Asian Online Journal Publishing Group (AOJPG)
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Sustainable biomass sourcing through agroforestry systems based on poplar and eucalyptus as fast-growing trees
Full text linkGlobal biomass demand is expected to increase during the next decades, which bears risks of accelerating food insecurity and biodiversity loss. Therefore, guidelines and standards have been developed to ensure sustainable biomass sourcing as feedstock for material or energetic purposes. This review addresses the question of how fast-growing trees in agroforestry systems increase biomass production and serve as sustainably sourced biomass feedstock. The Land Equivalency Ratio (LER), a measure of productivity gains by agroforestry, was positively correlated with the number of trees per hectare (R = 0.561) and with the spacing between tree rows (R = 0.26). The former corresponds to a high wood yield of the given agroforestry systems, while the latter corresponds to high crop yields within the agroforestry systems. The LER of tree windbreak systems (spacing between tree rows >100 m) was 1.1-2.1. Tree windbreak systems adhered to principles of sustainable biomass sourcing, while other agroforestry systems often provided lower food crop yields compared to the corresponding crop monoculture. Still, such agroforestry systems help to diversify incomes, have the potential to protect croplands against erosion, and improve the microclimate. Depending on local conditions, biomass from those agroforestry systems can be considered sustainable, too
Effects of additives and ensiling period on groundnut shell silage and in sacco rumen degradability characteristics
Full text linkThis study evaluated the effects of additives and ensiling periods on the chemical composition and in sacco rumen degradability of groundnut shell (GNS). In phase one, a 3 × 5 factorial CRD was used with three ensiling periods (3rd, 5th, and 7th weeks) and five additives (control, urea, yeast, molasses, and NaOH). In phase two, in sacco degradability was determined using a 3 × 3 switch-over design. Chemical composition was analyzed following AOAC procedures, and data were subjected to ANOVA. pH decreased with longer ensiling periods, reaching desirable levels (3.8–5.0). Additives, period, and their interactions significantly (p<0.05) influenced proximate constituents and fibre fractions but not dry matter (DM) degradability. Urea and yeast increased crude protein (8.97% and 7.15%, respectively), while dry matter (DM) and crude fibre decreased after ensiling with additives. Crude protein rose and crude fibre declined with longer ensiling. The highest crude protein (9.58%) was from urea-treated GNS at 7 weeks. After 48 hours of incubation, DM disappearance peaked at 7 weeks for all additives, with urea and yeast yielding the highest potential degradability (100%). It is concluded that urea- or yeast-treated GNS ensiled for 7 weeks improves nutrient quality and degradability, presenting a practical feed option for farm animals
Domain-specific epistemological beliefs’ expression in initial teacher education: A systematic review
Full text linkThis systematic review examines how preservice teachers’ (PSTs) domain-specific epistemological beliefs (EB) are studied and understood within initial teacher education (ITE) with attention to theoretical, contextual, and methodological aspects. Findings from 24 empirical studies published up to 2024 were synthesized. The review analyzed theoretical frameworks, research designs, and tools commonly used to explore PSTs’ EB across specific domains. Cross-study evaluations are challenging due to the ambiguity created by the lack of justification for framework selection, although the variety of theoretical lenses enhances the field. Similarly, methodological preferences such as the dominance of quantitative and cross-sectional studies using closed questionnaires offer generalizable insights but limit the depth of understanding regarding EB development. Nevertheless, specific contexts of ITE were identified as catalysts for developing EB, and some EB were seen as key predictors of student-centered teaching practices. The field shows theoretical and methodological fragmentation but offers insights into how ITE might influence EB. Bridging current gaps is crucial for a deeper understanding of PSTs' conceptions of knowledge and learning. Recommendations include adopting longitudinal designs, clarifying theoretical foundations, and involving broader ITE stakeholders such as mentors and policymakers whose beliefs also shape teacher education
The development of integrated project-based and 4C-scaffolding model with AI to overcome misconceptions
Full text linkThe present study aimed to evaluate the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of an integrated project-based learning model and 4C scaffolding techniques in addressing students' misconceptions in biology. In this research and development (R&D) study, the learning model was validated by five experts. A limited product trial was conducted with fourth-semester students from the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) of Ternate. Data were collected using validation sheets, observation sheets, response sheets, and a three-tier diagnostic test. Data collection involved observation, testing, and interviews. Data analysis focused on examining the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of the model based on the collected data. The findings indicated that (1) the prototype model was highly valid, with a mean score of 3.93; (2) the model was practical, as confirmed by consistency test results and observations during implementation; and (3) the model was effective in overcoming misconceptions in biology. Participants responded positively to the implementation of the model. The results suggest that Pj4CS is practical, valid, and effective in addressing students' misconceptions in biology. Implementing Pj4CS in classrooms can also enhance students' 21st-century skills and promote learning independence
Exploring teacher adoption of AI: A structural analysis of Microsoft Copilot in education
Full text linkThis study aims to investigate the driving factors influencing teachers’ intention to adopt an AI-powered assistant (Microsoft Copilot) in their professional development. This study attempted to validate ten hypothetical assumptions derived from notable theoretical models (UTAUT and TPACK). A survey was conducted with 280 teachers, who responded through Google Forms. The data were analyzed using Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA) to test the proposed research model. The findings showed that both Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) had a significant impact on teachers’ self-efficacy and their intention to use Copilot. PEOU also played a key role in influencing Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Teaching Self-Efficacy (SE) while TPK directly affected PU and Behavioral Intention (BI). Interestingly, and somewhat unexpectedly, PU did not show a meaningful influence on either SE or BI. These results suggest that how easy a tool is to use and how well it fits into teachers’ existing pedagogical knowledge may matter more than how useful it appears on the surface. Our proposed model explains 55.9% of the variation in the data. The study’s findings are expected to make important contributions to the academic and practical aspects of applying AI to enhance teachers’ digital competence
Degree of teachers' adaptation to digital skills sustainable development
Full text linkThe study aimed to assess how teachers adapt to digital skills for sustainable development in education. This study involved 10 teachers from various departments with pre- and post-interviews to evaluate their adaptation levels using qualitative methods. A tool with three open-ended questions was developed and its validity and reliability were confirmed. The findings revealed that teachers require significant improvement in digital skills to enhance their teaching, stressing the importance of offering updated training programs that integrate digitalization into education. Some teachers showed low adaptation to digital skills due to limited awareness and unfamiliarity with digital tools. The study highlights the need for ongoing professional development to address gaps in digital competence and support the integration of digital tools in teaching. Practical recommendations include in-service teacher training focused on digital applications, equipping institutions with necessary technological resources and fostering an environment conducive to digital integration. Addressing these needs will help teachers adapt better to digital practices, ultimately improving education quality and aligning with sustainable development goals. This study emphasizes the importance of aligning educational practices with global trends toward digital transformation and sustainable development by enhancing teachers' digital competence
Social studies teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs: Do demographic characteristics make a difference
Full text linkWhile research exists on teacher self-efficacy beliefs, limited research is documented on the level of self-efficacy beliefs among Social Studies teachers, and much less in the senior high schools in the Central Region of Ghana. In view of this lacuna in the literature, this study investigated the level of self-efficacy beliefs among Social Studies teachers in senior high schools in Ghana using Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory as a theoretical foundation. The cross-sectional descriptive survey design within the positivist paradigm was used to collect data from 342 Social Studies teachers through a census sampling technique with a questionnaire as an instrument. With the aid of SPSS, descriptive (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics, such as independent samples t-test and one-way between-groups ANOVA, were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that Social Studies teachers had very high levels of self-efficacy beliefs. The findings also pointed out that demographic characteristics such as gender, age, and years of teaching experience statistically significantly influenced Social Studies teachers' levels of self-efficacy beliefs. Therefore, it was recommended that in rolling out refresher training and continuous professional development programs to sustain, improve, and strengthen the dimensions of self-efficacy beliefs identified in the study, Social Studies teachers' demographic characteristics such as gender, age, and years of teaching experience should be considered since they influenced their levels of self-efficacy beliefs
Exploring the characteristics of argumentation in secondary school students: A study of reasoning, structure, and communication skills
Full text linkThis study examines the characteristics of students' arguments when they are confronted with scientific claims. A qualitative single-case study was conducted to investigate the problem. Data were collected through observations and interviews, using the convenient sampling method in a tenth-grade (n=9) class in Norway. Audio recordings captured the students while they were solving argumentation-based tasks in small groups. Interviews were also conducted with two of the students afterward. A constant comparative analysis approach was used to analyze the students' conversations, and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews. The results indicated that the students used short statements to express both support and opposition to each other's arguments. Additionally, different types of content were used when students built their arguments, including ethical considerations, examples, fantasy based on their imagination, and assessments of the probability of socio-scientific issues. There were certain variations among the groups regarding group dynamics, and based on this, argumentation could be an activity that involves social risk for students. It can be said that this aspect also improved the effectiveness of the argumentation process within most groups, encouraging authentic discussions about challenging issues
Assessing the effect of use of computerized accounting systems on organizational performance: A focus on selected (NGOs) on the Copperbelt of Zambia
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to assess the effect of the use of computerized accounting systems on organizational performance and the effect it has on the performance of Non-governmental organization on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The study uses a simple random sampling technique and employed a mixed method approach, quantitative and qualitative research design methodologies. This study employed a correlation analysis and a combination of data collection methods such as interviews, direct observation and questionnaires to gather the needed data to ascertain the relationship between variables. The findings showed 80% adoption rate; also confirmed that the use of computerized accounting systems in NGOs contributed positively to financial reporting practices that are required by funders. The results from correlation tests indicated that; there is a highly significant positive relationship between computerized accounting system (X) and performance (Y) in NGO’s with (r = 0.730, p = 0.022). It was concluded that, the use of computerized accounting system in these non-governmental organizations simplified a lot of tiresome work, such as invoicing and inventory management. If the adoption rate would move to a rate of 100%, there would be efficiency, transparency and appropriateness in the financial reporting structures in NGO’s
How Sustainability Practice Shape Financial Performance in The Hospitality Industry: The Moderating Role of Firm Size
Full text linkThis study investigates the impact of energy conservation and environmental communication on the financial performance of star-rated hotels in Bali, focusing on the moderating role of firm size. SEM-PLS analysis confirms that energy conservation and environmental communication positively influence financial performance. However, firm size does not moderate the relationship between energy conservation and financial performance, but it does moderate the effect of environmental communication. These findings align with stakeholder theory, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry. The study offers valuable insights for investors and regulators, recommending that they incorporate sustainability metrics into hotel investment evaluations and policy development. Hotels with strong sustainability practices, particularly in energy conservation and environmental communication, may achieve better financial performance. Investors can use these sustainability practices as part of their due diligence process. Additionally, regulators may consider implementing sustainability certification programs or incentivizing hotels that adopt such strategies. Although the study is limited to star-rated hotels in Bali, its findings lay the groundwork for future research in different regions and tourism segments. Expanding research to include various destinations and hospitality types, such as eco- resorts or airlines, can offer a broader understanding of sustainability’s financial impacts. Future studies should explore these areas to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how sustainability practices influence the financial performance of businesses in the global hospitality industry