Probability Level Research Articles

Evaluation of the pod yield and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) varieties cultivated on mulching materials in northwestern Ethiopia

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a versatile warm-season vegetable cultivated year-round in Ethiopia. Moreover, the demand of okra pod is very high however; its yield and quality is hindered by limited adoption of improved varieties and soil moisture stress. To address these issues, a dry season experiment was conducted at Gorgora Horticultural Research Site, University of Gondar, Ethiopia from February to May 2023 to assess the pod yield and quality of okra varieties on different mulching materials. The study involved three okra varieties (Beles, Qenqes, and Wayka) and three mulching materials (rice straw, sawdust, and water hyacinth), plus a control, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Statistical analysis was employed using SAS software version 9.4 and significance were determined using least significant difference tests at a 5% probability level. The results revealed both varieties and mulches had significant influence on yield and quality of okra pod. Variety Wayka cultivated with water hyacinth or rice straw mulch showed more number of pod harvests; on the other hand Qenqes cultivated with water hyacinth had greater (22.21 g/100 g) fiber content. Variety Qenqes recorded early (52.43 days) pod setting with maximum (32.31 g) pod weight, (15.28 cm) pod length, (2.54 cm) pod diameter, (9.85%) total ash and minimum (89.80%) moisture content, whereas Wayka had the greatest pod yield (13.40 t/ha). In case of mulching materials, water hyacinth mulch achieved maximum pod weight and pod length, in addition to this it improved early pod setting, pod diameter and pod yield at par with rice straw mulch. This study tentatively suggested the use of variety Qenqes for early quality pods and variety Wayka for more pod yields production. Moreover, water hyacinth or rice straw mulches improved earliness, pod yield and quality. For the future, it is better to repeate the study in different location and season with incorporation of other varieties.

Evaluation of Pollution Potentials of Slaughterhouse Effluents on Groundwater Qualities in Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria

The environment has been damaged due to anthropogenic activities related to the production and consumption of cattle. The present study investigated the pollution potentials of slaughterhouse effluents on groundwater qualities in Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria, with the specific objectives to determine the effect of slaughterhouse effluents on both microbiological, physicochemical and heavy metal parameters on the quality of groundwater. Eighty-four well water samples were taken in 2022 and 2023 from slaughterhouse locations, and a control location for the determination of physicochemical properties and microbiological contents using standard analytical methods. Datasets were analyzed using Fisher’s Significance Least Difference (F-LSD) at 0.05 probability level. The study recorded higher levels of physicochemical, BOD, COD, Salinity, bacterial and fungal counts in the slaughterhouses well waters when compared to the control well water. With the exception of chloride, ammonia, copper and electrical conductivity, all water parameters were significant in both years. The result of the study also demonstrated that, with the exception of ammonia, lead, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, salinity, salmonella spp, shigella spp, E. coli, and other coliforms, the majority of the analysed parameters were within the World Health Organisation recommended standard. In addition, as compared to the first year of study, the well water parameters were generally higher in the second year. In order to prevent groundwater pollution, the present study suggests that slaughterhouse effluents be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner through the segregation of waste materials to prevent groundwater pollution.

A behavioural test of depression-related probability bias

ABSTRACT Individuals high in depressive symptom severity show probability bias: they believe negative events are relatively probable, and positive events relatively improbable, compared to those with less severe symptoms. However, this has only ever been demonstrated using self-report measures, in which participants explicitly estimate events’ probabilities: this leaves open the risk that “probability bias” is merely an artefact of response bias. We tested the veracity of probability bias using an indirect behavioural measure, based on a sentence-reading task. Study 1 tested 112 Turkish students; Study 2 tested 117 international users of online groups for people with depressive and anxiety disorders. As predicted, participants with higher depressive symptom scores responded relatively quickly to sentences stating negative events might occur, and relatively slowly to sentences stating positive events might occur, compared to those with lower scores. This effect was only marginal in Study 1, but reached significance in Study 2. However, contrary to predictions, this effect was not moderated by the probability level stated in the sentence. This makes our findings difficult to interpret, and we must present these studies as a failure to convincingly demonstrate depression-related probability bias. We hope this stimulates more work on the nature and veracity of probability bias.

Insecticidal potential of indigenous plants leaf powder against rhyzopertha dominica fab. (coleoptera: bostrichidae) in stored maize (zea mays) grains in northeastern nigeria

The study on the toxicity potential of plant leaf powders of Eucalyptus globulus, Citrus limon and Cassia occidentalis against maize weevil (Rhyzopertha dominica) infestation during storage was investigated in the Laboratory of the Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Modibbo Adama University, Yola. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and data collected were analyzed using General Linear Model Procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2004) while, significance means will be compared using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability level. Rhyzopertha dominica where exposed to four doses (0.2 g, 0.4 g, and 0.6 g) of these leaf powder per 50g of maize and a control treatment. Phytochemical analysis reveals the leaf powder of Eucalyptus globolus, Citrus limon, and Cassia occidentalis contain the following components (Saponin, Tanin, Steriod, Glycocide, Flavonoid, Tapinoid, Alkaloidand phenol). Though C. limon and C. occidentalis did not showed the presence of Tapinoid. The result of R. dominica mortality showed that at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days, highest mortality was observed on SAMMAZ 51 while SAMMAZ 15 had the lowest mortality. Mortality also of R. dominica on treated maize was highest at 0.6 g dosage, with effectiveness increasing over time. The Treated Maize exhibited less grain damage and weight loss compared to untreated controls. Germination percentage and palatability tests revealed no significant difference (P <0.05) between treated and untreated maize among the tested plant powders. C. occidentalis demonstrated the highest efficiency in controlling R. dominica which can be recommended as effective botanical insecticides for the control of R. dominica in stored maize, these offer a promising eco-friendly alternative for post-harvest pest management.

A Bayesian-Based Credible and Reliable Control Method for Active Vibration Suppression of Structures with Uncertain Parameters

As a classical design method for addressing uncertainty in control systems, robust control is designed with the goal of complete reliability of the control system. Nevertheless, the pursuit of robustness can inadvertently give rise to considerable performance degradation, rendering the resultant closed-loop control system excessively conservative in its design. Reliability-based design methods serve as an effective approach for managing uncertainties, which will achieve a balance between the robustness and performance of the active control system by taking advantage of the characteristic of reliability that allows for a certain level of permissible failure probability. The accurate quantification of uncertainty is the key to achieving reliable control, but common uncertainty quantification methods cannot achieve credible quantification of uncertainty in small samples and update the distribution of new samples. In this paper, a nonprobabilistic Bayesian inference based interval uncertainty quantification method is proposed. This method updates the distribution of interval boundaries and radii by introducing a small number of samples, and obtains interval parameters under a given confidence level. On the basis of uncertainty quantification, the dynamic reliability of the vibration system is derived, and nonprobabilistic reliability is introduced into the design of active controllers through optimization strategies. The reliable control strategy aims to select the optimal controller parameters on a reliable path with a given credibility, in order to solve the problem of overly conservative robust control theory. Two numerical examples were used to verify the feasibility and applicability of this method.

Relationship between Profile and Knowledge Level of Farmers about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Scheme in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, India

Agriculture has always been a risky profession. Unlike the industrial sector it is subjected to the vagaries of the nature. It is facing so many difficulties such as drought, floods, cyclones, pest, diseases etc. The present need is protecting the famers from financial losses arising due to natural calamities. The government gives protection to farmers in the way of crop insurance scheme. The recently launched crop insurance scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which is a kind of a “One Nation-One scheme” launched in the year 2016. Crop insurance is an important risk management tool used by farmers for stabilizing farm income against crop failure due to different types of natural calamities which reduce the production. Keeping in mind the importance of crop insurance scheme, the present study was undertaken to study on relationship between profile characteristics and knowledge level of farmers about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana scheme in Cuddalore district. The study revealed that about 40.84 per cent of the respondents had medium level of knowledge regarding PMFBY scheme. The variables educational status and farming experience were found to be significant at 1 per cent level of probability.

The impact of IFRS introduction by listed Moroccan companies on financial performance: The mediating role of the cost of capital

This study aims to examine the direct and indirect impact of IFRS adoption on the financial performance of Moroccan companies listed on the Moroccan financial market. The analyses are based on data drawn from the financial statements of 21 Moroccan companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. By measuring financial performance using three stock market measures, namely the Mariss ratio, the Price Earnings Ratio, and the Tobin Q ratio, and using the structural equation method with SPSS AMOS software, the results indicate that before the introduction of the cost of capital variable, IFRS significantly affect financial performance, with an estimated coefficient of 0.395 significant at the 5% threshold. By introducing the cost of capital variable, the results show that the direct and significant relationship between IFRS and performance disappears, recording an estimated coefficient of 0.241 with a non-significant probability level of 0.243. On the other hand, the results show that the estimated coefficients for the indirect effect of IFRS on financial performance are negative, i.e., a coefficient of –0.099 estimating the direct effect of IFRS on the cost of capital and a coefficient of –2.621 estimating the direct effect of the cost of capital on financial performance, significant at the 1% and 5% thresholds, respectively. This confirms the hypothesis that the transition to IFRS indirectly and totally influences financial performance via the cost of capital variable.

EVALUATION OF SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) AS AFFECTED BY NPK FERTILIZER RATES AND COWPEA [VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.] SOWING DATES IN SESAME AND COWPEA INTERCROPPING IN SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

The study was conducted during 2021 and 2022 rainy seasons; to determine the effects of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as affected by NPK fertilizer rates and Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] sowing dates in sesame and cowpea intercropping in Sudan savanna, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of four rates of NPK fertilizer (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha) and three cowpea sowing dates (simultaneous sowing of cowpea with sesame, sowing of cowpea two weeks after sesame (CSAS) and sowing of cowpea three weeks after sowing the sesame (CSAS), laid out in a factorial arrangement, fitted into a split plot design and replicated three. The NPK fertilizer was assigned to the main plots while cowpea sowing dates were allocated to the sub-plot. Data on growth and yield parameters collected included plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant (cm2), number of capsules per plant, 1000 seeds weight (g) and seed yield per hectare (kg/ha ). The data generated from the study were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Statistix 10.0 and where there is a significant difference; the means were separated using LSD at 5% probability level. Results revealed that NPK fertilizer had significantly improved the growth and yield of sesame. Sesame yield increased with increase in NPK fertilizer rates up to 100 kg ha-1. The highest grain yield obtained for the combined was 934.76 kg/ha. As for the cowpea sowing date, it was noticed that when the cowpea was sown three weeks after sesame, the yield of the sesame increased significantly. The interaction of 100 kg NPK/ha with three weeks after cowpea sowing recorded significantly greater grain yield in both years. Based on the findings, it is concluded that application of 100 kg NPK/ha with three weeks after cowpea sowing is recommended for sesame + cowpea in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria.

Examining wildfire dynamics using ECOSTRESS data with machine learning approaches: the case of South‐Eastern Australia's black summer

Wildfires are increasing in risk and prevalence. The most destructive wildfires in decades in Australia occurred in 2019–2020. However, there is still a challenge in developing effective models to understand the likelihood of wildfire spread (susceptibility) and pre‐fire vegetation conditions. The recent launch of NASA's ECOSTRESS presents an opportunity to monitor fire dynamics with a high resolution of 70 m by measuring ecosystem stress and drought conditions preceding wildfires. We incorporated ECOSTRESS data, vegetation indices, rainfall, and topographic data as independent variables and fire events as dependent variables into machine learning algorithms applied to the historic Australian wildfires of 2019–2020. With these data, we predicted over 90% of all wildfire occurrences 1 week ahead of these wildfire events. Our models identified vegetation conditions with a 3‐week time lag before wildfire events in the fourth week and predicted the probability of wildfire occurrences in the subsequent week (fifth week). ECOSTRESS water use efficiency (WUE) consistently emerged as the leading factor in all models predicting wildfires. Results suggest that the pre‐fire vegetation was affected by wildfires in areas with WUE above 2 g C kg−1 H₂O at 95% probability level. Additionally, the ECOSTRESS evaporative stress index and topographic slope were identified as significant contributors in predicting wildfire susceptibility. These results indicate a significant potential for ECOSTRESS data to predict and analyze wildfires and emphasize the crucial role of drought conditions in wildfire events, as evident from ECOSTRESS data. Our approaches developed in this study and outcome can help policymakers, fire managers, and city planners assess, manage, prepare, and mitigate wildfires in the future.

Pengaruh Kepemimpinan dan Lingkungan Kerja terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Negeri Sipil pada Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Daerah (Bappeda) Kabupaten Bungo

This research aims to determine the influence of Leadership and Work Environment on the Performance of Civil Servants at the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Bungo Regency. The type of research conducted is quantitative research using the purposive sampling technique. The sample used in this study consisted of 30 respondents. The data from this research were processed and analyzed using Instrument Test, Classical Assumption Test, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, and Hypothesis Test with the help of SPSS version 26 software.The research results state that Leadership affects the Performance of Civil Servants where t-count (2.385) > t-table (2.051) and is significant because (0.024 < 0.05). Work Environment affects the Performance of Civil Servants where t-count (3.211) > t-table (2.051) and is significant because (0.003 < 0.05). Meanwhile, simultaneously, the independent variables affect the dependent variable where F-count 9.952 > F-table of 3.34 with a probability level (0.000 < 0.05). The Coefficient of Determination (R2) value is 42.4%, with the remaining influenced by other dimensions. Through this research, it is useful to enhance knowledge and insights related to Leadership and Work Environment on the Performance of Civil Servants.

Evaluation and risk assessment of heavy metals in wetland soil in the University of Lagos

A study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals, and the physicochemical and microbiological properties of wetland soils at the University of Lagos. Soil samples were randomly collected from the Faculty of Science (FSC), Lagoon Front, and Distance Learning Institute areas at depths of 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm using a soil auger. The samples were stored in sterile nylon bags, appropriately labelled, and transported to the University of Lagos Central Research Laboratory for chemical analysis. The physicochemical characteristics measured included soil pH, determined using a pH meter, and moisture content, assessed through the oven-drying method. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Microbial population diversity was examined using the disc diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, and mean values were evaluated using Tukey’s multiple comparison test at a probability level of P < 0.05. The results revealed that soil pH ranged from 7.20 to 8.81, with the highest value (8.81) recorded near the Faculty of Science (FSC-3). Eight heavy metals, including Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn, were analyzed. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.29 ppm, followed by nickel, which ranged from 0.01 to 0.13 ppm. Chromium ranged from 0.0 to 0.25 ppm, cadmium from 0.03 to 0.08 ppm, iron from 1.02 to 2.96 ppm, copper from 3.31 to 4.60 ppm, manganese from 3.31 to 5.16 ppm, and zinc from 1.67 to 9.17 ppm. Lead and zinc concentrations were found to be below the permissible limit at all locations, while chromium and cadmium were within permissible limits. However, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Ni exceeded the permissible limits. Correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between Pb and Zn, likely due to effluents from human waste and seepage from nearby dumpsites into the lagoon, streams, or beaches. The isolated microbial flora included three bacterial genera, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus spp, and Enterobacter spp, as well as four fungal genera, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium. Bacterial counts were lower than fungal counts in polluted soils, likely due to the nutrient status of the soil. The isolates were found to be tolerant to slightly alkaline pH and heavy metal pollutants, with microbial variation attributed to the impact of pH and heavy metals on the microbial population.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF MILLET PRODUCTION IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA.

This research was carried out to determine the profitability of millet production in Jere local Government area of Borno state. Random sampling technique was adopted in this research through which data was collected from ninety (90) farms with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and production functions. Result indicated that 58.9% of respondents were in their economically active age group, majority (76.7%) of the farmers were male, 66.7% were married, while 42.2% had farming experience of between 21 – 30 years in millet production and it was revealed that farms were on a small-scale basis. Result further showed that millet production was profitable with gross margin and net farm income of N29,743.18 and N12,868.00 per hectare respectively. Regression model estimated revealed that double-log was the lead equation with R2 of 68.5%. Also, land, labour and agrochemical had significant impact on the level of millet output at P<0.01 level of probability and F-ratio 35.212. Estimated efficiency ratios showed that land; labour and fertilizer were under-utilised, while agrochemical was over utilised. Return to scale gave a value of 1.27 which implies that millet production was in stage 1 of the production region. It can be concluded that millet production in the study area is profitably. The study recommends that farmers should employ more land; labour and fertilizer, while the use of agrochemical should be cut down in order to improved millet production output for profit maximization.

Evaluation of the diversity and abundance of selected insect orders (Orthoptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera) in a wetland in Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

This study assessed the diversity and abundance of selected insect orders (Orthoptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera) in a wetland at Federal University Oye-Ekiti. Insects were collected from February to April, 2022 using a combination of pitfall traps, sweep nets and active hunting methods. Arthropods were identified up to the generic level and counted monthly. A total of 3654 individuals belonging to 3 orders, 21 families and 54 species were recorded from the studied habitat. The highest relative abundance of 19.37603% was found in Odontomachus monticola (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). In this study, Hymenoptera was the most dominant order while Orthoptera was the least dominant order. The active hunting method collected the highest number of insects while the sweep net method collected the lowest number of insects. Results of the percentage distribution of insect species and individual insects revealed that for both active hunting and pitfall trap methods, the Order Hymenoptera had the highest percentage distribution while the Order Coleoptera had the lowest percentage distribution. Results of the diversity index across the collection methods revealed that the Sweep net method had the highest insect diversity and evenness (H’=2.492, 0.4317) while the Pitfall method had the lowest insect diversity and evenness (H’=1.818, 0.126). Results of one- way ANOVA showed no significant difference in species composition across habitats at a 5% probability level. This study has shown that the etlandd at Federal University Oye- Ekiti is rich in insect species with the Order Hymenoptera being the most abundant.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Dumpsites on Groundwater Quality in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State

The study was conducted to compare the effects of dumpsites on groundwater quality in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State. It aimed at examining the effect of dumpsites from physicochemical and heavy metal content of borehole water and determining the water quality rating of boreholes in the study areas. Three (3) dumpsites, namely Uyo Village Road Dumpsite (UVD), Atiku Road Dumpsite (ARD) and Ediene Uyo Dumpsite (EUD) were used for the study. The triangular sampling method was used to select three boreholes in each dumpsite area, giving a total of thirty-six (36) samples on replication for the three dumpsites and control. The water samples were collected in well-labeled pretreated 1-litre plastic bottles and were immediately transported to the laboratory for analysis. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and means of significant parameters were separated using the Duncan multiple range test at 5% level of probability. The result showed that mean pH was 7.49 in control, significantly lower than 8.22–8.66 in the study areas. Electrical conductivity was 245.33–580.67 μs/cm with 335.00 μs/cm as control. Mean temperatures were 28.53–28.67 oC and 28.0 oC for control. Also, values obtained for turbidity were 3.47–4.21 and 3.47 in control. DO in control borehole water was 3.07 mg/l while that of dumpsites was 3.18–3.37 mg/l. The calculated water indices were 1871.92, 33492.86 and 32288.10 for UVD, ARD and EUD respectively. The findings revealed that mean values in water quality parameters like Magnesium, Dissolved Oxygen, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel and Zinc were above the permissible limit of the World Health Organization for drinking water, indicating higher evidence of groundwater pollution in the study area. The study generally showed that borehole water samples from the three dumpsites were unsuitable for drinking. Public awareness among borehole owners and users within the dumpsite environment on ground water contamination by dumpsites was recommended among others in the study area and the water should be treated before human consumption.

Environmental Impact of Automobile Wastes on Surface Water Quality in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe negative impact of operations in informal auto mechanic workshops is a major public health concern, and its effect on surface water pollution cannot be overlooked. This current work evaluates the environmental impact of automobile waste on surface water quality in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 108 surface water samples were taken in 2022 and 2023 from Abakaliki, Onueke, and Afikpo streams, and WHO as controls using standard analytical methods. Data sets were analyzed using Fisher's Significance Least Difference (F‐LSD) at the 0.05 probability level. The study showed that surface water appearance was slightly brown, and the observed upstream is acidic in nature, the midstream is alkaline, and the downstream is natural. Water samples from Abakaliki, Onueke, and Afikpo streams were observed to be hard since their concentration levels were above the WHO standard. Furthermore, the high concentrations of heavy metals (Pb and Mn) as well as the oil and grease content indicate that the surface water in the area of study is polluted and its overall quality is degraded. The study therefore concluded that automobile waste had a negative influence on the surface water quality in the study area. Based on these new findings, it is recommended that automobile waste be properly treated and disposed of to avoid their adverse effects on surface water quality. In addition, given the uncontrolled development of these informal auto workshops across the nation in recent years, there is a need for the execution of environmental standards connected to automobile service activities.

The fixed-effects model for robust analysis of stepped-wedge cluster trials with a small number of clusters and continuous outcomes: a simulation study

BackgroundStepped-wedge cluster trials (SW-CTs) describe a cluster trial design where treatment rollout is staggered over the course of the trial. Clusters are commonly randomized to receive treatment beginning at different time points in this study design (commonly referred to as a Stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial; SW-CRT), but they can also be non-randomized. Trials with this design regularly have a low number of clusters and can be vulnerable to covariate imbalance. To address such covariate imbalance, previous work has examined covariate-constrained randomization and analysis adjustment for imbalanced covariates in mixed-effects models. These methods require the imbalanced covariate to always be known and measured. In contrast, the fixed-effects model automatically adjusts for all imbalanced time-invariant covariates, both measured and unmeasured, and has been implicated to have proper type I error control in SW-CTs with a small number of clusters and binary outcomes.MethodsWe present a simulation study comparing the performance of the fixed-effects model against the mixed-effects model in randomized and non-randomized SW-CTs with small numbers of clusters and continuous outcomes. Additionally, we compare these models in scenarios with cluster-level covariate imbalances or confounding.ResultsWe found that the mixed-effects model can have low coverage probabilities and inflated type I error rates in SW-CTs with continuous outcomes, especially with a small number of clusters or when the ICC is low. Furthermore, mixed-effects models with a Satterthwaite or Kenward-Roger small sample correction can still result in inflated or overly conservative type I error rates, respectively. In contrast, the fixed-effects model consistently produced the target level of coverage probability and type I error rates without dramatically compromising power. Furthermore, the fixed-effects model was able to automatically account for all time-invariant cluster-level covariate imbalances and confounding to robustly yield unbiased estimates.ConclusionsWe recommend the fixed-effects model for robust analysis of SW-CTs with a small number of clusters and continuous outcomes, due to its proper type I error control and ability to automatically adjust for all potential imbalanced time-invariant cluster-level covariates and confounders.

The effect of high levels of Glycyrrhiza glabra powder on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immunity, intestinal microbial flora, intestinal morphology and breast muscle fatty acid profile in broilers

In order to investigate the effect of licorice medicinal plant on performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile of breast muscle, intestinal microbial flora, blood constitutes and immunity of broiler chickens, an experiment using a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 replications, 10 chicks per repetition and a total of 120 pieces of one-day-old male broiler chickens of commercial strain Ross 308 were performed for 42 days. Experimental treatments included three different levels of licorice (0, 300 and 400 mg/kg feed). Data was analyzed using SAS statistical software and averages were compared at the 5% probability level with Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that although variation in feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was not significant in any of the rearing periods (P≥0.05), the highest feed consumption, weight gain and the best feed conversion ratio was observed in the final period of chickens were fed with Diet containing 400mg/kg licorice. Also, according to the data, the best European index was related to this treatment. In addition, the use of two levels of licorice had no significant effect on carcass characteristics or intestinal microbial flora; however, the highest increase in body weight and the lowest number of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria were observed at the higher level of licorice. However, these high levels did not lead to a decrease in abdominal fat. According to the results obtained, different levels of licorice led to a significant reduction of harmful fats such as cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and LDL (P<0.05). Furthermore, although the level of HDL was not significant (P≥ 0.05), its highest amount was seen at high levels of licorice. In addition, the lowest amount of total protein, albumin and globulin was observed at the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice. According to these results, although the amount of glucose was lowest its level was not significant (P≥0.05), Also, the use of this same level of licorice had no significant effect on the function of the humoral immune system in response to antigen injection (SRBC Antibody against sheep red blood cell) or antibody titer against Newcastle virus and influenza (P≥0.05). Nevertheless, according to the data, the highest antibody titer against Newcastle virus and SRBC antigen was associated with this treatment. These results also showed that high levels of licorice led to an increase in the number of Bifidobacterium. Villi width and crypt depth decreased at the high dose of licorice, but the ratio of villi length to crypt depth increased. In addition, the use of different levels of licorice could not reduce the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids compared to the control group. Therefore, based on the results of this research, it is recommended to use the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice to supplement the diet of broilers of Ross 308 strain.

Effect of probiotics 'Bio-health' and foliar fertilization with zinc sulfate on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The experiment was conducted in a private field in Jaflawiya, Al-Mishkhab District, Najaf Governorate, for the spring season 2021, to study the effect of soil application with probiotics Bio health and foliar fertilization with aqueous zinc sulfate on some vegetative growth characteristics and yield of okra Husainawia variety. The experiment was a factorial experiment according to Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) with 2 factors and 3 replicates. The first factor was ground application with probiotics Bio health at 3 levels (0, 2500, 5000 g ha-1) and the second factor is the foliar spraying of zinc in (ZnSO4.7H20) using 3 concentrations (0, 75 and 150 mg L-1). Both factors were applied 3 times during the growing season. The first application was in the stage of 4 true leaves and zinc was sprayed a week later. The second and third were 30 and 60 days after the first addition respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and the averages were compared using the least significant difference test. Least Significant Difference Test (L.S.D.) at 0.05 probability level. The highest results were recorded in the treatment of adding the Bio health at a level of 5000 g ha-1, which led to the highest rates of vegetative growth indicators, quantitative and qualitative yield and chemical indicators, including plant height, leaf area, knot ratio, number of pods, total yield, nitrogen and phosphorous ratio in pods, zinc content in pods and protein % in pods. In general, the ground application of Bio health at 5000 g ha-1 with zinc 150 mg L-1 significantly outperformed most of the single and interaction treatments. It gave the highest significant increase in vegetative growth indicators, yield, chemical and qualitative indicators.

Resource productivity and determinants of technical efficiency among cassava farmers’ in north central, Nigeria

This research analyzed resource productivity and determinants of technical efficiency among cassava farmers in North Central, Nigeria. This research employed a multi-stage sampling technique. Primary data were used based on a well-designed questionnaire. Inferential and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The results of resource productivity of inputs show that cassava cuttings and fertilizer have the highest and lowest elasticities, respectively. The mean-TE (Technical Efficiency) score of 74% (0.74) indicates that an average smallholder cassava producer in the sample needs about 26% (0.26) additional inputs to get to the frontier. In the TE components, the coefficients of labour, and fertilizers are significant different from zero at 1% probability level. The coefficients of agrochemicals, land inputs are significantly different from zero at 5% probability level, while the coefficient of cassava cuttings are significant different from zero at 10% probability level. In the TIE (technical inefficiency), component the coefficients of age, credit received, members of cooperatives are significant different from zero at 1% probability level. The policy formulations should be directed towards considering technological substitutions and mechanized agriculture. Excessive labour supply, characteristics of the developing agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, could be pushed into the secondary sector of the Nigerian economy such as the cassava processing industry, therefore generating income, employment and maintaining Nigeria in the first (1st) position in the world ranking in term of cassava output. Also, it is recommended that improved cuttings, agrochemicals, and fertilizers should be made available to cassava farmers at appropriate time to increase productivity. Furthermore, credit should be made available to cassava farmers at a single digit interest rate, devoid of cumbersome administrative procedures. Keywords: Resource productivity, technical efficiency, cassava farmers, stochastic frontier model, Nigeria

Influence of socio-economic variables and extension inhibitors on food sovereignty in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study assessed the influence of socio-economic variables and extension inhibitors on food sovereignty in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This study identified and proffered solutions to extension inhibitors to food sovereignty. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty respondents used for the study. Data analysis comprised the use of percentages, frequency, means and Tobit regression model. The result of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents showed that 27.50% of the respondents were from 41 and more years of age, while 25.00% were within the age range of 31 to 40 years. 8.33% of them were in the age brackets of 20 to 30 years. Majority of the farmers were very strong, agile and could adopt extension teaching methods easily. About 49.17% of the respondents were at tertiary level of education, while 23.32% had primary level of education. The result showed the mean (x ̅) response rate of extension inhibitors on food sovereignty as follows; inadequacy of funds (x ̅ = 4.65), use of poorly trained personnel (x ̅ = 4.04), ineffective research extension linkage (x ̅ =4.21), lack of evaluation (x ̅ = 4.422), poor policy (x ̅ = 4.04) among other factors. The hypothesis showed that gender, marital status and farm size were positive and significant at 1% level of probability. The result of the HO1, showed that any increase in farm size led to a corresponding increase in the probability and intensity of extension inhibitors on food sovereignty in the study area. Also, the coefficient of education was positively signed but not significant. This showed that education though very important but had no severe influence on the extension inhibitors. In the result, there was significant relationship between socio-economic variables and extension inhibitors on food sovereignty in the study area. The study concluded that some of the inhibitors of extension on food sovereignty are; inadequate funding, lack of extension service evaluation on food sovereignty situations, ineffective research extension linkage and use of poorly trained personnel. The study also concluded that majority of the farmers are of age and well educated to positively influence extension inhibitors with the view to improving food sovereignty situations in the study area. It was recommended that women being the majority in the study area should be involved in extension activities and evaluation, with a view to improving on food sovereignty. Key words: Akwa Ibom, Extension, Food Sovereignty, Influence, Inhibitors, Socio-economic and Variables