eChapters

Introduction

Spectral signature: A spectral signature is the unique pattern of reflection and emission of a target at different wavelengths. This difference helps to classify remote sensing images based on the spectral signatures of different objects.

Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum: The EM spectrum is the range of all types of EM radiation. Some examples are visible light from a lamp, radio waves from a radio station, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Spectral response patterns: A spectral response pattern is the amount of energy that an object reflects or emits at different wavelengths. It shows how the object interacts with the EM radiation.

Introduction

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of satellites and ground stations that provide location and time information for any place on earth, regardless of the weather. GPS is a type of GNSS, which stands for global navigation satellite systems. GPS has many applications in precision farming, such as farm planning, field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop guidance, variable- rate applications (VRAs) and yield mapping. GPS helps farmers work in low- visibility conditions such as rain, dust, fog, and darkness. India has its own GPS system called IRNSS or NavIC, which uses about seven satellites. GPS is owned and operated by the U.S. government, specifically the U.S.

Introduction

This chapter gives an account of a summary of the significant findings of the study, followed by tenability of hypotheses, suggestions, further areas of research in the related areas, and a conclusion. The present study investigated the Quality of Work Life (QWL) of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals working in Kerala’s eight prominent state universities. The data of the study were collected from the two hundred and sixty-six 266 regular qualified LIS professionals. 

This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of data gathered through a structured questionnaire to conduct the current study. Data analysis and interpretation of data is the most significant part of the research report. It contains a detailed analysis of major results about the information for arriving at a valid conclusion. It helps to interpret the results of the study in a proper perspective. Based on the objectives and hypotheses formulated, the data was collected through a questionnaire. Likert’s scale was used to assess the opinions of the respondents. 

Introduction

Libraries are a center of information for the academic community of the universities in Kerala. It acts as a gateway to global knowledge. Libraries provide seamless access to the information that supports teaching, learning research, and extension. It also ensures fair access to knowledge in the academic community. The libraries fulfill the objectives of their parent organization. It caters to the educational needs of students, researchers, and faculty/Scientists of the universities for study, research, teaching, and extension activities.

Introduction

Quality of Work Life (QWL) is a popular concept among the organizations. Work is an essential part of everyday human life. Work influences the overall quality of life. Human resources are one of the main assets of any organization. Quality of work life (QWL) is one of the important subsystems of human resource management. There are economic, social, psychological and organizational aspects of work life. Many new subsystems are being added to human resource management with employees’ changing needs, culture, expectations, and work environment.

Introduction

It has been proved that libraries play a crucial role in education. Libraries have been collecting, preserving, and organizing knowledge since time immemorial. In the age of virtual information, libraries have been reinventing themselves as accessible and engaging learning spaces. Libraries existed in India during the ancient and medieval periods. The library is the primary requirement of the university. University libraries have a paramount role in developing university education in the country. The present chapter highlights the historical development of libraries, committees, and commissions on university libraries in India.

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.

Introduction

Human beings are the most critical components of an organization. The organization’s survival has improved all the facets contributing to its success. In a competitive world, human resources are sine qua non in an organization. Quality of work life (QWL) is critical for deciding organizational employee- related outcomes. Human resource management has a unique role in any organization. Organizational goals in an organization are achieved through planning, organization, staffing, direction, coordination, and control. 

1. Introduction

Technology innovation is characterised by the development and utilisation of novel or enhanced technologies, instruments, frameworks, and procedures that result in noteworthy progressions or discoveries across diverse domains. It entails utilising resources, knowledge, and experience to create creative solutions that address issues, boost productivity, advance the cause, and add value.

In numerous crucial areas, the significance of technological innovation is evident:

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished.

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural resources that replenish themselves over a period without depleting the Earth's resources.

The term "renewable energy" is energy derived from a broad spectrum of resources, all of which are based on self-renewing energy sources such as sunlight, wind, flowing water, the earth's internal heat, and biomass such as agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste.

Introduction

India possesses abundant human resources due to its demographic dividend. With a population of approximately 1.39 billion, rural areas are home to about 68.84% of the total population, constituting more than two-thirds (Census 2011, GoI). According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in 2019, about 58.3% of rural households rely on agricultural activities as their primary source of income. Despite the significant reliance on agriculture for livelihoods, the agricultural situation in India is challenging.

1. Introduction

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy and a significant sector. For all nations, agriculture digitization is a growing area of concern. The need for food rises in tandem with the world's population growth, which is happening quite quickly. The agriculture sector is finding it very challenging to develop methods and strategies that will enable them to completely meet the growing wants and specifications due to the expanding need for food and shifting consumer preferences. Misuse of agricultural components can have detrimental effects on the environment and cause pollution. Farmers mostly rely on irrigation canal networks, groundwater, and rainfall in the field of irrigation. 

Introduction

Market access and supply chain innovation are two critical pillars that underpin the success and sustainability of agricultural produce in today's interconnected world. As the global population continues to grow, along with increasing consumer demands and evolving market dynamics, ensuring efficient access to markets and implementing innovative supply chain practices have become burning imperatives for agricultural producers worldwide.

Introduction

Amidst the vast fields and verdant landscapes lies the heartbeat of nations -the farmers. Yet, despite their indispensable role in feeding the world, farmers often find themselves on the front lines of adversity, grappling with challenges ranging from volatile markets to climate uncertainties. Recognizing the pivotal importance of agriculture in fostering sustainable development, a plethora of initiatives and strategies have emerged to empower and support farmers worldwide.

Introduction

Any notable long-term alteration to the anticipated patterns of the average weather in an area (or the entire Earth) over an extended period of time is referred to as climate change. It concerns anomalous fluctuations in the climate and how these fluctuations affect other regions of the planet. Tens, hundreds, or even millions of years may pass before these changes occur. However, as a result of increased anthropogenic activity including industrialization, urbanization, deforestation, agriculture, and altered land use patterns, greenhouse gas emissions grow and accelerate the rate of climate change. Increases in temperature, variations in precipitation, and an increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are all part of climate change scenarios.

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of agriculture, where feeding a rapidly growing global population is a pressing concern, the role of data analytics has emerged as a beacon of hope, igniting revolutionary transformations in optimizing crop yields and resource utilization. Data analytics, the science of examining raw data to uncover insights and make informed decisions, has transcended conventional farming practices, propelling the industry towards a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

Introduction

The influence of government policies on agricultural practices is a topic of paramount importance in the realm of global food security, environmental sustainability and economic development. Governments around the world play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of agricultural systems through a myriad of interventions, regulations, and support mechanisms. The intricate interplay between governmental policies and agricultural practices underscores the complex dynamics that govern food production, land use, and rural livelihoods. Agriculture stands as a cornerstone of human civilization, providing sustenance, employment, and economic prosperity to billions of people worldwide.

Introduction

In the vast tapestry of challenges confronting humanity, few are as fundamental as ensuring a secure and sustainable food supply for a burgeoning global population. As the world's inhabitants surpass 9 billion by 2050, the pressure intensifies on agriculture to deliver higher yields, reduce environmental impact and adapt to the uncertainties of climate change. In this pivotal moment, the convergence of technology and agriculture emerges as a beacon of hope, offering unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize farm management and secure our agricultural future. The role of technology in precise farm management has transcended mere convenience to become an indispensable cornerstone of modern agriculture.

Types of Biomedical Waste

1. Infectious waste: waste contaminated with blood and other bodily fluids (e.g. from discarded diagnostic samples), cultures and stocks of infectious agents from laboratory work (e.g. waste from autopsies and infected animals from laboratories), or waste from patients with infections (e.g. swabs, bandages and disposable medical devices)

2. Pathological waste: human tissues, organs or fluids, body parts and contaminated animal dead bodies