Neutron Economy and the Thorium Fuel Cycle in Thorium Molten Salt Reactors: A Systematic Review

/in /by

This study investigates neutron economy and the thorium fuel cycle within Thorium Molten Salt Reactors to evaluate their potential for sustainable nuclear energy production. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, this study synthesized recent research published between 2020 and 2026, while also using selected foundational sources from 1960 onward for core nuclear-theory parameters. Data were analyzed using a qualitative and comparative approach, focusing on thorium-232 conversion pathways, uranium-233 production mechanisms, and neutronic performance parameters. The findings indicate that U-233 is a superior fissile fuel for the thorium cycle, exhibiting a high neutron reproduction factor of 2.28 for thermal neutrons and 2.50 for fast neutrons, which supports efficient fuel breeding. The thorium cycle offers significant environmental and security benefits, including a substantial reduction in long-lived transuranic actinides and enhanced proliferation resistance due to the presence of uranium-232, which emits high-energy gamma radiation. Furthermore, TMSR technology provides inherent safety through a negative temperature coefficient and the ability for online fuel processing to remove gaseous fission products.
Unlike previous review studies, this research integrates neutron economy, U-233 purity, breeding ratio, salt chemistry, and reactor safety into a unified conceptual framework, providing a comprehensive analytical perspective for the evaluation of thorium molten salt reactors. The study concludes that while the thorium-uranium cycle is a highly effective alternative for improving neutron efficiency and long-term sustainability, successful commercial deployment depends on achieving U-233 purity levels of approximately 85%. Additionally, further research is required to address remaining challenges in structural materials, salt redox chemistry control, and fuel reprocessing.

When a Hemangioma is not a Hemangioma: Diagnostic Challenges in Infantile Soft Tissue Masses

/in /by

Infantile fibrosarcoma’s are the most common soft tissue sarcomas in infants under the age of one, and also have an excellent survival rate. However, these tumors also have a propensity to grow rapidly, and as such, require prompt evaluation and intervention to avoid negative outcomes, such as increased local invasion, more extensive surgical resections or amputations, as well as the potential risk for distant spread. This case report describes the presentation of an infantile fibrosarcoma that was initially misdiagnosed as an infantile hemangioma. Two conditions that can present very similarly in both clinical and radiologic evaluation, but require very different treatment strategies. Through our case presentation, we aim to highlight the importance of vigilance and accuracy during diagnostic work-up to ensure swift intervention for patients with potentially sinister underlying diagnoses.

The Effects of Behaviour-Based and Cognition-Based Interventions on Work-Life Balance Outcomes among Workforce in Indonesia

/in /by

Work-life balance has become increasingly important within the changing employment environment. However, evidence on how employees actively regulate the boundary between their professional and personal roles continues to be shaped largely by studies from Global North and office-based settings. This study investigates the influence of behaviour-based and cognition-based personal interventions on the three dimensions of work-life balance outcomes: work-related, nonwork-related, and stress-related. Adopting a quantitative, cross-sectional, and explanatory approach, data were gathered through a self-administered online survey from 427 employees representing various industries across Indonesia. Multiple linear regression models were then estimated, corresponding to each outcome dimension. The results showed that all models were statistically significant and that both intervention types were statistically significant to predict the three outcome domains. Behaviour-based interventions produce the strongest effect, particularly for work-related outcomes (β = 0.635) and stress-related outcomes (β = 0.625). Cognition-based intervention also contributes significantly, with their largest effect found for nonwork-related outcomes (β = 0.340). The work-related outcomes model has the strongest explanatory power with an adjusted R2 of 0.809. Overall, the findings indicate that behavioural and cognitive interventions operate as complementary mechanisms and broaden the relevance of previous studies’ findings of personal-intervention framework in the wider multisector workforce in Indonesia.

Financial Ratios and Corporate Governance as Determinants of Financial Distress Probability: Evidence from Indonesian Manufacturing Firms

/in /by

This study aims to examine the effects of financial ratios and corporate governance on the probability of financial distress among manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the 2020–2025 period. Financial ratios are represented by profitability, liquidity, leverage, and activity ratios, while corporate governance is proxied by the proportion of independent commissioners. This study employed a quantitative research approach using secondary data obtained from the annual financial statements of manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The sample consisted of 900 firm-year observations selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression to estimate the probability of financial distress. Prior to hypothesis testing, the model was evaluated through multicollinearity testing, overall model fit, Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, classification accuracy, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and the Nagelkerke R-square coefficient. The results reveal that profitability, measured by Return on Assets (ROA), and activity ratio, measured by Total Asset Turnover (TATO), have a significant negative effect on the probability of financial distress, indicating that firms with higher profitability and more efficient asset utilization are less likely to experience financial distress. Conversely, leverage, measured by the Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER), has a significant positive effect, suggesting that greater reliance on debt financing increases the likelihood of financial distress. In contrast, liquidity, measured by the Current Ratio (CR), and corporate governance, proxied by the proportion of independent commissioners, do not have a statistically significant effect on financial distress. The findings highlight that profitability, leverage, and asset utilization are key determinants of financial distress, whereas short-term liquidity and board independence are insufficient to explain financial distress among Indonesian manufacturing firms. These findings provide valuable insights for corporate managers, investors, creditors, and policymakers in identifying early warning indicators of financial distress and strengthening corporate financial sustainability.

Review of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Practices in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) under Kabul Climatic Conditions

/in /by

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is a short-duration pulse crop of global importance, valued for its nutritional quality, nitrogen-fixing ability, and adaptability to semi-arid climates. In Afghanistan, particularly under Kabul agro-climatic conditions, productivity remains below global averages due to poor soil fertility, limited access to improved varieties, and inadequate nutrient management. This review synthesizes recent evidence (2022–2026) on organic and inorganic fertilizer practices in mung bean cultivation. Organic amendments such as poultry manure at higher application rates (8–10 t ha⁻¹) significantly enhance vegetative growth, pod formation, and grain yield [1,2,4]. Inorganic NPK fertilizers provide immediate nutrient availability but risk long-term soil degradation if applied alone [3,6]. Integrated nutrient management (INM), combining mineral fertilizers with organic inputs, improves soil fertility, microbial activity, and sustainability, offering superior productivity outcomes [7,11,12]. Improved varieties such as Enam demonstrate positive responses under INM strategies, underscoring the importance of genotype × environment × management interactions [2,5,9]. Recent studies highlight biofertilizers and micronutrient supplementation as promising approaches to further enhance nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and seed quality [3,8,10]. Key research gaps remain in varietal performance, soil fertility constraints, and region-specific INM practices. Adoption of integrated fertilizer management can substantially improve mung bean productivity and soil health in Kabul and similar semi-arid regions, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.

Comparison of Yield & Agronomical Characteristics of four Local Mung Bean Varieties under Climatic Conditions of Kabul, Afghanistan

/in /by

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is an important pulse crop with considerable potential to enhance food and nutritional security, improve soil fertility, and increase farmers’ incomes in Afghanistan. However, its productivity remains constrained by the widespread use of low-yielding varieties and the challenges associated with semi-arid climatic conditions. This study evaluated the Agronomic performance and yield potential of four mung bean varieties under the Agro climatic conditions of Kabul, Afghanistan, where low annual precipitation, high summer temperatures, and climatic variability limit crop production. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of four treatments: Helmandi (T1), Local (T2), 08 Certified (T3), and 07 Certified (T4), with six replications. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were compared using an appropriate mean separation test.

The results demonstrated significant differences (P < 0.05) among the evaluated varieties. The 07 Certified variety (T4) produced the highest mean grain yield (1,833.77 kg ha⁻¹), followed by 08 Certified (T3) (1,720.72 kg ha⁻¹), Local (T2) (1,378.87 kg ha⁻¹), and Helmandi (T1) (643.56 kg ha⁻¹). Mean comparison analysis confirmed significant differences among all varieties, with the performance ranking as T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. The superior yield performance of the 07 Certified variety indicates its greater adaptability and productivity under the semi-arid conditions of Kabul. These findings highlight the importance of promoting improved certified mung bean varieties to enhance crop productivity, support climate resilient agricultural systems, and contribute to improved food security and rural livelihoods in Afghanistan. Further multi location and multi-season evaluations are recommended to assess the stability, adaptability, and potential for wider adoption of the 07 certified variety.

Effect of Different Levels of Urea on Growth, Yield, and Yield Attributes of Mustard under Kabul Agro-Climatic Conditions

/in /by

Nitrogen is a key macronutrient that plays an essential role in plant growth, development, and yield formation in oilseed crops such as mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Proper nitrogen management is important for improving productivity while ensuring economic efficiency and environmental sustainability, particularly in low-input farming systems like those in Afghanistan. This study was conducted to assess the effect of different urea (nitrogen) levels on the growth, yield attributes, phenology, and grain yield of mustard under Kabul agro-climatic conditions. A field experiment was arranged with four treatments: T₁ (0 kg urea ha⁻¹), T₂ (60 kg urea ha⁻¹), T₃ (80 kg urea ha⁻¹), and T₄ (100 kg urea ha⁻¹) using a randomized design. Data were collected on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, phenological traits (flowering and maturity), and grain yield. The results showed that nitrogen application significantly improved vegetative growth and yield components of mustard. Increasing nitrogen levels enhanced plant height, number of branches, and pods per plant. Grain yield responded positively to nitrogen application, with the highest yield consistently obtained at 80 kg urea ha⁻¹. However, further increase in nitrogen above this level did not result in proportional yield improvement, indicating diminishing returns. Phenological traits such as days to flowering and maturity were not significantly affected by nitrogen levels. Overall, the study concludes that moderate nitrogen application optimizes growth and yield of mustard without affecting its growth duration. The application of 80 kg urea ha⁻¹ is recommended as the optimal rate for mustard production under Kabul conditions, as it improves productivity, enhances nitrogen use efficiency, reduces production costs, and supports sustainable agriculture.

Optimization of Seed Rate for Chickpea Variety FLIP-94 under the Climatic Conditions of Kabul

/in /by

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital pulse crop in semi-arid regions, yet its productivity is often constrained by poor agronomic practices, particularly seed rate management (Bhatt et al., 2022; Rahimi et al., 2024). A field experiment was conducted in Kabul, Afghanistan, to evaluate the effect of five seed rates (65, 75, 85, 95, and 105 kg/ha) on growth and yield performance under semi-arid conditions. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results demonstrated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among treatments for plant height, leaf area, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and yield, while the number of branches per plant showed no significant variation. The optimum seed rate was identified as 85 kg/ha, which produced taller plants (33.2 cm), higher pod numbers (25–32 pods/plant), heavier seeds (31 g per 100 seeds), and improved yield (0.465 kg/m²). Excessive seed rates (105 kg/ha) reduced yield due to overcrowding, intra specific competition, and depletion of limited soil moisture, resulting in smaller seeds (25 g per 100 seeds) and fewer pods (20.7 pods/plant). These findings highlight the critical role of optimized seed rate management in enhancing chickpea productivity under Kabul’s challenging climatic conditions, where short growing seasons, spring frost, and terminal drought are major constraints (Jettner et al., 2019; Siddique et al., 2022). The study provides evidence based recommendations for local farmers to replace traditional broadcast sowing with optimized seed rates, thereby improving food security and income generation in Afghanistan (FAO, 2026; Merga & Haji, 2019).

Effect of Different Levels of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Variety Flip 94

/in /by

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop valued for its nutritional quality and role in sustainable agriculture. However, productivity is often constrained by low soil fertility and poor nutrient management, particularly phosphorus deficiency. A field experiment was conducted during the 2025 growing season at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, Afghanistan, to evaluate the effect of different levels of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer on growth and yield of chickpea variety Flip 94. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five DAP levels (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha⁻¹) and three replications. Results showed that DAP application significantly influenced all growth and yield parameters, while replication effects were non-significant. Treatment 3 (100 kg ha⁻¹ DAP) consistently performed best, recording the highest plant height (34.23 cm), number of branches per plant (4.92), number of pods per plant (37.47), grains per pod (1.93), and grain yield (5.52 t ha⁻¹). In contrast, the control treatment recorded the lowest values for all studied traits. The improved performance under optimal DAP application is attributed to enhanced nutrient availability, better root development, increased nodulation, and improved photosynthetic efficiency, which collectively supported stronger vegetative growth and reproductive development. In conclusion, application of DAP fertilizer significantly improves chickpea growth and yield under Kabul agro-climatic conditions. Treatment 3 (100 kg ha⁻¹ DAP) was identified as the most effective dose for maximizing productivity of chickpea variety Flip 94.

Soybean Cultivation in Afghanistan: A Review of Varietal Adaptability, Agronomic Practices, and Food Security Opportunities

/in /by

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a globally important legume and oilseed crop, valued for its high protein and oil content as well as its role in sustainable agriculture through biological nitrogen fixation [12,8]. Despite its global significance, soybean adoption in Afghanistan remains limited, with cereal-based systems dominating production and contributing to nutritional deficiencies and soil fertility decline [13]. Introducing soybean into Afghan farming systems offers opportunities to diversify production, enhance food security, and restore soil health [2,15].

This review synthesizes global advances in soybean research—including genomics, multi omics, and climate resilient breeding strategies [20,22,33]—alongside regional experiences from South Asia and localized trials in Afghanistan [25,26,30,34]. Evidence from Pakistan [25,31], India [26,32], Bangladesh [30,24], and Iran [34] demonstrates soybean’s potential to improve soil fertility, strengthen climate resilience, and meet rising demand for protein rich food and feed [24,25,26,30,34]. Afghan specific trials in Kabul Province have identified promising varieties such as LD109168, LD0910911, Stine30E32, and which achieved yields above 2,500 kg ha⁻¹ under semi-arid conditions [1,7,9]. However, adoption remains constrained by weak seed systems, limited farmer awareness, and underdeveloped processing infrastructure [30].

By integrating global lessons with Afghan realities, this review highlights soybean’s potential as a strategic crop for food security and sustainable agriculture under semi-arid conditions, while underscoring the need for investment in seed systems, extension services, and processing industries [5].