Pension is a critical social policy that ensures retirees can maintain a decent standard of living after retirement. This importance is especially evident in developing countries like Liberia. However, the adequacy of pension benefits for retirees, particularly those in the educational sector who have retired from public service, raises concerns. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate teachers' perceptions of pension benefits in Liberia, focusing on their awareness of the pension system and cultural expectations. The study utilized the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software to analyze data collected from 339 teachers through a structured questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The results confirmed the reliability of the measurement instruments for assessing pension awareness and cultural expectations, with factor analysis validating these constructs. ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in pension perceptions across various age groups and qualifications, while correlation analysis demonstrated strong relationships between education, experience, and views on pensions. Regression analysis indicated that demographic factors significantly predict pension perceptions. The study underscores the need for improved pension awareness programs and policy reforms to better align pension systems with teachers' expectations and cultural norms. This contributes to ongoing discussions about pension reform and financial security for educators in Liberia.

This study unfolds Indonesia’s strategic position in the ASEAN paper trade by mapping the competitiveness, market dynamics, and export potential of its paper products (HS 4802). It applies analytical tools including Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Trade Specialization Index (TSI), Export Product Dynamics (EPD), and the X-Model. Utilizing secondary data from 2010 to 2019 sourced from the International Trade Centre (ITC), the findings reveal that: (1) Indonesian paper exhibits a competitive edge with a TSI value of 0.95, indicating its status in the export maturation phase; (2) RCA values across ASEAN countries consistently exceed 1, confirming strong comparative advantages; (3) EPD analysis classifies Indonesian paper as a "Rising Star" in the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Brunei Darussalam, "Falling Star" in Thailand and Singapore, "Lost Opportunity" in Vietnam, and "Retreat" in Malaysia; (4) The XModel analysis affirms high market development potential in select countries, guiding strategic improvement areas. These findings provide a strategic roadmap for policymakers and exporters to enhance Indonesia’s positioning in the evolving paper market landscape across ASEAN.

Abstract: \nVetiver introduced as perennial grass crop in Mediterranean basin is tested for its growth aptitude and potential fodder ability. Effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization, on growth, yield and forage quality parameters were assessed during two cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Three N levels as ammonium-nitrate, were tested: 0, 30 and 60 kg N ha-1. Results showed that biomass increases under maximum N rate compared to control. The improvements in fresh and dry weights were 39.61% and 257.14%, respectively. The second cut improved DY by 14.70% compared to first cut. Forage yield increase was closely related to a rise of number of tillers by 24.7% under 60 kg N ha-1. The increased tillers enhanced forage yield by 14% during cropping seasons. N produced a linear increase in crude protein under 30 and 60 kg N ha-1 of 40% and 63.8%, respectively. Besides, the increase of leaf cellulose content was less impacted by N fertilization allowing vetiver to be more digestible forage. The results showed that vetiver could be grown as a perineal forage crop in Mediterranean areas. N fertilization since a low rate of 30 kg N ha-1 is sufficient to stimulate regrowth, increase biomass yield and nutritional value.

Strength and behaviour of 16 circular Concrete Filled Steel Tube (CFST) columns subjected to uni – axial compression is presented in this paper. Specimens having Length to Diameter (L/D) ratios of 3, 4, 5 and 6 with Diameter to thickness (D/t) ratios of 38 and 25.33 with same outer diameter of 76 mm and two different wall thickness of 2 mm and 3 mm are considered to study the influence of column parameters and effect of confinement (Ꝣ). The ultimate capacities of CFST columns were compared with EC-4, AS5100, AISC 360-10 and DBJ13-51 code predictions. Results showed that axial compressive loads of specimens with more wall thickness were found to be greater than lesser wall thickness specimens. The parameters that affect the column behaviour directly are relative slenderness ratio (λ) and Length to Diameter (L/D). EC-4 provided conservative results in predicting the column capacity while AS5100, AISC360-10 underestimated and DBJ13-51 overestimated the columns capacity.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is an economically important subtropical evergreen fruit tree and commercially cultivated in more than 30 countries worldwide. Up to 40% losses of fruits are estimated in postharvest conditions including fungal decays. Postharvest losses, especially fungal infections pose a critical challenge causing fruit decay, affecting fruit quality and shelf life. Fruit decay caused by Alternaria alternata is one of the major postharvest diseases deteriorating the quality of various fruits and vegetables during handling, transportation, and distribution. However, the use of morpho-molecular identification approaches of a fungal pathogen provides accurate diagnose and effective management. In the study, 10 isolates were recovered from symptomatic loquat fruits from the main fruit markets of Rawalpindi, Punjab province. Based on morphological data isolates were identified as Alternaria alternata which was further confirmed using a DNA amplification tool. Meanwhile, a pathogenicity test was performed, and isolates were screened. Mycelial growth inhibition (%) in invitro treatment of eight selected essential oils viz. Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Lemon (Citrus x limon), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Pomegranate peel (Punica granatum), Moringa (Moringa oliefera), Ginger (Zingiber Officinale), and Teatree (Melaleuca alternifolia) at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/mL was checked against Alternaria alternata and results showed MGI% of all essential oils at different levels whereas thyme oil evident the most effective antifungal ability. Fungitoxicity assay of thyme depicted fungicidal and fungistatic at different concentration levels. Direct application of the most significant concentration of thyme oil was found effective against Alternaria alternata with a varying decrease in decaying percentage. Therefore, thyme oil could be recommended as a potential source of eco-friendly botanical fungicide and could be used in postharvest management strategies against Alternaria alternata on loquat fruit.

Reintegration of agricultural residue into the soil is a sustainable approach for replenishment of soil nutrients. Plant physiology determines the quality of residue produced by a crop and its quality governs the process of decomposition in the soil. The present study attempts to establish formulated approach to select quality crop residues for re-usage in soil. Four major crops, rice, wheat, maize and sugarcane were selected to analyse their quality and quantitative potential to generate a quality index. Residue production ratio (RPR), agricultural ecological potential (AEP) and, gross residue potential (GRP) values were determined to correlate their decomposition pattern with nutrient release rate. The calculated gross residue potential showed the availability of residue generated by crop was highest in wheat. Agricultural ecological potential further implied that 48% of wheat and maize crop residue should be left on the field for maintaining ecological services. The results are studied in coherence to explain the ecological importance of retaining crop residues in the field. The chemical parameters integrated as plant residue quality index (PRQI) further confirms the high nutrient value of wheat and rice crop residues correlated with their higher decomposition rate. The present study implies that decomposition rate of crop residues can decide their retain value depending on nutrient release rate. This would facilitate in establishing the relationship between qualities of decomposing residue requirements with crop growth of a particular species.

Potatoes and carrots are the major tuber crops that are highly exposed to pests and various diseases, especially soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. In recent years, several reports concerning the spread of this disease in different parts of East Azerbaijan Province have been published, but no effective solution has been provided so far. Due to the high prevalence of this disease in the region, it seems necessary to use chemical pesticides and new antibiotics and safe antimicrobial compounds, such as safe plant extracts and essential oils. The present research was conducted to study the antibacterial effect of three antibiotics, Oxytetracycline, Dihydrostreptomycin, and Chloramphenicol, as well as copper oxychloride, thyme and peppermint essential oils, and neem aqueous and alcoholic extracts on the disease-inducing bacteria. Antibacterial effects were analyzed by two methods of well leakage and disc diffusion in three replications as fully randomized designs on soft rot-inducing bacteria and the results were analyzed in SPSS software. The results demonstrated that among the antibiotics, the highest inhibition belonged to antibiotic oxytetracycline. This antibiotic with inhibitory halo diameter of 43 mm and percentage inhibition of 47.77% showed better performance than all the treatments, while even at the highest concentration of common toxin copper oxychloride (5000 mg), the inhibitory effect was 14.77% and inhibitory halo diameter was 13 mm. Among essential oils and extracts, thyme essential oil with the inhibitory halo diameter of 27 mm and percentage inhibition of 30% showed the greatest impact among the natural compounds.

The trial set up consists of 11 durum wheat genotypes. The objective was to study the efficiency of using the phosphate fertiliser provided in the form of 46% TSP granules to see if there is genetic variation in this PUE in the varieties tested and also to determine the agro-morphological parameters that favour the PUE in one variety compared to another. The results indicate that a high WTG is in favour of a better use of the available phosphorus.\nThere is genetic variation in phosphorus use efficiency between varieties, a better PUE is associated with agro-morphological parameters such as plant height and WTG as well as with physiological parameters such as the phosphorus content of the sown grains, this genetic variation in phosphorus use efficiency can be used to achieve the double objective of improving productivity and preserving the environment.