.85% premium rate. Moreover, positive external cognitions (psychology, environment, safety, policy) can moderate consumers’ WTP to varying degrees by strengthening their corresponding motivations. In addition, older, highly educated men who are familiar with SR and high-income but small-scale households with children and the elderly are more likely to pay a higher premium. Hence, some recommendations are put forward to enhance consumers’ external cognitions, providing an indispensable scientific basis for developing countries to promote the sustainable development of environmentally friendly agriculture.

First Report of Clonostachys rhizophaga Causing Root Rot on Lentil in France and Cross-Pathogenicity on Pea.

Root rot affects legumes such as lentil (Lens culinaris subsp. culinaris Medik.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) (Chatterton et al. 2019). In France, legume root rot occurs in 65% of cultivated areas and cause up to 60% yield loss (Augagneur et al. 2021; Moussart el al. 2011). Soil was sampled from plots where root rot disease was previously observed. Samplings were conducted in April 2019 from two plots in central France (46.59 N, 2.05 E; 46.57 N, 2.3 E). Pre-germinated lentil (cv. Anicia) seeds were transplanted in both soils and symptomatic plants were collected after two months. They showed yellowing and wilting symptoms associated with necrotic spots on the root system. The light brown color on the roots turned to dark brown as the necrotic spots progress. Diseased root fragments were surface-disinfected by soaking for 30 s in 70% ethanol, rinsed with sterile water and placed on malt extract agar (MEA). Fungal colonies growing from the root fragments were purified by single-spore sub-culturing and preserved in the Microorganisms of Interest for Agriculture and Environment (MIAE) collection (INRAE Dijon, France). They were transferred to potato dextrose agar and carnation leaf agar for macroscopic and microscopic observations. The colonies developed a dense and cottony aerial mycelium, pearly in color with pink reflections (Fig. S1). From below, the colonies were orange-pink. Under the microscope, Verticillium-like conidiophores arising on the same whorl released asymmetrical ovoid single-celled conidia, from 4 to 7 µm long and 2.5 to 3 µm wide, similar to the description of Clonostachys rhizophaga by Schroers (2001). Isolates MIAE08192 and MIAE08209 were identified as Clonostachys sp. based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (GenBank accessions OR902030 and OR902031). They were further identified based on their sequence of the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF-1α) (Moreira et al. 2016) (GenBank accessions OR947648 and OR947649). A BLAST search identified the two isolates as C. rhizophaga based on 100% identity of their sequences to the published sequence KX184992 (382 bp out of 382 bp and 377 bp out of 377 bp, respectively). A phylogenetic analysis combining ITS and TEF-1α sequences confirmed that the two isolates clustered within the C. rhizophaga species (Fig. S2). Two strains MIAE07881 and MIAE07884 of C. rhizophaga have been reported to cause root rot on pea (Gibert et al. 2022). Due to equivalent symptoms on lentil and pea, and the fact that the strains belonged to the same taxon led to test cross-pathogenicity on the two plant species with the two strains collected from lentil and the two strains collected from pea. Surface-disinfected lentil (cv. Anicia) and pea (cv. Firenza) seeds were placed on MEA, and after 72 h, the germinated seeds were transferred into sterile glass tubes containing 30 mL of Hoagland's No. 2 basal salt mixture at 1.6 g.L-1 added with agar 8 g.L-1. Three days later, they were inoculated with 1 mL of a conidial suspension at 105 conidia.mL-1 or sterile deionized water for the control plantlets. Twelve tubes per strain and twelve negative control tubes were prepared. The tubes were incubated in a growth chamber at 22°C day/18°C night and 12 h light for four weeks. The bioassay was performed twice. The control plants were asymptomatic. Whatever their origin, the four isolates inoculated on lentil or pea caused necrotic areas on 100% of the plants leading to strongly degraded root system. Koch's postulates were verified by reisolating the inoculated fungi from one symptomatic plant among the twelve replicates. Our results confirm the absence of specificity of this interaction and suggests the possible pathogenicity of C. rhizophaga on other legumes (Abang et al. 2009). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. rhizophaga as a causal agent of root rot on lentil and of its cross-pathogenicity on lentil and pea.

Studies on cortisol, corticosterone, and 17β-estradiol indicate these steroids have no role in stress or reproduction in the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris).

The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is a promising candidate for aquaculture diversification, particularly in Europe. As interest in octopus farming grows, animal welfare concerns arise. In bony vertebrates (teleosts and tetrapods), measurements of the levels of corticosterone or cortisol have been successfully used as indicators of stress and welfare. Here, it is explored whether octopuses also produce cortisol or corticosterone and, if so, whether they are released into the water in response to stress (as can be done in teleosts and amphibians). The ability of the octopus to absorb cortisol from the water is also investigated-with another steroid, the principle vertebrate estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), being used as a positive uptake control. In this study, using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry techniques, it was found that octopus hemolymph did not contain either cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone (a common metabolite of cortisol), or E2. Nor were any of the corticosteroids consistently found in the water in which stressed octopuses were held. The results support the evolutionary argument that octopuses are unlikely to exhibit a stress response mediated by vertebrate-like corticosteroids. Octopus demonstrated a low ability to absorb cortisol from the water (<2% over 24 h) but showed a high ability to absorb E2 from water (92% over 24 h). In this latter respect, the octopus is similar to other mollusks. The finding calls into doubt the origin of the E2 measured in this species.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that common octopuses (Octopus vulgaris Cuvier 1797) do not produce cortisol, cortisone, or corticosterone in response to stress. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, it was also shown that octopuses have a low absorption rate of cortisol from water but a high absorption rate of 17β-estradiol (E2). The findings support the evolutionary argument that octopuses are unlikely to exhibit a stress response mediated by vertebrate-like corticosteroids.

Farmer participation in cooperatives enhances productive services in village collectives: a subjective evaluation approach

IntroductionProvision of agricultural productive services to farmers is crucial for integrating them into the modern agricultural system. However, small-scale farmers often face difficulties in accessing these services. One internationally recognized approach to addressing this issue is the government-led provision of productive services to small-scale farmers. In China, production services are provided through village collectives, which are economic organizations established in townships and villages to manage collective assets, develop resources and economy, and provide services to members. Farmer participation in these services can enhance inclusive service dynamics, improving access to services and promoting rural equity.MethodsFarmers’ subjective evaluations directly reflect their access to collective agricultural productive services. This study utilized a binary logit model to analyze the impact and mechanism of farmer participation in cooperatives on the collective supply of agricultural productive services. The study involved 3,900 farmers from 29 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China.Results and discussionThis study proposes for the first time a “cooperative+collective” model for the provision of productive services. In China, safeguarding social equity is one of the important objectives of the Government, and safeguarding and supporting the interests of small-scale farmers is crucial to safeguarding social equity. Participation in cooperatives increased farmers’ access to agricultural productive services. The analysis revealed that farmers have significantly increased their level of access to agricultural production services through participation in the “cooperative+collective” model of productive services. Farmers have participation in cooperatives helped integrate and expand farmers’ demand, leading to the continuous operation and expansion of business scale, thereby enhancing the collective supply of agricultural productive services. Furthermore, those income low-income, older farmers derived more benefits from participating in cooperatives in terms of accessing these services. This study offers empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of collective agricultural services.

Institutional Bricolage and Collective Action: A Case Study of a Farmers’ Producer Organisation in Tamil Nadu, South India

Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) are conceived as fundamental institutional mechanisms at the village and cluster levels to strengthen the Farmers’ Producer Organisations (FPOs) by pooling their existing resources, gaining better access to other resources and sharing mutual benefits. However, diverse stakeholders could perceive the notion of collective engagement differently. Whether they are actors representing the state, community or other civil society organisations, their respective values, interests, knowledge and power relations could vary, resulting in social discontinuities rather than the intended innovation outcome. Often, such collectives could end up pursuing specific neoliberal functions rather than empowerment as such. This article examines the nature of such interfaces in a women’s FIG promoted by an FPO in Tamil Nadu, South India. Guided by the critical institutionalism and situated knowledge perspective, this article explores how the FPO, as a dynamic institution, mediates relationships between the members’ local contexts, the state and the market. Further, this article highlights the nature of the agency women farmers’ exercise in responding to the resulting institutional dynamics and uncertainties. Insights from this article could enable us to understand the diverse contextual factors that shape farmers’ collective, specifically women, in shaping social change and institutional innovation.

Fair Pricing Formulation for Palm Oil Fresh Fruit Bunch Produced by Smallholder Farmers: A Development Method to Form a More Effective Formula for Palm Oil Fresh Fruit Bunch Pricing to Achieve a Fair Price for Smallholder Farmers

Objectives: The study aims to address the disparity in pricing received by smallholder farmers for their palm oil fresh fruit bunches (FFBs). It seeks to establish a fair pricing formula that balances the interests of smallholder farmers and crude palm oil (CPO) mills, ensuring the sustainability of smallholder farming practices and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods: The research models the cost structures of palm oil smallholder farmers and CPO mills over a 30-year investment horizon. Using profitability analyses and the constraint that the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for smallholder farmers is greater than or equal to the IRR of CPO mills, the study derives a pricing formula. The proposed formula calculates the price of FFBs (PFFB) as a function of the price of CPO (PCPO) and oil extraction yield (OER), supported by statistical simulations. Results: The study presents a pricing equation, PFFB = -2438.7971 + 0.1784 PCPO + 10219.2072 OER, which is transparent and based on significant parameters. The formula provides a practical approach to determining a fair price for FFBs, ensuring equitable profit distribution between smallholder farmers and CPO mills. This eliminates the need for prolonged negotiations while fostering sustainability and financial stability for smallholder farmers. Conclusion: The proposed pricing formula offers a straightforward and equitable method for determining FFB prices, aligning the profitability of smallholder farmers and CPO mills. This approach supports the palm oil industry's sustainability objectives and contributes to achieving the SDGs by empowering smallholder farmers and promoting fair trade practices.

Large sensory analysis of vegetables from conventional, organic and no-till practices

There is a growing interest in agriculture to address soil deterioration issues and achieve a sus-tainable agrosystem. Many producers introduce no-till techniques and show significant yields with better ecosystem functioning, as well as improved carbon and water cycles. However, sensory analysis to compare vegetables from these practices are scarce. In this paper, we conduct triangle and hedonic tests over 15 panels of consumers for a total of 915 consumers. Based on statistical hypothesis testing and maximum likelihood estimation, significant statistical differences (p < 0.05 and less) are produced for both triangle tests and hedonic ranking in some specific cases. These results show a trend for sensory preferences of no-till practices.

Preface

International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Biosystem (hereinafter ICSAB) is an annual conference organised by Departemen Teknik Pertanian dan Biosistem, Universitas Andalas with various co-hosts. The 1st ICSAB was organised in 2018. We pay attention to developments in agriculture and biosystems because agriculture is one of the most important sectors in the world. We are committed to providing the insightful event for everyone who has an interest in agriculture and biosystems itself. The previous five ICSAB events were held in Indonesia. This year was a different as the Department of Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering decided to organise the 6th ICSAB overseas. It was realised by organising the 6th ICSAB in Merlimau – Malaysia in collaboration with the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Melaka Branch, Jasin Campus. The conference was also supported by Gifu University, Japan and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand. The participants also came from several countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, and Thailand. We also had five keynote speakers from Murdoch University, Australia; King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand; Gifu University, Japan; Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia; and Andalas University, Indonesia. List of Organising Committee and Keynote Speakers Abstract are available in this pdf.

Status and Performance of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Maharashtra: A Case Study of Pulses

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as one of the most effective institutional mechanisms to protect the interests of small and marginal farmers in the context of a globalized market. Maharashtra stands out as one of the leading states with a large number of FPOs engaged in various sectors, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and pulses. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of pulse-producing FPOs while providing an overview of the status and functioning of FPOs in India. A primary survey was conducted among member and non-member farmers in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra to assess the performance of these organizations, identify factors influencing farmer participation in FPOs, and examine the challenges faced by FPOs. The findings revealed that a higher proportion of member farmers, compared to non-members, benefitted from field visits by extension agents (NGOs) and training received on marketing activities. The results of the logit regression analysis suggested that extension visits and training provided by NGOs significantly motivate farmers to join FPOs. However, major constraints faced by FPOs included low awareness among farmers, marketing risks, limited government support, and the collusion between local traders and market intermediaries.

Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Interest In Agriculture (Case Study: Young Generation In Tinada District, Pakpak Bharat Regency)

ABSTRACTThis study aims to determine the factors that influence the entrepreneurial interest of the younger generation in the agricultural sector in Tinada District, Pakpak Bharat Regency. This type of research is quantitative in nature. The population of this research is the young generation in Tinada District with the sampling technique used, namely engineering proportional stratified random sampling. The questionnaire measurement scale uses a Likert scale which has been tested for validity and reliability. The results of the research show that the t test carried out proves: 1) the existence of a negative and significant influence of the family environment on entrepreneurial interest in the agricultural sector (tcount-6,411&gt; ttable1.663 and significance 0.000 &lt; 0.05), 2) there is a positive and significant influence of income expectations on entrepreneurial interest in agriculture (tcount7, 792 &gt; ttable1.663 and a significance of 0.000 &lt; 0.05), 3) there is a negative and significant influence of the level of education on interest in entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector (tcount-6,179 &gt; ttable1.663 and significance 0.000 &lt; 0.05). For the F test, this research shows that there is a positive and significant influence of family environment, income expectations, level of education on entrepreneurial interest in agriculture (Fcount 45,812 &gt; Ftable 2.72 and significance 0.000 &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile onadjusted r square shows that the joint results between the dependent variables in this study were 61.3% and the remaining 38.7% of the increase was influenced by other variables or factors that were not explained by this thesis research.Keywords: interests; entrepreneurship; generation; family; education ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi minat berwirausaha generasi muda di sektor pertanian di Kecamatan Tinada Kabupaten Pakpak Bharat. Jenis penelitian ini bersifat kuantitatif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah generasi muda di Kecamatan Tinada dengan teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan yaitu teknik proporsional stratified random sampling. Skala pengukuran kuesioner menggunakan skala likert yang telah teruji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa uji t yang dilakukan membuktikan: 1) adanya pengaruh negatif dan signifikan lingkungan keluarga terhadap minat berwirausaha di sektor pertanian (t hitung-6,411 &gt; t tabel 1,663 dan signifikansi 0,000 &lt; 0,05), 2) terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan harapan pendapatan terhadap minat berwirausaha di sektor pertanian (t hitung7,792 &gt; t tabel 1,663 dan signifikansi 0,000 &lt; 0,05), 3) terdapat pengaruh negatif dan signifikan tingkat pendidikan terhadap minat berwirausaha di sektor pertanian (t hitung-6,179 &gt; t tabel 1,663 dan signifikansi 0,000 &lt; 0,05). Untuk uji F, penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara lingkungan keluarga, harapan pendapatan, tingkat pendidikan terhadap minat berwirausaha di bidang pertanian (F hitung 45,812 &gt; F tabel 2,72 dan signifikansi 0,000 &lt; 0,05). Hasil gabungan antar variabel dependen dalam penelitian ini sebesar 61,3% dan sisanya sebesar 38,7% peningkatannya dipengaruhi oleh variabel atau faktor lain yang tidak dijelaskan oleh penelitian tesis ini.Kata Kunci: minat; kewirausahaan; generasi; keluarga; pendidikan

Breaking away from family control? Collaboration among political organisations and social media endorsement among their constituents

AbstractCoalitions that engage in political advocacy are constituted by organisations, which are made up of individuals and organisational subunits. Comparing the coalitions formed by organisations to the those formed by their constituent parts provides a means of examining the extent to which their coalition memberships are aligned. This paper applies inferential network clustering methods to survey data collected from organisations engaging in Irish climate change politics and to X (formerly twitter) data extracted from both the primary accounts of these organisations and the accounts of the individuals and subunits affiliated with them. Analysis of the survey-based organisation-level policy network finds evidence of an outsider coalition, formed by non-governmental organisations, labour unions and left-leaning political parties, and an insider coalition formed by the two main political parties in government, energy sector organisations, business and agricultural interests, scientific organisations, and government bodies. An analysis of the X-based account-level endorsement network finds evidence for a nested coalition structure wherein there are multiple distinct communities, which largely align with the organisation-level coalitions. Most interestingly, the largest and most active community is formed by accounts affiliated with the organisations with agricultural interests—the sector most opposed to ambitious climate action in Ireland. The results show how the somewhat disjoint behaviours of formal organisations and their affiliates give rise to nested coalitions, which can only be identified by disaggregating organisations by their constituent parts.

Marine Smenospongia extract mitigated co-infection with Trichodina sp. and Flavobacterium columnare in Nile tilapia: insights into promoting growth performance, immune, antioxidant and autophagy defenses, and suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes

Identifying novel natural sources from the marine environment with unique immunomodulatory and antioxidant efficacies is of interest in intensive fish farming. In this sense, marine sponge extract derived from Smenospongia (SS-extract) was tested for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities during the concurrent infection with Trichodina sp. and Flavobacterium columnare in Nile tilapia. A total of 625 Nile tilapia fingerlings were distributed into five groups: the control group (with no additives) and four groups fed the control diet fortified with SS-extract at 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg, respectively, for 60 days. The parasitic challenge with Trichodina sp was done at the endpoint of the feeding trial and at 7 days post-infection (dpi); the fish were coinfected with F. columnare. A significant improvement in growth-related parameters of Nile tilapia was detected in the groups that received SS-extract at the levels of 150 and 200 mg/kg. The scavenging ability for free radicals (2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)) was maximized with higher SS-extract supplementation levels. Simultaneously, the antioxidant defense of the Nile tilapia fed 150 and 200 mg/kg was augmented with a decline in oxidation-associated indicators [reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA)]. The higher concentrations of SS-extract in the feed potentiated the immune response of Nile tilapia before infection and even after coinfection and was paralleled by a subsiding in the exaggerated inflammatory response after concurrent infection. Concurrently, the mRNA expression of autophagy-encountered genes (Atg5 and 12, LC3-II and BCLN1) had its highest expression in the fish fed the 200 mg/kg diet with the lowest expression of the mTOR gene in the same fish. The lowest infection intensity and rate and mucus score were displayed in fish fed 200 mg/kg SS-extract at 20 dpi. Interestingly, higher levels of SS-extract triggered antimicrobial peptides (upregulation of Hepcidin and β-defensin-1). In contrast, excessive expression of endoplasmic reticulum genes (atf4, JAK1, PERK, and eif2α) in the control infected group was downregulated by 200 mg/kg of SS-extract. The quantification of F. columnare indicated that columnaris coinfection severity displayed its lowest rate in the group supplemented with 200 mg/kg of SS-extract. In conclusion, a strategic siting based on fortification of the diet of Nile tilapia with SS-extract was elucidated to reinforce its immune and antioxidant defenses during a concurrent infection.

‘Par mesure de prudence’. Flood prevention and river regulation in Demer-Dijle confluence area (NE Belgium), 1840s–1880s

Abstract This article analyses the views of experts and political discourse on river regulation, its objectives, and flood prevention in the rural Demer-Dijle catchment areas, the 1840s–1880s – a period marked by climatological extremes and agricultural transition. Via a close read of state archives and parliamentary discussions, we unravel different opinions and interests and find that not all flooding was unwanted. While the Ministry of Public Works, at first, aimed to better regulate water discharge and to improve watercourses for navigational purposes, it later prioritised agricultural interests. However, managing rivers coherently and efficiently was challenging because river powers were dispersed over ministerial departments, provinces, and municipalities that made coordinating upstream and downstream river works difficult. Floods often resulted in the drawing up of new plans, but their implementation often failed to materialise because the government had other worries and insufficient resources available while parliamentarians prioritised the interests of their constituencies.