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This study aims to test the relationship between dividend policy decisions on the share price Volatility of Modaraba Companies quoted in the Pakistan stock exchange. The data for empirical analysis was collected from the Pakistan stock exchange, Recorder archive, and Ksestocks.com. By using the sampling technique, a sample of 19 Modaraba Companies was taken from 2010 to 2018. The empirical analysis was conducted using multiple regression techniques by employing a fixed effect model on panel data. This study also incorporated four control variables (size, growth, operating earning & level of debt) in empirical analysis to avoid multicollinearity problems between dividend policy measures and spurious regression. The results of the study validate the theory of relevance of dividend policy decisions on share price Volatility. Dividend policy has a negative and significant bearing on Stock price volatility. Higher leverage (debt level) leads to higher instability in stock prices. Firm earning volatility is positively associated with share price volatility. Firm size and firm's growth in terms of assets also has a negative but insignificant impact on share price Volatility.

This study estimates the effects of devaluation and appreciation of real effective exchange rate (REER) on revealed comparative advantage (RCA) at Harmonized System 2-digit level of exports in Pakistan. A non-linear Autoregressive Distribute Lag (ARDL) technique is applied to test the asymmetric evidence. This study employs two models to explore the export performance. Findings/Originality: The results of model 1 estimation confirm the proof of asymmetric ARDL and concludes that devaluation has a positive effect on selected RCA’s index value and helps enhance exports of Pakistan. Meanwhile, the appreciation of REER is having an adverse impact. Model-2 estimates the effect of these selected RCA’s, REER, and world aggregated income (Yw) on the trade balance (TB) of Pakistan. The results estimate that an increase in selected RCA’s index values, world aggregated income, and REER depreciation is useful to decrease in deficit TB of Pakistan.

Salinity stress is a barrier to crop production, quality yield, and sustainable agriculture. The current study investigated the plant growth promotion, biochemical and molecular characterization of bacterial strain Enterobacter cloacae PM23 under salinity stress (i.e., 0, 300, 600, and 900 mM). E. cloacae PM23 showed tolerance of up to 3 M NaCl when subjected to salinity stress. Antibiotic-resistant Iturin C (ItuC) and bio-surfactant-producing genes (sfp and srfAA) were amplified in E. cloacae PM23, indicating its multi-stress resistance potential under biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, the upregulation of stress-related genes (APX and SOD) helped to mitigate salinity stress and improved plant growth. Inoculation of E. cloacae PM23 enhanced plant growth, biomass, and photosynthetic pigments under salinity stress. Bacterial strain E. cloacae PM23 showed distinctive salinity tolerance and plant growth-promoting traits such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, ACC deaminase, and exopolysaccharides production under salinity stress. To alleviate salinity stress, E. cloacae PM23 inoculation enhanced radical scavenging capacity, relative water content, soluble sugars, proteins, total phenolic, and flavonoid content in maize compared to uninoculated (control) plants. Moreover, elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes and osmoprotectants (Free amino acids, glycine betaine, and proline) were noticed in E. cloacae PM23 inoculated plants compared to control plants. The inoculation of E. cloacae PM23 significantly reduced oxidative stress markers under salinity stress. These findings suggest that multi-stress tolerant E. cloacae PM23 could enhance plant growth by mitigating salt stress and provide a baseline and ecofriendly approach to address salinity stress for sustainable agriculture.

Soil salinity is one of the abiotic constraints that imbalance nutrient acquisition, hampers plant growth, and leads to potential loss in agricultural productivity. Salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can alleviate the adverse impacts of salt stress by mediating molecular, biochemical, and physiological status. In the present study, the bacterium Bacillus mycoides PM35 showed resistance up to 3 M NaCl stress and exhibited plant growth-promoting features. Under salinity stress, the halo-tolerant bacterium B. mycoides PM35 showed significant plant growth-promoting traits, such as the production of indole acetic acid, siderophore, ACC deaminase, and exopolysaccharides. Inoculation of B. mycoides PM35 alleviated salt stress in plants and enhanced shoot and root length under salinity stress (0, 300, 600, and 900 mM). The B. mycoides PM35 alleviated salinity stress by enhancing the photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, radical scavenging capacity, soluble sugars, and protein content in inoculated maize plants compared to non-inoculated plants. In addition, B. mycoides PM35 significantly boosted antioxidant activities, relative water content, flavonoid, phenolic content, and osmolytes while reducing electrolyte leakage, H2O2, and MDA in maize compared to control plants. Genes conferring abiotic stress tolerance (CzcD, sfp, and srfAA genes) were amplified in B. mycoides PM35. Moreover, all reactions are accompanied by the upregulation of stress-related genes (APX and SOD). Our study reveals that B. mycoides PM35 is capable of promoting plant growth and increasing agricultural productivity.

Highly stable, small-sized and evenly distributed solid mercury nanoparticles capped with ibuprofen (Ibu-HgNPs) were prepared via reduction with hydrazine and capped with ibuprofen as a stabilizing agent. Characterization of Ibu-HgNPs was carried out by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared Ibu-HgNPs were immobilized onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and used for the first time as the sensing element for voltammetric determination of low concentrations of acrylamide (AA) in aqueous solutions. Various parameters such as the type of supporting electrolyte, voltammetric mode, frequency, deposition time, stirring rate and initial potential were optimized to obtain the highest peak current of AA. The sensor delivered the best results in combination with the square wave voltammetry (SWV) mode, with good repeatability (relative standard deviation (RSD) of 25 repetitions was 1.4% for 1000 ppb AA). The study further revealed that Ibu-HgNPs are strongly adhered to GCE and hence do not contaminate the environment even after several runs. The newly developed AA sensor provides linear calibration dependence in the range of 100–1300 ppb with an R2 value of 0.996 and limit of detection (LOD) of 8.5 ppb. Negligible interference was confirmed from several organic compounds, cations and anions. The developed sensor was successfully applied for AA determination in various types of environmental real water samples to prove its practical usefulness and applicability.

Crystalline magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) spinel oxide powder was synthesized by nitrateâcitrate solâgel auto-combustion process with stoichiometric composition of metal nitrate salts, urea and citric acid. The study was focused on the modification of synthesis conditions and effect of these modified conditions on the structural and electrical properties of synthesized MgFe2O4 ceramic materials. Phase composition, crystallinity, structure and surface morphology were studied by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and SEM. Pure single phase MgFe2O4 spinel ferrite was obtained after calcination at 850 °C. Rietveld refinement of XRD result confirmed the single cubic phase spinel oxide with the lattice constant of a = 8.3931 Å and Fd3m symmetry. UVâvisible absorption study of calcined powder revealed an optical band gap of 2.17 eV. SEM images of sintered specimens (1050â1450 °C) showed that the grain size increased with the increase in sintering temperature. From the impedance results of the sintered MgFe2O4 specimens, it was found that the resistance of grain, grain boundary and electrode effect decreased with an increase in sintering temperature and associated grain growth. In the intermediate frequency region lowering of impedance and dielectric values was observed due to the decrease in grain boundary areas. Mössbauer studies indicated that magnesium ferrite had a mixed spinel structure in calcined and sintered samples, however, the well refined single phase MgFe2O4 was observed due to well developed high crystalline structure at 1350 °C and 1450 °C. Keywords: Solâgel auto-combustion, Magnesium ferrite, X-ray diffraction, SEM, Mössbauer spectroscopy, Impedance spectroscopy

Introduction: The objective structured practical examination (OSPE) is a well-recognized method for assessing different domains of students. OSPE has been introduced in many medical institutions across the country for removing the bias in assessment in last few years. Objective: To assess the perceptions of new comers (1st year MBBS) students of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) regarding objective structured practical examination (OSPE). Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: study was conducted at OSPE center LUMHS Jamshoro in Oct 2016. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at OSPE center LUMHS Jamshoro. About 70 male and 130 female (N=200) students of first and second semester MBBS were enrolled through simple random sampling technique and were administered structured questionnaire to obtain student perceptions on OSPE method of examination. Results: The data showed that 80% of students consider it as best examination format to gain good score and 75% students commented that this pattern of examination saved time, 70% had an opinion that it is un-biased. Conclusion: OSPE assessment is better than conventional viva and practical examination.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: The single most important factor that has long-lasting impact on lives of women is education. The study was conducted to determine the effect of women and partner's education on utilization of antenatal services in the urban slums. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in urban slums of Bahawalpur City from January 2018 to December 2018 after taking ethical approval from hospital ethical committee. Women of reproductive age n=377, between 15 to 49 years, having at least one alive child less than one year of age and irrespective of current pregnancy were included in the study. Out of selected slum area sample was drawn by non-probability consecutive method. The preformed, pretested questionnaire with the help of lady health workers of the areas was used for collection of data. RESULTS: Mean age of the respondents was 28.26 ± 6.03 years. The age distribution showed that 31.1% respondents belonged to 30-34 years age group followed by 29.7% in 25-29 years, 19.1% in 20-24 years. The utilization of antenatal services was poor in 41.1% (n=155), fair in 24.9% (n=94) and good in 34.0% (n=128) women. The utilization of antenatal services was significantly higher in literate group (p

Synchronization of N-slave chaotic systems with a master system is a challenging task, particularly in recent times. In this paper, a novel methodology is proposed for synchronizing the N number of slave systems with a master system. The proposed methodology is based on coupled adaptive synchronous observers. The difference between the corresponding states of master and slave systems is converged to the origin by means of a novel feedback control scheme to achieve synchronization between the master and slave systems. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is verified through a simulation of FitzHugh–Nagumo non-linear systems in MATLAB. The simulation results validate and prove claims, and these systems are successfully synchronized by CCS and CCAS observer-based control.

In Pakistan the Red Junglefowl is reported only from Deva Vatala National Park. The present study investigated the habitat preference and roosting behavior of the Red Junglefowl in three different habitat types which included a wild area, cultivated lands and a human settlement area. Habitat preference during the summer season comprised 87.50% wild area, 2.5% cultivated area and 10% human settlement area; during the winter season, the preference was 90% wild area and 10% human settlement area. More numbers of female birds (22) were seen during both the seasons as compared to males (17). The birds preferred old trees for roosting. A total of 16 roost sites were explored on five different tree species; including Acacia nilotica (25%), Acacia modesta (12.5%), Olea ferruginea (18.75%), Magnifera indica (25%) and Dalbergia sissoo (18.75%). The species roosted in groups of 4-8 birds and the duration of the average roosting time was about eight and half hours. We propose that similar studies on the ecology of Red Junglefowl should be conducted to get a better understanding of the species in the study area which is perquisite for its conservation.

The purpose of this study is to review the literature of business incubators (BIs) particularly in developing countries context. The extensive literature in developing countries like China, India, Malaysia and Pakistan supports the concept of BIs as a part of their national innovation system and also for economic development. We further found from the literature that BIs contribute in achieving the commercialization targets, creating new startups, promoting the entrepreneurial culture, innovation and generating revenue. However, the concept is at initial stages of implementation particularly in Pakistan and Malaysia. The lack of human and technical expertise and financial constraints are the main reasons behind this slow progress. This study contributes to improve the understanding of business incubator’s strategies, objectives, functionalities, implementation and outcome in developing countries. Additionally, this study provides the useful information to policy makers, government, academicians and practitioners about the BIs.

Sustainable Livelihoods Index (SLI) is most commonly used tool to assess the livelihood assets at disaster hit area. The objective of this study was to operationalize the construct of livelihood and formulate its scale by testing its psychometric properties. Initially, a non-systematic narrative review of existing literature was performed and afterward a scale was developed to formulating a questionnaire on livelihood. The questionnaire was distributed among 222 entrepreneurs at disaster hit areas at Sindh, Pakistan. The results showed that the construct of livelihood is composed of five dimensions called livelihood (Capitals/Assets) are Social, Human, Natural Resource, Financial, and Physical Capital; current study has included items that cover all five dimensions. The psychometric analysis revealed that SLI is a reliable and valid tool; the reliability result showed that Cronbach's Alpha coefficients were in the range from 0.76 to 0.88; and validity results showed that the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and Factor Loadings were also within the acceptable ranges (above 0.50). Study concludes that the construct of livelihood is a dynamic construct as it could be interpreted according to the geographical and socioeconomic changes. Moreover, the SLI is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of the construct of livelihood. Therefore, this index can successfully be used to measure livelihood at Pakistan.

The study considered the apparel companies based in India to determine the SCM techniques applied by these businesses as well as the benefits and difficulties encountered with its application thereby analysing the effectiveness of the Supply Chain Management in Apparel Industry. A questionnaire was used as a research instrument for this study to describe and assess the SCM systems of the selected apparel company executives. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to the selected company executives involved in the supply chain activities. The questionnaire which evaluates 7 different dimensions of SCM systems was given to the respondents and the effectiveness of the SCM practices of the apparel companies were measured in order to determine whether its systems are beneficial to the industry or not. Based on the findings it can be concluded that the apparel companies obtained a number of advantages out of SCM application with reference to the efficacy and responsiveness in delivering the goods or services to the customers. In spite of the beneficial effects of SCM application to the apparel industry, the companies are having certain difficulties with respect to the resistance to change and implementation of latest technologies. In spite of these difficulties with SCM, various alternatives are made available for them to enhance their systems like going for the third party logistics (3PL) which help counter these problems. Considering that even expensive tools for SCM application have their downsides, difficulties in SCM is inevitable. However, companies using this can be resourceful in coming up with ways on how their systems can be improved.

A bacterial endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PGase) gene from the plant pathogen Pectobacterium carotovorum was cloned into pGAPZαA vector and constitutively expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant endo-PGase secreted by the Pichia clone showed a 1.7 fold increase when the culture medium included glycerol in replacement of glucose as the carbon source. The enzyme had optimum activity at pH 5.5 and 40 °C with stability between pH 5.0 and 8.0 and at temperatures up to 50 °C. The enzyme activity was enhanced by 41% with the addition of 1 mM Co++, and inhibited by Fe++ with a 63% reduction. The mode of the enzyme action showed internal cleavage of α-1,4 glycoside bonds of polygalacturonic acid and citrus peel pectin. Trigalacturonate and hexagalacturonate were the main hydrolysis products, with a yield of 0.44±0.01 and 0.21±0.01 mg released per mg polygalacturonic acid substrate, respectively. This represents the first report of a microbial endo-PGase that produced trimer and hexamer uniquely as the end products of hydrolysis, in contrast to mixtures of mono-, di-, and trigalacturonates commonly observed for the action of fungal enzymes. Pectic oligosaccharides generated from native carbohydrate polymers offer the potential application as building blocks for value-added products.

As with other malignancies, lymph node metastasis is an important staging element and prognostic factor in colorectal carcinomas. The number of involved lymph nodes is directly related to decreased 5-year overall survival for all pT stages according to United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry database. The National Quality Forum specifies that the presence of at least 12 lymph nodes in a surgical resection is one of the key quality measures for the evaluation of colorectal cancer. Therefore, the harvesting of a minimum of twelve lymph nodes is the most widely accepted standard for evaluating colorectal cancer. Since this is an accepted quality standard, a second attempt at lymph node dissection in the gross specimen is often performed when the initial lymph node count is less than 12, incurring a delay in reporting and additional expense. However, this is an arbitrary number and not based on any hard scientific evidence. We decided to investigate whether the additional effort and expense of submitting additional lymph nodes had any effect on pathologic lymph node staging (pN). We identified a total of 99 colectomies for colorectal cancer in which the prosector subsequently submitted additional lymph nodes following initial review. The mean lymph node count increased from 8.3 ± 7.5 on initial search to 14.6 ± 8.0 following submission of additional sections. The number of cases meeting the target of 12 lymph nodes increased from 14 to 69. Examination of the additional lymph nodes resulted in pathologic upstaging (pN) of five cases. Gross reexamination and submission of additional lymph nodes may provide more accurate staging in a limited number of cases. Whether exhaustive submission of mesenteric fat or fat-clearing methods is justified will need to be further investigated.

Xanthan gum (XG) is a polysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris. The aim of the present study was to modify the xanthan by hydrolysis and grafting with acrylamide through microwave irradiation for different time intervals. Pure xanthan was partially hydrolyzed via enzymatic and chemical treatments followed by optional grafting. Proximate composition analysis, moisture content, and carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and fiber contents were determined. The morphological characteristics, structural composition, functional groups, and heat resistance of the crude, hydrolyzed, and grafted gum were evaluated using SEM, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, and TGA. Morphological studies revealed that xanthan was broken down into smaller fragments as a result of hydrolysis and became somewhat smoother. Thermal analysis studies indicated a larger heat tolerance in the grafted xanthan relative to that of the native and hydrolyzed gums. Xanthan bound to a triamcinolone drug was evaluated in the context of controlled drug release. Controlled drug release correlated well with the exposure time to microwaves used to graft the gum.

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC-OGC) is a rare and poorly described pancreatic malignancy. It is comprised of mononuclear, pleomorphic, and undifferentiated cells as well as osteoclast-like giant cells (OGC’s). It constitutes less than 1% of pancreatic non-endocrine neoplasia and is twice as likely to occur in females as in males. Its histopathologic properties remain poorly understood. It is suspected that UC-OGC is of epithelial origin that can then transition to mesenchymal elements. As part of this study, we describe a case of a malignant pancreatic neoplasm that was discovered in a 69-year old patient as an incidental finding. We also provide an overview of previously published data to highlight UC-OGC’s clinical and pathologic features.

The conversion of organic wastes into biochar via the pyrolysis technique could be used to produce soil amendments useful as a source of plant nutrients. In this study, we investigated the effects of fruit peels and milk tea waste-derived biochars on wheat growth, yield, root traits, soil enzyme activities and nutrient status. Eight amendment treatments were tested: no amendment (CK), chemical fertilizer (CF), banana peel biochar 1% (BB1 + CF), banana peel biochar 2% (BB2 + CF), orange peel biochar 1% (OB1 + CF), orange peel biochar 2% (OB2 + CF), milk tea waste biochar 1% (TB1 + CF) and milk tea waste biochar 2% (TB2 + CF). The results indicated that chlorophyll values, plant height, grain yield, dry weight of shoot and root were significantly (p < 0.05) increased for the TB2 + CF treatment as compared to other treatments. Similarly, higher contents of nutrients in grains, shoots and roots were observed for TB2 + CF: N (61.3, 23.3 and 7.6 g kg−1), P (9.2, 10.4 and 8.3 g kg−1) and K (9.1, 34.8 and 4.4 g kg−1). Compared to CK, the total root length (41.1%), surface area (56.5%), root volume (54.2%) and diameter (78.4%) were the greatest for TB2 + CF, followed by BB2 + CF, OB2 + CF, TB1 + CF, BB1 + CF, OB1 + CF and CF, respectively. However, BB + CF and OB + CF treatments increased β-glucosidase and dehydrogenase, but not urease activity, as compared to the TB + CF amendment, while all enzyme activity decreased with the increased biochar levels. We concluded that the conversion of fruit peels and milk tea waste into biochar products contribute the benefits of environmental and economic issues, and should be tested as soil amendments combined with chemical fertilizers for the improvement of wheat growth and grain yield as well as soil fertility status under field conditions.

Cross-bicoherence analysis is one of the important nonlinear signal processing tools which is used to measure quadratic phase coupling between frequencies of two different time series. It is frequently used in the diagnosis of various cognitive and neurological disorders in EEG (Electroencephalography) analysis. Volume conduction effects of various uncorrelated sources present in the brain can produce biased estimates into the estimated values of cross-bicoherence function. Previous studies have discussed volume conduction effects on coherence function which is used to measure linear relationship between EEG signals in terms of their phase and amplitude. However, volume conduction effect on crossbicoherence analysis which is quite a different technique has not been investigated up to now to the best of our knowledge. This study is divided into two major parts, the first part deals with the investigation of VCUS (Volume Conduction effects due to Uncorrelated Sources) characteristics on EEG-cross-bicoherence analysis. The simulated EEG data due to uncorrelated sources present in the brain was used in this part of study. The next part of study is based upon investigating the effects of VCUS on the statistical analysis of results of EEG-based cross-bicoherence analysis. The study provides an important clinical application because most of studies based on EEG cross-bicoherence analysis have avoided the issue of VCUS. The cross-bicoherence analysis was performed by detecting the change in MSCB (Magnitude Square CrossBicoherence Function) between EEG activities of change detection and no-change detection trials. The real EEG signals were used

The present study was conducted to estimate the status of common leopard (Panthera pardus) in and around Machiara National Park (MNP) Azad Jammu and Kashmir between May 2007 and July 2008. Fifteen fixed transects were monitored on regular basis. Indirect signs of leopard such as pugmarks and scats were recorded along the transects in addition to people and livestock which were counted as an index of disturbance and mean encounter rate for leopard scats, footprints, livestock and people was calculated. Mean encounter rate for leopard pugmarks was 1.6, for scats 2.11, for livestock 25.03, and for people 22.48. Linear measurements of front and hind pugmarks and strides were classified which indicated that at least six to nine (06-09) individuals are present in the study area (13,532 ha). Questionnaire survey revealed that Leopards were sighted by the locals at 23 locations during the study period including; in the morning (35%), evening (29%), night (21%) and daytime (15%). Maximum sightings were recorded between 4765ft to 9634ft elevation presenting moist temperate zone with Pinus wallichiana as a dominant tree species. As a result of increasing biotic pressures, the leopard has become rare with growing threat of further degradation and fragmentation of its habitat. It may cause the species to depend more on the domestic livestock available in and around the area giving way to the problem of human-leopard conflict. The information generated from the study will be helpful for the conservation and management of this critically endangered species.

Myeloma cast nephropathy is an obstructing disorder of renal tubules, caused by precipitation of Bence Jones proteins. Myeloma-like cast nephropathy (MLCN) has been reported in the literature to occur in various primary renal and nonrenal diseases. We present a series of three rare cases of cast nephropathy, two of which are HIV patients, and the third patient is receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, in all three patients plasma cell dyscrasia has been ruled out. A 30-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with facial cellulitis. The second patient is a 31-year-old male who presented with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. The third patient was treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for carcinoma. First two cases revealed foci of diffuse tubular dilatation containing hyaline casts and interstitial inflammatory infiltrate, in addition to globally sclerotic glomeruli with ultrastructural foot process fusion and mesangium expansion. The third case showed acute tubular injury and cast formation of irregular casts composed of amorphous or granular material of low density admixed with scattered high electron-dense globules. Myeloma-like cast nephropathy and true myeloma cast nephropathy pose similar destructive effects on renal parenchyma. This new pattern of HIV-related nephropathy should be considered in HIV patients with MLCN, once monoclonal gammopathy is ruled out.

Change blindness is the incapability of the brain to detect substantial visual changes in the presence of other visual interruption. The objectives of this study are to examine the EEG (Electroencephalographic) based changes in functional connectivity of the brain due to the change blindness. The functional connectivity was estimated using the wavelet-based MSC (Magnitude Square Coherence) function of ERPs (Event Related Potentials). The ERPs of 30 subjects were used and were recorded using the visual attention experiment in which subjects were instructed to detect changes in visual stimulus presented before them through the computer monitor. The two-way ANOVA statistical test revealed significant increase in both gamma and theta band MSCs, and significant decrease in beta band MSC for change detection trials. These findings imply that change blindness might be associated to the lack of functional connectivity in gamma and theta bands and increase of functional connectivity in beta band. Since gamma, theta, and beta frequency bands reflect different functions of cognitive process such as maintenance, encoding, retrieval, and matching and work load of VSTM (Visual Short Term Memory), the change in functional connectivity might be correlated to these cognitive processes during change blindness.

Phytobiocides are a good alternative to chemicals in managing bacterial diseases including bacterial wilt of tomato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. In the present research study, finely ground dried powders of seven widely available medicinal plants/weeds species viz., Peganum harmala (esfand or wild rue), Calotropis procera (sodom apple), Melia azedarach (white cedar), Allium sativum (garlic), Adhatoda vasica (malabar nut), Tagetes patula (marigold) and Nerium oleander (oleander) were assessed for their anti-microbial activity, both in-vitro (10% w/v) and in-vivo (10, 20, 30, and 40 g/kg of potted soil) against R. solanacearum. Aqueous extracts (prepared as 10% w/v, soaking for 48-72 h and filtering) of C. procera, A. vasica, and T. patula inhibited the in-vitro growth of the bacterial pathogen over 60% of that produced by the standard antibiotic streptomycin. A. sativum, N. oleander and P. harmala aqueous extracts were less effective while M. azedarach showed no effect against R. solanacearum. The higher dose (40 g/kg of soil) of C. procera, A. vasica and T. patula decreased disease severity quite effectively and increased yield and plant growth characters as much as the standard antibiotic did. No phytotoxicity of medicinal plants powder was observed on tomato plants. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and terpenoids were detected in the aqueous extracts of T. patula and A. vasica whereas C. procera was found to have only alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Our data suggest that dried powders of T. patula, C. procera and A. vasica (40 g/kg of soil) could be used as an effective component in the integrated disease management programs against bacterial wilt of tomato.

Abstract - Business Organizations and Government unequivocally relies on upon data to deal with their business operations. The most unfavorable impact on association is disappointment of friendship, goodness, trustworthiness, legitimacy and probability of data and administrations. There is an approach to ensure data and to deal with the IT framework's Security inside association. Each time the new innovation is made, it presents some new difficulties for the insurance of information and data. To secure the information and data in association is imperative on the grounds that association nowadays inside and remotely joined with systems of IT frameworks. IT structures are inclined to dissatisfaction and security infringement because of slips and vulnerabilities. These slips and vulnerabilities can be brought on by different variables, for example, quickly creating headway, human slip, poor key particulars, poor movement schedules or censuring the threat. Likewise, framework changes, new deserts and new strikes are a huge piece of the time displayed, which helpers augmented vulnerabilities, disappointments and security infringement all through the IT structure life cycle. The business went to the confirmation that it is essentially difficult to ensure a slip free, risk free and secure IT structure in perspective of the disfigurement of the disavowing security parts, human pass or oversight, and part or supplies frustration. Totally secure IT frameworks don't exist; just those in which the holders may have changing degrees of certainty that security needs of a framework are fulfilled do. The key viewpoints identified with security of data outlining are examined in this paper. From the start, the paper recommends pertinent legitimate structure and their duties including open association obligation, and afterward it returns to present and future time, system limits, structure security in business division. At long last, two key inadequacy markers system force and structure reliance – are discovered and tantamount with EU nations. Thusly I indicated reason viewpoints and figures of security of data structures it additionally relates to the reason of estimation of transient dangers of security of frameworks for that I begin my proposal with one of the fundamental class of data security which is Cyber security. Keyword : Cyber Security, IT

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: The single most important factor that has long-lasting impact on lives of women is education. The study was conducted to determine the effect of women and partner's education on utilization of antenatal services in the urban slums. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in urban slums of Bahawalpur City from January 2018 to December 2018 after taking ethical approval from hospital ethical committee. Women of reproductive age n=377, between 15 to 49 years, having at least one alive child less than one year of age and irrespective of current pregnancy were included in the study. Out of selected slum area sample was drawn by non-probability consecutive method. The preformed, pretested questionnaire with the help of lady health workers of the areas was used for collection of data. RESULTS: Mean age of the respondents was 28.26 ± 6.03 years. The age distribution showed that 31.1% respondents belonged to 30-34 years age group followed by 29.7% in 25-29 years, 19.1% in 20-24 years. The utilization of antenatal services was poor in 41.1% (n=155), fair in 24.9% (n=94) and good in 34.0% (n=128) women. The utilization of antenatal services was significantly higher in literate group (p

α-Galactosidase is applied in the sugar industry to enhance sugar recovery from sugar beet syrup and to improve nutritional value of the soymilk. In the present investigation, the influence of process variables on the production of this important enzyme has been explored in a newly isolated multiple mutant strain of Aspergillus niger in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Defined fermentation parameters include substrate type (pure lactose and by-products of rice and flour mills as prime substrates), nitrogen source, incubation time, initial pH of the medium and incubation temperature. Extracellular α-galactosidase reached the value of 135.4 IU/g of dry substrate (IU/g) after 96 h of fermentation. Supplementation with 2 g of glucose and 3 g of corn steep liquor significantly increased the enzyme production, and maximum value of product yield (318 IU/g) by the mutant strain was significantly higher than that reported by the wild type (this work), or other A. niger mutants, recombinants and yeasts reported in literature as producers of elevated levels of α-galactosidase. Among three α-galactosidases, one possessing high subunit molecular mass proteins (99 and 100 kDa) has been characterized in both wild and mutant organisms. Thermal properties of the purified enzymes indicate that the mutation decreased the values of activation energy for the formation of enzyme-substrate (ES) complex, enthalpy, Gibbs free energy demand for substrate binding, and transition state stabilization. A thermodynamic study of irreversible inactivation of enzymes suggests that the mutant–derived enzyme is more thermostable than the native enzyme, which is attributable to amino acids involved in active catalysis. Because of these properties, the mutant organism is a novel organism and may be exploited for bulk production of thermostable α-galactosidase for the above industrial and nutritional applications.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In developing countries, Diabetes Mellitus and Hepatitis C virus infection are major public health problems. A range of extra-hepatic manifestation such as artharlgia, thyroiditis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus are associated with Hepatitis C virus infection. Almost one-third of the patients suffering from Chronic Hepatitis C virus infection develop Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. OBJECTIVE: 1 To study the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chronic Hepatitis C virus patients. METHODOLOGY: A case-control study was conducted from June 2014 to Dec 2014 at Madinah Teaching Hospital. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used, after approval from hospital ethical committee. Participants with evidence of chronic Hepatitis C virus infection, in form of positive ELISA, positive PCR for HCV RNA with raised serum ALT, were evaluated for presence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of cirrhosis in these participants were also checked. These participants (cases) were then compared with healthy blood donors (controls) visiting blood donation centre in Madinah Teaching Hospital, for Hepatitis C virus infection and presence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. RESULTS: 242 participants suffering from Chronic Hepatitis C infection were inducted. Out of these 242, 53% (n= 128) were male and 47% (n= 114) were females, with male to female ratio 1.2: 1. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was present in 27% (n= 66) of the participants. Maximum number 75.5% (n= 183) diabetic patients were in age group of > 40 years. In our study genotype 3 was most prevalent, 83% (n= 201), followed by genotype 1, in 11% (n=27) of participants. Healthy donors were considered as control group. Out of these controls (n=242), only 3.3% (n= 8) were positive for Hepatitis C virus infection. In these 3% only one person was found to diabetic according to WHO criteria. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in patients with Chronic Hepatitis C infection is higher than in the general population. This prevalence is even higher in healthy blood donors with Hepatitis C, emphasizing that only presence of Hepatitis C virus is not sufficient to produce the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus but it is the presence of Chronic Hepatitis C which is fundamental.

Sebaceous-gland carcinoma can occur alone or as one of the defining features of the Muir-Torre syndrome. Cases occurring below the head and neck are extremely rare. Here we describe the case of a 70-year-old male with Muir-Torre syndrome who had a recurrent sebaceous-gland carcinoma in the left lower extremity that demonstrated 18F-FDG avidity. An 18F-FDG-avid lower-extremity sebaceous-gland carcinoma has not been previously reported.

Suberin-derived substituted fatty acids have been shown to be potential biomarkers for plant-derived carbon (C) in soils across ecosystems. Analyzing root derived suberin compounds bound in soil could help to understand the root input into a soil organic carbon pool. In this study, bound lipids were extracted and identified in root and topsoil samples. Short-chain suberin diacids were quantified under rice (Oryza sativa L.) and rape (Brassica campestris) rotations with different cultivar combinations in a Chinese rice paddy. After removal of free lipids with sequential extraction, the residual bound lipids were obtained with saponification and derivatization before analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Diacids C16 and C18 in bound lipids were detected both in rice and rape root samples, while diacids C20 and C22 were detected only in rape root samples. Accordingly, diacids were quantified in both rhizosphere and bulk soil (0-15 cm). The amount of total root-derived diacids in bulk soil varied in a range of 5.6-9.6 mg/kg across growth stages and crop seasons. After one year-round rice-rape rotation, root-derived suberin diacids were maintained at a level of 7-9 mg/kg in bulk soil; this was higher under a super rice cultivar LY than under a hybrid cultivar IIY. While concentrations of the analyzed diacids were generally higher in rhizosphere than in bulk soil, the total diacid (DA) concentration was higher at the time of rape harvest than at rice harvest, suggesting that rape roots made a major contribution to the preservation of diacids in the paddy. Moreover, the net change in the concentration and the ratios of C16:0 DA to C18:1 DA, and of C16:0 DA to C18:0 DA, over a whole growing season, were greater under LY than under IIY, though there was no difference between cultivars within a single growth stage. Overall, total concentration of root-derived suberin diacids was found to be positively correlated to soil organic carbon concentration both for bulk soil and rhizosphere. However, the turnover and preservation of the root suberin biomolecules with soil property and field conditions deserve further field studies.

Adiantum capillus veneris is a medicinally essential plant used for the treatment of diverse infectious diseases. The study of phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and medically important fungi is of immense significance. Extracts from the leaves, stems, and roots of Adiantum capillus veneris were extracted with water, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane and screened for their antimicrobial activity against ten MDR bacterial strains and five fungal strains isolated from clinical and water samples. Ash, moisture, and extractive values were determined according to standard protocols. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy) studies were performed on different phytochemicals isolated from the extracts of Adiantum capillus Veneris. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, and reducing sugars. Water, methanol, and ethanol extracts of leaves, stems, and roots showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against most of the MDR bacterial and fungal strains. This study concluded that extracts of Adiantum capillus veneris have valuable phytochemicals and significant activities against most of the MDR bacterial strains and medically important fungal strains.

Heliotropium bacciferum is paramount in medicinal perspective and belongs to Boraginaceae family. The crude and numerous fractions of leaves, stem, and roots of the plant were investigated for phytochemical analysis and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Phytochemical analysis of crude and fractions of the plant revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, and phenols. The antioxidant (free radical scavenging) activity of various extracts of the Heliotropium bacciferum was resolute against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical with the avail of UV spectrophotometer at 517 nm. The stock solution (1000 mg/mL) and then several dilutions (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/mL) of the crude and fractions were prepared. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard. The plant leaves (52.59 ± 0.84 to 90.74 ± 1.00), stem (50.19 ± 0.92 to 89.42 ± 1.10), and roots extracts (49.19 ± 0.52 to 90.01 ± 1.02) divulged magnificent antioxidant activities. For the ascertainment of the fatty acid constituents a gas chromatograph hyphenated to mass spectrometer was used. The essential fatty acids for growth maintenance such as linoleic acid (65.70%), eicosadienoic acid (15.12%), oleic acid (8.72%), and palmitic acid (8.14%) were found in high percentage. The infrared spectra of all extracts of the plant were recorded by IR Prestige-21 FTIR model.

ABSTRACT Background: Lumber disc herniation is a common entity in neurosurgical practice. The herniated disc fragment may migrate ventrally or laterally after penetrating the posterior longitudinal ligament. Posterior epidural migration of the ruptured fragment is comparatively uncommon and may mimic clinically and radiologically with spinal tumors. The objective of this study was to analyze patients with posterior epidural migration of lumber disc for clinical features, diagnosis and outcome of surgery. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from July 2007 to June, 2012 (5 years). All Patients who had posterior epidural migration of herniated lumbar disc fragment and undergone surgery (discectomy) were included in the study. Patients who had anterior or lateral epidural disc fragments or having recurrent lumber disc herniation were excluded from the study. The clinical record of the patients was evaluated for clinical features, diagnosis and outcome of surgery. Results: Out of 11 cases, 8 were males and 3 females with male to female ratio of 2.7: 1. The mean age of the patients was 42.5 (16 to 69) years. Six (54.5%) patients had radicular symptoms followed by Cauda Equina syndrome in three (27.3%) and neurogenic claudication in two (18.2%) patients. Preoperative diagnosis was that of ruptured disc fragment in eight (72.7%) cases. 90 % patients had good results after surgery. Conclusions: The most common clinical feature of posterior epidural migration of herniated lumbar disc fragments was that of radicular symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the investigation of choice but not diagnostic in all the cases. Most of the patients had good response to surgery.