Olive production is threatened by a fungal pathogen, Armillaria mellea (Vahl. Fr.) P. Kumm.,causing decline in trees worldwide. Effectiveness of once and twice applications of fungicides hexaconazole, propicoconazole and thiophanate-methyl and application of biological agent (Trichoderma harzianum) to control A. mellea was studied at orchard scale during four years. T. harzianum inhibited the pathogen growth on agar media. This antagonistic fungus provided a 25% control efficiency of A. mellea on olive trees younger than 15 years which was the same as control efficiency of once application of hexaconazole. Control efficiencies as perfect as 100% were determined on younger (<15 years old) diseased olive trees treated with once applications of thiophanate-methyl and hexaconazole, and twice applications of thiophanate-methyl. Moreover, olive tree age was significantly effective on fungicidal control efficiency. Hence, this four-year research advanced our understanding of sustainable olive production in study region and other geographical areas with similar agro-ecological characteristics.
Recently, there has been a lot of buzz on social media, particularly in the form of vlogs, about newly launched semi-high speed trains in India popularly known as Vande Bharat Express. However, no information is available about the extent to which people trust the vlogs promoting the trains and the trains themselves. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the impact of watching vlogs about semi-high speed trains on the trust and attitude towards them, and how they perceive the risks associated. This study is guided by the trust transfer theory to investigate how trust transference can lead to a traveler’s intent to use semi-high speed trains. This study involved 338 participants. The relationship between variables was examined using SmartPLS 4 software. The findings indicate that trust in semi-high speed trains can be established through vlogs leading to intention to use. On the theoretical side, it provides insight into how trust, attitude, and perceived risk can affect the adoption of new technology, while on the practical side, it helps to understand how vlog coverage can be used as a tool to increase trust and ultimately drive adoption. Vlog coverage, trust in vlog content, trust in semi-high speed trains and behavioural intention altogether are not well understood in current literature despite the important implication for managers, academicians and consumers alike. This study contributes to the field of transportation and railways, social media and communication, and hospitality and tourism research. The study helps policy makers to understand users’ characteristics regarding the latest social media tools and adopt them accordingly to provide a better governance policy.
Improving the practical skills of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students at a historically black college and university (HBCU) was done by implementing a transformative teaching model. The model was implemented on undergraduate students of different educational levels in the Electrical Engineering (EE) Department at HBCU. The model was also extended to carefully chosen high and middle schools. These middle and high school students serve as a pipeline to the university, with a particular emphasis on fostering growth within the EE Department. The model aligns well with the core mission of the EE Department, aiming to enhance the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of students, ensuring that they are qualified to work in industry or to pursue graduate studies. The implemented model prepares students for outstanding STEM careers. It also increases enrolment, student retention, and the number of underrepresented minority graduates in a technology-based workforce.
This study aimed to gain insights into the attitudes and strategies of top management regarding workplace happiness within a semi-government organization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Six senior managers at the organization were interviewed to explore their perspectives on employee happiness and the initiatives implemented to enhance it. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed several key findings. Top managers demonstrated strong commitment and willingness to prioritize employee well-being through long-term research-driven improvements. A variety of strategies incorporating personal, organizational, and Human Resources Management (HRM) factors known to impact happiness were utilized. Religious considerations and empowerment initiatives respect personal values while fostering intrinsic motivation. Top leaders modeled strategic priorities through their conduct, emphasizing visible support. The organization balanced individual needs with organizational goals respectfully. The findings provide practical implications for optimizing retention and performance outcomes through dedicated strategic happiness efforts guided by empirical research. However, more extensive research across diverse populations could further advance understanding in this field.
Purpose: This research examines the intricate interplay between Business Intelligence (BI), Big Data Analytics (BDA), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the realm of Supply Chain Management (SCM). While the integration of these technologies has promised improved operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities, concerns about complexities and potential overreliance on technology persist. The study aims to provide insights into achieving a balance between data-driven insights and qualitative factors in SCM for sustained competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach: The research executed interviews with ten Arab Gulf-based consulting firms. These companies’ ability to successfully complete BI projects is well recognised. Findings: Through examining the interplay of human judgement and data-driven strategies, addressing integration challenges, and understanding the risks of excessive data reliance, the research enhances comprehension of the modern SCM landscape. It underscores BI’s foundational role, the necessity of balanced human input, and the significance of customer-centric strategies for lasting competitive advantage and relationships. Practical implications: The research provided information for organizations seeking to effectively navigate the complexities of integrating data-driven technologies in SCM. The research is a foundation for future studies to delve deeper into quantitative measurement methodologies and effective data security strategies in the SCM context. Originality: The research highlights the value of integrating BI, BDA, and AI in SCM for improved efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction, emphasising the need for a balanced approach that combines data-driven insights, human judgement, and customer-centric strategies to maintain competitiveness.
Government performance means the results of government work. Its use is to evaluate government accountability, decision-making, efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and achievement of goals. Purpose: This paper aims to explore the understanding of performance measurement tools commonly used in government, the reasons for using them, and the implementation of performance measurement in Indonesia. Method: This study uses a meta-synthesis method, an integrative review approach from 2000–2021, in the Scopus database using the keywords measurement system, performance measurement, performance measurement government, measurement system government. Results and Discussion: The final sample consisted of 23 studies, and the results showed that the most commonly used performance measurement was the balanced scorecard. This is because the balanced scorecard is able to explain the vision, mission, strategy, results, and operational actions, so that it can achieve local government goals. Research implications: Insight into government performance measurement can be used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of various performance measurement tools so that the government can implement performance measurement tools that are more appropriate for its government. Originality/Value: This study offers an adaptation of existing methods to measure government performance more effectively. In addition, this study focuses on the context of developing countries, which can provide new contributions to the literature.
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