Yam (Dioscorea sp.) is a popular tuber in Cameroon, where it is grown for both food and income. One of the most challenging aspects of the long-term storage of yam tubers is post-harvest spoilage, often caused by fungi. The use of post-harvest chemicals on yam tubers is not a matter of course. The present study evaluated the efficacy of aqueous extract and powder of Zingiber officinale against fungi associated with the storage rot of yam. The fungi were isolated from two yam cultivars, “Calabar” and “Ghana”, from three localities in Cameroon. The antifungal activity of the aqueous extract and ginger powder was studied in vivo on slices of yam tubers. The results obtained showed that eight fungi were associated with yam tubers and exhibited typical rotting symptoms. The most prevalent and virulent fungus was Penicillium sp., which caused decay volumes of 12.76 cm³ and 8.74 cm³ for “Calabar” and “Ghana” cultivars, respectively. Fungal spoilage was greatly reduced by the application of aqueous extract and ginger powder. The aqueous extract tested at the 30% dose was more effective with up to 80% inhibition. However, the ginger powder was more effective against Penicillium sp., Aspergillus niger, and Colletotrichum sp. associated with rot in the variety “Ghana” with total inhibition (100%). Therefore, the aqueous extracts and powder of Zingiber officinale can be used as a bio fungicide to improve the shelf life of yam tubers.

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.

In order to optimize the environmental factors for cucumber growth, a fertilizer and water control system was designed based on the Internet of Things (IoT) system. The IoT system monitors environmental factors such as temperature, light and soil Ec value, and uses image processing to obtain four growth indicators such as cucumber stem height, stem diameter size, number of leaves and number of fruit set to establish a single growth indicator model for temperature, light, soil Ec value and growth stage, and the four growth indicators were fused to obtain the comprehensive growth indicator I_c for cucumber, and calculates its deviation to determine the cucumber growth status. Based on the integrated growth index I_c of cucumber, a soil Ec control model was established to provide the optimal environment and fertilizer ration for cucumber at different growth stages to achieve stable and high yield of cucumber.

This study examines the influence of internal and external locus of control as mediators of financial literacy, financial attitudes, financial beliefs, and financial behavior of students in Timor-Leste. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method to collect sample data from students throughout Timor-Leste. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyzes the relationship between financial literacy, financial attitudes, financial beliefs, internal and external locus of control, and financial behavior. The study’s results highlight the mediating role of internal and external locus of control in the relationship between financial literacy, financial attitudes, financial beliefs, and financial behavior of students in Timor-Leste. These findings can provide insight into the complex relationship between these factors in financial decision-making. Practical implications for educational institutions and policymakers in Timor-Leste, namely emphasizing the importance of considering internal and external locus control in financial literacy programs to improve students’ financial behavior. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap about student financial literacy by expanding the understanding of the relationship between these factors.

This research explores the necessity and the effect of job resources for undergraduates’ career satisfaction during work experience in an apprenticeship program. Additionally, we examine the extent to which a supportive environment enhances apprentice career satisfaction by providing access to valuable learning experiences. We propose PLS equation modelling with a sample of 81 students who completed a dual apprenticeship degree in Business Administration and Management at Spanish University. The study finds that all three workplace job resources are necessary for career satisfaction among apprentices. Learning opportunities and social relations have significant effects, while job control contributes only marginally. It highlights that learning opportunities enhance social relations, emphasizing the importance of feedback. The study extends job resource research to university level apprenticeships, showing that without these resources, apprentices lack career satisfaction. It highlights that learning opportunities are crucial for satisfaction through social relations and offers guidance for designing effective workplace training programs.