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The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the concept of the Fourth Agricultural Revolution (4AR) are interconnected, as they both refer to the application of advanced technologies. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has the power to revolutionize agriculture, enabling farmers to embrace innovation, increase productivity, and foster sustainable practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of knowledge and attitude of respondents; to determine the familiarity of the respondents with 4AR technologies, to measure the severity of problems perceived by the respondents concerning 4AR, to find out the suitability of solutions for adopting 4AR innovations and to explore the relationship between each of the selected characteristics of the respondents with the focused issues. Primary data were collected from purposively selected 70 respondents during the period of 1 May, 2023 to 9 May, 2023 at Khulna district through face-to-face discussions and online interviews by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, percentage and Spearman Coefficient of Correlation were measured for data interpretation by using SPSS. Almost 72.9% of the respondents had low knowledge of 4AR technologies and a proportion of 95.7% of the respondents had a favorable attitude toward 4AR. Maximum respondents are highly familiar with the technology of “Using an automated machine for seedling transplantation” and “Using agricultural drones in applying fertilizers and pesticides in crop fields”. The main problem based on the problem severity index was “High initial investment to purchase 4AR technologies”. The best possible solutions according to the solution index were making the 4AR technologies available at low prices in the local market” followed by financial support from the Government and other agencies. Knowledge and attitude towards 4AR technologies had a significant positive relationship with the familiarity of 4AR technologies. Training experience had a highly significant relationship with the determination of associated problems in 4AR implementation. Knowledge of 4AR and training experience had a highly significant positive relationship with the measurement of the suitability of probable solutions.

Abstract Cement plants are the major anthropogenic sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), which are generated from the processing of raw materials and combustion of fossil fuels. This study determined the PTE concentration and assessed the geochemical, ecological, and health risks associated with the activities in the Ashaka cement plant, Bajoga, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected between 2019 and 2020, and analyzed by ICP-OES for 20 PTEs. The data obtained were statistically evaluated for descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean concentrations of PTEs were in the declined order of Al > Fe > Mn > Zn > Ti > Ba > Sr > Pb > Cu > V > Cr > Ni > As > Sc > Mo > Hg > Cd > Se > Sb > Co. Multivariate analysis revealed that the main sources of PTEs might be related to anthropogenic activities from the cement plant. The geochemical load index (GLI) values obtained range from unpolluted to moderate. The ecological risk ranged from 4.74 × 10–3 to 8.00 × 100, and the overall risk index indicated low contamination for the investigated elements. The hazard index (HI) was

The rapid transmission and outspread of the Coronavirus quickly caused a global pandemic and its associated circumscription measures have produced a variety of unexpected disturbances to agricultural and socioeconomic systems around the world. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the impact of the Corona pandemic on the livelihoods of rural farmers, to determine rural farmers' perceived impacts of the Corona pandemic on agricultural systems, to explain the magnitude of the impacts of the Corona pandemic in some selected areas of Khulna district in Bangladesh. Data were collected from purposively selected 110 respondents using a pre-tested interview schedule through personal interviews conducted from March, 2023 to April, 2023. Descriptive statistics such as range, frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and rank order were used whenever possible. Majority (45.5%) of the respondents had medium sized families where the majority (61.8%) of them had high farming experience, 66.4% had small-sized farms and the highest portion (48.2%) had medium income. The majority (58.2%) of the respondents had a moderately clear perception of the impacts of the pandemic on agricultural systems while 18.2% and 23.6% of respondents had partially clear and highly clear perceptions, respectively. The highest portion (55.5%) of the respondents perceived that they had a moderate impact on their livelihood activities followed by a partial impact (44.5%). The majority (53.6%) of the respondents perceived that the lockdown had a moderate impact on agricultural production followed by a partial impact (46.4%). About 43.63% of respondents considered economic loss as the highest magnitude of impact while 41.81% considered a reduction in income and an increase of agricultural input cost resulting in a higher cost of production. The existing impacts of the Corona pandemic should be minimized by taking proper initiatives by the concerned authorities to ensure a better standard of life for rural farmers. [Fundam Appl Agric 2024; 9(1.000): 10-21]

Abstract Medicinal plants have played an undeniable role in treating diseases in mankind. However, these plants may be contaminated by toxic substances like heavy metals. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the contamination and health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) of heavy metals in economically important medicinal plants mostly in Northern Nigeria. A total of 72 samples from 12 medical plants were purchased and analyzed for heavy metal (Pb, Cr, As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni and Fe) contamination using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) after wet digestion. The concentrations of the heavy metals (mg·kg−1) were in the range of 1.71–9.01 for Pb, 0.23–2.08 for Cr, 0.00–0.05 for As, 0.00–0.51 for Cd, 5.08–23.67 for Zn, 1.28–13.45 for Cu, 0.96–1.95 for Ni and 20.58–108.50 for Fe. The results revealed that the plant under study contained unsafe levels of Cr and Cd being higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. The hazard index (HI) was

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) from the largest Welsh screening cohort to date. Patients were recruited from 1993 (to 2015) as part of the South East Wales AAA screening programme through general practitioners. Demographic data and risk factors were collected by means of a self‐report questionnaire. Statistical tests were performed to determine whether associations could be observed between AAA and potential risk factors. Odds ratios (OR) were also calculated for each of the risk factors identified. A total of 6879 patients were included in the study. Two hundred and seventy‐five patients (4.0%) presented with AAA, of which 16% were female and 84% were male. Patients with AAA were older than the (no AAA) control group (p

Even in its cessation, the COVID-19 pandemic sustains its profound impact on human lives and on each sector of the global economy. Without exception, the dire consequences of curbing the spread of the virus’ effects by restricting mobility and travel at its earliest inception had taken a toll on the tourism industry. In contrast to previous global health crises, the COVID-19 effect is the worst and most prolonged, where the livelihoods of many locals and local businesses struggle to rebuild after restrictions were lifted in the last few years, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study looks into the challenges faced by SMEs within the tourism industry and their preparedness for developing and deploying a crisis management strategy during the pandemic. Qualitative data gathered through in-depth interviews with SMEs from the tourism sector were analysed, and the results suggest that a number of factors, as well as how they relate to one another in various crises, would need to be addressed in order to develop a crisis management strategy in an organization.

Abstract Background Different imaging techniques, such as multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan and cone beam computed tomography(CBCT), are used to check the structure of the nose before rhinoplasty. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of two imaging techniques, MDCT scan, and CBCT, in diagnosing structural Variations in rhinoplasty for the first time. Methods This diagnostic accuracy study was conducted on 64 rhinoplasty candidates who complained of snoring and sleep apnea or had a positive result in the examination with Cottle’s maneuver or modified Cottle technique between February 2021 and October 2022 at 15- Khordad Hospital affiliated to Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Before rhinoplasty, patients were randomly assigned to one of the CT and CBCT techniques with an equal ratio. Scans were assessed for the presence of Nasal septum deviation (NSD), Mucocele, Concha bullosa, and nasal septal spur by two independent radiologists. The findings of the two methods were evaluated with the results during rhinoplasty as the gold standard. Results NSD was the most common anatomical variation based on both imaging techniques. The accuracy of CBCT for diagnosing Nasal Septum Deviation and Mucocele was 80% and 75%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CBCT in detecting Concha bullosa were 81.3% and 83.3%, respectively. The Kappa coefficient between CBCT and intraoperative findings for diagnosing NSD and Concha Bullosa was 0.76 and 0.73, respectively (p

Farmers need new technologies and information to cope with the challenges and difficulties of agricultural extension. YouTube, a low-cost tool, offers opportunities for farmers' feedback, interaction, and networking. In order to utilize this tool for the benefit of farmers, it is necessary to learn the prospects and problems of YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content preparation and dissemination. Data were collected from 105 respondents under the Khulna Metropolitan Agriculture Office (both Metro 1 and 2) and from the 3 content creators from February to May 2023. However, the majority of respondents (94.30%) perceive YouTube as a promising tool for agricultural content dissemination. Besides, the majority of the respondents (64.80%) perceive problems with YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content dissemination. Age, farm size, experience, extension media contact, and training received positively impact respondents' perceptions of YouTube. The findings suggest that the public extension system and policymakers may consider reducing internet costs and providing low-cost devices for both respondents and content creators. Additionally, other virtual video platforms like YouTube can be made more accessible, allowing audiences to access information from diversified virtual video channels.

Despite ongoing insecurity, Afghanistan has demonstrated improvement in health outcomes. Reasons for this success include a strategic public-private health service delivery model and investment in Afghan health care workforce development. Afghan universities have the primary responsibility for ensuring that an adequate health care workforce is available to private and public health care delivery settings. Most entry-level health care providers working in Afghanistan are educated within the country. However, university constraints, including faculty shortages and limited access to professional development, have affected both the flow of the health care workforce pipeline and the skill levels and competencies of those who do enter the workforce. Aware of these constraints and workforce needs, the administration at Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), working in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, prioritized investment in strengthening technical and academic capabilities within four faculties (anesthesiology, dentistry, medical laboratory technology, and midwifery). KUMS partnered with the University of Minnesota in 2017 with United States Agency for International Development support through the University Support and Workforce Development Program. Together they established a unique training-of-trainers (TOT) faculty development program to improve faculty knowledge and skills specific to their technical expertise, as well as knowledge and skills in instructional design and research methods. In this article, we describe the successes and challenges associated with partnership development, implementation, and sustainability.

Despite the fact that several cases of unsafe pesticide use among farmers in different parts of Africa have been documented, there is limited evidence regarding which specific interventions are effective in reducing pesticide exposure and associated risks to human health and ecology. The overall goal of the African Pesticide Intervention Project (APsent) study is to better understand ongoing research and public health activities related to interventions in Africa through the implementation of suitable target-specific situations or use contexts. A systematic review of the scientific literature on pesticide intervention studies with a focus on Africa was conducted. This was followed by a qualitative survey among stakeholders involved in pesticide research or management in the African region to learn about barriers to and promoters of successful interventions. The project was concluded with an international workshop in November 2021, where a broad range of topics relevant to occupational and environmental health risks were discussed such as acute poisoning, street pesticides, switching to alternatives, or disposal of empty pesticide containers. Key areas of improvement identified were training on pesticide usage techniques, research on the effectiveness of interventions targeted at exposure reduction and/or behavioral changes, awareness raising, implementation of adequate policies, and enforcement of regulations and processes.

Abstract Background The emergence of COVID-19 has devastated many parts of the world. From asymptomatic to symptomatic, the virus causes a wide spectrum of presentations. COVID-19 patients may present with oral manifestations. In Afghanistan, where COVID-19 has severely strained the health care system, much of the population lacks proper oral hygiene. This makes the oral cavity a perfect site for SARS-CoV-2 to manifest clinical signs. Case presentation A 62-year-old male was evaluated in the Dentistry Teaching Clinic of Kabul University of Medical Sciences for a painful erosive lesion on dorsal surface of his tongue. He also complained of fever, cough, and taste alteration. He was referred to Afghan Japan Hospital for COVID-19 testing and tested positive. He was followed on for the treatment of SARS-CoV2. After 2 weeks, the patient tested negative and returned to the dentistry clinic for follow-up. Although there were no other signs of COVID-19, the painful erosive lesion on his tongue persisted. Oral evaluation were performed and the patient was advised to practice good hygiene. After 10 days, we observed an asymptomatic geographic tongue without fever and myalgias and the lesion of dorsal surface of tongue improved from severe condition to moderate. Conclusion In conclusion, patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 should be screened for symptoms and physical findings in the oral mucosa To prevent such an outcome, awareness programs need to be implemented for the diagnosis and management of clinical symptoms among patients.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data from Saudi Arabia on the demographic characteristics, outcomes and effectiveness of different treatment modalities in children with intracranial ependymoma. OBJECTIVE: Study the characteristics of pediatric ependymoma and outcomes of treatment modalities in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children with intracranial ependymoma who were younger than 14 years of age and treated between 2006 and 2015 were included in the study. Patients with prior radiation, chemo-therapy, or surgical resection at other centers were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate the event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of the patients. SAMPLE SIZE: 22. RESULTS: Of the 22 children, 4 (18.2%) were less than three years old. All intracranial ependymomas had upfront surgical resection of the primary tumor. Gross total resection was achievable in 9 (42.9%) cases and subtotal resection in another 9 (42.9%). Near-total resection was done in 3 (14.3%) cases. Median time from surgery to start of radiotherapy was 62 days. RT was given to 17 (77.3%) patients. Both mean and median RT dose was 55.8 Gy. Only 5 (22.7%) of the children received chemotherapy. The median duration of follow-up was 5.38 years and the median time for EFS was 2.27 years. The cumulative OS rate of the study was 44.5%. The cumulative EFS survival rate of the study was 18.6%. Among demographic, pathological, radiological features, none had a statistically significant effect on the survival. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes are comparable to those reported by international investigators for similar populations. Further improvements can be achieved by avoiding delays in radiation therapy and adding molecular staging. LIMITATIONS: The limited number of cases, retrospective nature, lack of molecular biology and size of the tumors. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Rural-urban migration is an important issue regarding the availability of manpower both in rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Its a dynamic issue and depends on various changing factors over time. The present study is an attempt to explore the present factors that cause laborer migration. It purports to inquire into push and pull factors of migration of agricultural laborer in Dumuria upazila of Khulna district. Data were collected from the purposively selected 80 respondents during August to September 2019 through a structured interview schedule on a number of eleven selected socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and the (push-pull) factors affecting migration. Relationships between the concerned independent variables and dependent variable(migration to urban area) were ascertained using Pearsons Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation (r) [for parametric data] and Spearmans Rank Order Coefficients (ρ) [for non-parametric data] of Correlation. The majority of the respondents (58.75%) were middle aged, 27.50% had higher secondary level of education, 76.25% were married, 60% belonged to the medium sized family, 65% had small sized farm, and 46.25% had low experience in farming. The majority (58.75%) of the respondents had low annual family income, 78.75% had no training, 56.25% had no organizational participation, 56.25% had low scale of extension media contact, and 46.25% had high cosmopolitanism. More than half (53.75%) of the respondents made a decision by themselves to migrate with a properly planned way (67.5%). About half of the migrants (48.75%) are presently involved in works which are permanent in nature. The majority (63.25%) of the respondent indicated that the place of migration is more improved than the previous residence. 60% of the respondents were moderately affected by push factors and 66.25% were affected by pull factors of rural-urban migration. The respondents hada high migration index of push factors regarding landlessness (67.50%) and pull factors regarding most attractive quality life (82.08%). Among other push factors extreme poverty (65.83/%) and searching for work (63.75%) ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. Among other pull factors more wealth (81.25%) and better service (79.17%) ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. Among the selected characteristics of the respondents, there was a significant negative relationship between farming experience and migration. The study concludes that rural-urban migration occurs not for ignoring agricultural activities, but it happens for searching improvement of overall life status by a farmer. [Fundam Appl Agric 2020; 5(1.000): 116-123]

In the urban area there is scarce space for planting trees and cultivating agricultural plants. Rooftop gardening might be an alternative to overcome this land scarcity. However, the present status of rooftop gardening and the associated problems are yet to be documented. The present study mainly analyzes the scenario of rooftop gardening, its problem confrontation and its effects on the surroundings. Nirala and Sonadanga area of Khulna city were purposively selected for the study from where a total of 60 rooftop gardens were randomly selected for face-to-face interview with a pre-tested interview schedule during the period of 15 March to 20 April, 2018. Results showed that majority of the rooftop gardeners belonged to the group of old age (40%), undergrad and above level of education (61.6%) and small family size (55%) with high annual income (41.7%). Majority of them had low experience (40%), but high knowledge (76.7%) on rooftop gardening. Besides, 58.3% respondents had no organizational participation along with seldom extension contact (66.7%) and seldom cosmopoliteness (81.7%). More than half of the respondents (65%) had small size (≤1000 ft2) roof area suitable for gardening. The rooftop gardeners earned very poor economic benefit from the garden compared to bearing large expenditure for it. Most of the respondents preferred rooftop garden as a hobby (98.33%) and aesthetics (90%). Again, 51.67% respondents considered it as an aspect of ecological balance. Vegetables (16.57%) and flowers (12.53%) were the most dominating plants in the study area for rooftop gardens. Main intercultural operations included irrigation, weeding, training/pruning and control of insects and diseases. Commonly faced insects were ant, mealy bug and green leaf hopper with the diseases of die back, viral disease, leaf curling and leaf scorching. Common fertilizers used in the study area were cow dung, compost, urea, MoP and sesame cake. Excessive heat (91.67%), lack of proper nourishment (87.08%) and roof load (72.92%) were the most severe problems. Among the 9 selected characteristics only age of the respondents showed significant positive relationship with problem confrontation. Besides, weather parameters showed positive impacts in case of green roof than empty roof. Thus, the overall results indicate great contributions of rooftop gardening in urban areas in terms of environmental reclamation. [Fundam Appl Agric 2019; 4(1.000): 617-626]

Abstract This research investigates the cooking of monoethanolamine with a concentration of 50% and baking alkali sulphite with 18% alkalinity for making pulp from corn stalks. The combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphite in rations of 70:30 as a measure of alkali sulphite and water and monoethanolamine with a ratio of 50:50 were selected as control treatments. The amount of deficiency was eliminated during all three processes due to the fact that it was not very minor and could not be weighed. Furthermore, the cooking conditions were chosen as variables: the process of alkali and soda sulphite was combined; time was 30:60:90 minutes at the three levels and the temperature was 125.145.165 degrees at the three levels; and the ratio of the baking fluid to the raw material (1 to 4) remained constant. The paper pulp produced with monovalent and 50% had the lowest amount of total efficiency (36.12) and kappa number (17.93). In alkaline sulphite treatment, it was observed that decreasing the temperature and increasing the time as variable factors, results in a decrease in the total return value and the kappa number likewise increases, so that the highest burst index (6.78) is related to baking with a temperature of 125 degrees and the total time would be 60 minutes. The results of this study show that monoethanolamine/water (50:50) can be successfully used to make paper from corn stalks, and the characteristics of the pulp of manufactured paper, especially in terms of mechanical strength and kappa number, when mixed with water; and that it is superior to the process of alkali sulphite both as a combination and by itself

Context: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV), otherwise called human herpesvirus 5, is a member of the Herpesviridae family. Maternofetal transmission of CMV can occur during pregnancy following primary or recurrent infections in the mother. Infections in utero are associated with fetal abnormalities, intrauterine growth retardation, and intrauterine death. In India, 80%–90% of the adult population show presence of CMV antibodies; however, there are few articles showing the prevalence of CMV infection in pregnant women. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess seroprevalence of CMV infection in antenatal women. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional, observational study, study population: women reporting for antenatal care to the OPD at a tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods: Three hundred and seventy serum samples drawn from antenatal women attending OPD in a tertiary care center were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical significance was estimated by calculating “P value.” Results: Of the 370 samples tested, 83% showed the presence of CMV IgG and 9.46% were positive for CMV IgM. All those cases which were IgM positive were seropositive for CMV IgG as well. Sixteen percent of the antenatal women were both IgG and IgM negative. Conclusion: The prevalence of CMV IgG in antenatal women in this region is high. Around 16% of the women showed lack of IgG. It would be beneficial to screen pregnant women for CMV IgM antibodies is beneficial and will help guide the testing of newborns suspected to be infected with CMV in order that appropriate therapy of the infected infants can be instituted promptly and appropriate advice can be rendered on prevention of transmission.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of thickness of floating beds on the growth and yield of okra, Indian spinach, cucumber and red amaranth, from 2013 to 2014, at Gopalganj district in Bangladesh. The single-factor experiment was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were three treatments viz. 1.5 m, 2.0 m and 2.5 m thickness of floating bed, the raw material of which was solely comprised of water hyacinth biomass. The thickness of the floating bed was reduced each month due to a gradual decomposition of water hyacinth, and as the rotten material fell into the water and soil. The rate at which the floating bed became thinner accelerated through time. For okra, the maximum plant height (150.67 and 151.77 cm, respectively) was found in response to the 2.5 m thick bed which was significantly similar to the 2.0 m thick bed in both growing seasons. Bed thickness of 2.5 m led to more branches (6.67 and 6.67, respectively), leaves (47.00 and 49.67, respectively), fruits (25.00 and 26.00, respectively), fruit length (14.56 cm and 14.02 cm, respectively), fruit diameter (6.29 cm and 6.08 cm, respectively) and yield (7.99 and 8.09 t ha-1, respectively). Minimum values were observed in response to the 1.5 m thick bed in both years. A similar trend was also observed in the case of other three corps, i.e. Indian spinach, Cucumber and Red amaranth, regarding their growth and yield, as a function of bed thickness. From an economic viewpoint, the 2.0-meter thick bed was found suitable for the production of the said crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Barium swallow is performed following esophagectomy to evaluate the anastomosis for detection of leaks and to assess the emptying of the gastric conduit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the barium swallow study in diagnosing anastomotic leaks following esophagectomy. Methods: Patients who underwent esophagectomy from January 2000 to December 2013 at our institution were investigated. Barium swallow was routinely done between days 5–7 to detect a leak. These results were compared to clinically determined leaks (defined by neck wound infection requiring jejunal feeds and or parenteral nutrition) during the postoperative period. The sensitivity and specificity of barium swallow in diagnosing clinically significant anastomotic leaks was determined. Results: A total of 395 esophagectomies were performed (mean age, 62.2 years). The indications for the esophagectomy were as follows: malignancy (n=320), high-grade dysplasia (n=14), perforation (n=27), benign stricture (n=7), achalasia (n=16), and other (n=11). A variety of techniques were used including transhiatal (n=351), McKeown (n=35), and Ivor Lewis (n=9) esophagectomies. Operative mortality was 2.8% (n=11). Three hundred and sixty-eight patients (93%) underwent barium swallow study after esophagectomy. Clinically significant anastomotic leak was identified in 36 patients (9.8%). Barium swallow was able to detect only 13/36 clinically significant leaks. The sensitivity of the swallow in diagnosing a leak was 36% and specificity was 97%. The positive and negative predictive values of barium swallow study in detecting leaks were 59% and 93%, respectively. Conclusion: Barium swallow is an insensitive but specific test for detecting leaks at the cervical anastomotic site after esophagectomy.