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Survey and Monitoring of Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci) Lindeman
No full textThrips is a most important global pest of onion crop they are direct impact of onion yield and quality. The nymph and adult of thrips feed on leaves by piercing and rasping the leaf tissues and causes lengthwise, silvery stippling or blotching on the onion leaves, resulting in the loss of chlorophyll and reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Thrips attack onion at all the stages of crop growth stages but their count increases from bulb initiation and remains high up to bulb development and maturity. Onion thrips can also transmit several plant pathogens in onion crop that reduced onion bulb size and quality. The above surveys objective to evaluate the damage percentage of thrips in onion crops. Survey was conducted during Kharif 2022 and Rabi 2022-23. The maximum thrips damage rating scale of 3(45%) was recorded at 75 DAT in the Kharif season and Rabi season at 75 DAT thrips damage rating scale was recorded at 4 (65%).The survey result show that the thrips population and damage percentage increased due to increased temperature and relative humidity
Effective Management of Pearl Millet Blast (Pyricularia grisea) through Combined Chemical and Biological Tactics
No full textPearl millet is a staple cereal grown in India. It encounters number of diseases which attack the crop during its growth, cause low yield and economic loss to the peasant ad finally to the nation as a whole. The blast also referred as leaf spot caused by Pyricularia grisea has emerged as a serious disease affecting both forage and grain production in pearl millet. in view of this a field experiment was conducted over three consecutive kharif seasons (2021, 2022 and 2023) at the Pearl Millet Research Station, JAU, Jamnagar, to assess to evaluate the efficacy of different fungicide and bio agents in for reducing the pearl millet blast disease as well as Identify the most effective fungicide/bio agents and application rates for minimizing blast intensity. On the basis of field and based on the pooled data,
Tebuconazole 50 + Trifloxystrobin 25 WG, 0.04% at 20 and 35 DAS found minimum blast disease intensity (22.96%), Gighest grain yield (2472 kg ha-1) and fodder yield (46.80 q ha-1) over treatment and sprays of Pseudomonas fluorescens, 10 g L-1 at 20 DAS and Tebuconazole 50 + Trifloxystrobin 25 WG, 0.04% at 35 DAS (26.75%), found statistically at par, with blast intensity (26.75%), grain yield (2377 kg ha-1) and fodder yield 44.28 q ha-1)
Microbiome Responses to RYMV Infection: Insights from Rice Cultivation in Mali
No full textBackground: The Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) is one of the most significant viral pathogens affecting rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to yield losses as high as 100% in severely affected areas. In Mali, particularly in the Office du Niger region, RYMV poses a constant threat to rice cultivation. This study aimed to explore the microbiome diversity associated with RYMV-infected and non-infected rice plants, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and metagenomics approaches. The presence of RYMV was confirmed by RT-PCR, and microbial DNA was extracted for sequencing.
Results: A total of 40 samples (leaves and roots) were collected from both infected and non-infected plants. The results revealed alterations in bacterial community composition between infected and non-infected plants. Alpha diversity indices, such as Shannon and Simpson indicated reduced microbial diversity in infected plants. Notably, certain bacterial genera, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Kaistobacter, were statistically more abundant in non-infected plants, suggesting their potential role in conferring resistance to RYMV.
Conclusions: This study provided new insights into the microbial dynamics associated with RYMV infection and highlights the potential for leveraging the rice microbiome in developing biocontrol strategies to manage viral diseases. Future research should focus on isolating and characterizing the functional roles of these beneficial microorganisms in enhancing rice resistance to RYMV. That will serve for sustainable agriculture strategies development
A Review of Nanotechnology Applications in Food Processing, Packaging, and Preservation
No full textNanotechnology has certainly become a phenomenon that is of great significance in many regions such as the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and in particular the food sector, over the years. This is because nanotechnology overlaps with pharmaceutical sciences which involve the structural modification of materials to the nano level, increasing the dissolution rate, stability, and functionality of a variety of food safety and quality applications. The novel food supply frameworks enable firms within the food sector to emerge sustainability focused innovations, which tackle safety and nutrition deficiencies within the food industry. Narrowing down on the supply chain, this review seeks to highlight nanotechnology applications across food supply chains, stressing the importance of advancements in bioavailability, nutrition, and safety. In aid of nutrient delivery, overcoming shelf life and packaging issues – development in nanoencapsulation technology and new packaging materials have enhanced mechanical properties, antibacterial properties. Moreover, nanodevice-based smart packaging is considered as valuable tools for real-time monitoring of food safety and quality. Despite these benefits, degenerative concerns about nanoparticles health risks underscore the importance of sound regulatory approaches. While nanotechnology shows considerable potential for enhancing food sustainability and quality, the study ultimately finds that comprehensive regulation and increased public awareness of potential risks are necessary first steps. Continued research and global collaboration may be vital to really unlock the potential of nanotechnology in food systems while safeguarding public health
The Design and Optimization of Fast-dissolving Oral Drug Delivery System (ODDS) of Valproic Acid (VLA) an Anti-epileptic Category Drug
No full textObjective: Develop and optimize a fast-dissolving oral drug delivery system (ODDS) for Valproic acid (VLA), an anti-epileptic drug, using Design of Experiments (DoE).
Methodology: DoE, a powerful tool for optimizing formulations, was employed to investigate the impact of various factors on the dissolution rate of VLA ODDS. Key factors studied included superdisintegrants (sodium starch glycolate, crospovidone), diluents (lactose, microcrystalline cellulose), and lubricants (magnesium stearate). A Box-Behnken design was used to create experimental runs, and the dissolution rate at 30 minutes was chosen as the response variable.
Results: The DoE analysis revealed significant interactions between factors affecting the dissolution rate. The formulation containing sodium starch glycolate, lactose, and low magnesium stearate concentration exhibited the fastest dissolution rate (Q30 > 85% in 10 minutes).
Conclusion: This study successfully designed and optimized a fast-dissolving ODDS for VLA using DoE. The optimized formulation offered rapid drug release, potentially improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of DoE in optimizing pharmaceutical formulations for enhanced performance. The findings indicated that the RSM was effectively utilized in developing valproic acid fast dispersible tablets, thus representing a significant progress in the treatment of epileptic seizures
Anthropocene Air Quality Impact on the Kolkata People
No full textAir quality is a significant concern globally, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Kolkata, pollution-wise the 2nd largest, fast-growing metropolis in India. The present study correlates to Kolkata city during the pre-Anthropocene (the 1950s) and the concurrent air quality related to human health. Investigating the impact of anthropogenic activities on air quality in Calcutta and Kolkata is relevant to understanding public health risks and environmental sustainability.
The portrayal of the current air pollutants, causes, classification and measuring apparatuses recommended by the India Meteorological Department, collected from WBPCB, the levels of the parameters such as. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), CO, CO2, NO2, O3 and SO2 etc. and analysed statistically.
Air pollution has outnumbered the fatalities of other polluting agents such as waterborne, waste, radiation, and anthropogenic players in the 21st century. The novel insights into the specific effects of anthropogenic activities on air quality in Kolkata are the vulnerabilities of transportation, industry, meteorological and slum activities that are valuable. The vulnerabilities that distract ambient air quality indices have reached critical levels of air pollutants, especially particulate matter, GHG gases and NO2.
Different zones in the city are residential, commercial, shanty towns, and industrial areas. Results show levels of pollution are different in each area. Seasonal considered, the winter season is found to have the highest distraction from ambient air quality. Some suitable measures are conceptualised that will mitigate the menace of air pollution to pave the way for bringing sustainable urban health and environment development to Greater Kolkata
Carving Drought Impact Over Purulia District, West Bengal, India
No full textPurulia was the westernmost district of West Bengal (from 1956) and is drought-prone due to deficient rainfall, its undulating topography with rugged hilly terrains and its positioning near the Tropic of Cancer, the spatial evaluation of vulnerable and risk-prone places.
The various impacts of drought, such as meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural, are assessed by considering the meteorological parameters, vulnerability, and risk levels. The fundamental factors impacting susceptibility and risk are recognised, and the drought years are analysed. The methodologies applied GIS technology, EREDAS, and secondary data were collected to analyse the type of drought. The intensities and types of droughts: a spatial analysis and relative vulnerability assessment of the Kashipur/ Purulia block by Remote Sensing and GIS. Analysis of pre- and post-monsoon meteorological and Agricultural drought.
Agriculture is a climate-sensitive activity. The mechanism is to know the farmers, what crops to grow, when suitable, the climatic parameters, temperature, rainfall concentration, and seasonal hazards. A well-planned agriculture practice has been proposed, and an adequately calculated water budget, catchment treatment plan, and implementation of a perfect crop plan, seeds, manures, and pesticides are the weapons of the drought-hit Purulia/Kashipur farmers
Internally Displaced Persons and Socio-territorial Integration in the Commune of Kaya in Burkina Faso: A Sustainable Solution Study
No full textBurkina Faso, previously spared from destabilization of all kinds, suffered its first terrorist acts in April 2015 in Samorogouan. These first terrorist acts were followed by several others that led to the forced internal displacement of nearly 2,000,000 people. These IDPs have chosen 301 municipalities spread across the 13 regions of the country as destinations for refuge. The main objective of this study is to analyse the living conditions and socio-territorial integration of IDPs and durable solutions to address the crisis of forced internal displacement in the commune of Kaya. The research methodology consisted of conducting a literature review on the study topic, collecting primary data through field surveys, interviews and direct observations in the study area. The results of this study show that IDPs in Kaya commune face precarious living conditions. On the other hand, their conditions for socio-territorial integration are good in view of the cordial relations that the IDPs maintain with the host populations of the commune. In addition, durable solutions to address the forced internal displacement crisis include the resettlement of IDPs in other parts of the country, return to areas of origin and integration in IDP-hosting areas. These solutions could address forced internal displacement and address those affected. This would facilitate the reintegration or socio-territorial integration of IDPs either in their areas of origin or in their reception areas
The Role of Bio-fortification in Enhancing the Nutritional Quality of Vegetables: A Review
No full textBio-fortification is a process that enhances the nutritional quality of crops, including vegetables, by increasing their micronutrient content. It can be achieved through different approaches such as agronomic, conventional breeding, and transgenic/biotechnological methods. Vegetables are known to be rich in micronutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and other health-benefiting compounds, making them essential for a balanced diet. However, malnutrition and hidden hunger continue to be global challenges, particularly in developing countries. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A, are prevalent in these populations. Conventional breeding focuses on selecting genotypes with desirable nutritional traits without compromising agricultural productivity. Transgenic/biotechnological approaches involve the synthesis of transgenes to enhance the bioavailability of micronutrients in plants. Bio-fortification of vegetables is particularly important as they are rich sources of micronutrients, vitamins, and other health-benefiting compounds. However, improving the nutritional quality of vegetables through conventional breeding has had limited success, and modern molecular tools and techniques offer potential for handling complex traits and developing nutrient-dense varieties. Bio-fortification offers a sustainable solution to address these deficiencies by increasing the nutrient content of crops, particularly plant-based foods. These techniques have shown promising results in increasing the concentration of nutrients, such as iron, in vegetables, thereby improving their nutritional quality
Design and Implementation of a Standardised Clinical Decision Support Algorithm for Fever
No full textThis study aims to design a decision support tool to assist in providing quality treatment that is consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian National guidelines. The system is designed to allow clinicians to administer care within their competent level working from one algorithm. The system will help them to identify emergencies associated with fever symptoms and to recommend stabilisation actions before a referral is made. This new system allows structured assessment of patients who should receive optimal care and improved data transmission to the next caregiver. In this study, we used an explanatory approach, starting with the quantitative data collection phase which is the administration of questionnaires and Pre and Post questionnaires followed by qualitative data from focus group discussions over the clinician experience using the Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). Focus group discussions were performed to authenticate the quantitative data to have a more holistic view of the CDSS. Using elements of the decision support system together with the clinician\u27s decision showed that the clinicians felt that they worked more systematically and communicated more effectively with others. They felt more professional when using the decision support system. 73% of clinicians reported using CDSS in almost every consultation and 93% used the CDSS in the majority of their consultations during the three-month testing period. The mean total test score before the CDSS was 2.5 and this increased by the end of the test period to a mean score of 9.6, an improvement of 74.4%. The results of this study showed that with the help of a decision support system, patients were properly identified and stabilised before they were referred, and the clinicians stayed on their competency level. It allowed caregivers to interact professionally without bias. However, the decision support system requires more extensive testing to enhance the evidence base relating to the vital parameters and the use of the decision support system