Smallholder agriculture in Uganda faces pressures from land scarcity and soil degradation, threatening food security. Agroecological Intensification (AEI) offers sustainable solutions, but adoption remains low. This study assessed the application of AEI practices and their influence on maize and beans productivity among smallholder farmers in Kamuli district, Uganda, following a promotional intervention conducted between October 2022 and April 2024. The study entailed a quasi-experimental design involving baseline (October 2022) and endline (April 2024) surveys with 100 farmers selected via two-stage sampling. The intervention, which included farmer training and demonstration plots focused on AEI practices, was implemented between surveys. Data on socio-demographics, AEI practice frequency, perceived constraints, and crop yields (maize, beans) were collected. Statistical analyses using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)-25 included descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression to establish factors influencing log-transformed yield and Land Equivalence Ratio (LER) for beans (n=92) and maize (n=78). Significant increases (p<0.05) occurred in the 'usual' application of organic waste recycling, erosion control, and water harvesting from baseline to endline, while intercropping significantly decreased. Farmers reported reduced severity of agroecological constraints between the baseline and endline. Regression of productivity (yield/LER) on other factors for beans (n=92) production showed positive associations (p<0.05) with manure use, mixed farming, education, and being a full-time farmer, and negative associations with intercropping and household size. For maize, regression of productivity (yield/LER) on other factors (n=78) indicated positive associations with water harvesting and constraint frequencies, but power (51%) was insufficient for reliable conclusions. Promotion of AEI practices over a period of nearly 1.5 years resulted in increased uptake of several AEI practices and lessened perceived ecological constraints. This, however, did not lead to significant (P>0.05) overall yield gains or LER for maize and beans within the intervention time frame. Specific practices were significantly associated with improved beans productivity. Results on maize require cautious interpretation due to inadequate statistical power. Promoting practices with demonstrated positive associations (like manure for beans) is recommended, alongside integrated support addressing socio-economic constraints. Key words: Agroecology, Extension Services, Production Constraints, Sustainable Agriculture, Uganda

Independent isomeric yield ratios of 131m,gTe and 133m,gTe in the quasi-mono-energetic neutron induced fission of 238U.

Pyrolysis gas proportions analysis of hardwood corresponding to hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin based on the TG-FTIR analysis.

Steam reforming of hydrocarbons is currently the dominant method for hydrogen (H2) production. As a petroleum refining byproduct rich in butane and propane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) offers a more accessible and easily transportable alternative feedstock of hydrocarbons relative to methane-enriched natural gas. However, conventional steam reforming of LPG requires high temperatures to cleave stable C─H bonds, and the inevitable release of carbon oxides as byproducts limits H2 selectivity (<76 vol%). To overcome these limitations, we report a low-temperature (37°C) mechanochemical strategy for converting LPG into high-purity H2 with chromium (Cr) powder. The reaction proceeds without carbon emissions and achieves a high H2 selectivity of 97.2vol%, far surpasses that of the thermochemical route (21.3vol% at 800°C). The H2 yield rate exhibits at least 50 times enhancement compared to thermochemistry. The H2 yield ratio reaches 94.6%, nearly 13 times greater than thermochemistry (7.3%). Mechanistically, strong metal-carbon interactions promote dehydrogenation and C─C bond cleavage, and metal-hydrogen interactions determine H2 selectivity. These findings highlight mechanochemistry as a promising low-temperature, carbon-free approach for sustainable H2 generation.

The suppression in the yield of quarkonia (heavy quark-antiquark bound states) has long been considered a key signature of the formation of thermalized deconfined partonic matter, known as the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP), in Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collision Experiments. Conventionally, the in-medium dissociation of quarkonium states has been presented by implicitly assuming an adiabatic approximation, which entails the heavy quark Hamiltonian changing slowly over time owing to the evolving medium. However, in high multiplicity small systems, such as in p + p collisions, the early development of transverse flow due to the finite transverse size of the locally thermalized medium may cause quarkonium states to undergo nonadiabatic evolution. We study the effect of such nonadiabaticity on the evolution of J/ψ and ψ′ states. We argue that J/ψ yield can be affected due to the nonadiabatic effects. Moreover, we also observe the enhancement in the yield ratio of ψ′ to J/ψ (i.e., ψ′/(J/ψ)), along with a simultaneous enhancement in ψ′ yield. Our findings are based on realistic modeling of the time evolution of small systems, where for the bulk evolution of the system, we consider a 2+1D MUSIC hydrodynamic code along with proper modeling of the pre-equilibrium dynamics. We also discuss the possible implications of such an enhancement of the yield ratio in the context of the formation of deconfined matter in high multiplicity p + p collisions. We have also calculated the nuclear modification factor (R AA ) for different quarkonia states. The variation of (R AA ) with charge particle multiplicity (dN ch /dη) can be used to compare the theoretical calculation with experimental data whenever available.

Background: Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is a vital pulse crop in Assam, but its productivity is constrained by insect pests such as whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); the leaf roller Nacoleia vulgalis (Guenée)(Lepidoptera: Crambidae); the gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae); the pod bug, Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae), Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the aphid Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Farmers generally rely on indiscriminate pesticide use, leading to ecological and economic concerns. Bio-Intensive Pest Management (BIPM) offers an eco-friendly alternative by integrating botanicals, biopesticides and cultural practices. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during 2021-22 to 2023-24 at multiple locations across Assam to evaluate the efficacy of a BIPM module against major insect pests of green gram. The BIPM module comprised: (i) two rows of sesame as a barrier crop, (ii) timely weeding at 30 DAS, (iii) installation of yellow sticky traps (30 cm × 20 cm) @ 30/ha at 30 DAS and (iv) spray of Azadirachtin 300 ppm @ 5 ml/L at vegetative stage; compared with farmers’ practice (FP: Weeding + application of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.3 ml/L). Pest incidence, pod damage, yield and benefit-cost ratio were recorded and statistically analyzed for different years at varied locations. Result: The BIPM module significantly reduced pest incidence compared to FP. Pooled mean whitefly and leaf roller incidence were 0.84/trifoliate leaf and 1.09%, respectively, under BIPM, against 3.39/trifoliate leaf and 4.48% under FP. Pod borer and pod bug damage were also lower (3.88% and 4.65%) in BIPM plots compared to FP (16.47% and 19.45%). Yield was consistently higher under BIPM (1028.07 kg/ha), representing a 13.39% increase over FP (906.63 kg/ha). Location-wise trials confirmed the superiority of BIPM, with yield advantages ranging from 6.49% to 34.84%. The benefit-cost ratio (1:2.06-1:2.52) was also higher in BIPM plots. Multi-location trials confirmed 6.49-34.84% yield advantage of BIPM across diverse agro-ecological zones of Assam. The findings suggest that the BIPM module provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to pesticide-based practices for effective pest management in green gram, with positive implications for productivity and profitability.

Abstract Introduction: The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple, non-invasive tool for identifying the individuals at risk. This study assessed the diabetes risk profile of adults using IDRS and estimated the diabetes yield ratio amongst the study participants at a tertiary care centre in Tamil Nadu. Methodology: A study was conducted amongst 400 adults (≥18 years) accompanying patients at a tertiary care hospital, selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using the IDRS questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. Results: Based on IDRS, 40.0% were high risk, 47.3% medium risk and 12.8% low risk. Amongst those tested, 13.2% of high-risk and 1.4% of medium-risk individuals were diagnosed with diabetes. A significant association was found between diabetes risk and factors such as gender, education, occupation and body mass index. Conclusion: Opportunistic screening using IDRS effectively identified high-risk individuals, supporting its use for early detection and lifestyle intervention to reduce the diabetes burden.

Reducing yield ratio while enhancing strength in 500 MPa grade wind power steel via intercritical annealing

The Mun River Basin, the largest Mekong tributary in Northeast Thailand, has experienced extensive agricultural expansion and forest decline, raising concerns over increasing soil erosion and sediment transfer. This study provides an integrated assessment of soil loss, sediment yield (SY), and sediment delivery ratio (SDR) across 19 sub-watersheds using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), field-based SY data, and multivariate statistical analyses in 2024. Basinwide soil loss was estimated at ~35 million t y−1 (mean 4.96 t ha−1 y−1), with more than 80% of the basin classified in the no erosion to very low erosion classes. Despite substantial hillslope erosion, only 402,405 t y−1 of sediment reaches the river network, corresponding to a low SDR of 1.15%, which falls within the range reported for large tropical watersheds with significant reservoir infrastructure. Soil loss is most strongly influenced by slope and forested terrain, while SY responds primarily to rainfall and tree plantations; urban land, croplands, and reservoirs act as sediment sinks. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) resolved multicollinearity and produced six components explaining over 90% of predictor variance. A PCA-based regression model predicted SY per unit area with high accuracy (r = 0.81). The results highlight the dominant roles of hydroclimate and land-use structure in shaping sediment connectivity, supporting targeted soil and watershed-management strategies.

Isotope-selective photodissociation is a promising route to laser-based separation, yet its efficiency remains constrained by fixed molecular cross sections. Here, we introduce an active optical-switching strategy that utilizes a nonresonant ultraviolet control pulse to generate and tailor isotopologue-specific Fano resonances. By coupling high-lying vibrational levels of the electronic ground state to a dissociative continuum, this pulse dynamically modulates photodissociation cross sections without direct electronic excitation. Using full quantum wave packet simulations of HF and DF isotopologues, we demonstrate that the photofragment yield ratio can be reversibly switched by orders of magnitude through tuning of the probe frequency across a light-induced resonance. This approach enables selective suppression or enhancement of dissociation for a target isotopologue with high spectral precision. Our work establishes a versatile and efficient mechanism for isotope-selective photochemistry and opens a pathway toward coherent optical control of molecular photodissociation.

Abstract The dependence of $$\textrm{f}_{0}$$ f 0 (980) production on the final-state charged-particle multiplicity is reported for proton–proton (pp) collisions at the centre-of-mass energy, $$\sqrt{s}=$$ s = 13 TeV. The production of $$\textrm{f}_{0}$$ f 0 (980) is measured with the ALICE detector via the $$\textrm{f}_0 (980) \rightarrow \pi ^{+}\pi ^{-}$$ f 0 ( 980 ) → π + π - decay channel in a midrapidity region of $$|y|&lt;$$ | y | &lt; 0.5. The evolution of the integrated yields and mean transverse momentum of f $$_{0}$$ 0 (980) as a function of charged-particle multiplicity measured in pp at $$\sqrt{s}=$$ s = 13 TeV follows the trends observed in pp at $$\sqrt{s}=$$ s = 5.02 TeV and in proton–lead (p–Pb) collisions at $$\sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}}=$$ s NN = 5.02 TeV. Particle yield ratios of $$\textrm{f}_{0}$$ f 0 (980) to $$\pi ^{\pm }$$ π ± and $$\textrm{K}^{*}$$ K ∗ (892) $$^{0}$$ 0 are found to decrease with increasing charged-particle multiplicity. These particle ratios are compared with calculations from the canonical statistical thermal model as a function of charged-particle multiplicity. The thermal model calculations provide a better description of the decreasing trend of particle ratios when no strange or antistrange quark composition for f $$_{0}$$ 0 (980) is assumed, which suggests that the data do not support significant hidden strangeness in the $$\textrm{f}_{0} (980)$$ f 0 ( 980 ) .

A field experiment was conducted in 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 at Rogoza, Fala, and Brežice in Slovenia to examine the biological viability of a mixed intercropping system and the effect of winter catch crops (WCCs) on maize growth parameters. The experiment included Italian ryegrass (IR) in pure stands, fertilized with nitrogen (N) in spring (70 kg N ha−1), mixtures of crimson clover and red clover 50:50 (C), and intercropping between IR and C (IR+C). Neither mixture was fertilized with N in spring. We evaluated different competition indices and biological efficiency. Relative crowding coefficient (RCC) and actual yield loss (AYL) exceeded 1, indicating a benefit of IR+C intercropping. The IR in intercropping was more aggressive, as indicated by positive aggressivity (A) and a competitive ratio (CR) > 1, and it dominated over C in IR+C (that had negative A values and CR < 1). The competitive balance index (Cb) differed from zero, the relative yield total (RYT) was 2.24, the land equivalent coefficient (LEC) exceeded 0.25, the area–time equivalent ratio (ATER) exceeded 1, and land use efficiency (LUE) exceeded 100%. IR+C exhibited the highest total aboveground dry matter yield of maize (29.22 t ha−1), the highest nitrogen content in dry matter grain yield of maize (206.35 kg ha−1), the highest nitrogen and potassium content in maize stover (105.7 and 105.7 kg ha−1, respectively), and the highest nitrogen and potassium content in the total aboveground dry matter of maize (312 and 267.3 kg ha−1, respectively). The C/N ratio in dry matter yield of IR was 45.35, and in IR+C it was 33.43, which means that the mixture had a positive effect on nutrient release in maize. The ryegrass–clover mixture, according to the calculated biological indices, had advantages over pure stands and had a positive effect on maize yield.

This study explores how various factors such as capital adequacy ratio, credit to deposit ratio, dividend policy, and ownership structure affect the profitability of Nepalese commercial banks. The dependent variables in this research are return on assets (ROA) and net interest margin (NIM), while the independent variables include capital adequacy ratio, credit to deposit ratio, dividend payout ratio, dividend yield ratio, foreign ownership, government ownership, and bank size. The study utilizes secondary data from 15 commercial banks, with 135 observations spanning the years 2015/16 to 2023/24. Data was gathered from the Banking and Financial Statistics published by Nepal Rastra Bank, along with annual reports and publications from respective commercial banks. Regression models and correlation coefficients were applied to assess the significance of these independent variables on the profitability of Nepalese banks. The findings indicate that factors such as capital adequacy ratio, credit to deposit ratio, dividend payout ratio, bank size, and government ownership are negatively related to the return on assets of Nepalese banks. This suggests that higher values in these variables lead to lower ROA. Conversely, foreign ownership and dividend yield have a positive impact on ROA. Additionally, the study finds a negative relationship between these factors (except government ownership) and net interest margin, meaning that higher values in these variables correspond to a lower NIM. However, government ownership was found to positively affect net interest margin.

This study optimizes fertilization schemes through the emergy analysis of different nutrient reduction treatments in maize cropping ecosystems in Xinjiang, thereby providing technical support for improving chemical fertilizer use efficiency and maintaining the stability of farmland ecosystems. The study was conducted in 2024 at Huaxing Farm in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The experiment used the local conventional nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization rates as the control treatment N0P0 (applying P 183 kg·hm−2 and N 246 kg·hm−2), with eight different N and P nutrient reduction treatments: N0P1 (10% reduction in P only), N0P2 (20% reduction in P only), N1P0 (10% reduction in N only), N2P0 (20% N reduction), N1P1 (10% N and P reduction), N1P2 (10% N and 20% P reduction), N2P1 (20% N and 10% P reduction), and N2P2 (20% N and P reduction). Each treatment was replicated three times. Based on biomass data of maize plant components under different fertilization treatments, emergy analysis of farmland ecosystems and integration of economic benefit indicators led to the optimization of an optimal fertilization scheme. Results indicate that the N0P1 treatment performed optimally: maize plant biomass reached 251.09 g, significantly higher than other treatments. The N0P1 treatment exhibited the highest energy output (3.23 × 1016 sej·hm−2), the highest net energy yield ratio (EYR) of 1.45, and an energy sustainability index (ESI) of 3.34, representing a high level. It also delivered the highest economic benefit, with a net profit of 8571.95 CNY·hm−2 and a production–investment ratio of 1.71. In conclusion, the N0P1 treatment (10% reduction in phosphorus alone) demonstrated superior performance in biomass yield, energy utilization efficiency, ecological sustainability, and economic benefits, making it the optimal fertilization strategy for maize fields in this region.

Homogeneous Kolbe-Schmitt carboxylation of phenoxides offers a mild and effective alternative to the classical high-temperature solid-phase Kolbe-Schmitt reaction. To develop this into a practical synthetic approach, we investigated several fundamental dependencies, particularly the impact of cations (Na, K, Li, Cs, and Rb), phenoxide concentration, and solvents (DMSO or DMF) on the yield and regioisomeric ratio of hydroxyaromatic carboxylic acids (HACAs). We identified optimal conditions for the effective carboxylation of different phenoxides, including a chiral Ellman’s sulfinamide derived from ortho-vanillin. Both solvents and cations were found to be crucial in the carboxylation of phenoxides. Due to solvation effects, DMSO directs CO2 attack to the para-position of phenoxide, while DMF, although less selective, generally affords higher HACA yields. The addition of equiv. amounts of mesitolate salt to phenoxide in either DMSO or DMF solution often drives the reaction to completion, resulting in yields of up to 98%. Phenoxides containing several EWG groups, such as halogens or alkyl groups, adjacent to the reaction center show considerably lower reactivity in carboxylation; however, by carefully adjusting parameters, acceptable conversions (>70%) can be achieved. Using the gasometry, we assessed the stability of phenoxide and mesitolate carbonate complexes in DMSO. These experiments revealed distinct stages for the onset of decomposition and carboxylation at atmospheric pressure, indicating a lower energy barrier in the homogeneous process. Further insight into carbonate complex behavior was obtained through DOSY and 13C NMR experiments, which support increased molecular association in solution and correlate with enhanced reactivity.

The present paper reports the energy and environmental impacts of integrating a column of activated alumina (AA) for fluoride adsorption with a humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination system. The effects of fluoride concentration (Ci), the mass of AA (maa), and the mass flow rate ratio (MR) on the yield and gained-output ratio (GOR) of the considered system have been investigated using an experimental approach. The experiments are conducted for 5 to 30 mg/L, 1 to 2 kg, and 1 to 6 for Ci, maa, and MR, respectively. The effect of brine recirculation on the investigated system is also reported in this paper. The obtained results have shown an enhancement of up to 21% in the value of GOR with this system. Moreover, nearly 80% of the fluoride disposal to nature as concentrated brine can be prevented using the adsorption unit. The current study is carried out to prevent fluoride disposal in the reject stream. However, the proposed system can obtain freshwater at the community level without disposing of harmful contaminants in rejected water by incorporating other adsorption materials. The results presented in this paper may be useful for the stakeholders working on sustainable freshwater production.

Abstract In the 4.93, 6.61, 8.31 and 10.92 MeV spectrum averaged neutron-induced fission of 232 Th, independent isomeric yield ratios (IR) of the fission products 131m,g Te and 133m,g Te have been experimentally determine. An off-line gamma-ray spectrometric technique was used for the measurement. The average neutron energies used were obtained from the 7 Li(p, n) reaction by using the proton energies of 7, 11, 15 and 18.8 MeV. From the IR values, the root mean square fragment angular momenta ( J RMS ) were deduced by applying spin dependent statistical model analysis. The effect of nuclear structure and role of excitation energy on the IR and J RMS values of 131m,g Te and 133m,g Te were examined.

The high yield ratio remains a critical challenge restricting the widespread application of ultra-high-strength steels. This study investigates a direct quenching and aging (DQA) route without solution treatment in a Cu-precipitation-strengthened steel, aiming to achieve high strength combined with a low yield ratio, and compares it with the conventional solution treatment plus aging (SQA) process. The DQA sample exhibits an excellent yield strength of 1205 MPa, a low yield ratio of 0.93, and an impact energy of 105 J at −20 °C. Microstructural analysis reveals that the high dislocation density and refined grain structure generated during rolling provided numerous nucleation sites for fine, dense Cu precipitates during DQA treatment, thereby enhancing precipitation strengthening. The reduced yield ratio is primarily attributed to the high initial dislocation density and deformation substructure, which enhance work-hardening capacity and consequently lower the yield ratio. The toughness mechanisms of both processes are also discussed in detail. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing the strength–toughness balance of ultra-high-strength steels.

Global aquaculture expansion necessitates sustainable technologies like biofloc technology (BFT), and the type of carbon source exerts a crucial impact on the functionality of biofloc systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of single carbon sources (glucose [G] and maltodextrin [M]) and their 1:1 mixture (GM) on water quality, microbial communities, growth performance, and physiological status of redclaw crayfish ( Cherax quadricarinatus ) in BFT systems, with a clear‐water group (F) as the control. A 70‐day experiment was conducted in triplicate tanks per treatment, with key parameters (water quality indices, microbial diversity via 16S rRNA sequencing, growth metrics, and hepatopancreatic antioxidant enzyme activities) measured. Data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test ( p &lt; 0.05). Key findings showed that the GM group exhibited significantly higher microbial alpha diversity (Shannon index and Simpson index; p &lt; 0.05 vs. all groups) and stronger functional redundancy, enriched with synergistic taxa such as Dechloromonas and Chryseolinea . Compared to the F group, all BFT groups significantly improved production yield (GM: 135.72 g vs. F: 119.35 g; p &lt; 0.05), survival rate (GM: 88.89% vs. F: 70.22%; p &lt; 0.05), and feed conversion ratio (GM: 1.72 vs. F: 1.89; p &lt; 0.05), with GM performing optimally among BFT groups. The GM group also maintained a balanced carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio (C:N) and stable total suspended solids (TSS) dynamics, while crayfish in GM showed significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels ( p &lt; 0.05). All biofloc systems demonstrated economic viability (benefit‐cost ratios (BCRs) &gt; 1.40). This research provides a practical microbial‐based strategy for improving redclaw crayfish culture and crustacean aquaculture sustainability via optimized carbon source management in BFT.

Soil moisture and nutrients are critical for agricultural productivity, especially in arid and semiarid regions where they limit crop growth. This study examines the combined use of irrigation, mulching, and fertigation in southern Telangana, India, to enhance water and nutrient availability, assessing soil and leaf nutrient dynamics, fruit yield, and quality of mango. The present experiment conducted over two years with 16 treatments replicated thrice, it includes four irrigation (basin irrigation at 1.2 m³/plant every 10 days, drip at 75%, 100%, 125% ETc daily) and four fertilization levels (500 g N&amp;K via soil post-fruit set, 250, 375, 500 g of N&amp;K via fertigation in three equal doses at 15-day intervals post-fruit set) and all the plants were mulched with silver colored polyethylene of 100 microns. The study found that 125% ETc with 375 g N&amp;K fertigation and mulching significantly enhanced leaf nutrient and soil moisture availability (50%), water and nutrient use efficiency, fruit yield (60%), quality, and benefit-cost ratio, while saving 12.5% fertilizer compared to basin irrigation (1.2 m³ water) with 500 g N&amp;K soil application. Similarly, 75% ETc with 500 g N&amp;K fertigation and mulching improved leaf, soil nutrients, moisture, water and nutrient use efficiency, fruit yield (50%) and with 30% water savings compared to basin irrigation and soil fertilization. Future studies should validate these findings across diverse soil and climates to confirm the broader applicability of 125% ETc drip irrigation with 375 g N&amp;K fertigation plant-1 and mulching as a fertilizer-saving approach, and 75% ETc drip irrigation with 500 g N&amp;K fertigation plant-1 and mulching as a water-saving approach for mango cultivation.