Co-occurrence of hypoxia (Hpx) and arsenic (As) exposure is common in nature. Individual Hpx and As responses in plants have been scrutinized; however, only recent studies have revealed unique features of the combination (HpxAs). HpxAs exposure inflates cellular S demand to offset the highly oxidized cytosolic glutathione redox potential along with required As(III) sequestration. Further, a dual phosphate starvation response is recognized in HpxAs. The present study focused on the systemic influence of these HpxAs responses. HpxAs-exposed plants showed pronounced reduction in carbon assimilation (50%) and ferredoxin oxidation (40%), but accumulation of H2O2, Cys, and ascorbate (1.41-, 2.88-, and 2.88-fold, respectively) in leaves. A comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic analysis revealed a Hpx predominance in these systemic effects. Critically, despite lowered protein synthesis (rRNA levels), HpxAs plants showed a selective increase in 935 proteins (322 specific to HpxAs). Their in-depth analysis, in addition to accumulated abscisic acid (ABA) (4.37-fold) and cis-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA) (22.2-fold) levels, helped identify S and P homeostasis-dependent alterations as primary drivers of systemic acclimatization, and the role of reactive oxygen species, ABA, and cis-OPDA/oxylipins in systemic signalling. The associated modulation of primary metabolism appears to aid HpxAs plants to endure the imminent re-aeration, thus inducing early flowering and completion of the life cycle. This specific set of proteins regulates flowering in HpxAs-exposed Arabidopsis and requires further investigation to identify central regulatory elements.

We recently reported marked variability in seed germination characteristics of some Oryza sativa L. landraces from Sikkim Himalaya with a subset showing lower germination coinciding with reduced constitutive α-amylase activity. Since exogenous GA3 stimulated seed germination with a concomitant increase in α-amylase activity in the landraces of this subset, their low germination ability seems to be a consequence inter alia of lower endogenous GA3 levels vis-à-vis the high germinating counterparts. Here, it was of interest to monitor the seed germination and early (germination stage) root growth responses of certain low (Birinful, Doodhkatey, Dhansey) and high (Tukmorzho, Chinizho, Nepalzho) germinating landraces to aluminium (Al) and examine the influence thereon of exogenous GA3. The outcome could be expected to provide insight into the involvement, if any, of GA3 in alleviation of Al toxicity at the monitored stage. A 4-d exposure to Al (0–100 μM) led to a concentration dependent suppression and delay (increased mean germination time, MGT) of seed germination in all the tested landraces. However, the magnitude of suppression was generally greater in low germinating landraces vis-a-vis the high germinating counterparts with occasional concentration-specific quantitative differences. Al treatment resulted in a correspondingly decreased α-amylase activity, implying reduced starch hydrolysis, that contributed to the suppression of seed germination. Likewise, the root growth, measured after 4-d treatment, was differentially inhibited by Al, the magnitude of inhibition being greater in Birinful and Dhansey (both low germinating landraces) than in Chinizho and Tukmorzho (both high germinating landraces). The remaining two (Doodhkatey, Nepalzho) differed in response quantitatively from other landraces in their respective groups pointing to the fact that root growth response to Al is independent of seed germination status. Due to GA3 pretreatment, the magnitude of Al-induced inhibition of seed germination and early root growth was reduced to varying extents in a landrace dependent manner that also coincided with increased α-amylase activity. In addition, Al induced a landrace-dependent suppression of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction ability, a measure of mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, of rice seeds. This ability remained higher due to GA3 pretreatment. Taken together, the observations suggest the possibility of GA3 contributing to an extent towards reduction of Al toxicity in certain rice landraces by influencing the germination related metabolic events. Such GA3 effects seem to be restricted to germination stage preceding the processes operating in roots that predominantly determine the Al-toxicity and tolerance.

Aluminium (Al) toxicity comprises a constraint on acidic soils, substantially restricting plant productivity. We characterized the Al tolerance of ten unique rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces from Sikkim Himalaya, known for rich diversity and cultivation of rice. Determination of root growth response to Al (0-100 μM) using activated charcoal staining revealed strong landrace specific variations in Al tolerance. Among tested landraces, Kalo tukmar and Krishna bhog proved most Al tolerant and sensitive, respectively. The charcoal staining assay offers an apparent advantage of greater accuracy and convenience over the conventional one for analysis of Al tolerance. Histochemical Al localization showed the degree of Al tolerance to be inversely related to that of root Al burden. The latter was associated with correspondingly increased loss of membrane integrity and level of lipid peroxidation. ROS (O2- and H2O2) accumulation and transcript abundance of OsCAT and OsMSD1 are consistent with a link between redox metabolism and Al toxicity. A reduction in Al toxicity magnitude due to verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, signifies the involvement of altered Ca2+ homeostasis in Al toxicity development. Differential OsNrat1 and OsALS1 transcript accumulation suggests a contrasting contribution of detoxification via vacuolar sequestration towards Al tolerance of two Al tolerant rice landraces namely, Kalo tukmar and Champasari. Thus, only the former seemed to rely on vacuolar sequestration. Upregulation of OsNrat1 with a concomitant downregulation of OsALS1 causing cytosolic Al retention likely contributed to the enhanced Al sensitivity of Krishna bhog. Findings indicate differences in the mechanism(s) of Al tolerance of tested rice landraces.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during aerobic metabolism cause oxidative damage leading to several disorders, ageing or cell death. Plants synthesize an array of phytochemicals having strong antioxidative properties that can delay or prevent oxidative damage. Here, we monitored the antioxidative properties of different plant parts of two high-valued, endangered medicinal plant species: Angelica glauca Edgew. (Apiaceae) and Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. (Dioscoreaceae) from Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India, using DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and pyrogallol autoxidation assays. The underground parts (roots/rhizomes) of both the species exhibited substantially greater antioxidative activity as compared to the other plant parts. Further, of the two tested extraction solvents, methanolic extracts exhibited higher activity as compared to the aqueous extracts across all considered plant parts in both the species implying the variability in phytochemical composition of the extracts. We compared the observations with those reported earlier and discussed the potential of A. glauca and D. deltoidea as a source of natural antioxidants.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.) is a promising crop owing to its significant nutritional and pharmaceutical value as well as its ability to thrive under diverse stressful growth conditions. Such ability could be expected to vary in a genotype specific manner. In the present study, seedling establishment (seed germination and seedling growth) performance of Fagopyrum esculentum (1) and Fagopyrum tataricum (3) genotypes from Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh, India) has been compared under water deficit stress imposed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) application. The latter differentially influenced the seed germination of the stated Fagopyrum genotypes. Lower PEG concentrations stimulated seed germination in all genotypes to varying extents whereas at 20

The study focuses on examining the potential effects of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) on different stakeholders and higher education institutions in India. To gather first-hand information from students, academics, and support staff at various universities, it uses a quantitative research strategy, a correlational technique, and a questionnaire. The theory underlying user acceptance and adoption of AI technology is based on the Unified Theory of Acceptability and Use of technology (UTAUT) paradigm. It provides examples of how AI might alter teaching and learning, examines difficulties and unfavourable outcomes, and highlights how important user acceptance and attitudes are to the successful implementation of AI in higher education. In order to investigate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education settings, notably in Indian universities, a detailed conceptual model has been developed and tested. Building on well-established theories like the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Perceived Organizational Support (POS), this research has provided insightful information about the factors influencing AI adoption in the context of higher education. We go further, examining the relationship between adoption of AI on satisfaction and on continuance intention of the students in Higher Education. The research on Adoption of AI leading to satisfaction and continuance Intention in higher education Institutions (HEI) context is still novel and less discovered in India universities. Our study's findings support a number of significant hypotheses and gives the important recommendations to the stakeholders including educators, organizations, and policy makers in developing strategies for maximizing AI’s potential in the unique context of Indian higher education as AI continues to transform the field of education at a much faster pace than ever.

We report the seed germination and associated metabolic responses of differentially stored seeds of Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae), an economically and medicinally important herb from the cold desert region of Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh, India) in trans Himalaya, to certain physico-chemical and GA3 treatments. The freshly harvested seeds of V. thapsus exhibited high (96 %) viability but low germination (55 %). During the storage of seeds under ambient conditions, viability did not change until 1-year but declined progressively thereafter showing a 33 % decline in 4-year stored seeds. The seed germination was promoted to varying extents by acid scarification (AS), SNP (sodium nitroprusside), SHC (sodium hypochlorite) and GA3 pre-treatments. Storagedependent changes in seed germination performance and responsiveness to different effectors were evident. Germination performance improved significantly due to 1-year storage followed by a sharp decline subsequently. The responsiveness of seeds to various treatments tended to be higher in seeds stored for >= 2 years. The changes in germination were paralleled by those in alpha-amylase activity in seeds. Lipid peroxidation generally increased during storage that was paralleled by a gradual decline in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and phenolic contents. Catalase (CAT) activity increased transiently in 1-year stored seeds and declined thereafter. Data are expected to have implications for multiplication and cultivation of V. thapsus.

Citrus diseases pose threats to citrus farming and result in economic losses worldwide. Nucleic acid and serology-based methods of detection such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and immunochromatographic assays are commonly used but these laboratory tests are laborious, expensive and might be subjected to cross-reaction and contamination. Timely intervention for better control over the spread of disease is essential to minimize crop loss, as no cure is available for citrus diseases like Huanglongbing. Modern optical spectroscopic techniques offer a promising alternative to traditional methods, as they are label-free, sensitive, rapid, and non-destructive. They also demonstrate potential as a mass screening tool and could be incorporated into autonomous systems for disease detection in citrus orchards. Nevertheless, the majority of optical spectroscopic methods for citrus disease detection are still in the trial phases and, require additional efforts to be established as efficient and commercially viable methods. The review presents an overview of fundamental working principles, the state of the art, and explains the applications and limitations of the optical spectroscopy technique including the spectroscopic imaging approach (hyperspectral imaging) in the identification of diseases in citrus plants grown over a large area. The review highlights (1) majorly used optical spectroscopic tools that can potentially be utilized in field measurements, (2) their applications in screening citrus diseases through leaf spectroscopy, and (3) discusses their benefits, challenges, and limitations, including future insights on how to enhance them further for efficient label-free identification of citrus diseases. Moreover, the role of artificial intelligence is reviewed as potential effective tools for spectral analysis, enabling accurate detection of infected citrus leaves even before the appearance of visual symptoms by leveraging compositional, morphological, and chemometric characteristics of the plant leaves. The review aims to encourage researchers to enhance the development and commercialization of field-based, label-free optical tools for the rapid and early-stage screening of citrus diseases in plants.

Jaipur is the capital state of Rajasthan. During the year 2021, District Jaipur of 3 blocks (Chomu, Sanganer, and Shahpura) in 9 villages [Keshav Nagar (V1), Morija (V2), Nindola (V3), Goner (V4), Shrikishanpura (V5), Durgapura (V6), Shivpuri (V7), Manoharpur (V8), Nwalpura (V9)] were selected for estimation of physico-chemical properties and Heavy metal contamination in severage channels. A total of 9 samples were collected from 9 villages sewerage channels. This study aimed to analyze the physico-chemical properties of agricultural soil and irrigation water in three blocks of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The findings revealed significant variations in the physico-chemical properties of the agricultural soil and water in Chomu, Sanganer, and Shahpura. Standard methods were employed to assess the physico-chemical characteristics of soil samples contaminated with sewerage effluents in these regions, which exhibited considerable diversity. The pH levels of the soil samples were predominantly slightly acidic and alkaline ranging from 6.22 to 7.31. Electrical conductivity values varied between 0.41 to 0.62 mmhos/cm. The percentages of organic matter and organic carbon in the soil samples ranged from 0.17% to 0.25% and 0.29% to 0.43%, respectively. Additionally, the analysis included heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu). The soil samples were found to contain elevated levels of heavy metals, surpassing the permissible limits. The discharge of sewerage effluent into the environment, primarily originating from the textile industry, house, etc. constitutes are major source of pollution that can adversely impact the local flora and fauna. Therefore, it is imperative to implement effluent treatment measures before their release into the environment.

In HR 4.0, there is the understanding that professionals today have other needs, and many of them are approached and propose amazing employment proposals from other businesses quite easily and more frequently than they did 10 years ago. Therefore, it is quintessential to work for the best experience in an innovative and creative workplace environment making it more attractive and positive one rather than gloomy one—especially for the multigenerational workforce comprising of Millennials and Gen Z who were born immersed in technology. COVID-19 has shattered all organizations across industries because of several complexities involved and creating a daunting environment in front of management to deal with by devising creative solutions to ensure the survival of their businesses and 2assist their employees be able to deal with the crisis not seen in lifetime. A few studies exist in understanding the influence of COVID-19 on HRM. The present study is a general literature review that assesses the influence of COVID-19 on HRM practices, processes, and systems, with the goal of understanding the emerging role of HR 4.0 in post-pandemic situations. It analyzes the major difficulties, challenges as well as prospects that rose because of this novel pandemic, providing acumen to HR managers, researchers, and practitioners to seek for plausible futuristic organizational directions that may evolve because of these prospects widening the scope of management research.

Impact evaluation of cluster front line demonstrations on mustard productivity and profitability in Sirohi district of Rajasthan

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education has the potential to bring new approaches to learning and teaching, but also poses challenges such as ethical concerns and job displacement. To address these challenges, efforts are being made to develop frameworks for the adoption of AI in education. This study investigates the role of AI in higher education in Indian universities, identifies dimensions of AI applications, explores factors influencing the adoption of AI in higher education processes, and develops a framework for the adoption of AI applications by stakeholders in the higher education sector. The study uses a quantitative research design to collect data from students, academics, and management staff at different higher education institutions in India. The technological acceptance model, social cognitive theory, and human–computer interaction theory model are used to understand the factors that influence the acceptance and adoption of AI in higher education institutions in India. The results of the study indicate significant relationships between various factors, including artificial intelligence self-efficacy, behavioural intention to adopt AI, AI adoption in higher education, perceived usefulness, perceived effectiveness, perceived organizational support, and perceived risk. The findings of this study can guide the strategic planning and decision-making related to the integration of AI in higher education and contribute to the understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of AI in education.

Biofertilizer refers to biological preparations containing living microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, actinomycetes, or their metabolites. These microbes are found in the rhizospheric region or inside plant parts. The soil contains both macro- and micronutrients in their entirety. Nevertheless, these nutrients exist in forms that are insoluble or complex, rendering them inaccessible to plants. These biofertilizer microbes can help to fix atmospheric nitrogen and converting directly into ammonia, phosphorus solubilization, and mobilization, making it easily available to plants, in conjunction with nutrients like potassium, sulfur, zinc, and silicates. Biofertilizers assists in enhancing soil's texture, structure and water-holding capacity, protect the plants from salinity and drought stress, and are thus regarded as a sustainable option for preserving soil health. On the other hand, chemical fertilizers can also enrich the nutrient composition of the soil, yet keeping in mind the problems of environmental degradation, microbial inoculants as fertilizers need to be promoted for sustaining soil health.

Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle (Asparagaceae), commonly known as Maha-meda, belongs to Astavarga, a distinct group of medicinal herbs, used in specific formulations in Ayurveda, highly prized for its aphrodisiac, rejuvenating and tonic effects. The species has an endangered population status; thus, propagation/conservation efforts are required. However, the seeds of a population from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) in Western Himalaya exhibited ‘double dormancy’ characterized by a delayed radicle emergence (started after 40 days) followed by epicotyl dormancy (no epicotyl emergence until 92 days). The latter imposes an added hindrance for seed-based propagation of the species. Therefore, current investigation was undertaken with an aim to achieve better germination and seedling growth using various seed pre-treatments. GA3 and cold stratification significantly stimulated the germination albeit the epicotyl and radicle emergence were affected differentially; the former being more responsive than the latter. During a 24-month period of ambient storage, seed viability and vigour were maintained as such until 12 months but declined steadily thereafter. The seed longevity was found to be more than 24 months. Although the seeds remained dormant during the storage period, the requirement of warm stratification for dormancy alleviation was significantly reduced possibly as a metabolic consequence of the after-ripening processes. The status of epicotyl dormancy and its response to the stated pre-treatments were not considerably altered due to seed storage. In spite of double dormancy, the seed viability, longevity, response to pre-treatments and seedling survival observed were reasonably high and hold the potential for successful seed-based propagation of species.

Withania somnifera L. Dunal, a member of Solanaceae family, is a wonder medicinal plant having diverse groups of phytochemicals related to medicinal properties.Withanolides, steroidal lactones are active components of this plant.However, phenolics and flavonoids have been noticed in various tissues.Although it's a rich source of active compound, variation does exist in chemical composition within varieties.Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to unveil this difference in some commercially available varieties of Ashwagandha.Varieties of W. somnifera, Pushti, Poshita, Pratap, Chetak, NIMTLI-118 and NIMTLI-101 were collected and analysed using different solvent extracts of roots, leaves and seeds.Total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant (DPPH assay) and antibacterial activities (agar well diffusion method) were measured.Estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid was highest in roots of Poshita (11.15 mg/g GAE and 3.05 mg/g RE, respectively), in the leaves of Chetak (5.66 mg/g GAE and 7.92 mg/g RE, respectively) and the seeds of NIMTLI-101 variety (7.65 mg/g GAE and 7.34 mg/g RE, respectively).The antioxidant activity was found maximum in NIMTLI118 (66.92%),Chetak (28.84%) and NIMTLI101 (36.53%) in roots, leaves and seeds respectively.Antibacterial activities against B. subtilis and S. aureus subsp.aureus were found maximum in leaves of Pushti variety (2.30cm and 2.60cm zone of inhibition respectively).It could be concluded that, the results of the present study can be used for effective selection of best variety to be utilized for the commercial, industrial and medicinal purposes.

Protective water barrier pillars (PWBPs) are inter-mine barrier pillars. An adequate PWBP can protect active mine workings from the danger of inundation from adjoining inundated workings. This paper discusses a hydro-mechanical coupled numerical modeling approach for the design of PWBPs, considering different flow regimes. The coupled model considers the effect of seepage through the roof, pillar, and floor on the mechanical strength of the rock mass and vice-versa. A statistical model based on the extent of positive volumetric strain zones (ZoPVS,

Introduction: Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are the common occurrences in paediatric patients suffering from cancer. These may be attributed to the disease itself or its treatment and accompanying psychosocial stress. Sleep disorders including insomnia are known to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life in these patients. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of insomnia among cancer patients aged 1-15 years admitted in the paediatric oncology ward. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational, hospital-based study was conducted in the Paediatric Oncology ward, Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital, Government. Medical College (tertiary care institute), Jammu, India, from June 2022 to August 2022. A total of 50 patients, in the age group of 1-15 years, diagnosed with malignancies like leukaemia, lymphoma, aplastic anaemia, hepatoblastoma, etc., were enrolled after taking informed consent from their parents. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was administered to parents of children below 10 years age and to patients themselves who were between 10-15 years to screen for symptoms of insomnia with the help of their parents/investigators as and when required. Continuous variables were expressed as mean±Standard Deviation (SD) and categorical variables were summarised as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study subjects were distributed according to their age into three groups, as 1-5 years (n=26), 6-10 years (n=16), and 11-15 years (n=8). There were 24 (48%) males and 26 (52%) females. In this study, 32 (64%) study subjects did not have insomnia, 5 (10%) had subthreshold insomnia,13 (26%) had moderate insomnia and none had severe insomnia. Conclusion: The prevalence of insomnia found in the study was 26%. Insomnia is common in paediatric cancer patients necessitating its recognition and management for improved quality of life.