Firstline extension programmes — An impact study

Extension scientists transfer proven technologies to the farmers as well as to the state departements with a view to reduce the time lag between the technology generation and its adoption. They also provide the first-hand feedback regarding the adoption of technologies, constraints and behavioural pattern of clients so that research, education and training programmes can be re-oriented accordingly. The purpose of this study was to disseminate proven fishery technologies to extension agencies and fishermen and thus supplement their income using local resources

A problem-solving model for the production of home-made prawn feeds — A case study

A wide gap exists between research findings and end users in the fisheries sector. The quality of a good technology is that it should be triable in field at a small scale, should earn good profit in comparison to existing practices, must be compatible with socio-cultural values and beliefs and should be simple and observable type. Extension researchers have developed different models for the linkage between research and practice. One of the best models is the problem solving model, which starts with the person who has a problem either with research or innovation. A farmer will need information to solve his problem. A part of the information will come from the experience of the farmers in a particular farming system and other part will come either from the existing research findings or from new research carried out to solve the problem. So technology should be developed keeping in view the problems, values and socio-economic levels of fishermen

Factors influencing aspiration of marine fishermen

A major behavioural factor that affects adoption and development is the level of aspiration. The level of aspiration is a decisive determinant for raising the productivity as wen as standard of living (Muthayya, 1971). The present study is designed to identify the variables which significantly influence the level of aspiration of marine fishermen. The results of the study win help to identify the relationship between aspiration and socio-personal characteristics which in turn can be used in the development of more precise and effective programmes of fishery development according to varying personal traits and aspiration

Adoption of Quality Control Measures in Centralised and Decentralised Prawn Peeling Units - A Comparative Study

A comparative study on the infrastructural measures adopted in centralised and non centralised prawn peeling units was carried out. It was found that the centralised prawn peeling units had significantly high infrastructural facilities related to quality control compared to non centralised peeling units. Imposition of quality control measures helped to improve the quality standards of peeling sheds considerabl

Outer space: a STEAM voyage

SciArt Exchange offers multi-disciplinary art contests, artwork events, consulting, training and community resources to support science and technology education, collaboration, and innovation. Using a science-integrated- with-art approach, SciArt Exchange supports, prepares, and convenes people of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations to discuss and potentially solve space, science, and technology challenges. This field note shares the Humans in Space Art Program and the Project Mars Competition

Evidence for a Functional Interaction between Integrins and G Protein-activated Inward Rectifier K+ Channels

Heteromultimeric G protein-activated inward rectifier K+ (GIRK) channels, abundant in heart and brain, help to determine the cellular membrane potential as well as the frequency and duration of electrical impulses. The sequence arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD), located extracellularly between the first membrane-spanning region and the pore, is conserved among all identified GIRK subunits but is not found in the extracellular domain of any other cloned K+ channels. Many integrins, which, like channels, are integral membrane proteins, recognize this RGD sequence on other proteins, usually in the extracellular matrix. We therefore asked whether GIRK activity might be regulated by direct interaction with integrin. Here, we present evidence that mutation of the RGD site to RGE, particularly on the GIRK4 subunit, decreases or abolishes GIRK current. Furthermore, wild-type channels can be co-immunoprecipitated with integrin. The total cellular amount of expressed mutant GIRK channel protein is the same as the wild-type protein; however, the amount of mutant channel protein that localizes to the plasma membrane is decreased relative to wild-type, most likely accounting for the diminished GIRK current detected. GIRK channels appear to bind directly to integrin and to require this interaction for proper GIRK channel membrane localization and function

Scientific prawn culture in homesteads — A gainful self employment opportunity for coastal women

The role of women in aquaculture is relatively a new one which offers great scope for self-employment and serves as an additional income to the family. The concept of prawn culture in homestead water canals is developed keeping in view the generation of employment, need of alternative income for coastal population and maximum utilization of water resources available for increased production