eChapters

Introduction

Food safety and quality assumes paramount significance in any food industry. Globalization has driven both the food and agricultural firms to adopt systems that functions in a way to interlink food standards and international trade so as to achieve superior food quality and safety. Food industries follow several regional and international food safety procedures to procure certification from the government and other agencies in order to survive in both domestic and international markets (Ryan, 2014). The essential components in the food safety include handling, preparation and storing of the food products to ensure the food quality and to avoid food-borne diseases. The unwanted substances in a food product included by an accident is known as contaminants and the unwanted substance added to the food product to reduce the cost or to improve the other properties are known as adulterants. Contaminants and adulterants may lead to pathogens and toxins that pose serious concerns over the health of the consumer (Jha, 2016). The adulterants and contaminants are classified as physical adulterants and contaminants, chemical adulterants and residues, microbiological and pathogenic contaminants and toxins.

Hazards in food can be categorized into physical, chemical and biological.

Physical Hazards: Physical hazards are foreign organic or inorganic objects or extraneous materials in the food products. Hard and sharp physical hazards are of particular concern. Examples of physical hazards are broken glass, plastics, metal pieces, wood pieces, stones etc.

5.1. Farm machinery implements

5.1.1. Tillage

Stratified Sampling (Meaning and Concept)

The word ‘stratify’ comes from the Latin word, meaning ‘to make layers’, thus in stratified sampling the whole population is considered to be classified into some mutually exclusive layers or subgroups or classes also called strata. The strata do not overlap and they constitute the whole population.

Why the population is considered to be divided into different strata (or layers or subgroups or classes)?

Pest

A pest is any animal or plant detrimental to crops, livestock and forestry. The term is also used of organisms that cause a nuisance, such as in the home. An older usage is of a deadly epidemic disease, specifically plague. In its broadest sense, a pest is a competitor of humanity, means disease causing microbes, plant devouring insects, macro-fauna like rats and moles, weeds, off type plants and even human beings are pests in perspective of plants.

IPM

IPM is a pest management system that in the context of associated environment and population dynamics, utilizes all the appropriate techniques to minimize the pest population levels below those causing economic injury. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) includes cultural Practices, Host Plant Residence, Mechanical control, Biological control, Use of Bio-pesticides, botanicals and Chemical control.

In this chapter, the importance of seafood in terms of their nutrition, and different methods of processing are dealt. Seafood quality and safety terminologies are explained briefly. The quality parameters affected by rigor mortis in raw, iced and cooked fish are given. Phenomenon of gaping described with reference to rigor mortis. Quality dimension of seafood is explained with intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. Various intrinsic factors affecting seafood quality such as f ish species, seasonal changes, parasite infestation and capture conditions are discussed in detail. The next part elucidates the sensory parameters affecting the seafood quality describing the objective and subjective method of quality assessments. Objective method covers both descriptive and discriminative tests. The final part mentions the Codex guidelines available for the conduction of seafood sensory assessment. At the end, the reader gains the knowledge on the basic information about seafood, role of rigor mortis in affecting seafood quality and the sensory quality assessment methods.

Objective

To learn the nutritional importance of seafood and their processing; rigor mortis and their role in seafood quality, intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting seafood quality and sensory quality assessment methods.

1.1. Importance of Seafood

Seafood has been traditionally a part of diet in many parts of the world. In some countries like India, it constitutes the main supply of animal protein among coastal population. Seafood is a low-calorie food and easily digestible compared to other protein-rich meat and poultry products and hence, it is a good choice for elderly persons to obtain their daily protein requirements. Seafood has high-quality quality enriched with all the essential amino acids required for human health. It provides about 1/3rd of the average recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein.

Abstract: The Santhals of Orissa raise Teak (Tectona grandis) and Cashew nut(Anacardium occidentale) on their marginal and wastelands randomly to meet their contingencies. Upland is utilized for short duration upland paddy cultivation for food. The sporadically grown Teak and Cashew is used as insurance crops for meeting the high risk of dry land paddy. This work is unique and innovative as it was carried out in participatory mode on the pooled land from 14 Santhal households.  It is a maiden attempt in Orissa to develop Agroforestry models using forestry (teak) and horticulture (cashewnut) interventions into the paddy cultivation on uplands by Santhals without much alteration in their age old traditional agricultural practice. The basic objective of this research is to develop most profitable Agroforestry system(s) to provide best land use option for the risk prone dry land paddy cultivation to improve the farmers’ economy with simultaneous natural resource conservation.
 
The Agroforestry models Silvi-horticulture (Teak and Cashewnut)  Agri-silviculture (Paddy and Teak), Agri-horticulture (Paddy and Cashewnut) and Agri-silvi-horticulture (Teak, Cashew nut and Paddy) were developed by the Santhal tribe in Mayurbhanj District of Orissa. The inputs and planting material were sponsored by a leading NGO- Gamin Vikas Trust, which is working on poverty alleviation through Natural Resource Management of the State.

The concept of entrepreneurship has a wide range of meanings. On one extreme, an entrepreneur is a person of very high aptitude who pioneers change, possessing characteristics found in only a very small fraction of the population. On the other extreme of definitions, anyone who wants to work for himself or herself is considered to be an entrepreneur. The word entrepreneur originates from the French word, entreprendre, which means “to undertake.” In a business context, it means to start a business. The Merriarn-Webster Dictionary presents the definition of an entrepreneur as one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise.

Many research studies have contributed to the literature on characteristics of entrepreneurs. Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter’s definition of entrepreneurship placed an emphasis on innovation, such as new products, new production methods, new markets and new forms of organization. Wealth is created when such innovation results in new demand. From this viewpoint, one can define the function of the entrepreneur as one of combining various input factors in an innovative manner to generate value to the customer with the hope that this value will exceed the cost of the input factors, thus generating superior returns that result in the creation of wealth. From an economist’s point of view, an entrepreneur is one who brings resources, labour, materials and other assets into combinations that make their value greater than before.

Mutation: Natural genetic variation has exhausted. Genetic variation can be induced by mutations or changes in the DNA sequences of the plants.

Additional Tools for Plant Improvement

Increase in yield with no additional lands available for cultivation depends on development of high yielding varieties suitable for marginal cultivation.

• Food security

• Nutritional security

Need for additional tools to increase efficiency of breeding methods for genetic enhancement and propagation.

• Genomics

Genomics – Definition

Genomics - Study of an organism's entire genome / full genetic complement of an organism.

1. Introduction

Libraries serve as global repositories of knowledge, like to giant treasure boxes. But librarians are faced with a lot of work as more and more things become digital. Electronic Resource Management Systems (ERMS) can help with that (Prajapati, 2016). These are incredibly useful tools that have completely transformed the way libraries handle digital content. The main goal of ERMS is to simplify librarians' lives. They support the acquisition of fresh digital materials, manage subscriptions and licenses, and even provide online resource locators (Anbu et al., 2013). They essentially act as librarians' superhero sidekicks, ensuring that everything works seamlessly in the digital realm. ERMS play a major role in keeping everything organized. They support librarians in maintaining inventory, determining who can use what, and determining when to update it (Mangrum & Ellen Pozzebon, 2012). Libraries are able to ensure that everyone has access to what they need while adhering to all access regulations in this way. However, ERMS aren't limited to library use. They're also excellent for any library user. By making it simple to locate what you're looking for in the library's digital collection, ERMS addresses that. They keep everything organized so you can quickly get to the essentials (Prajapati, 2016).The key component that keeps contemporary libraries running well is ERMS. They make it easier for librarians to handle electronic resources and for users like you and me to find what we're looking for. Thus, keep in mind that ERMS are the unsung heroes who make it all happen the next time you're navigating your library's digital world.

22.1  Introduction

Plant pests have been part of man’s environment for a long time. Traditional agriculture, which included diverse crops and indigenous crop management practices, provided little opportunity for pests to build up and spread rapidly (Smith and Allen, 1954). Crop production is constantly threatened by increasing difficulties in controlling insect pests, which are a major impediment to improved livelihoods of poor farmers. However, in the quest to increase food production for the growing population, use of pesticides became a norm in crop management. Pesticides became an integral part of the process owing to losses from weeds, diseases and pests reducing the harvestable produce. Use of pesticides along with high yielding varieties, irrigation and improved seed did result in increased productivity. But the rampant use of these chemicals, under the adage, ‘if little is good, a lot more will be better’ has played havoc with human and other life forms.

1. FLOWERING

The flowering goes through a phase of vegetative growth producing more stems and leaves and a flowering phase where they produce the organs for sexual reproduction.

1.1. Synchronisation in flowering

Synchronous flowering refers to the phenomenon of coincident, simultaneous flowering of all population of a given species in a large region.

Q. 1 Unit of refrigeration is:-
(A) Quintal    (B) Gram
(C) kg            (D) Ton

The research setting is an important component of the research methodology. Research setting refers to the detailed information of an area where the study was conducted. The research setting can be seen as the physical, social, and cultural site in which the researcher conducts the study. In qualitative research, the participants are observed in their natural environments with a primary focus on meaning-making. The study area generally consists of a particular geographical area viz. a state, district, block, or gram panchayat area selected according to the benefit of the investigator who possesses adequate knowledge regarding the location, communication facility, the period of study, the availability of resources, etc. of the locality so that he can easily approach every corner of the area for data collection. Additionally, to comprehend people’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour more easily, investigators must have a fundamental understanding of their socio-demographic backgrounds. It is the environment within which studies are run that has important consequences for experimental design, the type of data that can be collected and the interpretation of results.

Common Exotic and Indian Dog Breeds

India is home to a rich diversity of dog breeds both indigenous and exotic, each with unique traits suited to different environments and lifestyles. Among the exotic dog breeds that have gained popularity in India are the Labrador retriever, Golden Retriever, Beagle and German shepherd. These breeds often imported and are known for their friendly nature, intelligence and trainability. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are particularly famous for their loyalty and gentleness, making them excellent family pets. The Beagle, with its keen sense of smell and compact size, is a favourite among urban dwellers, while the German shepherd is valued for its protective instincts and versatility in roles like police work, guard duties and service tasks.

In contrast, Indian dog breeds, many of which are lesser-known globally, are uniquely adapted to the country's diverse climate and conditions. The Indian Pariah Dog is one of the oldest and most resilient breeds, found naturally across the country. Known for its strong immune system, minimal grooming needs and intelligence, the Indian Pariah is an exceptional companion that thrives with minimal human intervention. Another indigenous breed is the Rajapalayam, a sighthound from Tamil Nadu, historically used for hunting boar and protecting livestock. With its striking white coat and regal demeanour, the Rajapalayam is revered for its loyalty and bravery. The Mudhol Hound/ Caravan Hound, from the Deccan Plateau region (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu of India), is another notable Indian breed, known for its speed, agility and endurance, often used in hunting and guarding. Chippiparai, another hound from Tamil Nadu, has a sleek body designed for speed and was historically favoured by royalty for hunting small game. The Kanni, also native to Tamil Nadu, is a close relative of the Chippiparai and is recognized for its grace and loyalty, often kept as a companion dog.

Medicinal Plants for Arsenic Toxicity
Name of the Condition- Nephrotoxicity
About the condition/Definition- Intoxication of arsenic (arsenite or arsenate) result in renal impairment which is marked by a significant increase in the levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and decline in levels of plasma protein profile especially albumin level in body.
Etiology- Nephrotoxicity results from arsenic damages mitochondria, which results in the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a decline in ATP, and a suppression of respiratory activities along with dramatic alterations in the incidence of cellular growth. There is acute inflammation and the development of tubular necrosis, which lowers the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Symptoms- Phosphaturia (Fanconi syndrome), aminoaciduria, proteinuria and glycosuria along with progressive drop of renal function.
Pathogenesis- Arsenic produces renal damage by reducing mitochondrial complex function and elevating cellular ROS levels which directly damages renal cells. Membrane lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation by ROS, which results in complete loss of membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling.
General treatment- Acute arsenic intoxication can be counter by using chelating agents like DMSA, DMPS and BAL, fluid therapy, forced dieresis & dialysis.

Abstract

Temperate ornamental plants, owing to their special functions, are always in great demand due to their possible uses in temperate landscape plantings (both outdoor and indoor). This ever increasing demand has led to urgent need for their mass-scale multiplication on commercial scale. At present, most of these plants are being multiplied and supplied on a limited scale by concerned Government and private agencies but this is not sufficient. Progressive orchardists of temperate zone and particularly those inhabiting marginal lands which no longer yield regular income, can specially incorporate the element of commercial floriculture in the vacant places in their orchards or through establishment of small polyhouses. Introduction, multiplication and production on large scale of commercially important ornamental trees, shrubs, climbers, bulbous plants, herbaceous perennials, cut flowers, potted plants and seed production of important annuals and perennials by the progressive orchardists in their orchard will yield fruitful returns through their sale and will narrow the constant demand for these plants in the urban and rural areas and will definitely improve the fragile ecology of the hills in the long run. The interested orchardists can collect germplasm of these plants from various Govt. and private agencies. Such an intervention in the existing orchard cropping system will definitely increase the income of the farmers from the same available area and will be a right step towards diversification.

INTRODUCTION

Pulses are edible fruits or seeds of food bearing plants belonging to the family of the leguminosae. The major pulses which find important place in our diet are redgram dhal, bengal gram dhal, black gram dhal, green gram dhal and masoor dhal. Some are used as whole grams cow pea, rajmah and dry peas also belong to leguminous family.

Legumes not only have dietary values but also play an important role in maintaining or even improving soil fertility through their ability to fix atomospheric nitrogen.

Zinnia is a very important summer annual belongs to family Compositae. Zinnia was named for the man who wrote the first scientific description of the flower, “Dr. Johann Gottfried Zinn” a German Professor of medicine, but it was the late 19^th century that plant breeders started to pay any attention to this plant. Zinnia is a half hardy plant. They are popular for bedding however, cut flowers of zinnia remain fresh for several days. They are easy to grow from seeds. Collection of open pollinated seeds is in common practice in India. Non-uniformity of bloom with respect to colour, flower shape and size, height of the plants and excessive etiolation of the plants result into poor sale of zinnias.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The genus Zinnia consists of 20 species, all native to the New World (Bailey, 1951). Further Stemart and Thomas (2007) suggested that zinnia are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a centre of diversity in Mexico.

Zinnias are grown mostly as annual in Mexico, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Brazil and Chile. It is sometimes called the Mexican marigold as its designation in some degree is justified in case of the yellow varieties. In early days zinnias were not popular. Although native to North and South America, not everyone found them attractive or desirable as a landscape plant. In fact, when Spanish first saw the zinnia species in Mexico, they considered the flower so unattractive that they named it “mal de ojos” which is Spanish for “Sickness of eye”. Zinnia seeds brought back to Europe in eighteenth century caused little excitement although the plant did not get good name. But it was not until the late nineteenth century that plant breeders started to pay any attention to this species.

The start of real popularity of the zinnia came around 1920 when Bodger Seeds Ltd. introduced the dahlia flowers Giant Dahlia. John Bodger discovered it as a natural mutation in a field of Mammoth and within the next few years selected the California Giant (large, flat-flowered variety) from the strain. The most attractive feature was availability of flowers in different colours. It also was considered to be a new trend in plant habit and flower form. It even won a gold medal from the Royal Horticultural Society of England, making everyone want to grow this prize winning flower. The many garden form of Zinnia elegans developed from the wild plant that grown in Mexico. Common zinnia has escaped and naturalized in part of southern United States including central Florida. Recently cultivation of new hybrid zinnias have started in some American and European countries under open as well as protected conditions for cut flower production.