Archives of Current Research International

Intramammary Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) as a Novel Adjunct Therapy in the Management of Clinical Mastitis in a Dairy Cow: A Case Report

Madhudarshi Kumar — 2026-07-27

Mastitis continues to be a highly significant infectious disease in dairy cattle, leading to considerable production declines and jeopardizing animal welfare. This case report details the treatment of clinical mastitis in a 5-year-old Sahiwal dairy cow presented at the Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), Bihar Veterinary College, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna-14, exhibiting typical symptoms of udder inflammation, purulent milk discharge from two quarters, minimal discharge from the remaining quarters, mild fever (103.1°F), and systemic effects such as decreased appetite and diminished ruminal motility. The diagnosis was corroborated by the California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell count (SCC), and milk pH. The therapeutic regimen included systemic amikacin (10 mg/kg body weight), anti-inflammatory therapy, and a solitary intramammary infusion of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which was prepared with trisodium citrate as an anticoagulant and derived from the centrifugation of jugular venous blood at 1,000 rpm for 30 minutes. PRP was injected singularly into each impacted quarter. Clinical enhancement was noted at 72 hours, characterized by less udder edema and a resurgence of hunger, whilst milk quality was enhanced by 96 hours. Post-treatment values for CMT, SCC, and milk pH exhibited enhancement. The noted reaction transpired amid multimodal therapy; thus, the isolated impact of PRP cannot be determined from this singular instance. Additional regulated clinical trials are necessary to assess its safety, effectiveness, dose, and function as a supplementary treatment in the therapy of bovine mastitis.

Clinical-Epidemiological and Spatial Profile by Degree of Physical Disability in Leprosy in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon (2013 to 2024): A Cross-Sectional Study

Luiza Raquel Tapajós Figueira — 2026-07-17

Background: Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains a chronic, socially determined infectious disease affecting the skin and peripheral nerves and may cause severe physical disability when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Objective: This study analysed the clinical, epidemiological and spatial profile of the degree of physical disability (DPD) at diagnosis and after cure among leprosy cases in the State of Pará, Brazil, between 2013 and 2024.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective study was conducted using data from SINAN (National System of Notifiable Diseases). The study population comprised confirmed leprosy cases reported in the municipalities of Pará between 2013 and 2024. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were examined using geoprocessing tools, and frequencies, proportions and prevalence rates were processed with Jamovi 2.6.44 software.

Results: A total of 29,644 cases were reported during the period, indicating a substantial epidemiological burden. Most cases were multibacillary and dimorphic, and 8.8% presented with grade II physical disability at diagnosis. Cases predominated among men aged 36-45 years, mixed-race/brown-skinned individuals, people with low educational attainment and residents of urban areas. Children under 15 years of age accounted for 10% of diagnoses, indicating ongoing transmission. Spatial analysis highlighted municipalities with critical rates, including Inhangapi, Oriximiná, Anajás and Abel Figueiredo. Despite reductions in grades I and II after treatment, 47.1% of patients were not assessed at discharge, indicating weaknesses in post-treatment follow-up.

Conclusion: Leprosy remains highly endemic in Pará and is strongly associated with social vulnerability. Late diagnosis and the occurrence of cases in children under 15 years of age indicate silent transmission, while the number of cases with grade II disability highlights gaps in surveillance, particularly in post-cure assessment. These findings support the need for public policies focused on early detection, continuous monitoring and reduction of regional inequalities.

Efficacy of Anthelmintics in Field Flocks of Sheep and Goat in Zaria, Nigeria

Maryam Nyeta Patrobas — 2026-07-17

Gastrointestinal nematode infection remains an important constraint to small-ruminant production in tropical livestock systems. This study evaluated the field performance of three commonly used anthelmintics, albendazole, levamisole and ivermectin, in sheep and goats from eight villages within Zaria and its environs, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Animals were assigned to treatment groups and received albendazole at 7.5 mg/kg, levamisole at 5 mg/kg or ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg. Body weight and faecal samples were collected before treatment and 14 days after treatment. Faecal egg counts were determined using the modified McMaster technique, and faecal egg count reduction was used to assess anthelmintic performance. Body weight increased slightly after treatment in both sheep and goats across the three treatment groups, although these changes were not statistically significant. In contrast, faecal egg counts decreased significantly after treatment in all groups. Levamisole produced the highest overall faecal egg count reduction in sheep and goats, with mean reductions of 88.7% and 75.3%, respectively. Ivermectin produced reductions of 82.8% in sheep and 68.7% in goats, while albendazole produced the lowest reductions, with values of 47.9% in sheep and 53.4% in goats. These findings indicate variable anthelmintic performance among drugs, villages and host species. Routine efficacy monitoring and integrated parasite control are recommended to support sustainable management of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants.

Converting Biomass to Briquettes: Exploring Marketing Strategies and Practices of Briquette Manufacturing Firms in Punjab and Haryana

Kamalpreet Singh — 2026-07-17

The present study critically examined the marketing strategies and practices adopted by briquette manufacturing units, together with the opportunities and challenges they faced. There were approximately 80 registered briquette manufacturing units in Punjab and 140 in Haryana. The study employed an exploratory research design, and a sample of 50 manufacturing units (25 from each state) was selected purposively from the population of briquette manufacturing units in Punjab and Haryana. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographics, market segmentation, targeting, positioning, and the 4Ps of marketing. Data were analysed using percentage analysis, mean scores, standard deviation, and t-tests. The results indicated that most units were micro-enterprises, primarily manufacturing rice-straw briquettes and adopting competitive pricing to expand their market reach. Distribution involved direct bulk sales to the industrial, commercial, agricultural, and power sectors, while promotion relied on digital platforms. The main challenges were limited consumer awareness, weak branding, restricted access to institutional buyers, and transportation difficulties. Despite these constraints, the units identified opportunities in neighbouring states, among large-scale industrial clients, and through current government schemes. Overall, most units continued to follow basic marketing practices because demand was high, indicating that the development of formal marketing strategies remained at an early stage.

Customer Relationship Management Impact: Evidence from Insurance Employees

R. Sukanya — 2026-07-18

This study examines insurance employees’ perceptions of the benefits, functional uses, and adoption patterns of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. A quantitative survey was conducted among 175 employees of public and private insurance companies in Karnataka, India, using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess perceived CRM benefits, while chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact test examined associations between gender and selected CRM functionalities. Cross-tabulations were also used to compare the adoption of CRM models across geographical locations and marital-status groups. Automating everyday tasks and improving sales performance received the highest mean ratings (2.8571 each), whereas customer satisfaction received the lowest mean rating (1.9657). Significant gender-based associations were identified for call, email, and meeting history, accounting software, sales tracking, and calendar and scheduling functions. No statistically significant gender-based associations were observed for marketing results, customer-profile handling, or reporting. The adoption patterns of the IDIC, QCI, CRM Value Chain, and Payne’s Five Forces Process models varied across the geographical and marital-status categories represented in the sample. Overall, employees perceived CRM as more beneficial for operational efficiency and sales-related activities than for customer-satisfaction outcomes. The findings indicate that insurance companies should consider workforce characteristics, regional conditions, and employee training when implementing CRM systems. Because the study used convenience sampling and self-reported perceptions, the results should be interpreted as evidence of perceived CRM usefulness rather than causal organisational impact.

District-wise Growth Analysis of Major Agricultural Crops in Telangana, India

B. Vijay Kumar — 2026-07-18

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Telangana's economy, where changes in irrigation, technology, and government policies have significantly influenced crop production over time. This study examines the growth performance of major crops in Telangana by estimating the compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of area, production, and yield for paddy, maize, cotton, total pulses, total oilseeds, and fruits and vegetables during 1990–91 to 2019–20. The study period was divided into three phases to capture changes before and after the formation of Telangana State, and a log-linear regression model was employed to estimate CAGRs at both state and district levels. The results reveal considerable temporal and spatial variations in crop growth across the state. Paddy, maize, and cotton registered positive growth in area, production, and yield over the overall study period, whereas oilseeds showed a declining trend in cultivated area. The findings further indicate that the rapid increase in paddy production after the formation of Telangana was largely driven by an expansion in cultivated area, supported by improved irrigation infrastructure and government procurement policies. The district-wise analysis also revealed substantial variations in crop performance, reflecting differences in resource endowments, irrigation development, and technological adoption. The study provides useful insights into the changing dynamics of agricultural growth in Telangana and offers evidence to support region-specific policies for enhancing productivity, promoting crop diversification, and achieving sustainable agricultural development.

Phenological and Agrometeorological Evaluation of Ambri Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) Selections in Jammu and Kashmir, India

Raqsana Jan — 2026-07-18

Ambri apple is an important temperate fruit crop of Jammu and Kashmir, but locally selected genotypes may differ in their phenological timing and thermal requirements. The study aimed to evaluate the phenology of these selections based on their thermal responses. The present investigation was conducted at the experimental field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganderbal, during 2023. The experiment comprised seven Ambri apple selections, namely GA-AS-01, GA-AS-02, GA-AS-03, GA-AS-04, GA-AS-05, GA-AS-06 and GA-AS-07. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the Ambri apple selections for the recorded observations. GA-AS-04 required the maximum number of days (225.00) and accumulated the highest Growing degree days (GDD) (3161.80 ^oC days), Photothermal unit (PTU) (42587.59 ^oC days), Heliothermal unit (HTU) (23277.64 ^oC days) and Hydrothermal unit (HYTU) (220521.10 ^oC days %) to reach maturity. Conversely, GA-AS-02 required the minimum number of days (215.00), GDD (3036.57 ^oC days), PTU (41112.04 ^oC days), HTU (22335.29 ^oC days) and HYTU (211827.50 ^oC days %) to reach maturity. Heat use efficiency (HUE), photothermal use efficiency (PTUE), heliothermal use efficiency (HTUE) and hydrothermal use efficiency (HYTUE) were reported to be highest in GA-AS-05 (8.22, 0.60, 1.11 kg ha^-1 ^oC day^-1 and 0.11 kg ha^-1 ^oC day^-1 %, respectively) and lowest in GA-AS-07 (6.82, 0.50, 0.92 kg ha^-1 ^oC day^-1 and 0.09 kg ha^-1 ^oC day^-1 %, respectively).

The Effect of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) on Growth performance of Pangasius pangasius Fingerlings

Atul Kumar Verma — 2026-07-18

This study evaluated the growth-promoting potential of Amla (P. emblica) powder as a dietary supplement for P. pangasius fingerlings. Four diets containing 0% (control), 1.5%, 3.0%, or 4.5% Amla powder were evaluated for their effects on growth, feed utilisation, survival, and culture-water quality. Water temperature (25.10-26.70 °C), pH (7.9-8.5), total alkalinity (110-140 mg/L), and mean dissolved oxygen (6.4-6.8 mg/L) were monitored fortnightly. These variables remained broadly comparable among treatments throughout the experiment. Growth performance was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the supplemented groups than in the control. The 3.0% treatment (T2) produced the highest net weight gain (27.20 g), percentage weight gain (103.03%), and specific growth rate (1.18), compared with 18.05 g, 69.96%, and 0.88, respectively, in the control. Feed conversion was also most efficient in T2, which recorded the lowest feed conversion ratio (2.45), whereas the control recorded 3.18. Survival reached 80% in T1 and T2 and 70% in the control and T3. One-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan's multiple range test indicated significant differences among treatments for the evaluated performance indices. Under the conditions of this study, dietary supplementation with 3.0% Amla powder provided the most favourable combination of growth, feed utilisation, and survival without detectable deterioration of the measured water-quality variables.

Factors Affecting Consumer Awareness Regarding Organic Red-gram Dal of Commercial Brands: A Logistic Regression Analysis

Chakka Tejaswi — 2026-07-18

Consumer awareness plays a crucial role in promoting the adoption of organic food products, particularly organic pulses, which are increasingly preferred due to their perceived health and environmental benefits. The present study was undertaken to identify the socio-economic factors influencing consumer awareness of commercially branded organic red-gram dal among consumers in Hyderabad and Vikarabad districts of Telangana. A total of 83 respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique, and primary data were collected through a structured interview schedule. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the influence of age, education, occupation, income and location on consumer awareness and perceived purchasing constraints.

The findings revealed that age, education and occupation significantly influenced consumer awareness regarding organic red-gram dal, whereas location did not significantly influence awareness levels. Older consumers, highly educated respondents and individuals engaged in independent occupations demonstrated comparatively higher awareness than other consumer groups. Among the variables associated with purchasing constraints, location showed a significant influence, indicating differences in perceived challenges across geographical areas. The study highlights the importance of consumer education, awareness programmes, effective promotional strategies and improved market accessibility to enhance awareness and encourage wider adoption of organic pulse products.

Stratified Cabbage Production: A Case Study of Cost-benefits in Bishnupur District of Manipur, India

Bhavani Yengkokpam — 2026-07-21

Cabbage is an important vegetable crop in Bishnupur district of Manipur, but farm-size-specific information on its cultivation costs and returns is limited. This study assessed the costs and returns of cabbage cultivation across marginal, small, and semi-medium farms in the district. A stratified two-stage sampling design with equal allocation was used. All three blocks of Bishnupur district were covered; three villages were selected from each block, and ten cabbage farmers were randomly selected from each village, giving a total sample of 90 farmers. Primary data for the 2024–2025 agricultural year were collected through an interview schedule and analysed using tabular analysis, farm budgeting, and standard cost concepts. The overall total cost of cultivation was ₹133,183.14 per hectare. Small farms recorded the highest total cost, followed by marginal and semi-medium farms. Overall gross farm income was ₹367,710.80 per hectare, while overall net income over Cost C2 was ₹227,323.20 per hectare. Gross farm income and net income were highest on semi-medium farms, followed by small and marginal farms. The overall benefit–cost ratio was 2.76 and increased from 2.64 on marginal farms to 3.04 on semi-medium farms. These findings indicate positive economic returns across all farm-size categories, with comparatively stronger performance on semi-medium farms. Improved technologies, appropriate varieties, efficient input use, and better management practices may help farmers reduce costs and improve production outcomes.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Growth, Yield and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Kufri Chipsona

Poluru Naveen — 2026-07-21

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–2026 at the Horticulture Research Farm, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the growth, yield, quality attributes and economic performance of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Kufri Chipsona. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with eleven treatment combinations, replicated three times. The treatments comprised T₀ (absolute control), T₁ (100% RDF), T₂ (FYM @ 5 t ha⁻¹), T₃ (Vermicompost @ 4.5 t ha⁻¹), T₄ (Poultry manure @ 3 t ha⁻¹), T₅ (75% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha⁻¹), T₆ (75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha⁻¹), T₇ (75% RDF + Poultry manure @ 10 t ha⁻¹), T₈ (50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t ha⁻¹ + Vermicompost @ 10 t ha⁻¹), T₉ (50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t ha⁻¹ + Poultry manure @ 10 t ha⁻¹), and T₁₀ (25% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha⁻¹ + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha⁻¹ + Poultry manure @ 10 t ha⁻¹). The results indicated that integrated nutrient management improved the growth attributes, tuber yield, quality parameters and economic returns of potato cultivation compared with the control and sole nutrient-source treatments. Among the treatments, T₁₀ recorded the highest values for plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of shoots per plant, dry weight of haulms, number of tubers per plant, individual tuber weight, tuber yield per hectare, tuber girth, dry matter content, starch content, total soluble solids, gross income, net income and benefit–cost ratio. The findings suggest that the combined use of organic manures with a reduced level of inorganic fertiliser may be a useful nutrient management option for improving the productivity, quality and profitability of potato cv. Kufri Chipsona under the agro-climatic conditions of Satna, Madhya Pradesh.

Gross-Morphometrical Studies on the Small Intestine in Postnatal Age Groups of Indian Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus)

M. Gayathri — 2026-07-22

The small intestine plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and intestinal immunity in pigs, which also serve as an important model for translational gastrointestinal research. This study investigated the gross morphometry of the small intestine across different postnatal age groups of Indian domestic pigs. Eighteen apparently healthy pigs were divided into three postnatal age groups: Group I (0–4 weeks), Group II (4–10 weeks), and Group III (above 10 weeks), with six animals in each group. Samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected immediately after slaughter from local abattoirs in and around Hyderabad. The length and width of each intestinal segment were recorded using a measuring tape and digital Vernier callipers. The small intestine extended from the pyloric sphincter to the ileocaecal orifice and comprised three distinct segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Among these segments, the jejunum was the longest and exhibited numerous closely arranged coils suspended by a fan-shaped mesentery. The mean total length of the small intestine increased significantly from 387.81 ± 46.16 cm in Group I to 714.05 ± 46.44 cm in Group II and 1677.82 ± 176.94 cm in Group III. The mean length and width of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum increased progressively with age. These findings demonstrate marked age-related growth and morphological changes in the small intestine of Indian domestic pigs, consistent with the increasing functional demands associated with postnatal development and dietary transition.

Economic Analysis and Marketing Pattern of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Cultivation in Nagaland: Evidence from Niuland District

Piketoli Chishi — 2026-07-22

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is one of the most important commercial spice crops cultivated in the north-eastern region of India and plays a vital role in supporting the income and livelihood security of rural farming households. The present study was conducted in Niuland district of Nagaland to examine the socio-economic characteristics of ginger growers, estimate the economics of ginger cultivation and analyse the marketing channels adopted by farmers. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. Two development blocks, namely Aghunaka and Ato, were selected purposively, followed by the random selection of six villages. A total of 90 ginger growers were selected through simple random sampling. Primary data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule, while secondary information was obtained from published reports, journals and government publications. The results revealed that the majority of respondents (61.11%) belonged to the middle-aged group, 55.55 per cent had primary-level education and 56.66 per cent were small farmers. Ginger occupied the largest share (33.84%) of the total operational landholding, highlighting its commercial importance in the farming system. The average cost of ginger cultivation was estimated at ₹53,433.44 per hectare, while the average gross income was ₹96,033.77 per hectare. The average net income and return from management were ₹46,654.96 and ₹41,717.08 per hectare, respectively. The benefit–cost ratio of 1.80 indicated that ginger cultivation was profitable in the study area. Two marketing channels were identified: Producer–Consumer and Producer–Wholesaler–Retailer–Consumer. The majority of growers (71.11%) marketed their produce through the latter channel because it facilitated bulk disposal and wider market access. However, the involvement of intermediaries reduced the producer's share in the consumer's rupee to 33.33 per cent, compared with 100 per cent under direct marketing. The study concludes that ginger cultivation has substantial economic potential to improve farm income and rural livelihoods in Niuland district. Strengthening extension services, improving access to quality planting material, promoting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and enhancing market infrastructure are essential for increasing productivity, profitability and marketing efficiency.

Cotton Production in Madhya Pradesh: Trend and Decomposition Analysis

U. D. Bankar — 2026-07-22

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a major contributor to India’s cotton economy, evolving from a peripheral producer into a state of national strategic importance in extra-long staple (ELS) and organic cotton. This study presents a diagnostic analysis of the state’s cotton production dynamics over a 20-year period (2005–06 to 2024–25), covering the Bt revolution and the more recent challenges associated with pest resistance and yield stagnation.

This research uses secondary data from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Madhya Pradesh, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) analysis is used to estimate growth dynamics, the Cuddy–Della Valle instability index (CDVII) evaluates production risk, and the Minhas–Vaidyanathan decomposition model attributes production changes to area, yield, and interaction effects across six major districts—Khargone, Barwani, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Dhar, and Ratlam.

The findings show that 2005–06 to 2014–15 was characterised by rapid growth supported by both area and yield following the adoption of Bt technology, whereas 2015–16 to 2024–25 was characterised by stagnating acreage and, more critically, declining production and productivity across all six districts after the 2018–19 peak. The decomposition analysis confirms that area expansion, rather than yield improvement, was the dominant driver of production growth over the full study period and that the recent contraction was driven by falling yields. This pattern is consistent with regional evidence of pink bollworm resistance and climate variability reported elsewhere (ICAR–CICR, 2020), although the present study does not directly test these mechanisms.

The study concludes with policy recommendations aligned with current national cotton productivity and quality initiatives, emphasising next-generation seed technology, climate-resilient agronomy, targeted risk management, and district-specific micro-planning to move Madhya Pradesh towards a sustainable, yield-led growth model.

Antibiotic Usage Patterns and Awareness of Residue Risks among Poultry Farmers in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria

Mohammed Malah — 2026-07-22

Background: Antibiotics are widely used in poultry production for disease treatment, prophylaxis, and growth promotion. Inappropriate use, however, can result in antibiotic residues accumulating in edible tissues and eggs, which are important sources of dietary protein. It may also contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global public health threat.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic use, describe usage patterns, and assess farmer awareness of antibiotic residues and drug withdrawal periods among poultry farmers in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 active poultry farms in Damaturu metropolis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed descriptively using SPSS version 21.0, with results presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: Black Hacco was the most commonly reared breed (32.0%), followed by Shikka Red (28.0%), mixed/other breeds (26.0%), and White Eggers (14.0%). Overall, 34 of 50 farms (68.0%) reported using antibiotics. Birds younger than five months received the highest reported rates of antibiotic (30.0%) and multivitamin (32.0%) administration. Commercial feed users reported higher antibiotic use (79.5%) than local feed users (27.3%). Only 42.0% of farmers reported awareness of antibiotic residues, and only 36.0% were aware of drug withdrawal periods.

Conclusion: Antibiotic use was common among the surveyed farms, while awareness of residue risks and withdrawal periods was low. These findings suggest a potential public health concern, including a possible contribution to antimicrobial resistance and consumer exposure to residues, although this study did not directly measure resistance or residue levels. Targeted farmer education and strengthened veterinary oversight are recommended, alongside further studies incorporating residue and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Impact of Structural Breaks on the Fiscal Indicators–economic Growth Relationship in Nigeria: An ARDL and Bai-perron Approach

Aako, Olubisi L. — 2026-07-23

This study examines whether structural breaks alter the estimated relationship between fiscal indicators and economic growth in Nigeria. Annual data for 1981–2023 are analysed using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds-testing framework, while the Bai–Perron procedure identifies multiple structural breaks. Real gross domestic product represents economic growth, and the explanatory variables comprise total government expenditure, oil revenue, non-oil revenue, total federally collected revenue, Federation Account statutory allocation, Federal Government retained revenue, and total exports. The Bai–Perron test identifies break dates in 1998 and 2010. The baseline recursive CUSUM test indicates parameter instability before break dummies are introduced, whereas the model becomes stable after their inclusion. The bounds test supports a long-run relationship among the variables. Long-run estimates indicate positive and statistically significant effects of total government expenditure and Federation Account statutory allocation, while total exports have a negative and statistically significant effect. The 2010 break dummy is also positive and significant. The error-correction term is negative and significant, showing that approximately 17.16% of short-run disequilibrium is corrected in each period. Diagnostic testing detects serial correlation but not heteroskedasticity or non-normality; Newey–West heteroskedasticity- and autocorrelation-consistent standard errors are therefore used for robust inference. The findings indicate that recognising structural change improves parameter stability and the reliability of the estimated fiscal indicator–growth relationship in Nigeria.

Qualitative Morphological Characterisation and Assessment of Genetic Diversity among Indigenous Landraces of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Vikash Sharma — 2026-07-23

The present study evaluated morphological diversity among 254 rice accessions, comprising 250 indigenous landraces and four checks (IR 64, JR 206, Improved Jeerashankar, and Improved Chinnor), using qualitative DUS descriptors and the Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index (SWDI). The study aimed to identify variable traits that could support varietal documentation, germplasm characterisation, and use in rice breeding programmes. The accessions showed substantial variation in several reproductive, panicle, awn, pigmentation, and grain-related traits, whereas some vegetative traits were conserved. Leaf collar and ligule presence were monomorphic, with 100% occurrence and no diversity (SWDI = 0.00). Leaf auricle and anthocyanin pigmentation of the nodes and internodes also showed limited variation. The highest diversity was recorded for panicle length of the longest awn (SWDI = 1.55), followed by awn colour (SWDI = 1.43), spikelet colour of the lemma tip (SWDI = 1.41), lemma and palea colour (SWDI = 1.40), and flag-leaf attitude at late observation (SWDI = 1.32). Panicle branch attitude was also variable, with semi-erect (40.94%), erect (30.70%), and erect-to-semi-erect (17.32%) types predominating. Moderate diversity was observed for culm attitude, spikelet pubescence, stigma colour, panicle exertion, sterile lemma colour, and secondary branching intensity. Overall, SWDI values ranged from 0.00 to 1.55. The highly variable qualitative descriptors identified in this study may support genotype identification, DUS characterisation, germplasm conservation, and the selection of diverse parental material for rice improvement programmes.

Red Rot Resistance of Sugarcane Genotypes under Artificial Inoculation in Field Conditions of Kerala, India

C. R. Rini — 2026-07-24

Sugarcane production is constrained by several diseases, including red rot, which can adversely affect crop productivity and quality. Field trials were conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Thiruvalla, during 2021–22, 2023–24 and 2024–25 to assess red rot resistance in sugarcane genotypes under artificial inoculation in Kerala. Eleven genotypes and three standard checks were evaluated against the virulent Colletotrichum falcatum pathotypes CF06 and CF12 using the plug and nodal cotton-swab inoculation methods. Disease reactions were recorded 60 days after inoculation. Under the plug method, Co18001, Co18002, Co18009, Co18024, CoN 18071 and CoN 18072 consistently exhibited moderately resistant reactions across the evaluated seasons and pathotypes. Co18003, Co18012, Co18013, CoVC 18061 and CoVSI 18121 showed moderately susceptible reactions. The nodal cotton-swab method produced resistant reactions in most entries, indicating lower infection pressure than the plug method. CoVC 18061 and CoVSI 18121 showed susceptibility to CF12 during the initial season under the nodal method but expressed resistance in subsequent seasons. The comparable reactions observed against CF06 and CF12 indicated consistency in genotype responses across pathotypes. The results demonstrate that disease expression is influenced by the pathotypes, season and inoculation methods, highlighting the importance of considering these factors for identifying stable resistance. The moderately resistant genotypes identified in this study warrant further validation and may be useful as genetic resources in breeding programmes aimed at improving red rot resistance in sugarcane adapted to Kerala’s agro-climatic conditions.

Adaptation Strategies Adopted by Rural Households in Response to Farmers-wildlife Conflicts in Dhenkanal District of Odisha, India

Debashish Nayak — 2026-07-24

Farmers–wildlife conflict is a major threat to the livelihood security of rural households residing near forest ecosystems, yet the range and relative preference of adaptation strategies used by affected households in Odisha remain poorly documented. This study examined the adaptation strategies adopted by rural households in response to farmers–wildlife conflict in Dhenkanal district of Odisha. A descriptive research design was employed, and a multistage sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents from four conflict-prone villages of Kamakhyanagar and Gondia blocks. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics. The novelty of the study lies in classifying the ten identified adaptation strategies into farm-level/individual and institutional/community-based categories and quantitatively comparing their relative uptake. Results showed that 68.00 per cent of respondents exhibited a medium level of adaptation, while 16.00 per cent each fell into the low and high categories, with an overall mean adaptation score of 36.80 (SD = 5.40). Regular guarding of fields (mean score 4.22) was the most preferred strategy, followed by physical barriers/fencing (4.01) and changes in cropping patterns (3.82), whereas seeking assistance from government agencies (3.12) was the least preferred. Farm-level strategies recorded a distinctly higher composite mean score (3.84) than institutional/community-based strategies (3.20). The study concludes that rural households rely predominantly on individual, farm-level measures rather than institutional support, and recommends strengthening extension services, compensation delivery mechanisms, and community-based wildlife management to enhance adaptive capacity and promote sustainable human–wildlife coexistence.

Dragon Fruit in India: Import Trends, Competitiveness and a SWOC Perspective on Production and Marketing Prospects

V. Vishnupriya — 2026-07-24

Aims: The study analysed trends in dragon fruit imports into India, assessed import competitiveness, evaluated the comparative advantage of domestic production, and examined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges (SWOC) associated with dragon fruit production and marketing.

Study Design: The study employed compound annual growth rate (CAGR), revealed comparative advantage (RCA), revealed symmetric comparative advantage (RSCA), policy analysis matrix (PAM), and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges (SWOC) analyses.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during 2023–24 in four major dragon fruit-growing districts of Karnataka, India: Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Bengaluru, and Chikkaballapur.

Methodology: Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 80 dragon fruit growers and 40 market intermediaries, while secondary trade data for 2015–2024 were obtained from published sources. CAGR was used to estimate import growth; RCA and RSCA were used to assess import competitiveness; PAM was used to evaluate comparative advantage and economic efficiency; and SWOC analysis was used to assess stakeholders' perceptions of dragon fruit production and marketing.

Results: Dragon fruit imports increased from 5,787 tonnes in 2015 to 57,062 tonnes in 2024, registering significant CAGRs of 28.79% in quantity and 26.00% in value. RCA increased from 0.13 to 0.59, while RSCA improved from −0.78 to −0.26, indicating increasing import dependence over time. PAM results showed private and social profits of ₹4,04,364 and ₹1,79,477 acre⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively. A domestic resource cost of 0.55 and a social benefit–cost ratio of 1.61 confirmed the comparative advantage and economic efficiency of domestic production. SWOC analysis identified climate resilience, profitability, and growing demand as major strengths, while inadequate post-harvest infrastructure, climatic risks, weak market linkages, and a lack of standardisation were important constraints. Value addition, e-commerce, export development, and institutional support emerged as major opportunities.

Conclusion: India has considerable potential to expand domestic dragon fruit production competitively and reduce import dependence. Investments in quality planting material, climate-resilient production, post-harvest and cold-chain infrastructure, standardised grading, market linkages, and value addition can strengthen domestic competitiveness, improve farmers' incomes, and support import substitution.

Immunostimulatory Effects of Dietary Amalaki Rasayan on Hematological Responses and Disease Resistance in Rohu (Labeo rohita)

Ishita Bambhaniya — 2026-07-24

Aquaculture health management increasingly requires safe, feed-based alternatives to reduce disease-related losses and limit dependence on chemotherapeutic agents. Herbal immunostimulants such as Amalaki Rasayan may support innate immunity and disease resistance in rohu (Labeo rohita) fry. The present study assessed the effectiveness of Amalaki Rasayan (AR) as a dietary supplement in Labeo rohita fry during a 60-day experimental period. Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is recognised for its rich vitamin C content, and its therapeutic potential is enhanced when processed into AR, an Ayurvedic formulation reported to have strong antioxidant properties even at lower concentrations than conventional Amalaki powder. This study aimed to identify an appropriate AR supplementation level for supporting immune function in L. rohita fry. Experimental diets were prepared with AR at inclusion levels of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% (5 g, 10 g, 15 g and 20 g per kg of feed, respectively), while the control diet contained no AR. Key immunological parameters, including total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count and respiratory burst activity, were evaluated together with disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila. Water quality parameters were monitored periodically throughout the trial. At the end of the feeding period, fish fed 2% AR showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) erythrocyte count, leukocyte count and respiratory burst activity than the control group. Post-challenge mortality was also lower in AR-supplemented groups, with the lowest mortality recorded in T3 and T4. These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with 2% AR (20 g/kg feed) may improve selected haematological responses, innate immune activity and disease resistance in L. rohita fry under the experimental conditions.

Assessment of Seaweed Extract (Sagarika) as a Bio-stimulant for Enhancing Rice Productivity in an Inceptisol

Ramawatar Meena — 2026-07-24

Seaweed-derived biostimulants may complement conventional nutrient management in rice, but their performance requires evaluation under specific soil and agroclimatic conditions. A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2022–2023 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, to assess Sagarika seaweed extract in an Inceptisol. The experiment followed a randomised block design with 11 treatments and three replications. Treatments included an absolute control, the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), reduced soil-applied urea, an NPK biofertiliser consortium, Sagarika granules, Sagarika liquid sprays, nano urea, and selected combinations of these inputs. Plant growth was recorded at 30, 60, and 90 days after transplanting, and yield attributes, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index were measured. Treatment T7, comprising 100% RDF, Sagarika granules at 10 kg acre⁻¹, and two Sagarika liquid sprays at 5 mL L⁻¹, recorded the highest numerical grain yield (61.63 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (77.02 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (138.66 q ha⁻¹). Several fertilised treatments were statistically comparable with T7 based on the reported critical difference. The highest harvest index was recorded under T10 (44.95%). The findings indicate that integrated Sagarika treatments were associated with favourable rice growth and yield under the conditions evaluated. Multi-season and multi-location studies incorporating economic, soil-health, nutrient-use-efficiency, and environmental measurements are required before wider recommendations are made.

Constraint Analysis of Redgram Production in Telangana, India

Chetpalli Joyce Sanjuna — 2026-07-24

Background: Pulses are important food crops in India because they provide dietary protein and contribute to soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation. Redgram (Cajanus cajan) is an important pulse crop grown largely under rainfed conditions, but its productivity and profitability are affected by agronomic, input, labour, credit and market-related constraints.

Aims: This study identified and prioritised the major constraints experienced by redgram farmers in Telangana, India.

Study Design: A multistage sampling design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted through the Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTAU, during 2024–25.

Methodology: Primary data were collected from 120 redgram farmers selected from three agro-climatic zones of Telangana. One district, one mandal and two villages were selected from each zone on the basis of maximum area under redgram cultivation, and 20 farmers were randomly selected from each village. Data were obtained through personal interviews using a structured schedule. The Garrett ranking technique was applied to convert farmers’ ranks into scores and to determine the relative severity of constraints.

Results: The ranking showed inter-district variation in the severity of constraints, but several problems were common across the study area. Overall, non-availability of credit was the most serious constraint, with a mean score of 73.44 and first rank. Labour shortage and higher wages ranked second, followed by non-remunerative prices, high cost of machinery, unavailability of machinery and equipment, and lack of irrigation water facilities. Farmers also reported constraints related to high cost of plant protection chemicals, lack of technical knowledge, high cost of seed and fertiliser, pest and disease incidence, low seed viability, storage and market facilities.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that timely institutional credit, labour-saving mechanisation, improved irrigation access, price support and farmer-oriented extension services are important for reducing constraints in redgram cultivation.

Determinants of Workplace Stress among Krishi Sakhis in Selected Districts of Karnataka, India

Prema Patil — 2026-07-25

The professionalisation of Krishi Sakhis in India has strengthened rural extension services but has also increased their workloads and responsibilities. However, the dual burden of domestic and agricultural roles exposes them to considerable workplace stress. The study highlights the importance of tailored strategies, including mental health support, training programmes and improved social support systems, to promote wellbeing and productivity. It also offers important perspectives for developing policies that enhance both the effectiveness and quality of life of grassroots women workers involved in rural development. The present study examined workplace stress among Krishi Sakhis working in the selected areas of Bagalkot, Dharwad, Hanamanamatti and Vijayapura. A total of 217 respondents aged 20–50 years were selected using a purposive random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics and the Workplace Stress Scale™ developed by the Marlin Company and the American Institute of Stress (1978), which measures perceived occupational stress across eight dimensions on a 5-point Likert scale. The results showed that most respondents were aged 31–40 years (53.0%), had studied up to the 10th standard (49.8%) and belonged to nuclear families (64.1%). The largest proportion (45.2%) experienced a fair level of workplace stress, and no cases of severe stress were observed. Significant associations were found between workplace stress and age, family size, family type and work experience. Stress levels varied across age and work-experience groups, while family-related factors were also associated with workplace stress. Overall, socio-demographic and occupational factors influenced workplace stress among Krishi Sakhis, underscoring the need for supportive interventions, training and mental health programmes to enhance their wellbeing and work efficiency.

Comparative Cost and Return Analysis of Milk Production from Crossbred and Local Cows in Thoubal District, Manipur, India

Laitonjam Jalita Devi — 2026-07-25

This study assessed the costs and returns of milk production from crossbred and local cows among dairy farmers in Thoubal district, Manipur. Primary data were collected during the 2024–2025 agricultural year from 60 dairy farmers selected through a stratified two-stage sampling procedure. The sample included 41 farmers rearing crossbred cows and 19 rearing local cows. Percentage and tabular analyses were used, and production costs were classified into fixed and variable components. The annual maintenance cost per milch cow was ₹64,145.22 for crossbred cows and ₹45,825.61 for local cows. Feed and fodder represented the largest cost component, followed by human labour. Annual milk production averaged 4,677.51 litres per crossbred cow and 2,832.35 litres per local cow. Gross income was ₹280,650.60 per crossbred cow and ₹169,941.00 per local cow, whereas net income was ₹218,595.57 and ₹126,463.22, respectively. The benefit–cost ratio was 4.37 for crossbred cows and 3.71 for local cows. Within the sampled farms, crossbred cows incurred higher maintenance costs but generated greater milk output and financial returns than local cows. The findings suggest that the profitability of dairy farming in the study area is associated with breed type, feed management, labour use, animal-health services, and overall farm management. However, the breed differences should be interpreted as descriptive associations because the analysis did not control for other farm and animal characteristics.

Comparative Assessment of Resource Use Efficiency of GI-Tagged Guntur Chilli and Teja Chilli Farms in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Deepika Bonigala — 2026-07-25

This study analysed the resource-use efficiency of geographical indication (GI)-tagged Guntur Sannam chilli and hybrid Teja chilli farms in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh using a Cobb-Douglas production function and assessed constraints in chilli production using the Garrett ranking technique. The results revealed that human labour and expenditure on plant protection chemicals (PPC) were statistically significant factors affecting the yields of both Guntur Sannam and Teja chilli, whereas seedlings had a significant positive influence only on Teja chilli yield. The coefficients of determination (R²) for Guntur Sannam and Teja chilli were 0.89 and 0.87, respectively, indicating that the models explained a high proportion of the variation in chilli production. The sum of production elasticities was greater than unity for both varieties, suggesting that productivity could be improved through better coordination and management of production resources. The allocative-efficiency ratios for human labour and expenditure on PPC exceeded unity on both Guntur Sannam and Teja chilli farms. This indicated the underutilisation of these resources and suggested that yield could be increased through their greater use. Conversely, the fertiliser-efficiency ratio was less than unity on Teja chilli farms, indicating overutilisation. Among the production constraints, the high cost of human labour ranked first, with a mean score of 72.48, whereas price fluctuations ranked first among the marketing constraints, with a mean score of 70.31. Therefore, farmer education and technical support should focus on strengthening quality seedling systems, promoting integrated pest-management practices and improving collective marketing approaches. These measures could facilitate the optimisation of resource use and contribute to the sustainable production and competitiveness of chilli cultivation in Guntur District.

Comparative Evaluation of Camera Modules for Real-time Deep Learning-Based Detection of Tomato Plants and Weeds on a Raspberry Pi Platform

Apoorva Sharma — 2026-07-25

Aims: To evaluate and compare three camera modules, namely a USB webcam, a smartphone camera, and a Raspberry Pi Camera Module, for real-time detection of tomato plants and weeds, in order to identify the most suitable imaging sensor for deployment in a precision spraying system.

Study Design: Comparative experimental evaluation of camera hardware under static and simulated dynamic field conditions.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, between July and September 2024.

Methodology: A You Only Look Once (YOLO)11n object detection model, trained to identify tomato plants and weeds, was deployed on a Raspberry Pi 4B for real-time inference. Three imaging sensors, a 2-megapixel (MP) USB webcam, a 64 MP smartphone camera (POCO M4 Pro) interfaced via the DroidCam application over Wi-Fi, and a 5 MP Raspberry Pi Camera Module interfaced through the Camera Serial Interface (CSI), were evaluated under static conditions and under conveyor-simulated dynamic conditions at 1 km/h. The modules were compared on resolution, interface type, integration complexity, image quality, detection accuracy, processing latency, and power requirement.

Results: The USB webcam exhibited poor image quality and a processing latency of 1250–1365 milliseconds (ms). The smartphone camera achieved the highest image quality and detection accuracy but showed a latency of approximately 2,000–3,000 ms due to Wi-Fi-based streaming. The Raspberry Pi Camera Module recorded the lowest latency (700–900 ms), moderate-to-high detection accuracy, and required no external power source, giving it the most favourable overall balance among the three sensors.

Conclusion: Data transmission pathway, rather than sensor resolution alone, was the decisive factor determining real-time deployability. The Raspberry Pi Camera Module was accordingly selected for the final precision spraying prototype, and these findings offer practical guidance for imaging sensor selection in edge-deployed, real-time precision agriculture systems.

Impact of Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms and Inorganic Sources of Phosphorus on Plant Dry Matter and Yield Attributes of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Jyoti Choudhary — 2026-07-27

The present study was conducted at the Instructional Farm of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 to evaluate the effects of phosphorus-solubilising microorganisms (PSMs) and inorganic phosphorus sources on plant dry matter and yield attributes of maize. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design comprising 12 treatment combinations with three replications. The recorded attributes included plant dry matter, number of cobs per plant, number of grains per cob and seed index. The combined application of PSMs and inorganic phosphorus sources significantly increased plant dry matter, the number of grains per cob and the seed index compared with the control, whereas the number of cobs per plant was not significantly affected. Enhanced phosphorus availability through microbial inoculants, together with an adequate supply of inorganic phosphorus, promoted root development, nutrient uptake and photosynthetic activity, resulting in improved reproductive growth and grain formation. The highest values for plant dry matter and the significant yield attributes were recorded under the integrated application of PSMs with the recommended dose of phosphorus fertiliser. The findings indicate that integrating phosphorus-solubilising microorganisms with inorganic phosphorus sources can support maize productivity under the conditions of the study. This integrated approach may improve phosphorus availability and the efficiency of phosphorus nutrition while maintaining the measured yield attributes.

Effect of L. minor at Fluctuating Concentrations Used a Considerable Impact on the Growth Dynamics of Grass Carp Fingerlings

Amrita Giri Das — 2026-07-27

Background: Duckweed is a locally available aquatic plant with potential as a sustainable feed ingredient in aquaculture.

Aims: This study evaluated the effect of graded dietary inclusion of Lemna minor on the growth performance, feed utilisation, and survival of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fingerlings reared in earthen ponds.

Methods: A total of 180 fingerlings were distributed among 12 earthen ponds at 15 fish per pond. Four dietary treatments were assessed: an unsupplemented control and basal diets containing 5%, 10%, and 20% L. minor, designated T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Fish with an initial mean weight of 66.55 g and mean length of 13.45 cm were fed at 5% of body weight twice daily for six months. Growth performance was assessed using net weight gain, percentage weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and survival.

Results: Dietary supplementation with L. minor improved growth performance and feed utilisation compared with the control. Treatment T2 recorded the highest net weight gain of 574.20 ± 1.03 g, percentage weight gain of 45.31 ± 0.36%, and specific growth rate of 1.41 ± 0.003. It also showed the lowest final feed conversion ratio of 1.76 ± 0.006. Survival was 100% in all supplemented groups, compared with 80.71% in the control. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences among treatments at p < 0.05. These findings support its potential use in practical aquaculture feeding.

Conclusion: Moderate dietary inclusion of L. minor, particularly the T2 treatment, enhanced growth, feed utilisation, and survival of grass carp fingerlings under earthen-pond culture conditions.

Clustering and Principal Component Analysis-based Diversity Assessment of Restorer Lines of Pearl Millet under Semi-Arid Region of Gujarat in Hot Summer for Yield and Quality Traits

Rohan V. Patel — 2026-07-27

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a climate-smart C₄ cereal that supports food and nutritional security in arid and semi-arid regions. This study assessed genetic diversity among 30 pearl millet restorer lines for eleven quantitative traits under the hot-summer, semi-arid conditions of Gujarat. The lines were evaluated during summer 2024 in a randomised block design with three replications. Genetic divergence was examined using Mahalanobis D² statistics and Tocher clustering, while principal component analysis was used to describe the major sources of variation. Significant differences were observed among the restorer lines for all evaluated traits. Tocher’s method grouped the lines into eight clusters, with Clusters I and II containing the largest numbers of genotypes. The greatest inter-cluster distance occurred between Clusters I and VIII (D² = 1223.33), indicating substantial divergence between these groups. Grain yield per plant (36.10%), zinc content (23.45%) and iron content (18.85%) were the leading contributors to total divergence. The first four principal components explained 71.51% of the total variation. PC1 was mainly associated with grain yield per plant, 1000-grain weight, ear head length and ear head girth. ICMR 20265 and ICMR 20778 were positioned favourably for yield-related traits in the PCA biplot. These results identify genetically diverse restorer lines that may be considered for further hybridisation and heterosis evaluation.

Digital Literacy, Access, Training, and Attitudes Toward Digital Health Technologies among Healthcare Workers in Selected Health Facilities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Iminabo Chuku Dianna — 2026-07-27

Background: The integration of digital health technologies is transforming healthcare delivery, yet challenges in access, training, and attitudes among healthcare professionals can hinder optimal utilisation.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate access to digital technology, training opportunities, attitudes towards digital health technologies, and workplace challenges among healthcare professionals.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 healthcare workers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism version 9.02, and descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: Most respondents had access to digital technology (98.9%) and internet connectivity (90.9%), predominantly via private Wi-Fi and mobile networks (91.7%). However, workplace access was lower (71.7%), and only 37.1% had received formal training in digital technology. The attitudinal assessment revealed that 51.1% demonstrated good attitudes towards digital health technologies, 43.1% had fair attitudes, and 5.1% exhibited poor attitudes. Convenience, ease of use, and reduced human error were among the key positive perceptions, although scepticism persisted regarding whether technology could replace healthcare professionals. Workplace challenges included frequent digital system downtimes, with 58.0% affected sometimes and 21.7% affected very frequently. Nearly half (48.6%) reported no ongoing training or capacity-building programmes, and 23.1% were unsure whether such provisions were available. Insufficient power supply, the absence of a stable institutional network, limited continuous training, inadequate access to browsing data and networks, insufficient availability of institutional computers and devices in the workplace, and limited digital familiarity among healthcare workers were the major barriers identified in the study.

Conclusion: Despite high access to digital technology and generally positive attitudes, training gaps and frequent digital downtimes remain significant barriers. Strengthening continuous training programmes and improving digital infrastructure could enhance the effective use of digital health technologies in healthcare settings.

Growth and Quality Response of Knol Khol Varieties to Transplanting Dates under Semi-Arid Conditions

Jaiprakash Yadav — 2026-07-28

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth and quality response of four knol khol varieties to three transplanting dates under the semi-arid conditions of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The experiment included four varieties: Pusa Virat, Palam Tender Knob, White Vienna and Early White Vienna. The transplanting dates were 20 October, 30 October and 10 November. The trial was laid out in a factorial randomised block design with three replications. Growth, phenological and quality observations were recorded using standard procedures, and the data were analysed through analysis of variance. Variety and transplanting date significantly influenced vegetative growth, earliness and quality traits. Among the varieties, White Vienna recorded the highest plant height (47.54 cm), number of leaves per plant (18.09), fresh plant weight (682.04 g) and dry plant weight (66.89 g). Early White Vienna was earliest for 50% knob initiation (35.39 days) and knob harvesting (56.10 days). Among transplanting dates, 30 October produced superior growth and quality performance, with higher plant height (43.01 cm), number of leaves (16.34), fresh plant weight (533.25 g), dry plant weight (53.88 g), ascorbic acid content (42.72 mg/100 g) and total soluble solids (6.96 °Brix). The interaction of White Vienna with 30 October transplanting recorded the highest values for plant height, leaves per plant, fresh weight, dry weight, ascorbic acid and total soluble solids. The findings indicate that transplanting on 30 October, particularly with White Vienna, improved growth and quality attributes under the tested semi-arid conditions.

Study on Feeding Strategies of Lamellidens marginalis and Its Impact on Its Growth and Nacre Development

Brijesh Das — 2026-07-28

This study examined the effects of different feed types on the growth and visual nacre development of the freshwater mussel Lamellidens marginalis, a species relevant to pearl culture and water filtration. Four feeding regimes comprising combinations of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis and zooplankton were evaluated. The mussels were maintained under controlled conditions for six months, and shell dimensions, body weight, survival and physiological condition were assessed at 30-day intervals. Visual nacre grading was conducted at the end of the experiment. Growth and survival differed among the feeding regimes. Mussels receiving the mixed diet of zooplankton, Chlorella and Spirulina showed the greatest increases in shell dimensions and body weight. Group 4 (zooplankton + Chlorella + Spirulina) recorded the highest survival rate of 91%, followed by Group 1 (84%) and Groups 2 and 3 (83% each). Diets containing both microalgae and zooplankton were associated with better growth than the simpler feeding regimes. The mixed diet also produced the highest visual nacre grading score. These findings indicate that dietary diversity may support growth, survival and visual nacre-related performance in L. marginalis under controlled culture conditions. However, interpretation should remain cautious because initial body weights differed among groups, independent aquarium replication was not clearly reported and nacre development was assessed visually rather than quantitatively.

Multi-Patch Metapopulation Dynamics of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Fragmented Wildebeest Populations: Effects of Patch Size, Isolation, Asymmetric Migration, and Demographic Heterogeneity

Isaac Mose — 2026-07-29

Habitat fragmentation can alter wildlife movement, contact structure, and disease persistence, yet conventional epidemiological models often provide limited representation of these spatial effects. This study develops a multipatch susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered metapopulation model to examine foot-and-mouth disease transmission in fragmented wildebeest (Connochaetes spp.) populations in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The framework incorporates patch size, isolation, asymmetric migration, habitat quality, edge effects, seasonal forcing, demographic heterogeneity, competition among SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 serotypes, and environmental persistence. The metapopulation basic reproduction number is evaluated through the spectral properties of the patch-connectivity matrix, and parameter uncertainty is represented using 90% uncertainty intervals. Model outputs indicate a local persistence threshold of approximately 5,000-8,000 animals (90% uncertainty interval: 4,200-8,800). Under strongly asymmetric migration, the source-patch reproduction number reaches 1.77 (1.60-1.94), whereas sink-patch values remain below one. Seasonal movement increases the reproduction number from 1.12 (1.02-1.22) during low-movement periods to 1.62 (1.48-1.76) during peak migration. Increasing fragmentation from two to 100 patches reduces the metapopulation reproduction number from 1.49 (1.35-1.63) to 0.87 (0.78-0.96). Elevated transmission is also associated with patch edges, poor habitat quality, adult age classes, breeding-season males, and wet-season water sources. These findings provide a model-based account of how landscape structure and heterogeneous movement may influence FMD persistence, while remaining conditional on the stated assumptions and parameter estimates.

Rose and Marigold Cultivation in Uttarakhand: A District-level Spatio-temporal Panel Data Analysis

Paritosh Kumar — 2026-07-30

Floriculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and economically important sectors of horticulture in India, contributing to agricultural diversification, employment generation, and farm income. Uttarakhand possesses favourable agro-climatic conditions for the commercial cultivation of ornamental crops, particularly marigold (Tagetes spp.) and rose (Rosa spp.); however, district-level assessments of their cultivation dynamics remain limited. This study analysed temporal trends in the cultivated area, production, and productivity of marigold and rose across the 13 districts of Uttarakhand from 2016–17 to 2020–21 using secondary data. An ex post facto research design was adopted, and descriptive statistics, Annual Growth Rate (AGR), Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), and panel data regression analysis were employed. The panel dataset comprised 26 district–crop units and 130 observations. The random-effects model was selected on the basis of the Breusch–Pagan Lagrange Multiplier and Hausman specification tests, while statistical inference was based on Arellano HC1 cluster-robust standard errors. Descriptive statistics showed that marigold occupied a larger average cultivated area (64.15 ha), recorded higher production (183.71 MT), and achieved greater productivity (32.70 q ha⁻¹) than rose (10.94 ha, 15.27 MT, and 16.14 q ha⁻¹, respectively). Growth analysis revealed substantial spatial variation, with Udham Singh Nagar recording the highest AGR in marigold production (226.13%) and productivity (153.38%), whereas Uttarkashi exhibited the highest CAGR in cultivated area for both marigold (35.39%) and rose (91.29%). Panel regression results indicated a significant positive temporal increase in cultivated area, whereas production showed only modest growth, and productivity remained statistically unchanged. The findings suggest that recent growth in floriculture has been driven primarily by the expansion of cultivated area rather than by improvements in production efficiency. The study highlights the need for productivity-enhancing interventions, including improved planting materials, scientific crop management, strengthened extension services, and district-specific technological support, to promote sustainable floriculture development in Uttarakhand.

Comparative Response of Milk pH, Electrical Conductivity and Infrared Thermography across an Increasing Somatic Cell Count Gradient in Early-Lactation Alpine × Beetal Crossbred Does

Animesh Patel — 2026-07-30

Background: Somatic cell count (SCC) in goat milk is influenced by both udder health and physiological factors, which limits its interpretation as a sole screening measure.

Aims: This study compared milk pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and three region-specific udder surface temperatures across a graded SCC scale in clinically healthy early-lactation Alpine × Beetal crossbred does and identified the lowest SCC class at which each indicator differed from the reference.

Study Design: Cross-sectional, six SCC strata.

Place and Duration of Study: Livestock Research Centre and Division of Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India.

Methodology: Forty-eight clinically healthy, multiparous, early-lactation Alpine × Beetal crossbred does were sampled on three consecutive days. Daily values were averaged per doe, and does were allocated according to their three-day mean SCC (<4 to >12 × 10⁵ cells/mL; n = 8 per group). Milk pH and EC were measured using a Lactoscan MCC Combo; teat apex (TAT), teat skin surface (TSST) and udder skin surface (USST) temperatures were measured by infrared thermography. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD and Pearson correlation, with the doe as the experimental unit.

Results: Milk pH rose 9.84% (6.30 to 6.92), first differing from the reference at 8–10 × 10⁵ cells/mL (P < .05). EC rose 24.72% (5.46 to 6.81 mS/cm) but, varying widely between animals, separated only at 10–12 × 10⁵. TSST rose 2.65 °C, separating at 8–10 × 10⁵; TAT rose 1.53 °C, separating at 10–12 × 10⁵; USST rose by 2.38 °C, but no group differed significantly from the reference. SCC correlated with EC (r = 0.906), pH (r = 0.898), TSST (r = 0.894), TAT (r = 0.741) and USST (r = 0.400).

Conclusion: Milk pH and TSST responded earliest, at 8–10 × 10⁵ cells/mL, followed by TAT and EC at 10–12 × 10⁵; USST did not respond detectably. Milk pH offers the best combination of sensitivity, cost and speed. The closer tracking of SCC by TSST than by USST is contrary to earlier reports and requires replication with ambient conditions recorded.

Morphological Characterization and Taxonomic Identification of Colocasia Germplasm of Dima Hasao District of Assam, India

Nehail Hojai — 2026-07-30

Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott), commonly known as arvi, is a member of the family Araceae and subfamily Colocasioideae. Northeast India is one of the centers of origin of Colocasia, and both morphological and physiological variation occurs in Colocasia in the region. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, to assess the morphological diversity of Colocasia germplasm from Dima Hasao district, Assam, and to undertake their taxonomic identification. A total of 16 germplasm was collected from five blocks, namely Harangajao, Mahur, Maibang, Diyungbra, and Sangbar, and evaluated for morphological traits in a randomized block design with three replications. Morphological variation in leaf and corm characters was observed during the study. Of the 16 cultivars, 87.50% exhibited an erect-apex-down leaf orientation. Green and purple were the most frequent petiole-junction colours (37.5% each), and 75% of the cultivars had green main veins. Most cultivars (62.5%) exhibited undulated leaf margins, while yellow was the most frequent leaf-blade-margin colour (37.5%). Purple occurred in the upper petiole portion of 56.25% of the cultivars, whereas 75% had green lower petiole portions. Red was the most frequent dorsal petiole-junction colour (43.75%), and yellow was the most frequent dorsal main-vein colour (43.75%). Corms were cylindrical (25%), conical (25%), round (18.75%), elongated (18.75%), or elliptical (12.5%). Branched corms occurred in 87.5% of cultivars, while 12.5% produced unbranched corms. Taxonomic identification indicated that Thagajao, Thaklong-galao, Thahon, and Tharujung belonged to C. esculenta, whereas Thaklong belonged to C. antiquorum. The germplasm exhibited considerable variation and may be useful in breeding programme aimed at developing improved taro varieties or hybrids.

Nano Zinc Oxide Seed Treatment and Priming Improve Germination, Seedling Vigour and Root Development in Bt Cotton

N. Pruthviraj — 2026-07-31

Poor germination and weak early establishment can reduce plant population and productivity in Bt cotton, while zinc deficiency can constrain enzyme activity, reserve mobilization, and root development during establishment. Against this background, the present study evaluated nano zinc oxide (ZnO) seed treatment and seed priming for improving seed germination, seedling vigour, and root development in Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under controlled laboratory conditions. Eight treatments comprising three nano ZnO seed-treatment doses (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g kg⁻¹ seed), four seed-priming concentrations (500, 750, 1000, and 1250 ppm), and an untreated control were evaluated in a single laboratory experiment with two independent replications using the between-paper germination method following ISTA guidelines. Germination percentage, seedling vigour indices (SVI-I and SVI-II), and root morphological traits were recorded and subjected to analysis of variance. Nano ZnO significantly improved germination and early seedling growth over the control. Seed treatment with nano ZnO at 1.0 g kg⁻¹ seed recorded the highest germination (92%), SVI-I (3119), SVI-II (43001), root length (326.7 cm), root volume (1.92 cm³), and root surface area (82.8 cm²). Among seed-priming treatments, 1000 ppm nano ZnO produced superior seedling performance. Thus, nano ZnO at an appropriate concentration enhanced early establishment and root development in Bt cotton; however, these findings are limited to laboratory conditions and require nursery and field validation before agronomic recommendation.

Rainfastness, Residue Persistence and Efficacy of Fungicides against Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) under Simulated Rainfall Conditions

Addafar Gulzar — 2026-07-31

Apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Winter, is the most destructive disease of apple worldwide. Although fungicides remain the primary means of disease management, rainfall shortly after application can reduce their efficacy through fungicide wash-off. Information on the rainfastness of commonly recommended fungicides under varying rainfall conditions remains limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the persistence and efficacy of selected fungicides against apple scab under simulated rainfall conditions. Three-year-old potted plants of apple cv. ‘Red Delicious’ were treated with representative protectant and systemic fungicides and exposed to simulated rainfall (5–30 mm) at rain-free intervals of 6–36 h after application. Fungicide residues were quantified using the QuEChERS method, and disease incidence, disease severity and control efficiency were assessed following inoculation with V. inaequalis. Residue retention declined significantly with increasing rainfall but improved with longer rain-free intervals. At a 36-h rain-free interval, the trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole components showed the highest rainfastness, retaining 94.05% and 94.87% of their initial residues after 5 mm of rainfall and 74.05% and 74.87%, respectively, after 30 mm of rainfall. It also provided the highest disease control efficiency (89.6–100.0%) and the lowest disease incidence and severity across all rainfall regimes. Difenoconazole 25 EC ranked second in efficacy, whereas Dodine, Mancozeb and Captan showed progressively greater rainfall-induced loss of persistence and disease control. These findings demonstrate that Trifloxystrobin + Tebuconazole and Difenoconazole provide superior protection under rainfall-prone conditions and offer a scientific basis for optimising fungicide selection, spray scheduling and re-application decisions, thereby improving apple scab management while minimising unnecessary fungicide applications.

Development of a Scale to Measure Farmers’ Attitude towards Crop Residue Management Practices in Rajasthan, India

R Amulya — 2026-07-31

Understanding farmers’ attitudes is essential for designing effective extension strategies and promoting sustainable crop residue management. This study developed and standardised a valid and reliable Likert-type scale to measure farmers’ attitudes towards crop residue management practices in Rajasthan. Initially, 92 attitude statements were generated through a literature review and expert consultation. After editing, 70 statements were submitted to 100 experts, of whom 48 responded. Based on the prescribed thresholds of relevancy percentage greater than 75%, relevancy weightage greater than 0.80, and mean relevancy score greater than 4, 29 statements were retained. These statements were administered to 30 non-sample farmers for item analysis using the extreme-group method. The upper and lower 33.33% of respondents formed the criterion groups, and 20 statements with t-values greater than 1.75 were selected for the final scale. The final instrument comprised 13 positive, one neutral, and six negative statements. The split-half reliability coefficient was 0.83, while the Spearman–Brown corrected reliability coefficient was 0.91, indicating strong internal consistency in the development sample. Content validity was established through a literature review and expert judgement. The resulting scale offers a structured means of assessing farmers’ attitudes towards crop residue management and may support descriptive research, extension planning, programme evaluation, and the identification of behavioural constraints. Further validation with larger and more geographically diverse samples would strengthen evidence regarding its broader measurement performance.

Ultrasound-assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Dried Fenugreek Seeds Using Methanol

K. V. Amrutha — 2026-08-01

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds are recognised as a valuable source of bioactive constituents, particularly phenolics, flavonoids and saponins, which collectively contribute to their antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from dried fenugreek seeds using methanol as the extraction solvent. Response Surface Methodology, based on a Central Composite Design, was applied to assess the effects of extraction time, solvent temperature and ultrasonication power on total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total saponin content and antioxidant activity. The investigated extraction conditions comprised extraction times of 10-50 min, solvent temperatures of 30-50 °C and ultrasonication power levels of 60-100%. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and total saponin content ranged from 13.35 to 26.83 mg GAE/g DW, 27.08 to 35.60 mg QE/g DW and 76.50 to 101.25 mg DE/g DW, respectively. Antioxidant activity, expressed as IC₅₀, ranged from 265.80 to 298.50 μg/mL. The fitted quadratic models were significant, with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.9419 to 0.9916, indicating that the selected process variables adequately explained the extraction responses. Numerical optimisation identified an extraction time of 33.08 min, a solvent temperature of 38.78 °C and an ultrasonication power of 86.17% as the optimum conditions, with an overall desirability value of 0.748. Under these conditions, the predicted responses were 26.74 mg GAE/g DW for total phenolic content, 35.88 mg QE/g DW for total flavonoid content, 101.25 mg DE/g DW for total saponin content and 265.80 μg/mL for IC₅₀. Overall, the findings indicate that ultrasound-assisted extraction can enhance the recovery of methanol-soluble bioactive compounds from dried fenugreek seeds under optimised processing conditions and may provide a useful basis for further laboratory-scale extraction studies.

Mediating Roles of Safety Behaviour Indicators on the Impact of Occupational Stress and Work Burnout among Oil Workers in Niger Delta Area

Odunze, Chimezie Edwin — 2026-08-01

The study examined the mediating roles of safety behaviour indicators in the effects of occupational stress and work burnout on safety performance among oil workers in the Niger Delta area. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 16 and AMOS. A random sampling technique was used to select three states, while purposive sampling was used to select six oil and gas companies operating in Uyo, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Obio/Akpor. The study adopted descriptive and inferential research designs. The Scale Reliability Analysis tool in SPSS was used to calculate Cronbach's alpha coefficients and assess the internal consistency of the research constructs. The analysis indicated good internal consistency across all measures, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.72 to 0.83. A structural equation model was developed using IBM AMOS. The mediation analysis showed that safety behaviour significantly mediated the effects of occupational stress and work burnout on safety performance (p < 0.001). Occupational stress and work burnout were operationalised using work-related stressors and symptoms. Safety behaviour was measured using safety participation and safety compliance, while safety performance was measured using reduced accident occurrence and reduced near-miss occurrence. Safety participation and safety compliance completely mediated the effect of work burnout on reduced near-miss occurrence, whereas the remaining pathways showed partial mediation. Overall, occupational stress and work burnout negatively affected workers' safety performance and safety behaviour in the selected oil and gas firms. The findings indicate that safety behaviour mediates the effects of occupational stress and work burnout on safety performance. The study recommends suitable, low-stress work routines and schedules to reduce work-related stress and burnout, improve workers' safety behaviour, and ultimately reduce accident occurrence.

Empirical Study on Resource Use Efficiency of Milk Production and Distribution in Tal Area of Bihar

Ajay Kumar — 2026-08-01

Dairy farming is considered an ideal alternative source of income for marginal and small farmers in India. This study examined the factors influencing milk production and the distribution pattern among sample farmers in the Tal area of Bihar. Using simple random sampling without replacement (SRSWoR), 90 dairy farmers were selected for primary data collection in 2022. Cost and return concepts were used to analyse the data, the Cobb-Douglas production function was applied to examine the factors affecting milk production, and Garrett’s ranking technique was used to identify milk-marketing constraints. The annual value of milk sold by the sample farmers was Rs. 85,040, with a return-to-cost ratio of 1.39. The Cobb-Douglas analysis indicated that dry fodder, concentrate, and veterinary charges were important factors affecting milk production. The coefficient for green fodder was negative, possibly because monocropping is practised only during the rabi season and green fodder is limited during seasonal flooding. Because milk is highly perishable, reliable marketing arrangements are required for its disposal. Of the overall marketed surplus of 21.13 litres, 26.41% was marketed through the organised sector and 73.59% through the unorganised sector. The principal constraints were low milk prices, delayed payments, green-fodder shortages caused by flooding, inadequate transport, and limited market information. The State Government has implemented various schemes to support farmers and small enterprises and strengthen livelihood security in Bihar.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Child Undernutrition in Bihar: Evidence from NFHS-5

Rakesh Kumar — 2026-08-01

Child undernutrition is an important public health challenge in Bihar and may have intergenerational consequences if left unaddressed. It adversely affects child survival, physical and cognitive development, and future productivity. Despite efforts to eliminate undernutrition among children under five years of age, Bihar continues to record a very high prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight. This study examines the socioeconomic determinants of child undernutrition in Bihar using unit-level data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, conducted during 2019–2020. Anthropometric measures of stunting (height-for-age), wasting (weight-for-height), and underweight (weight-for-age) were used as outcome variables to assess children's nutritional status in accordance with the WHO Child Growth Standards. The independent variables included socioeconomic characteristics, maternal education and health, child characteristics, and water, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors. The study used descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and bivariate analysis to examine the prevalence of child undernutrition across the independent variables. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was also conducted to identify the socioeconomic, maternal and child health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors associated with child undernutrition in Bihar. Scheduled Caste children had the highest odds of stunting and underweight among the social groups compared with 'Others' (OR = 1.348 and 1.520, respectively; p < 0.001). Children from the poorest households had higher odds of stunting (OR = 1.723, p < 0.001) and underweight (OR = 1.609, p < 0.001) than those from the richest households. Maternal education was an important determinant: children of mothers with no formal education had higher odds of stunting (OR = 2.087, p < 0.001) and underweight (OR = 1.508, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that socioeconomic inequalities play a critical role in determining children's nutritional outcomes. Higher odds of undernutrition were observed among socioeconomically disadvantaged children, children from poorer households, children whose mothers had no formal education, and children living in households without toilet facilities or clean cooking fuel. Policies aimed at reducing inequalities in access to child nutrition and health-related services, increasing maternal educational attainment, providing appropriate maternal health support during and after pregnancy, and improving access to toilets and safe drinking water could contribute to achieving the Global Nutrition Targets and the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Digital Twin Applications for Real-Time Optimization of Oilfield Operations: A Critical Review

Victor Nnanyelu Onyechi — 2026-07-18

Digital twin technology has moved from a conceptual novelty to an operational necessity across upstream and midstream petroleum engineering. By fusing real-time sensor streams with physics-based and data-driven models, digital twins allow operators to monitor, predict, and optimise drilling, production, and facility performance with a fidelity that static simulation cannot match. This review synthesises the peer-reviewed literature on digital twin applications for real-time oilfield optimisation, examining conceptual foundations, architectural patterns, data acquisition strategies, virtual flow metering, predictive maintenance, production and reservoir optimisation, and the cybersecurity implications of increasingly interconnected assets. The review adopts a narrative rather than systematic methodology, given the breadth and technical heterogeneity of the subject matter, while retaining a transparent and reproducible search protocol. Evidence indicates that digital twins deliver measurable gains in production efficiency, unplanned downtime reduction, and multiphase flow measurement accuracy, although adoption remains uneven and constrained by data quality, interoperability, and validation challenges. Cybersecurity emerges as an increasingly central concern as digital twins tighten the coupling between information technology and operational technology domains. The review concludes that digital twin maturity in the oilfield sector is progressing unevenly across the asset lifecycle, with virtual flow metering and predictive maintenance the most operationally mature applications, while closed-loop autonomous optimisation remains comparatively nascent. Future research priorities include standardisation of digital twin architectures, robust uncertainty quantification, and integrated cybersecurity-by-design frameworks.

Role of Microbiome Manipulation in Enhancing Ruminant Digestion and Productivity: A Review

Shalu Singh — 2026-07-25

The rumen microbiome is a diverse and dynamic consortium of bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi, and viruses that supports feed degradation, nutrient transformation, animal health, and productive performance in ruminants. Advances in microbial ecology, sequencing technologies, and systems biology have created opportunities to manage this microbial ecosystem to improve the efficiency and sustainability of livestock production. This review examines the composition, functions, and ecological interactions of the rumen microbiome, with emphasis on its contribution to fibre digestion, volatile fatty acid production, microbial protein synthesis, feed conversion efficiency, methane formation, and host physiological functions. Current strategies for microbiome modulation, including dietary modification, probiotics, direct-fed microbials, prebiotics, synbiotics, phytogenic compounds, exogenous enzymes, and rumen microbial transplantation, are evaluated in relation to digestive efficiency and animal performance. Emerging approaches, including metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, precision nutrition, synthetic microbial communities, genome-editing tools, and artificial intelligence-based predictive models, are also considered as developing pathways for targeted microbiome engineering. These approaches may support improved nutrient utilisation, milk and meat production, animal health, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant systems. However, practical implementation remains constrained by microbial ecosystem complexity, inter-animal variability, limited persistence of introduced microorganisms, economic considerations, and regulatory challenges. The review highlights the need to integrate multi-omics datasets, computational modelling, and precision livestock technologies to develop robust, scalable, and economically viable microbiome management strategies. A deeper understanding of host-microbiome interactions and microbial functional dynamics remains essential for translating scientific advances into practical approaches that support sustainable livestock production, environmental stewardship, and overall global food security.

Sustainable Management and Conservation of Terminalia tomentosa Forests: A Review

Manish Gayakwad — 2026-07-27

Terminalia tomentosa is an ecologically and economically important indigenous deciduous tree widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. This review synthesises available information on its taxonomy, distribution, habitat preferences, ecological functions, regeneration, threats, conservation practices, and sustainable management. Literature was compiled from peer-reviewed articles, books, institutional reports, and scientific databases and was organised thematically. The species is an important component of tropical dry and moist deciduous forests, where it supports forest structure, nutrient cycling, soil protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage. Its durable timber and value in forestry and livelihood-related systems further increase management interest. However, natural and planted populations are affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, unsustainable harvesting, forest fire, grazing, invasive species, irregular rainfall, moisture stress, and weak natural regeneration. Germination is frequently constrained by a hard fruit wall and seed dormancy, which limit the timely production of quality planting material. Available evidence indicates that habitat protection, regulated use, improved nursery practices, suitable pre-sowing treatments, assisted natural regeneration, genetic-resource conservation, mixed-species restoration, and community participation should be combined rather than applied separately. Remote sensing, geographic information systems, and genetic assessment may strengthen monitoring and planning when integrated with field-based evaluation. Long-term ecological studies, provenance testing, and evidence linking nursery treatments with field establishment remain necessary to support climate-resilient restoration and the sustainable management of T. tomentosa forests.

Photography Education in Higher Education under Digital Intelligence: A Critical Review of Challenges, Institutional Responses, and Research Priorities

Tong Xiao — 2026-07-31

Digital intelligence, understood here as the convergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI), text-to-image synthesis, computational photography, and algorithmic image processing, is unsettling the technical, epistemic, aesthetic, ethical, and vocational foundations on which photography education in higher education has rested. As images can increasingly be produced without a camera or a referent in the world, the optically captured and indexical image that photography curricula have historically taught no longer defines the boundaries of the field. This critical narrative review examines the challenges that digital intelligence poses for photography education in higher education, the institutional and pedagogical responses that have begun to emerge, and the most defensible priorities for future research and practice. Because peer-reviewed evidence addressing photography education specifically remains limited, the review synthesises this small body of work alongside stronger adjacent literatures on generative AI in art and design education, on human and machine creativity, on academic integrity and assessment, and on creative-industry labour. The available evidence indicates that generative tools can raise individual productivity and lower technical barriers, yet may reduce the collective diversity of visual output, complicate authorship and copyright, encode demographic bias, and erode the evidential authority long associated with the photograph. Reported responses cluster around curricular reorientation towards conceptual, critical, and prompt-related competencies; the redesign of assessment towards process and authenticity; investment in AI literacy, staff development, and institutional policy; and the framing of human and machine co-creation as a pedagogical model that preserves human judgement. Confidence in these conclusions is constrained by reliance on small single-institution case studies, perception-based measures, short timescales, uneven geographical representation, and the rapid obsolescence of tool-specific findings. Photography education requires its own longitudinal, multi-institutional, and outcome-focused evidence base, together with validated measures of visual and prompt literacy and assessment models robust to synthetic image generation.

Proximate Characterization of Paddy Stalk as a Potential Feedstock for Briquette Production

Pranali Bharatkumar Dahihande — 2026-07-29

Paddy stalk generated during pre-cleaning operations in rice mills is frequently discarded through open burning, although it may serve as a renewable biomass resource. This study characterised the physicochemical and thermal properties of paddy stalk to assess its potential suitability as a feedstock for briquette production. Clean paddy stalk collected from a rice mill in Raichur, Karnataka, was ground, sieved, and analysed in triplicate. Moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon were determined using relevant ASTM procedures, while calorific value was measured using a bomb calorimeter. The paddy stalk contained 9.38 ± 0.16% moisture, 69.42 ± 1.62% volatile matter, 13.80 ± 0.45% ash, and 7.40 ± 1.85% fixed carbon. Its calorific value was 14.12 ± 0.06 MJ kg⁻¹. The relatively high volatile matter content indicates favourable ignition and devolatilisation characteristics, whereas the measured fixed carbon contributes to sustained char combustion. The moisture content was within a range that may support thermal conversion, while the ash fraction represents a practical consideration for fuel use. Collectively, the measured properties indicate that paddy stalk has potential for use in densified biomass fuel and other thermochemical conversion applications. However, the present findings are based on laboratory-scale characterisation, and validation through briquette production, durability assessment, and combustion-performance testing is required before practical or commercial adoption.