Rare occurrence of sunfish Mola mola (Linnaeus) from the coastal waters off Visakhapatnam (Bay of Bengal)

The occurrence of sunfish in any sea is a rare event. It is so rare that even fishermen engaged in fishing throughout their lives find it totally strange when they come across one. On 6 May, 1986, a local fisherman reported to the Zoology Department of the Andhra University that a very strange looking fish was part of that day's catch

Characteristics of VHF radiowave scintillations over a solar cycle (1983?1993) at a low-latitude station: Waltair (17.7°N, 83.3°E)

International audienceThe characteristics of VHF radiowave scintillations at 244 MHz (FLEETSAT) during a complete solar cycle (1983?93) at a low-latitude station, Waltair (17.7°N, 83.3°E), are presented. The occurrence of night-time scintillations shows equinoctial maxima and summer minima in all the epochs of solar activity, and follows the solar activity. The daytime scintillation occurrence is negatively correlated with the solar activity and shows maximum occurrence during the summer months in a period of low solar activity. The occurrence of night-time scintillations is inhibited during disturbed days of high solar activity and enhanced during low solar activity

Comprehensive analysis of nano-fertilizers in Indian agriculture - A review

This is a comprehensive review of studies of nano-fertilizers for their efficacy in stimulating plant growth, facilitating higher nutrient uptake and thus enhancing overall crop yield and productivity. The intricate insights into the mechanisms through which nano-fertilizers ensure sustained nutrient release, optimize nutrient absorption and augment nutrient utilization efficiency, have been reviewed. Several scientific studies indicate the potential of nanotechnology to enhance crop performance in terms of better crop growth and higher productivity. Regarding the economic implications of adopting nano-fertilizers, several findings indicate that nano-fertilizers could offer cost advantages over conventional fertilizers, potentially alleviating the government's subsidy burden and reducing import expenses on huge quantities of major commercial fertilizers. This comprehensive review also explores the challenges faced by Indian agriculture in crop production and the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize productivity on a sustainable basis. The study emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced and sustained crop production and highlights the significance of nano-fertilizer application as an innovative and environmentally friendly solution. In conclusion, this comprehensive overview of the status of stagnant crop production in India identifies the challenges in augmenting productivity and proposes nanotechnology-based fertilizers and their utility in major agricultural crops cultivation as a promising solution. The findings underscore the need for further research and the widespread adoption of nanotechnology-based fertilizers in Indian agriculture to ensure sustainable and enhanced production and productivity

Physiological, biochemical and soil microbial responses of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) to foliar nutrition of nano- fertilizers

A field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during the summer of 2024 to determine the physiological, biochemical, and microbial responses of green gram to foliar nutrition of nano-fertilizers. The experiment was carried out in black heavy clay soil (Vertisol). Treatments included recommended doses of fertilizer (RDF) at 100%, 75%, and 50%, each combined with two rounds of foliar sprays using nano urea and nano DAP (first spray and a second spray 15 days later), along with conventional urea and DAP sprays, and a TNAU Pulse Wonder spray. Ten treatments were tested, each replicated three times in a randomized block design (RBD). Physiological (chlorophyll content), biochemical (soluble proteins, nitrate reductase activity), and microbiological (nodule number, microbial population) parameters were recorded at critical growth stages. The combination of 100% RDF with two nano DAP sprays resulted in significantly higher total chlorophyll concentration (increases of 21.4%, 10.7%), soluble protein content (increases of 30.5%, 15.7%), and nitrate reductase activity (increases of 30.1%, 14.7%), with values at par with 75% RDF + nano DAP foliar sprays twice, as well as 100% RDF + TNAU Pulse Wonder in comparison to 100% RDF with conventional DAP sprays, respectively observed after 1st spray. Notably, the 50% RDF + nano DAP significantly increased nodule number and microbial population at critical stages. Overall, the data demonstrated that 75% RDF + foliar spray of nano DAP (twice) has improved physiological and biochemical changes in green gram plants, indicating a potential saving of phosphorus fertilizers by up to 25%. Physiological responses were more pronounced with nano DAP than conventional DAP, likely due to its rapid absorption, quick assimilation and improved use efficiency

Comparative evaluation of Punarnavadi guggul tablet formulation for anti-inflammatory activity

Punarnavadi guggul represents a traditional polyherbal formulation utilized in the treatment of dermatological conditions, jaundice, dropsy, edema, hyperuricemia, and rheumatism. The present investigation sought a comparative analysis of the three marketed formulations of Punarnavadi Guggul tablet for its in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model and the cotton pellet granuloma method. The animal groups treated with laboratory-prepared formulation PF (150 mg/kg) showed significant antiinflammatory activity comparable to the standard drug. Existing literature indicates that guggulsterone E, Z, and deodarone are implicated in the anti-inflammatory effects, whereas gallic acid, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and flavonoids contribute to its antioxidant properties. The formulated tablet exhibited pre-eminent anti-inflammatory properties when compared to commercial formulations, but all formulations showed noteworthy bioactivity

Neutron Structural Studies on the Superconducting (Nd₁₋ₓCax)(Ba₁.₆La₀.₄)Cu₃Oz System

We have investigated the influence of Ca ion substitution on the structural and superconducting properties of (Nd1−xCax)(Ba1.6La0.4)Cu3Oz system. Magnetization, x-ray diffraction, and neutron diffraction studies have been carried out on a series of compounds with x=0.0-0.6. The superconducting transition temperature Tc, determined from magnetization measurements, increases with increasing Ca2+ substitution. Neutron diffraction studies reveal that these compounds crystallize in a tetragonal structure (space group P4/mmm). A detailed analysis of the neutron diffraction data reveals that Ca and La ions are intermixed at the nominal Ba and Nd sites. While a major fraction of Ca ions occupy the usual Nd site, a small fraction occupies the Ba site. Consequently, the corresponding amount of La substitutes at the nominal Nd site. The intermixing of Ca and La sites randomizes the chain site oxygens leading to a tetragonal structure despite an oxygen content close to 7.0 for all the Ca doped samples. Further increase in Ca content leads to change in its coordination from sixfold to eightfold at x\u3e=0.4