Cost-benefit Ratio Research Articles

Efficacy of new generation herbicide mixtures in irrigated maize (Zea mays)

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to study the efficacy of new generation herbicide mixtures in irrigated maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisted of 9 treatments including pre-emergence herbicides, new generation post emergence herbicides and other weed management practices [T1, Weedy check; T2, Weed free check; T3, Spraying of atrazine @1 kg/ha as pre-emergence + Hand weeding on 25 DAS (days after sowing); T4, Spraying of atrazine @0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence + Spraying of topramezone @25.2 g/ha as post-emergence on 25 DAS; T5, Spraying of atrazine @0.75 kg/ha as pre emergence + Tembotrione @120 g/ha on 25 DAS; T6, Spraying of atrazine @1 kg/ha as pre-emergence + Topramezone @25.2 g/ha on 25 DAS; T7, Spraying of atrazine @1 kg/ha as pre-emergence + Tembotrione @120 g/ha on 25 DAS; T8, Spraying of topramezone @25.2 g/ha + atrazine @0.75 kg/ha on 15 DAS; and T9, Spraying of tembotrione @120 g/ha + atrazine @0.75 kg/ ha on 15 DAS], replicated thrice. The results evinced that application of topramezone at 25.2 g/ha + atrazine at 0.75 kg/ha on 15th day after sowing significantly reduced the weed density and dry weight leading to higher weed control efficiency and lower weed index of 62.0% and 3.1%, respectively, during both the years of study. This treatment resulted in higher grain yield (7675 kg/ha), net returns (₹72884/ha) and benefit cost (B:C) ratio (2.33) in irrigated maize.

Techno-Economic Analysis of BAU-STR Dryer for Rice Drying: An Approach to Accelerate Adoption

Postharvest food loss and waste offset worldwide agricultural productivity and food security. Insufficient drying and storage are the prominent drivers of food loss and waste in underdeveloped countries. Mechanical grain drying systems have distinct benefits over sun drying but are inaccessible to underserved communities due to high capital costs and energy demand. This study evaluated the techno-economic and financial performance of a half-ton-capacity BAU-STR dryer. The moisture extraction rate, drying rate, drying efficiency, and energy consumption were used as technical performance indicators. In contrast, the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit–cost ratio (BCR), and payback period were considered economic performance indicators. The technical performance analysis results revealed that the moisture content of rice was reduced from 19.5% to 13.5 ± 0.15% in 4.0 h with an average drying rate of 1.5%/h and a drying efficiency of 75.1%. The financial performance analysis resulted in a drying cost, NPV, IRR, BCR, and PBP of USD 0.96 per 100 kg of grain, USD 3018, 135%, 3.0, and 0.73 yr., respectively, when the annual use was 240 h. If the yearly use of the dryer increased from 240 to 720 h, a higher NPV, IRR, and BCR, as well as a lower payback period and drying cost, could be achieved. Adopting a BAU-STR dryer for drying grain (rice and corn) among underserved communities could play a key role in postharvest food loss and waste.

Enhancing Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Productivity through Good Agricultural Practices in Tamil Nadu, India

Large scale pulse seed production demonstrations on black gram under the TN IAMP scheme conducted by Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vazhavachanur, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India in 2 cluster villages at 50 farmer’s holdings during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, respectively. The result and data analysis show an extension gap of 0.09 q/ha over farmers' traditional practices. The results revealed that TNIAMP intervention demonstrated registered higher growth and yield parameters viz., no. of clusters per plant, no. of pods per plant, grain yield and benefit-cost ratio compared to farmer’s practice grain yield and benefit cost ratio. TNIAMP pulse seed production intervention has had a good impact on pulse growing farmers of the Aliyar sub-basin, as they were motivated by good agricultural practices in the TNIAMP intervention plots and yielded an increase of 15.8 % higher than farmer’s practices.

The economic, social, and environmental impact of ecologically centered integrated pest management practices in East Africa

Agricultural pest management faces mounting challenges with increasing pressure to reduce chemical pesticide use while ensuring food security, and environmental sustainability. Ecologically centered approaches, such as integrated pest management (IPM), offer promising sustainable agroecological crop protection alternative solutions to pesticides. This study assesses the investment viability and environmental sustainability of two IPM interventions—mango fruit fly IPM (FF-IPM) and push-pull technology (PPT) in Kenya and Uganda, using project investment and adoption data from 2007 to 2021. The study also evaluates these technologies contribution to food security and poverty reduction. FF-IPM integrates biological control, cultural practices, and targeted bait traps to manage fruit flies in mango production, while PPT employs Desmodium and Brachiaria grass to control stemborers and striga weed. The findings highlight that these IPM interventions achieved a combined net present value of $500 million, with a benefit-cost ratio of about 8:1, and an internal rate of return of 21%, comparable to returns from improved crop varieties. These technologies also improved food security for 641,000 people, lifted 445,349 people above the poverty line, representing 2% of the poor population in both countries, and generated an average income increase of $5 per capita in Kenya and Uganda annually. Environmentally, they sequestered 2.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent, valued at $12.2 million, and are reducing pesticide use by 86,000 to 204,000 L per year. These results demonstrate the potential of IPM approaches to simultaneously enhance livelihoods, local economies, and generate global environmental public goods, suggesting that addressing adoption barriers could further amplify these positive outcomes.

Effect of Methods of Establishment and Zinc Management on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The field experiment was conducted at Shradhay Bhagwati Singh Agriculture Research Farm (Hajipur), Chandra Bhanu Gupta Krishi Snatkottar Mahavidyalaya, B.K.T., Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) during Kharif (rainy) season in 2023-24. The treatment consisted of three methods of establishment (M1 – Direct seeding in lines after pre-irrigation, M2 -Broadcast of sprouted seed on puddled soil , M3 – System of Rice intensification (SRI) of (25 x 25cm) 12 days old seedling.) and five Zinc management practices (Zn0- Without zinc (control), Zn1- Zinc Sulphate ZnSo4@20kg ha-1 (Basal), Zn2- Foliar spray of Zn@0.5% at tillering and panicle initiation stage, Zn3- Seedling dipping in 2% ZnSO4+ 2 Foliar of Zn@0.5% at tillering and Panicle stage, Zn4- Seedling dipping in 2 % ZnSO4 solution+ Foliar spray of Zn@0.2% at tillering and panicle initiation stage) were tested in split-plot design with 3 replications. The Experimental site was silty loam having medium organic carbon (0.70%) and available nitrogen (270 kg ha-1), phosphorous (27 kg ha-1) and Potassium (262 kg ha1). All the growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, Zinc content and uptake of Zn into grains and straw, were increased significantly with SRI method (M3) followed by direct seeding in Lines after pre-irrigation (M2). Amongst zinc management, all the growth parameters and yield attributes of rice were maximum under Seedling dipping in 2% ZnSO4+ 2 Foliar of Zn@0.5% at tillering and panicle initiation stage, followed by Seedling dipping in 2 % ZnSO4 solution+ Foliar spray of Zn@0.2% at tillering and panicle initiation stage the maximum gross income of Rs 158938.18 ha-1 was accrued with (SRI method + T4) treatment combination. However, a combination of SRI method along with T3 treatment accrued the maximum net profit of Rs 107981.21 ha-1 and benefit: cost ratio of 2.08 which was followed by a combination of SRI method along with T4 with net income of Rs 107234.99 ha-1 and benefit cost ratio of 2.07.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Apple Scab Sanitation Practices for ULO-Stored Apple Fruit in Integrated and Organic Production Systems

ABSTRACT The economic viability of orchard sanitation practices, is crucial for sustainable apple production. However, our knowledge in this area is limited, particularly after the fruit is stored in the high-energy-consuming ultra-low oxygen (ULO) storage system. The objective of this 3-year study was to investigate the cost-benefit ratios of five sanitation treatments (lime sulfur-Lime-S, leaf collection-Collect-L, mulching-Mulch-C, lime sulfur + leaf collection, leaf collection + mulching) in integrated and organic apple orchards, considering the sale of apples after 6-month ULO storage. Cost-benefit analyses determined cost, total revenue, revenue for class 1 fruit (fruits without scab infection) and income surplus. Costs of ULO storage were twice higher in the integrated orchard (mean 3,064 EUR ha−1) than in the organic one (mean 1,512 EUR ha−1). Direct costs of the two combined sanitation treatments were significantly higher than the Lime-S and Collect-L treatments across all years and orchard systems. Analysis of variance for total revenue, revenue for class 1 fruit and income surplus revealed significant differences among years, sanitation treatments, and orchard systems. The total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit were significantly higher in the integrated orchard (10,787 and 10,557 EUR ha−1, respectively) than in the organic one (8,713 and 7,742 EUR ha−1, respectively). The lowest total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit were obtained in the non-sanitized control, while highest were recorded in the Collect-L or Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments. Collect-L and Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments provided the highest income surplus in all years and orchard systems. Kernel density estimations and frequency distributions indicated the widest variability for total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit in the integrated orchard system. Correlation and linear regression analyses revealed significant relationship between total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit in both orchard systems. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Collect-L and Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments offer the greatest economic benefit after 6-month ULO storage regardless of the orchard system employed.

Effects of Bio-Agents and Selected Botanicals on Alternaria Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the research plot of the Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in Rabi season of 2023 to evaluate eight treatments viz., T1– (Pseudomonas fluorescens (S.T) @ 2%, T2– Trichoderma viride (S.T) @ 2%, T3– Pseudomonas fluorescens (S.T) @ 2% + Ocimum sanctum (F.S) @ 10 %, T4- Trichoderma viride (S.T) @ 2 % + Allium sativum (F.S) @10%, T5– Trichoderma viride (S.T) @ 2% + Ocimum sanctum (F.S) @ 10%, T6 - Pseudomonas fluorescens (S.T) @ 2% + Allium sativum (F.S) @ 10 %, T7 – Carbendazim @ 0.1% (F.S) (treated control) and control T0 (untreated control) with three replications in Randomized Block Design (RBD) for management of alternaria leaf spot of broccoli. Study on disease intensity of alternaria leaf spot of broccoli in field conditions revealed that the Minimum percent disease intensity (%) was recorded in T4 – 28.17% Trichoderma viride @ 2% (S.T) combined with Allium sativum @ 10% (F.S) as compared with the untreated control T0 – 38.31 % and treated check T7 – 24.42 % (Carbendazim @ 0.1% (F.S). PDI recorded in broccoli with maximum cost benefit ratio per treatment was recorded 1:1.915 in T4 - Trichoderma viride @ 2% (S.T) combined with Allium sativum @ 10% (F.S) in broccoli.

Farmer’s Perception and Determinant of Horticultural Crops in Nagaland and Manipur States

Background: The present research work was undertaken to known about the farmer perception and determinant as the adoption of the horticultural crops and major production constraints faced by them in Nagaland and Manipur states. Methods: For the present study by selecting 100 respondents each from Nagaland and Manipur states to have 200 respondents in total by using purposive stratified simple random sampling technique with the help of data collected through personnel interview methods during the Agricultural calendar year 2019 to 2022 (contain 3 years survey field data). Result: About the farmer perceptions for the horticultural crops in the study area viz; pineapple and chili both were selected due to the prominent crops; based on benefit-cost ratio pineapple crops of Nagaland was recorded as highest (3.31:1) returns, followed by pineapple crop of Manipur (3.01:1) state; also based on benefit-cost ratio, chili crop of Manipur was recorded highest (2.70:1) returns, followed by chili crop of Nagaland (2.76:1) state, respectively. About the perception level it increase by maximum 17.00 per cent for Dimapur Pineapple, followed by Thoubal Chili was 16 per cent, Kohima Chili was 12.00 per cent and minimum Senapati Pineapple was 10 per cent, respectively. About the major constraints faced by the respondents during the production, the foremost was due to the need for high investment in inputs, followed by the size of the land holding and lack of technical knowledge, respectively.

Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Yield Attributes, Yield and Economics of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)

Background: Pulses are significant in India's agricultural economy not only for their worth as human food, but also for animals because of their high protein content. Pulses have unique ability of maintaining and restoring soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation as well as addition of ample amount of residues to the soil. Mung bean, also known as green gram (Vigna radiata) is a small green, and cylindrical-shaped legume that is widely cultivated in various parts of the world, including India, China, and Southeast Asia. Methods: The present study was carried out during the summer season of 2024 at Research Farm, School of Agriculture, OM Sterling Global University, Hisar. Seven treatment combinations comprising organic manures and biofertilizers were tested in randomized block design in three replications. Result: The results revealed that the yield and yield attributes viz., number of pods per plant (15.90), length of pod per plant (10.76 cm), number of seed per pod (11.05), 1000 grain weight per plant (37.00 g) and seed yield (1197 kg ha-1); Economics viz., gross returns (128212 ₹ ha-1), cultivation (43823 ₹ ha-1), net returns (86189 ₹ ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.05) were maximum in the treatment of Jeevamrutha @ 3000 l ha-1 through three splits at sowing, 30 and 45 DAS + Rhizobium +PSB. Whereas, significantly minimum for all above parameters were recorded under control.

Evaluation of Phyto-extracts for the Management of Alternaria Leaf Blight of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsidis tetragonoloba L.) Caused by Alternaria cucumerina

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of alternaria leaf blight of cluster bean (Cyamopsidis tetragonoloba L.) caused by Alternaria cucumerina under field conditions. Three replications of cluster bean were planted in a randomized block design at the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. Ginger rhizome extract @ 10%, onion bulb extract @ 10%, eucalyptus leaf extract @ 10%, neem leaf extract @ 10%, garlic clove extract @ 10% and mancozeb 0.2% were applied as foliar spray. All the treatments were found significantly reduced the disease severity and increased the yield. Among all the treatments garlic clove extract @ 10% was recorded minimum disease intensity (29.63) and maximum yield (2.50 t/ha). Neem leaf extract @ 10% was recorded maximum cost benefit ratio (1: 1.80), as compared to treated mancozeb @ 0.2%(treated) and T0 control.

Assessing the Origin and Mapping the Extension of Salinity Around Shrimp Culture Ponds in Rio Grande Do Norte (Brazil)

The increasing installation of shrimp farms in vulnerable coastal areas around the world generates an environmental impact and makes it urgent to develop methodologies and studies for assessing and scaling the potential risks and sustainability of these activities. One of the main hazards of these activities is that the prolonged inundation of excavated ponds for shrimp farming allows the percolation of saltwater in the surroundings, resulting in increasing groundwater salinity. Saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers, accompanied by salinization of soils, causes a decrease in available freshwater resources, a decline in crop productivity and the deterioration of the natural ecosystem. The coastal aquifer of Rio Grande do Norte State (Brazil) where, for years, several shrimp farm factories have been operating, reported some issues related to aquifer and soil salinization. The present study aims to assess the origin of and delineate groundwater salinization in a sector of this coastal aquifer using a low-budget procedure. The integration of hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical characterization by drilling shallow piezometers, measuring the hydrostatic level and analyzing the major ion concentrations of the groundwater has made it possible to establish that the origin of groundwater pollution in the studied area is caused by saltwater percolation from shrimp farms. The joint use of both characterization techniques has been shown to have an efficient cost–benefit ratio and less-intrusive methodology, which can be applied in other areas with similar environmental concerns.

Development and validation of a clinical nomogram prediction model for surgical site infection following lumbar disc herniation surgery

Surgical site infection (SSI) following lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery leads to prolonged hospital stays, increased costs and reoperations. Therefore, we aim to develop and validate a nomogram to predict the risk of SSI following LDH surgery, thereby helping spine surgeons design personalized prevention strategies and promote early recovery. Data from 647 patients with SSI who underwent LDH surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (AFMU) from 2020 to 2023 were collected. Ultimately, 241 patients with SSI were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into training and validation sets with a ratio of 7:3. LASSO regression, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to identify target variables and establish the prediction model, which was subsequently validated. Six factors—Age, Body Mass Index (BMI), Postoperative Suction Drainage (PSD), Gelatin Sponge (GS), None-Preoperative Antibiotic (NPTA), and Thrombin Time (TT)—were selected to construct the nomogram model. In the training set, the area under the curve (AUC) for the nomogram was 0.818 (95% CI 0.779–0.857). In the validation set, the AUC was 0.782 (95% CI 0.717–0.846). Calibration curves for both sets showed satisfactory agreement between predicted and actual SSI probabilities. Decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram is clinically useful with a threshold range of 1–90%. The Clinical Impact Curve (CIC) demonstrated an acceptable cost-benefit ratio. The developed nomogram model effectively predicts the risk of SSI following LDH surgery, enabling spine surgeons to formulate more professional and rational clinical prevention strategies.

Assessing the Zinc, Boron and Rhizobium Inoculation on Yield and Economics of Kharif Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

The present experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2021 and 2022 at Instructional farm, Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical and Social Sciences Sultanpur, U.P. India. Four levels of zinc (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 Kg Zn ha-1), three levels of boron (0, 0.5 and 1.0 Kg B ha-1) and two levels of rhizobium i.e. Uninoculated (Control) and inoculated. A split-split plot design with three replications was used. Zinc levels were allocated to the main plots, boron levels in the sub-plot, while Rhizobium inoculation in the sub-sub plot. Results revealed that dry weight and seed and stover yield was observed that Rhizobium inoculation with application of zinc 7.5 kg ha-1 and Application of boron 1.0 kg ha-1. Obtaining seed yield from Rhizobium inoculation (8.53 and 8.71 q/ha-1) with application of zinc (8.53 and 8.79 q/ha-1) and Application of boron (8.45 and 8.70 q/ha-1). The highest net return (Rs. 58211.0 and 65488.50 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.75 and 1.97) were obtained with 7.5kg Zn ha-1 + 1 kg B ha-1 + seed inoculation with rhizobium. It could be recommended for cultivation of mungbean.

Impact of Organic Farming in Economic Development in Agriculture

Organic farming is valued for its self-sustaining, environmentally friendly methods that protect surrounding ecosystems of plants and animals. It reduces weed growth through techniques like crop rotation and integrates traditional knowledge alongside natural processes. This approach optimizes inputs, strengthens regenerative abilities, and ensures effective conservation of resources and nutrients. The cost-benefit ratio in sustainable agriculture is notably better, as it requires fewer primary inputs compared to conventional methods, which often incur high costs for fertilizers and pesticides, lowering profit margins. Additionally, conventional farming's heavy reliance on chemicals can lead to significant health risks, both mental and physical. Organic farming, by following natural principles and using non-synthetic, traditional practices, creates a balanced environment that allows crops to thrive. This approach helps counteract the negative impacts of chemical-dependent agriculture, increasing production sustainably and supporting population growth without harming the ecosystem. Core principles of organic farming include health, ecology, fairness, and care. The benefits range from natural pest and disease resistance, specialization potential, healthier soil, support for pollinators, no GMO concerns, safer work conditions for farmers, and on-farm input production. Farmers and companies must meet stringent, government-approved standards, undergo regular certification, and comply with inspections to ensure the high quality of organic products produced with renewable resources. This paper aims to delve into the origins of organic farming, its environmental, social, economic, and agricultural advantages, and underscore its importance for the future. Similarly, on a larger scale, it can provide rural populations with greater earnings, better resource management and more chances to generate revenue Keywords: Organic Farming, Sustainability, Farmers, Health, Ecology.

Cost and Return Analysis of Tomato Cultivation in Three Different Districts of Bangladesh

This paper attempts to analyze the costs, return and production problems of tomato in three districts namely Gazipur, Rangpur and Cumilla in Bangladesh. It is necessary to enunciate that through purposive sampling technique, the data were collected from 225 tomato cultivators of Cumilla and Rangpur districts. Human labour, fertiliser, bamboo sticks, thread, seeds and seedlings, ploughing, irrigation, insecticides and pesticides, hormone, etc. are all necessary for the production of tomatoes. Transport expenses must be taken into account as well. Together, the aforementioned elements were taken into account to estimate the cost of tomato production. Every data set was subjected to statistical and economic analysis, with validated outcomes via a series of tables. Numerous issues affect farmers, and this study sheds insight on this situation. The findings showed that the total cost was highest in Gazipur (Tk.333,800/ha) than that of Rangpur ( Tk. 304,600/ha) and Cumilla ( Tk.282,670/ha). Gross returns from tomato in Cumilla and Rangpur were Tk. 234,942/acre and Tk. 212,213/acre respectively. The net returns were found higher in Gazipur (Tk. 206,200/ha) than that of Rangpur (Tk. 135,400/ha) and Cumilla (Tk. 97,330/ha). Based on overall costs, the Gazipur, Rangpur and Cumilla districts' benefit cost ratios for tomato production per hectare were determined to be 1.60,1.40 and 1.30, respectively. The most notable limitations in were the high cost of inputs, the absence of storage facilities, price fluctuations, and damage from insects and diseases.

Real-Time Leaves Segmentation in RGB Images with Deep Learning in a Single-Board Computer

Abstract. This work proposed and evaluated methods for real-time leaf segmentation using a single-board computer. The main aim was to explore the state-of-the-art techniques based on the YOLO algorithm for real-time operation. For this purpose, the available variants of YOLOv8 and YOLOv9 were evaluated, and a semi-automatic labelling method based on the Segment Anything Model (SAM) algorithm was used. Given the need to delimit the leaf contour for labelling, it was possible to create a larger and more accurate dataset compared to the purely manual procedure. In addition, the cost-benefit of the applied algorithms and methods were assessed, considering the computational demand required, as well as the accuracy, recall, and precision delivered by these techniques. In this study, both quantitative analysis of the trained architectures' metrics and qualitative examination through direct observation of images were conducted to identify crucial aspects. The experiments were conducted with a post-processed dataset and the suitability for real-time applications was based on the elapsed time for segmentation. We concluded that the YOLOv8n architecture is the best one among those tested, presenting a precision and recall of 0.9064 and 0.7233, respectively. This architecture represents the best cost-benefit ratio between computational cost and real-time performance, being able to perform segmentation in 310 ms with the NVIDIA Jetson Nano board. Furthermore, when computational cost is not a problem or even when segmentation time can be higher, the YOLO8m network may be recommended when the recall metric is more important than precision. This network presented a precision and recall of 0.8556 and 0.7726, respectively, and presented a better performance in segmenting leaves located in more complex parts of the image and with a higher recall.

Effective weed control through post-emergence herbicides to enhance blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) productivity in South India

Pulses are essential components of vegetarian diet and play a pivotal role in addressing malnutrition by providing a vital source of dietary protein. However, weed competition remains as a significant obstacle to blackgram (Vigna mungo L) production, resulting in 25 to 35% yield losses. A field experiment was carried out at the National Pulses Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vamban, Pudukkottai, India during Kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021, to assess the suitable post-emergence herbicides for appropriate weed control in blackgram grown under irrigated conditions. The experimental field was observed to contain notable grass weed flora, specifically Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chloris barbata, as well as broadleaved weeds, such as Flaveria australica, Cleome gynandra, Eclipta alba, Convolvulus arvensis, Digera arvensis, Vicia spp., and Celosia argentea. The results demonstrated that among the chemical weed management methods, spraying of Fomesafen @ 220 g + Fluzifop p-butyl @ 220 g ha−1 at 20 days after sowing (DAS) as a post-emergence herbicide treatment exhibited superior weed control efficiency, recording 66.80% and 68.53% at 30 and 45 DAS, respectively and recorded higher seed yield of 1088 kg ha−1. Additionally, this method generated 8.1% higher net income and 12.5% more benefit–cost ratio than hand weeding, making it an economically profitable strategy for maximizing blackgram yield and effective labour management.

Cost–benefit analysis of mammography screening: the perspective of Nigerian healthcare providers

IntroductionThere is no national breast cancer screening implemented in Nigeria. The National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) has a goal of making screening services and early detection of cancer available for...

Boundary-work of genomic medicine: safeguarding the future of diagnostic next-generation sequencing in the clinic

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies – which allows to look at large parts or even the whole genome at once - are making their way into diagnostic clinical care. With trends towards ‘mainstreaming’ genetic services into general medicine, significant ethical challenges, and a disputed clinical utility and cost-benefit ratio, genomic medicine’s autonomy and dominance in defining and offering NGS care may come under increased pressure from the outside (e.g., regulators, other healthcare providers and facilities, ethicists, and patients). In this paper, we show how the field of genomic medicine engages in substantial boundary work in reaction to these circumstances. Building on multi-sited fieldwork in two centres for human genetics in Belgium and the Netherlands, we show how acts of demarcation serve to uphold an image of expertise and authority which helps to maintain the field’s autonomy and dominance. Through examining the delineations put forward in interviews, practice (based on observations in multidisciplinary meetings and consultations), and grey and academic literature, we show the politics involved in moving NGS forward fairly seamlessly in a way that suits the field. First, we show how genetic healthcare professionals have redefined what makes a genetic test ‘valuable’ so that it underlines its current value. Secondly, we examine how a genetic imaginary is put forward that both emphasizes the extraordinary character of genomic medicine and the normalcy of NGS testing. By underlining the need for their expertise whilst simultaneously normalizing the ethical challenges and positioning themselves as most capable of reflecting on these, the field minimized external regulation and kept a close grip on defining ethical issues and policy. Despite their current dominance in shaping the future of genomic care, we argue that the closedness of the field hinders it in benefiting from external expertise, reflection and monitoring to ensure enduring and broad support for this future.

Cost-effectiveness of falls prevention strategies for older adults: protocol for a living systematic review

IntroductionOne-third of adults aged 65+ fall annually. Injuries from falls can be devastating for individuals and account for 1.5% of annual healthcare spending. With the growing ageing population, falls place...