This paper investigates Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) using an ensemble of three cutting-edge deep learning architectures: Xception, MobileNet, and Inception. This ensemble approach demonstrated exceptional retrieval accuracy, with Xception and Inception models achieving an accuracy of 92.375%, precision and recall of 93% and 92% respectively, and an F1-score of 92%. The MobileNet model also showed strong performance, with an accuracy of 87.125%, precision and recall of 88% and 87%, and an F1-score of 87%.Beyond mere retrieval accuracy, the study places a significant emphasis on the security of the image database. A dual-layer encryption method was employed, integrating visual cryptography with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure robust protection of sensitive data. This approach guarantees efficient image retrieval based on content while securing the data against potential breaches.The results underscore the efficiency of the ensemble model in balancing high retrieval accuracy with stringent security measures. This balance is particularly relevant for applications in digital libraries, historical research, fingerprint identification, and crime prevention. The paper’s findings advocate for the critical need to integrate strong security protocols in future CBIR systems, ensuring optimal performance without compromising data security.

There are increased mental health and well-being concerns among students at universities worldwide. By adopting a conceptual review of literature, this chapter analyzed well-being and mental health initiatives for students in universities. On the bases of the literature review in this chapter, it is concluded that there is need for supportive work environments, mental health in universal health coverage, creating opportunities for student engagement, mentorship at various academic departments building social networks, and finally, individual coping strategies are also useful in enhancing well-being and mental health of academic staff at universities. It is recommended that universities should develop holistic mentorship for students so that this can take care of all aspects of their lives.

Mental health is important in every individual's life right from childhood through to adulthood. A state of good mental health accounts for an individual's ability to cope with life stressors and attain quality life. Students at the institutions of higher learning are exposed to a range of psychological variables ranging from financial constraints, family problems, and sicknesses, to social relations, which adversely affect their mental well-being. A majority of students are not able to deal with the risk factors or challenges that may affect their mental health. Some feel overwhelmed and experience various adjustment problems, which may eventually lead to mental illness. The services that are provided at school need to take care of all the areas that can be productive and counterproductive to the learning environment. There is a need for human resources who are experts in shaping the student's behavior and overall adjustment at school.

Poor seed quality and climate change significantly affect the maize value chain in Burkina Faso. To address the challenges, a catalytic project titled “Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso—from research to markets” was initiated to enhance the development of a resilient maize value chain. This study aims to assess the role of the project in developing a sustainable and resilient maize value chain. In this study, we used a mixed approach in design and implementation: qualitative research using key informants’ interviews, secondary data such as baseline survey reports, and lessons learned during the seed value chain greening intervention implemented in the Hauts-Bassins and Cascades regions of Burkina Faso. We analyzed qualitative data following the Gioia method. Kabako, a drought-tolerant hybrid seed variety, doubled crop yields in demonstration plots compared to smallholder farms and regional and national averages. Extension officers and village-based advisors (VBAs) were trained on improved seeds, composting, strip cropping, intercropping, crop rotation, and water management technologies and afterward trained smallholders. The VBAs trained smallholders on proper postharvest management practices and processing. The off-takers acted as the market. However, smallholders also sold their maize products in the informal open markets. The aggregator system was the missing link in Burkina Faso’s maize value chain. There was limited involvement of women in the project. Results obtained from this study are valuable for policymakers and value chain actors in preparing policies and filling missing gaps for exploiting the potential of the maize value chain.

Conservation management strategies have been recommended to enhance soil fertility, moisture retention, crop yield, and yield stability in rainfed agriculture. However, there is limited research on yield stability. We evaluated the effect of integrating soil inputs in conservation tillage on yield and yield stability in Meru South, Upper Eastern Kenya, for eleven consecutive cropping seasons. The trial treatments included conservation tillage without soil inputs (Mt), conservation tillage with soil inputs: sole inorganic fertilizer (F), residue + inorganic fertilizer (RF), residue + inorganic fertilizer + manure (RFM), residue + manure + legume Dolichos Lablab L. (RML), residue + Tithonia + manure (RTM), residue + Tithonia + phosphate rock (RTP) and conventional tillage (Control). Conservation tillage with RFM was the best-fit strategy for enhancing yields. There was heterogeneity in yield residual variance. A larger residual variance implied lesser yield stability. Mt treatment had the least yield residual variance of 0.12 Mg ha−2, followed by Ct and RML, 0.15 Mg ha−2, while RTM had the highest yield residual variance of 0.62 Mg ha−2. Contrarily, the most stable treatments had the least average yields. The study indicated a positive influence of incorporating soil inputs in conservation tillage on yield and suggests longer-term research for yield stability.

Higher learning institutions are expected to churn out knowledge and cater to the mental well-being of their students. Overwhelming evidence suggests that while students attend studies, exposure to stressors interferes with their academic abilities, social adaptability, and mental health. The study analyzed published studies on mental health issues and student stressors together with adjusting strategies to address mental health in higher learning institutions. By adopting the conceptual analysis framework, the results revealed that students face various stressors: academics, relational, anxiety, depression, substance use, economic stressors, mobile phone usage, sexual orientation, and eating disorders in the institutions. The study recommends that higher learning institutions set up wellness and counseling centers equipped with mental health professionals to negate the effect of various stressors on the mental health of first-year university students. The study also recommends emphasis on positive psychology and psychoeducation to change students' perceptions of mental health.