bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing the Productivity of Lentil through Agronomic Interventions in Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Anil , Karki Tika Bahadur , Dangi Sangharsh Raj
Published: September 2022

The low productivity of lentil due to adaptation of poor crop management practices is the main problem of the lentil production in western terai region of Nepal. With an objective of selecting appropriate variety, sowing time, sowing method, seeding rate, priming techniques and weed management practice for lentil cultivation four different experiments were conducted at Grain Legumes Research Program, Khajura, Banke in two winter seasons of 2017/18 and 2018/19.  The experiment on sowing time was conducted in split-plot design including four lentil varieties and four sowing dates, while the seeding rate experiment was laid out in split-split-plot design with the treatments of two varieties, two sowing methods and four seed rates. Similarly, seed priming and weed management trails were conducted in RCBD with ten treatments. All the experiments were replicated three times. The highest seed yield of lentil was recorded from the early maturing lentil varieties, i.e. PL 4 (934  kg ha–1) and ILL 7979 (864 kg ha–1). Similarly, lentil sowing on October (940 kg ha–1) produced the higher seed yield than sowing on November (682  kg ha–1). Likewise, the highest seed yield of lentil was recorded from the use of seeding rate 60 kg ha–1 (890 kg ha–1), but it was statistically at par with the seeding rates of 40 kg ha–1 (865 kg ha–1) and 50 kg ha–1 (855 kg ha–1). Differently, the seed yield of lentil didn’t differ significantly under line (856 kg ha–1) and broadcasting (847 kg ha–1) methods of sowing. The seed priming with a 250 ppm solution of sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4) produced significantly the highest seed yield (961 kg ha–1) in lentil. Similarly, the highest and statistically similar seed yield of lentil was recorded with the weed management practice of two hand weeding (924 kg ha–1) and the use of Pendimethalin (898 kg ha–1) and Pendimethalin-Quizolofop-ethyl (857 kg ha–1) as a pre-emergence. Thus, the adaptation of appropriate variety, planting time, seeding rate, seed priming technique, sowing method and weed management practices are the major factors of production for getting higher yield of lentil.
Response of Rice Establishment Methods on Different Dates on Yield and Yield Attributing Characteristics of Rice in Mid-hills of Nepal
Authors: Chaulagain Bhimsen , Karki Tika Bahadur , Neupane Reshama , Bhattarai Rajendra Kumar , Gyawaly Pankaj , Kaduwal Sangita , Das Soni Kumari
Published: September 2022

An experiment was conducted in the summer season of 2019 and 2020 at the National Agronomy Research Centre to find out the response of various establishment methods and dates on the performance of rice. The experiment was carried out in 2 Factorial Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with 3 replications in an area of 12 m2 and planting geometry of 25 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants.  The establishment methods were Sprouted Direct Seeded Rice (SDSR) broadcasting, puddled transplanting, and unpuddled transplanting at three dates viz. 10th June, 26th June, and 10th July. Twenty four hours water-soaked seeds were allowed to sprouting for 48 hours and broadcasted in a puddled plot. 22 days old seedlings were transplanted in a puddled and unpuddled plots.  Recommended doses of fertilizer @ 100:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg  ha-1 was used in the experiment. SDSR produced the highest yield of 4.2 Mt ha-1 compared to puddled transplanting method with 3.4 Mt ha-1. The highest grain yield was recorded on 10th June (5.9 Mt ha-1) followed by 26th June (4.0 Mt ha-1). Sprouted direct seeded rice permitted to mature early and produced the higher grain yield.
Conservation Agriculture in Maize-based Cropping System of Nepal: A Review
Authors: Kaduwal Sangita , Karki Tika Bahadhur , Neupane Reshama , Bhattarai Rajendra Kumar , Chaulagain Bhimsen , Ghimire Prakash , Gyawaly Pankaj , Das Soni Kumari
Published: September 2022

Maize-based cropping system followed by intensive tillage  and faulty practices often associated with many negative implications such as the decline of soil organic matter, increase soil erosion by wind/water, lower nutrient-use efficiency, field burning of crop residue, air pollution mainly attributed to the monoculture of intensive conventional production systems leading to global warming and decline in factor productivity. Conservation Agriculture (CA) underlying principles of minimal soil disturbance, soil cover and crop rotation are increasingly recognized as an essential for the sustainability of this cropping system. Therefore, a brief review was done to find out the results its constraints and the possible interventions under a maize-based system of Nepal. Very few works under CA is done so far under maize-based cropping system of Nepal, however, the results are encouraging. There are some constraints in CA technologies promotion, such as scale-neutral agri-machineries, crop residues competition between CA use and livestock feeding, skilled and scientific manpower availability and overcoming the bias or mindset about tillage. CA provide opportunities to reduce the cost of production, improve resource use efficiency, saves water and nutrients and increase yield. There is a need to develop and promote low-cost technologies of CA that can be used effectively in maize based system of hills and Terai.
The Systems Productivity, Profitability and Soil Properties are Altered by Tillage Methods and Cropping Systems in the Mid-hills of Nepal
Authors: Gyawaly Pankaj , Shrestha Renuka , Karki Tika Bahadur , Neupane Reshama , Bhattarai Rajendra Kumar , Chaulagain Bhimsen , Kaduwal Sangita , Das Soni Kumari
Published: September 2022

With the aim of identifying appropriate crop establishment methods in cereals-cereals, cereals-legumes, legumes-cereals and legumes-legumes cropping patterns, an experiment was carried out during 2019/20 to 2020/21 in National Agronomy Research Centre, Khumaltar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 8 treatments and 3 replications. Main plot was for two tillage methods [Zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT)] and sub-plots for 4 different cropping patterns (maize-wheat, maize-lentil, soybean-wheat and soybean-lentil). In zero tillage, the soil was disturbed only along the rows for making seeding furrows and the previous crop residues were left anchored. The rest of the crop management practices were adopted as per the recommended practices. The data were analyzed using GenStat software. The results revealed that tillage treatments did not influence the winter crop yields in 2019, but in 2020, ZT recorded a significantly higher yield of wheat (4.9 Mt ha-1) compared to CT (3.4 Mt ha-1). Similarly, irrespective of crop establishment methods, pooled system yields and benefit: cost ratios were significantly influenced by various cropping patterns. The significantly higher system yield was recorded with maize-wheat (9.0 Mt ha-1) and the least with the soybean-lentil (5.2 Mt ha-1) cropping systems. Improvements in the soil properties were observed as SOM was 14% higher in ZT compared to CT. Similarly, average soil moisture and soil temperature in ZT and CT were found to be 30.2%, 27.5 °C and 28.7%, 29.4 °C, respectively. It is suggested that CA could possibly be an alternative production system for the fragile agro-ecology in the mid-hills of Nepal.
Integrated Weed Management in Summer Maize in Mid-Hills of Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Rajendra Kumar , Chaulagain Bhimsen , Gaywaly Pankaj , Karki Tika Bahadur , Neupane Reshama , Das Soni Kumari , Kaduwal Sangita
Published: September 2022

Weed is one of the major problems in maize production. To develop an appropriate weed management practice, a field experiment was carried out during 2017 and 2018 at Khumaltar. Twelve different treatments, Pendimethalin as pre @ 1.0 kg a.i ha-1, Atrazine as pre @ 1 kg a.i ha-1, Metribuzine as pre @ 0.5 kg a.i ha-1, Tembotrione as post @ 0.2 kg a.i ha-1,  Pendimethalin followed by (fb) 1 HW, Atrazine fb 1 HW, Metribuzine fb 1 HW, Tembotrione fb 1 HW,  Atrazine + Metribuzine (early post ) as tank mixed, Straw mulch, Weed free (2 HW) and Weedy check (control) were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experimental plot size was 12 m2 and maize variety Manakamana -4 was sown on 21 and 26 May in 2017 and 2018 respectively. The  seed rate used was 20 kg ha-1 with row spacing of 60 cm and plant to plant 20 cm. Fertilizers dose of 120:60:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 was applied. Data on crop growth, weed and yields were recorded and analyzed. Weed count and biomass were recorded from a meter square quadrat and yield data taken from net plot of 5.4 m2. Results showed that plant height with straw mulch was maximum of 294 cm. Weed density was significantly influenced by different weed management treatments. Metribuzine post fb 1 HW recorded the less weeds (52.8) and highest (258.5) in weedy check. The lowest weed dry biomass was recorded in Metribuzine post fb 1 HW (9.3 g m-2). The highest grain yield (7.6 Mt ha-1) was found in Metribuzine @ 0.5 kg a.i ha-1 as post emergence. The increased in grain yield due to the application of Metribuzine @ 0.5 kg a.i ha-1 as post emergence was 32.5% over the weedy check. Similarly, the highest weed control efficiency (77.1%) and the highest BC ratio (2.46) was also recorded in Metribuzine @ 0.5 kg a.i ha-1 as post emergence.
Effect of Various Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics and Crop Yields under Maize-Wheat Cropping System of Western Hills
Authors: Acharya Ramesh , Karki Tika Bahadur , Adhikari Bhawana
Published: September 2022

Weeds pose a great challenge to cereal farmers and need to be managed before reaching the critical stage. An experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of various weed management practices on the weed dynamics and crop yields under the maize-wheat cropping system in 2019-2020 at research field of Directorate of Agricultural Research, Lumle, Kaski. The experiments consisted of six pre- emergence and post-emergence chemical management practices (Tembotrione post-emergence (PoE), Pendimethalin as pre-emergence (PE), Atrazine as (PoE), Atrazine as PE fb Tembotrione as PoE, Pendimethalin as PE fb 2,4-D Ethyl Ester (EE), Pendimethalin as PE fb Tembotrione as PoE for maize crop; Pendimethalin as PE, Pendimethalin as PE fb Manual weeding, Pendimethalin as PE fb Metribuzin, Pendimethalin as PE fb 2,4-D sodium salt as PoE, 2,4 D sodium salt as PoE, Metribuzin as PoE for wheat crop) compared with manual weeding and weedy check both maize and wheat. These treatments were studied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Ageratum conyzoides and Chenopodium album were found to be the major weeds for the maize and wheat crop respectively. Atrazine as pre-emergence fb Tembotrione as post–emergence produced the highest yield (3.575 Mt ha-1) for maize season whereas 4.8 Mt ha-1 was obtained in Metribuzin treated plot as post emergence herbicide in wheat growing season. The yield increments by Tembotrione as post emergence was 71.51% and Metribuzin was 63.09% over weedy check. The findings could be useful for researchers and maize-wheat growing farmers of high rainfall ecologies.
Impact of Sowing Dates on Wheat Varieties in Central Terai Region of Nepal
Authors: Sah Mitali Kumari , Shrestha Abhisek , Shah Pradeep , Yadav Rajendra Prasad , Yadav Bisheshwar Prasad , Mishra Anand
Published: September 2022

A suitable time of sowing and varieties are the most important factors for getting higher yield of wheat. To evaluate the effect of different sowing times on wheat varieties, an experiment was conducted at Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Madhesh Province, Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal during the winter seasons of 2018-2019. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replications that includes twelve treatments combination having three sowing dates as a main-factor ( 10th November, 25th November, and 10th December) and four promising wheat varieties (BL 4407, BL 4621, BL 4699, and Vijay) as a sub-factor. There was a significant effect of date of sowing on spike length, tillers, grain yield and 1000 grains weight, but the plant height and straw yield were not affected significantly by sowing dates. Variety had no significant effect on plant height and straw yield, but influenced significantly the spike length, effective tillers, 1000 grains weight and grain yield. The 25th November sown wheat crop gave a significantly higher grain yield (3925 kg ha–1) and straw yield (8044 kg ha–1) but declined in grain yield noted by 11-14% in the 10th November and 10th December sown wheat. A promising wheat variety BL 4407 (4017 kg ha–1) produced the highest yield, (20% more) compared with released variety Vijay (3203 kg ha–1). It can be concluded that proper time of sowing and selecting appropriate variety enhanced the grain yield of wheat.
Weed Control Efficiencies, Grain Yield and Economics as Affected by Seedbed Preparation and Weed Management Practices in Central Terai, Nepal
Authors: Karki Tika Bahadur , Gyawaly Pankaj , Sah Shrawan Kumar , Marahatta Santosh , Gyawaly Chetan
Published: September 2022

Grain yield under dry direct seeded rice (DDSR) is primarily limited due to weeds. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Rampur, Chitwan during the monsoon season, of 2014. The treatments consisted of two methods of seedbed preparation in the main plot and six weed management methods in the sub-plot arranged in split plot design with four replications. Results revealed that the grain yield of dry-direct seeded rice did not vary due to seedbed preparation methods. However, weedy check treatments reduced more than 92.78 % of grain yield of dry-direct seeded rice compared to weed-free check. The herbicidal treatments were found to be superior for the benefit-cost ratio. Pendimethalin fb Bispyribac sodium recorded the highest net returns of NRs 68.73 thousand ha-1 and the benefit-cost ratio of 2.55. Sequential application of Pendimethalin followed by Bispyribac sodium was proved to be the most efficient weed management method for dry-direct seeded rice.
Wheat-based Mixed-cropping Evaluation in the River-basin Areas of Far-western Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Bhanu Bhakta , Joshi Bishnu Prasad , Bhat Ram Bahadur , Joshi Dharmananda , Joshi Hari , Joshi Yamuna , Bista Ramesh , Chaudhary Rajesh , Giri Rabin
Published: September 2022

A study was conducted to find-out the optimum seed rate for wheat-based mixed cropping patterns in the research field of the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Bhagetada Doti. The field experiment was conducted in the two consecutive winters of 2019-20 and 2020-21. The recommended seed rate of wheat (120 kg/ha) was considered a check, and the wheat seed rate was reduced by 20, 30, and 40%, respectively, for pea, lentil, and gram, to generate different mixed cropping combinations. The mixed crops were broadcasted together with wheat during wheat sowing time. Chemical fertilizer was applied at the rate of 80:40:30 kg NPK ha-1 at the time of seed sowing, and no additional fertilizers were supplied to the mixed crops. The results revealed that the combination of lentils (30%) and wheat (70%) were found to be the most profitable and recorded the maximum wheat equivalent yield followed by the combinations of toria (30%) + wheat (70%) and toria (20%) + wheat (80%) in our study.
Effect of Integrated Use of Farmyard Manure and Chemical Fertilizers on Soil Properties and Productivity of Rice in Chitwan
Authors: Lamichhane Sarita , Khanal Babu Ram , Jaishi Ajay , Bhatta Sandesh , Gautam Roshana , Shrestha Jiban
Published: September 2022

The effect of sole application of farm yard manure (FYM) and combined application of chemical fertilizers and FYM on soil properties and growth and yield traits of rice (Variety: Ramdhan) was studied on sandy loam soil at Rambagh, Chitwan, Nepal from June to November 2019. The seven treatments were studied in a randomized complete block design with four replications: T1: 100% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer (RDIF) (i.e., 100:60:40 NPK kg ha-1); T2: 50% RDIF+ FYM @ 9.9 Mt ha-1; T3: 50% RDIF+ FYM @ 31.3 Mt ha-1; T4: 50% RDIF+ FYM @ 11.05 Mt ha-1; T5: FYM @ 19.83 Mt ha-1. The results indicated that combined application of chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure was found to have a significant effect on the number of effective tillers per m-2 and grain yield of rice. There was no significant interaction between thousand grain weight and sterility percent. The highest grain yield of 3,453.69 kg ha-1 and the highest number of effective tillers per m-2 (299) were found in the application of 50% RDIF+ FYM @ 31.3 Mt ha-1. The application of the highest level of FYM alone improved the soil properties. The highest values of available soil organic carbon (34.67 Mt ha-1), available soil nitrogen (1.24 Mt ha-1), and available soil phosphorus (39.57 kg ha-1) at a depth of 0–15 cm were found with the application of FYM @ 62.5 Mt ha-1. The findings of this study suggest that farmers can apply FYM @ 62.5 Mt ha-1 to improve soil properties and 50% RDIF + FYM @ 31.3 Mt ha-1 to have the higher grain yield of rice.
Post-Covid Workplace Scenario – Employer and Employee Health and Safety
Authors: Sivaprakash Palanisamy , Akshaya A.V.R.
Published: September 2022

The decreasing trend in the spread of the covid-19 infection has relaxed the restrictions imposed on the community, especially the working people. This working community, whether or not infected by the virus is now slowly turning back to work, along with the impacts of the lockdown. Though there is a decrease in the infection rate, there is always the possibility of infection at the workplace, as some percentage of the vaccinated people are also getting infected. It is absolutely necessary to follow the covid precautionary measures. Hence, it cannot be said that the normal situation has returned. The employer is in a state to manage a crowd comprising post-covid patients, caretakers of covid patients and non-affected groups. The literature works reporting on post covid scenario, precautionary measures to be taken and workplace, benefits of workplace social distancing and sanitation, and medical care needed for workers were reviewed. This paper discusses the post-pandemic workplace scenario, health and safety, sanitation among workers, awareness of precautionary measures and their behavioral changes.
Factors affecting post-traumatic growth in South Korean police officers by age group
Authors: Lee E , Han Seungwoo
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Police officers are exposed to a variety of traumatic events, which can be physical or psychological. This study aimed to identify factors that influence Post-traumatic growth (PTG) in South Korean police officers, according to age group.
Methods: Raw data were collected from September 26 to October 9, 2017, for 269 police officers who are employed at 10 police offices in Seoul. PTG was affected significantly by age, marital status, monthly income, and police rank in pain perception and social support variables among general characteristics.
Results: Factors that affected PTG in the ‘20~29’ age group were resilience and pain perception, but in the ‘30~39’ age group, only Pain perception was significant, and in the ‘over 50’ age group, social support and pain perception were significant.
Conclusions: The development of mental health programs for police should consider the age group of the patients. Mental health care should also be continuous.
Prevalence and factors associated with lung function abnormalities among rice millworkers in Sokoto state, Northwest Nigeria
Authors: Azees Ayotunde Sherif , Oche Mansur , Isa Abdulfattah , Temitayo-Oboh Abiola , Ango Jessica , Shehu Abdullahi , Adana Nurudeen
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Northwest Nigeria has witnessed an increase in rice milling activities due to the ban on rice importation. The majority of workers in the industry, as it is in many informal sectors workers are disproportionately affected by hazards in the workplace due to poor usage of protective devices. Inhalation of dust over a long period results in lung function abnormalities. The study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with lung function abnormalities among rice mill workers in Sokoto state, Northwest Nigeria.
Methods: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. Data were collected between June 2019 and July 2019 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a lung function examination was conducted using a calibrated Contec SP10 digital spirometer following standardized procedures. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23 and presented in tables and charts.
Results: About a third of 119 (30.2%) of the respondents had abnormalities on spirometry, and there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean FVC (3.63 ± 0.39) and FEV1 (3.01 ± 0.36). Being at least 30 years of age (aOR=3.3), working more than 8 hours a day (aOR=2.4), and having at least a symptom of respiratory morbidity (aOR=10.1) were the factors found to be significantly associated with lung function abnormalities.
Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of lung function abnormality among rice mill workers in Sokoto state is relatively high and age, number of hours worked per day and having at least a symptom of respiratory morbidity were the factors associated with lung function abnormalities.
Effectivity of Uniform Multidrug Therapy on the Success of Paucibacillary and Multibacillary Leprosy Treatment
Authors: Susanto Prayogi Miura , Esti Prima Kartika , Komarasari Eka
Published: September 2022

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) that involves the integumentary and peripheral nervous system, causing neuropathy, deformity, and disability. Early detection and appropriate treatment are the ways to break the chain of transmission and prevent disability in leprosy patients. The first line of treatment for leprosy is the standard Multidrug Therapy (MDT) regiment consisting of rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine. Standard MDT treatment is given based on the leprosy classification of paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB). The utilization of the standard MDT regiment has some limitations, particularly where there is a limited supporting test facility, causing difficulty in determining the leprosy classification accurately. An alternative regiment proposed to substitute the standard MDT is the Uniform-MDT (U-MDT). Several studies have been conducted on the use of U-MDT and have produced promising results for the treatment of PB and MB leprosy.
Chronic Bullous Disease of Childhood: A Case Report and Review of Literature of Bullous Diseases in Children
Authors: Pradhan Susmita , Jha Krishna , Kumari Priyanka , Shrestha Shristi , Jha Anil Kumar
Published: September 2022

We describe a case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with multiple mild itchy and painful blisters predominantly over his trunk and limbs for one year with multiple tense bullae with hypopyon signs resulting in a half-and-half appearance of the blisters. A skin biopsy showed subepidermal separation with predominantly neutrophils and eosinophils in the bulla cavity and mixed infiltrate in the papillary dermis. We would like to report a case of chronic bullous disease of childhood and review its differentials for diagnostic approaches to blistering disease in children.
Cutaneous Manifestations In the Patients With Covid 19: A Prospective Clinical Analysis
Authors: Jha Sagar Mani , Shakya Nabin Bhakta , Dangol Anil Kumar Singh , Shakya Sunil , Yadav Jyotshna , Maharjan Manisha , Panday Shrikant
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a major health care issue worldwide. The surge in cases was seen in the second wave, with more people getting hospital admissions. An accurate and rapid identification of cutaneous manifestations is vital to early diagnosis and better prognosis. The aim of the study was to determine cutaneous manifestations in patients with COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted from June 2021 to September 2021.  Patients admitted to the hospital were examined by the dermatologists. All inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 with RT PCR were included. Types, patterns and how the skin lesions changed its course during illness were recorded. Ethical clearance was taken from IRC. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS Version 20.0.
Results: A total of 452 COVID-19 RT-PCR-positive patients were enrolled out of which 97(21.5%) had skin lesions. Out of 131 comorbid patients, 40(30.5%) had skin lesions. Urticarial wheals and erythema nodosum were seen in 21(4.6%) each and were the most common manifestation, followed by exanthema in 17(3.8%).
Conclusion: Study showed maximum patients with COVID-19 had urticaria and erythema nodosum. It is important to know the types of skin lesions for early diagnosis. In order to prevent the spread patient can be sent for investigations on time. More elaborate studies with multicenter involvement are recommended.
INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Klymova Kateryna
Published: September 2022

The vectors of global transformations of the global economy and the directions of modernization transformations national economy in context of the implementation of innovation development and the dissemination of innovative business forms are determined. Focused on systematic issues of institutional development of the innovation development of the national economy: ineffectiveness of the established institutions and institutions of innovation and regulatory policy, unfavorable to innovation of the economic environment, underdevelopment of innovation infrastructure, limited tools for institutional development, credit and investment support of commodity producers.

The importance of forming a systematic basis for supporting innovation dynamics in the national economy and its industries based on institutional regulation instruments, stimulating demand and supply of innovations, infrastructure, informational, communicative provision of innovation growth. The objective character of social reproduction is accented, deepening processes of division of labor, the dissemination of the production form of cooperation and specialization in conditions of globalization changes.

The well-founded innovative advantages of agribusiness development, the importance of distribution of agrinnovations in technological processes, products, marketing and labor organization, which will allow to preserve export positions and increase the value added as a result of providing a higher level of technological. Argumentated evolutionary and institutional restrictions on the formation of an effective institute of agrinnovations.

Described advantages and disadvantages of institutional design tools: transplantation of institutes; entering new institutions, correction of existing routine. The introduction of elements of institutional design in agribusiness and the implementation of the strategy of "intermediate institutes", which envisages the formation of the Optimal Economic Institute, through the implementation of transitional forms or the creation of a set of intermediate institutions, which are gradually changing and displaced by each other when administering or adjusting institution
ПОЗДРАВЛЯЕМ С ЮБИЛЕЕМ! К 90-летию со Дня рождения В. В. Суслова
Authors: Тарабрин О. А.
Published: September 2022

ПОЗДРАВЛЯЕМ С ЮБИЛЕЕМ! К 90-летию со Дня рождения В. В. Суслова
Queer and Present Danger: Freakery and Sapphic Desire in Maria Edgeworth’s Belinda
Authors: Sanford Susannah B.
Published: September 2022

This essay examines the relationship between (dis)ability and sexuality in Maria Edgeworth’s Belinda (1801). Jason Farr argues that (dis)ability and sexuality are “mutually constitutive” in the eighteenth century and demonstrates the link between conceptions of (dis)ablebodiedness and non-heteronormativity. I argue that the constitutive relationship is bifurcated across two characters from Edgeworth’s novel: Harriet Freke’s sexual divergence constitutes her disability, and Lady Delacour’s experience of disability and chronic pain constitutes her sexual ambiguity and Sapphic possibilities. A queer-crip reading of Belinda demonstrates that Lady Delacour experiences intimate relationships with women and her husband through her injured breast and chronic pain. Harriet Freke’s divergent gender performance disables her under the chastising gaze of the other characters, and, in the end, she is permanently, physically marked by an injury. Lady Delacour experiences a cure of her long-term injury that results in a transformation to the ennobled, contemporary form of heterosexual domesticity.
Identification of Impediments in Export Promotion Zones of Pakistan
Authors: Mukhtar Uzma , Din Syed Ainud , Islam Zohurul , Ramzan Saubia
Published: September 2022

Pakistan enjoys pivotal position among energy-rich Central Asian States and Gulf countries. Export Promotion Zones (EPZs) are playing important role in the economic development of countries since the formation of these zones. In Pakistan, Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) was established in 1980. Comparative research studies and reports in literature depict that economic share of EPZs of Pakistan is not much impressive and its economic share in the country lags behind neighboring countries. EPZA hence is faced with external factors like devaluation of rupee, euro country crisis, foreign investors’ retention and attraction in Pakistan but this study aims to analyze internal factors or impediments that have a direct impact on foreign investment. Data was collected through survey questionnaire from respondents (n=480). Data was analyzed using SPSS (11.5 Version). Regression results identify work environment, bhatta culture, high inflation, political instability, inadequate skill enhancement, inadequate training and infrastructural facilities as major impediments for EPZ development in Pakistan. Thus, this study concludes that positive work environment, political stability and security, adequate infrastructural facilities, appropriate location of industrial units, upgradation of workers skill, provision of training, overcoming the bhatta culture and stable inflation will help boosting the development and performance of export promotion zones of Pakistan.
Asia’s Cauldron: The South China Sea and the end of a stable Pacific, 18‘ edition. By Robert D. Kaplan. Random House, New York. 2014. ISBN 978-0-8129-9906-8. 225pp. Paperback, $18.
Authors: Ahmed Masood
Published: September 2022

The ascending power of China has precipitated a glut of books on the role of China in the 21st Century among which Asia’s Cauldron by Robert D. Kaplan looks at the changing realities of the 21S' century as China rises after decades of slumber and the centre stage of the world moves towards the East. Robert D. Kaplan was chief geopolitical analysts for Stratfor, a private global intelligence firm. till December 2014. Presently, he is a Senior Fellow at the Center for New American Security in Washington D. C. In 2011 and 2012, he was named by Foreign Policy magazine as one of the world's top 100 global thinkers. The book represents an American perspective on the changing power dynamics of the globe as a result of ascending economic and military power of China. The focus of the book is on the South China Sea that holds oil reserves of several billion barrels and an estimated nine hundred trillion cubic feet of natural gas rendering it as the simmering pot of potential conflict hence the book is given the name Asia’s Cauldron. The title page shows a picture where top half consists of Junk, ancient Chinese sailing ship and the bottom half consists of modern cargo ship alluding to the centrality of maritime trade that gives South China Sea its global importance since ancient times.
When in Rome do as the Romans do or not? Cultural Intelligence and Cross-Cultural Learning
Authors: Waseem Muhammad Adnan , Hasan Naveed
Published: September 2022

Cultural intelligence, does it come naturally, or one has to learn it. The answer is a bit of both. Adaptation of a culture in a new environment is pertinent for newcomers in society. Collaborations among different countries for different purposes (i.e. economic, commercial, social, etc.) also require an understanding of home-country and host-country cultures i.e. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Just like countries and societies, organizations also enjoy different cultures and the need for adaptation increases when it involves some organizational scenario. The focus of this study is mainly on the pertinence and utilization of cultural adaptation in settings that are novel to newcomers. The current study has generated a conceptual discussion on cultural intelligence while understanding its role and significance in settings where cross-cultural learning is adopted. A thorough discussion is generated on the standing of cultural learning and the importance of cultural intelligence along with the theoretical developments in the area. A practical example of Australian investment in the Chinese market is shared, followed by concluding the study. The findings of this study are significant for organizations as well as countries with a workforce serving from various countries having diverse cultures.
Effect of Dividend Policy Decision on Share Price Volatility of Modaraba Companies Listed in Pakistan Stock Exchange
Authors: Siddique Muhammad , Ali Kamran , Anwar Saba
Published: September 2022

This study aims to test the relationship between dividend policy decisions on the share price Volatility of Modaraba Companies quoted in the Pakistan stock exchange. The data for empirical analysis was collected from the Pakistan stock exchange, Recorder archive, and Ksestocks.com. By using the sampling technique, a sample of 19 Modaraba Companies was taken from 2010 to 2018. The empirical analysis was conducted using multiple regression techniques by employing a fixed effect model on panel data. This study also incorporated four control variables (size, growth, operating earning & level of debt) in empirical analysis to avoid multicollinearity problems between dividend policy measures and spurious regression. The results of the study validate the theory of relevance of dividend policy decisions on share price Volatility. Dividend policy has a negative and significant bearing on Stock price volatility. Higher leverage (debt level) leads to higher instability in stock prices. Firm earning volatility is positively associated with share price volatility. Firm size and firm's growth in terms of assets also has a negative but insignificant impact on share price Volatility.
Effect of Core Self-Evaluation on Employee's Outcomes: The Role of Mentorship
Authors: Rizvi Syed Tahir Hussain , Wajid Abdul
Published: September 2022

The study aims to examine the relationship between Core self-evaluation on employee’s outcomes (Work engagement, Work Success and Intention to leave) with moderation role of mentorship. The study investigates the relationship in Pakistani environment, particularly the employees in public sector universities of twin cities (Rawalpindi & Islamabad) of Pakistan. Data was collected through the questionnaire distributed among the 440 employees of different universities in capital city (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) of Pakistan. The responses obtained, their assessment done, passed through the statistical programs by using SPSS (23 version) to obtain the findings. Descriptive statistical methods (e.g. frequency, average, standard deviation) have been utilized during the appraisal of the data. The consequences explored that CSA is intensely linked to employee’s outcomes, the current research also empirically investigated that mentorship has moderating effect in the relationship between CSA and employee’s outcomes. This research is amongst those rare studies conducted in Pakistani environment that have inspected effect of CSA on employee’s outcome and also inspected the moderating effect of mentorship between the relationship of core self-evaluation and employee’s outcomes.
Physical match performance and creatine kinase levels in elite football players
Authors: YAPALI Gökmen , KÜRKLÜ Galip Bilen
Published: September 2022

Many studies have shown that creatine kinase (CK) concentration increases following an elite-level football competition. However, the relationship between match performance and CK levels at 72 hours after the match is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical match performance data and blood CK levels 72 hours post-match in elite football players. The study included 11 male elite football players (age=26.36±3.29 years, height=181.60±6.1 cm, weight=75.41±5.96 kg). Capillary blood samples were collected from the participants approximately 72 hours post-match and examined by reflectance photometry. Physical match performance data from 2 consecutive matches of a Turkish Super League team (while competing in the UEFA Europa League) were collected by a computerized video tracking system. There was no significant correlation between the players’ CK level and their total distance (p=0.6012), high-intensity (20-24 km/h) running distance (p=0.8837), or sprinting distance (p=0.235). CK level was also not correlated with the percentage of total distance covered in high-intensity running (r=-0.62, p=0.052). However, moderate to strong negative correlations were observed between CK level and percentage of total distance covered in sprinting (r=-0.67, p=0.032) and percentage of total distance covered in high-intensity running and sprinting (r=-0.70, p=0.022). The current study suggests the benefit of evaluating distances covered in the game and CK concentrations 72 hours post-match while planning recovery interventions.
Clinical Heterogenicity in Children with Ovotesticular Disorder of Sex Development: Experience at Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez
Authors: Molina Díaz Jorge Mario , Molina Díaz Jorge Mario , Martínez Domínguez Luis Guillermo , Hernández Trejo Karla Eugenia
Published: September 2022

Introduction: DSD are congenital alterations in which either sexual chromosomes, gonadal or anatomical development are atypical. It is estimated that about 1 in every 4500 live births has some type of DSD, ovotesticular DSD representing around 3-10% of the cases. Given the rarity of DSD, it is an underexplored area, and little is known of ovotesticular DSD.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study on patients diagnosed with Ovotesticular DSD in a tertiary medical center from 2009 to 2018. The clinical presentation, phenotype, gonadal features, gender assignment and medical management were evaluated.
Results: A total of 184 cases matched the initial search criteria. Only 9 patients with confirmed histopathological diagnosis were selected. Eight out of the nine cases evaluated presented ambiguous genitalia at birth, and only one was detected until pubertal age with presence of bilateral gynecomastia. A female 46 XX karyotype was reported in six patients, whereas the remaining three patients had mosaicism. Four patients were at pubertal age at the time of the study, and three of them required induction of puberty due to lack of sexual steroid production due to loss of gonadal organs.
Discussion: Ovotesticular DSD is a rare finding with a heterogeneous spectrum concerning its genetic etiology, clinical presentation, and surgical findings. Most patients are diagnosed during infancy or childhood; few are diagnosed at pubertal age.
Conclusion: Actual management and decision on gender assigning and treatment is challenging and debatable; therefore, a scrupulous clinical examination, as well as hormonal, imaging, genetic and molecular investigation is needed for a correct diagnosis. Further investigation is required to fully understand the disease.
COVID-19 Anxiety and Related Factors in Cancer Patients Undergoing External Radiation Therapy
Authors: Saber Korosh , Hamzian Nima , Madadizadeh Farzan
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Studies have shown that anxiety caused by the COVID-19 epidemic affects the patient’s decision-making processes regarding treatment and may even force him to refuse to continue treatment or disrupt the function and efficiency of treatment. This study aimed to determine the anxiety caused by COVID-19 and related factors in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 125 cancer patients which sampled through convenience sampling from patients who admitted to radiotherapy centre in Yazd, Iran, in 2021. Patients had different primary cancers such as Breast, Lung, Head and Neck, Prostate, Stomach, Cervix, Blood, Intestine, Brain, Skin, Lymphoma, Kidney and Oesophagus. The COVID-19 Disease Anxiety Scale (CDSA) questionnaire was used to collect data. The frequency, percentage, mean (standard deviation), median (interquartile range=IQR) were used to description and the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for data analysis. All analyses were performed in SPSS software (version 24) with a significance level of 5%. Results: In total, 55.2% of patients (69 patients) were male, 85.6% (107 patients) were married, and the mean (SD) age of participants was 50.16 (13.93) years. Median (IQR) the scores of mental, physical and anxiety symptoms were 11 (13), 4 (8), and 16 (18), respectively, which were moderate in physical and psychological symptoms according to guidelines. In terms of total anxiety classification, total anxiety score in our study was in mild category. Median of the CDSA score was significantly different in levels of age, education, economic status, and type of job (p<0.001). Conclusion: COVID-19 anxiety in cancer patients was in the mild level. Young people and people with lower social, economic, and educational status are more anxious. However, in addition to targeted safety and prevention measures, training and counselling programs may also be useful in reducing anxiety level.
Outcomes of COVID-19 in Cancer Patients who Developed Acute Kidney Injury During Hospitalization in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Authors: Singh Ram , Sagiraju Hari Krishna Raju , Krishnasamy Sudarsan , Sirohiya Prashant , Kumar Balbir , Ratre Brajesh Kumar , Bhatnagar Sushma
Published: September 2022

Background: The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients infected with COVID-19 has been observed to be associated with poor outcomes. Our study aimed to measure the outcomes of COVID-19 in cancer patients who developed AKI during hospitalization and the predictive baseline clinical and laboratory factors associated with the development of AKI. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a COVID hospital that included only cancer patients with COVID-19 infection. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined according to KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) criteria. The demographic, clinical, laboratory and outcomes data were collected from the hospital electronic database and abstracted from the case files. Results: Thirteen (12.8%) of the total 102 cancer patients developed AKI during hospitalization. Out of 13, 11 (84.6%) patients presented with hypoxemia during admission and required oxygen support. Breathlessness [Odds Ratio (OR) (95% CI): 5.8 (1.1-31.3)] or hypoxemia [OR 22.6 (2.6-194.5)] at the time of presentation and requirement of oxygen support [OR 7.5 (1.4-40.5)] were significantly associated with AKI after adjusting for age, gender, vaccination status and comorbidities. Median baseline values of inflammatory markers were significantly higher among those who developed AKI. Out of 102, 27 (26.5%) patients had in-hospital mortality. Mortality was high among those who developed AKI compared to those who didn’t develop AKI (92.3% vs 16.1%, p-value: <0.001). Conclusions: The cancer patients infected by COVID-19 and who developed AKI were more vulnerable to poor outcomes in terms of in-hospital mortality. The patients with severe disease at presentation and higher levels of baseline inflammatory markers CRP, ferritin, and D-Dimer were more susceptible to the development of AKI and in turn, led to a higher risk of in-hospital mortality in these patients.
The Association between PM2.5 Exposure and Hippocampal Volume: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lukito Elizabeth Feloni , Tandarto Kevin , Stella Maureen Miracle , Ivan Ignatius , Sudharta Harvey , Golahi Gilbert , Sutanto Kenny Wijaya , Turana Yuda , Santi Bryany Titi , Budiman Yanto , Simargi Yopi
Published: September 2022

Background: Existing air quality is decreasing, as evidenced by the increase in air pollution. Air pollution does not only affect the respiratory system, but also affecting the nervous system, and furthermore causing impaired cognitive function that can be predicted through the image of the hippocampus. Objective: This study wanted to determine the significance of the relationship between PM2.5 (Particulate Matter) pollutant exposure and hippocampal volume in adults. Method: This research is a PRISMA 2020 based systematic study using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Proquest as databases. Research inclusion criteria were studies with subjects over 19 years old, using MRI techniques, published in English, having sufficient data for extraction. Result: There are 5 studies from 2015 to 2020 which stated that there was no statistically significant relationship between PM2.5 pollutant exposure and hippocampal volume (n = 5) (P-value > 0.05, 0.71, 0.8, 0.32), and the study obtained significant results (n = 1) (P-value < 0.005). Discussion: Although the results of the study did not prove a significant difference in hippocampal volume, several recent theories regarding hippocampal neurogenesis in adults are able to support these results. Conclusion: From this study, it was not proven that there was a significant relationship between PM2.5 pollutant exposure and hippocampal volume.
Using GIS to Understand Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors among Women Living with HIV (WLWH) in Ghana
Authors: Barimah Owusu Alex , Asare Matthew , Owusu Ruth
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study used the Geographic Intelligent Systems to examine the location of cervical cancer screening (CCS) facilities and their proximity to the residential location of Women Living with HIV (WLWH) and how they could influence WLWH CCS behaviors. Methods: We used deidentified existing data from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) on WLWH and geocoded them to their community of residence as points using Google Earth Pro version 7.3.0. Transport fares from KATH to communities identified in the screening database were also obtained. The location of KATH was digitized from google earth and validated from the GIS database from the Remote Sensing and GIS application Laboratory, University of Ghana. We calculated distances and other proximity information between each point from the KATH. We used the spatial-analytical tool of kernel density for the density analysis and fitted a smoothly tapered surface using Esri’s ArcGIS Desktop 10.8. We performed Shapiro-Wilk normal distribution test to assess the significance of the clustering. Results: Data on 708 WLWH’s residential locations and transportation fares were analyzed. We find a significant clustering near KATH. Close to 50% cluster within 5km from KATH whiles 85.8% of the respondents live within 10.2 km from KATH. Shapiro-Wilk normality test shows W=0.30221, p-value < 0.05. The minimum cost per commercial transportation is approximately GHC 2.00 (US dollar ~ $0.26 whiles those living beyond 3-5 km will pay approximately GHC 3.00 (~$0.39). The highest cost payable by the farthest distance using a commercial bus is GHC 50.00. (~$ 6.00). The majority of respondents will pay about GHC 10.00 (~$1.50) for transportation (i.e., round trip) to access SCC facilities. Conclusions: In an economy where a family lives on less than $2.00 per day, any additional cost resulting from transportation will likely create CCS hesitancy and that self-sampling may be a recommended solution.