eChapters

ABSTRACT

Hydroponics is a plant growth system that provides a more precise control of growth media composition. It offers people the ability to grow food in places where traditional agriculture simply isn’t possible. As Fiji has a warm tropical climate, the development of the tropical fruit and vegetable industry through hydroponics farming to meet local consumption and export market is a lucrative opportunity. The potential for hydroponics farming is enormous and is in demand to sustain production at reliable and consistent level in Fiji. Potential areas for the setting up of hydroponic farms in Fiji include Savusavu, Nadi, Navua, Sigatoka Valley and Labasa. These areas have established theirlogistical status with the market. A wide range of commodities are grown through hydroponics technology which complements the need to harness the “too hot” and “too wet” weather of tropical Fiji. The pristine environment and availability of resources such as water and other hydroponic farming input are added bonus to establishment of such venture. Hydro nut Hydroponic farming system are constructed as simplest form made of bamboo and coconuts using coconut husk as a growing media and worm casting and humus tea are used as fertilizer. It offers some significant benefits over traditional farming, and as word about these benefits spreads, more people will turn to hydroponics for their agricultural needs. As hydroponics allows produce to be grown locally and requires fewer areas to import their crops, there is a reduction in both price and greenhouse gas emissions due to reduced transportation requirements. This saves time and produces healthier, disease and pest free, lusher plants in about half the time as traditional agriculture farming system.

Synopsis

If the human being was born first, he or she needed food immediately to survive. Thereafter, human beings continued to need food and continued to eat food throughout his or her life. Hence, the relationship between human being and food is permanent and the requirement of food for the human being to be alive is everlasting. The paper provides the background, definition of right to food, and adequate food, historical events, legal perspectives, operational guidelines, and advances in its application and derives conclusion.

Introduction

Electronic resources represent an increasingly important component of the library collection building. “Electronic resources” refer to those materials that require computer access, whether through a personal computer, mainframe, or handheld mobile device. They may either be accessed remotely via the Internet or locally. Some of the most frequently encountered types are:

ABSTRACT

The land available to grow food and trees is decreasing owing to population pressure in all the regions of the world. In the Shivaliks, the land available for crop and tree cultivation is further limited by steep slopes and inaccessibility of different land areas. The livelihood options in the Jammu Shivaliks are limited due to poor development of this area compared to adjoining plains. In such a situation, agroforestry is one of the options to increase the livelihood security of the people of this region as it results in concurrent and sustainable use of the limited land for production of food and tree-based products and improves the livelihoods of the rural people. Agroforestry improvement based on scientific inputs and its popularisation has the potential to improve the livelihoods of people of this region. This paper dwells on the role of agroforestry in livelihood security and constraints in realising the potential of agroforestry in Jammu Shivaliks.

The knowledge and principles from interconnected disciplines of bioengineering, material science and life sciences are combined in tissue engineering with the aim of developing a construct, that can wholly or partly restore/maintain/augment the function of a damaged tissue or organ. Tissue engineering construct generally comprises cells on a suitable scaffold. The ultimate functionality of a tissue engineering construct is mainly dependent on the cell behavior on scaffolds. The proliferation and cell viability on scaffolds varies from one cell type to another and from one species to another. So it is important to investigate individual cell-scaffold combinations. The similarity in structure and composition to bone mineral, osteoconducive properties, ability to integrate with the bony tissue and absence of immune response makes hydroxyapatite [Ca₁₀ (PO₄)₆(OH)₂] the choice of calcium phosphate biomaterial with only disadvantage of slow rate of resorption. On contrary, silica–calcium phosphate composite in comparison to calcium phosphate is rich biomaterials having a faster resorption rate. Studies have shown that coating of hydroxyapatite with a calcium silicate containing layer encourages cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells. So in this chapter, a triphasic composite scaffold (calcium silicate, hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate), namely HASi with elements in the following percentages: 66.36 % - calcium, 25.35 % - phosphorus and silicon - 8.29 % and porosity of 50 – 500 µm is reported to evaluate the rBMSC proliferation and differentiation properties in vitro.

The present chapter is therefore, included with the aim of assessing cytocompatibility of HASi and rBMSC in terms of cell attachment, cell morphology, cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.

The level of motivation of an individual has a definite relation to the fatigue experienced while doing any work. When a person dislikes a task, motivation to do is low and fatigue sets in faster. Interest in job produces high motivation and prevents fatigue. Besides the way of carrying a task is of great concern if we want to maintain our right posture, in order that we do not have to face any musculoskeletal disorders.

A. Evaluation of the efficacy and resistance of anthelmintics against Helminths Anthelmintic resistance According to WAAVP (World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology) anthelmintic resistance is a failure to reduce feacal nematode egg count by at least 95%. Technically accurate definition is that resistance is a genetically determine decline in the efficacy of an anthelmintic against a population of parasite that is susceptible to the drug. The history of parasite resistance to anthelmintic starts with the first report on phenothiazine resistance in 1957. Haemonchus contortus was the first nematode to develop resistance against different anthelmintic. The World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology has recommended two tests for detecting anthelmintic resistance in ruminants, horses and pigs. These are in vivo test (FECRT) and an in vitro test (the egg hatch test). Detection Technique

Introduction

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find workers to work in agriculture.

Younger generations do not want to work in plant protection.

We can see that the average age of farmers is getting older.

This leaves the fields unprotected from disease and insects and greatly reduces yields.

Fortunately, this gloomy situation has changed since 2015 thanks to modern technology.

Digital tools are among the most innovative crop protection tools in modern agriculture.

INTRODUCTION

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations defines aquaculture as the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants by individuals or corporations. In aquaculture, interventions are made in the rearing process to enhance production. While aquaculture is a practice with origins dating back more than 3000 years, Aquaculture products have only recently been recognized by the United Nations Statistical Commission as distinct global commodities, despite the practice having origins dating back more than 3000 years. According to the FAO's "Global Aquaculture Production" database, the annual global production of aquaculture has increased at an average rate of around 8% over the past three decades (since 1980). Despite a recent slowing in global trends, growth remains higher than any other major animal food production sector. This rapid global increase in production is occurring alongside a slow decline in marine fisheries catches. There is a growing global focus, largely driven by demand from Western countries, on increasing the intensive production of omnivorous and carnivorous species farmed and harvested in maritime and brackish coastal environments, a practice known as mariculture. The farming of these species, such as salmon, groupers, seabasses, and prawns, typically relies heavily on inputs such as wild post-larvae and juveniles, fishmeal, fish oils, as well as significant amounts of water, land, and energy. As a result, mariculture has faced widespread criticism due to its often negative impacts on marine and coastal ecosystem health. Negative associations have been drawn between mariculture and its effects on marine capture fisheries and food security.

Abstract

From very ancient time the farming was practiced organically without using any chemical pesticides or fertilizers. In the mid-19th century, the chemical farming was introduced and the adverse impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture is in sight with deterioration of soil quality, quality of food and so on.The indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals in different crops causes numerous health hazards as well. In this context, organic farming came into existence in 20th century due mainly to produce quality foods through the rapid change in agriculture sector. Therefore, an attempt was taken through present investigation to cultivate potato without using any synthetic agro-chemicals by employing Kufri Pukhraj cultivar during kharif season. Potato is basically rabi season crop but due to climatic advantages of the south Chhotanagpurplateau of Jharkhand it can successfully grow during kharif season too.

VIVEK M. PATIL

The term “information” has a diversity of meanings, from everyday usage to technical interpretations. Generally speaking, the concept of information is associated with knowledge derived from study, experience, or instruction. Technology, on the other hand, refers to the application of knowledge to the practical aims of human life, or to changing and manipulating the human environment. Technology includes the use of materials, tools, techniques and sources of power to make life easier or more pleasant and work more productive. Technology began to influence human endeavour as soon as people began using tools. Technology also started being used for managing information when the amount and variety of information grew to such vast proportions that the human brain could neither store nor process it efficiently.

Definition

The term Information Technology (IT) was coined by Jim Domsic of Michigan in November 1981. Domsic created the term to modernize the outdated phrase “data processing”. Information Technology is a general term that describes any technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store, communicate and/or disseminate information. Presumably, when speaking of Information Technology as a whole, it is noted that the use of computers and information are associated. “Information Technology” as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is “the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware.” IT deals with the use of computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and securely retrieve information.

Although a number of radioactive isotopes are found in nature, most of the isotopes used as radioactive tracers are produced artificially. Methods for producing radioactive isotopes include nuclear fission and the bombardment of selected materials by neutrons or positively charged particles.

6.1 Production of Radioactive Nuclides

Nuclear Reactors

In a nuclear reactor, a fissionable nuclear fuel such as ²³⁵U or ²³⁹Pu is placed in a defined geometry within the reactor core. Fast moving neutrons released as the ²³⁵U or ²³⁹Pu nuclei fission are slowed to thermal energy (0.025 eV) by a low-Z moderator such as water, heavy water, beryllium, or graphite surrounding or mixed intimately with the nuclear fuel. The slowly moving neutrons are absorbed by addition of ²³⁵U or ²³⁹Pu nuclei, and a chain reaction is maintained. The rate of absorption of slow neutrons by fissionable nuclei determines the fission rate for the reactor and is controlled by placing inert neutron absorbers in the reactor core. Typical neutron absorbers, usually termed control roads include boron and calcium. Heat generated in the reactor is removed by a coolant such as water or one of a variety of gases or liquid materials.

Q.1 The replicated experiment designed to compare a number of parent plants w. r. to some attribute under study is known as “Progeny row trial?

The initial symptom of Alternaria brassiciola appears as small, dark colored spots which enlarge rapidly to form circular lesions. Under humid conditions a bluish velvety fungal growth is seen in the centre of these spots. Spots caused by Alternaria brassicae are almost similar to those produce by Alternaria brassicicola but are comparatively smaller and lighter in colour. When many spots are formed on the leaves, the leaves turn yellow and dry prematurely. Formation of pods and seeds are adversely affected.

Poultry has grown significantly over the last few decades; nevertheless, as production has increased, the usage of specific medications and feed additives has become essential for illness prevention, treatment, and growth promotion. Around the world, broiler chickens are regarded as one of the main sources of meat. Poultry consumption has increased by more than 100% in the last few decades, from 13% of total meat consumption in 1965 to 28% in 2015. All around the world, but especially in emerging and Asian nations, there is a growing need for chicken meat. The amount of poultry meat consumed worldwide increased from 11 kg per person in 2000 to 14.4 kg in 2011, with predictions that it will reach 17.2 kg per person by 2030.

Introduction

The epidemiological risk and hazards to global health security posed by AMR has been reiterating in several World Health Assembly (WHA) declarations and has been prioritized under the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). The Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has also identified AMR as one of the top priorities for collaborative work with WHO and the first National Action Plan on AMR has been implemented (2017-2022). India ranked fifth in antibiotic consumption in food producing animals (ruminants, pigs, and poultry) in 2010. Even though there has been a gradual reduction of 3.6% in antibiotic consumption during 2011-2019 (Koya et al., 2022), with mounting incomes and shifting in dietary patterns in favour of the consumption of animal protein, especially for poultry, the veterinary antibiotic utilization is projected to further rise by 312%, elevating India to the fourth rank by 2030 (Van Boeckel et al., 2015). FAO has already reported some of the peak resistance rates among common commensal and environmental bacteria against antibiotics like penicillin, cephalosporins, erythromycin and co-trimazoles in India (INFAAR). Resistance to the broad spectrum fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporin antibiotics is already more than 70% in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and, Acinetobacter baumannii and more than 50% in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Even the microbial resistance to carbapenems, the last-resort antibiotics, is extremely high among gram-negative microorganisms (Sumanth et al., 2016). To overcome these incidences, it is impulsive to understand the microbe and drug interaction in host system.

Water is the most important natural resource that governs and exercises control on living organisms on earth besides supporting all human activities. The demand for water is almost increasing at exponential rate due to increase in population and industrialization. All sectors of agriculture including crop production, horticulture, animal husbandry, poultry and fi sheries primarily depend upon water. Water scarcity can cause all kinds of miseries. The water exists in all 3 different forms on earth. It exists as snow or ice in glaciers and ice caps, liquid water in rivers, lakes, streams, tanks, ponds and as groundwater storage. The water exists in all three different forms in the atmosphere. The clouds may contain fi ne ice particles, tiny water droplets and as well as water vapour. The air in atmosphere also contains water vapour. It is estimated that 97% of water is salt water and remaining 3% of water is pure and fresh water. Approximately two-thirds of the fresh water is trapped in glaciers and ice caps. Most of the fresh water (30%) exists as groundwater. About 0.7% of fresh water exists as soil water and 0.3% a fresh water accounts for surface water resources and water present in the atmosphere as water vapour, water drops and ice particles. The circulation of water between oceans, earth and atmosphere forms hydrologic cycle.
2.1. Hydrological Cycle
The hydrological cycle explains the continuous recirculation and transport of water between the atmosphere, oceans and earth. It is a very complex system that has many sub cycles associated with it. For example, the water from earth surface, oceans and water bodies get evaporated due to heat energy received from the sun in the form of incident solar radiation (Fig.2.1).

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global public health threats. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths (Murray et al., 2019).Despite its magnitude, public awareness of AMR remains low. Unlike tobacco smoke, antibiotics are potentially life-saving medications, but it is just as vital to understand the risks of overuse and their impact on future effectiveness in society as a whole (Langfordet al., 2019). Effective risk communication is essential to addressing AMR because it not only informs professional and community stakeholders but also nurturesbehaviour change across sectors. Within a One Health framework, risk communication connects human medicine, veterinary practice, agriculture, and environmental management, ensuring coordinated responses to reduce misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. This article explores the role of risk communication in combating AMR, highlighting global lessons, challenges, and strategies to strengthen communication systems for sustainable containment.
The Growing Threat of AMR
AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve mechanisms to resist drugs that once effectively treated them. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human health, livestock, aquaculture, and crop production accelerate resistance. According to WHO, AMR is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unaddressed (O’Neill, 2016). In countries like India, with high infectious disease burdens and large-scale antimicrobial consumption, the risks are particularly acute. Communicating these risks clearly and effectively is critical for influencing prescribing practices, agricultural use, and community awareness.Persistent misconceptions include beliefs that antibiotics are effective against viral illnesses and the mistaken notion that it is the human body, rather than bacteria, that develops resistance (Muflihet al., 2021). These knowledge gaps are often linked to insufficient or ineffective health communication (Krockowet al., 2023), sparse media coverage compared to threats like sepsis (Fitzpatrick et al., 2019).
Challenges in AMR Risk Communication
1. Low Public Awareness: Despite the global severity ofAMR, public awareness remains critically low. Surveys have found that a mere fraction of the population grasp its implications, with some reporting only ~8–11% demonstrating adequate understanding and many feeling powerless to contribute (Goshaet al., 2024).
2. Ineffective understanding of Terminology: It is recognized that AMR has a ‘language problem’ and the way in which healthcare professionals communicate about AMR may not always resonate with patients (Langford et al., 2019). Technical labels like “AMR” or “antimicrobial resistance” fall short in public communication. Experiments reveal that phrases such as “Antibiotic Resistance” or “Antibiotic Crisis” are more memorable and better at promoting critical behaviors—like completing prescribed antibiotic courses—than more formal terminology.
3. Misconceptions about Antibiotics: Widespread misunderstandings persist regarding antibiotics’ purpose and effect. Many incorrectly believe antibiotics treat viruses—common colds, flu, or even are effective painkillers (Gunasekara et al., 2022).Some think AMR occurs because the body becomes resistant, rather than bacteria evolving resistance(Muflihet al., 2021).
4. Complexity of the Issue: AMR is inherently multifaceted—spanning interactions among humans, animals, and the environment—which makes it challenging to distill into clear, actionable messages. Understanding Risk