Growth Potential Research Articles

Resource recovery through bioremediation of fuel-synthesis wastewater in a biofilm photobioreactor using purple non-sulfur bacteria: A circular bioeconomy approach

In the current era of wastewater treatment, integrating reusable water production with resource recovery is a key goal. This study aims to treat fuel-synthesis wastewater (FSW), intending to recover various resources, including polyhydroxybutyrate (PHBs), single cell protein, bacteriochlorophylls, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10 from suspended and biofilm growth to decrease the harvesting costs. The study considered the treatment process, biofilm growth, and resource recovery potential in a mixed-culture system enriched with purple non-sulfur bacteria for treating FSW. Specifically, the effects of four different FSW strengths (25–100 %) and nitrogen sufficiency (N+) or deficiency (N−) were evaluated in eight biofilm photobioreactors. This study observed a direct correlation between the concentration of FSW and PHB content; specifically, as the FSW content decreased from 100 % (undiluted) to 25 % the PHB content decreased. The undiluted condition achieved 17 % dry cell weight as PHB in the suspended growth and 22.6 % in the biofilm growth under N− condition. The protein content ranged between 33 and 44 %, and the presence of nitrogen had a slight positive effect on higher protein content. No trend was observed for carotenoids or bacteriochlorophylls in the N− condition. In contrast, for the N+ condition, the concentration of bacteriochlorophylls increased with decreasing wastewater concentration under suspended growth, while it decreased with decreasing wastewater concentration under biofilm growth. Coenzyme Q10 concentration was enhanced under the most growth-limited condition (25 %, N−). PHB and protein content of these resources seem most promising when using N− and N+ conditions, respectively.

Identification of potential vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors via tree‐based learning modeling and molecular docking simulation

AbstractAngiogenesis, a crucial process in tumor growth, is widely recognized as a key factor in cancer progression. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway is important for its pivotal role in promoting angiogenesis. The primary objective of this study was to identify a powerful classifier for distinguishing compounds as active or inactive inhibitors of VEGF receptors. To build the machine learning model, compounds were sourced from the BindingDB database. A variety of common feature selection techniques, including both filter‐based and wrapper‐based methods, were applied to reduce dimensionality, subsequently, overfitting problem. Robust and accurate tree‐based classifiers were employed in the classification procedure. Application of the extra‐tree classifier using the MultiSURF* feature selection method provided a model with superior accuracy (83.7%) compared with other feature selection techniques. High‐throughput molecular docking followed by an accurate docking and comprehensive analysis of the results was performed to provide the best possible inhibitors of these receptors. Comprehensive analysis of the docking results revealed successful prediction of molecules with VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 inhibitory activity. These results emphasized that the performance of the extra‐tree model, coupled with MultiSURF* feature selection, surpassed other methods in identifying chemical compounds targeting specific VEGF receptors.

Unlocking the growth potential: harnessing the power of synbiotics to enhance cultivation of Pleurotus spp.

The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) is one of the most widely cultivated mushroom species globally. The present study investigated the effect of synbiotics on the growth and quality of Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus pulmonarius. Different synbiotics formulations were applied by spraying mushroom samples daily and measuring their growth parameters, yield, biological efficiency, proximate composition, mineral content, total phenolic content (TPC), and diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Results demonstrated that the most significant yield of oyster mushrooms was harvested from synbiotics sprayed with inulin and Lactobacillus casei (56.92 g). Likewise, the highest biological efficiency obtained with a similar synbiotic was 12.65%. Combining inulin and L. casei was the most effective method of improving the mushrooms' growth performance and nutrient content in both samples. Furthermore, synbiotics that combined inulin and L. casei resulted in the highest TPC (20.550 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract (DE)) in white oyster mushrooms (P. ostreatus). In comparison, in grey mushroom (P. pulmonarius) the highest TPC was yielded by L. casei (1.098 mg GAE/g DE) followed by inulin and L. casei (1.079 mg GAE/g DE). The DPPH results indicated that the oyster mushroom could be an efficient antioxidant. The results revealed that applying synbiotics improved the mushrooms' quality by increasing their antioxidant capacity with higher amounts of phenolic compounds and offering better health benefits with the increased levels of mineral elements. Together, these studies demonstrated the potential of using synbiotics as a biofertilizer, which is helpful for mushroom cultivation; therefore, it might solve the challenge of inconsistent quality mushroom growers face.

Achieving adequate nutrition in a malnourished world: the role of sustainable diets and animal source foods

Malnutrition affects over half the world’s population, manifesting in myriad forms. Nearly 1 in 4 children never reach their full growth potential, while 1 in 2 lack key micronutrients essential for health and development.1 Furthermore, 1 in 3 women suffer from anemia, and 2 in 3 do not get enough vital micronutrients. At the same time, over 2 in 5 adults are overweight or obese, and 1 in 5 live with high blood pressure. These various forms of malnutrition lead to physical and cognitive impairments, increased susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases, and reduced quality and length of life. They also impose immense economic, social, and health burdens. In addition to harming human health, our food system damages the planet, generating greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change and depleting freshwater reserves. It also causes deforestation and habitat destruction which drive species to extinction. These grave harms to both human and environmental wellbeing demand urgent action. Transforming our food systems is imperative to promote nutritious diets that deliver adequate nutrition and protect against noncommunicable diseases, while simultaneously protecting our planet, its biodiversity, and natural resources. As a response, many call for drastically limiting consumption of animal source foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. They argue that these foods jeopardize both human health and environmental sustainability. However, is it possible to meet the nutritional needs of the global population with few animal source foods? What are the full impacts, both positive and negative, of animal source foods on human health and the environment? In this presentation, I will review the latest scientific evidence surrounding these questions. I will examine whether mindfully produced and consumed animal source foods can be part of the solution. Join me to explore these critical issues concerning sustainable nutrition and the role of animal source foods in our food system transformation.

The anatomic repair of recurrent aortic arch obstruction in children and adolescents

ObjectiveSurgery for recurrent aortic arch obstruction is highly challenging and publications are rare. The aim of this retrospective, single-center study was to evaluate mortality, complications, and reintervention rate after an anatomic repair. MethodsBetween 1999 and 2022, in total 946 operations on the aortic arch were performed at the Children's Heart Center Linz. In 39 cases, the indication was a recurrent or residual aortic arch obstruction or coarctation in a patient aged 18 years or younger. This is our study cohort. The aorta was reconstructed by a direct anastomosis/autograft in 20 patients, patch in 17 patients, and interposition graft in 2 adolescents. In 32 procedures, cardiopulmonary bypass with whole body perfusion was employed, in 4, antegrade cerebral perfusion was employed, in 2, a left heart bypass was employed, and in 1 no cardiopulmonary bypass was used. ResultsMedian (Q1, Q3) age at operation was 253 days (100, 2198 days), weight 7.5 kg (4.5, 17.8 kg). Median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 177 minutes (115, 219 minutes), crossclamp time 73 minutes (49, 102 minutes). Three infants died during the hospital stay: 1 with Williams syndrome, 1 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and 1 with heterotaxia. There was no death due to an arch complication. The main complications were 1 neurologic injury after postoperative resuscitation (Williams syndrome) and 1 permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. During the follow-up period of median 8.1 years (2.6, 12 years) 1 re-reintervention on the aortic arch was necessary. ConclusionsSophisticated reoperations on the aortic arch could be performed safely. In children, the growth potential of all segments of the aorta could be sustainably preserved by avoiding interposition or extra-anatomic bypass grafts.

Retrospective study of Ishiguro's technique for mallet bone finger in children: long-term follow-up and analysis of predictors in outcomes.

There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of bony mallet finger in the paediatric population due to a lack of studies in children. The Ishiguro technique is simple and less invasive, and treatment with K-wire fixation seems to provide better results for extension lag in bony mallet finger according to the literature. A retrospective cross-sectional study with long-term follow-up was performed to evaluate the functional and clinical outcomes of this method in children. Preoperative and intraoperative predictors of outcome were investigated. From June to December 2022, we evaluated 95 children who underwent extension K-wire block from 2002 to 2012. Eighty-four children were included (mean age 14.8 ± 1.68years) for a mean long-term follow-up of 11.6 ± 2.3 (8-16) years. Clinical and radiographic features were assessed. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using Crawford criteria, range of motion (ROM) at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), loss of extension, and VAS scale. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to assess which variables might predict the worst outcomes at long-term follow-up. Bone union and pain relief were always achieved. There were no complaints of potential growth impairment or nail deformity. 82.1% of patients showed excellent and good results. Fifteen patients had fair results. Although there are currently no significant differences between surgery and orthosis in adults, the Ishiguro technique is more effective in children when it comes to outcomes in the treatment of mallet fingers. A high percentage of excellent and good results were achieved, and no epiphyseal damage or nail deformity was reported. A strong and significant correlation was found between the worst outcomes and either delayed treatment time or excessive flexion angle.

IMPROVEMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND SEED GROWTH OF EXPIRED CAYENNE PEPPER (Capsicum frutescens) THROUGH INVIGORATION TECHNIQUE USING YOUNG CORN EXTRACT

One of the problems in companies engaged in the seed. Production is the large number of seeds that can not be sold immediately or accumulate in storage warehouses resulting in expired seeds. Seeds in this condition will experience deterioration and decrease in quality so special treatment is needed to improve their physiological quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the increase in the physiological quality and growth of expired cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) seeds through invigoration techniques using young corn extract (Zea mays). The research was conducted in the laboratory and Green House of Seed Production Techniques, Polytechnic of Jember, using the Non-Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method with the concentration of young corn extract (K) as the treatment factor. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and followed by DMRT level of 5%. The K factor consists of 5 levels, namely K02 (without soaking in young corn extract), K1 (20% of young corn extract), K2 (25% of young corn extract), K3 (30% of young corn extract), and K4 (35% of young corn extract ). The results showed that the use of young corn extract for expired cayenne pepper seeds invigoration had a significantly different effect on the parameters of growth synchrony and vigor index, and had a very significant effect on the parameters of germination power, maximum growth potential, and growth speed. These results indicate that young corn extract is capable of acting as a bio-invigorator in improving the physiological quality of expired seeds.

Expansion of the Distribution Range and Size of the Invasive Blue Crab on the Turkish Coast of the Black Sea

The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) is an euryhaline species originally native to the western Atlantic Ocean. However, it has expanded its range into the Black Sea, including the Turkish coastal waters. Blue crab specimens were sampled along the Black Sea coast of Türkiye, covering the stretch from Cape Taşkana to the Georgian border. The monitoring studies spanned the period from 2017 to 2024. Analysis of the 16 specimens revealed a carapace width range of 14.8 to 20.3 cm, with males exhibiting larger sizes compared to females. Notably, two of the sampled females were observed to be carrying eggs, highlighting reproductive activity in the region. This study also reports the discovery of the largest blue crab ever recorded on the Turkish coasts of the Black Sea, with a male specimen measuring 20.33 cm in carapace width and weighing 565.1 g. Additionally, a male specimen sampled in the Rize region suggests the species has expanded its range to the easternmost part of the Black Sea. The findings contribute significantly to our understanding of the distribution and growth potential of the blue crab in the Black Sea. The larger sizes observed in males and the presence of ovigerous females indicate successful adaptation and potential establishment of a self-sustaining population. As invasive species, blue crabs can significantly influence benthic communities and food chains, highlighting the importance of a prudent management approach to fisheries biology and ecosystem management

Foreign Dependency and Economic Growth Nexus in Kenya

Foreign dependency is an economic phenomenon, which is characterized by asymmetrical benefits, favouring specific countries at the expense of others, and impeding the growth potential of dependent economies. The main objective of the study was to determine the relationship between foreign dependency and economic growth in Kenya. To achieve this overarching aim, specific objectives have been delineated to include an evaluation of the effect of import volumes and external debt levels on economic growth in Kenya. The theoretical underpinnings of this study draw from several key economic theories and models, each offering unique insights into the dynamics of foreign dependency. This study employed a descriptive and inferential statistical design and leverages a time series dataset spanning the years 1980 to 2021, meticulously sourced from the World Bank. To facilitate a comprehensive analysis, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was applied. The empirical analysis revealed noteworthy relationships between determinants of economic growth in the Kenyan context. Specifically, imports of goods and services and external debt are all identified as having statistically significant impacts on the trajectory of economic growth in Kenya. In conclusion, these findings suggest that factors like imports and external debt contributes positively to economic growth. The study recommends that policymakers should explore strategies to attract productive external debt which will stimulate positive investment spillover effects within the economy. Emphasis should be placed on the need to bolster the import-led growth through regulatory mechanisms that safeguard local producers. Responsible external debt management is underscored as pivotal to fostering sustained and robust economic growth. Additionally, trade policies designed to facilitate import-led growth are posited as potentially beneficial for the Kenyan economy.

A Review of a Malaysian Public University Students’ Motivational Behaviour in Learning a Foreign Language

A Review of a Malaysian Public University Students’ Motivational Behaviour in Learning a Foreign Language

AI in risk management: An analytical comparison between the U.S. and Nigerian banking sectors

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the application and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in risk management within the banking sectors of the United States and Nigeria, emphasizing a comparative analysis. The objective is to assess how AI technologies are adopted and implemented in risk management practices across these diverse banking environments, identifying the benefits achieved and the challenges faced. The review synthesizes existing literature, including case studies, industry reports, and academic research, to outline the current state of AI in risk management. It delves into various risk types such as credit, market, operational, and compliance risks, exploring the specific AI tools and techniques employed to address these risks in each country. Key findings suggest that U.S. banks have a more mature implementation of AI in risk management, characterized by the adoption of advanced analytics, machine learning models, and natural language processing for enhanced decision-making, fraud detection, and compliance monitoring. In contrast, the Nigerian banking sector is at a nascent stage of AI adoption, with efforts hampered by challenges like inadequate technological infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of skilled professionals in AI. Despite these differences, the paper identifies a strong interest and potential for growth in AI applications within the Nigerian banking sector, spurred by an increasing recognition of AI's value in enhancing competitiveness and meeting regulatory demands. Conclusively, the review underscores the critical role of supportive regulatory policies, investment in technological infrastructure, and capacity building in human capital as pivotal elements for fostering the effective integration of AI in risk management. The comparative analysis reveals both the disparities and potential areas of collaboration between the U.S. and Nigerian banking sectors, advocating for a global dialogue on best practices and strategies for AI adoption in risk management.

항만연관산업 경쟁력 강화 방안에 관한 연구

Purpose: By analyzing the efficiency, growth, stability, and profitability of domestic portrelated industry through financial data, this study identifies problems and suggests strategies for development plans to improve competitiveness. Research design, data, and methodology: In order to derive the efficiency of each domestic port-related industry, an analysis was conducted based on corporate data from Korea Evaluation Data. The efficiency, growth potential, stability, and profitability of the top 50 companies (based on sales) in port-related industries from 2017 to 2021 were analyzed. For the efficiency analysis, total assets, liabilities, and capital were selected as input variables, and sales, operating profit, and net profit were selected as output variables. Growth, stability, and profitability were analyzed based on total asset growth, debt ratio, and operating profit ratio compared to the previous year. Results: The results of the efficiency analysis showed that port service was the highest. In the growth analysis, four port-related industries (excluding port service) showed negative growth in 2020 due to the aftermath of COVID-19. The results of the stability analysis showed that ship fuel supplies had the highest debt ratio and the lowest stability. Profitability analysis showed that ship repair was the most profitable with the highest operating profit ratio. Conclusions: Domestic port-related industries also need to change in line with the global trends of shipping and ports, such as digitalization, eco-friendliness, and automation. Due to the nature of the small port-related industry, strategic support policies from the government and local governments are needed.

A Financial Performance Analysis of Indian Oil Exploration & Drilling Sector

Purpose: The study of financial performance analysis in the Indian oil and drilling sector serves a critical purpose in providing stakeholders with insights into the economic health, operational efficiency, and strategic positioning of companies within this industry. By analysing key financial metrics such as profitability, liquidity and valuation ratios, stakeholders including investors, policymakers, and industry participants can assess the sector's overall stability, growth potential, and risk exposure. Moreover, such analysis facilitates informed decision-making processes related to investment allocation, risk management strategies, policy formulation, and strategic planning. Understanding the financial performance of companies within the Indian oil and drilling sector is imperative for stakeholders to navigate the complexities of this dynamic industry, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate potential challenges effectively. Oil Exploration and Drilling companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange were selected for the study. Design/Methodology/Approach: Five BSE listed Oil Exploration and Drilling companies are considered for the present research work and analysed by using profitability, liquidity and valuation ratios. Findings/Result: Selected Oil Exploration & Drilling sector companies listed on the BSE were the subjects of this study's analysis of their Profitability, Liquidity & Valuation ratios. The websites of Money Control and the BSE provided the majority of the time series data used in the study on three different ratios, Profitability, Liquidity & Valuation. Five years, from 2019 to 2020 to 2022–2023 are included in the analysis of Profitability, Liquidity & Valuation. It is recommended that investors can invest their money into ONGC, Reliance, and Oil India, Petronet LNG LTD. in order to maximise their investments. Originality/Value: This study employs the financial analysis method to analyze profitability, liquidity and valuation of the selected Oil Exploration & Drilling Sector. Paper Type: Empirical research

DEVELOPMENT OF FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN (on the example OF JSC IC NOMAD Insurance)

The article is devoted to assessing the impact of financial technologies on the well-being of insurance companies, to identify negative factors hindering their implementation and development and to suggest ways to reduce this impact. The research used general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as statistical, correlation and regression methods. The empirical base of the study was made up of official reports and materials of JSC IC Nomad Insurance. The financial technology market in Kazakhstan is one of the fastest growing in Asia. Due to the achieved high level of Internet access penetration (over 90%), the country's fintech sector has huge growth potential. At the same time, large organizations, including companies from the telecommunications sector, are experimenting with the development and implementation of new products and services. And this will contribute to the emergence of new financial technologies in the insurance sector and the emergence of new challenges that require study and solution, which will be the direction of future research. Recommendations have been developed to optimize insurance activities using financial technologies. The company should introduce a number of insurance products and apply technologies to create a "smart" image of the insurance object. Forecasting of the values of the net amount of insurance premiums for the coming years was carried out, the data of which indicates the continuation of the positive dynamics of the activities of JSC IC Nomad Insurance.

경찰공무원의 직무만족에 미치는 영향요인 연구

In modern society, police officials are responsible for key security tasks such as crime prevention, crime response, and civil safety, and play a role in maintaining national safety and stability. Therefore, it can be said that the job satisfaction of police officials is an important factor that has a great influence on social stability and the effectiveness of law enforcement. In this study, an in-depth study was conducted to analyze the relationship between police officials' job satisfaction based on Herzberg's motivation and hygiene theory to examine the factors affecting police officials' job satisfaction. Herzberg's motivation and hygiene theory is one of the important theories for explaining and improving job satisfaction, and classifies job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction as other factors. According to the analysis, higher growth potential, promotion, praiseㆍrecognition, and achievement, which are Herzberg's motivating factors, can have a positive effect on job satisfaction, and higher hygiene factors such as communication, work environment, policyㆍ supervision, and salaryㆍallowance can have a positive effect on job satisfaction. These results support Herzberg's motivation and hygiene theory, and suggest that police organizations need to improve job satisfaction by strengthening organizational management and support. As active and active police activities of individual police officials are required, the following implications are derived based on the analysis results of this study. The first is a sense of accomplishment. As shown in the analysis results, it was found that the sense of achievement had a high effect on job satisfaction. If you feel rewarded and accomplished through your current work as a police officer, this will soon help you improve your ability and expertise. Second is the rationalization of the police personnel management system. A representative area of human resources management is promotion. This is because police officials, unlike other organizations, are a vertical class culture and have a large difference in authority and responsibility for performing their duties depending on the class. Therefore, measures should be devised to increase the rationality of the performance evaluation system and the fairness of promotion.

The Effects of Oxygen Availability in the Seed Container during Storage on Seed Germination in Tomato, Onion, Cabbage, and Marrow Seeds

This research was conducted to test the effect of oxygen content (low O2, high O2, air) during hermetic seed storage at 20±2°C over 8 and 12 months on seed germination and seedling root and shoot length in tomato, onion, cabbage, and marrow seeds. Samples with low oxygen storage had higher seed germination as well as longer root and shoot lengths than both control and high oxygen storage. When the storage period extended from 8 to 12 months, the germination percentages also reduced. However, these results varied among the species. The greatest advantage of low oxygen storage was obtained in tomatoes, which exhibited 15% and 9% higher germination compared to the control after 8 and 12 months of storage, respectively. The longest root and shoot lengths of 6.4 cm and 11.6 cm, respectively, were obtained from the low oxygen storage treatments. A similar positive effect of low oxygen storage was observed in onion and cabbage seeds but not in marrows. Results indicated that oxygen level in the packets during storage can be an effective component to maintain high seed germination and seedling growth potential (seed vigour). The difference in the effect on different species is a matter of further research.

Analysis of Hunting Tourism: a Case Study of Slovenia (Prlekija Region)

The exploration of hunting tourism reveals its multifaceted benefits, encompassing nature preservation and tourism expansion. This study delves into the dynamics and prospective trends within hunting tourism, specifically in Prlekija's administrative unit of Gornja Radgona, Slovenia. It commences with a comprehensive international comparative analysis, followed by insightful semi-structured interviews involving key stakeholders within the destination. Hunting tourism emerges as a pivotal facet of tourism within this locale, exhibiting substantial potential for further growth, particularly in terms of diversification, regional integration, and synergy with other tourism offerings. However, it's imperative to address the adverse impacts of hunting tourism on biodiversity. As a counterbalance, the study underscores the increasing global emphasis on sustainable variants of hunting tourism, such as wildlife photography, fostering a more conscientious approach to animal tourism practices.

Using UV/peracetic acid as pretreatment for subsequent bio-treatment of antibiotic-containing wastewater treatment: Mitigating microbial inhibition and antibiotic resistance genes proliferation

UV/peracetic acid (PAA) treatment presents a promising approach for antibiotic removal, but its effects on microbial community and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during the subsequent bio-treatment remain unclear. Thus, we evaluated the effects of the UV/PAA on tetracycline (TTC) degradation, followed by introduction of the treated wastewater into the bio-treatment system to monitor changes in ARG expression and biodegradability. Results demonstrated effective TTC elimination by the UV/PAA system, with carbon-centered radicals playing a significant role. Crucially, the UV/PAA system not only eliminated antibacterial activity but also inhibited potential ARG host growth, thereby minimizing the emergence and dissemination of ARGs during subsequent bio-treatment. Additionally, the UV/PAA system efficiently removed multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria and ARGs from the bio-treatment effluent, preventing ARGs from being released into the environment. Hence, we propose a multi-barrier strategy for treating antibiotic-containing wastewater, integrating UV/PAA pre-treatment and post-disinfection with bio-treatment. The inhibition of ARGs transmission by the integrated system was verified through actual soil testing, confirming its effectiveness in preventing ARGs dissemination in the surrounding natural ecosystem. Overall, the UV/PAA treatment system offers a promising solution for tackling ARGs challenges by controlling ARGs proliferation at the source and minimizing their release at the end of the treatment process.

COVID-19 AND FLOWER TRADE AT THE FLOWER CAPITAL OF BANGLADESH

Flower industry in Bangladesh is emerging as a new and profitable sector of having potential economic growth and employment opportunities with minimum investment. The study was conducted at Jhikargaccha - the flower capital of Bangladesh - to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on flower trade. Data were collected from 60 respondents on 11 selected characteristics through an interview schedule during 5 January to 7 March 2021. Though the majority of the respondents (41% - 75%) was young having secondary education, small-family and farm, they were inexperienced and untrained regarding flower cultivation and trade. However, more than three-fifths of them perceived the effect COVID-19 on flower cultivation and trade clearly. The celebration of national days in a limited scale or in online affected the flower trade to a high extent (95%) followed by less social gatherings (94.33%), and less marriage ceremonies (94%). Average price of rose, tuberose, gerbera, gladiolus, marigold, and gypsy decreased significantly due to COVID-19 in 2020 compared to 2019. Flower sales dropped by up to 100% in the Independence Day (26 March), Bengali New Year Day (14 April) and National Mourn Day (15 August) in 2020 due to complete lockdown. Ensuring transport, marketing and storage facilities of flowers may minimize the devastating effect of such a disaster. The family size of the respondents showed a positive and annual income had a negative significant relation with their perception regarding effect of COVID-19 on flower trade. Overall, COVID-19 collapsed the flower trade at the flower capital in Bangladesh. Development of future policies and setting up of strategies are required to mitigate the upcoming disasters in future.

The Role of Sharia Risk Management, Islamic Investment Ethics, and Riba-Free Financing in the Development of the Halal Industry in Indonesia

The Halal industry has emerged as a significant economic sector globally, driven by the growing demand for products and services that conform to Islamic principles. In Indonesia, with the world's largest Muslim population, the Halal industry has enormous potential for growth. This study investigates the role of Shariah risk management, Islamic investment ethics, and usury-free financing in shaping the trajectory of the Halal industry in Indonesia. Using quantitative analysis through structural equation modeling (SEM), this study examines the relationship between these financial practices and the development of the Halal industry. Data collected from key stakeholders in the industry revealed significant positive relationships between Shariah risk management, Islamic investment ethics, usury-free financing, and Halal industry development. The findings provide valuable insights for policy makers, investors, and industry stakeholders looking to foster sustainable growth and innovation in the Halal industry in Indonesia.