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Research Article
Willow Bark Extracts Ameliorate the Vegetative and Flowering Attributes of Tuberose CV. Single AT Calcareous Soil of High pH
Solevo Martin*,
Masood Ahmad
,
Abdul Mateen Khattak
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
1-9
Received:
23 January 2025
Accepted:
18 June 2025
Published:
3 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20250101.11
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Abstract: The study's goals are to assess different weeping willow bark extract concentrations, ideal application times, and how these factors combine to improve tuberose growth and flower quality. The growth and quality production of plants is negatively affected by several biotic and abiotic stresses including high potential of hydrogen (pH). Plants biostimulants are environmentally and eco-friendly which may involve in promoting sustainable production. Willow is not only a source of salicylic acid (SA) but also known as a natural and local source of bioactive, inexpensive and self-achieved plant biostimulants. An experiment on the effect of weeping willow bark extracts and their time of application on the growth and flower production of tuberose was carried out at the Ornamental Horticulture Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan in 2022. The Soil texture of the experimental site was silt loam with high pH (8.1). The experimental design was a Complete Block Design, arranged in a split plot. There were two factors: Factor A (main-plot) application time i.e. 20, 30, 40 days after plant emergence and Factor B (sub-plot) willow bark extracts i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8%. The experimental findings revealed that WBE and their application time significantly improved all the studied parameters in tuberose. Interaction between Willow Bark Extracts (WBE) and time of application was found significant for leaf area and floret fresh weight. Maximum number of leaves, days to last floret opening, plant height, chlorophyll content, floret spike, days of vase life and least days to spike emergence were observed with application of 8% of WBE, it was statistically similar with application of WBE at 6 and 4%. Maximum leave plant-1, chlorophyll content; extended vase life and early spike emergence were noticed in plants sprayed 40 days after emergence. Maximum days to last floret opening, florets spike-1; tallest plants and least days to first floret opening were recorded in plants of tuberose treated 40 days after emergence that were statistically similar to the findings observed when plants were sprayed 30 days after emergence. It is concluded that foliar application of WBE at 4% proved best and economical for better growth and flower production with superior quality in tuberose. While, application of WBE, 40 days after plant emergence was found most effective for most of the studied attributes in Tuberose.
Abstract: The study's goals are to assess different weeping willow bark extract concentrations, ideal application times, and how these factors combine to improve tuberose growth and flower quality. The growth and quality production of plants is negatively affected by several biotic and abiotic stresses including high potential of hydrogen (pH). Plants biosti...
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Review Article
How to Devise Effective Teaching Strategies for Engaging Level Four Undergraduate Students and Enhancing Knowledge Retention
Paul Chidoka Chikezie*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
10-14
Received:
1 October 2025
Accepted:
11 October 2025
Published:
3 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20250101.12
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Abstract: The life sciences cover subject areas such as biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, biology, and genetics. In their first year of study, undergraduate students undertake a comprehensive study of these areas of specialisation, imbibing the basic concepts of life processes. In broad terms, level 4 of the study curriculum in the life sciences is a mix of theoretical and practical laboratory skill development, which is a preparatory ground for higher academic exercise in research and future career pursuits in healthcare, biotechnology, or research in the life sciences. Most of the student participants in this class setting are populated by young adult international students who are in their first year of study in the life sciences. They are sociable and exuberant, as well as enthusiastic about learning. Because the class is mostly populated by students from diverse social-cultural backgrounds, it suggests that they will exhibit a broad worldwide view and traits for the multidisciplinary nature of the life sciences. They have prior knowledge of basic science subjects, and therefore, the students are expected to integrate and apply their prior knowledge of the basic science subjects in solving problems related to more complex and specific topics in life sciences at the undergraduate level of study. By their nature, the categories of students at this level of study are sociable and enthusiastic. Therefore, the students are expected to thrive in their academic activities through group discussions and collaborative learning where they are encouraged to share their diverse perspectives on working through the module topics and problem-solving skills. By incorporating interactive teaching methods, scaffolding instruction, and retrieval practices, educators can create a supportive learning environment and enhance student engagement and knowledge retention.
Abstract: The life sciences cover subject areas such as biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, biology, and genetics. In their first year of study, undergraduate students undertake a comprehensive study of these areas of specialisation, imbibing the basic concepts of life processes. In broad terms, level 4 of the study curriculum in the life sciences is a mix of...
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Commentary
Critical Evaluation of Effectiveness of Assessment and Feedback Practice Using the 4009BIO Module as a Case Study
Paul Chidoka Chikezie*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
15-19
Received:
1 October 2025
Accepted:
13 October 2025
Published:
3 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20250101.13
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Abstract: The 4009BIO is a Year-1 second/third-semester module that covers cellular structure and communication. The assessment tasks are four mandatory case study scenarios, each with background information and questions related to numerical/data analyses and brief essays. The students receive feedback in the form of formative feedback, which is usually provided through face-to-face/virtual classroom setting, as well as written summative feedback. The students are encouraged to seek additional feedback through one-on-one meetings with the teaching team or virtually using the Teams platform. The students enrolled in the module are predominantly international students who contribute diverse perspectives and experiences to the learning environment. An overview of this student cohort shows that they are sociable and enthusiastic to learn and are likely to engage in group discussions and collaborative learning. My assessment and feedback practice are designed to provide a targeted support to guide students through a step-by-step process of understanding the assessment tasks, to improve their comprehension and foster higher levels of engagement, as well as enable the students to complete the assessment tasks with confidence and effectiveness. The assessment design aligns with the module's learning outcomes, and low-stake practice opportunities are incorporated. Feedback practice involves prompt, non-judgmental feedback, and regular review of feedback templates.
Abstract: The 4009BIO is a Year-1 second/third-semester module that covers cellular structure and communication. The assessment tasks are four mandatory case study scenarios, each with background information and questions related to numerical/data analyses and brief essays. The students receive feedback in the form of formative feedback, which is usually pro...
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Research Article
An Assessment of the Factors Influencing Institutional Failure, and the Strategies for Enhancing Performance and Sustainability
Gaspard Ntabakirabose*,
RithaTumukunde,
Felicien Ndaruhutse,
David Mwehia Mburu,
Mbabazi Mbabazize
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
20-27
Received:
28 August 2025
Accepted:
8 September 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20250101.14
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Abstract: In the face of increasing governance complexity, shifting economic contexts, and rising public expectations, institutional performance and sustainability have emerged as critical indicators of organizational success and societal trust. This study investigates the dual dimensions of institutional failure and sustainability by analyzing both the internal and external factors that contribute to poor performance and the strategies that foster long-term viability. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 80 employees across various institutional levels through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis revealed that poor strategic planning, erosion of public trust, financial mismanagement, low staff morale, and weak governance structures are the strongest predictors of institutional failure, collectively accounting for 72% of the variance (R2 = 0.72). Conversely, qualitative and quantitative findings identified leadership practices, regular staff feedback, growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and improved work conditions as key strategies enhancing institutional sustainability, with an explanatory power of 74% (R2 = 0.74). The results emphasize the importance of an integrated, employee-centered approach that combines strategic leadership, transparent governance, and human resource development. The study concludes with practical recommendations for institutional reform, including strategic planning, merit-based recruitment, staff development, and enhanced accountability mechanisms to foster resilient and high-performing institutions.
Abstract: In the face of increasing governance complexity, shifting economic contexts, and rising public expectations, institutional performance and sustainability have emerged as critical indicators of organizational success and societal trust. This study investigates the dual dimensions of institutional failure and sustainability by analyzing both the inte...
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Research Article
Effect of Irrigation Regimes on Yield and Water Use Efficiencies of Potato at Dorso Scheme, in the Abaya District, Southern Oromia
Alemayehu Mamo*,
Tesfaye Gragn,
Obsa Welde
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
28-36
Received:
6 October 2025
Accepted:
23 October 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20250101.15
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Abstract: The use of water management techniques, such as irrigation scheduling, minimizes production losses brought on by drought stress or water scarcity while preventing excessive water application. In order to ascertain the best irrigation schedule for potato yield, yield component, and water productivity based on the available soil moisture depletion levels, the experiment was carried out at the farm level in the Abaya district during the irrigation seasons of 2022 and 2023. Three replications of a randomized full block design were used to lay out the irrigation treatments. Treatment was conducted using the five available soil moisture depletion levels: 60% ASMDL, 80% ASMDL, and 100% ASMDL (FAO recommended ASMDL), 120% ASMDL, and 140% ASMDL. The findings demonstrated that, as compared to other treatments, irrigation regimens with 80% ASMDL produced superior tuber weight, number of tubers per plant, marketable tuber yield, and water use efficiency of potatoes; however, these effects were statistically insignificant when applied with 60% ASMDL. The 80% ASMDL treatment produced the largest tuber weight (94.53 g) and the most tubers per plant (12.107), and the results were statistically comparable to those of the treatment that received 60% ASMDL irrigation. Treatments receiving 80% FAO-recommended ASMDL had the highest marketable tuber production (24.98 tons/ha) and water productivity (5.259 kg/m3), with no discernible difference from treatments receiving 60% FAO-recommended ASMDL. Based on the results of the current experiment, it is advised that potatoes be grown in the Abaya district and in areas with comparable agro-ecology and soil types using a convectional furrow irrigation system with an 80% allowed soil moisture level every five days.
Abstract: The use of water management techniques, such as irrigation scheduling, minimizes production losses brought on by drought stress or water scarcity while preventing excessive water application. In order to ascertain the best irrigation schedule for potato yield, yield component, and water productivity based on the available soil moisture depletion le...
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Research Article
A Compendium on Indian Slums: Theory and Evidence from Asansol City
Tania Ghosh*,
Sribas Goswami
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2025
Pages:
37-44
Received:
19 August 2025
Accepted:
1 September 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20250101.16
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Abstract: A slum is defined as a small, densely populated neighbourhood with poorly constructed, packed housing, an unsanitary environment, typically with poor infrastructure, and inadequate drinking water and sanitary amenities. Slum living conditions directly affect people's health. The spread of slums in urban areas and the variety of health risks they bring with them are two of the biggest problems facing urban planners worldwide. The widespread emergence of slums has become a significant issue in cities around the globe. Ultimately, the prevalence and growth of slums in India allow us to understand that they are neither unusual nor abnormal features of urban environments, but rather a reflection of the persistent urban poverty that exists within the city economies. This research seeks to reveal the fundamental challenges associated with the development of slums. This study gives a quick overview of the primary issues that Asansol city's slum inhabitants and urban poor face.
Abstract: A slum is defined as a small, densely populated neighbourhood with poorly constructed, packed housing, an unsanitary environment, typically with poor infrastructure, and inadequate drinking water and sanitary amenities. Slum living conditions directly affect people's health. The spread of slums in urban areas and the variety of health risks they br...
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