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Number of results: 12
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Abstract

A particular element of computer games which significantly affects the gaming experience is avatars, i.e., representations of virtual players. In particular player-avatar similarity is related to the game experience, however, the results of previous studies are not conclusive. There is also a lack of research in which participants actually create their own avatars. The first aim of this study is to check whether there is a relationship between the player-avatar similarity and the game experience: game efficacy, game enjoyment and immersion. As a second goal the study examines gender as the mechanism responsible for the relationship between avatar player-similarity and game experience: game enjoyment, game efficacy and immersion. In the study (N = 130) participants created their avatars, played designed computer game Characterium and assessed their experience. The results demonstrate that player-avatar similarity was positively related to immersion level (but not to game efficacy and game enjoyment). Gender was not a significant moderator of the relationships between avatar similarity and game efficacy, game enjoyment and immersion. We consider this study to be a step forward in better understanding the mechanisms underlying the relationship between player-avatar similarity and game experience. For the first time, the relationship between player-avatar similarity and immersion was demonstrated in the condition of creating an avatar by the subjects and controlling it in the game. We also identify potential reasons why our hypotheses have not been confirmed.
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Authors and Affiliations

Monika Paleczna
1
ORCID: ORCID
Piotr Buczkowicz
1
Barbara Szmigielska
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
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Abstract

The studies conducted in two different localities revealed variable time of occurrence and severity level of potato early blight (Alternaria spp.). Each year at Stare Olesno the early blight caused considerable destruction of potato plants (90.2%-95.4%) while at Bonin the disease severity differed in particular years and ranged from 50.0% to 97.5% of destructed plants at the end of the growing season. Field trials showed good efficacy of fungicides selected for controlling the early blight compared with an untreated control. Spraying with fungicides limited development of the disease and increased tuber yield in the range from 21.9% to 60.9% for Bonin and from 13.0% to 101.9% for Stare Olesno surveys. The mixture of zoxamide with mancozeb showed the greatest efficacy.
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Authors and Affiliations

Józefa Kapsa
Jerzy Osowski
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Abstract

The present study aims to scrutinize teacher motivation in relation to two individual level predictors, namely, self -efficacy and burnout among English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers. To this end, 142 English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers were selected from various English language institutes of Mashhad and Tehran, two cities in Iran. They were requested to complete three questionnaires: the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale, and the Work Tasks Motivation Scale for Teachers. The findings obtained via SEM revealed that the proposed model had a good fit with the empirical data. In particular, it was found that job motivation contributed significantly to burnout depletion. It was also revealed that self -efficacy positively predicted job motivation, and burnout negatively influenced self -efficacy. However, self -efficacy surpassed motivation in predicting EFL instructors’ burnout. Results were discussed from both theoretical standpoints as well as previous empirical findings. Finally, implications were presented.
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Authors and Affiliations

Afsaneh Ghanizadeh
Nahid Royaei
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between Big-Five personality traits, perceived self-efficacy (GSES) and dimensions of occupational burnout in accordance with Christina Maslach’s three-factor burnout model (emotional burnout, depersonalization, perceived lack of own accomplishments). Data collected among 271 teachers (82% female) aged 20–68 confirmed findings from previous research that four personality traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness) are correlated with burnout and that they are significant predictors for all dimensions of burnout. In addition, it was shown that GSES plays a moderating role as a buffer that protects people with high levels of neuroticism from a sense of lack of own accomplishments. It was also found that GSES plays a mediating role for the relationship between Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Neuroticism and perceived lack of own accomplishments and that it is a suppressor for the relationship of neuroticism with emotional exhaustion. The results are discussed in the context of personality theories and their possible applications.
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Authors and Affiliations

Agnieszka Sylwia Zawadzka
Maciej Kościelniak
Anna Maria Zalewska
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Abstract

Investigation of leaf rust disease on spring crops of triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.), it sdi stribution dynamics, as well as the efficacy of two fungicides, different application doses and timing was carried out at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture during 2000–2002. Differences in the disease development were determined by the meteorological conditions, especially the amount of rainfall, and growth stage of plants. Precipitation during 2000 was close to the mean, and the development of leaf rust was moderate. In June of 2001 the rainfall was twice as high as the norm, which created favourable conditions for pathogen development. In 2002 a long droughty period till flowering inhibited the development of leaf rust. The triazole fungicides Juventus (metkonazole 60 g l–1) and triazole and strobilurine mixture. Allegro (kresoxim-methyl 125 g l–1 + epoxikonazole 125 g l–1) were used at full, two-third and half doses once and twice. Both of the fungicides were very effective against leaf rust. Biological efficacy of Juventus applied at any dose or time against leaf rust was 88.3%–99.7%. Allegro efficacy against this disease was slightly higher 94.7%–100%. Application of 1.0; 0.75 and 0.5 l ha–1 doses twice showed a better efficacy than a single application. The higher doses of fungicides were not markedly superior to the lower ones.

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Authors and Affiliations

Dalia Janusauskaite
Zenonas Dabkevicius
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Abstract

The objectives of the study were to recognize the main motives for engagement in actions beyond basic professional duties among various professional groups and to identify selected properties of the subject and context of activities that contribute to such beyond-duties engagement. A set of questionnaires in electronic or paper form was completed by 209 employees, including 104 representatives of assistance professions and 95 representatives of creative professions, aged between 21 and 67 years (M = 37.54, SD = 9.55). It was established that the main motives for beyondduties engagement in both groups of professionals under study were self-actualization and acting for the benefit of others. With the use of structural equation modelling, subjective and contextual determinants of engagement in actions beyond basic professional duties were identified as self-efficacy and action meaningfulness. The research discusses the phenomenon of engagement in extra activities at work from the perspective of the acting person/employee. The study results can be useful for managers in setting goals of appropriate type and manner to their employees as well as for task assignment.
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Authors and Affiliations

Agnieszka Bożek
1

  1. Jagiellonian University
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Abstract

The trials conducted with selected chemical and biological insecticides in 1998-2000 showed the highest effectiveness of Karate Zeon 100 CS (lambda-cyhalotrine) in European corn borer (ECB) larvae control in sweet corn. The efficacy of biological insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki: Biobit 3.2 WP and Lepinox WDG was very variable between the years. Reasons for insufficient efficacy of these products are discussed. The most appropriate time for the application of a chemical insecticide against ECB larvae are plant developmental stages since the beginning of pollen shedding to full blooming (63–67 BBCH scale). The efficacy of treatment was the highest at that time.

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Authors and Affiliations

Janusz Mazurek
Michał Hurej
Jacek Jackowski
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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the role of temporal intelligence in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ self-regulation and self-efficacy. To this end, a general temporal intelligence (GTI-S) scale was designed based on the subconstructs of time in the literature. The scale, along with the learning self-regulation questionnaire (SRQ-L) and the English self-efficacy scale was administered to 520 EFL learners. To validate the GTI-S, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was run. The results of Pearson product-moment correlations demonstrated significantly positive relationships between temporal intelligence and controlled self-regulation, automatic self-regulation and self-efficacy (p<.05). Moreover, the findings of multiple regressions revealed that Linearity of Time, Economicity of Time, and Multitasking are the most important subconstructs of time with relation to these variables.

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Authors and Affiliations

Elham Naji Meidani
Reza Pishghadam
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Abstract

Eupatorium odoratum is known for its ability to resist nematode infestations that attack the root systems of banana plants. An aqueous extract of the leaves and stems of E. odoratum (named EEOL) represents a natural solution that we investigated for its potential to control the harmful nematode, Radopholus similis, in Cavendish banana plants. Our research into EEOL’s efficacy spanned two distinct environments: a micro plot experiment model and a field model. Various concentrations of EEOL were examined to assess its efficacy in alleviating R. similis infestations and in mitigating their adverse effects on Cavendish banana plants. In the micro plot experiment model, the concentration of the original solution, diluted at ratios of 1:30×, 1 : 16×, 1 : 8×, 1 : 4×, and 1 : 2×, ranged from 1.76 to 28.16 mg · ml -1. In the field model, the corresponding rates varied from 6.03 to 96.54 l · ha -1. Key parameters, including infection rates, root necrosis indices, plant growth metrics, percentage of fallen trees, and harvest yields, were meticulously monitored and assessed. The results demonstrated that EEOL significantly reduced infection rates ( p < 0.05), decreased root necrosis indices ( p < 0.05), and promoted increased plant height, pseudostem circumference, and leaf area ( p < 0.05) in both models. Furthermore, it lowered the percentage of fallen trees ( p < 0.05) and enhanced harvest yields ( p < 0.05) in the field model. Notably, observations in the field model revealed that EEOL, particularly at a dosage of 96.54 l · ha -1, exhibited effectiveness equivalent to the conventional chemical nematode control method, fenamiphos ( p > 0.05). The study’s findings underscore the promising potential of EEOL in effectively managing R. similis infestations and improving the yield and quality of Cavendish banana plants. The aqueous extract of the stem and leaves of E. odoratum emerged as an effective nematode management solution for banana cultivation, in both the micro plot experiment and field conditions.
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Authors and Affiliations

Thi Phuong Nhung Tran
1
Le Pham Tan Quoc
1

  1. Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
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Abstract

The experiments were carried out in 2001–2004. The aim of the research was to establish such chlorsulfuron dose that would be effective for Apera spica-venti control and would not be phytotoxic for winter wheat. Besides, it was performed to identify resistance of A. spica-venti biotypes appearing in the experimental fields to chlorsulfuron. The field experiments were conducted in winter wheat that were notably of A. spica-venti weedy. The fields belonged to a private farm at Karczyce and Gałów. The cereals had grown there for a long time and winter wheat monoculture together with repeated chlorsulfuron application was used. The experiments were conducted using randomized blocks method with 3 reapplications. Chlorsulfuron (Glean 75 WG) was applied at rates ranging from 1 to 4.5 times higher than the recommend field dose (15–67.5 g a.s./ha). The degree of sensitivity of A. spica-venti to chlorsulfuron was established by biological tests in greenhouse conditions. The herbicide was applied at four – leaf stage of development at rates ranging from 1 to 32 times higher than the recommend field dose (11.25–360 g a.s./ha). Poor chlorsulfuron efficacy to control of A. spica-venti or its lack might testify for resistance of this species to the herbicide. Chlorsulfuron as an active ingredient was very selective for winter wheat. An application of 67.5 g/ha of the herbicide was not harmful to growth and yielding of winter wheat. Unfortunately, even this dose of the herbicide was ineffective in control of A. spica-venti. In fields with a long-term monoculture of winter wheat together with the use of chlorsulfuron, resistance of A. spica-venti biotypes to this active ingredient was ascertained. Studies in greenhouse conditions proved that the biotypes were not damaged even when the dose was exceeded 32 times. The above confirmed the resistance of these biotypes to chlorsulfuron.

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Authors and Affiliations

Katarzyna Marczewska
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Abstract

Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) of the satin moth Leucoma (=Stilpnotia) salicis L. was produced by infecting the larvae with the LesaNPV strain obtained from epizootic center in Katowice. The infected larvae were reared under laboratory, greenhouse and insectarium conditions. Because L. salicis can not be reared on a semi-synthetic food, the insects were maintained on natural products. Efficiency of the mass virus production depended on an insect growth stage, virus concentration and number of infected larvae in a rearing container. The fourth-instar larvae were the best for LesaNPV replication. Inoculation of younger larval stages (third instar stadium) provided less number of inclusion bodies (insects were dying sooner and did not meet their maximum body weight). On the contrary inoculation of older stages (fifth and sixth instars) resulted in slower virus replication and low larva mortality. The virus concentration of 3 x 109 of inclusion bodies per container was the optimum inoculum for the mass virus production (double infection with the virus concentration of 1.5 x 109 inclusion bodies/1000 larvae). The larvae reared at high-density became more infected and it caused their earlier death and in consequences low virus efficiency. Rearing the insect at low density (less than 10 larvae per 1.0 L container) was conducive for both an increase of insect body mass and virus replication as well. The highest number of inclusion bodies per one larva(5.3 x 109 – 7.7 x 109) and the highest total number of inclusion bodies (152 x 1011 – 188 x 1011) were achieved under these rearing conditions in a greenhouse and insectarium.

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Authors and Affiliations

Jadwiga Ziemnicka

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