Efficiency Of Use Research Articles

Improving crop model accuracy in the development of regional irrigation and nitrogen schedules by using data assimilation and spatial clustering algorithms

Crop growth models have been used to develop irrigation and nitrogen schedules (INSs). However, differences in crop cultivar coefficients are often ignored in the development of regional INSs. This study aimed to formulate suitable INSs under spatial heterogeneities in crop cultivar coefficients. Therefore, we propose two strategies for retrieving maize cultivar coefficients by using a data assimilation algorithm and spatial clustering algorithm. The first strategy involves determining the cultivar coefficients for each simulation unit in the examined region and then assigning different cultivar coefficients to the different clusters obtained using a spatial clustering algorithm, with the cultivar coefficients employed as clustering characteristics (CAs). The second strategy involves assigning different cultivar coefficients to the different clusters obtained using a spatial clustering algorithm on the basis of cultivar coefficients and geographical characteristics (CAGCs). By using observational data, the accuracy of cultivar coefficients CAs and CAGCs was compared with that of commonly used regional representative coefficients (RRs) and sub-region representative coefficients (SRRs). Furthermore, we formulated INSs with these four coefficients by using yield maximization as the objective and water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) as constraints. We examined the differences between the INSs, yields, WUE values, and NUE values obtained using each of the aforementioned four coefficients and those obtained using a point optimization approach. The results revealed that the highest accuracy in the simulation of the regional leaf area index, yield, and phenological stage was exhibited by the CAGCs-based strategy, followed by the CAs-based strategy. The RRs-based and SRRs-based strategies produced considerable errors. Crucially, the INSs obtained using the CAGCs-based strategy were more similar to those obtained through point optimization and more reasonable than were the INSs obtained using the other three strategies. In addition, more accurate yield, WUE, and NUE values were obtained with the CAGCs-based strategy than with the other three coefficients-based strategies. The results of this study indicate that the combination of a data assimilation algorithm and spatial clustering algorithm can improve the application potential of crop models in agricultural systems.

Employee education level and efficiency of corporate investment

PurposeIn this study, the authors explore the association between employee education level and the efficiency of corporate investment using data from a sample of Chinese listed firms during the period from 2011 to 2018. By examining the impact of education on investment efficiency, the authors' study provides valuable insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying economic mechanisms related to education.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct multivariate regression analyses to examine the relationship between investment efficiency (following Richardson, 2006) and the level of employee education, along with a series of control variables. To ensure the reliability of the authors' findings, the authors subject the their results to a comprehensive set of robustness tests, such as a staggered difference-in-difference (DiD) regression approach, an instrumental variable (IV) method and the use of alternative employee education level and investment efficiency measurements.FindingsThe findings offer compelling evidence that higher levels of education have a positive impact on firms' investment efficiency, and this effect remains robust across various model specifications and endogeneity considerations. Moreover, the influence of education is more pronounced in firms that prioritize employee training, maintain effective internal communication and offer attractive financial rewards. Furthermore, the results suggest that the relationship between education and investment efficiency is influenced by the firms' business nature and competitive environment. Factors such as business complexity, labor intensity and business location also play a role in shaping the impact of education on investment outcomes.Originality/valueThe study emphasizes the crucial role of education in influencing investment decisions and performance within firms. By delving into this previously unexplored area, the authors' research contributes to the existing literature, establishing that the level of employee education is a significant determinant of corporate investment efficiency. This valuable insight has substantial implications for firms aiming to enhance their investment decision-making processes and overall performance. Understanding the positive impact of education on investment efficiency can empower organizations to leverage their human capital effectively and achieve better investment outcomes, ultimately contributing to long-term success and competitiveness in the market.

Resources extraction and access to clean energy a curse or blessing for the economy? Middle-income economies case study

The study evaluates the long-lasting and debatable issue of the resource-growth nexus, which unearths whether natural resources have a curse or blessing on economic growth. Hence, this research revisits the nexus of natural resources and economic growth in middle-income economies with more relevant and effective variables: energy efficiency and access to clean fuel technology from 1988 to 2021. The study leveraged various time series methods, including the ADF-GLS stationary analysis to govern the stationary sequence and the Bayer-Hanck cointegration test for long-term cointegration. The primary methods include FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR, which reveal long-term elasticities between dependent and independent variables. Both non-parametric quantile and parametric robust regression are used for robustness checks. The results reveal that time series were found static D (1) and long-term cointegration occurs between economic growth and its regressors: mineral rents, natural gas rents, energy efficiency, and access to clean fuel technology. The empirical findings exhibit that natural gas and mineral rents show an encouraging influence on the economy's growth in middle-income economies, confirming the blessings of these resources. Moreover, energy efficiency and access to clean fuel technology allow effective use of natural resource rents and endorse supportable economic growth. The robustness check scrutiny confirms the results via robust regression, while the robustness test of quantile regression displays asymmetries in the mineral rents and natural gas rents across quantiles. These results indicate several policy implications to policymakers regarding the use of energy efficiency and access to clean fuel technologies should be increased and encouraged to allow the effective use of natural resources for sustainable expansion of the economy.

Integrating leaf functional traits improves modelled estimates of carbon and water fluxes at a subtropical evergreen conifer forest

Simulations of gross primary productivity (GPP) and evapotranspiration (ET) by terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) are subject to significant uncertainty, in part due to the spatiotemporal variability in leaf photosynthetic capacity, which is not well represented in models. Recent studies have shown the potential for using leaf chlorophyll content (Chlleaf) to constrain GPP and ET modeling in deciduous vegetation with a strong seasonal phenology. However, little is known about how integrating physiological trait information affects modelled GPP and ET in evergreen plants. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of incorporating Chlleaf and leaf age into a TBM, as a proxy for leaf maximum carboxylation rate at 25 °C (Vcmax25) for improving GPP and ET simulations. Measurements of Chlleaf and Vcmax25 from different leaf age classes (current-year and 1-year-old) for Masson pine and Slash pine species, and leaf area index (LAI) were made in a subtropical Evergreen Needleleaf Forest (ENF) eddy covariance flux tower site. The parameterization of Vcmax25 using combined information on Chlleaf and leaf age considerably reduced the biases in simulated GPP and ET, relative to the cases of i) constant Vcmax25 and ii) Chlleaf based Vcmax25. The largest improvements in GPP and ET simulations were found in growing season (May to August), when monthly absolute errors (AEs) of modeled GPP were ∼40 % reduced, from 120.5 to 71.2 g C m−2 mon−1, with a 25 % decrease of monthly AEs of modeled ET from 52.3 to 39.1 mm mon−1. Chlleaf plays a different role in modelled photosynthesis and transpiration between sunlit and shaded leaves. The modeled water use efficiency (WUE) and light use efficiency (LUE) of the shaded leaves were both higher than those of sunlit leaves. This study presents the newly use of Chlleaf and leaf age as a proxy for improving Vcmax25 modeling at an ENF stand, which highlights the importance of using plant physiological traits and leaf age for improving ecosystem carbon-water coupling simulations.

English

Drought is a highly important abiotic stress that affects crops around the world and especially under the Mediterranean climate. This study is focused on strawberry, an important species around the Mediterranean that is suitable for family-owned smallscale businesses. This study aimed to determine the effects of conventional deficit irrigation and fixed partial root drying techniques on the evapotranspiration (ET), yield and quality of Rubygem strawberry species. Strawberry seedlings were planted in the greenhouse in a double row at a planting distance of 30×30 cm. Irrigation was carried out by drip irrigation. The control - full irrigation was based on measurements taken from an A-Class Evaporation Pan. Three conventional deficit irrigation (DI80, DI60 and DI40) and four fixed partial root drying (FPRD100, FPRD80, and FPRD60 FPRD40) were examined. Irrigation water quantities were applied at the 100% (FPRD100/FULL), 80% (DI80 and FPRD80), 60% (DI60 and FPRD60) and 40% (DI40 and FPRD40) levels. The amount of irrigation water ranged between 199.17 and 452.92 mm. It was found that the various water levels affected the ET and the yield (Y). In general, as the amount of water decreased, the ET also decreased. The ET, Y, water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) were significantly affected by irrigation treatments (LSD 5%). The yield values are ranked from high to low as FULL > FPRD100 > FPRD80 > DI80 > DI60 > FPRD60 > FPRD40 > DI40. As expected, WUE and IWUE values were higher under deficit irrigation levels i.e., DI80, DI60, DI40, FPRD80, FPRD60, and FPRD40. Fruit quality parameters (width, height and average weight) increased with the increase in the amount of applied irrigation water. In addition, fruit firmness values and total phenolic compounds were significantly affected by irrigation level. The results showed that different irrigation levels (100%, 80%, 60% and 40%) affected the yield and yield parameters of strawberry plants. In general, it has been found that, the yield and quality are negatively affected with increases in water deficit (DI40 and FPRD40 treatments). However, the results showed that the fixed partial root drying technique is superior to conventional deficit irrigation applications. As a result of the research, mainly FPRD80 and then DI80, DI60 and FPRD60 are recommended for strawberry cultivation, especially in arid and semiarid regions, depending on the availability of water

A holistic sustainability assessment of a zero-emission development in Norway

The decarbonisation of the construction sector is critical to meet national and international climate goals. Literature gives many examples of measures for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings. However, few studies investigate the trade-offs between potentially conflicting GHG emission reduction measures or the affordability of these measures. Ydalir is a Zero Emission Neighbourhood (ZEN) pilot area in the Norwegian research centre for Zero Emission Neighbourhoods in smart cities. One of the major challenges Ydalir faces is how to reduce GHG emissions from the neighbourhood towards a net zero emission building (nZEB). Additional challenges include retaining social, environmental, and economical sustainability for both the project developer and building owners and avoid suboptimal solutions. This paper investigates the trade-offs between energy efficiency and material use for two scenarios. The scenarios are a Norwegian building code scenario and a passive house scenario. The analysis ascertains total energy demand, whole life cycle GHG emissions, and cost assessment for two housing units within Ydalir Torg. The results show lower total GHG emissions and lower GHG emissions from operational energy use in the passive house scenario, and an increase in GHG emissions from the production phase due to thicker levels of insulation. The cost assessment shows increased investment costs for the project developer in the passive house scenario, despite lower operational costs for the building owner. Total GHG emission payback times for the passive house scenario are at 18 - 19 years. Cost payback time varies between 10 - 37 years. This paper is useful for practitioners that wish to balance GHG emission reduction requirements between operational energy use, material use and affordability.

PERANCANGAN HOME AUTOMATION DALAM MENGONTROL TIRAI, MENDETEKSI KEBAKARAN, DAN KEAMANAN PADA PINTU

One of the technological developments that is beneficial to humans is to minimize and assist humanperformance in controlling the house. Sometimes in the use and control of the house efficiency is stillnot maximized. The use of Arduino Uno is very diverse, namely it can be used to develop interactiveobjects, take input from various switches or sensors, control or control curtains, detect fires, andsecurity at doors. At present, most of the household control systems still use human power, forexample to open and close curtains, being oblivious to fire hazards, this makes human work slow andcareless. Arduino Control in Organizations can help users control home conditions.

Design of an IoT-Based Automatic Switching System Using Blynk Software

Optimizing electrical energy consumption is imperative to preserve ecological balance and conserve finite natural resources. One major contributor to inefficient electrical energy consumption is the indiscriminate use of electronic devices. Lighting systems, for example, fundamental in modern living, are often left on unnecessarily, resulting in substantial energy waste. To address this issue, we've introduced an automatic lighting control system that automates light activation and deactivation based on user-defined schedules, promoting energy efficiency and responsible energy use. The primary objective of our research is to design and deploy a Blynk-controlled IoT-based wireless switch control system that enhances energy efficiency by efficiently managing lighting for example conditions according to user-defined parameters. This approach minimizes energy waste, regulates current supply to lighting fixtures, and encourages responsible electronic device usage. Moreover, the system aligns with government initiatives for sustainable energy use and environmental conservation. This paper delves into the detailed design, development, and practical applications of the IoT-based Blynk-controlled wireless switch control system, emphasizing its technical aspects and underscoring the substantial benefits it offers to users and the environment. Our study represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, driven by innovative technology and responsible energy management.

Association between frailty and sleep quality in people living with multiple sclerosis and obesity: An observational cross-sectional study

BackgroundA majority of the people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) experience sleep disturbances. Frailty is also common in pwMS. The geriatric literature strongly suggests that frailty is associated with worse sleep outcomes in community-dwelling older adults, but this association has yet to be explored among pwMS. This study focused on examining the association between frailty and sleep quality in pwMS. MethodsSeventy-six people with both MS and obesity (mean age: 47.6 ± 10.9 years, 81.6 % female, mean body mass index (BMI): 37.10 ± 5.5 kg/m2, mean Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS): 0.82 ± 1.20) were included in this cross-sectional secondary analysis. A comprehensive frailty index (FI) based on 41 health deficits from various health domains was calculated based on standardized procedures. Sleep quality was determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI). ResultsOverall, 67.1 % of the participants were identified as non-frail (FI ≤ 0.25), and 32.9 % were identified as frail (FI > 0.25). A significant correlation was observed between FI scores and global PSQI scores (ρ = 0.43, p < 0.05). Cross-tabulation analyses revealed that frail participants had worse subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and higher use of sleep medications compared to non-frail participants (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe current study identified a significant association between frailty and sleep quality in people with both MS and obesity with minimal disability. These findings underscore the importance of untangling the relationship between frailty and sleep quality in pwMS. These results could lead to a more targeted approach for rehabilitation interventions aiming to improve frailty in MS.

Current perspective on nutrient solution management strategies to improve the nutrient and water use efficiency in hydroponic systems

Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation technique using nutrient solutions under controlled conditions, is used for growing vegetables, high-value crops, and flowers. It produces significantly higher yields compared to conventional agriculture despite its higher energy consumption. The success of a hydroponic system relies on the composition of the nutrient solution, which contains all the essential mineral elements necessary for optimal plant growth and high yield. This review delves into the discussion of enhancing nutrient solution management strategies across different hydroponic systems. The aim of this review is to discuss various techniques for monitoring nutrient solutions in order to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and water use efficiency (WUE). The conventional approach of monitoring the hydroponic nutrient solution using electrical conductivity measurement may not provide precise information about ion concentrations, potentially resulting in poor yields or excessive fertilizer usage. To overcome these limitations, alternative management strategies have been developed to enable more accurate monitoring and efficient management. One such strategy is the nitrogen-based approach, where nitrogen concentration becomes the primary controlled element in the nutrient solution and leads to WUE and NUE development by prolonging nutrient solution recirculation. Furthermore, various methods have been devised to improve nutrient solution strategies. These include using ion-selective electrodes to measure individual ions in the hydroponic nutrient solution, using sensors to monitor substrate moisture content, estimating water requirements, and implementing programmed nutrient addition methods. In addition to introducing different management techniques to optimize hydroponic performance, this review provides a better understanding of hydroponic systems.

Policies and Energy Efficiency of Heat Recovery Ventilators in South Korea

To reduce national greenhouse gas emissions, the South Korean government has encouraged new energy businesses and implemented policies to reduce energy consumption in buildings, and aims to construct all new buildings as zero-energy buildings by 2025. According to the promotion of policies on passive houses and zero-energy buildings, the thermal insulation and airtight performance of new buildings have been further enhanced. However, to enhance indoor comfort and air quality in new airtight buildings, it is critical to secure an adequate amount of ventilation. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) in South Korea have been used for more than 20 years as high-efficiency energy equipment; however, the high-efficiency standard 20 years ago (cooling efficiency 45%, heating efficiency 70%) is still being employed without any change. Most HRVs in the Korean market either meet or exceed this standard. This study examined HRV performance changes from 2010 to 2020 based on the data of 847 HRV performance certifications given by a certification agency. It also analyzed how institutional strategies and related laws contributed to the enhancement of such performance. As HRVs in South Korea are only required to satisfy the pre-defined efficiency criteria, the development and use of HRVs focus more on cost reduction rather than efficiency enhancement. Under such market conditions, it is challenging to research and design highly efficient HRVs along with customer satisfaction. If better market conditions are offered that would welcome HRVs with higher efficiency, the development of better HRVs, as compared to those analyzed in this research study, would be possible.

Effect of Seed Priming and Moisture Conservation Measures on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) under Rainfed Upland Situation

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2019-20 and 2020-21 at the PG experimental plot of the Department of Agronomy, BNCA to assess seed priming and moisture conservation measures on productivity and profitability of baby corn under the rainfed situation. The soil of the experimental site was acidic (pH 4.64), sandy loam in texture, medium in organic carbon (0.64%), low in available N (232.06 kg ha-1), P2O5 (13.84 kg ha-1) and K2O (115.27 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with 4 levels of seed priming methods. S0: No priming; S1: Seed priming with 1% urea solution; S2: priming with 1% potash solution (MOP); S3: priming with 3 times diluted cow urine and 3 levels of soil moisture conservation measures viz. M0: No mulching; M1: use of bio mulch; M2: use of black polythene mulch. Results revealed that the highest and quickest seedling emergence (11.96 numbers m-2) was recorded under the treatment of seed priming with three times diluted cow urine which was at par with the treatment of seed priming with 1% urea and 1% KCl (MOP) solution. The total number of leaves m-2, total leaf area plant-1 and leaf area index (LAI) of baby corn were also changed significantly due to different moisture conservation measures but those parameters remain static due to different seed priming methods. The CGR (g m-2 day-1), RGR, (g g-1 day-1) and NAR (mg cm-1 day-1) of baby corn were also changed significantly due to different soil moisture conservation measures. The highest and most significant baby corn yield without husk(22.59 q ha-1) with 305.61 q ha-1 of green fodder yield along with harvest index (6.00), production efficiency (25.67 kg‑1 day-1 ha-1) and nutrient use productivity (9.41 kg‑1 ha-1 kg-1) were recorded under the treatment where black polythene mulching was used as soil moisture conservation measure.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Tractography in Resective Brain Surgery: Lesion Coverage Strategies and Patient Outcomes.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-tractography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have dynamically entered the presurgical evaluation context of brain surgery during the past decades, providing novel perspectives in surgical planning and lesion access approaches. However, their application in the presurgical setting requires significant time and effort and increased costs, thereby raising questions regarding efficiency and best use. In this work, we set out to evaluate DTI-tractography and combined fMRI/DTI-tractography during intra-operative neuronavigation in resective brain surgery using lesion-related preoperative neurological deficit (PND) outcomes as metrics. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 252 consecutive patients admitted for brain surgery. Standard anatomical neuroimaging protocols were performed in 127 patients, 69 patients had additional DTI-tractography, and 56 had combined DTI-tractography/fMRI. fMRI procedures involved language, motor, somatic sensory, sensorimotor and visual mapping. DTI-tractography involved fiber tracking of the motor, sensory, language and visual pathways. At 1 month postoperatively, DTI-tractography patients were more likely to present either improvement or preservation of PNDs (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007, respectively). At 6 months, combined DTI-tractography/fMRI patients were more likely to experience complete PND resolution (p < 0.001). Low-grade lesion patients (N = 102) with combined DTI-tractography/fMRI were more likely to experience complete resolution of PNDs at 1 and 6 months (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). High-grade lesion patients (N = 140) with combined DTI-tractography/fMRI were more likely to have PNDs resolved at 6 months (p = 0.005). Patients with motor symptoms (N = 80) were more likely to experience complete remission of PNDs at 6 months with DTI-tractography or combined DTI-tractography/fMRI (p = 0.008 and p = 0.004, respectively), without significant difference between the two imaging protocols (p = 1). Patients with sensory symptoms (N = 44) were more likely to experience complete PND remission at 6 months with combined DTI-tractography/fMRI (p = 0.004). The intraoperative neuroimaging modality did not have a significant effect in patients with preoperative seizures (N = 47). Lack of PND worsening was observed at 6 month follow-up in patients with combined DTI-tractography/fMRI. Our results strongly support the combined use of DTI-tractography and fMRI in patients undergoing resective brain surgery for improving their postoperative clinical profile.

The use and evaluation of ecological and economic efficiency of agricultural land in Ukraine

The use and evaluation of ecological and economic efficiency of agricultural land in Ukraine

ASPiH Conference 2023 – Sustainable Simulation

In the past 2 years, ASPiH (Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare) annual conferences offered a space for reflection on crucial topics central to simulation-based activities [1,2], and this year is no exception. The ASPiH 2023 theme is Sustainable Simulation. The term sustainable derives from the Latin word ‘ The simulation community has been keen to share their reflections and strategies on how sustainability can support and enhance the quality and impact of health and care simulation activities. Many of the abstracts received demonstrate that our community is aware, concerned and actively developing sustainable solutions [4–15]. One of the primary aspects of sustainable simulation is resource efficiency. Health, care and educational institutions are often limited by budget constraints and environmental concerns. Sustainable simulation strategies help them make the most of their investments in simulation technology and facilities. By maximizing the utilization of their human resources, material, equipment and space, institutions can reduce costs and minimize their environmental footprint [4,5]. Moreover, sustainability in health and care simulation promotes the development of accessible, environmentally and economically responsible technological solutions. Low-cost solutions often involve finding affordable, non-disposable alternatives to expensive simulation tools and props. Durable, reusable materials, for example, drive both eco-friendly and cost-effectiveness goals simultaneously [6,7]. On the other hand, the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual reality, provides immersive learning experiences while reducing the use of disposables, associated waste and travel [8,9]. Sustainable simulation also encourages collaborative partnerships among health, care and educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. These partnerships can facilitate the sharing of resources, expertise, best practices, and the development of standardized or innovative solutions. This collaborative approach ensures that health and care simulation activities maintain a high level of quality and relevance while conserving resources [10–12]. Furthermore, sustainable simulation aligns with the broader goals of health and care education and practice. By promoting resource efficiency and responsible use of technology, it prepares health and care professionals to be mindful of resource allocation at work. This is especially relevant in a world where sustainability and health and care outcomes are interconnected [13]. Sustainable simulation practices are inherently scalable. They can be adapted to accommodate growing student populations without a proportional increase in costs or environmental impact. This scalability is essential as health and care education strives to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals [14,15]. In conclusion, sustainable simulation is a pragmatic approach to improving health and care education and practice. By adopting sustainable practices in health and care simulation-based activities, we can ensure that these invaluable training tools remain accessible, effective and aligned with the evolving needs of health and care. As we move forward, let us embrace our evolving principles of sustainable simulation as means to elevate the quality and impact of health and care education, ultimately leading to better care and a more responsible use of resources. We invite you to continue this reflection and call to action during the 2023 ASPiH Conference in Brighton, 6–8 November 2023, which has a vibrant and rich scientific programme, as illustrated by the abstracts selected for publication in this special issue of the International Journal of Healthcare Simulation. Thank you to everyone who responded to the call for abstracts for this year’s ASPiH conference and to the scientific committee members involved in the reviewing process.

Use of intercropping and mulch to improve the water and natural resources use efficiencies of forage cactus and millet production in a semiarid region

1. CONTEXT - Improving the use of natural resources (e.g., water, nutrients, and radiation) within production systems under different technologies (mulch and intercropping) is fundamental to intensifying sustainable agriculture. 2. OBJECTIVE - The objective was to quantify the parameters of water consumption and the efficiency of using natural resources of forage cactus and millet under different technologies of crops in a semiarid environment. 3. METHODS - The forage cactus (clone Orelha de Elefante Mexicana) and millet (cv. IPA Bulk-1-BF) were evaluated to six cropping arrangements: single cactus with mulch (CWM), single cactus with no mulch (CNM), single millet with mulch (MWM), single millet with no mulch (MNM), a cactus-millet intercropping system with mulch (CMWM), and cactus-millet intercropping system with no mulch (CMNM). Data on crop growth, crop production, and soil moisture were collected, and the following were determined: crop evapotranspiration (ETc), crop transpiration (T), soil water evaporation (E), single crop coefficient (Kc), dual crop coefficient (Kcb and Ke), water use efficiency (WUE), nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and radiation use efficiency (RUE). Biological efficiency and competitive ability indicators were calculated for the intercropped systems. 4. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS - The ETc (mm day −1) was higher under MWM (4.69), MNM (3.60), and CMWM (3.81). There was little variation in the values of ETc, T, or E between CNM and CWM, unlike between MNM and MWM. Intercropping reduced E compared to the single crops of cactus (8%) and millet (58%). On average, Kc was higher under MWM (0.98), CWM (0.69), and CMWM, (0.88), compared to MNM (0.75), CNM (0.63), and CMNM (0.48). The intercrops were more efficient for WUE (44%) and RUE (2.28 g MJ −1), with no difference for NUE. It can be concluded that the cactus-millet intercropping system is a good alternative for more-resilient agriculture in semi-arid environments, especially when the use of mulch. 5. SIGNIFICANCE - The results of this study are significant for the management of water resources in the semi-arid region, as they favour knowledge of the water needs of these crops in different production systems, and how the adoption of technologies such as intercropping and mulching can improve efficiency in the use of available natural resources, compared to exclusive planting.

Drought Priming and Subsequent Irrigation Water Regimes Enhanced Grain Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat Crop

The most important factor impacting wheat production is water stress that occurs during the reproductive growth stage. Therefore, the plant responses and water productivity as affected by drought priming were investigated during Rabi seasons 2021 and 2022. The field trials were conducted in the research field of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. The Hamal-BNS wheat variety was subjected to differing irrigation water regime levels (40%, 50% and 60% of soil water holding capacity, SWHC) after being subjected to drought priming, irrigation water recovery (water closure period) and drought priming. There were six treatments: (1) DPP-40 (drought priming plants at 40% of SWHC), (2) DPP-50, (3) DPP-60, (4) CTP-40 (controlled treated plants at 40% of SWHC), (5) CTP-50 and (6) CTP-60. During the experiment period, soil moisture content was significantly affected by the different treatments at various growth stages of wheat. The results indicated that winter wheat pre-exposed to drought priming attained a stress imprint that improved the subsequent deficit water levels which occurred during the later plant growth stage as demonstrated by the progress of test weight, grain yield, plant level water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency as well as relative yield compared to CTP-50 (control treatment). Under the irrigation water regime levels during the post-anthesis period, primed wheat plants sustained grain yield and higher relative yield than wheat plants without priming due to the better irrigation water regime for drought-primed wheat plants. Similarly, primed wheat plants consumed 18.3% less irrigation water as compared to non-primed plants, which significantly increased plant level WUE and irrigation WUE and decreased dry biomass and root development of drought-primed wheat plants. Therefore, to conserve fresh water for other field crops and increase water productivity in the Sindh province, it is recommended that drought priming is used during the early growth period of wheat plants as a successful irrigation method.

Integrated application of fertilization and reduced irrigation improved maize (Zea mays L.) yield, crop water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in a semi-arid region

Water scarcity as well as soil degradation and environmental problems potentially caused by excessive application of chemical fertilizers are major challenges to agricultural production in semi-arid areas. It is crucial to explore a suitable and eco-friendly strategy to achieve sustainable production of maize with high crop water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency. Here, a two-year field experiment with three irrigation levels of W1 (220 mm), W2 (140 mm) and W3 (60 mm), and five fertilization types of no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer (CF), bio-fertilizer combined with CF (CFB), organic fertilizer combined with 70% CF (CFO) and bio-fertilizer combined with CFO (CFOB) was conducted to investigate the effect on dry matter, N uptake and remobilization, grain yield, crop water productivity, nitrogen use efficiency and economic benefits of maize in 2021 and 2022. The results showed that the W2 and W3 decreased in the leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, dry matter accumulation, the maximum dry matter accumulation rate and actual crop evapotranspiration. Under W1 condition, the CFB improved the growth of maize, increased the dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and yield, with 8.1% and 7.4% higher than CF in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Under deficit irrigation (W2 and W3), CFOB significantly increased the leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, dry matter accumulation at later growth stage, in addition, CFOB increased the post-silking N uptake and the percentage in total N content, finally improved the grain yield with 23.8% and 22.8% under W2, 22.5% and 25.7% under W3 higher than that of the CF in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Irrigation and fertilizer showed a coupling effect on grain yield, crop water productivity, agronomy efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency. Overall, the CFOB under moderate deficit (W2) exhibited the highest water productivity, nitrogen use efficiency and economic benefits, as well as maintained the high yield, could be a promising approach to sustainable development of local maize.

Enhancing alfalfa photosynthetic performance through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation across varied phosphorus application levels

This study evaluated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on the growth and photosynthetic performance of alfalfa under different phosphorus application levels. This experiment adopts two-factors completely random design, and sets four levels of fungi application: single inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae (Fm, T1), single inoculation with Glomus etunicatum (Ge, T2) and mixed inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae × Glomus etunicatum (Fm×Ge, T3) and treatment uninfected fungus (CK, T0). Four phosphorus application levels were set under the fungi application level: P2O5 0 (P0), 50 (P1), 100 (P2) and 150 (P3) mg·kg-1. There were 16 treatments for fungus phosphorus interaction. The strain was placed 5 cm below the surface of the flowerpot soil, and the phosphate fertilizer was dissolved in water and applied at one time. The results showed that the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) of alfalfa decreased at first and then increased with the increase of phosphorus application, except for light use efficiency (LUE) and leaf instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE), other indicators showed the opposite trend. The effect of mixed inoculation (T3) was significantly better than that of non-inoculation (T0) (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that Ci was significantly negatively correlated with alfalfa leaf transpiration rate (Tr) and WUE (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and was extremely significantly negatively correlated with other indicators (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The other indexes were positively correlated (p &amp;lt; 0.05). This may be mainly because the factors affecting plant photosynthesis are non-stomatal factors. Through the comprehensive analysis of membership function, the indexes of alfalfa under different treatments were comprehensively ranked, and the top three were: T3P2&amp;gt;T3P1&amp;gt;T1P2. Therefore, when the phosphorus treatment was 100 mg·kg-1, the mixed inoculation of Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus etunicatum had the best effect, which was conducive to improving the photosynthetic efficiency of alfalfa, increasing the dry matter yield, and improving the economic benefits of local alfalfa in Xinjiang. In future studies, the anatomical structure and photosynthetic performance of alfalfa leaves and stems should be combined to clarify the synergistic mechanism of the anatomical structure and photosynthetic performance of alfalfa.

Do clean energy transition, environment degradation, and energy efficiency influence health expenditure: Empirical evidence from emerging countries

The well-being of our environment and the overall health of population are increasingly at risk due to the pursuit of rapid economic growth by both developed and developing economies. This is exacerbated by the well-established connection between economic expansion and increased energy consumption. Because of this scenario of development, rapidly growing health expenditure is a matter of grave concern for households and governments. Every government is compelled to allocate a sufficient budget to improve people's health. Therefore, determinant factors of health expenditure in emerging nation became issue of discussion to understand the direction of further health expenditure. Therefore, major objective this study is investigating the impact of the clean energy transition, energy efficiency, aging population, natural resource depletion, and environmental degradation on health spending in 22 emerging economies for the period of 2000–2019. To fulfil this objective, Fully Modified Ordinary Least square (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) techniques have been applied. Further to check causality among selected variables, Dumitrescu-Hurlin Granger Causality test has been employed. The outcomes of the Kao co-integration test predicted that a long-run association exists among natural resources depletion energy efficiency, renewable energy, aging population, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions with total health spending, government health spending, and private health spending in selected countries. Further results of FMOS found that the aging population, natural resources depletion, and CO2 release positively influence health spending in selected countries. The study results also indicated that improvement in energy efficiency and renewable energy use decrease health expenditure of emerging countries. Further, these results were also re-confirmed by the DOLS method. Further, the main conclusion of D-H findings predicted that feedback causality exists between environmental degradation and health spending.