Mathematical modeling of drying behavior of cashew in a solar biomass hybrid dryer

The main objective of this study is to analyze the drying behavior of cashew nut experimentally in a solar biomass hybrid dryer using mathematical models. Suitability of fifteen different mathematical drying models available in the literature is used to describe the drying characteristics of cashew. Experimental data of moisture ratio, temperature and relative humidity obtained from different dryer conditions were fitted to the various empirical drying models. The performance of the drying model was compared based on their correlation co-efficient (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Reduced Chi-Square (χ2) between the observed moisture ratios. The two terms and Midilli models showed the best fit under solar drying. Page model was found to be the best model for describing the thin layer drying behavior of cashew for biomass drying and hybrid drying

Conditioned Medium Reconditions Hippocampal Neurons against Kainic Acid Induced Excitotoxicity: An In Vitro

Stem cell therapy is gaining attention as a promising treatment option for neurodegenerative diseases. The functional efficacy of grafted cells is a matter of debate and the recent consensus is that the cellular and functional recoveries might be due to “by-stander” effects of grafted cells. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of conditioned medium (CM) derived from human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells in a kainic acid (KA) induced hippocampal degeneration model system in in vitro condition. Hippocampal cell line was exposed to KA (200 µM) for 24 hrs (lesion group) whereas, in the treatment group, hippocampal cell line was exposed to KA in combination with HEK-CM (KA + HEK-CM). We observed that KA exposure to cells resulted in significant neuronal loss. Interestingly, HEK-CM cotreatment completely attenuated the excitotoxic effects of KA. In HEK-CM cotreatment group, the cell viability was ~85–95% as opposed to 47% in KA alone group. Further investigation demonstrated that treatment with HEK-CM stimulated the endogenous cell survival factors like brain derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2, revealing the possible mechanism of neuroprotection. Our results suggest that HEK-CM protects hippocampal neurons against excitotoxicity by stimulating the host’s endogenous cell survival mechanisms

Differential Regulation of the Variations Induced by Environmental Richness in Adult Neurogenesis as a Function of Time: A Dual Birthdating Analysis

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) augments after environmental enrichment (EE) and it has been related to some of the anxiolytic, antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of EE. Indeed, it has been suggested that EE specifically modulates hippocampal neurogenic cell populations over the course of time. Here we have used dual-birthdating to study two subpopulations of newborn neuron in mice (Mus musculus): those born at the beginning and at the end of enrichment. In this way, we demonstrate that while short-term cell survival is upregulated after an initial 1 week period of enrichment in 2 month old female mice, after long-term enrichment (2 months) neither cell proliferation nor the survival of the younger newly born cell populations are distinguishable from that observed in non-enriched control mice. In addition, we show that the survival of older newborn neurons alone (i.e. those born at the beginning of the enrichment) is higher than in controls, due to the significantly lower levels of cell death. Indeed, these parameters are rapidly adjusted to the sudden cessation of the EE conditions. These findings suggest both an early selective, long-lasting effect of EE on the neurons born in the initial stages of enrichment, and a quick response when the environment again becomes impoverished. Therefore, EE induces differential effects on distinct subpopulations of newborn neurons depending on the age of the immature cells and on the duration of the EE itself. The interaction of these two parameters constitutes a new, specific regulation of these neurogenic populations that might account for the long-term enrichment's behavioral effects

Nutrient Composition of Phosphorus Enriched Compost from Seafood Processing Unit Waste

Seafood is gaining in popularity because of its health benefits. At the same time, large amounts of fish waste are being generated, mostly from the industrial processing of fish. These large quantities of fish waste have not been utilized efficiently, and the disposal of fish waste can have large negative impacts on local environments.  Unutilized fish waste is often disposed of by land fill or incineration, or by dumping into the sea. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find ecologically acceptable means for reutilization of fish waste. In this study, fish waste samples are collected and characterised. The fish waste was acidic in pH (6.1) with EC of 3.8 dSm-1. The total N, P, K of the fish waste was 10.17, 0.20 and 0.74 % respectively. It also had an appreciable amount of organic carbon content 46.22%. Fish waste was mixed with saw dust (2:1) and Rock Phosphate - Phosphorus (RP-P) at the rate of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 % for enrichment of compost The results showed that the application of different levels of (RP-P) reduce the pH, slightly increased the EC, N,P,K and Organic carbon content.  Thus, rock phosphate enriched fish waste compost could be an alternative and viable technology to manage the solid waste generated from the seafood industries as well as crop production

Factors Influencing Adoption of Precision Farming Technologies in Watermelon Cultivation

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is one of the important fruit crops cultivating in India. Adoption improved production technologies in watermelon cultivation is not followed by majority of the farmers. Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization and Water Bodies Restoration and Management (TN IAMWARM) is a unique World Bank funded project implemented with the prime motive of increasing the productivity of irrigated agriculture in the state of Tamil Nadu. Accordingly the TNIAMWARM project was implemented in Villupuram district through Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tindivanam with one of the interventions that dissemination of precision farming technologies in watermelon cultivation to improve its productivity. The present study analysed the factors influencing adoption of Precision farming technologies in Watermelon cultivation. Most of the respondents gave first preference to the higher yield (Mean score - 72.2) as their reason of adoption of precision farming technologies in tomato cultivation followed by yield increase, provision of subsidy. Under external factors, the respondents gave first rank to TNAU scientists (Mean score - 79.42) as the influencer to adopt the precision farming technologies in watermelon cultivation. Further, the respondents expressed that the influence of executing TNIAMWARM project (79.25) exerted some compulsion on them which was deemed as a social factor in the adoption of Precision Farming technologies

Study on Knowledge Level of Paddy Farmers on Climate Change in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India

This study examined the Knowledge level of Paddy farmers on Climate Change the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu state in India. It is situated in the coastal area and is very often subjected to natural calamities which were mainly reflected in the Paddy cultivation to the worst status. The ex-post facto research design was used in this research study. A sample size of 200 was fixed for the study. The data were collected with the use of a well-structured and pre tested interview schedule for farmers covering all the aspects of knowledge on Climate change. The respondents’ knowledge level of climate change was measured by designing exclusively the knowledge test. The study revealed that more than half of the respondents (55.00%) had a medium level of knowledge of climate change. Nearly one-third (32.50%) of the respondents had a high level of knowledge and a lesser number of respondents (12.50%) were found to be under the category of low- level knowledge. Educational status, farming experience, contact with extension agencies, information seeking behaviour, social participation, innovativeness, risk orientation and awareness had shown positive and significant associations with paddy farmers knowledge and these variables contributed to improving the knowledge level of the Paddy farmers on climate change. They had knowledge of changes in the rainfall patterns, extreme climatic events, changes in the crop growths stages, ground water table and pest and disease outbreaks but the famers don’t have enough knowledge on climate change adaptation strategies in Paddy cultivation with respect to tackle the problem of salinity, sodicity and effects of humidity in grain filling to cope up with climate change. Hence, it is recommended that special training programmes may be frequently offered in the study area to improve the knowledge and skill of the farmers on climate change

Influence of Climate Resilient Technologies in Blackgram Productivity and Its Adoption in Low Rainfall Areas of Karaipottanar Sub Basin in Tiruchirapalli District in Tamil Nadu, India

Climate change has emerged as one of the major global environmental issues that greatly influence agricultural production and food security. To meet these emerging challenges of climate change, there is an urgent need for developing promising improved technologies for mitigating of combating the adverse effect of climate change. Climate changes have a direct impact on rainfed crops including pulses. Reduction in yields due to climate change is prominent, since pulses occupy major area in rainfed situation. Hence the present investigation was carried out to study the impact of climate change on productivity of rainfed pulse and climate resilient technologies in increasing productivity of blackgram under rainfed situation. Mohanur block was purposively selected from Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu for the present study. Demonstrations were conducted in 50 farmer’s field in 3 villages, where climate resilient technologies viz., improved blackgram variety VBN 8, biofertilizer application, pulse wonder spray (@5kg/ha) and trap for reducing pest incidence were included under this study. In terms of yield, farmers received an average yield of 854 - 985kg/ha of blackgram variety VBN 8 against 734 kg/ha of old blackgram VBN 4 variety. The highest gross income of Rs.31200 - 39650/ha were also realized from blackgram followed by VBN 8. Highest benefit-cost ratio (2.9-3.0) was realized in case of blackgram variety VBN 8 compared to farmers practices with old variety (2.2-2.4). Based on the experiment it can be concluded that the cultivation of blackgram VBN 8 recorded more profit. Hence, new blackgram VBN 8 variety in rainfed condition is a viable option for combating negative impacts of climate change.  The farmers expressed their preference (per cent) for blackgram variety VBN 8 on the aspects like less pest and disease resistance (83%), grain yield (78%), climate variation resistance (58%), time of maturity (76%), ease of processing during harvesting (89%), socio-cultural compatibility (74%) and market price (65%). Improved crop varieties are widely accepted as primary input for guaranteed increase in production and productivity under various situation

Industrial and small-scale biomass dryers: an overview

The quality of the drying process depends mainly on the efficient use of thermal energy. Sustainable systems based on solar energy takes a leading role in the drying of agro-products because of low operating cost. However, they are limited in use during off–sun periods. Biomass dryer is one of the simplest ways of drying because of its potential to dry products regardless of time and climate conditions. The other benefit is that crop residues could be used as fuel in these systems. However, the major limitation of the dryer is unequal drying because of poor airflow distribution in the drying medium, which can be improved by integrating some design changes in the dryer. This review analyses the two types of biomass dryers: industrial biomass dryers and small biomass dryers for food product, along with their efficiency. Further, studies on technical, sustainability and economic aspects are expected to provide a greater understanding of biomass drying

Identification of a Novel Streptomyces Species for Management of Plant Disease

Native isolates of groundnut stem rot casual organism, Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. Were collected from major groundnut growing areas of Tamil Nadu. Selected isolates were screened, characterized and indentified the virulent isolate (GNSR1). Several native bacterial and fungal antagonists were isolated against GNSR1. Two antagonistic isolates, viz., GNRAJK1 and GNRAVR14, were found to have antagonistic effects on GNSR1. Morphology and spore structure of isolated antagonists, GNRAJK1 and GNRAVR14, were studied under Light microscopy, Biochemical test, Thin layer chromatography and Biolog analysis. It confirmed the group of micro organisms as Streptomyces based on gram staining, medium specific growth, visual morphological characters, cell wall amino acid studies and spore forming chraracters.  The genus and species level of the antagonists were identified by Fatty Acids Methyl Esters (FAME) Analysis. The isolate GNRAJK1 had a SIM index of 0.007 and was identified as Streptomyces violaceusniger, and GNRAVR14 had a SIM index of 0.013 and was identified as Streptomyces exfoliatus