The world's population is expected to peak at nearly 10 billion by the mid-2080s, while the demand for food is predicted to rise to similar to 400 million tons by 2080. With no option to extend farmland any further, increasing the yield per acre at minimal environmental cost is a viable option. Bio-stimulants offer a sustainable option to synthetic chemicals to improve plant health and enhance productivity. These chemical compounds, applied even in small quantities, generate a higher crop yield and confer resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. The algae and algae-based products enhance seed germination, plant growth, and water and nutrient uptake in plants. Soil amendment with algae-based products improves soil structure and enhances fertility by providing macro-and micro-nutrients. Algae with a bouquet of bioactive substances in their tissues and total biomass are promising bio-stimulants. Cultivation techniques for macro-algae and micro-algae culture have immense potential for biomass generation and the production of bio-stimulants. Though India, with its vast coastline, has an abundance of algae, their potential in the food and agri-industry remains underexploited. There is a need to develop marketing strategies to popularise their use in agriculture. This can go a long way in meeting the SDG goals of sustainable consumption and Zero Hunger, as well as promoting good health and well-being.

The internet, which links together thousands of individual networks, is an invisible mesh for instantaneous global communication systems. It has deeply permeated the day-to-day activities of people of all ages and different geographical regions. Lives have been made faster, easier, and simpler with online routine activities such as bill payment, online shopping, browsing, tutoring, working, communicating with peers, and much more. The ‘internet era’ has billions of netizens. Globally, people find it easier to stay connected with family, friends, and assistance through video calls. With the internet boom, computers—the clean, green productivity machines—have created ‘paperless offices’. Nevertheless, the internet, behind information technology and the backbone of today’s world, comes with an invisible cost in the form of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)1 and ecological footprint (e-footprint). Internet services have huge energy and water requirements and are associated with large amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some of the polluting sources include internet data centers, servers, digital networking cables, search engines, and activities such as emailing, podcasting, streaming videos, and Zoom meetings. These raise environmental concerns and call for monitoring their impact on the planet. The global internet traffic has seen an increase in CO2e, creating an internet ecosystem. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a robotic intellect predicted to reshape the future of the planet. As a consequence of the surge in internet networking, the e-(carbon) footprint is bound to become bigger with each passing day. This article aims to discuss the e-footprint of the internet and efforts being made to minimize CO2e, as well as to review practical strategies for netizens to adopt eco-friendly habits.

The megasporangium serves as a model system for understanding the concept of individual cell identity, and cell-to-cell communication in angiosperms. As development of the ovule progresses, three distinct layers, the epidermal (L1), the subepidermal or the hypodermal (L2) and the innermost layers (L3) are formed along the MMC (megaspore mother cell). The MMC, which is the primary female germline cell, is initiated as a single subepidermal cell amongst several somatic cells. MMC development is governed by various regulatory pathways involving intercellular signaling, small RNAs and DNA methylation. The programming and reprograming of a single nucellar cell to enter meiosis is governed by ‘permissive’ interacting processes and factors. Concomitantly, several nucellar sister cells are prevented from germline fate also by a set of ‘repressive’ factors. However, in certain angiosperms, anomalies in development of the female gametophyte have been observed. The sporophytic tissue surrounding the female gametophyte affects the gametophyte in multiple ways. The role of genes and transcription factors in the development of the MMC and in the regulation of various processes studied in selected model plants such as Arabidopsis is explained in detail in this paper. However, as angiosperms display enormous diversity, it is important to investigate early stages of megasporogenesis in other plant systems as well. Such studies provide valuable insights in understanding the regulation of megasporogenesis and the evolution of the female gametophyte from gymnosperms to flowering plants.

The process of ensuring accurate and efficient collection and preservation of physical evidence is known as crime scene management. Incriminating evidence can be strongly supported during criminal investigations by forensic botany. This article aims to show how crucial the role of forensic botany can be at crime scenes. When crime scene and autopsy findings are insufficient to determine the dynamics and mode of death, botanical evidence may come to the rescue. The use of plant studies in legal proceedings is known as forensic botany. In order to piece together evidence that will help solve serious crimes, including the cause of death, kidnapping, and murder, forensic botany uses evidence from plants and plant parts. Various subfields within forensic botany help solve criminal cases. Palynology is the study of pollen grains and spores, which can withstand degradation and can be used to confirm or reject a relationship between individuals, locations, and articles that are the subject of investigation in both criminal and civil cases. Moss shoots are easily attached to clothing and shoes, or even the human body, just as pollen grains, and may be useful to make connections between individuals and crime. DNA barcoding, which involves rapid species identification based on DNA sequences, and dendrochronology, which is the study of tree rings, are also useful as strong evidence. Though forensic botany has grown significantly in importance and is increasingly being applied to investigate crimes, greater awareness of the field and expertise are required. Forensic botany can also be taken up as a challenging career option.

Chemical fertilizers are crucial for increasing agricultural growth and productivity, but inorganic fertilizers can negatively impact agricultural systems. To address this issue, sustainable techniques like organic farming are being developed, which improve soil quality and nutritional status while preserving human safety. In the Botanical Garden, of Department of Botany at the University of Delhi, India, experiments on Brassica juncea were carried out over a three-year period in six micro plots, each measuring 10 square meters. Vermicompost (V), Sargassum johnstoni (S), NPK (N), Trichoderma viride (T), and Sargassum + Trichoderma viride were five distinct organic combinations that were used to replenish the garden soil (ST). The aim of the study was to assess the effects of organic fertilizers and compare the results with commercially available chemical fertilizers (NPK) on Brassica growth and yield. The study found that soil modified with seaweed fertilizers significantly improved the morphological, reproductive, and biochemical properties of plants. Sargassum + Trichoderma soil amendment led to early flowering and fruiting, better-quality produce, and a low incidence of fungal infection and aphid infestation. This study reveals a new cost-effective method for crop development and production sustainability, benefiting both farmers and environmentalists.

Soil health and nutrient availability are important for sustaining crop productivity and increasing yield. Farmers have practiced fortifyingsoil using various supplements (organic and inorganic, natural and synthetic) since the advent of modern agriculture. However, addinginorganic fertilizers, weedicides and pesticides has adversely affected our agroecosystems. Harmful chemicals from synthetic fertilizersget accumulated in soil and plant parts, causing serious health problems. The synthetic agri-products have detrimental effects onsoil fertility and soil microbiota, making the soil less fertile and unsuitable for cultivation. In the last decade, a paradigm shift in agripracticeshas occurred and organic farming has become a popular sustainable option to improve soil health and achieve sustainabledevelopment goals.The potential of various organic supplements has been studied in the present investigation on the growth parameters of an importantvegetable crop okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) valued for its multipurpose uses in various parts of the country. Pure line seeds of okravariety Arka Anamika were surface sterilized and used for the study. Plants were raised in plastic pots (10 inches) filled with soil treatedwith leaf compost, foliar spray (Gibberellic acid, 0.001%) and pine bark mulch. Garden soil without organic supplements served asa control. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. An increase in the vegetativegrowth parameters and in reproductive parameters in all the treatments as compared to control was observed in the plants. Though alltreatments showed an increase in growth parameters, a significant increase was observed with mulch, suggesting that the mulch derivedfrom organic waste and residues have immense potential in improving crop health by making them more robust, and enhancing theyield. Investigating the amelioration of soil physico-chemical properties with these organic supplements and understanding their role inbetter crop performance is beneficial for the farmers. The present study also provides simple, sustainable, and eco-friendly biofertilizerpotential of self-prepared pine bark mulch for vegetable crops.

Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable approach for increasing crop production while maintaining soil fertility. This eco-friendly practice relies on the use of various living microbes such as Rhizobia, arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and partially or fully decomposed biological materials like manure, compost, litter, coir, moss, and similar products used as soil supplements and/or conditioners for augmenting soil fertility. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of these amendments on soil physico-chemical characteristics, and on germination and growth of marigold (Tagetes erecta) seedlings raised on these soils. The experiment was carried out in pots filled with garden soil amended with compost, moss, coir and NPK while un-amended garden soil served as control. Analysis of soil samples with organic materials show a slight change toward basic pH while inorganic fertilizer made the soil acidic. All the amendments led to increase in electrical conductivity while modulation of soil texture resulted in change in percolation rate. Amendments also resulted in changes in the soil nutrient content (organic C, N, P, K, Mg, Cu and Zn). However, coir and moss amendments did not bring about much change in nutrient status of the soil. There were notable changes in growth of marigold expressed in increased fresh weight, root length, shoot length as well number of nodes and number of leaves in amended soils. The study indicates that though coir and moss did not bring much change in nutrient status of soil but they altered the particle size for improved percolation.

Synergids are metabolically dynamic cells of the egg apparatus and represent an important component of the female gametophyte. Besides directing the growth of the pollen tube towards the micropylar end of the embryo sac, these ephemeral structures make room for the pollen tube cytoplasm. The nature of chemotrophic substances that direct the growth of the pollen tube, the mechanism of degeneration of one of the synergids before fertilization and the molecular aspects of synergid morphogenesis have been studied in detail. Research carried out on model systems such as Arabidopsis, Brassica, Capsella, Triticum and Torenia has expanded our understanding of the molecular regulation of the pollen tube journey, its guidance and navigation in the pistil. Recently, the critical role of the central cell in fertilization and prevention of polytubey has also been thoroughly investigated. Interesting aspects that lead to degeneration of synergids, and the factors governing degeneration, including molecular aspects, have produced a paradigm shift in the understanding of these intriguing units. Sophisticated confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, and molecular tools have helped in furthering our knowledge of the functioning of synergids. Recent research using high throughput techniques has deciphered the role of various genes that regulate and govern the release of chemotropic substances, cell-to-cell interaction and synergid cell degeneration. Moreover, with the diversity displayed in form and function of organs in the angiosperms, and the switching of roles of the cells of egg apparatus, new insights have been provided into the involvement of synergids both pre- and post-fertilization. The present review provides a comprehensive account of synergids, their role in fertilization and the post fertilization events that have emerged using interdisciplinary approaches in recent years. We also discuss the variations observed in degeneration of synergids and the mechanisms that have been unraveled recently. Study of the dynamism exhibited by synergids reveals newer roles of these in fertilization. How synergids in angiosperm taxa where genetic transformation/alteration is carried out will respond to pollen stimuli is still unknown. Since environmental factors such as light and temperature have a significant impact on synergids and fertilization, it would be rewarding to study the role of chemo-attractants and other factors in elucidating the functional roles of synergids. Further research into developing adequate protocols for manipulating synergid functions is certainly required. This research has enormous potential in the advancement of basic science and has potential applications in agriculture, horticulture, and bioprospecting.

This paper examines Twitch dataset in order to determine and unveil various aspects and relationship among attributes of dataset. Twitch is an online platform used for video game live streaming. The models used by authors in their analysis are Logistic regression, Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbour and Decision tree. As demonstrated by the authors, K-Nearest Neighbour and logistic regressions outperform other model by yielding an accuracy of 97.7% and 97.4 %.

Healthy soil is a key component to growing high quality crops, and it is essential that we manage our soils well. This would be majorly possible with intensive inputs of fertilizers, and irrigation as well as integrated soil management. Fertilization of soil with chemical-based inputs which has been practiced by farmers since several decades, has challenged the very existence of humankind. Intensive eco-friendly fertilization of soil is, therefore, a major challenge in face of synthetic fertilizers opening up the pandora box of environmental degradation and health hazards. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, and urbanization have also emerged as serious challenges to farmers. New innovations in fertilizer options for soil management need to be worked out. To lift agricultural productivity and food supply, fertilizer availability and affordability is prime concern of both farmers and stakeholders. Better still would be to adopt an integrated approach to soil management. It would not only address issues of environmental quality and land degradation but would potentially improve agricultural production and crop quality. Macro algae commonly referred to as seaweeds have fast emerged as promising candidates in soil management practices and “green” agriculture. Besides eliciting a growth-promoting effect on plants, seaweeds also affect the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil which in turn influence plant growth. Seaweeds in fresh and dried form and seaweed concentrates enhance soil health by improving moisture-holding capacity and by promoting the growth of beneficial soil microbes, besides fertilizing it. Seaweeds offer a wide spectrum agri inputs in the form of biofertilizers, soil conditioners, amendments, enhancers and biostimulants. Seaweeds are preferred because of the high amounts of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, amino acids, and growth regulators, e.g., auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins, they contain besides phycocolloids of great commercial value. Seaweed extracts are known to enhance seed germination, increase root and plant growth, yield, protein and quality, increase resistance to insects and diseases, resistance to drought and frost and increase shelf life. They are one of the best soil supplements which improve tilth and other properties of soil. Macro algal effectiveness is due to the fact that it fulfils the basic needs of both—the soil and the plants, and can efficiently alter the physical and chemical properties of soil. The potential of seaweeds as biofertilizers, biostimulants, soil conditioners, and soil additives for soil health is discussed in this chapter.

VANET plays an important role in the Security terms. VANET network is due to their unique features like as a high dynamic network (topology) and Mobility prediction. It attracts so much attention to the industry. VANET wireless networks are rapidly increased commercial and academic interests. Mobile connectivity, Traffic congestion management and road safety are some applications that have arisen within this network model. The routing protocol is a reactive type which means if there is data to be sent then the way will create. On-demand Distance Vector routing protocol is a generally used network topology based on rules for VANET. In surveyed of the routing protocol implemented a balance AODV method used for identifying the malicious nodes in the network. A balanced AODV routing method is defined with following characteristics:- (i) Use of threshold adaptive according to the network situations and balance index i.e node nature. (ii) Detect the malicious node in the network. (iii) Detection and prevention methods in real-time and independent on each vehicle node. In research paper, implement a B-AODV routing protocol and RSA method for detection and prevention the malicious node in the vehicular network. In this proposed algorithm, each vehicle node is employing balance index for acceptable and reject able REQ information’s (Bits). The consequences of the simulation tool in MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) indicates BAODV and RSA method is used to detect and prevent the flood attach and loss of network bandwidth. Comparison between AODV, BAODV, RSA in normal phase defines B-AODV is exactly matched with AODV in the vehicular network and performance analysis overhead, an end to end delay and packet delivery rate.

Image restoration is known as enhancement and recovery of images. Personal pictures captured by varied digital cameras will simply be manipulated by a range of dedicated image process algorithms .The aim of this paper is to implement a model of neural network with Fillingin technique to resolve the problem of image restoration, which is retrieving the original image degraded by invariant blur. The algorithm is proposed in this paper implements a general RBF neural network model with Probabilistic approach which differentiates the pixels of image according to their level of corruption and employees different ways to correct it. Less corrupted are corrected by remaining part of pixel using Filling-in technique, while others are corrected by using RBF neural network image restoration resulting in better signal to blur noise and better visual quality.

We consider two higher order models for aggregate data on a finite state space. In the first model, aggregate data are obtained from N i.i.d. individuals who follow Mixture Transition Distribution (MTD) Markov model of lag l. In the second model, aggregate data are modeled as a MTD Markov model based on multinomial thinning. In both the cases, it is shown that Conditional Least Square Estimators are CAN for a fixed N.

Nitrogen fixation is an important biological process where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia, which can easily be assimilated by the plants. In the present study broth containing N-fixing bacteria Azotobacter and Azospirillum were applied on rose plant (Rosa polyantha) and its effect on the growth and yield of rose plant was studied. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of two bacterial inoculants Azotobacter, Azospirillum and their combination on growth and yield of rose. The result showed that application of mixed inoculants (Azotobacter + Azospirillum) produced significantly maximum yield with respect to plant height, number of leaves, number of branches per plant, high chlorophyll and protein content, when compared with single inoculation and control. Azospirillum inoculation resulted in higher growth and yield parameters in comparison to Azotobacter inoculation. From this study, it can be concluded that the biofertilizer inoculation of mixed inoculants gives maximum yield of rose plant as compared to single inoculation and control.Key words: Biofertilizers, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Rosa polyantha

This study was aimed at developing a protocol for improving soil health using Sargassum johnstonii as a conditioner and fertilizer. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) plants were raised on seaweed-amended soil in experimental fields of Department of Botany, University of Delhi, India. Soil was amended with granular (G) and powder (P) seaweed forms in the proportion of 12.5 % (G1 and P1), 25 % (G2 and P2), and 37.5 % (G3 and P3) (w/w). To compare the efficacy of seaweed fertilizer with a conventional organic fertilizer, a parallel series (positive control) was run with vermicompost (V) in the above-mentioned proportions. Unamended soil served as control (C). The nutrient status of S. johnstonii and vermicompost was analyzed prior to giving treatments. Physicochemical properties of the amended soils as well as growth, productivity, and biochemical constituents of tomato grown in soil with each treatment were analyzed. Higher concentration of granular form of seaweed (G3) in the soil resulted in 144, 268, 122, 138, and 188 % increase in Na, K, Mg, Ca, and Zn, respectively. Seaweed-amended soil had higher porosity and water-holding capacity as compared to C. Tomato plants raised on seaweed (G3 and P3)-amended soil showed an increased overall growth, with earlier flowering and fruiting as compared to control plants. Plants raised on G3-amended soil showed significantly higher levels of proteins (95 mg g−1 FW) in leaves, and vitamin C (99.2 mg 100 g−1) and lycopene (5.78 mg 100 g−1) in fruits. The present study showed that S. johnstonii biomass has a high potential to condition and fertilize the soil for improved crop productivity.

Sargassum vulgare C. Agardh shows androgynous receptacles, each bearing on an average 12 unisexual conceptacles which open outside by ostiole, and wherein gametangia (antheridia or oogonia) lie interspersed with paraphyses. Since out-put of eggs is extremely low, 4 - 6 per female conceptacle, Sargassum sp. ensures its survival under all eco-physiological conditions. The released oogonium is “wrapped” in sulphated polysaccharide-rich wall layer known to provide protection against desiccation. Oogonia after being “extruded” out of ostiole, are “incubated” on receptacle, where they grow into eggs that are easily contacted by spermatozoids. Gamete release is synchronous and almost simultaneous ensuring high rates of fertilization. The release occurs on days falling near a full moon or new moon, during low tides when conceptacles lie exposed. Gamete release occurs first from upper conceptacles, which “house” mature gametangia while lower ones are still developing. This results in gamete release over an extended period of time. The zygote dispersal and propagule recruitment also show adaptations selectively advantageous for the alga.