An Empirical Study on the Influence of ICT-Based Tools on Team Effectiveness in Virtual Software Teams Operating Remotely During the COVID-19 Lockdown

Aim: The research aims to examine the impact of the usage of Information-and-Communication Technology tools on Software Team Effectiveness, especially the virtual teams, during work from home because of the Covid-19 outbreak. Variables: The research has considered the Salas et al. (2005) model with eight constructs (adaptability, mutual performance monitoring, mutual trust, team orientation, closed-loop communication, leadership skills, shared mental models, and backing-up behavior) for measuring team effectiveness. The usage of ICT tools has been measured using the instrument developed by Nagi and Habok (2018). In addition, the moderating effects of the variables ‘age’ and ‘gender’ have also been tested in this research. Methodology: This study employed quantitative research methods. Cluster sampling was used to collect data from 279 software professionals who worked at home during the pandemic. In order to analyze the primary data, SPSS software is used. In order to test hypotheses, the research uses ANOVA, regression, simple percentages, and principal component analysis. Findings: The findings showed that using ICT tools impacts all 8 constructs of the variable team effectiveness. Among the most used ICT tool, project management tools, and social media were mostly used by the employees. Similarly, mutual team trust, backup behavior, and shared mental models were found to be more impactful than other constructs

Quantitative Analysis of Floristic Composition, Biological Spectrum and Leaf Spectrum of a Sacred Grove in Jhargram District, West Bengal, India

Sacred Groves are tracts of virgin forests, left untouched and protected by local people, because of culture and religious beliefs. These tracts are remnants of the once-dominant flora, reservoirs of the rich biodiversity, and the last refuge for preserving the rich indigenous culture and traditions. For these reasons, the biological and leaf spectra, as well as the conservation status of the current sacred grove vegetation, Maa Mongalmoyee Than (MMT) in Jhargram district of West Bengal, India, have been studied. Data were collected during different seasons. The floristic list is taxonomically arranged based on clade, order, and family. In addition, photographs of some common, locally uncommon, endemic and valuable plant species within the sacred grove were taken. The herbarium sheets were then described by matching properly annotated materials available at the Herbarium Section of Vidyasagar University as well as the Botanical Survey of India. The results of floristic studies showed 217 MMT's angiosperm species, belonging to 196 genera, distributed under 59 families of 27 orders. Furthermore, Poales (13.82%) and Fabaceae (12.44%) are the dominant order and family, respectively, in terms of species population. Meanwhile, the biological spectrum showed the grove enjoys a "thero-chamaephyte" phytoclimate form, as well as a comparatively undisturbed status, being a sacred grove. Also, the preservation of germplasm within the grove is based on traditional belief in the social system

Knowledge of Farmers on Improved Cotton Production Practices in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District of Telangana

India is the pioneer country for the commercial cultivation of cotton. Cotton is one of the principal commercial crops and has been one of the main sources of India's economic growth and foreign exchange earner. It is popularly known as ‘White Gold’. In india it is important cash and commercial crop valued for its fiber and vegetable oil. The study was conducted in Ramannapet block of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District was selected purposively based on the maximum cotton grower and 120 respondents were selected randomly from six villages of the ramannapet block. The data was collected with the help of structured schedule analyzed statistically. The study revealed that majority of respondents had medium level of socio-economic status and knowledge on recommended improved production practices of cotton.  To access the knowledge of the respondents about improved cotton production practices. View Article DOI: 10.47856/ijaast.2021.v08i10.00