Examining The Current And Potential Impacts Of Erosion, Flooding, And Permafrost Thaw On Small Businesses In The Lower Kuskokwim Basin, Alaska, Dela Yao Agbagba

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Temporal Analysis Of Supraglacial Drainage Systems On The Greenland Ice Sheet From 2009-2017 Using Very High-Resolution Satellite Imagery, Field Measurements, And Climate Models, Natalie Gallegos Nunez

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

An Intuitionistic Fuzzy Hypergraph Model Enhanced ‎By Forest-Of-Walks Dynamics For Medical Image ‎Segmentation, Brinthaguru Thangaraj, Karthick Palanisamy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The process of accurately segmenting Urolithiasis and pulmonary nodules from medical images presents significant difficulties because of three main factors which include nonuniform intensity distribution and the presence of weak object borders and the uncertainty caused by anatomical structure overlaps. The study introduces F-Zinhger as a solution to these problems through its application of the Forest of Walks technology. The method uses superpixels as fundamental elements which form a multi-scale hypergraph that establishes hyperedges through three criteria: intensity similarity, spatial proximity, and Z-intuitionistic fuzzy hesitation to capture complex contextual connections. The system incorporates a random walk-based label propagation system. The …

A Hybrid Geospatial And Remote Sensing Methodology For Drought Vulnerability Assessment In Semi-Arid Ecosystems, Kaifi Fakhir Chomani

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) faced significant drought challenges due to global and environmental changes, necessitating drought assessments. Advanced techniques of remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) were combined in this research to perform drought vulnerability zonation for KRI. Average annual rainfall, Average number of rainy days, Average annual temperature, slope, elevation, normalised difference water index (NDWI), normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), land surface temperature (LST), and temperature condition index (TCI) were selected as contributing parameters for drought vulnerability assessments. The considered parameters were weighted using pairwise comparison, and thematic maps were created to …

Formulation Modification Of Silver Diamine Fluoride To Improve Clinical Handling And Dentin Tubule Occlusion, Liangyu Chang, Yutzu Wu, Powen Lu, Iwen Chen, Weifang Lee, Chunche Lin, Renjei Chung, Poonam Negi, Naichia Teng, Jenchang Yang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is clinically effective for treating dentinal hypersensitivity and arresting caries, but its poor clinical handling due to low viscosity remain concerns. This study aimed to enhance the rheological properties of SDF by incorporating sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to improve its clinical manageability. Materials and methods: A 39.34 wt% SDF solution (TMU-SDF) was prepared via wet processing. Its matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition was evaluated using a fluorogenic MMP-1 assay, and antibacterial activity was tested via an inhibition zone assay. Biocompatibility was assessed using a modified cytotoxicity-agar diffusion test and a skin sensitization test. Rheological properties, including flow …

Influence Of Serum Vitamin D Levels On Marginal Bone Loss Around Unsplinted Mandibular Implant Overdentures: A Retrospective Study, Rahma El Hussany Mohammed El Desouky, Fatma Ahmad El-Waseef

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: To investigate the impact of serum vitamin D levels on marginal bone loss (MBL) in patients restored with unsplinted-mandibular-implant overdentures using LOCATOR attachments. Materials and Methods: Thirty participants rehabilitated with three-implant-mandibular overdentures were included. Based on serum vitamin D at the time of prosthetic loading, participants were categorized into two equal groups: a test group with deficient vitamin D (< 20 ng/mL) and a control group with sufficient levels (≥30 ng/mL). Patients with borderline levels (21–29 ng/mL) were excluded. Peri-implant vertical (VBL) and horizontal bone loss (HBL) were measured at baseline (T0), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12). Results: The vitamin D-deficient group exhibited significantly elevated VBL and HBLover the sufficient group at all-time points (P

Cephalometric Norms And Sexual Dimorphism In The Tanzanian Population: A Comparative Study With Caucasian And West African Norms, Ali K. Hamad, Ferdinand M. Machibya, Matilda M. Mlangwa, David N. Ngassapa

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: This study aimed to establish cephalometric norms for the Tanzanian population, assess sexual dimorphism in cephalometric measurements, and compare these findings with established Caucasian and West African norms to enhance orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Materials and Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted on 309 subjects (142 males, 167 females) at Muhimbili University Dental Clinic. Cephalometric radiographs were digitally traced using Quick Ceph Studio. Reliability was assessed using the inter-class correlation coefficient. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test checked normality, while one-sample t-tests and Student’s ttests (p < 0.05) were used for comparisons. Data were analyzed with RStudio. Results: Tanzanians showed significantly smaller craniofacial measurements than Caucasians. Males had larger skeletal dimensions than females. Compared to West Africans, Tanzanians had generally higher values, with a few exceptions. Conclusion: Tanzanians display distinct craniofacial characteristics, differing from both Caucasians and West Africans. These findings support the need for population-specific cephalometric norms to guide accurate orthodontic diagnosis and treatment.

The Mitosis-Specific Antibody Anti-Phosphohistone-H3 (Phh3) And Its Relation To The Histopathological And Biological Characteristics Of Ameloblastoma And Ameloblastic Carcinoma, Husam Asadiq S. Alrumayh, Samar Soliman, Khadiga M. Ali, Hoda M Ismail, Azza Abbas El-Sissi

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Aim This study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) in multicystic ameloblastoma (AB), unicystic AB and ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) and to investigate the mitotic activity difference between these lesions. Material and Methods This study was carried out on 30 cases, classified into three groups Group I 13 cases of multicystic AB. Group II 7 cases of unicystic AB Group III 10 cases of AC. These cases were selected from the Oral Pathology Department, Mansoura University and Cairo University archives from 2023 to 2024. Immunohistochemistry for PHH3 was done and the immunoreactivity was evaluated by the …

Evaluation Of Soft Tissue Response Of Two Different Provisional Prothesis Used For Immediate Load Full Arch Implant Prosthesis. Randomized Control Clinical Trial, Mubeen Jaafar Imran, Mohammed Hussein Raafat Abd Elfatah, Sally Elsayed Abdelsameaa, Moustafa Abdou Moustafa Elsyad

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Purpose: The study seeks to evaluate the gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI) for bar reinforced 3D printed provisional full arch and Milled PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) provisional full arch prostheses. Materials and methods: This study involves immediate implant placement in completely edentulous mandibles using computer-guided surgery. Patients are selected based on CBCT evaluation, ensuring bone density between D1 and D3. A removable complete denture was first fabricated to restore the occlusal plane. A dual scan technique was used with radiopaque markers for digital planning. Virtual prosthesis planning was performed using Exocad software. A stackable surgical guide was …

Extended Platelet Rich Fibrin In Mandibular Alveolar Ridge Splitting With Simultaneous Implant Placement, Faisal Hammad Nuhater Alshammary, Heba Abo-Elfetooh Elsheikh, Walid Abd El-Ghafar Al-Zordk, Noha Ahmed Mansour

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Purpose: To evaluate, both clinically and radiographically, the use of extended platelet-rich fibrin versus a pericardium membrane in mandibular ridge splitting accompanied by immediate implant placement.

Materials and Methods: A total of sixteen implants were placed in eight patients with horizontally atrophic posterior mandibular ridges measuring 3–6 mm in width were randomly assigned to two groups with equal numbers. Both groups underwent ridge splitting with simultaneous implant insertion. In Group I, the intercortical defect was grafted with bone allograft and covered using a pericardium membrane, while Group II received extended platelet-rich fibrin (e-PRF) membrane instead. Clinical assessment focused on assessment …

Cross-Domain Antimicrobial Resistance In Poultry Farming: A One Health Assessment Of Antimicrobial Use And Multidrug Resistance In Kiambu County, Kenya, Ann Kangai Munene, Peter Muiruri Mwangi, Lilly Caroline Bebora, Christine Minoo Mbindyo, John Muthini Maingi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major One Health threat driven by inappropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) in humans, animals, and the environment. Poultry production is recognized as a key reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, yet few studies in Kenya examine AMU and AMR across interconnected human–animal–environment domains. This study assessed AMU patterns among poultry farmers in Kiambu County and characterized phenotypic resistance in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from humans, chickens, and chicken environments. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2024, involving 102 poultry farms. Farm demographics and AMU data …

Mapping Robusta Coffee (Coffea Canephora) Cropping Systems In Uganda: A Two-Step Pixel And Sub-Pixel Based Approach With Sentinel-2 Data, Getachew Kebede, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Onisimo Mutanga, Tobias Landmann, John Odindi, Natacha Motisi, Fabrice Pinard, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Coffee is a highly valued commodity and a widely consumed beverage, playing an important role in global trade. However, coffee farming landscapes are increasing transitioning into smaller-scale agricultural setups. This transformation highlights the critical need for accurate classification and mapping of coffee cropping systems (CS), especially in countries like Uganda, where dense vegetation and complex terrain present substantial challenges to traditional land survey methods. Moreover, understanding the spatial distribution of Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) CS is essential for developing site-specific management strategies, guiding extension services, and informing evidence-based policy decisions. To address this gap, the present study aimed to enhance …

Smallholder Farmers' Willingness To Pay For The Farmbetter Mobile App-Based Agricultural Extension: Evidence From A Bdm Experiment In Tanzania And Burkina Faso, Cool Dady Mangole, Kelvin Mulungu, Christian Kamala Kaghoma, Maurice Tschopp, Menale Kassie

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Financial contributions from farmers are increasingly acknowledged as a sustainable mechanism for funding extension services. However, the literature on willingness to pay (WTP) for digital agricultural extension is limited. Conducting a thorough assessment of WTP for digital extension is critical for designing effective pricing policies and ensuring financial sustainability. This study examines the WTP for a novel digital extension platform named farmbetter, leveraging primary data collected in Tanzania and Burkina Faso. The Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) experiment was used to elicit the amount farmers are willing to pay. We applied the Lasso machine learning to predict the relevant drivers of WTP and …

Roles Of Cytokines In Modulating Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense Infection Outcomes In Vervet Monkeys, Clarah Jebet, John Kibuthu Thuita, Daniel Masiga, Benedict Owino Orindi, John Oidho, Mark C. Field, Enock Matovu, Vincent Owino Adung’A

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Introduction:

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, is categorized as acute due to rapid disease progression but presents varying clinical outcomes. Although the mechanisms underpinning differential clinical progression are poorly understood, both host and parasite factors are implicated. Therefore, we sought to elucidate roles of primate host factors in mediating varying T. b. rhodesiense infection outcomes.

Methods:

Here, we assessed the roles of selected host cytokines in disease progression using a tsetse-mediated infection in a non-human primate (NHP) vervet monkey model that closely mimics HAT and natural infection. We quantified eight cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, …

A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Mosquito Arboviral Infections Detected Through Xenosurveillance In Africa: A Focus On West Nile, Rift Valley Fever, And Chikungunya Virus Infections, Mxolisi Mgongoma, Armanda Bastos, Abel Ramoelo, David P. Tchouassi

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This systematic review and meta-analysis comprehensively evaluated the mosquito arboviral infections with West Nile virus (WNV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and chikungunya virus (CHIV), detected through xenosurveillance, reported in mosquito vectors across Africa in the last 25 years (2000–2024). The study analysed xenosurveillance data from 45 studies conducted with over 115,000 mosquito specimens, and incorporated moderator analyses to assess the influence of trap type, seasonality, regional location, settlement type, and screening methods on virus detection rates. The estimated pooled prevalence of WNV was 1.18% (95% CI: 0.60–3.43%), with higher rates observed in Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens, particularly in …

Editorial: Sustainable Management Of Tuta Absoluta, Ahmad A. Omar, Inusa Jacob Ajene, Hafiz Muhammad Usman Aslam, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis

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The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), remains one of the most devastating global threats to tomato production. Its rapid invasion across continents, exceptional reproductive potential, cryptic foliar-mining behavior, and accelerated evolution of insecticide resistance have significantly complicated management efforts. The persistent failure of conventional chemical strategies underscores an urgent need for integrated solutions that combine molecular innovation, ecological engineering, and rigorous resistance monitoring. This editorial synthesizes key insights from recent contributions by Ullah et al., Bavithra et al., and Adams et al., which collectively outline a transformative, multi-dimensional framework for sustainable T. absoluta suppression.

Effect Of Endophytic Fungi On Thrips Tabaci Development And Population Dynamics, Ngoc Anh Vu, Sevgan Subramanian, Rainer Meyhöfer

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Endophytic fungi are promising biocontrol agents because they colonise healthy plant tissues asymptomatically while inducing systemic resistance that negatively affects herbivorous insects. We investigated whether treatments with the endophytes Trichoderma harzianum and Beauveria bassiana in two onion cultivars (Allium cepa L.; Sturon and Red Baron) induce plant responses that alter Thrips tabaci behaviour and population development. Under controlled conditions, seeds were treated with conidial suspensions and plants subsequently received foliar applications; plants were then exposed to T. tabaci for 72 h, 4 weeks, or 8 weeks in no-choice assays. Both endophytes reduced thrips host-plant preference: at 72 h post-exposure, inoculated …

First Record Of Arrhenophagus Chionaspidis Aurivillius (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) Parasitizing White Mango Scale In Kenya: Its Potential Distribution And Prospects In Biocontrol, Francis Obala, Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Rehemah Gwokyalya, Shepard Ndlela, Ingo Grass, Georg Petschenka, Sunday Ekesi, Samira A. Mohamed

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The white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is one of the most destructive pests of mango worldwide. Its current management in most of the invaded areas largely depends on the intensive use of chemical insecticides. Biological control using parasitoids represents one of the most effective and environmentally sustainable management options. However, in Kenya, one of Africa's leading mango-producing countries, no effective parasitoid species associated with A. tubercularis had previously been recorded. This study aimed to identify encyrtid parasitoids associated with A. tubercularis in Kenya, and to assess how bioclimatic factors influence their occurrence and habitat suitability. Mango leaves …

Oligonychus Trichardti (Acari: Tetranychidae) Associated With Urochloa Grasses In Kenya: An Integrative Taxonomic Approach, Paula Espitia-Buitrago, Claudia Perea, Lavender A. Odhiambo, Rosa N. Jauregui, Frank Chidawanyika

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Spider mites represent a significant constraint to improved forage grass adoption in East Africa, particularly affecting Urochloa cultivars that are crucial for addressing the region’s 40% livestock feed gap. This study employed an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular analyses to identify a spider mite species infesting Urochloa interspecific grasses in Kenya. A colony of 80 spider mites was established from symptomatic Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman plants collected from Mbita Point, Kenya, showing characteristic foliar chlorosis and necrotic spots. Morphological examination of 46 slide-mounted specimens using Hoyer’s medium revealed consistent morphotypical features characteristic of Oligonychus (Reckiella) trichardti Meyer, 1974. …

Effects Of Temperature On The Life-History Traits Of Myzus Persicae And Its Efficiency In Transmitting Potato Virus Y (Pvy) In Potato Crops, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Henri E. Tonnang, Heidy Gamarra, Pablo Carhuapoma, Jan Kreuze, Leah R. Johnson, Ali Arab, Peter A. Armbruster, Oswaldo C. Villena

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Aphids are highly sensitive to temperature changes and play a crucial role in transmitting plant viruses, accounting for the transmission of more than 50% of viruses that cause disease in crops. Among them, Myzus persicae is a major global pest, affecting over 400 plant species and transmitting more than 100 plant viruses, including potato virus Y (PVY), which poses a severe threat to potato crops. This study examines how temperature influences the life-history traits of M. persicae and its efficiency in transmitting PVY. Our research revealed that temperature significantly affects developmental duration, survival, and fecundity of M. persicae. The aphids …

Influence Of Farming Systems (Organic Vs. Conventional) With Crop Rotation And Intercropping On Weed Seedbank In Central Kenya, Obadiah Mwangi, Monicah Mucheru-Muna, Edward Karanja, Michael Kinyua, Peter Bolo, Dominic Mutambu, Martha Musyoka, Edwin Mwangi, Felix Matheri, Nancy Mwende, Tanga Chrysanthus, Noah Adamtey, David Bautze, Unternährer Anouk, Milka Kiboi, Anne Muriuki, Hottensiah Wambui, Job Kihara

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Weed seedbanks are a key driver of long-term weed pressure and are strongly shaped by farming systems, crop rotation, and intercropping. This study evaluated the influence of organic (ORG) and conventional (CONV) farming systems, each managed under high (113–145 kg N·ha⁻¹, 60–83 kg P·ha⁻¹) and low (31–45 kg N·ha⁻¹ and 13–27 kg P·ha⁻¹) fertilization levels, on weed seedbank density, composition, dominance, and diversity in two long-term trials (established in 2007) at Chuka and Thika in the Central Highlands of Kenya. From 2017 to 2019, across six cropping seasons under a three-year rotation, soil …

Impact Of Environmental Microparticles On Insect Olfaction, Steve B.S. Baleba, Danube K.N. Wandji, Yves H. Tchiechoua, Komi Mensah Agboka, Iman B. Hassaballa, Victor O. Omondi, Beatrice T. Nganso, Saliou Niassy, Souleymane Diallo, Merid N. Getahun

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Terrestrial insects underpin key ecosystem services, including pollination, herbivory regulation, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and disease control. These functions depend on chemical communication that guides insects to food, mates, hosts, shelters, and oviposition sites while helping them avoid threats. Environmental microparticles, such as micro- and nanoplastics, tyre wear particles, soot, mineral dust, and agricultural residues, are now widespread across air, soil, vegetation, and indoor environments, exposing insects through contact, deposition, and ingestion. Growing evidence shows that these particles disrupt insect olfaction by adsorbing volatile compounds, blocking antennal sensilla, and interfering with receptor and neuronal processes. These disruptions impair foraging, mating, oviposition, …

Comparing Autodissemination, Soil Inoculation And Their Combination As Modes Of Application Of Metarhizium Anisopliae Icipe 69 On The Melon Fly Infesting Courgette In Kenya Under Semi-Field Conditions, Rehemah Gwokyalya, Thomas Dubois, Susan K. Onsongo, Joseph A. Odhiambo, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Samira A. Mohamed

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The melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a significant pest of cucurbit crops, responsible for substantial yield losses and economic damage across Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Control of this pest currently relies heavily on synthetic insecticides, which are associated with environmental and human health risks, and contribute to the development of insecticide resistance. Entomopathogenic fungi offer a promising eco-friendly alternative, yet effectiveness of delivery methods remains a critical limitation in their widespread adoption. This study evaluated the efficacy of three application modes of Metarhizium anisopliae (Mechnikov) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolate ICIPE 69, autodissemination devices (AD), soil inoculation (soil), …

Omega-3 Fatty Acids And Bioactives In Aqueous-Extracted Oils From Seven Edible Insects, Xavier Cheseto, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga

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Globally, there is urgent search and research interest towards alternative sources of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) due to sustainability challenges faced by dependence on fish and plant-derived sources. Limited information exists on insects despite their promising potential. This work analyzed oils from seven insect species commonly consumed globally compared to commercial sesame oil using coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Oil yields from insects ranged between 11.1 mg/g to 115.3 mg/g. Over 67 fatty acids, α-tocopherol [vitamin E] and eight flavonoids were identified. All insect oils contained ω-3 FA [i.e., α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic …

Thermal Requirements And Phenology Modelling Of A Drosophila Suzukii Population: Implications For Pest Risk Under A Changing Climate, Shepard Ndlela, Abdelmutalab G.A. Azrag, Esther Owino Awuor, Ibrahim Maholidy Farid, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed

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Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila) is an invasive pest causing significant economic losses in soft-skinned fruit crops globally. This study presents comprehensive temperature-dependent life table data and phenology models for an African D. suzukii population collected in Kenya. Developmental time, mortality, fecundity, and adult longevity were assessed under constant temperatures from 12 to 30 °C. Using Insect Life Cycle Modelling (ILCYM) software, linear and nonlinear models were applied to characterise the effects of temperature on life history traits. Additionally, spatial risk indices including Establishment Risk Index (ERI), Generation Index (GI), and Activity Index (AI) were mapped globally for current and future …

Sustainable Control Of Pests And Striga Weed Through Intensified Push-Pull Technology And Frass-Based Soil Amendments, Evanson R. Omuse, Honest Machekano, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Dennis Beesigamukama, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Samwel O. Ogaji, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

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Crop productivity under African smallholder farming systems is faced by numerous challenges, including insect pests, weeds, low soil fertility, and climate change. Sustainable intensification, such as push-pull (PP) technology and vegetable-integrated push-pull (VIPP) technology, coupled with soil organic amendments such as black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF), can address these agricultural constraints. We investigated the individual and synergistic effects of cropping systems comprising two crops [maize (DK777 variety) and cowpea (KVU27 variety)] and agroecological strategies (PP, VIPP and BSFFF) on the management of pests and Striga weeds and crop productivity in three different geographical areas. Diversified cropping systems (PP and …

Intensified Push-Pull Technology Enhances Above-Ground Arthropod Assemblages And Ecological Balance, Evanson R. Omuse, Honest Machekano, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Bonoukpoe M. Sokame, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Johnson O. Nyasani, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

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Agroecological intensification aims to increase farm productivity, reduce dependency on external inputs, and enhance biodiversity conservation. However, the contribution of recent sustainable agricultural practices to arthropod assemblages and their ecosystem services remains underexplored. Through a 2-year multilocation trial, we investigated the response of above-ground arthropod assemblages and their ecological functions in cowpea and maize grown under monocropping systems and diversified systems (pure and intensified push-pull technologies). Using three sampling methods (visual observations, pitfall traps, sticky traps), a total of 65, 307 arthropod specimens were collected. The most dominant arthropod taxa were Hemiptera (true bugs; 47%), followed by Thysanoptera (thrips; 17%), …

Impacts Of Multitrophic Interactions In Diversified Cropping Systems For Sustainable Management Of Spodoptera Frugiperda, Abdul A. Jalloh, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Fathiya M. Khamis, Subramanian Sevgan, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai

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Background: Rapid population growth has made the sustainable intensification of agricultural productivity essential for meeting global food demands while maintaining environmental integrity and biodiversity. Diversified cropping systems, such as intercropping, push-pull systems, and cover cropping, are recognized as agroecological strategies to enhance plant growth and protection, and suppress major pests, including the fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda). These systems influence complex above-and-below ground interactions among herbivorous pests, plants, soil microbes, and their natural enemies. Aims: This review synthesizes current knowledge on how diversified cropping systems shape multitrophic interactions that affect soil health, plant performance, S. frugiperda suppression, and biocontrol within …

Effect Of Load Variations On Power Quality And Ev Battery Performance In Vehicle-To-Grid System, Jitender Kaushal, Rahul Paswan

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology enables the exchange of electricity between electric vehicles (EVs) and the utility grid, helping improve the integration of renewable energy sources and the grid's flexibility. Load-dependent power quality disturbances can affect the performance and reliability of V2G systems, which in turn can negatively impact system and battery operation. This study investigates the effect of resistive, inductive and nonlinear loads on the electrical performance and battery behaviour of a bidirectional V2G system. A complete MATLAB/Simulink model was developed to investigate the grid voltage, current, frequency, THD and the battery voltage, current and state of charge. The model uses …

Existential Intelligence: A Survey Across The Ages--As Well As My Ages, Howard Gardner

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

Written in response to Branton Shearer’s (2026) paper on existential intelligence and existential reasoning, this paper argues that due to the lack of evidence of neural specialization and a developmental trajectory, pondering existential questions is best understood as philosophical thinking, rather than a distinct intelligence. The paper reflects on the status of existential thinking within the author’s framework for multiple intelligences. It traces the criteria originally used to identify the author’s seven intelligences, the later admission of naturalist intelligence, and the provisional consideration of pedagogical and existential intelligences. The paper explains why the labels “spiritual” and “religious” intelligence have been …