Role of Decomposers in Agricultural Waste Management

In this chapter, agricultural waste residue management by bio-organisms is discussed along with different types of decomposition processes. Tons of agricultural wastes are produced every year. These agricultural wastes create major environmental problems without effective means of management methods. There are many technologies being used for the decomposition, which mainly include anaerobic decomposition, compositing, fermentation, etc. All these decomposition processes depend upon the different soil-inhabiting microbes. These microbes are the key components of agri-residue decomposition process. Every step of decomposition requires different microbes. Various sets of catalytical enzymes are involved for the catabolic procedures of organic matter. By successive catabolic reactions, all the organic matters are mineralized into soil essential constituents, which will be the most effective sources of macro- and micronutrients for the soil fertility. Working efficiency of these microbes depends upon different parameters like moisture, temperature, pH, etc. The vitality and efficiency of microbes can be enhanced by using various inert carriers. If the efficiency of these soil microbes enhances by various factors, then the rate of decomposition could be enhanced to handle this ever-increasing problem of agriculture residue in near future

Physical stability and bio-efficacy enhancement of Neem kernel aqueous extract by optimized amount of botanical synergist for the control of early stages of mosquitoes

The aim of present study is to enhance the stability of physic-chemical characteristics of neem kernel aqueous extract by botanical stabilizer system. There are variety of bioactive constituents are present in neem which give broadspectrum of insecticidal activity. Neem aqueous extract is commonly used and found very effective in pest control applications without harming the environment. However, due to hydrolytically unstable characteristics of neem active ingredients which results its lesser bioactivity and limits its usage in aqueous form.  To overcome this un-stability issue oil extracted botanical stabilizer (Prosopis juliflora) were used in various ratios. In 70: 30 ratios, neem aqueous extract was found stable without any turbidity, p H change and fungal growth. Active ingredient, Azadirachtin was found stable with very less degradation i.e only 20-30 % degradation. This may possibly be due to inhibition of hydrolytic reactions. Bio-efficacy evaluation data also showed improved and stable mosquito larvae mortality % i.e 75-90% with 8 µg/g LD50 value. The approach used in this study could be very useful in long term stability of neem kernel extract in various geographical conditions without adding toxic solvents or chemical compositions

Physical Stability and Bio-Efficacy Enhancement of Neem Kernel Aqueous Extract by Optimized Amount of Botanical Synergist for the Control of Early Stages of Mosquitoes

297-303The aim of present study is to enhance the stability of physico-chemical characteristics of neem kernel aqueous extract by botanical stabilizer system. There are variety of bioactive constituents are present in neem which give broad-spectrum of insecticidal activity. Neem aqueous extract is commonly used and found very effective in pest control applications without harming the environment. However, due to hydrolytically unstable characteristics of neem active ingredients which results its lesser bioactivity and limits its usage in aqueous form. To overcome this un-stability issue oil extracted botanical stabilizer (Prosopis juliflora) (Junglee kikar)) were used in various ratios. In 70-30 (NKP-KP) composition (NKP- Neem kernel powder; KP- Kiker powder), neem aqueous extract was found stable without any turbidity, pH change, and fungal growth. Active ingredient, Azadirachtin was found stable with very less degradation i.e only 20–30% degradation. This may possibly be due to inhibition of hydrolytic reactions. Bio-efficacy evaluation data also showed improved and stable mosquito larvae mortality per cent i.e 75–90% with 8 µg/g LD50 value. The approach used in this study could be very useful in long term stability of neem kernel extract in various geographical conditions without adding toxic solvents or chemical compositions

May Measurement Month 2018: a pragmatic global screening campaign to raise awareness of blood pressure by the International Society of Hypertension

Aims Raised blood pressure (BP) is the biggest contributor to mortality and disease burden worldwide and fewer than half of those with hypertension are aware of it. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global campaign set up in 2017, to raise awareness of high BP and as a pragmatic solution to a lack of formal screening worldwide. The 2018 campaign was expanded, aiming to include more participants and countries. Methods and results Eighty-nine countries participated in MMM 2018. Volunteers (≥18 years) were recruited through opportunistic sampling at a variety of screening sites. Each participant had three BP measurements and completed a questionnaire on demographic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medication. In total, 74.9% of screenees provided three BP readings. Multiple imputation using chained equations was used to impute missing readings. 1 504 963 individuals (mean age 45.3 years; 52.4% female) were screened. After multiple imputation, 502 079 (33.4%) individuals had hypertension, of whom 59.5% were aware of their diagnosis and 55.3% were taking antihypertensive medication. Of those on medication, 60.0% were controlled and of all hypertensives, 33.2% were controlled. We detected 224 285 individuals with untreated hypertension and 111 214 individuals with inadequately treated (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) hypertension. Conclusion May Measurement Month expanded significantly compared with 2017, including more participants in more countries. The campaign identified over 335 000 adults with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. In the absence of systematic screening programmes, MMM was effective at raising awareness at least among these individuals at risk

Vital Role of IPFT in Development of New-Generation Pesticide Formulation for Crop Protection: Advancement Overview in Asian Countries

The agricultural sector of Asian countries supports 60% of the global population, accounting one-fifth of the world’s agricultural land. Despite the gap between demand and supply of food is gradually increasing due to the damages caused by insect and other pest attacks on the limited agricultural land, the pest attack has influenced the entire agriculture sector either directly or indirectly, causing socioeconomic losses. To combat, farmers have been using conventional agrochemicals nonjudiciously that lead to adverse effects such as pesticide resistance, environmental contamination, and non-target toxicity. In this regard, new-generation agrochemical formulation techniques are advantageous over conventional pesticides and play a vital role in sustainable agriculture by fulfilling the demand of over-rising food supply to feed the increasing population. These formulations exhibit desired bio-efficacy at lower doses and have minimum possibility to leave pesticide residues in crop products and the environment. Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Gurugram, is one of the leading institutes in Asia, which is actively engaged in developing new-generation formulations to deliver safer, efficient, and environment-friendly pesticide formulations. So far, IPFT has developed 60 pesticide formulations and transferred technologies to different agrochemical industries globally. The new-generation formulations developed by IPFT mainly include microemulsion, nanoemulsion, capsulated suspension, nano-encapsulation, an emulsion in water, mixed formulations including several botanical pesticide formulations. The new advancement in pesticide delivery systems is very supportive in combating the crisis faced by the agricultural sector. In this chapter, formulation of different new-generation pesticides and their advancement are summarized

Characteristics, Management, and In-Hospital Outcomes of Diabetic Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in the United Arab Emirates

We describe the baseline characteristics, management, and in-hospital outcomes of patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with DM admitted with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and assess the influence of DM on in-hospital mortality. Data was analyzed from 1697 patients admitted to various hospitals in the UAE with a diagnosis of ACS in 2007 as part of the 1st Gulf RACE (Registry of Acute Coronary Events). Of 1697 patients enrolled, 668 (39.4%) were diabetics. Compared to patients without DM, diabetic patients were more likely to have a past history of coronary artery disease (49.1% versus 30.1%, P<0.001), hypertension (67.2% versus 36%, P<0.001), and prior revascularization (21% versus 11.4%, P<0.001). They experienced more in-hospital recurrent ischemia (8.5% versus 5.1%; P=0.004) and heart failure (20% versus 10%; P<0.001). The mortality rate was 2.7% for diabetics and 1.6% for nondiabetics (P=0.105). After age adjustment, in-hospital mortality increased by 3.5% per year of age (P=0.016). This mortality was significantly higher in females than in males (P=0.04). ACS patients with DM have different clinical characteristics and appear to have poorer outcomes

Biofabrication of Microbeads Infused with Acorus calamus Oil and Eucalyptus Extract for Sustainable Stored Grain Pest Management

Postharvest infestations pose a significant threat to food grains, causing substantial losses, i.e., around 50–60%. Conventional synthetic pesticides used for their control have raised environmental concerns and public health concerns. In this study, an innovative approach to pest management was introduced by developing encapsulated, sustained-releasing bioinsecticidal microbeads containing Acorus calamus essential oil and eucalyptus leaf extract. These microbeads were meticulously designed, considering their physicochemical properties, shelf life, and release kinetics following CIPAC guidelines. To facilitate practical application, these controlled-release microbeads are packaged in perforated pouches, allowing convenient placement and removal from stored grains. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds, asarone in Acorus calamus essential oil and eucalyptol (cineole) in a eucalyptus leaf extract, were quantified by using GC-MS analysis. This study involved extensive optimization of release rates, with diffusion processes accurately modeled by the Higuchi square root model (r2). Laboratory experiments demonstrated exceptional efficacy, with a 65% mortality rate for Tribolium castaneum after 24 h of exposure, increasing to 90% after 12 days of in vitro testing. Intriguingly, exposure to the microbeads resulted in complete sterility of the T. castaneum, accompanied by a cessation of egg-laying activity. These findings highlight the potential of this novel integrated pest control system, offering a sustainable and effective means of safeguarding essential food grains during storage. This environmentally friendly approach presents a promising solution to the challenges posed by postharvest infestations

Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation and History of Acute Coronary Syndromes: Insights from GARFIELD-AF

BACKGROUND: Many patients with atrial fibrillation have concomitant coronary artery disease with or without acute coronary syndromes and are in need of additional antithrombotic therapy. There are few data on the long-term clinical outcome of atrial fibrillation patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome. This is a 2-year study of atrial fibrillation patients with or without a history of acute coronary syndromes