Mother Teresa Women's University

India was a prosperous agrarian economy, where two-thirds of its total population engaged themselves in agriculture as their main source of livelihood (Backbone of its economy). However, the times have changed. Technology has taken over and has given new techniques that can help increase the productivity and the soil fertility in the recent times. One of the major revolutions was that of the Green Revolution with the HYV seeds. But the technology has become much more than just this. Precision farming, Drone technology, genetically modified crops and vertical farming are few techniques that has aided in higher yields and keeping a check on the soil moisture and fertility. This paper discusses some other techniques that can help the farmers with the higher yields and non- degradation of soil. The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed the agriculture in the recent times by using smart sensors to boost productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. These sensors help with the optimizing resources, and managing crops in a better manner. IoT can also help us overcome some of the agricultural issues like water scarcity, soil degradation, and the climatic changes. On the other hand, agroforestry promotes sustainable farming practices. This paper provides insights into the key principles, different types, benefits, and challenges, emphasizing its importance in boosting the biodiversity, improving soil health, and combating climate change – the upcoming issue.

Abstract The present study evaluated the effect of hormonal seed priming on germination, growth, yield and seed quality of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. PKM 1 under laboratory and field conditions. Eight treatments were tested, including control (unprimed seeds), naphthalene acetic acid (45 ppm), indole-3-acetic acid (100 ppm), gibberellic acid (GA₃, 40 ppm), chlormequat chloride (250 ppm), ascorbic acid (150 ppm), salicylic acid (50 ppm), and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (20 ppm), arranged in CRD (lab) and RBD (field) designs with three replications. Seeds were primed for 24 h, shade-dried, and evaluated for germination percentage, vigour indices, seedling growth, field emergence, crop growth parameters, yield attributes, and post-harvest seed quality. GA₃ @ 40 ppm (T₃) consistently outperformed other treatments, recording the highest germination (86%), seedling length (18.45 cm), vigour index-I (1590), plant height at 90 DAT (103.34 cm), number of fruits per plant (27), single fruit weight (49.43 g), fruit yield (1242.43 g plant⁻¹), and seed yield (16.56 g plant⁻¹). Salicylic acid @ 50 ppm (T₆) and NAA @ 45 ppm (T₁) also improved several growth and reproductive traits compared to the control. Enhanced seed quality of the resultant produce from GA₃-primed plants included higher germination (86%), seedling vigour, and 1000-seed weight (3.25 g). The findings confirm that hormonal priming, particularly with GA₃, is an effective, low-cost strategy to improve seedling establishment, maximize yield, and enhance seed quality in tomato cv. PKM 1, offering potential for wider adoption in sustainable horticulture.

Tribal women serve as the backbone of the socio-economic and cultural fabric of indigenous communities in India. Their contributions to agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, domestic maintenance, and community well-being are unparalleled. Yet, despite their extensive involvement in subsistence activities, their voices remain less documented, and their socio-economic struggles often remain unaddressed. This study explores the multidimensional roles, challenges, and lived experiences of tribal women in Valagiri, Shenbaganur, Perumalmalai, Poomparai, and Mannavanur of the Kodaikanal region. Using an interview schedule and convenience sampling method, primary data were collected from 349 respondents. Percentage analysis was adopted to interpret the findings. Results show that tribal women face a disproportionate workload, combining wage labour, agricultural tasks, and complete responsibility for household and childcare duties. Limited access to education, healthcare, financial independence, and decision-making opportunities restricts their socio-economic mobility. However, their influence in sustaining households and community systems remains substantial. The study emphasizes the need for policy interventions that strengthen their livelihood skills, improve health and education outcomes, and promote equitable participation in community development. Empowering tribal women is crucial not only for gender equality but also for the sustainable development of tribal communities.

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a protective structure that controls which molecules can move from the bloodstream into the brain. While it helps keep the brain’s environment stable, it also makes it difficult to develop drugs that need to reach the brain. Traditionally, scientists have used many cell experiments and animal tests to figure out whether a drug can cross the BBB, which is costly and time-consuming. To address this, researchers are increasingly using advanced computer methods that analyze existing data to predict BBB permeability. With the growth of machine learning and deep learning, many new models have been created to improve these predictions. Accurately predicting whether small molecules can cross the BBB is crucial for modern drug discovery. Machine learning models make these predictions faster and more accurate, helping scientists identify which compounds are most likely to reach the human brain. Predicting whether small molecules can pass through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is important for discovering new drugs. Artificial intelligence tools, such as machine learning and large language models, can make this process faster and more accurate. The main goal of this research is to create new AI models and deep learning methods that can accurately predict if a molecule can cross the human BBB.

Multi-item investigation with a multi-purchaser inventory system exposes remarkable perceptions of improved demand enhancement in overall income and manufacturing time proficiency. Similarly, lower transporting costs for multiple items positively influence minimum integrated total cost by lead time suitability. Owing to the imprecision of several factors, the objective seems to be inaccurate. As the development of fuzzy objective is uncertain, a model is formulated to suit assured problems and doubtful earnings with some indecision. The model is solved by means of graded mean integration technique with the addition of Kuhn-Tucker method when the fuzzy equivalent of the problem remains available. An algorithm is established to attain each item's optimal order quantity for each purchaser and the minimum integrated total cost for a whole inventory system. The evaluation of a fuzzy multi-item, multi-purchaser inventory system through crisp multi-item, multi-purchaser inventory system is completed utilizing mathematical illustrations. Lastly, the graphical demonstration establishes the suggested system.

Empowerment of women is essentially the process of upliftment of economic, social and political status of women, the traditionally underprivileged ones, in the society. It is the process of guarding them against all forms of violence. Women empowerment involves the building up of a society, a political environment, wherein women can breathe without the fear of oppression, exploitation, apprehension, discrimination and the general feeling of persecution which goes with being a woman in a traditionally male dominated structure. Women constitute almost 50 per cent of the world’s population but India has shown disproportionate sex ratio whereby female’s population has been comparatively lower than males. Objectives of the study to the historical profile of Indian Women and the Government Schemes for Women Empowerment. As far as their social status is concerned, they are not treated as equal to men in all the places. In the Western societies, the women have got equal right and status with men in all walks of life. But gender disabilities and discriminations are found in India even today. Thus, this paper will focus on the place of women in the society of India. The study suggested that the Society must take initiative to create a climate in which there is no gender discrimination and women have full opportunities of self-decision making and participating in social, political and economic life of the country with a sense of equality.

Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) metal complexes were synthesized from the Schiff base ligand formed by the condensation reaction between 9-anthracene carbaldehyde and ethylene diamine. Various spectral techniques, including UV-Vis, FT-IR, NMR, ESI-Mass, molar conductance, and magnetic susceptibility measurements, were employed to characterize both the Schiff base and its metal (II) complexes. Analytical and spectral data suggested that the coordinated complexes adopt a square planar geometry. The chemosensory properties and antioxidant activity of the Schiff base ligand were explored using absorption spectral techniques. The Schiff base ligand exhibited stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity than its Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes. Colorimetric sensing studies involving metal cations such as Mg2+, Ca2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ indicated a selective binding affinity for Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions with the Schiff base. Antimicrobial assessments of the Schiff base and its metal(II) complexes demonstrated significant efficacy against microorganisms like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The binding interactions with Bovin Serum Albumin(BSA) were investigated through UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, revealing that the Cu(II) complex exhibited a stronger binding affinity than the other compounds.

The disposal of coffee cherry pulping wastewater (CPWW) poses severe environmental risks, including water body eutrophication, soil acidification, and toxicity to aquatic life due to its high organic load (COD: 29,450 mg/L; BOD5: 16,500 mg/L), acidic pH (4.8), and elevated solids (TDS: 3240 mg/L; TSS: 4540 mg/L). To address this, we synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles from Ricinus communis L. seed extract via a green method and evaluated their efficacy in CPWW treatment. Characterization by XRD, SEM, and FTIR confirmed the formation of the nanoparticles stabilized by phytochemicals, with functional groups such as hydroxyl (OH) and amine (NH) critical for pollutant binding. At an optimal dosage of 0.08 g/100 mL, the nanoparticles achieved 74% COD removal, 69% TDS reduction, and 92% decolorization, significantly mitigating the pollutant load of the effluent, thereby minimizing risks to aquatic ecosystems and soil health. Furthermore, FTIR analysis of the treated sludge revealed the potential functional groups facilitating pollutant removal. This study highlights the dual environmental benefit of green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles: (1) a sustainable synthesis route avoiding toxic chemicals, and (2) high-efficiency pollutant removal, offering a scalable solution for coffee-processing industries to minimize their ecological footprint. By addressing the dual challenges of waste toxicity and treatment sustainability, this approach aligns with circular economy principles, promoting cleaner production in agro-industrial sectors.