Desh Bhagat University

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Agriculture, Plantica Indian Academy of Rural Development (IARD), Dehradun to evaluate the influence of foliar-applied micronutrients on the growth, yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and fourteen treatments including control. Quality parameters such as ascorbic acid, total soluble solids (TSS), crude protein and chlorophyll content were recorded and analysed statistically. The results revealed a significant effect of micronutrient sprays on all quality attributes. Treatment T10 recorded the highest ascorbic acid content (86.40 mg/100 g), followed by T7 and T5, as compared to the control (80.00 mg/100 g). Maximum TSS (7.90%) was observed in T9, while treatments T4, T8 and T6 also showed considerable improvement over control (6.00%). Crude protein content was highest (2.79%) in T5 and T8, followed closely by T7 (2.78%). Chlorophyll content was markedly improved in T11 (2.15 mg g⁻¹), followed by T12 (2.14 mg g⁻¹) and T9 (2.12 mg g⁻¹), whereas the lowest was recorded in control (1.57 mg g⁻¹). The study concludes that foliar application of specific micronutrient combinations markedly enhances the nutritional and physiological quality of broccoli. Treatments such as T10, T9, T5, T8, and T11 proved most effective and may be recommended for improving broccoli quality under similar agro-climatic conditions of the western Himalayan foothills.

Abstract Optical networks are the backbone of today’s high-speed communication systems, but they can be attacked in many ways. Hackers might use advanced methods like wormhole attacks, Sybil attacks, or single-point failures to disrupt or take control of the network. Most current security systems rely on complex math to protect data. But with the development of quantum computers, those systems are no longer fully safe. Quantum computers could break these protections easily in the future. This problem can be solved by integrating two powerful technologies: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and blockchain This combination is called quantum-secured blockchain. This system removes the need for older, potentially breakable digital signatures, and instead uses methods that are resistant to quantum computer attacks. They also rely on new quantum materials and nanomaterials, which help in making better light sources, reducing signal loss and storing quantum information more reliably. AI and machine learning are now being used to speed up the discovery of these advanced materials such as superconductors, quantum dots and special optical fibers that are required to make the technology practical and scalable. This paper explains the different types of attacks that can occur in optical networks and the ways to protect optical networks using quantum-secured blockchain along. It gives the introduction to blockchain technology along with its security weaknesses, and then focuses on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which can make blockchain much stronger against attacks from powerful quantum computers. It also provides an overview of how quantum-secured blockchain works to secure optical communication networks.

In India, crop land has become increasingly reliant on groundwater, causing groundwater decline. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) for the aquifer is one potential alternative to addressing the groundwater issue. This is mirrored in a rise in water supply expansion plans. Which includes RWH as a key building component. Assessing the overall impact of these construction projects is crucial to achieving a beneficial net effect on groundwater both economically and within the watershed. As a result, the focus of this analysis is on the meteorological effects of RWH on recharge in rural regions, at both the local (individual structure) and watershed levels. There is relatively limited field data on the claimed positive outcomes at the small scale, and a variety of proposed adverse effects have been identified at the watershed scale. The watershed level is now largely overlooked in field studies and is typically only addressed through modelling. Modelling is seen as a potential method for augmenting constrained data sets, and situation studies will be used to examine possible dangers. Unfortunately, many previous RWH model simulations had a specific scope or were based on insufficient information. To be coupled with increased data gathering, different modelling tools must be established. New opportunities can include growing use of spatial data and improved analytical techniques. In contrast, several test items are suggested to evaluate the meteorological and other impacts of RWH as part of water harvesting at the local and district levels. Additionally, with the Earth acting as a natural filtering material, it will enrich the rainwater with minerals, resulting in water that exhibits freshwater qualities.

Antibiotic resistance is increasing rapidly and is a major health problem worldwide. As a result, researchers are actively investigating safe and superior alternative therapeutic agents. Medicinal plants contain a wide array of bioactive compounds have found certain viability for such a purpose. Moringa oleifera is among such medicinal plants that exhibit several pharmacological features and are receiving attention for their antibiotic potential, represented by broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. The present review article emphasizes the antimicrobial potential of M. oleifera, highlighting the phytochemical profile, antibacterial mechanisms and its usage in the green synthesis of nanomaterials. The mentioned plant has a varied range of bioactive compounds e.g., flavonoids, glucosinolates, phenolic acids, alkaloids, sterols and terpenes that provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity by interfering with cell wall physiology, inhibiting protein synthesis and interfering with DNA replication. It has strong anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm properties in addition to its direct antibacterial effects. The green synthesis of nanoparticles using M. oleifera has also been explored as a non-toxic and sustainable method of producing new antimicrobial materials. Overall, M. oleifera is a natural antibacterial agent that shows great promise and has a variety of therapeutic uses. Besides, antivirulence and nanotechnology approaches provide creative answers to address the rising issues of antibiotic resistance in current medicine.

Abstract Volumetric properties offer direct and sensitive insight into the specific interactions between solute and solvents. In the current work, key volumetric parameters—partial molar volume (PMV), apparent molar volume, excesspmv, and PMV at infinite dilution—were computed for three binary mixtures of 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide ([C 6 mim][Br]) with protic solvents: water, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGMME) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) across a range of temperatures. The dependence of these properties on concentration and temperature was analyzed to assess the nature and strength of solute–solvent interactions in these mixtures. The effect of the hexyl chain of the methylimidazolium cation on the solute‐solvent interactions was also investigated. Additionally, the Flory statistical theory (FST) was employed to predict, and the Jouyban‐Acree model (JAM) was used to correlate the molar volume of the given mixtures. It was found that JAM is a suitable model to correlate the molar volume for the given mixtures in the given concentration and temperature range. FST yielded accurate predictions of molar volume for the [C 6 mim][Br] + EGMME and [C 6 mim][Br] + water systems across the entire range of composition and temperature, though its applicability to the [C 6 mim][Br] + IPA system was limited to mole fractions X 1 >0.1.