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Iodine (I) is a beneficial micronutrient for crop plants and essential for human health, yet approximately two billion people worldwide suffer from I deficiency, resulting in significant health issues. Agricultural soils often lack sufficient I, resulting in crops with low I content. However, tomatoes have shown potential to accumulate I when supplemented externally, making them an ideal candidate for I biofortification, particularly as an alternative to iodized salt for individuals on low-sodium diets. This two-year greenhouse pot experiment evaluated the effectiveness of foliar application of potassium iodide (KI) in biofortifying two commercial tomato hybrids. Different concentrations of I (0, 1, 3, 6, and 9 mM/plant) were applied as foliar treatments to assess their effects on physiological parameters, yield attributes, and quality traits, especially I enrichment in tomato fruit. The results demonstrated that foliar application of KI significantly increased fruit I contents at concentrations that also promoted overall plant growth and development. These findings underscored the efficient translocation of I through the phloem in tomatoes. I enrichment in tomato fruits ranged up to 5.27 mg/kg, exceeding the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 150 μg/day. Even lower doses of 1–3 mM KI were effective in achieving significant I enrichment suitable for biofortification programs. In conclusion, tomato emerged as an excellent candidate for agronomic biofortification with I due to the practicality, and affordability of foliar application. The study highlights the potential of foliar I application as a feasible strategy for addressing global I deficiency, emphasizing its suitability for widespread adoption by farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical frontline work of doctors in Pakistan was overlooked and undervalued by the government, hospitals, and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Media reports and studies highlight that public sector doctors in Pakistan facing new societal, professional, and organisational challenges, compounding to the inherent demands of work potentially leading to its undervaluation. This study, explores how the work of doctors is (under)valued in Pakistan's public sector hospitals, and how this aligns to the underpinnings of decent work. 27 semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted with doctors in Pakistan's public sector hospitals. We found that serving others, recognition and appreciation, and professional learning and development were valuable aspects, while flaws in the healthcare system, issues from patients and public, poor work environment, a lack of essential health facilities, and physical and mental health challenges associated with work were considered factors which undervalue the work for doctors. Drawing on the intersect between the concept of decent work and psychology of working theory, we establish a value framework for decent work that aligns with its psychological and sociological dimensions. Based on the findings we offer policy and practice implications ensuring the provision of decent work to public sector doctors in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution is an increasing environmental problem in all developing countries. Salinity and heavy metal stress increase the oxidative stress in plants and lead to the increased production of reactive oxygen species, decreases the production of anti-oxidant enzymes and decreases the rate of plant growth. In the current study, pea plants were grown in the botanical garden GCU, Lahore under stress of salinity and copper. In second stage, these plants were given the treatments of silicon nanoparticles and silicon nano-doped biochar. The salinity and copper effects were observed on different parameters of plant growth. Silicon nanoparticles and silicon-doped biochar proved to be the most effective in improving seedling fresh weight (70%) shoot length (68%), vitality index (82%), germination percentage (16%), seed vigor index (38%), and chlorophyll content (46%) under salinity and copper stress. Biochar, on the other hand, effectively improved root length (37%), total seedling length (55%), germination index (10%), and catalase (21%). Silicon nanoparticles and biochar proved to be most effective in decreasing total phenolics (11%) and total protein content (13%). Therefore, it is concluded that the application of Si-NPs and silicon-doped biochar can enhance plants resistance against saline-sodic and metal contaminated soil and can mitigate these stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) is an important micronutrient required for healthy life. Malnutrition resulting from low Fe in plant-based foods has caused serious problems worldwide. We propose that Fe biofortification of tomato through seed priming would be an innovative approach to address the problem Fe deficiency. This research was conducted to find the impact of Fe seed priming on germination, morphology, physiology, growth, yield, and final enrichment of Fe in fruit of tomato in two commercial hybrids. Tomato seeds were primed with different concentrations of iron sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O) in the range of 1–15 mg L−1, resulting in differential accumulation of tomato fruit Fe contents. We observed a marked improvement in tomato seedling traits, yield contributing traits, fruit quality, biochemical attributes and physiological parameters. Interestingly, the Fe treatment concentration of 10 mg L−1 demonstrated improved tomato growth with a significant increase in fruit Fe contents to of 2.04 and 2.37 which are very much higher as compared to control having Fe contents of 1.47 and 1.49 ppm respectively. Fe seed priming of tomato represents as a cost effective and user-friendly strategy for tomato biofortification which triggers Fe acquisition and its final enrichment in tomato fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A careful review of the literature ascertains that the problem of calculating the expected ruin time for the asymmetric 3-player game involving arbitrary unequal fortune is unsolved, see for example, Sabzevari (2018). To the best of our knowledge, the most recent advancements, a motivational work of Rocha and Stern (1999, 2004) permits the calculations of expected ruin time for the asymmetric 3-player game when players are allowed to play with equal stakes up to maximum of 6 dollars each. In this perspective, there are five different expressions to solve the game up to six dollars. In this article, we propose a novel and approximated formula to calculate the expected ruin time for the case of asymmetric game with both equal and unequal initial stakes to a notable extent. Moreover, our proposed structure is exactly equivalent with the case of symmetric game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudan dyes were investigated in branded and non-branded spices, commonly available in the markets of Karachi, Pakistan. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a variable wavelength detector (VWD) was applied to determine Sudan dyes I-IV. The non-branded samples had higher concentrations of Sudan dyes than the maximum limits of 0.1 mg/kg. The highest concentration of Sudan dye (I) was found in turmeric powder (8460 mg/kg) and the lowest concentration (1.50 mg/kg) of Sudan (IV) in Chaat Masala. This indicates that the use of non-branded spices is not safe, whereas no Sudan dye was found in the branded spice samples. Further studies regarding the higher carcinogenic risk posed by Sudan dye adulterated spices in Pakistan is strongly advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles with a pack of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are taking a significant place in the field of transportation. Since lithium-ion battery efficiency relies on battery pack temperature, the temperature of the battery pack must be maintained within the safe limits for proper working of the system. This paper proposes a novel experimental method to dissipate and maintain the thermal energy emitted by LIBs based on a nickel foam/paraffin composite and a composite of copper foam/paraffin for thermal management of Panasonic NCR 18650B cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells. The results indicate that the surface temperature of the battery is reduced by 30.95% by comparing with ambient air convection and 24% temperature reduction by comparing with PCM by the application of nickel foam at a 2C discharge rate. By using copper foam/paraffin composite 34% and 25% temperature reduction by comparing with ambient air convection and PCM (paraffin) accordingly was achieved at a 2C discharge rate. Additionally, the result of temperature uniformity on the thermal management of the battery pack was also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles computations of the structural, electronic, optical and mechanical properties of LaRu2P2 compound are reported. The optimised lattice parameters match well with a previous study, which shows the authenticity of our calculations. The electronic properties indicate the metallic nature of material. At the Fermi level, the overlapping of conduction and valence band represents the metallic nature of the compound. The Mulliken population analysis is used to investigate the bonding nature in the compound. The optical properties indicate that in the low-energy region, LaRu2P2 has a strong absorption coefficient and a high refractive index. The mechanical stability is determined with the help of Born stability criteria and the compound is found mechanically stable. The ductile behaviour of the material was confirmed by Pugh's and Poisson's ratios. The mechanical properties show that the material is anisotropic in nature. Due to the superconducting nature of the compound, it may be utilised for superconducting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infant formula is an instant replacer to breastfeeding; it delivers a substantial amount of energy and nutrients for the infants growth and other metabolic activities. In recent years infant formula is extensively exploited throughout the globe where the provision of mother milk is insufficient, and such formulae are proven to be associated with some short and long-term neonatal health issues. To cope with these challenges, nutritionists and researchers are using different methods and approaches to formulate a risk-free infant formula. In this review, we summarized the risks related to infant formula and current methods and knowledge on the formulation of a risk-free formula, especially the techniques and incorporation of those components that can reduce neonatal health problems. This manuscript will help disseminate current knowledge to food scientists and nutritionists and help design a risk-free formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) is a rich region in agrobiodiversity. As elsewhere in the world, agrobiodiversity is declining in this region, and this is impacting the functioning of ecosystems and has profound implications for agricultural sustainability and food security. Today, the challenge faced by the global community is how to slow or reverse the present trend of loss of agrobiodiversity to safeguard future food supplies. Taking examples from the HKH, this paper explores the link between agrobiodiversity and food security, identifies the key issues and challenges to maintaining agrobiodiversity, and explores potentials and opportunities for improving agrobiodiversity that are conducive to maintaining and increasing food security, ecosystem services, and agricultural sustainability, and thus building resilience. The paper concludes that urgent action and an integrated landscape approach are required, bringing together multiple stakeholders, and integrates agrobiodiversity in national policies and programmes. Appropriate economic measures should be developed to encourage local people to use the Himalayan biodiversity sustainably as a basis to achieve food security and agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the concept of mis/mal/dis-information (MMDI) and studies how information managers/professionals can manage the phenomenon of infodemic during the COVID-19 pandemic. We review existing literature to explore the current concepts, models, associations, and gaps in MMDI to highlight the critical role of information managers/professionals. The findings focus on defining MMDI/fake news and evaluating ongoing and emerging information literacy frameworks. Next, we highlight the existing initiatives and efforts made by Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals, LIS associations, and libraries to contradict the diffusion of MMDI and fake news and educate the public on how to navigate through an era of MMDI. Finally, the study summaries effective strategies designed by those within the LIS profession while suggesting recommendations as to how the information managers/LIS professionals can continue to improve their keys position in the digital age and contribute effectively to managing the phenomenon of infodemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the classic three-player ruin problem, the play continues until at least one of the players is completely ruined. In this research, we present a novel version of the classic three-player game with interest lies in a specific player. We determine the ruin probabilities and expected durations of the game given that our player (i.e. the gambler or the casino's player) wins or loses. The desired game plan is executed for both the cases, i.e. symmetric and asymmetric with all of the players having equal initial stakes. We also obtained the asymptotic results of the ruin probabilities and expected durations of the proposed game plan. Further, the validity of the desired game structure is also verified through a Monte Carlo simulation study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brick-kiln (BK) sector in Nepal is largely an informal sector. This study investigated the influence of working and living conditions (WLCs) in BKs on productivity at two levels – BK level and workers' level – using primary data collected from 781 workers and 80 BK entrepreneurs in 12 districts of Nepal. WLCs were assessed based on the provision of nine amenities to workers at BKs. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that WLCs have a positive influence on both BK level as well as workers' level productivity. Moreover, large BKs with better investment in zig-zag technology and mechanization are more likely to spend on improving WLCs than small BKs, who are reluctant to invest in WLCs due mainly to a lack of financial resources. The study suggests an integrated approach emphasizing equally improved WLCs and cleaner technology in the BK sector to transform it into a healthier and socio-environmentally responsible industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of calcium (Ca), Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn) alone and in combination along with different times of application (pre-flowering stage, post fruit development and combined application at both stages) on the plant growth, yield and quality of strawberry fruit. Foliar application of Ca alone and combined with Zn and B were applied. The experiment was arranged under randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement. Irrespective to application time, strawberry plant sprayed with combined application of Ca, Zn and B exhibited significantly increased leaf macro-nutrients (N, P, K, Ca), micro-nutrients (Zn, B, Fe), average fruit weight, yield, fruit size, fruit firmness, significantly higher TSS:TA ratio, ascorbic acid contents, anthocyanin and also antioxidative enzymes activity viz. catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD)] than untreated plants. Similarly, spraying at both stages (pre-flowering and post-fruit development) significantly increased number of leaves, fruits, yield and average fruit weight, significantly higher fruit TSS:TA ratio, vitamin C, anthocyanin and also anti-oxidative enzymes viz. CAT, SOD and POD of strawberry fruit. In conclusion combined foliar application of Zn, B and Ca applied at pre-flowering stage and post fruit development significantly improved the vegetative growth, fruit yield, fruit bio-chemical attributes and antioxidative enzymes attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a variant of classic 2-player ruin's problem. We advocate the use of simultaneous operation of multiple devices to conclude upon the game. The suggested scheme is rigorously analysed and shown to be balancing the game duration to a notable extend in order to achieve desirable features of giving both players opportunity to comeback as well as avoiding the stalemates. The proposed scheme, at first, mathematically elaborated by providing general expressions of the ruin probability, the ruin time, the conditional ruin time and the variance of the game. The foundational blocks of the devised game are tested and validated in-concordance with the various pre-fixation adapted by Stern (1975) and Samuels (1975). In pursuit of the objectives, the mathematical outcomes are rigorously verified by simulating various adaptations under diverse parametric settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study focuses on four river basins, Gandaki, Indus, Upper Ganga and Teesta, in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region in South Asia. The region is considered one of the more environmentally vulnerable areas in the world due to recurrent natural hazards that can be exacerbated by future climate change. The dependence of the population on natural resources based livelihoods makes the region particularly vulnerable to adverse climate change impacts. Labour migration can help household adaptation, particularly when it incurs significant cash investment. The paper analyses the determinants of household adaptation, including migration, in three sectors, namely, agriculture, livestock, and water. It shows that household adaptation to the negative effects of climate change was very poor in the region, with less than a third of the households undertaking adaptation measures. While labour migration showed a positive influence on household adaptation, it was statistically significant only in agriculture. Nevertheless, migration influenced household adaptation indirectly through livelihood diversification, access to services provide of external stakeholders, and changes in household composition. The study identified location, access to climate information, and services provided by external stakeholders as important factors in household adaptation to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempted to understand the local perspective on climate change and its impacts on agriculture and household food security in the Karnali region of Nepal – one of the most inaccessible and least researched mountain regions in Nepal. Using the small-scale survey data collected in 2017 from farm households in Tatopani rural municipality of Jumla district, the study found that a majority of households perceived changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, timing of seasons, incidence of drought and water availability, compared with the situation 10 years ago (2007 or earlier). They perceived mixed impacts of climate change on the production of major crops: a decline in the production of brown rice, wheat and barley, and an increase in the production of potato and local beans. Food security analysis showed that farm households had low dietary diversity, and 42% of them were food insecure. Regression analysis found that perceived climate-induced changes in water availability, timing of seasons, incidence of hazards and incidence of crop pest attacks had negative relationship with household food security. Based on the findings, the study suggested some key strategies to improve local food security in the face of climate change in the study area and other similar areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to estimate the drinking water quality and public health assessment due to nitrate, nitrite and fluoride contaminations in Ahmadpur East, Punjab, Pakistan. Thirty-six drinking water samples were collected in the study area. Concentrations of geo-chemical parameters (pH, TDS and EC), nitrate, nitrite and fluoride were examined. The mean values of concentrations of nitrate, nitrite and fluoride were found 0.4197, 0.006 and 0.67 mg/L, respectively. Mean values of potential of hydrogen (pH), total dissolved solid (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were found 7.28, 630 ppm and 1257 μS/cm, respectively. Health risk assessment was estimated by chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and Total Health Index (THI) due to fluoride, nitrate and nitrite for infants, children, teenagers and adults. The CDI and HQ of fluoride estimated greater permissible limit in different age groups than nitrite and nitrate in urban region of the study area. THI in infant and children determined higher than other age groups in the urban region. The infant and children suffer higher health risk than other age groups due to fluoride, nitrate and nitrite. There is need to monitor the drinking water quality on repetitive and habitual basis. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration and adsorption technique should be adopted on domestic level to reduce the contaminations of drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Asia is energy-poor, water-stressed, and food-deficient, and these problems are expected to intensify with high population growth, rapid economic growth and industrialization, urbanization, and changing climate. Although the water, energy, and food security challenges are interconnected, they are dealt with in isolation, which fails to address the challenge of trade-offs and exacerbates the problems. The increased resource scarcity underlines the need for integrated solutions which ensure optimal resource use and maximize benefits. This article uses a nexus perspective to explore possible integrated solutions that support multiple uses of water at different scales and times. The analysis shows that the potential of water resources is underdeveloped and synergies between water, energy, and food are not fully harnessed. With proper coordination and management, water resources can generate multiple benefits for both upstream and downstream areas, including regional public goods such as regional connectivity and flood and drought management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) with coffee ring effect was employed to simultaneously ascertain urea and ammonium sulfate (AmS) in milk. A small drop (2 µL) of milk with adulterants was dried on a gold-coated slide to examine concentrations ranging from 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/dL based on spectra ranging from 400 to 1500 cm.−1 A uniform distribution of analytes, with enhanced Raman signals was detected in a small region (maximum 1.9 mm) of coffee ring across the centre of coffee ring pattern. Nanoparticles with core (Au) diameter of 26 nm and shell thickness (Ag) of 6.5 nm were confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. A strong Raman peak at 980 cm−1 was assigned to AmS, while that at 1001 cm−1 was ascribed to urea. With AuNPs, coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.9873 and 0.9859 were achieved for urea and AmS, respectively, while for Au@AgNPs values of 0.9827 and 0.9855 were obtained for urea and AmS, respectively. This study revealed that SERS based on coffee ring effect has the potential to be further exploited for detecting other banned and hazardous adulterants in milk and milk products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycopene is a biologically active phytochemical reported in fruit. Conventional techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) have been in existence for measuring lycopene in fruit, but these methods are destructive with relative accuracy and speed. Other novel spectroscopic and imaging approaches, which are more reliable and fast, have recently been developed to investigate complex components such as lycopene, total soluble solids, etc. in fruit. The current review attempts to highlight the potential of both conventional and novel techniques in evaluating lycopene contents of fruit. The novel techniques include both spectroscopic methods such as near infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy and spectral imaging approaches such as multispectral imaging, hyperspectral imaging and Raman imaging. The principles of these techniques are summarized, their detailed applications are discussed, and future trends are also presented. Both traditional and novel techniques highlighted in the current review can be used for assessing the distribution and concentration of lycopene in various fruit. Although novel spectroscopic and spectral imaging approaches may in the near future replace conventional methods, because conventional methods are typically often offline, destructive and time-consuming, which also require the use of chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the polymers and their blends, utilized in carbon capture membranes, are costly, but cellulose acetate (CA) being inexpensive is a lucrative choice. In this research, pure and mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have been fabricated to capture carbon from natural gas. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been utilized in the fabrication of membranes to modify the chain flexibility of polymers. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) provide mechanical strength, thermal stability, an extra free path for CO2 molecules and augment CO2/CH4 selectivity. Membranes of pure CA, CA/PEG blend of different PEG concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%) and CA/PEG/MWCNTs blend of 10% PEG with different MWCNTs concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%) were prepared in acetone using solution casting techniques. Fabricated membranes were characterized using SEM, TGA and tensile testing. Permeation results revealed remarkable improvement in CO2/CH4 selectivity. In single gas experiments, CO2/CH4 selectivity is enhanced 8 times for pure membranes containing 10% PEG and 14 times for MMMs containing 10% MWCNTs. In mix gas experiments, the CO2/CH4 selectivity is increased 13 times for 10% PEG and 18 times for MMMs with 10% MWCNTs. Fabricated MMMs have a tensile strength of 13 MPa and are more thermally stable than CA membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to rationally develop and characterize pH-sensitive controlled release hydrogels by graft polymerization of gelatin (Gel) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) in the presence of glutaraldehyde (GA) using quetiapine fumarate for the treatment of schizophrenia. The prepared hydrogels discs were subjected to various physicochemical studies including: swelling, diffusion, porosity, sol-gel analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Three different pH values (1.2, 6.8 and 7.4) were used to determine shape, transition, and controlled release behavior of prepared hydrogels. Various kinetic models including zero order, first order, Higuchi model and Power Law equation were applied on drug release data. The optimized hydrogels were subjected to in vivo studies using albino rabbits. Swelling and release results were found to be insignificant (p < .05) evidencing that there was no significant difference in swelling and drug release rate of hydrogels in different pH mediums. Swelling, porosity, gel-fraction, and drug released (%) were found to be dependent on concentrations of Gel, HPMC, and GA. Kinetic models revealed that QTP-F release followed non-Fickian diffusion. In-vivo studies contributed significantly higher plasma QTP-F concentration (Cmax), time for maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), area under the curve (AUC0-inf) and half-life (t1/2) as 18.32 ± 0.50 µg/ml, 8.00 ± 0.01 hrs, 6021.2 ± 5.09 µg.hrs/ml and 10.06 ± 0.43 hrs, respectively, for test-hydrogels when compared to reference market brand (Qusel® 200 mg, Hilton Pharma, Karachi, Pakistan) QTP-F tablets. It might be concluded that QTP-F loaded pH-sensitive hydrogels were developed successfully with reduced dosing frequency for schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces a conceptual framework for accelerating progress toward the Zero Hunger Goal under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in cross-boundary climate change hotspots. It suggests four specific and complementary approaches which include applying the concept of safe and just operating spaces in these hotspots, tapping the potential of rising food and nutrition security opportunities, and capitalizing on cross-boundary and cross-sectoral interdependencies.

A near MPB composition of 0.64PMN-0.36PT ceramic has been synthesized by solid-state reaction technique using columbite precursor. Sintering at 1030 °C resulted in a single perovskite phase with tetragonal structure having uniform and dense microstructure as revealed by powder XRD, Raman spectroscopy and FESEM analyses. An excellent dielectric response was obtained with room temperature dielectric permittivity value of 142 and high-phase transition temperature (Tm) of 210 °C at 1 kHz. A huge value of piezoelectric charge coefficient (490 pC/N) was obtained, which shows potential of PMN-PT for piezoelectric device applications. Well-shaped and fatigue-free P-E hysteresis loops over a wide temperature range of 30-230 °C were traced. A very large value of pyroelectric coefficient (p ∼ 2739.2 μC m−2 °C−1) was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, impact of silicon (Si) application on wheat performance under drought stress is studied. Experimental soil was sandy clay loam with an average pH of 8.01, electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.36 dSm−1, and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content of 2.16%. Soil was severely deficient in organic matter (<1%). Average extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentration was 230 and 5.21 mg kg−1, respectively. Silicon potassium metasilicate (K2SiO3) was applied at the rate of 0 and 12 kg/ha with three canal water irrigation frequencies including two, three, and four under randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial fashion with three replications. Results indicated that drought stress significantly reduced plant height, spike length, shoot fresh weight, and number of spikelets/spike, eventually enhancing wheat yield. Concentration of K+in shoot (28.65 mg g−1) and grains (3.51 mg g−1) increased with Si application, which helped to maintain water potential in plant even under reduced moisture level in plants and soil, ultimately producing more yield and biomass under drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential of Iris germanica var; florentina. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory potential of plant samples were investigated by Ellman's assay. Antioxidant activity was performed using DPPH, H2O2 and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents were expressed in mg GAE/g dry weight and mg RTE/g, respectively. In AChE inhibition assay, Ig.Fl, Ig.Sp and Ig.Cf fractions exhibited highest activity with IC50 values of < 0.1, 5.64 and 19 μg/mL, respectively. In BChE inhibitory assay, Ig.Fl, Ig.Sp, Ig.Cf and Ig.Cr were most active with IC50 of < 0.1, < 0.1, 31 and 78 μg/mL, respectively. In DPPH assay, Ig.Fl and Ig.Cf exhibited highest inhibition of free radicals, 80.52% (IC50 = 9 μg/mL) and 78.30% (IC50 = 8 μg/mL), respectively. In ABTS assay Ig.Cr, Ig.Cf, Ig.Fl and Ig.Sp exhibited IC50 values of < 0.1, 2, 2 and 3 μg/mL, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature and causes of food and livelihood security in mountain areas are quite different to those in the plains. Rapid socioeconomic and environmental changes added to the topographical constraints have exacerbated the problem of food insecurity in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. In Pakistan, food insecurity is significantly higher in the mountain areas than in the plains as a result of a range of biophysical and socioeconomic factors. The potential of mountain niche products such as fruit, nuts, and livestock has remained underutilized. Moreover, the opportunities offered by globalization, market integration, remittances, and non-farm income have not been fully tapped. This paper analyzes the opportunities and challenges of food security in Pakistan’s mountain areas, and outlines a framework for addressing the specific issues in terms of four different types of area differentiated by agro-ecological potential and access to markets, information, and institutional services. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Metarhizium species are the leading bio-control agents well characterized regarding pathogenicity to agricultural, forest, public health, stored grains and urban insect pests. They infect the target host through the tight conidial adherence with the insect cuticle. Conidial binding to the insect cuticle drive the systematic integrated disease development events in target host to impart pathogenesis. However, there is growing evidence that virulence of the pathogen is directly related with proteolytic enzymes including metalloproteinases, chymotrypsin-like proteinases and subtilisin-like proteinases. Successful host pathogenesis is the selection of right set of virulence-related proteinases, which evolved as a result of host-pathogen coevolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition on poverty has progressed into a multidimensional concept focusing more on socio-economic dimensions than being a mere measure of financial deprivation. Corresponding to this advancement, this study investigated the incidence of multidimensional poverty (MDP) in the Rawalpindi region of Pakistan, taking into account three dimensions, i.e. education, health and housing. Findings revealed an inconsistent declining trend of MDP over time. This inconsistency was mainly attributed to observed fluctuations in deprivation levels of education, health and housing in the region. Over time, education deprivation showed a significant net increase. Notably, the magnitude of MDP in rural areas was higher than in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This comparative study investigated variations in food patterns across the seasons in rural Pakistan through assessing the changes in food variety, dietary diversity and calorie intake. It analyzed the situation using the primary information of 97 and 114 households surveyed in summer and winter respectively. Findings revealed a significant difference of households’ food variety, dietary diversity and calorie intake across the seasons. In the winter, households’ food basket was more diverse, showing 30%, 13%, and 8% rise in food variety, dietary diversity, and caloric intake, respectively, due mainly to the changes in food choices in winter. Rural households preferred to consume items from nutritious food groups (i.e., dried fruits and nuts, oilseeds, and locally preserved foods) during the severe cold weather. However, they did not substitute significantly the items from basic food groups (i.e., cereals, vegetables and legumes, tubers, and dairy products), with those belonging to nutritious groups. Based on findings, it is concluded that food variety, dietary diversity and calorie intake fluctuate across the seasons, therefore surveys of dietary patterns and calorie intake in one particular season may not be reliable, and food security status of households may not be generalized on the basis of one season survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of encapsulated calcium carbide (CaC2; eCC at 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) on pre-harvest production and postharvest performance of potato (Solanum tuberosum) hybrid variety 'Sante' was studied. The ECC was applied twice in the root zone at the time of sowing and 2 weeks after sowing. The data on the parameters--number of days required for sprouting; sprouting percentage; plant height; number of leaves per plant; leaf area; photosynthesis rate; number of stems per plant; number, size, and weight of tubers; yield; weight loss; shriveling percentage; and sprout percentage were recorded. The results indicated that the number of days required for sprouting of tubers and plant height was reduced significantly by the application of eCC compared with the control. furthermore, eCC at 60 kg ha-1 significantly reduced the number of days required for sprouting and plant height compared with other treatments. Sprouting percentage, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, photosynthesis rate, and number of stems per plant significantly increased by the application of ECC at 60 and 90 kg ha-1. Weight, size of tubers, and overall yield of tubers was also increased significantly with the application of eCC at 60 kg ha-1. In conclusion, the application of CaC2 at 60 kg ha-1 in the root zone increased vegetative growth, total weight, number of large tubers, and increased total yield (40-50%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic biofortification with iron (Fe) in tomatoes has emerged as a promising strategy to combat global iron deficiency. Iron is essential for human health and plays a critical role in the growth and development of crops. This study aimed to determine the optimal dose of Fe for tomato biofortification and assess its impact on its growth, yield and quality attributes, particularly the fruit’s Fe content. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using tomato hybrids Sandal and Sahel, applying Fe foliar treatments at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 6 and 9 mM Fe per plant. The results demonstrated that foliar application of 6 mM Fe significantly enhanced the tomato’s growth, yield and quality, while markedly increasing the fruit’s Fe content to 30.07 and 34.1 mg kg−1 in Sandal and Sahel hybrids, respectively. These values were substantially higher than those of the control treatment with Fe contents of 14.77 and 15.0 mg kg−1, respectively. However, higher doses of Fe (> 6 mM Fe per plant) showed adverse effects on growth, yield, and quality. Foliar application of iron proved an effective and economical solution, readily integrated into commercial tomato production, offering farmers a practical method to produce Fe-biofortified tomatoes and combat iron deficiency-linked malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]