Growth Variables Research Articles

Effect of different cytokinin concentrations on establishing an in vitro micropropagation system for hop (Humulus lupulus L.)

ABSTRACT Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) is a dioecious plant of the Cannabaceae family, highly valued in beer production. In vitro culture has been established as a tool in agricultural biotechnology for its propagation and improvement. This study evaluated the impact of different concentrations of cytokinins, to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro micropropagation of the species. Concentrations of 0.1, 1, 3, and 6 mg·L−1 of BAP and KIN and control without cytokinins were used. After 28 days of culture, growth and development variables were analysed. The results indicated that lower concentrations of cytokinins favoured most of the variables studied. In contrast, concentrations equal to or higher than 1 mg·L−1 of BAP and KIN reduced growth, and increased callus formation and hyperhydricity. The protocol developed proved efficient, with more than 90% of the explants generating at least two shoots and approximately the same percentage developing roots. In addition, seedlings obtained with the 0.1 mg·L−1 KIN and BAP treatment showed high survival after transplanting. Applying low concentrations of cytokinins eliminated the need for an additional rooting stage, optimising the micropropagation process.

The Role of Economic and Environmental Variables in Green Growth: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, as one of the world’s leading oil producers, faces critical challenges in transitioning to sustainable economic growth. The heavy reliance on oil exports, coupled with rapid urbanization and environmental degradation, underscores the urgent need for green growth strategies tailored to the Kingdom’s unique socioeconomic and environmental context. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the Green Growth Index (GGI), which measures sustainable economic growth, and analyze the short-term and long-term relationships between key variables such as environmental technology diffusion, carbon emissions, financial development, GDP per capita, and urbanization. The research employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to assess the effects of various explanatory variables on the GGI, considering both immediate and delayed impacts. The model also incorporates an Error Correction Model (ECM) to evaluate the short-term dynamics and long-term equilibrium adjustments. It is found that the diffusion of environmental technologies and urbanization positively influence GGI in the short term, while CO2 emissions are also linked to growth in the short run. However, financial development negatively impacts green growth in the long term, and GDP per capita has no significant effect. The ECM indicates that urbanization and emissions are major short-term drivers, while other factors show minimal short-run influence. This paper provides new insights into the dynamics of green growth by highlighting the roles of urbanization, environmental technologies, and emissions, offering valuable policy implications for sustainable development. The findings contribute to the understanding of the complex relationships that shape green growth in both the short and long term.

Phenotypic traits of sunflower varieties depend on the composition of cover crops

ContextIntroducing cover crop (CC) mixtures is a promising approach to enhance the multifunctionality of ecosystem services provided by CCs. However, CC mixtures have contrasting effects on subsequent crop yield, depending on multiple factors such as the type of subsequent crop and the mixture composition. In the context of climate change, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), which is adapted to environments with low nitrogen (N) and water requirements, has multiple varieties with different drought-tolerance strategies. However, little is known about how drought-tolerant sunflower varieties differ in their response to CCs in low-input systems. ObjectiveThis study aimed to characterize CC ecosystem services related mainly to N and water and to investigate how CC ecosystem services influence the responses of sunflower varieties that differ in drought sensitivity. MethodsCCs and sunflower varieties were organized in a randomized non-complete block design with a split-plot arrangement in 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. CC treatments consisted of a pure grass CC (rye), a mixture of legume CCs (purple vetch/fodder pea), three mixtures of legume and non-legume CCs (faba bean/Indian mustard/phacelia; fodder pea/rye/purple vetch and fodder radish/hairy vetch/white mustard) and a relay CC treatment (fodder sorghum then faba bean). Sunflower varieties exhibited different drought-tolerance strategies for leaf expansion and transpiration. Establishment, development, growth, N status and productivity were evaluated for the sunflower varieties preceded by CCs through low- and high-throughput phenotyping. Multiple variables of growth and development were assessed by applying image-processing tools to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) RGB images. ResultsThe results indicate that CCs influenced early and late N-release uptake by sunflower, thereby extending the seed-filling period. Optimizing the CC chosen allows for yields equivalent to those of intensively tilled bare soil, while increasing the amount of carbon returned to the soil and weed control in low-input cropping systems. Furthermore, in addition to the CC chosen, optimizing the sunflower varieties chosen can improve sunflower growth during dry years. ImplicationsThese results can inform decisions about CCs, sunflower variety and management in low-input systems to better match the nitrogen released from CC residues to subsequent cash crop responses during vegetative and post-flowering phases.

Two different eurozones: disentangling the labyrinth of the European economic dynamics

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the possible interdependencies among fiscal, monetary and growth variables by applying multivariate Granger Causality and determining an ultimate “causality path” excluding redundant relationships based on a complex endogenous system for each country.Design/methodology/approachWe adopt a novel approach to test Granger Causality within the framework of Vector Autoregressive models. This approach enables us to expand the scope of relevant variables, which is typically limited to two or three, previously mentioned. Moreover, we employ graph-theoretic techniques for causal analysis, utilizing the PC algorithm (Colombo and Maathuis, 2014; Spirtes et al., 2000) to determine the optimal causal ordering among all statistically significant relationship.FindingsOur findings highlight the continued division between “core” and “peripheral” Euro area countries, with monetary policy variables playing a crucial role in the economic growth of “core” nations. Stable inflation contributes to sustained growth in these countries, while fiscal variables contribute to growth across most nations.Originality/valueThe literature concerning the relationship among different macroeconomic variables such as prices, output and monetary policy indicators such as interest rates and interest payments, may be incomplete or misguided due to the exclusion of relevant information because studies are mostly based on a bivariate or a trivariate framework dynamics. In this sense, one goal is the extension of the system, which may be crucial, because the omission of relevant variables may lead to biased results. Furthermore, we apply graph-theoretic methods for causal analysis by using the PC algorithm to determine the ultimate causal sequence among all possible ones and, finally, we aim to understand and disentangle the transmission process and the relationships among economic policies in a Euro area country-level analysis.

Effect of hydrolyzed red worm (Eisenia foétida) on production parameters in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)

Background Conventional fish feed based on fish meal, meat, and soy cake presents procurement difficulties and high costs, affecting the profitability and sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Objective To evaluate the effect of hydrolyzed red worm (HRW- Eisenia foétida) in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) diet on production parameters. Methods The study was conducted at the aquaculture farm of the Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid (PCJIC) at 780 m.a.s.l.,with an average temperature of 28 °C. Ninety red tilapia fingerlings, averaging 7,5±0,5 g, were distributed in nine aquariums containing 75 liters of water. Fish underwentweight and size measurements at the beginning and end of the trial. They were fed experimental diets to apparent satiation three times daily. Water quality parameters and productive rates of growth and nutrient utilization were measured. The experimental design included three treatments with three replicates each: T1 (control diet, 0% hydrolysate inclusion), T2 (10% hydrolysate inclusion), and T3 (20% hydrolysate inclusion). ANOVA (p<0,05) was applied to growth and nutrient utilization variables, with mean comparisons using α<0,05 in SPSS version 25. Results Significant differences (p<0,04) were found between the control diet T1 (0% inclusion) and T2 (10% inclusion) in favor of weight gain (31,87 g). There were no statistical differences in size increase (p<0,217). As HRWinclusion increased, feed consumption decreased, likely due to higher hydrolyzed protein availability. Feed conversion rates showed significant differences (p<0,001) between T2 and T3 compared to T1, indicating better assimilation of the hydrolyzed protein. T2 and T3 also showed better protein and energy efficiency (p<0,001), demonstrating the hydrolyzed protein’s nutritional quality and assimilation. Diet cost decreased with higher hydrolyzed inclusion (p<0,034). Conclusion Inclusion 10% and 20% hydrolyzed red worms significantly improved production parameters and reduced costs, making it a viable alternative for feeding red tilapia for small and medium-scale producers.

Longitudinal DNA methylation profiles in saliva of offspring from mothers with gestational diabetes: associations with early childhood growth patterns

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising globally, particularly among children exposed to adverse intrauterine environments, such as those associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation, have emerged as mechanisms by which early environmental exposures can predispose offspring to metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate DNA methylation differences in children born to mothers with GDM compared to non-GDM mothers, using saliva samples, and to assess the association of these epigenetic patterns with early growth measurements.MethodsThis study analyzed saliva DNA methylation patterns in 30 children (15 born to GDM mothers and 15 to non-GDM mothers) from the EPIDG cohort. Samples were collected at two time points: 8–10 weeks postpartum and at one year of age. Epigenome-wide analysis of over 850,000 CpG sites was conducted using the Illumina Methylation EPIC Bead Chip. Differential methylation positions (DMPs) were identified with the limma package, using a significance threshold of p < 0.01 and delta β ≥ 5%. Correlation analysis examined associations between methylation and growth variables (weight, height, BMI and annual growth) using Spearman tests.ResultsWe identified 6,968 DMPs at the postpartum stage and 5,132 after one year, with 50 sites remaining differentially methylated over time, 16 of which maintained consistent methylation directionality. Functional analysis linked several of these DMPs to genes involved in inflammation and metabolic processes, including CYTH3 and FARP2, both implicated in growth and metabolic pathways. Significant correlations were found between specific CpG sites and growth-related variables such as weight, head circumference, height, and BMI.ConclusionsThis study’s longitudinal design reveals stable DNA methylation patterns in saliva samples that differentiate GDM-exposed children from controls across the first year of life, highlighting the feasibility of saliva as a minimally invasive biomarker source. The persistence of these epigenetic signatures underscores their potential as early indicators of metabolic risk, offering valuable insights into the long-term impact of maternal GDM on child health. Although the use of saliva offers a practical and non-invasive tool for pediatric epigenetic research, further studies are necessary to validate these findings in larger populations.

The Effects of Unemployment on Economic Growth in Saudia Arabia in the period 1995-2023

This study examined the relationship between unemployment and economic growth in Saudia Arabia for the period 1995 to 2023. The study utilized co-integration and error correction model approach. Although the unit root tests showed that the variables were integrated of different orders, the Johansen co-integration result showed that the variables were co-integrated. This study has revealed that unemployment, growth in government expenditure and gross fixed capital formation, population growth and education among others are significant explanatory variables of economic growth in Saudia Arabia under the period of study. Also, the result of the Error Correction Model analysis (ECM) shows that the unemployment has a negative and insignificant impact on economic growth over the period under study. Suggesting that higher unemployment leads to decreased GDP growth, indicating that unemployment rate increases economic growth becomes decline. The results of the study, show that, there is no causality relationship between unemployment and economic growth over the period under study. In addition, the results of causality test show that there is evidence of unidirectional causality running from growth government expenditure, the gross fixed capital formation, education (literacy rate) and population growth to economic growth (GDP) at different confidence and level of significance in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, this study present evidence that, bidirectional causation between unemployment and growth of population was found in Saudia Arabia. To increase economic growth, Saudi Arabian government should identify measures to reduce the unemployment rate and improve country's economic growth. For example, improving the quality of education, skills training, and implementing employment policies. The contribution of the study is the confirmation of the existence of the correlation of unemployment with the mentioned development indicators, and the validity of Okun's Law also hold on Sudia Arabian economy.

Biomass allocation and growth of young Black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) trees

Accurately predicting biomass allocation to below- versus above-ground tree parts is crucial in estimating carbon stocks in forest ecosystems. A nine-year outdoor experiment was conducted to analyze the variations in C allocation in below- and above-ground parts in black spruce trees growing at the edge or at the center of a raised garden bed. Dry biomass, length and radial growth of stems, branches and roots were measured as well as the annual above-ground growth for the five most recent years prior to harvesting. We found that more than 90% of dry biomass was allocated to the above-ground tree parts whereas less than 10% was allocated to the root system. Strong correlations were found between the different tree parts regardless of the tree’s position in the delimited growth area. Annual growth variables declined from 2018 to 2022, likely due to increased competition for resources. Basal area and stem height were good predictors for the production of stem dry biomass (88%), and to a lesser extent for the total tree biomass (65%). The dry biomass of the woody root and the root surface close to the stem were well correlated to the above-ground tree parts (varying between 45% to 95%). Thus, the strong link between the root system and the above tree parts is confirmed.

The Effect of Local Taxes, Capital Expenditure, Investment, and Labour Force on Local Revenue with Economic Growth as an Intervening Variable

This research aims to analyse the effect of local taxes, capital expenditure, investment, and labour force on local revenue with economic growth as an intervening variable in the regency / city in the Eks Karesidenan Pekalongan region year 2018-2023. The approach used is quantitative, using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis method based Partial Least Square (PLS). The data analysed is secondary data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and related agencies. The research sample consists of all districts/cities in the Eks Karesidenan Pekalongan Central Java area with a six-year observation period. The results show that local taxes, capital expenditure, and labor force have a significant influence on economic growth, but only local taxes have a significant effect on local revenue. In contrast, investment do not show a significantly effect on economic growth or local revenue. Economic growth also has no significant effect on own-source revenues. Furthermore, the intervening variable of economic growth cannot mediate the relationship between local taxes, capital expenditure, investment, and labour force on local revenue. These findings indicate the need to optimise local tax and capital expenditure management strategies to increase local revenue. In addition, local governments need to pay attention to other factors beyond investment and labour force that can contribute to local revenue and economic growth in a sustainable manner

Expanding the Market through Digitalization: Identification Tool for MSME’s to Their Potential Costumer

This research aims to provide simple tools for MSMEs to understand the market conditions they are facing. Moreover, this research also intended to provide information for MSMEs on where customers can buy their products and their ability to access the digital marketing platform they will use. The expected users of these tools are MSMEs. Hence, the important aspect of constructing the tools highlighted in this research is simple, general, and inexpensive. Three key questions try to answer in this research are (1) where the customers are; (2) whether there are potential customers for MSMEs; and (3) do they have the ability to access the digital marketing platform that the MSMEs will try to use in this pandemic. This research proposes two types of indicators for targeted digital marketing. The first indicator is the regional indicator, which shows the capacity of the regions to spend or consume. The second indicator is a household indicator that shows the purchasing ability to consume and the ability of a household to access a digital platform. The data is estimated at the provincial level using annual data obtained from Statistics Indonesia. The results show that the provinces in Java currently have the highest potential for accessing digital platforms. However, analyzing the data using the growth variables shows a big potential for provinces in Kalimantan and Sulawesi as the next destination for expanding the digital platform.

Giving a combination of Ab-mix and LOF Jakaba to the growth and production of hydroponic pakcoy plants

Pakcoy (Brassica rapaa L.) is one of the vegetables cultivated hydroponically. Pakcoy hydroponics growth and production quality is superior, both in terms of weight and physical shape but the production cost in hydroponics is relatively high due to the use of AB-Mix as plant nutrition. The price of AB-Mix is expensive and difficult to reach, so the innovation made is the use of LOF (Liquid Organic Fertilizer) Jakaba as an additional nutrient in hydroponic pakcoy cultivation. This study aims to test the growth response and production of hydroponic pakcoy plants with a combination of AB-Mix and LOF (Liquid Organic Fertilizer) Jakaba. This study used the RAL (Complete Randomized Design) method with 3 treatments, namely 100% AB-Mix treatment, 3 ml AB-Mix + 20 ml Jakaba treatment and 3 ml AB-Mix + 40 ml Jakaba treatment. AB-Mix showed the best result while 3 ml + 20 ml Jakaba was almost able to balance plant growth variable in leaf width and plant height variables.

Pengaruh Pertumbuhan Laba, Firm Size dan Current Ratio terhadap Return Saham pada PT Bayan Resources Tbk Tahun 2014-2023

This study aims to determine the effect of Profit Growth, Firm Size, and Current Ratio on Stock Return at PT Bayan Resources Tbk during the period 2014-2023, both partially and simultaneously. The research method used is a quantitative approach. The population in this study is the financial statements of PT Bayan Resources Tbk. The sample used in this study consists of the financial statements of Bayan Resources Tbk for the period 2014-2023. The data analysis techniques used include Descriptive Analysis, Classical Assumption Test, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Correlation Coefficient Test, Determination Coefficient Test, and Hypothesis Testing. The results of the study show that the Profit Growth variable has a t-value of 1.635, which is smaller than the t-table value of 2.446 (1.635 &lt; 2.446), and the significance level is greater than 0.05 (0.153 &gt; 0.05), meaning that Profit Growth does not have an effect on Stock Return. Next, Firm Size shows a t-value of 5.008, which is greater than the t-table value of 2.446 (5.008 &gt; 2.446), and the significance level (0.002 &lt; 0.05), meaning that Firm Size has a positive effect on Stock Return. Meanwhile, the Current Ratio has a t-value of -1.576, which is smaller than the t-table value of 2.446 (-1.576 &lt; 2.446), and the significance level is greater than 0.05 (0.166 &gt; 0.05), indicating that the Current Ratio does not affect Stock Return. Furthermore, the simultaneous results show that Profit Growth, Firm Size, and Current Ratio significantly affect the Stock Return of PT Bayan Resources Tbk for the period 2014-2023, as evidenced by the F-value being greater than the F-table value (8.842 &gt; 4.74).

Analysis of Determinants of Labor Force Participation Rate in West Nusa Tenggara Province in 2013-2022

This study aims to analyze the influence of Economic Growth, Minimum Wage, and Education Level on the Labor Force Participation Rate in West Nusa Tenggara Province in 2013-2022. The population in this study is the entire working-age population which is the labor force in West Nusa Tenggara Province. The method used in this study is a quantitative method using secondary data, the analysis technique used is multiple linear regression in the form of panel data. The data was processed using Eviews12 and the tests carried out were the Goodness Of Fit Test, Partial Test (Test T), Simultaneous Test (Test F). The results of the study show Economic Growth (X1) with a probability of 0.2536 &gt; 0.5 which means that the Economic Growth variable does not have a significant effect on the Labor Force Participation Rate in NTB Province in 2013-2022. Furthermore, the Minimum Wage variable (X2) shows a probability value of 0.9316 &gt; 0.5 which means that the Minimum Wage variable does not have a significant effect on the Labor Force Participation Rate in NTB Province in 2013-2022. The Education Level variable (X3) with a probabolity of 0.0000 &lt; 0.5 shows that the Education Level variable has a significant effect on the Labor Force Participation Rate in NTB Province in 2013-2022. The results of the F test with a probability of 0.000000 show that Economic Growth, Minimum Wage, and Education Level simultaneously have a significant effect on the Labor Force Participation Rate (Y) in NTB Province.

Conditioning rice seeds with chitosan to mitigate salt stress

ABSTRACT Rice is considered to be moderately salt-tolerant during germination, development, and ripening stages, and environmentally sensitive during seedling and reproductive stages, which affects seedling emergence and growth, resulting in significant yield losses. Seed conditioning with chitosan has been employed as a useful tool in high-salinity environments with the aim of increasing crop productivity and quality, as well as promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of seed conditioning with chitosan on seed germination and rice seedling growth under salinity stress. The experiment consisted of three seeds conditioning and 4 salinity levels, arranged in a completely randomized design with 4 replications. Seeds were sown on germitest paper, and the rolls were placed in a germination chamber (25 ± 2°C and 12 hr photoperiod). Germination and seedling growth parameters were determined. The high salt concentration resulted in reduced growth of rice seedlings, and exogenous application of chitosan at different concentrations and soaking times exerted no apparent adverse effect on germination and growth variables. The attenuating effect of chitosan was observed in the length of the seedlings at all the concentrations utilized. Therefore, evidence indicates that conditioning rice seeds with chitosan might serve as an alternative to mitigate the adverse effects of exposure to stress induced by high salt concentrations.

Plant growth, fruit production, and total terpenoid production in bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) with guano fertilizer application

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is valued for its anti-diabetic properties due to terpenoid compounds like charantin, but production struggles to meet market demands. This study aimed to analyze the response of plant growth characteristics, fruit production, and terpenoid compound production in bitter melon fruit by improving phosphorus availability through guano fertilizer application as additional organic fertilizer in organic cultivation. The experiment was conducted from May to September 2024 at the IPB experimental station in Cikarawang, Bogor, Indonesia. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with varying guano fertilizer doses (0, 152, 304, and 456 g per plant). Observations were conducted on 10 sample plants per experimental unit. The observed characteristics included vegetative and reproductive growth, fruit production, and total terpenoid production. Terpenoid analysis was performed using a colorimetric method with an ELISA reader. The results showed that guano fertilizer significantly affected several plant growth and production variables. Higher doses increased several values of vegetative growth parameters, flower numbers, and fruit production. The 304 g guano per plant yielded the highest concentration and production of terpenoids. This study demonstrates the potential of guano fertilizer to enhance bitter melon growth, yield, and terpenoid content, contributing to improved production to meet market demands. Keywords: net assimilation rate; organic; phosphorus; relative growth rate

Potential Effects on the Quinoa Cultivation Yield Based on Different Hydric Scenarios of the Chilean Altiplano

This study evaluates the impact of different irrigation scenarios on the yield of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) in the Chilean Altiplano. The research was conducted in Ancovinto, Tarapacá, Chile, using “Pandela” quinoa seeds. Four irrigation treatments were implemented: rainfed (T0) and irrigation at 100% ETc (T1), 66% ETc (T2), and 33% ETc (T3). Various climatic variables, the soil moisture content, and agromorphological parameters were measured. The results indicated that rainfed conditions (T0) led to higher dry matter production in roots, stems, leaves, and panicles at the end of the growth cycle compared to irrigated treatments. The Leaf Area Index (LAI) was also higher in rainfed conditions during the flowering stage, demonstrating the crop’s adaptability to adverse water conditions. Additionally, the ability of quinoa plants under rainfed conditions to tolerate frost during critical growth stages was a key factor in their superior performance, contributing to a higher grain yield and harvest indices. Plants under rainfed conditions reached greater heights and showed higher harvest indices (HI) and grain yield than those under irrigation. The Water Use Efficiency (WUE) was significantly higher in rainfed conditions, suggesting more effective water utilization under water scarcity. This research represents a one-year study that provides orientations for future research, considering the interannual variability of precipitation in the region. The results obtained show that quinoa plants under traditional management (rainfed) exhibited the best response in the measured growth, development, and production variables, leading to higher production and harvest rates. Additionally, there was greater efficiency in water use, equivalent to 15.87 and 12.7 times that of the 100% and 33% ETc treatments, respectively. These findings highlight quinoa’s remarkable adaptability to harsh hydric conditions and the efficiency of traditional rainfed farming practices in the Altiplano.

Quantification of growth and physiological characteristics in tolerant and sensitive watermelon lines under cold treatment

AbstractBiochemical and physiological processes serve as key indicators for assessing the adverse effects of biotic and abiotic stressors in plants. Due to the limited and incomplete information on the growth, root morphology, and physiology of watermelon lines under cold stress in Korea, this study aimed to evaluate selected cold-tolerant lines (PI254744, SW20, and SW66) and cold-sensitive lines (PI525233 and SW54). The evaluation was based on root and shoot weight, root and shoot length, root morphology, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids), and levels of proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and soluble sugars in root and leaf samples collected at various time points. Two treatments were conducted: one at 28 °C as a control and one at 10 °C to simulate cold stress. The results revealed a decline in growth variables under cold stress compared to the control across all lines. However, the disintegration of root cellular structures and reduction in growth variables were less severe in the tolerant watermelon lines than in the sensitive ones. Under cold stress, proline, MDA, and soluble sugar levels increased in all watermelon lines relative to the control. Notably, the tolerant lines displayed elevated proline and soluble sugar levels, while the sensitive lines had higher MDA content. Furthermore, photosynthetic pigment levels were generally lower in all lines during cold treatment compared to the control, though the reduction was less pronounced in the tolerant lines than in the sensitive ones. A significant positive correlation was found between the percentage reduction in total chlorophyll content and the percentage reduction in growth variables. The lesser reduction in photosynthetic pigments, combined with higher levels of osmoprotectants (proline and soluble sugars) and lower MDA levels in the tolerant lines during cold stress, may suggest underlying mechanisms that warrant further biochemical and molecular studies to better understand cold resistance.

INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX: ARE THEY SIMULTANEOUSLY RELATED ?

This study aims to investigate and prove whether economic growth and the human development index, each of which is influenced by its determinants, have a simultaneous relationship. The data used is secondary data in the form of panel data from North Sumatra Province consisting of 29 districts / cities for the period 2018 - 2022. The analysis method used is simultaneous equation with two stages least square. The study results show that the variables that have a positive and significant effect on economic growth are the output value variable of large and medium industries and the labor force participation rate variable, while the employment opportunity variable has a negative and significant effect on economic growth. The variables that have a positive and significant effect on the human development index variable are the per capita income variable and the life expectancy variable. However, the economic growth variable has a negative and significant effect on the human development index. By using two stages least square analysis, it is found that economic growth does not have a simultaneous relationship with the human development index variable.

The Influence of Financial Performance and Capital Structure on Tax Avoidance Strategies

This research seeks to examine how profitability, capital intensity, and sales growth impact tax avoidance practices. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study centres on companies within the food and beverage subsector that are publicly traded on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2020 to 2023. The sample consisted of 76 companies, which were selected by the purposive sampling method over four years, covering 19 companies. The data was analysed with SPSS version 29 software through a descriptive statistical approach, classical assumption testing, and hypothesis testing. The multiple linear regression technique is applied to the secondary data collected. The results of the analysis revealed that profitability (ROA), had a significant impact on tax avoidance with a significance level of less than 0.05. In contrast, the variables of sales growth and capital intensity showed insignificant results (significance value of more than 0.05), indicating that they did not have an impact on tax avoidance individually. However, simultaneously, profitability, capital intensity, and sales growth together have a significant impact on tax avoidance, with a significance value below 0.05.

The Role Foreign Direct Invesment, Financial Development and Institutions Quality of Economic Growth Empirical Evidence From WANA Countries

Research Aims: The study investigates the impact of foreign direct investment, financial development, and institution quality on economic growth in nations located in western Asia and North Africa Methodology: This study methodology employs a panel data regression model using a fixed effect model (FEM) strategy. The study data is collected using the information that was available between the years 2000 and 2022. The WANA nations include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. Research Findings: The findings indicated that foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development (FD), and intellectual quotient (IQ) had an impact on economic growth. Specifically, foreign direct investment (FDI) has a beneficial and statistically substantial impact on economic development, but the quality of institutions has an adverse and statistically substantial impact on economic growth. However, financial development does not affect economic growth. Originality: The grand theory used in this research Economic Growth, Foreign Direct Investment, Institutions Quality, Financial Development, and Export and population growth variables are controlled. variables in this study by testing three variables consisting of independent variables, dependent variables and control variables. Research limitation and implication: The findings in this study suggest that policies implemented by governments, public institutions and academics aimed at increasing FDI, FD, and institutional quality can help improve economic growth in WANA countries.