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Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a medicinal plant and a member of family Rosaceae. It is native plant of Asia Minor and Europe. It is used in production of jam and jellies and also as a remedy of several ailments. The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic polymorphism based on morphological and molecular traits. Different varieties of Quince were collected from different ecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan and a total of 26 different morphological traits were recorded among studied genotypes. Based on qualitative morphological trait study, the variety collected from Tindodag was unique one with highest fruit weight (328.82 g). The lowest fruit weight (68.38 g) was recorded for Talash genotype. The Charbagh and Tindodag genotypes showed highest seed length (10.6 mm) while genotypes of Chitral was recorded as lowest (8.4 mm). Statistically, significant level of variation was noted with coefficient of variance ranged from 2.23% to 30.38%. Based on correlation analysis, fruit length had strongly correlation with fruit weight (r = 0.89**), Average Fruit width was found significant with fruit weight (r = 0.90**). Similarly, the Core Width was found strongly significant with Core Length (r = 0.95**). ANOVA analysis indicated 10 quantitative characters to be highly significant, 2 significant and 1 insignificant. Principal component analysis was also computed for the 13 quantitative traits with Eigen value of 0.48 and a total variance of 97.78%. The first principal component shows total variation of 52.52%. In PC2 the total variation was 80.15%, PC3 94.06% while in PC4 it was 97.78%. The NCBI BLAST results shows that all the genotypes have similar origin except Tindodag genotype, which shows differences in its origin. Accession number for all other genotypes is MN216014.1, while accession number of Tindodag genotype is KF861967.1. Based on this study, it can be concluded that Tindodag genotype is unique out of the studied localities. NCBI BLAST have provided further support for the drawn conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to analyze 1) waste management in terms of the institutional capacity aspect involved in waste management, and 2) analyze the objectives of the waste management program to overcome problems that occur in the sustainability of waste management. A qualitative approach was used by conducting a Focus Group Discussion with seven selected respondents and then analyzed using a quantitative approach using Interpretive Structural Modeling. The results show that the key factor from the relevant agencies, or the most crucial in determining the sustainability of waste management in Kambu District, Kendari City, is the Kendari City Cleanliness and Parks Service, which is assisted by government involvement in Kendari City. Therefore, waste management requires good institutional synergy to ensure the sustainability of waste management by conducting activities based on program objectives in the environmental cleanliness improvement program as the key factor. This can increase community involvement by reducing the volume of waste, utilizing waste recycling, and reusing waste, which can increase people's incomes. Another important element to ensure sustainable waste management is the improvement and maintenance of waste management facilities and infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C60 fullerene exhibits unique optical properties that have high potential for wide photo-optical applications. To analyze the optical properties of C60, its excitation and emission properties were studied using UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, which were performed in various, non-polar organic solvents such as toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene (TCE). The C60 solutions in toluene, xylene, and TCE displayed similar excitation bands at 625, 591, 570, 535, and 404 nm corresponding to Ag → T1u and Ag → T1g transitions. However, these bands differed from the solid C60 observed by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The two emission band energies of C 60 solution in toluene and xylene were nearly the same (1.78 and 1.69 eV), whereas the C60 solution in TCE was shifted to 1.72 and 1.65 eV. Because the polarity of TCE is higher than that of toluene and xylene, the PL spectrum of the C 60 solution in TCE was red-shifted. The PL spectroscopy had a better capability than UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy to distinguish the different interactions between C60 and the organic solvents due to their different solvent polarities.

Ancient wheat and landraces (traditional varieties) are fascinating to the consideration of scientists who are re-evaluating the healthy and dietary properties attributed to them by popular tradition. Wheat (Triticum durum) is one of the most significant crops that is grown all over the world. In the present study, 19 landraces were analyzed for genetic diversity through morphological and SDS-PAGE analysis. The highest coefficient of variance (18.91%) was found for spike length, and the lowest for days to maturity (1.51%). The genotype Malakand and Dolram produced a maximum number of seeds (42 and 46 seeds per plant), and the genotypes Dogai and Rasool Banda were found to be the tallest (73 and 71 cm, respectively). The genotype Kamar Kotki was found to mature early (165 days) while Doagi was found to mature late (171 days). Spike length was found to be positively correlated with plant height, leaf width, and leaf length. Leaf width was significant with spike length and the internode distance. The cluster analysis divided all the genotypes into six sub-clusters where the Asban and the Shekhan were placed at the extreme of the dendrogram. Based on the total seed storage proteins analysis, 18 (85.71%) bands were polymorphic while 14.28% bands were found to be monomorphic. Using Ward’s methods, all the genotypes were divided into two main lineages at 25% Euclidian distance and five sub-clusters at 75% distance. Our findings have significance for understanding the variations and relationships between various durum wheat genotypes and could serve as a basis for local elite durum germplasm that has been regionally adapted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise the existing literature on the effect of hard tissue defects on the clinical outcome of endodontic microsurgery (EMS). Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and grey literature were searched from January 2000 to May 2023. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Eligible studies were critically appraised for the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of bias tool. The quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Review Manager (RevMan Computer program Version 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) was utilized and the Mantel Haenszel fixed or random effects model was applied, depending on the heterogeneity of the studies. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate the Risk ratio (RR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CIs) to correlate the effects of these factors on treatment outcomes. Results: Nineteen studies were included. The EMS overall pooled success rate was 84.5%. Five characteristics of hard tissue were identified. The size of the lesion (Small ≤ 5 mm: 78.4% vs. Large > 5 mm: 63.3%, RR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.00–1.26, P ≤.05), significantly affected the outcomes of EMS. Endodontic lesions exhibited slightly better outcomes than endodontic-periodontal lesions (81.4% vs. 68.2%, RR = 1.14 95% CI 0.98–1.33, P >.05). Cases with the height of the buccal bone > 3 mm also exhibited slightly better outcomes (91.5% vs. 71.4%, RR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.88–1.62, P >.05). Additionally, through and through lesions exhibited better outcomes when grafting was completed during the EMS procedure both in 2D (RR = 1.12 95% CI 0.97–1.29, P >.05) and 3D evaluation ((RR = 1.28 95% CI 0.69–2.37 P >.05). The overall quality of evidence was graded as low to high. Conclusion: With a low to high quality of evidence, the size of the lesion is a key prognostic variable that significantly affects the outcome of EMS, as lesions ≤ 5 mm exhibit better outcomes as compared to larger lesions. Clinical significance: The presence of hard tissue defects can affect the outcome of endodontic microsurgery (EMS). The presented data can aid the clinicians' decision-making process by examining certain pre-operative prognostic variables, when considering EMS as a treatment option. Clinical cases with more favorable hard tissue characteristics lead to a better prognosis in EMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of MSMEs is the result of the community's independent efforts and has a role to reduce poverty in the form of creating jobs for the community. The development of digital technology is currently growing rapidly, opening up opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to be able to improve their business performance, including in overcoming capital problems. The application of the use of equity crowdfunding is influenced by internal factors of an organization, namely the financial resources of the organization. The objectives of this study are (1) to examine the influence of financial resources on the performance of MSMEs; (2) Assessing the effect of financial resources on equity crowdfunding; (3) To examine the effect of equity crowdfunding on the performance of MSMEs; (4) To examine the role of equity crowdfunding which is able to mediate the influence of financial resources on the performance of MSMEs. The data analysis method used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) measurements using SmartPLS software. The results of the study show that (1) equity crowdfunding shows a significant positive effect on MSME business performance, it is proven that the higher the equity crowdfunding from business actors, the MSME business performance will increase; (2) Financial resources show a significant positive effect on MSME business performance, it is proven that the better the financial resources owned by business actors, the MSME business performance will increase; (3) financial resources show a significant positive effect on equity crowdfunding, the better the financial resources owned by business actors, the better equity crowdfunding; (4) equity crowdfunding as a mediation of the influence of financial resources shows a significant positive effect on MSME business performance, where equity crowdfunding is considered a variable that strengthens financial resources in improving MSME business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological characterization is important in determining the genetic variation of genotypes among different plant species and its knowledge help the breeders and farmers to select the best variety. Alnus nitida is one of the native and most important plants in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, mostly used for medicinal purposes. In the present study, total 50 genotypes of Alnus nitida were collected from Dir lower and evaluated for morphological traits (leaf, petiole, nut, and catkin size). A significant level of variations was observed in the size of the leaf (10.22%), petiole (24.84%), catkin (9.19%), and nut (3.08%). There is a significant correlation between petiole size and leaf size, which is an important nutritional parameter that could be used successfully in future breeding programs. Based on cluster analysis all the genotypes were divided into two main lineages; lineage A which is further divided into 3 clusters (C1, C2, and C3), and lineage B, further divided into 2 clusters (C4 and C5). The principal component analysis estimated the total variations in the range of 51.43 to 100% with an Eigenvalue of 0.25. It was concluded from the results that Alnus nitida L. genotypes available in Pakistan have come from a narrow gene pool and such types of variations can be exploited to develop new varieties with desirable traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celtis australis L. is one of the most important annual plants globally. The current study was conducted to evaluate Celtis australis genotypes through morphological and biochemical characterizations. A total of 80 genotypes were collected from different regions of district Dir and Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, and were characterized for 11 phenotypic traits (4 qualitative and 7 quantitative). A significant diversity was found for leaf length with the range of 4 to 15 cm, leaf width 1 to 7.0 cm, petiole length range from 0.5 to 4.5cm.The internodes length ranged from 0.5cm to 6. The seed length ranged from 4 to 11mm. The 100 seed weight ranged from 7.7 to 48g. Correlation analysis revealed that leaf width was strongly significant with leaf length (0.454**), 100 seed weight with leaf length (0.289**), seed width was also found strongly significant with seed length (0.246*), and 100 seed weight was found significant with seed length (0.236*). On the basis of Cluster analysis, all the genotypes were divided into two linkages and further divided into 7 sub clusters. Every group showed less difference to one another but high variation to other groups. Similarly, in total seed storage proteins, a total of 13 polypeptides bond were found with the total genetic diversity of (0.68%) found in band 1, while in band 2, the variation was 0.63%. A cluster dendogram was constructed for total seed storage proteins and divided 7 sub clusters, where CA1 and CA69 were found the most diverse genotypes. The main aim of this study was to explore morphological variation in order to generate data that could assist in determining the most appropriate tools that are adaptable to various environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity can be investigated through different methods such as morphological traits, biochemical (SDS PAGE) and molecular markers. The present work was conducted on the basis of morphological and biochemical characterization in order to estimate the genetic diversity among the barley landraces; to explore significant variation which can be used in breeding programs. For this purpose, 40 barley landraces were collected from Dir Lower and Swat, districts of KP, Pakistan. A total of 18 traits were recorded, 10 qualitative characters including spike density, awn barbs, glume awn, lemma type and awn color, length of the rechilla hairs, lemma color, auricle pigmentation, photoperiod sensitivity and stem pigmentation. Variation was observed in these qualitative traits through frequency distribution. In quantitative traits maximum variation was found for plant height ranging from 36cm to 50cm, days to flowering range from 130 to 133 days), while 100 seed weight ranged from 36 to 86 g and plant biomass range from 50 to 199.5 g per plant. SDS-PAGE analyses of total seed storage protein resulted in a total of 18 polymorphic bands. Total genetic diversity on the basis of total seed storage protein analysis was 17.5%. In Band, the 14 total genetic diversity was (0.60%) followed by Band 16 (0.58%) and Band 17 (0.55%). Similarly, Band 3 showed diversity, while Band 8, 4 and 5 indicated 0.45, 0.38 and 0.35%, respectively. A cluster dendrogram tree was constructed which was divided into two linkage and further divided into seven clusters. The variation was found among the clusters. The information obtained from the study is useful in planning further crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants isolated from plants have attracted the interest of clinicians and common people to be used for systemic uses rather than synthetic antioxidants because of their active role in maintaining human health with minimal side effects. Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. is an important medicinal plant native to western Himalaya and is widely distributed throughout Pakistan. The present study evaluates the phytochemical composition of this plant using HPLC along with the total content of phenolics and flavonoids. The antioxidant activities were determined following the Brand William assay. The methanolic extract (Met. Ext) of leaves, stem bark, seeds, and roots of A. nitida were used to scavenge synthetic free radicals such as DPPH and ABTS. From HPLC fingerprinting of the A. nitida selected portion, six possible phytochemicals were confirmed. Among the identified phytochemicals, there are six compounds (malic acid, chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, ellagic acid and pyrogallol) in the leaves of A. nitida, three (epigallocatechin gallate, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol) in the stem bark, six in the seeds (malic acid, vitamin C, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol), and five (malic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, and ellagic acid) in root. Comparatively, the highest antioxidant potentials were recorded for the leaves extract (IC50 of 340 and 645 μg/mL against DPPH and ABTS, respectively). The percentages of inhibition were compared with the positive control ascorbic acid, which produced an IC50 value of 60 μg/mL each against the free radicals DPPH and ABTS. The highest phenolics (43.81 mg GAE/g sample) were found in the roots, while the highest flavonoid contents (53.25 mg QE/g sample) were in the leaves. It was assumed that observed antioxidant potentials of the tested plant might be due to their phytochemicals confirmed through HPLC, and thus, this plant may be a valuable candidate in treating oxidative stress and related disorders. However, further investigations are needed to isolate responsible components in pure from. Furthermore, toxicological effects in in vivo animal models are also needed to confirm the results observed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research work was carried out on 36 genotypes based on morphological and biochemical characterization collected from different regions of District Dir Lower. A total of 12 morphological parameters were recorded, of which 3 of them were qualitative characters: leaf colors, seed coat color, and seed shape. For quantitative trait, the maximum coefficient of variance (0.95%) was found in petiole length, biomass per plant (0.49%), and pod per plant (0.41%), whereas the minimum coefficient of variance showed by leaf width (0.25%), followed by leaf length (0.27%) and internode length (0.29%). Coefficient correlation analysis was computed for all the quantitative traits, where a positive correlation was recorded for plant height (0.37), leaf length (0.18), and seed per plant (0.127). Biomass per plant shows a positive correlation with leaf length (0.118), leaf width (0.27), and seed per plant (0.22) whereas a negative correlation was found in petiole length (-0.044), plant height (-0.002), pod length (-0.59) and pod per plant (-0.99). Principal component analysis (PCA) based on 9 quantitative traits showed significant divergence among the 36 genotypes of R. capitata. It was determined that the 4principal component with an Eigenvalue of above 0.99 accounted for 61.4% of the total variation, where the 1st PC shows a total variation of 19%, the 2nd PC showed 34.87%, 3rd PC had 49.38% while the 4th PC showing a total variation of 61.4%. Based on cluster analysis all the genotypes were divided into 2 main lineages and further subdivided into 6 clusters where the genotypes A1 and A9 were found the most diverse and were found at the extreme of the Dendrogram. For total seed, storage proteins all the genotypes were subjected to SDS-PAGE analysis using 12.5% acrylamide gel, where a total of 14 polymorphic bands were observed. In Band 1 the highest degree of variation (0.83%), followed by Band 2 and Band 3 with a value of 0.75% variation, whereas the lowest (0.17%) was found in Band 12, followed by Band 14 with a value of 0.25% respectively. Based on two-way cluster analysis all the genotypes were divided into 2 main groups and further subdivided into 6 groups where the genotypes RC01 and RC16 were found the most variant genotypes and were placed at the extreme of the cluster Dendogram. The entire bands loci show polymorphism, report addressing genetic variability in Rhynchosia capitata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 47 landraces, 16 genotypes from NARC collection and 18 ancestral lines of US germplasm, in total 81 Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] genotypes were assessed, to molecular and morphological characterization. The genetic diversity was evaluated with 20 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and 7 morphological characters. Chi-square test for homogeneity showed significant variability for all investigated characters. Only six RAPD primers were polymorphic that showed polymorphism in 29 out of 81 genotypes. The remaining primers were excluded from the molecular study. Pair-wise dissimilarity matrix for each primer followed by an average was calculated using bivariate data set generated from all loci of the primers. A total of 474 loci were detected with an average of 79 loci for each primer and 16.32 loci were amplified genotype. Cluster analysis showed that genetic diversity exists among all three groups (land races, collection from NARC and US ancestral). High level of genetic polymorphism was observed based on the six RAPD markers. A dendrogram was constructed using Unweighted Pair Groups of Arithmetic Means, which distinguished the genotypes into four major groups. Group-IA comprised eleven land races, two US genotypes and four NARC genotypes. Group IB comprised of eight US genotypes. Group-IIA comprised of one US genotypes and one land races genotype. Group-IIB comprised of one US genotype and one NARC genotype. Based on molecular study soybean genotypes code 8-7 (land races) and U14 (US genotype; Ralsoy) showed maximum genetic distance. This information can be utilized for genetic analysis, genotype identification from different sources and development of improved germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avena sativa L., also known as Oat belongs to the Poaceae family, is one of the most significant crops that is grown for its seeds, fodder as well as for human consumption as oatmeal. In the current study, 236 genotypes of A. sativa were analysed for genetic diversity through agro-morphological and SDS-PAGE analysis. Cluster analysis based on agro-morphological characteristics grouped all the genotypes into nine clusters, whereas genotype numbers 537 and 728 were highly different from others. The seed yield production of cluster 9 genotypes was the highest per plant (38.2 ± 0.20 g), while cluster 2 genotypes produced maximum biomass per plant (122.5 ± 9.55 g) as compared to other clusters. In a principal component analysis where four variables were studied, and the observed total variations were 57.60%. Among the genotypes, a maximum grain yield of 38.2 g (each) was recorded for genotypes 22,350 and 728, followed by genotypes 737 and 22,390 (with 36.4 g and 35.6 g of seed productions, respectively). The SDS-PAGE analysis resulted in 13 bands and all the genotypes were grouped into seventeen clusters. At the extreme periphery of the dendrogram, genotype 537 and 22,332 were considered to be the most diverse genotypes. Our findings have implications for both understanding the diversity and relationships among these diverse genotypes of A. sativa and will provide a basis for obtaining the elite germplasm optimally adapted to local conditions. The selected genotypes based on agronomic performance may be potential breeding material to raise successful future cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]