An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of trickle irrigation and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) on nutrient availability and fruit production of Aonla. The two years pooled data assessed the influence of trickle irrigation intervals (3 and 6 days) and various doses of superabsorbent polymer (30, 60, 90, and 120 g) with black polyethylene mulch on soil properties, soil and leaf nutrient availability and fruit yield quality attributes of Aonla. Results showed that the combined treatment of drip/trickle irrigation intervals and SAP with mulch retained the maximum water holding capacity, with the three-day interval of drip/trickle irrigation paired with 90 g of SAP and mulch exhibiting the most positive effects on soil characteristics, and fruit yield enhancement. Plants treated with this method yielded the highest fruit production (101.43 kg/tree), followed by the same irrigation interval with 120 g of SAP and mulch (96.98 kg/tree), while control plants yield the least (66.79 kg/tree) over the two-year period (pooled data). Superabsorbent polymers not only conserve water during irrigation but also enhance soil physico-chemical and biological properties, being environmentally friendly as they naturally degrade without leaving toxic residues. Thus, the application of SAP presents a promising approach to increasing fruit production sustainably in water-stressed environments.
Previous research indicated some evidence of a positive relationship between motivation and self-efficacy beliefs/perceived competence/self-perceptions. Therefore, the relationship between self-confidence and motivation was investigated in sport context in this study. Participants of this study were 111 field hockey athletes. Sport Motivation Scale (Pelletier et al., 1995) and Self-confidence Scales (Tokinan, 2008) were used for data collection. SPSS.17 package program was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics techniques, t-test and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used. According to the results, self-confidence was found to be positively and significantly correlating with intrinsic motivation to know and to accomplish things, intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation, external regulation, identification, introjection, intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation (p<0,05). Self-confidence appeared to be negatively and significantly correlating with amotivation (p<0,05). In the light of the result it could be suggested that when athletes feel high self- confidence and efficient self-perception and trust their abilities, their motivation to practice their sports enhances. Results were discussed in line with the relevant literature and some applications were proposed.
This study evaluates the current biodiversity levels in tropical rainforests and proposes effective conservation strategies to preserve these critical ecosystems. By employing remote sensing technology and field surveys, we mapped species distribution and identified key threats, such as deforestation and climate change. Our findings suggest that community-based conservation efforts, coupled with international cooperation, are essential for the sustainable management of tropical biodiversity. We provide a framework for policymakers to implement conservation strategies that balance ecological preservation with socio-economic development.
This research investigated carbon activation by physical and chemical treatments in order to increase the CO2 adsorption efficiency by using experimental rig of single and multi fixed bed column. Physical treatment AC production was prepared by the carbonization of palm oil shell at temperature of 600 ◦C. Produced AC was fixed at similar weight of 15g for single and multi bed column which divided to three layers. Inlet CO2 gas is constantly flow at 0.3 liter per minute and discharged CO2 concentration is measured directly by using a gas analyzer within 50 minutes. Adsorption and desorption data were analysed by calculating the area under the graph by using Simpson’s Rule method. The removal of CO2 in multi fixed bed column is higher compared to single fixed bed column with 31.47% of increase performance. AC from initial production is treated chemically with Acetone followed by Benzene for 6 and 24 hours respectively. Then, it was taken to soak with several solvents separately for 24 hours. On top of that, the initial AC was soaked with Hydrogen Peroxide which also for 24 hours. All samples were dried well after each solvent immersion. Result shows that, AC from the chemical treatment is more efficient after washing it by distilled water. Adsorption on AC sample presents that AC treated by Acetone, Benzene and Acetonitrile >Hydrogen Peroxide >Acetone, Benzene and Cyclohexane >Physical activation carbon >Acetone and Benzene >Acetone, Benzene and Dimethyl Sulfoxide which are 87.24%, 86.06%, 80.16%, 78.82%, 68.85% and 48.27% of increase performance respectively.
Urbanization is a leading factor in the alteration of natural habitats, significantly impacting native plant species worldwide. This study examines the effects of urban development on biodiversity, focusing on the decline of native flora and the proliferation of invasive species. Through a comprehensive analysis of urban areas across different continents, we highlight key patterns and propose strategies for conservation and sustainable urban planning to protect native plant ecosystems.
The study evaluates the impact of the heat waves on cause-specific mortality and the role of demographic characteristics may have increased the risk of mortality in Setif city. Studies of maximum temperatures over a period of 20 years (1990-2009) in Setif city show a clear trend towards higher mean maximal temperatures throughout the years and identify global warming of 1 to 1.1 °C. The aim of the study was to identify the heat waves that occurred in Setif city during the period 1990-2009 and describe their impact on human mortality. Results reported that the heat waves have an enormous impact on human health. The results indicate also that the effect of this weather phenomenon is most pronounced for infants and the elderly population, particularly affecting cardiovascular mortality. The findings underscore the necessity of establishing a climate-health warning system to minimize the impact of extreme heat periods on public health.
Estimation of evaporation from reservoirs in arid and semi-arid regions is a crucial issue in water resource management. This paper presents the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and climate-based models (Penman, Priestley and Taylor, and Stephens and Stewart) for estimating evaporation from the Algardabiya Reservoir in Sirt, Libya. Daily meteorological data were collected from 2004 to 2006 and used to develop models for evaporation estimation. The meteorological variables included daily observations of air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Statistical analysis was undertaken to verify the accuracy of the models. Results show that the ANN model estimations have better agreement with observed evaporation data compared to the climate-based models.
This study analyzes the import and export of horticultural products between Portugal and other countries worldwide. Data from 2006 to 2010 on Portuguese international trade of vegetables was used, sourced from INE (Statistics Portugal) and provided by AICEP (Trade & Investment Agency). The study employs convergence theory models with panel data, utilizing fixed effects, random effects, and dynamic effects methods to separately analyze Portuguese imports and exports of vegetables. Findings indicate convergence across all estimations. Volatility tests reveal non-stationarity in the data, indicating weak regularity. Consequently, conclusions must be drawn cautiously. This irregularity stems from a lack of coherent national policy for the sector.
