Upon acceptance, only the abstract of a manuscript will be published by default. Authors can request full-text publication through our portal or by email. The archive of full-text papers can be found in the "Full Paper" section at the bottom of our website. Please note: This archive is currently under constructio. Below is a selection of abstracts from accepted manuscripts.(ISBN 979-8-89238-262-5)
Abstract: This study investigates the socioeconomic determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy through a comprehensive analysis of U.S. county-level data (n = 3244) and international comparisons across 89 countries. Initial variable selection from 45 potential predictors utilized dimension reduction and a random forest algorithm (500 trees, mtry = 23) to identify key predictors, followed by correlation analysis and parallel multiple linear regression models at county and international levels. The analysis identified five primary predictors of vaccine hesitancy: educational attainment, household income, median house value, uninsured rates, and income inequality. The U.S. county-level random forest model demonstrated strong predictive power (R2=0.628, F(45,1202)=45.09, p<0.001), explaining 62.8% of variance in vaccine hesitancy rates, while the international model showed more modest results (R2=0.169), highlighting the importance of standardized data collection and national context. Educational attainment emerged as the strongest predictor, with a significant negative correlation (r=-0.578, p<0.001) between higher education rates and vaccine hesitancy. These findings suggest that targeted interventions addressing educational disparities and healthcare access may be most effective in reducing vaccine hesitancy. The stark contrast between domestic and international model performance emphasizes the need for standardized global data collection practices and locally adapted intervention strategies. This research provides a framework for evidence-based policy making and community-specific intervention design in future vaccination campaigns.
References
Balogun, O. O., & Ope, B. W. (2021). Socioeconomic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A systematic review. Vaccine, 39(42), 6190–6199.
Callaghan, T., Moghtaderi, A., Lueck, J. A., Hotez, P., Strych, U., Dor, A., & Motta, M. (2021). Correlates and disparities of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among minority populations in the United States. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 36(8), 2398–2406.
Doherty, M., Buchy, P., Standaert, B., Giaquinto, C., & Prado‑Cohrs, D. (2020). Vaccine impact: Benefits beyond immunization. Journal of Infection, 80(4), 351–357.
Fridman, A., Gershon, R., & Gneezy, A. (2021). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: The role of socioeconomic factors and trust in government. Social Science & Medicine, 282, 114147.
Holzmann-Littig, C., Braun, M., Hausmann, J., Puchinger, M., & Schmaderer, C. (2021). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Germany: A cross-sectional analysis of socioeconomic determinants. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 1746.
Khubchandani, J., Sharma, S., Price, J. H., Wiblishauser, M. J., & Webb, F. J. (2021). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States: A systematic review. Journal of Community Health, 46(5), 1018–1028.
Lazarus, J. V., Ratzan, S. C., Palayew, A., Gostin, L. O., Larson, H. J., Rabin, K., & El-Mohandes, A. (2021). A global survey of potential acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Nature Medicine, 27(2), 225–228.
Nguyen, K. H., Srivastav, A., Razzaghi, H., Williams, W., Lindley, M. C., Jiles, R., & Singleton, J. A. (2021). COVID-19 vaccination intent, perceptions, and reasons for not vaccinating among groups prioritized for early vaccination. American Journal of Transplantation, 21(9), 3168–3177.
Padamsee, T. J., Bond, R. M., Dixon, G. N., Hovick, S. R., Na, K., & Rosenthal, S. L. (2022). Changes in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black and White individuals in the US. JAMA Network Open, 5(1), e2144470.
Sallam, M. (2021). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy worldwide: A concise systematic review of vaccine acceptance rates. Vaccines, 9(2), 160.
Troiano, G., & Nardi, A. (2021). Vaccine hesitancy in the era of COVID-19: A systematic review of the literature. Public Health, 194, 245–251.
Abstract:
Antibiotic resistance has been a growing challenge to the effective management of infected chronic wounds. Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown promise as a treatment for killing bacteria or causing cell death by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly at the site of infection. However, there is a challenge known as the oxidative stress dilemma in which a high level of ROS needs to be generated to achieve efficient bacterial killing. Too much oxidative stress is harmful to the normal tissue surrounding the wound site and leads to inflammation. Therefore, this work aims to create nanoparticles that are sensitive to light and have anti-inflammatory properties, along with other specially designed functions.
Before carrying out the computational experiment, we investigated the influence of nanomodulators on biofilms. Since then, we have created metal oxide nanoparticles, which have been altered by the functional groups. Upon biofilm exposure, the excess superoxide induced by metal oxides is quantitatively converted into a low concentration of product. The bactericidal effect on biofilms is conserved, while the concentration of superoxide, which is highly harmful to eukaryotic cells, is strongly decreased. Iridium-based nanoparticles were also modeled and analyzed, as these groups have been shown to be highly efficient in eradicating biofilms through photodynamic therapy when activated by near-infrared light. When exposed to light, the nanoclusters act like antioxidant enzymes, removing excess ROS and reducing inflammation, which helps the tissue heal faster.
In this paper, analytical chemistry and molecular editing programs such as Avogadro and Gaussian with an auto-optimization feature were employed. The tools calculated the theoretical values of a molecule’s physicochemical properties that were used to model the nanoscale compounds. The programs enable us to build virtual biochemical compounds, and we were able to find the thermodynamic stability, activity of the compounds, and other quantum chemical parameters.
References
Abstract: African Americans are often viewed as a monolithic group in the United States because Black people generally have been subjected to the same racism and prejudice throughout American society. While African Americans have had many similar experiences in the United States, their opinions on the current political, social, and economic worldview may differ based on ethnic groups. The author chose to closely examine the extent to which family history and decade of one's arrival (or one's family's arrival) to the United States, and the region from which one (or one's family) originated, might influence the current political, social and economic worldview of adolescent and adult Americans who self-identify as Black. In order to study the effects of these variables, I administered surveys to 146 African American adults in suburban New York City. The online survey consisted of four parts. These parts included views on economic success, law enforcement, current events, specifically the Black Lives Matter Movement, and Black representation in American society. Ultimately the study found statistically significant differences between region/decade of arrival and societal world views. There were also gender gaps.
References
Abstract: Clove oil, Eugenia caryophyllata, is portrayed as an alternative form of local anesthesia through immersion. The active ingredient eugenol allows for clove oil to inhibit voltage gated sodium channels. Nevertheless, anesthesia administration through immersion is comparable to topical application on humans, which is suggested to reduce pain moderately. Moreover, local anesthesia administration through intravenous injection is significantly more potent; however, injecting oil into an individual’s blood stream can create pulmonary embolisms. Nevertheless, epicutaneous microneedling provides an administration method for analgesics by delivering into the epidermis layer. Epicutaneous application is an application that is utilized for immunotherapy and allergy testing in humans. Earthworms Lumbricus terrestris were the specimens tested due to their complex neurological functionalities. Mobility, convulsions, stimuli response, regeneration, and mortality were evaluated with concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1% with epicutaneous or immersion administration. It was demonstrated that the 1% epicutaneous administration was the most effective in sedating directly after application. Moreover, neither the 0.5% or 1.0% concentration of clove oil caused any notable change in regeneration, over an average of 5 convulsions throughout 60 minutes, and no mortalities were recorded. The limitation of this experiment consists of an error in sealing the petri dishes during the mobility assay. Future implications consist of more trials for validation and evaluating vaporization as another potential application. Epicutaneous administration of 1% concentration of clove oil was examined as safe and effective in analgesic sedation.
References
Abstract:
Polyphenols are a large collection of bioactive chemicals that possess more than one phenolic hydroxyl (-OH) group linked to aromatic rings. They are rich metabolites in plants that play important roles in defense systems and signaling. They are found mostly in the vacuoles of cells. From these, they can be swiftly mobilized and diffuse across biological membranes.
A unique structure defines the function of polyphenols. Often they contain other functional groups, which alter how they respond to other substances and how they behave toward antigens such as viruses causing periodontal diseases. Their molecules are formed in several rings joined together, making them thermodynamically and stereochemically stable. This design makes human cells particularly effective at getting rid of harmful chemicals that can injure cells. The mechanism occurs by either giving them an electron to scavenge ROS or grabbing onto metals for chelation. Therefore, this process helps prevent microbes from destroying cells.
In this paper, molecular modeling was performed, specifically focusing on the stability and reactivity of polyphenols by checking electron transfer, hydrogen atom transfer, metal chelation, and ROS scavenging. All of these were quantified using Density Functional Theory (DFT) in computational chemistry.
This theoretical and computational framework provides vital insights into molecular optimization and charge distribution. This facilitates a more profound understanding of ROS scavenging and molecular behavior for oral health targeting periodontitis treatment.
References
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the impact of Phoenix dactylifera (dates) on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Drosophila melanogaster. AD is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss. It is hypothesized that incorporating dates into the diet of genetically modified Drosophila (fruit flies) expressing the amyloid precursor protein (APP) would alleviate memory loss. The experimental design involved four groups: wild-type flies and three APP-modified groups receiving 0%, 2%, and 4% date concentrations in their diet. A T-maze with olfactory learning assessed the flies’ memory retention by associating a positive reinforcement with a banana odor and a negative reinforcement with an electrical shock. The flies were tested every other day over a 12-day period, and their initial entries were recorded and analyzed for results. The results indicated that the wild-type flies preferred the conditioned arm (odor), confirming the validity of the T-maze as a test to correlate cognition. Flies with the 4% date concentration had a P-value of .95 when compared to wild-type. This suggests that flies with the 4% date concentration significantly improved memory performance. However, flies receiving 0% and 2% date concentrations showed fluctuating entries into the conditioned arm with a P-value of 1, suggesting no improvement in memory. These findings indicate that the hypothesis was partially supported, with the 2% date concentration having no effect, but the 4% slowing cognitive decline in the Drosophila models. This study provides an avenue for further research on dates and their impact on AD.
References
Budick, S. A., & Dickinson, M. H. (2006). Free-flight responses of Drosophila melanogaster to attractive odors. Journal of Experimental Biology, 209(15), 3001-3017. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.02305
Criscuoli, A., & Drioli, E. (2020). Date juice concentration by vacuum membrane distillation. Separation and Purification Technology, 251, 117301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117301
d'Isa, R., Comi, G., & Leocani, L. (2021). Apparatus design and behavioural testing protocol for the evaluation of spatial working memory in mice through the spontaneous alternation t-maze. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00402-7
Essa, M., Braidy, N., Awlad-Thani, K., Vaishnav, R., Al-Asmi, A., Guillemin, G., Al-Adawi, S., & Subash, S. (2015). Diet rich in date palm fruits improves memory, learning and reduces beta amyloid in transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 6(2), 111. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.159073
García-Casares, N., Gallego Fuentes, P., Barbancho, M. Á., López-Gigosos, R., García-Rodríguez, A., & Gutiérrez-Bedmar, M. (2021). Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and mediterranean diet. A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(20), 4642. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10204642
Guasch‐Ferré, M., & Willett, W. C. (2021). The mediterranean diet and health: A comprehensive overview. Journal of Internal Medicine, 290(3), 549-566. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.13333
Juarros-Basterretxea, J., Aonso-Diego, G., Postigo, Á., Montes-Álvarez, P., Menéndez-Aller, Á., & García-Cueto, E. (2024). Post-hoc tests in one-way anova: The case for normal distribution. Methodology, 20(2), 84-99. https://doi.org/10.5964/meth.11721
Luo, L., Martin-Morris, L., & White, K. (1990). Identification, secretion, and neural expression of appl, a drosophila protein similar to human amyloid protein precursor. The Journal of Neuroscience, 10(12), 3849-3861. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.10-12-03849.1990
Porsteinsson, A., Isaacson, R., Knox, S., Sabbagh, M., & Rubino, I. (2021). Diagnosis of early alzheimer's disease: Clinical practice in 2021. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, 8(3), 371-386. https://doi.org/10.14283/jpad.2021.23
Ratterman, D. M. (2003). Eliminating ether by using ice for Drosophila labs. Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching, 24, 259-265. https://www.ableweb.org/biologylabs/wp-content/uploads/volumes/vol-24/mini.5.ratterman.pdf
Schubert, M., Hansson, B. S., & Sachse, S. (2014). The banana code—natural blend processing in the olfactory circuitry of drosophila melanogaster. Frontiers in Physiology, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2014.00059
Semelidou, O., Acevedo, S., & Skoulakis, E. (2019). Accessing olfactory habituation in drosophila melanogaster with a t-maze paradigm. BIO-PROTOCOL, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.21769/bioprotoc.3259
Tcw, J., & Goate, A. M. (2016). Genetics of β-Amyloid precursor protein in alzheimer's disease. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, 7(6), a024539. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a024539
Abstract: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems have been proposed as a method to mitigate excessive pesticide misuse. While prior research has extensively confirmed the efficacy of individual IPM-related solutions, three major issues have prevented sustainable policies from being adopted: a lack of field studies, policy development, and agricultural communication with the public. This study investigates the latter issue, concerning Suffolk County, NY, which was chosen due to its agricultural economy. Data was collected using a survey-based needs assessment distributed across Suffolk County, asking participants about their current agricultural perceptions, stance on different news mediums, and awareness of IPMs. The results show that 35 of the 48 respondents reported no prior awareness of what IPM systems were, indicating ineffective communication on the topic. These findings indicate a need for improvements to the agricultural news efforts in Suffolk County, although similar research across other locations is insufficient for further generalization of this research.
References
Silva, V., Mol, H. G. J., Zomer, P., Tienstra, M., Ritsema, C. J., & Geissen, V. (2019). “Pesticide residues in European agricultural soils – A hidden reality unfolded.” Science of the Total Environment, 653, 1532–1545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.441
Lane, D. E., Walker, T. J., & Grantham, D. G. (2023). “IPM Adoption and Impacts in the United States.” Journal of Integrated Pest Management, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmac028
Muhammad, A., Azhar, K., Afzal, M., & Iqbal, M. (2012, August). “Wheat Crop Yield Losses Caused by the Aphids Infestation.” ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233844619_Wheat_Crop_Yield_Losses_Caused_by_the_Aphids_Infestation
Edwards, C. A. (1975). “Factors that affect the persistence of pesticides in plants and soils.” Pure and Applied Chemistry, 42(1-2), 39–56. https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197542010039
Kumar, S. (2013). “Use of pesticides in agriculture and livestock animals and its impact on environment of India” in Asian Journal of Environmental Science, pp.51–pp.57.
Dai, C., Ricupero, M., Puglisi, R., Lu, Y., Desneux, N., Biondi, A., & Zappalà, L. (2020). “Can contamination by major systemic insecticides affect the voracity of the harlequin ladybird?” Chemosphere, 256, 126986. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126986
Peckman, P. S., & Wilde, G. E. (1993). “Sublethal Effects of Permethrin on Fecundity and Longevity of Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)”. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, 66(3), 361–364. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25085458
Gutierrez, M. F., & Negro, C. L. (2014). “Predator–prey imbalances due to a pesticide: density and applicability timing as determining factors for experimental assessments.” Ecotoxicology, 23(7), 1210–1219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-014-1264-0
Telaumbanua, M. (2021). “Plant-based pesticide using citronella (Cymbopogon nardus L.) extract to control insect pests on rice plants.” IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/739/1/012071
Torres, N., Yu, R., & Kurtural, S. K. (2021). “Inoculation with Mycorrhizal Fungi and Irrigation Management Shape the Bacterial and Fungal Communities and Networks in Vineyard Soils.” Microorganisms, 9(6), 1273. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061273
Jaworski, C., Thomine, E., Rusch, A., Lavoir, A.-V., Xiu, C., Ning, D., Lu, Y., & Wang. (2022). “At Which Spatial Scale Does Crop Diversity Enhance Natural Enemy Populations and Pest Control? An Experiment in a Mosaic Cropping System.” MDPI: Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12081973
Jaouannet, M., Rodriguez, P. A., Thorpe, P., Lenoir, C. J. G., MacLeod, R., Escudero-Martinez, C., & Bos, J. I. B. (2014). “Plant immunity in plant–aphid interactions.” Frontiers in Plant Science, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2014.00663
Russo, A., Pollastri, S., Ruocco, M., Monti, M. M., & Loreto, F. (2022). “Volatile organic compounds in the interaction between plants and beneficial microorganisms.” Journal of Plant Interactions, 17(1), 840–852. https://doi.org/10.1080/17429145.2022.2107243
Wyckhuys, K. A. G., Tang, F. H. M., & Hadi, B. A. R. (2023). “Pest management science often disregards farming system complexities.” Communications Earth & Environment, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00894-3
Karpouzas, D. G., Vryzas, Z., & Martin-Laurent, F. (2022). “Pesticide soil microbial toxicity: setting the scene for a new pesticide risk assessment for soil microorganisms (IUPAC Technical Report).” Pure and Applied Chemistry, 94(10), 1161–1194. https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2022-0201
Kaur, J., Chavana, J., Soti, P., Racelis, A., & Kariyat, R. (2020). “Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) influences growth and insect community dynamics in Sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum x drummondii).” Arthropod-Plant Interactions, 14(3), 301–315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11829-020-09747-8
Zeni, V., Grassi, A., Santin, M., Ricciardi, R., Pieracci, Y., Flamini, G., Di Giovanni, F., Marmugi, M., Agnolucci, M., Avio, L., Turrini, A., Giovannetti, M., Castiglione, M. R., Ranieri, A., Canale, A., Lucchi, A., Agathokleous, E., & Benelli, G. (2022). “Leaf UV-B Irradiation and Mycorrhizal Symbionts Affect Lettuce VOC Emissions and Defence Mechanisms, but Not Aphid Feeding Preferences.” Insects, 14(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14010020
Zharkov, D., Nizamutdinov, T., Dubovikoff, D., & Abakumov, E. (2023). “Navigating Agricultural Expansion in Harsh Conditions in Russia: Balancing Development with Insect Protection in the Era of Pesticides.” MDPI: Insects. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14060557
Bruhn, C., Peterson, S., Phillips, P. & Sakovidh, N. (1992). “Consumer Response to Information on Integrated Pest Management.” Journal of Food Safety, 12(4), 315–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-4565.1992.tb00087.x
Deguine, J.-P., Aubertot, J.-N., Flor, R.J., Lescourret, F., Wyckhuys, K. A. G., & Ratnadass, A. (2021). “Integrated pest management: good intentions, hard realities. A review.” Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 41(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-021-00689-w
Dudo, A., & Besley, J. C. (2016). “Scientists’ Prioritization of Communication Objectives for Public Engagement.” PLOS ONE, 11(2), e0148867. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148867
Settle, Q., Rumble, J. N., McCarty, K., & Ruth, T. K. (2017). “Public Knowledge and Trust of Agricultural and Natural Resources Organizations.” Journal of Applied Communications, 101(2). https://doi.org/10.4148/1051-0834.1007
Erbaugh, M., Kibwika, P., & Donnermeyer, J. (2007). “Assessing Extension Agent Knowledge and Training Needs to Improve IPM Dissemination in Uganda.” Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.2007.14105
Feder, G., & Savastano, S. (2006). “The role of opinion leaders in the diffusion of new knowledge: The case of integrated pest management.” World Development, 34(7), 1287–1300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2005.12.004
Mauceri, M., Alwang, J., Norton, G., & Barrera, V. (2007). “INIAP-Estación Experimental Santa Catalina. In Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics.” Southern Agricultural Economics Association.
Satya Sai, M., Revati, Gd., Ramya, R., Swaroop, A., Maheswari, E., & Kumar, M. (2019). “Knowledge and perception of farmers regarding pesticide usage in a rural farming village, Southern India.” Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 23(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_121_18
Ogutu, F., Muriithi, B. W., & Mshenga, P. M. (2022). “Agro-Dealers’ Knowledge, Perception, and Willingness to Stock a Fungal-Based Biopesticide (ICIPE 20) for Management of Tuta absoluta in Kenya.” ProQuest, 12(2), 180. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12020180
Harris, L. M., Norton, G. W., Karim, A. N. M. R., Alwang, J., & Taylor, D. B. (2013). “Bridging the Information Gap with Cost-Effective Dissemination Strategies: The Case of Integrated Pest Management in Bangladesh.” Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 45(4), 639–654. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1074070800005174
Panda, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). “Assessment of awareness level and constraints of cotton farmers following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technology in Rajasthan, India.” The Pharma Innovation. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375754658_Assessment_of_awareness_level_and_constraints_of_cotton_farmers_following_Integrated_Pest_Management_IPM_technology_in_Rajasthan_India
Schoelitsz, B., Meerburg, B. G., & Takken, W. (2018). “Influence of the public’s perception, attitudes, and knowledge on the implementation of integrated pest management for household insect pests.” Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 167(1), 14–26. https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12739
Kurtzo, F., Hansen, M. J., Rucker, K. J., & Edgar, L. D. (2016). “Agricultural Communications: Perspectives from the Experts.” Journal of Applied Communications, 100(1). https://doi.org/10.4148/1051-0834.1019
Demars, C., & Dary, T. (2005). “Neutral or unsure: Is there a difference?” https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1031&context=gradpsych
Creissen, H. E., Jones, P. J., Tranter, R. B., Girling, R. D., Jess, S., Burnett, F. J., Gaffney, M., Thorne, F. S., & Kildea, S. (2021). “Identifying the drivers and constraints to adoption of IPM among arable farmers in the UK and Ireland.” Pest Management Science, 77(9), 4148–4158. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6452
Strömbäck, J., Tsfati, Y., Boomgaarden, H., Damstra, A., Lindgren, E., Vliegenthart, R., & Lindholm, T. (2020). “News Media Trust and Its Impact on Media use: toward a Framework for Future Research.” Annals of the International Communication Association, 44(2), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/23808985.2020.1755338
Emnid, T. (2012). “TNS Emnid Das Image der deutschen Landwirtschaft Das Image der deutschen Landwirtschaft.”
Gupta, N., Fischer, A. R. H., & Frewer, L. J. (2011). “Socio-psychological determinants of public acceptance of technologies: A review.” Public Understanding of Science, 21(7), 782–795. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662510392485
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Summary Report For New York State Pesticide Sales and Applications 2022, 2022. https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/prl2022.pdf
Hirpa Tufa, A., Alene, A. D., Cole, S. M., Manda, J., Feleke, S., Abdoulaye, T., Chikoye, D., & Manyong, V. (2022). “Gender differences in technology adoption and agricultural productivity: Evidence from Malawi.” World Development, 159, 106027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.106027
Pfeiffer, J., Gabriel, A., & Gandorfer, M. (2020). “Understanding the public attitudinal acceptance of digital farming technologies: a nationwide survey in Germany.” Agriculture and Human Values, 38(1), 107–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-020-10145-2
Abstract: Maize is the most important agricultural species in sub-Saharan Africa, supplying approximately 50% of the calories and proteins consumed. Due to increasing drought conditions from climate change, maize crop yields are projected to decline by 24% in the next decade. New strategies to aid farmers in coping with drought circumstances are urgently needed. Seed priming or presoaking (soaking seeds in a solution before planting) has been proposed to improve drought tolerance. Melatonin, a plant growth regulator, improves drought tolerance through multiple mechanisms. This project investigated whether priming maize seeds with melatonin could improve germination and drought tolerance. We hypothesize that priming maize seeds in a melatonin solution would improve plant drought tolerance. Three groups of 60 maize seeds were created: Group 1 control (no priming), Group 2 priming with water, and Group 3 priming with a melatonin solution (100 µM). Seeds were primed for 6 hours and then germinated. Seeds were planted and exposed to drought conditions for 14 days. Cumulative percent germination was higher in the water and melatonin primed groups and lowest in the control group (p-value < 0.05). Cotyledon (first leaf) emergence was earliest for melatonin primed group and latest for the control group (p-value < 0.05). The melatonin primed group was superior to the control and water primed groups in plant height, weight, and viability after drought exposure (p-value <0.05). This study demonstrated that seed priming with melatonin improved plant height, weight, and viability under drought conditions, when compared to priming with water or no priming. Priming seeds with melatonin may offer a simple method of improving drought tolerance in maize plants.
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