Integrated Crop Management Practices of Wheat through Frontline Demonstrationin Bundelkhand Region

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Datia, Madhya Pradesh conducted 365 demonstrations on wheatvarieties GW-366 and RVW-4106 during 2017-18 to 2020-21 at farmers’ field in Datiadistrict to find out the worth of the improved technology. The parameters like technologicalimpact, economical impact and extension gap were analyzed and the feasibility ofdemonstrated technologies at grass root levels was assessed. The results of four years ofstudies revealed that the yield under demonstration plots was 4684 kg/ha as compared to3875 kg/ha in traditional farmer practices plots. This additional yield of 809 kg/ha and theincrease in average wheat productivity by 21.43 per cent may contribute to the presentwheat requirement on national basis. The average technology gap, extension gap andtechnology index were found to be 376.50 kg/ha, 807.75 kg/ha and 7.40 per cent respectively.An additional investment of Rs. 1470 per ha coupled with scientific monitoring ofdemonstrations and non-monetary factors resulted in an additional net return of Rs. 13531per ha. Fluctuation in the sale price of wheat during different years influenced the economicreturns per unit area. On four years overall average basis incremental benefit cost ratiowas found as 3.41. The results indicate the positive effects of FLDs over the existingpractices.

User Experience Research, Experience Design, and Evaluation Methods for Museum Mixed Reality Experience

Wearable Mixed Reality (MR) technology is a tool that gives people a new enhanced experience that they have not encountered before. This study shows the process of designing new museum experiences while considering how this technology changes previous museum experiences, what those experiences are, and what people should feel through these experiences. This process was systematically conducted according to the UX design process of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. In the analysis step, six types of museum artifact viewing experiences were defined: knowing, restoring, exploring, expanded scale, encountering, and sharing experience through research and user surveys related to the museum experience. In addition, through research analysis related to MR technology, presence, flow, and natural interaction were defined as three essential factors that users should feel in the MR experience. In the synthesis stage, optimized wearable MR experiences were designed and implemented by applying the necessary experience types and essential factors according to the characteristics of each artifact. In the evaluation stage, user experience evaluations such as user experience tests for essential factors in the MR experience, User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) tests for interaction products, and the Visual Aesthetics of Websites Inventory (VisAWI) test for visual experiences from various perspectives were conducted on the developed results. Through these evaluations, users gave positive scores to the design results based on the experience types and essential factors defined in this study. When applying new media technologies such as wearable MR technology, improved technology implementation is important, but an understanding of the applied field must first be obtained, and user analysis must first be thoroughly conducted. This study will be a guide to the systematic development process to be followed when applying wearable MR technology to other fields.

nf-rnaSeqCount: A Nextflow pipeline for obtaining raw read counts from RNA-seq data

The rate of raw sequence production through Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has been growing exponentially due to improved technology and reduced costs. This has enabled researchers to answer many biological questions through ``multi-omics'' data analyses. Even though such data promises new insights into how biological systems function and understanding disease mechanisms, computational analyses performed on such large datasets comes with its challenges and potential pitfalls. The aim of this study was to develop a robust portable and reproducible bioinformatic pipeline for the automation of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data analyses. Using Nextflow as a workflow management system and Singularity for application containerisation, the nf-rnaSeqCount pipeline was developed for mapping raw RNA-seq reads to a reference genome and quantifying abundance of identified genomic features for differential gene expression analyses. The pipeline provides a quick and efficient way to obtain a matrix of read counts that can be used black with tools such as DESeq2 and edgeR for differential expression analysis. Robust and flexible bioinformatic and computational pipelines for RNA-seq data analysis, from QC to sequence alignment and comparative analyses, will reduce analysis time, and increase accuracy and reproducibility of findings to promote transcriptome research.

Longevity of Ulmus pumila L. in protective afforestation on semi-desert lands of the Astrakhan Zavolzhye

The article provides a predictive assessment of longevity of Ulmus pumila L. stands in the Astrakhan Zavolzhye. The effi and expediency of renewable logging for rejuvenation and increasing the longevity of plantings in the semi-desert were confi The classifi of ecotopes of the Astrakhan Zavolzhye on suitability for cultivation of protective and shadow elm plantings on pasture lands was developed and presented. In the Caspian region, Ulmus pumila became widespread in forest reclamation of semi-desert lands in the 1950s. Since then, till the beginning of the 1990s, Bogdinskaya research agroforestry experimental station laid on the sandy massifs about 1 thousand hectares of Ulmus pumila L. plantings, which currently amounts to 1824 %. The long-term practice of using protective shade Ulmus pumila umbrellas has shown their signifi ecological effect on functioning pastures. The aim of the research was to develop an improved technology for creating long-lived protective shade stands of Ulmus pumila on degraded pastures of the Astrakhan Zavolzhye. The research was carried out using generally accepted methods of stand forest taxation by A.P. Anuchin (1961), 1. Bitvinskas (1974) and A.S. Manaenkov (2001). Soil conditions were studied by drilling sounding to 3 m depth. The results of the research revealed that the longevity of wood species in the dry-steppe zone was determined mainly by two factors: productive moisture in the soil and salinity level. The most favorable growing conditions for Ulmus pumila were unsalted (to a depth of at least 3 m) brown sandy soils, sandy loam soils, dark-colored swale soils with periodic redistributed accumulation of moisture. In arid conditions of the Astrakhan Zavolzhye in island plantations (group of trees, umbrellas, 0.51 ha parts of forest area) and optimal growing conditions without logging and reforestation, Ulmus pumila lives up to 6070 years.

Improving the marmalade technology by adding a multicomponent fruit-and-berry paste

The necessity to optimize the nutritional value of marmalade by using physiologically functional ingredients containing vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals, and other useful substances in its composition has been substantiated. Specifically, using the multicomponent fruit-and-berry paste from apples, quince, black currant has been proposed, which is obtained by an improved technique. The technique is characterized by the rapid dehydration (30...45 s, at 50 °C) of the blended paste in a rotor plant to 28...30 % of dry matter. When studying the dependences of the effective viscosity of paste compositions on the shear rate, it was found that the paste that demonstrated the best indicators contained apple in the amount of 40 %; quince ‒ 50 %; black currant ‒ 10 %. It has been experimentally proven that the rational amount of fruit-and-berry paste is 30 % with a decrease in agar by 30 %. This makes it possible to obtain the jelly-fruit marmalade on agar with a mass fraction of moisture of 18 %, a total acidity of 10 degrees, and a mass fraction of reducing substances not more than 28 %. The products have a sweet-sour taste, with a pleasant aftertaste and the smell of black currant, rich purple color, jelly-like form, and non-tight consistency. The strength of the new samples of marmalade with a decrease in the amount of agar is 18.9 kPa, similar to that of control. The improved technology makes it possible to expand the range of "healthy products", which is achieved by the partial replacement of raw materials with a fruit-and-berry paste, which contains a significant number of physiologically functional components. This allows for an increase in the nutritional value of marmalade, as well as a decrease in the formulation amount of agar, which is expensive, by 30 %. In addition, gentle concentration modes improve the process of paste making

A Review on Systematic Investigation of Leucocytes Identification and Classification Techniques for Microscopic Blood Smear

Healthcare services are an important part of human beings and healthcare services are changing with new and innovative technologies. In recent day’s healthcare sector performing very crucial role in metamorphose of traditional health services to e-health technologies. This proposal provides an error-free and improved technology-based blood analysis service for the identification of leucocytes in blood samples of humans. Leucocytes play a vital and important character in human immune systems. This system helps to protect the body from suffering from leukemia. Leukemia, a blood cancer, nowadays is commonly found in all age persons. Leukemia is a type of disease and image processing techniques and algorithms can play a crucial role in disease diagnostic methodology. Identification of leukocytes in blood smear provides important information to pathologist as well as doctors to analyze and predicts different types of diseases, such as cancer. However, this analysis is critical and major complexities which results in errors and also takes a lot of time for analysis. Most of the time, the laboratory practitioners and doctors are interested only in leucocytes in blood smear. Medical image processing techniques strongly supports in their critical diagnosis and better results.

INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY OF PREPARATION OF WHEAT GRAIN FOR GRINDING ON ITS MICROBIOLOGICAL SAFETY INDICATORS

Качество и безопасность зерна выступает важным и обязательным объектом государственного регулирования и контроля. Рост количества опасных видов сорных растений, вредных насекомых и заболеваний зерновых культур привел к снижению качества зерновой массы, повышению ее микробиальной обсемененности. Важным этапом снижения микробиальной обсемененности зерна является его подготовка к переработке. Для повышения эффективности сепарирования и поверхностной очистки зерна пшеницы и снижения его микробиологической обсемененности учеными Кубанского государственного технологического университета предложена технологическая линия, включающая установку фотоэлектронного сепаратора перед овсюгоотборником для очистки зерновой массы от примесей, отличающихся от зерна пшеницы по цвету, и шлифовального агрегата вместо обоечных машин для очистки поверхности зерна. Цель настоящего исследования – определить эффективность применения предложенной технологии подготовки зерна пшеницы к помолу на примере его микробиологических показателей безопасности. В качестве объектов исследования были образцы зерна пшеницы из партий, поступивших с элеватора в подготовительное отделение мельницы, отобранные на зерноперерабатывающих предприятиях Краснодарского края, работающих как по традиционной, так и по усовершенствованной технологии. Установлено, что в зерновой массе, подготовленной к помолу по разработанной технологии, общее количество бактерий на 65% меньше, а содержание дрожжей и плесеней соответственно в 2 и 3 раза ниже, чем в зерновой массе, подготовленной к переработке по традиционной технологии. Из зерновой массы, подготовленной к переработке по усовершенствованной технологии, были полностью удалены вредные и минеральные примеси, фузариозные зерна и куколь. Результаты исследования показали высокую эффективность применения разработанной технологии подготовки зерна пшеницы к помолу. The quality and safety of grain is an important and mandatory object of state regulation and control. The increase in the number of dangerous species of weeds, harmful insects and diseases of grain crops has led to a decrease in the quality of grain mass, an increase in its microbial contamination. An important step in reducing the microbial contamination of grain is its preparation for processing. To increase the efficiency of separation and surface cleaning of wheat grain and reduce its microbiological contamination, scientists of the Kuban State Technological University have proposed a technological line that includes the installation of a photoelectronic separator in front of the oat collector to clean the grain mass from impurities that differ from wheat grain in color, and a grinding unit instead for cleaning the grain surface. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the proposed technology for preparing wheat grain for grinding on the example of its microbiological safety indicators. The objects of the study were samples of wheat grain from batches received from the elevator to the preparatory department of the mill, selected at grain processing enterprises of the Krasnodar region operating both according to traditional and improved technology. It was found that in the grain mass prepared for grinding according to the developed technology, the total number of bacteria is 65% less, and the content of yeast and mold respectively is 2 and 3 times lower than in the grain mass prepared for processing according to traditional technology. Harmful and mineral impurities, fusarium grains and Agrostemma L. were completely removed from the grain mass prepared for processing using improved technology. The results of the study showed the high efficiency of the application of the developed technology for preparing wheat grain for grinding.

Cluster based Oat-vetch mixtures for forage production in Dodola district of West Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

The present activity was conducted at Keta Berenda kebele of Dodola district of West Arsi Zone of Oromia in 2019 cropping season with the objectives to evaluate cluster-based pre-scaling up fodder oat mixture with vetch, collect farmers’ opinion on the performance of the technology, improve farmers’ knowledge and skill of application of the improved technology through training and increase local capacity for future scaling-up. Keta Berenda kebele was purposively selected from the district based on the livestock population potential and accessibility. Thirty-one farmers (24 males and 7 females) who had the willingness to accept and disseminate the technology and possess adequate land for forage production were selected in cluster form and established as 1 FREGs in collaboration with development agents of the Kebele. Fourteen trial farmers were nominated from the members for forage establishment. The technology was established on a land size of 2.945 ha with all recommended agronomic practices. The training was given for 20 farmers and 3 development agents on; forage production, management, and utilization practices. 8.01 t ha-1 biomass yields were obtained from an oat-vetch mixture. Hence, the technology should be further promoted on a wide scale to address the feed shortage scarcity of the study area.

Assessment of Yield Gaps and Economics through Frontline Demonstration in Participatory Mode on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Eastern Zone of Haryana

Background: Cluster frontline demonstration (CFLD) with improved technology plays a vital role in enhancing the production potential of pulses as well as socio-economic level of farmers and it also proved that it improves soil heath through crop diversification by optimizing diversified microhabitats that benefit soil microbial community. Methods: KVK, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal (Haryana) conducted 220 demonstrations on chickpea variety HC-1 and HC-5 over an area of 80 ha during Rabi season 2017-18 to 2020-21. The demonstrated technology was improved variety HC-1 and HC-5, optimum seed rate and spacing, seed and soil treatment with bio-fungicide and application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module for the management of diseases and insects. Result: The result of the CFLDs showed that on an average yield of chickpea seed under improved technology, ranged from 11.41 q/ha to 20 q/ha which was 25.06 per cent more as compared to farmer practices. The study depicted, the mean technology gap of 9.01 q/ha, the mean extension gap of 3.70 q/ha and the mean technology index of 36.7 per cent. The study concluded that from one hectare a net income of Rs. 47565/- can be obtained, additional return of Rs. 10404/, effective gain of Rs. 8289 and B:C ratio obtained were 2.63 under incorporation of improved technology as compared to local check. By conducting CFLD of proven technologies, yield of crop could be enhanced to a great extent with ultimately increment in the income level of small and marginal farmers.

FACTORS INFLUENCING TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION BY TRADITIONAL AFRICAN VEGETABLE FARMERS IN NORTHERN GHANA

The production of traditional African vegetables is an age-old tradition among the people of the northern region of Ghana. However, the knowledge base of traditional African vegetable production remains local due to a lack of research and policy support. Therefore, the adoption of improved technology among traditional vegetable farmers is generally low and impedes efforts to promote widespread cultivation, consumption and even commercialisation. This study aims at clarifying potential factors that determine the adoption of technologies by traditional African vegetable farmers in the northern region of Ghana. One hundred and five (105) respondents in five communities and across two administrative districts in the northern region were selected for an in-depth survey using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. In addition, a logit regression was used to determine the effect of various factors on technology adoption by farmers. Among the factors, the educational level of a farmer, access to credit, farm size, experience in farming and access to extension support were found to be important factors affecting the decision of traditional African vegetable farmers to adopt improved technology. The results of this study can help enhance the effectiveness of policy re-orientation towards a more effective commercialisation of traditional African vegetables in Ghana and elsewhere.