Lessons from Leptospirosis Deaths in Sri Lanka, 2025: Findings from a National Secondary Data Analysis

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Background: Leptospirosis is a globally important zoonotic disease and a leading cause of preventable mortality in Sri Lanka, with deaths driven by occupational and environmental exposure, delayed care-seeking, late clinical recognition and severe complications.

Methods: A descriptive secondary data analysis was conducted using the national leptospirosis death review database of the Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. The analysis included 206 valid death records reported during 2025 through institutional death review forms.

Results: The median age was 53 years (IQR 41.5–61.5; range 16–84). Males accounted for 168/205 deaths (82.0%). The largest age group was 45–59 years (79/205, 38.5%). The highest numbers of deaths were reported from Kurunegala (34/206, 16.5%), Gampaha (19/206, 9.2%) and Rathnapura (16/206, 7.8%). Fever (155/198, 78.3%), headache (121/198, 61.1%), myalgia (115/198, 58.1%) and anuria/oliguria (93/198, 47.0%) were the most commonly documented features. Paddy field exposure was recorded in 68/206 (33.0%) of deaths. The median time from symptom onset to admission was 3 days, and the median time from symptom onset to death was 7 days. Among death review findings, late presentation or delayed treatment-seeking was the most frequent theme (75/87, 86.2%).

Conclusions: These findings highlight opportunities to reduce leptospirosis deaths in Sri Lanka through earlier detection, prompt evidence-based treatment supported by regular clinician training, targeted risk communication for high-risk populations, improved chemoprophylaxis uptake, timely referral, and strengthened access to critical care and renal support services.

Development Strategy for Community-Based Coastal Ecotourism in Wondiboy, Teluk Wondama Regency, Indonesia

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The Wondiboy coastal area in Teluk Wondama Regency, West Papua, contains bay landscapes, mangroves, sago forests, marine activities, cultural and religious assets, and coastal livelihoods that provide a strong basis for ecotourism. However, these assets have not been matched by balanced destination readiness, institutional capacity, basic services, and spatial control. This study analyzes tourism potential and destination readiness, identifies major development constraints, and formulates a community-based coastal ecotourism strategy within a sustainable regional development framework. A convergent mixed-methods design was used, combining questionnaires from 75 visitors and 94 local residents with in-depth interviews, field observations, expert assessments, and reviews of spatial and tourism planning documents. Internal conditions were diagnosed using the 6A destination framework, while IFAS-EFAS and SWOT were used to formulate strategies that were subsequently screened through Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Community-Based Tourism, carrying capacity, coastal resilience, and policy consistency. Visitor scores showed high attraction (4.17), moderate accessibility (2.93), accommodation (3.22), amenities (2.69), and activities (3.08), but very low ancillary services (1.51), producing an overall mean of 2.93. The SWOT coordinates (+0.55; +1.03) place Wondiboy in Quadrant I, yet the narrow internal advantage indicates that Weakness-Opportunity measures should precede expansion. The recommended sequence is institutional and human-resource strengthening, basic and safety infrastructure, controlled ecotourism product development and zoning, followed by gradual market connectivity and green investment. The study shows that growth-oriented positioning does not imply immediate promotion; destination readiness must first reach a minimum operational threshold.

Beyond “Slave Mentality”: A Conceptual Review of Internalized Subordination and the Reproduction of Power

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“Slave mentality” is often used to describe blind obedience, dependence, and a lack of independent thought, but the phrase is too broad to serve as a clear academic concept. This paper begins with an original observation: dependence does not disappear when food and physical safety become easier to obtain. It often moves into work, status, belonging, recognition, and access to opportunity. A focused conceptual review of 17 foundational and recent sources was used to connect research on obedience, social influence, system justification, compensatory control, learned helplessness, social dominance, employee silence, psychological safety, and power. The analysis separates practical submission from internalized subordination and explains how repeated adjustment to authority may weaken trust in personal judgement. It also examines why some formerly subordinate individuals reproduce control after gaining limited authority. The paper proposes an Internalized Subordination-Compensatory Domination Cycle. The model does not claim that everyone has a fixed amount of “slave mentality,” or that powerless people will later misuse power. It describes a conditional process shaped by dependence, low control, status insecurity, institutional rules, and reflection. Reflective autonomy and real accountability may interrupt the cycle.

Effects of Different Amount of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Common Bean

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This study evaluated the effects of different rates of diammonium phosphate fertilizer on the growth, yield, and yield components of common bean under field conditions at the Faculty of Agriculture Research Farm, Kabul University, during the 2025 growing season. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications and four fertilizer treatments: 0 (control), 30, 60, and 90 kg ha⁻¹ of diammonium phosphate. Data were collected on vegetative growth traits, including plant height, number of branches, and number of leaves, as well as reproductive traits such as number of pods per plant, grains per pod, pod length, pod width, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and treatment means were separated using the least significant difference test at the 5% significance level. Fertilizer application significantly affected most growth and yield parameters. The application of 60 kg ha⁻¹ produced the greatest vegetative growth, recording the highest plant height (33.8 cm) and number of branches (4.47), while the unfertilized control produced the highest number of leaves (36.4). The application of 90 kg ha⁻¹ resulted in the highest reproductive performance, including number of pods per plant (12.33), grains per pod (4.00), pod size, 100-seed weight (66 g), and grain yield (1090 kg ha⁻¹). The findings indicate that moderate fertilizer application promotes vegetative growth, whereas a higher application rate maximizes reproductive development and grain yield. Therefore, applying 90 kg ha⁻¹ of diammonium phosphate is recommended to improve common bean productivity under agroecological conditions similar to those of the study area.

Factors Regulating Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation Efficiency in Legume Crops: Mechanisms, Environmental Constraints, and Future Perspectives

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Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) is a fundamental biological process that enhances legume productivity while reducing dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. However, its efficiency varies considerably across production systems because it is regulated by complex interactions among plant genetics, rhizobial compatibility, physiological processes, environmental conditions, and agronomic management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms regulating SNF and critically examines the biological, environmental, and management factors that determine its effectiveness. The review integrates evidence from the literature on the molecular basis of legume–rhizobium symbiosis, physiological regulation of nitrogen fixation, the influence of soil properties, nutrient availability, climatic stresses, and agronomic practices, and evaluates emerging technologies and future research directions. The synthesis demonstrates that SNF performance is inherently context-dependent and cannot be optimized through a single intervention. Instead, successful nitrogen fixation requires coordinated management of host genotype, rhizobial inoculants, soil fertility, water availability, and crop management while accounting for local environmental conditions. The review also identifies important knowledge gaps, including limited long-term field validation, insufficient integration of multidisciplinary approaches, and challenges in translating emerging genomic, microbial, and precision agriculture technologies into practical farming systems. Overall, this review emphasizes that integrated, site-specific management combined with continued advances in biofertilizer development and multidisciplinary research is essential for maximizing SNF efficiency, reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, and supporting sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural production.

Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers: A Review on Sustainable Mung Bean Production under Kabul Semi‑Arid Conditions

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Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is a short‑duration legume of high nutritional and agronomic importance, particularly suited to semi‑arid regions such as Kabul, Afghanistan. Despite its potential, mung bean productivity in Afghanistan remains below global averages, constrained by poor soil fertility, limited varietal development, and inadequate crop management practices. This review synthesizes Kabul University research and global literature, focusing on the comparative impacts of organic and inorganic fertilizer practices on mung bean yield attributes. Organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure, compost, and humic‑acid enriched biomass enhance soil structure, microbial activity, and long‑term fertility, whereas inorganic fertilizers supply rapid nutrient availability but risk soil degradation if used exclusively. Evidence from Kabul trials demonstrated that humic‑acid enriched organic fertilizer (OF2) produced superior plant height, grain number per pod, seed yield, and biological yield compared to NPK and control treatments, underscoring its relevance for semi‑arid Kabul conditions. Integrated nutrient management (INM), combining organic and inorganic inputs, offers synergistic benefits by balancing productivity with sustainability. However, adoption in Afghanistan is constrained by economic limitations, weak extension services, and limited varietal testing. This review concludes that INM represents the most sustainable pathway for mung bean cultivation in Kabul’s semi‑arid environment, while highlighting research gaps in varietal response, soil fertility restoration, and farmer adoption strategies.

Effects of Irrigation Intervals on the Growth and Yield of Flax under Kabul Climate Conditions

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Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oilseed and fiber crop with significant economic value. Efficient irrigation management is essential for improving crop productivity under the semi-arid conditions of Kabul, where water resources are limited. However, information on the optimum irrigation interval for flax production in this region is scarce.

This field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, during the spring season of 2025.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation intervals (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days) on the growth and yield of flax, Badakhshee variety. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and three replications across two sites.

Data were recorded on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 1000-grain weight (g) and total yield per hectare. The results showed that irrigation intervals significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected all measured parameters. The highest plant height (68.67 cm), number of pods per plant (189), and grain yield (1856.67Kg ha⁻¹) were obtained under the 12-day irrigation interval, which increased yield by approximately (27.87%) compared to the 20-day interval. In contrast, the lowest values for most traits were recorded under the 20-day irrigation interval.

These findings indicate that irrigation every 12 days provides optimal moisture conditions for flax growth under Kabul agro-climatic conditions. Therefore, this interval is recommended for maximizing yield while ensuring efficient water use.

Soybean Growth and Yield Response to Fertilizers: A Comparative Review of Organic and Inorganic Inputs under Kabul Semi‑Arid Conditions

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Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a globally important crop valued for its high protein and oil content, yet its productivity in Afghanistan remains constrained by poor soil fertility and reliance on chemical fertilizers. This review article synthesizes experimental evidence on the comparative effects of organic inputs (night soil, farm manure) and inorganic fertilizers (diammonium phosphate, urea) on soybean growth and yield under Kabul’s semi‑arid conditions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate sustainable nutrient management strategies that enhance crop productivity while maintaining soil health.

Field trials conducted at Kabul University employed a randomized complete block design with five treatments: control, night soil, farm manure, DAP, and urea. Growth parameters such as plant height, branches per plant, leaf number, and pods per plant were measured alongside yield attributes including 100‑seed weight and grain yield. Results demonstrated that organic amendments significantly improved soybean performance compared to chemical fertilizers. Farm manure produced the tallest plants, highest branching, and maximum pods per plant, with grain yield reaching 1725 kg/ha. Night soil accelerated flowering and pod formation while also improving yield (1616 kg/ha). In contrast, urea resulted in the lowest yield (1262 kg/ha), highlighting the limitations of sole reliance on chemical inputs.

The findings confirm that organic fertilizers enhance soil structure, microbial activity, and long‑term fertility, making them vital for sustainable soybean production in semi‑arid Kabul. Integrating organic inputs into nutrient management strategies can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve food security, and support climate‑resilient agriculture in Afghanistan.

Physicochemical Quality of Lamb Se’i Treated with Kusambi (Schleichera oleosa) Liquid Smoke

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This study aimed was to determine the effect kusambi (Schleichera oleosa) wood liquid smoke on the physicochemical quality of Lamb se’i (smoked meat). A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a 4 x 4 layout was employed, consisting of four treatments: P0: control/no liquid smoke, P1: 0.5% liquid smoke, P2: 1.0% liquid smoke, and P3 : 1.5% liquid smoke with four replications. The parameters measured were: moisture, protein, fat content, pH and yield. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the use of  kusambi wood liquid smoke at levels of 0.5%–1.5% did not affect yield (P>0.05), however, it increased moisture and protein content while pH and fat content (P<0.01). Yield ranged from 54.30% to 59.41%. The highest moisture and protein contents were observed with the 1.5% liquid smoke treatment (58.59% and 25.65%, respectively), while the lowest pH value and fat content was 5.37 and 4,60% respectively.  In conclusion, the use of kusambi liquid smoke at levels of 0.5%–1.5% increased the moisture and protein content of the se’i and lowered the pH value and fat content, whereas the yield remained unchanged.

Role of Fast Neutrons in Minor Actinide Transmutation and Long-Lived Radioactive Waste Reduction in Lead Cooled Fast Reactor: A Systematic Review

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The long-term sustainability of nuclear energy relies on the safe management of minor actinides (MAs) and long-lived fission products (LLFPs). The present work aims at systematically evaluating the role of the fast neutron spectrum in the nuclear transmutation of these isotopes in the Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFRs) to support the realization of a closed fuel cycle. The present work was performed as a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and summarized data from 24 peer-reviewed sources to compare transmutation efficiency and neutronic features. The results indicate that the fast neutrons spectrum in LFRs is a very efficient environment for the actinide destruction by increasing the probability of the fission with respect to the neutron capture. In contrast to thermal reactors, which have positive D-factors and a tendency to accumulate heavier actinides, LFRs have negative D-factors that lead to waste destruction. In particular, an optimal loading of 1.5 wt% MAs provides annual transmutation rates of 15.18% for Am-241 and 13.07% for Np-237 with support ratios larger than one. This configuration is stable for core criticality and neutron flux distribution, but technical challenges remain, including accumulation of Curium isotopes (Cm-244 and Cm-245) and nearly 50% reduction in the effective delayed neutron fraction, affecting safety margins. In conclusion, LFR technology provides clear neutronic benefits for waste reduction over thermal systems but operational strategies should be optimized for curium management and reactor safety to allow evidence-based development of Generation IV reactors for sustainable waste management.