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A pot culture study was undertaken to study the effect of slag based gypsum as a source of nutrient to the rice crop in an alkaline soil. The treatments included recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as control, 450, 600, 750 and 900 kg ha-1 of slag based gypsum (SBG) along with RDF. The treatments were replicated thrice and complete randomized design (CRD) was followed for statistical analysis. The results revealed that application of 750 kg SBG ha-1 recorded significantly higher rice grain (8.85 g pot-1) and straw (9.00 g pot-1) yield when compared with other treatments. Further, application of 750 kg SBG ha-1 recorded higher nitrogen (N) (137.68 mg pot-1), phosphorus (P) (48.37 mg pot-1) and potassium (K) (45.38 mg pot-1) uptake by rice grain and also a significantly higher exchangeable calcium (Ca) (12.19 c mol (p+) kg-1) and magnesium (Mg) (12.93 c mol (p+) kg-1) in post-harvest soil. Whereas, application of 900 kg SBG ha-1 recorded higher N (75.64 mg pot-1), P (17.95 mg pot-1) and K (49.78 mg pot-1) uptake by rice straw and also higher pH (8.95), electrical conductivity (EC) (1.28 dS m-1), available N (160.53 kg ha-1) and available sulphur (S) (182.50 kg ha-1) in post-harvest soil. Moreover, application of 900 kg SBG ha-1 was also reported to give higher micronutrient uptake and availability in post-harvest soil of our studies.

Tinospora cordifolia is an important medicinal plant species known for therapeutic action of starch along with other medicinal ingredients. The starch prepared from the aqueous extract of fresh stems is used in the Indian Systems of Medicines. The plant extract prepared from T. cordifolia is a promising source for the treatment of COVID-19. This investigation explores for the first time, the morphological details of the starch granules and its accumulation pattern along with its variability among the germplasm of T. cordifolia collected from different parts of India. Starch content was 39.80% on dry weight basis and moisture content was about 28.21%. Starch granule recovery based on stem dry weight and starch content ranged from 14.70 to 20.28% and 52.02 to 71.76%, respectively in different starch settling methods. Starch accumulation pattern in the stem was also studied in the species. Even though wide variability in starch granule shapes was observed among the germplasm, majority of the genotypes had starch granules of round or oval shape. Similarly, starch granule size also varied greatly (38.32–88.03 µm) within and among the genotypes. Significantly small sized starch granules (p = 0.05) were present in the genotype, IC 283650 and biggest (p = 0.05) starch granules were present in the genotype, IC 310610. The information generated in the present study will have application in starch industry for the inclusion of T. cordifolia as an alternative source of starch in addition to its use in Traditional Systems of Medicine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42535-021-00286-y.

Green supply chain is the process used for diminishing the exploitation of resources and producing sustainable technological development. The aim of the research work is to build the proficient Industry 4.0 green architectures index for assessing the feasible candidate choice. In the research work, a crisp numbers set-based MOORA-FMF advanced technique is executed for examining the Industry 4.0 green architectures of vendors firms. The managers are assisted with an Industry 4.0 green architectures index with optimization technique to quantify the performances of alternatives. Therefore, a real case study of a steel manufacturing plant is carried to simulate the proposed Industry 4.0 GSC architectures. Eventually, the results are presented in the conclusion.

Medicinal plants are generally suggested for degraded land or areas having low rain-fall. Andrographis paniculata is an important medicinal plant known for its diterpene lactone i.e. andrographolide. We exposed 26 genotypes of A. paniculata to rain-fed condition during early-season rain-fed (ESRF) and mid-season rain-fed (MSRF) conditions and compared with the control to assess their suitability in semi-arid climate region of Gujarat, India. The study was performed during two consecutive years 2016–2017 in split plot design with rain-fed conditions as main-plot treatment and genotypes as sub-plot treatment in three replications. The gaseous exchange parameters taken at 85∼100 days after transplanting exhibited mean photosynthesis rate was 20.5 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 ranging between 15.9 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 and 24.0 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1. Exceeding 7% decrease in stomatal conductance was recorded compared to the control plants under imposed rain-fed condition. The mean value of transpiration rate was 4.8 mmol H2O m−2 s−1. The mean value of water use efficiency was 4.6. MSRF condition decreased leaf water potential from −0.517 to −1.189 Mpa. The dry herbage decreased by 29.2% due to MSRF condition as compared the control. The andrographolide yield per plant suffered significantly and under ESRF condition it reduced mainly due to reduction in andrographolide content. Reduced andrographolide yield per plant in MSRF condition was mainly due to reduction in herbage yield. Results revealed that ESRF and MSRF condition characterized by erratic rainfall pattern and dry spell is not beneficial for quality production in A. paniculata. Based on the least decrease in andrographolide, yield two genotypes viz., AP 6 and AP 12 identified to be suitable for ESRF condition and two genotypes viz., AP 19 and AP 6 suitable for MSRF condition. Overall, four genotypes, AP 35, AP 39, AP 61 and AP 24 were suitable as the promising genotypes having high andrographolide yield.

In this article, we consider a two level supply chain to evaluate the impact of postponement strategy on the retailer. Here the cost parameters are fuzzified. Signed distance method is used to defu...

Aims: The study aimed to assess soybean response to organic manures and superabsorbent polymers along with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF: 25-60-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1). Study Design: The experiment was tested with a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out during 2017-2018 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on soybean, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK, Bengaluru-560065, Karnataka, India. Methodology: The field experiment was having eight treatments with three replications. The treatments comprised RDF in combination with farmyard manure (FYM) at the rate of 3.0 t ha-1, potassium polyacrylate at the rate of 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha-1, pusa hydrogel, humic acid and vermicompost at the rate of 7.5 kg ha-1, 3.0 kg ha-1 and 3.0 t ha-1, respectively. Results: The results revealed that RDF with potassium polyacrylate at the rate of 7.5 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher with respect to growth parameters viz., plant height (74.6 cm), number of branches plant-1 (14.2), leaf area (2394 cm2 plant-1) and total dry matter (57.3 g plant-1) and yield attributes like number of pods plant-1 (58.4), seed weight plant-1 (28.62 g), seed yield (2707 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4370 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.38). The net returns (Rs. 68255 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.58) were also recorded higher in the treatment having potassium polyacrylate at the rate of 7.5 kg ha-1 and RDF.

The emergence of Tamil ethnic nationalism in Sri Lanka in the 1980s has brought about significant geopolitical and social changes in the island nation. The ethno-nationalist mobilizations by the Si...

This essay analyzes the role of memory in the historical trajectory of the grant of Panchami lands to Tamil Dalits during the colonial period and its ramifications in contemporary times. Tamil Dali...

Introduction: Open excision is one of the simple surgical techniques for the correction of pilonidal sinus, in the recent times, the rhomboid excision with limberg flap is being practiced commonly due to increased patient’s satisfaction, reduced pain, etc. Aim: To assess the surgical outcome of open excision and rhomboid excision with limberg flap for the correction of pilonidal sinus. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cohort study was done among patients with pilonidal sinus requiring surgical treatment, in Department of Surgery in Adichunchangiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, B.G. Nagar, Bellur, Mandya District, Karnataka, India. The study was conducted during June 2018 to December 2019. Participants who underwent open excision were included in group A (n=40) and rhomboid excision with Limberg’s flap were included in group B (n=40). Patients were followed-up for a period of one month. The key outcome assessed were mean duration of surgery, pain during the first three postoperative days, time taken for discharge and return to work, complications and patients satisfaction. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Rhomboid excision with Limberg’s flap was found to be significantly better than open excision method in terms of pain, duration of hospital stay, time taken to return to profession, patient’s satisfaction and overall complications but there were no significant difference noted with respect to individual complication and duration of time taken for surgical procedure. Conclusion:RhomboidexcisionwithLimberg’sflapiscomparatively better than open excision.

Pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus involves scores of different factors, out of which Glucagon like factor-1 (GLP-1) plays a foremost role. GLP-1 is a peptide-hormone of the incretin system. It exhibits glucagonostatic as well as glucose dependent insulinotropic action. GLP-1 augments regeneration of β-cell, boost secretion of insulin and trim down weight gain in type-2 diabetes. GLP-1 discharge from the L cells of intestine is mediated by neural and hormonal factors which are stimulated by the occurrence of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. Conversely, GLP-1 is instantaneously shattered by enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-IV. GLP-1 is also cleared by renal clearance. Diminished GLP-1 leads to attenuated insulin release leading to type-2 diabetes. Substitution of GLP-1 regularizes the insulin release and prevents type-2 diabetes. However, GLP-1 holding infinitesimal plasma half life limits its therapeutic effects. To surmount the limitations of indigenous GLP-1, several GLP-1 receptor agonist like Exenatide are been developed. Modifications in pharmaceutical formulation are also been made to meet the patients adherence to the medication of GLP-1 agonist.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Toxicity was studied for Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides. • LD50 was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg of body weight. • Petroleum ether extract showed increase in somatomotor activity for short time. • Methanolic and aqueous extract exhibited some change in Haematological parameters., Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (Family: Apiaceae) is a medicinal plant and is been a part of traditional cuisine. Hence, an acute toxicity study was performed to confirm its safety profile. Female rats (n=5) were randomly divided into 5 groups. One group served as the control and the other groups were been administered with the petroleum ether, chloroform, methanolic and aqueous extract of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides at 2000 mg/kg body weight. Blood was collected at certain intervals to measure the haematological and biochemical parameters. The vital organs were isolated and preserved for histopathological examinations. The result suggested that the LD50 of all the extracts are greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight. There was no significant change in body weight, Behaviour, Renal Function test, Liver function test and Lipid profile. In haematological evaluation, there was an increase in RBC count and haemoglobin production post administration of methanolic and aqueous extract. The study suggested that the LD50 of the plant is greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight of rats in all the extracts.

White rot fungi (WRF) (belonging to the Basidiomycota family) are considered as the most efficient microorganisms to degrade lignin polymer through secretion of lignin-modifying enzymes such as oxidases (laccase) and peroxidases (lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase). Non-specific nature of these LMEs has a wide range of industrial and environmental applications including biodegradation and bioremediation of xenobiotics. Environmental pollution was generally caused by the extensive use of xenobiotics in the ecosystem. Massive studies on bioremediation of pollutants by bacteria and actinomycetes are highly noticed. It was recognized that very fewer research reports have existed on the influence of xenobiotics on the growth of highly environmentally adapted fungi as well as white rot fungi (WRF). Hence, the present book chapter mainly reveals the effect of xenobiotics on growth and secretion or production of LMEs by WRF and their participation in the bioremediation of xenobiotics. This chapter initially revealed the chemical nature of xenobiotics and their toxicity impact on WRF biomass. Furthermore the effect of pesticides such as malathion, lindane, and diuron on white rot fungal (Pleurotus ostreatus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Ganoderma lucidum) growth as well as secretion of ligninolytic enzymes and minimization of xenobiotics including PAHs and dyes by the WRF was clearly explained. This chapter provides information about how to reduce the harmful impact of xenobiotics in the environment by using LMEs and improve the applications of enzymatic technology.

A comprehensive investigation on guggul endosperm development pattern was done by studying fruit set development under bagged condition and checked their ploidy level through flow cytometry. The study was carried out in 59 accessions maintained in the field gene bank of DMAPR. The flowers were bagged to avoid pollen grain and studied the fruit development pattern. It was found that, 48 accessions showed fruit set under bagged condition whereas 11 accessions failed to set the fruits. In these 11 accessions, the flowers were allowed for pollination and developing fruits (30-40 Days After Anthesis [DAA]) were collected and flow cytometric study was carried out to confirm triple fusion of endosperm development if there any. From the study it was observed that these showed 2x: 4x ploidy level, 2x:4x: 8x along with 2x: 3x which confirmed that, this apomictic species retains a low frequency of sexual reproduction. Hence it can be concluded that, both sexual and apomictic pathways are still active in the species which can be used as fixation of heterosis towards crop breeding improvement programme.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, irreversible, fatal brain disease which disturbs cognitive functions. It affects 35 million people worldwide and the number of people suffering may increase to 100 million by 2050 if no effective treatments are available. The present treatment improves cognitive functions and provide temporary symptomatic relief, but do not stop or delay the disease progression. Moreover, they are mainly available as conventional oral dosage forms and these conventional oral medications lack brain specificity and also produce side effects which leads to poor patient compliance. Brain drug targeting by nanomedicines is a promising approach to improve brain targeting specificity, brain bioavailability and patient compliance. The present review discuses about the currently available pharmacotherapy for AD and the neurotherapeutic applications as well as the advancements of nanomedicine for treating AD. It also highlights the recent advancements of various nanomedicines containing phytopharmaceuticals for treating AD. It is believed that nanomedicines containing approved drugs can be transformed into the clinics hence improve the life style of AD patients.

Guggul (Commiphora wightii) is a critically endangered medicinal plant distributed in arid and semi-arid agro-climatic zones of Northern-west India. Information on genetic diversity of C. wightii using DNA markers even though reported is limited to Rajasthan and Haryana populations and that too without considering its reproductive behaviour. In the present study, we are reporting for the first time the genetic diversity vis-a-vis its reproductive behaviour by including more number of accessions from Gujarat, which is the only place in India where sexual populations are distributed. We used RAPD and ISSR markers since genome sequence information is lacking in the species. Twenty four RAPD primers and 16 ISSR primers amplified a total of 185 and 128 reproducible DNA fragments, respectively with fragment sizes ranged from 200 to 3000 bp. RAPD analysis showed higher polymorphism (80%) in comparison to ISSR (69%). Jaccard's coefficient of similarity showed that pair-wise genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 46 to 98.3% in RAPD analysis, whereas it ranged from 47.8 to 98.6% in ISSR analysis. The results showed that the trend of genetic variation was not strictly correlated to the geographical locations, but was related to the reproductive behaviour of the populations. The diversity was somewhat low in Rajasthan populations where only apomictic populations are distributed. Populations of maximum genetic diversity along with sexual forms were found distributed in Gujarat populations, especially in Kutchh, Dwarka, Jamnagar and Porbandar populations. Hence the study indicated these areas as the original areas of the species distribution from where it was spread to the other parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Piper betle L. (betelvine) is a dioecious species which is a native of Central and South East Asia and it is cultivated in an area of about 50,000 ha in India. The basic chromosome number of this species is x = 13. Only fragmented work has so far been reported on chromosome numbers and ploidy status. The extremely small size and high number of chromosomes, interclonal variability and very dense cytoplasmic contents make critical analysis difficult. In India, a large number of germplasm has been collected and assembled in All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Betelvine centers by sustained efforts of betelvine workers over a period of two and half decades. Hybridization work was also initiated and a few hybrids have been developed in India. But hybrid depression was noticed in most of the hybrids. Hence a study was undertaken to determine compatible ploidy level of available male and female germplasm using flow cytometry. Cytological studies conducted in a selected male cultivar revealed 2n = 3x = 39 and female cultivar it was 2n = 4x = 52 chromosomes and these cultivars were used as control samples in the flow cytometry analysis. Flow cytometric study showed that all male accessions were grouped within the same ploidy level (triploid) while all females were grouped in another ploidy group (tetraploid). The present study also gave explanation for the observed hybrid depression due to the possibility of aneuploid hybrid formation by the fusion of unbalanced gametes developed from the triploid male parents. Flow cytometry could thus be utilized for the rapid screening and earlier detection of the aneuploids in hybrid seedlings in the species. Separation of sexes by ploidy difference is also a new report in P. betle.

Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari is an important medicinal plant and is enlisted as Critically Endangered (CR) category in Red Data Book of IUCN. Mostly, the plant is an apomict and existence of obligate apomictic and obligate sexual plants was also reported. However, there is no conclusive study carried out so far for the identification of facultative apomictic plants and its degree of distribution. Therefore, a thorough investigation has been carried out to understand the facultative nature of the plants using controlled pollination experiment followed by histological and flow cytometry analyses. The results of the study confirmed both type of reproduction i.e., sexual as well as apomictic exists among accessions of C. wightii. Under the non-availability of pollen grains, apomictic embryos were visualized after 3-5 days after anthesis (DAA) which were developed from the nucellar tissues at chalazal as well as micropylar end. However; under the availability of pollen grains, the sexual embryo development was observed along with apomictic embryos at the micropylar end and were visible after 10-15 DAA. Moreover, apomictic embryo development does not prevent the sexual embryo development process and hence polyembryony state has been achieved by the plant. Maximum four apomictic embryos along with a sexual embryo were documented per ovule by this investigation. The controlled pollination study also revealed that pollination increased the fruit set percentage and fruit filling over non-pollinated or open-pollinated plants. The flow-cytometric analysis provided evidence of endosperm formation through triple fusion (in zygotic embryo development) as well as autonomous (in apomictic embryo development) in C. wightii, which proved the facultative apomictic nature of the plant. The facultative apomictic plant with polyembryonic properties can be used as best suitable material for the identifications and mapping of responsible genes for the said traits and for the fixation of heterosis.

A deterministic inventory model with two levels of storage (own warehouse and rented warehouse) with non-instantaneous deteriorating items is studied. The supplier offers the retailer a trade credit period to settle the amount. Different scenarios based on the deterioration and the trade credit period have been considered. In this article, we have framed two models considering single warehouse (Model-I) and two warehouses (Model-II) for non-instantaneous deteriorating items. The objective of this work is to minimize the total inventory cost and to find the optimal length of replenishment and the optimal order quantity. Mathematical theorems have been developed to determine the existence and the uniqueness of the optimal solution. Computational algorithms for the two different models are designed to find the optimal order quantity and the optimal cycle time. Comparison between the optimal solutions for the two models is also given. Numerical illustrations and managerial insights obtained demonstrate the application and the performance of the proposed theory.