AMA, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America (AMA) (issn: 00845841) is a peer reviewed journal first published online after indexing scopus in 1982. AMA is published by Farm Machinery Industrial Research Corp and Shin-Norinsha Co. AMA publishes every subjects of general engineering and agricultural engineering.
AMA, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America (ISSN: 00845841) is a peer-reviewed journal. The journal covers Agricultural and Biological Sciences and all sort of engineering topic. the journal's scopes are in the following fields but not limited to:
Traditional olive groves in Algeria exhibit significant varietal richness that varies from one region to another, reflecting extensive genetic diversity critical for food security and agriculture. This genetic potential must be harnessed for plant breeding through specific and scientifically robust identification processes. This study investigates the variability of pomological characteristics among indigenous olive varieties in northeastern Algeria. It was conducted in two plots in the Skikda region, using a balanced sampling design (10 trees per variety and 30 olives per tree) to assess four widely cultivated local varieties recognized by farmers: Chemlal, Azeradje, Bouricha, and Ségoise. A total of 38 morpho-pomological traits were evaluated, including 16 quantitative and 22 qualitative characteristics of the fruit, kernel, and leaves. Significant pomological variability was observed among these four varieties. The results revealed that the varieties differ along a gradient of size and productive potential (PC%). Fruit and endocarp traits exhibited a higher discriminatory potential than leaf traits, which showed limited variability. Notably, the form and symmetry of the fruit and kernel played a critical role in differentiating the varieties, with diversity indices H and H′ for these traits exceeding 0.8. These traits also had the most significant influence on the observed phenotypic variability. The findings underscore the importance of pomological descriptors in cataloging and identifying olive varieties. These descriptors complement recent advances in genetic markers, enabling reliable variety identification and characterization of olive tree genetic resources.
The veterinarians in Livestock Service Delivery face huge challenges while rendering livestock services particularly the challenges faced are huge when the services are offered in rural areas. Keeping this in mind, the study was conducted to identify and analyze the constraints faced by veterinarians in livestock service delivery in Tamil Nadu and propose sustainable solutions. Through the Multi-stage sampling technique, data was collected from 120 Veterinarians. In the first stage, the highly progressive districts and least progressive districts were identified by application of principal component analysis and composite index construction. From each district, 12 veterinarians from the Government Veterinary Centre, 6 veterinarians from Cooperatives, 6 veterinarians from private cooperatives, and 6 veterinarians from private practitioners. The constraints faced were studied through 6 dimensions: Machines, Materials, Men, Policy, and Time and Distance categories. These dimensions of constraints were analyzed through a weighted mean score approach and constraints of serious nature are identified and analyzed. These constraints from various categories or dimensions are also analyzed through factor analysis by the principal component approach. Key findings revealed that human resource constraints, including inadequate manpower, no promotional opportunities, and being burdened with administrative tasks, were the most significant barriers, accounting for 22% of the total variation. Workplace challenges, such as handling outbreaks, waste management, and occupational safety, accounted for 15%. Material constraints, including shortages of drugs and protective gear, and issues related to time and distance were also highlighted. Policy-related issues, such as budgetary constraints further exacerbated the problem. The study concludes that through improved infrastructure and policy reforms, livestock service delivery can be enhanced, and sustainable improvement in veterinary services can be achieved.
The study proposes to analyse the livestock service delivery system in terms of service constraints farmers face while receiving it. The service providers considered in the study are veterinarians of State Animal Husbandry Department / government veterinary centres (GVC), Veterinarians from dairy co-operatives (public co-operatives), Veterinarians from private milk procurement agencies (private co-operatives) and Independent private veterinary practitioners or veterinarians who do private practice in their own capacity. Persons who are village level workers (VLW) from public or private co-operatives, Animal Husbandry Assistants or Livestock Inspectors from GVC are grouped together as para-veterinary professionals in veterinary/livestock services. A sample of 480 farmers were selected through multi-stage sampling procedure and statistical tools such as weighted mean score analysis was employed to get actionable insights into the challenges faced by farmers in accessing livestock services. The farmers were from four districts of Tamil Nadu, primarily identified by application of principal component analysis and composite index construction. Results revealed that lack of knowledge on animal insurance, service not delivered at preferred time, non-availability of service personnel at government veterinary centre, inconvenient working hours of hospital, lack of knowledge on vaccination, shortage of different drug types and lack of continuous service evaluation as the serious constraints faced in receiving livestock service delivery. The findings offer valuable guidance for enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of service delivery systems in the livestock sector.
Pharmacists have transitioned from traditional roles focused on dispensing medications to expanded responsibilities that include direct patient care, chronic disease management, medication therapy management, and public health initiatives. These developments position pharmacists as vital members of the healthcare team, contributing significantly to improved patient outcomes. However, public awareness of these expanded roles remains limited, which may hinder their full utilization. This study aims to assess public awareness, perceptions, and understanding of pharmacists' evolving roles in healthcare within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It also seeks to identify potential barriers and facilitators to optimizing pharmacist-patient engagement. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among 1,295 adult participants in KSA. The structured survey, distributed online in Arabic, evaluated knowledge, perceptions, and barriers regarding pharmacists’ roles. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to explore associations between demographic factors and awareness levels. Among participants, 77.5% were aware of pharmacists’ roles beyond dispensing medications, and 89.3% had received health advice or counseling from a pharmacist. Despite this, 68.7% identified dispensing medications as the primary pharmacist role, with limited recognition of roles in chronic disease management (3.2%) or preventive health services (7%). Awareness of expanded services, such as vaccination provision (57.7%) and chronic disease management (74.4%), was variable. Additionally, 86.8% had consulted a pharmacist for advice instead of visiting a doctor, highlighting positive engagement. However, misconceptions regarding pharmacists' expertise and their broader contributions to healthcare were evident. The findings underscore the need for targeted public education initiatives and policy development to enhance awareness of pharmacists' capabilities. By addressing gaps in knowledge and perceptions, stakeholders can optimize pharmacists' integration into healthcare teams, improve patient outcomes, and promote public health. These results offer actionable insights for advancing pharmacists' roles in healthcare systems.
Herbal remedies are widely used in Saudi Arabia alongside conventional prescription medications. While perceived as safe due to their natural origins, their concurrent use with prescription drugs can lead to drug-herbal interactions (DHIs), resulting in adverse effects or reduced therapeutic efficacy. Awareness of DHIs among the Saudi population remains limited, increasing the risk of unmonitored interactions. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of herbal supplement use, public awareness of DHIs, and the role of healthcare providers in mitigating these interactions in Saudi Arabia. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged 18 years and older across Saudi Arabia. A stratified random sampling approach ensured a representative sample of 2,455 respondents. Data were collected using a validated, structured questionnaire addressing demographics, herbal supplement usage, DHI awareness, and perceptions of healthcare providers. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Of the 2,455 respondents, 57.31% reported using herbal supplements, with Black seed (Nigella sativa), ginger, and turmeric being the most commonly consumed. While 70.02% of participants were aware of potential DHIs, only 11.93% consistently discussed herbal supplement use with healthcare providers. Pharmacists were perceived as knowledgeable about DHIs by 50.39% of respondents, though 64.93% had never sought advice from them. Additionally, 62.24% of participants strongly agreed that public education on DHIs is necessary, yet 65.66% had not encountered relevant educational materials in pharmacies. Herbal supplement use is prevalent in Saudi Arabia, yet significant gaps exist in public awareness and communication regarding DHIs. The findings highlight the need for enhanced public education campaigns and greater pharmacist involvement to promote safe and informed use of herbal supplements. Integrating discussions about herbal supplements into routine healthcare consultations is critical to reducing the risks associated with DHIs.