eChapters

Introduction

This chapter reviews literature related to the current study on Quality of Work Life (QWL). Scrutiny of the available literature is of great value in gaining insight into the research problem. It is beneficial for strengthening the research problem. As there are fewer studies on QWL in the university libraries in Kerala, the works reported in other places were also reviewed. Hence, the available studies related to the topic are exhaustively reviewed. The review covers studies on the subject made at the regional, national, and international levels.

The purpose of the study is to gather and use pertinent data to further the primary goalsof the investigation. Any review of literature revolves around the work’s origin, author, chronology, and significant content that have an obvious impact on the current study. It begins with a history for gaining into posterity through current status.

A. Health, Hygiene and Nutrition of Rural Women
Imtiaz et al., 2014, conducted a descriptive cross- sectional study from March to June 2012 to evaluate the personal hygiene practices among rural women in a particular Bangladeshi community. In order to evaluate two fundamental aspects of personal hygiene, hand washing and access to clean drinking water, 150 women of varying ages were chosen from the villages of Garibpur and Tangurpur in Jessore district. A convenient non-probability sampling technique was used and data was gathered by face- to- face interview using semi-structured questionnaire. Among the respondents 87.33% had some form of schooling, 12.67% were illiterate. The majority of the participants almost 87.34% had washed their hands before eating, 13.74% before eating break fastand none of the respondents washed their hands before consuming any dry food. Themajority of the respondents almost 95.34% washed their hands after urinating; among them 82% used soaps, 16% used ash and 2% used earth. To lead a healthy- life it is crucial to practise good personal cleanliness and to utilise safe drinking water. They should be regularly inspired to do so through health education activities. Rao et al., 2012, carried out a study on Indian women’s diet and nutritional status. Women’s status in society has an impact on their health. Female infanticide, a higher death rate, a lower sex ratio, low literacy rates and a lower level of employment for women in the workforce are just a few examples of how the demographic consequences of women have manifested themselves. The degree of women’s nutritional status is influenced by the cultural norms, practices, and socio-economic consideration. Bureau of National Nutrition Monitoring has conducted periodical surveys on diet and nutritional status of various population groups since 1972.For the objective of this inquiry, information on the food and nutritional status of the tribal and rural population in nine Indian states was gathered in 1998-99 and 2005-06 respectively. Rural and tribal women consumed fewer calories overall than recommended, with the exception of various vegetables, roots and tuber. The study found that women who were pregnant or nursing had in sufficient nutritional intake, particularly a micronutrient shortage that is termed as hidden hunger. Nearly 4.9% of tribal women had a substantially greater prevalence of goitre. Tribal women suffer from under nourishment and have more prevalence of chronic energy in sufficiency than rural women.

The publication of “Flora of British India” by Hooker (1872-1897) was followed by a series of regional floras by Cooke (1901-08) for Bombay presidency; Prawn (1903) for Bengal: Duthie (completed by Parker & Turrill, 1905-29) for upper gangetic plains and adjacent Siwalik and of sub Himalayan tracts; Kanjilal (1966) for the forest flora of Uttar Pradesh; Gamble (completed by Fisher, 1915-1936) for Presidency of Madras; Haines (1921-1925) for Bihar and Orissa: and Kanji et al (1934-1940) for Assam. Duthie’s work was completed by Raizada and associates (Raizada, 1954, Raizada et al. 1961; 1983; Raizada & Jain, 1964, 1966). Later, Raizada (1976) brought together all additions made to Duthie Flora. However, the trends of additions has persisted afterwards and is hoped to continue onwards as well. Revision of old floras has become all the more important because the nomenclature of a large number of species has changed in accordance with International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (1956, 1961, 1966, 1972, 1978 & 1983).

The review of literature consists of conceptual literature concerning the concepts and theories and empirical literature consisting of studies made earlier which are relevant to one proposal.
The main purpose of this chapter is to present some of the findings/ results of the past research studies related to the present investigation. A few relevant research studies which have been conducted in India and abroad in the field different altitude areas, their livelihood are presented in the following headings:
1.1. Works based on the livelihood of different altitude places of India and abroad
1.2. Works based on the livelihood of different altitude places specially North East India.
1.3. Other general concepts related with the present research
1.1 Works Based on The Livelihood of Different Altitude Places of India and Abroad
FAO, Rome (2011) stated a major factor limiting the food security of household in hill areas is shortage of land for cultivation which are simply too small to support the farmers with current food production practices. Closing the yield gap will produce food production and security.
Alkan S. and Toksoy D. (2008) indicates that the forest villages which are at the high altitude and on the field that are not suitable for agriculture. This complicates living in them and increases their dependence to the forest resources. While determining the forest villages, the distance from the forest, and the socio-economic criterions are considered.
Tejada E. and Nielsen M.O. (2008) stated that the harsh eco-climatic and edaphological conditions of the High Altitude of Bolivia adversely impact most of the agricultural and livestock production indices. However, livestock activity, in addition to dealing with the subsistence of rural families, offers more security than the agricultural activity in those eco-systems, since crops are more vulnerable than animals to abrupt climatic changes.

2.1 Introduction

The journey through the research work and the resultant publication of research articles, review notes and books by innumerable authors in the field of Information Technology, and Communication, Library Sciences, Social Media and Popular Culture has been the basis for this chapter: The Review of Literature. The following is a report of how and what lead to arrive at the objectives, hypotheses and methods of researching this field and the concerns of the researchers and the authors. Reading innumerable articles, research papers, and books helped in writing this literature review strengthened the knowledge about the topic of this study. It has been of immense use to learn essential concepts, research methods, and experimental techniques used in this field. Another benefit of the extensive reading of relevant literature has been the knowledge and understanding of how to present the insights, research findings, and claims discussed and explained scientifically and systematically. Through this reading exercise, the topic of the research and its objectives were finalized. 

2.1. Introduction

There are few studies on the performance and efficiency of Indian commodity derivatives market. Despite a considerable amount of empirical literature, there is no general consensus on whether or not the markets are efficient. As far as the role of futures contract in agricultural commodity is concerned, several studies have been attempted to examine their contribution towards agricultural development of any state and/or country. This chapter presents the review of existing literature on the concerned topic based on interrelationship among the spot and futures market in agricultural sector, role of futures market in discovering spot prices, futures market and commodity price volatility etc.

It is an organized set up to provide micro credit to the rural women on the strength of the group savings without insisting on any collateral security for the purpose of encouraging them to enter in to entrepreneurial activities and for making them enterprising women (Gurumoorthy, 2000).

Puhanzhendi and Badatya (2002) find that the SHG programme has a positive social impact.

Rajamohan (2003) stated that SHG is a medium for the development of saving habit among the women.

Jeyasudha (2004) reported that eradication of poverty and the ushering in of speedy socioeconomic progress is the goal with which the developmental programmes are being implemented through a multipronged strategy, reaching out to the most disadvantaged sections of the society. She placed the concept of rural development at the top of agenda in national policies of developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. The developed countries have also recognized this need and have directed their efforts towards meeting the basic needs of the poorest people in developing countries.

Preserving plant materials in a dried form is not a new idea. It has been considered as an art for hundreds of years. Fragrant dried herbs were placed in Egyptian pyramids. Dry flower arrangements have been popular in Europe for several centuries. During 1700 A.D, the early American settlers used dry flowers to brighten their homes. Any plant material can be preserved for use as dry flowers (Al Pertuit, 2004). Though enormous work is being done in this field, most of the literature is published by horticulture amateurs. Scientific work in this area is less. However, a review of the research work done in dry flower technology is discussed in detail.

ABSTRACT

This paper provides an overview on existing IP protection and registration systems of India and adds information culled from publicly available sources pertaining to modernization efforts of Government of India towards establishment of foolproof IP protection in accordance with international treaties, conventions and bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Introduction

The floriculture industry is changing quickly around the world. Due of globalization’s impact on revenue generation in various regions of the world, flowers are consumed per person in the majority of nations. Floriculture has a long history in India. Ancient Sanskrit classics like the Rig Veda (C 3000-2000 BC), Ramayana (C 1200-1300 BC), Mahabharata (before the 4th Century BC), Shudraka (C 100 BC), Ashvagodha (C 100 AD), Kalidasa (C 400 AD), and Sarangdhara (C. 400 AD) all make mention of flowers and gardens (C 1200 AD)(Dadlani, 2021).In many nations around the world, growing flowers is one of the industries’ tactics. India began producing flowers a few years ago, and the industry is now one of the nation’s major areas for expansion and change. Both socially and economically, floriculture is very advantageous. The trade in cut flowers has grown dramatically recently, both domestically and internationally. The freshness of the flowers for a longer period of time without losing their aesthetic value is what gives a flower its attractiveness. There is a massive loss in the value of cut flowers along the marketing channel, which may be 50% of the farm’s worth (Bhattacharjee, 1999).

ABSTRACT

Himalaya represents an importantfocal point of botanical rich diversity, and homeofmanymedicinal plants known for their various therapeutic properties. Since ancient times, several plant species have been used as ethnomedicine, and only a few of these species have beenfully explored and validated scientifically. Today, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries are the fastest growing sectors that use botanical extracts to maintain the health and support integrity of the skin and other parts of human body.Peoplearedemandingcosmeceuticaladditivesfrommarket made from plants as herbal botanicals as these causes fewer or no side effects, and therefore, ethnomedicine are gaining immence importance for cosmetic and value added products development of natural origin. Human and animal skin is the largest covering of the body as it provide barrier to the internal cells ortissues,and protectthebodyfrominfections and toxic chemicals. Keeping in mind the importance of skin, investigations and literatures were consulted to document plants protectingskininfectionsfrom external environment.Thepotential high altitude plants ofHimalaya were screened outto be used inskin care and treatmentofvarious skin pathogens.Inthe presentcommunication, total 81 plants of 72 genera belonging to 40 families are presented that have ethnobotanicalapplicationinskin care and usages incuringskindiseases. This data will provide a base-line information for cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies for developmentof various new value-added products for human and animal health care.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is known for many biological activities including potent cardioprotective properties. Meta analysis of human data strongly correlated diminished plasma level of DHEA with hypertension and age related anomalies and has been in clinical trial for efficacies against CVDs and hypertension. It was isolated for the first time in 1934 by Butenandt and Dannenbaum, later in 1944 extracted from human plasma (Oka et al., 2007). It is a 3β-hydroxysteroid, metabolized from pregnenolone, secreted from cells of zonareticulata of adrenal gland. Age-related decline in serum DHEA and DHEA-S(sulphate) is found to be associated with number of diseases including cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, cancer etc. (Arlt et al., 1999). Besides, DHEA dilates arteries, modulate hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction by activating potassium channels through soluble guanylatecyclase (sGC) activation, (Oka et al., 2007) and enhance endothelial function in particular via increasing nitric oxide synthesis (Haixian et al., 2019), induced relaxation in high K+ -induced contraction in thoracic aorta of rat embryo (Ochi et al., 2018). However, DHEA has never been explored as a vasorelaxant in mesenteric vascular bed, the major resistance bed of the circulatory system as well as its contribution in blockade of VDCC as possible mechanism for vasorelaxation. To date, the physiological role of DHEA in systemic vascular tissue as a vasorelaxant remains largely unknown and its potential use in the treatment of hypertension in human still remain inconclusive due to the increase in the risk of hormone driven cancer (Clark et al, 2018). Hence, we have chosen to explore the potential of DHEA as a vasorelaxant in conduit blood vessels like aorta and resistance blood vessels like mesenteric artery and elucidation of possible mechanism of vasorelaxation. Further, we also wanted to test the hypothesis whether in-vivo treatment of hypertensive rats with proven traditional medicine with known efficacy and acceptability could restore the level of DHEA in animal model of hypertension so as to have the beneficial effect of DHEA but without any adverse effect from external administration.

Introduction

In the verdant landscapes and bustling fields of India, the heartbeat of a nation pulses through its agriculture. For millennia, farming has been not just a livelihood but an intrinsic part of the cultural fabric, shaping traditions, festivals, and the very essence of community life. Yet, the modern agricultural practices, driven by the pursuit of higher yields, have strained the very soil that nurtured this civilization for centuries. In this crucible of tradition and progress, a beacon of hope emerges - regenerative agriculture - offering a path to restore, revitalize, and safeguard India's precious ecosystems.

Millets are essential grains that help developing nations in Asia and Africa’s semi-arid tropics, particularly India, Nigeria, and Niger, achieve food and nutrition security.They are grown on soils that are usually too weak for any other crop to grow. They can withstand drought, minimal fertiliser treatment, and temperature swings better than other cereal crops, and their short growing season makes them exceptional. Millets are all-season crops that can be grown all year and provide several security benefits (food, feed, health, nutrition, livelihood, and the environment), making them the most cost-effective agricultural security crop. Sorghum (Great millet), Bajra (Pearl millet), small millets such as Korra (Foxtail millet), Ragi (Finger millet), Kodo millet, Proso millet, Little millet and Barnyard millet are all important millet crops grown in India.

Introduction

Reviving the agricultural economy is a crucial endeavor with far-reaching implications for food security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. Several key strategies can be adopted to achieve this goal. First, policymakers must prioritize agriculture by providing necessary f inancial support, infrastructure development, and research and development investments. Adequate credit facilities and subsidies can help farmers access essential resources and modern technology, boosting productivity and efficiency (Asian Development Bank, 2018). Promoting sustainable agricultural practices is vital to ensure long-term viability. Encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly methods such as organic farming, crop rotation, and water-efficient irrigation can enhance environmental resilience while safeguarding natural resources for future generations. Empowering farmers through training and education is essential. Equipping them with the latest knowledge and techniques enhances their capacity to adapt to changing conditions and make informed decisions about crop selection, pest control, and market opportunities. Furthermore, enhancing market linkages is critical to connect farmers with consumers and ensure fair prices for agricultural produce (African Development Bank, 2022). Developing efficient supply chains and reducing post-harvest losses can improve income prospects for farmers and attract more youth to the sector. Lastly, encouraging private sector involvement and investment in agriculture can accelerate growth and innovation. Public-private partnerships can create opportunities for technological advancements, value addition, and market expansion (Liu & Lee, 2018). Reviving the agricultural economy requires a collaborative effort involving governments, farmers, the private sector, and civil society. By addressing challenges, investing in modernization, and promoting sustainable practices, nations can create a thriving agricultural sector that contributes to food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability (Brown, 2021).

Introduction
Aquaculture, the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms, has grown into a critical industry for global food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. As the demand for seafood continues to rise, innovative technologies are revolutionizing aquaculture, making it more efficient, sustainable, and resilient to environmental challenges (Bostock et al., 2010). This chapter explores cutting-edge advancements in aquaculture technology, focusing on automation, precision farming, biotechnology, and digital monitoring systems.
Automation and Robotics in Aquaculture
Automation is transforming aquaculture operations by improving efficiency and reducing labour costs. Automated feeding systems, underwater drones, and robotic net cleaners are among the latest innovations enhancing fish farming productivity.
Automated Feeding Systems
Automated feeding systems have significantly improved the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture operations by ensuring precise feed distribution, reducing waste, and enhancing fish growth rates (Fig. 1). These systems integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and smart sensors to optimize feeding schedules and feed amounts based on fish behaviour, water quality, and environmental conditions.

Introduction

In the face of a burgeoning global population, the imperative for robust advancements in food production, especially within the aquaculture industry, is more pressing than ever. The expansion of this industry necessitates a nuanced consideration of environmental, economic, and social factors underpinned by a commitment to sustainable development. However, the intensification of aquaculture, particularly in coastal regions, poses long-term environmental risks due to increased organic matter in water, demanding innovative solutions.

In recent decades, recirculating systems have emerged as a step toward sustainable aquaculture, offering an effective approach to control wastewater. High operating costs have hindered widespread adoption despite their potential, particularly in developing countries. Enter the need for a game-changing, cost effective, and environmentally friendly technology that resonates with farmers on a large scale. This is where the Biofloc system, or Biofloc technology (BFT), takes center stage. A beacon of cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and environmental friendliness, the BFT reduces water exchange to almost zero and slashes artificial feeding ratios. This revolutionary system enhances water quality and generates microbial protein for aquatic species, addressing critical challenges faced by the aquaculture industry.

Abstract
The growing need for sustainable fishing practices has increased attention to eco-friendly fishing technologies designed to minimize their environmental impact. These technologies focus primarily on reducing habitat destruction, bycatch and overfishing, which is essential for maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem. Traditional fishing methods such as bottom trawling and non-selective fishing practices have caused notable harm to the ecosystem, including the destruction of seabeds and accidental catches of non-targeted fish populations. Advancements in eco-friendly designs, such as turtle-excluding devices (TEDs) and bycatch reduction devices (BRDs), have crucially mitigated the bycatch of vulnerable species such as turtles and juvenile fish. Modifications in longlines, traps, and biodegradable nets have further reduced ecological damage. In addition, electronic innovations such as sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) system and Global Positioning System (GPS) enable precise fish targeting, reducing unwanted habitat damage. However, the transformation to eco-friendly technologies faces issues such as investments, lack of awareness and inadequate regulatory support. Government and international bodies play a vital role in promoting these technologies through various regulatory policies and frameworks. Further, fostering cooperation among the stakeholders and using innovations can ensure a future of sustainable fisheries, balancing ecosystem conservation with economic livelihoods.
Keywords: Bycatch reduction, responsible fisheries, ghost fishing, environmentally friendly

9.1 Introduction

The world is facing various challenges, including climate change, population growth, and decreasing fertile land. It is necessary for the agricultural sector to shift towards sustainability and innovation. To revolutionize traditional farming practices, alternative cropping systems and advanced technologies like plant tissue culture in greenhouses are being explored. The goal is to optimize resource utilization, enhance crop resilience, and reduce the environmental impact. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as plant tissue culture, crops can be propagated and cultivated within controlled environments like greenhouses, ensuring global food security and meeting the growing population’s demands.

1. Introduction

Modern technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data have made robotics, a concept that dates back to ancient times, much more advanced. The area of robotics, originally used in industrial settings, has now expanded its scope to include a diverse range of industries, such as industrial robots, medical robots, military robots, space robots, and humanoid robots that adopt human-like characteristics.

In accordance with this existing structure, libraries have additionally adopted the use of robots, which have shown enhanced efficacy and capabilities in executing diverse library functions. A significant number of libraries around the world have used humanoid robots to facilitate a variety of library functions, including STEM education initiatives. Academic institutions such as the Chicago Public Library and the University of Rhode Island Library organize programs centered on robotics.

Libraries may become obsolete in the 21st century if they do not begin to harness new technology and improve their information and service delivery. Robots come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they serve a variety of functions. It is difficult to define the purpose of a specific robot and its categories because each robot has its distinct feature and varies in size, shape, color, and components.