University of Kashmir

Plants respond to herbivory through various morphological, biochemicals, and molecular mechanisms to counter/offset the effects of herbivore attack. The biochemical mechanisms of defense against the herbivores are wide-ranging, highly dynamic, and are mediated both by direct and indirect defenses. The defensive compounds are either produced constitutively or in response to plant damage, and affect feeding, growth, and survival of herbivores. In addition, plants also release volatile organic compounds that attract the natural enemies of the herbivores. These strategies either act independently or in conjunction with each other. However, our understanding of these defensive mechanisms is still limited. Induced resistance could be exploited as an important tool for the pest management to minimize the amounts of insecticides used for pest control. Host plant resistance to insects, particularly, induced resistance, can also be manipulated with the use of chemical elicitors of secondary metabolites, which confer resistance to insects. By understanding the mechanisms of induced resistance, we can predict the herbivores that are likely to be affected by induced responses. The elicitors of induced responses can be sprayed on crop plants to build up the natural defense system against damage caused by herbivores. The induced responses can also be engineered genetically, so that the defensive compounds are constitutively produced in plants against are challenged by the herbivory. Induced resistance can be exploited for developing crop cultivars, which readily produce the inducible response upon mild infestation, and can act as one of components of integrated pest management for sustainable crop production.

In this manuscript, recent progress in the area of resistive random access memory (RRAM) technology which is considered one of the most standout emerging memory technologies owing to its high speed, low cost, enhanced storage density, potential applications in various fields, and excellent scalability is comprehensively reviewed. First, a brief overview of the field of emerging memory technologies is provided. The material properties, resistance switching mechanism, and electrical characteristics of RRAM are discussed. Also, various issues such as endurance, retention, uniformity, and the effect of operating temperature and random telegraph noise (RTN) are elaborated. A discussion on multilevel cell (MLC) storage capability of RRAM, which is attractive for achieving increased storage density and low cost is presented. Different operation schemes to achieve reliable MLC operation along with their physical mechanisms have been provided. In addition, an elaborate description of switching methodologies and current voltage relationships for various popular RRAM models is covered in this work. The prospective applications of RRAM to various fields such as security, neuromorphic computing, and non-volatile logic systems are addressed briefly. The present review article concludes with the discussion on the challenges and future prospects of the RRAM.

cubic meters of rock and glacier ice collapsed from the steep north face of Ronti Peak. The rock and ice avalanche rapidly transformed into an extraordinarily large and mobile debris flow that transported boulders greater than 20 meters in diameter and scoured the valley walls up to 220 meters above the valley floor. The intersection of the hazard cascade with downvalley infrastructure resulted in a disaster, which highlights key questions about adequate monitoring and sustainable development in the Himalaya as well as other remote, high-mountain environments.

We evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of a methanolic extract of the roots of Arisaema jacquemontii. Antioxidant activity was determined in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and ferric reducing power tests. The extract had significant antioxidant activity in all assays, with values of 64.16 ± 0.19% in the DPPH and 62.16 ± 0.17% in the NBT assays, and reduced Fe3+ ferricyanide complex to the ferrous form (Fe2+). Antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentrations were calculated by the broth dilution method. The root extract prevented the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.24–0.41 mg/mL. Antifungal activity, measured as inhibition of mycelium growth, was 28.32–36.50%. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the extracts were positively associated with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract.

Diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate and has become a global challenge. Insulin resistance in target tissues and a relative deficiency of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells are the major features of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Chronic low-grade inflammation in T2D has given an impetus to the field of immuno-metabolism linking inflammation to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Many factors advocate a causal link between metabolic stress and inflammation. Numerous cellular factors trigger inflammatory signalling cascades, and as a result T2D is at the moment considered an inflammatory disorder triggered by disordered metabolism. Cellular mechanisms like activation of Toll-like receptors, Endoplasmic Reticulum stress, and inflammasome activation are related to the nutrient excess linking pathogenesis and progression of T2D with inflammation. This paper aims to systematically review the metabolic profile and role of various inflammatory pathways in T2D by capturing relevant evidence from various sources. The perspectives include suggestions for the development of therapies involving the shift from metabolic stress to homeostasis that would favour insulin sensitivity and survival of pancreatic β-cells in T2D.

This textbook is an introduction to wavelet transforms and accessible to a larger audience with diverse backgrounds and interests in mathematics, science, and engineering. Emphasis is placed on the logical development of fundamental ideas and systematic treatment of wavelet analysis and its applications to a wide variety of problems as encountered in various interdisciplinary areas. Numerous standard and challenging topics, applications, and exercises are included in this edition, which will stimulate research interest among senior undergraduate and graduate students. The book contains a large number of examples, which are either directly associated with applications or formulated in terms of the mathematical, physical, and engineering context in which wavelet theory arises. Topics and Features of the Second Edition: · Expanded and revised the historical introduction by including many new topics such as the fractional Fourier transform, and the construction of wavelet bases in various spaces other than and several new extensions of the original multiresolution analysis. · Extensions of the classical theory of multiresolution analysis consisting of Ƥ-multiresolution analysis on the positive half-line and non-uniform multiresolution analysis. · Includes carefully chosen end-of-chapter exercises directly associated with applications or formulated in terms of the mathematical, physical, and engineering context and provides answers to selected exercises for additional help · Completely updated bibliography and enlarged index Mathematicians, physicists, computer engineers, and electrical and mechanical engineers will find Wavelet Transforms and Their Applications an exceptionally complete and accessible text and reference. It is also suitable as a self-study or reference guide for practitioners and professionals.

Nutritional status during pregnancy can have a significant impact on maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Requirements for macronutrients such as energy and protein increase during pregnancy to maintain maternal homeostasis while supporting foetal growth. Energy restriction can limit gestational weight gain in women with obesity; however, there is insufficient evidence to support energy restriction during pregnancy. In undernourished women, balanced energy/protein supplementation may increase birthweight whereas high protein supplementation could have adverse effects on foetal growth. Modulating carbohydrate intake via a reduced glycaemic index or glycaemic load diet may prevent gestational diabetes and large-for-gestational-age infants. Certain micronutrients are also vital for improving pregnancy outcomes, including folic acid to prevent neural tube defects and iodine to prevent cretinism. Newly published studies support the use of calcium supplementation to prevent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly in women at high risk or with low dietary calcium intake. Although gaps in knowledge remain, research linking nutrition during pregnancy to maternofoetal outcomes has made dramatic advances over the last few years. In this review, we provide an overview of the most recent evidence pertaining to macronutrient and micronutrient requirements during pregnancy, the risks and consequences of deficiencies and the effects of supplementation on pregnancy outcomes.

Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae) commonly known as fennel is a well known and important medicinal and aromatic plant widely used as carminative, digestive, lactogogue and diuretic and in treating respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Its seeds are used as flavourings in baked goods, meat and fish dishes, ice cream, alcoholic beverages and herb mixtures. Phenols, phenolic glycosides and volatile aroma compounds such as trans-anethole, estragole and fenchone have been reported as the major phytoconstituents of this species. Different pharmacological experiments in a number of in vitro and in vivo models have convincingly demonstrated the ability of F. vulgare to exhibit antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antithrombotic and hepatoprotective activities, lending support to the rationale behind several of its therapeutic uses. Phenolic compounds isolated from F. vulgare are considered to be responsible for its antioxidant activity while the volatile aroma compounds make it an excellent flavouring agent. The present review is an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the chemistry, pharmacology, traditional uses and safety of F. vulgare.

Cell survival and death are intricately governed by apoptosis, a meticulously controlled programmed cell death. Apoptosis is vital in facilitating embryonic development and maintaining tissue homeostasis and immunological functioning. It is a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways that ultimately converges on executing the apoptotic program. The extrinsic pathway is initiated by the binding of death ligands such as TNF-α and Fas to their respective receptors on the cell surface. In contrast, the intrinsic pathway leads to increased permeability of the outer mitochondrial membrane and the release of apoptogenic factors like cytochrome c, which is regulated by the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Once activated, these pathways lead to a cascade of biochemical events, including caspase activation, DNA fragmentation, and the dismantling of cellular components. Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in various disorders, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. This article focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis regulation, to develop targeted therapeutic strategies. Modulating apoptotic pathways holds immense potential in cancer treatment, where promoting apoptosis in malignant cells could lead to tumor regression. This article demonstrates the therapeutic potential of targeting apoptosis, providing options for treating cancer and neurological illnesses. The safety and effectiveness of apoptosis-targeting drugs are being assessed in ongoing preclinical and clinical trials (phase I-III), opening the door for more effective therapeutic approaches and better patient outcomes.

Salinity stress affected crop production of more than 20% of irrigated land globally. In the present study the effect of different concentrations of NaCl (0, 100, and 200 mM) on growth, physio-biochemical attributes, antioxidant enzymes, oil content, etc. in Brassica juncea and the protective role of Trichoderma harzianum (TH) was investigated. Salinity stress deteriorates growth, physio-biochemical attributes, that ultimately leads to decreased biomass yield in mustard seedlings. Higher concentration of NaCl (200 mM) decreased the plant height by 33.7%, root length by 29.7% and plant dry weight (DW) by 34.5%. On the other hand, supplementation of TH to NaCl treated mustard seedlings showed elevation by 13.8, 11.8, and 16.7% in shoot, root length and plant DW respectively as compared to plants treated with NaCl (200 mM) alone. Oil content was drastically affected by NaCl treatment; however, TH added plants showed enhanced oil percentage from 19.4 to 23.4% in the present study. NaCl also degenerate the pigment content and the maximum drop of 52.0% was recorded in Chl. 'a'. Enhanced pigment content was observed by the application of TH to NaCl treated plants. Proline content showed increase by NaCl stress and maximum accumulation of 59.12% was recorded at 200 mM NaCl. Further enhancement to 70.37% in proline content was recorded by supplementation of TH. NaCl stress (200 mM) affirms the increase in H2O2 by 69.5% and MDA by 36.5%, but reduction in the accumulation is recorded by addition of TH to mustard seedlings. 200 mM NaCl elevated SOD, POD, APX, GR, GST, GPX, GSH, and GSSG in the present study. Further enhancement was observed by the application of TH to the NaCl fed seedlings. NaCl stress suppresses the uptake of important elements in both roots and shoots, however, addition of TH restored the elemental uptake in the present study. Mustard seedlings treated with NaCl and TH showed restricted Na uptake as compared to seedlings treated with NaCl alone. In conclusion, TH proved to be very beneficial in imparting resistance to the mustard plants against NaCl stress through improved uptake of essential elements, modulation of osmolytes and antioxidants.

Acute calculus cholecystitis is a very common disease with several area of uncertainty. The World Society of Emergency Surgery developed extensive guidelines in order to cover grey areas. The diagnostic criteria, the antimicrobial therapy, the evaluation of associated common bile duct stones, the identification of "high risk" patients, the surgical timing, the type of surgery, and the alternatives to surgery are discussed. Moreover the algorithm is proposed: as soon as diagnosis is made and after the evaluation of choledocholitiasis risk, laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be offered to all patients exception of those with high risk of morbidity or mortality. These Guidelines must be considered as an adjunctive tool for decision but they are not substitute of the clinical judgement for the individual patient.

The real-world use cases of blockchain technology, such as faster cross-border payments, identity management, smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, and supply chain–blockchain technology are here to stay and have become the next innovation, just like the Internet. There have been attempts to formulate digital money, but they have not been successful due to security and trust issues. However, blockchain needs no central authority, and its operations are controlled by the people who use it. Furthermore, it cannot be altered or forged, resulting in massive market hype and demand. Blockchain has moved past cryptocurrency and discovered implementations in other real-life applications; this is where we can expect blockchain technology to be simplified and not remain a complex concept. Blockchain technology’s desirable characteristics are decentralization, integrity, immutability, verification, fault tolerance, anonymity, audibility, and transparency. We first conduct a thorough analysis of blockchain technology in this paper, paying particular attention to its evolution, applications and benefits, the specifics of cryptography in terms of public key cryptography, and the challenges of blockchain in distributed transaction ledgers, as well as the extensive list of blockchain applications in the financial transaction system. This paper presents a detailed review of blockchain technology, the critical challenges faced, and its applications in different fields. Blockchain in the transaction system is explained in detail with a summary of different cryptocurrencies. Some of the suggested solutions are given in the overall study of the paper.

Mushrooms had long been used for medicinal and food purposes since decades. It is now increasingly recognized that correct diet, controls and modulates many functions of human body and consequently participates in the maintenance of state of good health, necessary to reduce the risk of many diseases. Modern pharmacological research confirms large parts of traditional knowledge regarding the medicinal effects of mushrooms due to their antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral properties, besides being used as functional foods. This paper sums up diverse beneficial health effects of mushrooms to humans, in the form of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, food and drugs, and medicines.    Key words: Mushrooms, medicine, food, properties

Abstract In this report, aqueous phase green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle utilizing Platanus orientalis is elucidated for the first time. The phytoconstituents of the P. orientalis leaf extract serve a dual role as reducing and capping agent during the fabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles. The role of the leaf extract in the synthesis of iron oxide has been briefly demonstrated in this work. The tailored iron oxide particles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering technique. Nonetheless, X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the mixed phase nature of the ensuing iron oxide, i.e. α-Fe 2 O 3 and γ-Fe 2 O 3 . The spherical oxide particles have an average diameter of 38 nm as determined from transmission electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles by the phytochemicals present in the leaf extract. Iron oxide nanoparticles show significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Mucor piriformis , employed as model fungi, but found to be more active toward M . piriformis .

Abstract Land use and land cover (LULC) change has been one of the most immense and perceptible transformations of the earth’s surface. Evaluating LULC change at varied spatial scales is imperative in wide range of perspectives such as environmental conservation, resource management, land use planning, and sustainable development. This work aims to examine the land use and land cover changes in the Kashmir valley between the time periods from 1992–2001–2015 using a set of compatible moderate resolution Landsat satellite imageries. Supervised approach with maximum likelihood classifier was adopted for the classification and generation of LULC maps for the selected time periods. Results reveal that there have been substantial changes in the land use and cover during the chosen time periods. In general, three land use and land cover change patterns were observed in the study area: (1) consistent increase of the area under marshy, built-up, barren, plantation, and shrubs; (2) continuous decrease in agriculture and water; (3) decrease (1992–2001) and increase (2001–2015) in forest and pasture classes. In terms of the area under each LULC category, most significant changes have been observed in agriculture (−), plantation (+), built-up (+), and water (−); however, with reference to percent change within each class, the maximum variability was recorded in built-up (198.45%), plantation (87.98%), pasture (− 71%), water (− 48%) and agriculture (− 28.85%). The massive land transformation is largely driven by anthropogenic actions and has been mostly adverse in nature, giving rise to multiple environmental issues in the ecologically sensitive Kashmir valley.

Abstract Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1‐km 2 resolution for 0–5 and 5–15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1‐km 2 pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world's major terrestrial biomes, and coarse‐grained air temperature estimates from ERA5‐Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean = 3.0 ± 2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 ± 2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (−0.7 ± 2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome‐specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near‐surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil‐related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications.

The present study was carried out to examine the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on growth, activities of antioxidant enzymes and some physio-biochemical attributes in mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.] plants exposed to cadmium (Cd) stress. Increasing concentrations of Cd led to decreased growth, shoot biomass, relative water content (RWC) and rate of photosynthesis (A). SA allayed the adverse effects of Cd on growth, RWC, and A, but the inhibitory effect of Cd on stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (E) was further promoted due to SA treatment. Cadmium-induced oxidative stress increased proline, lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage, but on exposure to SA, these parameters showed a marked decrease. Lower concentrations of Cd caused enhanced Cd transport into the plant. Cadmium suppressed the uptake of macro- and micro-nutrients, but exogenous application of SA restored the capability of plants to accumulate essential elements. SA mitigated the Cd-induced inhibition in the growth of mustard plants. Cadmium-induced increase in the activities of some key antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) was reduced by the exogenous application of SA. This reflects that SA might have acted as one of the potential antioxidants in mustard plants under Cd stress.

This review presents a comprehensive and systematic study of the field of bacterial plant biostimulants and considers the fundamental and innovative principles underlying this technology. Plant biostimulants are an important tool for modern agriculture as part of an integrated crop management (ICM) system, helping make agriculture more sustainable and resilient. Plant biostimulants contain substance(s) and/or microorganisms whose function when applied to plants or the rhizosphere is to stimulate natural processes to enhance plant nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, biocontrol, and crop quality. The use of plant biostimulants has gained substantial and significant heed worldwide as an environmentally friendly alternative to sustainable agricultural production. At present, there is an increasing curiosity in industry and researchers about microbial biostimulants, especially bacterial plant biostimulants (BPBs), to improve crop growth and productivity. The BPBs that are based on PGPR (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) play plausible roles to promote/stimulate crop plant growth through several mechanisms that include (i) nutrient acquisition by nitrogen (N2) fixation and solubilization of insoluble minerals (P, K, Zn), organic acids and siderophores; (ii) antimicrobial metabolites and various lytic enzymes; (iii) the action of growth regulators and stress-responsive/induced phytohormones; (iv) ameliorating abiotic stress such as drought, high soil salinity, extreme temperatures, oxidative stress, and heavy metals by using different modes of action; and (v) plant defense induction modes. Presented here is a brief review emphasizing the applicability of BPBs as an innovative exertion to fulfill the current food crisis.

There seems to be no report in the literature on the effect of melatonin (MT) in relieving the detrimental effects of combined application of salt stress (SS) and iron deficiency (ID). Therefore, the effect of MT on the accumulation/synthesis of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S) and how far these molecules are involved in MT‐improved tolerance to the combined application of ID and SS in pepper ( Capsicum annuum L) were tested. Hence, two individual trials were set up. The treatments in the first experiment comprised: Control, ID (0.1 mM FeSO 4 ), SS (100 mM NaCl) and ID + SS. The detrimental effects of combined stresses were more prominent than those by either of the single stress, with respect to growth, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense attributes. Single stress or both in combination improved the endogenous H 2 S and NO, and foliar‐applied MT (100 µM) led to a further increase in NO and H 2 S levels. In the second experiment, 0.1 mM scavenger of NO, 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide potassium salt (cPTIO) and that of H 2 S, hypotuarine (HT) were applied along with MT to get further evidence whether NO and H 2 S are involved in MT‐induced tolerance to ID and SS. MT combined with cPTIO and HT under a single or combined stress showed that NO effect was reversed by the NO scavenger, cPTIO, alone but the H 2 S effect was inhibited by both scavengers. These findings suggested that tolerance to ID and SS induced by MT may be involved in downstream signal crosstalk between NO and H 2 S.

In vitro meat production system is the production of meat outside the food animals by culturing the stem cells derived from farm animals inside the bioreactor by using advanced tissue engineering techniques. Besides winning the favour of animal rights activists for its humane production of meat, in vitro meat production system also circumvents many of the issues associated with conventional meat production systems, like excessively brutal slaughter of food animals, nutrition-related diseases, foodborne illnesses, resource use, antibiotic-resistant pathogen strains, and massive emissions of methane that contribute to global warming. As the conditions in an in vitro meat production system are controlled and manipulatable, it will be feasible to produce designer, chemically safe and disease-free meat on sustainable basis. However, many challenges are to be faced before cultured meat becomes commercially feasible. Although, the production cost and the public acceptance are of paramount importance, huge funds are desperately required for further research in the field.