Life Sciences

Quality protein maize (QPM) has approximately twice tryptophan (Trp) and lysine (Lys) concentrations in protein compared to normal maize. Because several genetic systems control the protein quality of QPM, it is essential to regularly monitor Trp and/or Lys in QPM breeding programs. The objective of the study was to evaluate the capability of NIRS method in determining tryptophan content of QPM which enhance the efficiency of QPM research efforts by partially replacing more expensive and time-consuming wet chemistry analysis.

The aim of the research was to determine the effects of different intra-row spacing (20, 30 and 40 cm) and nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) on yield and yield components of confectionery sunflower genotype (Alaca). The experiment was laid on “Randomized Complete Block Design” as split plots with three replications.  The highest seed yield obtained from 20 cm intra-row spacing and 120 kg ha-1 nitrogen and the score were 243.3 kg da-1 and 315.3 kg da-1 in 2007 and 2008.

Nanoparticles are the perfect materials for wastewater treatment and efficient in removal of pathogens, dye decolourization and organic compound removal and the biological synthesis of nanoparticles is an ecofriendly process. Hence the present study trends in about the biosynthesis of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles and evaluation of its ability in waste water treatment. The biologically synthesized Titanium-dioxide nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, SEM-EDAX, TEM, XRD and FTIR.

Insect make up the largest and most diverse group of organisms on earth, contributing to as much as 80 – 90 %   of the world’s biodiversity. Approximately 950,000 species of insects have been described, some estimate there are 4,000 000 species in total. Over 70 % of drugs on the market are derived from natural compounds, however, insect are one of the least explored groups in drug discovery. A large portion of animals on earth, particularly insects, utilize chemicals as their primary tools of warfare and defense.

Senescence is the final stage of the plant development which leads to cell death. This process consists of a highly regulated, ordered series of events involving loss of photosynthetic capability, breakdown of proteins, loss of chlorophyll, disintegration of chloroplasts and export of all solubilised nutrients. The regulation and control of gene expression of senescence is governed by a set of Senescence Associated Genes (SAGs). They encode the enzymes which degrade the biomolecules during the leaf senescence and thus strictly associated with senescence in different plants.

In muster actions decisions must be taken very quick. So human error will take an important role. Hence it is very important to predict human error probability and the associated risk. Human Error Probability Index is a methodology for analyzing human error in emergency muster actions. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk of human error in muster action in emergency conditions in South Pars Gas Complex and obtain the HEPI reference graphs to be used in all onshore gas refineries. Calculations was based on SLIM and the judges were selected from SPGC.

An orchard survey was conducted to assess the nutrient status of nectarines in Lapseki district in Turkey. For this study, leaf and soil samples were collected from 28 nectarine orchards and necessary information was obtained about yield and fertilization. Soil samples were taken once a year at two depths of 0-20 and 20-40 cm. In view of the findings based on soil analyses the results are summarized below:

Agriculture sector contributes significantly to the national economy and S&T has played a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity over the years. An extensive agricultural research system with a widespread extension machinery and government policy has enabled the agriculture sector to respond to the increasing demand for agricultural produce. However, in recent decades the agricultural scenario has witnessed several challenges like declining farm profitability, depletion of natural resources, resurgence of new pests and diseases, global warming and climate change.

An original polarimetric experimental setup is used to pump and probe photosensitive films. Photo-induced behavior of Azobenzene Disperse one (AZD1) doped Poly(Methyl MethAcrylate) (PMMA) using both linear and circular polarized light is studied. The anisotropy is not erased by the circular polarization light. The circular polarization light combined with relatively long lifetime of the cis state in doped polymers appears as if it activate all transverse directions of the angular hole burning through the film inducing anisotropy.

The focus of attention has become a capricious area of research in educational science. It has become a standing concern in the field of academics, sports and life skills.  To cater to the need of the day, the in-hand study was taken up to re-emphasize and re-establish the validity of the numerical value of focus factor as assessed by Cognitive Ability Test which is already developed and standardized.  The research was carried in and around Chandigarh.