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For the first‐time, analysis of a decade long measurement of Black Carbon mass concentration (BC) was carried out at a representative central Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) location, Varanasi (25.30°N, 83.03°E, 79 m asl), from 2009 to 2021 to understand its physical, optical, and radiative impacts. During the 13‐year study period, the daily BC mass concentration was found to vary between 0.07 and 46.23 μg m−3 (mean 9.18 ± 6.53 μg m−3) and showed a strong inter‐annual and intra‐annual variations. The inter‐annual variability of BC showed a significant decreasing trend (−0.47 μg m−3 yr−1), with a maximum during the post‐monsoon (−1.86 μg m−3 yr−1) and minimum during the pre‐monsoon season (−0.31 μg m−3 yr−1). The Black Carbon Aerosol Radiative Forcing (BC‐ARF) at the top of the atmosphere (BC‐ARFT), surface (BC‐ARFS), and within the atmosphere (BC‐ARFA) was found to be 10.3 ± 6.4, −30.1 ± 18.9, and 40.5 ± 25.2 W m−2, respectively. BC‐ARF also showed a strong inter‐annual variability with a decreasing trend for BC‐ARFT (−0.47 W m−2 yr−1) and BC‐ARFA (−1.94 W m−2 yr−1), while it showed an increasing trend for BC‐ARFS (1.33 W m−2 yr−1). Concentrated weighted trajectories (CWT) and potential source contribution function (PSCF) analyses were performed at the station to determine the potential source sectors and transport routes of BC aerosols. These analyses revealed that the long‐range source of BC at Varanasi originates from the upper and lower IGP, central highlands, southern peninsular region, Pakistan, and even from the Central East Asia region. Plain Language Summary: Long‐term measurement of Black Carbon aerosol was done at a representative Central Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) location, Varanasi, India, from 2009 to 2021. Analysis suggests significant interannual and intra‐annual variation of BC mass for the location. The important finding shows a significant decreasing trend in BC mass: the maximum for the post‐monsoon season and the minimum for the pre‐monsoon. Black Carbon‐Aerosol Radiative Forcing at the top of the atmosphere, at the surface, and within the atmosphere was found to be 10.3 ± 6.4, −30.1 ± 18.9, 40.5 ± 25.2 W m−2, respectively. Black Carbon Aerosol Radiative Forcing also showed a decreasing trend and implies an induced deceasing trend in the atmospheric heating rate. According to the concentrated weighted trajectory and potential source contribution function analyses, the upper and lower IGP, central highlands, southern peninsular region, Pakistan, and even the Central East Asia region are potential long‐range sources of BC at the Varanasi. Key Points: Black Carbon is decreasing over the central Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) since 2009: maximum for post‐monsoon and minimum for pre‐monsoon seasonThe Black Carbon‐Aerosol Radiative Forcing (BC‐ARF) shows a decreasing trend over the central IGP on yearly scale since 2009Decreasing trend in BC‐ARF within the atmosphere relates to a decrease in BC mass concentration and suggests reduced atmospheric warming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the comparative analysis of different attributes of Google and Facebook business model and their novel features for handling innovative business framework. We have compared Google and Facebook business model on different key attributes and also discussed the statistical analysis of business models using Google business analytics platform. We have argued performance analysis of these models. One important point which we discuss and analyze in this paper is that a business model is not about just building revenue generating machine, but it is indeed more than that. It explores the strategy and business approaches of both the models of revenue generating line of attacks. Our research contributes a considerate understanding of Google and Facebook architectural model and its influence on business framework. Statistical enactment and results are analyzed, precisely when big data and media are applied. This paper also provides better understanding of the digital marketplace for both of the platforms and its earning methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ravine is often regarded as the worst instance of how water erosion is causing land deterioration. The farmers' livelihoods are often threatened by the ravine's expansion into the surrounding 50 m buffer zone, leaving them with no choice except to work as landless workers. Due to the high expense of ravine restoration, it is not economically possible to begin the process of reclamation in all of the ravine lands at once. As a result, it is necessary to recognize the prospective regions to bring in reclamation activities. In this work, the ravine vulnerability index for the Mahi ravine in Western India was developed using a cutting‐edge hybrid methodology. For the development of the ravine vulnerability index, it was determined that the sand, silt, clay, organic carbon, soil erodibility factor, slope, stream power index, topographic wetness index, sediment transport index, and cover factor were crucial components. Weights were applied to various parameters based on the perceived significance of each parameter in relation to another in the decision matrix of the analytical hierarchical process. The number of iterations made to reach a consistency ratio of under 10% to determine the final priority weights for each parameter. The sediment transport index had the lowest priority weight (1.4), whereas the sand had the highest priority weight (28.5). For reclamation purposes, the prospective active zones inside the designated ravine's 50‐m buffer zone, which covered an area of 63,031 acres, were determined. According to the ground truth‐validated ravine vulnerability index, possible reclamation zones were found in the 16,703 ha (26.50%) region of Mahi ravine, which was given extremely high priority. As per the Mahi ravine's land capacity classification, 20,275 ha (32.16%) of it is arable land, and 18,687 ha (29.65%) of it is non‐arable land that is ideal for soil and water conservation treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Chlorophenol (4-CP) is a persistent organic pollutant commonly found in petrochemical effluents. It causes toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on human beings and aquatic lives. Therefore, an environmentally benign and cost-effective approach is needed against such pollutants. In this direction, the chlorophenol degrading bacterial consortium consisting of Bacillus flexus GS1 IIT (BHU) and Bacillus cereus GS2 IIT (BHU) was isolated from a refinery site. A composite biocarrier namely polypropylene-polyurethane foam (PP-PUF) was developed for bacterial cells immobilization purpose. A lab-scale moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) packed with Bacillus sp. immobilized PP-PUF biocarrier was employed to analyse the effect of peptone on biodegradation of 4-CP. The statistical tool, i.e. response surface methodology (RSM), was used to optimize the process variables (4-CP concentration, peptone concentration and hydraulic retention time). The higher values of peptone concentration and hydraulic retention time were found to be favourable for maximum removal of 4-CP. At the optimized process conditions, the maximum removals of 4-CP and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were obtained to be 91.07 and 75.29%, respectively. In addition, three kinetic models, i.e. second-order, Monod and modified Stover-Kincannon models, were employed to investigate the behaviour of MBBR during 4-CP biodegradation. The high regression coefficients obtained by the second-order and modified Stover-Kincannon models showed better accuracy for estimating substrate degradation kinetics. The phytotoxicity study supported that the Vigna radiata seeds germinated in treated wastewater showed higher growth (i.e. radicle and plumule) than the untreated wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Curcumin is well known bioactive compound available in Curcuma domestica Valet i.e. turmeric. The research work was carried with intention to get maximum yield of medicinally active constituents (Curcumin) of Curcuma domestica Valet. rhizomes through supercritical fluid extraction. Methods: The experiments were conducted in the year 2013-14. Process parameters namely pressure, temperature, flow rate and particle size were optimized using a Taguchi method. During investigation, L9 orthogonal array experimental design was followed. Result: The optimized values of pressure, temperature, flow rate and particle size obtained were 35 MPa, 40°C, 25 g/min and 0.246 mm, respectively. Significant improvement in the yield of curcumin and extract was obtained under optimum operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) at NCMRWF (NEPS-G) comprises of 22 perturbed members in addition to the control (CNTL) member at 12 km horizontal resolution. Running this state-of-the-art ensemble configuration employs large computational resources compared to a deterministic system; hence it is crucial to determine if and to what extent it enhances the prediction skill of forecasts over the Indian region. In this study, we attempt to quantify the improvement in the skill of NEPS-G relative to the deterministic forecast for the 2018 Indian summer monsoon season. The ensemble mean shows substantially reduced forecast errors in the monsoon precipitation when verified against the Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) data. NEPS-G mean demonstrates an improved skill for forecasts of moderate rainfall categories based on Peirce’s skill score, probability of detection and critical success index. The ensemble mean also shows an enhanced forecast skill at longer lead times, based on the anomaly correlation coefficient for both zonal winds at 850 hPa and precipitation. The model tends to underpredict very light precipitation and overpredict light precipitation. The Symmetric Extremal Dependence Index indicates a reasonable fidelity of the model in predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall. The continuous ranked probability score for NEPS-G is much lower than the mean absolute error of the CNTL forecast. The Relative Operating Characteristic curve of the ensemble distribution relative to CNTL further illustrates the value-addition by NEPS-G model to forecasts at longer lead times. Thus, through this study, the use of large computational resources for running the high-resolution NEPS-G is proved to be justified as it produces more reliable forecasts with longer lead times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on a monthly and seasonal basis with respect to the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) during the period 1953–2016. The analysis is performed for full time series of monthly and seasonal ISM rainfall and AMO index data as well by regrouping according to the westerly and easterly phase of the QBO (at 50 hPa). A direct positive association is observed between ISM rainfall and the AMO for the full time series during the pre-monsoon (March–April–May) and winter (January–February) seasons via the Rossby wave train from the North Atlantic across South Asia, thus resulting in an increase in the temperature gradient between the Indian Ocean (IO) and Eurasia which strengthened the ISM. The strongest association was found during the pre-monsoon season and especially during April. The variability in ISM rainfall was more prominently modulated by the pre-monsoon warm phase of the AMO along with the westerly phase of the QBO as compared with the easterly phase. The elevated ISM rainfall during the warm AMO phase and westerly phase of the QBO ultimately triggered low IO sea surface temperature and salinity during September–October. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An IMC-PI/PID controller with a first or second order filter in series is designed for several types of processes with time delay. The tradeoff between performance and robustness is done by adjusting the tuning parameter of the controller. The present tuning method shows better performances in terms of overshoot (OS), settling time and ITAE error index. Simulated results of various processes are compared with recently published tuning methods and it provide better response in set point change and comparable in load change. A set point weighting parameter 'b' is used to remove the undesirable overshoot, which is easier to select in comparison to the set point filter. The controller's parameters are fixed in such a way that give same robustness level (maximum sensitivity Ms), by adjusting the tuning parameter. A 10% to 15% perturbation in all the parameters of process models is introduced to evaluate the robustness of the proposed tuning method. In the present study, a conical tank system is considered for the applicability of the proposed design method of PI/PID controller. The proposed tuning method is used for designing the PI controller and successfully applied to the transfer function model and process of conical tank. The simulated and experimental results are compared with two other recently published tuning techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phosphorus has been pointed out as one of the most important nutrient in pulse production which is responsible for vegetative growth, reproduction and consequently yield of greengram. Sulphur element is important for crop growth and development especially in pulses. At present, 42% of indian soils have been found to the sulphur deficient, sulphur is essential for synthesis of proteins, vitamins, in pulse crops. Methods: The field investigation was carried out at research farm of TCA, Dholi, muzaffarpur Bihar during summer season 2019. The treatment comprised 3 levels of phosphorus and 3 levels of sulphur along with absolute control. Result: The result revealed that application of 60 kg phosphorus/ha significantly increase the plant height, plant dry matter, crop growth rate and yield indices viz number of pods/plant, length of pod, number of grains/pod and 100 seed weight than 20 kg phosphorus/ha and control but was found at par with 40 kg phosphorus/ha. Sulphur levels also had significantly influenced on these growth and yield indices and recorded higher values 30 kg sulphur/ha found at par with 20 kg sulphur/ha and significantly higher over 10 kg sulphur/ha and control. Application of 60 kg phosphorus/ha significantly enhanced the grain and straw yield over 20 kg phosphorus/ha and control but was found at par to 40 kg phosphorus/ha. Among the sulphur levels grain and straw yield increased significantly up to 20 kg/ha sulphur further increase in sulphur level fail to caused significantly effect on grain and straw yields. All the phosphorus and sulphur level had significant impact on grain and straw yields over control. Similar trend was also observed with harvest index also. Optimum dose of phosphorus and sulphur for summer greengram was worked out to be 51 and 24.5 kg/ha respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate modes like ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) and IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole) produce an impact on the monsoon rainfall over India. Monsoon rainfall is extremely important for the agriculture of our country. The impact of these climate modes on monsoon rainfall thus in turn affects the rain-fed crops (kharif). In this study, four kharif season crops namely rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), pulses and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) are chosen over four arid/semi-arid agro-climatic zones of western India to study the effect of the climate modes on selected crops. The detailed analysis has been carried out to show the impact of rainfall in the El Nino/La Nina (phases of ENSO) and IOD years on the crop productions over the mentioned zones viz. (Central plateau and hills region; Western plateau and hills region; Gujarat hills and plains region; Western dry region) from 1966–2011. The results show that rice productions which require hot and humid conditions have been largely affected during drought years associated with El Nino which results in poor rainfall over all the zones. The production of pulses which does not require excess humid conditions shows marginal improvement during the neutral years or non-El Nino/non-La Nina years. Maize production seems to be better in La Nina years and worst in the El Nino years as La Nina years are responsible for good rainfall in all zones. El Nino years provide a minor impact on sugarcane productions in different zones. La Nina years are well suited for sugarcane production in all zones of our study as sugarcane requires a good amount of moisture. Positive IOD years are associated with poor crop productions as compared to negative IOD years mostly in all zones as most of the positive IOD years happen to be El Nino years. El Nino-rainfall relation being dominant than positive IOD-rainfall relation is, therefore, responsible for negative rainfall anomalies over the selected zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prime intention of this research work was to assess the effect of synthetic insecticides and bio-pesticide against natural enemies of aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.), mainly ladybird beetle Coccinella septumpunctata (Linnaeus) and syrphid fly, Ischiodon scutellaris (Fabricius) in mustard was evaluated. Methods: The field experiment was conducted at Student Research Farm, Department of Entomology, CSAUA and T Kanpur during Rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15. Experiment conducted in randomized block design with three replication and eight treatments. Imidacloprid, deltamethrin, spinosad, fipronil, thiamethoxam, Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana were tested against natural enemies and available population of natural enemies of aphid were recorded before 1 day and after 3, 5, 7 and 14 days of spray application. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were the most effective with less toxicity against Ladybird beetle and syrphid fly by continuously increasing population after application. Though all the tested chemical insecticides were found toxic to the lady bird beetle and syrphid fly larvae, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were found relatively safer to other insecticides by recording less mortality after 14 days of spraying during two years testing period. Result: M. anisopliae, B. bassiana, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam may be used for the management of insect pests because of their less toxicity to beneficial insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress is a serious type of condition that needs an immediate attention in order to prevent its negative effects in the academic life of the students. The objective of this study is to identify the factors which cause academic stress amongst Indian in-campus maritime students. Extensive literature review indicates that this apparently is the first focused study of Indian maritime university in-campus students. Data was collected online through structured questionnaire from students of Mumbai and Chennai campuses of Indian Maritime University. A total of 208 responses were received which were first analysed employing Exploratory Factor Analysis(EFA) using jamovi 2.3.13. EFA reduced 15 variables to 4 factors which were named Personal, Academic, Family and Fear factors, based on the common features of the variables aligned to each of the factors. The outcome of EFA was then subjected to Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA) which confirmed that the model was a good fit with Comparative Fit Index (CFI) value of 0.968, Tucker-Lewis Index(TLI) value of 0.960 and Root mean square error of approximation(RMSEA) value of 0.0434. This study is very significant as these findings would help the maritime institutes to take steps to mitigate the stress of the students. It will also help the students to handle academic stress in a better way, once they know what causes it. In addition, the parents should be made aware about the courses so that they have realistic expectations from their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide range of issues that some years ago were considered 'non-financial' such as climate change, environment, biodiversity, human rights and fair wages and remuneration are now coming to the fore as factors that can have a significant impact on investment value. Globally, there has been an increase in the number of large-scale market participants who have become socially conscious and want to allocate their investments toward businesses that acknowledge the relevance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. In line with what's happening globally, India too is witnessing an increasing focus on ESG, especially after Covid-19 emerged as a pandemic. AUM of Indian ESG mutual funds increased from ₹ 2747.66 Cr as on 31st January 2020 to ₹ 12,544.02 Cr on 31st December 2021, which as a percentage of the total AUM of the Indian Mutual Fund industry increased from 0.10% to 0.33% during this period. We try to find out whether the Post Covid Surge in AUM of ESG Mutual Funds in India indicates a Structural Break. Our findings, based on Chow Test outcomes, confirm that this surge is indeed a structural change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current research, halloysite nanoclay was functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to immobilize endoinulinase for the preparation of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) from inulin. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization of immobilization technique onto halloysite nanoclay. Maximum enzyme activity yield (57.20%) and immobilization yield (67.15%) was achieved, under optimized conditions (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane 1.50% (w/v), sonication time 3.50 h, coupling-time 2.00 h and enzyme load 55 IU). Immobilized endoinulinase shown a shift in both pH optima (pH 5.0) and temperature optima (60 °C) with broad pH (4.0–8.5) and temperature (50–70 °C) stability than its free form. An increase (13-fold) was recorded in half-life of enzyme after immobilization. An increase in Km and decrease in Vmax of endoinulinase for inulin was observed after immobilization. Hydrolytic conditions for inulin hydrolysis by immobilized endoinulinase were also optimized by RSM software. Under optimal conditions, viz. inulin concentration (7.0%), endoinulinase load (77 IU), agitation rate (100 rpm) and hydrolysis time (12 h), maximum FOSs yield (99.56%) was obtained. TLC chromatogram and densitogram analysis confirmed FOSs preparation contained 36.68% kestose, 27.34% nystose, 10.11% fructofuranosylnystose and 25.43% FOSs of DP 5–9. Immobilized biocatalyst retained half of its activity upto third batch cycle of FOSs production from inulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoPb 14185 is a mid-late maturing sugarcane clone, selected from the polycross (PC) population of CoS 8436, at PAU Regional Research Station, Faridkot during 2008-09. CoPb 14185 was evaluated under AICRP(S) at nine locations in the North West Zone (NWZ) of India with two plant crops and one ratoon (2P+1R) during 2017-20. CCS (Commercial Cane Sugar) yield of CoPb 14185 in North West Zone (NWZ) was 11.58 t/ha with 11.10 and 3.86 per cent improvement than the best standard, Co 05011 and qualifying variety, CoS 14233, respectively. The cane yield of CoPb 14185 was 88.99 t/ha with 7.07 and 1.73 per cent higher than the best standard and qualifying variety, respectively. Pol% in cane of CoPb 14185 was 14.27, which was on par to the standards and qualifying variety. CoPb 14185, ranked first with 18.50% sucrose content (2P+1R), was observed more tolerant to prevalent diseases and insect-pests. It has erect medium thick whitish yellow green cylindrical cane (i.e. ~ 210.50 cm length, ~2.44 cm diameter), with pentagonal bud, curved leaf canopy, purple dewlap, incipient auricle and deltoid ligule. CoPb 14185 has been identified and released as a best mid-late variety through the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC) for realizing higher cane yield and sugar recovery in NWZ of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust suppression system plays a significant role in mining and allied industries. It has become an integral part of the environmental management system. Dust emission from mining and mineral processing industries poses environmental and health problems to workers and surrounding people. Dust creates a reliability issue in machinery and ventilation systems, causing infrastructural damage and the industry's financial losses. This paper deals with a smart dry fog dust suppression system which has been developed for effectively controlling dust emission from mining and mineral processing activities. The system has been implemented in an iron ore crushing and screening plant in India, and its efficacy has been evaluated for controlling dust emission. The installed dry fog system reduced dust concentration to 0.10–0.17 mg m−3 from the prevailing dust concentration of 0.62–1.73 mg m−3 in work zone areas, which was much below the permissible limit below 1 mg m−3 where silica content in the dust was less than 5%. Percentage of free silica in the work zone dust reduced to traces from 3.61 to 4.80%. Similarly, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in the ambient air were decreased to 90–99 μg m−3 and 49–58 μg m−3 from 185 to 250 μg m−3 and 148–200 μg m−3, respectively. Further, concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were drastically reduced by 51.35–60.4% and 69.69–71.0%, respectively. The reduced dust concentrations in the ambient air were within the prescribed limit of PM10 (100 μg m−3) and PM2.5 (60 μg m−3). The system significantly reduces dust and free silica concentration in the work zone areas below the permissible limit. The system controls dust emission with an increase in production as it has been found that the number of nozzles is directly correlated with a reduction in dust. Furthermore, the system does not change the raw material's mass as water added to dust is less than 0.01% of the raw material. The system is designed to give the best results within the closed environment of the plant. The system helps in eco-friendly and clean mining. The system reduces the breakdown and maintenance cost of mining equipment, thereby decreasing overall operating costs. Further, the system minimizes mine workers' health problems, like silicosis and severe other occupation diseases. The system is automatic, cost-effective, energy efficient, and easy to maintain. Further, the system is capable of handling dust problems in the closed environment of crushing and screening plants. These properties make the system techno-economically feasible for installation in mineral processing plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane CoPb 96, an early maturing clone is developed at PAU Regional Research Station, Faridkot from segregating F1s of general collections of Co 0238. It recorded commercial cane sugar (CCS t/ha), cane yield (t/ha) and sucrose % of 11.10 t/ha, 90.56 t/ha and 17.92%, respectively in comparison with the standards viz., Co 0238, CoJ 64 and CoPb 92. It was significantly superior to all the commercial varieties in Punjab state trials and on par with Co 0238 under AICRP trials. CoPb 96 was identified as a high sugared variety with 12.55 % CCS and 19.03 % sucrose content in AICRP trials (2P+1R) of North West Zone and performed better than all standard varieties. This clone is tolerant against diseases (red rot, wilt, smuts, pokkah boeng and YLD) and less susceptible against borer complexes. It has erect medium yellow green colored cylindrical canes (~ 244.00 cm length, ~2.64 cm diameter) and with rhomboid bud. CoPb 96 was identified as an early clone in comparison with Co 0238 by SVRC, Punjab for realizing higher cane yield and sugar recovery in the State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigeonpea grown as sole crop is not economically viable because of its slow initial growth rate, low productivity and longer duration. The initial slow growth rate, widely spaced, deep root system and longer duration of pigeonpea offers a good scope for intercropping with fast growing and early maturing compatible crops. Proper row arrangement of main as well as intercrops in appropriate proportion is the promising way to exploit the natural resources such as space, nutrient, sunlight, soil moisture to greater extent and boost up the system productivity. Methods: The study was carried out for four consecutive years during kharif 2013-14 to 2016-17 at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar. The treatment comprised 3 intercropping systems with two method of planting viz, pigeonpea (60 cm)+ urdbean (1:1), pigeonpea (60 cm) + sesame (1:1), pigeonpea (60 cm) + sorghum (1:1), pigeonpea paired (45 cm) + urdbean (2:2), pigeonpea paired (45 cm) + sesame (2:2), pigeonpea paired (45 cm) + sorghum (2:2) and 3 fertilizer levels of intercrop viz, 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 100% RDF and 125% RDF along with sole crop of pigeonpea, urdbean, sesame and sorghum. Result: Intercropping of urd bean [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper], sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] paired row planting of pigeonpea (45 cm) in 2:2 row ratio recorded significantly higher pigeonpea-equivalent yield, LER, water-use efficiency, production efficiency and net return than their intercropping with pigeonpea in normal planting pattern (60 cm) in 1:1 row ratio and sole pigeonpea. However, only pigeonpea + urdbean and pigeonpea + sesame in paired row planting recorded significantly higher B:C ratio than sole pigeonpea. Pigeonpea + urdbean in paired row planting recorded significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent yield (3.57 t/ha), LER (1.81), water-use efficiency (4.96 kg ha/mm), production efficiency (12.01 kg/ha/day), NPK-uptake by pigeonpea, net return (148.63 × 10³/ha) and B:C ratio (4.84) than their intercropping in normal planting pattern, pigeonpea + sesame and pigeonpea + sorghum in both planting pattern. Pigeonpea + urdbean and pigeonpea + sesame in paired row recorded significantly higher number and dry weight of nodules/plant than sole pigeonpea. Pigeonpea equivalent yield in pigeonpea + urdbean intercropping system did not increased significantly with increasing levels of fertilizer. However, it increased significantly upto RDF and 125% RDF of sesame and sorghum in pigeonpea + sesame and pigeonpea + sorghum intercropping systems respectively in both the planting pattern. Pigeonpea + urdbean in both the planting pattern reduced bulk density of the soil and increased organic carbon, available N, P, K content of the soil than other intercropping systems and initial soil value but magnitude of improvement in physicochemical properties of soil was higher in paired row planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DSSAT-CANEGRO model have been used to determine crop potential yield over eight districts (viz; Muzaffarnagar, Shahjahanpur, Agra, Lucknow, Basti, Faizabad, Allahabad and Jhansi) representing different agroclimatic conditions & environmentof Uttar Pradesh state in India. The thirty six years (1980-2016) daily weather data of above districts were used to simulate seasonal yield potentials under the various management conditions and compared with the respective district reported yield. The simulated mean potential yield by the CANEGRO model over different district of the state varied between 77.8 t ha-1 in Muzaffarnagar and 97.8 t ha-1 in Agra, while mean reported yield (fresh stalk mass) varied between 40.1 t ha-1 in Jhansi and 62.8 t ha-1 in Muzaffarnagar within the state. Similarly, the attainable yield by the model was simulated lowest of 65.1 t ha-1 in Shahjahanpur and the highest of 73.6 t ha-1 in Faizabad district. The management yield gap was between 9.0 to 30.0 t ha-1 while sowing yield gap was between 7.0 to 26.0 t ha-1 in different districts under study. Further it is not only interesting & surprising but also encouraging to growers that the trends in total yield gap at all the above districts in various agro-climatic zones were found decreasing (narrowed down) at the rate of 138.8 - 801.2 kg ha-1 year-1. Delayed planting by about 30 days in some of the districts resulted into a decrease in sugarcane yield to the tune of 106.7 to 146.7, 103.3 to 143.3 and 80.0 to 133.0 kg ha-1 day-1, respectively. Findings reveal that DSSAT crop simulation model can be an effective tool to aid in decision support system. Yield gap estimates using the past crop data and subsequent adjustment in planting window may help to achieve close to the potential yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of, 2018 at Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (Kumarganj) Ayodhya (U.P.). The experiment consisted of three rice establishment method viz; transplanting, drum seeded and direct-seeded method and five weed management technique viz; Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl 10% WP @ 30 g/ha at 5 days after sowing(DAS)/days after transplanting (DAT), Almix (chlorimuron-ethyl + Metsulfuron-methyl) @ 4 g/ha at 10 DAS/DAT, Bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g/ha at 30 DAS/DAT, Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS/DAT and Weedy check making fifteen treatment combination which was assigned in a factorial RBD replicated thrice. Results showed that the transplanting method of rice establishment promoted growth attributes viz; the plant height, number of tillers, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation at all crop stages except 30 days stages, the yield attribute viz; effective tiller, length of panicle, number of grain/panicle and test weight, biological, grain and straw yield ha-1 over Drum and Direct methods of rice establishment of NDR-2065 variety of rice. The use of hand weeding practices twice of weed management techniques enhanced the growth parameters viz. initial plant population, plant height, number of tillers, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation, yield attributes viz; effective tiller, number of grain/panicle, length of panicle, test weight, yields viz; biological yield, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index followed by bispyribac sodium @ 25 g ha-1 at 30 DAS/DAT, Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl 10% WP @ 30 g ha-1, Almix @ 4 g ha-1 and Weedy check during study year, respectively. Therefore, used method of transplanting for rice establishment with two hand weeding practices of weed management technique proved to be growth and yield attributes and yields of NDR-2065 variety of rice during study year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) productivity using CERES-maize model in South Alluvial Plain Zone of Bihar, India.

The CROPGRO-pigeonpea model embedded in DSSAT v4.7.5 was used to assess the impact of climate change on phenology and grain yield of reference genotype of different pigeonpea maturity groups. The impact of climate change delayed reproductive stages (anthesis, maturity) and decreased grain yield of reference genotype of different pigeonpea maturity groups were evident in all scenarios. Short duration genotypes (MN5, ICPL88039, Prabhat, UPAS120) showed progressively higher decrease in yield as compared to medium (Maruti, Asha, ICP7035) and long (Bahar, MAL13) duration genotypes with each successive increase in scenatio from RCP2.6 to RCP8.5 and projected year from 2010 to 2095. Anthesis was delayed 9 days in MN5 to 20 days in Bahar and maturity delayed 1 5 days in MN5 to 24 days in Bahar with RCP 8.5 in year 2095 in comparison to RCP2.6 in years 2010, whereas, grain yield was decreased 14% in Bahar to 66% in MN5 among genotypes of different maturity groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted on mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. and its natural enemies to document its seasonal incidence over four varieties of mustard during rabi season at the Instructional Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The aphids appeared in first week of January at the flowering stage, which peaked during 7th standard week were 115.5-155.0, 98.01-121.0, 75.5-108.6 and 55.80-86.49, aphids/plant on mustard variety Urvashi, Vardan, Varuna and Rohini, respectively. Correlation coefficients of incidence with weather factors have been worked out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the performance of microbial fuel cell (MFC) in terms of electricity production and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate using different substrates. A doublechambered MFC was constructed with Nafion as separator and carbon cloth as an electrode. Glucose, municipal waste water, and sugar industry waste water were taken as a substrate for MFC. Maximum Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of 0.34 V,0.58 V,0.67 V were obtained for sewage wastewater, glucose and sugar industry waste respectively with a current density 0.2730 micro A/c.c, 0.4183 micro A/c.c, 0.4211 micro A/c. The COD removal rate was found to be 53%, 65%, 78%, for sewage wastewater, glucose, sugar industry wastewater. OCV and current density were obtained in the following order: sugar industry wastewater >glucose>municipal wastewater. Carbon balance was done to determine the organic carbon removal and to check the efficacy of the system. SEM and microscopy analyses demonstrated a biofilm with a mixed population of gram-negative species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tasra coal washery has been planned in Tasra block which is located in Jharia coalfield of Jharkhand state in India. In order to predict air pollution impact because of the proposed washery, modelling has been done using fugitive dust model. Dust levels (PM10 and PM2.5) have been assessed both for conditions of controlled and uncontrolled emissions from various sources of the washery. Baseline site specific air quality data (PM10 and PM2.5) of winter season and maximum coal washing capacity of 700 t h−1 have been considered for prediction of air quality in case of worst-case scenario. Based on modelling exercise, it has been predicted that PM10 concentration may increase from 0.058–51.333 and 0.039–17.485 μg m−3 under the conditions of uncontrolled and controlled emissions respectively at the air quality monitoring sites and the selected receptor locations in the nearby vicinity of the proposed washery. Similarly, PM2.5 concentrations may rise from 0.044–16.636 and 0.022–7.219 μg m−3 due to the uncontrolled and controlled emissions respectively. In order to minimize the fugitive dust levels from the washery site, installation of dry fog dust suppression system has been recommended at different dust generating sources in addition to implementation of other dust control measures in and around the coal washery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmological evolution and particle creation in R 2 -modified gravity are considered for the case of the dominant decay of the scalaron into a pair of gauge bosons due to conformal anomaly. It is shown that in the process of thermalization superheavy dark matter with the coupling strength typical for the GUT SUSY can be created. Such dark matter would have the proper cosmological density if the particle mass is close to 10 12 GeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soda lime is one of the most popular carbon dioxide absorbent materials to be used for closed-circuit life saving safety breathing apparatus in mining industries. A trained rescue person uses it during a situation such as a fire, explosion or emission of toxic gasses in underground mines. This paper evaluates the chemical composition and physical properties of soda lime using specific parameters (moisture, carbon dioxide gas absorption, granule shape and fine particle size) which plays an important role in its application in breathing apparatus. Results indicated that soda lime moisture content, fine grains and hardness ranged between 11.6-18.3%, 0.2-1.9g, and 70-90%, respectively. The CO2 absorption rate was observed to be 20.0 to 57.0 minutes compared to standard UK Protosorb soda lime CO2 (135 minutes). X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of the samples were carried out to understand the changes in molecular structure of the material before and after CO2 absorption. The XRD result indicated presence of portlandite (48.5%),calcite (49.6%) and potassium rhenium sulfide telluride cyan acetate (PRSTCA) (1.84%) before CO2 absorption and calcite/calcium carbonate (89.4%) portlandite (3.38%) and octasodium d-potassium tetra hydrogen dihydroxo tetra telluride dipalladate (7.2%), 20-hydrate was observed after CO2 absorption. EDS of sample 6 indicated presence of carbon (4.94%), oxygen (39.80%) sodium (3.36%) and calcium (51.90%) before CO2 absorption and carbon (6.27%), oxygen (36 96%), sodium (1.37%) and calcium (55.40%) after CO2 absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delineation of management zones (MZs) are needed to manage fields in order to maximize economic return, minimize environmental impact, and improve soil and crop management. The MZs of uniform production potential may offer an effective solution to nutrient management. In this study, a total of 122 geo-referenced representative surface (0–250 mm depth) soil samples were collected from the study area covering an area of 6296 ha. Soil samples were analysed for pH, EC, CaCO3, organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). Their spatial variability was analyzed and spatial distribution maps were constructed using geostatistical techniques. Geostatistical analysis showed that exponential, rational quadratic, tetraspherical, pentaspherical and circular models were the best-fit models for soil properties and available nutrients. Further, geographical weighted principal component analysis (GWPCA) and possibilistic fuzzy C-means (PFCM) clustering algorithm were carried out to delineate the management zones based on optimum clusters identified using fuzzy performance index (FPI) and normalized classification entropy (NCE). The results revealed that the optimum number of MZs for this study area was four and there was heterogeneity in soil nutrients in four MZs. The study indicated that MZ-based soil test crop response recommendation reduces the application quantity of fertilizer significantly at a large extent. Therefore, the management zone concept can reduce agricultural inputs and environmental pollution, and maximize crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almond shell wastes were used to prepare activated carbons with chemical activation by H3PO4, which were tested for the extraction of methylene blue dye from a synthetic liquid solution. The characteristics properties of prepared activated carbon like a functional group and morphological structure were characterized. The prepared activated carbon with a high surface area of 1250 m2/g could be proved as a good adsorbent for the treatment of methylene blue. The batch process was performed to determine the optimum operating parameters for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB). It was seen that the adsorption behaviour of MB was changed by changing the operating parameters like pH of the solution, running time of the experiment, the amount of ASAC dose and initial concentration of MB. At an initial pH of 7, maximum adsorption (100%) was found in running time of 240 min and a dose of 2g/L. In this case, the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model described well in compression to other models and maximum MB absorption uptake (334.40 mg/g) was calculated at a temperature of 30 ºC. The kinetics of adsorption was calculated with different concentrations of MB and it was better represented by the pseudo secondorder model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted at ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal research farm to study the effect of no-till planters such as inclined plate planter and broad bed shaper-cum-planter on yield, energetics and economics of maize crop production and compared with conventional practices of maize sowing using seed-cum-fertilizer drill. The maize hybrid variety of DMRH-1303 was sown in kharif season of 2019 using inclined plate planter and broad bed shaper-cum-planter under wheat residue load 8 t/ha (HI-1544). The wheat was harvested by combine harvester and its residue was chaffed using shredder. The actual field capacity and field efficiency of inclined plate planter, broad bed shaper-cum-planter and seed-cum-fertilizer drill were observed as 0.31, 0.32 and 0.39 ha/h and 51.67, 58.18 and 76.47%, respectively. The energy consumption for shredding of wheat straw was 399.31 MJ/ha. The energy consumption was maximum in case of sowing with convention seed drill (1965.30 MJ/ha) including single pass of each cultivator and rotavator, which was followed by broad bed shaper-cum-planter under permanent bed condition (792.39 MJ/ha) and inclined plate planter under permanent bed condition (468.77 MJ/ha). The broad bed shaper-cum-planter and inclined plate planter saved energy consumption by 59.7% and 76.14%, respectively as compared to conventional seed-cum-fertilizer drill. The use of inclined plate planter (Rs. 652/ha) or broad bed former-cum-planter (Rs. 664/ha) could save 67% in cost of operation compared to tillage followed by seed-cum-fertilizer drill (Rs. 2017/ ha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned and highly dense Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) have been successfully synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal method and decorated by silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) via a dip coating technique. Absorption spectra indicate the presence of metal Ag NPs. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of as-grown ZnO nanorods shows ultra violet (UV) emission centered around 390 nm and a sharp defect-related emission peak around 580 nm. The presence of Ag NPs on the ZnO NRs shows a significant red shift in PL peak position in the visible region and a complete quenching of UV emission. The changes in UV–Vis and PL spectra of ZnO NRs decorated with Ag metal NPs are studied and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low cost activated carbon was produced by treated rice husk ash for adsorptive removal of Reactive Orange 16. The selection of adsorbents, effect of equilibrium time, adsorbent dosage, concentration of dye, and pH on removal of dye was optimized as rice husk ash, 30 min, 0.25 g/100 mL, 100 mg/L, and 9.0, respectively. The process fits into Langmuir isotherm and Lagergren pseudo-second-order model with rate constant of 0.0216 g/mg min. The process was statistically optimized and evaluated by face-centered central composite design. The maximum dye was removed (Qe = 13.32 mg/g) at adsorbent dosage of 0.25 mg/100 mL, pH of 11.0, and concentration of dye: 250 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertile lands of eastern Rajasthan uplands are gradually declining their inherent capacity to the produce crops. A study has been conducted on alluvial soils; surrounded by Aravalli hills and deposited by Banas river. Different soils located over landforms with varied slopes and rainfall density and annual average rainfall were sampled for morphological, physicochemical and mineralogical investigations. Present study is aimed to link the mineralogy of various size fractions and other physico-chemical characteristics as an evidence of pedogenetic process in development of alluvial soils. Our study indicates that the soils are coarser (sandy or sandy loam) in texture, consisting predominantly of quartz followed by feldspars and mica. Specific trend was not observed in minerals present in the clay matrix. Presence of unstable talc mineral in the clay fraction of soil over upper rolling plain indicates juvenile nature of soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant based biofilters associated with microorganisms have been gaining popularity in controlling odorous compounds like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they are cost effective and an environment friendly alternative to conventional air pollution control techniques. In this context, here, we tried to evaluate the performance of potted plants based Claire's biofilter for biodegradation of benzene. A sealed perspex chamber with lid and fan was designed to ensure minimum leakage, proper aeration and distribution of benzene inside the chamber. Five different ornamental indoor plants were placed inside the chamber sequentially and exposed to a concentration of 5 ppm benzene for 30 h each. The leakage of benzene was checked beforehand. Epipremnum aureum (Money plant) showed maximum benzene degradation in the aforementioned time period with a removal efficiency of 98%. The µmax and Ks values for 100 ppm concentration of benzene were calculated to be 0.284 h-1 and 0.427 g/m³, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetotransport and thermal studies of Pr2/3Sr1/3MnO3 polycrystalline sintered bulk sample are reported here. The resistivity ρ(T) and thermoelectric power S(T) data show an insulator to metal (I-M) phase transition at TP≈294 K and TS≈290 K, respectively. Magnetization measurement confirms that the sample undergoes a transition from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase at a defined Curie temperature TC=280 K. A substantial increase in magnetoresistance from 2.5% at 280 K to 5% at 77 K has been noticed in a low magnetic field 0.15 T. Small polaron hopping model is found to be operative above the transition temperature TP, whereas electron-electron and electron-magnon scattering processes govern the low temperature metallic behavior. A detailed analysis of thermoelectric power in the ferromagnetic regime suggests that the complicated temperature dependence of S may be understood on the basis of electron-magnon scattering. A transition from decreasing high temperature thermal conductivity (due to local anharmonic distortions associated with small polarons), to an increasing thermal conductivity (due to decreasing of phonon-phonon scattering) and thereafter a peak at ∼100 K (signifying a crossover from Umklapp to defect-limited scattering) have also been noticed. Specific heat measurements depict a pronounced anomaly near the TC, indicating the magnetic ordering and magnetic inhomogeneity in the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central composite rotatable design of RSM was used for the optimization of medium composition for pullulan production from de-oiled rice bran by Aureobasidium pullulans in shake-flask fermentations. The sugars from de-oiled rice bran were extracted in distilled water under moist steam pressure and the obtained de-oiled rice bran extract (DRBE) was used for the optimization of medium composition. RSM optimized medium components (DRBE sugars, 3.88%; yeast extract, 0.24%; (NH4)2SO4, 0.06%; K2HPO4, 0.57% (w/v), and pH, 5.22) supported 5.48% (w/v) pullulan production and 0.88 (A600/100) biomass yield. Coefficient of determination for pullulan production (0.99) and biomass yield (0.99) was close to 1.0 which justifies significance of model. Lack of fit for both responses was non-significant, which shows fitness of quadratic model. FTIR and NMR spectral attributes confirmed the structure of pullulan. XRD patterns verified the amorphous nature of pullulan. De-oiled rice bran was found as a potential substrate for pullulan production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INSAT-3D is a multipurpose geosynchronous spacecraft with main meteorological payloads imager and sounder for enhanced meteorological observations. The accuracy of these derived products is vital for day-to-day weather forecast and assimilation in numerical weather product models. One of the most important channels in the INSAT-3D satellite is the visible (0.55–0.75 µm, VIS) sensor, because in this channel cloud properties are prominently analyzed and it correlates well with more active weather and can be used to assist in forecasting. The Moon has been widely used for calibration of earth-observation missions across international community due to its temporal stability absence of any intervening medium such as atmosphere and its spectral resemblance to ground targets. As a preliminary step, attempt has been made to calibrate the VIS channel of INSAT-3D imager using Moon as a calibration source. For the requirements, a GIRO (RObotic Lunar Observatory, ROLO) model has been installed in National Satellite Meteorological Centre, INSAT-3D Meteorological Data Processing System, India Meteorological Department and New Delhi for output irradiance of Moon. Further, this irradiance is compared with INSAT-3D-measured Moon irradiance during July 2015 to June 2016. The preliminarily result shows INSAT-3D is overestimating against the GIRO model output irradiance. However, the pattern found consistency during the period, and no degradation can be estimated with this short span of time and found useful to generate the coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gujarat tops with 27.87% of total groundnut production. The basaltic shrink-swell soils are generally evaluated as unsuitable for groundnut production in Saurtashtra region of Gujarat. They have untapped source of traditional knowledge for managing heavy shrink-swell soils of basaltic terrain. Groundnut growers of the region are applying weathered basalt (WB, Vēraḍēḍa bēsālṭanuṁ in Gujarati) in pure form which is naturally available or sometimes treated by mixing the farmyard manures (FYM) or groundnut husk, and/or fortified with nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers. A study was planned to find out the reason for higher production of groundnut with the application of WB before sowing the seed. For this study the farmers were divided in to 05 groups on the basis of forms and combinations of WB application in groundnut fields. The participatory approaches and personal interviews were combined to collect the data from 25 farmers of each group. After interviewing the farmers, we came to know that this practice is being followed since 40 years. The study revealed that the practice significantly reduces the contracting and expanding phenomenon in black Vertisols and improve physico-chemical properties of soils like hydraulic characteristics (infiltration, permeability, percolation and drainage), aeration, bulk density, porosity, thermal conductivity and also improve availability of secondary (Ca, Mg & S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn & Cu). The present study forms the basis for upgrading the traditional management packages for sustainable groundnut production in black soil region of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted for four consecutive years (2010-2014) to evaluate the effect of Yam bean seed extract (YBSE) on mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi). Mustard variety, 'Rajendra Suflam' was used as test variety on which, eight tuber formulations along with one recommended chemical dimethoate (0.05%) and untreated control were applied. Among eight tuber formulations YBSE at 2% and 5% aqueous solutions, Yam bean seed powder (YBSP) as 2% and 5% dust, Cassava leaf powder (CLP) as 2% and 5% dust and Cassava tuber rind extract (CTRE) as 2% and 5% aqueous formulations were applied in two sprayings, first after appearance of aphid followed by second spraying after a fortnight. Observations collected at 3 & 10 days after each spraying clearly revealed in all the four years that among various tuber based bio-pesticides, Yam bean seed extract (YBSE) as 5% and 2% had proved most efficacious in minimizing aphid population on mustard and found on par with chemical dimethoate after first and second spraying. Seed yield of Yam bean was also recorded significantly higher over other tuber formulations and statistically on par with chemical treatment showing supremacy of YBSE (5%) over other tuber based formulations. Therefore, YBSE may be recommended as a safer substitute to chemical control for providing eco-friendly management of Mustard aphid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

this paper, we propose a new efficient class of estimators for the population variance of the study variable using information on the auxiliary variable. The expressions for bias and mean square error (MSE) of the proposed estimator are obtained up to the first order of approximation. An optimum estimator for the proposed estimator is also obtained and its optimum properties are studied. It is shown that the proposed estimator is more efficient than sample variance, traditional ratio estimator due to Isaki (1983), Singh et al. (2011) exponential ratio estimator, estimator based on Kadilar and Cingi (2003) ratio estimator for the population mean etc. estimators under optimum conditions. For illustration, an empirical study is also carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to utilize the fruits of doka stage of date palm varieties for preparation of nutritious dry date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) i.e. chhuhara, at CIAH, Bikaner, during 2016-17. Dry dates were prepared by giving boiling water treatment of doka (hard ripen) fruits for 4-5 minutes and 8-10 minutes of four date palm cultivars fruits which were drying up to 20-30 per cent moisture content. The dry dates prepared by giving treatment in boiling water for 8-10 minutes and then drying was found suitable in term of recovery percentage and organoleptic score basis for taste, appearance and acceptability as well as nutritive point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]