Journal of Natural Science Review

The Effects of Dietary Phenylalanine on Antioxidant Activity and Muscle Quality of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Saif Ullah Sharifi — 2025-12-31

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary phenylalanine on antioxidant capacity and muscle quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The study also examined how various inclusion levels of dietary phenylalanine affect flesh quality and the expression of genes related to protein utilization and muscle development in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Six isonitrogenous (37.92 ± 0.28% crude protein) and isolipidic (7.14 ± 0.15% crude lipid) diets were formulated with incremental levels of phenylalanine (0.38%, 0.94%, 1.32%, 1.75%, 2.23%, and 2.7%). A total of 1200 fish were divided into 24 cylindrical polypropylene tanks, with 50 individuals in each tank (initial individual weight of fish was 0.20 ± 0.07 g), and were run in four replicates in a completely randomized design for 8 weeks. Antioxidant capacity results showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in the 2.23% group (P<0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the 2.23% Phe group was significantly lower than in other groups (P<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity was significantly lower in the first two groups (0.38% and 0.94% Phe) compared to other groups (P<0.05). Dietary phenylalanine levels led to improvements in muscle texture and the expression of genes associated with protein utilization and muscle development.

Modelling and Forecasting Wholesale Potato Prices in Northern India Using SARIMA

Lovepreet Singh — 2025-12-31

Farmers face many difficulties as a result of price fluctuation in agricultural commodities, mostly in developing nations like India. Potato prices are particularly unstable during the post-harvest period, which frequently forces farmers to sell at low prices because of urgent financial needs and delayed market information. The objective of this study is to use the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model to forecast monthly wholesale potato prices. Three important markets in Northern India i.e. Uttar Pradesh, a significant producer, Punjab, a distribution hub, and Delhi, a major consumption center were studied for price trends. The AGMARKNET portal was used to collect monthly wholesale price data from January 2010 to December 2024. The best fitted SARIMA models were determined using the lowest AIC and BIC values: SARIMA(2,0,0)(2,0,1)[12] for Uttar Pradesh, SARIMA(1,0,1)(1,1,1)[12] for Punjab, and SARIMA(1,0,1)(0,1,1)[12] for Delhi. Forecast results reveal clear seasonal patterns. Prices in Uttar Pradesh are expected to decline from Rs. 1986.61 in January to a low of Rs. 1629.92 in April, before rising again to Rs. 1821.96 in July. Similarly, the lowest forecasted prices are observed in March and April in Punjab (Rs. 1546.22) and Delhi (Rs. 1664.95), while the highest price is projected for October in Delhi (Rs. 2039.61). The observed patterns suggest that the post-harvest months, specifically from February to April, typically see a decline in prices attributed to market saturation. Conversely, prices tend to increase during the mid to late year period, likely influenced by a decrease in fresh arrivals and a heightened dependence on stored produce. The forecast emphasizes the importance of market-specific dynamics and illustrates the effectiveness of predictive models in assisting farmers marketing decisions. This enables improved planning by traders and policymakers to address seasonal price volatility.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Drinking Water in Selected Poultry Farms in Kabul Province, Afghanistan

Assadullah Samadi — 2025-12-31

Poultry is a vital sector and an important source of income for many families in Afghanistan. Water quality is a key factor affecting poultry health and productivity. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water sources used in poultry farms in Kabul Province. Water samples were collected from 20 poultry farms and analyzed for total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) (Escherichia coli), pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, chlorine concentration, and turbidity. The results showed that TC and FC levels exceeded acceptable limits (>50 CFU/100 mL) in 65% and 10% of primary water sources, respectively. The median TC and FC values in primary water sources were 63 CFU/100 mL (range: 0–317) and 4.5 CFU/100 mL (range: 0–14), respectively. In secondary water sources, TC and FC exceeded permissible limits in 75% and 55% of samples, with median values of 266 and 84 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Significant differences in TC and E. coli levels were observed between primary and secondary water sources (p < 0.05), and among physicochemical parameters; turbidity and electrical conductivity exceeded recommended standards. A significant positive correlation was found between TC and FC (r = 0.603; p < 0.05), while both showed a significant negative correlation with chlorine levels (p < 0.05). These findings highlight substantial health risks associated with poultry farm water sources and underscore the need for improved water management practices to ensure safe, sustainable poultry production in Kabul Province.

A Comparative Study of the GM(1,1) Model and Curve Fitting Method for Forecasting Viral Hepatitis Incidence in Afghanistan up to 2030

Raz Mohammad Mohammadi — 2025-12-31

This study aimed to forecast the incidence of viral hepatitis in Afghanistan using the GM(1,1) model and curve fitting methods, and to compare the predictive performance of both approaches using mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Annual incidence data were obtained from the Hospital of Infectious Diseases through a formal request. Linear and nonlinear regression techniques, along with the first-order univariate grey prediction model (GM(1,1)), were applied to model historical trends. The model with superior predictive accuracy was used to project viral hepatitis incidence for 2015–2030. Both GM(1,1) and curve-fitting models accurately captured the incidence trends; however, GM(1,1) demonstrated superior performance (MAE = 557.95; MAPE = 6.76%) compared with exponential curve regression (MAE = 558.30; MAPE = 7.07%). Forecasts indicated 15,328.6 cases in 2025 and 39058 cases in 2030, with both models projecting a consistent upward trend, reflecting a growing public health burden. The projections highlight a growing public health burden of viral hepatitis in Afghanistan, emphasizing the urgency of effective prevention and vaccination programs. The findings can guide policymakers in resource allocation and healthcare planning, while also informing strategies to strengthen surveillance and early detection. Moreover, the study demonstrates that the GM(1,1) model is a reliable forecasting tool in contexts with limited or incomplete data, providing valuable support for evidence-based decision-making in public health. This study is the first to compare GM(1,1) and curve fitting for forecasting viral hepatitis in Afghanistan, using viral hepatitis data from Afghanistan. It provides context-specific projections through 2030 and demonstrates that GM(1,1) is a reliable tool in data-limited settings.

Assessment of Potentially Dangerous Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Panjshir , Afghanistan Using RS and GIS

Hedayatullah Arian — 2025-12-31

This study provides the first systematic assessment of glacial lake hazards in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, where rapid glacier retreat has facilitated the formation and expansion of numerous glacial lakes and intensified downstream risk. Using Landsat and Sentinel-2 imagery, a 5-m DEM, and GIS-based morphometric extraction, 135 glacial lakes were identified and evaluated through a composite Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risk Index (GLOFRI). Six key parameters—lake area, outlet slope, glacier proximity, dam type, cascade configuration, and elevation—were used to calculate normalized hazard scores. GLOFRI values ranged from 0.0162 to 0.575 and were classified by the Equal Interval method into three hazard levels. Results show that four lakes (2.96%) fall within the high-risk category, primarily characterized by relatively large surface areas, unstable moraine dams, steep outlet slopes, and direct proximity to active glaciers. Fifty-nine lakes (43.70%) were classified as medium-risk and seventy-two (53.33%) as low-risk. Spatial analysis confirms that high-risk lakes are clustered immediately downstream of glacier fronts and connected to steep, confined valleys, representing the most immediate threat to communities, infrastructure, and irrigated land in Panjshir. The resulting prioritized inventory of potentially dangerous glacial lakes provides an essential baseline for monitoring, early-warning development, and GLOF-focused disaster risk reduction, and it offers a transferable framework for glacial lake hazard assessment in other data-scarce mountain regions.

Petrographic Composition, Physico-Chemical Characteristics, And Mechanical Properties of The Renzikhel Marbles In Central Afghanistan

Aziz Agha Mohmand — 2025-12-31

This article presents the geological and engineering geological characteristics of Ranzi Khel marbles. The Ranzi Khel mine is located in Maidan Wardak province. Geologically, it lies within the Helmand tectonic zone. To achieve the objectives, several samples were collected from different sites of the marble areas and transported to laboratories in Kabul city. Several slides were prepared from representative samples to characterize the petrographic composition under a polarizing microscope. The preliminary chemical composition of marbles was determined through X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The physical and mechanical characteristics of marbles were assessed using various physico-mechanical tests. The petrographical study indicates that calcite is the main mineral in the slides. The physico-mechanical tests show that the specific gravity is 2.7, the bulk density is 2.7, the water absorption is 0.02%, the marble's resistance to impact and pressure is 13.67%, the marble's resistance to abrasion is 26.13%, and the marble durability index is 97.39%. The findings indicate that the marble samples exhibit excellent resistance to uniaxial compression and point load, with a durability of 97.49%. The results show that Ranzi Khel marbles are considered quite satisfactory for various applications from a physico-mechanical perspective. The results of the XRF analysis indicate that calcium has the highest proportion among the elements. Besides calcium, Ranzi Khel marbles also contain magnesium, iron, silicon, and aluminum. The findings of this study may contribute to sustainable mining development in Afghanistan in various ways.

Effect of Farm Yard Manure on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Zabihullah Faizi — 2025-12-31

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of farmyard manure on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes at the agriculture research farm of Kabul University during the spring and summer seasons of 2024. Treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The variables measured included growth parameters, such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, and leaf area per plant, as well as yield parameters, including marketable yield, non-marketable yield, and total yield. Additionally, quality parameters were assessed, including shelf life and organoleptic characteristics. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using STAR software version 2.0.1. Results indicated that farmyard manures used in the study had a positive influence on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes. The highest plant growth, yield, and best quality fruits were recorded under the treatment containing the highest sheep manure (35 t/ha); it was on par with the treatments containing 20, 25, and 30 t/ha sheep manure. Thus, it is recommended for tomato crop growers to apply at least 20 t/ha of sheep manure for optimal growth and yield.

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Mulches on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties Under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir

Zahedullah Zahed — 2025-12-31

Mulching is a widely adopted agronomic practice for improving soil health, conserving moisture, and enhancing crop productivity, particularly under temperate conditions. A field experiment was conducted during 2020–21 at SKUAST-Kashmir to evaluate the effects of different organic and inorganic mulches on soil physico-chemical properties and moisture–temperature regimes under potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation. The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments, including six colored polyethylene mulches and three organic mulches, along with an un-mulched control. Soil parameters such as pH, organic carbon, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density, available N, P₂O₅, K₂O, soil moisture, and temperature were assessed before and after the experiment. Results revealed significant improvements in soil properties under both mulch types compared to the control. Plastic mulches, particularly black and green polyethylene, reduced soil pH, EC, and bulk density while enhancing soil moisture retention and thermal conditions. Among organic mulches, farmyard manure mulch recorded the highest organic carbon, reduced EC, improved nutrient availability, and maintained favorable soil temperature and moisture levels. Overall, mulched treatments significantly increased available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the initial soil status and the un-mulched control. Black polyethylene mulch and farmyard manure mulch consistently outperformed other treatments in improving soil hydrothermal regimes. The findings highlight the potential of both organic and inorganic mulches to enhance soil quality and support sustainable potato production under temperate conditions.

Study of The Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect in Thick and Ultrathin Composite Layers

Hameedullah Zahin — 2025-12-31

When a transparent isotropic material is subjected to an electric field, birefringence occurs, and the material acquires the properties of a uniaxial crystal. The difference in refractive indices parallel and perpendicular to the field is proportional to the square of the field intensity and the Kerr constant. The importance of this topic lies in investigating how magnetic fields affect the optical properties of thick and ultrathin composite layers, which are crucial for enhancing the performance and design of magneto-optical memories and advanced sensors. The goal of this research is to determine the exact relationships between the thickness of composite layers and their magneto-optical sensitivity to optimize composite materials. Also, the angle of polarization rotation of light due to the Kerr effect is quantitatively measured and optimized to achieve maximum magneto-optical response. In this research, simplified analytical expressions for the magneto-optical Kerr effect in composite layers are presented, and the MOKE formulas for and layers are investigated, accounting for the second-order nonlinear refractive index. , the time rotation constant , and the phase difference of the incoming light. The results show that the longitudinal and polar Kerr rotation angles in thick and ultra-thin layers exhibit a systematic dependence on the angle of incidence and agree well with theoretical calculations at specific angles. This research shows that by combining materials and controlling the thickness of the composite layers, the polarization rotation angle due to the Kerr effect can be significantly improved.

Effect of Different Mulching Material on Growth Attributes and Yield Performance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Kandahar, Afghanistan

Mirwais Khan Afghan — 2025-12-31

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a high-value vegetable crop widely cultivated for its nutritional and economic importance. However, in semi-arid regions like Kandahar, Afghanistan, water scarcity, high temperature, and soil degradation often limit its productivity. This research was conducted to evaluate the impact of different mulching materials (black plastic, white plastic, and grass) on the growth and yield performance of sweet pepper under Kandahar’s agro-climatic conditions. The study was carried out during the 1403 growing season (2024) at the research farm of the Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and three replications. Results indicated that black plastic mulch significantly outperformed other treatments in terms of plant height, number of branches, fruit diameter, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, and total yield. The highest yield (30.88 tons/ha) was recorded under black plastic mulch, followed by white plastic mulch (25.53 tons/ha) and grass (23.33 tons/ha), while the control recorded the lowest yield (19.13 tons/ha). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments for most parameters. These findings suggest that mulching, particularly with black plastic, is a viable and effective agronomic practice for improving sweet pepper production in arid environments. Adoption of such mulching techniques can enhance soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and ultimately increase crop productivity. This research provides evidence-based recommendations for farmers and agricultural stakeholders aiming to optimize sweet pepper yield under challenging climatic conditions.

Comparison of Growth and Yield of Nine Different Tomato Varieties under Climatic Conditions of Maidan Wardak Province, Afghanistan

Hikmatullah Hikmat — 2025-12-31

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), a member of the Solanaceae family, is one of the most important annual vegetables and is considered the second most significant vegetable globally after the potato. It is native to the southwestern region of the Americas. Maidan Wardak province is recognized as one of the key regions for tomato production in Afghanistan. However, the lack of identification of high-yielding and well-growing tomato varieties under the province’s climatic conditions is one of the major challenges in tomato cultivation and a primary reason for low yields. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the growth and yield of 9 different tomato varieties under the climatic conditions of Maidan Wardak province. The experiment was conducted in 2024 at the research farm of Wardak University, utilizing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of the study showed significant differences among the various tomato varieties. The variety Avto 1219 CLN 3241H outperformed all others in several growth and yield parameters, including plant height (95.66 cm), number of clusters per plant (35.13), number of fruits per plant (31.78), fruit diameter (7.3 cm), fruit weight per plant (3.66 kgand yield per hectare (49.30 tons). Based on these findings, the Avto 1219 CLN 3241H variety is recommended for cultivation due to its superior growth and high yield potential.

Investigation of Factors Affecting Surface Water Change Using Satellite Data and Remote Sensing Techniques (A Case Study: BAND-E-AMIR National Park, Afghanistan)

Sayed Jawad Hedayat — 2025-12-31

This study employs multi-sensor remote sensing technology to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of surface water area in Band-e-Amir National Park, Afghanistan. In a context of global water scarcity and a critical lack of in-situ hydrological data, satellite imagery from Sentinel-2, JRC, and Global Surface Water datasets was processed using GIS and the Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI) to quantify surface water extent. The Mann-Kendall statistical test was applied to determine significant trends. Contrary to declining water trajectories observed in other Afghan regions, the analysis reveals a significant increase in surface water area within the park from 2000 to 2020. Interannual variability is evident, with the surface water area measured at 708.7 hectares in 2016 and 636.6 hectares in 2023. Correlation with climatic drivers indicates that this positive trend is primarily attributable to a significant increase in precipitation, as derived from GPM satellite data.In contrast, land surface temperature data from MODIS-Terra showed no statistically significant trend, ruling it out as a major contributing factor. The findings demonstrate the critical utility of remote sensing for environmental monitoring in data-scarce regions and highlight localized hydrological resilience to climate change in Band-e-Amir, driven predominantly by precipitation patterns. This research provides a foundational assessment essential for the park's future conservation and water resource management strategies.

Adoption and Impact of Six Sigma Methodology on Operational Efficiency in Afghanistan with a Focus on Food and Medicine Industry

Rahmatullah Seeyall — 2025-12-31

Manufacturing and industrial processes are dynamic in nature, and sustaining operational excellence while securing long-term competitive advantages involves continuous innovation. Six Sigma and its updated version Lean Six Sigma (LSS) are among the various approaches developed to address these challenges and are proven to be effective. This study aimed to explore the adoption and impact of the Six Sigma methodology on operational efficiency in Afghanistan, focusing specially on the food and medicine industries. The data was collected through online survey and physical distribution of the questionnaire. The main tool was a self-administered questionnaire containing 24 questions divided into seven sections. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 26, which enhanced the reliability of the results and facilitated accurate calculation of statistical measures. Although Six Sigma has shown significant success worldwide, its adoption in Afghanistan remains limited, with only 42.3% of surveyed organizations formally implementing the methodology. Notable improvements were observed among those applying Six Sigma, in areas such as faster production cycles, cost reduction, and better resource utilization. Conversely, challenges including low awareness, inadequate training, and limited use of Six Sigma tools continue to limit its broader impact. The findings of this study suggest that overcoming these obstacles and fully realizing Six Sigma’s potential in Afghanistan requires tailored approaches, leadership support, and easily accessible training programs. This study provides valuable insights to encourage the adoption of Six Sigma, supporting sustainable development and recovery in Afghanistan’s industries.

Effects of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Russian Knapweed on Cutaneous Wound Healing Process in Rabbits

Ghulam Haidar Olfat — 2025-12-31

Several drugs and natural products are used to treat wounds. However, ranchers in Afghanistan do not have enough access to Veterinary services (medicine). On the other hand, medicine is expensive. In this case, the best option is homemade drugs made from medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of the Aqueous and Alcoholic extracts of Russian Knapweed on the cutaneous wound-healing process in rabbits. Twenty-five local rabbits were used in this experiment and were randomly divided into five groups: control, 5% aqueous extract, 10% Aqueous extract, 5% alcoholic extract, and 10% Alcoholic extract. At first, all rabbits were clinically examined. The wound area was surgically prepared, and after induction of local anesthesia, a 15mm x 15mm incision was made on the back part of all rabbits. The Russian Knapweed extracts were made using the maceration method. After the wounds were created, the ointments were applied twice a day. Measurement of the wound area was done using a ruler on days 1st, 4th, seventh, 10th, 13th, and 16th of wound creation. 5% Aqueous and Alcoholic Russian Knapweed had a significantly (p<0.05) greater effect on wound healing on days 4, 7, and 16 compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the 10% Aqueous group results were also significantly (p<0.05) higher than the control group on days 7 and 16. The results of this experiment suggest that Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Russian Knapweed have healing effects on the cutaneous wound-healing process in rabbits.

Application of Different Levels of Humic Acid on Two Cotton Varieties and Its Effects on Yield Quantity and Quality under the Agro-Climatic Conditions of Balkh Province

Mohammad Akbar Ansari — 2025-12-31

To determine the maximum yield performance of different levels of humic acid on two cotton varieties (Sanroof 1155 and Sanroof 610), a field experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and four treatments: (R1T0), (R2T0), (R3T0) as the control (without humic acid), (R1T1), (R2T1), (R3T1) with the recommended dose (5 L/ha), (R1T2), (R2T2), (R3T2) with 1.5 times the recommended dose (7.5 L/ha), and (R1T3), (R2T3), (R3T3) with double the recommended dose (10 L/ha). Data related to growth, yield components. The measured parameters included: number of bolls per plant, plant height, 50% flowering date, seed cotton yield (kg/ha), 100-seed weight (g), and fiber length and strength (mm). In Sanroof 1155, the highest growth performance was observed in plant height (168 cm in R1T0), number of bolls per plant (85 bolls in R3T3), 100-seed weight (13.4 g in R3T3), seed cotton yield (2700 kg/ha in R3T3), and fiber strength (35 mm in R2T3), showing significant improvement. In Sanroof 610, the highest values were observed in plant height (146 cm in R1T0), number of bolls per plant (34 bolls in R3T3), 100-seed weight (15.94 g in R2T3), seed cotton yield (2271 kg/ha in R2T3), and fiber strength (34 mm in R3T3), also indicating significant enhancement. The results revealed that the third treatment (10 L/ha of humic acid) led to the most notable improvements, with Sanroof 1155 performing best, followed by Sanroof 610 under the agro-climatic conditions of Balkh province.

Effects of Citric Acid Powder Supplementation on Feed Intake and Feed Conversion Ratio in Broiler Chickens

Abdul Khaliq Sahes — 2025-12-31

The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of citric acid powder on feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in Ross 308 broiler chicks. A total of 48 broiler chicks, with an average initial body weight of 42 ± 4.2 grams, were used in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were divided into four groups, with three replicates per group. The control (G1) was fed a basal diet without citric acid supplementation. Group 2 (G2) (basal diet + 0.25% citric acid), Group 3 (G3) (basal diet + 0.50% citric acid), and Group 4 (G4) (basal diet + 0.75% citric acid) were provided with drinking water, and birds were given feed and water ad libitum. The trial lasted for 35 days. During the experimental period, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded and analysed. Data analysis was conducted using Statistica 9. The results demonstrated that the various levels of citric acid had different impacts on improving both feed intake and FCR. Among the treatments, G4 exhibited the most favorable effects on the measured parameters, increasing (P˂0.01) the average total dry matter intake (12,265.87) relative to the control (11,929.68) and, though not statistically, numerically reducing the feed conversion ratio (1.33) compared with the control (1.37). Based on these findings, Citric acid supplementation at 0.75% may serve as a natural alternative to synthetic antibiotic growth promoters in broilers. These findings may support poultry production in Afghanistan and similar regions.

Evaluation of Raw Milk Quality Using the Methylene Blue Reduction Test

Sayeed Arif Ahmadi — 2025-12-31

The microbiological quality of raw milk remains a significant public health concern, especially in regions where unpasteurized milk is commonly consumed. Although raw milk hygiene has been studied previously, detailed assessments of bacterial load using the Methylene Blue Reduction Test (MBRT) under the specific environmental and hygienic conditions of Kabul, Afghanistan, are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate bacterial contamination in raw milk from the 13th district of Kabul city. A total of 52 milk samples were randomly collected from four locations—Qala-e-Naw, Pul-e-Khesk, Tank-e-Tel, and Qala-e-Qazi—and transported under strict hygienic conditions to the Food Technology and Hygiene Laboratory at the Faculty of Veterinary Science. Bacterial load was determined by the time required for methylene blue decolourization, which reflects microbial metabolic activity. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate contamination percentages and compare mean decolourization times to classify milk quality. Results revealed contamination rates of 42.33%, 30.76%, 15.30%, and 11.53% in Qala-e-Naw, Pul-e-Kheshk, Tank-e-Tel, and Qala-e-Qazi, respectively, with Qala-e-Naw exhibiting the highest contamination. These findings indicate substantial microbial risks in raw milk and underscore the need for improved milking hygiene, proper handling practices, and public education to ensure food safety and protect consumer health in the region.

Role of Rice in Food Security of Afghanistan: A Review

Mohammad Sadiq Salihi — 2025-12-31

Rice is the most important staple after wheat, provides daily calories for most of the country's people, and plays a significant role in food security and nutrition. Rice also contains vitamins and minerals, and its nutrients are more valuable than wheat's. Afghanistan has been considered one of the world's most food-insecure countries due to conflicts, poverty, seasonal factors, drought, and limited access to, availability of, and utilization of staple foods, especially in rural areas. The role of rice in Afghanistan's food security has not been adequately addressed in previous studies and warrants further investigation. This review aims to describe the role of rice in Afghanistan's food security, focusing on production. In the narrative literature review, the relevant keywords for the topic were investigated in popular databases over the last two decades and screened for relevant manuscripts. The resulting information was then organized into different sections of the manuscript. Domestic rice production fulfilled 58.13% of the country's demand in 2023. The average yield of rice in 2023 was 3.11 metric tons per hectare, up 0.7%, and rice-cultivated land increased by 0.7%. Rice cultivated on 129×10³ hectares in 2023 in 16 provinces not only boosted the domestic market but also employed local people. Thus, Afghanistan's land, farmers, and local rice varieties have the potential to increase rice production and provide a strategic staple food for people. Providing all this information is helpful to researchers, advisors to rice farmers, and policymakers, enabling them to develop a favorable plan for a self-sufficient Afghanistan in rice production to produce enough high-quality rice in the future and improve food security.

Health Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation: A Focus on Radiofrequency (RF) and Microwave Radiation

Mohammad Rahim Sadeqi — 2025-12-31

The growing presence of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in everyday environments—driven by widespread mobile communication systems, Wi-Fi networks, and rapidly expanding 5G infrastructure—has raised increasing public health concerns. While RF/MW radiation is categorized as non-ionizing due to its insufficient energy to ionize atoms or molecules, research indicates that it may still interact with biological systems through non-thermal mechanisms such as electromagnetic coupling, induced currents, and oxidative stress. This paper aims to investigate the potential health effects associated with chronic low-level RF/MW exposure. A critical literature review was conducted using recent peer-reviewed studies and health agency guidelines to evaluate observed biological outcomes and compare them with existing safety standards. The review highlights consistent evidence linking prolonged exposure to sleep disruption, increased oxidative stress, neurobehavioral alterations, and potential reproductive risks. Current exposure limits are largely based on thermal effects and may not sufficiently address sub-threshold, long-term biological interactions. This paper identifies a significant research gap in dosimetric criteria and calls for a reevaluation of public health policies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies in real-world exposure scenarios and explore specific mechanisms such as ion channel modulation and signal modulation sensitivity. These efforts are essential to develop more protective exposure guidelines for increasingly connected populations.

Systematic Review of Integrated Weed Management Strategies in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivation

Mohammad Shafiq Faieq — 2025-12-31

Weeds are a major constraint in maize cultivation, causing global yield losses that average about 37%, with studies reporting a range of 20% to 80% depending on weed pressure and management.

Effective weed control is therefore critical, particularly during the vulnerable period between 4 to 7 weeks after sowing. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current approaches to Integrated Weed Management (IWM) in maize cultivation to support farmers, researchers, and agricultural specialists in identifying more sustainable and effective weed control strategies. Although various weed control methods exist, comprehensive comparison of their effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term implications for soil health and productivity in maize-based systems remain limited in the literature. A systematic search was conducted across major scientific databases including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Keywords such as “Integrated Weed Management,” “biological methods,” “chemical weed control,” “mechanical methods,” “cultural practices,” and “herbicide risks” were used to identify relevant studies. Articles were screened and selected based on relevance and methodological quality. The findings indicate that while chemical herbicides are widely used due to their efficiency and lower labor requirements, overreliance on them can lead to soil degradation, herbicide resistance, and environmental harm. In contrast, IWM approaches that integrate crop rotation, mechanical control, cover crops, bioherbicides, and precision agriculture techniques offer more sustainable outcomes. The review highlights the potential of herbicide-resistant maize cultivars and natural herbicides in reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals. Future research should focus on optimizing IWM combinations tailored to specific agroecological zones and improving the adoption of sustainable practices at the farm level.

A Review of Recent Advances in Laser-Based Medical Imaging Techniques

Sayed Habibullah Hashimi — 2025-12-31

This review explores the recent advancements in laser-based medical imaging techniques, highlighting their significant contributions to modern diagnostic practices. Laser technologies, including fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and femtosecond lasers, have revolutionized non-invasive medical imaging by offering high-resolution and precise visualization of biological structures and processes. These techniques not only enhance early disease detection, particularly cancers, but also support real-time guidance during surgeries, improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has further optimized diagnostic accuracy and analysis efficiency. Despite these advancements, challenges such as high equipment costs, the need for specialized training, and a lack of standardized protocols still hinder widespread adoption in clinical settings. This review discusses the ongoing innovations in laser-based imaging, the ethical considerations surrounding AI integration, and the potential for future developments, emphasizing the importance of continued research to maximize the benefits of these technologies for patient care.