Frequency Distribution Research Articles

SSR markers based QTL mapping and genetic analysis for yield and yield-attributing traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The present study was conducted for QTL mapping for yield and other yield attributing traits in bitter gourd using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 630 SSR markers were screened for polymorphism in two contrasting parents (DBGS-2 and Pusa Purvi), out of which only 35 were polymorphic. F1 plants (10 individuals) in which hybridity was ascertained (using these polymorphic markers); were further employed for development of mapping population (F2) consisting of 120 plants. Higher variation was present in the mapping population as evident from the wider range value of the characters. Continuous frequency distribution classes combined with bell-shaped, symmetrical normal distribution curve, revealed the quantitative inheritance nature of the traits studied. Higher PCV than the GCV for all the traits, along with high difference between the PCV and GCV for majority of traits indicated higher influence of environment in expression of these traits in the mapping population. Presence of transgressive segregation was also noted for majority of the traits. Amongst the various linkage groups (LG), LG 4 had the maximum number of markers, covering 171.07 cM map distance. LG4 also possessed the maximum number (nine) of QTLs while LG1 had six. QTL mapping using polymorphic SSRs resulted in detection of a total of 28 QTLs for fourteen traits viz. yield per plant (kg), earliness or flower related traits (node to first female flower, node to first male flower, days to first male flower, male to female flower ratio), fruit traits (fruit number per plant, fruit diameter (cm), fruit length/ diameter ratio, pericarp thickness (mm) and number of seed per fruit) and vegetative traits (internodal length (cm), number of primary branches, leaf width (cm), length and width ratio). The LOD score of these QTLs ranged from 3.01 to 64.47, the total phenotypic variances (PVE) ranged from 1.52 to 34.57 % and additive effects ranged from –3.69 to 17.07. Of the total, nineteen were major QTLs, having PVE >10 %. Three QTLs were detected for yield per plant while a total of seven for the traits imparting earliness viz. days to first male flower, node to first female flower and node to first male flower. Amongst all the QTLs detected, qFrtLDR-4-1 (K) had the maximum LOD (64.47) and PVE (34.57 %) value. Two hotspots were detected with multiple QTLs clustered in the LG 1. The first hotspot possessed four QTLs [qLfW-1-1, qMFR-1-1 (K), qSPF-1-1, qNFmlF-1-1 (K)] while the second had two related to yield per plant [qYldpl-1-1 (K) and qYldpl-1-1]. Many of these QTLs are also being reported for the first time in bitter gourd. The findings of the present study can be used to fasten the bitter gourd improvement by utilizing these in MAS, DNA fingerprinting, genetic mapping, genomics analysis etc.

Infrared temperature distribution characteristics and state assessment method of sandstone under tension and compression stress

Abnormalities in infrared radiation temperature (IRT) often accompany the loading In this investigation, stress experiments and splitting tests were conducted on sandstone to investigate the IRT characteristics of sandstone under various loading conditions. The results shows that the Maximum Infrared Radiation Temperature (MAXIRT) increases by up to 5 °C, while in splitting tests, the minimum infrared radiation temperature (MINIRT) decreases by approximately 1.5 °C. Compared to the average infrared radiation temperature (AIRT), MAXIRT is more sensitive to compressive stress, whereas (MINIRT) is more responsive to tensile stress. The correlation between IRT indicators and stress were further analyzed. The findings reveal a positive correlation between IRT and compressive stress. At low stress levels, the correlation coefficient fluctuates between −0.4 and 0.6, generally showing low correlation. As stress increases, the correlation coefficient rises, reaching above 0.8, indicating a high correlation. Tensile stress exhibits a negative correlation, with a consistent trend. Additionally, a statistical analysis of the frequency distribution of IRT under different stress conditions was conducted, followed by hypothesis testing. The results demonstrate that the probability distribution of IRT during loading follows a skewed normal distribution. The changes in skewness can be divided into three stages: initial fluctuation, stable variation, and abrupt failure. Under compressive stress, a right-skewed distribution is observed, with skewness exceeding 3.5 before fracture and reaching above 10 near fracture. Under tensile stress, a left-skewed distribution is noted, with skewness reaching −4.5 near fracture. These findings contribute to the assessment of rock stress states and provide early warning information for predicting rock failure.

The effect of drug abuse among adolescents in Nigeria: A case study of Gwagwalada, Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

With a focus on drug addiction in teenagers, this study explores the prevalence, causes, and effects of drug addiction in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. It provides a thorough understanding of the factors that influence drug misuse among adolescents in the area. The project intends to determine the precise chemicals being misused and investigate the social and environmental factors that contribute to drug use by looking over previous studies, consulting with experts, and gathering information from local stakeholders. Peer pressure, broken families, easy access to drugs, and a lack of opportunities are major contributing factors. The study also looks at how interpersonal violence, criminality, and economic instability are made worse in communities by teen drug use. An extensive literature review, qualitative interviews, and statistical tools like trend analysis and frequency distribution were all combined in a mixed-methods approach to determine the degree of substance abuse. The results show that drug addiction severely compromises the physical, psychological, and social well-being of youth; the main initiators of this damage are peer pressure, familial problems, and financial difficulty. The report recommends quick, comprehensive efforts to reduce drug availability, such as drug education, public awareness campaigns, and increased law enforcement. It also places a strong emphasis on improving preventative measures, addressing underlying socioeconomic issues, and giving young people the tools they need to resist peer pressure and make better decisions in life. The report urges the development of a comprehensive plan to lower drug usage among teenagers and ensure that Nigerian kids have a better future.

The relationship between feeding practices and stunting among children under two years in Tanzania mainland: a mixed-method approach

BackgroundProper infant and young child feeding practices have gained attention over the years as one of the interventions to reduce childhood stunting. However, there is still a gap in research to determine these relationships in children under two years and the reasons for improper feeding.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the relationship between feeding practices, stunting and barriers among children under two years.MethodologyUtilizing a mixed-method approach, the study involved secondary analysis of 1806 records of children aged 6–23 month, from the Next Generation Nutrition Program conducted in Tanzania (2015–2019). Both quantitative and qualitative data analyses were employed. Frequency distribution tables were utilized to describe study participants stratified by their stunting status. Subsequently, modified Poisson regression models identified predictors of stunting. Qualitative analysis encompassed deductive and inductive approaches, to extract themes that address the behaviors contributing to inappropriate feeding practices.ResultsStunting prevalence was 28.8% among children aged 6–23 months, with the majority (65%) of stunted children aged 1 year or older. Dietary diversity was low: 88.3% and 86.3% of stunted and non-stunted children, respectively, consumed less than 5 food groups. Surprisingly, early initiation of breastfeeding, time of stopping breastfeeding, and minimum dietary diversification were not significantly associated with child stunting (p-value > 0.05). Barriers to proper feeding practices identified were inadequate knowledge of feeding, maternal condition, economic hardship, cultural issues, and seasonality.ConclusionEarly breastfeeding and minimum dietary diversity were not significant predictors of stunting. However, the mother’s age and height > 150 cm reduced stunting risk while child sex, age, birth weight, marital status, and place of delivery also influenced stunting risk. It is crucial for initiatives to emphasize good feeding practices while addressing the complex factors that may hinder optimal feeding practices in this age group to reduce childhood stunting effectively.

Awareness and acceptability of assisted reproductive technology among non-medical tertiary students in a low-resource setting

BackgroundAssisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) have significantly advanced infertility treatment worldwide. However their availability and use in sub-Saharan Africa, remains limited although infertility is highly prevalent, with significant psycho-social challenges including stigma. This study assessed the awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of ART among non-medical tertiary students in Ghana.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among non-medical students in tertiary institutions in Ghana. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to both post-graduate and undergraduate students after obtaining informed consent. Ethical approval was obtained from the Review Board at Community Health Department of the University of Ghana Medical School. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS (version-27) and the results presented using frequency tables, graphs, and charts. significance was P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOverall, 196 participants from the two largest universities and other tertiary institutions in Ghana took part in this study. Majority (63.5%) of respondents demonstrated awareness on ART services, but 60.3% showed poor knowledge of the types of ART. Males generally exhibited lower knowledge of ART services compared to females, and knowledge of ART services showed an inverse relationship with age. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) was the most widely recognized and recommended ART technique, known by 65.1% of respondents who were aware of the types of ART. Most participants expressed reluctance to accept or recommend gamete donation due to religious reasons, fear of complications, and a preference for conventional means of procreation.ConclusionThe majority of tertiary students in Ghana are aware of ART for infertility treatment however, many are hesitant toward donor-gamete treatment protocols. Fear of complications and related costs pose major barriers to considering ART among the respondents. Participants unanimously suggested government subsidies and the inclusion of ART under the national health insurance coverage package.

The genetic architecture of exercise-induced ventricular ectopy

Abstract Background Previously, we have shown that the frequency of exercise-induced premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) during and after exercise are associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals from the UK Biobank study1. The underlying mechanisms are, however, unclear. Several electrocardiographic markers associated with arrhythmogenesis have a known hereditary component, but the genetic underpinnings of exercise-induced ventricular ectopy have not been investigated. Purpose Our aim was to explore the genetic basis of premature ventricular ectopy during and after exercise and unveil plausible candidate genes and biological mechanisms. Methods We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for PVC frequency during exercise and recovery in >44,000 asymptomatic individuals of European ancestry without known cardiovascular disease from the UK Biobank study. As the distribution of PVC frequency is highly skewed (e.g. absence of negative values and excess of zero values), we first applied Gaussian transformation. Simulation studies were performed to justify that this approach would lead to valid inference. In the GWAS model, we included sex, age, UK Biobank genotyping array, and the first 10 genetic principal components as covariates. Statistical power was boosted by joint analysis of exercise and recovery PVC traits using multi-trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG)2. Genetic risk scores were constructed in independent samples from UK Biobank (N=341,948) and were tested for association with heart failure and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Results We identified 4 loci for PVC frequency during exercise, and 1 locus for PVC frequency during recovery (Picture 1). Candidate genes included CRIM1, FLNC, and BAG3 for which mutations have been linked in the pathogenesis of (arrhythmogenic) cardiomyopathy. Subjects in the top 10% of the genetic risk scores had a significantly higher risk of heart failure and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias compared to the bottom 90%, (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval): 1.14 (1.08 – 1.20), p < 0.001; and 1.13 (1.02 – 1.24), p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Ventricular ectopic burdens during exercise and recovery have a significant heritable component. Candidate genes highlight a possible shared genetic background with inherited cardiomyopathy and a genetic risk score was associated with heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. These findings substantial advance our understanding of the genetic basis of exercise-induced ventricular ectopy in a population-based cohort without cardiovascular disease.Miami plot of ventricular ectopic burden

The Role of Recruitment and Selection on Organisational Performance: A Case of National Housing Corporation in Tanzania

This study examines the role of recruitment and selection practices on organisational performance at Tanzania's National Housing Corporation (NHC). Employing a descriptive research design, the study targeted all 76 employees at NHC headquarters across various departments, using census sampling to ensure comprehensive data collection and eliminate bias. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions measured on a five-point Likert scale. Analysis involved both descriptive statistics (percentages, frequency distributions, mean, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation) to examine relationships between independent variables (recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal) and dependent variable (NHC's organisational performance). Findings reveal that recruitment and selection at NHC play a critical role on organisational performance. NHC has a well-communicated recruitment policy with high employee awareness and involvement. Internal advertising of new positions is common, supporting talent retention and growth opportunities. While job applicants generally receive adequate information, some inconsistencies exist. The recruitment process is perceived as transparent, though improvements are possible. NHC is seen as an equal-opportunity employer, but reinforcement is needed in some areas. Employees feel reasonably included in the selection process, which is merit-based with clearly defined criteria. Selected candidates generally fit well with the organisational culture. However, inclusiveness in selection could be enhanced. Recommendations include improving recruitment policy communication, increasing employee engagement, strengthening internal advertising, reinforcing equal opportunity practices, maintaining merit-based selection, ensuring cultural fit, and fostering trust and transparency. These suggestions aim to optimize recruitment and selection practices, thereby enhancing NHC's organizational performance and potentially benefiting other organizations.

Understanding Factors Affecting Inclusions of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education: A Study among Non-Disabled University Students

Inclusive education for people with disabilities is gaining importance globally, with improving factors that support the inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education as a key objective. This study explores how societal and environmental factors shape perceptions of disability, rather than viewing it solely as an individual limitation. A non-probability convenience sampling method was employed, involving 279 university students from six different faculties. Data were analyzed through frequency distribution and SPSS to examine the attitudes of non-disabled students toward the inclusion of their disabled peers in higher education. The findings reveal that environmental barriers are strongly associated with the attitudes of non-disabled students toward their peers with disabilities (r = .693, p < .01), indicating that these barriers significantly impact how students perceive and interact with those who have impairments. The non-disabled students identified specific environmental factors that either support or hinder the inclusion of disabled students in university settings. This research highlights the need for addressing environmental obstacles to foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.

Epidemiological analysis of pediculosis and the distribution of kdr mutation frequency in head lice populations in Torbat Heydarieh city of Khorasan Razavi Province, Northeastern Iran

Head lice infestations are the most prominent ectoparasitic infection in the world, including Iran, particularly among school children. Recently, numerous cases of infestation have been reported in various provinces of the country. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of head louse infestations and analyze kdr gene sequences in terms of resistance mutations in the Torbat-e Heydarieh, Mahvelat, and Zaveh cities of Khorasan Razavi Province, Northeast Iran. The data related to the epidemiological and demographic history of head lice populations were extracted from their medical records and analyzed in Excel software. After extracting the genomic DNA, the kdr fragment was amplified using specific primers. The sequences were also analyzed using bioinformatics software. The prevalence of head louse infestations was 1.59% and 1.7% during 2016 and 2017, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the frequency distribution of two kdr haplotypes, I and V, in the study areas. The increase in head louse infestations in recent years and the simultaneous presence of kdr mutations indicate the need for new treatments and monitoring/controlling resistance to head louse insecticides.

Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the adult population in a rural community of Jammu, India: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMental health is crucial for overall well-being, but rural areas often face difficulties in accessing mental health services and understanding psychiatric disorders.AimThis study aimed to address these issues by assessing the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among adults in rural Jammu and examining how socio-cultural and demographic factors are related to these disorders.MethodsA sample of 1,016 adults from rural Jammu was surveyed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Data were collected through house-to-house visits conducted by trained investigators. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distribution and odds ratio, were employed to analyze the data respectively.ResultsOverall, 20.67% of the participants had a psychiatric disorder. Alcohol dependence was the most common condition, affecting 12.30% of the individuals, followed by generalized anxiety disorder at 3.14%. The study found significant associations between psychiatric disorders and several factors. Specifically, older people were more likely to have psychiatric disorders, with an odds ratio of 3.7 [2.07-6.59]. Married individuals also had a higher likelihood of experiencing psychiatric disorders (OR: 2.3 [1.55-3.54]). Those with less schooling were at an increased risk, with an odds ratio of 7.77 [2.31-26.09], and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to have these disorders as well (OR: 5.1 [2.4-10.5]).Discussion and conclusionThe findings underscore the complex association between socio-demographic factors and mental health outcomes in rural areas of Jammu region. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions and policies that account for the unique socio-cultural contexts of rural populations. By understanding the specific challenges faced by these communities, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop more effective strategies to enhance mental health services and promote well-being.

Experimental evaluation on dynamic performance of medium–low-speed maglev vehicle running on low-positioned subgrade

ABSTRACT As a novel urban rail transit system with relatively low construction costs, medium–low-speed maglev transportation is currently experiencing rapid development in China. However, there have been rare studies on the experiments of medium–low-speed maglev vehicle passing curves and low-positioned subgrade. Therefore, this paper systematically conducts on-site dynamic tests on the Qingyuan Maglev Tourism Line. The experiment provides a detailed analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle system and subgrade under varying speeds up to 132 km/h. The study explores the impacts of operating speed, track layout, and type of girder structure. The results indicate that a significant increase in operating speed and the application of emergency braking intensify the dynamic response of the vehicle system. When passing through the R700m curve and low-positioned subgrade sections at different speeds, the primary vibration frequency of the sprung structure is below 2.5 hz, while the unsprung structure shows a wide frequency distribution. The peak frequencies of the vibration for the low-positioned subgrade are mainly distributed in the 60–140 hz range, and the vibration response of the girder remains at a low level. The Sperling index values, levitation gap, and lateral offset of the levitation electromagnet of the testing vehicle do not exceed 2.5, 4 mm, and 10 mm, respectively, indicating excellent ride comfort and stable levitation performance. The results of this test study provide a reliable assessment of the safety of the vehicle and subgrade system and would help precise modelling of vehicle and subgrade system in the future.

EVALUATION OF INTERNET ACCESS BY STUDENTS AT A FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN NORTHERN BRAZIL

Objective: This study presents the results of assessing Internet access by students at a federal educational institution in northern Brazil. Theoretical Framework: The study's theoretical framework relates information technologies through Internet access to learning. It shows that the more adequate Internet access is in educational institutions' daily routines, the better the students' performance in learning and its developments in technical, scientific, and technological production. Method: The method used was a survey, the population of which consisted of students who attended classes during the three shifts during which the institution operated. The students were consulted through a questionnaire with multiple-choice questions, the results of which were generated using descriptive statistics and presented in frequency tables. Results and Discussion: The findings showed deficiencies in a) the connection attributes, b) insufficient connection about the types of use by students, c) the connection provided is of low quality, and d) there is excess demand about the low institutional supply, especially in the evening shift. Research Implications: This study shows that internet services must be the object of multidisciplinary treatment and cannot represent the exclusive view of ICT professionals or education specialists. Unidisciplinary views prevent several fundamental nuances of institutional core activities from being overlooked. Originality/Value: The research's originality lies in the empirical observation that educational institutions must strategically plan long-term internet provision jointly by ICT professionals, education specialists, teachers, and students.

Impact of Social Media Marketing Activities on Relationship Quality through the Mediating role of Brand Equity

The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the impression of social media marketing activities on relationship quality, focusing on customer trust and customer satisfaction, through the mediating role of brand equity, which includes brand awareness, brand image, and perceived quality. The present study includes the 384 sample size, out of which only 335 questionnaires responses were received. In the 335 questionnaire answers received 25 were not considered for the data analysis due to extreme abnormal values. Then, 310 questionnaire information were considered. The information was gathered using a digital questionnaire, created and distributed using Google Forms as the platform. The sample was made up of methods for convenience sampling. The intended structure is inspected empirically by employing statistical package for the social science version 26 for normality, reliability, frequency tables, standard deviation, mean and correlation. Then SEM used for hypothesized model. Findings indicate there's is a beneficial effect of social media marketing activities on brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality and relationship quality. Marketers will be able to get useful information from the results about how to employ social media channels to progress customer associations and increase brand equity. When businesses are more cognizant of these elements, they are better able to manage their resources, which ultimately results in increased consumer trust and pleasure.

Estimating the impact of social distance policy in mitigating COVID-19 spread with factor-based imputation approach

AbstractWe identify the effectiveness of social distancing policies in reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 spread. We build a model that measures the relative frequency and geographic distribution of the virus growth rate and provides hypothetical infection distribution in the states that enacted the social distancing policies, where we control time-varying, observed and unobserved, state-level heterogeneities. Using panel data on infection and deaths in all US states from February 20 to April 20, 2020, we find that stay-at-home orders and other types of social distancing policies significantly reduced the growth rate of infection and deaths. We show that the effects are time varying and range from the weakest at the beginning of policy intervention to the strongest by the end of our sample period. We also found that social distancing policies were more effective in states with higher income, better education, more white people, more democratic voters, and higher CNN viewership.

Sliding mode control for finite-time projective synchronisation in distinct Caputo fractional-order delayed neural networks with inconsistent orders

This manuscript delves into the realm of projective synchronisation in delayed neural networks governed by Caputo fractional-order dynamics, addressing the intricate challenges of attaining finite-time synchronisation in networks with distinct structures, functions, and orders. To start, the integration of a compensation controller within the control architecture is examined, aiming to formulate the projection error dynamics. By leveraging projection error system analysis alongside output observation and sliding mode control, a meticulously crafted derivative-based sliding mode surface along with a sliding mode controller are devised, ensuring both convergence and seamless sliding motion. Afterwards, the accessibility of the surface is assessed through relevant lemmas, Caputo derivative characteristics and the Lyapunov direct approach. The subsequent stability of sliding path is corroborated, and indispensable prerequisites for achieving finite-time projective synchronisation are outlined. Furthermore, the establishment of an upper bound for synchronisation time of distinct Caputo fractional-order delayed neural networks (CFDNNs) with inconsistent orders is carried out. Ultimately, simulations on distinct CFDNNs with consistent and inconsistent orders are conducted to exemplify our approach, employing the continuous frequency distribution model.

Frequency distribution of different joint slopes containing ceramic soil under seismic wave action

The dynamic response characteristics of high and steep slopes under the action of earthquakes and blasting was focused on, especially the frequency distribution and propagation laws, which are crucial for slope stability assessment. Using stress wave theory as the theoretical basis and advanced FLAC3D numerical simulation technology, we systematically analyze the frequency response of slope under different joint conditions under seismic waves. The nonlinear characteristics of reflected P-wave coefficient and the significant sensitivity of joint to incident wave frequency are revealed when the Angle of incident P-wave changes. The results show that with the increase of the incidence Angle of the incident P-wave, the reflection coefficient of the reflected P-wave decreases slowly at first and then increases sharply to 1.0. The reflection coefficient of the wave at the joint is more sensitive to the frequency of the incident wave. In a biplanar rock mass, multiple reflections of waves between structural planes produce transmitted waves with different time differences.

The Influence of Organizational Climate and Motivation on Employee Performance at The District Health Office Garut

The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze (1) organizational climate; (2) work motivation; (3) employee performance; (4) the effect of organizational climate and motivation on employee performance at the Garut Regency Health Office, both simultaneously and partially. The method used in this research is in accordance with the expected objectives, namely descriptive and verification methods. The unit of analysis in this study was the employees of the Garut Regency Health Office, with a sample of 51 people and the analysis method used is frequency distribution and path analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, it is found that the Organizational climate at the Garut Regency Health Office is quite conducive; employees of the Garut Regency Health Office have a high level of motivation; employees of the Garut Regency Health Office have a high performance. Employees of the Garut Regency Health Office have a fairly high performance and organizational climate and motivation affect the performance of employees of the Garut Regency Health Office. However, when viewed partially, it turns out that organizational climate is more dominant in influencing employee performance than motivation. Organizational climate dominantly influences employee performance rather than motivation, therefore the Garut Regency Health Office is required to prioritize improvements in the organizational climate of employees by carrying out continuous bureaucratic reform.

Physical Distribution Practices and Marketing Performance of Selected Fast Moving Consumer Goods Companies in South-South Region of Nigeria

This study was designed to investigate the influence of physical distribution practices (transportation management, warehousing management, communication and information systems, and order processing) on the marketing performance of selected fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in the south-south region of Nigeria. The survey research design approach was adopted using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 247 selected FMCG sales representatives involved in the distribution of FMCG products in the south-south region of Nigeria. Stratified random sampling was employed. The data gathered was analysed using percentages and frequency tables. The formulated hypotheses were tested using a multiple regression approach. Findings from the study revealed a strong positive influence between the independent variables (transportation management, warehouse management, communication and information systems, and order processing management) and the dependent variable (marketing performance). The researchers suggest that FMCG companies should prioritise transportation management to facilitate better and more efficient movement of goods and people, thereby improving their marketing performance. Given the limitations of this study, the researchers presented practical implications and directions for future research.

Automatic activity-travel sequence generator using language, grammar, and machine theory

ABSTRACT Activity schedule results from a complex decision-making process characterized by several interrelated decisions. Different facets of an activity schedule such as activity type, timing, duration, etc. influence each other and this makes modeling activity schedules a complex task. This complexity has compelled researchers to explore different approaches for modeling activity schedules, among which two predominant approaches can be identified: the utility-maximization theory based econometric approach and the computational process modeling approach. Despite their advantages and a few successful practical applications, challenges still remain leaving avenues for exploration of new approaches. This paper contributes in this direction by reviewing the relationship between language, grammar, and machines in the context of sequence analysis for activity sequence generation. Following that, the paper presents a stochastic Finite State Machine that can generate activity sequences to match the frequency distribution of sequences from a given data set. Our results show that the proposed algorithm can not only generate activity sequences with a distribution similar to that of original data but can also efficiently generate new patterns not in the original data.

Economic Analysis of kharif Vegetable Cultivation in Palghar District of Maharashtra State, India

The study was undertaken with the specific objective to workout costs, returns and profitability in vegetables production of a sample of 90 vegetable cultivators of three tahsil of Palghar viz. Vasai, Palghar and Dahanu during 2023.Simple statistical tools such as arithmetic mean, average, percentage, ratios and frequency distribution were worked out. For working out cost of production, standard cost concepts viz., cost-A1, cost-A2 cost-B1, cost-B2, cost-C1, cost-C2, cost-C3 were used. The cost of cultivation of kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.130880, Rs.172317, Rs.74835, Rs.145956, Rs.166815, Rs.220387and Rs.209361for respectively. The gross returns obtained from kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.141240, Rs.271560, Rs.77532, Rs.280280, Rs.227850, Rs.337506 and Rs.345345 respectively. The benefit-cost ratio for kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was 1.08, 1.58, 1.04, 1.92, 1.37, 1.53 and 1.65 respectively. The promising benefit-cost ratios indicate a favorable environment for vegetable farming in Palghar, suggesting that with strategic crop selection and enhanced agricultural practices, the future of vegetable cultivation in the region is likely to be both profitable and sustainable.