Beta macrocarpa, Guss is an interesting species showing very low germination rates. The leading objectives of this work were to investigate the dormancy mechanism and to find methods to break dormancy in order to achieve rapid, uniform and high germination. Macro and micro-morphologic analyses were performed by stereo microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed two fruit coats. The yellow external coat or persistent perianth coat (PPC) was accrescent with 5 erect segments contiguous to the operculum of the seed capsule. This coat forms spongy layers (50 to 300 µm thick) that could be eliminated manually. The narrow internal coat or pericarp or achene coat (AC) forms woody joined seed capsules, each presenting a pressed operculum that cannot be manually opened. This coat was not adherent to seeds and was composed of compressed cells (50 to 200 µm thick) which form pockets for salt cristal. Seeds were lentiform (1 to 2 mm diameter and 0.5 to 0.8 mm thick) and highly fragile. The embryo was whitish surrounded peripherally by the perisperm with two highly developed cotyledons and radical. Polyphenol concentrations in both coats showed that after 4 months of collection, total polyphenol concentrations were 4-fold higher in the pericarp than in the persistent perianth. However, after one year, this parameter decreases significantly in the pericarp, whereas, it increases to a larger extent in the perianth. Different germination tests indicated that the pericarp provides a chemical and a physical resistance to seed germination during the first 4 months of the experiment after collection. The chemical dormancy was released to higher levels of total polyphenol compounds that inhibited seed germination and seedling growth. However, the physical dormancy was associated with the hardness of this intern coat which caused a mechanical resistance to radicle emergence. After one year of storage, total polyphenol pericarp concentration decreased notably, and chemical resistance disappeared, whereas the physical one persisted. Consequently, one year of storage pericarp removal is sufficient to break this exogenous dormancy.

The augmentation of firm performance via customer concentration is particularly indispensable for organizational evolution. Both trade credit financing and financing constraints play pivotal roles in the nexus between customer concentration and performance. This research constructs a moderated mediation model to rigorously investigate the impact of customer concentration on firm performance, positing trade credit financing as the mediating variable and financing constraints as the moderating variable. The relevant hypotheses are evaluated empirically using panel data compiled from listed manufacturing firms in China over the period 2013–2020, yielding 8 firm-year observations. The empirical outcomes denote that customer concentration exerts a positive influence on firm performance, albeit having a negative impact on trade credit financing. Trade credit financing serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between customer concentration and manufacturing firm performance. Financing constraints are found to positively moderate the mediating role of trade credit financing in the relationship between customer concentration and firm performance. This research broadens the understanding of the implications of customer relationships on trade credit financing and performance, thereby enriching the knowledge base for managing a firm’s financing channels more effectively.

This paper aims to explore the practice and effect of integrating ideological and politics in higher vocational mathematics education. Through the review of relevant literature and the analysis of practical cases, this study analyzes the necessity and feasibility of integrating ideological and political education into higher vocational mathematics teaching, as well as the promoting effect of students' ideological and political education. At the same time, it also discusses how to effectively combine the curriculum thinking and politics with higher vocational mathematics teaching, as well as the strategies and methods to achieve positive results, in order to provide some reference for the majority of higher vocational mathematics teachers.

The main objective of this study was comparative advantages analysis at social price of Num-mango in the export channels. The examination of the domestic resource cost per shadow exchange rate (DRC/SER) ratio provides insights into the comparative advantage of the trading system in the Num-mango industry. A comprehensive study was conducted, with a total of 317 observations, with a specific emphasis on the significant individuals in Vinh Long, Vietnam. The comparative advantage of the Num-mango commerce system was inferred from a DRC/SER ratio below one, which may be attributed to the existence of two distinct export channels. The DRC/SER in export channel 1 exhibited values of 0.55, 0.67, and 0.53 over the three seasons. In season 1, export channel 2 had a score of 0.42, which then was 0.79 in season 2. The value of export channel 2 had a consistent upward trend during season 3, reaching its highest point of 0.3. It is recommended that regulators and governments provide export-focused incentives that prioritize the maximum comparative advantage. This study examines the concept of comparative advantage within export supply chains, specifically in relation to a diverse selection of tropical fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, it provides empirical evidence that supports the applicability and reliability of the Ricardian model.

Recently, Agile project management has received significant academic and industry attention from due to its advantages, such as decreased costs and time, increased effectiveness, and adaptiveness towards challenging business environments. This study primarily aims to investigate the relationship between the success factors and Agile project management methodology adoption and examine the moderating effect of perceived compatibility. The technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and technology acceptance theories (UTAUT, IDT, and TAM) were applied as the theoretical foundation of the current study. A survey questionnaire method was employed to achieve the study objectives, while quantitative primary data were gathered using a carefully designed methodological approach focusing on Omani oil and gas industry. The PLS-SEM technique and SmartPLS software were used for hypotheses testing and data analysis. Resultantly, readiness, technology utilization, organizational factors, and perceived compatibility were the significant factors that promoted Agile methodology adoption in the oil and gas industry. Perceived compatibility moderated the relationship between success factors and Agile methodology. The findings suggested that people, technology, and organizational factors facilitate the Agile methodology under the technology acceptance theories and frameworks. Relevant stakeholders should adopt the study outcomes to improve Agile methodology adoption.