Implementing a Sustainable Green Revolution Strategy for Comprehensive Economic Development in Afghanistan

Implementing the Sustainable Green Revolution Strategy in Afghanistan is thoroughly examined in this paper, with a focus on how it might boost food security and promote economic growth. The fact that agriculture employs 61.6% of the workforce and accounts for roughly 23% of the country's GDP highlights the importance of this sector to Afghanistan's economy. To ensure greater output while protecting biodiversity, the study presents the idea of "Green Revolution 2.0," which aims to modify past agricultural advances to Afghanistan's particular socioeconomic and environmental challenges. Important prospects for agricultural development are noted, such as various climates, foreign assistance, and the involvement of young people. The paper also discusses urgent issues like poor infrastructure, budgetary limitations, and how climate change affects agricultural productivity. A successful implementation approach is suggested, emphasizing education, climate-smart agriculture, credit availability, and infrastructure development. A Gantt chart, which involves stakeholders including the Afghan government, non-governmental organizations, and foreign organizations, provides an organized schedule for the actions required to carry out the strategy successfully. The results highlight the significance of strengthening community involvement, encouraging sustainable farming methods, and creating a supporting governance structure. In the end, this paper promotes a multifaceted strategy for agricultural development that seeks to enhance rural Afghanistan's general quality of life in addition to productivity, opening the door for long-term resilience and economic stability

Use of plastic bottles as an alternative container type for propagation of forest tree seedlings in restoration programs

Deforestation and forest degradation is a global issue, especially in poor and developing regions of the world. In order to combat deforestation it is critical to enhance the productivity of forest restoration operations, which often involve planting of nursery-grown forest tree seedlings. Production of low quality stock types with deformed and spiraled root systems is a significant issue hindering successful restoration programs. Polybags (i.e., small plastic bags) are a common container type for seedling propagation in developing countries. However, polybags produce seedlings with spiraled and deformed root systems that reduce outplanting survival and performance. Use of discarded plastic water bottles could be a feasible alternative as a container type for seedling propagation in restoration programs. The overall objective of this study was to develop technology for repurposing discarded plastic beverage bottles to grow quality native plants, trees and shrubs to benefit agroforestry, reforestation, restoration, and conservation programs. Specific objectives for this study were accomplished in two separate experiments (CHAPTER 2): 1) Container Comparison Experiment - to compare root and shoot development of seedlings grown in plastic bottles, modern nursery containers, and polybags; and 2) Bottle Modification Experiment - to examine the effects of root spiraling control techniques and container opacity on seedling morphological attributes. ^ In the Container Comparison experiment, seedlings of two species, Afghan pine (Pinus eldarica Medw.) and Arizona walnut ( Juglans major [Toor.] Heller), were grown in four container types; Coca-Cola® beverage bottle (Coke), modern container Deepot™ D27 (D27), Polyethylene polybag (polybag), and Sam\u27s Club® water bottle (Sams). At the first sampling period in August, Arizona walnut seedling shoot height, shoot dry biomass, and root dry biomass were all significantly greater in D27 containers compared to Coke bottles and polybags, while Sams bottles did not differ among treatments. Afghan pine seedling shoot height was significantly greater for seedlings grown in the Sams bottles compared to polybags, while Coke bottles and D27 did not differ among treatments. Root fibrosity was greater for seedlings grown in both Coke and Sams bottles compared to D27 and polybags. Similarly, the number of lateral roots was greater in Coke bottles compared to D27 and polybag containers. At the final measurement period (November), significant differences among treatments were found for all root morphological responses; for both species, seedlings grown in plastic bottles and modern containers had significantly less spiraled roots compared to the polybag. Seedling shoot and root development in plastic bottles at the end of the growing season was equal to or greater than that of the modern container. First year field height and diameter of Arizona walnut and Afghan pine were similar among containers. Similarly, first year field survival of both species was not affected by container type and was 100% for both species. ^ In the Bottle Modification experiment, Afghan pine seedlings were grown in Coca-Cola® beverage bottle with three opacity levels (green, black, and clear) and three spiraling control methods (side-slits, internal-ridges, and control). There were no significant interactions between spiral prevention and opacity treatments except for algae growth inside the container walls; black containers with either of the spiral control treatments produced lower algae fresh weight compared to clear and green containers. Spiral control treatments had significant impacts on Afghan pine RCD; Side-slit containers produced greater RCD compare to control and internal ridge containers. Side-slit and internal-ridge containers produced significantly lower numbers of spiraled roots compared to control (solid-wall) containers. At the beginning of the growing season, container opacity had significant impacts on seedling shoot height; green and clear containers produced significantly taller shoots compared to black. At the end of the growing season, black containers produced seedlings with significantly more fibrous roots compared to green containers, but no differences were detected in comparison to clear bottles. There were no significant interactions between spiral prevention and opacity treatments for first year field height and diameter growth. Individually, both spiral prevention and opacity treatments had no significant influences on Afghan pine field height and diameter excepting opacity for height growth. Green containers produced seedlings with significantly greater field diameter than black, while clear was not different among them. ^ Based on this research, plastic bottle containers may provide an effective alternative for production of high quality seedlings; use of side-slits represents a feasible way to prevent root spiraling. Future research should examine alternative media types from locally available resources and the growth of a variety of native species in these bottle container types

Review of performance indicators of smart cities in India – Ease of Living Index: a case of Lucknow smart City

The objective of the paper is to understand the measurement approach of ‘Ease of Living’ concept of Smart Cities in India under the Smart City Mission with sample case of city of Lucknow of Uttar Pradesh. The city Lucknow was chosen for study, as sample case, being a city selected in the Indian Smart Cities Mission, a surprise selection under the smart city mission and good rank in ‘Ease of Living’ index results, both of which require merits in multidisciplinary aspects in a city and fitness of its development strategy. In this study of Lucknow city, it was observed that Ease of Living Index has few gaps in measuring the situation, as there is little clarity on ‘on ground’ situation from the index especially from perspective of strength and weakness of city. The study is to explore impact in ground realities as observed in the index results in weakest and strongest sector of city services

The role of ATP-P2RX2 signaling in generating GnRH/LH surge and ovulation in rats

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Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer in a Flat-wall Impinging Diesel Spray Flame under Diesel-like Conditions

The heat loss through the walls of Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) needs to be minimized and improved since it has a detrimental impact on the overall thermal efficiency of the engine. This study focuses on investigating heat transfer in a flat-wall impinging diesel spray flame, simulating diesel conditions, to optimize engine parameters. The effects of factors such as various injection pressures, nozzle hole diameters, impingement distances, and oxygen concentrations are analysed in combined and individually. Experimental techniques, such as high-speed imaging, heat flux sensors, and thermocouples, are used to visualize spray flame, measure heat flux profiles and temperature distributions, respectively. Preliminary results and their implications on heat transfer and heat loss are discussed. Regarding the parametric studies investigating the effect on wall heat loss under conditions similar to those of a small diesel engine, it was observed that the transferred heat on the wall was significant in certain conditions. These results emphasize the effectiveness of manipulating the injection rate profile as a viable step to suppress the heat transfer through the wall

Challenging Preconceptions: Understanding the Employability of Madrassa Graduates

Madrassas in Pakistan serve as vital institutions for religious education, providing free teaching and accommodation to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. However, several Madrassa graduates face financial challenges upon entering the job market as a result of the rapidly changing technological environment. The majority of these graduates get employment in low-wage roles such as mosque management, madrassa instruction, or labour jobs in profit-oriented enterprises. Madrassas do not include non-religious subjects or technical education in its curriculum, and the government has shown little inclination to support these institutions. An investigation was carried out in the Khairpur area, whereby a sample of 250 Madrassa graduates was selected at random and subjected to a survey in order to analyse these issues. Based on the survey findings, these graduates had difficulties in providing financial assistance for their families. To improve their quality of life, it is recommended that the government provide scholarships and recognise the value of their degrees by granting them credit. The report also indicates that Madrassa graduates should engage in vocational training programmes to facilitate their successful integration into the labour market. In summary, the research highlights the economic challenges that Madrassa graduates in Pakistan encounter and proposes strategies to improve their prospects for the future

Securitization, divergent agendas and the sectoral allocation of development aid within Afghanistan

[Extract] Afghanistan’s struggle to build a functioning state has historically been tied to its complex domestic dynamics and its state’s relations to foreign powers and their financial and military influences. The modern state of Afghanistan is generally considered to have first emerged in the 1880s when its rulers reaffirmed the 1879 Treaty of Gandomak with British India, defining the country’s existing borders (Taye, 2021). Arguably the most dominant feature of its history has been conflict, particularly during the last 100 years. With the election of President Ghani in September 2014 and the enormous military and civilian support his government received from Western countries, there was hope that widespread conflict would be eliminated, with a more stable and credible democratic state being built. Yet these hopes were crushed with the rapid demise of the Ghani government and the return to central power of the Taliban in the second half of 2021

Negative Impacts of Mass Media on Social and Psychological life of Human Beings

Evidence gathered via this research clearly demonstrates that violence has been displayed through mass media, such as television, the internet, video games, mobile phones, and other computer networks, from the second half of the 20th century (1960). The likelihood of violent behavior in viewers' mentalities and social lives is increased by programs like war serials, pornographic flicks, and dramas that all depict such programs that are against the moral and ethical ideals of culture. As the violence in the real environment increases, they increase the risk of abuse. In the current review, the evidence of these studies has been critically evaluated, based on the social and psychological factors that have been developed. These elucidations show how the dangers of violence might have negative short- or long-term impacts. The level of impact of media violence is compared to a few other known social issues in order to assess how serious these risks are, how urgently they need to be addressed, and how to eradicate them. The fundamental function of the mass media in our society in the 20th and 21st centuries has been to impose certain beliefs on our culture and way of life, despite the fact that information and media are now seen as the fourth pillar of democracy. These days, it's easy to access and use violent programs, which have taken over our daily lives. They also experience mental and social problems as a result of the disruption of our social and psychological order system. Even the mainstream media has a big influence on the morals, attitudes, and behaviors of our young people

Macroeconomic Impact of Foreign Remittances on Afghanistan's Agriculture Sector

The study delved into the shock of foreign remittances to Afghanistan's agricultural industry, which accounts for 37% of the fiscal year's budget. It utilizes a computable general equilibrium model and social accounting matrix to evaluate the short-term macroeconomic responses of 2018 foreign remittance changes using GAMS software. The research explores eight scenarios based on percentage changes in foreign remittance, comparing Afghanistan's actual foreign remittance values to a baseline scenario. The results investigated a correlation between domestic production in agriculture sub-sectors and foreign remittance variables. Scenario H depicts swelling percentages for domestic production of cereals, fruits, vegetables, livestock, and opium, whereas scenario D illustrates declining percentages. Contracted remittances decline prices, while scenarios with enhanced remittances upsurge the purchasing power of agricultural products, particularly cereals. Dropping foreign remittances leads to lower labor and capital share in all agriculture sectors; however, soaring remittances boost agricultural purchasing power. Household consumption drops in all agricultural sectors except cereals due to a fall in foreign remittances. The study recommends that the government boost investment in the agriculture sector, use skilled immigrants as scientific capital, and encourage migrant investors to invest in sustainable agriculture to promote sustainable consumption

A CLINICAL STUDY ON ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS OF COMBINATION THERAPY OF DAPAGLIFLOZIN AND METFORMIN IN THE TREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

ABSTRACTObjective: This study aimed at determination of safety and efficacy of combination therapy of dapagliflozin and metformin in the treatment of Type2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study depending on demographic parameters and clinical data of the patients. The primaryefficacy criterion was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) after a minimum of 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary efficacy parameters wereHbA1c value after 12 weeks, fasting and 1 hrs postprandial glucose, serum insulin and triglyceride levels, after a standardized meal, all after 12 weeksof treatment. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by the incidence of adverse events reported by patients. Patient visits to the clinical center werescheduled at screening, start of the run-in period.Results: Reductions in levels of postprandial plasma glucose were observed in all the active treatment groups. The reductions in patients receivingmetformin plus dapagliflozin combination therapy were significantly greater (p<0.0001). It was clear that lower postprandial plasma insulin levelsdespite higher postprandial plasma glucose levels suggest decreased β-cell function. Changes in fasting serum insulin observed from baseline to theend of treatment did not differ significantly between metformin plus dapagliflozin combination therapy and metformin monotherapy and showed noconsistent trend.Conclusion: The results from the study suggest that the combination of the drugs was effective in controlling glycemic levels and also were safe. Noserious adverse drug reactions were reported by the patients when used daily once for 6 months.Keywords: Dapagliflozin, Metformin, Postprandial and glycemic