ITM University

In the mountainous regions, where irrigation water is scarce and temperatures are less than ideal, we aimed to explore the combined effects of mulching and organic manure on organic carbon fluctuations, microbial populations and enzymatic activities in soil under ginger. A two-year field study (2021 and 2022) was conducted at Dr. YS Parmar University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, using a split plot design. Main plot treatments included grass (straw) mulch, black plastic mulch (25 and 100 µ thickness). Sub plot treatments consisted of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC) and sheep-goat manure (SGM), alone or in combination. Grass mulch showed the highest soil organic carbon content (19.02 g kg− 1), viable bacteria (132.65 × 106 ± 1.66 cfu g− 1 soil), fungi (35.73 × 103 ± 1.86 cfu g− 1 soil), actinomycetes count (45.50 × 103 ± 0.78 cfu g− 1 soil) and enzymatic activities (646.17 ± 8.77 µg of p-NPP g− 1 soil hr− 1 acid phosphatase, 6.16 ± 0.15 mg TPF g− 1 soil per 24 h dehydrogenase and 17.84 ± 0.20 mg NH3-N g− 1 soil per hr urease) among mulches. Among the sub plot treatments, FYM combined with 50% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers) through FYM and SGM generated the best results in terms of soil organic carbon (17.63 g kg− 1) microbial counts (135.40 × 106 ± 2.58 cfu g− 1 soil viable bacteria, 39.93 × 103 ± 1.92 cfu g− 1 soil viable fungi and 44.48 × 103 ± 0.99 cfu g− 1 soil) and enzymatic activities (524.06 ± 11.33 µg of p-NPP g− 1 soil hr− 1 acid phosphatase, 6.55 ± 0.10 mg TPF g− 1 soil per 24 h dehydrogenase and 18.04 ± 0.17 mg NH3-N g− 1 soil per hr urease). Positive correlations were observed between soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, microbial populations and enzymatic activities. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed two key components explaining 94.5% of the total variance in soil health parameters under mulching and manuring, with PC1 (79.4%) dominated by organic carbon, microbial counts and enzymatic activities and PC2 (15.1%) mainly associated with enzymatic functions. The synergistic effects of grass mulch and FYM with SGM provide a blueprint for resilient soil ecosystems.

This chapter examines technologies and strategies to improve the efficiency, reliability, and adaptability of the modern power grid. As global energy demand increases, grid automation has become essential for integrating renewable energy sources, effectively managing electricity loads, and quickly resolving system issues. By implementing advanced technologies and automated control mechanisms, grid automation enables a resilient and intelligent infrastructure that can easily cope with day-to-day operations and unforeseen challenges. Such adaptation is critical in supporting a changing energy landscape where traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. This chapter focuses on these advances and how automated power grids can contribute to a stable, flexible, and sustainable electricity supply.

Listeria monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen that poses serious risks to public health and the food industry. In humans, infections can lead to severe clinical outcomes, including gastroenteritis, septicemia, meningitis, encephalitis, and pregnancy-related complications such as stillbirths and spontaneous miscarriages. Contamination of meat and meat products has been associated with numerous outbreaks and sporadic cases worldwide. The detection and identification of L. monocytogenes involve traditional microbiological and biochemical methods, as well as advanced molecular techniques, including the polymerase chain reaction and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the microbiological characteristics, global prevalence, and antibiotic resistance profiles of L. monocytogenes . The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance, effective antimicrobial stewardship, and rigorous adherence to food safety measures. Integrated efforts across the meat production and processing chain, combined with rapid diagnostic tools and public health interventions, are crucial to reducing the risk of listeriosis and ensuring the safety of meat products globally.