Archives of Current Research International

Intelligent Drilling Optimization Systems: Using Machine Learning and Automation to Reduce Nonproductive Time and Improve Well Delivery Outcomes

Victor Nnanyelu Onyechi, Babatunde Ojoawo — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This study examines how intelligent drilling optimization systems (IDOS), driven by machine learning (ML) and automation technologies, can reduce nonproductive time (NPT) and enhance well delivery outcomes in the oil and gas industry. It aims to synthesize recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI)-based drilling systems, highlighting their operational benefits, performance improvements, and potential challenges.

Study Design: A comprehensive review of recent advancements in intelligent drilling optimization between 2020 and 2025, focusing on the integration of ML algorithms, automation frameworks, and real-time data analytics in upstream petroleum operations. The review emphasizes the practical impact of these technologies on NPT reduction, drilling efficiency, and sustainable well delivery.

Methodology: A systematic review was conducted, sourcing publications from Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect and IEEE Xplore. Studies were selected based on relevance to predictive analytics, automation in well control, and data-driven optimization.

Results: Findings reveal that ML and automation technologies significantly improve drilling performance by enabling predictive maintenance, real-time anomaly detection, and autonomous control of drilling parameters. Algorithms such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector machines (SVM), and reinforcement learning (RL), applied in predictive and real-time optimization, achieved 20–35% reductions in NPT. Integration of digital twins, IoT, edge computing, and cloud analytics improved simulation accuracy, minimized operational risks, and facilitated adaptive decision-making, supporting continuous optimization and enhanced well delivery.

Conclusions: Intelligent drilling systems remain limited by challenges such as data heterogeneity, lack of model standardization, and skill gaps in AI implementation. Future research should focus on hybrid modeling approaches that combine physics-based and ML-driven analytics, as well as developing unified frameworks for cross-field data integration to enhance scalability and interpretability.

Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) in Agricultural Engineering Systems: Opportunities and Challenges

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising agricultural engineering systems by enabling data-driven, automated, and highly efficient farm management practices. AI algorithms, including machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, are increasingly applied to solve complex problems in crop monitoring, yield prediction, disease detection, and decision-making. IoT technologies, comprising sensor networks, wireless communication, and real-time monitoring tools, facilitate continuous data acquisition from soil, crops, climate, and machinery. When integrated, these technologies form the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), a smart agricultural framework capable of autonomous responses, predictive analytics, and resource optimisation. This review explored the roles, applications, benefits, emerging trends, and challenges associated with AI and IoT in agricultural engineering, offering a comprehensive understanding of how digital transformation is shaping the future of agriculture. AIoT systems are reshaping traditional farming by offering precision irrigation, livestock monitoring, pest control, and automated machinery operations, significantly improving productivity, reducing input costs, and supporting sustainable practices. Recent advances such as edge computing, blockchain, digital twins, and drone-based imaging are further enhancing real-time data processing, traceability, and simulation capabilities. These innovations are helping address global challenges such as food security, water scarcity, and climate change. Despite these advancements, several challenges persist, including poor rural connectivity, high implementation costs, lack of interoperability, data privacy concerns, and limited technical expertise among farmers. Overcoming these limitations requires multi-stakeholder collaboration, investment in rural infrastructure, standardisation of digital platforms, and targeted training programs. The adoption of AI and IoT in agriculture is rapidly increasing, driven by research breakthroughs, startup ecosystems, and supportive policy frameworks. As these technologies continue to evolve, their integration will be central to building smart, resilient, and climate-adaptive agricultural systems capable of meeting the demands of a growing global population.

Advances in Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Livestock Productivity: A Review

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Livestock nutrition is a critical determinant of productivity, health, and sustainability, forming the foundation of global food security through efficient conversion of feed resources into milk, meat, and eggs. Nutrition is closely interlinked with livestock health, welfare, and productivity. This paper aims to review nutritional strategies for enhancing livestock productivity. This review synthesises advancements in nutritional strategies that enhance livestock performance by focusing on balanced nutrient supply, functional feed additives, innovative feed technologies, and climate-resilient practices. Energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water form the core of animal diets, with tailored supplementation directly influencing growth, reproduction, immunity, and product quality. Developments such as bypass protein and fat, probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and phytogenic additives improve feed efficiency and health outcomes, while mycotoxin binders and antioxidants safeguard against feed contaminants and oxidative stress. Ruminant systems benefit from optimised roughage-to-concentrate ratios, methane mitigation strategies, and bypass nutrients, whereas non-ruminant systems adopt precision feeding, amino acid balancing, and enzyme supplementation to optimise efficiency. The inclusion of unconventional feed resources crop residues, agro-industrial by-products, insect meals, algae, and hydroponic fodder addresses sustainability challenges and reduces reliance on conventional grains. Nutritional interventions also provide resilience against climate stress by enhancing thermal tolerance through energy-dense rations, electrolytes, and antioxidants, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions via feed innovations. Emerging tools such as nutrigenomics, nanotechnology, and smart feeding systems integrating AI and IoT enable precision livestock nutrition and designer feeds targeted at specific productivity traits. Socio-economic perspectives emphasise cost-effectiveness, sustainable feed supply chains, enabling policies, and extension services that promote adoption at the farm level. Collectively, nutritional strategies not only improve productivity and profitability but also align livestock production with One-Health principles by enhancing animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and food security. Nutritional interventions also play a critical role in mitigating climate stress through energy-dense rations, electrolyte supplementation, and antioxidant support, alongside reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of biotechnology, nanotechnology, AI, and IoT has paved the way for designer feeds and smart feeding systems. Future research must focus on integrating digital tools, novel feed ingredients, and climate-smart interventions to ensure resilient, sustainable, and productive livestock systems capable of meeting global protein demand.

Women’s Self-help Groups (SHG) in India: A Critical Review of Their Impact and Pathways toward Gender Equity

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) have become one of India’s most visible policy instruments for tackling gendered poverty and exclusion. Since the 1990s, SHG–bank linkage programmes and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) have scaled SHGs from scattered NGO experiments to a nationwide architecture that reaches tens of millions of women. A large empirical literature documents positive effects on savings behaviour, access to credit, social capital and certain dimensions of women’s agency, yet concerns remain about uneven coverage, modest transformative impact on gender norms, and risks of over-indebtedness and elite capture.

Aim: This review synthesises recent evidence on SHGs as catalysts for gender equity in India, critically examining where they succeed, where they fall short, and how they might be redesigned for a more transformative agenda.

Method and Findings: Drawing on quantitative and qualitative studies, impact evaluations and systematic reviews from diverse Indian states, the paper argues that SHGs work best as multi-dimensional platforms that combine financial inclusion with livelihoods support, political voice and gender-transformative content. However, gains are highly heterogeneous by caste, class, region and programme design. New pathways—such as integrating agricultural extension and nutrition, strengthening federated structures, and leveraging digital technologies—offer opportunities to deepen impact but also raise new equity and safeguarding challenges.

Conclusion: The review concludes that SHGs can be powerful, but not sufficient, instruments for gender equity and must be embedded within broader efforts to redistribute resources, recognise care work and renegotiate power within households, markets and local states.

Value Addition and Product Diversification in the Fishery Sector: A Review

Venkatappa, Krishnamma, P.N., Sreedevi, M.S. — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This review examines value addition and product diversification in the fishery sector. The aim is to understand how transforming raw fishery products and broadening product lines boost profitability, enhance market access, reduce losses, and promote sustainability. The review covers conceptual definitions, global trends, principalvalue-added product forms, diversification strategies, enabling factors, and barrier analysis and policy implications. Data from recent studies indicate that value-added processing (such as filleting, freezing, salting, drying, canning, smoking, fish paste productsand ready-to-eat meals/products) significantly increases unit value compared to raw fish sales. Diversification of species, product forms, markets, and value chain nodes emerges as a critical strategy, especially for small-scale fisheries facing resource and market risks. The review also highlights that diversification requires investment in infrastructure, skills, market knowledge and supportive regulatory frameworks. Key barriers include inadequate cold chain logistics, limited operator capacity, weak linkages to high-value markets, and policy gaps. The article concludes that a strategic focus on both value addition and diversification can strengthen the fishery sector resilience, but success depends on aligned technology, finance, markets and governance. This review offers actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers aiming to scale up value creation in fisheries.

Navigating Constraints and Exploring Solutions: A Review on Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) in KVKs in India

Thirumal, A, Lakshmi Muralikrishna, Dhivya C, Suresh Kannan, M — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are India's front-line institutions for technology evaluation, improvement, and distribution; nevertheless, ongoing structural and operational limitations frequently impede the efficacy of Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs), who are essential to these responsibilities. In order to identify and classify the main constraints affecting SMS performance, this review critically synthesizes material from eight peer-reviewed publications published between 2013 and 2023, supplemented by government reports and secondary literature. To create a thorough understanding of the difficulties inside the agricultural innovation system, constraints were categorized into technological, administrative, economical, ICT-related, and personal domains. According to the analysis, 28.57% of the reviewed studies reported technological gaps, such as inadequate climate-resilient practices, limited access to emerging innovations, and weak linkages for technology refinement; an equal percentage highlighted administrative barriers, such as staff shortages, delayed fund flow, inadequate mobility support, and poor inter-departmental coordination. Similarly, socioeconomic limitations specifically, poor farmer awareness, high input costs, and restricted risk-taking capacity were highlighted in 28.57% of research. Poor digital infrastructure, inadequate ICT training, and limited adoption of digital extension tools were the main causes of the 14.29% of studies that reported ICT-related problems. SMS underperformance is made worse by cross-cutting issues such as fragmented institutional support, limited field exposure, and inadequate capacity building. The results imply that SMSs will continue to be underutilized until these complex limitations are addressed comprehensively, jeopardizing KVKs' ability to improve farmer knowledge, encourage technology adoption, and bolster agricultural resilience. Key policy imperatives to realign KVK operations toward greater efficacy, inclusivity, and sustainability include strengthening ICT-enabled extension systems, guaranteeing timely fund allocation, enhancing capacity development, and mainstreaming SMS roles within climate-smart and digital agriculture frameworks.

Evaluating Changes in Jaggery Production Patterns Using Likert-Scale Responses from Northern India

Karan Veerbhan, Anita Malik — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study used a structured 13-item Likert-scale questionnaire across nine blocks to assess perceived shifts in jaggery production patterns. Weighted mean scores were computed for each item to quantify response intensity, followed by a one-sample t-test (test value = 3) to statistically determine whether perceptions deviated significantly from neutrality. Blocks showing p < 0.05 were classified as undergoing significant change. Spatial patterns were mapped using choropleth visualization. The results highlight regional variations in how farmers perceive modernization, ODOP scheme (One District One Product) benefits, and environmental influences on jaggery production. Budhana, Morna, and Sadar-Kukda blocks recorded the strongest positive responses, with high mean scores (above 4.5) and significant t-statistics (P < 0.001), indicating substantial improvements in mechanization, hygiene, and packaging. Baghra, Shahpur, and Khatauli also showed positive but moderate progress, suggesting ongoing adaptation to modern methods. In contrast, Charthawal, Jansath, and Purquazi reflected near-neutral mean values (around 3.0), showing limited awareness and access to ODOP-linked interventions. The findings reveal a clear spatial divide, where industrially connected and policy-supported areas are advancing faster than traditional zones. Respondents across high-performing blocks noted that technological upgrades and improved market linkages have strengthened production efficiency and income stability. Environmental and seasonal challenges, such as temperature and humidity fluctuations, continue to affect production cycles, though their impacts are reducing with modernization. Overall, the study confirms that Muzaffarnagar’s jaggery sector is in a transitional phase shifting gradually from traditional manual processes toward mechanized, quality-oriented, and policy-driven production systems.

Impact of Organic Nutrient and Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics and Yield of Wheat

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A growing consumer preference for residue-free and environmentally sustainable food has accelerated interest in organic wheat cultivation. Organic nutrient management relies primarily on farmyard manure, composts, vermicompost, and green manures, which improve soil organic matter, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient and weed management on the growth and yield of organic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The study assessed four nutrient management levels (Control, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN) in the main plot and seven weed management practices (Control, Hand weeding, Hoeing, Intercropping with mustard, Straw mulch followed by hand weeding, Straw mulch followed by hoeing, and Green manuring) in the subplot and treatments were replicated with thrice. Results revealed that nutrient management exerted a significant influence on crop productivity. Grain and biological yields increased progressively with nutrient application, with 100% RDN producing the highest pooled grain yield (4294 kg ha⁻¹) and biological yield (9715 kg ha⁻¹). The intermediate levels of 75% RDN also showed substantial yield improvement over the control, indicating the efficiency of organic nutrient blends in sustaining crop growth. Weed management practices, namely, Hoeing and hand weeding at 25 and 50 DAS, recorded the highest pooled grain yields (4494 and 4473 kg ha⁻¹, respectively), closely followed by straw mulch combined with hoeing or hand weeding. These results demonstrate that timely mechanical weeding and mulching effectively suppress weed growth, ultimately translating into higher productivity. Conversely, intercropping wheat with mustard (4:2) resulted in the lowest yields due to interspecific competition, particularly for moisture and nutrients. The study concluded that both nutrient and weed management practices exerted a significant influence on the productivity of organic wheat.

Exploitation of Heterosis in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) for Growth and Yield Traits

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Brinjal is a widely cultivated vegetable across the world, and the crop has made extensive use of heterosis for the development of high-yielding hybrids. The present study was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, using six parental lines and nine hybrids, evaluated in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The cross IIHR-824 × VI046101, exhibited highly significant positive heterosis for plant height, with 30.38% and 53.15% heterosis over the mid parent and better parent, respectively. Significant positive heterosis was also recorded for the number of primary branches per plant in IIHR-824 × IIHR-766 (25.91%) and VI046103 × IIHR-766 (26.60%) over both mid-parent and better parent values. A significant negative heterosis for days to 50% flowering, indicating early flowering, was observed in the crosses IIHR-824 × IIHR-766 (-27.16%) and VI046103 × IIHR-766 (-31.63%) over the better parent. For yield components, IIHR-824 × VI046101 showed significant positive heterosis for the number of fruits per plant (82.35%) over the mid parent and highly significant heterosis over mid parent for fruit yield per plant in the crosses viz., IIHR-824 xVI046101 (66.34 %) and IIHR-B-BR-54 xVI046101 (62.97 %). The heterosis observed in this study can be effectively utilized in future crop improvement programs for the development of superior hybrids.

Incidence of Congenital Goitre in Goats, in and Around Hyderabad, India

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Goitre can affect all domestic mammals, birds, and other vertebrates; it is most commonly reported in goat kids, particularly in endemic areas. The pathogenesis of goitre involves multiple etiological factors, including primary iodine deficiency, secondary goitrogen exposure, excessive dietary iodine, and, rarely, inherited enzymatic defects affecting thyroid hormone synthesis.

Aim: The present study was conducted to determine the incidence, clinical features, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic response of congenital goitre in goats.

Study Design: The goats that were presented to C.V.Sc, Rjendranagar and referred from various dispensaries in and around Hyderabad with swelling at ventral neck formed the material for the study. The incidence of goitre based on breed, age and gender was analyzed.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in goat populations presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, from April 2024 to April 2025.

Methodology: A total of 1,762 goats were screened for thyroid enlargement. Clinical examination, fine needle aspiration, haematological and serum biochemical analyses, thyroid hormone assays (T₃, T₄, and TSH), radiography, ultrasonography, and histopathology were performed in affected animals. Goitrous kids were treated with sodium levothyroxine (20 µg/kg body weight orally, once daily) and potassium iodide (0.2 mg/kg body weight orally, once daily) for 10 days, and the therapeutic response was evaluated.

Results: Out of 1,762 goats examined, 18 were found to be affected with congenital goitre, yielding an incidence of 1.02%. The condition was more frequent in males (61.11%) and in goats below 6 months of age (66.67%). Breed-wise, Malabari goats showed the highest occurrence (38.89%). Clinically, all affected animals exhibited bilateral thyroid enlargement, with common signs including failure to thrive (61.11%), dyspnea (50%), weakness (38.89%), sparse hair coat (33.33%), alopecia (27.78%), and myxedema (5.55%). Haematology revealed significantly lower haemoglobin and erythrocyte counts, while serum cholesterol levels were significantly elevated. Thyroid function tests showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum T₃ and T₄ with elevated TSH levels, indicating hypothyroidism. Radiographs revealed increased soft tissue opacity in the ventral neck, and ultrasonography demonstrated bilateral thyroid enlargement with heterogeneous echotexture, hypoechoic areas, and increased vascularity. Histopathology confirmed hyperplastic changes with multilayered follicular epithelium, colloid depletion, papillary projections, and hyperchromatic columnar cells. Therapeutic management with levothyroxine and potassium iodide resulted in marked clinical and hormonal improvement in 16 out of 18 (88.89%) treated animals.

Conclusion: Congenital goitre in goats is primarily associated with iodine deficiency leading to hypothyroidism. Comprehensive diagnosis based on clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings along with histopathology is essential for confirmation. Combined therapy with sodium levothyroxine and potassium iodide proved effective in restoring thyroid function and reversing clinical signs in the majority of affected goats.

Seasonal Stress Induces Oxidative Imbalance, Hematological Changes and Modulation of Key Metabolic Enzymes in Yorkshire Pigs

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change driven heat stress increasingly challenges livestock and contributes to substantial production losses. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of seasonal stress is essential to understand these physiological disruptions and to develop strategies that can mitigate heat induced production losses. This study evaluated the impact of winter, spring and summer seasons on oxidative stress parameters, hematological and biochemical parameters in Yorkshire pigs reared under intensive production. A total of 24 healthy pigs (12 growers and 12 finishers) were monitored, and blood samples were collected during each season for analysis. Oxidative stress assessment revealed markedly elevated activity of glutathione reductase, significantly low reduced glutathione levels and further elevated malondialdehyde levels during summer season. This confirms oxidative stress with enhanced lipid peroxidation compromising the integrity of the cells. Hematological results showed significantly lower hemoglobin and packed cell volume during winter and summer, with the decline more evident in summer. Total leukocyte count decreased significantly in summer, accompanied by elevated neutrophil percentage, reduced lymphocyte percentage and an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, likely associated with compromised membrane integrity under seasonal stress. Metabolic enzymes, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase, recorded significantly higher activities during summer, suggesting heat induced metabolic strain and potential tissue leakage. Our findings demonstrate that seasonal stress, particularly summer heat, leads to marked oxidative imbalance and hemato-biochemical alterations in Yorkshire pigs. Understanding these physiological responses is essential for developing management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of thermal stress on pig health and productivity.

Evaluation of Economic Impact and Returns on Investment of Improved Rice Variety in Telangana, India

G. Sunitha, G. P. Sunandini, T. Lavanya, G. Raghunadha Reddy — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rice holds a crucial position in Telangana state, India, occupying more than one-third of the cultivated area. The state has widely adopted improved rice cultivars, with active participation from both the public and private sectors. A study conducted in the Jagtial district assessed the economic benefits of adopting the JGL 24423 rice variety by comparing adopters and non-adopters. The research analyzed data from 120 sample farmers and found significant advantages, including increased net returns per hectare, high yields and reduced pesticide usage. Economic surplus method was used to estimate the economic impact and the study found a total surplus of Rs. 82.41 crore, mainly benefiting producers (70.89%) and consumers (29.41%). The research investment on JGL 24423 revealed a promising 72 per cent IRR, NPV of Rs. 27.51 crore, and a favorable BC ratio of 132.

Assessing Regional Dominance and Structural Transformation in Cucurbit Vegetables: A Two-Tier Analysis in Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu, India

Vishnuprabu S, Srinivasan G — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Vegetables play a vital role in Tamil Nadu’s agricultural economy, contributing to rural employment, household income and food security. The state produces about 5 per cent of India’s total vegetables, with cucurbits particularly bitter gourd, ridge gourd and snake gourd - occupying a significant share of 4.50 per cent. Dharmapuri district has emerged as a major production center for these crops; however, spatial disparities and structural changes in their cultivation remain underexplored. To address this, the present study analysed the degree of concentration, specialization and competitiveness of cucurbit crops in Dharmapuri and its major blocks - Karimangalam and Palacode using secondary data from 2014-15 to 2023-24. A two-tier analytical framework was employed, wherein the Modified Location Quotient (LQ) measured spatial dominance and the Modified Shift-Share Analysis (SSA) assessed structural transformation and regional advantage over time. The findings revealed strong concentration of bitter gourd, ridge gourd and snake gourd, supported by favorable agro-climatic and market conditions. Positive growth and regional shift effects confirmed Dharmapuri’s competitive position. The study highlights Dharmapuri’s strategic role in strengthening Tamil Nadu’s vegetable sector and emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions for sustaining regional competitiveness.

Natural Language Processing Approach to Assess Technological Adoption in Indian Veterinary Education

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the extent and diversity of advanced technological tools used in veterinary classroom teaching across Indian universities, with a specific focus on understanding student perceptions through natural language processing (NLP). A purposive sample of 112 final-year B.A.Sc.& A.H. students representing 28 universities completed a survey on technology usage in their learning environments, and NLP techniques, including sentiment analysis and keyword extraction, were applied to analyze their open-ended responses. Results indicate widespread adoption of digital learning aids, simulations, and multimedia tools, with 68.4% of responses reflecting positive sentiment toward technological integration. The results highlight variations in access and usage across institutions and emphasize the need for stronger, more uniform digital infrastructure and faculty training and capacity building to enhance technology-enabled veterinary education in India.

Multi-Environment Evaluation of Wheat Genotypes for Growth and Yield Attributes in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity is increasingly threatened by rising temperatures, particularly during the reproductive and grain-filling stages, posing a major challenge to global food security. Although heat tolerance is a critical breeding target, limited understanding of key morpho-physiological traits under thermal stress constrains the development of resilient genotypes. This study aimed to identify heat-tolerant wheat lines and determine the traits associated with yield stability across contrasting temperature regimes. Fifty wheat genotypes were evaluated during the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 Rabi seasons at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Pawarkheda, Madhya Pradesh, under early (cool), normal (optimal), and late (terminal heat stress) sowing conditions using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Comprehensive data were recorded on phenological, physiological, and yield-related traits, including germination percentage, heading date, maturity duration, plant height, tillers per plant, grains per spike, spike length, canopy temperature, chlorophyll content, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield. Results showed highly significant (p < 0.01) genotypic differences across all environments for most traits, including germination percentage, heading and maturity duration, plant height, spike characteristics, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield, demonstrating substantial genetic variability. Pooled ANOVA confirmed significant effects of environments, genotypes, and genotype × environment interactions for nearly all traits, indicating differential adaptability and the impact of temperature regimes on trait expression. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) among genotypes and environments for most traits, with pronounced genotype × environment interactions, demonstrating substantial genetic variability and differential responses to temperature stress. Considerable variation in canopy temperature depression, chlorophyll retention, and key yield components identified several promising and stable genotypes under heat stress. These findings provide a strong foundation for future wheat improvement programs targeting heat-resilient cultivars adapted to warming climatic scenarios.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effect of Chlorhexidine on the Healing Process of Oral Surgeries: An Integrative Literature Review

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Healing after oral surgeries can be affected by infection and plaque accumulation. This study evaluated the cytotoxic effect of chlorhexidine through an integrative literature review. A total of 44 articles were found in PubMed, of which 5 were selected using the keywords “Chlorhexidine,” “healing,” and “soft tissue,” including randomized clinical trials and animal studies published in English over the last 10 years. Chlorhexidine reduces bacterial load and controls infection, especially in the early healing phase, but prolonged use can cause tooth staining, taste alteration, tartar formation, and cytotoxicity to fibroblasts and keratinocytes, potentially delaying tissue repair. Alternatives such as PHMB and antioxidant gels have shown similar efficacy with lower cytotoxicity. Safer and effective substances are still needed to optimize healing and clinical outcomes. Chlorhexidine is an important solution for plaque removal and inflammation reduction; however, it also acts as a cytotoxic agent, exerting a negative effect on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which are essential for the healing of surgical wounds. Based on the selected studies, its use in the context of surgical wound healing should be prescribed with caution due to the potential adverse effects of this substance.

Enhancing Women’s Empowerment through Involvement in Self-Help Groups

Indira Priyadarsini Pattnaik, Santosh Kumar Rout — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as powerful instruments for promoting social and economic empowerment among women. SHGs act as catalysts for transforming the lives of women by enhancing their income, decision-making ability, leadership skills, and overall participation in community development. Both purposive and random sampling techniques were used for the selection of district, blocks, gram panchayat, villages and the respondents. The total sample size for the study was 120. The response was obtained from each individual respondent through pre-tested structured interview schedule prepared for the collection of data. The collected data were systematically tabulated and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation, rank order, correlation coefficient, and multiple regression. Majority of the respondents (71.67%) had a medium level of empowerment followed by high (20.00%) and low (8.33%) respectively. Among the socio- economic variables, family size, occupation, social participation, land holding and annual income has exerted much impact on the empowerment of the farm women which was obtained through correlation analysis. The study highlights the transformative role of SHGs as effective grassroots platforms for women's empowerment and emphasizes the need for continued support through targeted policy measures, capacity-building initiatives, and strengthened institutional linkages to enhance their overall effectiveness and long-term impact. The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive policy approach to strengthen the supportive ecosystem for SHGs and enhance their sustained contribution to the empowerment of rural women and overall socio-economic development.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Therapeutic Protocols in Canine Babesiosis

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the efficacy of clindamycin hydrochloride and diminazene aceturate in treating canine babesiosis. A total of 12 canines diagnosed with babesiosis were included for the study which was presented to the Government Veterinary Polyclinic and Department of Veterinary Medicine, PGIVER, Jaipur (Rajasthan) India. The diagnosis was based on their history of tick infestation, distinctive clinical characteristics, hemato-biochemical tests and the blood smear staining technique (Giemsa staining). The dogs were categorized into two groups as group 1 and 2 on the basis of therapeutic protocol. Group 1 and 2 dogs were treated with Diminazine aceturate @ 7mg/kg BW and orally Clindamycin @25mg/kg BW twice daily respectively. On blood smear examination for babesiosis, group 1 demonstrated 100% recovery on day 7, but group 2 shown 33.3% recovery on day 7. In group 1, all hemato-biochemical values returned to normalcy on day 10 of therapy, however in group 2 normal parameters were seen on day 15 of treatment.