Influence of socio-economic attributes of farmers on the adoption of orchard management practices of mandarin in Myagdi district, Nepal

Mandarin is one of the major and highly commercialized fruit crops of Nepal. However, its productivity is widely varied throughout the country. The association of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers with the adoption of different orchard management practices and ultimately productivity is less known. Therefore, survey research was conducted in the Myagdi district to study the influence of socio-economic attributes on the adoption of different orchard management practices and their relation to the productivity of mandarin. A total sample size of 94 was selected by simple random sampling technique and interviewed with a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using MS Excel, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and STATA, and the inferences were retrieved using the binary logistic regression model and multiple linear regression model. The study showed that the education level of the farmers has a positive influence on the adoption of mulching (p = 0.04) and pruning (p = 0.07). The secondary income source of the household has a positive impact on the adoption of chemical fertilizers (p = 0.08) and pruning (p = 0.03). Commercial mandarin farming in larger area has a positive influence on the adoption of Bordeaux mixture (p = 0.03) and insect management (p = 0.01). Extension services has great influence on the adoption of chemical fertilizers (p = 0.02), mulching (p = 0.03), Bordeaux mixture (p = 0.00) and insect management (p = 0.1). However, education level (p = 0.05), area under mandarin farm (p = 0.09), and extension services (p = 0.00) discourage the adoption of intercropping in the mandarin orchard. The productivity of mandarin orchards was significantly enhanced by FYM application, chemical fertilizers, irrigation, weeding, and Bordeaux application. This study shows that the farmers with better socio-economic conditions are more likely to adopt improved management practices in mandarin orchard which in turn enhance their productivity

Physiochemical Characteristics Analysis of Garrah River Water at Shahjahanpur, Ganga River Basin, Uttar Pradesh, India

This study focuses on the physiochemical analysis of the Garrah River in Shahjahanpur, within the Ganga River Basin, Uttar Pradesh, India. The research evaluates the impact of various pollutants, including industrial and municipal sewage, on the river's water quality. Water samples were collected from three locations along the river, representing different pollution levels. The analysis included parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), color, odor, electrical conductivity, temperature, chemical oxygen demand (COD), salinity, and the concentrations of various elements. The findings showed variations in water quality parameters, with DO, TSS, COD, and heavy metals indicating significant pollution, particularly downstream. Color and odor also suggested pollution from nearby industries. The study revealed that some parameters exceeded WHO standards for drinking water, raising concerns about health risks from exposure to contaminants like chromium. Urgent actions are required to treat municipal sewage and industrial effluents before discharging into the Garrah River. This research highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and sustainable management of water resources in the Ganga River Basin to protect the ecosystem and local communities. It underscores the importance of improving water quality in the region

Quantifying the impact of nitrogen levels on spring maize varieties (Zea mays L.) in Kanchanpur, Nepal

Maize has tremendous potential for increasing productivity, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture. A crucial obstacle to maximizing yield of the suitable maize variety with appropriate nitrogen (N) doses. In order to assess the impact of varying N levels on the growth and yield of spring maize varieties, a two-factorial study was conducted in the farmer’s field at Kanchanpur, Nepal. Conducted from February to July 2022, the experiment design was randomized complete block with two factors; where hybrid varieties Bioseed 9220 and Arun-2 were the first factors and four different levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha-1) were the second factors. Results showed that 180 kg N ha-1 and Bioseed 9220 treatment produced significantly higher plant height, kernel row-1, kernel row cob-1, cob plant-1, and thousand-grain weight as compared to other doses and Arun-2, respectively. Similarly, Bioseed 9220 and 180 kg N ha-1 treatment had significantly longer days for tasseling and silking. The grain yield of Bioseed 9220 (5.48 t ha-1) was significantly greater than Arun-2 (4.15 t ha-1) and the N level of 180 kg ha-1 had a higher yield (5.11 t ha-1) compared to 120 kg ha-1 (4.8 t ha-1), 60 kg ha-1 (4.78 t ha-1) and least in 0 kg ha-1 (4.56 t ha-1). The result indicates that Bioseed 9220 performs better than Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) Arun-2 in growth and yield attributes. N enrichment also boosts yield and yield-attributing characteristics. Bioseed 9220 with 180 kg N ha-1 should be prioritized among farmers to increase the productivity and yield of maize

Quantifying the impact of nitrogen levels on spring maize varieties (Zea mays L.) in Kanchanpur, Nepal

Maize has tremendous potential for increasing productivity, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture. A crucial obstacle to maximizing yield of the suitable maize variety with appropriate nitrogen (N) doses. In order to assess the impact of varying N levels on the growth and yield of spring maize varieties, a two-factorial study was conducted in the farmer’s field at Kanchanpur, Nepal. Conducted from February to July 2022, the experiment design was randomized complete block with two factors; where hybrid varieties Bioseed 9220 and Arun-2 were the first factors and four different levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha-1) were the second factors. Results showed that 180 kg N ha-1 and Bioseed 9220 treatment produced significantly higher plant height, kernel row-1, kernel row cob-1, cob plant-1, and thousand-grain weight as compared to other doses and Arun-2, respectively. Similarly, Bioseed 9220 and 180 kg N ha-1 treatment had significantly longer days for tasseling and silking. The grain yield of Bioseed 9220 (5.48 t ha-1) was significantly greater than Arun-2 (4.15 t ha-1) and the N level of 180 kg ha-1 had a higher yield (5.11 t ha-1) compared to 120 kg ha-1 (4.8 t ha-1), 60 kg ha-1 (4.78 t ha-1) and least in 0 kg ha-1 (4.56 t ha-1). The result indicates that Bioseed 9220 performs better than Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) Arun-2 in growth and yield attributes. N enrichment also boosts yield and yield-attributing characteristics. Bioseed 9220 with 180 kg N ha-1 should be prioritized among farmers to increase the productivity and yield of maize

Scientometric Study of Product Lifecycle Management International Conferences: A Decade Overview

Part 12: Education StudiesInternational audiencePLM International Conference proceedings focussing on the field of Product Lifecycle Management have made a lot of advancements in the last 12 years. Since 2003, 11 conferences on PLM have taken place but a systematic analysis of the evolution in PLM literature is, however, not available at the moment. This study proposes an analysis of the growth of the scientific literature on PLM over a 10 year period using standard bibliometric techniques. A total of 565 scientific papers have been examined to find out about the growth of literature, authorship pattern, geographical & organizational distribution of papers, citation count and most frequently occurring keywords. The findings of this study give an insight into the evolution of literature on PLM by means of quantitative & qualitative analysis and provide useful information to scientists wishing to undertake work in this field

Insights on bio-functional properties of Myrica esculenta plant for nutritional and livelihood security

Wild fruits growing in remote areas are a valuable source of food and income for local communities but are often overlooked and underutilized. Himalayan bayberry (Myrica esculenta) is a member of the Myrica genus that contains 97 species. With its high nutritional content, Myrica esculenta has the potential to provide food security and income for rural communities. The fruit of Myrica esculenta contains ascorbic acids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. The main compounds found in the fruit are hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid, and myricetin. It is also a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C. Therefore, fruits are used in the making of many foods and beverages like jams, syrups, etc. It has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities. Therefore, it is important to recognize and support the utilization of these underutilized wild fruits to unlock their full potential for both local communities and the wider population

INTEGRATED HEALTH INFORMATION PLATFORM: AN ANALYSIS OF FUTURE POTENTIAL, CHALLENGES, AND GAPS FOR MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA

India still has one of the world’s greatest burdens of infectious illnesses, driven by variables such as massive population, significant poverty, subpar sanitation, and impedances in access to basic health care. To overcome this burden, the Integrated Disease Monitoring Project (IDSP), funded by the World Bank, was established by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in November 2004 to strengthen the country’s monitoring and response system. Several challenges in the effective utilization of IDSP and the need for elaborated epidemiological data for quick response led to the development and design of a novel Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). This platform’s future impacts include better surveillance coverage, improved continuous monitoring, better-automated analysis, visualization and displaying of near-real-time data, and closed network linkage of various reporting units such as field staff, medical officers, and laboratory personnel. Data collection under IDSP was paper-based and it produced a weekly surveillance report this includes case-centric data with demographic, clinical, and laboratory details, and links it with IDSP’s S, P, and L formats. Developed by the Government of India, with the support from the WHO, this platform integrates the electronic health records of individuals from all parts of India, allowing greater continuity of the treatment, secure and confidential storage of data/records, enhanced illness diagnostics, reduction, and even prevention of medical errors. This paper is intended to study this novel IHIP model of the Government of India, highlight its current challenges, propose possible solutions, and predict future possibilities

Micro-algae: Revolutionizing food production for a healthy and sustainable future

The concept of developing innovative functional food products has attracted the attention of many researchers to meet global demands as well as keep into account the well-being of people and environmental sustainability. Microalgae can be an essential raw material to fulfill such an objective. They can potentially provide a long-term solution to feed the expanding global population. This is evident by the presence of characteristics possessed by microalgae such as high biomass productivity, remarkable nutritional qualities, appealing organoleptic features, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. When compared to traditional crop species, algae have a higher concentration of lipids and proteins and are more environmentally friendly because they lack cellulose, which is an inedible material. Moreover, despite the existing obstacles such as poor technology preparedness and restricted economies of scale, micro-algae holds promise for a future where healthier and more sustainable food items can contribute to better dietary habits, lifestyles, and overall health. This review attempts to emphasize the potential of microalgae as a healthy and sustainable dietary alternative. Moreover, the significance of bioactive metabolites obtained from microalgae in reducing greenhouse gases, sewage treatment, bioremediation, photocatalytic degradation, production of nanoparticles, nutraceuticals, and abiotic stress resilience. The selection of suitable and cost-efficient cultivation and harvesting techniques required for growing microalgae and manufacturing its products will be a boon to many food industries

COVID-19 VARIANTS OF CONCERNS TRACKING: HOW WE EASED OUT THE WHOLE PROCESS THROUGH OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE IN MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA

Objective: To comprehend the evolution and spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) virus and also to prevent the future spread of the same, sequencing and analyzing the genomic data of SARS CoV-2 are essential. The objective of the present study is to describe the scope of improvement identified by the state of Madhya Pradesh in the data flow chain and the methodology designed to address the identified shortcomings. Methods: The number of sources of sample data collection was altered as well as a series of Google Sheets were formulated as an open-source tool, to implement an efficient sample data-sharing platform. The application of the proposed tool (Google Sheets as a source of data collection and information sharing) was within the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Result: After utilizing this mechanism, the state was able to trace more than 80% VOCs and 3341 primary contacts and was also able to communicate this result to all stakeholders without much delay. Conclusion: Based on successful implementation and results, the authors suggest widening the domain of the proposed tool to other states