eChapters

Introduction

Rhizobia and Frankia are soil bacteria that exhibit symbiosis with their particular hosts owing to their ability to understand the intricate signals excreted by the host roots. Rhizobia exhibit symbiosis with legumes and one species member of Ulmaceae family Parasponia andersonii while actinomycetes Frankia forms the group of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that live in symbiosis with a large spectrum of dicot plants distributed among eight families consisting of over 24 genera and around 200 species of angiosperms (Benson and Silvester, 1993) and are collectively responsible for 15% of the biologically fixed nitrogen in the world. This Frankia-woody tree or dicotyledonous plant interaction results in evolution of the actinorhizal plants and the symbiotic interaction is described between Frankia (actino) and plant roots (rhiza).

The actinomycetes comprise a heterologous group of prokaryotes that have the ability to form gram positive, branching filaments of less than 1μm in d.m. The main animal pathogens in the actinomycetes are in the genera Actinomyces, Arcanobacterium, Actinobaculum, Nocardia and Dermatophilus. Nonpathogenic, prolific producers of antimicrobial substances – streptomyces are also included in Actinomycetes.
Actinomyces
Natural Habitat
The actinomyces species are present on mucous membrane of the host animal, often in the oral cavity, tonsils, and nasopharynx. The soil is the natural habitat of many actinomyces species.
History
The generic name Actinomyces was first used by Harz (1879). Boestrom (1891) isolated Actinomyces bovis. Cummins (1962) clearly demonstrated Actinomyces were bacteria and they are distinct from other branching genera.

Morphology
The organisms show considerable pleomorphism. Actinomyces species are usually long and fialmentousalthough short V, Y, and T configuration also occur. In lesions of actinomycosis, the pus contains small pale yellow granules referred as sulfur granules. The sulphur granule is composed of bacterial filaments and mineralized calcium phosphate of host origin. When the granules are crushed and gram stained, a mass of gram-positive branching filaments about 1μm in width, short rods, and cocci are evident. Around this mass, a circle of club shaped bodies with their narrow ends pointing towards
the centre-staining gram negative. Hence, called ray fungus. They are nonacid fast, non-spore forming, nonmotile, non-capsulated and do not form endospores or conidia.

Introduction

The term actinomycetes, coined in the late 1800s (actins, meaning ‘ray’ and myces, meaning ‘fungus’) is a misnomer. Because actinomycetes have a considerably smaller aerial mycelium than fungi and can produce a large number of asexual spores called conidia, which give the colonies a ‘powdery or chalky’ look.

The actinomycetes constitute a specialized group of soil bacteria that occur in soils throughout the world. The actinomycetes are prokaryotes confirming cellular structures and functions of true bacteria and their morphological similarity to the fungi (Eukaryotes). Between bacteria and fungi, actinomycetes are a transitional category. On their hyphae, most actinomycetes produce single, pairs, or chains of asexual spores.The diameter of the hyphae varies from 0.5 to 1.0 µm. 

Every practical problem need not have a documented solution. Most of the times to solve a practical problem, we need to apply our experience, creativity and experiment with the novel solutions in order to address the problem which have no readymade solution. Under such circumstance, we will apply our knowledge and experience in selecting, planning, experimenting and evaluation of the possible solutions. This type of problem solving approach involves action research.  Action research is a type of social research that aims at gaining an insight into the problem by learning from experiences gained in an effort to solve the problem. Here, action itself is a source of knowledge.

8.1. Introduction

Food packaging’s essential functions is to protect the food from hazardous compounds, and contaminant. In order to improve the shelf life of food commodity, smart packaging like active and intelligent packaging has been developed which can monitor freshness, display information of quality, and improve food safety. More precisely, smart packaging was defined by Smart Packaging Journal as “the use of features of high added value that enhance the functionality of a product, notably mechanical, electronic and chemical features that improve safety and efficiency”. The major concerns with traditional packaging are not only shelf life of packaged food, but also the inability of packaging material to convey the important information about quality changes to both customer and manufacturer. 

Abstract

High precision Geodetic Global Positioning System measurements have become important for studying present-day tectonics in active orogenic belts such as the Himalayas. Geodetic Global Positioning System measurements in the Darjiling-Sikkim Himalayas (DSH) during 2000-2004 indicate that the frontal part of the Darjiling Himalaya is locked to the Indian plate and statistically negligible shortening is accumulating there at present. While this observation is in conformity with observations made in Nepal to the west of the DSH, it differs in the fact that about ~ 12 mm/yr of convergence is accommodated in the DSH and the western Bhutan Himalayas as opposed to about ~ 20 mm/yr in Nepal Himalaya. About 16 mm of convergence is accommodated in the Arunachal Himalaya, to the east of DSH, of which about 6 mm is accommodated in the Lesser Arunachal Himalaya. These observations indicate that there is a fair amount of heterogeneity in the way convergence is accommodated along the length of the Himalayan arc and the Himalayan seismic hazard estimations need to account for this. Seismicity patterns in the DSH indicate that active deformation in the area is driven by strike-slip as well as thrust tectonics. Strain accumulation in the DSH during 2000-2004 appears to be dominated by strike-slip tectonics in the region and about ~ 4-5 mm/yr of sinistral strike-slip is observed along a NNE-SSW trending near-vertical fault identified in the area (named as the Gish transverse fault).

Abstract

Northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent is seismically an active region, and is further prone to excessive rainfall and frequent landslides, which cause disruption of the road networks during the monsoonic months every year. The region owns a typical morphotectonic setup where many active thrusts and faults have carved out the landforms and physiography of the major part of the region. The creeping phenomenon of the N-S trending prominent strike-slip fault, namely the Churachandpur - Mao Fault (CMF), is one of the triggering factors for the frequent landslides and low magnitude earthquakes. The life line of Manipur, the national high way NH39, traverses along and in close proximity to this fault in Manipur, and hence the life is paralysed in the area during the monsoonic months. From the GPS campaign mode studies on the western and eastern sides of the CMF, it is observed that there is a change in the crustal velocities from 16 - 22 mm/yr in the east to 33 - 42 mm/yr in the west. Micro-deformations are also observed in the form of displacements respectively with the vertical, N-S and E-W components of–0.111 mm/yr (downward), 0.03 mm/yr (northward) and –0.011 mm/yr (westward). The net displacement is 0.126 mm/yr with an azimuth of N 85° and dipping of 13° towards west. Neotectonic movements along the CMF, as per the GPS measurements, suggest an aseismic nature of the fault with dextral component. Fault plane solutions of the earthquakes show northerly directed principal P-axis indicating the extension (T-axis) along east-west. The resultant creeping of micro-deformation towards the western slopes of the terrain is aligned with the principal T-axis. The creeping triggers the micro seismicity as well as the landslides along the CMF.

When avoidance or tolerance of frost is not possible and frost damage is inevitable, the active methods of frost protection are the way out for the protection of the fruit plantations. The methods which are employed just before or during a frost event for avoiding freeze damage are called Active Frost Protection Methods.

Introduction and Importance of active site

Proteins are polymers of amino acids coupled by peptide bonds. The constituency of a protein that interacts with a ligand is habitually referred to as the “active site.” Ligands can be proteins, DNA or smaller molecules, such as pharmaceutical compounds [1]. The active site generally lies on the surface of the protein. In some cases, the active site is buried within the protein. Residues with reactive groups (ASP, GLU, SER, CYS, HIS, LYS, ARG) tend to be profuse in protein active sites [2]. The SER-HIS-ASP (sometimes SER-HIS-GLU) named as “catalytic triad” which is a motif, generally found in enzyme active site. Enzymes chip in a significant role in scheming the flow of metabolites within a cell, they catalyze virtually all of the reactions that make and modify the molecules mandatory for biological pathways [3]. The identification of catalytic residues is a key step in recognizing the function of enzymes. The site on the surface of an enzyme molecule that binds and acts on the substrate molecule are called as active site.

Abstract

Temperate fruit production in India is mainly confined to the Himalayan region particularly in north-west states namely J&K, HP and Uttaranchal and to the east in Arunachal Pradesh.Though these areas are sparsely populated, yet are the main centers for production of these fruits. Apple is the leading cash fruit among these fruits occupying nearly 85.0 per cent of the total area 90 per cent production under these temperate fruits.

The apple cultivation in these states is more than 100 years old where the English settlers planted acidic types varieties in Kullu, Shimla, Chaubattia and Kodikonal hills. Quality Delicious apples which were introduced by an American Missionary Samuel N.Sokes in 1917 at Kotgarh, form the today’s commercial apple production in H.P. exception Kashmir valley, temperate fruit production in India is in temperate type of climate available in these states due to higher hills experiencing adequate winter cold and snowfall.

The success of a TTO relies on a systematic approach encircling factors like assessment, valuation, marketing, negotiation, and post-transfer management (fi gure 8). This chapter covers the activities that are essential for the effective functioning of a TTO. Other activies Technology Assessement /Valuation Financial Managemnt Major Activities of technology transfer office Commercialization IP Management Fostering Innovation
Fig 8: Various activities of TTOs.
3.1 Technology assessment - A pillar of innovation commercialization
The process of transitioning an innovative technology to commercial reality requires a stringent and formal process known as technology assessment. This early stage is crucial as it determines the viability of an invention by analysing practicability of the invention as well as its uniqueness and the likelihood of it being adopted in the target markets. In the absence of this preliminary examination, the chance of technology’s potential being mismatched to the market can arise.
a) Scientific merit and technical feasibility
A key benchmark in assessing technologies involves the identification of
scientific validity and technical performance. An innovation’s viability depends on the fact that it complies with good scientific practice or the innovative application of a new paradigm that has empirically confirmable validity. It is important to determine whether the invention’s underlying mechanism can be reliably proven through established scientific practice. A working prototype allows for empirical testing in different conditions and serves as proof of practical application. In addition to that, scalability has to be tested critically. It often happens that innovations perform well in a controlled laboratory setting but lose efficiency or cost-effectiveness in the case of mass production. The viability of the implementation on a grand scale becomes a core concern in this phase of the evaluation.

ABSTRACT

Activity patterns of Grey Jungle fowl, Gallus sonneratii were studied at Gudalur Range (9º 37’ N, 77º 16’ E) which is 23² km area in Theni Forest Division, Western Ghats, Tamilnadu from January to December 2005.

It pays emphasis on the conservation of ecosystem and support to the management of the country in protected area-network. To prevent wildlife depletion, several Acts have been made from time to time, by the State as well as the Central Government.

The acts for Environment Protection are :

        The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
        The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
        The Wildlife Protection Act
        Forest Conservation Act
        Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)
        Citizens Actions and Action Groups
        Public Awareness and Awakening

The Environment (Protection) Act
In 1986, the Environment (Protection) Act was introduced. Concern over the environment’s declining condition grew, leading to the passage of this act to safeguard it. The goal is to plan, organize, and carry out the long-term requirements for environmental safety as well as to oversee and coordinate the development of an effective system for responding to environmental emergencies.
If we want to protect our environment, we must move far more quickly to execute this legislation. Food cycles are disrupted and species are lost when dangerous substancesare present in the atmosphere and aquatic environments in excess.
The Environment Act of 1986 has a Global Context in Addition to Aignificant Constitutional Ramifications.
• This act put into practice the spirit of declaration approved by the United Nations Conference on Human Environment, held in Stockholm in June 1972.
• In the 1970s, environmental protection gained national priority because to the significant growth in damages.
• Food chains are disrupted and species are lost when there are excessive quantities of dangerous substances in the atmosphere and aquatic habitats.
• Goals
• Clearly defining what environmental conservation is.
• Determining the generally acknowledged regions that pose a threat to the life support system.

Acus means needle. It is an ancient Chinese system of therapy utilizing long fine needles at specific points and their stimulation by various means to induce analgesia and to cure certain diseases. The specific points are known as acupuncture points or acupoints.
 
The procedure is safe. There are no post anaesthetic complications and can be used in poor surgical risk patients. The major disadvantage is poor muscle relaxation. Acupuncture has been used to produce local anaesthesia.
 
Acupoints : Alphanumeric code system is used to recognize the acupoints universally e.g. BL, LI, SP, GB etc means meridians of the urinary bladder, large intestine, spleen, gall bladder etc. respectively.

Acute tympany, commonly referred to as bloat, is a serious digestive disorder in ruminants characterized by the rapid accumulation of gas in the rumen,, leading to ruminal distension. If untreated, this condition can cause severe discomfort, respiratory distress, and even death due to circulatory failure or suffocation. Tympany is categorized into two types: frothy bloat and free-gas bloat, each requiring distinct management approaches. Nutritional management is central to preventing and treating acute tympany. This chaper provides an indepth discussion on the causes, pathophysiology, clinical signs, and nutritional
strategies to manage and prevent acute tympany in ruminants.
Types of tympany
1. Frothy bloat: Occurs when gas produced during fermentation becomes trapped in a stable foam, preventing its release through eructation (belching). It is associated with diets high in lush legumes (e.g., alfalfa, clover) or finely ground grains.
2. Free-gas bloat: It results from physical or functional obstruction of the esophagus or impaired eructation mechanisms. Common causes include esophageal obstruction, hypocalcemia, or damage to rumen motility.

Duration: 60-75 minutes
Objective: Build resilience and flexibility to thrive in changing environments, embracing new challenges and opportunities.
Why It Matters
In today’s fast-paced world, adaptability ensures you can handle disruptions, learn new skills, and stay relevant. Resistance to change leads to stress and missed opportunities. For example, adapting to a new software tool can boost efficiency, while resisting it can hinder performance. This module equips participants to embrace change confidently.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this module, participants will:
1. Understand the importance of a growth mindset and resilience.
2. Practice strategies to cope with change and learn new skills.
3. Develop a personal adaptability plan.
Key Concepts
1. Growth Mindset View challenges as opportunities to grow.
• Embrace Learning: See setbacks as feedback (e.g., “This failed project taught me better planning”).
• Stay Curious: Ask questions and explore new ideas (e.g., “How can this new process improve my work?”).
• Seek Feedback: Use input to improve, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Introduction

The egg production in India is 75 billion and the broiler production is 4.2 million tonnes per annum. The growth rate of layer market is 6-7 percent per annum and broiler market is 8-10 percent per annum. The Indian poultry sector is valued at INR 1 lakh cr or USD 15.38 bn. Approx. 80 percent of egg production is contributed by commercial poultry farms, remaining comes from household/ backyard poultry. Backyard poultry plays a key role in supplementary income generation and family nutrition to the poorest of the poor. It is estimated that there are around 30 million farmers engaged in backyard poultry as per 19^th Livestock Census. Backyard poultry are being practiced for its inherent strengths. Free range birds reared by the farmers have the advantage of small body size, coloured plumage, broodiness to hatch chicks, adaptation to harsh climatic condition, lower diseases and production with least investment. The birds are scavenging in the backyard, supplemented by kitchen waste and are kept in low height houses for shelter using locally available materials. It helps to improve the nutritional status of rural poor and also improve the subsidiary income of the poor people. Such stocks make minimal use of land, labour and capital and integrate well into the backyard. Backyard poultry production system is self-sustaining because of minimal needs and can be afforded by poor people of the rural areas. The high yielding white feathered chicken varieties being reared in the intensive poultry farming are not suitable for backyard / free range backyard poultry farming due to the adverse climatic and high pathogen load prevailing in such rearing practices. Backyard poultry farming is an in-separable part of the poor tribal people and it will continue to be due to its advantages. Although backyard poultry production is not an occupation per se, it often supplements household income, primarily for poor families. Strengthening backyard poultry production may help overcome poverty and malnutrition in impoverished communities. However, the effect of climate change on these birds needs to be studied for its sustenance.

The oceans covering nearly 71% of earth surface are classified into several zones. There are different zones such as neritic zone, oceanic zone. Neritic zone consists of different zones. Which are present in bank side of ocean. The oceanic zone forms two major zones as pelagic and the benthic zones. In the pelagic zone the organisms float or swim freely on the surface and in the benthic zone they associations are widely different and there is no light, water is called dark zone water or aphotic this constitute the deep sea fishes which found in the bottom of the sea the region between 200-1000 meters is called as the mesopelagic zone. The part of the ocean below 1000 meters is called bathypelagic zone and the deepest part of the deepwater is called benthic zone. Mesopelagic, bathypelagic and benthic zone constitute the deep sea water. A large number of species of fish in habits the deep sea. Fishes living in the deep water of the oceans are exposed to more or less uniform conditions of life and they are adapted differently.