eChapters

Introduction

Wheat, a vital cereal crop cultivated globally, serves as a fundamental source of sustenance and livelihood for millions (FAOSTAT, 2021). However, wheat production faces hindrances from various biotic and abiotic stresses, with heat stress being a notable challenge (Prasad et al., 2019). The term “terminal heat stress” refers to the elevated temperatures occurring during the crucial reproductive phase of wheat, encompassing the grain-filling period and flowering stages (Lobell et al., 2012). Terminal heat stress emerges as a significant impediment to wheat cultivation, particularly in arid and semi arid regions, manifesting during the reproductive stage of the crop (Wassmann et al., 2009). This predicament is exacerbated by the escalating frequency and intensity of heat waves attributable to climate change (IPCC, 2021).

Introduction

Currently, the agricultural industry is expanding exponentially. Improved economic growth and rapid population growth have spurred investor interest in the agricultural industry. The World Bank estimates it to be worth $3 trillion. With the urbanization and industrialization of the agricultural sector, the amount of waste generated has also increased, causing many environmental problems. About 5 million metric tons of biomass are produced annually from agriculture. These agricultural wastes become breeding grounds for pathogenic microorganisms if not properly treated and recycled, it is noteworthy that this agricultural waste can be used as substrates for the synthesis of valuable product or as raw material for renewable energy production.

Introduction

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not code for proteins. They are transcribed from DNA and can be categorized into two main types: long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs). While sncRNAs are shorter than 200 nucleotides, lncRNAs are usually longer than 200 nucleotides. Non-coding RNAs have been found to play important roles in a variety of cellular processes, including gene expression, cell differentiation, and development.

Introduction

The term "nano" is used to define one that has a size in the nanometer range. Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field of medicine, chemistry, physics, and biology that has emerged during the past few decades as a potential area of study. The goal of this interdisciplinary technology is to transform molecules into entities, then do the opposite. Nanobiotechnology is the term for the fusion of nanotechnology with biotechnology. In nanobiotechnology nanoscale principles and techniques are used to explore biosystems and generate novel biomaterials. Biosensing, cell labelling, and molecular imaging can all gain benefit from nanostructure materials in life science, health and biomedicine.

Introduction

Nanocomposites are materials that incorporate nanosized particles into a standard material matrix. The addition of nanoparticles can significantly improve properties such as mechanical strength, toughness, electrical or thermal conductivity. Typically, only a small amount of material (0.5-5% by weight) is required due to the effectiveness of the nanoparticles. A nanocomposite is a solid material that consists of multiple phases, where at least one of the phases has one, two, or three dimensions in the nanometer size range. The goal of the nanoscale phase process is to achieve synergy between different constituents. Nanocomposites represent a promising alternative to overcome current limitations of microcomposites and monolithics, and are becoming the materials of the future (Schmidt et al., 2002).

Introduction

However, most of the crops get damaged by pest infestation, microbial attacks, and insufficient nutrient availability. Currently, the primary goal of world’s agriculture is to fulfil the nutritional demand of the rapidly growing population. Nanotechnology tries to fill the gaps in agriculture to become more resilient, while making sure there is enough food for everyone. As a result, nanoparticles are evolving into a cutting-edge material that will change how contemporary agriculture is done. The use of nanotechnology in agriculture encompasses the creation of novel materials, devices, and systems at the nanoscale to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of agriculture. This technology has the potential to bring a revolutionary change to the field of agriculture by offering innovative solutions to various agricultural problems.

Cowpathy

Panchgavya chikitsa is an age old system of medicine described in ancient Indian literature ‘Ayurveda’ and now it is known as ‘cowpathy’ means the therapy of human ailments through cow products. However, Cowpathy is different from Panchgavya as it also include cow cuddling, Backrub, Gau grass, Gauseva, and living with cow besides, Panchgavya products milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung. Since the cowpathy practice is to increase the aura of an individual, it prevents from many ailments and infections. In Ayurvedic system, the medicines are prepared either from plants or from animals besides the use of certain metals. The Ayurvedic medicines of animal origin are mainly prepared from indigenous cow products such as urine, dung, milk, curd and ghee. Medicinal use of cow urine has been in practice since time immemorial in India.

Introduction

Nanoparticles are minute particles with at least one dimension that measures less than 100 nanometers. They have been extensively studied in various f ields including medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science. Nanoparticles have several unique properties, such as a high surface area to volume ratio, enhanced reactivity, and optical, electrical, and magnetic properties that differ from the bulk material. These properties make nanoparticles suitable for a variety of biomedical applications, including diagnosis, imaging, drug delivery, and therapy. This chapter will discuss the current and potential applications of nanoparticles in healthcare and research.

History

Pauling and his colleagues coined the phrase "molecular disease" in 1949, based on their finding that a single amino acid shift in the β-globin chain causes sickle cell anemia, which is characterized primarily by repeated bouts of acute pain due to vessel occlusion. In theory, their discoveries laid the groundwork for molecular diagnoses, though the major breakthrough came many years later. At the time, when molecular biology was only rapidly growing, providing molecular diagnostic services was unthinkable and practically impossible. In the early days of recombinant DNA technology, many scientists from different f ields collaborated to provide the first seedlings of molecular diagnostics.

The evolution process took millions of years to develop human and animals on the top of the hierarchy. It has moved forward due to ability to survive the various deadly diseases as for the survival of any leaving creature, it have to overcome the threat posed by the pathogens surviving in its environment and most of the time in its close vicinity. These microbes are smarter than us and are the best example of the survival of the fittest. To overcome these, nature has provided defense system to all leaving creatures that neutralize the invasion of pathogens or undesired microbes. The concept is based on the detection of self and nonself molecules.

Introduction

As per the reports of the United Nations Organization (UNO), the world population is expected to increase to about 9.7 billion by 2050 and to 10.4 billion by the mid-2080s. The increasing population will result in food scarcity and hunger across the world. To meet the demand for food to feed the people and meet the present aim of WHO of “Zero Hunger by 2030”, agriculture and livestock production needs to be increased. However, according to the ICAR Vision 2050 document, growth of the livestock sector is expected to be higher than the agriculture due to different factors like urbanization and changing food habits among the population residing in the urban area, lack of technology among the small and marginal farmers, reducing operational land, water scarcity, reduced irrigation infrastructure, climate change, etc. to name a few. But to achieve food security through the livestock sector, animal health and production of the animals need to be addressed.

Aim: Study of 3 point and 4-point starter.

Theory

A 3-point starter in simple words is a device that helps in the starting and running of a shunt field or compound excited dc motor. Now the question is why these types of dc motors requires the assistance of the starter in the f irst case. The only explanation to that is given by the presence of back emf Eb , which plays a critical role in governing the operation of the motor. The back emf, develops as the motor armature starts to rotate in presence of the magnetic field, by generating action and counters the supply voltage. This also essentially means that the back emf at the starting is zero, and develops gradually as the motor gathers speed.

Aim: To study the effect of variation of field current upon the stator current and power factor with synchronous motor running at no-load, hence to draw V and inverted V curves of the motor.

With constant mechanical load on the synchronous motor, the variation of field current changes the armature current drawn by the motor and also its operating power factor. As such, the behavior of the synchronous motor is described below under three different modes of field excitation.

Aim

(a) Perform load test on 3-phase induction motor.

(b) Compute Torque, Output power, Input power, Efficiency, Input power factor and Slip for every load setting and to determine how speed, efficiency, power factor, stator current torque, and slip of an induction motor vary with load.

The load test on induction motor is performed to compute its complete performance i.e. torque, slip, efficiency, power factor etc. During this test, the motor is operated at rated voltage and frequency and normally loaded mechanically by brake and pulley arrangement from the observed data, the performance can be calculated, following the steps given below.

Aim: Perform an experiment to determine the parameters of a three-phase induction machine.

As the circuit modal of an induction motor is similar to that of a transformer, the parameter of the modal can be obtained by no-load test and blocked rotor test.

No-load test

In this test, the motor is to run at no-load at rated voltage and frequency. The applied voltage and current and power input is measured. Power input at no load (Po ) provides only the losses that are rotational losses.

Aim: Determination the equivalent circuit parameters of a single-phase induction motor.

1. No-load test.

2. Blocked rotor test.

The performance of a single-phase induction motor is generally studied either by double revolving field theory or by cross field theory, the former being simple and gives a clear physical understanding.

Aim: To determine the Efficiency Vs Load characteristics (External characteristics) of D.C. shunt motor Swinburne’s method.

This method is an indirect method of testing a DC machine. It is named after Sir James Swinburne. Swinburne’s test is the most commonly used and simplest method of testing of shunt and compound wound DC machines which have constant flux. In this test the efficiency of the machine at any load is pre-determined. We can run the machine as a motor or as a generator. The iron and friction losses are determined by measuring the input to the DC machine at no-load. The machine is to be run as a motor at normal voltage and speed. The Swinburne’s method includes all the losses in the field circuit and winding which do not occur actually in the machine but the error introduced due to this is quite insignificant and still shows the accurate results. In this method of testing no-load losses are measured separately and eventually we can determine the efficiency.

Aim: To perform speed control of D.C. shunt motor by

1. Armature resistance control method.

2. Field (flux) control method.

This method is based on the fact that by varying the voltage available across the armature, the back EMF and hence the speed of the motor can be changed. This is done by inserting a variable resistance RC (known as controller resistance) in series with the armature as shown in Fig. (a).

Aim: To determine the Load characteristics (External characteristics) of self excited D.C. shunt generator.

If a dc shunt generator, after building up to its voltage, were loaded, its terminal voltage will drop. This drop increases if load increases. But this type of terminal drop is undesirable for a specified service. The relation between terminal voltage and load current is called external characteristics. Speed is to be kept constant. Reason for voltage drop:

Aim: To obtain balanced two-phase supply from three-phase supply by Scott arrangement of two single-phase transformers.

The phase conversion from three to two phase is needed in special cases, such as in supplying 2-phase electric arc furnaces. Scott connection of two-single phase transformers is employed for conversion of a three-phase system to two phase system or vice-versa. Rating of one transformer should be 15% greater than that of the other, but in practical two identical transformers are used for interchangeability and spares. The 50% tap of one transformer (Main transformer) is connected to 86.6% tap of the other transformer (Teaser transformer). The secondaries for balanced supply system have equal number of turns.