Assessment of Fertility Index Values of Various Marginal Soil Types
Novianto1&2; Alnopri3; Muhammad Faiz Barchia4; Hesti Pujiwati3; Zainal Muktamar4; Rusti kawati3The soil fertility index (SFI) technologi is an assessment of soil properties and nutrient availability to support plant growth and development. The soil fertility index is very relevant in the engineering of planting media, especially on marginal land to support environmentally friendly sustainable agriculture by utilizing organic materials as soil improvers. This research contributes to crop cultivation by utilizing marginal land, by offering a method of analyzing soil fertility index and providing knowledge to oil palm farmers in utilizing marginal land as a planting medium. The purpose of this research is to analyze the fertility value of various marginal soils that will be used as planting media materials. This research was conducted in Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia, from November 2024 to January 2025. This research method uses disturbed soil samples on marginal land. Composite soil samples consisting of five types of marginal soils include: ultisol subsoil with a depth of M1 = 0-50 cm, M2 = 50-100 cm, M3 = 100-150 cm, peat and entisol. The results of the comparative study of the fertility value of various types of marginal soils are almost on average low criteria, for improvement it is necessary to add organic matter as much as 1.5 - 2.5% to each planting medium and evaluate the fertility index of various types of marginal soils ranging from 80 - 100 which is categorized in the low to medium class.
Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a critical indicator of glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Serum uric acid (SUA), traditionally a marker of gout, is increasingly recognized for its role in metabolic dysfunction. The interplay between SUA and glycemic control remains complex. Objective: To evaluate the association between serum uric acid levels and HbA1c among patients with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 T2DM patients was conducted over 18 months. Patients were categorized by glycemic control based on HbA1c levels: good (<7%), fair (8–9%), and poor (>9%). SUA was measured using the uricase enzymatic method and compared across these categories. Results: Mean SUA levels were highest in patients with HbA1c <7% (6.2 ± 1.1 mg/dL), lower in those with HbA1c 8–9% (5.4 ± 0.9 mg/dL), and lowest in those with HbA1c >9% (4.1 ± 0.7 mg/dL). There was a statistically significant inverse correlation (r = -0.42, p < 0.01) between SUA and HbA1c. Conclusion: SUA levels decline with worsening glycemic control in T2DM, suggesting that elevated SUA may be more prominent in early or well-controlled diabetes. These findings highlight SUA's potential as a marker for insulin resistance rather than advanced hyperglycemia.
Low power has become a critical design requirement in today's electronics industry, leading to a shift in focus where power dissipation is prioritized alongside performance and area. VLSI systems are now designed for high-speed operation with minimal area to ensure compact and reliable performance. Power optimization at the system level is an active area of research, especially concerning power dissipation in processing units, memories, and communication. A significant portion of power is consumed in data communication over on-chip and off-chip buses. To reduce power consumption, signal encoding techniques have been developed to minimize switching activity on buses, potentially saving up to 70% in power. One notable approach is the use of Hamming coding, such as the "Lagger algorithm," which minimizes transition power during bitsequence transmission by shuffling the bit streams before transmission and regenerating them using a decoder, effectively reducing transitions between '0' and '1'
An Index of Relative State-Specific Fiscal Sustainability
1 D.K. Srivastava, 2 Murali krishna Bharadwaj, 3 Tarrung Kapur & 4 Ragini TrehanExisting literature on state specific sustainability analysis using econometric methods provide limited insights as to whether the fiscal deficit of a state is sustainable or not. It does not indicate how fiscally strong or weak is one state vis-à-vis. another from a sustainability perspective. We provide estimates for state specific sustainable levels of fiscal deficit relative to GSDP in relation to the all-state FRBM norm. We have developed indices for providing relative rankings to the states in terms of their relative magnitudes of sustainable fiscal deficit to GSDP levels, relativities of effective interest rate, revenue receipts to GSDP ratio, and nominal GSDP growth rates. Using these indices, we highlight the states that have shown a greater fiscal strength during the FC14 and FC15 (first three years) periods. We find that the small and hilly states have relatively higher state specific sustainable fiscal deficit to GSDP ratios primarily because of their higher revenue receipts to GSDP ratios which in turn depend on their relatively higher share in fiscal transfers. In the FC15 period, we have noted that the states showing relatively low sustainable levels of fiscal deficit to GSDP include Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Background: Mental Health Literacy (MHL) among healthcare providers is a key factor for early diagnosis and effective intervention in psychiatric illnesses. Nurses’ preparedness, influenced by MHL, plays a critical role in shaping attitudes and practices toward mental health. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of MHL among nursing students and examine the associations between knowledge, attitude, behavior, and sociodemographic factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 114 nursing students (MSc, PBBSc, PB Diploma, and recent graduates) of a selected College of Nursing. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a standardized 35-item Mental Health Literacy Scale (O’Connor & Casey³). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: The majority (78.1%) of participants had a fair level of MHL, while 16.7% had good and 0.9% had poor MHL. Good knowledge (60.5%) and positive attitude (97.3%) were observed, but only 26.3% had good behavioral/practice scores. MHL was significantly associated with professional qualification (p = 0.004) but not with age, experience, or workshop attendance. Conclusion: While nursing students demonstrated good knowledge and attitude towards mental illness, their practices did not align, indicating the need for targeted skill-building interventions. Integrating practical mental health training into curricula may bridge this gap.
South Africa's Green Hydrogen Roadmap: Promises, Progress and Policy Gaps
1 Mohit Dalal; 2 Dr. Harpreet Kaur; 3 Dr. Kavita SinghSouth Africa is emerging as a leader in clean energy efforts among African countries. The country is well-positioned with world-class solar and wind energy potential. Also, it is becoming a major hub for green hydrogen production. At the same time, it faces the dual challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while addressing widespread poverty and inequality. According to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), South Africa is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Africa. This places it under significant pressure to meet climate goals without compromising economic development. Green hydrogen presents a practical and promising solution to this dilemma. The Hydrogen Society Roadmap, released in 2022 by the Department of Science and Innovation, supports this direction. It sets a target of producing five lakh tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Also, it outlines plans to install ten gigawatts of hydrogen production capacity, with a strong focus on the Northern Cape. This research tries to takes a close look at the Hydrogen Society Roadmap released by the Department of Science and Innovation in February 2022. Similarly, the study will analyse on policy documents released by UN onglobal energy plans, and project data from South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition which releases data on commercialisation strategy and data from Science and Innovation Ministry. From the data analysis, research will put emphasis on its two-foldoutcomes. One that while the roadmap marks an important step, it needs stronger planning, fair benefit sharing, and secondly it will provide better links with job creation. By looking at both achievements and gaps, the study will try to offer new insights into how South Africa can build a fair and lasting green hydrogen sector. It will help future research by providing a factual study of how clean energy plans can be shaped by local needs, policy choices, and global climate goals.
This research investigated the mediating effect of customer loyalty in the correlation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with sustainable growth (SG) in Ethiopian private universities setting. The study utilized explanatory research and quantitative approach. Respondents were selected using stratified and convenience sampling technique from three purposively selected universities. This study has collected 405 completed self-administered questionnaires. To analyze primary data, this research utilized structural equation modeling using statistical package AMOS 23. The findings show that the comprehensive CSR practice has positive and significant effect on sustainable growth. Further, customer loyalty has partial mediating role between CSR and sustainable growth link. CSR practice regarding employee, economic, social and environment are significant factors to influence the SG through customer loyalty. However, employee and social CSR practice have direct and indirect significant positive effect on sustainable growth. The study recommends the universities should initiate and implement CSR programs related to employee, social, economic and environment aspect as a means to attain SG and enhance customer loyalty. The study extends CSR literature by investigating the elements of CSR practice with extended indirect effect in higher education context specifically in emerging economy. The study develops a unique CSR practice model to direct private universities in higher education sector towards attaining sustainable growth based on covariance based structural equation model.
R2TB: An Innovative Congestion Control Methodology for Real Time Data Transmission in MANET
1 Mamata Rath, 2 George S. OrekuMaximum real time solicitations require Quality of Service (QoS) during data communication. Therefore many routing protocols for Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET) associating Real Time Applications have been established that uses improved Real time structure for optimization of delay and energy efficiency, basic objective being great deployment of resource in resource limited environment. Congestion Control is another important issue while directing towards QoS achievement specifically with highly transferrable mobile stations. This paper highlights on congestion control issues in real time environment as well as proposes an upgraded traffic shaping mechanism called R2TB (Real Time Token Bucket ) at the transport layer of TCP/IP protocol suite of network model for real time applications with basic concept of token bucket traffic shaping mechanism during packet routing at the intermediate nodes. Simulation findings illustrates that our proposed method performs better in highly congested traffic scenario with reduced queuing delay and improved packet delivery ratio.
Background: Competency Based’ and ‘Outcome Based’ dental curricula were suggested by the most international accrediting organizations like American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and European Dental Education Association (EDEA). The Dental Council of India (DCI) keen to make this change in order to bring dental education in India up to and eventually surpass international standards. The new curriculum was created to achieve the best possible balance between traditional hands-on training, the ‘Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS), National Education Policy (NEP)and education 4.0’ in an era of hybrid learning, flexible progression, and student autonomy in their education. The aim of the study was to critically analyse Bachelor of Dental Surgery Program Regulations 2022 draft notified by Dental Council of India as against English Speaking Developed Countries- United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK). Materials and methods: The study's documents were collected and evaluated from their respective official websites of USA, UK and Indian revised dental draft. The comparison of structural gaps done in terms of Eligibility, Course structure, Syllabic inclusions of course topics, Number of Competencies, Teaching-Learning methods, Modes of Assessments, Electives, Alternative Degrees and Exit test. Results: The comparative and critical analysis of all the three countries dental curriculum shows similarities and variations, inclusions and exclusion of topics and modifications required in New Indian dental draft. Conclusion: The structural updated model of Competency Based Dental Education Curriculum for use and utilization will be evolved and proposed which would be utilized by the planning and policy making authorities in India as a basal/referral document results in enhancement of global competencies in Indian Dental Graduates.
The novel, Water by Bapsi Sidhwa deals with the condition of Indian Hindu widows during 1938 who have been abandoned by the society after the death of their husbands. The superstitious and stereotyped society considers the wife to be responsible for their husband’s death. As they are believed to be unfortunate and sinner, the widows are sent to the widow ashrams to spend the rest of their life praying to God. The paper1 will deal with life of the widows who are compelled to spend the rest of their life deprived of all the charms and glory and devote totally to the worship of God. Child marriage, corruption and exploitation of the upper class Brahmins and finally the rejection of widows to accept such dominance are the major aspects to be highlighted. These will be represented through the female characters like Kalyani, Shakuntala, Madhumati, Bua and Chuyia who represent the sections of widows, who accept the corruption and dominance of the society and the other who demands change against the prevailing norms of the patriarchal society. The glimpse of British colonialism and rise of freedom movement will also be highlighted. In order to depict the condition of marginalised women and stereotyped society, the concept of ‘Other’ by Bhabha and the theory of Feminism are indeed applied. The study would help to recall and focus on the aspects of Indian history reiterated by Bapsi Sidhwa.
Uncommon Fusion Between Primary Mandibular Lateral Incisor and Canine: A Case Report
1 Dr. Kale Yugandhara S; 2 Dr. Shylaja MD; 3 Dr. Gujjar Pavan; 4 Dr. Attur KailashFusion is a rare developmental dental anomaly characterized by the union of two adjacent tooth buds, leading to the formation of a single enlarged tooth structure. It can present as complete fusion, where both the crowns and roots are joined, or as incomplete fusion, involving only the crowns or the roots. This condition most commonly affects the anterior teeth and is more prevalent in the primary dentition than in the permanent dentition. The exact etiology of tooth fusion remains uncertain, though it is believed to result from physical forces or pressure during tooth development. Clinically, fused teeth may cause esthetic concerns, spacing issues, or delayed eruption of permanent successors. In this report, we present a rare case of fusion involving the primary mandibular lateral incisor and canine in a 6-year-old female patient, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management in pediatric dental practice.
Introduction: Dental caries and periodontitis are common oral infections. Many antibiotics are resistant to common oral infections. Flavanoids are known to be synthesized by plants such as Mimosa Pudica in response to microbial infection. Methodology: The extract of mimosa pudica plant were tested against s. mutans and fusobacterium nucleatum by agar well method. Result: In our study there was no zone of inhibition found against the microbes which may have occurred due to methodological fallices. Conclusion: Mimosa pudica if found effective against oral microbes has emmense potential as a therapeutic agent in oral products.
Anecdote on Microbiome Diet-Neurotransmitter Triangle, A Classical View
Meera Saravanan1 and Dr. Naganandini. R2Biological importance of the gut microbiome is evident from the early stages of life the human gut microbiota develops after birth and contributes to the development of the immune system in newborns. The gut microbiome gradually reaches an adult-like configuration by the age of 3–6 years old and remains stable throughout adulthood. The food we consume has a profound and multifaceted impact on our neurotransmitter systems. By supporting a healthy gut microbiome, our diet can be a powerful tool for modulating our mood, cognitive function and overall mental well-being. Gut Microbiota functions in digestion of complex carbohydrates and fiber, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, acetate, propionate, synthesis of vitamins K and B, modulation of immune responses and communication with the brain via the gut–brain axis. Bacteria use neurotransmitters to communicate with the central nervous system and release molecules into the bloodstream that regulate physiological processes in the intestinal wall. Neurotransmitters including 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate are essential transductors in the Gut-Brain Axis. The composition of the gut microbiota is shaped by diverse factors including age, genetics, dietary habits, environmental exposures, psychological stress, infections, concurrent medical conditions, antibiotic use and lifestyle influences such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, sleep, and exercise. Stress triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing cortisol, alter gut motility, permeability and microbial balance. Stress leads to reduced diversity of beneficial bacteria, overgrowth of pro-inflammatory microbes, increased gut permeability and negative impact on serotonin production. Targeting the gut microbiome represents a promising approach for managing mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, Autism and generalized anxiety disorders. Microbiome-based therapeutic interventions including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplant and dietary interventions have become potential strategies. World Health Organization advises a total of 4 mg/kg of tryptophan is achieved daily. The unique alkaloid neferine derived from the seed of lotus plant has therapeutic effects. Lactobacillus may be the gut microbial target of neferine in alleviating depression. Aerobic exercise is hypothesized to have beneficial effect on the gut microbiome, as it promotes a diverse microbiome with increased levels of beneficial Firmicutes and reduced amounts of Bacteroides compared to sedentary individuals, whereas excessive endurance exercise in athletes can cause dysbiosis. Ancient Tamil literatures describe ideas of probiotic foods, herbs, lifestyle that map onto the modern concepts of the gut–brain connection. They repeatedly link digestion, diet, bodily balance and mental state, a conceptual precursor to today’s gut–microbiome ideas. The convergence of ancient observations like Kuruntokai and Akan?n?ru, Mukkuttram such as Vali, Azhal, Iyam, Siddha and Thirukkural with contemporary gut–brain science suggests a long-standing recognition in Tamil culture that nourishment is both a physiological and psychological determinant of human well-being. Contemporary science supports the gut–brain axis. Modern medical reviews describe mechanisms linking gut microbes, vagus nerve signalling, immune mediators and neurotransmitter production, the physiological framework that makes the ancient observations plausible today. Author shares for future directions by plotting milestones at developmental stages.
Root Caries and its Diagnostic Modalities - A Review
Dr. Manigandan Kuzhanchinathan1; Dr. Seshan Rakkesh Ramesh1*; Dr. Rajeswari Kalaiselvam2; Dr. Mathan Rajan Rajendran3Root caries is a multifactorial disease that primarily affects the exposed root surfaces of teeth following gingival recession and the loss of periodontal attachment. Unlike the coronal caries, root caries involves the softer tissues of cementum and dentin, which are more prone to demineralization due to the lower mineral content and increased organic content. The rising prevalence of root caries, particularly among the aging population is attributed to factors such as poor oral hygiene, reduced salivary flow, systemic health conditions, and limited dexterity, which all hinder effective plaque control. The microbial flora in root caries is distinct, involving not only commonly known cariogenic species like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus but also organisms such as Actinomyces, Olsenella, and Atopobium. Clinically, the lesions may range from yellowish or light brown in active cases to darker brown or black in arrested ones, with varying degrees of cavitation and texture. Accurate diagnosis of root caries remains a clinical challenge. This review focuses on the etiology, microbial aspects, clinical presentation, and most importantly, the evolving diagnostic modalities for root caries from traditional visual and tactile assessment using a dental explorer to advancements in caries detection with the help of laser fluorescence, fiber-optic transillumination based imaging systems. Integrating these diagnostic modalities into routine practice can improve early intervention, guide minimally invasive treatments, and ultimately enhance the long-term oral health outcomes.
Perspectives of Perennial Rice Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa
Getachew MelakuAnnual mono cropping which is a commonest agricultural practice in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is now wearing down the land. Moreover, the shorter growing seasons and less extensive root systems of those annual crops facilitated soil erosion, store less Carbon in the soil and less efficiently manage water and nutrients. So as to compromise soil health of the region, it is now important to assess sustainability of the perennial cropping systems. Perennial crops are capable of being harvested multiple times throughout their life span. Hence, incorporating perenniality or integrating perennial crops such as rice into the current agricultural system of SSA is vital for ensuring long-term food security through ensuring healthy soil ecosystem. To capitalize such attributes of perennial rice in SSA, it is important to consider genotypic and environmental variance, design efficient farm management techniques and critically assess their multitude outcomes. This review has therefore provides a comprehensive overview of yield, adaptability, environmental safety and socioeconomic benefits of perennial rice cropping to the marginal lands of the Sub-Saharan Africa.
The swift accumulation of organic waste from residential and agricultural sources presents considerable environmental concerns, including soil and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and public health hazards. Vermicomposting, an environmentally sustainable waste management method, effectively transforms biodegradable trash into nutrient-dense compost through the activity of earthworms, specifically Eisenia fetida. This study investigates the efficacy of Eisenia fetida in the decomposition of kitchen and agricultural waste, emphasizing its biological efficiency, adaptability, and influence on compost quality. Data were obtained from previously published and peer-reviewed literature acquired via academic platforms like PubMed, Research Gate, and Google Scholar. The review emphasizes that Eisenia fetida is exceptionally successful owing to its rapid reproduction, extensive substrate tolerance, and robust environmental resistance. Enhancing composting effectiveness requires the optimization of circumstances, including moisture content, temperature, pH, and the composition of the feeding substrate. Vermicompost generated under optimal conditions has enhanced physicochemical features, including a balanced pH, an advantageous C:N ratio, and increased concentrations of vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The research indicates markedly elevated enzymatic activity in vermicompost relative to conventional compost, facilitating accelerated organic matter decomposition and microbial proliferation. These findings validate vermicomposting as an effective approach for sustainable organic waste recycling and the improvement of soil fertility. The incorporation of this method into agricultural and residential systems can enhance environmental conservation and promote climate-smart agriculture.