Random Sampling Method Research Articles

Pengaruh financial technology dan literasi keuangan digital terhadap pengembangan UMKM di Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas Sam Ratulangi Manado

This study aims to examine the influence of financial technology and digital financial literacy on the development of MSMEs at Sam Ratulangi University. This type of research is quantitative research using a descriptive approach. The sampling technique used was the random sampling method and produced 35 MSMEs as research samples from 50 MSMEs. By using data collection techniques using questionnaires. The data analysis technique in this study is multiple linear regression using the JAMOVI v2.23.28 program. The results of the study partially show that financial technology has a significant and negative effect on the development of MSMEs, digital financial literacy has a significant and positive effect and financial technology and digital financial literacy together have a significant and positive effect on the development of MSMEs at Sam Ratulangi University.

The Impact of Religious Practices on the Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth of Adolescents

Resilience and post-traumatic growth play crucial roles in the development of adolescents, particularly when they encounter diverse obstacles in life. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of religious practices on resilience and experience personal growth after experiencing trauma in adolescents. This research employs a quantitative methodology grounded on a positivist framework. Data were gathered using a simple random sampling method including 218 Muslim teenagers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia who had encountered stressful incidents in the preceding year. Statistical analysis was employed to examine the correlation between variables. This research illustrates that religious practices may serve as a substantial source of resilience for teenagers in managing trauma. Engagement in religious activities enhances resilience and fosters healthy development. These findings indicate the need for the amalgamation of spiritual support and psychological therapies to facilitate teenage rehabilitation.

Ethnic disparities and lifestyle determinants in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among Han majority and Ha Ni ethnic minority older adults in rural Southwest China.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in China. This study compared ethnic disparities and lifestyle determinants in the prevalence of CVD (hypertension, coronary heart disease [CHD], and stroke) among older adults of the Han majority and Ha Ni ethnic minority in rural southwest China, to provide evidence for preventing and controlling CVD among older-adult minority communities. A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to select 1,413 Han majority participants and 1,402 Ha Ni ethnic minority participants aged ≥ 60 years in rural Southwest China. Data on general demographic characteristics, behavioral lifestyle, and self-reported diagnostic information for patients with CHD and stroke were collected using a standardized questionnaire. The height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure of each participant were recorded. The relationship between lifestyle factors and CVD was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Han majority older adults had a higher prevalence of CHD (6.4% vs. 3.6%) and stroke (7.9% vs. 2.9%) than their Ha Ni minority counterparts (P < 0.01). Han majority participants had a markedly higher prevalence of obesity, central obesity, and physical inactivity than their Ha Ni ethnic minority counterparts (9.2%, 48.3%, and 55.1% vs. 3.4%, 19.1%, and 49.2%, respectively, P < 0.01). By contrast, Ha Ni ethnic minority participants had a higher prevalence of current drinking than Han majority participants (31.2% vs. 14.4%, P < 0.01). Among Han majority and Ha Ni ethnic minority older adults, participants with central obesity (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.62-2.69 vs. OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.88-3.76) had a higher risk of hypertension, participants with obesity (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.02-3.67 vs. OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.39-9.66) were more likely to suffer from CHD, and participants with physical inactivity (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.18-2.98 vs. OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.13-4.64) had a higher probability of suffering from stroke. Furthermore, Current drinking status increased the risk of CHD (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.05-5.08), but decreased the risk of stroke (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.83) in Ha Ni ethnic minority participants. CHD and stroke are more prevalent among the Han majority older adults in rural Southwest China, and lifestyle factors significantly influence CVD.

Work-Related Muscluskeletal Disorders and Work Ability Among Hospital Employees in Southeast of Iran

Background: The Work Ability Index (WAI) evaluates how well workers cope with the physical and mental demands of their jobs. Objectives: This study aims to explore how demographic factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) influence work ability among employees at the largest specialized hospital in southeast Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the largest specialized hospital in Zahedan. A sample of 194 clinical staff and support personnel, including nurses, nursing assistants, patient transporters, and cleaning staff, were randomly selected through a stratified random sampling method. Work ability and musculoskeletal discomfort were assessed using the Persian versions of the WAI and Cornell Questionnaires. Quantitative data were presented as mean ± SD, while qualitative data were expressed as numbers and percentages. Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and one- and multi-factor General Linear Models were used for data analysis in SPSS version 19. Results: Work ability decreased with age (P &lt; 0.001). Significant associations were found between work ability and age, job category, education, and Body Mass Index (BMI) (P &lt; 0.05). After adjusting for age, job, education, and BMI, lower back pain (P = 0.002), thigh pain (P = 0.004), and knee pain (P = 0.026) were significantly linked to work ability. There was a notable negative correlation between work ability and discomfort score (r = -0.337, P &lt; 0.001), with nursing assistants reporting higher discomfort scores compared to nurses, cleaning staff, and patient transporters (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential link between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work ability. Therefore, it is recommended to implement a program focused on identifying and addressing the risk factors associated with MSDs.

Study of the Mental Health of the Elderly and Related Factors

Background: Aging and increase in the elderly population are the most important issues in recent years in developed countries and some developing countries. Mental health is one of the crucial aspects of elderly well-being and must be addressed to improve community health. This study is conducted to examine the mental health of the elderly and the related factors in Gorgan city, 2022. Methods: The present study is descriptive-analytical and was conducted using a two-stage cluster random sampling method. First, four comprehensive health service centers were selected as a cluster from among the centers of Gorgan city, and then 263 people were randomly selected from the chosen centers, proportionate to the number of registered elderly individuals in the electronic service system. The standard depression questionnaire for the elderly was utilized for assessment. Data were then entered into SPSS software version 18 and with descriptive and analytical statistical tests, including the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test, and logistic regression (The significance level was less than 0.05(. Results: A total of 263 elderly people were evaluated with a mean age of 68.64 ± 7.2 . 143 (54.4%) were male and 120 (45.6%) were female. The prevalence of depression was reported to be 27.8. The occurrence of depression was significantly associated with age, marital status, and the presence of underlying disease conditions (p &lt; 0.05). However, gender, place of residence, and BMI did not show a statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of depression. Aging, underlying diseases, and not being married increase the chance of depression in the elderly. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of depression in the elderly is lower than the average of the whole country in this study, they are in a better condition. However, due to the fact that they are a special target group, as well as the various risk factors of the disease, including age, lack of marriage, and the presence of an underlying disease in this group, it is suggested that more appropriate planning be done to improve their mental health status.

Quality enhancement of potato chips through acrylamide mitigation and comparison with local potato chips in Bangladesh

Potato chips are popular and frequently consumed ready-to-eat food in the world. Acrylamide is a possible carcinogenic and neurotoxic compound formed in potato chips during heat processing, a public health concern. This study aimed to develop potato chips to mitigate acrylamide formation, followed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines with some modifications. A total of 15 local chip samples were collected by a stratified random sampling method and were assessed for nutritional values, sensory attributes, microbial quality, and acrylamide levels. Acrylamide was extracted from potato chips using a novel activated charcoal method, then determined by the High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method and showed that only 40% of local potato chips were above the benchmark level established by the EU 2017/2158 (750 ppb) (parts per billion) and ranged from 461 ppb to 2129 ppb while in the developed chips it was not detected. The microbial results showed that the developed chips are safe according to Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) standard, while the local chips contain total viable count (TVC) (&gt;104 ) and yeast-mold count in a significant amount (&gt;103 ). Sensory evaluation results showed that the developed potato chip samples had high ratings for all the evaluated attributes. From the nutritional point of view, fat content is lower while protein and fiber content is higher in developed potato chips. Moisture content is significantly higher in local potato chips than in developed potato chips, which is the major concern for microbial quality. As a result of the study's findings, acrylamide formation in potato chips was successfully mitigated by adhering to FDA modification guidelines without compromising quality, despite the fact that many locally produced potato chips are unfit for human consumption.

Managerial Ability of the Members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in Sonitpur District of Assam with Reference to Commercial Litchi Production

Farmer Producer Company is a company formed by a group of farmers who are producers come together to form a company. The present investigation was conducted out with the objective to measure the managerial ability of the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in Sonitpur district of Assam with reference to commercial litchi production. Agnigarh Producer Company Limited was selected purposively, as the Farmer Producer Company dealing with commercial litchi production was operating in this district. A sample of 80 respondents was chosen from 13 selected villages in Sonitpur district using a proportionate random sampling method. To assess the managerial ability of the FPC members, the Managerial Ability Scale created by Jadav (2005) was used. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents (43.75%) belonged to middle aged category with higher secondary level of formal education (41.25%). Majority of respondents (41.25%) belonged to small size of operational land holdings category and (60.00%) had medium level of litchi yield index with medium level of farm mechanization (70.00%) and medium level of irrigated area under litchi cultivation (77.50%). Majority of them (80.00%) had medium level of farm wage payment related to litchi cultivation with (53.75%) of respondents had medium level of experience in litchi cultivation. Whereas (63.75%) of respondents had medium level of attitude towards modern agriculture with high level of training exposure (50.00%). The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents (61.25%) had medium level of managerial ability index.

Postnatal cord care practices and associated factors in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.

Cord care is one component of essential newborn care that reduces newborn morbidity and mortality. Poor cord care practice leads to a large amount of neonatal death due to infection. In Ethiopia, many women give birth at home, where neonates are exposed to unclean cord care practices or application of different traditional substances. Despite the severity of the problem, studies related to postnatal cord care practice are scarce. Hence, this study is aimed to assess umbilical cord care practices and associated factors in the postnatal period in Arba Minch town. To assess postnatal cord care practices and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last six months in Arba Minch Town, southern Ethiopia, 2019. Cross-sectional study design was conducted and using simple random sampling method 423 mothers who gave birth with in the last six months in Arba Minch town from November 11 to December 02, 2019, were selected. Data was collected using structured questionnaire administered by the interviewer. EpiData version 4.4 was used for data entry and SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Variables with p ≤ 0.25 in bivarible logistic regressions were considered as potential candidates for multivariable logistic regression analysis to control confounders. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was applied in multivariable logistic regression models, to identify variable, which has significant association. The overall proportion of women who had good postnatal cord care was 67.1%. The maternal age group of 25 to 29 years (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.35-4.68), maternal educational status of secondary school and above (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI: 2.05-8.54), mothers with good knowledge of cord care (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.03-3.05), and health facility delivery (AOR = 2.60; 95%CI: 1.05-6.41) were independent factors associated with good cord care. The proportion of good cord-care practice reported in this study was relatively worthy. Maternal age group of 25-29 years, maternal educational status of secondary school and above, having good knowledge of cord care, and delivering at health facility were factors that increased good postnatal cord care practice. Therefore, investing in improving these factors would positively affect maternal postnatal cord care practice. In order to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality, routine counseling of cord care practice to mothers would attain good knowledge about postnatal cord care practices. Community health education would also increase awareness and practice of postnatal cord care.

An Assessment Study on Consumer Knowledge and Purchasing Behavior Regarding Food Safety

Economic and technological developments affect consumers’ purchasing behaviors along with their lifestyles. Understanding consumer characteristics and purchasing behaviors is of great importance for companies in determining target markets and preparing marketing programs. The aim of this study is to determine consumers’ level of knowledge about food safety and their purchasing behavior regarding food products. For this purpose, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 400 consumers selected using the Simple Random Probability Sampling method. About 76% of the consumers participating in the study have heard of the concept of food safety. It was found that consumers primarily consider health safety, the expiry date, and the cleanliness of the place of purchase when buying food products. They prefer the products they consume to be fresh and mostly shop at supermarkets and hypermarkets. It was also determined that 53.8% of consumers pay partial attention to human health conditions in the places where food is produced, and 69% are willing to pay more for packaged foods. The level of food safety knowledge among consumers will provide important feedback for food producers and policymakers, guiding the creation of more effective and safer food systems that address consumer needs.

Performance of cash transfer program on farmers’ livelihood: evidence from PM-KISAN scheme of India

IntroductionResearch into various aspects of vulnerability and poverty has played a key role in shaping cash transfer systems. Cash-based direct benefit transfers (DBT) are frequently discussed, as they help reduce corruption and limit intermediary involvement, which often impedes policy implementation in countries like India. Small and marginal farmers (SMFs), constituting 86% of India’s farming population, are essential for sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring food and nutrition security. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme provides Rs.6000 annually to the farmer families via DBT mechanism. Despite reports and information from various government sources, significant concerns remain regarding the performance of PM-KISAN scheme in improving living conditions of SMFs.MethodsFor having the highest number of SMFs, a research study was conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Two cluster of villages from each of these two states were chosen by simple random sampling (SRS) method. An ex post facto research design was used; data was gathered from 240 SMFs, with 120 beneficiaries and 120 non-beneficiaries, using a stratified disproportionate simple random sampling technique. The study used 18 indicators related to livelihood assets—human capital, social capital, natural capital, physical capital, and financial capital—to generate a Livelihood Index (LI) through Principal Component Analysis (PCA).ResultsThe beneficiaries of the scheme had an average LI score of 0.396, while non-beneficiaries had a score of 0.366. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed to compare the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in order to determine the impact of the scheme. In the Livelihood Index of beneficiaries, in comparison to non-beneficiaries, there was a significant improvement of 3.34 to 4.13 percentage points, according to the analysis, which utilized a variety of matching algorithms.DiscussionImplications from the study suggests that PM-KISAN should be integrated into a broader rural development strategy to maximize multiplier effects. By combining cash transfers with complementary initiatives like modern technology adoption and high-yield seeds, farmers can make productive investments that could enhance their livelihood status.

Adoption of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana by Farmers in Bikaner District of Rajasthan, India

India's diverse heritage and rich culture are well-known throughout the world. When time passed and the population suddenly increased, farmers were obliged to utilise various agro-chemicals to feed the large population, even though they had previously grown a variety of crops without the use of these pesticides. In Bikaner district of Rajasthan state, coarse cereals are mostly grown without using any chemicals because Bikaner is a water scarce area and prone to crop failure hence farmer generally does not spend so much money on chemicals like fertilizers, insecticide-pesticides, herbicides etc. Looking to the virginity of land, the Rajasthan government has launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in this district. As a result, the greatest numbers of clusters under PKVY were developed during 2015-18. Thus, the study was carried out in the purposely chosen Bikaner District of Rajasthan state in order to gauge the respondents' level of adoption of PKVY. There are eight tehsils in the Bikaner district; three tehsils, Nokha, Sridungarhgarh, and Bikaner, were specifically chosen for the current study due to the maximum number of clusters formed under PKVY. A total of 180 respondents, out of which 90 beneficiary who were registered in PKVY selected by using proportionate random sampling method and to constitute the other half of sample size same number of farmers i.e. 90 were also selected randomly from the same villages who have not registered in PKVY and they were called as non-beneficiary respondents included in the current investigation. The results of the study concluded that majority of the respondents had medium level of extent of adoption of PKVY in the study area. They had highest extent of adoption on the aspect of “nutrient management” and least extent of adoption of “technical knowledge”. There was significant association found between education, mass media exposure, information seeking behaviour, information sharing behaviour and knowledge of respondents about PKVY.

Prevalence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional survey in Nanjing, China

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) presents a significant public health challenge due to its hazards and increasingly severe trends. Addressing this challenge requires targeted investigation into the prevalence and identification of risk factors for KOA across different regions, especially in populous and vast China. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Nanjing, China, with the aim of investigating the prevalence and risk factors of KOA among individuals aged 50 and above.MethodA total of 1,045 subjects were selected using the stratified random sampling method and diagnosed with KOA based on the diagnostic criteria established by the Chinese Medical Association. Data on 14 potential risk factors were collected through a self-designed questionnaire and standardized on-site tests. The association between KOA and these risk factors was explored using t-tests, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of KOA among the subjects was 23.64%. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that the risk of KOA was significantly higher among women (OR: 5.34, 95% CI: 3.13–9.11), subjects aged 60–69 (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.25–2.69) and over 70 (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.80–4.59), individuals with high school education and above (OR:2.22, 95% CI: 1.37–3.60), those with flatfoot (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.10–2.74), and subjects classified as overweight (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.21–3.04) and obese (OR: 4.63, 95% CI: 2.18–9.85) based on their BMI status. Additionally, the models identified weight (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.08), 30-s chair stand performance (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.97), and single-leg stand performance (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99) as independent risk factors for KOA.ConclusionThe prevalence of KOA is remarkable in Nanjing city. The risk factors for KOA include women, older age, higher education, flatfoot, increased weight and BMI, as well as poor performance in 30-s chair stand and single-leg stand tests.

Performance of Basilan State College faculty: Metrics on commit, Knowledge, Teaching Prowess, and learning management

This study examined the teaching performance of faculty at Basilan State College, focusing on commitment, subject matter expertise, fostering independent learning, and managing the learning process. The study involved 147 faculty members, both permanent and non-permanent, during the 2008-2009 academic year, from four campuses: Isabela City, Sta. Clara, Lamitan, and Maluso. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 107 teachers, which included 44 permanent and 63 non-permanent staff. A survey was conducted to collect socio-demographic information such as age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, education, teaching experience, subject area, and employment type. Faculty performance in the specified areas was assessed using the NBC-461 Standard Performance Rating Form. Results indicated that faculty performance was rated as Outstanding by teachers, peers, and supervisors, while students rated it as Very Satisfactory. Notable differences were found in ratings from various evaluators, with teachers generally rating themselves higher than their peers, supervisors, and students. The study showed that performance levels remained consistent across age, gender, employment type, or subject area, but were significantly influenced by educational qualifications and teaching experience, with higher levels of both leading to better performance. These insights suggest that focused strategies at both the departmental and institutional levels could improve teaching effectiveness and support the achievement of educational objectives.

Empirical Study on the Impact of Service Quality Dimensions on Satisfaction of Students: With Reference to Executive Coaching’s of Kota

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to see how the service quality elements affect student satisfaction in private coaching institutes of Kota District. This research unifies, refines, and extends the empirical work undertaken in the field of education service quality in the coaching institutes of Kota, in addition to acknowledging the critical roles of service quality in boosting student satisfaction. It has a number of implications for managers at these coaching institutes, including the importance of strategies related to increasing service quality which will effect the satisfaction level of students. Objective: As one of the first attempts to explore empirically the impact of the service quality approach on student satisfaction this research adds to academic and practical knowledge. The study aims to investigate the relationship between service quality and student satisfaction of private coaching institutes. It also aims to study the Impact of Service Quality on Student Satisfaction of private coaching institutes. The overall study aims to identify the service quality factors leading to student satisfaction. Methodology: The study is based on Empirical research The independent variables in the study are the factors of service quality like Tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance, while the dependent variable taken for the study is student satisfaction. A quantitative method is used to analyse the data collected through structured questionnaires which was administered in five coaching institutes in Kota: Allen Career Institute, Resonance, Bansal Classes, Aakash, and Vibrant Academy. Data was collected from 400 respondents (384 According to Morgan formulae and 16 as contingency respondents). Stratified simple random sampling method was used to collect the reliable data. The Data was analysed using Statistical tools like correlation and regression analysis. Results: The results shows that all the independent variables are highly correlated with the dependent variable which shows that each element of service quality has an impact on the satisfaction level of the students enrolled in the private coaching institutes of Kota. The Regression analysis concludes that there is a positive impact of tangibility, reliability and assurance on students’ satisfaction and there is a negative impact of responsiveness and empathy on the satisfaction of students of the private coaching institutes. Further, the study gives important guidance for future research opportunities, such as investigating the impact of the marketing mix approach on other coaching institutes' performance criteria.

The effect of the challenges experienced by nurses during the pandemic on their intention to leave work: the mediating role of the performance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, negative working conditions in the nursing profession have worsened, and nurses have experienced various challenges that have increased their intention to leave work. Findings on the role of nurse performance under such conditions are limited. This study aimed to investigate the role of performance in the effect of the challenges experienced by nurses during the pandemic on their intention to leave work. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2022 and August 2023 in Turkey using an online survey. A total of 462 nurses participated in the study, which employed the non-probability random and snowball sampling methods. The mediating factors in the effect of the challenges experienced by nurses during the pandemic on their intention to leave work were task performance (β = 0.07), contextual performance (β = 0.05), and counterproductive work behavior (β = 0.12), respectively. This study determined that task performance, contextual performance, and counterproductive work behavior played an important role in the effect of the challenges experienced by nurses during the pandemic on their intention to leave work. The present results may serve as a guide in determining effective strategies to be employed in possible pandemic situations.

The Role of Contact and Emotional Intelligence in the Attitudes of General Population Towards Individuals Living With Mental Illness.

Mental illness stigma is still a widespread phenomenon with damaging psychological and social consequences. This study is of relevance to the design of appropriate psychiatric services which reinforce the social integration of individuals living with mental illness. It investigates the relationship between contact, emotional intelligence (EI) and attitudes of the general population towards people with mental illness. This study utilized a random sampling method to collect data from 183 participants. Measures included the EI Scale for assessing EI, the level of contact (LOC) Report to examine the LOC with mental illness, and the Attitudes towards Mental Illness Scale to evaluate attitudes towards mental illness. Each of these instruments has been validated in previous research. Data analysis involved Pearson's correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis to explore the relationships between variables. EI and particularly the abilities of use of emotion and other's emotional appraisal were associated with more positive attitudes towards mental illness. conversely, lower levels of contact were associated with higher levels of social care, indicating a complicated relationship between contact and attitudes. The findings highlight that a deeper understanding of the association between contact with individuals living with mental illness and attitudes towards them is needed, focusing on potential mechanisms that might modify this association. Additionally, a focal point that is underlined in this research is the important role of EI in affecting attitudes as it seems to offer promising directions in planning educational programs and stigma reduction interventions.

Value Chain Analysis of Cattle Feed Market in Banaskantha District, India

India has vast resources of livestock and poultry, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic conditions of rural masses. Livestock sector contributed 4.90 per cent of total GVA in 2020-21. Birthal and Jha [1] has found feed scarcity as the main limiting factor to improving livestock productivity. Therefore, to increase the productivity potential of milch animals the use of commercial compound feed is inevitable as supply of feed &amp; fodder is shortening due to shrinking pasture land in the country. The Indian feed industry is about 57 years old. India is deficient in fodder and its availability is shrinking day by day due to decrease in cultivable area and increased share in food crop production so more thrust should be directed towards compound feeds by identifying the constraints and removing them.This study focused on the effectiveness of the feed industry and the performance of the value chain when mapping the cattle feed value chain in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. Total of ten feed manufacturing units and 120 farmers were selected for the study. The study was based on primary data and secondary data, the primary data were collected through personal interviews with the help of a structured survey schedule. Secondary data on livestock population were collected through the livestock census, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. A multi stage random sampling method was adopted as an appropriate sampling procedure for the study. Banaskantha district was purposely selected for the study as Banaskantha district has highest livestock population in overall Gujarat State. Four talukas from Banaskantha district were selected randomly and feed manufacturing units were selected by snowball sampling method. From each taluka, five villages were selected randomly. From each village, six farmers were selected randomly. The study focused on buying behavior of farmers regarding cattle feed purchase and to estimate demand for concentrated feed requirements for the future in Banaskantha district. The study found that among the eight explanatory (independent) variables, five variables viz., livestock population, farm size, feed price, income from livestock, total feed fed per day were found to be significantly associated with expenditure of cattle feed price per animal per month and other variables such as average age of the animal, technology adoption and distance from buying location were statistically non-significant. The required feed demand for future livestock populations in Banaskantha district are 3651480 metric tonnes, 4487461 metric tonnes, 5514543 metric tonnes, 6774097 metric tonnes and 8315523 metric tonnes for the year 2024, 2029,2034, 2039 and 2044 respectively.

Assessing the Adoption and Utilization of Drip Irrigation Technology among Tapioca Farmers in Thuraiyur Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India

Aims: The study examines the adoption and utilization of drip irrigation technology among tapioca farmers in Thuraiyur taluk, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. Study Design: An ex-post-facto research design is used to collect data from 90 farmers across four villages. Place and Duration of Study: Thuraiyur taluk, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. The study has been conducted for a period of six months (April – September, 2024) Methodology: Out of the district’s eleven taluks, Thuraiyur had the highest number of tapioca farmers, making it ideal for this study. Four villages—Naganallur, Settikadu, Sobanapuram and Koppampatti—were chosen from Thuraiyur taluk for their significant tapioca cultivation and large farmer populations. A stratified random sampling method is used to select participants. The primary data are collected through structured questionnaires and personal interviews with farmers. Secondary data are obtained from relevant literature, reports and government records. The dependent variables are the adoption level of drip irrigation and the extent to which the farmers use the drip irrigation technology. Descriptive statistics mean, percentage and frequency distribution are used in the study. Results: Findings reveal that the majority of farmers (82.22%) demonstrated medium to high adoption of drip irrigation technology. Key practices like checking the workability of the foot valve and maintaining pipeline fittings are widely adopted, while more advanced techniques such as fertigation showed lower adoption levels. Drip irrigation was used universally for water management, with 87.80% of farmers acknowledging its role in reducing water usage and 83.30% citing reduced labor needs. Conclusion: However, only 46.70% of respondents reported increased yields, indicating potential gaps in system optimization. The study suggests the need for greater technical training, financial assistance and improved extension services to enhance the adoption of advanced drip irrigation practices. Policy measures, such as increased awareness of government schemes like PMKSY and accessible training programs, are recommended to maximize the benefits of drip irrigation in improving water efficiency, crop yield and sustainable farming practices.

Screening for Atrial Fibrillation During Routine Automated Blood Pressure Measurement in General Population Aged 65 Years and Above: EMENO National Epidemiological Survey in Greece.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common with advanced aging and is often asymptomatic and undiagnosed. A blood pressure (BP) monitor with embedded algorithm for detecting AF with high diagnostic accuracy during routine automated BP measurement was used to screen individuals aged ≥ 65 years. The EMENO health survey (2013-2016) applied a multi-stage stratified random sampling method to select a random general adult population sample in Greece. Participants aged ≥ 65 years were screened for AF using an automated oscillometric device with AF detecting algorithm (Microlife BPA100 Plus AFIB) with triplicate measurements on a single occasion. A total of 975 individuals with AF data on at least one BP measurement were analysed [(mean (SD) age 73.2 (6.6) years, men 45%, hypertensives 79.3%). AF was detected in all 3 BP readings in 65 individuals (6.3%, AF group), in none of 3 readings in 661 (73.6%, non-AF group), and in 1-2 readings of 3 or less readings in 249 (20.1%, uncertain AF group). AF group individuals were older (p < 0.001), had lower systolic BP (p < 0.05) and more frequent cardiovascular disease (p < 0.01) compared to the non-AF and uncertain AF group. Moreover, 44.6% were unaware of their AF and all required anticoagulant therapy (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 1/≥2, men/women). About 6% of individuals aged ≥ 65 years in Greece appeared to have AF, and 44.6% of them were unaware and requiring anticoagulant treatment. AF screening during routine automated BP measurement appears to be a useful tool for early detection of asymptomatic AF in individuals aged ≥ 65 years.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG FERTILE AGE COUPLES (PUS) IN TEBING TINGGI DISTRICT

An increase in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) leads to a growing population and a decline in family quality within a society. This study aims to identify the factors influencing contraceptive use among couples of reproductive age in Tebing Tinggi District. A cross-sectional design was employed, with multivariate analysis used for prediction models. The sample consisted of couples of reproductive age in Tebing Tinggi District, West Tanjung Jabung Regency, selected through a simple random sampling method. Six variables were found to be significantly associated with contraceptive use: husband’s support, knowledge, education, partner’s attitude, perception of side effects, and sources of information. Conversely, there was no significant relationship between the ideal number of children, economic status, and cultural factors with contraceptive use. The dominant factor influencing contraceptive use was husband’s support, showing a higher likelihood of contraceptive use among couples who received support from their husbands. Health facilities play a crucial role as pioneers in providing education to couples of reproductive age regarding contraceptive use, thus potentially increasing participation in family planning programs among these couples.