Balanced Management Research Articles

Dampak Impor Beras Terhadap Harga Eceran Tertinggi Beras Lokal Indonesia

Rice is a major food commodity in Indonesia that plays an important role in economic stability and people's lives. However, the increasing demand for domestic rice often forces the government to implement import policies to maintain availability. This study aims to analyze the impact of rice imports on the highest retail price (HET) of local rice in Indonesia, using a descriptive qualitative approach. The study includes in- depth interviews with farmers, traders, and consumers, as well as analyzing the related socio-economic context. The results show that rice imports have a significant impact on local rice prices. On the one hand, increased supply due to imports can lower retail prices, benefiting consumers in the short term. However, on the other hand, it hurts local farmers as their rice selling prices become uncompetitive. The price instability caused by import policies also affects farmers' motivation to increase production. This study highlights the importance of a balanced import policy management, taking into account the protection of local farmers through subsidy support or technical assistance, while meeting consumer needs. With a holistic approach, the government is expected to maintain price stability and sustainability of the national agricultural sector.

Enhancing Cloud Computing Efficiency with Crocodile Optimization Algorithm: A Novel Approach to Distributed Workload and VM Management

Cloud computing has introduced itself as a mighty mechanism for delivering customers through the service model with on-demand, scalable, and instant access to computer resources. It will conduct effective load balancing and resource management, high importance so that the cloud system works with optimized performance and resource utilization. This gives a new strategy in load balancing and virtual machine (VM) control in cloud computing applied in the field using the Crocodile Optimization Algorithm (COA) for better performance. Inspired by crocodile hunting behaviors, the COA-based strategy is adopted to balance loads and manage VMs. This approach seeks to balance the number of the workload given to VMs with respect to the processing power of VMs and also the distribution of workload. It best uses resources in such a way that tasks are dynamically distributed to VMs in such a way that response time is at its minimum, and thus overall efficiency is enhanced in cloud computing. On the other hand, COA-based load balancing incorporates VM management techniques like migration and scaling to be adjustable in relation to the changing conditions of the workload. This allows dynamically adjusting the allocation of resources with respect to current demands, in such a way that assures optimal utilization of computational resources with high performance. The proposed approach was evaluated using simulations through CloudSim, one of the most adopted tools for simulating cloud computing. The COA effectively works are divided between the VM, which in turn will lead to better response time for the user request and improve cloud resource utilization. That is to mean, subsequent research would be some type of unique attempt in the area of load balancing and VM management in cloud computing, based on the Crocodile Optimization Algorithm. This approach improves efficient cloud computing through the balancing of load distribution, maximization of resource utilization, and lowering of response time.

Bilateral alterations in sensorimotor function and altered sensory strategy in individuals with unilateral chronic ankle instability.

This study aimed to evaluate bilateral sensorimotor function in patients with unilateral CAI. Furthermore, sensory reweighting ability and vestibular modulation were assessed. Twenty individuals with unilateral CAI and twenty healthy controls participated in this study. All participants executed ankle proprioception, plantar sensation, unilateral stance, Y balance, motor control test (MCT) and sensory organisation test (SOT) assessments. Proprioception assessment included joint position sense and force sense (FS), and plantar sensation evaluation consisted of light-touch, vibration and two-point discrimination (TPD) thresholds at the heel, head of the first metatarsal (1MF), base of the fifth metatarsal (5MF), centre of foot and forefoot. MCT and SOT tests were conducted using NeuroCom Balance Manager System. Except for SOT, all tests evaluated bilateral limbs, and the order of limbs was randomly selected. 2 (group)×2 (limb) mixed model analyses of variance were performed for outcome measures of unilateral stance, Y balance and MCT, and independent t-test was used to analyse the outcomes of SOT between two groups. Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon test were applied to examine the differences in plantar sensation between groups and limbs. For plantar sensation, increased light-touch threshold at heel and 1MF and the TPD threshold at 1MF were observed bilaterally in CAI group (p<0.05). No differences were observed in joint position sense (JPS), but bilateral deficit was found in plantarflexor FS with moderate effect size (uninjured side: ES=0.67; injured side: ES=0.61) in CAI group. For unilateral stance with eyes closed, moderate postural instability was displayed bilaterally in the anteroposterior direction (uninjured side: ES=0.71; injured side: ES=0.86). The delayed latency of MCT with medium-backward translation was also observed in both sides of unilateral CAI (uninjured: ES=0.74; injured: ES=0.92). Compared with healthy controls, higher visual reliance was shown moderately in the injured and uninjured sides of unilateral CAI (uninjured: ES=0.78; injured: ES=0.91). Sensory analysis of SOT displayed decreased use of visual (p=0.001) and vestibular information (p<0.000) in CAI group. Unilateral CAI presented impaired plantar sensation and ankle proprioception on both sides. Higher visual reliance, delayed motor response and postural instability under unreliable visual clues were also displayed bilaterally. Except for bilateral sensorimotor alterations, reduced ability of sensory reweighting and fixed sensory strategy also presented in CAI group, but the somatosensory clue still served as the main sensory source in CAI.

Evaluating and analyzing the performance of PV power output forecasting using different models of machine-learning techniques considering prediction accuracy

Solar energy as a clean, renewable, and sustainable energy source has considerable potential to meet global energy needs. However, the intermittent and uncertain character of the solar energy source makes the power balance management a very challenging task. To overcome these shortcomings, providing accurate information about future energy production enables better planning, scheduling, and ensures effective strategies to meet energy demands. The present paper aims to assess the performance of PV power output forecasting in PV systems using various machine learning models, such as artificial neural networks (ANN), linear regression (LR), random forests (RF), and Support Vector Machines (SVM). These learning algorithms are trained on two different datasets with different time steps: in the first one, a historical weather forecast with a one hour time step, and in the second one, a dataset of on-site measurements with a 5-minute time step. To provide a reliable estimation of prediction accuracy for different learning algorithms, a k-fold cross-validation (CV) is applied. Through a comparison analysis, an assessment of the accuracy of these algorithms based on various metrics such as RMSE, MAE, and MRE is performed, providing a detailed evaluation of their performance. Results obtained from this study demonstrate that the random forest algorithm (RF) outperformed other algorithms in predicting PV output, achieving the smallest prediction error, where the best values for RMSE, MRE, MAE, and R² for the weather dataset were 0.856 W, 0.256%, 0.364 W, and 0.99999, respectively, while thevalues for RMSE, MRE, MAE, and R² for the on-site measurements dataset were 8.525 W, 11.163%, 3.922 W, and 0.99922, respectively.

Assessment of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Agricultural Soils of Hasanganj and Auras Blocks, Unnao District, Uttar Pradesh, India: Implications for Sustainable Farming

This study evaluated the status of essential micronutrients in the soils of Hasanganj and Auras blocks in Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, India, during 2020–2021. A total of 200 surface soil samples from five villages in each block were analyzed for zinc, boron, copper, manganese, and iron content. The findings revealed significant deficiencies, particularly in zinc (39.5%) and boron (32.5%), with potential implications for crop productivity and soil health. The study emphasizes the urgent need for balanced nutrient management and soil-specific fertilizer recommendations to address these deficiencies and support sustainable agricultural practices. These results provide a valuable baseline for future research and policy interventions aimed at improving soil fertility and food security.

Spatial–Temporal Variation and Driving Forces of Carbon Storage at the County Scale in China Based on a Gray Multi-Objective Optimization–Patch-Level Land Use Simulation–Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs–Optimal Parameter-Based Geographical Detector Model: Taking the Daiyun Mountain’s Rim as an Example

Exploring and predicting the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving forces of carbon storage in typical mountain forest ecosystems under land-use changes is crucial for curbing the effects of climate change and fostering sustainable, eco-friendly growth. The existing literature provides important references for our related studies but further expansion and improvements are needed in some aspects. This study first proposed an integrated framework comprising gray multi-objective optimization (GMOP), Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST), the Patch-level Land Use Simulation Model (PLUS), and optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD) models to further expand and improve on existing research. Then, the integrated model was used to analyze the spatial–temporal variation in land-use pattern and carbon storage at the county scale in China’s Daiyun Mountain’s Rim under four scenarios in 2032, and analyze the driving force of spatial differentiation of carbon storage. The results indicated that (1) land-use change primarily involves the mutual transfer among forest, cultivated, and construction land, with approximately 7.2% of the land-use type area undergoing a transition; (2) in 2032, the natural development scenario projects a significant reduction in forest land and an expansion of cultivated, shrub, and construction lands. Conversely, the economic priority, ecological priority, and economic–ecological coordinated scenarios all anticipate a decline in cultivated land area; (3) in 2032, the natural development scenario will see a 2.8 Tg drop in carbon stock compared to 2022. In contrast, the economic priority, ecological priority, and economic–ecological coordinated scenarios are expected to increase carbon storage by 0.29 Tg, 2.62 Tg, and 1.65 Tg, respectively; (4) the spatial differentiation of carbon storage is jointly influenced by various factors, with the annual mean temperature, night light index, elevation, slope, and population density being the key influencing factors. In addition, the influence of natural factors on carbon storage is diminishing, whereas the impact of socioeconomic factors is on the rise. This study deepened, to a certain extent, the research on spatiotemporal dynamics simulation of carbon storage and its driving mechanisms under land-use changes in mountainous forest ecosystems. The results can serve to provide scientific support for carbon balance management and climate adaptation strategies at the county scale while also offering case studies that can inform similar regions around the world. However, several limitations remain, as follows: the singularity of carbon density data, and the research scope being confined to small-scale mountainous forest ecosystems. Future studies could consider collecting continuous annual soil carbon density data and employing land-use simulation models (such as PLUS or CLUMondo) appropriate to the study area’s dimensions.

Exploring Forced Removals and Dispossession in the Dukuduku Forest, KwaZulu Natal, before and after 1994

AbstractGovernment‐sanctioned forced removals are a continuous theme in contemporary South Africa. This article examines four major phases of forced removals in the Dukuduku state forest – located in the Mtubatuba Municipality in northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa – beginning in the 1930s. It places particular focus on the last phase of removals in the 1980s and 1990s, during the significant political period in South Africa in which there were talks between the liberation movements and the Nationalist government about transitioning to the new political dispensation. Land restitution efforts following the 1994 elections are explored, detailing the state's approach to addressing historical injustices related to land issues. The findings reveal that resistance was fuelled by conservationist imperatives that prioritised nature over human habitation and demonstrate that the policies of both apartheid and post‐apartheid governments have contributed to the destruction of a significant portion of this unique indigenous forest over the past five decades. The article advocates for a balanced land management approach that respects historical land claims and prioritises local needs alongside environmental preservation efforts.

"Navigating Risk and Responsibility?": A Mixed-Methods Study Addressing Stigma and Well-Being Among Men Who Have 'Sex on Chems' with Other Men in the English Midlands.

Most research on 'Chemsex' has been conducted with gay, bi-sexual, and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in large cities with well-established infrastructures. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the 'Chemsex' risks and responsibilities of GBMSM who lived outside of the queer metropolis. This study also aimed to understand how stigma and mental health present in the absence of a well-established community infrastructure. This study utilized mixed methods in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, a location in the East Midlands of England. The quantitative component consisted of a survey. The qualitative component comprised three case studies based on in-depth interviews, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Of the 123 survey respondents, 86% engaged in riskier sex during sessions and 35% no longer enjoyed sober sex. In the interviews, the three men balanced risk management and personal responsibility, positioning themselves as mature, considerate, and well-educated users. All were alienated by the term 'Chemsex'. The findings are considered using theoretical frameworks, or how discourses of 'moral threat' operate within the micro-politics of regulating GBMSM's pleasure and stigma. The complexities of understanding this practice for researchers and practitioners are discussed and recommendations are made for reframing education and support services for GBMSM.

Describing Dolphin Interactions with Cypriot Fisheries Using Fishers’ Knowledge

The study explores the interactions between dolphins and Cypriot fisheries, emphasizing the economic impact and fisher perceptions through data collected from structured interviews with small-scale and large pelagic fishers. The research documents frequent dolphin interactions, impacting catch and gear in both fishing sectors. Reported financial losses and gear damage highlight a significant economic burden, with annual losses averaging EUR 6144 for small-scale and EUR 29,882 for large pelagic fishers. Efforts to mitigate these interactions, such as using acoustic deterrents, have shown mixed results, reflecting dolphins’ adaptability to human activity. While some fishers use deterrents, others remain hesitant due to cost and inconsistent efficacy. The study underscores the need for improved, sustainable solutions that integrate fisher input to enhance acceptance and effectiveness. Findings suggest that dolphins are increasingly relying on fishing activities as a foraging strategy, aligning with broader trends in the Mediterranean. In the context of EU Directive 2014/89/EU, the study integrates ecological considerations and socioeconomic impacts to ensure balanced marine management strategies. This work emphasizes the complexity of human–wildlife conflicts in marine environments, suggesting that further research and collaboration with fishers are essential to developing adaptive strategies that balance conservation with the economic needs of local fishing communities.

Adults who learn online: Exploring the online learning readiness of nontraditional undergraduate students in a Ghanaian university

Despite the growing population of non-traditional (mature) students in online learning programmes in universities across the world, less is known about the online learning readiness of this unique category of students. Drawing on qualitative online survey with 128 non-traditional students enrolled in distance education programmes at the University of Ghana, this paper investigates their online learning readiness and solicits their perspectives on ways of improvement. The findings reveal that while mature students exhibit lower levels of online learning self-efficacy, they demonstrate a strong sense of self-directedness in their studies. Furthermore, poor internet infrastructure and network connectivity, a lack of social engagement in the online learning environment, and limited knowledge on digital tools impacted on students' online learning readiness. In response, students recommended enhanced technical support and training, improved peer and tutor interactions, increased student support services, and better management of work-life balance. The study recommends for universities to address these specific needs to optimize the online learning experience and outcomes for mature students.

Surveying Largemouth Bass Harvest Preferences in Two Small Fishing Impoundments in South Carolina

Abstract This project used angler survey results to determine Largemouth Bass Micropterus nigricans harvest preferences, as well as anglers’ attitudes toward management in two small fishing impoundments. Our objective was to compare anglers’ preferred Largemouth Bass harvest lengths to proportional size distribution (PSD) advised management harvest lengths to provide theoretical management recommendations regarding harvest and predator-prey population dynamics. We collected survey submissions at Lancaster Reservoir and Lake Oliphant in north central South Carolina, questioning anglers regarding harvest preferences, attitude, angling effort, demographic profile, and possible recommendations to fisheries managers. We used Fisher’s exact test to compare results between impoundments, and Pearson’s chi-squared test to find differences between all submitted responses. Using Kruskal-Wallis tests, we related angling effort to categorical responses. A total of 82 angler survey submissions were recorded. We found no significant differences between impoundments regarding preferred trophy bass length, reason for fishing, regulation support, and whether the angler harvested Largemouth Bass. The majority of anglers at both impoundments responded that they would never harvest Largemouth Bass. We found a significant difference between impoundments regarding targeted species with the majority (45%) of anglers at Lancaster Reservoir targeting anything that would bite and the majority (53%) of anglers at Lake Oliphant targeting Largemouth Bass. Lancaster Reservoir PSD values aligned with a trophy bass management strategy, while Lake Oliphant PSD values fit a balanced management strategy. Anglers’ preferences and attitudes showed minimal differences between surveyed impoundments. Survey results suggested inadequate amounts of Largemouth Bass harvest at both impoundments. Although a lack of harvest falls within the management plan for Lancaster Reservoir, it does not for Lake Oliphant, according to prior PSD calculations. Low harvest rates coupled with a PSD score within the balanced management quadrant suggests Lake Oliphant is at risk of becoming bass crowded.

Integrating Bhagavad Gita Wisdom with Modern Management: A Holistic Indian Ethos Approach

This paper examines the enduring challenge of self-management, as highlighted by Arjun’s observations to Lord Krishna regarding the mind's uncontrollable nature, which resonates with both personal growth and contemporary management practices. The Bhagavad Gita, despite its ancient origins, provides profound insights into self-discipline, vision, leadership, and ethical action that are increasingly relevant in today’s fast-paced business landscape. This study explores the synergies between the teachings of the Gita and modern management theories, focusing on the holistic perspective of Indian ethos in management. By analysing key concepts such as Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, along with the theory of the three Gunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—this research highlights how these principles can enhance contemporary managerial practices. Additionally, the paper discusses the evolution of modern management systems and the integration of Indian values, emphasizing the crucial role of ethical leadership and self-regulation in achieving organizational success. In a time when effective management is increasingly tied to holistic and culturally enriched approaches, the Bhagavad Gita offers a framework that transcends traditional Western theories, paving the way for both personal and organizational fulfilment. Ultimately, this research argues that embracing the wisdom of the Gita can foster a more balanced, ethical, and effective management practice, aligning with the well-being of all stakeholders.

Потенціал підприємства як важливий об’єкт оцінювання та контролю в системі управління

The article is devoted to substantiating the significance of the potential of agricultural enterprises as an independent object of evaluation and control in the management system of their activities. Based on the work of domestic scientists, it was established that today, among scientists, there needs to be a unified approach to understanding the object of assessment at the level of enterprises to implement practical management actions regarding the use of their potential opportunities in the future. The analysis of literary sources proved that related concepts, which are interdependent among themselves and related to the potential of the enterprise (“capital”, “equity”, “enterprise value”, “business value”, “net assets”, “estimation”, etc.), have their purpose and the corresponding method of calculating their values. Approaches to the interpretation of the term “capital” are summarized. In economic theory, capital represents a set of resources, an important factor of production and circulation. The financial approach is based on the concept of “financial resources”, and the accounting approach consists of the fact that the capital is understood as the starting capital at the time of the creation of the enterprise and during economic activity – the share of the assets of the enterprise that remained after deducting all liabilities (equity). It was concluded that measuring assets and liabilities and the concept of capital preservation determines the accounting model used to prepare financial statements. It was found that equity is the main element of financial reporting, which directly affects the enterprise’s financial condition. Its size is an estimated value equal to the enterprise’s net assets. Net assets are a more legal and accounting category since their size can affect the reduction of authorized capital, the liquidation of companies, and the implementation of transactions in limited liability companies. Generalizing indicators of the development of the enterprise includes the value of its business, the calculation of which is necessary in some instances, especially when selling and liquidating the enterprise. The value of an enterprise as a business is mainly determined by its property status and a combination of internal and external factors. It was concluded that the value of the business, to the greatest extent, characterizes the potential of the enterprise, and its increase in dynamics will indicate the effectiveness of management. However, carrying out a business valuation requires the involvement of professional appraisers and complex valuation procedures. It is substantiated that the potential of the enterprise is a separate, independent object of assessment, analysis, and control in the management system, closely related to management concepts. The assessment of the enterprise’s potential should consider future profits and not be based only on past costs. The assessment result should not depend on subjective factors. It is not the knowledge of the company’s employees that should be evaluated, but the technologies that allow them to be used effectively. The relationship between these related concepts is established, which is manifested in the fact that they are all based on resources that are used for the production of products (works, services) and other economic purposes; they are subject to evaluation according to established methods, taking into account market factors to varying degrees; enable the analysis of various aspects of activity according to the relevant indicators. Data on changes in the company’s resources are usually helpful in forecasting the future profit of the business entity. Assessing the value of assets, costs, equity (net assets), and enterprise business is a basis for making important management decisions. Ensuring effective management of the company’s potential and making balanced management decisions should be based on information about various aspects of its formation, implementation, and expansion. It is argued that the essential source of information for assessing potential is accounting and financial reporting data. At the same time, the accounting system in its current form cannot act as a fully-fledged tool for determining the value of the company’s potential, which would satisfy the needs of users of such information. This is explained by the fact that the components of the company’s potential can be elements that are not considered in the accounting system. The valuation of assets at fair (market) value, which is widespread in accounting, needs to solve the problem of assessing the potential, which is not limited to determining only one cost of creating (acquiring) resources. At the same time, a set of market factors and the influence of the macro- and microeconomic environment in which the enterprise operates must be considered. Keywords: enterprise potential, capital, equity, business value, net assets, valuation, evaluation, management, information.

High-Temperature Anion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

In the past few years of intensive research on Anion-Exchange Membrane (AEM) Fuel Cells (AEMFCs), amazing progress has been reported. Novel highly stable functional groups for AEMs1-4 and PGM-free catalysts5-7 were developed, new AEMFCs based on CRM-free catalysts were successfully demonstrated8, AEMFC lifetime of 5,000-15,000 hours was theoretically demonstrated for the first time9-10, and cell lifetime of 2,000 hours was experimentally proven11. Altogether, the research community has made very impressive progress in such a short time. However, due to the degradation of AEMs, the operation of AEMFCs has been limited only to low temperatures, mainly below 80 ℃. We have recently presented the first results of AEMFCs successfully operated at cell temperatures above 100 ℃12-16. At these high temperatures, we could achieve hydroxide conductivities close to 300 mS/cm17. The first results are very encouraging and represent a significant landmark for the technology, opening a wide door for a new field of study we call the High-Temperature AEMFCs (“HT-AEMFCs”). In this talk, I will present the latest achievements in the HT-AEMFCs. References Gjineci et al., Increasing the alkaline stability of N,N-diaryl-carbazolium salts using substituent electronic effects; ACS Appl. Mater. Interf. 12, 49617, 2020.Fan et al., Poly(bis-arylimidazoliums) possessing high hydroxide ion exchange capacity and high alkaline stability”; Nature Commun. 10(1), 2306, 2019.Gjineci et al., The reaction mechanism between tetraarylammonium salts and hydroxide; J. Org. Chem. 21, 3161-3168, 2020.Liu et al., Magnetic-field-oriented mixed-valence-stabilized ferrocenium anion-exchange membrane; Nature Energy 7, 329–339, 2022. Zion et al., Porphyrin aerogel catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in anion-exchange membrane fuel cells; Functional Mater. 31(24), 2100963, 2021. Lilloja et al., Transition-metal and nitrogen-doped carbide-derived carbon/carbon nanotube composites; ACS Catalysis 11, 1920-1931, 2021. Kisand et al., Templated Nitrogen-, iron-, and cobalt-doped mesoporous nanocarbon derived from an alkylresorcinol mixture for AEMFC application; ACS Catalysis, 12, 14050-14061, Biemolt et al., An anion-exchange membrane fuel cell containing only abundant and affordable materials; Energy Technology 9, 2000909, 2021. Dekel et al., Predicting performance stability in anion exchange membrane fuel cells; Power Sources 420, 118-123, 2019. Yassin et al., Quantifying the critical effect of water diffusivity in anion exchange membranes for fuel cell applications; Membrane Sci. 608, 118206, 2020. Hassan et al., Achieving high-performance and 2000 h stability in AEMFCs; Energy Mater. 2001986, 2020. Douglin et al., A high-temperature anion-exchange membrane fuel cell; Power Sources Advances 5, 100023, 2020. Douglin et al., A High-Temperature AEMFC with a Critical Raw Material-free Nitrogen-doped Carbon Cathode; Chemical Engineering J. Adv. 8, 100153, 2021. Yassin et al., A surprising relation between operating temperature and stability of AEMFCs; Power Sources Adv. 11, 100066, 2021. Liu et al., Magnetic-field-oriented mixed-valence-stabilized ferrocenium anion-exchange membrane; Nature Energy 7, 329–339, 2022. Xue et al., High-temperature anion-exchange membrane fuel cells with balanced water management and remarkable stability; Joule, in press (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2024.02.011), 2024. Zhegur-Khais et al., Measuring the true hydroxide conductivity of anion exchange membranes; Membrane Sci. 612, 118461, 2020.

Influence of post-vegetative foliar application of nitrogen and selenium on micrometeorological parameters, phenology, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Excessive and continuous use of commercial-grade fertilizers in large quantities during the post-Green Revolution era has led to significant environmental impacts, besides escalating the cost of production in staple crops. Such over-reliance on chemical fertilizers in intensive agriculture and a limited focus on balanced nutrient management have led to an increase in micronutrient deficiency in the sub-tropical part of India. This micronutrient deficiency leads to stunted growth, poor flowering, and reduced grain and fruit formation, directly impacting overall crop productivity. Hence, the introduction of nano form of fertilizers and integration of them with bulk/commercial form will help in improving the nutrient use efficiency, reduce production costs vis-a-vis enhancement in the plant growth, and yield more effectively than the traditional fertilizers. Proper nutrient management promotes healthy development at each stage, from seedling establishment to maturation and ripening, ensuring optimal yields and quality. Hence, fertilization directly and profoundly impacts the phonological stages of the crops. In this respect, a field experiment was conducted at Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India, during the rabi season of 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and 11 treatments. Besides an absolute control where no fertilizer was applied (T1), ten other treatments were commonly fertilized with the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), i.e., 125 kg N and 62.5 kg P2O5 ha-1). The treatment varied in applying bulk and nano N (6% urea) and Se (15 ppm) at reproductive phases. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) score and chlorophyll index improved with foliar spray of both bulk and nano urea forms alone or in combination with Se (bulk or nano). The effect of foliar sprays of urea and selenium, either in bulk or nano form, alone or in combination, was insignificant. The reproductive stages, viz. heading, grain filling, and physiological maturity, are prolonged with late season spray of 6% bulk or nano urea alone or in addition to bulk or nano selenium. Maximum days to grain filling was in a foliar spray of nano urea 6% along with nano selenium 15 ppm, further leading to higher grain and biological yield.

Enhancing Organizational Performance Through Integrated ERP-Based Balanced Scorecard Systems: A Case Study

Organizations must continuously thrive to remain successful in the highly competitive business landscape. An integral aspect of achieving this success is implementing an efficient performance management system (PMS) that regularly monitors organizational performance. Large companies often employ Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to integrate data and information across various departments and business units within the company group, providing easy, comprehensive, and structured data collection. However, despite the advantages of ERP systems, a considerable amount of valuable data goes to waste as it is not integrated with the company’s PMS. This study aims to develop a balanced scorecard-based performance management system that utilizes the existing ERP system in a furniture company. In-depth interviews with the board of directors and general managers were conducted to assess the need for the PMS, formulate a strategic map and scorecard, determine scorecard weights, and establish targets for each category. During the implementation phase, it was observed that the financial indicators consistently fell below the baseline values, signaling an urgent need for management intervention. However, indicators from three other perspectives demonstrated relatively better performance than those from the financial perspective. This discrepancy emphasized the need to revise the strategic map, as solid performance in the other perspectives should translate into positive financial indicators. The management of the company validated the initial implementation results of the performance management system by noting a concerning decline in the company’s liquidity. This study argues for the importance of integration between the ERP system and the BSC performance management system, where the implementation of the ERP system alone cannot indicate the critical conditions experienced by the company. Keywords: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), performance management systems, balanced scorecard, case study

Effects of multidisciplinary therapy on energy balance, inflammation, and metabolic diseases in adolescents with obesity: A narrative review.

Obesity is a consequence of multiple factors, including genetics, lifestyle and nutritional choices, physical activity, sleep duration, screen time, and mood disorders. These behavioral elements can impair the regulation of energy balance and obesity management that link obesity to a constellation of chronic conditions that lead to a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Multidisciplinary therapy is defined as an approach delivered by a multidisciplinary-trained health team covering at least two components of behavior, physical activity/exercise, dietary habits, and/or psychological counseling associated with clinical interventions. This narrative review summarizes the effects of multidisciplinary therapy on neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, inflammatory biomarkers, cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, behavior, and quality of life. We found that multidisciplinary therapy, including medical, nutritional, exercise, and behavioral counseling, and/or education, was useful for addressing outcomes such as visceral adiposity, neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, inflammatory biomarkers, cardiometabolic risk factors, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. The effects were mediated by improvements in neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, downregulation of the pro-inflammatory states, and a reduction in comorbidities. Multidisciplinary therapy also improved mood disorders and quality of life.

Self‐similar traffic prediction for LEO satellite networks based on LSTM

AbstractTraffic prediction serves as a critical foundation for traffic balancing and resource management in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of data transmission. The self‐similarity of traffic sequences stands as a key indicator for accurate traffic prediction. In this article, the self‐similarity of satellite traffic data was first analyzed, followed by the construction of a satellite traffic prediction model based on an improved Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM). An early stopping mechanism was incorporated to prevent overfitting during the model training process. Subsequently, the Diebold‐Mariano (DM) test method was applied to assess the significance of the prediction effect between the proposed model and the comparison model. The experimental results demonstrated that the improved LSTM satellite traffic prediction model achieved the best prediction performance, with Root Mean Squared Error values of 18.351 and 8.828 on the two traffic datasets, respectively. Furthermore, a significant difference was observed in the DM test compared to the other models, providing a solid basis for subsequent satellite traffic planning.

Pregnancy toxaemia in an Aleppo goat herd

AbstractThis study investigates a case of pregnancy toxaemia resulting from inadequate nutritional management in goats. The samples were collected following observed mortality cases among pregnant goats in a herd consisting of 286 Aleppo goats and 175 Awassi sheep in the Şahinbey district of Gaziantep province, Turkey. The study included anamnesis, clinical examination of the herd, anatomohistopathological examination of a goat carcase, and laboratory tests on sera from 32 goats and six sheep. Clinical findings, postmortem examination and laboratory results demonstrated that changes in the ration during pregnancy led to pregnancy toxaemia in the goats carrying multiple fetuses. The case report also provides significant insights into the development and outcomes of pregnancy toxaemia in the prepartum period in goats carrying multiple fetuses. Finally, this study underscores the critical importance of carefully planning and implementing a balanced and adequate nutritional management strategy to prevent pregnancy toxaemia, particularly in small ruminants carrying multiple fetuses.

Optimization and energy management strategies, challenges, advances, and prospects in electric vehicles and their charging infrastructures: A comprehensive review

Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy systems. This review comprehensively examines the optimization and energy management strategies for EVs and their charging infrastructure, focusing on technological advancements, persistent challenges, and future prospects. By the end of 2023, the number of electric cars on the road globally reached 40 million, with 14 million new registrations recorded in 2023 alone—95% of which were in China, Europe, and the United States. Governments across the globe have introduced incentives and policies to promote EV adoption, and by 2030, EVs are expected to comprise a significant portion of light-duty vehicles in major regions. Despite these encouraging developments, challenges such as range anxiety, the relatively low energy density of 200–300 Wh/kg in Li-ion batteries (compared to 13,000 Wh/kg for petroleum), and insufficient public charging infrastructure remain key barriers to widespread EV adoption. This review also explores the critical role of smart grid technologies, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, and renewable energy integration in supporting the growing EV market. V2G technologies are projected to enhance grid stability by 20–30% and reduce operational costs by 10–15% through load balancing and real-time energy price forecasting. By thoroughly analyzing optimization techniques such as load balancing, dynamic scheduling, and real-time energy management, this paper offers a roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to accelerate the integration of EVs into global energy systems and enhance sustainability in urban transportation networks.