Informatics Publishing Limited

Rajendra Prasad

Abstract

Extension of forestry research and technology packages to local people, teachers, NGOs and prospective tree growers has acquired great significance in view of fast depleting forest resource and acute shortage offuel, fodder and tim her. Several questions asked on afforestation by different target groups are: species to be grown, their yield, net returns, market for the produce and availability of good planting stock. Reliable data base on growth rate, yield and income need to be generated. Tree species having short gestation period, fast growing and resistant to drought, pest and diseases are to be recommended for planting. Peoples participation has to be ensured. Some legal restrictions put on cutting of trees planted by farmers are to be removed. Suitable solution to above problems, coordination among different agencies and an integrated approach using modern audio-visual techniques, intensive training to field workers, selection of motivated local extension workers are some of the ways to make extension education more effective and acceptable.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, A. Venkatesh ¹, V. D. Tripathi ¹, S. K. Dhyani ¹

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Gwalior Road, Jhansi-284003, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

A study was conducted in Tikamgarh district in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh to document traditional techniques of tapping gum-butea and its impact on socioeconomic life of local Saharia inhabitants. The findings revealed that traditional method of collecting gum-butea followed by Saharias appears to have sound scientific basis. Yield of gum-butea was significantly correlated with tree girth (GBH) (r = 0.841; P≤0.01) and stem surface area (r = 0.804; P≤ 0.01). On an average, a tribal family earned ` 677 in a season which was not consistent across community (CV = 83.2%). Significant correlation existed between number of man-days employed and trees approached (r = 0.525, P = 0.01), total gum collected (r = 0.938; P≤0.01), and money earned (r = 0.774; P≤ 0.01). However, employment of more man-days did not yield proportional increase in collected gum. Trading process is traditional in nature and only limited outlets in the form of local pansaris (traders) and bichauliye (middle men) are available to gum collectors for selling their produce. The Saharias are compelled to sell gum-butea at low price (` 40 to 50 per kg). The study concluded that contribution of gum-butea in improving economic status of local tribes can be enhanced by removing inconsistency in making cuts on stem-bark and providing proper marketing channel.

Keywords

Kamarkas, Butea monosperma, Indigenous Knowledge, NTFP, Gum Tapping.

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R. Harikumar ¹, T. M. Balakrishnan Nair ¹, B. M. Rao ¹, Rajendra Prasad ², P. Ramakrishna Phani ¹, C. Nagaraju ¹, M. Ramesh Kumar ¹, C. Jeyakumar ¹, S. S. C. Shenoi ¹, Shailesh Nayak ³

Affiliations
1 ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad 500 090, IN
2 Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530 003, IN
3 Earth System Science Organisation, New Delhi 110 003, IN

Abstract

Ocean-met observations from INCOIS real-time automatic weather station on-board a ship RV Kaustubh served as strong ground truth for satellite- and modelderived forecasts during the very severe cyclonic storm Hudhud, which made a landfall at Visakhapatnam, India. The ship recorded maximum wind speed of 204 km/h (with a minimum central pressure of 945 hPa), which is the highest (lowest) ever instrumentally recorded value at a location on the Indian coastline during any cyclone. Though the global model forecasts of wind fields have shown good agreement inland, they failed in representing the reality along the coasts. Variation in wind energy from ocean towards inland suggests that it is attenuated exponentially inland (the maximum wind power density had reduced by 93,406 W/m² at Anakapalle (~25 km) compared to the ocean, and by 7022 W/m² at Chintapalle (~100 km inland) compared to Anakapalle). The present study reinforces the significance of having realtime near-shore ocean-met observations, and their operational usage for evaluation (assimilation) of (into) ocean-met forecast models in realtime.

Keywords

Automatic Weather Stations, Bias-Corrected Wind Forecasts, Forecast Models, Tropical Cyclones, Shipbased Observations, Wind Power Density.

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R. H. Rizvi ¹, Ram Newaj ¹, Rajendra Prasad ¹, A. K. Handa ¹, Badre Alam ¹, S. B. Chavan ¹, Abhishek Saxena ¹, P. S. Karmakar ¹, Amit Jain ¹, Mayank Chaturvedi ¹

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, IN

Abstract

Agroforestry is a traditional and ancient land use practice, having deliberate integration of trees with crop and livestock components. In India, agroforestry practices are prevalent in different agro-ecological zones and occupy sizeable areas. These practices have great potential for climate change mitigation through sequestration of atmospheric CO₂. Carbon sequestration potential was studied in four districts of Gujarat (Anand, Dahod, Patan and Junagarh), for which field survey was conducted to collect primary data on existing agroforestry systems. The extent of agroforestry area in these districts was estimated by sub-pixel classifier using medium resolution remote sensing data (RS-2/LISS III). By sub-pixel classifier, the highest area under agroforestry was estimated in Dahod (12.48%) followed by Junagarh district (10.95%) with an average of 9.12%. Sapota (Manilkara zapota) based agroforestry was also mapped in Junagarh district, which occupied an area of 1.13%. An accuracy of 87.2% was found by sub-pixel classifier in delineation of sapota-based agroforestry in the district. Dynamic CO2FIX model has been used to estimate total carbon (biomass + soils) and net carbon sequestered in existing agroforestry systems. Net carbon sequestered over a simulated period of 30 years in Anand, Dahod, Patan and Junagarh districts was found to be 2.70, 6.26, 1.61 and 1.50 Mg C ha^-1 respectively. Total carbon stock in all four districts for baseline and simulated period of 30 years was estimated to be 2.907 and 3.251 million tonnes respectively. Thus, agroforestry systems in Gujarat have significant potential in carbon storage and trapping atmospheric CO₂ into biomass and soils. Hence, CO2FIX model in conjunction with remote sensing techniques can be successfully applied for estimating carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in a district or a region.

Keywords

Agroforestry, Geospatial, Remote Sensing, Sub-Pixel, Tree Cover.

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Thomas Shellenberger ¹, Mitchell J. Frederick ¹, Ying Henderson ¹, Yaan Kang ¹, Karthik Jayakumar ², Vikram Vijayarajan ³, Gary L. Clayman ¹, Rajendra Prasad ⁴, Arumugam Jayakumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, US
2 Department of Medicine, Section of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, IN
3 The American University of Antigua, College of Medicine, Antigua and Barbuda, AG
4 Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University of Haryana, Gurgaon-122413, IN

Abstract

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a unique route of tumor metastasis that is strongly associated with poor prognosis in several solid malignancies including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recently, we investigated the pattern of Lympho-Epithelial Kazal-Type-Inhibitor (LEKTI) expression in primary tumor specimens of patients with SCC of the oral tongue in correlation with PNI and showed a strong association between absence of LEKTI expression and occurrence of PNI. Based upon the negative correlation of LEKTI expression with PNI in SCC of the tongue, we hypothesized that the same correlation may exist in SCC of the skin. Here, we selected a total of 11 cases with PNI and 15 cases without PNI. Our analyses showed a strong correlation between LEKTI expression and PNI in SCC of the skin and suggested that LEKTI might also be one of the critical molecules involved in the regulation of PNI of neuroendocrine cancers including of HNSCC.

Keywords

LEKTI, Perineural Invasion, HNSCC.

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K. V. M. Krishna ¹, S. V. V. N. S. M. Lakshmi ², Alluri Ramesh ³, Rajendra Prasad ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmaceutics, Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Telangana, IN
2 Department of Pharmacognosy, Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Telangana, IN
3 Department of Pharmacology, Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Telangana, IN
4 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Telangana, IN

Abstract

Household chemicals include household prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs. These are in the form of pills, ointments, liquids, sprays, prefilled syringes, injection vials, cosmetics, sunscreen agents, diagnostic agents, contact lens solutions, nutraceuticals, etc. The traditional ways of managing unwanted household chemicals, such as flushing them down the toilet, pouring them down the drain, or throwing them in the trash, may be harming our environment and threatening public health. We can help reduce the potential for harm by collecting unwanted household chemicals for better management. The aim of the present paper was to identify and assess the significance of the different pathways of chemicals from the household to the environment. Knowledge of the motivation behind different disposal methods is useful in the management of the release of chemicals in the environment and in the assessment of the associated risk.

Keywords

Household Chemicals, Household Prescription, Cosmetics, Toilet, Environment.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, Anupam Sharma ¹, Sweta Sehgal ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agronomy, Forages and Grassland Management, College of Agriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur 171062, HP, IN

Abstract

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe grisea Sacc. is one of the most important rice diseases found throughout the globe. It usually damages leaves and panicles and reduces the photosynthetic area of the plant and may even lead to the death of the plant. However the disease does not develop until the favorable weather conditions prevail. Present work was undertaken to study the influence of weather parameters on rice blast in mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Field experiments were conducted during 1984 to 2012 at Palampur, located in mid hills of the Himachal Pradesh. Two varieties; Hasan Sarai and China 988 were sown on two dates (5^th and 15^th June) under upland irrigated situation. The first leaf symptoms of the disease appeared in the last week of July or the first week of August, when the mid-tillering stage synchronized with favourable weather conditions during all the years. It was observed that days with minimum temperature ≤ 20 °C, rainfall and cloud cover were important for the appearance and progress of this disease. During disease incidence, period of lower night temperature (19.1 °C), more number of days with minimum temperature ≤ 20 °C (11 days) and lower rainfall (246.6 mm) and more cloud amount (135 hrs) was observed during blast years as compared to non-blast years. It was also found that the maximum and mean temperature one week prior to disease appearance was 1.8 and 1.2 °C lower than the non-blast years indicating warmer temperature during the entire rice growing season is responsible for lower disease incidence and its further progress.

Keywords

Rice Blast, Magnaporthe Grisea, Minimum Temperature, Rainfall, Cloud Cover, Disease Incidence.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, Vedna Kumari ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, IN
2 Department of Crop Improvement, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, IN

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the impact of rainfall on the spread, production and yields of rabi oilseed crops in Himachal Pradesh during the past forty years (1968-69 to 2007-08). Year-wise trend analysis in rapeseed-mustard indicated a significant increase in area, production and productivity while a significant decrease was observed in linseed with time. Pentadwise shift indicated 71.7% increase in the area under rapeseed-mustard during 8^th pentad over 1^st pentad which might be due to 92.6% increase in rain fall during 8^th pentad over 1^st pentad. The technological inputs including improved varieties resulted in 105.6% increase in production and 20.4% increase in productivity. Pentad-wise shift in rapeseed-mustard area also exhibited a significant positive correlation with rainfall. In linseed, pentad-wise shift indicated a drastic reduction in area (78.8%), production (89.3%) and productivity (51.2%) during 8^th pentad over 1^st pentad. There was a negative and non-significant correlation of area with rainfall. The study indicates that under rainfed conditions, the farmers preferred rapeseed-mustard over linseed. Linear regression analysis indicated that the increase in seasonal rainfall may not be the sole reason for area expansion in rapeseedmustard. On the other hand, a much part of variation in area as well as production in linseed appeared be due to variation in seasonal rainfall.

Keywords

Area, Production, Rapeseed-Mustard, Linseed, Rainfall, Mann-Kendall Trend Test.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, Yashbir Singh Shivay ¹

Affiliations
1 Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, IN

Abstract

Oxalic acid and oxalates are produced and present in plants in different amounts. Insoluble calcium oxalate plays a key role in regulating calcium concentration, which is important in the functioning of guard cells. Oxalates provide tolerance to aluminium toxicity to plants growing in acid soils. Both oxalic acid and calcium oxalate provide self-defence against insect pests and grazing animals. Oxalates are involved in phytoremediation of soils rendered toxic by heavy metals, like lead, cadmium, zinc, etc.

Keywords

Aluminium Toxicity, Calcium Oxalate, Oxalic Acid, Phytoremediation.

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Ram Newaj ¹, O. P. Chaturvedi ¹, Dhiraj Kumar ¹, Rajendra Prasad ¹, R. H. Rizvi ¹, Badre Alam ¹, A. K. Handa ¹, S. B. Chavan ¹, Anil Kumar Singh ¹, Mayank Chaturvedi ¹, P. S. Karmakar ¹, Abhishek Maurya ¹, Abhishek Saxena ¹, Gargi Gupta ¹, Kedari Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, IN

Abstract

The rising level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere is a major concern, as scientific evidences show that it is the primary cause of global warming. CO₂ concentration is expected to double by the middle or end of the 21st century, with a temperature rise between 1.5°C and 4.5°C (ref. 1). The importance of agroforestry as a land-use system is receiving wider recognition not only in terms of agricultural sustainability, but also in issues related to carbon sequestration or climate change.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, Vedna Kumari ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Agronomy, Forages & Grassland Management, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176062, IN
2 Department of Crop Improvement, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176062, IN

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the influence of rainfall on the changes in spread, production and productivity of sesame in Himachal Pradesh during past forty years (1968-69 to 2007-08). The year-wise and pentad-wise trend analysis carried out following Mann- Kendall non parametric trend test indicated a significant decrease in area while no trend in production was observed under this crop. The dominance index also exhibited a gradual decrease in sesame area during past four decades. There was 48.7% reduction in area and 26.1% in production while only 1.2% decrease in quantum of rainfall was observed during 8^th pentad over 1^st pentad. The relationship between percent shift in area, production and productivity vis-à-vis rainfall was not significant. Hence, 41.4% increase in productivity during 8^th pentad over the 1^st pentad could be attributed to agro-technological interventions including varietal improvement.

Keywords

Sesame, Area, Production, Rainfall, Mann-Kendall Trend Test.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, IN

Abstract

Man has been using the milk of several animals, such as goat, sheep, cow, buffalo, horse, camel and donkey in different regions of the world since times immemorial. From the South, Southeast and East Asian viewpoint, cow, buffalo and goat milk are the most important. The contents of protein, fat, lactose and minerals differ considerably in milk from different animals. The per capita consumption of milk in Southeast and East Asia is very low and one of the reasons ascribed for this is high lactose intolerance in ethnic groups present in these regions. However, there are indications that continued use of milk and living near dairy farms can lead to lower lactose tolerance. Also milk products, such as, cheese and yogurt can be taken, without concern for lactose. Low consumption of milk has been held to be partly responsible for low male heights in this region. Currently, there is considerable global interest in the use of dairy proteins as supplements to improve metabolic health in humans and this should attract the attention of the people in South, Southeast and East Asia. With the establishment of Asian Dairy Network (DAN) in 2012, a good progress has been made in increasing the consumption of milk in Southeast and East Asia but it is still very low compared to other regions of the world. India has made commendable progress in dairy development and has emerged as the world's largest producer of milk, yet the per capita milk consumption is much lower than the average of the developed countries and it exports only 4% of its total produce. Indians used to be the major milk producers in Southeast Asia th th during 18 and 19 Century and it is high time that India seriously explores the ways and means of playing the key role in augmenting milk production and consumption in Southeast and East Asia. It has the advantage of being nearest to the region and of ethnic connectivity. Can India make the history repeat itself in its contribution towards milk production and consumption in Southeast and East Asia?

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Rajendra Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, IN

Abstract

According to ancient Indian scriptures including the recent Ramcharitmanas, five elements of nature, namely, earth, water, fire, sky, and wind are responsible for the creation, survival, and sustainability of human life on earth. The earth's gravitational force keeps all non-living and living objects stable and on ground. Earth provides land for agriculture and nutrients for plants that provide food for humans and animals. Earth provides the place for dwellings and is a store house of coal and fossil fuels that provide energy for locomotion and industry. Water is essential for life and water ways have been used for navigation since times immemorial. Hydel power also provides electricity. Fire is well known purifier even now and helps in cooking raw food. Energy is required for all mechanical and biological processes. Solar energy is essential for photosynthesis. Solar power is now being used for generating electricity, lightening homes, and for driving cars. Wind has oxygen, without which humans and many animal species cannot survive. Wind also has carbon dioxide the source of carbon in photosynthesis, the process responsible for manufacture of food by plants and the very basis of agriculture. Wind also has nitrogen, the source of protein for humans, and other living beings. Trade winds were responsible for the movement of people and goods in pre-motor-powered-ship era. Wind power is now being utilized for generating electricity. Sun, moon, clouds, and nitrogen in the sky are important for life on earth. Thus the present advancements made in understanding and utilizing the five elements of nature, prove the vision of our ancient sages and their careful management is the only way for a sustainable living on the planet earth.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, Anupam Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agronomy, Forages and Grassland Management, College of Agriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur - 176062, IN

Abstract

Spatial distribution of annual rainfall and rainy days, dependable rainfall and rainfall trends in Himachal Pradesh was assessed using rainfall data(1971-2014) of 40 rain gauge stations. The normal annual rainfall of Himachal Pradesh was observed to be 1267 ± 375 mm spreading over 66 rainy days. Highest annual rainfall to the tune of 1000 mm at 75% probability was noticed in 16 (with 6 located alone in the Kangra district) out of 40 rain gauge stations. An expected annual rainfall in the range of 400-600 mm was observed in mid and high hill regions of the state comprising districts of Shimla with two stations and Mandi and Kinnaur each with single station. Ten observatories indicated significant decreasing trend in rainfall while seven showed increasing trend. Increasing trend in annual rainfall was observed mainly in Shimla (Kumarsain, Rohru and Shimla) and Mandi (Karsog, Chachiot and Sarkaghat) districts. Ten stations had an increasing trend in number of annual rainy days, whereas, six had decreasing trends. The heavy rainfall event trends were non- significant at most of the stations except Pachhad and Sundernagar where it was observed to be decreasing under 75-100 mm category. In more than 100 mm category, decreasing trend at Palampur, Nurpur, Nichar and Pachhad and increasing at Malan, Berthin and Sarkaghat was observed.

Keywords

Annual Rainfall, Rainy Days, Rainfall Variability, Dependable Rainfall, Trends, Himachal Pradesh.

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Sayantam Sadhukhan ¹, Aritra Acharyya ¹, Rajendra Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Electronic Engineering (SOEE), KIIT University Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar - 751024, Odisha, IN

Abstract

Objectives: This paper presents a noble system to detect vehicle thefts. If an unauthorized person tries to steal the vehicle, user and police station will be notified with GPS location. Methods: Fingerprints stored in the memory of the system. If the fingerprint and RFID matches with the stored ones then the controller triggers the powering circuit of the ECM else if the burglar tries to start the car in any other ways it sends the alert messages of the interventions as well as the car’s location to the owner’s mobile app via cloud. Findings: The system is implemented using Intel Galileo gen2 board. The GPS, GSM, Wi-Fi module as well as an SD Card is also connected to the board. Installing this smart system is helpful because this system won’t let the ECM to power on the engine as designed. The system also incorporates certain other sensors to stop the car burglary. If the burglar tries to turn on the battery by using paperclips in the fuses then the owner will be notified about the past proceedings along with GPS location of the car. Application: The system works well with low-price range car employed with keyless entry and self-start button and is unique because it uses IoT to protect the low price cars.

Keywords

ECM, IoT, GPS, GSM, RFID

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, Arindam Das ¹, Rajshekhar Laha ¹, Mohita ¹, Arijoy ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Electronic Engineering (SoEE), Kiit University Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar – 751024, Odisha, IN

Abstract

Objectives: This paper presents a switched capacitor based dc to dc step down converter architecture to produce multiple output voltages with low ripple factor for the applications in wireless sensor nodes. The use of energy efficient non overlapping clock generators to minimize short circuit current has been presented. Methods: The proposed architecture consists of the integration of a capacitive ladder based dc to dc step-down converter with a non overlapping clock produced by a Constant Energy Ring Oscillator (CERO) instead of Current Starved Ring Oscillator (CSRO). The converter produces multiple output voltages as per the requirement of the oscillator. The switched capacitor consists of MOS Transmission gates as switches and the capacitors. All the simulations were performed in the 90nm technology by the Cadence Virtuoso simulator. All the switches in the DC-DC converter were implemented as transmission gates. Findings: A very low ripple voltage output was produced by the DC-DC converter. Its efficiency was found to be greater than 90% with a switching frequency of 500 MHz. Compared with the previous topologies, the number of transistors used was highly reduced. Improvements: A wide range of output voltage from 0.8V to 2.7 V was generated. The ripple voltages were as low as 0.02V at full load conditions.

Keywords

DC-DC, Ring Oscillator, Ripple Voltage, Switched Capacitor, Wireless Sensor Nodes (WSN)

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Rajendra Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi – 110012, Delhi, IN

Abstract

Cotton is one of the greatest gifts that India has given to the world, and its cultivation goes back to even before the Vedic period. Europeans came to know of cotton only in the 5th century, when Alexander the Great attacked India. Even before the arrival of the Mughals, India was trading cotton with countries in the Middle East, continental Europe, and Egypt through the Silk Route. For the Mughals, this was the major export commodity and the trade through the Silk Route continued until 1498 CE, when the Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama landed at Kappadu near Kozhikode (formerly Calicut), in Kerala, and established the sea route for trade. The British East India Company established itself strongly after their victory over the Nawab of Bengal and his French associates in the Battle of Plassey on 23 June 1757. Export of cotton textiles and calico to Britain started in a big way and continued up to the end of the 18th century. However, the development of spinning and weaving machinery, during the late 18th century in Britain, reversed the trade by the early 19th century, and India became merely an exporter of raw cotton to Britain. During the late 18th century, the British cotton industry was the largest in the world, but the Anglo-French wars during 1778–83 reduced their trade with continental Europe, and USA became their major export market for cotton goods. Britain also started to import raw cotton from USA. India’s cotton export to Britain suffered because of this. However, the American Civil War of 1861–65 blocked the supply of raw cotton from USA, and Britain again started imports from India. World War I (1914-17) completely shattered the British cotton industry and it never recovered, because other countries began to develop their textile industries. India now exports raw cotton mainly to neighboring Bangladesh and Pakistan, and to some Southeast Asian countries. India’s exports in 2016-17 were estimated at US$ 6.3 billion (12.2% of the global exports). However, India is now the leading producer of organic cotton, the market for which is on the increase, but here again the trend is towards decline in area and production.

Keywords

Bt Cotton, Better Cotton Initiative, Calico, Cotton Textiles, East India Company, Muslin, Naturally-Coloured Cotton, Organic Cotton, Spinning Jenny, The Spinning Mule, The Water Frame.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 6695 Meghan Rose Way, East Amherst, NY 14051, US

Abstract

Honey was the first sweetener to be discovered by humans in the ancient times. It remained the main sweetener in Europe until Alexander the Great’s visit to India in 326 BCE, when he came across the sweet-juice-producing sugarcane. Sugarcane originated in India during the Vedic period (1200–1000 BCE), and even today, most of the sugarcane grown all over the world has some genetic linkage to the ‘Noble’ canes bred at the Sugarcane Breeding Institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR-SBI), India. The technology for making sugar from sugarcane juice was also first developed in India. The word sugar, as well as Saccharum, the generic name for sugarcane, are derived from the Sanskrit word sharkara. Sugar beet as a source of sugar was identified in Europe in the middle of the 18^th century. Production of sugar syrups started much later. In recent times, the excess consumption of sugar and modern sedentary lifestyles created the problem of diabetes, triggering the search for non-sugar sweeteners. Saccharin, the world’s first and widely used artificial sweetener was accidentally discovered in 1879 in Germany. It was followed by the discovery of other artificial sweeteners, such asaspartame (APM), cyclamate, sucralose, acesulfame-k and neotame, which have been approved by different government authorities and are being marketed in many countries. Nevertheless, when taken in amounts more than the medically approved levels, they may cause health problems. This has made man turn back to Nature once again and search for natural non-sugar sweeteners. The most acceptable natural non-sugar sweetener today is ‘Stevia’, which had been known to people in South America since ages. Stevia is gaining popularity all over the world, and is reported to have antioxidant, antiviral, anti-hypertension, and anti-inflammatory properties. The two alcohol sweeteners erythritol and xylitol can also be considered as natural, since they are produced from natural products. Erythritol is produced from fermented fruits and foods, while xylitol is produced from hemicelluloses from hardwood. Yet another natural sweetener, licorice (mulethi), is mostly used as a flavoring agent and for medicinal purposes. Licorice, aspartame and cyclamate have nearly the same calorie value as sucrose, while xylitol has 63% calorie value as compared with sucrose. The rest of the non-sugar sweeteners are calorie-free.

Keywords

Acesulfame-k, Aspartame, Cyclamate, Diabetes, Honey, Licorice, Neotame, Saccharine, Stevia, Sucralose, Sucrose, Sugarcane, Sugar Beet.

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Arbind Kumar Rai ¹, Rajendra Prasad ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Entomology, Central Agricultural University Pusa, Samastipur – 848125, Bihar, IN
2 Central Agricultural University Pusa, Samastipur – 848125, Bihar, IN

Abstract

The management of spotted stem borer of maize Chilo partellus through augmentative releases of the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes was conducted at Dr Rajendra Prasad. Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar during Kharif 2014, 2015 and 2016. Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) was the dominant natural enemy of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in maize fields of Bihar agro - climatic condition and its maximum parasitization was 57 per cent. In the augmented experimentation lay out, the maximum natural infestation of Chilo partellus and its parasitoid was as 41.21 per cent during last week of September and 42.30 per cent during second week of November, respectively. In the augmented maize field, the maximum infestation and parasitization were found as 11.36 and 51 per cent, respectively.

Keywords

Chilo partellus, Cotesia flavipes, Ecologically Dominant Parasitoid.

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Rajendra Prasad , Yashbir Singh Shivay

Abstract

Genus Chenopodium has about 250 species, which mostly grow as weeds throughout the world. In India, the most common species is Chenopodium album L., which grows as a weed in wheat fields in the north. Its foliage is used as a green vegetable, while the seed is used in the hilly regions for making gruel and mild alcoholic beverages. However, people of Andes, South America have domesticated and developed Chenopodium quinoa (popularly known as quinoa) as an excellent food-grain crop since the past several millennia. Quinoa received global attention in the wake of human intolerance to gluten in wheat resulting in celiac disease, and its demand has largely increased. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2013 as the International Year of Quinoa. The leading country in the world producing quinoa is Peru, followed by Bolivia. However, considering the demand and high market prices, a number of countries, including India have started growing quinoa. However, farmers in India are facing problem in marketing the crop, because there is no local consumption and exporting a farm product is problematic. India has a variety of food grains, including pearl millet, sorghum and several minor millets to tackle gluten intolerance and celiac disease.

Keywords

No Keywords.

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B. K. Nashine ¹, Rajendra Prasad ¹, Vijay Sharma ¹, B. P. C. Rao ¹

Affiliations
1 Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam - 603 102, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) employs induction motors of various power ratings in high temperature ambient and sometimes corrosive atmosphere. Safe operation of the reactor depends on robustness and reliability of induction motors in its critical components. Safety related systems such as shutdown and online inspection systems, utilize induction motors as actuators in their mechanisms. Since external cooling is not permitted in control and inspection motors, special design of motors is required to withstand high temperatures. This paper deals with design, analysis, fabrication and testing of a compact 50 W, three phase induction motor, suitable for operating up to 250 °C ambient with winding temperature withstand capability up to 550°C. The designed motor was analyzed with two dimensional Finite Element Model (FEM) code FEMM to study the torque slip characteristics and magnetic flux density patterns in stator and rotor.

Keywords

Induction motor, high temperature, FEM Analysis, MI cable

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, Anupam Sharma ², Manoj Kumar Negi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agronomy, Forages and Grassland Management, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur - 176 062, IN
2 Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur - 176 062, IN

Abstract

Weather extreme could be any weather parameter be it rainfall or temperature that lies outside a locale's normal range of weather intensity. The negative or adverse impact of extreme weather events could be significant whether directly or indirectly inducing stress on plant growth and performance. Enlisting extreme weather events is highly useful to ascertain their occurrence and probable impact in future. The highest single day rainfall (amount of rainfall received in 24 hours' time) was as high as 381.7 mm at Dharamshala in district Kangra, while the other stations in Himachal Pradesh received the lower single day rainfall. The longest dry spells were more frequent with higher variation during October to December which coincided with sowing of the rabi crops than March to May corresponding to grain filling and maturity of the rabi crops and flowering and fruit development stage in mango, apple and stone fruits. In the recent past, the highest recorded maximum temperature was 48.5°C at Dhaulakuan, district Sirmaur while the lowest minimum temperature was -9°C at Salooni, district Chamba. There was decline in number of cold waves, severe cold waves and total number of days with minimum temperature below normal. The occurrence of extreme weather events showed no pattern or periodicity but they continued to affect sowing, flowering, fruit development and maturity in field/ horticultural crops in the state.

Keywords

Highest Single Day Rainfall, Dry Spells, Cold Waves, Field Crops, Vegetable Crops, Horticulture Crops.

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Rajendra Prasad ¹, Yashbir Singh Shivay ¹

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, IN

Abstract

Cow (also buffalo) milk protein allergy (CMPA) and Lactose Intolerance (LI) due to ingestion of milk are global issues. CMPA could be either immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated or non-IgE-mediated, while LI is a non-allergic response. CMPA affected infants immediately after milk ingestion, express the symptoms which include urticaria, angiooedema, vomiting or an acute flare of atopic dermatitis. If such symptoms are observed, parents should always consult a pediatrician/nutritionist/physician. The IgE-mediated CMPA can be detected by skin prick test. Boiling the milk can partly overcome CMPA. The other option is an alternate diet, such as, soya milk and rice water. LI is not an allergy. The major symptoms of LI are abdominal bloating and cramps, borborygmus (gurgling noise in the intestine), diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. LI is a major problem in Southeast Asia and responsible for low milk consumption in countries in this region. To overcome LI, milk can be consumed as curd or yogurt or other milk products or by taking proper dose of lactase along with milk.

Keywords

Borborygmus, Bloating, Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy, Diarrhoea, Lactase, Lactose Intolerance, Nausea, Rash, Vomiting.

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Dhiraj Kumar ¹, Ram Newaj ¹, Asha Ram ¹, Rajendra Prasad ¹, Veeresh Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Gwalior Road, Near Pahuj Dam, Jhansi 284 003, IN
2 ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560 024, IN

Abstract

Fine ischolar_mains are the most important contributors of ecosystem productivity in many terrestrial ecosystems. However, its dynamics, biomass potential, production and turnover rates of fine ischolar_mains under different environments lack clarity. We have studied horizontal and vertical distribution of fine ischolar_main dynamics, including length, density, biomass, production and turnover rates in Phyllanthus emblica-based agroforestry system in stressed environment of red soil patch of Bundelkhand region in Central India. Nearly, 63% of the fine ischolar_main length and its density are confined to 0– 45 cm soil depth. Fine ischolar_main biomass significantly varied across seasons with 70–80% of the biomass obtained during autumn, followed by spring and summer seasons. The annual fine ischolar_main production rates were highest near the stem base up to 1.0 m distance and the turnover rates varied from 1.63 yr^–1 (highest) at 0.5 m distance to 1.03 yr^–1 (lowest) at 1.5 m distance from the stem base. The fine ischolar_main dynamics changed highly across seasons, indicating more vigorous vegetative growth and nutrient release during monsoon months. Thus, studies on fine ischolar_main dynamics can improve our understanding of overall system productivity and management under stressed environments.

Keywords

Agroforestry System, Fine Root Biomass, Phyllanthus emblica, Turnover Rates.

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Dixa Tanotra ¹, Sarwan Kumar ¹, Rajendra Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, IN

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2016 at farmer’s fields in district Hamirpur. The experiment included 8 treatment combinations was conducted in random block design with three replications. The experiment was carried out during June to September in Bhoranj, Nadaun and Taunidevi blocks with different dates of sowing viz. Gwardu (L₁) 30>sup>th May, Dhamrol (L₂) 30>sup>st May, Mann trebest location. Higher crop growth rate (42.5 g/m²/day) and plant height (202.3 cm) were recorded in Nadaun block at Mann treti (Location L₃) with 500-800 mm rainfall. The Farmers practice (FP₂) showed significantly higher plant height (216.7 cm), leaf area index (1.91), crop growth rate (46.5 g/m²/day) and relative growth rate (0.0069 g/g/day). Farmer’s practice proved to be better than zero budget natural farming at all the three locations. Key words:

Keywords

Farming Practice, Location, Maize, Physiological Parameters and Rainfall.

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