eChapters

Gasification is a process that turns materials containing carbon, like wood, crops, coal, or waste, into a type of fuel called producer gas or syngas. This is done by heating the carbon-rich material with a controlled amount of oxygen at high temperatures. Gasification is a type of partial oxidation, which means using less oxygen than needed to burn the same amount of fuel. Knowing the necessary amount of air for the conversion process is important to run a gasifier correctly. This requires understanding the stoichiometry based on the composition of the biomass. A chemical formula for the biomass can be calculated by analyzing the elements present, which serves as the basis for estimating the air-fuel ratios through stoichiometric calculations. Gasification only uses 25 to 40% of the theoretical oxidant, producing heat for fuel conversion. In gasification, the main combustible products are carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

8.1 General

Pyrolysis is a process that utilizes heat or fire to separate biomass, derived from the ancient Greek words “pyro” meaning fire, and “lysis” meaning separation. A thermochemical conversion process transforms biomass into a useful intermediate liquid product. This product can then be converted into a hydrocarbon biofuel, oxygenated fuel additive, or a petrochemical substitute. Pyrolysis shares similarities with other thermochemical processes such as cracking, carbonization, torrefaction, destructive distillation, dry distillation, and thermolysis. However, it is not related to gasification, which involves chemical reactions with a gasification medium.

9.1 Introduction

Biomass conversion is a transformative process that harnesses the energy and chemical potential of organic materials derived from living organisms. It encompasses various methods of converting biomass, including agricultural residues, forestry by-products, algae, and even waste materials, into valuable products such as biofuels, chemicals, and energy. This process is a cornerstone of sustainable resource utilization and plays a critical role in addressing environmental concerns, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and promoting a circular economy. Biomass conversion methods range from biochemical processes like fermentation and anaerobic digestion to thermochemical processes such as combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction. Each method employs distinct conditions, catalysts, and technologies to break down complex biomass structures and convert them into desired products.

Transforming organic materials, such as agricultural residues, food waste, or biomass, into valuable bio-based products is crucial for waste management. This process, called biochemical conversion, employs various enzymatic, microbial, or chemical reactions to break down complex organic compounds into simpler molecules like sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids. These intermediates can then be further processed into biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and other bio-derived materials, making this process promising for sustainable energy and resource management. Biochemical conversion typically includes pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and purification. It offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based production methods, reducing environmental impacts and dependence on non-renewable resources.

11.1 General

The world is currently facing a critical turning point in its pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. With the global population growing and concerns about climate change increasing, it is crucial to move away from finite fossil fuels and towards renewable alternatives. One promising contender in this field is biodiesel, which has the potential to power our future while also reducing environmental impacts. At the heart of biodiesel production lies the complex process of oil-based biomass processing. This involves extracting valuable oils from various sources and using them to create renewable and eco friendly fuel. Oil-based biomass processing is a dynamic intersection where innovation meets necessity, combining chemistry, engineering, sustainability, and environmental consciousness. It is an intricate and multifaceted endeavor requiring careful attention to detail and a collaborative effort to succeed.

Introduction

The study of fish health is crucial for understanding aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of aquatic species. This report provides a detailed account of a hands-on activity involving necropsy and health examination of fish. Through this practical experience, we aimed to gain insights into the common ailments affecting fish populations and develop skills in identifying pathological conditions.

The necropsy process involves the post-mortem examination of fish specimens, enabling us to observe and analyze internal organs, tissues, and external features. By combining practical techniques with theoretical knowledge, we seek to contribute to the broader understanding of fish health and disease.

Introduction

In this microbiology report, we delve into the intricate realm of bacterial isolation and identification, exploring the fundamental processes that unlock the mysteries of microbial worlds. From the methods employed for isolating bacterial strains to the intricate techniques of identification, this report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the crucial role microbiology plays in unraveling the secrets of these microscopic organisms. Join us on a journey through the principles and applications that form the backbone of bacterial isolation and identification in the fascinating field of microbiology.

We performed a detailed hands-on practical on ‘Shrimp Health Examination’ at the Pathology Necroscopy room on 29th September 2023. Several activities regarding the health examination of shrimp were performed. It included, the collection of blood from an in-between portion of pereiopods and pleopods, also making blood smears on a glass slide, staining, and observation of blood cells under a microscope. Collection of samples from hepatopancreas for microbial culture to know the presence of any pathogen present. Collection of body part samples like gill, pleopods, and telson to observe the presence of external parasites. The species used health examination Whiteleg shrimp (Litopennaenus vannamei).

Introduction

Subculture is key skill in bacteriological laboratory allowing us to colony propagate a pure culture in single colony. Pure cultures are essential for characterization such as identification using biochemical test or antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Protocol

1. Label your fresh blood agar plate.

2. Select a single colony to subculture (colonies grows by clonal expansion; each colony should be a pure strain.)

3. Use the colony you have just picked to make the 1st streak on your fresh plate.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving realm of fisheries and aquaculture, the infusion of molecular technology has become a beacon of hope, transforming the way we diagnose diseases and identify pathogens. Imagine it as a kind of genetic detective work that not only helps us understand the health of aquatic life but also empowers us to protect it. It all begins with the delicate dance of DNA extraction, a bit like teasing out the secrets locked within the cells of aquatic organisms. This biological treasure map, once unveiled, guides us through the labyrinth of diseases. Enter the PCR protocol for Carp Edema Virus (CEV) detection—a sort of molecular magnifying glass that allows us to zoom in on specific genetic footprints of trouble. It’s like deciphering a genetic code, helping us pinpoint potential issues swiftly.

Introduction

Water is the chief factor in fish farming. Water carries oxygen, eliminate metabolic waste products, through its physical and chemical composition, determine the success of production. The major constraint is that the waste organic matter released into water.

Measurement of pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity, transparency, turbidity and solids are important parameters to play role in water quality. pH in water changes during the day and night in response to photo-synthesis which is supported by the sun light intensity. Temperature is a physical parameter which effected on fish growth as resulting of many bio-chemical processes. It changes with the time depending on air temperature surrounding site.

Introduction

Ammonia is the major end product in the breakdown of proteins in fish. Fish digest the protein in their feed and excrete ammonia through their gills and in their faces. The amount of ammonia excreted by fish varies with the amount of feed put into the pond or culture system – increasing as feeding rates increase. Ammonia also enters the pond from bacterial decomposition of organic matter such as uneaten feed or dead algae and aquatic plants.

Introduction

Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are considerable in the water quality management because they can be produced a toxic depending to their form and concentration. The solubilities of nitrogen contain in water at different temperatures and pressures. Nitrogen is a basic growth substance and an important element in aquatic ecosystems as well as in the pond water. It exists variously forms in water and manly classified in organic and inorganic.

The Aquatic Resources Research Institute (ARRI) was established to conduct research & answer important impending questions associated with the nation’s aquatic resources, like conservation of marine organisms, marine science, oceanography, aquaculture, biotechnology etc. It also works for transferring or sharing the knowledge to public, for guiding towards sustainable development.

Sichang Marine Science Research & Training Station: (SMaRT) Chonburi Province

Thailand This is another unit of the ARRI. It was established in 1979, in Chonburi Province Thailand.

Overview of Inland Fisheries Status

In Thailand, inland capture fisheries are carried out mainly in rivers, lakes, swamps and reservoirs. These fisheries are an important source of animal protein for the rural people. Since 2005, production from inland capture fisheries has increased by almost 13 percent. Gillnets, longlines, hook-and-line, scoop nets, cast nets, and lift nets are some of the fishing gears being used. Among these fishing gears, gillnets are the most popular and efficient, particularly in swamps and reservoirs. Thai silver barb, snakehead, walking catfish, local carps, and Nile tilapia are caught. Nile tilapia, hybrid catfish, silver barb, snakeskin gourami, giant river prawn, striped catfish and striped snake-head contributed 95 percent in quantity and 92 percent in value in fresh water aquaculture.

We visited The Model Sea Farm Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on 10/10/2023 at 1 pm It is a government farm located at Phetchaburi Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about seaweed production and zero waste aquaculture system.

1) Sea ranching

Species used for sea ranching was Banana shrimp (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis). 2 months old shrimps were collected from tank and used for ranching

Construction details

They had a total of 36 tanks, and most of them were made of tin. Each tank had a diameter of 6 meters, was 1.2 meters deep, and could hold up to 30 tons of water. Inside these tanks, there was a plastic lining. Additionally, there were 4 to 5 tanks made from bamboo. Bamboo tanks have a shorter lifespan, lasting 1 to 2 years, while tin tanks can last for 8 to 10 years.

Culture details

The species that was cultured over there was Red tilapia. Culture practice was intensive. The nursery-rearing period was 70 days. In the first step, fish were raised from 0.5 grams to 10 grams in a separate tank for 35 days. The second step involved the growth of fish from 10 grams to 30 grams for the next 35 days in another separate tank. The fishes were bought from outer sources and they were all male fishes.

The ITAF participants visited the Anuban Tilapia Floating Cage Culture on the Canoy River situated in the central part of Thailand on 11/10/2023 at 1:30 p.m. The purpose of the visit was to learn about the floating cage culture on a large scale.

Construction Details

The farmer had a total 500 number of cages divided into 5 units i.e. 1 unit contains 100 cages. The dimensions of the floating cage are 7m in length, 5m in width and 2m in depth having an area of 70 m3. The fabrication of the cage was done by using the GI pipes attached to the barrels for buoyancy. The double HDPE netting was done from five sides and on the upper side bird net was fixed as a biosecurity measure. The construction cost of the cage was 140000 baht /cage.

We visited the CPF (Thailand Public Company limited) in Samutsakorn on 12/ 10/23 at 1:30 pm. The purpose of the visit was to know about the feed ingredients and production process.

1) Overview

Product like shrimp feed and fish feed are prepared by the company. Company was spread in 61 Rai( 24 acre) area. 400 employees are working in the company.Working hours is 3 shift / day and working days – 6 days / week.Shrimp feed unit have the capacity of 13,000 T/M and actual production was 7000 T/M. 8 line pellet machine was used for this purpose. Fish and frog feed unit have capacity of 11,000 T/M and actual production 7000 T/M. 6 line extruder machine was used.

On the morning of 13 Oct 2023 morning (9:30 am - 12:00 pm), ITAF participants visited snake-skin gourami local farms in Samut scorn province. Snake-skin gourami is one of the best delicacies in Thailand which has large demand in local and international markets. Snake-skin gourami can breed after reaching 100-200 gms ( 2 months). The culture period of snake- skin gourami is 9-10 months. In snake- skin gourami males have a large body and long dorsal fin than females.

Farm 1

Snake-skin gourami culture is done in 30 rai ( 1 rai= 1600 m2) area of the farm. The depth of the pond is 1.5m. A single crop is taken in one year. 50,000 no. of fry are stocked in 30 rai area. Feeding areas are constructed by the net embankment where feed is given to fish harvesting is done after 8-9 months. The cost of production for one crop is 2 million/year in that they produce 30-40 tonnes /30 rai, which is almost 3 million / year.

Frog farming in Thailand started 20 years ago. The frogs commonly found and farmed in Thailand are the local species, Rana tigerina and Rana rugulosa. The first imported bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana was introduced in 1980 and is popular in the northern part of the country. Rana tigerina is olive brown in colour which is about 15cm long when fully grown. The adult weighs about 300g. Rana rugulosa is another local species that is olive-brown in colour with a dark head. It is about 13cm long when fully grown and weighs about 270g. The imported species, Rana catesbeiana is olive-brown to green in colour. It is 17 cm long when fully grown and weighs around 459g.

We, the participants of ITAF2023 visited Sriracha fisheries research station under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. Naphat Panthukumbol and Dr. Somrat Taweedet on 16/10/23 at 08:00am. The research station is under faculty of fisheries, Kasetsart university in Chonburi Province. The purpose of visit was to learn about the mussel aquaculture and Integrated Multi- Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA).

1) Mussel aquaculture

Cultured species was Perna viridis( Green mussel ). Almost all rafts were owned by fishermen and 10 rafts were under the management of sriracha fisheries research station. The cost of production was 100 baht /acre. Simple method of culture is practiced by installing rafts before breeding season and allowing the natural spawn to attach. The harvesting size of mussel is 8 cm. Observed growth rate is 1cm/ month. Other maintenance includes repairing of ropes ,buoys etc. during off-season. Farmers face many constraints like plankton bloom, waste water discharge, predation by sting ray,parasitism during summer months.

On 17 October we visited the Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University (BIMS), THAILAND at 9 a.m. The institute is situated in Bangsean. BIMS is a marine research institute of Burapha University. They have 6 organizations: Marine Research Department, Marine Aquarium Department, Marine Museum Department, Academic Service Department, Office of the Director and Research Station.

They have shown us their Life Support System of Public Aquarium and coral propagation and conservation.

1) Public aquarium

We have seen the Life Support System of Public Aquarium i.e. Filtration System, which involves the complex systems and technologies used to maintain the health and well-being of marine life in public aquariums. This is crucial for keeping the animals and ecosystems on display healthy and sustainable. The display tank has having 10,00,000-liter capacity.

We, the participants of ITAF2023 visited The ocean farm under the guidance of Asst.Prof.Dr.Naphat Panthukumbol and Dr.Somrat Taweedet on 17/10/23 at 3:00 pm. The farm is certified by fisheries department and is located in Chonburi Province. The purpose of visit was to learn about the nursery rearing of shrimp and use of frozen artemia.

1) Nursery rearing details

The cultured species was Litopenaeus vannamei. Rearing was done from nauplii to PL15 stage. The farm is producing 2 variants named- ‘The ocean hero’ which is disease resistant and ‘The ocean speedy’ having high growth rate. They are procuring nauplii from Phuket. Then double certification from DOF and Burapha university lab is done to ensure SPF stock. The purchasing price of nauplii is 12,000 baht/ million nauplii and transportation done by plane. The culture period of shrimp is around 21 days.

Introduction

We, the participants of ITAF2023 with Dr. B. R. Chavan and Dr. Prashant Bodake, visited Boonsawang Co. under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. Naphat Panthukumbol and Mr. Suthi Mahalao on 18/10/2023 at 09:00 am. Boonsawang Co. in Chonburi, owned by Suthi Mahalao, also exports fry to Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, and Israel. In addition, Suthi runs his sea bass farm and is a feed distributor to farms in the province. The purpose of the visit was to learn about the seabass culture system and get familiar with technical aspects. The farm occupies an area of 10 hectares and is covered in 11 ponds. The farm is aimed to grow from fry to marketable size seabass. The single crop duration is divided into 4 periods.

Introduction

We, the participants of ITAF 2023 along with Dr. B. R. Chavan and Dr. Prashant Bodake visited Farm Song Nam under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. Naphat Panthukumbol and Dr. Sorawit Powtongsookon 18/10/23 at 01:00 pm. This research station is under NSTDA (National Science and Technology Development Agency). The purpose of the visit was to learn about the latest developments in aquaculture technologies.

Dr. Sorawit explains that this system is able to monitor water quality, floc sedimentation, the current age of shrimp, quantity in the pond, total weight, density, size, total amount of water used, pond volume, and volume of water in the pond at a time. This system is equipped with cloud backup that can store all recorded pieces of information. After monitoring, the available information is automatically uploaded to the cloud and accessible through mobile by simply visiting the website. The key feature of Aqua-IoT is the integration of key data– physical, chemical, and biological water qualities and weather – into one single dashboard that enables users to understand the relationship between the data, analyze the data, and make informed decisions.

Introduction

The minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) level that fish can safely tolerate depends upon temperature and to a certain extent the species. Volubility of oxygen increases as temperature decreases. In ponds, DO can change dramatically over a 24-hour period. During the day oxygen is produced by photosynthesis, the process by which green plants convert water and carbon dioxide in the presence of light, to oxygen and carbohydrates. During the night and day oxygen is consumed by respiration, the process by which plants and animals use oxygen to produce carbon dioxide as they burn carbohydrates, but in the day photosynthesis usually produces more oxygen than is used.

Aim: To perform open and short circuit test on a single-phase transformer, to obtain equivalent circuit parameters.

Open circuit test

The core loss or iron loss i.e. the no-load loss in a transformer is determined by performing the no-load test at normal sine wave impressed voltage. Through the iron loss in a transformer is not governed by the supply being connected to primary or secondary side but when measuring this no-load loss.

It is usually more convenient and safer to supply the voltage to the low voltage side. This makes the test apparatus cheaper and becomes safer for the low testing personal. To determine the shunt branch parameter of the equivalent circuit, the primary side (L.V.) is connected to a normal supply voltage and rated frequency and secondary side (H.V.) is left open with care so that there is no possibility of coming in contact with any part of (H.V.) terminals. The wattmeter connected in the primary (L.V.), will then read the total hysteresis.

Aim: Determination of percentage regulation and efficiency of a single phase transformer by direct loading method.

Percentage regulation

When the load on the transformer is increased, the voltage drop in its primary and secondary windings also increases causing variations in secondary terminal voltage. The term voltage regulation of transformer means the change in secondary terminal voltage when full load is thrown off keeping supply voltage and frequency constant. It is generally expressed as percentage of no load terminal voltage for a desired power factor.

Aim: To perform Sumpner’s test (back-to-back test) on a pair of similar transformer and thus calculating efficiency of operation.

Sumpner’s test givens an effective way, to actually see the performance of transformers of large rating without loading them, at full load. This back to back test allows heat run test so that temperature rise and its rate can be analysed.

The two identical transformers are connected back to back as shown in figure such that their polarities are in opposition. To do this, two terminals of the secondary winding are connected as shown and the voltages between the other two are measured by exciting primaries.

Aim: Perform the parallel operation of single-phase transformer and observe the load sharing of each transformer.

A power transformer is one of the most vital and an equally expensive component in a power system. It may so happen that, over time, due to load growth in its service area, an existing transformer may not be able to withstand the demand during peak-hours without exceeding its long-term MVA rating. Operating a transformer in such a fashion would cause overheating and degrade its expected life. In most cases, instead of commissioning an entirely new higher capacity unit, a more viable alternative exists in adding a smaller unit in parallel to complement the existing one. In other words, a new smaller capacity transformer can now be connected in parallel to the existing one such that the two shares a large peak load in a specific proportion and the one operating near limits is relieved of the burden.

Aim: To verify the relationship between the input and output voltage for 3-phase transformer connection in various ways:

A 3-phase transformer can be considered as a set of 3 single-phase transformer bank or as single unit of 3 phase windings. Since three winding are available in both primary and secondary side then there can be different types of connections and so far, different characteristics.

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.

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 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 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: 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: 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

(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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.