bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability of Organic Farming: A Review via Three Pillar Approach
Authors: Hussain Lone Aashiq , Rashid Irfana
Published: August 2024

Organic farming (OF) whose primary feature is the avoidance of chemical inputs, offers multiple economic, environmental, and social benefits, and is one obvious facet of efforts to make agribusiness more sustainable. The concept of sustainable organic farming was first introduced in the mid-90s. Major studies on sustainable organic farming indicate that it encompasses three pillars: a) economic, b) environmental, and c) social. OF has been studied in the existing literature from the perspectives of these pillars,but these perspectives have not yet been sufficiently combined. In response, this paper summarizes the current state of the literature on OF in the context of sustainability pillars, to do so the study conducts a review, based on academic articles, which are thematically selected, analyzed,and categorized according to sustainability pillars (economic, environment,and social) vis-à-vis OF.These research and literary sources linking OF with sustainability pillars are analyzed and discussed based on current developments. First, this study develops a comprehensive view of organic farming in terms of sustainability. It further elucidates the research findings related to each pillar. This paper also brings out how the function of organic farming contributes to long-term sustainability by enhancing environmental conservation, economic viability, and farmer welfare and product quality. The findings indicate that i) OF is gaining popularity as a research area in relation to sustainability pillars ii) there is a paucity of published research that combines all the three pillars in the context of organic farming and iii) the social aspect of organic farming is very less addressed.
Ultrafiltration of Moroccan Valencia orange juice: juice quality, optimization by custom designs and membranefouling
Authors: Addar F.Z. , Qaid S. , Zeggar H. , Hajji H. El , Tahaikt M. , Elmidaoui A. , Taky M.
Published: August 2024

The growing demand for healthy foods has forced researchers to develop processes capable of concentratingor clarifying fruit juices while producing high quality products and the most promising techniques are membrane techniques. However, the obstacle of these techniques is the fouling problem. The objective of this study is to clarify Moroccan Valencia orange juice by ultrafiltration (UF) using two plate membranes characterized by different membrane materials (polyether sulfone (PES) and polysulfone (PS) with a molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of 30 and 20 k Da respectively. The performance of these membranes was studied in terms of selectivity and productivity in respect to parameters describing juice quality. In the first part of this work, theresponse surface method (RSM) based on custom designs (CD) was used to model and optimize the UF process. The independent variables of the RSM method are transmembrane pressure (TMP) and feed flow rate (FF), while permeate flux is considered as a response.Secondly, Hermia model and resistance model were applied to describe and to identify the fouling mechanism. According to the results, the two membranes kept the original composition while the total suspended solids (SS) and the pectin content were completely removed. Both factors (TMP) and (FF) influence significantly the permeate flux. A TMP of 1.99-2 bar and FF of 229.99-330 L/h for PES and PS respectively were obtained. ANOVA of the regression model showed that both models are highly significant with R2> 0.95.However, the PES membrane exhibits a permeate flux which is greater than the PS membrane. The rejection rates of the monitored parameters were lower than those obtained by the PS membrane. The concentration polarization is the main cause of the flux drop and it appears that, for both membranes, the fouling is due to surface fouling mechanisms which is a cake formation.
Comprehensive evaluation of nutrient and phytochemical profile of bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) at different growth stages
Authors: Gattani Mansi , Kumari Vasantha
Published: August 2024

Growing Concern of health-related disorder around the globe has led to need for healthy food alternatives. Green leafy vegetable can be one such alternative. As the green plant grows it goes through different stages, and each stage has its own importance in health and wellbeing. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical profile of Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) at microgreen, baby green and mature green stages. Thesestages were analysed for there proximate and phytochemical profile. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in the moisture, protein, and carbohydrate content of different stages, from which microgreens were found to have higher nutrient profile. In the phytochemical assessment, phenolics and flavonoids were found to be higher in microgreens, which can be a possible reason for the higher antioxidant activity. The microgreen stage was found to have higher macronutrient content and phytochemical content which can be a reason for higher antioxidant activity.
Germination and early growth performance of Persea americana in soils amended with extracts from different parts of Annona muricata
Authors: Chima U.D. , Fredrick C. , Bayagbon E.
Published: August 2024

In agro-ecosystems, several weeds, crops, agroforestry trees including fruit trees are known to exert allelopathic influence on crops thus affecting their germination and growth. This study evaluated the effect of Annona muricata extracts on the germination and seedling growth of Persea americana. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD)separately for leaf, root and leaf/root extracts of A. muricata. Data were collected on germination emergence, germination duration, germination percentage, seedling height, collar diameter, leaf production, biomass and moisture content. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the measured growth attributes of P. americana among soils treated with different volumes (0ml, 25ml, 50ml, and 100ml) of A. muricata extracts, separately for leaf, root, and root/leaf extracts. Plumule emergence of P. americana was earliest in soils treated with 25ml/50ml/100ml of A. muricata leaf extract; earliest at 50ml in soils treated with root extract and earliest at 50ml/75ml/100ml in soils treated with leaf/root extract. Duration of emergence was shortest with 25ml of leaf extract, 100 ml of root extract and 50ml/100ml of leaf/root extract. Germination percentage improved with soil amendment using A. muricata extract especially the leaf extract and a combination of leaf/root extracts. In majority of the cases, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in seedling height and collar diameter but the leaf extract increased the mean values of both number of leaves and seedling height. Meanvalues of seedling biomass and moisture content of P. americana were enhanced with the application of leaf extract especially. Soil amendment with extracts from different parts of A. muricata enhanced plumule emergence and seedling growth of P. americana while the leaf and a combination of leaf/root extracts enhanced germination of its seeds.
Current initiatives and road ahead for food security in India: a critical study
Authors: Kumar Indresh
Published: August 2024

Background: Conditions that food security arises when all people at all times have physical and financial access to adequate, safe, and healthful food to assemble their dietary requirements and food preferences for an active and healthy life. India ranked 71th out of 113 countries assessed by the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) in 2020 based on four parameters: affordability, availability and quality, and safety. According to the 2022 Country Rankings, India ranked 68th out of 113 countries in the GFSI. Spending on food subsidies has increased over the years, but the proportion of people living below the poverty line has declined. The objective of this study is to assess the challenges and suggestions for food security initiatives in India by reviewing the available reports and research articles.
Material and method: Present study is based on secondary data published by the government department, published in reputed research articles, and suggestions of experts given during conferences and seminars were included.
Result: Several studies show that governments need to expand subsidies to include other high-protein foods as they can increase the imbalance of grains in the diet. Increase food production Actions that need to be taken to achieve food security for a growing population through education and literacy, combating climate change, improving technology adoption, integrated nutrition management, integrated water management, and crop and diversification.
Germination and growth evaluation of Tall-Stilt Mangrove (Rhizophora apiculata) propagules in Tropical Peninsular India
Authors: Abraham Kurian Mathew , Mohandas Mini
Published: August 2024

Mangrove forests are one among the most productive ecosystems and offer a wide range of resources and services including shoreline stabilization, habitat, nursery and breeding ground for many commercial fin and shell fish species and other fauna. In order to conserve and restore the fast diminishing mangroves patches along the coasts of tropical peninsular India, especially of Kerala due to anthropogenic developmental activities as well as pollution, holistic investigations must be carried out to find the reasons and suitable environmental factors that can support the germination and growth of propagules of different mangrove species. A preliminary attempt has been carried out to evaluate the germination and growth characteristics of tropical Tall-Stilt mangrove, Rhizophora apiculata Blume, propagules in situ along with water and sediment characteristics at a natural and private owned mangrove cum fish farm, ‘Mangrove Isle’, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha District of Kerala state (India). Monthly water and sediment samples were collected and physico-chemical parameters were analyzed following standard procedures and morphometric growth studies in situ of the mangrove during the three seasons, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon were assessed for a year during 2017-2018. Water quality parameters like total dissolved solids, hardness and nitrate registered significant (P<0.01) difference and clay as well as silt content of sediment also showed significant (P<0.05) seasonal variation. A total of 11 morphometric parameters of plant were recorded to assess growth  seasonally up to one year from the germination of propagules and the results were discussed in relation to water and sediment quality. Conservation, propagation and cultivation of indigenous mangrove species along the Kerala coast is the need of the hour to save the coast of Kerala from natural disasters like beach erosion, tsunami, flood and other anthropogenic hazards.
Redescription and pathological effects of myxozoan parasite Thelohanellus ophthalmicus Halder et al., 1983 infecting Glossogobius giuris
Authors: Nandini NJ  , Siny G Benjamin  , P Natarajan
Published: August 2024

Myxozoan parasites cause serious diseases and massive destruction of fishes in aquaculture and natural populations. During the present study, Thelohanellus ophthalmicus infecting the skeletal muscle of Glossogobius giuris has been described. The histopathological alterations indicated that the muscle parasite Thelohanellus ophthalmicus is potentially pathogenic to the host fish Glossogobius giuris and high parasite load could compromise body functions. The presence of two types of plasmodia was established during the study. The presence of plasmodia without encapsulation was very rare in myxozoan infection. The multiple plasmodia with single continuous encapsulation were reported for the first time from India. The pathological importance of changes caused by myxozoan parasites greatly depend on the intensity of parasite colonization, the size of plasmodia and the number of spores.
Requirements for implementation of covid-19 vaccinethrough good management
Authors: Shaikh Samin , Chakor Balasaheb , Sonkamble Sandhya , Kale Sanjay , Kakad Sharad , Nerkar Charushila , Ghoderao Sudesh
Published: August 2024

Several research institutes and companies are working hard to find a vaccine for COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine are available worldwide in early 2021. The quality of the vaccine on Covid-1 can be very important to rid the world of it. The main objective of this article is to implement the vaccine against COVID-19 infection through good management through social distance, hygiene.
Exploring Floral Waste into Bio-compost using Microbial Consortium from cow dung: A Review
Authors: Gorasiya Tejas , Faldu Nilkanth
Published: August 2024

India being a cultural nation with pilgrimage and deities activities as well an arena of myriad social and cultural functional events, leads to floral waste generation as anatural inevitable outcome with a very slow degradation. A huge amounts of flower waste followed by temple offerings, released daily in the water bodies or as dumping off in soil. This leads to a severe environmental pollution and health hazards. Degradedfloral waste residues serve to be a cheap & flexible source of choice for bio compost. Presence of a diverse group of microorganisms isolated from rich nutritional source as cow dung helps in an efficient degradation of highly complex organic components intosimple stable end product, BioCompost Therefore in the present work, an attempt was made, todiscuss onan efficient degradation process of floral waste by cow dung driven microbial isolates.
A study on inclination of people towards super foods to sustain good health during pandemic.
Authors: Karmarkar Anuradha V. , Shah Gauri D. , Gumaste Rasika R. , Shende Kiran M.
Published: August 2024

At present, Super foods is promoted by most of the countries in the world aiming at sustainable health to fight the Covid 19 pandemic. This is a additional nutrient supplement taken in the natural form by Identifying the Highly Nutritious Ingredients. This research intents to show various factors affecting the growth in consumption of Super foods and spreading its awareness due to experiences better health benefits. This inclusion in the diet helps in Sustaining, environment, reducing carbon footprints, uplifting the individuals Health and eventually improving local economy by promoting Indian affordable locally grown Nutritious Ingredients which can be consumed as Super foods.This Research is descriptive form of Qualitative research and the Analysis of received data is done by Implementation Value added method, the respondents were selected from various age groups to identify the awareness of the concept and impact of super food intake daily within in the different age group for Covid 19 pandemic.The Sampling technique undertaken is stratified sampling and random sampling also the data is collected. Through specially carved questionnaire and distributed to 100 respondents and then the secondary data was gathered to support the findings through articles and newsletters.The findings are listed in the Manuscript but inclusion of these Super foods should be a habit for sustaining good health and better lifestyle
Purchasing practice of young consumers towards green packaging: influence of value system with the mediating effect of attitude.
Authors: Kingston A. , Paulraj G.
Published: August 2024

The problem of climate change isnot justbecause ofutilizing the resources in excess and exploiting the nature, but the preference and consumption pattern of people have got changed in recent times. This consumption pattern has led in producing such large quantities of non-eco-friendly packaging materialsthat is creating serious environmental issues. The packaging materials are simply thrown out and become a source of massive portion of waste. Therefore, packaging materials should be considered a core factor in a way to deliver products to consumers securely. Understanding this, the knowledge and awareness on different kinds of packaging and their impact on environment the consumption patter of consumer need to be tested exclusively among the young consumers. This study was carried out in Thoothukudi Educational district, covering the schools of five different educational blocks in the district. Collecting 818 samples, the study aims to understand the knowledge, awareness, consumption pattern, attitude, and the values of 9thto 12thstandard students. A Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was constructed to test the impact of Packaging Awareness (PKGA), Eco-centric Values (ECCV), Emotional Values (EMOV), and Social Values (SOCV) on the Purchase Decision (PUDE) of young consumers. The model also tests the mediated effects of attitude on PUDE. The study has found that the awarenesss on packaging strengthens the purchasing behaviour or the intention in young minds. The awareness on the impairments of polymeric packaging and the positve perception toward eco-friendly packaging drive the consumer intention towards green. In turn, these awarness have higher significant influence on changing the attitude of young consumers positively towards eco-friendly packaging. Hence, it is suggested that spreading awareness on the anti-environmental polymeric packaging and perceived benefits of eco-friendly packaging. Besides, emotional reactios do not significantly influence the purchase decision of them instead it is only expressed as a spur of the moment. In terms of attitude, similar to the previous studies, it was found that it strongly influences purchasing behaviour of the students and it also strongly mediat social, eco-centric values and awareness towards the purchase intention.
To study the composition of minerals and vitamins of some fresh vegetables with special reference to the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh India.
Authors: Parrey Imtiyaz Rasool , Akhter Tanveera , Zaman Hilal Ul
Published: August 2024

Aims: This comparative study was carried out to evaluate the vitamin-C and mineral content of twenty-two different sorts of nutritious and low-cost fresh vegetables. Methodology: Vitamin C, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) contents were determined with the flame emission spectrophotometer. Results: Vitamin-C was higher in Momordica charantia (87.0 mg/100g) and lower in Vigna unguiculata (0.10 mg/100g). Calcium and magnesium of the green leafy vegetables were in the range of 191.0 -12.0 mg/100g and 210.1-9.0 mg/100g respectively. Sodium content largely varied from 58.1-2.1 mg/100g in which Amaranthus cruentus content higher and Cucumis sativus had the lower content. The highest potassium content was recorded in Cucurbita pepo (384.0 mg/100g) and the lowest potassium content was found in Cucumis sativus (144.20 mg / 100g). Phosphorus content was ranged between 108.0 -13.0 mg /100 g in all the greenleafy vegetables. There were significant correlations between mineral contents. Conclusion: These results revealed that selected vegetables contain an appreciable amount of vitamin C and minerals and should be included in diets as a supplement of daily allowance needed by the body.
Hybrid offshore wave energy platform.
Authors: Thakur Sahil
Published: August 2024

Ocean waves are the greatest unexploited renewable energy resource which would reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. It can be harnessed throughout the year using a hybrid offshore platform. In this paper, hybrid offshore wave energy platform and its working principle, is explained explicitly. These devices when use independently are found to be not very efficient in terms of generating energy in a given time when compared to the resources used in establishing them. This in turn discourages the investments which can be made in them. This paper addresses the above issue and provides a solution with the use of hybrid offshore platforms as a step towards exploiting open seawater in a sustainable way to generate energy in a much more efficient way. Combining multiple renewable energy devices in such a manner could potentially offer stable electricity production, despite seasonal changes. The hybrid offshore platforms are conceptual and are undergoing R&D or are in the pre-commercial prototype and demonstration stage. This paper aims to discuss about one such innovative design for a hybrid offshore platform and assess the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of constructing such a platform.
Seismic analysis of multi-storeyed building with floating column using fluid viscous dampers.
Authors: Prem Akhila , Daniel Sunitha A , Hameed Afia S
Published: August 2024

Nowadays many multi-storeyed buildings in India have open ground storey for providing better parking facilities, reception lobbies and other amenities. It is required to have column free space due to shortage of space, increase in population and also for functional and aestheticrequirement.For this purpose, building is provided with floating column at one or more storey.Floating column is a vertical member but its lower end is not connected to the foundation. Its lower end rest on beam which is a horizontal member, this beam transfers the load of floating column to other columns below it.The most common use of a floating column is to build a soft storey on the ground floor to provide extra parking or entrance corridor space.But such features are highly unwanted in seismically active region. The present study proposes a practical solution for reducing the risk of earthquake effects associated with floating column building by strengthening them with using fluid viscous dampers. The main aim of the work is to highlights the performance of floating column building and compare floating column building with and without using fluid viscous dampers. Seismic analysis is carried out by using response spectrum analysis as per IS: 1893-2002. The Seismic assessment is executed by using ETABS software.
Effect of dust pollution from construction sites on on-site construction workers.
Authors: Mohan Gauri , Xavier Annie Sonia
Published: August 2024

The concern for air pollutionand its associated problems are increasing day by day.Unfortunately, construction industry is among the top contributorsto air pollution since most of the activities like excavation, tile cutting etc taking place in construction sites result in the generation of dust.These emissions cause negative impacts on humans as well as on the environment.A lack of awareness among construction workers, contractors etc regarding the ill-effects of dust pollution result in these problems not being considered seriously or tackled properly.The identification of dust sources as well as its health consequences and other aspects in construction sites can help increase awareness and aid in the execution of control measures. This could help to reduce dust pollutionin construction sites.Here,the health impacts that construction dust cause on on-site construction workers were studiedby interviewing the workers. From the data obtained from questionnaire survey, it was found that workers directly involved with dust generating construction activities like wall polishing and tile cuttingexperienced more health problems compared to other workers.Majority of workers experienced respiratory problems.From correlation analysis, it was found that experience of workers and their age had a moderate correlation with health problems experienced.Some of the dust control measures suggestedinclude regular site monitoring, implementation of control measures designed specifically to reduce the generation of dust from activities causing highest quantities of dustand regular site cleaning.
Numerical modelling of the stress strain behaviour of Kuttanad clay.
Authors: Manjanath Priyanka P , Dhanya Mary
Published: August 2024

Soil has been used as a construction material since antiquity with both success and failure. As the earth material is widely available and relatively economical, it has been found very useful in the construction of foundations, subgrades, embankments and as backfill. The collapsibility of soil is mainly due to the decrease of shear strength and macro-deformation with the increase of moisture content. This can result in some serious problems, such as the differential settlement of the foundation, landslides, and slope instability, resulting in a series of damages of infrastructures and loss of human lives to some degree. Fine-grained soils are the most complicated engineering material. These clays are characterized by high compressibility, low shear strength and high percentage of organic matter, which are unfavourable from the geotechnical point of view.It is of great importance in civil engineering to make realistic predictions of the behaviour of soil under various conditions. Studying the effect of moisture content on the shear strength of cohesive soil during different confining pressure helps to find a relationship between them. Triaxial tests under unconsolidated undrained conditions are carried outat different moisture contents, each at four different confining pressures (50, 100, 150, and 200 kPa). The relation of stress and strain of soils is analysedusing thehyperbolicmathematicalmodel which can provide a brief idea about how soil will behave under different conditions.Mathematical equations were determined based on the hyperbolic mathematical modelto predict the stress-strain behaviour of Kuttanad soil.Comparison of measured and predicted stress –strain curves for an additional group of soil sample with 37.22 % moisture contentshows that the proposed moisture content-dependent hyperbolic model provides good prediction of stress-strain behaviour of cohesive Kuttanad soil. The accuracy of the developed model is tested by employing Coefficient of determination (R2).
Phytosociological Assessment of Vegetation at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Campus at New Delhi.
Authors: Kumari Anjali , Khuman YSC , Nigam Amrita
Published: August 2024

The paper aims to investigate the phytosociological attributesthe vegetation of the managed campus area of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)situated atNew DelhiinIndia. The purpose of the studywas tounderstand thediversity pattern of vegetationfor its characterization. The vegetation sampling and data analysis were undertaken by adopting universally standard procedures. Findings ofthe study demonstrated that the study area had a totalof116 species of plants which belongedto 28 different families. Out of which 55 speciesof trees, 29 species of shrubs and32 species of herbs weretaken onrecord.The most common plant species based on importance value in tree, shrub and herb layers were found to beAzadirachta indica(IVI-66.87), Matricaria chamomilla(RVI-51.89) and Cynodon dactylon(RVI-68.87),respectively. Amongstfamilies,Fabaceaewas found tobe the most dominant. Results reflect dominanceof higher trees over ground floras. This study provides baseline informationfor future studieson the managed and natural forest patches exitingin the campus, and suggeststhat suitable conservation and managementof biodiversitycanimprove the natural floral and faunal value ofinstitutionalcampus.
An assessment of ambient air quality and air quality index for Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Authors: Himalay Bhakhar , Rita N. Kumar , Nirmal J. I Kumar
Published: August 2024

Most cities throughout the world are suffering from severe air pollution as a result of fast economic expansion and urbanization. Long-term air pollution data with high temporal and geographical resolutions are required to assist the study of the physical and chemical processes that determine air quality, as well as the health hazards associated with them. The study was performed to assess the air pollution status of Ahmedabad and its impact on the air quality index and human health. The gaseous pollutants NO 2 , SO 2 , NH 3 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 were measured using HVAS for the Post-monsoon, Pre-Monsoon and Monsoon seasons in three different study areas (Industrial, Urban, and Rural) of Ahmedabad. All the gases and particulate matter concentration values were observed in exceeding amounts as per the CPCB standards which may lead to various health effects like respiratory infections, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke and lung cancer.
Lotus: A Sacred, Valuable and Sustainable Aquatic Plant
Authors: Lata Sneh , Lata Rubee , Ram R.B.
Published: August 2024

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner), the national flower of India is true symbol of purity (sacred), beauty, knowledge and immortality. It is an aquatic plant with cosmopolitan distribution. It has large peltate and surface floating orbicular leaves with beautiful pink or purple colour flowers blooming at the top. Almost all of its parts including leaves, stems, flowers and seeds are used as edible and medicinal purposes. It has religious and cultural importance too. Apart from being highly nutritious with medicinal properties, its stem is used to extract thin strands of fibre that is woven to fabric with silk like properties, popularly called as “Lotus Silk” that is a nano-fibre utilized for making eco-friendly fabric with anti-bacterial, self-cleaning and super- hydrophobic potential. Keeping in view the above facts in mind, thisreview paper emphasizes particularly on the ecological, economic, religious, nutraceutical and sustainable fibre yielding potential of lotus plant, in addition to its role in wastewater management. This eco-friendly relationship between sacred lotus plant with nature can together be utilised for human welfare.
Factor influencing purchase intension of sustainable apparels among millennials.
Authors: Gupta Manisha , Ujjawal Nishtha Ujjawal , Sharma Shagun
Published: August 2024

The apparel business has the second largest carbon footprint and is the leading contributor to landfill garbage. To mitigate the adverse consequences, there must be a shift towards the use of organic textiles and fibres. Millennials are the most influential consumer demographic on the market, and apparel manufacturers and merchants should investigate the degree to which they are affected by a brand's social mission while making purchases. Sustainability in apparel does not yet have a commonly agreed definition, but this research examines the aim of educating young Indians to buy sustainable apparels. This study explored the variables that impact the purchase intention of sustainable apparel among millennials, the link between millennials' sustainability beliefs, attitudes and behaviours,and the importance of sustainability marketing and communication techniques. The Likert scale, a revised version of an earlier theory based on the notion of planned action, was used to assess the participants' intentions to buy eco-friendly clothing. Investigation and Measuring the findings of the model displaying factor loadings, AVE, and Cronbach's alpha were deemed adequate to demonstrate the validity and reliability of the scale. This paper explores factors influence millennials' willingness to purchase sustainable apparel, such as awareness and education, price and value, brand perception, social effect, convenience and availability. This research offers insights into the elements that impact the desire to buy apparel among millennials, although it has limitations. This study examines the apparel buying habits of the millennial generation in India, as well as the idea of planned behaviour in relation to clothes purchase intentions.
Determinants of Sustainable Frugal Innovation in Higher Education: A Massive Open Online Courses Perspective
Authors: Khera Shikha N , Pawar Himanshu
Published: August 2024

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have evolved from open educational resources during the last decade at the right pinnacle of technological advancements and thus, online learning exponentially evolved and spread with the expansion of MOOCs across various streams. We aim to explore the conceptual foundations of sustainable frugal innovation in higher education using MOOCs as a form of frugal product that might help bridge the gap between underprivileged sections of the society and their higher education systems from a developing country perspective. Using a systematic review approach we have analysed definitions pertaining to both the concepts published in peer-reviewed journal articles (n=71) and cross-validated our findings from grass-root frugal innovators and higher education academicians via group interviews. Accessibility, affordability and resource scarcity were found to be the most crucial determinants of sustainable frugal innovation that MOOCs have successfully embraced over the years. Strengthening our case from a developing country perspective our results signify the importance of instituting a frugal approach towards proliferating MOOCs in such systems that either lack quality education or are devoid of resources and leadership necessary to bank upon the underlying power of e-learning.
Exploring sustainable agriculture practices: a comprehensive study on environmental impact and food security
Authors: PRASHANT V
Published: August 2024

This research article aims to explore sustainable agriculture practices and their impact on environmental sustainability and food security in Kalaburagi district, located in the state of Karnataka, India. The study is based on primary data collected through a survey of 150 farmers in the region, who were selected through a random sampling technique. The study examines the current agricultural practices followed in the region, including the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs. The findings reveal that farmers in Kalaburagi district heavily rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which are causing environmental degradation and soil health deterioration. The study also highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture practices such as organic farming, crop rotation, and water conservation, which can not only mitigate the adverse environmental impact but also enhance food security by ensuring better crop yields and diversity. The study concludes that there is a need to promote and incentivize sustainable agricultural practices in the region through the provision of education and training to farmers, financial support, and government policies. The research article contributes to the literature on sustainable agriculture practices and their impact on environmental sustainability and food security in the context of Kalaburagi district. The findings of this study could be valuable for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working in the field of agriculture and sustainability.
Groundwater arsenic in Chandrapur District, Central India
Authors: Kamble Rahul
Published: August 2024

To ascertain the groundwater arsenic concentration from the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra State of Central India grab water sampling was carried out in post-monsoon season from 36 sampling locations comprised of 34 from hand pump and two from dug well. Groundwater samples were analysed for general parameters by adopting standard methods as described in APHA (2017). Furthermore, groundwater arsenic concentration was estimated by using the acid digestion method and by using ICP-OES. The results revealed groundwater arsenic concentration presence in all the sampling locations. The groundwater arsenic concentration was in the range of 0.015-0.041 mg/L with an average concentration of 0.031 mg/L. All the samples had groundwater arsenic concentrations above the acceptable limit of the Indian Standard for arsenic (< 0.01 mg/L), although they were within the permissible limit (< 0.05 mg/L). Maximum (n = 23, 63.88%) groundwater samples had arsenic concentration between 0.03-0.05 mg/L followed by 13 (36.11%) in 0.01-0.03 mg/L. The groundwater arsenic concentration in different aquifers revealed the hand pump sample had a maximum arsenic concentration (0.041 mg/L). Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient indicated groundwater arsenic is positively correlated with chloride (0.13) and iron (0.16) and negatively correlated with fluoride (-0.21) and pH (-0.19). The groundwater arsenic concentration, electrical conductivity, and pH relationship revealed maximum groundwater arsenic concentration at <1000 mmhos/cm and >1000 mmhos/cm conductivity is obtained in acidic pH; whereas, minimum in near neutral and alkaline pH. The behaviour of groundwater arsenic below ground level revealed the maximum average concentration of 0.0339 mg/L at 35 feet below ground level (bgl) followed by 0.0328 mg/L at 300 feet bgl and minimum (0.0299 mg/L) at 190 feet bgl. Deep wells (101-150 feet bgl) had maximum average groundwater arsenic concentration (0.0326 mg/L) followed by shallow wells (<100 feet bgl) 0.0319 mg/L. From the results, it can be concluded that the presence of arsenic in the groundwater of study area and its origin can be geogenic in nature. The groundwater arsenic concentration was above the permissible limit and thus may pose a health risk to inhabitants who are drinking groundwater. A long-term study from the study area will shed light on spatio-temporal behaviour of groundwater arsenic. A local policy from the government is required to mitigate adverse impacts on the inhabitants. An alternative source of potable water should be made available to the inhabitants thus reducing chronic daily intake and hazards associated with it. A low-cost, environmentally friendly, easy-to-adopt, and understandable arsenic removal methodology will be a boon to the local people.
Rainfall characteristics, pattern and distribution of Nashik District, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kharke Ashali
Published: August 2024

An attempt has been made to examine the rainfall characteristics, pattern and distribution of Nashik district of Maharashtra state, India. The paper aims to analyze the spatio-temporal variation of Annual Average Rainfall (AAR) of 20 years (2000-2020) of Nashik district. For that monsoonal rainfall data of Nashik district for 15 rainguage stations have been considered. From that data average rainfall data (for 20 years) of the study area have been calculated and presented by graphical method which shows that high rainfall experienced in 2006 within 20 years timespan and followed that 2019. Station wise AAR also depicted through graph which shows that the distribution of rainfall is mostly uneven and highly influenced by the physiography of the region, Igatpuri station recorded maximum rainfall (3118.11 mm) and Deola recorded minimum rainfall (497.44 mm.).  From the calculated data tehsil wise AAR map also has been formed which reveals the western part of the study area receives the highest rainfall (>1000 mm), middle region receives moderate rainfall (600-1000 mm) and in eastern part it become erratic and low (< 600 mm). The result shows that study area has spatio-temporal variability of rainfall due to western ghat at western side. This significant knowledge about rainfall Characteristics are useful for water resource planning and management for Nashik district.
Spatio-temporal analysis of local dairy farming along the Indira Gandhi canal in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Ram Nitharwal Teja
Published: August 2024

India is a country with the highest milk production and the consumption of dairy products is also at its high in India. In India by the year 2020, the contribution of Dairy products in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India was 4.2 per cent. The dairy sector is one of the most important sectors in any country as it can provide the citizen of the country with nourishment and in a country like India, that is the second-largest (in terms of population), nutrition plays an important role in sustaining the country and its people because healthy people make a healthy nation. The dairy sector also provides livelihood to a very large population who are still residing in the rural parts of India. Therefore, analysis of the dairy sector, its growth and distribution become an important process to develop the nutritional and economical status of both farmers and consumers. The objective of the study was to analyse and comprehend the growth and geographical distribution of milk-producing animals in the study area and how with time their growth in the targeted area was got influenced. The study was conducted to understand the Spatio-temporal distribution of dairy farming along the Indira Gandhi Canal by analysing the secondary source of data of 15 years of the span between 1997-2012 were obtained from the Census Department of India and websites maintained by the Rajasthan Government. The Spatio-temporal analysis has been done using simple statistical methods using MS Excel and choropleth maps were designed using geospatial software Arc GIS 10.1 and Advanced MS Excel Geospatial Techniques. It was found that the study area is doing well with the production and addition of animals in the dairy sector and there is a need for the government to look towards the development of the infrastructure to survive the increasing population of milk-producing animals as well as the demand of the increasing population what we know as consumers.
Morphological and molecular evaluation of Etroplus suratensis (Pices: Cichlidae) from three geographical locations of Peninsular India
Authors: Raju Nevin , Sunish K.S. , Abraham Kurian Mathew
Published: August 2024

Interspecific variations within species is common by having subspecies, races or strains and moreover, population differences are also evident in morphological, molecular, physiological and other characteristics, which will be added up by geographical variations. Etroplus suratensis (Pisces: Perciformes: Cichlidae) is an important brackish water food fish known for its high commercial value and recognised by government as the State fish of Kerala and distributed and cultured throughout the peninsular India. Identification sometimes fails to discriminate species while following the conventional morphometric measures due to phenotypic plasticity and presencs of morphotyes. An attempt was made to differentiate the morphological and molecular characteristics of E. suratensis from three different states, Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatanam), Karnataka (Mangalore) and Kerala (Cochin) of south India.  Comparison of total of 8 morphometric measurements and phylogenetic evaluation using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (CoI) as molecular genetic marker was used assess geographical variation of the species. Morphologically species from Visakhapatanam showed significant difference from other two localities whereas mean genetic divergence value between E. suratensis collected from Visakhapatnam and Mangalore with a native sample of E. suratensis were found to be significantly low (0.002%), which shows that E. suratensis distributed in Visakhapatnam and Mangalore though they are colour variants, are genetically similar.
A review on stabilization of clayey soil using egg shell powder (esp) along with chicken feather fiber (cff).
Authors: Prasad S Sreerema , Dharan Sruthi B.
Published: August 2024

Today the construction industry faces drastic problems because of availability of good quality of land for construction. This occurs due to increase in population and industalization. Overcome such situations civil engineers focus to construct structures on weak soil by improving its properties. The technique utilized for the enhancement of soil properties is known as ground improvement techniques. Here, a review on clayey soil treated with locally available waste materials, such as Egg Shell Powder (ESP) and Chicken Feather Fiber (CFF). Soil stabilization is the process of enhancing the physical properties of soil in order to improve its strength, durability etc.by adding different stabilizing agents. Egg Shell Powder is a waste product from homes, restaurants, etc. Chicken feather is also a poultry waste. Soil was first treated with varying percentage of ESP to find the optimum value for gain strength. Then the soil again treated with varying percentage of CFF along with optimum percentage of ESP to find optimum value to gain maximum strength. The study concluded that the addition of waste additives enhance the engineering properties of clayey soil. Both ESP and CFF are waste products which may cause severe environmental problems. The utilization of these products as soil stabilizers makes economical and become a best solution for sustainable environmental protection.
Knowledge level of rural vegetable farmers on sustainable production in Enugu State, Nigeria.
Authors: Nwobodo Cynthia Ebere , Eze Valentine Onyekachi , Eze Kelvin Chinedu
Published: August 2024

Sustainability is the new global targets for improving people’s lives around the world. Most academics, researchers and practitioners apply the concept to connote improving and sustaining a healthy economic, ecological and social system for human development. This study assessed the knowledge level of rural vegetable farmers on sustainable production in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 120 respondents for the study. Structured interview schedule was used for data collection and the data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean statistics analysis and Pearson correlation model. Results revealed that majority (95.8%) of the respondents made used personal experience as main source of information on sustainable vegetable production practices, 89.2% indicated obtaining information on sustainable vegetable production practices from relatives and neighbors, 80.0% indicated obtaining information on sustainable vegetable production practices from radio. Majority (92.5%) of the respondents have moderate knowledge of sustainable vegetable production. Result revealed that there is a very high significant positive correlation between the sustainability practices of the rural vegetable farmers and their knowledge level (R=0.280, P=0.02). Improved access to information on sustainable vegetable production through face-to-face extension teaching method and other media will advance the knowledge level and use of sustainable production practices by rural vegetable farmers.
Effect of soaking, germination and roasting on Nutritional, functional and Anti-nutritional characteristics of date (Phoenix Dactylifera) seeds
Authors: Vasantha  , Umme Sana
Published: August 2024

Date seeds are by-products of date palm fruit and are considered as an agro-waste and hence go underutilized. They are an excellent, natural and inexpensive source of dietary fiber, proteins, minerals, antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The present study was undertaken to assess the changes in the nutritional, antinutritional and functional characteristics of Mazafati date seeds after the process of soaking, sprouting and roasting. The date seeds were soaked for 48 hours and sprouted for 15 days at room temperature and then roasted at 220oC for 15 minutes in a hot convection oven and ground into a powder. The various quality characteristics of non-sprouted date seeds powder (NSDSP) and Sprouted date seeds powder (SDSP) was further analyzed for its. It was found that SDSP had a significant (p<0.05) increase in moisture, protein, dietary fiber, Total ash, phenolic and Flavonoid content and a significant improvement in the Anti-oxidant capacity compared to NSDSP. A significant decrease in the carbohydrates, fat, tannins and phytates was also observed in SDSP when compared to NSDSP. Hence, bio-processing technique like sprouting can enhance the nutritional value of date seeds and can be utilized as a functional ingredient in various foods products and can contribute in agro-waste reduction.