eChapters

Apart from the heart rate and rhythm, the electrocardiogram also provides information pertaining to the chamber size, i.e. the presence of chamber enlargement in dogs. It can more precisely be evaluated if the P QRS and T complexes are clearly visible without any artifacts. Further, the measurement of the chamber enlargements is only possible when all the segments of the ECG are clearly visible. When the impulse is conducted uninterruptedly from sino-atrial node (SA node) to AV node to the ventricles, the measurement of the amplitude of the complexes (P, QRS, T) is more precise in providing information regarding the presence of chamber enlargement.

Introduction

Canine epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder, significantly impacts the quality of life for both dogs and their owners. Traditional anticonvulsant therapies often yield inconsistent outcomes, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatments such as homeopathy [1][2]. Homeopathy’s individualized approach aligns with the principles of unicism, focusing on holistic care tailored to each patient’s unique symptom profile [3]. However, the subjective nature of remedy selection and response assessment poses challenges for practitioners.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) offers a promising avenue to address these challenges [4]. Predictive models can analyze complex datasets to uncover patterns that guide remedy selection and treatment strategies. This study evaluates the comparative performance of Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and XGBoost in predicting treatment outcomes for canine epilepsy managed with homeopathic remedies.

Cucumbers, muskmelons, watermelons, squashes, gourds, and pumpkins are commonly grown cucurbits in most parts of the world. Cucurbitaceous crops are the most important summer vegetables grown all over the world and it includes 118 Genera and 825 Species. Production and productivity of cucurbits are affected by the incidence of pests and diseases. Important pests attacking cucurbits are fruit fly, snake gourd semilooper, red pumkin beetles, hadda beetles/ epilachna beetles, pumkin caterpillar, vine borer/ clear winged moths, gall fly, serpentine leaf miner, shield bug, snake gourd bug and plume moth.
The melon fruit fly is distributed widely in temperate, tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has been reported to damage 81 host plants and is a major pest of cucurbitaceous crops. The extent of loss varies between 30 –100 per cent depending on the cucurbit species and season. The adult is reddish brown with lemon yellow curved vertical markings on the thorax and fuscous shading on the outer margin of wings.
Biology: Eggs are white and cylindrical and laid singly or in clusters in cavities made with the ovipositor of the females on the fruits. The holes are sealed with gummy secretions, which solidify to form a shiny brown resinous material. Egg period is 1 to 2 days. The emerging maggots are apodous, dirty white, thicker at one end and tapering at the other and are seen within the fruits. Larval period is 7 days. The mature larvae emerge from the fruits and pupate in soil for a period of one week. Life cycle is completed in 15 to 20 days.

Introduction
In the intricate tapestry of life, the relationship between foodstuffs and animal nutrition forms a fundamental thread, weaving its way through the intricate patterns of ecological balance, agricultural practices, and the sustenance of diverse life forms. The intersection of these two realms is not only pivotal for the flourishing of animals but also crucial for the well-being of ecosystems, human societies, and the planet at large. This intricate connection delves into the nuanced interplay between dietary components, physiological mechanisms, and the broader implications for the health of animals, both domestic and wild.
It is imperative to recognize that foodstuffs are not mere sustenance; they are the building blocks of life, the fuel for growth, and the source of energy that sustains the diverse array of creatures inhabiting our planet. From the microscopic organisms in the soil to the majestic mammals roaming vast landscapes, the quest for nourishment is a universal constant, intricately tied to the delicate balance of ecosystems.
At the heart of this relationship lies the fascinating science of animal nutrition—a field that scrutinizes the complex interactions between dietary elements and an organism’s physiological functions. From the intricacies of nutrient absorption to the role of different foodstuffs in promoting health, animal nutrition serves as a compass guiding us through the intricate pathways of biology, agriculture, and environmental conservation. The journey into understanding animal nutrition commences with a closer look at the varied foodstuffs that contribute to the dietary landscape. Foodstuffs, in this context, encompass a vast array of substances ranging from grains and forage to proteins and fats, each playing a distinctive role in the nutritional well-being of animals. The composition and quality of these foodstuffs are crucial determinants of an animal’s growth, reproduction, and overall
health. Unraveling the nutritional value of these components requires delving into the realms of biochemistry, physiology, and the intricate dance between macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macroscopic entities such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids stand as the pillars of animal nutrition. Carbohydrates, in the form of sugars, starches, and fibers, serve as the primary source of energy, fueling the metabolic processes that sustain life. Proteins, comprising amino acids, are the essential building blocks for growth, development, and the maintenance of bodily functions. Meanwhile, lipids, including fats and oils, play
multifaceted roles, serving as energy reserves, structural components, and facilitators of nutrient absorption.

Introduction

Within the very small portion of the plant kingdom that includes the world’s crop plants, the legumes are a large group second to the cereals as sources of human food. Legumes belong to the family leguminosae with a group of bacteria, Rhizobium, which is able to utilize atmospheric nitrogen. This symbiosis which occurs in the root hairs may be the key to the success of legumes worldwide distribution. The family leguminosae includes about 18,000 species, characterized by their fruits, which are pods, by their (usually) alternate, pinnate or trifoliate leaves (Cobley and Steele, 1976). The diversity in the family ranges from hardwood trees of the tropical rain forests to the herbs of temperate pastures.

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the response of photosynthetic pigments to heavy metal stress in a short-term toxicity test using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC pigment analysis of Euglena has resulted in 5 separated pigments: chlorophylls a, b and three carotenoids, which are 9-cis-neoxanthin, diadinoxanthin and b-carotene.

Abstract

Workplace has become more and more complex due to tremendous pressures and high expectations and it poses heavy demand on the managers and leaders to exhibit their emotions smartly and intelligently. Thus, in the present scenario social and emotional competencies are considered as very important ingredients of individual’s efficiency and effectiveness at workplace. Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand, value and effectively apply the power and access of emotions as a source of human energy, information, trust, creativity and influence. Present chapter elucidates different models of emotional intelligence and role of culture and sociological factors in defining emotional intelligence.  It also explains the four cornerstone model of emotional intelligence. These four cornerstones made emotional intelligence moved out of the preview of psychological analysis and philosophical theories into the domain of direct knowing, exploration and application. These are emotional literacy, emotional fitness, emotional depth and emotional alchemy, which are significant in the organizational context. Finally chapter describes about different measures of emotional intelligence.

Abstract

Nitrogen (N₂) is an essential nutrient for every organisms. It is the building block of many biological molecules. Atmosphere contains 79% of N₂ gas which cannot be used by plants directly as it is chemically inert. Many diazotrophs like bacteria and cyanobacteria have the capability to convert atmospheric dinitrogen into a usable form by means of Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). N₂ fixation is generally three types i.e. Asymbiotic, Associative and Symbiotic. Asymbiotic N₂-fixation also known as free living N₂-fixation is under taken by some bacteria and cyanobacteria. In associative N₂-fixation, some bacteria fix nitrogen in association with root of some grasses and cereal plants. In symbiotic nitrogen fixation, Rhizobium form root nodule in legumes and fix atmospheric N₂ and convert it into the ammonia (NH₃) by the help of Nitrogenase enzyme. This oxygen sensitive enzyme consist of two components i.e. di-nitrogenase (MoFe protein) and di-nitrogenase reductase (Fe protein) which are highly conserve in sequence and structure. The N₂ fixing genes e.g. nod gene (nodulation gene) and the nif gene (nitrogen-fixing gene) are located in the plasmid which is also called mega plasmid. Symbiotic association between legume and rhizobium have agronomic importantance and reduce the use of N-fertilizers or even avoided. The long term use of the nitrogenous biofertilizer in the agricultural field is a promising approach to develop and fulfil N₂ demand of the growing crop without causing any environmental hazard.

Farmers have been growing trees for different purposes for thousands of years. Tree species that are grown to provide more than one significant function are called multipurpose trees. These functions may be productive such as producing fuelwood, timber, fibre, fodder, food, medicine, etc. and/or protective such as soil conservation, shade, shelterbelt, microclimate amelioration, land sustainability, biodiversity preservation, etc. All trees are multipurpose; some, however, are more multipurpose than others. Tree species can be multipurpose in two ways.

1. A single tree can provide more than one function. For example, Gliricidia sepium is grown as living fences that provide fuel, fodder and green manure for agricultural crops - all at the same time.

2. Trees of the same species, when managed differently, can provide different functions. For example, Leucaena leucocephala is managed so that some trees will mainly yield wood while others mainly produce leaf fodder.

In practical agriculture, resistance represents the ability of a certain variety to produce larger crop of good quality than an ordinary variety at the same level of insect population. During the 19^th Century, the French wine industry survived a major set-back largely due to the use of resistant root stocks imported from America and which still maintain their resistance levels against the beetle pest (Painter, 1951). Another important example of resistant variety is the U-4 variety of cotton possessing high level of resistance to the jassid, Emposasca spp. (Parnell, 1925). The excessive use of pesticide on oilseed crops needs to be minimized owing to several reasons: (i) most of the pesticides are lipophilic and are likely to be carried in the oil (ii) in a few cases like Brassica, leaves and inflorescence are consumed as saag (pot herb), (iii) the oilseed crops provide the raw material for the vanaspati industry, cosmetics, etc., (iv) many of the oilseeds and oils are directly consumed without further processing, and (v) the oil cakes are used as cattle feed. Thus there is an urgent need to exploit the non-pesticidal methods of pest control, among which the use of resistant varieties assumes a great significance. The details of each oilseed crops are given below:

1. Life history of Indian termite was first published by_____________. (J.G. Koeing)
2. Plant disease written by_____________. (R.S. Singh)
3. J. W. Helfer seems to have the first to collect insects because these were pest of trees during the year_____________. (1810)
4. The largest insect order is_____________. (Coleoptera)
5. Project directorate of biological control is located at_____________. (Bangalore)
6. Main skeletal structure to which most of the muscle attached is_____________. (Thorax)
7. The outmost waxy layer of insect body is called_____________. (Cuticle)
8. Insect body consists of series of segment designated as_____________. (Sclerite)
9. _____________ is the author of the book entitled “The ecology of forest insect”. (CFC Beesom)

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important tropical fruits of the world and is commonly known as the ‘King of fruits’ for its high quality fruits which are very popular among the Indians (Sharma et al., 2008). It is the oldest and extensively cultivated fruit crop in India having high socio-economic significance. India is the home of more than 1000 mango varieties, which originated in the Indo-Burma region (Mukherjee, 1958). India is the largest producer of mango, grown in about 2.3 million hectares with an annual production of 15.02 million tones. However, its productivity is only 6.5 tones per ha against 30 tones per ha in Israel (Bijay Jumar, 2010). Improvement of productivity in mango continues to be the foremost issue in mango production (Sauco, 1993). Of late, all the mango importing countries are considering the India as a source of quality mangoes due to its varietal wealth and availability. Hence, it is imperative to improve the productivity and quality of Indian mangoes to meet the global need (Balamohan et al., 2014).

The extensive use of improved types of vegetable crops has led to a  situation that the indigenous types are virtually disappearing from ecosystems creating a vacuum in crop biodiversity. Biodiversity of genes, species, ecosystems and habitats will remain under threat. Habitats will be decreased and fragmented, endangering many indigenous, rare, endemic and specialist species populations and ecosystem functions, although generalist and invasive species will continue to spread. Therefore, loss of biodiversity can be considered at three scales: genes, species or populations and habitats or ecosystems. Maintaining thriving natural systems is essential not only for economic or ethical reasons, but also for ecological, social, recreational, educational and aesthetic reasons (Gomez, 1996). Most of these are easy to grow, resistant to pests and diseases, hardy and acceptable to local taste. They are rich in carbohydrate, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals; hence the diets could be diversified to meet the nutritional requirements of the people in the country. The lack of micronutrients, including certain vitamins, minerals and other components needed for a healthy diet, is a pervasive and growing threat throughout the world.

The Jamun (Syzygium cuminii Skeels) is a nutritious fruit with a variety of uses; virtually every part of the tree has been utilized by both urban and rural dwellers. The fruit is good source of iron, sugars, minerals, protein and carbohydrate etc (Table 1). Fully ripe fruits are eaten fresh and can be processed into beverages like jelly, jam, squash, wine, vinegar and pickles. The Jamun fruit has sub-acid spicy flavour and squash is very refreshing drink for quenching the thrust in the summer season. A little quantity of fruit syrup is much useful for curing the diarrhoea. The vinegar prepared from juice extracted from slightly unripe fruit is stomachic, carminative and diuretic, apart from having cooling and digestive properties (Thaper, 1958). However, small jamun fruits not suitable for table use but suitable for use in the beverage industry as they contained a high amount of acidity, tannins and anthocyanins (Anon., 1986). The volatile oil from the jamun fruits can also be extracted (Vijayanandet al., 2001). Fruits are used as an effective medicine against diabetes, heart and liver trouble (Singh, 2001). The Powdered seeds have also reputation of being useful in the treatment of diabetes. Oral administration of an aqueous jamun seed extract for 6 weeks caused a significant decrease in lipids, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and an increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase in the brain of diabetic rats (Prince et al., 2003). Leaf extract of jamun also reduces the radiation induced DNA damage in the cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Jamun seed can be used as concentrate for animals, as it is rich in protein, carbohydrates and calcium. Its timber wood is used for railway sleepers, construction of buildings, agricultural implements and for well work, as it resists the action of water (Chundawat, 1990).

Rivolta (1873) first described the chain forming cocci in pus collected from the equine infection. Rosenbach (1884) established the genus Streptococcus’ Nocard and Mollereau (1887) first observed the relationship between the bovine mastitis and Streptococcus agalactiae. Lancefield (1933) classified beta-haemolytic streptococci on the basis of group specific-carbohydrate antigens.

Properties of genus

1. Morphology: Streptococci are gram positive cocci, capsulated, non-sporing and non-motile. Each coccus cell is 1µm in diameter. They are arranged in a pair or chain of cells as the cell division occurs in one plane(Figure 1 & 22). The chain formation and the chain length are variable. Streptococcus equi ssp. equi is a constant chain producer. Young cultures are gram positive whereas bacteria present in the pus and older cultures in the laboratory are often stained as gram negative.

Okra, commonly known as lady’s finger is a significant vegetable crops primarily grown in tropics and subtropics. Production and productivity of okra is affected by the incidence of pests and diseases. More than 70 insect pests have been recorded in okra (Ewete, 1978).
Biology: Forewings of the moth white with a pea- green wedge-shaped band running medially from base to outer margin of each wing. Eggs are laid on tender parts of the plant, leaf axils, bracts, leaf veins, buds, flowers and fruits singly or in two’s or threes. Egg period - 3-4 days. Caterpillars are brownish with median longitudinal streak dorsally and pale yellow or green ventrally. Larval period is 2 weeks. Pupae are seen on the plant in dirty white boat shaped cocoons made of silk. Pupal period is one week. The life cycle is completed in about a month.
Nature of damage and Symptoms
The newly hatched larvae bore into the terminal shoots or fruits. The damaged shoots droop, wither and dry up. The infested fruits are deformed with holes on them plugged with excreta.

13.1. INTRODUCTION

Photosynthetically active radiation is a primary energy resource for terrestrial plants, necessary for the plant growth. Plants receives this photosynthetically active radiation from sunlight as a consequence, plants are also exposed to the ultraviolet (UV)-radiation. Seven percent of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun is the UV range (200-400 nm). Though representing only a small portion of the total solar electromagnetic spectrum, UV-B has a disproportionately large photobiological effect. As it passes through the atmosphere, the flux transmitted is greatly reduced, and the composition of the UV-radiation is modified. This UV-radiation is mainly divided into three classes, namely UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. The UV-A region of the spectrum (wavelengths from 320 to 400 nm) are not attenuated by ozone, so their influence will be unaffected by ozone layer reduction. This portion of the UV radiation is less damaging and important for photomorphogenic signal in plant development (Bjorn, 1994). The wavelength of UV-B portion ranges from 280 to 320 nm. This region of UV is very energetic and effectively absorbed by ozone in the stratosphere. Thus, only a very small portion, approximately 4% is transmitted to the earths. Shortwave UV-C radiation (200-280 nm) is highly energetic and strongly absorbed by atmospheric oxygen and ozone. Thus, none of this sterilizing radiation is present in terrestrial sunlight.

Livestock diet or ration may be made up of one or several ingredients depending on the species of animal, their physiological state, source of feed and its nutritional composition, nutritional requirements of the animals and voluntary intake of the feed. Chemical and nutrient composition with each ingredient varies tremendously and no single feed ingredient is complete in its nutrient composition with respect to animal’s requirement.  Therefore, animal feed has to be balanced properly to supply required nutrients in appropriate quantity.  Feed formulation is an art of quantitative application of science of nutrition for the optimum supply of all the essential nutrients through actual feeding of animals. This exercise may be as simple as mixing of few ingredients with simple mathematical calculation or preparation of least cost balanced ration by computer programme.  Since the expenditure on feeding is substantial in livestock production, feed formulation needs special attention of nutritionists or feed technologists. The instruments and equipments used for feed formulation and estimation of micro minerals and ingredients like Feed grinder and mixer of capacity 75 kg, Fibertech for fiber estimation, Hammer mill-particle size reduction, Mixer and grinder for feed and fodder (complete feed preparation) of capacity 250 kg, Roughage processing-Chaff cutter, Soxhtech for fat estimation, UV-vis-Spectrophotometer and Voltameter for micro mineral estimation are shown in Fig. 3.1 to 3.8.

Economics definition

Adam smith (1776) defined economics as the science of wealth in his book An Inquiry into Nature and Causes of Wealth of Nations.

According to Marshall Economics is primarily a study of mankind in the ordinary business of life.

Agricultural Economics : An applied social science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural or farming goods and services.(or) an applied phase of social science of economics in which attention is given to all aspects of problems related to agriculture.

Subject matter of Economics : It can be studied through a) traditional approach and (b) modern approach.

a) Traditional Approach : Economics is studied under five major divisions namely consumption, production, exchange, distribution and public finance.

Consumption : The satisfaction of human wants through the use of goods and services is called consumption.

Production : Goods that satisfy human wants are viewed as "bundles of utility".

Exchange : Goods are produced not only for self-consumption, but also for sales. They are sold to buyers in markets. The process of buying and selling constitutes exchange.

Distribution : The production of any agricultural commodity requires four factors, viz., land, labour, capital and organization. The land owner gets rent, the labourer earns wage, the capitalist is given with interest and the entrepreneur is rewarded with profit. The process of determining rent, wage, interest and profit is called distribution.

Public finance : It studies how the government gets money and how it spends it.

b) Modern Approach : The study of economics is divided into: i) Micro-economics and ii) Macro-economics.