Instability Index Values Research Articles

GROWTH TRENDS AND INSTABILITY IN EXPORT OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS FROM INDIA: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

India is the largest producer and exporter of cereal products in the world. The present paper analyse the growth trends and instability in export of agricultural crops from India with the objectives to examine growth trends and instability in export of agricultural commodities from India and to identify the major destination of India for exporting of agricultural commodities from India. To fulfill the objectives secondary data from 2010-11 to 2023-24 has been utilized for analysis using the statistical tools like Compound Annual Growth Rates, Coefficient of Variation and Cuddy Della Valle’s Instability Index. The study revealed that during the period the export of some commodities in terms of quantity like maize and other cereals show a negative growth rate. In terms of value other cereals also showed negative growth. The export growth rates of foodgrain such as basmati rice, non-basmati rice, wheat and millets are positive in case of quantity. The quantity of export of agricultural cash crops such as coffee, sugar and groundnut has shown positive growth rate while tea, cashew and cotton have shown a negative growth rate. Other cereals have shown the highest instability index value indicating the highest instability and variability among others in both cases quantity and value term. In term of value, cotton has shown the high level of instability index value indicating the highest instability and variability among others. India’s key markets for cereals crops are Saudi Arab, Benin, Vietnam, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Russia and Bangladesh, while cash crops are mainly exported to the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Sudan, Indonesia and Bangladesh. KEYWORDS: Agriculture, foodgrain, cash crop, export, growth, instability

Multispecies pasture diet and cow breed impacts on milk composition and quality in a seasonal spring-calving dairy production system

In recent years, there has been significant emphasis on the composition of pasture-based cow feed and the potential benefits of incorporating multispecies swards to improve sustainability and biodiversity. This study compared the effects of a conventional perennial ryegrass (PRG) monoculture supported by high chemical nitrogen (N) usage with a low chemical N application multispecies sward system (MSS) on the composition and quality of milk across lactation using spring-calving Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Jersey Holstein-Friesian (JFX) cows. Bulk milk samples (n = 144) were collected from each group at morning and evening milking on a weekly basis (n = 36) throughout lactation and analyzed for gross composition and physico-chemical properties. Cow breed had a significant impact on milk profile, with milk from HF cows having significantly smaller milk fat globule (MFG) size, higher instability index values, higher yield, and lower total solids levels, compared with JFX cows. Notably, HF cows had increased milk total solids and fat levels when fed on MSS, as opposed to the PRG-fed HF cows. Feeding MSS pasture increased creaming velocity values in mid and late lactation, and resulted in similar milk gross composition to PRG. In comparison to PRG, MSS-fed groups showed significantly increased total solids yield, including higher levels of protein and fat yield. In late lactation, MSS feeding was associated with reduced MFG size. All physicochemical properties studied (MFG size, creaming velocity, instability index) showed decreasing values from early to late lactation stage. Overall, these findings demonstrate the significant effects of cow diet, breed and stage of lactation on compositional and physico-chemical characteristics of milk, with important implications for milk processing and dairy product quality.

Impact of a novel caseinolytic protease single mutation on Lactiplantibacillus pentosus growth performance

The caseinolytic protease (ClpP)-producing strain CHFM, isolated from Algerian goat milk, was identified as Lactiplantibacillus pentosus through 16 S rRNA sequence analysis. The optimal conditions for ClpP expression by Lpb. pentosus CHFM were determined in a modified MRS medium, where peptone was replaced with casein. The most favourable conditions were a pH of 8.0, a temperature between 25°C and 55°C, and an incubation period of 48 h. PCR screening and subsequent cloning and sequencing of the ClpP-encoding gene from the Lpb. pentosus CHFM genome revealed two conservative substitutions: threonine to serine at position 161, and aspartic acid to glutamic acid at position 182. Bioinformatic analysis indicated an instability index value of 40.51 for ClpP CHFM, suggesting stability, with an alpha-helix being the predominant secondary structure element, followed by a random coil. The aliphatic index was 97.60, indicating thermal stability. The GRAVY index was −0.23, suggesting enhanced interaction with water. The molecular weight was found to be 25.5 kDa with an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.78. The structural and docking analysis demonstrated that ClpP CHFM possesses the ability to hydrolyze αS1-casein.

Грозовая активность и характеристика неустойчивости атмосферы по данным реанализа ERA5 над азиатской частью Арктического сектора России

Thunderstorms in the Arctic sector of the Russian Federation are a key indicator of climate change, as they signal a temperature rise in this cold region. The paper considers the variability of the number of days with thunderstorms in the Asian part of the Russian Arctic for 2015–2021 based on ground-based observations. No rapid increase in the number of days with thunderstorms as compared to the long-term data was found. However, an increase in the frequency of thunderstorm activity is registered at some stations. A verification of the Total Totals instability index values obtained from the ERA5 reanalysis product with the same name and rawinsonde data did not show critical differences. The best fit was demonstrated for Yakutsk station (1.4 %); at Turukhansk and Vanavara stations, the percentage of inconsistency was 3.1 and 3.5 %, respectively. The use of the ERA5 Total Totals product in the Arctic regions is relevant for the retrospective determination of the presence of thunderstorms and their localization in sparsely populated areas. Keywords: Arctic, number of days with thunderstorm, verification, Total Totals, rawinsonde Institute of Natural and Technical Systems, Sevastopol, Russia

Comparative Molecular Analysis and Antigenicity Prediction of an Outer Membrane Protein (ompC) of Non-typhoidal Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Different Food Animals in Lagos, Nigeria.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections occur globally with high morbidity and mortality. The public health challenge caused is exacerbated by increasing rate of antibiotic resistance and absence of NTS vaccine. In this study, we characterized the outer membrane protein C (OmpC) serovars isolated from different food animals and predicted antigenicity. ompC of 27 NTS serovars were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Sequence data were analysed and B-cell epitope prediction was done by BepiPred tool. T-cell epitope prediction was done by determining peptide-binding affinities of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II using NetMHC pan 2.8 and NetMHC-II pan 3.2, respectively. ompC sequence analysis revealed conserved region among ompCs of Salmonella Serovars. A total of 66.7% of ompCs were stable with instability index value < 40 and molecular weight that ranged from 27 745.47 to 32 714.32 kDa. All ompCs were thermostable and hydrophilic with the exception of S. Pomona (14p) isolate that had ompC with GRAVY value of 0.028 making it hydrophobic. Linear B-cell epitope prediction revealed ability of ompC to elicit humoral immunity. Multiple B-cell epitopes that were exposed and buried were observed on several positions on the ompC sequences. T-cell epitope prediction revealed epitopes with strong binding affinity to MHC-I and -II. Strong binding to human leukocyte antigen (HLA-A) ligands, including HLA-A03:1, HLA-A24:02 and HLA-A26:01 in the case of MHC-I were observed. While binding affinity to H-2 IAs, H-2 IAq and H-2 IAu (H-2 mouse molecules) were strongest in the case of MHC-II. ompCs of NTS serovars isolated from different food animal sources indicated ability to elicit humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Hence, ompCs of NTS serovars are potential candidate for production of NTS vaccines.

Land Use Changes in the Kerala State, India: A Temporal Analysis

The land is a vital input among all the production resources. The land utilization pattern in Kerala has undergone tremendous change over the years. The present study examines the temporal variations of land use categories in Kerala from 1985-2019. The time series data on the area under land use categories were collected from various published sources and the analysis was done at the state level. The GSVA agriculture at constant prices (1985-2019) data were used to estimate the trend breaks. The growth and instability of the land use categories were estimated using CAGR and Cuddy-Della Valle instability index. The land put to non-agricultural uses, cultivable waste, current fallow and other fallow land categories exhibited positive annual growth rates in the overall period. The permanent pastures with an instability index value of 65.16 per cent was the most unstable land use category. The trend of decline in arable land and an increase in share of uncultivable land over the years was noticed in Kerala.

Growth Performance of Different Varieties of Grapes in Karnataka

The study throws light on the growth performance of different varieties of grape cultivation in the state of Karnataka across its districts and divisions. The state produces majorly four varieties of grapes, namely Bengaluru Blue, Anab-e-Shahi, seedless varieties and miscellaneous varieties. The area and production of all varieties of grapes observed positive and significant growth during the study period. The results revealed that the growth was positively significant in the area (7.23 per cent per annum), production (7.96 per cent per annum) and productivity (0.67 per cent per annum). The growth rate was highest in the case of the Belagavi division, followed by the Kalaburagi division. The highest rate of increase in the area and productivity of grapes was recorded in the case of the Chikkaballapura district. The values of instability indices for the area (6.73), production (13.72) and productivity (7.49) were comparatively lower, indicating their stability in the state. Further, the instability analysis indicated that the area and productivity of grapes in the Mysuru division were more unstable than in other state divisions.

Phylogenetic assessment and in silico characterization of cytochrome b protein of three alpheid shrimps

Cytochrome b (cyt b) is one of the cytochrome proteins involved in electron transport in the respiratory chain of mitochondria. Cyt b is the only gene among the cytochrome complex coded by mitochondrial DNA. It is the most widely used gene for phylogenetic assessment and inter species variation studies. Here, the amino acid sequence of cyt b in three snapping shrimps such as, Alpheus lobidens, A. randali, A. bellulus was analysed and the results showed higher similarity in A. lobidens and A. randali as reflected in the phylogenetic tree. This study describes the applications of bioinformatics tools to predict the physico-chemical characters of cyt b protein. This protein was composed of least percentage of Cys (0.8%) and highest percentage of Leu (13.8%). The maximum molecular weight (MW) was predicted as 42.62 KDa in A. randali. The theoretical pI value was ranged from 8.35 to 8.36 and confirmed that cyt b was alkali in nature. The instability index value was in the range of 42.29 to 46.94 which showed the protein was more stable. The secondary structure of this protein was primarily composed of α-helixes and random coil, revealing the stable structure. The comparative modelling was performed by Swiss model where the 3-D crystal structure of bovine cyt bc1 (6haw1.c) was used as template. Ramachandran plot analysis showed that most of the amino acids (&gt;92%) falling on the favoured region. Seven conserved motifs were identified by MEME analysis. The modelled 3-D structure of this protein was validated by PROCHECK and QMEAN. The transmembrane protein topology and helix probability curve was predicted by TMHMM server. Protein-protein interactions was analysed by STRING tool and found the network of cyt b with related proteins. The results of this study may provide valuable insights into fundamental characteristics of cyt b in Alpheid shrimps.

Identifying immunodominant multi-epitopes from the envelope glycoprotein of the Lassa mammarenavirus as vaccine candidate for Lassa fever.

Lassa fever is a zoonotic acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by Lassa virus (LASV). There is currently no licensed vaccine for the prevention of the disease. This study is aimed at discovering immunodominant epitopes from the envelope glycoprotein of the Lassa mammarenavirus and designing of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate (VC). The amino acid sequences of the envelope glycoprotein of 26 strains of LASV from five countries were selected. After evaluation for antigenicity, immunogenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity, immunodominant CD8, CD4, and linear B lymphocytes were also selected. The selected epitopes were modelled and a molecular docking with the appropriate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins was performed. Using an adjuvant and linkers, a multi-epitope VC was designed. The VC was evaluated for its physicochemical and immunological properties and structurally refined, validated, and mutated (disulphide engineering). The complex formed by the VC and the toll-like receptor-4 receptor was subjected to molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) followed by in silico cloning in a plasmid vector. A VC with 203 sequences, 22.13 kDa weight, isoelectric point of 9.85 (basic), instability index value of 27.62, aliphatic index of 68.87, and GRAVY value of -0.455 (hydrophilic) emerged. The VC is predicted to be non-allergenic with antigenicity, MHC I immunogenicity, and solubility upon overexpression values of 0.81, 2.04, and 0.86 respectively. The VC also has an estimated half-life greater than 10 hours in Escherichia coli and showed stability in all the parameters of MDS. The VC shows good promise in the prevention of Lassa fever but further tests are required to validate its safety and efficacy.

In silico Structural, Functional and Phylogenetic Analyses of cellulase from Ruminococcus albus

BackgroundCellulose is the primary component of the plant cell wall and an important source of energy for the ruminant and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. Cell wall content is digested by anaerobic fermentation activity mainly of bacteria belonging to species Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminicoccus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens. Bacteria belonging to the species Ruminococcus albus contain cellulosomes that enable it to adhere to and digest cellulose, and its genome encodes cellulases and hemicellulases.This study aimed to perform an in silico comparative characterization and functional analysis of cellulase from Ruminococcus albus to explore physicochemical properties and to estimate primary, secondary, and tertiary structure using various bio-computational tools.The protein sequences of cellulases belonging to 6 different Ruminococcus albus strains were retrieved using UniProt. In in silico composition of amino acids, basic physicochemical characteristics were analyzed using ProtParam and Protscale. Multiple sequence alignment of retrieved sequences was performed using Clustal Omega and the phylogenetic tree was constructed using Mega X software. Bioinformatics tools are used to better understand and determine the 3D structure of cellulase. The predicted model was refined by ModRefiner. Structure alignment between the best-predicted model and the template is applied to evaluate the similarity between structures. ResultsIn this study are demonstrated several physicochemical characteristics of the cellulase enzyme. The instability index values indicate that the proteins are highly stable. Proteins are dominated by random coils and alpha helixes. The aliphatic index was higher than 71 providing information that the proteins are highly thermostable. No transmembrane domain was found in the protein, and the enzyme is extracellular and moderately acidic. The best tertiary structure model of the enzyme was obtained by the use of Raptor X, which was refined by ModRefiner. Raptor X suggested the 6Q1I_A as one of the best homologous templates for the predicted 3D protein structure. Ramachandran plot analysis showed that 90.1% of amino acid residues are within the most favored regions. ConclusionsThis study provides for the first time insights about the physicochemical properties, structure, and function of cellulase, from Ruminococcus albus, that will help for detection and identification of such enzyme in vivo or in silico.

Structural-Genetic Characterization Of Novel Butaryl co-A Dehydrogenase and Proposition of Butanol Biosynthesis Pathway in Pusillimonas ginsengisoli SBSA.

Despite extensive use in the biofuel industry, only butyryl co-A dehydrogenase enzymes from the Clostridia group have undergone extensive structural and genetic characterization.The present study, portrays the characterization of structural, functional and phylogenetic properties of butyryl co-A dehydrogenase identified within the genome of Pusillimonas ginsengisoli SBSA. In silico characterization, homology modelling and docking data indicates that this protein is a homo-tetramer and 388 amino acid residue long, rich in alanine and leucine residue; having molecular weight of 42347.69 dalton. Its isoelectric point value is 5.78; indicate its neutral nature while 38.38 instability index value indicate its stable nature. Its thermostable nature evidenced by its high aliphatic index (93.14); makes its suitable for industry-based use. The secondary structure prediction analysis of butyryl co-A dehydrogenase unveiled that the proteins has secondary arrangements of 54% α-helix, 13% β-stand and 5% disordered conformation. However, phylogenetic analysis clearly indicates that probably horizontal gene transfer is the primary mechanism of spreading of this gene in this organism. Notably, multiple sequence alignment study of phylogenetically diverse butyryl co-A dehydrogenase sequence highlighted the presence of conserved amino acid residues i.e. YXV/LGXKXWXS/T. Physicochemical characterization of other relevant proteins involved in butanol metabolism of SBSA also has been carried out. However, metabolic construction of functional butanol biosynthesis pathway in SBSA, enlightened its cost-effective potential use in biofuel industry as an alternate to Clostridia system.

Computational evaluation of modified peptides from human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP-1)

The development of bacterial resistance toward antibiotics has been led to pay attention to the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The common mechanism of AMPs is disrupting the integrity of the bacterial membrane. One of the most accessible targets for α-defensins human neutrophil peptide-1 (HNP-1) is lipid II. In the present study, we performed homology modeling and geometrical validation of human neutrophil defensin 1. Then, the conformational and physicochemical properties of HNP-1 derived peptides 2Abz14S29, 2Abz23S29, and HNP1ΔC18A, as well as their interaction with lipid II were studied computationally. The overall quality of the predicted model of full protein was −5.14, where over 90% of residues were in the most favored and allowed regions in the Ramachandran plot. Although HNP-1 and HNP1ΔC18A were classified as unstable peptides, 2Abz14S29 and 2Abz23S29 were stable, based on the instability index values. Molecular docking showed similar interaction pattern of peptides and HNP-1 to lipid II. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed the overall stability of conformations, though the fluctuations of amino acids in the modified peptides were relatively higher than HNP-1. Further, the binding affinity constant (Kd) of HNP-1 and 2Abz23S29 in complex with lipid II was 10 times stronger than 2Abz14S29 and HNP1ΔC18A. Overall, computational studies of conformational and interaction patterns have signified how derived peptides could have displayed relatively similar antimicrobial results compared to HNP-1 in the reported experimental studies. Chemical modifications not only have improved the physicochemical properties of derived peptides compared to HNP-1, but also they have retained the similar pattern and binding affinity of peptides. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

CHARACTERISTIC OF CONDITIONS OF HEAVY RAINS IN PERM REGION USING ATMOSPHERIC INSTABILITY INDICES

Currently, interest to alternative methods of the analysis and forecasting of dangerous meteorological phenomena has considerably increased due to the low density of the observational network, which is insufficient to provide all users with necessary information in a timely and qualitative way. A general analysis of precipitation characteristics for the period from 2004 to 2016 was conducted during the work. The favorable synoptic conditions for heavy rains precipitation have been identified; their dependence on the altitude was discovered. The aim of this research is to analyze the incidence of heavy rains in the Perm region and to assess instability indexes, which are calculated for specific cases of this phenomenon. For this goal, 5 indices (LI, VT, CN, TT, K) were selected. Their values were calculated in terms of heavy rains based on reanalysis data. It was found that the average settings, which were obtained during the calculation, are slightly lower than the values calculated for other regions and given in previously published researches of this field of science. It means that it is necessary to establish specific indices criteria for the Perm region. Developing of convection and heavy rain in Perm region can be expected when the values of instability indices are near to the calculated values, at which at least 90 % of the total number of cases of the studied meteorological phenomenon occurred. A larger sample should be used to calculate the instability indices for analysis and forecast of heavy rains in practice.

Genome-wide characterization, expression profiling, and post-transcriptional study of GASA gene family

The GASAs are a family of plant cysteine-rich small peptides widely distributed in the plant kingdom and involved in the plant development and stress response. In the current study, GASA gene family was widely compared in dicots and monocots based on their structure and expression. In addition, the post transcription/translation modifications of GASA proteins were predicted to more understanding the regulatory mechanisms. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that GASA genes of studied monocot plants were more similar than dicot plants. Also, the leucine-rich repeat domain, motif 4, was identified in the C terminal of studied GASA proteins that may affect the function of GASA proteins. Furthermore, most studied-GASA proteins were unstable based on instability index values. Besides, our result revealed that rice-GASA genes are more GC rich than studied dicots (Arabidopsis and tomato). The GASA genes showed differential expression in response to biotic and abiotic stress, and hormone treatments and also key cis-regulatory elements were observed in their promoter site, indicating that GASA genes as an important gene family have diverse roles and functions. Also, the strong interactions among Dof, BBR-BPC, ERF, and MYB transcription factors family and GASA genes were predicted in Arabidopsis, tomato, and rice. The results of the present study can be useful in further studies related to the function of GASA genes.

Linking the storm cells position and high values of instability indices – a case study in the southeast of Western Siberia

Improving the identification accuracy of spatial distribution of hazardous convective phenomena has relevant meaning for territories are not covered by lightning detection systems. We perform comparison on set of instances of registered lightning discharges by a Boltek single-point lightning detector with spatial instability fields. To determine the areas of atmospheric instability over the southeast of Western Siberia, Total Totals and K-index have been used. Values for the indices were calculated from balloon sounding data and ERA5 reanalysis. The results demonstrate an acceptable spatial agreement between the fields with high instability indices according to ERA5 reanalysis data and actual positions of thunderstorm cells. A validation of ERA5 indices values with upper-air data showed that a smaller consistency error correspond to Total Totals index. Therefore, to predict the spatial position of convective clouds producing thunderstorms over the southeast of Western Siberia, it is promising to use Total Totals index, which is calculated using either aerological measurements or satellite remote sensing data.

Reducing carotenoid loss during storage by co-encapsulation of pequi and buriti oils in oil-in-water emulsions followed by freeze-drying: Use of heated and unheated whey protein isolates as emulsifiers.

Buriti and pequi oils are rich in carotenoids and beneficial to human health; however, carotenoid oxidation during storage causes color loss in foods, making it difficult to use these oils in food products. This research aimed to encapsulate pequi oil and co-encapsulate pequi and buriti oils by emulsification using whey protein isolate (WPI) as an emulsifier in two forms, natural (unheated) and heated, followed by freeze-drying. The emulsions were studied by droplet size under different stress conditions, instability index, and rheology. The freeze-dried (FD) samples were studied after accelerated oxidation and the total carotenoid retention was determined; for the reconstituted FD, the zeta potential and droplet size were recorded after storage at 37°C for 30days. The emulsions were stable in all conditions, with average droplet sizes between 0.88±0.03 and 2.33±0.02μm, and formulations with heated WPI presented the lowest instability index values. The FD's zeta potential values ranged from -50±3 to -32±3mV. The co-encapsulated oils presented higher carotenoid retention (50±1 and 48±1%) than the free oils (31±2%) after 30days. The oxidative stability indexes were 51±4 and 46±3 for the co-encapsulated oils with unheated and heated WPI, respectively, and 20.5±0.1h for the free oils. FD formulations with 1:3 ratio of oil: aqueous phase and heated or unheated WPI showed the best carotenoid retention and oxidative stability, indicating that FD oil emulsions have potential as next-generation bioactive compound carriers.

Analysis of differences in the stability of proteins encoded in mitochondrial DNA of model organisms

The aim of this study was to describe the stability of proteins encoded in mtDNA, which are part of the OXPHOS system, in different model organisms and to define why certain proteins are more prone to be unstable than others. The in silico analyses involved 155 reference sequences of all proteins encoded in the mitochondrial DNA in twelve model organisms representing different phylogenetic groups. The amino acid sequences of the proteins were taken from the GenPept database. The bioinformatic analyses were performed in the ProtParam program. Thirty-eight of the 155 analyzed proteins exhibited instability. The greatest numbers of unstable mitochondrial proteins were detected in H. sapiens and A. mexicanum and the lowest levels were found in C. elegans. ND1 and ATP8 were the most unstable mitochondrial proteins. Proteins COX1 and COX3 did not exhibit instability in the examined group of organisms. The highest instability index values were recorded in the case of protein ATP8. Protein ND1 turned out to be stable in the representatives of the class invertebrates. The preliminary results of the pioneer investigations indicate that the type and number of unstable proteins encoded in mtDNA was species specific. Protein instability in lower organisms may be associated with resistance to oxidative stress. In higher organisms, in turn, protein instability may be related to the physiological production of free oxygen radicals, which play multiple roles in metabolic processes. The phenomenon of instability in the respiratory chain proteins may have a strategic function although it appears to be detrimental to the stability of the protein structure per se.

In silico analysis of putative polyphenol oxidases in olive using bioinformatics tools

Sequence, physicochemical, and three-dimensional structure properties of putative polyphenol oxidase proteins in olive (Olea europaea) using various bioinformatics tools were analyzed. The amino acid length varied from 469 to 582 amino acids. The molecular weights of the proteins (ALG62778.1, AFS28698.1 and AFS28697.1) were 65294.67 Da, 53324.79 Da and 53349.48 Da, and isoelectric points (pI) were 7.58, 7.24 and 6.86, respectively. Instability index values were 40.68, 37.52 and 36.89 while aliphatic index values were 72.08, 73.39 and 73.39 respectively. The GRAVY values were –0.540, –0.580 and –0.578, respectively. The most abundant amino acid was Asp (8.5%) while the least abundant one was Cys (1.4%). The putative phosphorylation sites of the polyphenol oxidase proteins were determined by NetPhos 2.0 and NetPhos 3.1. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the tree constructed using polyphenol oxidase proteins is composed of two main clades. To predict the three dimensional (3D) structures of these proteins, Py MOL was used. The results of the present study provide insight into fundamental characteristics of putative polyphenol oxidase proteins in Olea europaea.

Can Nor'wester events initiate stratospheric moistening?

The possibility of stratospheric moistening being initiated by deep convective Nor'wester events has been investigated over a period of three years spanning from 2013 to 2015 at a tropical location Kolkata, in India using radiosonde and satellite data. The back trajectories, instability indices, outgoing long wave radiation (OLR), convective available potential energy (CAPE), geopotential height maps, vertical pressure velocity, specific humidity, wind vectors and precipitable water vapour (PWV) have been examined to assess the convective activity prevailing over the atmosphere during these events. Increase in specific humidity, wind velocity at various levels of the lower atmosphere and CAPE values indicate an upwelling of moist air from the troposphere to lower stratosphere during Nor'westers. Decrease in OLR and large differences in the values of instability indices, relative humidity and precipitable water vapour during Nor'westers compared to normal convection also signify high intensity of convection and hence the possibility of higher stratospheric moistening during Nor'wester events.

Growth performance of major vegetable crops in Gujarat state

The study has examined the growth performance of major vegetable crops in the state of Gujarat across its districts and regions. The study has revealed that the growth performance of major vegetable crops was significant in area (9.45%/annum), production (14.03%/annum) and yield (4.18%/annum). The growth performance of vegetable crops was found to be highest in South Gujarat, followed by the North Gujarat region. The highest rate of increase in area and production of vegetables was observed in Dahod district, whereas the highest yield of vegetables was noticed in Porbandar district. The values of instability indices for area (11.52), production (8.36) and yield (10.71) were comparatively lower, indicating their stability in the state. The area and production of vegetables in the Saurashtra region were more unstable vis-a-vis other regions of the state.