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The precipitation characteristics of tropical cyclones (TCs) formed between 2014-2021 over the Arabian Sea during the onset phase of monsoon and after the monsoon (post-monsoon) seasons have been investigated through the space-borne dual-frequency precipitation radar of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM-DPR) satellite level 2, V07 observation. In a cloud that is producing precipitation, the two-dimensional frequency distribution of the liquid water content (LWC; g/m2) and non-liquid water content (IWC; g/m2) exhibits a clear seasonal and cloud-type dependence. For the precipitating cloud of stratiform origin of TCs in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, a significant part of rain droplets is present in the LWC limit of 0-800 g/m2 and the IWC limit of 0-350 g/m2. In contrast to the stratiform precipitation associated with the TCs, the LWC quantity is additionally more, and IWC is less for the convective origin precipitating cloud. In the monsoon and post-monsoon season, the mean values of the mass-weighted mean diameter, Dm (mm), are 1.29 (1.47) mm and 1.27 (1.31) mm, respectively, for the stratiform (convective) cyclonic cloud. It is noticed that when the value of Dm increases, the normalised intercept parameters (Nw) decrease, regardless of the season and cloud type related to the TCs. While stratiform precipitation contains a considerably high concentration of smaller-sized rain droplets during both seasons, the number concentration of bigger rain droplets is significantly high during convective precipitation. From the contoured frequency with altitude diagram (CFAD) plots for Dm and Ze for the cyclonic cloud in both seasons, we observe a large concentration of ice and supercooled liquid particles available above the melting layer and a significant concentration of rain droplets in liquid state present below the melting layer. We derived the contribution of the different microphysical processes (break-up, size-sorting, collision-coalescence, and evaporation processes) in the rain droplets formation below the melting layer. It is found that the process of collision-coalescence is predominating microphysical process for convective precipitation. The break-up process is a primary microphysical process in the precipitating cloud of stratiform origin.

Background: Advances in Mobile and Internet technology evolved several online applications like smart class, virtual class and online classes. Online courseware influences better subjective knowledge of the learners. The effectiveness of processes of teaching and learning must evaluated for the benefits of the learners to select the best approach of learning which motivated us to evaluate and compare different Online Learning courses Effectiveness through statistical approaches. Objective: The main objective of this paper is to compare the learning effect of National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) with traditional class room learning approach. Methods: Master of Science -Final year Computer Science students has been allowed to learn their subjects in online learning mode using with NPTEL and traditional learning approach in two different groups. After learning of the subjects a series of tests has been conducted and their marks are recorded for comparison of two different learning modes For comparison of the results of two learning methodologies two different measuring statistical matrices namely F-test and T-test has been taken. The experimental results demonstrate thatthe t-test results of NPTEL and the f-test results for NPTEL learning method are superior than the other comparative learning methods. Results: The test shows that online learning approach provides better learning as compared to traditional classroom learning. Conclusion: The obtained results also indicate that there is a significant improvement on learners through NPTEL video lectures over traditional class room based learning.

A Wireless Sensor Network(WSN) consists of chain of sensors with capabilities of consuming energy for sensing, computing, and wireless communication to track physical device and relay their data to a base station cooperatively via the network. Efficient path for the processing of data in WSN and also to identify the active devices in the path. The ad-hoc networks which are active in WSN due to protocol, they facilitate versatility that often alters the topology. The Energy Efficient Zone based Routing Protocol (ZBEEP) which is the latest protocols in this direction, and the most common is On Demand Distance Vector Ad-hoc routing protocols. In ABODV and ZBEEP protocols using Network Simulator, I simulated this Black Hole Attack and tried that in the case of ZBEEP protocol the effect of energy due to Black Hole Attack is ineffective and better as compared to ABODV. I used two service quality metrics, such as Packet Transmission Ratio and Through-put, to help my opinions.

Purpose Research on sustainability has progressed from a singular focus on one aspect to a simultaneous focus on more than one aspect of the triple bottom line. However, there is a dearth of research that explains why sustainability-related decisions in business often do not bear the expected results. Research that provides managers with a tool to achieve environmental sustainability of logistics without compromising the economic sustainability is scarce. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to bridge the above gaps and to explore the factors that affect investment in technology to balance environmental and economic sustainability of logistics. A model based on system dynamics approach explains the simultaneous interplay of these factors. Simulating the model helps the managers of logistics function decide the size of investment in technology, to achieve environmental efficiency without negatively influencing the economic performance. Design/methodology/approach A model based on system dynamics approach explains the simultaneous interplay of these factors. Simulating the model helps the managers of logistics function decide the size of investment in technology, to achieve ecological efficiency without compromising with the economic performance. Findings Collaboration with regulatory authorities and with players within the same industry and across industries is a must so that eco-logistics does not become an economic burden for businesses. The decision to invest in technology for eco-logistics is further accentuated if the technology promises some added economic benefits. Research limitations/implications From a theoretical perspective, the research has added to the less extensive literature on system dynamics modelling, which is a mixed methodology, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research is also one of the few attempts that have attempted to simultaneously study more than one aspects of sustainability in business, quantitatively through simulation. Simulation was demonstrated through a single case study, Future works can aim to apply the causal loop diagram to firms in varied sectors. Practical implications The managers can use the causal loop diagram to assess the environmental performance of logistics and decide on appropriate level of investment to balance ecological and economic performance of logistics. Originality/value The causal loop diagram has been developed through primary data collection via semi-structured interviews. The results were validated by presenting them to respondents to ensure they represent their view points. The results are, therefore, practical and original. This research does not build upon an existing data set or aims to test the applicability of any existing model. The model for this research has been developed from the grass-roots level.

Duplication of genome is an important genetic innovation. Large genome size (1.1 Gb) along with ancient and recent duplication events make the soybean genome more complex. Analyzing the distribution and duplication event in soybean transcription family genes, the segmental duplication within chromosomes was revealed. Our study provides a strong evidence that the large segmental duplication event in genome architecture and evolution of soybean genome using simple method of sequence and order analysis of TF genes. Finally, a scheme for interrelationship of different chromosomes has been proposed.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of collaborative resilience through in-depth case study research in India. This study endeavours to identify and model the critical success factors of collaborative resilience. Design/methodology/approach Eight critical success factors of collaborative resilience were identified through literature search. Modelling and analysis of these factors was conducted using grey-based DEMATEL method. Data were collected from supply chain experts in Indian industries. Findings It was found that organizational factors like top management commitment and resilience system design exhibit highest causality on the entire system. Also, co-adaptive transformation and resilience goal alignment are most important for managers. Overall, this research provides a guideline and mechanism to build collaborative resilience in supply chains. Practical implications Through the identification of eight critical success factors, this research has related and grounded the concept of collaborative resilience into pre-exiting supply chain practices and concepts. Through rigorous quantitative modelling and analysis of these factors, this research provides a guideline to managers for building collaborative resilience in supply chains. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has proposed the concept of collaborative resilience in supply chain and has conducted empirical research on the phenomenon in India.

Despite, continuously emphasizing on research in management institutions and other academic institutions of higher education in India, management institution have not yet met world standards in research. There is a paradoxical situation, among all the researches in management field from India are contributed majorly by premier government institutions which are less in number, though the number of private management institutions in India is more than sufficient in numbers. In this paper an effort is made to understand the present situation of management researches in India, opportunities and challenges in private management institutions. For understanding the present status of management researches, reports of reputed agencies are studied, for assessing the opportunities in private institutions data from AICTE is taken to be analyzed, whereas for figuring out the challenges, a sample of 50 faculty members from private institutions is taken, then their views on an open ended question is analyzed.

The mining industry plays a crucial role in supporting the economic development of nation, but on the darker side it has some undesirable impacts on environment. Being a heavy pollution causing industry and an energy supply industry, mining industry is the focus of environmental protection work. It is evident that despite the increase in Corporate Environmental Disclosure, there remains a substantial heterogeneity in terms of how corporations hold accountability for their environmental impacts. Therefore, to understand this heterogeneity in a better way, this study examines the perceived Environmental Accountability of the NCL, (a prominent contributor in coalmining industry of India), by evaluating its impact on environment from the perspective of different stakeholders

This research article identifies the factors most needed to establish customer-centricity (CC) that convenience food customers most enjoy. The study collected primary data from 216 customers in India. In the study, potential variables were identified by concurrent research articles. This study identifies the factors required for customer-centricity and arranges them in order of priority, so that retailers can use them without any complexity. To develop such a model, the study has used the AHP tool. The study has classified the criteria of customer centricity into criteria and sub-criteria categories. Expanded food counters, attractive deals and discounts, store reputations and customer-oriented operations make convenience food retailing the main criteria for customer-centricity, while ambient, innovation, effective CRM as sub-criteria for customer-centricity. This study suggests that for convenience food retailing, retailers need to further empower these factors. Further studies on un-packaged food articles can identify more areas of improvement in existing food retail operations.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] is an agronomically important oilseed crop in the world and an important source of protein and oil for both humans and animals. In addition, soybean is also becoming a major crop for bio-diesel production. Therefore, demand for soybean is increasing continuously worldwide. Soybean enriches the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic interaction with Rhizobia. With increasing challenges posed by climate change, it is predicted that incidents of drought will be more frequent and severe and it will further reduce crop yields. Abiotic stresses such as drought cause severe losses to soybean productivity worldwide by adversely affecting the plant growth, development, and yield. Introgression of genes controlling drought adaptive traits, yields related traits and root system architecture traits by breeding and molecular approaches will be very useful for enhancing drought stress tolerance in soybean, leading to cultivar development. Elucidation of function of genes and their integration in soybean genotypes by molecular breeding and genomic approaches and utilizing robust phenotyping tools to evaluate drought adaptive traits will be crucial for understanding response of soybean plants to drought stress. Recent advances in genomics lead identification, functional characterization, and introgression of genes associated with adaptation of soybean plants to drought stress. In order to perform genetic and genomic analysis, molecular markers have been employed on RIL or F2 populations. In addition, the genome typified with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and its utilization in molecular breeding applications like QTL mapping, positional cloning, association mapping studies, genomic selection and genome editing is gaining impetus. Thus, the rapid development of soybean genomics and transcriptomics has provided tremendous opportunity for the genetic improvement of soybean for drought tolerance with yield stability.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics improvements in an emerging economy like India. The field of agri-logistics lies at the critical intersection of the agricultural and logistics sectors and is capable of ameliorating the state of food distribution in the country. The inefficiencies inherent in the food distribution system in India lead to massive post-harvest wastage that is estimated at around 13bn dollars per annum. This paper examines the improvement drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics that can significantly contribute toward the enhancement of the agricultural supply chain. Design/methodology/approach The synthesis and prioritization of drivers, enablers and resistors was based on an extensive literature review and consultation with experts. With the help of semi-structured interviews and a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process approach, the research develops a drivers-enablers-resitors framework. Findings The outcome is a hierarchy-based framework that prioritizes the drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics. The research reveals the critical areas where decision makers should channelize their resources and efforts to gain maximum benefits. Originality/value The segmentation of the factors impacting agri-logistics into drivers, enablers and resistors provides a fresh perspective on the issue and helps improve understanding of the problem. Prioritization of the factors represents a unique contribution to the field of agri-logistics.

Technology enabled healthcare is transforming the healthcare sector by altering the way health services are delivered. An electronic health record system is one such intervention that has integrated technology with healthcare to improve the quality of care. Implementing an electronic health record system is a complex process involving multiple stakeholders. Research has shown that a substantial amount of projects fail, or are scrapped, leading to a loss in terms of finances effort and resources. It is, therefore, vital to identify the drivers, enablers and resistors of the electronic health record system implementation in order to gain a better understanding of the process. The majority of research on electronic health record initiatives has been undertaken in developed countries. However, there is a significant difference in infrastructure, regulatory policies, demographics and context between the developed and the developing countries, and the research from the developed countries cannot be wholeheartedly replicated in an emerging market. This article explores the drivers, enablers and resistors of the electronic health record system implementation. in a public hospital, in an emerging economy focusing on case based-evidence from India. The results are reflected in light of existing theories of change implementation and diffusion.

Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq), an important fodder crop of humid and sub-humid tropical regions, reproduces through apomixis, a method of clonal propagation through seeds. Lack of knowledge of the genetic and molecular control of this phenomena has hindered the genetic improvement of this crop. The dataset provided here represents the first RNA-Seq based assembly and analysis of florets at pre-meiotic stage from the apomictic and sexual genotypes of guinea grass. The raw sequence files in FASTQ format were deposited in the NCBI SRA database with accession number SRP115883. A total of 24.8 Gb raw sequence data, corresponding to 17,96,65,827 raw reads was obtained by paired end sequencing. We used Trinity for de-novo assembly and identified 57,647 transcripts in sexual and 49,093 transcripts in apomictic type. This transcriptome data will be useful for identification and comparative analysis of genes regulating the mode of reproduction in grasses. Keywords: Florets, Pre-meiosis, Apomixis, RNA-Seq, Panicum maximum

Apomixis is a method of reproduction to generate clonal seeds and offers tremendous potential to fix heterozygosity and hybrid vigor. The process of apomictic seed development is complex and comprises three distinct components, viz., apomeiosis (leading to formation of unreduced egg cell), parthenogenesis (development of embryo without fertilization) and functional endosperm development. Recently, in many crops, these three components are reported to be uncoupled leading to their partitioning. This review provides insight into the recent status of our understanding surrounding partitioning apomixis components in gametophytic apomictic plants and research avenues that it offers to help understand the biology of apomixis. Possible consequences leading to diversity in seed developmental pathways, resources to understand apomixis, inheritance and identification of candidate gene(s) for partitioned components, as well as contribution towards creation of variability are all discussed. The potential of Panicum maximum, an aposporous crop, is also discussed as a model crop to study partitioning principle and effects. Modifications in cytogenetic status, as well as endosperm imprinting effects arising due to partitioning effects, opens up new opportunities to understand and utilize apomixis components, especially towards synthesizing apomixis in crops.

The approach of subjective learning has been changed due to advancement in the Computer Mobile, and Internet technology. Peoples wish to learn fast, correct and subjective about the Topics. Due to eagerness of leaning there are many teaching methodology has been evolved like smart class, virtual class and online classes. Although online courseware often includes multimedia materials like text, audio, video, images, graphics and animations. This multimedia material, of the video lectures may affect better understanding of the subjective knowledge of the learners. The effectiveness of processes of Teaching and Learning must evaluate for the benefits of the learners to select the best approach of learning. In this paper the National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) has been taken and it is compared with traditional class room learning approach. Master of Science -Final year Computer Science students has been allowed to learn their subjects with NPTEL methodology and traditional learning approach. After learning of the subjects, a series of tests has been conducted and their marks are recorded for comparison. For comparison of the results of two learning methodology two measuring statistical matrices F-state and T-state has been taken. The experimental results show that current learning approach provides better understanding of the subjective knowledge of the students. Above results also shows that there is a significant improvement on learners through NPTEL video lectures over traditional class room teaching/learning.

This article considers the problem of estimating the population mean on the current (second) occasion using multi-auxiliary information in successive sampling over two occasions. A general class of estimators is proposed for estimating population mean on the current occasion and expressions for bias and mean square error for these estimators are obtained up to first degree of approximation. The minimum variance bound estimator in the proposed class is discussed. Many popular estimators have been shown to belong to this class. Optimum replacement policy is also discussed. Finally, the superiority of the proposed class of estimators over multivariate version of chain type ratio estimator envisaged by Singh (2005) is established empirically.

The present work is the ensuing part of the study on spatial and temporal variations in chemical characteristics of PM

Panicum maximum (guinea grass) is a model crop for apomixis and polyploidy studies. It is predominantly tetraploid (2n = 32) and is characterized by gametophytic apomixis, Panicum-type apospory and pseudogamous endosperm development. The three components of apomixis, viz. apomeiosis, parthenogenesis and functional endosperm development, can be uncoupled in this crop. An exhaustive single progenitor-derived ploidy series comprising of 32 accessions representing 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x and 11x cytotypes was utilized in present study to understand ploidy effects on expression of apospory as well on uncoupled components in two phases of progeny formation i.e. in matured ovules (using embryo-sac analysis) and in matured self-pollinated seeds (using Flow Cytometric Seed Screen method). Rise in ploidy enhanced the formation of sexual embryo-sacs (ES) thereby increasing the frequency of facultative accessions at higher ploidy level. Our results suggested that the eventual phenotype depends on relative doses of apospory and sexual factors in the genome. Ploidy level was also found affecting the penetrance and expressivity of uncoupled apomixis components. Formation of BIII hybrids (3n) appeared to be more stabilised and less affected by the ploidy change, however, formation of M1 (1n) progenies increased with the rise in ploidy. Ploidy effects on traits such as occurrence of multiple ES, autonomous endosperm development, and twin embryos were also studied. Flexibility of guinea grass to tolerate excessive genome burden and successful formation of seeds overcoming endosperm balance number and endosperm imprinting constraints is also discussed.

An experiment was laid out with a target to enhance the performance of gram by the foliar spray of a minute amount of monosodium phosphate and/or sodium sulphate (P and S each at 2 kg/ha were sprayed in two equal splits, i.e. half at 60 and the remaining half at the 70 DAS alone or in combination with the gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment i.e., spray or soaking or P and S solution at 0.1%) with or without the seed priming of GA3 (10-6M GA3 for 8h) and/ or the GA3 foliar application (10-6M GA3 at 60-70 DAS). Monosodium phosphate and sodium sulphate each at 2 kg/ha were foliage applied in two equal splits, i.e. half at 60 and the remaining half at the 70 DAS alone or in combination with the GA3. Prior to sowing, total seeds were categorised into two groups; one group of seeds was primed in 0.0M GA3 and the other was primed in 10-6M GA3 aqueous solution, each for 8 hours. Total 16 treatments with 10 best combinations of monosodium phosphate and/or sodium sulphate with GA3 are possible viz., FPS, SGA + FP, SGA + FS, SGA + FPS, FGAP, FGAS, FGAPS, SGA + FGAP, SGA + FGAS and SGA + FGAPS. The combined application of monosodium phosphate and sodium sulphate with GA3 stimulated seed yield per plant, total protein and carbohydrate content at 130 DAS, along with other parameters at the 80 and 90 DAS.

Proteome analysis of tissues at various stages of tension wood and normal wood formation revealed signaling and lignocellulosic proteins important for tension wood developmental processes in Populus., Tension wood (TW) is a specialized tissue with contractile properties that is formed by the vascular cambium in response to gravitational stimuli. We quantitatively analysed the proteomes of Populus tremula cambium and its xylem cell derivatives in stems forming normal wood (NW) and TW to reveal the mechanisms underlying TW formation. Phloem-, cambium-, and wood-forming tissues were sampled by tangential cryosectioning and pooled into nine independent samples. The proteomes of TW and NW samples were similar in the phloem and cambium samples, but diverged early during xylogenesis, demonstrating that reprogramming is an integral part of TW formation. For example, 14-3-3, reactive oxygen species, ribosomal and ATPase complex proteins were found to be up-regulated at early stages of xylem differentiation during TW formation. At later stages of xylem differentiation, proteins involved in the biosynthesis of cellulose and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of rhamnogalacturonan-I, rhamnogalacturonan-II, arabinogalactan-II and fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins were up-regulated in TW. Surprisingly, two isoforms of exostosin family proteins with putative xylan xylosyl transferase function and several lignin biosynthesis proteins were also up-regulated, even though xylan and lignin are known to be less abundant in TW than in NW. These data provided new insight into the processes behind TW formation.

Fucosyltransferases are a group of enzymes that catalyse the transfer of l-fucose from a donor substrate to an acceptor molecule. Silybum marianum is also called ‘milk thistle’ due to its characteristic flower shape. It produces two major flavonoids: silymarin and silybin. The plant and its major secondary metabolites are used for treatment/recovery after chronic liver disease, liver rehabilitation after hepatitis and treatment of gallbladder disease. These compounds also act as antioxidants for scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. We identified two peptide motifs (YYEAYLSHADEK and TTPDPSCGR designated as motif 1 and motif 2, respectively) of a fucosyltransferase derived from S. marianum that are highly conserved in its counterparts across the plant species and sources. The nature and properties of the motifs are discussed in terms of their putative participation in catalysis and enzyme/active site conformation.

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays important roles in adaptive responses to various environmental stresses. The rate-limiting step in ABA biosynthesis is the oxidative cleavage of cis-epoxycarotenoids, which is catalyzed by 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED). In this experiment, a full-length cDNA encoding NCED gene was cloned by RT-PCR and RACE from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The full-length of SoNCED is 2,521 bp with 1,827 bp open reading frame, encoding a peptide of 608 amino acids. The calculated molecular weight of protein was 65.9 kDa with isoelectric point of 6.04. Conserved domains prediction indicated a chloroplast-targeting peptide located at N-terminus of SoNCED. Phylogenetic tree, constructed by Neighbor-Joining method indicated that SoNCED shared high identity with the NCEDs reported from other plant species. Sequence alignment revealed that the basic secondary structure including α-helices, β-strands, β-propeller and His residues coordinating catalytic sites of SoNCED were highly conserved as in the NCEDs from other plants. Tissue specific expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR showed a significant increase in SoNCED mRNA level and its correlation with O2 – production rate and ABA accumulation in leaves and roots of sugarcane variety GT21 when exposed to water stress. Further, the stimulation of SoNCED mRNA level, O2 – production rate and ABA content after exogenous application of ABA (100 μMol l−1) proved its involvement in pathways providing tolerance to drought stress.

Analysis of the extent and distribution of genetic diversity in crop plants is essential for optimizing sampling and breeding strategies. Morphological characters and Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to estimate genetic variability among 5 genotypes of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L). Selected four RAPD primers generated 140 bands, 80 of which were found to be polymorphic. All the primers produced polymorphic amplification products, however the extent of polymorphism varied with each primer .The percentage of polymorphism generated by primer was OPG‐03 (85.029%), OPH‐12(45.94%), OPC‐02(45.94%) and OPG‐18(64.28%). Great variation among morphological characters viz., root length, stem diameter, number of leaves, germination percentage and radicle length was observed. UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) dendrogram obtained from cluster analysis using Jaccard’s similarity coefficient resulted into three clusters. Cluster1 comprised of two genotypes (Jawhar and saharda), cluster II also comprised of two genotypes (T‐397 and KL‐1) and cluster III consisted of only one genotype Garima, which was interesting to observe that the Garima was distinct from all other four experimental varieties and sole constituent of cluster III. All the genotypes could be discriminated from one another using combined profiles of 4 primers.

Recent evidence has shown that alternative splicing (AS) is widely involved in the regulation of gene expression, substantially extending the diversity of numerous proteins. In this study, a subset of expressed sequence tags representing members of the reactive oxygen species gene network was selected from the PopulusDB database to investigate AS mechanisms in Populus. Examples of all known types of AS were detected, but intron retention was the most common. Interestingly, the closest Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) homologs of half of the AS genes identified in Populus are not reportedly alternatively spliced. Two genes encoding the protein of most interest in our study (high-isoelectric-point superoxide dismutase [hipI-SOD]) have been found in black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), designated PthipI-SODC1 and PthipI-SODC2. Analysis of the expressed sequence tag libraries has indicated the presence of two transcripts of PthipI-SODC1 (hipI-SODC1b and hipI-SODC1s). Alignment of these sequences with the PthipI-SODC1 gene showed that hipI-SODC1b was 69 bp longer than hipI-SODC1s due to an AS event involving the use of an alternative donor splice site in the sixth intron. Transcript analysis showed that the splice variant hipI-SODC1b was differentially expressed, being clearly expressed in cambial and xylem, but not phloem, regions. In addition, immunolocalization and mass spectrometric data confirmed the presence of hipI-SOD proteins in vascular tissue. The functionalities of the spliced gene products were assessed by expressing recombinant hipI-SOD proteins and in vitro SOD activity assays.

Transgenic hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x P. tremuloides Michx.) plants expressing a high-isoelectric-point superoxide dismutase (hipI-SOD) gene in antisense orientation were generated to investigate its function. Immunolocalization studies showed the enzyme to be localized extracellularly, in the secondary cell wall of xylem vessels and phloem fibers. The antisense lines of hipI-SOD exhibited a distinct phenotype; growth rate was reduced, stems were thinner and leaves smaller than in wild-type (WT) plants. The abundance of hipI-SOD was reduced in the bark and xylem of plants from these antisense lines. The vascular tissue of transgenic lines became lignified earlier than in WT plants and also showed an increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Xylem fibers and vessels were shorter and thinner in the transgenic lines than in WT plants. The total phenolic content was enhanced in the antisense lines. Furthermore, microarray analysis indicated that several enzymes involved in cell signaling, lignin biosynthesis and stress responses were upregulated in apical vascular tissues of transgenic plants. The upregulation of selected genes involved in lignin biosynthesis was also verified by real-time PCR. The results suggest that, in the transgenic plants, a premature transition into maturation occurs and the process is discussed in terms of the effects of increased accumulation of ROS due to reduced expression of hipI-SOD during development and differentiation.

The respiratory climacteric, ethylene evolution and activities and expression of ethylene biosynthesis enzymes show a characteristic pattern in banana during ethylene induced ripening. A unique biphasic respiratory climacteric with a 10 and 6 fold increment in respiration rates on days 2 and 6 respectively after ethylene treatment is preceded by ethylene evolution on days 1 and 4 with 8.3 and 6.93 fold increments respectively. This represents a unique feature of ripening in banana. While ACC synthase transcript accumulation matched the respiratory climacteric, the ACC synthase activity and ACC oxidase transcript accumulation showed a different pattern. The most significant observation was the effect of 1-MCP on ACC content and in vitro ACC oxidase activity. Though 1-MCP treated fruit did not show any respiratory climacteric or burst in ethylene production, it did not inhibit completely ACC accumulation and in vitro ACC oxidase activity. No transcript accumulation of ACC synthase was observed at any time in 1-MCP treated fruits, whereas a basal level of ACC oxidase transcript was detected throughout. It is concluded that ethylene induced ripening of banana is characteristically different from that of other climacteric fruits and that ethylene biosynthesis may have more than one mechanisms operating during ripening which are tightly controlled at various levels.

The challenges offered by sustainable manufacturing deeply affect supply chain strategies and the entire procurement process. The need to improve organizational efficiency, overcome supply chain risks, achieve competitive position, and realize zero wastes, concern for the environment, and awareness among consumers has made companies to start considering triple bottom line (3BL) sustainable value creation approach in their supply chain strategy. Supplier selection is an important process for achieving this objective. Only through the active participation of suppliers, the buying firms can truly integrate societal, environmental, and economic sustainability in their supply chains. There are limited examples, within the context of developing economies like India, where firms have adopted 3BL sustainability approach in their procurement process. This paper deals with specific considerations of sustainability approach by an Indian automotive Tier-I, aluminum die casting parts manufacturing company. The company develops and applies an AHP-based model for ranking raw material suppliers. Implication of this approach, limitations, and future research direction conclude this paper.

The role of survivin in gallbladder cancer (GBC) has not been evaluated. We investigated survivin protein expression in serum of patients with gallbladder diseases (cholelithiasis, n = 30; GBC, n = 39) and compared with healthy controls (n = 25). Clinicopathological parameters, diagnosis and prognosis of patients with GBC were correlated with the expression of serum survivin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significantly higher (P < 0.0001) expression of survivin protein was observed in GBC as compared to cholelithiasis and control. Increased survivin expression was significantly associated with higher tumor stage (stage III vs. stage II; P < 0.0001) and cellular differentiation (poor and moderate vs. well differentiated; P < 0.0001) in GBC. No significant correlation was observed with any of the other clinico-pathological parameters studied. The cutoff value of survivin protein of 79 pg/ml with sensitivity of 81.16 % and specificity of 80 % differentiated the diseased group (cholelithiasis or GBC) from control group were as the cutoff value of 109 pg/ml differentiated GBC from cholelithiasis with a sensitivity of 82.05 % and specificity of 93.33 %. Though not significant, increased expression of survivin was associated with median overall survival (12 vs. 18 months; P = 0.05) in GBC patients. Our study suggests that survivin protein in serum could be both a useful diagnostic marker and an important prognostic factor for GBC.

Native diversity is well represented in northern and eastern parts of India for mango. We evaluated three important polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based marker techniques viz., random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and directed amplified mini satellite DNA (DAMD) and examined their suitability for depicting genetic relationships and discrimination among closely related group of 46 mango varieties grown in the different agro-ecological zones in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Nine RAPD, eleven ISSR and four DAMD primers generated 110, 160 and 43 discrete fragments, respectively, accounting for polymorphism of 87.3, 79.83 and 83.72%, respectively. Cumulative analysis of these markers resulted in comprehensive UPGMA based dendrogram where in native mangoes representing important breeding lines and varieties from Uttar Pradesh fall more or less in separate cluster, while Bihar and West Bengal cultivars represent genetically different lineage forming distinct separate cluster. The prime focus on the study was towards identification of genetic variability that warrants establishing origin and molecular evolution of mango cultivars of eastern and northern India because they are the rich gene pool for conservation. Highest diversity index (DI) and polymorphic information content (PIC) values were found in DAMD indicating it to be more informative than others. Similarly, high effective multiplex ratio (EMR) and marker index (MI) were recorded by ISSR reflecting ability to simultaneously detect a large number of bands. The study accomplished establishing genetic relationship and also DNA fingerprint development. The data is also useful for mapping studies for gene identification.