Research Program Research Articles

51 Feasibility of paediatric postoperative telemedicine in Nunavik

Abstract Background To access surgical care, Inuit children from Nunavik are relocated by plane to an urban tertiary hospital. Current processes that require an in-person follow-up appointment extend their stay away from home despite an overall low rate of postoperative complications. Telemedicine presents the opportunity to reduce this delay, but little is known about its feasibility for paediatric postoperative care in Nunavik. Objectives To determine the feasibility of paediatric postoperative telemedicine in Nunavik. Design/Methods In this mixed methods study using a convergent parallel design (August 2022 – May 2023), we recruited eleven healthcare providers who regularly interact with Inuit families of Nunavik. We conducted individual semi-structured in-depth interviews about postoperative care in this setting and analyzed the data thematically. In parallel, we conducted a narrative synthesis of the literature and gathered input from collaborators to assess the potential resources needed to enable postoperative telemedicine in the region. We then determined the capability for telemedicine in each of the fourteen villages of Nunavik using data provided by the regional health board. A meeting with specialists responsible for telemedicine in the region was held to discuss findings and future steps. We analyzed and compared qualitative and quantitative results to determine the degree of postoperative telemedicine readiness in the region. Results The main themes influencing the feasibility of telemedicine were general considerations for telemedicine use as a follow-up modality, patient characteristics most suitable for postoperative telemedicine, resources needed for telemedicine use as a follow-up modality, and the feasibility of postoperative telemedicine as determined by healthcare providers. All interviewees deemed paediatric postoperative telemedicine in this region feasible but highlighted conditions for its success. The narrative review uncovered limited literature on telemedicine use in Nunavik. As of January 2023, the two regional hospitals and three health centers had full capabilities for postoperative telemedicine. The nine other health centers had partial capabilities, mainly due to limited access to stable high-speed Internet and Internet bandwidth. Only regional hospitals had access to hospitalization, imaging, readaptation, and laboratory departments. The participating specialists deemed telemedicine feasible if patient load and burden of administrative work are manageable. Conclusion Postoperative paediatric telemedicine in Nunavik is feasible from a resource, healthcare providers and specialists standpoint. Leveraging centers with appropriate capacity would allow the increase in telemedicine usage in Nunavik. Next steps in this research program include interviews with families to evaluate their needs, preferences and attitudes toward postoperative paediatric telemedicine.

Intellectual property protection as catalyst for radical technological innovation in national research program teams through innovation milieu and group potentials

Based on the innovation-driven theory and the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) perspective, we explore the role of intellectual property protection (IPP) in enhancing the radical technological innovation (RTI) of national research project teams (NRPT). Survey data from 336 national research project team members from universities and enterprises were used to analyze the theoretical model of this study, bringing in the chain-mediated effects of innovation milieu (IM) and group potential (GP) for analysis, as well as two-stage hybrid partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network techniques (ANN) to evaluate the hypotheses. The empirical findings of this paper show that the strength of IPP has a positive relationship with RTI of NRPT, and that IPP is the most important predictor of this. These new findings expand the scope of innovation-driven theory and AMO theory, and provide a constructive model for NRPT to provide suggestions for the improvement of IPP system as a way to improve the realization of RTI. The results of this study can guide policymakers in strengthening IPP systems to encourage research teams to explore innovation more proactively and to facilitate the reasonable sharing and transfer of innovative outcomes. By creating a supportive innovation environment and maximizing the potential of research teams, technological breakthroughs can be achieved more effectively.

Brain Health Outcomes in Sexual and Gender Minority Groups: Results From the All of Us Research Program.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups have been historically underrepresented in neurologic research, and their brain health disparities are unknown. We aim to evaluate whether SGM persons are at higher risk of adverse brain health outcomes compared with cisgender straight (non-SGM) individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the All of Us Research Program, a US population-based study, including all participants with information on gender identity and sexual orientation. We used baseline questionnaires to identify sexual minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, diverse sexual orientation; nonstraight sexual orientation) and gender minority (gender diverse and transgender; gender identity different from sex assigned at birth) participants. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression, assessed using electronic health record data and self-report. Secondarily, we evaluated each disease separately. Furthermore, we evaluated all subgroups of gender and sexual minorities stratified by sex assigned at birth. We used multivariable logistic regression (adjusted for age, sex assigned at birth, race/ethnicity, cardiovascular risk factors, other relevant comorbidities, and neighborhood deprivation index) to assess the relationship between SGM groups and the outcomes. Of 413,457 US adults enrolled between May 31, 2017, and June 30, 2022, we included 393,041 participants with available information on sexual orientation and gender identity (mean age 51 [SD 17] years), of whom 39,632 (10%) belonged to SGM groups. Of them, 38,528 (97%) belonged to a sexual minority and 4,431 (11%) to a gender minority. Compared with non-SGM, SGM persons had 15% higher odds of the brain health composite outcome (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% CI 1.08-1.22). In secondary analyses, these results persisted across sexual and gender minorities separately (all 95% CIs > 1). Assessing individual diseases, all SGM groups had higher odds of dementia (SGM vs non-SGM: OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.29) and late-life depression (SGM vs non-SGM: OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17-1.38) and transgender women had higher odds of stroke (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.04-2.70). In a large US population study, SGM persons had higher odds of adverse brain health outcomes. Further research should explore structural causes of inequity to advance inclusive and diverse neurologic care.

Epigenetic aging and fecundability: the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study.

Is there an association between male or female epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) or deceleration (EAD) and fecundability? We do not find compelling evidence of an association between EAA or EAD and fecundability. Prior research has shown that female accelerated epigenetic aging is associated with unfavorable clinical fecundity outcomes and use of in vitro fertilization, and that epigenetic aging in sperm cells is associated with unfavorable sperm parameters. Studies of epigenetic aging and fecundability among individuals who conceive naturally are lacking. This study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), a population-based pregnancy cohort which recruited pregnant couples between 1999 and 2008. We used data from 1657 couples (women and men) with planned naturally conceived pregnancies and available blood samples. Methylation levels were measured in DNA from blood samples taken recruitment (at ∼18 gestational weeks) from pregnant women and their partners using the Illumina Methylation EPIC Array. To obtain a measure of EAA/EAD, we performed a linear regression of each of seven different established epigenetic biomarkers (DNAmAge by Horvath, DNAmAge by Hannum et al., PhenoAge by Levine et al., DunedinPoAm by Belsky et al., DunedinPACE by Belsky et al., DNAmTL by Lu et al., and GrimAge by Lu et al.) against chronological age. We fitted proportional probability regression models to obtain fecundability ratios (FRs) for each standard deviation increase in epigenetic aging, and obtained crude and adjusted (for body mass index, smoking, and education level) estimates. Results were evaluated at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 5%. We evaluated all models for non-linear associations using categories of epigenetic age where appropriate. Although the DunedinPACE clock in males demonstrated slightly increasing fecundability with increasing EAA (adjusted FR 1.05 per one standard deviation increase in EAA, 95% CI 1.00-1.10), this was not robust when evaluated at an FDR of 5%. We found evidence of non-linearity between biological aging and fecundability in two models in females and three models in males, but non-linear associations were weak and conflicting. As MoBa is a pregnancy cohort, our findings may not be generalizable to all couples attempting conception. Fecundability is a couple-level measure, and any impacts of epigenetic aging in each partner may be obscured by effects of the other partner. Our findings contrast with those of prior studies, which have indicated an association between EAA and unfavorable clinical fertility outcomes in populations using fertility treatments, possibly due to less important effects of epigenetic aging among couples who conceive naturally. More research is needed on the association between blood-based EAA and clinical fertility parameters in both sexes. The study was supported by the Research Council of Norway through its Medical Student Research Program funding scheme (project number 271555/F20), its Centres of Excellence funding scheme (project number 262700), and a grant from the Women's Health Program (320656). Co-funding was also received from the Strategic Research Council (SRC), FLUX consortium, decision numbers 345130 and 345131; the National Institute on Aging (R01AG075208); grants to the Max Planck-University of Helsinki Center from the Max Planck Society (decision number 5714240218), Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki, and Cities of Helsinki, Vantaa, and Espoo; and the European Research Council; and the European Research Council (ERC Synergy, BIOSFER, grant number 101071773, and the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, grant number 947684). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. N/A.

An Overview of Dimitris Xygalatas’ Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living (2022)

In his latest book Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living (2021), Dimitris Xygalatas brings together his various research programs with colleagues and the history of ritual theory to explain why humans engage in apparently pointless rituals. His core thesis is that rituals are not pointless activities whatsoever but rather cultural technologies that make our lives better, whether they assuage anxieties or render our communities more prosocial. Drawing from an interdisciplinary body of scholarship, Xygalatas offers a compelling argument as to why we humans are a ritual species. Furthermore, Xygalatas’ extensive laboratory and ethnographic research from over the last two decades provides strong empirical evidence for his thesis and other longstanding theories in ritual studies. The result is a book that delivers a captivating introduction to ritual studies, reasons for seriously considering the power of rituals, and how to research rituals with philosophical rigor and methodological precision.

Proceedings of the 2024 Australasian Road Safety Conference - Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Proceedings of the 2024 annual Australasian Road Safety Conference held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The proceedings provide the Extended Abstracts and Posters describing research, educational and policing program implementation and policy and management strategies related to all aspects of road safety and especially related to the conference theme of Target 2030: What's the pathway forward? Almost 600 delegates from 20 countries attended the face-to-face conference. Authors of accepted Extended Abstracts represented international and local institutions from all aspects of their respective communities including research centres, private companies, government agencies and community groups. These Extended Abstracts provide an indication of the important work being done in Australia, New Zealand and internationally as part of the United Nations, One UN Vision for Road Safety to reduce the number of crashes on the road by 50 percent by 2030. Almost 200 Extended Abstract manuscripts were accepted for long, short and poster sessions. Each Extended Abstract was peer-reviewed by two experts with relevant expertise. Authors were also provided the option of submitting a Full Paper. Those authors who chose to submit a Full Paper for consideration in the Journal of Road Safety (JRS) could do so based on the outcome of the peer review of their Extended Abstract. Submitted Full Papers undergo peer-review by three independent experts matched by their sector. The matching pairs academic authors iwth academic reviewers and practitioner authors with practitioner reivewers. Inclusion in the JRS follows acceptance by the peer-reviewers.The conference covered a comprehensive range of topics including speed, infrastructure and road design, cyclist safety, motorcyclist safety, pedestrian safety, road safety education, licensing, vehicle design, impairment due to distraction from mobile phones, alcohol, drugs as well as the impacts of climate change on future transport systems road safety, road safety issues for Indigenous people groups across New Zealand and Australia, integrating road safety into local Government, automated enforcement, gig economy road safety, older drivers, etc.

John Schulenberg as a developmental scholar and mentor: Personal reflections.

John Schulenberg has had significant impact on developmental science. His conceptual writing and empirical research, grounded in developmental contextualism, emphasized the critical role that developmental transitions play in shaping health risks, especially substance use, across the life course. Schulenberg's integration of developmental concepts with large-scale epidemiological studies, particularly through his leadership in the Monitoring the Future study, provides key insights into how significant life changes-such as school transitions, employment, and relationships-interact to influence well-being across adolescence and early adulthood. He was a fierce advocate for adolescence and young adulthood being critical phases of life, deserving of focused attention and support. John was also a devoted mentor to the next generation of developmental scientists. This commentary reflects on John Schulenberg's legacy, highlighting five of his foundational concepts (developmental tasks, transitions, trajectories, turning points, and timing) and celebrating his role as a generative and joyful mentor. He fostered open intellectual dialog, promoted and celebrated career development, and took pleasure in life inside and outside work, helping early career scientists to develop innovative and impactful research programs. Schulenberg's commitment to positive relationships and celebrating success is an enduring model for future generations of developmental scientists and mentors.

Solar Cells: Applications and Current Opinion

Due to the manufacturing process, silicon-based solar cells have conquered the marketplace, but their cost is not economic. As a result, thin-film manufacturing was done with low-cost, appealing materials generated using less expensive, scalable, and manufacturable procedures. The motivation behind this work is to develop low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells using chemical and electrochemical techniques. Thin film solar cell structure could be presented as glass, Cu structure, CdS window material, TCO, and CdTe absorber material. The absorber and window materials include layers such as CdS and CdTe, while Cu and TCO are the back and front contacts. By using CSS and chemical bath deposition (CBD), The usual method of making this structure is to grow window (CdS) and absorber (CdTe) materials. CBD is a batch method that generates enormous quantities of Cd-containing waste solutions each time, adding to the production process's high cost. Sputtering or PVD, including high vacuum conditions, is performed with back and front contacts. This research program focuses on developing an "all chemical-solar cell" structure. This study showed that CdS and CdTe materials may be employed and electrodeposited in thin-film solar cell systems, CBD and electroless techniques. Furthermore, the back and front contacts can be coated using the CdS electrolytic bath, which is utilized for seven months without being discarded, but the CBD bath lasts 2-3 days. The deposition rate of the thin films was about 50 - 100 times greater than reported values in the literature. The efficiency of the manufactured cells was between 1 and 6%, which was reduced by the duration of time. Twenty days after manufacturing a TCO, CdS, CdTe, the short-circuit current, Cu-Ag solar cell, and open-circuit voltage deposited by all chemical and electrochemical deposition techniques were 0.8 mA/cm2 and 8.8 mV, respectively. However, consistency and reproducibility remain unresolved. The growth of CdTe nanocrystalline thin film is one of the reasons it has been identified as having nanosized tracks. High-quality CdTe layers should be developed, or in cadmium solar cells, its layered structure is the form of a cadmium window and a zinc oxide buffer layer to increase the consistency of the solar cell efficiency.

Why Onset Matters: Warfare, Intensity, and Duration in Civil War

Are civil wars shaped by how they start? While existing literature points to the path-dependent nature of conflict, the link between the type of onset and wartime dynamics have been largely overlooked. Building on a recent typology capturing the dynamics of civil war onset (1944–2020), I analyze conflict trajectories, focusing on three macro-level wartime dynamics: warfare, intensity, and duration. This article shows that how large-scale armed conflicts begin (e.g., whether they start as peripheral conflicts or are fought centrally) helps us predict how intensely they will be fought or how long they will last. These findings show that onset matters beyond signaling the start of large-scale conflict and tells us about the dynamics that will likely follow. Altogether, this article establishes a new process-oriented macro-level research program in the field of conflict analysis.

Adminisztratív státussal nem rendelkező települések helyi közösségként való működésének vizsgálata

This paper presents the findings of a one-year group DOMUS research programme conducted among settlements without administrative status. Data collection was based on on-site fieldwork and interviews conducted among 25 villages in the Szeklerland region. The Research Group examined how these villages continue to function as local communities, also the presence and function of traditional community knowledge typical to the regional villages, the strength and impact of local identity, the operation of formal and informal local organizational frameworks and initiatives, and the organization of local events. This research program can be seen as a continuation of previous data collection efforts covering similar settlements in the region (Biró – Sárosi-Blága 2023).

Assistance in the Preparation of Research Grant Proposals for STAI Ihyaul Ulum Gresik Lecturers

Lecturers have the main task in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely Education, Research, and Community Service. Through research, they contribute to the development of useful new theories and discoveries in various fields. However, until 2023, only 10.6% of STAI Ihyaul Ulum lecturers are actively involved in research and community service programs. The main obstacle faced is the limitations in formulating problems and preparing proposals in accordance with standards. To overcome this, an intensive training and mentoring program was held using the Participatory Research Action (PAR) method for 10 permanent lecturers. This program has succeeded in increasing participants' knowledge and understanding, but further assistance is needed so that participants are more proficient in compiling credible research and critical literature review.

Improving Instrumental Research Competencies in Master's Degree Students: Research Education Program as a Strategy for Training Productive Researchers

Purpose: The present study evaluated instrumental research competencies in master's degree students using the application of a research program as a strategy. Theoretical framework: It was based on the theoretical foundations on research and instrumental research competencies, as well as the types of scientific production, as ways of providing this knowledge to future researchers. Previous studies that addressed the relationship between the research education program and the training of researchers with research competencies were reviewed, identifying the key elements that contribute to the success of this strategy. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research with a quasi-experimental design was developed with the participation of 25 master's degree students with mention in university teaching from a public university in the Loreto region of Peru. Results and Discussion: A significant relationship was found between the research educational program and instrumental research competencies (p<0.005) in which the training of master's degree students in instrumental research competencies partially had this relationship. The results indicated that the master's degree students with mention in university teaching who were part of the study had better instrumental research competencies. Research, practical and social implications: It can be affirmed that research-based learning is important to improve scientific writing, since it allows for a better formation of competent researchers. Originality/value: This study contributes original value to the field of master's study by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the research education program to improve instrumental research competencies in master's degree students in Peruvian universities.

Kutatások a szimbolikus térhasználat témakörében: áttekintés és szintézis

The study analyzes the symbolical space using practice in the period from the social-political turnaround of Romania in 1989 to the present in Szeklerland. The aim is to present the trended changes in the symbolical space using practice in the public space since the regime change. The study is based on results of research programs conducted at WAC – Centre for Regional and Anthropological Research. Analyzing the results of the research programs, we determined three intervals from 1990 to the present. In the first interval, symbolical space using practice was dominated by rehabilitation processes. In the second interval, creating new symbolic spaces and events was more typical. In the last interval, new processes have emerged, such as integration and individualization. In addition to analyzing the changes, we also aim at presenting the social function of symbolical space using practice in different time intervals.

A Bibliometric Analysis on Visualising and Mapping Green Supply Chain Management

The emergent field of green supply chain management (GSCM) has recently piqued the interest of both academics and practitioners, owing to its crucial role in integrating sustainable environmental processes into the traditional supply chain. An essential research goal is to understand the overall structure of research and what has been completed in the area so far to build a strong research program to address forthcoming GSCM problems. The purpose of conducting a bibliometric analysis of GSCM in its current state is to gain insights into the existing body of knowledge, identify trends, and understand the research landscape. Several literature reviews concentrating on certain elements of GSCM have been published from 2002 to 2021 (data update time is April 10, 2021). Thus, this study used a bibliometric method to examine the present level of research on the GSCM. The Scopus database, one of the world-leading publishers-independent global citation databases, was used to search for documents related to GSCM. A bibliometric tool called Bibliometrix was executed to examine the data collected from the search, which generated 717 documents. This software was used to build maps based on scientific publication network data, revealing relationships between researchers, countries, and journals. This comprehensive mapping of the field serves to graphically depict the evolution of publications over time as well as identify current research interests. Finally, the findings of the bibliometric analysis point out a growing trend in green supply chain studies around the world, indicating that people are becoming more conscious of the need for environmental management and protection, and sustainable development.

Strain distribution and failure modes of steel lattice tower gusset plates as a function of their geometry

Steel gusset plates (SGP) are structural elements that connect and transfer loads among various members, such as beams, columns, and trusses, in steel structures like buildings, bridges, and lattice towers. Their geometry significantly affects structural performance, requiring a thorough analysis of strain distribution and failure modes to ensure the integrity and safety of structural systems. However, the design and evaluation of lattice tower gusset plates (LTGP) in particular, present challenges due to complex geometries and the lack of universally accepted design methods. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study of the strain distribution and failure modes of LTGP across different geometries. Experimental tests were conducted using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) on specimens with different configurations, each featuring a single row of bolts. The force–displacement curves and strain distributions were analyzed to determine the influence of gusset plate width, end-distance, and the number of bolts on their behavior. The study compares the experimental data with the prescriptions of design standards. Additionally, it presents numerical modeling of LTGP connections using finite element analysis in ANSYS®, with validation against experimental results confirming model accuracy. The research program is further complemented by a parametric study examining the effects of end-distance, plate width, and bolt spacing on the ultimate strength of LTGP.

Bipolar disorder among individuals with atopic dermatitis: A case-control study in the All of Us Research Program.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been associated with psychiatric comorbidities. To characterize the association between AD and bipolar disorder (BPD) with a case-control study of the NIH All of Us Research Program. Utilizing Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine diagnostic codes, we identified cases of AD. Four age, sex, and race/ethnicity matched controls were found for each case using propensity score matching. After controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, smoking status, and depression, the relationship between AD and BPD was evaluated using logistic regression. We identified 13,431 AD cases with 53,724 matched controls. Participants with AD were more likely than controls to have BPD (7.8% vs. 4.6%, P<.001). After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, we observed a significant association (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.37-1.62, P<.001). Compared to individuals without AD, individuals with AD have 1.49-fold increased odds of having BPD. Further investigation is needed to further understand this association.

Understanding Crop Diversification Among Smallholder Farmers: Socioeconomic Insights from Central Malawi

In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), smallholder rain-fed systems are vital, yet they are challenged by land degradation, soil fertility decline, and climate risks. To address these challenges, crop diversification has been promoted as a potential pathway to enhance productivity, improve nutritional security, and offer a viable pathway out of poverty and hunger. This study explores crop diversification among 150 smallholder households in the Kasungu, Mchinji, and Lilongwe districts of Malawi, where the project Sustainable Intensification of Maize Legume Systems in East and Southern Africa (SIMLESA) has engaged the smallholder farmers in conservation agriculture (CA)-based sustainable intensification participatory research and development for seven years since 2010. This study used Simpson’s diversity index (SDI) to estimate crop diversification, and a multiple linear regression model (MLRM) to analyze how smallholder farmers’ socio-economic characteristics influence adoption. The findings show a prevalence of small farms of less than 1.5 hectares, with most farmers perceiving crop diversification as beneficial for soil fertility. Key adoption constraints include labor shortages and a lack of legume seeds. SIMLESA participants lead in crop rotations, with a 63% higher adoption rate, and show the highest crop diversity, with a 99% increase in farmers growing three crops and a 74% increase in those growing four crops compared to non-SIMLESA farmers. The SDI values were 0.39 for non-SIMLESA, 0.48 for SIMLESA neighbors, and 0.57 for SIMLESA participants. Access to NGO inputs, larger farm sizes, and participation in research programs were positively associated with diversification, while food insufficiency was negatively associated with its adoption. The study highlights the importance of integrating participatory research methods to promote development initiatives effectively.

Estimated prevalence of multiple chronic conditions throughout adulthood using data from the All of Us Research Program.

Estimation of multiple chronic condition (MCC) prevalence throughout adulthood provides a critical reflection of MCC burden. We analyzed electronic health record codes for 58 conditions to estimate MCC prevalence for All of Us ( AoU ) Research Program adult participants (N=242,828). Approximately 76% of AoU participants were diagnosed with MCCs, with over 40% having 6 or more conditions and prevalence increasing with age; the most frequently occurring MCC combinations varied by age category (i.e., mental health conditions in early adulthood and physical health conditions in middle adulthood through advanced old age). We report notable prevalence of MCC throughout adulthood and variability in MCC condition combinations by age category in AoU participants. These findings highlight the need for targeted, innovative care modalities and population health initiatives to address MCC burden throughout adulthood.

Use of geoprocessing in the simulation of mining tailings dam rupture

The study of hypothetical dam rupture aims to understand the flow through the valley downstream of the volume released by a tailing dam rupture to seek preventive actions in the event of a real rupture. In this research, the open and free program for simulating dam ruptures, called HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System), software developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center is used for simulation dam ruptures. A hydrodynamic simulation of the rupture of dam B1, in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil, was applied, is developed for this test area. Six simulation scenarios are defined, for the configuration of the hydrodynamic model of the valley downstream of the B1 dam, where all the input data identical besides the DTMs that are configured from a rescaling process of an original DTM obtained from a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey, ranging the spatial resolution from 1 m to 25 m. Each of these DTMs is introduced into the simulation processes in HEC-RAS. A direct comparation with data obtained from the real rupture event is made to validate the results of these simulation scenarios. The flooded areas obtained in the model were assessed using the performance indicator F that considers the under and overestimated areas. The other results are subjected to a descriptive statistical analysis through the coefficient of variation (Cv) to verify the discrepancies between the values ​​for each scenario. Form the the results, it is concluded that the scenarios presented very similar performance, in terms of the rupture of the studied dam, with the velocity being the variable most sensitive to the spatial resolution change, without presenting a very discrepant response in relation to the other metrics analyzed.

Determination of Indigenous Nutrient Supplying Capacity of Soil through Omission Plot Technique in Wheat at Bhairahawa

The rapidly expanding intensive cropping systems in the Terai region of Nepal, combined with imbalanced fertilization, are leading to significant nutrient depletion in agricultural soils, raising concerns about the sustainability of wheat production. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted at the National Wheat Research Program (NWRP) in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, during 2018-19 to evaluate the soil’s nutrient-supplying capacity and its impact on wheat grain yield. The treatments included five different nutrient levels: N- omission (75:75:5:1 P2O5:K2O:Zn:B kg ha-1), P-omission (150:75:5:1 N:K2O:Zn:B kg ha-1), K-omission (150:75:5:1 N:P2O5:Zn:B kg ha-1), adequate NPK (150:75:75, N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), and adequate NPK+Zn+B (150:75:75:5:1 N:P2O5:K2O:Zn:B kg ha-1). The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five replications, planted in five different blocks of the National Wheat Research Program (NWRP), Bhairahawa, with each block treated as a replication. Data on growth, yield attributes, grain yield, and nutrient uptake were analyzed using the Genstat statistical package. The results showed that plant height, dry matter production, spike length, grains per spike, biological yield, and grain yield variables were significant (P&lt; 0.05), while 1000 grain weight and harvest index were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Total N, P, and K uptake were significant (P&lt;0.05) in different treatments, with adequate NPK showing higher NPK uptake and significantly lower in N- omission treatment. Grain yield was higher in fully fertilized treatment than in nutrient omission treatments, with significantly lower grain yield in N- omission followed by P- omission treatments. Among the major nutrients, nitrogen was found to be the most limiting factor, followed by phosphorus and potassium for wheat. Based on these results, it can be concluded that a balanced amount of NPK nutrients should be supplied to enhance the indigenous nutrient-supplying capacity of the soil and improve wheat productivity in Bhairahawa.