Complex Structure of the Eastern Lobe of the Pictor A Radio Galaxy: Spectral Analysis and X-ray/Radio Correlations

Here we present detailed analysis of the distinct X-ray emission features present within the Eastern radio lobe of the Pictor A galaxy, around the jet termination region, utilising the data obtained from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Various emission features have been selected for the study based on their enhanced X-ray surface brightness, including five sources that appear point-like, as well as three extended regions, one characterised by a filamentary morphology. For those, we perform a basic spectral analysis within the 0.5-7keV range. We also investigate various correlations between the X-ray emission features and the non-thermal radio emission, utilising the high-resolution radio maps from the Very Large Array at GHz frequencies. The main novel findings following from our analysis, regard the newly recognized bright X-ray filament located upstream of the jet termination region, extending for at least thirty kiloparsec (projected), and inclined with respect to the jet axis. For this feature, we observe a clear anti-correlation between the X-ray surface brightness and the polarized radio intensity, as well as a decrease in the radio rotation measure with respect to the surroundings. We speculate on the nature of the filament, in particular addressing a possibility that it is related to the presence of a hot X-ray emitting thermal gas, only partly mixed with the non-thermal radio/X-ray emitting electrons within the lobe, combined with the reversals in the lobe's net magnetic field.Comment: Final version, accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa

OeBAS and CYP716C67 catalyze the biosynthesis of health-beneficial triterpenoids in olive (Olea europaea) fruits

center dot The bioactive properties of olive (Olea europaea) fruits and olive oil are largely attributed to terpenoid compounds, including diverse triterpenoids such as oleanolic, maslinic and ursolic acids, erythrodiol, and uvaol. They have applications in the agri-food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Some key steps involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds are still unknown.center dot Genome mining, biochemical analysis, and trait association studies have been used to identify major gene candidates controlling triterpenoid content of olive fruits.center dot Here, we identify and functionally characterize an oxidosqualene cyclase (OeBAS) required for the production of the major triterpene scaffold beta-amyrin, the precursor of erythrodiol, oleanolic and maslinic acids, and a cytochrome P450 (CYP716C67) that mediates 2 alpha oxidation of the oleanane- and ursane-type triterpene scaffolds to produce maslinic and corosolic acids, respectively. To confirm the enzymatic functions of the entire pathway, we have reconstituted the olive biosynthetic pathway for oleanane- and ursane-type triterpenoids in the heterologous host, Nicotiana benthamiana. Finally, we have identified genetic markers associated with oleanolic and maslinic acid fruit content on the chromosomes carrying the OeBAS and CYP716C67 genes.center dot Our results shed light on the biosynthesis of olive triterpenoids and provide new gene targets for germplasm screening and breeding for high triterpenoid content

Not Available

Not AvailableDirect seeding is becoming an important alternative of rice transplanting and spreading rapidly in Haryana due to labour shortage and escalating cost of production. Present study is an attempt to analyze the economics of direct seeded and transplanted methods of rice cultivation in Haryana. It was revealed that the use of human labour, machine labour and irrigation water were saved by 13.16, 41.34, and 11.88 per cent, respectively, in direct seeded rice as compared to the transplanted method of rice production. The expenditure incurred on machine, irrigation and human labour was substantially lower by 41.34, 22.45 and 6.62 per cent, respectively, in direct seeded rice than transplanted method. Direct seeded rice technology enabled farmers to increase net return and save crucial inputs.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableIn India 2.95 m ha. area is affected by soil salinity spread in 13 states, out of which Karnataka has 1893 ha. In Karnataka about 925 ha saline land has been reclaimed through installation of subsurface drainage technology which costs about Rs. 52000 per ha of land reclamation. The post reclamation study revealed that land has become almost normal within 2 to 3 years and the land value has been increased upto 500 per cent. The yield of sugarcane has been increased from 42 t/ha to 119 t/ha after reclamation. Overall, the crop yield has been increased upto 200 per cent. The farmers obtained per hectare net income of Rs. 1.02 lakh after reclamation compare to a loss of Rs. 53,000 per hectare before reclamation. Though the saline soil reclamation technology is capital-intensive, farmers in Karnataka are coming forward to install the subsurface drainage technology on their own cost due to its effectiveness.Not Availabl

Economics of Zero Tillage and Conventional Methods of Rice and Wheat Production in Haryana

Adoption of zero tillage technology by farmers in India has occurred mainly in the rice-wheat crop production system. It was adopted primarily for the wheat crop. The spread of technology was rapid in the north-western states which are relatively better endowed with respect to irrigation, mechanization and relatively large size of land holdings. In India, widespread adoption of zero tillage method of cultivation was started in Haryana state. It is emerged as a way to achieve enhanced productivity and profitability while protecting natural resources and environment. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze the comparative economics of zero tillage and conventional methods of rice and wheat cultivation in Haryana state. The study revealed that the net return was higher in zero tillage mainly due to reduction in operational cost by 14% than conventional method of rice cultivation. In case of wheat, both yield and net returns were significantly higher in zero tillage by 5.54% and 24.72%, respectively. The respective saving of human labour, machine labour and irrigation were 12.95%, 41.75% and 17.60% in rice production by zero tillage method. Similarly, use of human labour, machine labour and irrigation were saved by 13.93%, 45.88% and 15.98%, respectively in zero tillage than conventional method of wheat production. Zero tillage technology enabled farmers to increase returns and save crucial inputs cost. Hence, this technology promises to be an important alternative for generating higher farm income and saving of scarce resources in resource starved regions

Not Available

Not AvailableThe paper has compared the economics of wheat production in Haryana with zero tillage and conventional methods and assessed the contribution of technology and inputs to the increased productivity due to zero tillage (ZT). The net income has been found higher in ZT method, mainly due to lower cost of production compared to that in conventional method. The study has observed that ZT technology has potential to provide additional income to farmers and help in conservation of scarce resources. The decomposition of about 45 per cent of the difference in gross returns between ZT and CT methods has been due to ZT and the rest due to changes in input costs. Despite several economic and environmental advantages, adoption of ZT technology has been limited and one major constraint identified is the difficulty in accessing a zero-till seed drill machine during sowing period. The study has suggested that ZT technology should be disseminated on a wider scale and availability of zero-till seed drill should be ensured at least through custom-hiring basis.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableThe impact of land reclamation has been explored on productivity, income and food security in the salt affected regions of Uttar Pradesh. The study has revealed substantial farm-level benefits to the farmers due to sodic land reclamation. The cropping intensity has increased by 9.39 per cent during post- vis-àvis pre-reclamation period. The gross cultivated area increased by 13.65 per cent after land reclamation. Paddy and wheat yields have increased by 95 per cent and 194 per cent, respectively after reclamation. Better farm income has influenced household expenditure and standard of living which has ultimately enhanced food security of the resource-poor farmers. The majority of farmers opined that purchasing of foodgrains especially of rice and wheat, has declined and expenditure on fruits and vegetables has increased. There is a rise in the expenditure on house construction and children education after reclamation due to increase in farm income. The land reclamation programme has made a positive and significant contribution to livelihood security of small and marginal farmers. The study has concluded that household income and food security of resource-poor farmers in salt-affected areas can be improved through land reclamation programmes. The study has suggested that the large tracks of salt-affected lands that are lying barren in Uttar Pradesh and other states of the country should be treated for soil reclamation to improve the livelihood security of the resource-poor farmers and to strengthen food security of the country.Not Availabl