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Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for the majority of India’s population. In the traditional agriculture system, farmers have to manually check their crops in every section of the farm. This may at times leave some sections unchecked. Due to this, crop health may deteriorate considerably. If may not be treated in time, the farmer will face a huge loss and the crop yield will also reduce. To overcome this problem, a system can be employed to monitor the crops and out the sections where crop condition is worsening. For this, an image processing algorithm can be implemented. Through this system, the received data from the algorithm will be manipulated to enhance the crop’s health.

Concept maps help detect misconceptions and provide revision exercises to assess comprehension once a topic has been introduced. A concept map is a schematic drawing used to show the connection among the concepts in propositional form. A concept map is a helpful tool for illustrating the relationships between main concepts and sub-concepts. The main objective of the study was to identify misconceptions about the human digestive system among higher secondary students using concept maps. The data was collected from higher secondary students XI class students) (N = 388) with the help of students' preliminary concept maps and researcher-made concept map tools. Findings of the study showed that secondary school students hold misconceptions related to the human digestive system, i.e. few (22.68%) students have misconceptions such as 'Human Digestive System is the process by which hard food is converted into simple diffusible assimilable nutrients', few (19.32%) students have misconceptions such as 'Alimentary Canal starts with the throat," etc. The present paper will help use concept maps for the identification and remediation of students' misconceptions.

A drone, in simple words, is a type of flying robot that can be remotely controlled by a human operator. It is in technology terms also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). With many new advancements in drone technology, it is expected that drones may expand further to include diagnostic capabilities, namely in the imaging field. The drone presented in this paper will also be used for the delivery of medical supplies. With a lock system implemented on the container attached, it ensures the safety of the supplies till they reach the rightful person. The drone could be used by online pharmaceuticals, which are booming as people are gaining interest in them. The designed system is an internet-based drone using the principles of IoT.

Science is a systematic study of natural phenomenon. The natural phenomenon is perceived and understood by an individual based on his/her experience and cultural context. The term misconception is complex in nature and has been conceptualize as alternative conceptions, preconceptions, alternative ideas, conceptual stumbling blocks, erroneous concepts, alternative framework in various contexts by researchers at different level of schooling and geographical locations. Identification of misconception is a challenging task due to various factors such as cultural context, individual differences, teaching-learning processes, students personal experience etc. In the present context of multi and trans-disciplinary subjects, the identification of misconceptions has become essential and gain importance as they are contributing new knowledge and applications in Science and Technology. Hence, in the present paper researchers had made an attempt to analyze the intricacies in identification of misconceptions in biology. The paper heavily relies on secondary source of data. In the present paper researcher has thoroughly reviewed and studied the identifications of misconceptions in the subject biology mixed approaches along with tools, techniques and strategies.

Allium tuberosum, commonly known as garlic chives, is an underutilized Allium species despite its significant culinary value for its mild garlic flavor and therapeutic potential due to the presence of sulphur-containing compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study assessed the cultivation potential of A. tuberosum in the non-traditional agro-climatic region of the Western Ghats, focusing on the effects of cultivars and seasonal variations on growth, yield, and quality in two-year field trials. Among the accessions tested, A. tuberosum Kazakhstan CGN-1587 demonstrated the highest yield, producing 157.01 tons of green foliage per hectare. Bright sunshine seasons positively influenced both yield and quality, while the monsoon season induced morphological changes such as increased stem length, reduced leaf width, and decreased stem girth, traits generally considered inferior for market quality. The monsoon also led to increased waste generation, highlighting the need for careful management during this period. Nutritional analysis revealed high concentrations of potassium (5355 mg/kg), phosphorus (691 mg/kg), and sulphur (2484 mg/kg), while biochemical profiling identified bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (3.19 mg/g) and organosulfur compounds, including Allyl Methyl Thiosulfinate (269.00 mg/kg), which contribute to the plant’s notable health benefits. These findings support the suitability of A. tuberosum for year-round cultivation in the Western Ghats and its potential for commercialization, especially in regions with similar climatic conditions.

The genus Allium is a prominent member of the Amaryllidaceae family and encompasses approximately 1,063 species worldwide. These diverse species vary in appearance and flavor but they share biochemical similarities. Underutilized Alliums present a promising alternative to onion and garlic in various Indian regions, given their adaptability, versatile utility, and nutraceutical properties. Their adaptation in the plains of India is a great opportunity to add medicinal and nutraceutical value to Indian cuisine. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the underutilized raw Allium leaves for their sensory perception by hedonic test (n = 60), consumer perceptions and willingness to purchase (n = 180), and the development and validation of value chain model (n = 30) to popularize these species in plains. For the various sensory attributes evaluated, Allium tuberosum Kazakhstan CGN-1587 emerged out to be the most suitable for its advancement into the consumer survey. The consumer perception study recorded 74.44% willingness to purchase of total respondents and a majority preference for consuming it in cooked form (38.30%). A value chain model of Allium tuberosum Kazakhstan CGN-1587 with supply chain agencies was subsequently developed. Validation of this value chain model was done with a panel of different stakeholders. Panelists perceived the value chain as highly valid, particularly in terms of economic feasibility (4.30 ± 0.70) and sustainability (4.20 ± 0.81). Thus, the present study provides valuable insights that can support and promote the use of underutilized Alliums in non-traditional areas of India.

Abstract Background Onions are economically and nutritionally important vegetable crops. Despite advances in technology and acreage, Indian onion growers face challenges in realizing their full productivity potential. This study examines the technical efficiency of onion growers, the factors influencing it, and the constraints faced by those adopting drip irrigation in the Ghod river basin of western Maharashtra. A sample of 480 farmers including those practicing drip irrigation and those not practicing it, was selected from Junnar, Shirur, Parner, and Shrigonda blocks of the basin. The primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Analytical tools such as the Cobb-Douglas production function (represents technological relationship between multiple inputs and the resulting output), a single-stage stochastic frontier model, the Tobit model, and descriptive statistics were used to assess the technical efficiency of onion production at the farm level. Results According to the maximum likelihood estimates of the stochastic frontier analysis, drip adopters exhibited a mean technical efficiency of 92%, while for non-adopters it was 65%. It indicates that the use of drip irrigation technology is associated with higher technical efficiency. The association of technical efficiency and socio-economic characters of households showed that education, extension contacts, social participation, and use of information sources had a positive influence on technical efficiency, while family size had a negative influence on the drip irrigation adopters. For non-drip adopters, significant positive effects were observed for landholding, extension contact, and information source use. The major constraints faced by drip system adopters included a lack of knowledge about the proper operating techniques for drip systems and the cost of maintenance. Conclusion The differences with inputs associated with two irrigation methods showed that the response of inputs to increase onion yield is greater for farmers who use drip irrigation than for farmers who do not, and are a result of the large differences in the technical efficiencies. These inefficiencies and other limitations following the introduction of drip irrigation, such as lack of knowledge about the proper operations, need to be addressed through tailored training for farmers and further interventions.

Chemistry is one of the important branches of science. The subject matter of chemistry consists of numerous complex and abstract concepts. Therefore, sometimes students have flawed understanding of these concepts. These erroneous concepts are known as misconceptions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the misconceptions for Valency and Chemical Bonding among high school students. The data collecting tool used in this study was a two-tier diagnostic chemistry test consisting of statements based on the concepts and their reasons. 52 students studying in std. IX were administered with the tool. Their diagnosis was done using percentage. The diagnosis showed that misconceptions occur in students in case of abstract concepts of Chemistry i.e., Valency and Chemical Bonding. As these concepts are intangible in nature, the understanding of students regarding these concepts is not clear.

Background Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is a complex of cryptic species with subtle morphological differences and distinct genetic backgrounds; thus, species identification using traditional methods remains challenging. The existence of different haplotypes and genotypes within a species can significantly influence various aspects of its biology, including host preference, reproductive capacity, resistance to pesticides, and vector competence for plant viruses. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of cryptic species within T. tabaci will not only aid in the development of more effective control strategies tailored to specific genetic variants but also in monitoring population dynamics, tracking invasive species, and implementing quarantine measures to prevent the spread of economically damaging thrips biotypes. Methods This study aims to explore intraspecies genetic diversity and molecular evolutionary relationships of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I (mtCOI) in T. tabaci populations from India. To capture diversity within the Indian T. tabaci populations, amplicon sequencing was performed for the thrips mtCOI gene from eight diverse localities in India. A total of 48 sequences retrieved for the mtCOI gene from the NCBI Nucleotide database were analysed. Results Multiple insertions and deletions were detected at various genomic positions across the populations from different localities, with the highest variation observed in the 300–400 genome position range. Molecular diversity analyses identified 30 haplotypes within the population, with certain subpopulations exhibiting higher gene flow. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism patterns within the mtCOI gene across diverse Indian locales revealed significant intrapopulation genetic heterogeneity and its potential repercussions on gene functionality. Elevated F statistics (Fst) values in the northern–western subpopulations suggested high genetic variability, particularly evident in haplotype networks originating mainly from the northern region, notably Delhi. While most populations displayed stable and ancient evolutionary histories, thrips populations from northern, western, and north-eastern regions indicated rapid growth.

Background: Metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality of colorectal CRC. Very few prognostic markers and factors affecting progression are studied between metastatic CRC and early CRC. Adipokines are speculated to be associated with this area of interest. In the current study leptin, leptin receptor (Ob-R), adiponectin, adiponectin R1, and adiponectin R2 expression were measured at gene levels to determine a possible association between adipokines and early/metastatic cancer to ultimately identifying a definitive diagnostic marker. Materials and methods: Tissue samples were obtained from 62 patients with radical specimens of CRC. Genes expression was determined by Quantitative Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The association between the clinicopathological parameters and gene expression levels were analyzed by statistical analysis. Results: Overexpression of leptin mRNA is observed in small tumors (size< 5 cms) (P

Summary: Sarcomas are a diverse group of rare malignancies composed of multiple different clinical and molecular subtypes. Due to their rarity and heterogeneity, basic, translational, and clinical research in sarcoma has trailed behind that of other cancers. Outcomes for patients remain generally poor due to an incomplete understanding of disease biology and a lack of novel therapies. To address some of the limitations impeding preclinical sarcoma research, we have developed Sarcoma_CellMinerCDB, a publicly available interactive tool that merges publicly available sarcoma cell line data and newly generated omics data to create a comprehensive database of genomic, transcriptomic, methylomic, proteomic, metabolic, and pharmacologic data on 133 annotated sarcoma cell lines. The reproducibility, functionality, biological relevance, and therapeutic applications of Sarcoma_CellMinerCDB described herein are powerful tools to address and generate biological questions and test hypotheses for translational research. Sarcoma_CellMinerCDB (https://discover.nci.nih.gov/SarcomaCellMinerCDB) aims to contribute to advancing the preclinical study of sarcoma.

Pornography viewing is gradually becoming a part of life in many countries around the world, including India. However, the role of the extensive consumption of pornography among the Indian youths has not been given much attention by society and the government. Pornography is fuel for the global sex trade industry. In the contemporary world due to advancements in ICT they access to the porn is on the tip of their fingers which is causing Psycho-social health among youth. The main aim of the present study is to study the psycho-social effect of pornography among post graduate students in Kolhapur city and check effectiveness of pornography preventive model on PG students. The survey and experimental method was adopted by the researcher. The data was collected with a researcher-made questionnaire from N=325 PG students by a convenient sampling method. The finding of the study are: More than 3/4 respondents suffer from the following psycho-social effects of pornography: Feeling live away from society, Masturbation, Feeling guiltiness, Mental stress, increase in aggressive behaviour, Staring at women/girls as a 'Sex object'. The developed Preventive model is helpful to overcome from pornography by the PG students.

ABSTRACT Background: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the common carcinomas with a rising incidence of metastasis due to its advanced stage of presentation. The existing biomarkers such as CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) etc., for prognosis, have low sensitivity and specificity. Hence a need for a newer definitive biomarker. Obesity is the leading cause of CRC. Leptin and adiponectin secreted by adipose tissue have been studied as potential biomarkers in the field of CRC. The present study helps to understand the association of leptin and adiponectin receptors with clinicopathological parameters. Objective: To correlate the various clinicopathological parameters with the tissue expression of leptin and adiponectin receptors in CRC. Methods: It is a cross-sectional prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Formalin fixed paraffin blocks of all radical resection CRC cases were collected and immunohistochemistry (IHC)was carried out on tumor tissue for leptin and adiponectin receptor. Tumor characteristics and clinical parameters were collected from the hospital medical records. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used. Results: Immunohistochemistry was performed on 60 cases of CRC. Significant positive correlation of leptin was observed with size, lymph node metastasis, advanced stage, and grade of tumor (P

IntroductionInsulin resistance is being increasingly reported in type-1 Diabetes (T1D) and is known to accelerate microvascular complications. The Asian Indian population has a higher risk of double diabetes development compared to Caucasians. Hence, we studied the effect of adding Metformin to standard insulin therapy on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity (IS), cardiometabolic parameters and body composition in Indian adolescents with T1D.MethodsA Randomized controlled trial was conducted spanning 9 months (Registration number:CTRI/2019/11/022126). Inclusion: Age 10-19 years, T1D duration>1year, HbA1c>8% Exclusion: Uncontrolled vascular complications/comorbidities, Metformin intolerance, concomitant drugs affecting insulin sensitivity. Participants were randomized to Metformin/Placebo (n=41 each) groups and age, sex, duration-matched. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3 and 9 months.Results82 participants aged 14.7 ± 3years (40 females) were enrolled, with a mean diabetes duration of 5.2 ± 2.3 years. Over 9 months, HbA1c decreased significantly by 0.8 (95% confidence interval: -1.2 to -0.3) from 9.8 ± 1.8% to 9.1 ± 1.7% on Metformin but remained largely unchanged (difference of 0.2, 95% confidence interval: -0.7 to 0.2) i.e. 9.9 ± 1.6% and 9.7 ± 2.2% on placebo. HbA1c improvement correlated negatively with baseline IS (EGDR:r= -0.3;SEARCH:r = -0.24, p

The onion seed crop is affected by several bacterial and fungal rot, which causes lodging, yield, and seed quality losses. In the present study the performance of three biocontrol agents- Piriformospora indica, Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and Trichoderma viride with fungicide and bactericide as a standard control in reducing lodging and enhancing the seed yield and quality in onion was evaluated. The results showed that among the bioagents, indica recorded the highest bulb germination (98.39%), highest plant stand (87.10%), umbel diameter (5.01 cm), and lowest lodging (27.56%). Whereas VAM recorded the highest plant height (53.53 cm). The performance of P. indica was equivalent to standard chemical control carbendazim for several characteristics and even superior in characteristics like–seed yield (22.60 g/plant) and seed quality traits like–1000-seed weight (3.69 g), and seed vigour index-II (209.76). These results suggest that onion bulb treatment with P. indica is beneficial in reducing pesticide use and lodging, and increasing the productivity and seed quality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of P. indica in onion seed crop. Onion seed crop is pollinated by insects, primarily by honeybees, which are highly susceptible to pesticide applications. Therefore, onion seed bulb treatment with P. indica can be an essential component of integrated crop management in onion seed production for sustainable agriculture.

Abstract TOP3B is stabilized by TDRD3. Hypothesizing that TDRD3 recruits a deubiquitinase, we find that TOP3B interacts with USP9X via TDRD3. Inactivation of USP9X destabilizes TOP3B, and depletion of both TDRD3 and USP9X does not promote further TOP3B ubiquitylation. Additionally, we observe that MIB1 mediates the ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of TOP3B by directly interacting with TOP3B independently of TDRD3. Combined depletion of USP9X, TDRD3 and MIB1 causes no additional increase in TOP3B levels compared to MIB1 knockdown alone indicating that the TDRD3-USP9X complex works downstream of MIB1. To comprehend why cells degrade TOP3B in the absence of TDRD3, we measured TOP3Bccs. Lack of TDRD3 increases TOP3Bccs in DNA and RNA, and induced R-loops, γH2AX and growth defect. Biochemical experiments confirm that TDRD3 increases the turnover of TOP3B. Our work provides molecular insights into the mechanisms by which TDRD3 protect cells from deleterious TOP3Bccs which are otherwise removed by TRIM41.

In recent years, there has been a significant interest in the advancement of electrochemical sensing platforms to detect antipyretic drugs with high sensitivity and selectivity. The electrochemical determination of acetaminophen (PCT) was studied with strontium molybdate with a functionalized carbon nanotube (SrMoO4@f-CNF) nanocomposite. The SrMoO4@f-CNF nanocomposite was produced by a facial hydrothermal followed by sonochemical treatment, resulting in a significant enhancement in the PCT determination. The sonochemical process was applied to incorporate SrMoO4 nanoparticles over f-CNF, enabling a network-like structure. Moreover, the produced SrMoO4@f-CNF composite structural, morphological, and spectroscopic properties were confirmed with XRD, TEM, and XPS characterizations. The synergistic effect between SrMoO4 and f-CNF contributes to the lowering of the charge transfer resistance (Rct=85 Ω·cm2), a redox potential of Epc=0.15 V and Epa=0.30 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and a significant limit of detection (1.2 nM) with a wide response range of 0.01–28.48 µM towards the PCT determination. The proposed SrMoO4@f-CNF sensor was studied with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques and demonstrated remarkable electrochemical properties with a good recovery range in real-sample analysis.

Child abuse impedes an individual personality and leaves mark on the heart of an individual eventually and affects the growth and development. The children are most vulnerable and can be easily exploits. Child Abuse refers to the action which hurt or harms children in terms physical, emotional, sexual etc. The study was intended to find out the status and perceived attitude towards the child abuse among upper primary school students of Kolhapur city. A descriptive survey was conducted and the data was collected from 221 Upper Primary School students using structured questionnaire of child abuse. The findings of study were parents do not talk about the uncomfortable situations their child might face in absence of them along with and let the child make it know about the uncomfortable situation faced by their child to the responsible adult and the child to deal with such situations at school, movie, by doctor, friend or at a workshop. This is serious concern as parents must make aware about child abuse among their wards and Most of the Boys and Girls don't know what to do if they will have to face any of the above mentioned situations.

Child abuse and Neglect is a concern as the grown child is later a responsible citizen of society. The well-round develop a child in a peaceful manner is constructive and an asset to the society and eventually to the nation and globe. Child Abuse and Neglect affects child personality in a socio-psychological manner. Identification of CAN at the right time and intervene for the child right empowers a vulnerable child. Hence teachers may play a key role in Child Abuse and Neglect. The objectives of the study were to identify the perceived concept of CAN along with the CAN Awareness among Primary School Teachers based Gender. The data was analyzed at dual-stage Qualitative and Quantitative and it was found that Moderate number of Schools does not have Policies to overcome & prevent the CAN and few of the Primary School teachers are unaware of POCSO Act. Few of Male & Female teachers are unaware of Case Identification & Reporting of CAN. A moderate number of Male & Female teachers has not participated in child abuse and neglect related awareness Training Programme.

ABSTRACT : Introduction: Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a very rare nonneoplastic lymphoproliferative disease with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. It was originally described as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy(SHML). Approximately 43% of Rosai-Dorfman disease show extra nodal involvement wherein the possible sites are skin, CNS, ear, orbit and rarely nose and paranasal sinuses. Definitive diagnosis can be performed by histopathological examination, which shows emperipolesis. The sinus histiocytes are strongly reactive for S-100 protein and CD68, but negative for CD1a. Case Report: The current study presents the case of a 29 year old male patient who had complaints of nasal obstruction since 5 months. Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy showed mass completely filling both nasal cavities. Histopathological examination concluded the diagnosis of Rosai-Dorfman Disease and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) stained positive for S-100 and CD68, while negative for CD1a, of the surgical specimen after surgical excision by Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. Follow up was done after a week, monthly for 6 months and a year for recurrence Discussion: Extranodal RDD, although rarely seen, should be considered in nasal cavity. Even though there is no ideal protocol in the treatment, surgical excision should be considered if there is a functional disorder.

We present a systematic search for optical counterparts to 13 gravitational wave (GW) triggers involving at least one neutron star during LIGO/Virgo's third observing run (O3). We searched binary neutron star (BNS) and neutron star black hole (NSBH) merger localizations with the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and undertook follow-up with the Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH) collaboration. The GW triggers had a median localization area of 4480 deg2, a median distance of 267 Mpc, and false-alarm rates ranging from 1.5 to 10-25 yr-1. The ZTF coverage in the g and r bands had a median enclosed probability of 39%, median depth of 20.8 mag, and median time lag between merger and the start of observations of 1.5 hr. The O3 follow-up by the GROWTH team comprised 340 UltraViolet/Optical/InfraRed (UVOIR) photometric points, 64 OIR spectra, and three radio images using 17 different telescopes. We find no promising kilonovae (radioactivity-powered counterparts), and we show how to convert the upper limits to constrain the underlying kilonova luminosity function. Initially, we assume that all GW triggers are bona fide astrophysical events regardless of false-alarm rate and that kilonovae accompanying BNS and NSBH mergers are drawn from a common population; later, we relax these assumptions. Assuming that all kilonovae are at least as luminous as the discovery magnitude of GW170817 (-16.1 mag), we calculate that our joint probability of detecting zero kilonovae is only 4.2%. If we assume that all kilonovae are brighter than-16.6 mag (the extrapolated peak magnitude of GW170817) and fade at a rate of 1 mag day-1 (similar to GW170817), the joint probability of zero detections is 7%. If we separate the NSBH and BNS populations based on the online classifications, the joint probability of zero detections, assuming all kilonovae are brighter than-16.6 mag, is 9.7% for NSBH and 7.9% for BNS mergers. Moreover, no more than 10-4, or φ > 30° to be consistent with our limits. We look forward to searches in the fourth GW observing run; even 17 neutron star mergers with only 50% coverage to a depth of-16 mag would constrain the maximum fraction of bright kilonovae to

The digital divide, which refers to disparities in accessing and utilising digital technologies, has emerged as a noteworthy issue in education, especially in the context of postgraduate studies. The research, employing a mixed-method approach, investigates the methods employed by postgraduate educators to address the challenges posed by the digital divide in their teaching approaches. The study utilised a concurrent triangulation design, allowing for the simultaneous collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. Initial data collection and analysis occurred in tandem with conducting in-depth interviews with postgraduate teachers, followed by thematic analysis. The data was collected and analysed from 25 postgraduate teachers who work in diverse educational settings. Findings revealed that postgraduate teachers adopted various pedagogical, technological, and socio-cultural strategies to address the challenges of the digital divide. Pedagogical strategies included using diverse instructional strategies, adapting teaching methods, and leveraging prior knowledge of students. Technological strategies encompassed utilising available digital resources online platforms and promoting digital literacy along with Free Open Source Software and Open Educational Resources among students. Socio-cultural strategies included building collaborative networks, creating inclusive classroom environments, and fostering a positive teacher-student relationship. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of how postgraduate teachers address the digital divide in their teaching practices and highlight the importance of innovative strategies to ensure equitable access to digital technologies in education.

Physics is a science that deals with matter and energy, and their interaction. The subject matter of Physics includes mechanics, heat, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, radiation, gravitation, atom structure etc. Physics concepts are included in the science textbook form primary level of education. Some Physics abstract concepts are difficult to comprehend for Primary and Secondary students. The complex and abstract nature of many concepts in physics makes them difficult to understand. It results into that the Physics subject become much more difficult due to the presence of varied misconceptions in students. The aim of the study is to identify the Physics misconceptions related to gravity, motion and inertia concepts among secondary school students. The study was descriptive in nature. One hundred forty (N=140) Ninth standard semi-english secondary school students of Kolhapur city were selected by purposive sampling method. The researchers identify three concepts of Physics i.e. Gravity, Motion, Inertia. The tool was constructed and data was collected from the Ninth standard students of affiliated to State Board of Kolhapur city. The misconceptions found were 'gravitational force just act on only heavy object', 'gravity does not affect the object in water', 'a continuous force is needed for continuous motion', 'speed and motion are same and 'inertia is the force that keep objects in motion' among the students.

IntroductionWaterlogging is a major stress that severely affects onion cultivation worldwide, and developing stress-tolerant varieties could be a valuable measure for overcoming its adverse effects. Gathering information regarding the molecular mechanisms and gene expression patterns of waterlogging-tolerant and sensitive genotypes is an effective method for improving stress tolerance in onions. To date, the waterlogging tolerance-governing molecular mechanism in onions is unknown.MethodsThis study identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through transcriptome analysis in leaf tissue of two onion genotypes (Acc. 1666; tolerant and W-344; sensitive) presenting contrasting responses to waterlogging stress.ResultsDifferential gene expression analysis revealed that in Acc. 1666, 1629 and 3271 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. In W-344, 2134 and 1909 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, under waterlogging stress. The proteins coded by these DEGs regulate several key biological processes to overcome waterlogging stress such as phytohormone production, antioxidant enzymes, programmed cell death, and energy production. The clusters of orthologous group pathway analysis revealed that DEGs contributed to the post-translational modification, energy production, and carbohydrate metabolism-related pathways under waterlogging stress. The enzyme assay demonstrated higher activity of antioxidant enzymes in Acc. 1666 than in W-344. The differential expression of waterlogging tolerance related genes, such as those related to antioxidant enzymes, phytohormone biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and transcriptional factors, suggested that significant fine reprogramming of gene expression occurs in response to waterlogging stress in onion. A few genes such as ADH, PDC, PEP carboxylase, WRKY22, and Respiratory burst oxidase D were exclusively upregulated in Acc. 1666.DiscussionThe molecular information about DEGs identified in the present study would be valuable for improving stress tolerance and for developing waterlogging tolerant onion varieties.

Plant-endophyte symbiosis influences plant defense and growth. Serendipita indica is a root endophyte that promotes growth and induces tolerance against biotic and abiotic stress in plants. In this study, we examined the effect of S. indica colonization on herbivore (Spodoptera exigua) resistance of onion (Allium cepa L.). We found that colonization of S. indica in the roots of onion significantly reduced the feeding damage of leaves by S. exigua larvae, and also resulted in a reduction in weight gain of the larvae when fed on S. indica plants. This enhanced resistance is a result of modulation of antioxidant and defense enzymes/genes in the host by S. indica mutualism. Specifically, the activities of enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and H2O2 content were significantly higher in the early stages of S. exigua feeding in the S. indica colonized plants compared to the non-colonized counterparts. Similarly, defense genes also showed modulation in response to this tripartite interaction of onion -S. indica mutualism and S. exigua herbivory. The hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis indicated a clear difference in the onion biochemical responses, which is due to the S. indica symbiosis. Our investigation demonstrates that onion-S. indica symbiosis significantly decreases chewing injury by efficiently modulating antioxidant and defense enzyme activities and gene expression in response to S. exigua herbivory. Therefore, S. indica can be used as a potential biocontrol agent for sustainable management of this important pest of Alliums.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of neurodegenerative disease, associated with the hastening of ROS, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and amyloid β peptides plaques in the brain. The limitations and side effects of existing synthetic drugs incline toward natural sources. In the present communication active principles of methanolic extract of Olea dioica Roxb, leaves are explored as an antioxidant, AChE inhibitor, and anti-amyloidogenic. Furthermore, neuroprotection against the amyloid beta-peptide has been studied. The bioactive principles were identified by GC-MS and LC-MS and further subjected to antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP) and neuroprotection (AChE inhibition, ThT binding, and MTT assay, DCFH-DA and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay using neuroblastoma (SHSY-5Y) cell lines) assays. Methanolic extract of O. dioica Roxb, leaves was found to contain polyphenols and flavonoids. In vitro assays exhibited potential antioxidant and anti-AChE (˃50%) activities. ThT binding assay indicated protection against amyloid-beta aggregation. MTT assay, Aβ1-40 (10 µM) with extract increase the cell viability (˃50%) and showed significant cytotoxicity to SHSY-5Y cells. ROS level (˃25%) significantly decreased in the Aβ1-40 (10 µM) + extract (15 and 20 μM/mL) and LPO assay (˃50%) suggesting prevention of cell damage. Results advocate that O. dioica leaves are a good source of antioxidants, anti-AChE, and anti-amyloidogenic compounds which may be further evaluated as a natural medicine for the treatment of AD.

Insects possess beneficial and nuisance values in the context of the agricultural sector and human life around them. An ensemble of gut symbionts assists insects to adapt to diverse and extreme environments and to occupy every available niche on earth. Microbial symbiosis helps host insects by supplementing necessary diet elements, providing protection from predators and parasitoids through camouflage, modulation of signaling pathway to attain homeostasis and to trigger immunity against pathogens, hijacking plant pathways to circumvent plant defence, acquiring the capability to degrade chemical pesticides, and degradation of harmful pesticides. Therefore, a microbial protection strategy can lead to overpopulation of insect pests, which can drastically reduce crop yield. Some studies have demonstrated increased insect mortality via the destruction of insect gut symbionts; through the use of antibiotics. The review summarizes various roles played by the gut microbiota of insect pests and some studies that have been conducted on pest control by targeting the symbionts. Manipulation or exploitation of the gut symbionts alters the growth and population of the host insects and is consequently a potential target for the development of better pest control strategies. Methods such as modulation of gut symbionts via CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi and the combining of IIT and SIT to increase the insect mortality are further discussed. In the ongoing insect pest management scenario, gut symbionts are proving to be the reliable, eco-friendly and novel approach in the integrated pest management.