Technological University Research Articles

Transforming Educational Environments: A Comprehensive Study on the Acceptance and Social Attitudes Towards LGBTQIA+ Students within Higher Education

<p style="text-align:justify">This study investigates the social attitudes and acceptance levels towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and other sexualities and gender identities, collectively referred to as LGBTQIA+, among students within the College of Education at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. Employing a descriptive correlational research design, the research utilized surveys and interviews to collect data from a diverse student body, analyzing their perspectives on LGBTQIA+ inclusion and the impact of educational environments on their acceptance levels. Results indicate a generally positive attitude and high acceptance of LGBTQIA+ students, with significant relationships identified between students' acceptance levels and their gender and year level, while no significant correlations were found with their course and religion. The study emphasizes the critical role of educational settings in fostering an inclusive atmosphere that supports LGBTQIA+ students, highlighting the importance of promoting understanding and acceptance to enhance the educational experience for all students. By shedding light on current attitudes and acceptance levels, this research contributes valuable insights into the efforts required to create more inclusive educational environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The findings are of particular relevance to educators, policymakers, and educational researchers interested in advancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion within educational settings.</p>

Meshwork choreography: a pragmatic approach to collaborative embodied learning in South African higher education

ABSTRACT The diversity of the South African higher educational student population requires innovative pedagogical strategies that facilitate transformative and collaborative embodied learning. This article demonstrates how the choreographic process emerges from the context of multiculturalism through a pragmatic learning approach called meshwork choreography. Meshwork suggests an interwoven relation that emphasises the ever-evolving nature of relationships within an environment. Choreography as meshwork is where the choreographer does not impose preconceived ideas on the dancers but rather facilitates a collaborative and exploratory process. The research employed a conceptual framework of phenomenography, embodied and collaborative learning to frame the discussion towards a model of how choreography functions as meshwork. Composition and design processes in and of themselves embrace transformative learning through collaborative, embodied, and relational practices and are bolstered when they converge within the creation of choreographic work. This article reflects on students’ experiences in the Performing Arts Dance Stream at Tshwane University of Technology in conceptualising choreography as meshwork. Phenomenography was adopted as the research methodology, where data was analysed within phenomenographic categories. The article offers a South African perspective, informed by Ubuntu, of a meshwork model for the benefits of applying transformative learning through choreography within a higher education dance context.

Collaging together-apart: building trust and hope in social innovation and design pedagogies

ABSTRACT This article explores how relationships of care, trust and hope might be fostered in a social innovation design course at a South African university of technology. Rather than shy away from the challenges of our uncertain world, the paper proposes feminist pedagogical strategies that seek to nurture students’ capacity for trust and hope, rather than overwhelm and despair, through carefully curated collaborative-collage-making processes. By interweaving Bracha Ettinger’s theory of matrixial trans-subjectivity and Karen Barad’s agential realism, the generative role that arts-based practices offer social innovation design pedagogies is made explicit. The paper will show how collaborative artworking activated a co-affective encounter in which students and myself, rather than drowning in overwhelm, discovered new educational imaginaries and Hope-full renewals.

Combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on fruit quality and bioactive compounds of VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava)

The present study was carried out during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to assess the combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on a 5-year- old VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava L.) orchard. The experiment consisted of three irrigation regimes, viz. deficit irrigation at 50% ETc (DI50); deficit irrigation at 75% ETc (DI75); and full irrigation at 100% ETc (FI100); and four mulching treatments, viz. silver-black mulch (MSB); black mulch (MB); organic mulch (MOM); and without mulch (MWM) laid out in a factorial randomised block design (F-RBD) with three replications. Results showed that fruit number and yield/tree were recorded highest in trees irrigated with DI75 and mulched with silver-black mulch. Under treatment DI50 fruit had the highest concentration of soluble solids, with Brix levels of 12.35°B and 12.78 °B during the years 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively. Total sugars content was significantly increased under DI50 by 7.73 and 7.36%, respectively as compared to FI100 during both the years of experimentation. The biochemical properties such as total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant (DPPH) activity also increased as irrigation regimes decreased from FI100 to DI50. The total phenolic and flavonoids content were improved by 19.19 and 33.44%, respectively under DI50 when compared to FI100. Significant differences among different mulch treatments with respect to quality parameters were also observed except DPPH activity. Silver-black mulch followed by black mulch resulted in higher soluble solids content, total sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, total flavonoids and DPPH activity. These findings demonstrate the positive effect of water deficit practice on bioactive compounds and the appropriateness of deficit irrigation and mulching as irrigation management strategies in the fruit orchards that improve fruit commercial value and conserve water.

The future of tourism: evolution and future of scenario planning and strategic foresight in tourism with Albert Postma

PurposeAs the Journal of Tourism Futures celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Dr Stefan Hartman (head of department at the European Tourism Futures Institute, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences) interviews Prof. Albert Postma, professor of Strategic Foresight and Scenario Planning) about Evolution and Future of Scenario Planning.Design/methodology/approachA personal interview held on September 12, 2024.FindingsAlbert Postma highlights the importance of scenario planning and strategic foresight and its evolution. Postma explains how he is taking a leading role in improving the impact of applications of scenario planning and strategic foresight in tourism practice.Originality/valueThe interview provides insights into the directions of scenario planning and strategic foresight applications in tourism practice and promising pathways for future academic contribution to the Journal of Tourism Futures.

Exploring preservice teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge for teaching analytical geometry in multilingual classrooms

The narrative permeating higher education institutions globally is the intention to advance the quality of preservice mathematics teachers to gain better performance than mathematics school learners. In this article we report on a qualitative case study which explored the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of preservice teachers (PST) (n = 20) at a South African university of technology. These preservice teachers were provided with activity sheets with past examination questions in analytical geometry. Their written responses were analysed, and verification interviews were conducted. This was followed by an analysis of the preservice teachers’ lesson plans for teaching the topic to Grade 11 learners. The domains and subdomains of the Shulman’s PCK derived Mathematics Teacher’s Specialised Knowledge (MTSK) model were used as the theoretical framework. The study established that the PSTs had limited content knowledge, and knowledge for teaching analytical geometry at Grade 11 as their responses to the activities confirmed that they mostly had procedural understanding. The study was conducted in a context with multilingual PSTs who are training in multilingual classrooms.Contribution: The study will highlight the misconceptions and existing gaps in the PSTs’ knowledge for teaching analytical geometry in multilingual classrooms.

The future of tourism: interview with Bernadett Papp on brining equity into debates on tourism development and destination governance

PurposeAs the Journal of Tourism Futures celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Dr Stefan Hartman (head of department at the European Tourism Futures Institute, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences) interviews Bernadett Papp (senior researcher at the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI) at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences) about her recent work in tourism practice and academic and future perspectives on topics relevant to the future of tourism.Design/methodology/approachA personal interview was held on September 16, 2024.FindingsBernadett Papp draws attention to the importance of bringing equity into debates on tourism development and destination governance. She sees a crucial role for governments, the redesign of institutional frameworks, monitoring and data collection and rethinking systems of governance.Originality/valueThe interview provides unique insights into the viewpoints of Papp, highlighting the importance of the still understudied topic of equitable tourism. A topic that still requires a lot of work before hitting mainstream approaches to destination development, even though it should have been on the policy agendas for many years already.

Influence of rice straw incorporation and recommended dose of primary nutrients on growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency of Rabi maize (Zea mays L.)

Rice-maize-based cropping system is one of the important agricultural practices in India. Maize has a wider range of adaptability to various climatic and soil conditions, which allows the farmers to cultivate the crop at various locations throughout the year. During the present days, straw handling after rice crop harvesting has become a major problem to the farmers and the burning of rice straw is considered as a serious environmental threat causing air pollution. In this scenario, incorporation of rice straw in succeeding maize cultivation can be beneficial in various aspects like soil health improvement, increased productivity and proper waste management. Considering these, the present field study was conducted at the Post Graduate Research Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Gajapathi, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 8 treatments and each treatment was replicated 4 times. The details of the treatment are as follows, T1: absolute control, T2: 100 % RDF, T3: 100 % RDF + rice straw incorporation (RSI) at 2 t/ha, T4: 100 % RDF + RSI at 4 t/ha, T5: 100 % RDF + RSI at 6 t/ha, T6: 100 % RDF + RSI at 8 t/ha, T7: 75 % RDF + RSI at 2 t/ha and T8: 75 % RDF + RSI at 4 t/ha. The experimental results found that the superior values of growth attributes were obtained highest in treatments T2: 100 % RDF, T3: 100 % RDF + RSI at 2 t/ha. Further, the incorporation of rice straw at the rate of 2 t/ha (T3) accounted for maximum grain yield (6354 kg/ha), stover yield (8429 kg/ha) and biological yield (14783 kg/ha) of maize and this treatment remained at par with T2: 100 % RDF. The experiment concludes that application of the optimum dose of fertilizers (100 % RDF) along with the incorporation of 2 t/ha of rice straw can be recommended for better growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of Rabi maize.

DBA as an enabler of future management practice – case study insights and reflections from recent graduates

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) programme in the context of a small emerging Irish university as an enabler for future management practice development. Design/methodology/approach The research comprises a literature review and a single case study focused on a single DBA graduate of a DBA programme embedded in a new technological Irish university. Findings Findings indicate that the DBA supports a unique form of managerial learning supportive of the development of future management practice in graduates. Specifically, such managerial learning emerges from the embracement of differences by both faculty and students; guidance by faculty in opening students to uncertainty and unknowing and in supporting students towards becoming architects of socio-technical organisational change. Ultimately, the DBA graduate is not viewed as leaving the programme, with novel management practices that are time-bound, rather they are imbued with a learning potential supportive of continual management practice development into the future. Theoretically, the authors extend studies that indicate the potential of the DBA as a mechanism for management practice development, indicating the role of managerial learning in context. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to a single case study of a DBA programme embedded in a new technological Irish university and draws from the perspective of one key informant graduate. Hence, future research into how managerial learning impacts new management practice development in the context of other universities is encouraged. Practical implications The central role of managerial learning promoted in the DBA within this new technological university indicates two practical implications of the research. First, both organisations and students considering DBA education as a means of developing future management practices are encouraged to contemplate such education through the lens of managerial learning. It is anticipated that such contemplation will improve preparedness. Second, business schools are encouraged to contemplate improving their programmes through the managerial learning lens, with such improvement activating potential in marketing the DBA to both students and organisations. Originality/value Theoretically the authors extend existing studies that indicate the potential of the DBA as a mechanism for management practice development. Specifically the role of contextual managerial learning is articulated, and is argued to support a management practice development capable of continual transformation.

Efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Organic Amendments Against Black Root Rot Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia solani in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

Black root rot of strawberry caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the devastating soil borne disease. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of organic amendments, PGPR (Pseudomonas Fluorescens) and botanical treatment for the management of R. solani on strawberry. The study was laid out in Randomized Block design (RBD) including 4 r eplications with 8 treatments in pot condition at the greenhouse of Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during Rabi season 20232024. The treatments consisted of combination of FYM, vermicompost, biomix compost, neem cake, cocopeat and botanical neem leaf extract were used as soil amendments and P. fluorescens as root treatment for evaluation on the plant growth, yield, physicochemical parameters (TSS and total ascorbic acid), disease intensity (%) and benefit cost ratio of strawb erry. The present investigation results revealed that T7 – P. fluorescens (0.3%) + FYM @ 100g + biomix compost @ 15g + vermicompost @ 15g + neem leaf extract @10% had the most promising results in term of maximum plant height (14.9 cm), maximum leaf number(15.75), days taken to first flowering (86 days), berry length (4.08 cm), berry diameter (2.84 cm), yield (38.87 qha-1), TSS (8.80 °Brix), total ascorbic acid (51.60mg/100g) and B:C ratio (1:2.24). It was also observed that T7 superior over other treatments giving least per cent disease intensity (30.75 %) followed by T6 – FYM @1 00g + P. fluorescens (0.3%) + biomix compost @15g + neem cake @15g + neem leaf extract @10% (35.50%). These findings highlight the potential of organic amendments, PGPR (P. fluorescens) and botanical treatments, as effective alternatives for managing black root rot disease caused by R. solani in strawberry cultivation.

A Dynamic Principal-Agent Problem with One-Sided Commitment

In this paper, we consider a principal-agent problem where the agent is allowed to quit by incurring a cost. When the current agent quits the job, the principal will hire a new one, possibly with a different type. We characterize the principal’s dynamic value function, which could be discontinuous at the boundary, as the (unique) minimal solution of an infinite dimensional system of Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations, parameterized by the agent’s type. This dynamic problem is time consistent in a certain sense. Some interesting findings are worth mentioning. First, self-enforcing contracts are typically suboptimal. The principal would rather let the agent quit and hire a new one. Next, the standard contract for a committed agent may also be suboptimal because of the presence of different types of agents in our model. The principal may prefer no commitment from the agent; then, the principal can hire a cheaper one from the market at a later time by designing the contract to induce the current agent to quit. Moreover, because of the cost incurred to the agent, the principal will see only finitely many quittings. Funding: J. Zhang is supported in part by the NSF [Grants DMS-1908665 and DMS-2205972]. Z. Zhu is supported by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) Start-Up Fund [Grant G0101000240] and the Guangzhou-HKUST(GZ) Joint Funding Program [Grant 2024A03J0630].

Effects of Botanicals and Synthetic of Insecticides on Field Emergence and Crop Establishment in Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilzeck

Mungbean, is a drought-resistant, green manure crop and suitable for dry land as a major pulse crop in India. India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, which improve soil properties, provide nutritious fodder and prevent soil erosion. However, pests like bruchids can destroy 60% of production, necessitating the use of eco-friendly seed protectants. Laboratory studies were conducted at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agricultural and Technology, Ayodhya, using mungbean seed cv. IPM-2-3. Seeds were mixed with seed protectants and stored in gunny bags. Field emergence and crop establishment were tested and data were analyzed using a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Seed protectants and insecticides are effective in maintaining field emergence and crop establishment in mungbean. Emamectin benzoate, Sivanto prime and Gorakhmundi powder are the best treatments, with maximum field emergence and minimum establishment influenced by environmental factors. These findings are supported by various studies. Emamectin benzoate and Neemoz gold were found to be effective insecticides for field emergence and crop establishment in mungbean, with the latter recommended for storability and field establishment.

التوجه الريادي و أثره في بناء المنظمات المتعلمة

The study aimed to explore the impact of the entrepreneurial orientation (innovative, risk-taking, proactive, competitive aggressiveness) on building learning organizations with their dimensions (personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systemic thinking) in Yemeni universities represented by Aden University and the University of Technology and Science. The study relied on the descriptive analytical approach, and data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to a sample of faculty members at Sana'a University and the University of Technology and Science, totaling 320 individuals. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. The findings revealed that the entrepreneurial orientation in Yemeni universities significantly influences the establishment of learning organizations. The study indicated the need for Yemeni universities to enhance entrepreneurial orientations by adopting innovative and proactive approaches to achieve competitive advantages in light of dynamic environmental changes. The results showed the importance of building learning organizations to improve the performance of Yemeni universities and enhance their role in achieving sustainable development by providing qualified graduates capable of integrating into the labor market and contributing to knowledge and innovation. The study recommends that Yemeni universities continue developing entrepreneurial orientations (innovative, risk-taking, and proactive) and enhance them to build learning organizations, which are essential for improving university performance and achieving excellence in education.

Perceived attitudes towards infopreneurship: An empirical study on a public university students in Bangladesh

Infopreneurship, an emerging concept in today’s knowledge-based economy, has gained relevance. In the context of the evolving knowledge-based economy, understanding students’ perceptions of infopreneurship is essential for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. However, limited research exists on students’ perceptions of infopreneurship. This study aims to explore public university students’ perspectives on infopreneurship. A convenient sampling technique was used to select 257 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Noakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and descriptive statistics was applied for data analysis. The results indicate that students’ perceptions of infopreneurship are somewhat limited, revealing gaps in their perceived knowledge and skills. The study suggests the need to improve students’ understanding and attitude towards infopreneurship. Policymakers and educators can utilize these findings to enhance students’ perceptions of infopreneurship through appropriate education and training programs.

Correlation Analysis of ApoB, ApoA1, and ApoB/ApoA1 with Cortical Morphology in Patients with Memory Complaints.

Apolipoproteins and cortical morphology are closely associated with memory complaints, and both may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. To examine whether apolipoprotein B (ApoB), apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), and their ratio (ApoB/ApoA1) are associated with cortical morphology in patients with memory complaints. Ninety-seven patients underwent neuropsychological testing, measurements of ApoB, ApoA1, ApoB/ApoA1, plasma Alzheimer's biomarker, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotyping, and 3T structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) scans. Based on sMRI scanning locations, patients were categorized into the University of Electronic Science and Technology (UESTC) and the Fourth People's Hospital of Chengdu (FPHC). The Computational Anatomy Toolbox within Statistical Parametric Mapping was used to calculate each patient's cortical morphology index based on sMRI data. The cortical morphology index and apolipoproteins were also analyzed. Significant positive correlations were found between ApoB and sulcal depth in the lateral occipital cortex among the UESTC, the FPHC, and the total sample groups, and negative correlations were observed between sulcal depth in the lateral occipital cortex and the scores of the Shape Trails Test Part A and B. In the FPHC group, the scores of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic, delayed recall of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Animal Fluency Test and Boston Naming Test were positively correlated with the sulcal depth. ApoB is associated with the sulcal depth in the lateral occipital cortex, potentially relating to speed/executive function in individuals with memory complaints.

Effect of Neem Oil in Combination with Propiconazole and Organic Amendments on Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual herbaceous legume from the genus Vigna. Anthracnoses (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) is a serious disease in cowpea growing areas and occurs as pre-harvest as well as post-harvest brown to black spots appear on the leaves. Neem oil at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%,1.5%, and 2%) along with Propiconazole were tested @ 0.1% in vivo during Kharif 2023 for their efficacy against disease incidence, plant growth and yield parameters of Cowpea at the Central Research Field of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The results of the present investigation revealed that it significantly reduced the disease incidence. Among the treatments the minimum disease intensity (%) at 75 DAS was recorded in T5 – Neem oil (2 ml/L) + Propiconazole 25 EC (0.1%) + VC@10gm/kg +SMC@10gm/kg (Foliar spray) was found to be significantly most effective treatment against Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) on Cowpea and recorded minimum disease intensity (%) at 30, 45, 60 and 75 DAS, maximum plant height (cm), maximum number of branches, maximum yield (t/ha) and highest B:C ratio. The findings of the present experiment are limited to one crop season under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions, as such to validate the present findings; more such experiments should be carried out in the future.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT-ATHLETE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE BASED ON MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE

The study on the assessment of the student athlete’s motivational climate and their athletic performance was conducted utilizing descriptive research design. The student athletes from all the campus of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology were chosen using purposive sampling technique. It used the survey method to gather data. Survey-questionnaire was administered online via Google Forms to collect the relevant data. Likert Scale of 1- 5 was utilized to quantify the assessment of the student athlete’s motivational climate in two portion which is Coach- created and peer-created motivational climate of the respondents. Frequency count, percentage, and weighted mean were the statistical tools applied. Results revealed that 143 student athletes of NEUST had experienced motivational climate in terms of coach created and peer created and evaluated their athletic performance in terms of tactical and technical domain. Highest weighted mean of their coach created motivational climate is 4.78 which is the coaches and trainers always motivate the athletes in all of their games. 4.58 was the highest weighted mean in terms of their peer created motivational climate said that the athletes motivate their co-athletes to have a strong desire to win the competitions. On their tactical domain, 4.75 was the highest weighted mean which the Coaches and trainers have plans on winning the games. Highest weighted mean of their technical domain was 4.50 which the coaches and trainers are active during training. KEYWORDS: Coach created motivational climate, Peer Created motivational climate, Tactical domain, technical domain, Student Athletes and Assessment

Eco-friendly Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Among vegetables, brinjal or eggplant is an economically important vegetable crop and second major vegetable crop next to potato in India. This crop suffers from various diseases, among different fungal diseases of brinjal, Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata has currently become one of the most important diseases for all brinjal varieties. Loss due to the disease has been estimated up to 25-30 per cent. Therefore, present investigation was undertaken at Central Research Field of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj during the Kharif of 2023-2024, for the management of leaf spot using botanicals, bio-agent, cow urine and a fungicide (treated check) for their efficacy in vivo against Alternaria leaf spot of brinjal incited by Alternaria alternata. Effects of different botanicals, bio-agent and cow urine were evaluated on different growth, disease management and yield parameters of brinjal crop under field condition by foliar spray of botanicals, cow urine and a bio-agent, along with seedling treatment with Trichoderma viride at selected concentration. The effects of treatments on growth parameter were recorded i.e. maximum plant height at 30 DAT (22.78 cm), 60 DAT (37.16 cm), 90 DAT (53.87 cm) and maximum number of leaves at 30 DAT (10.83), 60 DAT (31.80), 90 DAT (47.33) and maximum number of branches at 30 DAT (4.23), 60 DAT (11.40), 90 DAT (13.83). Among the treatments, neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride was recorded significantly reducing disease intensity at 45 DAT (10.32%), 60 DAT (16.11%), 75 DAT (27.93%) of brinjal followed by clove extract + Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma viride + T. viride as compared to mancozeb (treated check) and control. The maximum yield was found to be in neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride i.e. (16.63 t/ha) followed by clove extract + Trichoderma viride, and Trichoderma viride + T. viride as compared to mancozeb (treated check) and control and the most economical treatment was Neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride i.e. (1:2.62).

Correlation between Pulp Weight and Physio-Biochemical Traits of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Germplasms

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between pulp weight and various physio-biochemical attributes among 30 diverse mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasms under the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Place and Duration of Study: This investigation was carried out at Horticulture Research Centre, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during the years 2021 and 2022. Methodology: The selected 30 germplasms included two commercially grown cultivars and 28 primary germplasms sourced from different eco-geographical locations of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand states of India. Pulp weight, physical characteristics (fruit shape index, pulp/stone ratio) and biochemical parameters (Brix/Acid ratio and pH) were measured for each germplasm and statistically laid out in completely randomized design (CRD), and their relationships were analyzed using simple linear regression and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results: The maximum values recorded among the studied germplasms were 300.73 g for pulp weight (PMGC-19), 2.41 for fruit shape index (PMSS-31), 0.309 for pulp/stone ratio (PMGC-71), 140.87 for Brix/Acid ratio (PMGC-96) and 5.87 for pH (PMGC-96). Among the physical attributes, pulp weight exhibited a moderate positive correlation with fruit shape index (r = 0.419), indicating that fruits with a higher shape index tend to have increased pulp weight. Whereas, a moderate negative correlation was observed between pulp weight and pulp/stone ratio (r = -0.457), suggesting that as the pulp/stone ratio increases, pulp weight decreases. However, biochemical attributes such as Brix/Acid ratio and pH showed no significant correlation with pulp weight (r = 0.005 and r = 0.018, respectively), indicating an independent influence of these parameters on pulp characteristics. Conclusion: These findings provide important insights into the complex relationships between pulp weight and other physio-biochemical traits in mango, some traits for breeding programs aimed to improving fruit quality and pulp content and identified superior and promising germplasms for cultivation as well as potential parental genotypes in mango improvement programs.

Development of the High‐Temperature Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry in the Nordic Countries

In this article, a brief review of the development of the Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric (KEMS) approach in the Theoretical Metallurgy Department of the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and in the in the Laboratory of Metallurgy of the Helsinki University of Technology and modifications of quadrupole model QMG420 mass spectrometers, is presented. The thermodynamic data obtained from vaporization of standards, such as NaCl, CsCl, B2O3, and Ag, and of the B2O3–Al2O3 and ZnO–P2O5 systems is compared with the data obtained using a magnetic MS1301 mass spectrometer. For the first time, composition of the vapor phase over the Dy2O3–DyF3, CaO–CaCl2, and Cu–Mg systems and the partial pressures of components at high temperatures are investigated. The experimental data obtained for the investigated systems are used for prediction of the vaporization processes and modeling of thermodynamic properties and high‐temperature phase equilibria in the multicomponent systems used in metallurgy. An account is given of the detailed studies of the vaporization processes and thermodynamic properties of some multicomponent systems composed of oxides, fluorides, and carbonates forming mold powders for continuous casting of steel. Some new directions of the ongoing studies by the KEMS method are summarized.