Directorate of Cashew Research

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data exhibit strong spatial correlations, making them well suited for compression and denoising using low-rank approximations. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), a robust matrix factorization technique, enables efficient representation of such data by decomposing an image into orthogonal spatial and temporal components and preserving only the most significant singular values. In this study, we apply a slice-wise low-rank SVD-based reconstruction method to a 3D MRI volume from an ischemic stroke dataset in NIfTI format. Each axial slice is decomposed using SVD, and a low-rank approximation is performed by retaining the top 50 singular values, effectively reducing noise and artifacts while maintaining essential structural information. The reconstructed volume is then qualitatively compared to the original through visual inspection and quantitatively evaluated using standard image quality metrics-Mean Squared Error (MSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM). Results demonstrate that the proposed low-rank SVD reconstruction improves image clarity and fidelity, particularly in the context of compressed sensing MRI, highlighting its potential for efficient and artifact-suppressing reconstruction in clinical and research applications.

A field experiment was conducted at KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, India during Kharif 2023 to evaluate the effect of nano DAP on the growth and yield of groundnut. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with twelve treatments and replicated thrice. Various levels and methods of nano DAP treatments were evaluated, among the tested treatments application of 100 per cent recommended dose of N & P along with seed treatment of nano DAP 2.5 ml kg-1 of seeds and one foliar spray of nano DAP 4 ml l-1 at 30 DAS (T11) recorded higher plant height (58.50 cm), number of branches (15.92), number of effective root nodules at 30 and 60 DAS (47.43 and 85.27 respectively), the yield attributes like number of pods plant-1 (53.40), test weight (42.48 g), pod yield (3562.5 kg ha-1), kernel yield (2659.73 kg ha-1), haulm yield (4301.47 kg ha-1) and shelling percentage (74.69 %) were also found significantly higher in the same treatment. It also recorded higher gross returns (2,16,980 ₹ ha-1), net returns (1,41,716 ₹ ha-1), and B: C ratio (2.88) compared to the recommended dose of fertilizers, 12.4 per cent increased pod yield was noted with nano DAP application. This increase in yield can aid in ensuring food security, while the environmentally friendly properties of Nano DAP support the practice of sustainable agriculture.

Helicoverp aarmigera, a polyphagous and highly adaptable pest, poses a significant threat to global agriculture, particularly in cotton, maize, chickpea, and tomato crops. Its extensive host range, high fecundity, and rapid development of resistance to insecticides necessitate an integrated approach for effective management. The current knowledge on the biological interactions and management strategies for H. armigera, emphasizing the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM combines biological control agents, such as predators, parasitoids, and microbial biocontrols like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Beauveria bassiana, with cultural practices, including crop rotation and intercropping, to disrupt the pest’s life cycle. The adoption of genetically modified Bt cotton has revolutionized pest control by providing season-long protection, though its sustainability depends on resistance management strategies like refuge planting and gene stacking. Advances in precision agriculture, including remote sensing and AI-driven decision support systems, enhance pest monitoring and timely interventions. The use of drones and autonomous systems for targeted pesticide application minimizes environmental impact while ensuring effective control. Biopesticides and entomopathogenic nematodes offer sustainable alternatives to chemical insecticides, addressing the growing concern of resistance and environmental safety. The review highlights the critical role of community and farmer involvement in IPM adoption, supported by education, field demonstrations, and policy frameworks that promote sustainable practices. Future includes the use of gene-editing technologies like CRISPR for developing resistant crops and further integration of digital tools for real-time pest management. Addressing the challenge of H. armigera requires a collaborative effort between researchers, policymakers, and farmers to implement scientifically sound, economically viable, and environmentally friendly solutions. This holistic approach not only ensures the long-term control of H. armigera but also contributes to the resilience and productivity of agro-ecosystems in the face of evolving agricultural challenges.

The environmentally friendly, easily available and affordable alternative energy sources are one of the important requirements for the growth of the modern world. This research work explains how the magnetic repulsion characteristics of permanent magnets could be used as the energy source to meet energy demands. The wok is carried out on the permanent magnet propelled vertical axis wind turbine and its performance is compared with the traditional vertical axis wind turbine. The results show that the permanent magnet propelled wind turbine will function much better than the traditional one, even at slower wind speeds. The magnetic repulsive properties are used as a supplementary energy source in a permanent magnet propelled vertical axis wind turbine, which add kinetic energy to the turbine’s rotational momentum, while transforming wind power to mechanical movement.

Rice blast disease is the most devastating disease constraining crop productivity. Vertical resistance to blast disease is widely studied despite its instability. Clusters of genes or QTLs conferring blast resistance that offer durable horizontal resistance are important in resistance breeding. In this study, we aimed to refine the reported QTLs and identify stable meta-QTLs (MQTLs) associated with rice blast resistance. A total of 435 QTLs were used to project 71 MQTLs across all the rice chromosomes. As many as 199 putative rice blast resistance genes were identified within 53 MQTL regions. The genes included 48 characterized resistance gene analogs and related proteins, such as NBS–LRR type, LRR receptor-like kinase, NB-ARC domain, pathogenesis-related TF/ERF domain, elicitor-induced defense and proteins involved in defense signaling. MQTL regions with clusters of RGA were also identified. Fifteen highly significant MQTLs included 29 candidate genes and genes characterized for blast resistance, such as Piz, Nbs-Pi9, pi55-1, pi55-2, Pi3/Pi5-1, Pi3/Pi5-2, Pikh, Pi54, Pik/Pikm/Pikp, Pb1 and Pb2. Furthermore, the candidate genes (42) were associated with differential expression (in silico) in compatible and incompatible reactions upon disease infection. Moreover, nearly half of the genes within the MQTL regions were orthologous to those in O. sativa indica, Z. mays and A. thaliana, which confirmed their significance. The peak markers within three significant MQTLs differentiated blast-resistant and susceptible lines and serve as potential surrogates for the selection of blast-resistant lines. These MQTLs are potential candidates for durable and broad-spectrum rice blast resistance and could be utilized in blast resistance breeding.

Introduction: Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, pose a significant concern in critically ill patients due to prolonged immobility and complex medical conditions. Objective: This review examines the evidence supporting various nursing interventions to prevent pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. Key interventions included regular repositioning, specialized mattresses and cushions, skin care protocols, nutritional support, and patient and staff education. Results: The evidence supports a multifaceted approach, including regular repositioning, specialized support surfaces, comprehensive skin care, nutritional support, and education, in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Conclusion: Implementing evidence-based nursing interventions can significantly reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach to prevention.

The Indian cashew sector is grappling with a severe crisis as numerous processing industries have closed down due to losses and heightened global competition. In this context, we assess the vulnerability of the sector to global price shocks by examining the direction and dynamics of price transmission among import price, domestic price and export price of cashew in India, based on 15 years of data, employing the vector autoregressive model. Results indicate that the import price had positive and immediate effects on both the domestic price and export price of Indian cashew and the relationship was unidirectional, revealing the vulnerability of Indian cashew markets to global price fluctuations.