Decline In Production Research Articles

Can performance-based financing improve efficiency of health centers in Ethiopia? A Malmquist Productivity Index analysis

IntroductionThe Ethiopian government has introduced several healthcare financing reforms intending to improve efficiency. Piloting implementation of performance-based financing is one of these actions. The purpose of this research is to assess the efficiency of healthcare facilities that have implemented performance-based financing compared to those that have not.MethodsEfficiency was measured using a nonparametric data envelopment analysis and the Malmquist Productivity Index technique. Total factor productivity change, technical change, and technological change are compared across eight sampled healthcare facilities that are implementing performance-based financing and eight that are not in Ethiopia.ResultsHealth facilities implementing performance-based financing have a mean technical efficiency score of 64%, allowing for a potential 36% reduction in inputs without affecting outputs. Their scale efficiency is 88%, indicating a potential 12% increase in total outputs without expanding facilities. In contrast, facilities not implementing performance-based financing have a mean technical efficiency score of 62%, with a potential for 38% input reduction without affecting outputs. Their scale efficiency is 87%, suggesting a potential 13% increase in total outputs without scaling up facilities. Among the 16 healthcare facilities observed, seven experienced a decline in the mean total productivity, while one remained stagnant. The remaining eight facilities witnessed an increase in productivity. The healthcare facilities implementing performance-based financing showed a 1.3% decrease in mean total productivity during the observed period. Among them, five showed an increase and three showed a decrease in the total factor of productivity. The mean total factor of productivity of all healthcare facilities not implementing performance-based financing remained stagnant over the three-year period (2019–2021), with four showing an increase and four showing a decrease in total productivity.ConclusionsThe study concludes that implementing performance-based financing did not improve productivity levels among healthcare facilities over three years. In fact, productivity decreased among the facilities implementing performance-based financing, while those not implementing it remained stagnant. This shows health facilities that implement performance-based financing tend to utilize more resources for similar outputs, contradicting the anticipated efficiency improvement.

Banditry and the complicity of authorities in Zamfara State

Banditry is one of the major forms of insecurity in many states of the Northwest of Nigeria; it specifically poses significant threats to the wellbeing of the community and the economic stability in Zamfara State. The objective of this work is to examine the causes of banditry, analyze the impact on socio-economic, political and human security in Zamfara State and unravel the complicity of authorities in the banditry syndicate. Employing a qualitative approach, using primary sources, the study adopted the human security theory which emphasized the impact of banditry on the wellbeing and safety of people and communities in Zamfara State. The research findings include the identification of several causes of banditry which are farmer-herder conflicts, state and traditional rulers’ complicity, poverty. Banditry’s impact on the socio-economic activities has led to a significant decline in agricultural productivity, economic instability, loss of lives and property while in the political aspect it has resulted in a weak governance, political instability and threat to democratic process. Human security is severely impacted by banditry, with thousands of people displaced, human rights violation and disruption of basic services such as healthcare and education. The research recommended the adoption of integrated security strategies, economic support and development, community-based initiatives, government accountability and improvement, conflict resolution, human security and social services which should be critically used to mitigate the adverse effect of banditry and restore stability in Zamfara State.

A Chelex-100-based rapid DNA extraction method and its application in the detection of shrimp pathogens

BackgroundThe Pacific white shrimp is one of the world’s most economically significant aquatic species, being one of the top three species cultured globally. However, the increasing incidence of diseases such as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease and hepatopancreatic microsporidia has led to a serious decline in shrimp production and severe economic losses. With the increasing demand for pathogen detection in shrimp farms, rapid DNA extraction technology has become more sophisticated. In this study, a rapid and crude method of extracting genomic DNA from shrimp muscle and hepatopancreas using Chelex-100 was established. ResultsDNA was successfully extracted from muscle and hepatopancreatic tissues using both the Chelex-100 method and commercial kits. The internal reference genes of shrimp were successfully amplified via PCR and real-time PCR using the obtained DNA samples. Moreover, a field assay was successfully conducted using real-time PCR and real-time enzymatic recombinase amplification (real-time ERA), indicating that the quality of the DNA extracted using Chelex-100 is sufficient for use in conjunction with nucleic acid amplification to detect pathogens in shrimps. ConclusionsChelex-100 is an efficient method for extracting DNA from shrimp muscle or hepatopancreas tissues, with a short extraction time, high extraction efficiency, and simple operation, making it appropriate for use in the detection of pathogens in shrimp.How to cite: Yang H, Zhou Q, Hu J, et al. A Chelex-100-based rapid DNA extraction method and its application in the detection of shrimp pathogens. Electron J Biotechnol 2024;70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2024.04.004.

Pengaruh Kemasan Simpan Beras yang diberi Serbuk Daun Kemangi (Ocimum sanctum L.) Terhadap Serangan Kutu Beras (Sitophilus oryzae L.)

South Kalimantan BPS data (2022) shows that there has been a decline in rice production of 79.28 thousand tons (11.65%) so it is necessary to have rice suppliers from outside South Kalimantan to meet the rice demand target. Sitophilus oryzae is the main pest during the shelf life of rice. Controlling rice aphids can be done in various ways, including using appropriate storage media and applying vegetable pesticides to plants that are believed to be able to control them, one of which is basil. This research uses the factorial RAL method with 2 factors, namely packaging (W) and dose (D). The doses given are 0g, 10g, 14g, 18g. The packaging used is in the form of plastic containers and plastic sacks. Obtained 8 combinations, each repeated 3 times. So a total of 24 experimental units. The results of statistical analysis show that the combination of 18g of basil leaf powder in plastic packaging is the best treatment in suppressing the S. oryzae population with a mortality rate of 60%. During 30 days of observation, no new population growth was found and showed the lowest level of rice damage of 1.0% compared to other treatments.

Firefly Algorithm for SVM Multi-class Optimization on Soybean Land Suitability Analysis

Soybean is the primary source of vegetable protein nutrition, containing fat and vitamins that Indonesian people widely consume. The decline in soybean production in Indonesia every year is due to the reduced area of soybean cultivation, thereby increasing dependence on imports from other countries. Land suitability maps can provide directions for priority locations for soybean cultivation based on land characteristics and weather to produce optimal production. The SVM multi-class algorithm has been applied to classify land suitability data to create a land suitability map but has yet to obtain optimal accuracy, especially for sigmoid kernels. The objective of this study is to enhance the performance of the sigmoid kernel SVM by utilizing the firefly algorithm. The study focuses on evaluating the suitability of soybean cultivation in Bogor and Grobogan Regencies. The results of the tests indicate that the firefly algorithm-optimized SVM (FA-SVM) significantly improves accuracy compared to the SVM without optimization. The accuracy achieved by FA-SVM is 89.95%, while the SVM without optimization only achieves an accuracy of 65.99%. The best parameters produced by the firefly algorithm are C=2.33 and σ=0.45 obtained from firefly customization, and the number of generations is 10. Based on this, the optimization algorithm can be used to produce an optimal model. The best optimal model obtained can be used as a guide for priority locations/areas for soybean cultivation by farming communities, so as to produce maximum soybean productivity.

Inefficiency of laying hens farms in Benin: an input directional distance function approach

BackgroundIn Benin, the productivity of poultry production systems is a major concern. This paper aims first to estimate the cost, technical and allocative inefficiencies of modern and traditional poultry production systems, and then to determine the factors that influence these types of inefficiencies.ResultsThe study reveals significant cost inefficiencies, with just 9% and 18% of traditional and modern systems, respectively, being cost-efficient, highlighting the necessity of distinguishing production systems due to different operational requirements, particularly for modern systems. Addressing these inefficiencies requires crucial measures such as providing training, accessible credit, and mortality rate reduction to boost local production, with tailored support for small-scale farmers.ConclusionsThe poultry sector’s intense competition and the decline in local production, particularly among small-scale farmers, are primarily linked to high domestic production costs and local farmers' poor performance. Our study unveils substantial cost inefficiencies in both traditional and modern poultry farming systems, emphasizing the imperative to differentiate interventions based on their distinct operational requirements.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND THE LEVEL OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF CLOVE FARMING IN JAWAPOGO VILLAGE, MAUPONGGO DISTRICT, NAGEKEO REGENCY

Cloves are one of the suitable commodities in Nagakeo Regency, but data from the last five years shows that clove productivity tends to decline. The decline in productivity is thought to be due to inefficient use of production factors. This study was conducted to answer research questions related to the technical efficiency of production factors. The study was conducted in Jawapogo Village, Mauponggo District, Nagekeo Regency. The location was determined deliberately with the consideration that Jawapogo village is one of the clove producing villages in Nagakeo Regency. This research involved 41 farmers who were taken randomly from households that had cloves. Data analysis was carried out descriptively and quantitatively. Quantitative analysis used Cobb-Douglas analysis and Technical Efficiency. Technical efficiency calculations are used by Frontier software. 4.1C. The results of the simultaneous regression analysis of the production factors included in the model have a significant effect on clove production. Meanwhile, partially the variable number of productive plants has a significant effect on clove production. Meanwhile, the variables of land area, plant age and labor did not have a significant effect. Meanwhile, the average technical efficiency is 0.50, so it is concluded that the use of production factors is not efficient. Inefficiency in clove farming is influenced by non-formal education and the age of the farmer. On the other hand, formal education has no significant effect. Therefore, increasing non-formal education through clove farming extension or training is needed to reduce technical inefficiencies in clove farming management.

Peningkatan Kapasitas Kelompoktani Melalui Inovasi Teknologi Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Di Kecamatan Janapria Kabupaten Lombok Tengah

During 2013-2019, rice production and cattle population in West Nusa Tenggara Province increased, however, rice productivity tended to decrease. One of the reasons for this decline in rice productivity is the excessive and continuous use of chemical fertilizers, which causes the soil structure to harden. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the use of non-chemical fertilizers or organic fertilizers whose raw materials come from cow dung which is often found in the field. Apart from that, animal feed, especially cows, is actually available around the community, namely in the form of forage from plants. However, management of forage for livestock has not been carried out by many farmers. Based on these problems, this community service activity aims to increase the capacity of farmer-livestock groups to be able to apply technology for making organic fertilizer and feed management. This community service activity was carried out in Saba Village, Janapria District, Central Lombok Regency, where there is quite a lot of agricultural waste potential available. Implementation of activities includes: outreach, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), training, and practice in making organic fertilizer and managing animal feed. The target of the activity was 30 members of the farmer-livestock group in Janapria District. The output of the activity is increasing farmers' knowledge, skills and attitudes in organic fertilizer production technology; as well as the production of solid organic fertilizer (compost), liquid organic fertilizer and animal feed from agricultural waste. Output in the academic aspect is in the form of writing in journals or seminar proceedings. The evaluation results using statistical methods with paired sample t tests in this activity showed that there was a significant increase in farmer-breeder behavior after participating in training activities in making organic fertilizer and making feed. Some farmer-breeders have implemented the results of the training and feel that there are savings in farming costs by using organic fertilizer that they make themselves

Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis of Pontianak Siamese Orange Cotyledon Cultures on Murashige Skoog Media with the Addition of 2,4-D and Kinetin

Conventional citrus propagation has weaknesses, one of which is susceptible to CVPD(Citrus Vein Phloem Degeneration) and other diseases which are the main cause of the decline in population and production of pontianak siam orange plants in West Kalimantan. One alternative to in vitro propagation of citrus seedlings is the induction of somatic embryogenesis. The purpose of the study was to obtain the best combination of 2,4-D and kinetin concentrations for callus induction and somatic embryo induction from Pontianak siam orange cotyledon explants, observing the developmental phase (stage) of embryos formed. The implementation of the study used a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors. The first factor is the concentration of 2,4-D consisting of 4 concentration levels, namely 0; 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2 mg/L. The second factor is kinetin concentration consisting of 4 concentration levels, namely 0; 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2 mg/L.The observation parameters include the time of callus emergence (hst), the percentage of explants forming callus (%), the texture and color of the callus, observing the stage of the embryo found. The results showed that 72% of treatments were able to induce callus from pontianak siam orange cotyledons with an average callus appearance at 7 hst. The callus formed is compact and crumbly with varied callus colors, namely white, yellowish, greenish and brownish. The best treatment that produces embryogenic callus is the combination of D0.5K0.5; D1K1; D0.5K1.5; D1.5K1.5 and D2K2 with the characteristics of crumbly callus and yellowish and brownish colors. The results of microscopic observations found that the somatic embryo phase formed was the pro-embryo phase.

REGRESSION OF SURVIVAL DAGUM 3 PARAMETER LINK FUNCTION IN HIV/AIDS PATIENTS IN EAST JAVA

AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is is a symptom of blood cell disease which results in decreased immunity in humans. HIV/AIDS causes a decline in economic productivity, health, and environmental fields, so it needs treatment to reduce the spread of the disease in East Java. The spread of the HIV/AIDS virus is growing rapidly both in terms of region and pattern of spread. Therefore, it is necessary to have policies from the government to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS through mathematical modeling to determine the actual and comprehensive factors that influence HIV/AIDS care. policies needed to handle and reduce HIV/AIDS in East Java. This study aims to determine the factors that influence the care of people with HIV/AIDS with Survival Regression modeling Dagum 3 Parameter link function. This model uses parameter estimation with a Bayesian analysis approach with the results that the factors that significantly influence the length of HIV/AIDS care in East Java are marital status (X5), absolute CD4 levels (X7), Suffering Stage (X8), Functional State (X9), and Therapy adherence (X10). These results indicate that marital status and condition characteristics of HIV/AIDS sufferers are important information in the socialization program for reducing HIV/AIDS in East Java.

Analisa Total Productive Maintenance Guna Meningkatkan Produktivitas Mesin Ekstrusi Type 2500 Menggunakan Metode Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Manufacturing industry companies are always faced with productivity, quality and delivery problems as demanded from customers, PT. XYZ is engaged in manufacturing various aluminum profile products during the 2020 period, the company experienced a type 2500 extrusion machine downtime of 9807 minutes, exceeding the company's standard of 7800 minutes a year, this is one of the causes of a decline in production. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the machine using the OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) method, to increase the productivity of the type 2500 extrusion machine from the results of the six big losses analysis to identify the main cause of the downtime of the type 2500 extrusion machine. The results show that the overall equipment effectiveness measurement is obtained the average Avaibility Ratio presentation is 92.24%, Performance Ratio is 49.56% and Quality Rate is 99.72% so that the average overall equipment effectiveness value is 45.61% where this value is still below the average ideal value overall equipment effectiveness is 85%. The results of the measurement of six big losses obtained the results of downtime values: equipment failure losses 3.81%, setup and adjustment losses 3.95%, speed losses: idle and minor stoppage 3.03%, reduce speed losses 46.51%, quality losses: defect losses 0.13%, reduced yield 0% , from these data it is known that the main problem is in the speed losses section with the highest loss in reduce speed losses of 46.51%. The factors that dominate the main cause of downtime for the 2500 extrusion machine are log heater, puller, dummi block, loader, finish cut saw, stem, and table.

The U-shaped relationship between corruption and international tourism demand: A gravity model approach

The tourism industry significantly contributes to a country’s economic growth and creates a positive image of the destination. This study assesses the impact of corruption on international tourism demand. It employs two-dimensional analyses using the gravity model and a pooled ordinary least square estimator to provide a unique recognition of international tourism demand. The study utilized a conditional quantile regression technique to analyze a dataset of 200 destination countries from 1995 to 2022. The empirical results demonstrate a mixed effect of corruption on international tourism demand. The analysis reveals a non-linear relationship between corruption and international tourism demand, with the inverted-U relationship being statistically significant only at the 50th–75th quantiles and not holding at the upper and lower quantiles. The research confirms that income has a positive impact on tourism across quantiles, but the impact is disproportionate. The sub-period of 2006–2022 experienced a significant decline in gross domestic product (GDP) due to the global financial crisis and its aftershocks, which severely impacted the attractiveness of destination countries for tourists. These valuable insights can inform national tourism policies and businesses.

Designing and Building a Risk Management Model for the Pork Supply Chain in North Sulawesi

This study aims to present a comprehensive model for managing supply chain risks in the pork industry, comprising four primary components: (1) a risk identification (2) a risk assessment (3) a risk mitigation Employing the Snowball Sampling method, the research investigated 30 pig farms across North Minahasa, Bolaang Mongondow, and Minahasa districts, focusing on model identification and risk assessment within farmer and marketing institutions. Findings revealed that supply chain risks within pig farm products are primarily attributed to the perishable nature of the goods, persisting from farm activity processes through distribution channels to final traders. Risk assessment highlighted that farms face the highest level of risk compared to traditional market retailers and supermarkets, with breeders carrying the greatest risk among distributors and retailers. Consequently, identified risks significantly impact production quantity and pork quality, categorizing them as critically important risks. The decline in production adversely affects the income of farmers and distributors/retailers, underscoring the high risk associated with farm-level production activities. In light of these findings, enhancing farm-level performance requires government intervention to regulate the pork supply chain in North Sulawesi.

Perhitungan Volume Stockpile dan Pengoptimalan Waktu Pengolahan Stockpile 3, 5 dan 6 Terhadap Produksi Alat Gali muat dan Alat Angkut pada TB Primer Batubesi PT Timah Tbk

PT Timah Tbk's Batubesi Primary Large Mine has experienced a significant decline in production in recent years, causing a change in the mining process to stockpile management that is still economical with a grade of 0.2%. This study aims to determine the volume and production of stockpiles 3, 5 and 6, the type of sediment and Sn content of stockpile material and the time required to spend stockpile material 3, 5 and 6 in order to get the optimal time. The method used is a quantitative method by taking cycle time data as much as 30 data and analyzing sample levels using XRF on each stockpile. The results of this study obtained the volume of stockpile 3 material is 132,648.42 m3,, stockpile 5 is 162,570.25 m3, and stockpile 6 is 33,090.19 m3. The calculated machine productivity at stockpile 3 is 42.17 tons/hour, stockpile 5 is 48.11 tons/hour and stockpile 6 is 39.53 tons/hour. The highest Sn content is found in stockpile 6 which is 0.33% with the type of skarn sediment. While the lowest Sn content is found in stockpile 3 which is 0.2% with oxide clay sediment type. In stockpile 5, the Sn content is 0.31% with the type of oxide clay sediment. The remaining volume of stockpile material in stockpiles 3, 5 and 6 can be spent with a time of 2.78 years using 1 unit of excavation equipment and 1 unit of transportation equipment. Optimization is carried out so that the remaining stockpile reserves can be spent within 1.74 years using 1 unit of excavation equipment and 2 units of transport equipment.

The effect of the initial distribution of labor-related property rights on the allocative efficiency of labor markets

IntroductionThe Coase Theorem posits that frictionless markets efficiently allocate scarce resources as long as property rights are fully specified. Our empirical study investigates how the initial allocation of labor-related property rights influences the allocative efficiency in labor markets for skilled workers within a highly competitive environment—professional basketball. Specifically, we compare two regimes: one where employers can trade workers to other employers without the worker's consent, and another where workers are free agents, able to negotiate and move freely without their employer's consent.MethodsWe utilize the NBA as a “laboratory” to conduct our analysis, constructing a unique panel dataset that includes 3,132 player-season observations spanning 17 regular seasons from 2003/04 to 2019/20. To address our research question, we employ linear panel regression models to analyze the data.Results and discussionThe findings reveal a decline in productivity among workers who transition to new employers as free agents, a phenomenon not observed among non-free agents. This observation suggests that allocative efficiency might be higher when workers are traded without their consent compared to when they exercise their autonomy as free agents. These findings highlight the significant impact that the initial distribution of labor-related property rights has on labor market efficiency, potentially challenging the assumptions of the Coase Theorem. However, the lack of a statistically significant difference in productivity changes between free agents and non-free agents moving to new employers prevents us from definitively rejecting the predictions of the Coase Theorem.

A structured investigation on the site supervisory traits in applying science and technology related fundamental concepts in construction operations

Purpose Productivity increase is correlated with profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of the construction firms. Recent studies reveal that the primary causes of productivity decline are poor usage of scientific and technological advances, ineffective supervision strategies and poor apprenticeship facilities/opportunities. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how well construction supervisors can utilise fundamental science and technological concepts/ideas to increase the efficiency and productivity of construction activities. Design/methodology/approach A new strategic layout was designed with the use of potential training guide tools. Based on the designed layout, a new supervisory training programme was developed, and 62 construction supervisors were selected, trained and evaluated in line with six parts of competencies and the relevant learning domains. An assessment guide with different levels of descriptions and criteria was developed through literature analysis and expert interviews. The research tools were verified using comprehensive approaches. Findings The overall mean values of supervisors’ performance scores indicate proficient-level grades in the competency characteristics related to taking measurements, generating drawings/designs using manual techniques and computer-aided tools, involving Bill of Quantities (BOQ) preparations and preparing training plans/materials for improving the competencies of labourers on estimation, measurements and understanding drawings. Their proficiency was notably lower in the use of information and communication technology application tools in construction tasks compared to others. The findings point to a modern generalised guideline that establishes the ranges of supervisory attributes associated with science and technology-related applications. Research limitations/implications The study outcomes produce conceptualised projections to restructure and revalue the job functions of various working categories by adding new definitions within the specified scope. This may result in constructive benefits to upgrading the current functions associated with urbanisation, sustainability and society. The implementation of the study’s findings/conclusions will have a significant impact on present and future practices in other developing nations and developing industries, even if they are directly applicable to the Sri Lankan construction industry. Originality/value Up to certain limits/stages, the study fills not only the knowledge gap in the field of creating protocols and application techniques connected to lifelong learning and skill enhancement/upgrading but also the existing gaps in work attributes and roles of construction supervisors associated with the utilisation of fundamental science and technological concepts/ideas towards reinforcing sustainable and productive site operations.

Virulent Fusarium isolates with diverse morphologies show similar invasion and colonization strategies in alfalfa.

Root rot is a major disease that causes decline of alfalfa production, and Fusarium is a major pathogen associated with root rot. In this study, 13 Fusarium isolates were obtained from alfalfa with root rot in Gansu Province, the major alfalfa production region in China. The isolates were characterized by molecular genotyping (ITS, TEF 1-α and RPB2 fragments) and identified as six species, which included the F. acuminatum, F. incarnatum, F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum, F. redolens, and F. solani. We found that their morphology varied significantly at both the macro- and micro-levels, even for those from the same species. We developed a low cost and fast pathogenicity test and revealed that all isolates were pathogenic to alfalfa with typical root rot symptoms such as leaf yellowing and brown lesions on the root and stem. However, the virulence of the isolates differed. We also found that the conidia of all isolates germinated as early as 24 hours post inoculation (hpi), while hyphae colonized the root extensively and invaded the xylem vessel by 48 hpi. Together our results reveal that different virulent Fusarium isolates use a similar invasion strategy in alfalfa. This natural plant-fungus pathosystem is intriguing and warrants further examination, particularly with regard to efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of multiple similar vascular pathogens on infected alfalfa plants.

Olive Mill Wastewaters Spreading on Agricultural Land: Results and Practical Management

Rich in water (88 to 95%), organic matter (6 to 14%) and mineral matter (1.5 to 4%), the olive mill wastewater or liquid effluent from the olive processing industry represents a certain fertilizer source. Four treatments (Control, 50, 100 and 200 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1 </sup>of OMWW) with an annual spreading of fresh OMWW, are applied to evaluate the effects of direct spreading of this by-product on the soil and the plant. From the first application, the level of organic matter changed significantly compared to the control soil without OMWW. In fact, three months after spreading, the respective levels of this substance increased from 0.42% in the control plot, to 0.91%, 1.02% and 1.47% respectively, for the spreading doses of 50, 100 or 200 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>. After several years, these same rates are only 0.84%, 0.91% and 0.95% for the respective doses of 50, 100 and 200 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>, indicating an intense activity of mineralization of organic matter under the effect of the soil microflora whose number has increased. The improvement in mineral status consequently improved the growth of olive groves with application doses of 50 and 100 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>. A decline in olive production was recorded with the dose 200 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>, which could be explained by the inhibitory effect probably resulting from a slight toxic action of polyphenols accumulated in the soil. Finally, it should be noted that the results of this research led to the development of Decree No. 1308/2013 of February 26, 2013, authorizing the spreading of 50 m3 ha 1 of fresh vegetable water.

Effect of Zero Tillage and Different Weed Management Practices in Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Indo Gangetic Plains: A Review

Millions of rural and urban residents depend on the rice-wheat cropping system of the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) for their food security and means of subsistence. About 18 million hectares (m ha) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are rotated across Asia, of which 13.5 m ha are in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. This agricultural system’s viability is currently in jeopardy due to static yields of both wheat and rice and a decline in total factor productivity. The North West IGP's high input crop culture has allowed weeds to dominate the weed flora, including P. minor in wheat and Echinochloa crus-galli L. in rice. Farmers in North West India have largely used zero tillage for growing wheat, and recently, farmers in the eastern IGP have done the same. Perennial weeds in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain, such Cynodon dactylon L. and Cyperus rotundus L. can occasionally be a nuisance under zero tillage. As an alternative to puddled transplanted rice, the focus is currently on dry direct-seeded rice and machine transplanting of non-puddled rice. As a result of changes in tillage, crop establishment techniques, water use, and weed control brought on by the switch from transplanted rice to direct seeded rice, weed composition and diversity frequently vary. In nations where DSR is frequently used, weedy rice has become a significant concern. Using the Zero Tillage DSR system, certified seed, cultivars that are weed-competitive, stale seedbed procedures, living mulches, and chemical and biological weed control might change weed-crop competition in the crop's favour. However, more research on emergence characteristics and mulching effects of different crop residues on key weeds under zero tillage, cover cropping, and breeding crops for weed suppression will strengthen nonchemical weed management programs. In this review, we examine the extent of weed infestation, weed flora shift and the non-chemical alternative weed management in DSR.

Beyond Bombs: The Growing Threat of Cyberterrorism

Cyberterrorism, which once was a virtual version of physical attacks, has now moved to a digital platform that targets the critical infrastructure. These activities pursue to introduce fear, make a disruption in essential services, and influence politics. On the other hand, a comprehensive strategy should be applied to deal with this dynamic danger. The importance of understanding cyber terrorism lies in the fact that it creates breach of trust, collapse of the system, and sufferings among the population mentally. The economic impacts comprise businesses losses, decline in productivity, and discouragement of foreign investments. Efficient tools such as network security monitoring, vulnerability scanning and threat intelligence can locate anomalous activity as well as loopholes in systems. Strong authentication, employee training, data encryption, and regular backups all lead to a digital environment that is less vulnerable to attack. International cooperation, public education, and constant development are the key aspects for having a preparedness against cyberterrorism. We can accomplish this through collaboration and thereby ensure the safety and security of the digital world. Keywords—Cyberterrorism, digital threats, international cooperation, public awareness, critical infrastructure.