Comparative Performance of Pre-Commercial vs Existing Maize Hybrids in Zambia

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Maize production in Zambia has remained below the global average, with a national yield of 2,800 kg/ha compared to the world average of 5,000 kg/ha, as reported by FAO. This yield gap is mainly attributed to challenges such as pests, diseases, declining soil fertility and the use of low yielding varieties with limited resistance to pests and diseases, that are not suited to local Agro ecological conditions. To address these challenges, this study was conducted at Agri-Wind in Serenje District, Zambia, to evaluate and compare the performance of six pre-commercial maize hybrids against sixteen commercially available hybrids. A total of twenty-two maize hybrids were assessed, including six pre-commercial varieties (PV17, PV18, PV19, PV20, PV21, PV22) and sixteen commercial varieties (V1 – V16). The trial was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Performance evaluation focused on yield potential, insect and disease resistance, as well as distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA in Field Book (CIMMYT) at a 5% significance level (p = 0.05). Results indicated that V5 and PV19 were the highest-yielding hybrids, producing 5,850.70 kg/ha and 5,498.18 kg/ha, respectively. These varieties, along with PV18, showed strong resistance to Northern Leaf Blight (NLB) and Maize Streak Virus (MSV), making them promising candidates for commercial release. Although PV17 had a lower yield (3,781.05 kg/ha), it demonstrated the best resistance to NLB (score of 1.5), suggesting its potential for disease-prone areas. In contrast, PV21, which had lower yields and weaker disease resistance, was deemed less suitable for release. Generally, PV19, PV18, and PV17 emerged as the most promising pre-commercial hybrids, while V5 was recommended for high-yielding areas. In addition, the DUS analysis revealed superior characteristics in the pre-commercial hybrids, such as enhanced anthocyanin coloration and optimal growth duration, indicating their potential adaptability to local agroecological conditions.

An Analysis of Risk Perception and Management Among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Mazabuka District, Southern Province [2015–2017]

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Agriculture is a critical sector in Zambia, with approximately 60% of households depending on it for their livelihoods. However, smallholder maize farmers face various risks, including climate variability, pest infestations, price fluctuations, and market access. The study investigated risk perceptions of smallholder maize farmers in Mazabuka District, Southern Province of Zambia, and how these perceptions influence risk management strategies and productivity. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from 51 randomly selected smallholder farmers using structured questionnaires. Farmers’ risk perceptions were assessed using a five-point Likert scale across three agricultural seasons (2014/15, 2015/16, and 2016/17). Findings revealed that environmental risks, particularly drought and irregular rainfall patterns, were the most significant, with 72% of respondents identifying climate change as a primary concern. Economic risks, including fluctuating maize prices and rising input costs, were reported by 65% of farmers, while 58% cited pest infestations, such as fall armyworm, as a major threat. Social risks, including labour shortages and inadequate extension services, also contributed to production challenges. In response, farmers employed various coping mechanisms, such as crop diversification (49%), reliance on government subsidies (42%), and participation in farmer cooperatives (38%). However, risk management practices remained limited due to financial constraints and lack of access to timely weather forecasts. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to strengthen smallholder farmers’ resilience by enhancing extension services, improving access to climate information, and promoting sustainable farming practices to mitigate risks and boost productivity.

The Influence of Organizational Culture and Competence on Work Stress Mediated by Workload on Employees of the General Election Commission of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province

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Organizational Culture that is oriented towards the regularity of observed behavior, strong norms, dominant values, philosophy, rules, and organizational climate directly contributes to the increasing Work Stress felt by employees, in the form of physiological symptoms, psychological symptoms, and behavioral symptoms. Likewise, Competence that is oriented towards high knowledge, understanding, ability, values, attitudes, and interests, but is less in accordance with the competencies needed to carry out the work that is directly responsible contributes to the increasing Work Stress felt by employees, in the form of physiological symptoms, psychological symptoms, and behavioral symptoms.

The research findings show that Organizational Culture and Competence have a significant positive impact on employee Work Stress. Organizational Culture encourages the creation of an obligation to submit to and comply with strict regulations governing the main tasks and functions in carrying out work, but the process of determining the regulations themselves is very long, so that when the regulations are issued, it is close to the deadline for the work implementation stage, this makes it difficult for employees because they have to immediately learn, adjust and adopt the regulations to complete the work with a limited deadline, in the end this condition causes the work stress felt by employees to increase. While the high Competence possessed but not in accordance with the work that is the responsibility causes a lack of sufficient understanding of the character of the work that is the responsibility and knowledge that does not comply with the standards set causes the Work Stress felt by employees to increase, because employees are required to be able to adapt and work in new fields of work that are far different from the competencies they have. In this study, statistically Workload has a significant positive influence as a mediator of the influence of the variables Organizational Culture and Competence on Work Stress. This shows that Workload is able to help explain why Organizational Culture and Competence cause Work Stress felt by employees to increase.

This study underlines the importance of creating a more positive organizational culture, ensuring that each employee has high competencies that are appropriate or suitable for the field of work they are responsible for, and carefully managing the existing workload. These findings provide valuable insights for organizations that seek to manage employee work stress levels by utilizing appropriate regulatory practices, understanding, knowledge, and skills appropriate to the field of work being worked on, and adjustments to work conditions, target setting, and better use of working time.

The Influence of Capital Structure, ESG (Environmental, Social, And Governance), And Firm Size on Financial Performance of Food & Beverage Subsector Companies Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2019-2023

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This study examines the impact of Capital Structure, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and Company Size on Financial Performance in Food & Beverage Subsector Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2019 to 2023. Using a quantitative approach, it analyzes secondary data from 95 companies, with 23 meeting the sample criteria. Panel data regression was tested using Microsoft Excel and E-Views Series 9. The findings indicate that (1) Capital Structure does not affect Financial Performance; (2) ESG has a positive and significant effect; (3) Company Size negatively affects Financial Performance; and (4) all three variables collectively have a positive and significant impact to Financial Performance.

Enhancing Tourism Development through National Traditional Culture – Case Study of Prince Kung’s Mansion

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Using Prince Kung’s Mansion as a case study, this paper examines the significance of national traditional culture in the advancement of tourism, as well as its corresponding modes and effectiveness. Through interviews, surveys, and on-site visits, the authors discovered that Prince Kung’s Mansion effectively merged traditional culture with tourism by utilizing digital technology to bring historical scenes to life, creating immersive cultural experiences, introducing a range of cultural and creative products, and establishing a comprehensive research and travel system. This study analyzes the successful practices of Prince Kung’s Mansion and suggests several strategies, including establishing a cultural gene database for a deeper exploration of cultural significance, utilizing technological innovations to enhance interactive experiences, implementing a dual-wheel drive system combining culture and services, establishing a broad communication network, and enhancing the evaluation mechanism for cultural and tourism integration. The findings of this research can serve as a valuable reference for the development of tourism at other cultural heritage sites, particularly in terms of balancing commercial growth and the preservation of cultural authenticity, and creating a shared cultural space for both hosts and visitors.

The Influence of Breakfast Habits on Students’ Learning Activities Class X SMAN 5 Palu

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This study aims to determine how much influence the habit of breakfast has on the learning activities of class X students of SMAN 5 Palu and to determine the impact experienced by class X students of SMAN 5 Palu when they do not make a habit of breakfast before learning activities. This type of research is quantitative research. This research includes descriptive research. Sampling of the research conducted is by taking 25% of the total population (306 people) which is 76 people. Sampling is done by randomly selecting students who will be studied. The method used is descriptive correlational analysis with the formula P = F / N x 100%, then continued using the product moment formula. Data collection in this study is by using a questionnaire. The results of the study obtained data that there is a moderate or sufficient positive influence between breakfast on learning activities of class X students of SMAN 5 Palu with a product moment correlation index number of 0.431. While the level of influence obtained from breakfast with learning activities is 18.58%. The impact experienced by students when not doing breakfast is that it can cause a physiological decline in the body, which is characterized by a decrease in blood glucose levels which is the main source.

Socio-Economic Profile of Dairy Cattle Farmers in the Agropolitan Area of Tulungagung, Indonesia

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This study investigates the socio-economic profile of dairy cattle farmers in the agropolitan area of Tulungagung Regency, focusing on smallholder dairy farming in a developing country context. The research aimed to explore key factors such as the age, education, income, and farming practices of dairy farmers and assess their implications for local livelihoods and rural development. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a descriptive survey design and purposive sampling to gather data from six villages in the agropolitan area. The findings revealed that dairy farming is a primary livelihood for the majority of farmers, with an average milk production of 44 liters per day. Most farmers have extensive farming experience, but they face challenges such as limited access to capital and fluctuating feed prices. The study emphasizes the importance of improving the socio-economic conditions of dairy farmers through better access to education, financial support, and sustainable farming practices. The results highlight the potential of dairy farming to contribute to local economic growth and poverty reduction in developing regions.

Analysis of the Role of Reverse Whole Brain Teaching Method in Foreign Language Learners with Aphasia Disorders

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People with Aphasia will have difficulty communicating with others, which will interfere with the learning process. The part that affects a person’s speaking is the left brain. If the left brain is disturbed or damaged, it will make it difficult for individuals to speak. The Whole Brain teaching method teaches a learning method that does not only focus on one part of the brain. It is said that the human brain will work and function better if all parts of the brain are used. This paper examines using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). “The SLR method is a literature review method that identifies, examines, evaluates, and interprets all available research…. In this study, the collection of articles was carried out from Google Scholar, Research Gate, Sinta, DOAJ, and Scopus” (Hotmauli et al., 2024). 23 articles were related or closely related to the article’s keywords: whole brain method, teaching, and learners with Aphasia disorders. Learners with aphasia disorders have damage to the left side; the whole brain method can teach from various aspects of the brain without having to rely on one side only. The whole brain method is a plus point and is needed for learners with this aphasia disorder.

Women in Vishwa Guru Bharat

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Vishwaguru Bharat is the vision of India being a teacher that inspires the world with its culture and holistic development. A key component of this vision is acknowledging women as playing a central role in India’s socio-economic and cultural development. Despite their immense historical roles, women’s contributions have frequently been overlooked.

This paper signifies how the status of women evolved from ancient to modern India, with Gargi and Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi being a few of the scholars and leaders who guided history through their intelligence and bravery. One of the most important tools of empowerment is education that has improved after independence, through schemes like the Right to Education Act and “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”,  which has made women develop more in various sectors.

Women have been entering politics in increasing numbers, the best-known examples being Indira Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee. The Women’s Reservation Bill is an attempt to expand this inclusivity. They are also economically women lend a lot of time, energy and money to households and enterprises through programs on micro-credit. They also promote and preserve India’s cultural heritage globally.

But problems of the gender gap and social subjugation still exist that will need to be addressed through policy reforms and changes in attending Vishwaguru Bharat. India, by embracing inclusion and fairness, can ascend to its place in the world and propel the world.

Effect of Family Structure on Resilience and Coping Mechanism Among Youth: A Review Study

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This literature review explores the influence of family structure, specifically comparing joint and nuclear families, on the resilience and coping mechanisms of youth. Resilience, the capacity to adapt positively to challenges, and coping mechanisms, the strategies employed to manage stress, are critical for the well-being of adolescents and young adults . While the family environment is acknowledged as a key factor in shaping these attributes, the distinct impacts of joint and nuclear family systems require further investigation . This review aims to synthesize existing research on how these family types relate to resilience and coping in youth, considering potential mediating factors such as family dynamics and social support, and the influence of cultural contexts. Understanding these relationships is vital for developing effective support systems and interventions that promote positive development in young individuals across diverse family structures .

The family environment serves as a critical foundation for adolescent development, influencing their ability to navigate challenges and cope with stress. This introduction has outlined the significance of understanding how different family structures, specifically joint and nuclear families, might impact the resilience and coping mechanisms of youth. The existing research presents a complex picture, suggesting both potential benefits and drawbacks associated with each family type. By exploring these relationships further, this dissertation aims to contribute valuable insights into the psychological well-being of young individuals growing up in diverse family settings. The findings will have implications for developing targeted interventions and support systems that promote resilience and healthy coping in adolescents, ultimately fostering their successful transition into adulthood.