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A b s t r a c tThe present study was designed to study the effect of water stress on Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. and role of sodium silicate in the protection of tomato plants under water deficit condition. Different biochemical parameters such as photosynthetic pigments, protein, sugar, MDA content, proline, nitrate reductase activity and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX and POX) were examined in tomato leaves at 40 and 60 DAS by the standard methods. The lycopene and β-carotene contents in tomato fruits were also analyzed at 60, 65 and 70 DAS. Water stress significantly decreased relative water content (RWC), pigment content, sugar and protein contents in tomato leaves at 60 DAS but the accumulation of proline was stimulated in tomato leaves under water deficit condition. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, APX and POX were significantly increased under (3d and 6d) water stress condition at 60 DAS. This study offers first hand information on the water stress-induced oxidative stress in Lycopersicon esculentum and development of antioxidative defense system against drought. The results obtained clearly indicated the positive impact of sodium silicate in protection of tomato plants under water deficit condition.

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This work presents empirical research into factors that influence consumers in India to use Mobile Banking. The work uses a model derived from the Technology Acceptance Model and its offshoots UTAUT and TAM3. Most TAM-like models have acceptance as the dependent variable. However, this work uses the likelihood to use (start using or continue using) mobile banking as a more relevant variable. The model provides a good fit to the likelihood to use mobile banking. A cross-over effect was found, in contradiction with the TAM3 model. Arguments are given as to why a cross-over is plausible for this case. The influence of peers was found to be important. We also check whether there are any differences in the way women and men do mobile banking in India and conclude that the women's stated insecurity, maybe a cultural artefact, had no influence on the participation in mobile banking.