Abstract Soybean like other commodities brings important income to producer countries. In Brazil, the picture is not different. Thus, due to its economic significance and considering all field challenges, that impose abiotic and biotic constraints to improve yield, research efforts have focused on solving problems by applying biotechnological tools. In this review, a description of genetic engineering being developed in Brazil for soybean crop is addressed, including research in tolerance to abiotic conditions such as drought; to biotic factors such as insects, nematodes and fungal among other categories; as well as the use of soybean as bio-factories. All commercially available soybean events in Brazil and South American countries, for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance are also discussed. An overview of the Brazilian regulatory framework and South American countries for Biotech products is presented as well as the future perspectives for soybean genetic engineering in Brazil. In addition, a list of papers, from 2008 to the present, showing the state of the art of genetic engineering of soybean and by-products in Brazil is made available. The same search on the literature for South American countries did not return papers published on the genetic engineering of soybean and by-products. Although South American countries did not develop science on GM soybean, a search on GM varieties being sowed indicated that these countries adopted GM technology, due to all the advantages that these lines offer.

Temporal trends in porcine and bovine semen characteristics: A retrospective long-term analysis of semen production data.

Multilevel agro-physiological and biochemical alleviation of salt stress in Olea europaea via phenolic-rich extracts from olive mill waste.

The safety of hydraulic structures has social, economic, and environmental significance. To eliminate the damage induced by local scouring, either the scouring should be prevented entirely or the scouring depth should be minimized. This study numerically investigated the local scour that develops in the plunge pool downstream of high-head, classical contracted rectangular weirs operating under free overfall conditions. In the numerical analysis, a three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) model with a standard k–ε turbulence closure was implemented in Flow-3D®. The analyses were conducted for three unit flow rates (q=0.15, 0.30, and 0.60 m3/s m) and three drop heights (H=0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 m) to determine the maximum scouring depth. Furthermore, the water jet velocity and impingement angle were analyzed. The experimental results were utilized to test the accuracy of the numerical model. For all cases, about 90 % of the equilibrium scour depth was reached within the first 15–20 min, consistent with previous studies. According to the results, the equilibrium scour depth increased from approximately 0.16 m to 0.23 m when the unit discharge was raised. However, after a specific value of the head height, the effect on the depth of scouring is slightly reduced due to the increased air entrainment entering the downstream pool. Computed jet impact velocities ranged from about 2.0 to 4.9 m/s, with impact angles increasing up to ~82° as the drop height increased. The results of the numerical model are generally compatible with experimental studies. This study is original in that it provides a three-dimensional CFD-based assessment of local scour downstream of high-head weirs under free overfall conditions and proposes a practical approach to estimate long-term equilibrium scour depth and jet impact characteristics.

Mealybugs are economically significant, sap-sucking insects causing substantial damage to crops. Although some studies exist, few have combined classical morphological and molecular approaches with an assessment of their economic significance. This study aimed to identify mealybug species based on morphology, analyze their host preference, and confirm the identification using DNA markers. Mealybug samples were collected from randomly selected fields from Kilinochchi, Jaffna, and Monaragala districts in Sri Lanka. Morphological identification was done using taxonomic keys. PCR amplification was performed for the D3 region of the 28S rDNA. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Maximum-Likelihood method with the Kimura 2-parameter model and the Gamma distribution. Ten mealybug species, representing seven genera, were identified from different districts and host plants, including Phenacoccus solenopsis, Ferrisia virgata, Coccidohystrix insolita, Planococcus minor, Phenacoccus solani, Planococcus lilacinus, Phenacoccus manihoti, Paracoccus marginatus, Pseudococcus viburni, and Rastrococcus mangiferae. Notably, P. solenopsis, F. virgata, P. minor, P. lilacinus, and P. marginatus were found to infest multiple host plant species, indicating their broader host preference. P. solani and P. manihoti are reported for the first time from Sri Lanka. Molecular data validated the morphological identification, and phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clades representing separate genera exhibiting monophyletic and paraphyletic relationships among them. Field observations indicated a frequent association between mealybugs and ants, where Oecophylla smaragdina and Technomyrmex albipes were observed on P. lilacinus-infested guava trees. Furthermore, natural enemies of mealybugs, such as mealybug destroyers, were observed in 20% (n=6) of the fields. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into mealybug species diversity, host preference, and insect associations, which are critical for developing effective integrated pest management strategies tailored for specific regions and host plants.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation are widely promoted as universally beneficial, promising improved efficiency, security, and convenience. However, these systems frequently overlook a critical reality: not all users are equally prepared to navigate increasing digital complexity. Many suggest this is a significant advancement, but automation, lacking a “real person” to ask questions of or to issue directives to, is a significant obstacle. Older adults face disproportionate barriers that restrict access to essential services, including healthcare, utilities, and financial platforms. Age-related changes in memory, vision, dexterity, and confidence—combined with escalating authentication requirements such as complex passwords and multi-factor authentication—create significant friction and exclusion. Evidence consistently shows that older adults adopt digital tools at lower rates, use fewer functions, and report less confidence in completing common online tasks. These barriers have measurable implications for healthcare access, medication adherence, customer satisfaction, and business performance. This article examines the persistence of the digital divide among older adults, analyzes authentication and portal usability as key drivers of exclusion, and proposes an applied framework for inclusive design. Addressing digital disenfranchisement is not only a public health imperative but also a business necessity as older populations continue to expand in size and economic significance. Improvement is increasing but remains below the ideal level. It is also noted that a significant number of patients do not utilize the electronic domains at all, 57-64%. This would be expected from the more acute patient, aged with many of the main barriers below. 23-29% of this group remain without digital technology devices to use.

This study explores the economic importance of the nematode dilemma in cucurbitaceae farming as well as the negative consequences of nematicides. Nematicides' pollution of the biosphere is investigated, and nematode control bio - pesticides are evaluated as potential substitutes. The research identifies practical countermeasures to nematicides' unfavourable effects. The symbiotic interaction between nematodes and cucurbit plants is shown by the research, highlighting its economic significance. Economic losses occur from the disruption of soil ecology, decreased fertility, and hampered agricultural production caused by excessive nematicide usage. It has been demonstrated that bio - pesticides are efficient, cost - efficient alternatives. Sustainable solutions are provided through integrated pest management and alternative control strategies. In order to guarantee long - term food security and environmental health, this study promotes sustainable agricultural practises.

The Moroccan fir (Abies marocana Trab.) is an endangered conifer endemic to the western Rif Mountains. Despite its ecological and economic significance, no transcriptomic data was previously available for the species. Here, we present the first de novo transcriptome assembly for A. marocana, generated from RNA-seq data obtained from three organs (leaf, stem, and root) subjected to different environmental conditions (drought, heat, cold, hormones, and physical damage), using both short- and long-read sequencing technologies, to achieve a comprehensive representation of the species' transcriptome. The assembly achieved a completeness value of 92.1% according to BUSCO, with 279,439 final transcripts, of which approximately 45.2% were functionally annotated. This high-quality transcriptome provides a valuable resource for advancing genetic research and supporting conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.

India's fisheries sector has transformed into a major commercial activity, contributing significantly to livelihoods and the economy, with Odisha emerging as a leading state in fish production. Chilika Lake, a vital aquatic ecosystem, supports thousands of fisherfolk and contributes substantially to Odisha's fish economy. This study examines the fish economy of Odisha with special reference to Chilika Lake, focusing on production trends, species composition, livelihood dependence, and export relevance. Using a combination of primary field survey data and secondary time-series data, the analysis covers inland and marine fisheries in Odisha as well as fish, shrimp, and crab production in Chilika Lake. Descriptive statistics and trend analysis are complemented by econometric techniques, including the Augmented Dickey–Fuller unit root test and ARIMA modelling, to evaluate production dynamics and generate short-term forecasts. The results indicate sustained and robust growth in inland fisheries in Odisha, while fisheries production in Chilika Lake exhibits temporal fluctuations with persistent economic significance, particularly from fish and shrimp resources. The econometric evidence confirms non-stationarity at levels and stationarity after first differencing, validating the use of ARIMA-based forecasting. The findings highlight the critical role of sustainable fisheries management, effective regulation of aquaculture practices, and targeted policy interventions to enhance livelihood security, strengthen export performance, and ensure long-term ecological sustainability of the Chilika Lake wetland ecosystem.

The aim of the research . To determine the contribution of genetic factors to the development of central venous thrombosis (CVT), as well as to identify changes in the biotransformation system of drugs used for its treatment and secondary prevention. Materials and methods . The study included 30 people: patients with clinical signs suspicious for CVT, as well as patients with stroke of unknown etiology. To verify CVT, computed tomography of the brain with bolus intravenous contrast was performed. In 11 people with confirmed CVT, a genetic study of the hemostasis system and the biotransformation and detoxification system was performed to select individual therapy. Results . The study found that all patients with verified CVT (n = 11) had polymorphisms in the genes of the hemostasis system. The most common polymorphisms were those of the plasminogen activator inhibitor PAI-1 (10 patients out of 11) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (11 patients out of 11) genes. All patients with confirmed CVT underwent a genetic study of the detoxification and biotransformation system. This analysis allowed: 1) to determine the type of warfarin metabolism, which helped to personalize the initial dose of this drug, minimizing adverse events; 2) to determine the necessary drug (acetylsalicylic acid/clopidogrel) for secondary prevention of CVT in cases of thrombus regression. Thus, aspirin resistance was verified in 4 patients; allelic variants of CYP2C19 were detected in 5 patients, determining low enzymatic activity of cytochrome and, as a result, leading to a decrease in the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. Conclusion . The study of hemostasis system polymorphisms confirms the theoretical and practical significance of genetic testing in patients with CVT. The study of the detoxification and biotransformation system allows for a personalized approach to treatment and reduces healthcare system costs aimed at combating undesirable effects of therapy, confirming the economic significance of the analysis.

The subject of the study is the constitutional guarantees of human rights and freedoms in Ukraine viewed through an economic and legal lens, with a focus on how normative standards, institutions, procedures, and public finance jointly determine the real level of rights protection under ordinary conditions, martial law, and recovery. The paper examines why constitutional guarantees should be treated as an operating governance system that shapes predictability of state behaviour, integrity of regulatory decision-making, investment and labour incentives, and the sustainability of social protection, rather than as a declarative catalogue of rights. Special attention is paid to the role of constitutional review and judicial control in constraining administrative discretion, to due process as an economic safeguard against arbitrariness, and to budget and tax governance as a resource infrastructure enabling positive obligations. The paper also addresses the impact of European human-rights standards, including the Convention system and ECtHR case-law, on proportionality, non-discrimination, protection of property, and effective remedies, particularly in crisis regulation and in contexts where temporary measures tend to become permanent. Methodology. The research is based on a combination of formal-legal, systemic, comparative-legal, and institutional approaches. It integrates doctrinal analysis of constitutional provisions and related legislation with an examination of European standards (rule of law, proportionality, fair balance, and non-discrimination) and a review of judicial practice relevant to economic rights, property interference, and access to justice. Policy analysis is applied to clarify how constitutional requirements are translated into administrative procedures, regulatory instruments, and budget programs, and to identify interface risks that typically arise between constitutional standards and implementation capacity during resource scarcity and wartime governance. The aim of the work is to substantiate an analytically coherent model of constitutional guarantees for Ukraine that explains their economic significance, identifies vulnerabilities in the strategy–delivery chain of rights protection, and formulates practical proposals for strengthening controllability, transparency, and accountability of state interference while preserving the enforceability of social rights under fiscal constraints. The results of the study show that that the effectiveness of constitutional guarantees depends less on the density of constitutional declarations and more on the coherence of four interconnected layers: normative limits on interference, institutional checks (constitutional jurisdiction, ordinary courts, ombudsman and integrity bodies), procedural discipline (reasoned decisions, the right to be heard, access to information, and reviewability), and financial governance (budget transparency, prioritization rules, and enforceable compensation mechanisms). The paper demonstrates that due process reduces transaction costs and arbitrariness risks in economically significant decisions, while judicial control operationalizes proportionality and fair-balance tests in concrete disputes. For Ukraine, the critical governance risk is the normalization of emergency practices: under martial law, expanded regulatory tools and accelerated decision-making can weaken legal certainty unless supported by time-bounded measures, public criteria, periodic review, and effective remedies. The study proposes a strengthening roadmap centred on standardizing decision-making procedures for high-impact administrative acts, embedding proportionality and evidence standards in regulatory templates, reinforcing access to justice and enforcement capacity, institutionalizing budget openness for rights-related programs, and ensuring practicable compensation for unlawful interference and emergency-related property measures. Conclusion. Sustainable constitutional guarantees require shifting from formal recognition of rights toward a managed, auditable governance cycle in which legal standards, institutions, procedures, and public finance operate as a single system of constraints and remedies. For Ukraine, the most feasible path is not expanding declarations, but reproducing functional safeguards: predictable and reviewable procedures, integrity-by-design controls, stable proportionality tests in adjudication, and budget transparency that makes social rights administrable during war and recovery, thereby strengthening trust and reducing economic uncertainty associated with state intervention.

ABSTRACT We introduce a novel second‐order dynamic price–earnings ratio model and demonstrate that both the level and volatility of the price–earnings ratio serve as optimal forecasts of future returns and cash‐flow growth. We show that the volatility of the price–earnings ratio positively predicts future stock returns with both statistical and economic significance, in various horizons and frequencies, and both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample. The volatility of the price–earnings ratio outperforms both the level of the price–earnings ratio and market volatility in predicting returns. Additionally, we find that the volatility of the price–earnings ratio significantly and negatively predicts future macroeconomic growth.

Kappaphycus alvarezii is a globally important carrageenophyte underpinning food, pharmaceutical, and biomaterials industries while supporting coastal livelihoods in tropical regions. Despite its economic significance, production remains highly variable, with inconsistent biomass yields and carrageenan quality driven by environmental variability and heterogeneous farming practices. This systematic literature review synthesizes evidence published between 2000 and 2026 on how planting density and culture system configuration including tie-tie/longline systems, tubular nets, vertical columns, and related designs shape growth performance, carbon dynamics, and carrageenan quantity and functional quality in K. alvarezii cultivation. Drawing on PRISMA-guided screening, the review integrates findings across four themes: (i) density–growth relationships, (ii) farm configuration as micro-environmental engineering, (iii) carbon dynamics and physiological responses, and (iv) carrageenan yield and quality outcomes. The synthesis reveals a consistent intermediate-density advantage for growth efficiency and physiological stability, strong context dependence mediated by site-specific environmental conditions, and recurring trade-offs between biomass maximization and carrageenan quality. Carbon dynamics emerge as a critical mechanistic link connecting farm geometry to biochemical outcomes. The review highlights persistent challenges related to non-standardized density definitions, heterogeneous outcome metrics, and limited multi-site experimentation. By framing density and configuration as integrated farm-engineering levers, this review advances a multi-objective optimization perspective and proposes evidence-based operational windows and reporting priorities to support resilient, quality-oriented, and scalable K. alvarezii aquaculture.

In Azerbaijan, and in the Shaki-Zagatala region, rich in orchards, valuable stone fruit trees are grown, which formed the basis of this work. The area of ​​stone fruit orchards is increasing annually. To achieve higher yields, a pest protection plan was developed and implemented. A key issue is the identification of stone fruit tree pests and the timely and effective implementation of control measures. From 2001 to 2013, field and laboratory studies of stone fruit tree pests and their entomophages were conducted in the districts of Balakan, Zagatala, Shaki, Kash, Oguz, Gabala, and Ismaili. The districts of Zagatala, Shaki, Ismaili, and Gabali were selected as permanent sites. The study of the species composition, biological characteristics and economic significance of pests of fruit and forest trees and their entomophages opens up opportunities for the use of entomophages in the fight against harmful insects.

This paper reviews the literature on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Comment Letters. The economic significance of Comment Letters may be relevant to public policy considerations and the evaluation of related research. La Porta et al. (2006) cast doubt on the value of public regulation enforcement. SEC review limitations and the institutional setting likely limit the impact of 10-K/10-Q Comment Letters. Severe resolutions are infrequent, and market impact evidence is limited. Recurring filing reviews may deter substandard reporting, and IPO Comment Letters offer a powerful setting, but neither has received much research attention. Empirical challenges are also examined.

This research explores the strategic and economic significance of the Pakistan–Afghanistan Central Asia corridor, a region historically linked by the ancient Silk Road and now positioned at the heart of modern connectivity initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the corridor offers vast potential for trade, energy, and regional integration, it simultaneously faces persistent challenges of insecurity, political instability, and great power rivalry. The study examines whether economic integration can serve as a catalyst for peace or whether stability must first be secured to enable development. Drawing on economic, security, and geopolitical perspectives, the paper argues that peace and prosperity are mutually reinforcing rather than sequential goals. Projects such as TAPI and CASA-1000 demonstrate the potential of shared economic interests to promote cooperation; however, insecurity in Afghanistan and identity-based divisions continue to threaten progress. The analysis recommends an inclusive economic approach, a joint regional security mechanism, balanced engagement with major powers, and gradual, community-centered integration. Ultimately, sustainable peace in the corridor depends on parallel progress in both security and development. If managed wisely, the corridor can transform from a zone of tension into a platform for interregional cooperation and shared prosperity.

ABSTRACT Africa's growing role in global supply chains presents an important opportunity for more socially grounded and context‐sensitive research in supply chain management (SCM). Despite its economic and demographic significance, African contexts remain underrepresented in mainstream SCM scholarship, which limits understanding of the continent's diversity, complexity, and social dimensions. This article examines governance in African supply chains through three persistent societal challenges: the erosion of local agency, labor exploitation, and marginalization. While dominant frameworks such as transaction cost economics, agency theory, and the relational view offer useful insights into coordination and control, they do not fully capture the relational, ethical, and social dimensions of supply chains in Africa. To address this gap, the article draws on Indigenous African philosophies: Ujamaa , Ubuntu , and Ọmọlúàbí as analytical lenses. The study contributes to the literature through perspectival theorizing, by reinterpreting established SCM phenomena through African philosophical perspectives, and through propositional theorizing, by advancing theoretically informed and contextually grounded propositions and research questions. The article demonstrates how African insights can inform and extend existing SCM theories by promoting more socially impactful and ethically informed governance, and by positioning the supply chain as a potential source of conceptual innovation for globally relevant and socially meaningful theory.

Pakistan’s forests cover only 4.2% of the national territory yet deliver critical ecosystem services that remain largely unaccounted for in policy and planning. This study provides the first harmonized, country-wide assessment of timber production and carbon sequestration services using Sentinel 2 imagery and standardized valuation frameworks. A cloud-free Sentinel 2 composite for 2024 was processed at 20 m resolution to map forest cover, revealing an extent of 40,784 km2 concentrated below 2500 m a.s.l. Timber production was valued under two perspectives: forest-derived harvests (289,000 m3 yr−1; ~140 million USD yr−1) and total national supply (15 million m3 yr−1; ~7.3 billion USD yr−1), highlighting the marginal role of natural forests in Pakistan’s wood economy. Conversely, carbon sequestration emerges as a high magnitude regulating service: forests remove 2.53 million Mg CO2 yr−1, corresponding to 78 million USD yr−1 at a carbon price of 31 USD t−1 CO2. Sensitivity analysis across canopy thresholds (30%, 50%, 75%) confirms the robustness of this pattern. Despite their limited spatial footprint, Pakistan’s forests provide ecosystem services whose economic and ecological significance far exceeds their area. Findings underscore the need for integrated forest-landscape governance, improved monitoring systems, and inclusion of regulating services in national planning and carbon-finance mechanisms.

Bayelsa State, despite its strategic economic significance as a major oil and gas producer in Nigeria, faces a critical development paradox: immense natural resource wealth coexists with severe infrastructural deficits and limited research capacity. This paper analyzes the existing policy landscape and proposes a comprehensive framework of integrated strategies designed to build a robust, sustainable, and impactful research infrastructure ecosystem. Such an ecosystem is fundamental for driving economic diversification, addressing unique environmental challenges like oil pollution and coastal erosion, fostering innovation, and achieving the state's long-term development goals as outlined in its "ASSURED Agenda" . By leveraging strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and smart governance structures, Bayelsa can transform its economy from resource-dependent to knowledge-driven.

Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) is one of Indonesia’s leading agricultural commodities, with West Lampung serving as a major production center. Besides its economic significance, robusta coffee has garnered scientific attention due to its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. Among these, flavonoids stand out for their well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, making them highly relevant for applications in cosmetic and personal care products, particularly in hair care formulations. Flavonoids are known to play a crucial role in maintaining scalp health, preventing oxidative damage to hair follicles, and promoting overall hair vitality. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile and quantify the total flavonoid content in Coffea canephora bean extract originating from West Lampung. Phytochemical screening was conducted qualitatively to detect the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. For the quantification of total flavonoid content, a UV-Visible spectrophotometric method was employed, using quercetin as the standard reference compound. The extract was first macerated with 96% ethanol, followed by filtration and evaporation to obtain a concentrated sample. The results revealed the presence of key bioactive compounds, including tannins, saponins, and notably, flavonoids. The total flavonoid content was found to be 784 mg QE/g extract. These findings support the potential utilization of Coffea canephora from West Lampung as a functional raw material in cosmetic formulations, particularly for hair care products aimed at protecting against oxidative stress and enhancing scalp and hair health. Further studies are recommended to explore the extract’s mechanism of action and its compatibility in cosmetic bases.