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Recent Submissions
Effect of Fire Timing on The Regeneration Capacity of Helichrysum Species in Tanzania.
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2024-02-11) Mgimba, Christopher A.; Ngondya, Issakwisa B.; Treydte, Anna C.
1. Shrub encroachment poses a significant challenge in many grassland ecosystems, particularly where disturbances such as heavy livestock grazing and uncontrolled fires are prevalent. Fire is frequently employed as a management tool to mitigate shrub encroachment and preserve native vegetation, as it influences both resprouting and seed germination. However, few studies have examined the effects of fire timing on resprouting and seed germination both in the field and ex situ.
2. We investigated the resprouting ability of Helichrysum shrubs after being completely, partially or not at all burned. In addition, we collected soil seed bank samples from each early burned, late burned and unburned area at depths of 0–2, 2–4 and 4–6 cm to assess plant species recruitment via seedlings. The data were analysed using a generalized linear regression model with a Gaussian link function.
3. We found significant differences in the number of resprouts and seedling abundance across early burned, late burned and unburned sites. Resprouting of both partially burned and completely burned shrubs was more abundant compared to unburned shrubs. The surface soil in unburned sites contained a greater abundance of Helichrysum seedlings compared to that of burned sites, suggesting that fire negatively affects seed germination, particularly in the upper soil layers. Overall seedling recruitment was lower in early and late burned areas, whereas resprouting was higher in areas burned later in the season.
4. Practical implication. The findings highlight the significance of fire timing in grassland management. We advocate for the implementation of planned early burning to mitigate shrub encroachment, promote biodiversity and save ecologically sensitive grasslands.
First-Principles Study of the Structural, Electronic, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of Zintl-Phase K2AgBi Ternary Compound for Optoelectronic Applications.
(2025-04-23) Kachira, John Peter; Musembi, Robinson; Nyongesa, Francis; Mbilo, Mwende; Nyamuga, Martin; Musanyi, Ibrahim
A comprehensive first-principles study was conducted to explore the structural, electronic, mechanical, thermophysical, and optical proper ties of a Zintl-phase K2AgBi ternary semiconductor compound using density functional theory. The calculations employed the local density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and meta-GGA methods. The computed negative formation energies proved the thermodynamic stability of the K2AgBi ternary compound. The computed bandgap values were 0.6732 and 0.7848 eV for the LDA and GGA, respectively. More refined bandgap estimates were obtained using meta-GGA methods, with the Tran–Blaha modified
Becke–Johnson potential yielding 0.9346 eV and the revised strongly constrained and appropriately normed functional yielding 0.9778 eV. The projected density of states study revealed that the Ag3d, Bi2p, and K1s orbitals dominate the formation of the valence band, whereas the K4p, Ag2p, and K2s orbitals contribute significantly to the formation of the conduction band. Analysis of the mechanical properties confirmed that K2AgBi is mechanically stable and ductile. Optical analysis revealed strong absorption in the 1.0–15 eV energy range, high refractive index in the low-energy region, and distinct plasmonic response, suggesting potential applications in photovoltaics, optoelectronics, and plasmonic-based technologies.
Unveiling the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management: A Systematic Review of Adoption Strategies, Challenges, and Future Directions.
(Cureus Journal of Business and Economics, 2025-04-23) Mohamed , Halima H.; Matimbwa , Hadija; Banzi , Jamal
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in human resource management (HRM), as it improves efficiency, decision-making processes, and employee experience while offering an unprecedented opportunity to create value for consumers, employees, and organizations. Despite its transformative potential, recent studies reveal a disconnect between expectations and the benefits of implementing AI. This systematic review examines the current state of AI in HRM, identifying key adoption strategies, challenges, and organizational prerequisites for successful integration. It provides a comprehensive, objective understanding of the organizational resources necessary to enhance AI capabilities in HRM, enabling organizations to fully benefit from them. Using CiteSpace for bibliometric analysis, the study traces the evolution of AI in HRM from algorithmic advancements to practical applications. Our findings highlight that successful AI adoption requires more than just technological investment; it demands leadership commitment, workforce upskilling, cultural adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration. We also discuss theoretical contributions such as refining AI-HRM frameworks and practical implications, including strategies for mitigating implementation risks. Finally, this study provides actionable insights for HR professionals, policymakers, and researchers seeking to harness AI’s full potential while addressing adoption barriers. By bridging the gap between expectations and reality, our work lays the foundation for future research on AI-driven HRM innovation
Is The Hybrid Tiger Trout a Suitable Recipient for The Transplantation of Salmonid Spermatogonia?
(ELSEVIER, 2025-04-24) Marinovi´c, Zoran; Lujic, Jelena; Hoitsy, Gyorgy; Hoitsy, Bogl´arka; Hoitsy, M´arton; ˇ S´ceki´c, Ilija; Balogh, R´eka Enik˝o; Shimo, Seleman Samwel; Lefler, Kinga Katalin; Kov´acs, Bal´azs; Urb´anyi, B´ela; Horv´ath, ´ Akos
In this study, we tested the utility of sterile tiger trout, an interspecific hybrid of a brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) female and a brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) male primarily bred for aquaculture, as a potential recipient for the surrogate production of other salmonid fish. The sterility of adult tiger trouts was confirmed as sper matogenesis progressed further from the mitotic phase in only one male, while only a few females contained vitellogenic oocytes. We transplanted spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from rainbow trout into larvae (total of 371 recipients) and adult (total of 15 recipients) tiger trout. Recipients were reared up to 3 years post- transplantation (ypt), and transplantation success was tested by (1) the production of functional gametes, (2) development of recipient gonads past the baseline development assessed through histological analyses and (3) detection of donor cells inside of recipient gonads through molecular analyses. Gametes were produced only by one male recipient in which SSCs were transplanted as a larva. This male displayed clear signs of a developed testis, and rainbow trout DNA was detected in the testicular samples. Rainbow trout DNA was detected in three additional male recipients (injected as larvae), however, none of these individuals displayed signs of gameto genesis progression at 3 ypt. Furthermore, recipients injected as adults did not show any progression of game togenesis, nor the presence of rainbow trout DNA in the gonads at 2.5 ypt. Milt obtained by the mentioned recipient was used to fertilize rainbow trout eggs which led to the production of donor-derived offspring. All viable offspring displayed phenotypical characteristics of rainbow trout which was further corroborated by molecular analyses. In conclusion, we display that the hybrid tiger trout can be used for the surrogate production of other salmonid fish, especially trout species which are closely related.
Effectiveness of The Human Resources Planning in Higher Learning Institutions: The Case of Mbeya University of Science and Technology.
(OUT, 2015) Egina, Judith Ghati
The study was aimed to examine the determinant factors in the effectiveness of Human Resources Planning in the higher learning institution, taking Mbeya University of Science and Technology as the case study. The study also wanted to identify methods of Human resource planning. The study also wanted to establish whether existing human resources planning methods have been effective in acquisition and retain staff. Lastly to analyze challenges facing human resources planning. This was a case study and quantitatively research was used. To get primary data respondents were selected randomly and purposively for the case study and data was collected through administrating structured questionnaires. Interviews were conducted. For secondary data document review was used. Data was coded, edited and analyzed. The study found that judgmental, forecasting, trend analysis, replacement and ratio are methods which MUST be applied in human resources planning. But also, it was found that financial constraints, technology, lack of expertise and the incapability of the staffs, and workforce diversity are challenges which influence human resource planning. Also, the study found that to a large extent human resource planning is effective at the Mbeya University of Science and Technology. So, it is recommended that to put more emphasis on human resources planning so as ensure University goals are achieved.