eChapters

Lentil is one of the most nutritious cool season food legume and ranks next only to chickpea. It is grown throughout the northern and central India for grains, which are used as dal (wholeor dehulled) andin various otherculinarypreparations. Lentil contains about 25% protein, 0.7% fat, 2.1% mineral, 0.7% fibre and 59% carbohydrate. It is a rich source of phosphorus and carotene. It is generally grown as rainfed crop during rabi season after rice, maize, pearl millet orkharif fallow. It is also grown as intercrop with barley, linseed, mustard and autumn planted sugarcane. In North-eastern parts of the country, lentil is also cultivated as paira crop with rice in which seeds of lentil are broadcast in the standing crop of rice 7-10 days before its harvest. It is grown on a wide range of soils from light loamysand to heavy clay soil in northern parts and moderately deep black soils in central India.

Lentil (Lens culinaris, 2 n = 2 x = 14, family Fabaceae/Leguminosae, subfamily Papilionaceae, essentially self-pollinated annual) has average global area, production and yield during 2015-17 as 5.56 million ha, 6.55 million tons of production and 1178 kg/ha as per FAOSTAT. The top ten lentil producing countries globally are Canada, India, Turkey, USA, Nepal, Australia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, China, and Kazakhstan. India produced 0.94 million tons of lentil from 1.60 million ha with a productivity of 587 kg/ha during 2010-11. The corresponding figures for the year 2018-19 are 1.56 million tons, 1.51 million ha and 1033 kg/ha indicating a significant gain in the productivity over the years (Directorate of Economics and Statistics, 2020). The top states in lentil production in India are Madhya Pradesh (40%), UP (30%), West Bengal (11%) and Bihar (9%). Rest of the states is insignificant. The plant was given the scientific name Lens culinaris in 1787 by Medikus, a German botanist and physician.

Wilt appears in the fi eld as patches is both seedling stage and developed plants. Symptoms include drooping and wilting of uppermost leaves. Plants become completely yellow and die. Plants are affected during the pod fi lling stages, seeds are often shrivelled. There will be rotting at the basal portion of the plant. Discoloration of vascular bundle are noticed when the stem is spitted
open.

The name Lepidoptera derived from the Greek words “lepido” meaning Scale and “ptera” meaning wings refers to the flattened hairs (Scales) that cover the body and wings of most adults. Lepidoptera (Moths and Butterflies) is the second largest order (1.10 lakh sp.) in the class insecta, characterized by the body, wings and appendages being generally covered densely with pigmented scales which provide the colour pattern of the characteristic of the species and play an important role in courtship and intraspecific recognition.

Adults

• Head: Hypognathus and relatively small.

• Compound eyes are large and set well apart. Ocelli two in number in moths or reduced to Chaetosoma in butterfly.

• Mouthparts form a coiled tube (Proboscis) beneath the head.

• Antennal type:

• Butterflies: Clubbed, clavate, capitate.

• Moths: Pectinate (Uni/Bi).

• Adults have siphoning type mouthparts except in micropterygidae (Mandibulate mouthparts). Front wings large, triangular, hindwings large, fan shaped.

• Body and wings covered with small, overlapping scale.

• Thoracic segments are fused and metathorax is the largest and most prominent.

• Wings covered with scales. Androconia (Plumules) on upper surface of wings in some males serves as outlet for odouriferous glands. are fringed distally with each tip finely divided. • Wing coupling apparatus variable (generally Frenulum and retinaculum or Amplexiform type)

Role of Leptin in Uterine Function

Leptin is a 16 kDa protein consisting of 167 amino acids, encoded by the LEP gene located on chromosome 7q31.3. Structurally, leptin comprises four anti parallel alpha helices (A, B, C, and D), two long loops (AB and CD), and a short loop (BC). It has three binding sites: site I is in the C-terminal region of helix D, site II spans the surface of helices A and C, and site III is located near the N-terminal region of helix D. Its structural similarity to proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor suggests its potential immune-modulatory roles.

Leptin’s effects on uterine contractions have been studied at length. In human uterine smooth muscle, leptin inhibits both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions. Moynihan et al. (2008) reported that leptin caused a 46% reduction in spontaneous and a 42% reduction in oxytocin-induced contractions. A lesser degree of relaxation (36%) was noted in a larger study involving non-laboring human uterine tissue, while rat uterine tissue exhibited a 24% relaxation (Mumtaz et al., 2015). The concentrations used in these studies ranged from 1 nM to 1 µM, which includes the physiological range in pregnant women with normal body mass index (BMI). Leptin levels rise with increasing BMI during pregnancy (Hendler et al., 2005).

Synonyms :  Weil’s disease, Stuttgart disease, Infectious jaundice, Haemoglobinuria, Rice field worker’s disease, Swine handler’s disease, Sugarcane worker’s disease, Canine typhus

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis. According to the occupational groups involved and the nature of the disease presentations, different names have been used, e.g. seven-day fever found commonly in Japan, Cane cutter’s disease in Australia, Rice field Leptospirosis in Indonesia and Fort Bragg fever, which appeared as an outbreak in the US. Weil’s disease, which is one of the severe forms of this disease, occurs in many countries, including India and other South-East Asian Countries, China, continental Europe and England. Leptospirosis exists in all the five inhabited continents and in a large number of countries. It occurs in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones.  Leptospirosis is also an important cause of abortions, stillbirths and reproductive failures in cattle and pigs.  Periodic ophthalmia in horse is commonly associated with leptospiral infections. Leptospirosis was first recognized in humans in 1886 by Weil and characterized by icterus.  Leptospira have been isolated from a variety of animal species and humans manifesting various clinical syndromes such as mud fever and swine herd disease.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis. According to the occupational groups involved and the nature of the disease presentations, different names have been used, e.g. seven-day fever found commonly in Japan, Cane cutter's disease in Australia, Rice field Leptospirosis in Indonesia and Fort Bragg fever, which appeared as an outbreak in the US. Weil's disease, which is one of the severe forms of this disease, occurs in many countries, including India and other South-East Asian Countries, China, continental Europe and England. Leptospirosis exists in all the five inhabited continents and in a large number of countries. It occurs in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. Leptospirosis is also an important cause of abortions, stillbirths and reproductive failures in cattle and pigs. Periodic ophthalmia in horse is commonly associated with leptospiral infections. Leptospirosis was first recognized in humans in 1886 by Weil and characterized by icterus. Leptospira have been isolated from a variety of animal species and humans manifesting various clinical syndromes such as mud fever and swine herd disease.

Etiology: The etiologic agent of leptospirosis is Leptospira interrogans. It is a thin spiral organism 0.1mm x 6 -20mm, with tightly set coils, and it is characterized by very active motility, by rotating ("spinning") and bending. Usually one or both ends of this single-cell organism are bent or hooked, but straight forms also occur that rotate and travel more slowly than hooked forms. The cells have pointed ends, either or both of which are usually bent into a distinctive hook. Two axial filaments (periplasmic flagella) with polar insertions are located in the periplasmic space. The structure of the flagellar proteins is complex. Leptospires exhibit two distinct forms of movement, translational and nontranslational. Morphologically, all leptospires are indistinguishable, but the morphology of individual isolates varies with subculture in vitro and can be restored by passage in hamsters. Leptospires have a typical double membrane structure in common with other spirochetes, in which the cytoplasmic membrane and peptidoglycan cell wall are closely associated and are overlain by an outer membrane. Leptospiral lipopolysaccharide has a composition similar to that of other Gram-negative bacteria, but has lower endotoxic activity. Leptospires may be stained using carbol fuchsin counterstain. Leptospires are obligate aerobes with an optimum growth temperature of 28 to 30°C. They produce both catalase and oxidase. They grow in simple media enriched with vitamins (vitamins B₂ and B₁₂ are growth factors), long-chain fatty acids, and ammonium salts. Long-chain fatty acids are utilized as the sole carbon source and are metabolized by b-oxidation. Because of their narrow diameter, the leptospires are best visualized by dark-field illumination or phase contrast microscopy and they do not stain readily with aniline dyes. The free living (L. biflexa) and parasitic leptospires (L. interrogans) are morphologically indistinguishable.

INTRODUCTION

The genus Pratylenchus was established in 1936. It has a cosmopolitan distribution prevalent in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions. The species of Pratylenchus are popularly known as lesion nematode or meadow nematode. They are migratory endoparasites. Various pulse crops are damaged by them. P. thornei attacks chickpea,  P.zeae on mungbean (Walia and Seshadri, 1986); P. mulchandani on urdbean (Nanad Kumar et al., 1969) and Pratylenchus sp.on lentil (Mishra and Gaur, 1980) and cowpea (Aung and Prot, 1990).
Besides pulses species of Pratylenchus attack a number of other crops also. The infested plants exhibit various types of symptoms and results in heavy yield losses. Investigations have been made on various aspects of host-nematode relationship, distribution, host range, yield losses, biology, life cycle, disease cycle, interaction with other microorganism and management through cultural, physical, chemical, biological methods and host resistance.

The North East region represents eight states namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Sikkim consisting 7.79% of the Indian national geographical area. The altitude difference (50m-7000m) coupled with varied physio- geographic and agroclimatic conditions; varying intensity of rainfall (800-12000 mm) and topography harbour various vegetation types of tropical, temperate and alpines zones. In India, there are about 800 plant species used as food plants chiefly  by the tribal population (Singh and Arora, 1978). Out of these about 300 species are prevalent in the northeastern region (Khrasati, 1973, Joseph and Murti, 1981, Singh et al. 1981).

Tribals of various ethnic groups like Khasi, Garo, Monpas, Karbis, Jaintia, Naga, Kuki, Manipuri, Mizo, Chakma, Dafla, Adi, Mishing, Apatani and others are predominant in the various habitats of hilly regions also used to practice “Jhumming” or shifting cultivation. Most of wild fruits are used  in day to day diets of tribal people of the region and are often sold in the local markets.

Lesser yam, Lesser Asiaticyam (Dioscorea esculenta) is among the most ancient species of the genus and its centre of origin is stated by various authorities as India, Vietnam or Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. It is domesticated as a staple food in Southern China from 2nd and 3rd centuries. Today, it is widely distributed throughout the tropics, but is little used except in South East Asia, where it is grown to such an extent that it ranks third in production and utilization of yams after D. rotundata,D. cayenensis and D. alata. Wild types of D. esculenta also exist in Malaysia, New Guinea and Philippines.  The wild types have more leaves, large roots, longer stolons, more fibrous tuber flesh and more thorny roots and shoots.

Classification
The wild types of D. esculenta (Family: Dioscoreaceae) exist in Malaysia, New guinea and Philippines. Wild types have more vigorous foliage, larger leaves, longer stolons, more fibrous tuber flesh and more thorny roots and shoots.  On the basis of thorniness, the cultivated types are distinguished into two botanical varieties.

LD 50- It is defined as the concentration/dose that kills 50 % of the experimental population.

Acute toxic studies have been conducted in order to calculate LD50. There are several methods to calculate LD50, some are as follows:

Methods to Determine LD 50

• Karber’s method.

• Miller & Tainter method

• Lorke method

• Fixed dose method

• Acute Toxic Class method

• Up & down procedure

Karber’s Method

This method involves the administration of different doses of test substance to various groups, which has five animals each. The first group of animals is administered with the vehicle in which the test substance was dissolved or diluted

1.0. Objectives

• To provide knowledge of the correct structure and content of the formal letter
• To show the letter-writing etiquette
• To impart knowledge of different types of letters
• To make out how to develop ideas in a formal and informal letter
• To make them practice writing letters

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), a member of the sunflower family Asteraceae, is India’s most popular salad vegetable. From a commercial standpoint, it is a tiny crop that is exclusively grown in kitchen gardens. However, because of the rising use of lettuce in continental hotels, the acreage and output of lettuce has expanded, making India the third largest producer. Lactuca indica, also known as Indian lettuce, is a lettuce species native to Asia that is found in Meghalaya and Sikkim and is used for medical purposes. Indian lettuce is a generic term for numerous Asian plants with leaves that vary in form and size. It is also known as the Goose vegetable, Tropical lettuce, Ku mak, Yao mak, Ku Mak Cai, Daun Panjang, and Sawi Rana.

A levee is an elongated embankment constructed along a river, stream, or floodplain boundary to prevent floodwater from entering protected land. Levees can safeguard settlements, agricultural fields, industries, roads, and public infrastructure, but they do not eliminate flooding and may transfer risk downstream or cause severe damage if overtopped or breached. Their design depends on expected flood level, freeboard, soil properties, seepage conditions, foundation stability, alignment, and available construction materials. This chapter explains levee functions, classifications, advantages, limitations, and structural components. It also addresses seepage control, slope protection, erosion, settlement, failure mechanisms, inspection, maintenance, and the importance of combining levees with forecasting and evacuation planning.

Aim: Amputation of limb by bone section technique.

Indication: Irreparable injury; Gangrene; Malignant disease.

Site:

Fore-limb: Common site is junction of the lower and middle third of the radius(fore-arm).

Hind-limb: common site is the middle third of the leg region(tibia).

Anaesthesia and control: Fore-limb: general anaesthesia; Hind-limb: epidural anaesthesia. Operated in lateral recumbent position.

There can be no scientific studies which do not involve the process of measuring. Measurement process is the integral part of research activity. Measurement can be defined as the assignment of numerals to the objects or events according to set of rules.  The emphasis in this definition is on phrase ‘set of rules’. If the rules can be set up based on some rational or empirical basis, then theoretically anything can be measured. It is very much easy to understand the concept of measurement in case of physical sciences (Example weight, length, mass etc.) but it is harder understand the concept of measurement in case of psychological objects/phenomenon (intelligence, aggressiveness, attitude etc.) without understanding the predetermined rules of measurement. A rule is a guide, command that tells you what to do/how to do.

As it is well understood, food and drinking water are the first among the hierarchical needs of a human being. Growing population, expanding ecological footprint, diminishing per capita land and water availability, increasing biotic and abiotic stresses, and, above all, the prospects for adverse changes in temperature, precipitation and sea level as a result of climate change, emphasise the need for keeping issues relating to agriculture high on the professional, political and public agenda. The multiple roles of agriculture in food production, improving nutrition and health, and climate change mitigation are now well recognised scientifically, but are yet be integrated into coherent national policies and strategies. Opportunities for generating synergy among agriculture, nutrition and health are great and this conference is therefore a timely one.

Introduction

Eastern India comprises of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam plains, Bihar, and eastern Uttar Pradesh with a total geographical area (GA) of 71.84 million ha with highest in Odisha (15.57 million ha) and lowest in Assam (7.84 million ha) (Bhatt et al., 2016). Net cultivated area in the region is 31.21 million ha (about 44% of GA) with a cropping intensity of 150%. The total food grain production from the region is 86.71 million tonnes (31.51% of the total production). Eastern region is having population of 406 million (33.6 % of total) with the density of 567 person/sq km, which is much higher than national density i.e., 382. 

Role of Digital Technologies in Agricultural Extension

Digital technologies encompass a wide array of electronic tools designed to facilitate information processing, communication, transmission, and presentation. Scholars like Michiels and Van Crowder (2001) describe these technologies as transformative forces that can significantly alter organizational structures and social dynamics. In the agricultural sector, the integration of digital tools offers substantial benefits, from driving agricultural growth to empowering underserved farming communities. This review explores the necessity, benefits, scope, and challenges of digital technologies in agricultural extension, highlighting their potential in advancing sustainable rural development.

Importance of Digital Technologies in Agricultural Extension

Boosting Agricultural Development

Digital tools play a crucial role in advancing agricultural growth by providing timely and critical information, knowledge, and resources to farmers and stakeholders.

Expanding Knowledge Access:

These technologies serve as vast repositories of agricultural knowledge, giving extension workers and farmers access to comprehensive information on best practices, innovations, and market trends.

Enhancing Information Dissemination

Digital tools improve the spread of agricultural information and advisory services, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding crop management, pest control, and market opportunities.

Introduction

In recent years, the convergence of digital technologies has ushered in a new era of industrial transformation known as Industry 4.0, characterized by the fusion of physical, digital, and biological systems. While much attention has been focused on its implications for urban industries and global supply chains, the potential of Industry 4.0 to reshape rural economies remains relatively unexplored. This paper seeks to address this gap by examining how Industry 4.0 technologies can optimize supply chains in rural contexts, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities present in rural India.

Rural economies play a crucial role in the socio-economic fabric of nations, particularly in countries like India, where a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas. According to the World Bank, over 65% of India’s population lives in rural regions, where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for millions (World Bank, 2020). However, rural communities in India face a myriad of challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low levels of technological adoption. These challenges not only impede economic growth but also contribute to disparities in income, education, and healthcare between rural and urban areas.

Introduction
Current state of global warming and climate change affecting crops through altered pest and disease incidence patterns, changes in temperature and CO2 levels which adversely affected the crop production (Habib-ur-Rahman et al. 2022). This threat is particularly pronounced in food-insecure regions, especially in Asian countries. Climate change not only jeopardizes crop and livestock health but also impacts soil and water resources and livelihood of rural communities. Furthermore, it contributes to food insecurity by increasing prices and reducing overall food production. The complexity of these effects highlights the need for modern agricultural techniques to mitigate risks and ensure global food security (Habib-ur-Rahman et al. 2018).
Crop improvement, an integral facet of agricultural development, remains a cornerstone in addressing the burgeoning global food demands. Conventional plant breeding methods have played a pivotal role in developing improved crop varieties that exhibit enhanced quality, higher yields and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, plant breeding methods involving continuous selection and intermating among closely related individuals can result in a reduction of genetic diversity within a cultivated crop species. The narrow genetic base makes crops more vulnerable to emerging threats, such as new pests or diseases and limits their ability to cope with changing climatic conditions. In India, the Green Revolution along with substantial plant breeding activities, led to a significant increase in crop yields, particularly in staple crops like wheat, rice and maize. However, one of the major consequences of green revolution is the development of narrow genetic base in cultivated crop species (Begna 2021).
Moreover, the reliance on a narrow genetic base, a consequence of crossing only two parents, curtails the exploration of broader genetic diversity. This limitation restricts the potential for effectively combining and expressing desired traits in the resulting crop varieties. Most of conventional plant breeding techniques were primarily focused on monogenic traits, while many agronomically important traits are quantitative in nature, controlled by polygenes, and influenced by the environment. This poses challenges for breeders relying only on phenotypic selection. Notably, traits influenced by multiple genes, such as resistance to diseases or tolerance to environmental stresses, are particularly challenging to manipulate using traditional breeding methods.
Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) are genomic regions that influence polygenic traits, first described by Geldermann (1975). Identifying QTLs associated with improving yield and quality traits is pivotal for catalysing a new Green Revolution (Arrones et al. 2020; Pradhan et al. 2015). Marker-assisted selection (MAS), introgression breeding and QTL pyramiding offer efficient avenues for developing improved cultivars. However, identifying QTLs associated with quantitative traits remains a challenge for plant breeders (Arrones et al. 2020). The basic requirement for the detection of QTLs involves appropriate mapping population, marker systems, phenotyping methods and suitable experimental designs (Arrones et al. 2020; Collard et al. 2005)

Role-play is a product of ‘play’, ‘games’ and ‘simulation’ (Gabrielle McSharry, 2000). In science education, role-play may be seen as an interaction between these three components – either in combination or by themselves – and students who perform such activities results in learning outcome. In the context of social studies, role-play is used to learn the issues and decisions of the past and how things might have been different in local community in a broader setting. Aside from knowledge acquisition, preparing and conducting a role-play activity strengthens students’ knowledge, acquisition skills, their creativity, their values clarification skills and a variety of interpersonal skills identified in the curriculum outcomes. As an effective instructional teaching strategy, role-playing emphasizes the social nature of learning and sees cooperative behaviour as stimulating students both socially and intellectually.

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field that mainly focuses on creating intelligent technologies that can easily perform tasks requiring human intelligence. One subfield is machine learning (ML), which enables machines to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. There are two main types of ML: supervised and unsupervised learning. Supervised learning trains machines on labeled data to predict output, while unsupervised learning trains machines on unlabeled data to find patterns. ML includes techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, and deep learning. ML has the potential to revolutionize many fields but also raises ethical, social, and legal issues. Developing trustworthy, responsible, and ethical ML systems is crucial. The MuCulloch and Pitts Model, proposed by Warren MuCulloch and Walter Pitts in 1943, is the first formal model of ML techniques. It is also known as the linear threshold gate (Fig. 1).

INTRODUCTION

According to the World Bank, youth present an opportunity for a sustainedeffort to participate in nation’s development process because they possess greaterenergy and potential and have the capacity to drive positive change. Stimulating growthof employment in the agricultural sector remains paramount priority in countries with alarge agricultural sector, as improvements in agricultural productivity can generatemore and better jobs in most developing countries (World Bank, 2008). Youth who possess non-farm skills are 1.4 times more likely to move out ofagriculture. Their age has significant role in favor of shifting out of agriculture, becauseoccupational mobility was higher among younger farmers (Sharma and Bhaduri, 2012). India has the largest youth population in the world. About 70 per cent of India’spopulation is below the age of 35 years, making India the youngest nation in the World. According to some estimates, the proportion of population under 25 years in India is 51per cent. Some experts refer to this large proportion of youth as “demographicdividend” because greater proportion of the population is young and in the workingage-group which can lead to economic growth. However, out of the youth population of460 million, only 333 million youth in India are literate and unemployment rate ishighest (10.6 per cent) among youth (CIA World Factbook, 2012).

INTRODUCTION

Liatris is a group of versatile and popular wild flowers of North America. It is commonly called as Blazing Star or Gay Feather and can be found growing in dry or damp places, uncultivated fields, thin woods or sunny locations. It is suitable for herbaceous border, wild gardens, cut flower and dry flower. Liatris spp. take up minimal space and are suitable for even very small gardens. Long floral spikes of liatris create a mesmerizing effect when arranged in bouquets as well as when grown in gardens.

One of the reasons for such popularity of liatris as cut flower is its ease of culture, durability, long season of bloom and the most important thing being its unusual mode of blooming. Unlike most other flowers produced in spikes, liatris open from the top to downward, i.e. basipetally. Liatris grow about 60-180 cm in height, stiff, erect and hardy perennials having linear (long and narrow) grass like leaves. The flowers are purple or white, lavender to mauve, composed of multiple florets which are arranged in a wandlike spike covering top one third of the stem. With increasing popularity, their demand as a cut flower crop for both greenhouse and outdoor production has increased. Purple varieties are in greater demand. Liatris spicata, L. aspera and L. pycnostachya are the major commercial species.

Libido • It is the willingness & eagerness of male animal to mount and perform complete service. It is sexual desire or drive which is an innate character of male animals. • Libido and mating ability have no direct relation with fertility. Libido is not related directly to sperm production and semen quality. • The libido of an animal depends on androgenic steroid hormone. Vasectomy or cryptorchidism does not affect libido in male animals. • Animals have no or reduced libido that are castrated before puberty. If the animals, that know the copulation, are castrated after puberty, they display the copulation behaviour for longer period. • Reaction time – It is the time between the contact of a male animal with female animal to 1st false mount with erected penis. Reaction time is the good predictor of libido.

ABSTRACT

The advent and implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in library operations changed the overall information scenario. The format of libraries, information resources and user expectations are completely changing. Similarly, the role of librarian is continuously changing in the digital era. No library can fulfill the informational demands of the users; hence, resource sharing is required between the libraries. Consortiums are developed to enable the institutions to access the rich and scholarly resources at an affordable cost. The present paper discusses the basic concept of resource sharing, consortium types, need, advantages and disadvantages and its role in sharing information.

Keywords: ICT, Consortium, Library consortia, Resource sharing.

Introduction

The total area of education is continuously changing where imperative information is exploring constantly.  There is highest need of information and knowledge for best and efficient education and the library plays a vital role in it. The users demand various aspects of information and enhanced quality of information service. Therefore present day’s library has gone from traditional environment to e-environment. We can use e-journals, e-books; CD & DVD etc .Library consortia play a most important role of academic libraries.

INTRODUCTION

Library networks and cooperatives were formed to provide support among libraries, leveraging staff and resources to provide cost-effective and efficient services that the libraries individually could not afford. By 1960s, the networks and cooperatives were focusing on automation; it was through them that library automation was introduced and pioneering efforts in resource sharing began. As the world of libraries changed, other services became the business of networks and cooperatives. Frequently, services initiated by networks were later integrated into the daily operations of individual libraries. Examples of such pioneering services included Internet connectivity and training; teleconferencing; services to special populations; distance learning; database licensing and training. Hence the discipline of LIS meant to manage and provide information service may not be taught effectively and practiced perfectly through a framed curriculum in the formal education stream alone. Driven by the market demands and user needs, the discipline is embracing other disciplines like computers, communication technology research etc. Library consortia and networking are not new to the library community as it is the latest phrase of the so-called library cooperation, library networks and so on. We have talked a lot about the issues that caused the lack of successful implementation of library networks in India. Of them, technology and economics are very important factors for realizing a successful cooperation. We talked about the solutions that are of global in nature but never suited Indian environments with its economic background. The result is that we developed library networks, but nothing to share. And then we realized that we need to develop information resources in the electronic form so that library networks become effective for the purposes they were setup. We have had number of conferences, meetings, publications etc on discussing the bibliographic formats, standards and the software to host these resources. There was a lot of initiatives by networks such as INFLIBNET, DELNET and other library networks supported by NISSAT to formulate bibliographic standards and formats that is suitable for Indian environment. And the database development activities started. Union catalogs of serials, thesis and dissertations were developed followed by catalog of books. Web enabled search interfaces were also developed for searching. However, union catalog system will be effective only when they are supported by efficient and timely document delivery system.

RISE OF INFORMATION INDUSTRY

Market place created by the convergence of computers, telecommunication and microelectronics. The whole business is depend on marketing, therefore marketing of any product is the whole business seen from the point to point of view of its final result, that is from the customers point of view. Thus marketing means art of selling of working with market to actualize potential exchanges for the purpose of satisfying human needs and wants. It is the systematic gathering, recording and analysis of data about problems relating to the marketing of goods and services.

GLITCH IN INFORMATION INDUSTRY

Today information industry is a buss word every day user vista is opening. Some companies believe there are no new opportunities. They believe this information industry in mature that they are selling a commodity. But there is no such thing as a mature market or a commodity. It’s only getting in the way of imagination. Starbucks didn’t see the coffee market as mature.

Lateral marketing is to think of product in relation to another product service or idea. Through the thinking across two products rather than cereals plus a snack. Instead of putting loose cereal in a box, they use the cereal in the from of a snack bar that can be carried and eaten any time. This health bar suddenly people are able to consume cereal any time of the day in a conrenient form.

Marketing Guru Philips Kotler defines marketing as the analysis, planning implementation and control of carefully formulated programmes, designed to bring about voluntary exchanges of values with targets, markets for the purpose of achieving on designing the organization offering in terms of target markets need and desired on using effective pricing communication and distribution to inform, motivate and service the markets. Marketing brings in an element of competition. This will result in providing better services.

ABSTRACT

The hearing impaired Persons constitute a very small percentage of the total population. The article presents the information regarding the infrastructure, the library services to the special group of library users. All the public/academic libraries do not provide services to these groups of the users, hence the institutions specially meant for these persons are responsible for administering services to this group of users. Assistive technology can help to a great extent in providing library services to these groups of users.

Keywords: Physically challenged persons, Hearing impaired library users, Library infrastructure, Library services, Information Technology, Assistive devices.

INTRODUCTION

The contribution of the church in the field of the health services has been well appreciated by all sections of the people as well as by government. Quite a few church personnel are fully involved in public health services, nutritional programmes and hygiene and sanitation programmes. There are mobile clinic and awareness programmes run in the rural areas. In the field of medical care the contribution of the Christianity is meritorious. The healing mission received some priority in the agenda of the missionaries and churches. Health centers run by Christians originally meant to serve the poor. Many of well equipped and well established hospitals render service in rural areas and slums others do not reach. Educational service of the Christianity has been a highly valued service to the nation.

CHRISTIAN MISSION HOSPITALS IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TAMIL NADU

From the middle of the nineteenth century, the mission world in Britain began to change. There were many missionaries who held university degrees. They provided a wholly new context to evangelism by their emphasis first upon the importance of education and later, by being the pioneers at least in Asia and Africa, of Western scientific hospitals, organized by missionaries, ultimately developed. The full-fledged teaching hospitals were without doubt a high point of missionary achievement. American medical missionaries who were in Sri Lanka prior to the mid-nineteenth century did not belong to the artisan or mechanic class or other lower middle-class groups. John Scudder, a physician, grandfather of the founder of the Vellore College, left for the East in 1819 and worked first in Sri Lanka before moving to India. John Scudder’s father has been described by one of his biographers, as a ‘gentleman of the old school’ and his mother it is said was a ‘lady of high culture’.

9.1 General

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of biochar production, focusing on the environmental impacts of its production and utilization. LCA is a systematic approach used to evaluate the environmental burdens and benefits of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle. Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis or gasification of biomass such as agricultural crop residue, forest waste, unusual wood waste, etc., has gained significant attention as a potential sustainable solid waste management, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas mitigation, and soil amendment solution. However, understanding the environmental implications of biochar production is crucial for its sustainable implementation. The LCA approach is employed to evaluate biochar production’s different system boundaries and environmental performance, encompassing various stages such as biomass feedstock cultivation, the biochar production process, transportation, application, and end-of-life scenarios. This chapter explores the key elements of LCA, examines the methodologies employed in biochar LCA studies, and critically analyzes the environmental impacts associated with different biochar production pathways.

General Introduction 
Growing populations and industrialisation around the world are driving up energy demand, which increases reliance on fossil fuels. The World Energy Forum projects that global stocks of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil will run out in less than ten years and decades [1]. Fossil fuels account for 88.1% of total energy consumption; they include coal (43%), oil and other liquids (23%), waste (6%), natural gas (6%), and biomass (24%). Hydroelectricity, and nuclear energy, on the other hand, share relatively small percentages of energy (1% and 2%, respectively) [2]. Petro-diesel, also known as petroleum diesel, is currently utilized as a fossil fuel and is created when crude oil is fractionally distilled at temperatures between 250°C and 350°C under atmospheric pressure. Once heated to a certain degree, the different types of diesel fuel are formed via the vaporization of hydrocarbon chains and the isolation and blending of constituents in a prescribed ratio. Typically, 25% of the petrodiesel’s composition consists of aromatic hydrocarbons and 75% of saturated hydrocarbons. The combustion of diesel fuel releases sulfur, nitrogen, and particulate matter into the environment, which are all present in significant concentrations in petro-diesel. Moreover, burning fossil fuels has resulted in several environmental problems, such as greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), which have a major impact on global warming, climate change, and a host of other chronic illnesses [3]. India is ranked as the fourth-biggest importer and user of petroleum products and crude oil. With demand for oil reaching about 4.1 million gallons per day in 2015, there is a growing disparity between India’s oil supplies and supply. The IEA analysis predicts that beyond 2050, there won’t be any oil reserves and that India’s oil consumption will increase by 6.0 million barrels per day to 9.8 mg/d in 2040 [4]. Two-thirds of the growth in oil demand and 16% of the increase in

There are great variations in the life cycles of fungi. Raper (1954, 1966b) recognizes seven basic types.

5.1 Asexual cycle

In which sexual reproduction apparently lacks and diploidy is restricted to somatic diploids. The entire groups known as Fungi Imperfecti and numerous other species which clearly belong to various groups of the perfect fungi such as Penicillium notatum have this life cycle. Certain benefits of sexuality are provided here in many of the sterile forms by para sexual recombination.

Lifespan development examines the physical, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, social, moral and personality changes that occur from conception through old age. This chapter evaluates essential concepts related to prenatal development, infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood. It includes developmental stages and tasks, heredity and environment, motor and language development, emotions, play, learning, perception, personality and major psychological theories. Questions address the contributions of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Pavlov, Skinner, Havighurst and other influential thinkers. The chapter also covers childcare, discipline, parenting, developmental assessment and legal safeguards, enabling learners to revise the fundamental principles governing human growth and behaviour across the lifespan.

5.1. Introduction
The people of every nation would be healthier if they adopted healthier lifestyles. A Good nutrition, daily exercise and proper sleep are the base of healthy living. A healthy lifestyle denoted by fit, energetic and at minimize possibility for disease. According to WHO, Healthy living is a way of living that helps you enjoy more aspects of your life. It is a way of living that lowers the risk of being seriously ill or dying early. Health is not just about avoiding a disease or illness.
5.2. Concept of Health
According to WHO, Health is the state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely absence of disease or infirmity. The holistic approach of health is the individual’s health and lifestyle considering all four factors, physical, intellectual, emotional and social. It concern about the whole body and mind not just a part of the body and the symptoms of the problem. It will look at the lifestyle of the individual such as nutritional deficiencies, reason of stress and why there is a lack of good health and wellbeing. A holistic approach will engage the individual taking responsibility for their health and well-being. They do this by educating themselves and being active in maintaining and improving their health and well-being.
5.2.1. Positive Health
Positive Health is the scientific study of health assets. A “health asset” is a factor that construct stronger health, over and above risk factors for disease. Positive Health works to find which specific health assets produce longer, healthy life, and which health assets lower disease risk and health care costs. The aim is to strive for optimal health —beyond the mere absence of illness.

Introduction The idea of LiFE was introduced by the Prime Minister during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from 31st October to 13 November 2022. The idea promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate utilisation’ instead of ‘mindless and wasteful consumption’.(PIB India)

The LiFE Movement aims to utilise the power of collective action and nudge individuals across the world to undertake simple climate-friendly actions in their daily lives. The LiFE movement, additionally, also seeks to leverage the strength of social networks to influence social norms surrounding climate. The Mission plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals, namely ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3), who will have a shared commitment to adopt and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. Through the P3 community, the Mission seeks to create an ecosystem that will reinforce and enable environmentally friendly behaviours to be self-sustainable.

The typical way of living that reflects one’s attitude and values is called lifestyle of the person. A person’s lifestyle is shaped by one's specific geographic, economic, political, cultural and religious context. A lifestyle is a means of forging a sense of self and to create cultural symbols that resonate with the personal identity. According to WHO lifestyle is “a specific type of behaviour that can reduce disease and early death by personal physical, mental and social interaction”.
Lifestyle refers to the interests, opinions, behaviors and orientations of an individual, group or culture. The term was introduced by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in his 1929 book, The Case of Miss R., where he described it as “a person’s basic character established early in childhood.” Since 1961, the broader sense of lifestyle as a “way or style of living” has been recognized. Lifestyle is influenced by both tangible and intangible factors. Tangible factors include demographic variables, such as an individual’s demographic profile, while intangible factors involve psychological aspects like personal values, preferences and outlooks.
Lifestyles vary significantly between rural and urban environments. Even within urban areas, the nature of the neighborhood affects the lifestyles available to residents, influenced by factors like affluence and proximity to natural and cultural environments. For instance, coastal areas often have a surf culture or lifestyle. A lifestyle typically reflects an individual’s attitudes, way of life, values or worldview. It serves as a means of forging a sense of self and creating cultural symbols that resonate with personal identity. However, not all aspects of a lifestyle are voluntary. Social and technical systems can limit the lifestyle choices available to individuals and the symbols they can project to others and themselves.

Introduction

Ligation of DNA fragment is one prime important in genetic engineering because without ligation we could not transfer the interest gene.DNA cloning requires the DNA sequence of interest to be inserted in a vector DNA molecule. For this, both the vector as well as insert DNA is prepare by digestion with compatible restriction enzymes, so that the ends produced during digestion is complementary in both. When setting up ligation, it is important to consider the permutations that can occur and bias the relative concentration of DNA accordingly. Usually a 5- to 10-fold excess of insert over the vector DNA is the norm. This ensures that enough ligated product will be produced in the right orientation.

Principle of DNA Ligase Mechanism

The process of connecting two pieces of DNA together is called ligation, and is catalyzed by an enzyme called ligase. The ligase used most often in molecular biology is derived from the T4 bacteriophage, and uses ATP to supply the energy necessary for the reaction. In addition to ATP, T4 ligase requires DNA with a 5´-phosphate group and free 3´-hydroxyl groups.

Applications

Ligation of blunt or cohesive-ended DNA fragments.

Repair of nicks in double-stranded nucleic acids.

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is a crucial aspect of our daily lives, and its importance extends beyond just visibility (Fig. 5.1). Light plays a vital role in various fields, including agriculture, energy, health, and more.
5.1. Properties of Light
• Wavelength: Light consists of different wavelengths, which determine its color. The visible spectrum of light includes colors ranging from approximately 380 nanometers (violet) to 780 nanometers (red).
• Intensity: Light intensity affects its brightness and energy. Higher intensity light is more energetic and can have a greater impact on various processes.
• Direction: Light travels in straight lines and can be directed or focused. This property is essential for applications like lasers, optics, and solar concentrators.

Lighting and water quality are closely linked elements of aquarium maintenance that significantly affect both the well-being of aquatic organisms and the tank’s overall appearance. Proper lighting enhances visibility, influences fish behavior, supports plant growth through photosynthesis, and helps manage algae levels.
The choice of lighting should correspond to the specific type of aquarium—be it a simple freshwater setup, a densely planted tank, or a reef environment. Key factors to consider include light intensity, color temperature (in Kelvin), and the duration of daily exposure. LED lighting has become a favored option thanks to its energy efficiency, adjustable settings, and minimal heat production. Maintaining water quality involves regulating essential parameters such as temperature, pH, general and carbonate hardness (GH/KH), ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and oxygen levels. Neglecting these can lead to fish stress and illness.
Routine care includes water changes, effective filtration, gravel cleaning, and regular testing.
Coordinating lighting and water conditions prevents issues like algae overgrowth, plant decline, and fish loss. A balanced, integrated strategy promotes a healthy and visually appealing aquatic environment.
TYPES OF LIGHTS: FLUORESCENT, LED, FULL-SPECTRUM
In its most basic role, aquarium lighting allows hobbyists to view the tank’s inhabitants. However, its more essential purpose is supplying necessary energy for photosynthetic plants and animals. As the main—often only—light source, appropriate lighting is crucial in aquariums containing organisms like corals, anemones, and aquatic plants. It also affects the behavior and physiology of fish, playing a significant role in maintaining the health and balance of the entire aquarium environment.

Lighting is a fundamental aspect of filmmaking and photography, crucial for setting the mood and tone of a scene. Different lighting techniques can evoke various emotions and atmospheres, helping to tell the story visually. Here are some common lighting techniques and the moods they create:

Types of Lighting Techniques

1. Three-Point Lighting

• Key Light: The main source of light, providing the primary illumination.

• Fill Light: Reduces shadows created by the key light.

• Back Light: Adds depth by separating the subject from the background.