Search results

Filters

  • Journals
  • Authors
  • Keywords
  • Date
  • Type

Search results

Number of results: 7
items per page: 25 50 75
Sort by:
Download PDF Download RIS Download Bibtex

Abstract

Avatars are virtual representations of virtual world users. Creating a virtual representation can be considered an important element of the self-esteem formation process in modern adolescents. As previous research suggests, the similarity level between an avatar and its creator is related to the latter’s self-esteem. However, previous studies were limited by small and unrepresentative samples, which creates difficulties in generalizing the results. Moreover the studies usually did not include adolescents. This study aims to investigate possible predictors of adolescent–avatar similarity (AAS), in particular global self-esteem, which develops in adolescence. In addition to self-esteem, the importance of personality and gender was also examined. 130 high school students played the Characterium computer game, which was designed for this project. The participants also completed measures of global self-esteem and personality and explained why they had created such avatars. In order to test the research hypotheses, hierarchical regression analyses were performed. No relationship was found between adolescents’ global self-esteem and AAS; however extraversion and gender were significant predictors of adolescent–avatar similarity. Due to the limited number of studies in adolescents, we discuss our results based on the results of adults. The lack of verification of the first hypothesis may be due to the fact that adolescents use avatars to experiment with their own identity, regardless of their self-esteem. This suggests that they use avatars for a different purpose than adults (who want to boost their self-esteem). We discuss gender and personality results in terms of gender and personalty differences in (adult) players. Additionally we propose a hypothesis of cognitive overload (for adolescent extroverts).
Go to article

Authors and Affiliations

Monika Paleczna
1
ORCID: ORCID
Ewa Ilczuk
2
ORCID: ORCID
Barbara Szmigielska
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Pedagogical University in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
  2. Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
Download PDF Download RIS Download Bibtex

Abstract

The fumigant pesticide methyl bromide (MB) is no longer used in most countries due to its carcinogenic effects. It is followed by carbon bisulfide and chloropicrin which are the most effective liquid synthetic chemicals in pesticide formulations. They are converted to gas to penetrate soil particles and eliminate plant pests such as insects, weeds, and causal plant diseases of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes under greenhouse, field and storage conditions. These fumigants are non specific pesticides and highly hazardous to humans, environmental resources, and deplete the ozone layers. Furthermore, increasing the cost of crop production by inceasing the amount of pesticides treatments was increased the cost of research on the alternatives of green pesticides from eco-friendly agents, natural organic soil amendments of organic wastes, green manure, biofumigation crops, compost, and essential oils, as well as formulations, are examples of this. Organic fumigants that are non toxic, non-residual, highly degradable and decomposable are available as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides to manage soil borne pests and diseases of plants. This article summarizes the development of applicable eco-friendly formulations which use natural organic materials to disinfest soil in order to reduce plant diseases caused by soil- -borne pathogens.
Go to article

Authors and Affiliations

El-Sayed Hussein Ziedan
1

  1. Plant Pathology Department, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Download PDF Download RIS Download Bibtex

Abstract

The main goal of the paper is an attempt to find specific models for Stephen Báthory’s medals with the reverse LIVON(ia) POLOT(ia)Q(ue) RECEPTA and to precise the general opinion, repeated from early 17th century, that the engraver borrowed the appearance of his specimen from a Roman coin of emperors Vespasian and /or Titus. An analysis of the iconography and the inscriptions layout suggests that there were Vespasian’s sestertii RIC II2 161–162 with the mirror-reversed picture or figures from Titus’ sestertii RIC II2 150–153 which had an impact on the reverse of the Polish king’s medal. The paper presents also the medal as a part of propaganda actions of the Polish court after the Truce of Jam Zapolski in 1582, because at the same time panegyrics Gratulationum triumphalium ex Moscoviticis orationes III by Andreas Patricius Nidecki and De bello Moscovitico commentariorum libri sex by Reinhold Heideinstein were published.

Go to article

Authors and Affiliations

Bartosz Awianowicz
Download PDF Download RIS Download Bibtex

Abstract

In the heart of Moroccan oases, date palm trees stand as the lifeblood of local communities, serving as both a livelihood cornerstone and a dietary treasure trove. Morocco has long been a leading date fruit producer. Yet, amidst the palm groves, several environmental, technical, and socio-economic challenges have threatened the sustainability of this ancient crop. This study assesses the constraints and limitations of the date palm production system in Tafilalet oases that have kept this crop from reaching its full potential. A total of 56 producers were interviewed using an open- closed survey, illuminating interviews with key informants, dynamic focus group discussions, and direct observations in palm groves. The findings reveal that primary restrictions and barriers impeding the progress of this sector are: producers’ moderate education level and the limited adoption of technological innovation, few opportunities given to young producers, palm groves’ fragmentation, poor management of date fruits, low imports of the necessary inputs (fertilisers, irrigation, etc.), and the poor organisation of the marketing circuit (storage and packaging). Advocate renewed commitment to preserve and modernise palm groves, blending heritage with modern practices for thriving, sustainable date palm production. It is entirely conceivable to produce organic dates in the region since producers use a few quantities of chemical products, notably fertilisers and phytosanitary products.
Go to article

Authors and Affiliations

Kaoutar Hamriri
1 2
ORCID: ORCID
Majid Atmani
1
ORCID: ORCID
Ali Abidar
2
ORCID: ORCID
Larbi Aziz
2
ORCID: ORCID
Mustapha Fagroud
3
ORCID: ORCID
Rachid Bouamri
4
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, B.P. 2202 Imouzzer Rd, 30000, Fes, Morocco
  2. National School of Agriculture, Department of Rural Development Engineering, B.P. S/40, km 10, Haj Kaddour, 50001, Meknes, Morocco
  3. National School of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, B.P. S/40, km 10, Haj Kaddour, 50001, Meknes, Morocco
  4. National School of Agriculture, Department of Plant and Environment Protection, B.P. S/40, km 10, Haj Kaddour, 50001, Meknes, Morocco
Download PDF Download RIS Download Bibtex

Abstract

Semiochemicals are defined as informative molecules mainly used in plant-insect or insect-insect interactions as alternative or complementary components to insecticide approaches in different integrated pest management strategies. They are used to manipulate insect behaviour by affecting the survival and/or reproduction of insect pests for controlling their infestations on crops. The present review provides a basic summary of the utilization of semiochemicals for controlling insect pests. Two main topics were explored in this study. The first topic focuses on a description of semiochemicals and their types (pheromones and allelochemicals). Pheromones represent an intraspecific communication amidst members of the same species. Allelochemicals, produced by individuals of one species, modify the behavior of individuals of a different species (i.e. an interspecific effect). Allelochemicals include different informative molecules such as: allomones, kairomones, synomones, antimones and apneumones. The second topic focuses on the application of semiochemicals in IPM programs. Different semiochemicals are included in integrated pest management programs in various ways such as monitoring, mass trapping, attract-and-kill, push-pull, and disruption strategies. Pheromones are promising and can be used singly or in integration with other control strategies for monitoring and controlling insect pests in agricultural systems. For example, sex pheromones have been applied in mass trapping, disruption and attract-and-kill tactics in IPM programs.

Go to article

Authors and Affiliations

Nesreen M. Abd El-Ghany
Download PDF Download RIS Download Bibtex

Abstract

Evaporation and evapotranspiration is crucial part of hydrological and water resource management studies e.g. water footprinting. Proper methods for estimating evaporation/potential evapotranspiration using limited climatic data are critical if the availability of climatic data is extremely limited. In a large scale studies are very often used generalized (modelled or gridded) input data. For a large scale water footprint studies is also important to find methods as simple as possible with quantifiable error. In our study, nine simple temperature-based empirical equations were compared with a long term time series of real evaporation data from a 20 m2 tank at Hlasivo station. In the first step, we used real temperature measured at Hlasivo station for validation of equations. In the second step, the gridded temperature data (interpolated datasets) derived from the meteorological stations were used. For both datasets, the differences between observed and predicted values were categorized into three groups of accuracy and the statistical indices of each equation were calculated. Very good results were achieved with the Hamon equation from 1961 and the Oudin equation for both datasets with index of agreement (d) higher than 0.9, cross-correlation coefficient (R2) around 0.7 and root mean square error (RMSE) around 0.5 mm∙(24 h)–1The Kharrufa equation, which was developed for semi-arid or arid areas, also provides results with sufficient accuracy. Comparison of the results with similar studies showed a lower accuracy of very simple equations against more complex equations, which have RMSE lower than 0.25 mm∙(24 h)–1. But for some kind of studies, quantifiable errors with sufficient accuracy can be more important than the absolute accuracy.

Go to article

Authors and Affiliations

Libor Ansorge
Adam Beran
Download PDF Download RIS Download Bibtex

Abstract

Typhoid or enteric fever is a worldwide infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica. In Sri Lanka, 12,823 Salmonella positive cases were recorded and 133 cases were recorded from Anuradhapura district during 2005 to 2014. Therefore, the study was carried out to identify the microbiological and chemical contamination status of forty-four water sources in Anuradhapura area during October 2016. The study was focused to determine total coliform, faecal coliform, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. contamination along with some physico-chemical parameters of both ground and surface water. Sampling, transportation, and analysis were performed following standard protocols. Results of the study revealed that almost all sampling locations were contaminated with both total and E. coli bacteria and the values were not within the World Health Organization and Sri Lanka Standards drinking water quality standards. Around 32% of sampling locations were positive for Salmonella spp. and among them, 2 spring sampling locations are being highly used to extract water for drinking. However, Shigella spp. was not recorded during the study period. Majority of the sampling points were not within the Sri Lanka drinking water standards for COD and 25% sampling locations were recorded greater than 750 μS∙cm–1 con-ductivity. Also, 55% of locations recorded very hard water where the highest values were recorded in Padaviya. The tested other water quality parameters: NO2-N, NH3-N, and total phosphate (TP) concentrations were found within the Sri Lanka drinking water standards. PCA analysis revealed that sampling locations were grouped into three groups such as; well wa-ter, tank water and springs.

Go to article

Authors and Affiliations

M.G.Y.L. Mahagamage
Pathmalal M. Manage

This page uses 'cookies'. Learn more