Scientific Management Practices Research Articles

The impact of macroalgae on reef-building corals depends on their species, density, and contact status

Coral reefs are severely threatened by global and local disturbances that can shift reefs from coral to algal dominance. Coral-macroalgae competition is expected to exacerbate coral decline as the interactions increase in frequency. Whereas numerous studies over the last decade have aimed to characterize the interactions and impacts on coral growth and physiology, the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. This study tested the impact of different macroalgal species, densities, and contact status with corals on the physiological response of corals in Sanya Reefs. The results revealed that direct contact with increasing densities of fleshy macroalgae had a negative impact on the photosynthesis, growth rate, and tissue biomass of the two common corals. However, calcified macroalgae did not significantly affect the corals, regardless of whether there was direct contact or not. Under the same conditions, Acropora intermedia appeared to be more susceptible to fleshy macroalgae compared to Porites lutea. This suggested that different corals varied in their susceptibility to various macroalgae. Additionally, the results of the generalized linear mixed model revealed that macroalgal species and contact status with corals were the most important predictors of the impacts of macroalgae on corals, and macroalgal density was another nonnegligible parameter. Overall, macroalgae may have caused a potential functional shift in the composition of coral assemblages on the Sanya reefs by further reducing the already depauperate reef-building coral populations. The negative impacts of macroalgae in Sanya Reefs may serve as an early warning that the persistence of the invaluable ecological functions provided by coral reefs will be increasingly threatened throughout the South China Sea. Our findings could contribute to improving the scientific and effective management practices, fostering sustainable coral reef development in China and beyond.

A hybrid data-driven approach for state of health estimation in lithium-ion batteries

ABSTRACT The assessment of the state of health (SOH) in lithium-ion batteries is essential for ensuring safe operation and implementing scientific management practices. This paper proposes a novel hybrid data-driven approach for accurately estimating the SOH of lithium-ion cells. Initially, the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) was implemented to optimize the structural configuration of a hybrid long-short-term memory neural network and convolutional neural network model. Second, four health indicators, namely, constant current charging time (CCCT), constant current charging capacity (CCCC), discharging time (DT), and discharging capacity (DC), were identified as inputs to the estimation model by Pearson correlation analysis. The CALCE battery dataset is utilized for conducting experiments, yielding remarkably low average values of root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), standing at merely 0.6737% and 0.5286%, respectively. And comparing with GRU, TCN, CNN, LSTM, and PSO optimization models, the proposed method has higher SOH estimation accuracy, which is more than 11% better than that. The robustness of three additional kinds of batteries is tested to validate their performance under varying current rates and temperatures. The results demonstrate that the accurate estimation of SOH, and the estimated values’ relative errors for each cycle of the three different types of batteries are all basically within 1%, with their maximum average RMSE are only 0.4840%, 0.3609%, and 0.5681%, respectively, and their maximum average MAE are only 0.3900%, 0.2828%, and 0.4149%, respectively.

Relationship between Scientific Management Practices Followed by Fish Farmers with their Socio-economic Profile Characteristics

This study investigates the relationship between the adoption of scientific management practices by fish farmers and their socio-economic profile characteristics in the Raichur district of Karnataka, India. Using an ex-post-facto research design, data were collected from 120 fish farmers across eight villages. The results indicate that 36.28% of farmers adopted scientific management practices at a medium level, while 33.72% and 30.00% reported low and high adoption levels, respectively. Key socio-economic factors influencing adoption included education, social participation, extension orientation, and mass media utilization. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance adoption rates and improve fish farming productivity, thereby supporting rural economies. This revised abstract maintains the essential details while improving clarity and focus.

Impact of technological interventions on farmers' income and employment in the Trans-Gangetic Plain region

Agriculture is a cornerstone of India's economy, employing around half of the workforce. However, a very large proportion of agricultural land in India does not have the desirable productivity, which diminishes the prospects for reasonable income to the farmers. Recognizing this challenge, a study on agricultural practices and income of 640 farmers of 32 villages in Haryana was conducted during the period 2016–17 and 2020–21. The analysis revealed an increase in productivity and consequent income of the farmers with varying degrees. The growth in productivity and income was more conspicuous in adopted villages due to technological interventions such as introduction and adoption of high yielding verities/hybrids/breeds, scientific management practices, resource conservation technologies, cost reduction measures and supplementary enterprises, etc. as compared to non-adopted villages. The income augmentation was noticed in field and horticultural crops, livestock and subsidiary enterprises. The highest increase in income was registered with high value commodities. Inter-district variations were noticed in the increase in productivity and income in adopted and non-adopted villages. The net income of marginal farmers increased the most amongst the different categories of farmers during the period of study. The field crops, horticultural crops and livestock contributed more to total additional income. To sustain the growth in productivity and consequent income of the farmers the Government can strengthen mechanism for continuous infusion of improved technologies and management practices in developmental programmes along with incentives to the farmers for quality seed and planting materials and matching critical inputs through a Misson-mode approach, more so in disadvantaged and challenged ecologies.

Study of the Construction of Sports and Health Service Platforms for the Disabled in China

With the rapid development of the economy, the living standards of Chinese people have generally improved. Consequently, sports facilities have been improved and the concept of sports has been redefined. The implementation of the national fitness program has stimulated the public’s interest in sports. However, the popularization and development of sports for the disabled still face a series of obstacles. To enhance the quality of disabled sports public services in China, safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities, and foster societal harmony, this paper adopts a multifaceted approach. Drawing upon literature review and logical analysis, it aims to provide policy guidance, optimize service delivery, enhance supervision mechanisms, facilitate feedback mechanisms, and implement scientific management practices. Drawing from successful cases in the United States, this paper aims to address key challenges in the provision of sports public services for individuals with disabilities in China. By examining the service content offered by relevant platforms in the US, specific solutions are proposed to overcome existing shortcomings in China’s disabled sports public services. Additionally, the paper outlines a construction model for sports health service platforms catering to people with special needs.

Involvement of Women Dairy Farmers in Decision Making Regarding Dairy Farm Activities in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India

An investigation was carried out to study the decision making of 225 women dairy farmers regarding dairy farm activities in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The data was collected by administering the interview schedule to the respondents. The data collected during the period of study was scrutinized and tabulated. The study revealed that majority of farm women were participating in decision making regarding taking loans (82.67%), health care of animals (80.00%), management of newborn calves (80.00%), insurance of animals (73.33%), culling of uneconomic animals (73.33%), construction of animal sheds (58.67%), and breeding practices (56.00%) in Narasaraopeta division. .Majority of women dairy farmers in Pedaravuru division were participating in decision making regarding farm expansion (64.00%), purchase of loans (61.33%) and insurance of animals (60.00%) whereas majority of women in Guntur division were participating in decision making in purchase of roughages and feeding of animals (64.00%). Overall, significant (P≤0.01) majority of farm women were participating in decision making regarding purchase of roughages and feeding of animals (44.89%). Only 13.30%, 12.40%, 11.60% and 6.70% were participating in decision making regarding management of pregnant animals, management of sick animals, utility of dung and adoption of scientific management practices, respectively. Overall, 35.60% and 12.90% were regularly participating in decision making regarding preparation of milk products and sale of milk, respectively.

Management Practices, Perceived Constraints and Estimation of Biochemical Parameters in Indigenous Goats of Gwalior City of Central India

Aim: A study was conducted in order to analyze goat rearing practices prevailing in the Gwalior City of Central India and to identify the constraints in goat farming.
 Study Design: Data of ninety six indigenous goats of 2 to 5 age group from thirty respondents from the district was collected.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Gwalior City of Central India during July 2023.
 Methodology: The data pertaining to goat rearing practices being followed and constraints being faced were collected with the help of pre-structured interview schedule after ensuring its reliability and validity. To evaluate the nutritional status of the animals the blood sample of twenty four randomly selected female goats of 2 to 5 years of age was taken from Jugular vein for the normal biochemical profile.
 Results: It was observed that total protein and serum calcium level was significantly lower than normal value, while. Alkaline phosphates, SGOT and SGPT and blood urea levels are higher than the normal values.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that goats reared on extensive system of rearing have poor reproductive performance (higher age at first kidding and kidding interval and low twinning rate) due to lack of scientific management and feeding practices by goat farmers of Gwalior City of Central India

Improving household fish and vegetable availability through participation of rural women: A case study

Homestead integrated aquaculture has immense potential towards alleviating poverty andundernourishment. In order to have sustainable and equitable impacts through small holderaquaculture innovations, a focus on gender being included at the very start of the designand dissemination is required. The present case study showcases the impact of genderinclusive interventions in improving the participation of women in homestead aquaculture,thereby improving the household fish and vegetable availability and income. Conservation ofthe diminishing stock of small indigenous fishes by deliberately farming them along with theIndian major carps (IMCs) was also a focus of the study. A gender inclusive approach wasadopted in the capacity building of women on scientific aquaculture management practices.Twenty four homestead ponds having areas ranging from 0.17-0.22 ha in Puri District, Odishacovering a total area of 4 ha from four villages were selected to undertake participatoryaction research. The ponds were stocked with IMCs @10000 ha-1 and small indigenousfishes like Amblyphanrynogon mola and Puntius spp. @25000 ha-1. Several women friendlyinterventions like gillnets (mesh size 12 mm) a passive fishing gear and trellis systemaround pond bund for growing climber vegetables were introduced in the villages with anaim to improve the participation of women in homestead integrated aquaculture. As a resultof the interventions, the fish production increased from 0.75 t ha-1 yr-1 to 2.48 t ha-1 yr-1.The involvement of women in harvesting of small fish using passive gear like gillnets andtraps resulted in regular fortnightly availability of around 750 g of small micronutrient richfish to rural families. The utilisation of pond bund for growing vegetables following thecropping calendar resulted in production around 790 kg vegetables per hectare of pondarea. The study showed that women can immensely contribute to increasing and stabilisingfamily income and in improving family nutrition by participating in homestead integratedaquaculture. The research also proved that polyculture of IMCs with small indigenous fishesby following the scientific management practices will result in better yield, improved fishavailability to the house and better management of the household resources. Keywords: Aquaculture, Empowerment, Household, Horticulture, Participation, Women

Water Quality Management in Improving Freshwater Aquaculture: Interventions of KVK-Khordha

Adoption of Scientific Management Practices (SMPs) is imperative for increasing production and productivity in fish farming. From pond preparation to harvesting fish, the Research and Development Institutions have disseminated technologies and techniques for the benefit of farmers and it is understood that adoption varies from farmer to farmer based on their capacity, willingness and the robustness of the practice. Among the different SMPs in fish farming, water quality management is one of the key practices that determine the success of fish farming. This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the advisory role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-Khordha in promoting water quality management practices through its soil and water testing laboratory. Twenty beneficiaries of the KVK from three districts of Odisha were selected for the study. The results indicated that majority of the farmers have never tested water samples before and tested for the first time at KVK. Further, the sources of information for testing water were found to be limited. The study also concluded that the major reason for testing water was towards understanding the manuring and fertilization schedule. Most of the farmers tested their water before stocking and also fully adopted the recommendations provided by KVK. The study suggests more intensive efforts by development agencies to organize different campaigns and use of the other extension methods to sensitize the adoption of water quality management practices with a larger impact.

A Study on Effectiveness of Dairy Farming Related Front Line Demonstrations of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shivamogga on Knowledge Level of Dairy Farmers

The lack of transfer of technology from research system to the client system is the main problem in increasing animal husbandry production in the developing world. The quality and quantity of milk production can be increased if farmer fallows scientific dairy farming practices. This is possible through the FLDs as it is an important and appropriate extension method which makes it possible to disseminate technology to the final user. It has played significant role in increasing the knowledge and adoption of scientific dairy farming practices by dairy farmers; thus, the present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge level of dairy farmers. The present study was conducted with the help of Ex-post facto research design with a sample size of 60 FLD beneficiaries and 60 Non beneficiaries. The knowledge level of respondents about scientific dairy management practices were checked in following subheadings viz knowledge about breeding, feed and feeding practices, health of dairy animals and other management practices in dairy farming and it is found that FLD beneficiaries had more knowledge in scientific dairy farming than non-beneficiaries. The probable reason for high knowledge among beneficiaries might be that the beneficiaries have been benefited by different extension activities, input supply and acquired guidance from research scientists of KVK through FLD’s showing that the FLD’s conducted by KVK were effective.

Woody Plant Diversity of Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest of Ranchi, Jharkhand

The study was conducted to determine the composition and diversity of three different growth stages of plant in tropical dry deciduous forest in Horhap under Mahilong Range, Ranchi during the year 2018- 2019. The entire area was divided into two sites based upon the physiographic factors. The simple random sampling procedure was followed with quadrates of 10×10 m2 for trees and saplings and 2×2 m2 quadrates for seedlings were taken. A total of 1430–1810 stems ha-1 in trees, 1080–1240 stems ha-1 in saplings and 45500–56500 stems ha-1 in seedlings were encountered. The total basal area was varied between 35.97 to 48.01 m2 ha-1 for trees, 4.67 to 5.42 m2 ha-1 for saplings and 3.78– 3.88 m2 ha-1 for seedlings. Shorea robusta showed highest value of IVI in tree sapling and seedling layers. Shannon index ranged from 2.43–2.97 for trees, 3.07–3.08 for saplings and 2.21–2.26 for seedlings. The concentration of dominance was 0.24–0.33 for trees, 0.19–0.21 for saplings and 0.37–0.4 for seedlings. Equitability ranged from 0.92–0.99 for trees, 1.0 for saplings and 0.84–0.86 for seedlings. Species richness ranged from 1.79–2.53 for trees, 2.11–2.43 for saplings and 1.19–1.21 for seedlings. However there is a need for ideal silvicultural operations and scientific approach-based management practice to retain the diversity ultimately a healthy forest ecosystem.

Scientometric Analysis of Gastrointestinal Parasites Prevalence in Sheep and Goats of India.

In the present study, gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) prevalence in sheep and goats from India was estimated by scientometrics. The GIP prevalence studies (86) reported during 1998-2021 was obtained from online databases, and offline literatures, meta-analysis was undertaken by using "meta" package in R-Software. The pooled GIP prevalence in India was 65% (95% level CI 56-74%, PI 12-96%) in sheep, 74% (95% level CI 66-80%, PI 14-98%) in goats and 68% (95% level CI 62-73%, PI 15-96%) in sheep and goats. Period-wise analysis revealed a higher GIP prevalence during 1998-2010 than the recent periods. Among the zones, GIP prevalence was higher in the Central zone (79%) in sheep, North zone (82%) in goats, and Central zone (78%) in sheep and goats. Based on the state-wise analysis, a higher GIP prevalence was observed in Haryana for sheep, Himachal Pradesh for goats, and Uttarakhand for sheep and goats. In India, a higher prevalence was reported by nematodes than other parasite classes. Based on climatic regions, a higher GIP prevalence was observed in semi-arid Steppe type region (84%). The high prevalence zones, states, species, sample types, parasite classes, parasite species and climate regions of GIP will be useful in decision-making and resource use efficiency by policymakers and stake holders. There is an urgent need to prevent the occurrence of GIP infections in sheep and goats by adopting scientific management practices, effective therapeutic measures, and hygienic practices on farms to augment the economic benefits to sheep and goat farmers in India.

Calibrating Nepal's scientific forest management practices in the measure of forest restoration

Various restoration programs have been implemented worldwide to recover degraded ecosystems. Nepal implemented a signature policy— Scientific Forest Management (SciFM)—with the aim of restoring and enhancing forest conditions, as well as increasing employment, timber production and economic growth in the last decade. While SciFM might achieve these objectives, it may conflict with Nepal’s own biodiversity and emission reduction policies. So far, various aspects of SciFM, such as stakeholders' opinion, policy issues, and financial analysis have been conducted. However, the effect of SciFM in achieving various restoration objectives remains unexplored. Taking a case of Sal (Shorea robusta) dominated forest which resembles productive forests in the lowlands of Nepal, we evaluated land productivity, carbon, and biodiversity outcomes of SciFM. Employing the methods of policy review (n = 6), literature review (n = 35), expert consultations (n = 15), and forest and soil inventory, we found that SciFM has been beneficial for establishing regeneration of Sal. However, in the short-run, SciFM was found to be counterproductive to achieve national objectives of REDD+ (reducing carbon emissions from forestry sector), biodiversity conservation, and land productivity enhancement. Based on our analysis, we have discussed some learning areas from SciFM practices to align with the restoration objectives at a national and global scale. Implications of the findings in the other parts of the world, who are also implementing intensive forest management programs, are highlighted.

Science in the forest management in colonial Assam (1826–1947)

Since ancient period human beings have been dependent on forest and forest products, which gradually led to the evolvement of indigenous forest management system. The indigenous rulers and people revered the forest and forest products in form of sacred groves, trees and plants. Jhum or shifting cultivation is one such traditional method of cultivation which was favourable for the climate of Assam. Guha and Gadgil argued that in hilly and forestry land, where the plough could not penetrate, led to the adaptation of shifting cultivation in large expanses. For the first time the commercialization of forest products was started by the colonial administrators and for maximum production, science was introduced in the forest management. The application of science could be identified with forest plantation, silviculture, taungya and regulation on forest fires, grazing, wild animals, climbers, insects, parasitic plants and so on. The training programme for British foresters was also introduced. Under the taungya system indigenous people were allowed to cultivate along with the plantation. It firstly, allowed the colonial government to earn revenue and secondly, avoid any rift with the indigenous people. The forest legislations were used as an instrument for the maximum use of forest products by the Colonial Government and to debar the indigenous people’s rights over the access of forest and forest produces. However, the experiments by the colonial ruler led to the transformation of jungle (natural forest) into a more regulated modern forest. The brief report examines the development of scientific forest management practices in colonial Assam.

Production risk and technical inefficiency of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivation in Bangladesh: Do socio-economic factors matter?

The productivity of beans has been boosted in recent decades all over the world. Nevertheless, bean production variability is observed from farm to farm indicating the presence of production risk and inefficiency in bean cultivation. This study aims to investigate the production risk and technical inefficiency of bean farms in Bangladesh. A total of 80 bean farmers were selected from Bangladesh using a purposive random sampling technique. The Kumbhakar model was employed to compute the risk and inefficiency of bean farmers. The result shows the significant production-increasing effect of irrigation and farm size while it also implies the significant production-decreasing effect of seed and fertilizer. In addition, the risk of bean production has increased with the farm labor, irrigation, and farm size while the risk of bean production has reduced with the fertilizer. The result of technical efficiency implies that farmers can significantly decrease their input use while maintaining the same level of output. In addition, technical inefficiency has increased with the age and training of farmers while it has decreased with the extension services received by the farmers. Adopting appropriate scientific management practices is imperative to increase efficiency and reduce the production risk of bean farmers. Additionally, the government should provide sufficient credit facilities and enough subsidies on expensive inputs that help to decrease the financial risk of bean growers.

Knowledge level and its sectorial classification on scientific goat management practices

Knowledge level and its sectorial classification on scientific goat management practices

Mapping Out the Motivations, Housing Patterns and Management Practices Adopted by 2018 Kerala Flood Affected Dairy Farmers

A study on the dairy management practices adopted by dairy farmers who had been affected by the floods of 2018 was carried out in selected districts of Kerala state. A cross sectional survey design was employed for the study in which data were collected using structured interview schedules. Analysis of data revealed that 76.70 per cent of the respondents had housed their animals in traditional kutcha sheds. Raised platforms were seen in 84 per cent of the animal sheds. It was observed that 84.70 per cent of sheds had floors of concrete. Regarding the roof, it was observed that 89.30 per cent were constructed with sloping roof. The predominant roofing material used was sheets of galvanized iron (62.70 Per cent). Analysis of the occupational status of the farmers indicated that dairying was their primary occupation that majority of them undertook for self-employment (42 per cent) and additional income (32.70 per cent). On the adoption of important management practices, it was evident from the study that all the respondents had adopted scientific management practices such as regular vaccinations and regular deworming of dairy animals. However, it was also notable that 33.30 per cent of them had not adopted the practice of scientific disposal of carcass. This is important from the public health point of view, especially in event of natural calamities such as the Kerala Floods, 2018.

Duck production in India-A review

In India, the contribution of ducks for egg and meat production is next to chicken. There are many advantagesof duck production over chicken. The important available ducks in the country are few exotic breeds and locallyavailable indigenous ducks. Ducks can be reared under intensive, semi-intensive and extensive rearing system.However, in India, ducks are mostly reared in small flock size as subsidiary source of income. The major duck basedintegrated farming system are duck-fish, duck-rice and duck-rice-fish integrated farming system. Feed is the majorfactor in livestock and poultry production system as it accounts about 70-75% of the total cost of production. Tominimize the cost of production, many locally available alternate or unconventional feed ingredients, viz. azolla,cassava, broken rice are used for feeding of ducks. The constraints of duck farming are mainly the unavailability ofsuitable germplasm, scarcity in natural feed resources, drying of natural water bodies, difficulty in the availabilityof vaccines, poor marketing facilities, etc. In India, there is ample scope for duck production to meet egg and meatdemand of the country. Suitable duck breeds or varieties need to be developed for rural backyard duck farming.Comprehensive feeding packages along with scientific management practices for different types of ducks should beformulated for economic production of duck eggs and meat. There is a need for establishment of hatcheries and other infrastructures in rural areas to promote duck farming for sustainable livelihood of the people.

KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF DAIRY FARMERS REGARDING SCIENTIFIC DAIRY HUSBANDRY PRACTICES

The present study was conducted in Amreli district of Gujarat to ascertain the knowledge level of different scientific dairy management practices by livestock owners. Total 300 livestock owners selected randomly from five different talukas of the district were interviewed to get the various data regarding dairy husbandry practices. Among the different aspects of feeding, housing and milking management practices, livestock owner had quite high knowledge in supply of green fodder (100 per cent), dry fodder (98.67 per cent), practice of stall feeding (96.33 per cent), well ventilation in animal house (97.33 per cent), levelled floor (95.67 per cent), separate feed and fodder storage room for concentrate/roughage (95. 33 per cent), cleaning of milk utensil with detergent washing and sun drying (98.33 per cent), kind behaviour and practice of grooming with milking animal (97.33 per cent) whereas, low level of knowledge found in feeding mineral mixture (40.33 per cent), feeding salt (34.33 per cent), east-west long axis of house (9.67 per cent), cleaning and dipping of udder and teats just after milking (39.67 per cent), before milking with antiseptic (38.33 per cent), full hand milking (38.00 per cent). As regards to heathcare and breeding management, livestock owners had high level of knowledge in practices to control ecto-parasites (83.33 per cent), vaccination of animal (73.00 per cent), symptoms to detect sexual-heat (97.33 per cent), use of proven bull for natural service (83.00 per cent), pregnancy diagnosis by veterinary doctor (82.00 per cent) and waiting for placental expulsion up to 12 hours (81.33 per cent). Further, the livestock owners had low level of knowledge in grooming of animals (58.67 per cent), treatment of sick animal by veterinary doctor (44.00 per cent), emphasis given to male for improvement of breed/productivity (51.00 per cent) and initiation of breeding of heifers on the basis of body weight/size (40.67 per cent).

Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence

Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence