Tomato is one of the major solanaceous vegetables, which has a unique place in the global vegetable market. Instead of being a high-value crop, there is still a need to do improvement in its potential against various biotic and abiotic stressors that adequately demolish its real yield. Alternaria solani (causing early blight disease) is designated as one of the fatal organisms that may reduce tomato crop yield by up to 80%. There were lots of methods, viz., chemical, cultural and biological suggested to overcome it. However, chemical strategies are much in vogue, but they have several negative consequences for human health and the ecosystem. Enlightening this issue, the efficacy of various treatments, viz., chemical fungicides (Amistar Top^®, Nativo^®, and Contaf^®), biochar and fungal bioagent (Trichoderma viride) was assessed under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. Induced resistance is mediated by several regulating pathways, like salicylic acid and jasmonic acid. These mediating pathways manipulate different physiological processes like growth and development, stress tolerance, and defence mechanisms of the plant. The assessment of results revealed that among all treatments biochar at 3.25% by weight consistently displayed remarkable effectiveness against the early blight infection by triggering resistance and improving the overall performance of tomato plants. This result is attributed to improved soil health, fastening mineralization as well as absorption processes, and boosting the plant’s immunity with the use of a higher concentration of biochar. Hence, it could be recommended for the overall improvement of tomato crop and its sustainability.

The tourism sector in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant growth and development, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 strategic framework. However, rapid growth can lead to strategic drift if not managed with vigilance. This study aims to examine the role of strategic vigilance in reducing strategic drift in the tourism sector. The study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 220 staff and directors from the tourism sector. The questionnaire measures the level of strategic vigilance and the level of strategic drift. The study hypothesizes a statistically significant positive relationship between strategic vigilance and reducing strategic drift. Data analysis involves exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. The findings are expected to provide insights into the effectiveness of strategic vigilance in mitigating strategic drift and offer recommendations for enhancing the tourism sector's resilience and adaptability to accelerated environmental changes.

The application of optimization algorithms is crucial for analyzing oil and gas company portfolio and supporting decision-making. The paper investigates the process of optimizing a portfolio of oil and gas projects under economic uncertainty. The literature review explores the advantages of applying various optimizers to models that consider the mean and semi-standard deviations of stochastic multi-year cash flows and revenues. The methods and results of three different optimization algorithms are discussed: ranking and cutting algorithms, linear (Simplex) and evolutionary (genetic) algorithms. Functions of several key performance indicators were used to test these algorithms. The results confirmed that multi-objective optimization algorithms that examine various key performance indicators are used for efficient optimization in oil and gas companies. This paper proposes a multi-criteria optimization model for investment portfolios of oil and gas projects. The model considers the specific features of these projects and is based on the Markowitz portfolio theory and methodological recommendations for project assessment. An example of its practical application to oil and gas projects is also provided.

This study employed a qualitative approach to examine tertiary students’ perspectives on leveraging Social Studies in the fight against corruption in Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 21 students from a distance training institution. Some of the variables investigated were causes of corruption and the extent to which students perceived Social Studies as a potential force to combat corruption. The semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from research participants while thematic analysis was adopted. Data from the study revealed that corruption in Ghana is caused by factors such as weak institutions, greed, poverty-related issues and cultural practices. The results also indicated that Social Studies could significantly help curb corruption. Beside Social Studies, other measures including strengthening institutions, meting out severe punishment to culprits and moral education can also reduce corruption. It was, therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Education through the Ghana Education Service should retool the Social Studies subject, and make it compulsory at all levels of education since it has the potential to reduce corruption.

This study considers the relationship between investment in the manufacturing and processing industries and economic growth in Vietnam. This study applies an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to reassess the long- and short-term relationships between industrial investment and economic growth from 1998 to 2023. It has been found that in both the long and short term, investments in this sector have a positive and significant effect on economic growth. The results further show that labor negatively affects growth in the long run, but is favorable in the short run. The verdict for the role of exports is that more evidence is required before any conclusive analysis can be conducted. Reinvestment in the manufacturing and processing industries for further economic growth is evident in the foregoing analysis. On the other hand, this research provides insight into the optimization of the utilization of resources and future sustainability by the government.