Restoring soil carbon in marginal land of Indian Himalayas: Impact of crop intensification and conservation tillage.

Soil carbon (C) loss is the prime sign of land degradation, and C pools have a great impact on soil quality and climate change mitigation. Hence, a field experiment was conducted for three consecutive years to assess the impact of crop intensification and conservation tillage practices on changes in the C pool at different soil depths of marginal land of the Indian Himalayas. The experiment consisted of two intensified cropping systems viz., CS1-Summer maize (Zea mays L.) -rainy season maize-lentil (Lens esculenta L.) and CS2-Summer maize-rainy season maize-mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern) and five tillage practices viz., No-till (NT); NT + live mulch of cowpea (NT + LMC); reduced tillage (RT); RT + LMC and conventional tillage (CT). Results revealed that CS2 produced significantly higher biomass, C retention efficiency (9.85%), and sequestrated greater C (0.42 Mg ha-1 yr-1) in the soil system than CS1. Of the various tillage practices, RT + LMC registered higher biomass and recycled greater biomass and C than those under other tillage practices. However, the highest soil organic carbon (SOC) content (7.03 g kg-1) and pool (9.62 Mg ha-1) in 0-10 cm depth were observed under NT + LMC. The non-labile C pool size under NT in 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm depths was significantly greater than those under CT. The NT + LMC sequestrated significantly higher SOC (0.57 Mg ha-1 yr-1) than other tillage practices. Thus, the study indicated that the adoption of an intensified maize-based system under RT + LMC or NT + LMC would increase SOC storage and C sequestration in marginal lands of the Indian Himalayas.

Diversification Options in Sugarcane-Based Cropping Systems for Doubling Farmers' Income in Subtropical India.

Crop diversification provides an opportunity for farmers to maximize their profits, fulfilling multiple needs, avoid monsoon threats, and make the crop production system sustainable. Inclusion of various pulse/oilseed/vegetables/cereals/medicinal/aromatic crops with sugarcane brings forth cultivation of these crops in irrigated agro-system and improves the yields of component crops. Besides, the component crops improve soil fertility and create a favorable environment for the further growth of sugarcane crops. Sprouting in winter-initiated sugarcane ratoon could be enhanced by adopting fodder legumes such as Indian clover and Egyptian clover. Intercropping vegetables provides an ample opportunity for mid-season income generation and improves profitability. Besides, high-value medicinal and aromatic crops such as tulsi (holy basil), mentha could also be included in the sugarcane-based system. Crop residue management has been recognized as a critical issue in managing the crops in the various cropping systems. Including multiple bio-agents for fast decomposition of crop residues provides scope for managing soil organic carbon through crop residue recycling in the system. Resource use efficiencies, nutrient use, water use, and weed control could be increased by adopting suitable crops in intercropping systems. An integrated farming system involving crop, livestock, and fisheries options could improve farmers' profit besides employment generation in rural India. Recycling of bye products and co-products of other enterprises influences the viability and farmer's profitability of the system. Trash, press mud cake, vinasse, composted bagasse, rhizodeposition of stubble play a significant role in sustaining soil fertility and increasing crop productivity. New emerging crop diversification options, viz., intercropping of rajmash, winter maize, and garlic in autumn cane generate mid-season income and enhance the system's profitability for small and marginal cane growers. Dual-purpose legumes, viz., cowpea, and green gram as intercrops with spring-planted cane increase the pool of soil microbial biomass nitrogen capitalize allelopathic effects and sustain soil health. In the present paper, these issues have been discussed. Due to the adoption of location-specific and farmers-centric systems, farmers' profitability could be increased, providing sustainability to the sugarcane-based systems.

Effect of Tris-egg Yolk, Soya Milk, and Liposome-based Extenders on Sahiwal (Bos indicus) Sperm Quality during Pre- and Post-Cryopreservation Stages.

BACKGROUND: Even though there are plenty of semen cryopreservation extenders available, their adoption is limited. Although normal tris-based egg yolk (EYC) extender is widely used, it leads to compromised post-thaw sperm quality. OBJECTIVE: To find a standard semen extender, six different semen extenders were validated. METHODS: In a split study, six aliquots of zebu cattle fresh semen ejaculate were cryopreserved in extenders containing egg yolk obtained from hen which was reared either in 1) normal, 2) omega-3 enriched, and 3) herbal enriched diet supplementation, and egg yolk free extenders such as 4) soya lecithin, 5) Bioxcell and 6) Optixcell. RESULT: Significantly poor sperm quality and kinematics were observed in extender containing herbal egg yolk. However, omega-3 enriched egg yolk extender was on par with EYC. Among all extenders, soya lecithin and bioxcell have shown better sperm quality. Sperm motility was significantly higher in semen extended in liposome-based extender Optixcell. CONCULSION: Optixcell can be considered as a standard extender for cattle semen cryopreservation to maintain adequate sperm quality required for artificial insemination.

Effect of cattle-specific estrus molecules on libido and semen production of zebu bulls under tropical climate.

Zebu bulls are a shy breeder and they exhibit optimum libido in the presence of females with estrus phase. Continuous semen collection with the use of male dummy leads to lack of adequate sexual stimulation. Therefore, the present study was designed to test the effect of estrus-specific molecule(s) for effective sexual preparation of donor bulls. The bulls were divided into normal and poor libido group, five bulls in each group by taking 1-month control study data after collecting the information of individual bull's sexual behaviour during semen collection by regular semen collector. The bulls were never being exposed to female animals and semen was collected by an artificial vagina. The ten animals were exposed to a glycerol-water solution (50/50 v:v) as control and then exposed to estrus-specific molecules one by one. The estrus-specific molecules like squalene, 1-iodoundecane, acetic acid, coumarin, propionic acid, oleic acid, and 2-butanone were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Company, USA, and the molecules were solubilised individually in a non-pressurised aerosol dispenser as 1.0% concentration in glycerol-water solution (50/50, v:v). Identical bulls were used as the control and exposed to each molecule one by one by giving a refractory period of 14 days. A nasal spray of acetic acid or 2-butanone significantly (p < 0.05) reduced reaction time (RT) and total time taken to ejaculate (TTTE) in normal libido bull group. Semen volume, sperm concentration, and the total number of sperm per ejaculation obtained did not show significant improvement in the normal libido group of bulls after the application of estrus-specific molecules as compared to the control. In poor libido group, acetic acid, oleic acid, and 2-butanone application showed significant (p < 0.01) improvement in RT and TTTE as compared to the control group, whereas semen production variables like sperm concentration and total sperm output per ejaculation increased significantly (p < 0.05) except semen volume. There was significant (p < 0.01) reduction in RT (%) and TTTE (%) after the application of acetic acid followed by 2-butanone and oleic acid. The sperm concentration and total sperm output per ejaculation were more after the application of each molecule but significant increase (p < 0.05) in sperm concentration was observed with 2-butanone (11.42%), acetic acid (11.42%), and oleic acid (10.13%), whereas total sperm output per ejaculation increased significantly (p < 0.05) only after the application of acetic acid and 2-butanone (24.75% and 26.84%). Hence, it can be concluded that acetic acid, 2-butanone, and oleic acid are effective for better sexual preparation of Sahiwal bulls and total sperm output per ejaculation.

Ethnic Variations of Blood Groups in a Medical College of Eastern Nepal.

Background Red blood cells contain antigens in its membrane which are inherited according to Mendelian law. ABO and Rhesus blood group systems are considered the most important blood group systems for clinical procedures, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, anthropological study and medico-legal purposes. Determination of ABO and Rhesus blood groups and its frequency distribution in a multiethnic country like Nepal is important for effective management of blood banks, safe blood transfusion services. The trend of blood groups and its ethnic distributions in the eastern part of Nepal is still unknown. Objective To find the distribution of blood groups among the subjects of different ethnic groups of eastern Nepal. Method A cross-sectional perspective study was carried out among the subjects visited in the laboratory of Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar, Nepal for a period of one year from August 1, 2015 to July 30, 2016. Result The 11,960 subjects were included in the present study, among which 5012 were males and 6948 were females. The study revealed that in ABO system, blood group distribution was 34.80% O, 28.66% A, 27.66% B and 6.89% AB. With regard to Rh blood group system, Rhesus +ve was 96.79% and Rhesus -ve was 3.21%. O blood group dominant ethnic groups were Brahmin, Bhujel, Biswakarma, Shah, Gurung, Marwari, Magar, Mahato, Mandal, Newar, Sanyasi, Tamang, Terai Brahmin and Yadav. Similarly, blood group A dominant ethnic groups were Chhetri, Dhimal, Limbu, Rai and Muslim. Howerver, blood group B was dominant in ethnic groups, namely Biswakarma, Rajput, Satar and Tharu. Conclusion The frequency distribution pattern of ABO blood group was observed as O > A> B > AB and in Rhesus system, Rhesus +ve > Rhesus -ve. Variation in blood groups distribution was observed in various ethnic groups.

Hydrogeological typologies of the Indo-Gangetic basin alluvial aquifer, South Asia.

The Indo-Gangetic aquifer is one of the world's most important transboundary water resources, and the most heavily exploited aquifer in the world. To better understand the aquifer system, typologies have been characterized for the aquifer, which integrate existing datasets across the Indo-Gangetic catchment basin at a transboundary scale for the first time, and provide an alternative conceptualization of this aquifer system. Traditionally considered and mapped as a single homogenous aquifer of comparable aquifer properties and groundwater resource at a transboundary scale, the typologies illuminate significant spatial differences in recharge, permeability, storage, and groundwater chemistry across the aquifer system at this transboundary scale. These changes are shown to be systematic, concurrent with large-scale changes in sedimentology of the Pleistocene and Holocene alluvial aquifer, climate, and recent irrigation practices. Seven typologies of the aquifer are presented, each having a distinct set of challenges and opportunities for groundwater development and a different resilience to abstraction and climate change. The seven typologies are: (1) the piedmont margin, (2) the Upper Indus and Upper-Mid Ganges, (3) the Lower Ganges and Mid Brahmaputra, (4) the fluvially influenced deltaic area of the Bengal Basin, (5) the Middle Indus and Upper Ganges, (6) the Lower Indus, and (7) the marine-influenced deltaic areas.

L'aquifère de l'Indus et du Gange est une des ressources en eau transfrontalière la plus importante au monde et un des aquifères le plus exploité au monde. Pour mieux comprendre le système aquifère, des typologies ont été caractérisées pour cet aquifère ; elles intègrent pour la première fois un jeu de données disponibles sur l'ensemble du bassin de l'Indus et du Gange à une échelle transfrontalière, et apportent une conceptualisation alternative de ce système aquifère. Traditionnellement considéré et cartographié comme un simple aquifère homogène aux propriétés aquifères similaires et comme une ressource d'eau souterraine à l'échelle transfrontalière, les typologies mettent en évidence des différences significatives spatiales de la recharge, de la perméabilité, de la capacité de stockage et de la chimie des eaux souterraines sur l'ensemble du système aquifère à une échelle transfrontalière. Ces changements sont systématiques coïncidant aux changements à large échelle de la sédimentologie de l'aquifère alluvial du Pléistocène et de l'Holocène, du climat et des pratiques récentes d'irrigation. Sept typologies de l'aquifère sont présentées, chacune ayant un ensemble distinct de défis et d'opportunités pour le développement des eaux souterraines et une résilience différente à l'exploitation et au changement climatique. Les sept typologies sont: (1) la marge de piedmont, (2) Le haut Indus et le Ganges moyen supérieur, (3) le Ganges inférieur et le Brahmapoutre moyen, (4) la zone deltaïque du bassin du Bengale sous influence fluviale, (5) l'Indus moyen et le Ganges supérieur, (6) l'Indus inférieur, et (7) la zone deltaïque sous influence marine.

El acuífero Indo-Gangético es uno de los recursos hídricos transfronterizos más importantes y el acuífero más explotado del mundo. Para comprender mejor el sistema acuífero, por primera vez se han caracterizado tipologías para el acuífero, integrando los conjuntos de datos existentes a través de la cuenca hidrográfica Indo-Ganges a una escala transfronteriza, y proporcionando una conceptualización alternativa de este sistema acuífero. Tradicionalmente consideradas y cartografiadas como un solo acuífero homogéneo de propiedades acuíferas y recursos de agua subterránea comparables a escala transfronteriza, las tipologías iluminan diferencias espaciales significativas en la recarga, permeabilidad, almacenamiento y química del agua subterránea a través del sistema acuífero a esta escala transfronteriza. Estos cambios son mostrados por ser sistemáticos, coincidentes con cambios en gran escala en la sedimentología del acuífero aluvial del Pleistoceno y del Holoceno, en el clima y en las prácticas recientes de riego. Se presentan siete tipologías del acuífero, cada una con un conjunto distinto de desafíos y oportunidades para el desarrollo del agua subterránea y una diferente resiliencia a la extracción y al cambio climático. Las siete tipologías son: (1) el margen del piedemonte, (2) el Indus superior y el Ganges superior-medio, (3) el Ganges inferior y el Brahmaputra medio, (4) el área deltaica fluvialmente influenciada de la cuenca de Bengala, (5) el Ganges superior, (6) el Indo Inferior, y (7) las áreas deltaicas con influencia marina.

O aquífero do Indo-Gangético é um dos recursos hídricos transfronteiriços mais importantes do mundo, e o mais explorado. Para melhor entender o sistema aquífero, tipologias foram caracterizadas para o aquífero, que integram pela primeira vez bancos de dados existentes sobre a bacia de abastecimento Indo-Gangética em uma escala transfornteiriça, e fornecem uma conceptualização alternativa desse sistema aquífero. Tradicionalmente considerado e mapeado como um aquífero homogêneo de propriedades aquíferas comparáveis e recursos subterrâneos em escala transfronteiriça, as tipologias elucidam diferenças espaciais significantes na recarga, permeabilidade, armazenamento, e química das águas subterrâneas pelo aquífero nessa escala transfronteiriça. Essas mudanças aparentam ser sistemáticas, concorrentes com mudanças em larga escala na sedimentologia do aquífero aluvial do Pleistoceno e Holoceno, clima e práticas recentes de irrigação. Sete tipologias do aquífero são apresentadas, cada uma tendo conjuntos de desafios e oportunidades distintos para o desenvolvimento das águas subterrâneas e uma resiliência diferente nas mudanças de extração e clima. As sete tipologias são: (1) a margem piemonte, (2) O Alto Indo e o Alto-médio Ganges, (3) O Baixo Ganges e o Médio Brahmaputra, (4) a área deltaica influenciada fluvialmente da Bacia de Bengala, (5) o Médio Indo e o Alto Ganges, (6) o Baixo Indo, e (7) as áreas deltaicas com influencia marinha.

Genotypic variability in physiological, biomass and yield response to drought stress in pigeonpea.

Three pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) genotypes- GT-1, AKP-1 and PRG-158 with varying crop duration, growth habit and flowering pattern were evaluated for variability in their response for drought stress. Drought stress was imposed at initiation of flowering and the observations on biomass and seed yield parameters were recorded at harvest. The magnitude of response of individual component to drought stress was found to be genotype specific. Drought stress significantly decreased photosynthetic rate (PN), transpiration rate (Tr) and relative water content (RWC) in all the genotypes, however the magnitude of reduction differed with genotype. With drought stress, the reduction of PN was highest in GT-1 while reduction in Tr was highest in PRG-158. The genotype AKP-1, accumulated significantly higher concentrations of osmotic solutes especially proline under water deficit stress, this facilitated it to maintain higher relative water content (RWC) and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content as compared to other genotypes. Drought stress also impacted biomass production and their partitioning to vegetative and reproductive components at harvest. There was significant variability between the genotypes for seed yield under drought stress while it was non-significant under well-watered condition. Drought stress enhanced flower drop and decreased flower to pod conversion resulting in reduced pod number and seed number in PRG-158 and GT-1. The genotype AKP-1 recorded superior performance for seed yield under stress environment due to its ability in maintaining pod and seed number as well as improved test weight (100 seed weight). Under drought stress, significant positive association of seed yield with proline, seed number, pod number and test weight clearly indicating their role in drought tolerance.

Drought stress responses in crops.

Among the effects of impending climate change, drought will have a profound impact on crop productivity in the future. Response to drought stress has been studied widely, and the model plant Arabidopsis has guided the studies on crop plants with genome sequence information viz., rice, wheat, maize and sorghum. Since the value of functions of genes, dynamics of pathways and interaction of networks for drought tolerance in plants can only be judged by evidence from field performance, this mini-review provides a research update focussing on the current developments on the response to drought in crop plants. Studies in Arabidopsis provide the basis for interpreting the available information in a systems biology perspective. In particular, the elucidation of the mechanism of drought stress response in crops is considered from evidence-based outputs emerging from recent omic studies in crops.

Acute inhalation toxicity of smoke of fentanyl and its 1-substituted analogs in Swiss albino mice.

Fentanyl (N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidinyl)propionanilide) is a synthetic, potent narcotic analgesic agent. However, it is known to have several side effects, which led to synthesis and evaluation of its new analogs for the management of pain. We have earlier reported the comparative bioassay of fentanyl and its eight 1-substituted analogs (1-8) in mice. Three compounds, viz., N-(1-(2-phenoxyethyl)-4-piperidinyl)propionanilide (2), N-isopropyl-3-(4-(N-phenylpropionamido)piperidin-1-yl)propanamide (5), and N-t-butyl-3-(4-(N-phenylpropionamido)piperidin-1-yl)propanamide (6) were found to be more effective and less toxic compared to fentanyl. The present study reports the comparative acute inhalation toxicity of smoke of fentanyl and its three analogs, viz., 2, 5, and 6 in mice. Animals were exposed to different concentrations of smoke generated by heating the compounds. Exposure was performed in a head only all glass static exposure assembly for 15 min to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50). The breathing pattern and various respiratory parameters of the animals were also monitored online using a polygraph. Out of three compounds tested, analog 5 was found to be most toxic (LC50 = 2820 mg/m3) while 2 was least toxic (LC50 = >8000 mg/m3). All the compounds caused long lasting respiratory depression in a dose-dependent manner, which did not completely resolve even after discontinuation of exposure. Aerodynamic median diameter and geometric standard deviation of smoke particles was determined employing eight-stage Andersen sampler. The particles were found to be within the respirable range. The study, however, concludes that due to possible decomposition of the compounds by heating or its poor absorption by the alveolar surface, the present inhalation technique cannot be employed to generate smoke of fentanyl and its analogs for any medical or surreptitious use.

Influence of Bacillus spp. strains on seedling growth and physiological parameters of sorghum under moisture stress conditions.

Microorganisms isolated from stressed ecosystem may prove as ideal candidates for development of bio-inoculants for stressed agricultural production systems. In the present study, moisture stress tolerant rhizobacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of sorghum, pigeonpea, and cowpea grown under semiarid conditions in India. Four isolates KB122, KB129, KB133, and KB142 from sorghum rhizosphere exhibited plant growth promoting traits and tolerance to salinity, high temperature, and moisture stress. These isolates were identified as Bacillus spp. by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The strains were evaluated for growth promotion of sorghum seedlings under two different moisture stress conditions (set-I, continuous 50% soil water holding capacity (WHC) throughout the experiment and set-II, 75% soil WHC for 27 days followed by no irrigation for 5 days) under greenhouse conditions. Plate count and scanning electron microscope studies indicated successful root surface colonization by inoculated bacteria. Plants inoculated with Bacillus spp. strains showed better growth in terms of shoot length and root biomass with dark greenish leaves due to high chlorophyll content while un-inoculated plants showed rolling of the leaves, stunted appearance, and wilting under both stress conditions. Inoculation also improved leaf relative water content and soil moisture content. However, variation in proline and sugar content in the different treatments under two stress conditions indicated differential effect of microbial treatments on plant physiological parameters under stress conditions.

Elevated CO2 ameliorates the high temperature stress effects on physio-biochemical, growth, yield traits of maize hybrids.

The rising temperatures and levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are anticipated to have a significant impact on the productivity of agricultural crops. Although, the individual effects of elevated CO2 and temperature have been extensively studied in C3 and C4 crops, there remains a scarcity of research investigating their interactive effects specifically on maize hybrids. The impact of elevated temperature and its interaction with elevated CO2 on phenology, physiology, biomass, and grain yield of maize hybrids was assessed in a field experiment using Free Air Temperature Elevation (FATE) facility. The results showed that elevated temperature (eT) increased the anthesis silking interval (ASI), while the presence of elevated CO2 along with elevated temperature (eT + eCO2) mitigated this effect. The differential expression were observed between hybrids depending on their genetic potential. Furthermore, the net photosynthetic rate (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) of hybrids decreased under elevated temperature but eT + eCO2 condition helped in reverting its impact to some extent. In term of leaf composition, the highest level of total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch was observed under eT + eCO2 conditions, possibly due to improved Anet in the presence of elevated eCO2. The negative impact of eT was also evident through increased proline and MDA content, but eT + eCO2 ameliorated the adverse effect of eT. The biomass and grain yield also responded similarly, among the hybrids 900M GOLD recorded superior performance for grain yield at eT condition exceeding 35 °C. On the other hand, DHM117 experienced a significant reduction in grain yield under eT, but performed better under eT + eCO2 due to its improved physiological response to eCO2. The study indicated that elevated levels of carbon dioxide can actually mitigate the detrimental effects of elevated temperature on maize crop. This positive impact on maize crop can be attributed to an enhanced physiological performance in the presence of eCO2 which enables the plants to maintain satisfactory yield levels despite the challenging environmental conditions.

A Comprehensive Review on PCSK9 as Mechanistic Target Approach in Cancer Therapy.

PCSK9 is a strongly expressed protein in the liver and brain that binds to the LDLR and regulates cholesterol in the liver effectively. Other receptors with which it interacts include VLDLR, LRP1, ApoER2, and OLR1. PCSK9 gain-of-function results in lysosomal degradation of these receptors, which may result in hyperlipidemia. PCSK9 deficiency results in a lower amount of cholesterol, which reduces cholesterol's accessibility to cancer cells. PCSK9 regulates several proteins and signaling pathways in cancer, including JNK, NF-κВ, and the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway. In the liver, breast, lungs, and colon tissue, PCSK9 initiates and facilitates cancer development, while in prostate cancer cells, it induces apoptosis. PCSK9 has a significant impact on brain cancer, promoting cancer cell survival by manipulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and exhibiting apoptotic activity in neurons by influencing the NF-κВ, JNK, and caspase-dependent pathways. The PCSK9 impact in cancer at different organs is explored in this study, as well as the targeted signaling mechanisms involved in cancer growth. As a result, these signaling mechanisms may be aimed for the development and exploration of anti-cancer drugs in the immediate future.

Pest scenario of Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) on pigeonpea during future climate change periods under RCP based projections in India.

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) is the major insect pest of pigeonpea and prediction of number of generations (no. of gen.) and generation time (gen. time) using growing degree days (GDD) approach during three future climate change periods viz., Near (NP), Distant (DP) and Far Distant (FDP) periods at eleven major pigeonpea growing locations of India was attempted. Multi-model ensemble of Maximum (Tmax) and Minimum (Tmin) temperature data of four Representative Concentration Pathways viz., RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 of Coupled Model Inter comparison Project 5 (CMIP5) models was adopted here. The increase in projected Tmax and Tmin are significant during 3 climate change periods (CCPs) viz., the NP, DP and FDP over base line (BL) period under four RCP scenarios at all locations and would be higher (4.7-5.1 °C) in RCP 8.5 and in FDP. More number of annual (10-17) and seasonal (5-8) gens. are expected to occur with greater percent increase in FDP (8 to 38%) over base line followed by DP (7 to 22%) and NP (5to 10%) periods with shortened annual gen. time (4 to 27%) across 4 RCPs. The reduction of crop duration was substantial in short, medium and long duration pigeonpeas at all locations across 4 RCPs and 3 CCPs. The seasonal no.of gen. is expected to increase (5 to 35%) with shortened gen. time (4 to 26%) even with reduced crop duration across DP and FDP climate periods of 6.0 and 8.5 RCPs in LD pigeonpea. More no. of gen. of H. armigera with reduced gen. time are expected to occur at Ludhiana, Coimbatore, Mohanpur, Warangal and Akola locations over BL period in 4 RCPs when normal duration of pigeonpeas is considered. Geographical location (66 to 72%), climate period (11 to 19%), RCPs (5-7%) and their interaction (0.04-1%) is vital and together explained more than 90% of the total variation in future pest scenario. The findings indicate that the incidence of H. armigera would be higher on pigeonpea during ensuing CCPs in India under global warming context.

Effect of Bombax ceiba L. on spermatogenesis, sexual behaviour and erectile function in male rats.

A number of herbal drugs are advocated in the traditional Ayurvedic literature for the improvement of overall sexual function. Young roots of Bombax ceiba Linn. (Fam. Bombacaceae) [correction added after online publication 1 August 2011: the family of Bombax ceiba was incorrectly mentioned as Orchidaceae. It has been corrected to Bombacaceae] also known as Semal Musli are used traditionally in Indian subcontinent as sexual stimulant. Its juice is considered nutritive and restorative tonic. Lyophilised aqueous extract of roots was studied for effect on sexual behaviour and spermatogenesis in male albino rats. Administration of 100 mg Kg(-1) body weight of aqueous extract influenced the five parameters evaluated in vivo. Sexual behaviour analysis in the presence of a female rate, serum testosterone level, anabolic effects, epididymal sperm count and seminal fructose level were the parameters evaluated. In B. ceiba extract-treated animals, a gain in body and sexual organ weights was observed. Mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies were significantly improved (P < 0.05). An increase in serum testosterone levels was also observed, but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Seminal fructose content and epididymal sperm count were significantly improved as well. Penile erection index was also higher compared to control group animals. Hesitation time was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and copulatory rate was doubled in treated animals compared with control group animals.

Detection of DDoS Vulnerability in Cloud Computing Using the Perplexed Bayes Classifier.

Cloud computing security has been a critical issue with its increase in demand. One of the most challenging problems in cloud computing is detecting distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The attack detection framework for the DDoS attack is tricky because of its nonlinear nature of interruption activities, atypical system traffic behaviour, and many features in the problem space. As a result, creating defensive solutions against these attacks is critical for mainstream cloud computing adoption. In this novel research, by using performance parameters, perplexed-based classifiers with and without feature selection will be compared with the existing machine learning algorithms such as naïve Bayes and random forest to prove the efficacy of the perplexed-based classification algorithm. Comparing the performance parameters like accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, the proposed algorithm has an accuracy of 99%, which is higher than the existing algorithms, proving that the proposed algorithm is highly efficient in detecting the DDoS attacks in cloud computing systems. To extend our research in the area of nature-inspired computing, we compared our perplexed Bayes classifier feature selection with nature-inspired feature selection like genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) and found that our classifier is highly efficient in comparison with GA and PSO and their accuracies are 2% and 8%, respectively, less than those of perplexed Bayes classifier.

High-resolution dissection of photosystem II electron transport reveals differential response to water deficit and heat stress in isolation and combination in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.].

Heat and Water Deficit Stress (WDS) tend to impede and restrict the efficiency of photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and maximum photochemical quantum yield in plants based on their characteristic ability to interfere with the electron transport system in photosystem II. Dissection of the electron transport pathway in Photosystem II (PSII) under water deficit and Heat Stress (HS) can be insightful in gaining knowledge on the various attributes of the photosynthetic performance of a plant. We attempt a high-resolution dissection of electron transport in PSII with studies on chlorophyll a fast fluorescence kinetics and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) as a response to and recovery from these stresses in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] in isolation and combination. In this study, we bring out the mechanisms by which both heat and water stress, in isolation and in combination, affect the photosynthetic electron transport in Photosystem II. Our results indicate that oxygen evolution complex (OEC) damage is the primary effect of heat stress and is not seen with the same intensity in the water-stressed plants. Low exciton absorption flux in heat stress and combined stress was seen due to OEC damage, and this caused an electron transport traffic jam in the donor side of PS II. Both the specific energy flux model and the phenomenological flux model developed from the derived values in our study show that water deficit stress in combination with heat stress has a much stronger effect than the stresses in isolation on the overall electron transport pathway of the PS II in pearl millet plants.

Nanofertilizers for agricultural and environmental sustainability.

Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers in the agricultural production systems to keep pace with the food and nutritional demand of the galloping population had an adverse impact on ecosystem services and environmental quality. Hence, an alternative mechanism is to be developed to enhance farm production and environmental sustainability. A nanohybrid construct like nanofertilizers (NFs) is an excellent alternative to overcome the negative impact of traditional chemical fertilizers. The NFs provide smart nutrient delivery to the plants and proves their efficacy in terms of crop productivity and environmental sustainability over bulky chemical fertilizers. Plants can absorb NFs by foliage or roots depending upon the application methods and properties of the particles. NFs enhance the biotic and abiotic stresses tolerance in plants. It reduces the production cost and mitigates the environmental footprint. Multitude benefits of the NFs open new vistas towards sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. Although supra-optimal doses of NFs have a detrimental effect on crop growth, soil health, and environmental outcomes. The extensive release of NFs into the environment and food chain may pose a risk to human health, hence, need careful assessment. Thus, a thorough review on the role of different NFs and their impact on crop growth, productivity, soil, and environmental quality is required, which would be helpful for the research of sustainable agriculture.

Exploring agricultural waste biomass for energy, food and feed production and pollution mitigation: A review.

Globally agricultural production system generates a huge amount of solid waste. Improper agri-waste management causes environmental pollution which resulted in economic losses and human health-related problems. Hence, there is an urgent need to design and develop eco-friendly, cost-effective, and socially acceptable agri-waste management technologies. Agri-waste has high energy conversion efficiency as compared to fossil fuel-based energy generation materials. Agri-waste can potentially be exploited for the production of second-generation biofuels. However, composted agri-waste can be an alternative to energy-intensive chemical fertilizers in organic production systems. Furthermore, value-added agri-waste can be a potential feedstock for livestock and industrial products. But comprehensive information concerning agri-waste management is lacking in the literature. Therefore, the present study reviewed the latest advancements in efficient agri-waste management technologies. This latest review will help the researchers and policy planners to formulate environmentally robust residue management practices for achieving a green economy in the agricultural production sector.

Optimization of thermodynamic and surface properties of ternary Ti-Al-Si alloy and its sub-binary alloys in molten state.

Thermodynamic and surface properties of the ternary system were studied at different higher temperatures (1973 K, 2073 K, 2173 K and 2273 K). The thermodynamic properties were studied using the Chou, Kohler and Toop models. Meanwhile, the surface properties were investigated using the same models plus the Butler model. The thermodynamic and surface properties of the ternary alloys computed from different models were compared with one another. The surface concentration of the components of the ternary Ti-Al-Si alloy was computed using Butler's equation.

Study of artifacts in thermodynamic and structural properties of Li-Mg alloy in liquid state using linear and exponential models.

Temperature-dependent interaction parameters of Redlich-Kister (R-K) polynomials for Li-Mg alloy in liquid phase have been optimized using experimental data in the framework of linear and exponential models. These parameters have then been used to compute the thermodynamic properties (excess Gibbs free energy of mixing, enthalpy of mixing and activity) and structural property (concentration fluctuations in the long-wavelength limit) of the alloy at temperatures 1000 K, 1300 K, 1600 K, 1900 K, and 2200 K. The negative values of excess Gibbs free energy of mixing computed using linear T-dependent parameters increases with the rise in the temperature of the system beyond 1000 K while the same physical quantity computed using the exponential T-dependent interaction parameters decreases with the rise in temperatures and does not show any unusual trends up to 2200 K. Similar behavior has been found in the case of other thermodynamic and structural functions. The unusual behavior that appears in the thermodynamic and structural functions computed using linear T-dependent parameters can be eliminated if these functions are computed using exponential T-dependent parameters.