143 research outputs found
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Oral Disintegrating Films: A Review
Get PDFThe oral route stands out as a preferred method for drug administration due to its cost-effectiveness and ease, contributing to enhanced patient compliance. Some individuals, particularly the geriatric and pediatric populations, encounter difficulties swallowing conventional tablets and hard gelatin capsules. To address this, oral disintegrating drug delivery systems are established as substitutes for tablets, capsules, and syrups. Notably, fast-dissolving oral thin films offer a practical solution for patients such as those in pediatric, bedridden, or developmentally disabled categories, as well as the geriatric population who struggle with a tablet or hard gelatin capsule ingestion. This innovative dosage form involves the creation of thin films consuming water-soluble polymers that quickly disintegrate and dissolve in the mouth cavity. It serves as a substitute stage for those particles that undergo significant metabolism of drugs in the liver. This study provides an overview of numerous dosage form-formulations, preparation approaches, and quality control measures related to fast-disintegrating films
Determination of Chemical Contaminants of Groundwater in District 17 of Kabul City
Get PDFWater quality assessment is crucial for identifying and mitigating potential contamination sources that impact human health, ecosystems, and industries. This study investigates groundwater quality in District 17 of Kabul City, Afghanistan, by analyzing various chemical parameters. The district, established in 2003 due to rural-urban migration, covers 70 square kilometers with approximately 400,000 inhabitants and 42,000 residential homes. Four groundwater samples were collected from wells across District 17 and analyzed in laboratories following standard methods adhering to WHO guidelines and Afghan National Standards. The study examined fluoride, sulfate, nitrate, iron, pH, and electrical conductivity. Findings revealed an average fluoride concentration of 0.76 mg/L within the acceptable range. Sulfate levels were normal, with the lowest reading at 297.5 ppm. However, the average nitrate content of 12.425 ppm exceeded the 10-ppm standard, indicating potential contamination. The average iron content of 0.24 ppm was acceptable, and the water pH of 7.65 was suitable. Notably, the electrical conductivity measured 1258 μS/cm, surpassing expected standards and suggesting groundwater quality issues. The findings serve as a baseline for future research and developing strategies to address water pollution and quality concerns in Kabul City. Comprehensive assessments of groundwater resources are vital for maintaining public health, environmental sustainability, and industrial operations
The Role of Endemic Medicinal Plants in The Self-Sufficiency of Afghanistan's Pharmaceutical Sector
Get PDFAfghanistan is a mountainous country bordered by arid lands with a unique climate that fosters rich biodiversity. According to current data, Afghanistan is home to approximately 5,000 species of flowering and vascular plants. Of these, 29% are endemic, around 700 species possess medicinal and aromatic properties, and 120 species are commonly used in traditional Afghan medicine. Some of these plants are cultivated, while others, found in the wild, hold potential for domestication. However, years of internal conflict have led to the illegal exploitation and export of these valuable natural resources. To promote sustainable economic growth and strengthen Afghanistan’s position within a globalized economy, it is essential to recognize these resources' actual and potential benefits, particularly medicinal plants (MPs). For a primarily agricultural country like Afghanistan, enhancing plant production offers an economic pathway for developing a viable platform for exports at an industrial level. This review highlights key endemic MPs of Afghanistan, underscoring their potential to advance the pharmaceutical sector. Investment in these plants' cultivation and mass production could support the country’s economic self-sufficiency. The main objectives of this study are to emphasize the role of endemic MPs in the growth of Afghanistan's pharmaceutical industry and to introduce significant MPs that, with proper cultivation and preservation, could bolster public health and economic stability by attracting attention from relevant officials
Macroeconomic Impact of Foreign Remittances on Afghanistan's Agriculture Sector
Get PDFThe 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
Molecular Characteristics for Identification of Fusarium Oxysporum Associated with Tomato Infection
Get PDFThis study aims to determine a suitable molecular identification technique for Fusarium oxysporum associated with tomato infections to enhance tomato production in developing countries. Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) is one of the most important vegetables worldwide and ranks as the sixth most popular vegetable, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). However, its cultivation is significantly affected by pathogens, including F. oxysporum. The most suitable medium for cultivating F. oxysporum was found to be Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Cell disruption using bead beating in a homogenizer yielded optimal results. EF-1α primers were identified as the most appropriate to detect Fusarium isolates within species complexes, as corroborated by various researchers. Intergenic spacer restriction fragment length polymorphism (IGS-RFLP) analysis was widely used to trace the origin of F. oxysporum by analyzing genetic similarities among isolates from different sources. Other methods, such as random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), allele-specific associated primer (ASAP), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis have also been applied. To mitigate fungal infections in tomatoes, this study recommends selecting disease-resistant tomato varieties, maintaining ideal growing conditions, adhering to stringent sanitation practices, ensuring source water is free of potential fungal pathogens, sterilizing tomato seeds, and using organic fungicides as needed
Towards Self-Sufficient Agriculture in Afghanistan: A Review of Enhancements and Challenges
Get PDFAfghanistan's agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy, faces multifaceted challenges ranging from environmental issues to socio-economic constraints. Current challenges, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and socio-economic constraints, are scrutinized, while environmental and human factors are highlighted. The paper critically examines the trajectory of Afghanistan's crop sector. It sheds light on the intricate web of challenges and potential enhancements required for the nation to attain food self-sufficiency. The efforts and challenges associated with enhancing agriculture in Afghanistan towards self-sufficiency in food production have been analyzed. The pivotal role of improved technologies, innovation, and research in bolstering agricultural productivity was also examined. The potential of technological advancements from precision agriculture to resilient crop varieties is explored. The paper provides actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and the international community to navigate Afghanistan towards sustainable food self-sufficiency. The influence of government policies, international aid, and community engagement in shaping the agricultural landscape has been evaluated. A holistic understanding of achieving sustainable agriculture in Afghanistan is proffered by examining the historical context, current status, and potential solutions. The review contributes to the ongoing discourse on transforming Afghanistan's agricultural sector for long-term resilience and food self-sufficiency by synthesizing historical trends, current challenges, and future strategies. A multi-pronged approach, integrating technology adoption, research initiatives, and community empowerment are advocated as recommendations
Factors Affecting Degradation of Natural Rangelands in Bamyan Center: A Community-Based Investigation
Get PDFSustainable rangeland management requires the active participation of all stakeholders to develop comprehensive management strategies. However, the role of these players in sustainable natural resource management is poorly understood. This study aims to (i) investigate the factors contributing to the degradation of natural rangelands based on community knowledge perception and (ii) document valuable information to identify urgent needs for effective administration and strategic planning. The study conducted interviews with 150 beneficiaries, the majority of whom lived in long-term agrosilvopastoral systems. The target groups for this study were local farmers and experts’ groups, with 110 farmers and 40 governmental and non-governmental experts interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that the most significant priorities for anthropogenic degradation factors include converting natural rangeland to agricultural land, collecting and uprooting plants for fire fuel, animal feed, and medicine; farmers' financial poverty; lack of design and adjustment of grazing systems, lack of information about the importance of rangeland, shortage of technical personnel, lack of clarity in rangeland ownership, and overuse of plant cover. Additionally, drought years, deficient snowfall, and floods were identified as contributors to rangeland degradation. This study emphasizes the urgent need for specific data and community-based rangeland management through cooperation between Indigenous communities and improvements in their traditional institutions, which are vital for responsible rangeland management and the well-being of the people dependent on these resources. Also, it helps the policymakers to consider this prioritization for solving this problem
Self-Sufficiency Strategies of Extension Workers to Protect Citrus Fruits from Fruit Flies in Bati Kot District, Nangarhar-Afghanistan
Get PDFFruit flies are a severe pest for citrus fruits, attracted to the scent of citrus and often carrying bacteria, including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, from one location to another. Salmonella, for example, affects about 40,000 people annually in the USA through contaminated food. While some species of fruit flies can damage citrus fruits, others play a role as pollinators. This study aimed to analyze self-sufficiency strategies extension workers use to protect citrus (sweet orange) from fruit flies in Nangarhar. One hundred twenty respondents from District Bati Kot were selected from a population of 200 using a pre-tested interview schedule. Results indicated that 32% of the growers were aged 40-50, and 55% were illiterate. Among the growers, 33% sought help from the extension department for pest and disease issues, while 17% contacted it for weed control. Only a limited number of growers installed traps in April, and 32% knew which months fruit flies were most active, with 74% identifying June and 26% indicating May. Half the growers used pesticides, while 22% disposed of infected fruits through burial, followed by pheromone traps and cultural practices. A majority (86.5%) were aware of improved citrus varieties, and extension workers were the primary information source for 41% of the respondents. A highly significant association was observed between the average citrus yield and the skills of extension workers in protective measures, as well as between the growers' ages and average yield. The study recommends that extension workers make regular orchard visits to educate citrus producers on fruit fly control, such as mixing a quarter cup of apple cider or white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap. This mixture, which attracts fruit flies and then drowns them by breaking the vinegar's surface tension, is an affordable and effective method. Additionally, extension workers should receive training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other control measures to improve the socio-economic conditions and promote self-sufficiency in sweet orange production
BJRI Mesta 4: A Newly Released Improved Vegetable Mesta Variety of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.
Get PDFVegetable mesta, or roselle, is a common species in many countries for confectioneries and a good source of nutrients and antioxidants. BJRI Mesta 4 is a nutrient-rich, climate-smart, and widely adaptable vegetable Mesta cultivar developed by the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) and released by the National Seed Board (NSB) in 2022. To explore the superiority of the new variety, a study was conducted on yield and yield components using multivariate analysis over two planting seasons compared with the well-known variety BJRI Mesta 2. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01 or 0.05) were recorded among the qualitative and quantitative traits. In multi-location Trials during 2018 and 2019, the average yield of leaf, fruit, and calyx of BJRI Mesta 4 was found to be 7.25%, 11.51%, and 10.49% higher in BJRI regional stations, respectively, compared to the check variety. Plant height, branches per plant, fruit yield, and leaf yield were considered when selecting vegetable mesta types with appropriate yields. However, based on yield capacity, adaptability, and nutraceutical properties, the newly released cultivar BJRI Mesta 4 can be recommended and promoted to the herbal food product industry in addition to being a substitute for leafy vegetables. With these views kept in mind, the study conducted now may help create trustworthy selection criteria for programs to improve vegetable mesta breeding in the future
Identifying Afghanistan’s Extraordinary Natural Sites for Ecotourism: A Review of Ideal Ecosystems
Get PDFEcotourism is a type of nature-based tourism that supports conserving the natural environment. Afghanistan, at the crossroads of Central, West, and South Asia, is a beautiful and diverse nation that could be the best place for ecotourism. Afghanistan's unique geography and rich history make it an ideal ecotourism destination. The study aimed to understand potential ecotourism sites in Afghanistan and the environmental and economic impacts of ecotourism activities. Afghanistan's major ecotourism sites include biodiversity reserves, wildlife, rangelands, forests, lakes, wetlands, tourism sites, valleys, natural caves, deserts, natural springs, and cultural sites. Additionally, food tourism and medicinal plants play a significant role in ecotourism development. The Lonely Planet travel book highlights Afghanistan's appeal as "vastly appealing" due to its former popularity for hiking and nature sightseeing. In the 1970s, Afghanistan attracted over 100,000 tourists annually. Post-Soviet invasion, it experienced a decline. The Ministry of Information and Culture is supporting the growth of foreign tourism in Afghanistan, which rose from 691 visitors in 2021 to 2,300 in 2022. Sustainable ecotourism in Afghanistan demands effective management and planning to overcome misconceptions and bureaucratic obstacles. Afghanistan's ecotourism sites, like the Minaret of Jam, face threats from natural disasters and climate change, including landslides, earthquakes, and heavy snow, exacerbated by climate change. Afghanistan's ecotourism industry, despite its remote location, requires conservation and management, requiring collaboration among private, public, host community, and international organizations for sustainable development