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Agrivoltaic system is a symbiotic approach to minimize land use conflicts for energy-food production. This production is dynamically affected by environmental parameters. Hence, an efficient system design is needed by adopting a suitable optimization model. The objective of this study is to discuss the application of artificial neural network and genetic algorithm to an experimental 0.675 kWp agrivoltaic system with turmeric crops for optimum production. Turmeric is a medicinal crop used primarily as spices and traditional medicine. The input parameters for the model are solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and rainfall, while the output parameters are energy and food. After training, validation, and testing of the model, the error has been found as -0.03711 and -0.00494 for energy and food systems respectively. For system performance, the established model generates a minimum mean squared error and maximum regression correlation coefficient indicating a favourable relationship between measured and predicted values. The predicted energy and food production has been obtained at optimal conditions as 104.9097 kWh and 9.0955 kg, respectively. The performance indicators such as land equivalent ratio and payback period have been found as 1.73 and 9.49 respectively. Thus, the system is techno-economically viable and feasible worldwide satisfying the targets of sustainable development goals. [Display omitted] • Co-development of solar PV panels and crops on the same land increases land-use efficiency and total productivity. • Agrivoltaic potential with turmeric farms at CUTM, Odisha, India has been assessed. • Experimental data has been modeled and optimized through the ANN-GA algorithm for better analysis. • The system analysis meets the researcher's demands and allows many extensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odisha coast, along the east coast of India, has the world's largest mass nesting sites (rookeries) for olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles. It has three rookeries namely Gahirmatha, Devi and Rushikulya. Olive ridley sea turtles and their habitat along the Odisha coast often face natural and anthropogenic threats leading to failure of mass nesting (arribada) and a population decline. The focus of the present study is to understand the coastal processes near the Rushikulya rookery, assess the impacts of natural and anthropogenic threats to the nesting population and their habitat, and suggest a management plan for the conservation of sea turtles and their habitat. Coastal processes and the associated geomorphological changes, shoreline change, and cyclonic disturbances at the Rushikulya rookery from 2008 to 2019 were studied. It is revealed that the natural threats for arribada are cyclonic storms, high wave exposure, and sand spit growth leading to erosion of the nesting habitat and debris accumulation. Coastal processes, such as east-southeast to south-southeast waves with moderate wave height, lunar semidiurnal tide, moderate southwest current, and predominantly southerly and easterly winds with moderate speed, are identified as favourable conditions for the sea turtles prior to and during an arribada. The study reveals that nesting on the sand spit is vulnerable because of frequent wave exposure and washout, while the beach to the north of the estuary is the most preferred and safe habitat for arribada. Coastal development, incidental capture, entanglement in gill nets, fisheries bycatch and illegal take are revealed as the major anthropogenic threats. Based on natural and anthropogenic threats, the local knowledge of the fishermen and the status of legislation, the study suggests an integrated regional management plan for the conservation of olive ridley sea turtles and their nesting habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chilika buffaloes, recognized as a breed since 2009 vide accession no. India_Buffalo_1500-Chilika_01012, are found in and around Chilika lake of Odisha. These buffaloes are reared under purely extensive system with no feed and medicine supplementation. The present study was undertaken to know the feeding pattern, metabolic status and milk composition of Chilika buffaloes in their natural habitat as very few literature is available about these buffaloes which are reared with zero external input system. The major portion of their feed is composed of different brackishwater weeds growing in and around the lake and grasses growing in the shallow water beds. The study was undertaken taking 60 buffaloes in their first to fourth lactation from 3 villages. The proximate composition of weeds and grasses were comparable with a good quality fodder but having higher acid insoluble ash. From the serum metabolic status it was seen that the protein level was adequate in the animals but the glucose level below normal range. These buffaloes have optimum serum level of major and minor minerals except Na, K and Fe, which is higher than the normal values. The milk fat content was higher than other buffaloes. It was found that among the PUFA the ratio of n3 to n6 was quite good which was higher than cattle and comparable with the fish. Further research is required to explore the availability of the biomass and exploit the potentiality of these buffaloes for the rich n:3 fatty acid content in the milk to be utilized by the today's health conscious society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to understand the impact of cyclone Asani on the coastal dynamics and nesting grounds of Olive Ridley sea turtles in the Rushikulya Estuary and spit in Odisha. The novelty of this study is the need to understand the effects of natural disasters on the marine environment and wildlife. This study provides new and valuable data on the effects of specific cyclones on sea turtle populations and highlights the need for increased attention and protection of these important habitats. The period of shoreline change analyzed in this study was before (May 2, 2022) and after (May 17, 2022) the impact of cyclone Asani. Multi-temporal Sentinel 2A images and Digital Shoreline Analysis System were used to perform such an analysis. Field surveys were conducted using a Leica DGPS ArcPad, and group discussions with relevant stakeholders such as the fishing community, government officials, and coastal conservation guards were also undertaken. The findings of this study showed that the cyclone had a significant impact on the spit, dividing it into four smaller pieces and opening three new mouths. The spit experienced erosion and a significant reduction in length, and local fishing community reported that 15–20% of sea turtle eggs were washed away. This study highlights the severe threat to the survival of Olive Ridley sea turtles in Odisha due to changing cyclone patterns and the potential for degradation of the local ecosystem. The results of this study can aid in coastal conservation and management strategies to protect marine turtle populations in the region. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of genotypes comprising 81 local land races, four wild forms and four improved varieties of mungbean were grouped into 15 genetic clusters. The genotypes revealed wide variation in stable morphological characters as well as agronomic traits which provided the necessary base for genetic divergence. The wild forms TCR 192, TCR 213 and TCR 243 were viny with late maturity and had distinctly different leaflet, inflorescence and pod characteristics. Whereas, a wild accession TCR 20 was erect with sturdy stem, vigorous growth, broad ovate leaflets, long pods, profuse poding with high yield potential and resistance to biotic (bruchids, CLS, PM and YMV) and abiotic(drought) stresses. Clustering pattern confirmed more proximity of TCR 20 with cultivated forms and therefore, it may be amenable for hybridization with cultivated land races and improved varieties for transfer of its desirable traits. Balarampur Keonjhar local was quite distinct from other land races owing to its vigorous growth, broad leaves and long pods with very bold seeds, but worst affected by YMV. In contrast, TARM 1 had high field resistance to diseases including YMV. Nipania munga -an elite land race of Kalahandi district of Odisha was highly drought tolerant with dwarf plant type and good initial vigour. These above genotypes being morphologically unique and having unique desirable agro-economic traits, formed small divergent clusters and hence, may serve as valuable material for genetic improvement in mungbean through hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand spits are depositional landform and most active features near the coastal bays and inlets. The combine interactions between the wind, wave transformation, tidal variation, availability of sediment and river discharge decide the spit morphology, growth and orientation. The beaches around Rushikula river inlet is known as one of the largest rookeries of the olive ridley turtle. The spatial and temporal evolution of the sand spit, geomorphology changes and sediment distribution based on the data collected during 2005-2011 at different time intervals on the both sides of the inlet are assessed. Shoreline oscillation and geomorphology are monitored using real time global positioning system (RTK-GPS). The shoreline undergoes natural phases of erosion and deposition process, however, the entrapment of huge longshore sediment during southwest monsoon months near the river inlet triggers northerly progression of the sand spit and small temporary islands that are highly conducive for formation of nesting habitat. Sediment samples (n=210) collected at different transects representing fore, mid and backshore are analyzed to understand the role of grain size in erosion/ accretion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ports involve construction of coastal structures such as groin, sea wall, breakwater, jetty etc. which result in modification of the shoreline and coastal geomorphology Paradip and Dhamara are two major operational ports along Odisha coast while Gopalpur port isbeing developed as all weather open sea direct berthing port.The coastal structures associated with Paradipport at present are two breakwaters and northern sea wall while Dhamara port is built in an estuarine environment with one jetty. At Gopalpur Port, southern (530m)and northern (362m) groinswere constructed during 2007-2009 along both sides of the previously existing piers. Other developments include intermediate (360m)and southern(1735m)breakwaters during November 2011 to December, 2012 on the south and groin field (ten groins of different dimension) on the north during September, 2011 to December, 2012. Impacts of these coastal structures aremonitored every month from June, 2008 to April, 2014 by observing shoreline change, beach profile andLittoral Environment along 30 km stretch on the north and south of Gopalpur port along with one year (June 2008-May 2009) wave and tide measurements by deploying tide gauge and wave rider buoy at 23mdepth off Gopalpur port. Besides, seasonal observations on beach profile and shoreline near ParadipPort(August, 2010 to August, 2013) and long term (1975-2014)shoreline change study at Gopalpur, Paradip and Dhamara Portare carried out with topo-sheet data as base line information. The shoreline change rate (m/yr) in the pre and post construction phases are estimated which show distinct difference between the two phases and also on the north and south of the ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) “Phailin” crossed Odisha coast near Gopalpur on 12 October, 2013 and caused significant damage to property due to both wind and surge. High surge(∼2.3m) generated by the cyclone washed away some of the coastal structures(groins and break waters) constructed at the Gopalpur port besides causing coastal erosion. Wind damage was quite extensive around 50 km radius of the cyclone track. In the present study, an attempt is made to simulate and test the capability of the state of art Weather Research and Forecastingmeso-scale model (WRFV3) in capturing the wind intensity and track of cyclone accurately. The simulation has been carried out using two domains with a horizontal resolution of 27 km for domain1 and 9 km for domain2. Multiple simulations using initial conditions (NCEP FNL) at an interval of 6 hours, same cumulus parameterization and time integration schemes but with different microphysics schemes are carried out. The objective of the present study is to find the best microphysics for accurate simulation of intensity and track of tropical cyclone. Because, the main source of energy for tropical cyclone is the latent heat release (convective heating) in clouds, which depend on microphysical processes and the related cloud dynamical properties. The model was integrated for 108 hours starting from 9 October, 2013 to 13 October, 2013. Simulated features include track, intensity, rainfall and other synoptic conditions. As a test of the model performance, some observed features (track, maximum sustained wind, and sea level pressure) were compared with simulations and it was observed that simulations with WRF Single Moment-3 (WSM3) class microphysics scheme compare well with observations. Other synoptic features like, low level divergence, vorticity, and simulated rainfall are also discussed in relation to model performance. Impacts of Phailin on coastal structures are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article intends to give a comprehensive understanding of the colonial urbanisation as a cultural process in colonial Odisha centred at Cuttack city as manifest in the evolving public sphere and in the process contribute to the historical studies on colonialism in one of the neglected regions of South Asia and also from such a neglected perspective in South Asian history. While trying to assess the ‘problematic objectively’, it adopts the theoretical perspectives associated with ‘new cultural history’. Against this backdrop, the article tries to look at the issues of class, community and nationalism and the attendant politics during the ‘decisive phase’ of late nineteenth and early twentieth century of colonial Odisha by trying to explore the emergence of Cuttack as a city, a colonial urban space. As the capital city of Odisha, Cuttack is seen as the site around which ‘evolved and revolved the modern regional cultural tradition of Odisha’ and more crucially so, the ‘citizenry’ including its middle class, constituted the ‘microcosm of Colonial Odisha’. The article examines the issues by negotiating with the growth of the middle class, shaping up of the concept of ‘public space’ and the structuring of ‘public’ as a ‘discursive entity’ along with the crystallisation of cultural politics underlying competing hegemonies and identities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Orissa, the maritime state along the east coast of India, has a coastline of 480 km. The southern part of the coast has a narrow shelf, but the north Orissa coast has an extended continental shelf. The coastline is bestowed with six major estuaries, India's second largest mangrove forest (Bhitarkanika Sanctuary), Asia's largest brackish water coastal lagoon (Chilika), extensive sandy beaches rich in heavy minerals, the world's largest rookery for the Olive Ridley sea turtle (Gahirmatha sandy beach within Bhitarkanika sanctuary), and two species of horseshoe crabs. In the last few decades there has been tremendous pressure on the coastal zone for the development of fisheries, aquaculture, ports, harbours, and urban settlements. These developments have led to environmental changes, some of which are irreversible, and thus have become issues of concern for the public as well as the state government. Some of the important environmental changes taking place, and which seriously affect the economy of the region, are tropical cyclones and associated storm surges, floods, decline in mangrove forests, accelerated shoreline changes, and transformation of the coastal lagoon ecosystem. This paper documents different coastal environmental features and their changes, observed during the last few decades through secondary data, field surveys, and remote sensing observations, and suggests a framework for a coastal zone management programme in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The official arrival of the British in the Eastern Orissa in 1803 brought in its wake negative changes such as Zamindari system; the printing and circulation of the New and Old Testaments; the opening of the Missionary schools; and evangelization. There were also positive changes such as secular education and the shaping of new genres and canon in the Oriya Language and literature; the emergence of the new literati that espoused the various reformatory movements. Based on archival material recently acquired from the Bengal Asiatic Society and other important sources, it is suggested in this essay, citing the example of the British scholar administrator John Beames, that the trope 'English' operated in a complex and many-sided manner in British India--especially, in Orissa. Postcolonial scholars have often held scholarship by Englishmen in the field of comparative philology and linguistics, beginning with Sir William Jones and others, as suspect. Much of the study of the colonial discourse, in the recent past has, with credible evidence, unmasked the nexus between knowledge and power. It seems, however, that the time has come to take a more considered and balanced view of the matter that eschews politically correct Good/Evil Manichean binaries. In this sense, the archives become a crucial corrective to opinionated judgment. John Beames in this sense becomes a test case of my contention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Beetle dermatitis is a very common condition in western Orissa. It is often misdiagnosed and causes significant morbidity among the rural population.Aim: This study was conducted to determine the epidemiological and clinical profile of beetle dermatitis in western Orissa.Methods: All clinically diagnosed cases of beetle dermatitis were included in the study. Detailed history was taken and thorough clinical examination was conducted in all the cases. One urban and three rural localities were visited regularly to detect the epidemiological trends of the disorder.Results: A total of 590 cases were studied: 486 males and 104 females. The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 65 years. Forty-four percent of the patients belonged to the pediatric age group. Majority of the cases (85%) presented during the months of March to July, indicating a distinct seasonal trend. The disorder was prevalent in the localities nearer to paddy and sugarcane fields and grasslands with stagnant water. The clinical lesions included papules, erosions, crusted lesions, urticarial plaques and vesiculobullous lesions. Distribution was mainly linear, but kissing lesions were also observed. Head, neck and upper extremities were the most commonly involved sites. Lymphadenopathy and systemic features such as fever and malaise were observed in 24% and 15% of the cases, respectively.Conclusion: Beetle dermatitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of the acute onset of vesiculobullous lesions in the endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]