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Irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilization rates are widely used to increase crop growth and yield and promote the sustainable production of the maize crop. However, our understanding of irrigation and N fertilization in the soil microenvironment is still evolving, and further research on soil bacterial communities under maize crop with irrigation and N management in subtropical regions of China is needed. Therefore, we evaluated the responses of two irrigation levels (low and high irrigation water with 60 and 80% field capacity, respectively) and five N fertilization rates [i.e., control (N0), N200 (200 kg N ha−1), N250 (250 kg N ha−1), N300 (300 kg N ha−1), and N350 (350 kg N ha−1)] on soil bacterial communities, richness, and diversity. We found that both irrigation and N fertilization significantly affected bacterial richness, diversity index, and number of sequences. Low irrigation with N300 treatment has significantly higher soil enzymes activities, soil nutrient content, and bacterial alpha and beta diversity than high irrigation. In addition, the Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phyla under both irrigation regimes. The acidic phosphates, acidic invertase, β-glucosidase, catalase, cellulase, and urease were positively correlated with the Shannon index under both low and high irrigation. Therefore, low irrigation improves soil nutrient utilization by boosting soil enzyme activity, directly affecting soil bacterial communities. It was concluded that greater soil nutrients, enzyme activities with higher bacterial diversity are the main indicators of soil reactivity to low irrigation water and N300 for maintaining soil fertility and soil microbial community balance.

Background. Antibiotic supplementation in feed has been continued for the previous 60 years as therapeutic use. They can improve the growth performance and feed efficiency in the chicken flock. A favorable production scenario could favor intestinal microbiota interacting with antibiotic growth promoters and alter the gut bacterial composition. Antibiotic growth promoters did not show any beneficial effect on intestinal microbes. Scope and Approach. Suitable and direct influence of growth promoters are owed to antimicrobial activities that reduce the conflict between host and intestinal microbes. Unnecessary use of antibiotics leads to resistance in microbes, and moreover, the genes can relocate to microbes including Campylobacter and Salmonella, resulting in a great risk of food poisoning. Key Findings and Conclusions. This is a reason to find alternative dietary supplements that can facilitate production, growth performance, favorable pH, and modulate gut microbial function. Therefore, this review focus on different nutritional components and immune genes used in the poultry industry to replace antibiotics, their influence on the intestinal microbiota, and how to facilitate intestinal immunity to overcome antibiotic resistance in chicken.

Biochar is an important soil amendment that can enhance the biological properties of soil, as well as nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization in N-fertilized crops. However, few studies have characterized the effects of urea and biochar application on soil biochemical traits and its effect on paddy rice. Therefore, a field trial was conducted in the early and late seasons of 2020 in a randomized complete block design with two N levels (135 and 180 kg ha−1) and four levels of biochar (0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1). The treatment combinations were as follows: 135 kg N ha−1 + 0 t B ha−1 (T1), 135 kg N ha−1 + 10 t B ha−1 (T2), 135 kg N ha−1 + 20 t B ha−1 (T3), 135 kg N ha−1 + 30 t B ha−1 (T4), 180 kg N ha−1 + 0 t B ha−1 (T5), 180 kg N ha−1 + 10 t B ha−1 (T6), 180 kg N ha−1 + 20 t B ha−1 (T7) and 180 kg N ha−1 + 30 t B ha−1 (T8). The results showed that soil amended with biochar had higher soil pH, soil organic carbon content, total nitrogen content, and mineral nitrogen (NH4+-N and NO3−-N) than soil that had not been amended with biochar. In both seasons, the 20 t ha−1 and 30 t ha−1 biochar treatments had the highest an average concentrations of NO3–-N (10.54 mg kg−1 and 10.25 mg kg−1, respectively). In comparison to soil that had not been treated with biochar, the average activity of the enzymes urease, polyphenol oxidase, dehydrogenase, and chitinase was, respectively, 25.28%, 14.13%, 67.76%, and 22.26% greater; however, the activity of the enzyme catalase was 15.06% lower in both seasons. Application of biochar considerably increased the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which was 48% greater on average in biochar-amended soil than in unamended soil. However, there were no significant variations in the abundances of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) or nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) across treatments. In comparison to soil that had not been treated with biochar, the average N content was 24.46%, 20.47%, and 19.08% higher in the stem, leaves, and panicles, respectively. In general, adding biochar at a rate of 20 to 30 t ha−1 with low-dose urea (135 kg N ha−1) is a beneficial technique for improving the nutrient balance and biological processes of soil, as well as the N uptake and grain yield of rice plants.

The major objective of the current study was to find out the impact of motivational factors on the job outcomes of librarians working in HEC-recognized university libraries in Pakistan. A survey research method followed by predictive correlational design was applied to test the constructed hypotheses in this study. The population of the study was library professionals working in the university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. There were 13 public sector universities and 21 private sector universities. The census sampling technique was used to collect data from the respondents of the 34 universities. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire. Out of 225 respondents, 189 completed questionnaires were received. Hence, the response rate was 84%. The gathered data were analyzed through SPSS software. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were applied to find out the impact of motivational and behavioral factors on the job outcomes of information professionals. The findings of the study showed that different types of motivation influenced information professionals to carry out innovative and value-added services in the workplace. Rewards, a sense of honor, an amicable work environment, and autonomy were the key categories of motivation that encouraged information professionals to undertake efficient job performance. Recommendations provided through a framework based on the findings of the study will prove to be a benchmark for policymakers, human resource managers, and heads of institutions in order to formulate such techniques that might motivate information professionals for the implementation of user-centric services.

The persistent fight against global environmental threats and energy catastrophe is currently a major concern for the economic development of bioenergy across the entire country. Hence, traditional fuel-based reserves are overburdened to cope with the rapid energy crisis, necessitating an urgent need for an innovative carbon-neutral green-energy resource. In order to address these critical bottlenecks, microalgae with incredible metabolic versatility have paved the way for a pivotal attention towards sustainable biofuel production. However, due to high operational costs and low lipid productivity, the microalgae-based biofuel resource is still in its infancy. As a result, this problem can be overcome by incorporating engineered microalgal strains which can pave the way for significant lipid augmentation for biofuel production. Thus, our current review depicts an in-depth understanding of a multi-omics approach to microalgae, the broad scope of self-sustaining microalgae cultivation, lipid-extraction strategies, and conversion processes to improve economic commercialization in the bioenergy framework. The present review also provides a detailed analysis of the international and national status of bioenergy development by several federal agencies.

Arsenic is a significant food safety and environmental concern due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effect on living organism. Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) is a global staple crop grown intensively in arsenic-contaminated regions of the world (e.g., Southern Province of China). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether Se-NPs and/or ZnO-NPs could be used as an eco-friendly and efficient amendment to reduce arsenic uptake and toxicity in soybean. Ten-days-old seedling, grown in vermiculite, were transferred to hydroponic media and further grown till V2 growth stage appeared. AsV (25 μM Na2HAsO4) stressed plants were treated with ZnONP (25 μM ZnO) and SeNP (25 μM Se) separately and in combination, which were grown for another 10 d. The result demonstrated that arsenic-treated soybean plants displayed a reduction in photosynthetic efficiency, increased proline and glycine betaine accumulation in tissues, and altered antioxidant activity compared to an untreated control. The application of zinc oxide and selenium nanoparticles, both independently and in tandem, reduced arsenic stress in root and shoot tissues and rescued plant health. This was reflected through increased levels of reduced glutathione content, ascorbic acid, and various photosynthesis- and antioxidant-relevant enzymes. In addition, nanoparticle-treated soybean plants displayed higher expression of defense- and detoxification-related genes compared to controls. Cellular toxicants (i.e., oxidized glutathione, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde) were reduced upon nanoparticle treatment. These data collectively suggest that selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles may be a solution to ameliorate arsenic toxicity in agricultural soils and crop plants.

Forests constitute about thirty percent of total land of district Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. However, local populations utilize these forests to fulfill the requirements of fodder, fuelwood and sawn timber. Most studies; based on exploration of the composition of vascular and non-vascular floral species after human-induced deforestation have been conducted in protected areas of Abbottabad. Present study was focused on forests’ inventory in unprotected area to assess the implications of forest management practices through quadrate-plot survey method with systematic sampling design. The abundance, frequency, dominance, density and population of tree species as well as Importance Value and Family Value Indices were higher in reserved forests. However, Shannon-Weiner Index, Species Richness, Evenness and Simpson Indices were higher in community forests indicating the higher deterioration of community forests. Statistical analysis supported the significance of acquired results. The findings support the existence of intact tree vegetation in reserved forests can be due to less utilization of reserved forests by local populations. Forests’ protection has positively influenced the structure and density of tree vegetation stand in reserved forests. The study would offer information for wise management of forests in study area as well as other non-protected areas of district. The study supports an active forests management at local levels to contribute in global forests’ conservation.

In this study, we propose to synthesize NPs using plant extract containing active biomedical components, with the goal of obtaining NPs that inherit the biomedical activities of the plant. Herein, we report the synthesis of manganese dioxide nanoparticles (VBLE-MnO2 NPs) using the leaves extract of Viola betonicifolia, in which the biological active plant’s secondary metabolites function as both reducing and capping agents. The synthesized NPs were successfully characterized with different spectroscopic techniques. The antibacterial, antifungal, and biofilm inhibition properties of the synthesized VBLE-MnO2 NPs were further explored against a variety of bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and mycological species. Additionally, their antioxidant ability against linoleic acid peroxidation inhibition, cytobiocompatibility with hMSC cells, and cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells were investigated compared to leaves extract and chemically synthesized manganese dioxide NPs (CH-MnO2 NPs). The results were demonstrated that the synthesized VBLE-MnO2 NPs presented excellent antibacterial, antifungal, and biofilm inhibition performance against all the tested microbial species compared to plant leaves extract and CH-MnO2 NPs. Moreover, they also exhibited significant antioxidant potential, which was comparable to the external standard (ascorbic acid); however, it was higher than plant leaves extract and CH-MnO2 NPs. Furthermore, the synthesized CH-MnO2 NPs displayed good cytobiocompatibility with hMSC cells compared to CH-MnO2 NPs. The enhanced antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and biofilm inhibition efficacy as compared to CH-MnO2 NPs might be attributed to the synergistic effect of the VBLE-MnO2 NPs’ physical properties and the adsorbed biologically active phytomolecules from the leaves extract of V. betonicifolia on their surface. Thus, our study establishes a novel ecologically acceptable route for nanomaterials’ fabrication with increased and/or extra medicinal functions derived from their herbal origins.

Cereals and pulses are consumed as a staple food in low-income countries for the fulfillment of daily dietary requirements and as a source of micronutrients. However, they are failing to offer balanced nutrition due to deficiencies of some essential compounds, macronutrients, and micronutrients, i.e., cereals are deficient in iron, zinc, some essential amino acids, and quality proteins. Meanwhile, the pulses are rich in anti-nutrient compounds that restrict the bioavailability of micronutrients. As a result, the population is suffering from malnutrition and resultantly different diseases, i.e., anemia, beriberi, pellagra, night blindness, rickets, and scurvy are common in the society. These facts highlight the need for the biofortification of cereals and pulses for the provision of balanced diets to masses and reduction of malnutrition. Biofortification of crops may be achieved through conventional approaches or new breeding techniques (NBTs). Conventional approaches for biofortification cover mineral fertilization through foliar or soil application, microbe-mediated enhanced uptake of nutrients, and conventional crossing of plants to obtain the desired combination of genes for balanced nutrient uptake and bioavailability. Whereas, NBTs rely on gene silencing, gene editing, overexpression, and gene transfer from other species for the acquisition of balanced nutritional profiles in mutant plants. Thus, we have highlighted the significance of conventional and NBTs for the biofortification of cereals and pulses. Current and future perspectives and opportunities are also discussed. Further, the regulatory aspects of newly developed biofortified transgenic and/or non-transgenic crop varieties via NBTs are also presented.

The steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is an endangered migratory raptor species that migrates in winter to Pakistan and neighbouring countries. In Pakistan, the species migrate at the end of autumn and utilise different habitats across the country. Very little information is available about the species’ population status, distribution, and factors affecting its distribution in Pakistan. In the present study, we predicted the distribution of steppe eagles in Pakistan associated with different environmental variables. We used 149 presence points of the species from an online source (GBIF), published literature, and wildlife photographers. The MaxEnt analysis showed that highly suitable habitats were mostly present in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), federally administered areas and surrounding areas, southern areas of Sindh Province, and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province. In addition, some patches were also predicted by MaxEnt in Balochistan Province. Human population density (27.0%), chicken density (16.6%), temperature seasonality (11.1%), and rivers (10.3%) were identified as the main environmental factors that affect the habitat distribution of steppe eagle in Pakistan. Only a small percentage (2.62%) of the total Pakistan area was estimated to be a highly suitable area for steppe eagles, while 20.58% and 7.46% were identified as the least and moderately suitable areas, respectively. Conservation of identified habitats and mitigation of anthropogenic impacts to conserve this endangered eagle species are recommended for immediate and long-term conservation across Pakistan.

Apricot powder was developed through spray drying using gum arabic as an encapsulating material at a concentration of 19%. Inlet air temperature, feed total soluble solids (TSS), feed flow rate, and atomization speed were 190 °C, 23.0 °C, 300.05 mL/h, and 17,433 rpm, respectively. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the influence of anticaking agents (tricalcium phosphate and silicon dioxide) and storage conditions (ambient and accelerated) on physicochemical, micrometric, and thermal characteristics of spray-dried apricot powder (SDAP) packaged in aluminum laminates. Both tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) improved the shelf life and quality of SDAP, with TCP being more effective, since a lower increase in water activity (aw), moisture content, degree of caking, hygroscopicity, and rehydration time was observed in TCP-treated samples followed by SiO2-treated samples than the control. Furthermore, flowability, glass transition temperature (Tg), and sticky-point temperature (Ts) of SDAP tended to decrease in a significant manner (p < 0.05) under both storage conditions. However, the rate of decrease was higher during accelerated storage. The water activity of treated samples under ambient conditions did not exceed 0.60 and had a total plate count within the permissible range of 40,000 CFU/g, indicating shelf stability of the powder. The predicted shelf life of powder obtained from the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model and experimental values were very similar, with TCP-treated samples having a predicted shelf life of 157 days and 77 days under ambient and accelerated storage conditions, respectively. However, the respective experimental shelf life under the same conditions was 150 and 75 days, respectively. Similarly, the predicted shelf life of SiO2-treated samples under ambient and accelerated storage was 137 and 39 days, respectively, whereas the experimental values were 148 and 47 days, respectively. In conclusion, TCP proved more effective than SiO2 at preserving shelf life by preventing moisture ingress.

Conservation goals can only be best achieved when there is firm support and cooperation from locals, especially in emerging economies where poor communities often bear most of the cost of human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs). In this study, we explored the economic losses caused by wild boars in two districts, i.e., the Peshawar district and the Nowshera district, in north-western Pakistan. Between May and June 2022, 589 respondents from 53 villages were interviewed. The results revealed that the wild boar was chiefly involved in crop raiding, causing an annual economic loss of USD 12,030 (USD 20.42/household). The highly raided crops included maize (40.24%), followed by wheat (24.95%), vegetables (22.65%), and sugarcane (6.29%). Wild boars were also held accountable for orchard damages. Most people consider the wild boar a common species in the area and want it completely eliminated. We believe that the increasing wild boar population is alarming and should be noticed. The government should collaborate with the local communities to use innovative methods to deter wild boars. Compensation schemes for crop damages should be launched. Moreover, the regular investigation of the wild boar population size and their carrying capacities should be enlisted as integral parts of wildlife management in the area.

Prevailing drug resistance in malaria imposes the major roadblock for the existing interventions necessitating the timely need to search for alternative therapies. Ants in Solenopsis spp, termed ’Fire ants’, are well known for their aggressive behavior, which leads to the release of toxic venom. Notably, the tribal natives of the malaria-laden densely forested Bastar region, Chhattisgarh, India, use fire ant sting-based therapy to cure malaria-like high fever. Inspired by this, we have collected the fire ants from the forest of Bastar and extracted peptide and alkaloid fractions from ant venom using HPLC and analyzed them by LC/MS-based applications. Evaluation of the anti-malarial efficacy of these peptide fractions demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf 3D7) in vitro, whereas the alkaloid fraction showed a negligible effect. in vitro hemolytic activity confirmed the venom peptide fraction to be non-hemolytic. Additionally, the venom peptide fraction is purely non-toxic to HepG2 cells. Anti-malarial efficiency of the same in Plasmodium berghei ANKA infected mice models showed a drastic reduction in parasitemia representing promising anti-malarial activity. Overall, our study has unraveled the scientific rationale underlying fire ant sting therapy used as a tribal naturotherapy for curing malaria-like fever, thus, introducing a way forward to develop nature-inspired anti-malarial chemotherapeutics.

In developing countries, long-term conservation goals are hindered by the high economic costs of human–wildlife conflicts. The grey wolf is one of the prominent species indulged in these incidents. We investigated human–wolf conflicts (HWCs) by interviewing 104 respondents from five villages in Kumrat Valley, northern Pakistan. The respondents declared the grey wolf a common and highly dangerous carnivore. The grey wolf was found implicated in livestock predation, inflicting a yearly economic loss of USD 9225 (USD 88.70 per household (with monthly average income of 119 USD)). Our results confirmed that livestock predation was the main reason for the community’s hostile attitude (65.38%) and perception of the grey wolf. Concerning occupation, farmers have the most significant negative attitude (p = 0.040) towards the grey wolf, yet employees (p = 0.025) and students (p = 0.030) showed a positive attitude. In addition, the other factors contributing to the negative attitude towards the grey wolf were the grey wolf sightings and livestock predation (p = 0.016 and p = 0.006), respectively. Based on the findings, we believe that predation compensation and livestock vaccination programs (as done in Gilgit-Baltistan Province of northern Pakistan as a measure of snow leopard conservation, to prevent mass mortalities of livestock due to diseases and in turn safeguarding the predator from retaliatory killing by locals in case of livestock predation) educating the populous can be very promising in minimizing the HWCs in the study area. We also recommend robust and continuous coordination between the local communities and the concerned departments.

We hereby discuss the thermoelectric properties of PdXSn(X = Zr, Hf) half Heuslers in relation to lattice thermal conductivity probed under effective mass (hole/electrons) calculations and deformation potential theory. In addition, we report the structural, electronic, mechanical, and lattice dynamics of these materials as well. Both alloys are indirect band gap semiconductors with a gap of 0.91 eV and 0.82 eV for PdZrSn and PdHfSn, respectively. Both half Heusler materials are mechanically and dynamically stable. The effective mass of electrons/holes is (0.13/1.23) for Zr-type and (0.12/1.12) for Hf-kind alloys, which is inversely proportional to the relaxation time and directly decides the electrical/thermal conductivity of these materials. At 300K, the magnitude of lattice thermal conductivity observed for PdZrSn is 15.16 W/mK and 9.53 W/mK for PdHfSn. The highest observed ZT value for PdZrSn and PdHfSn is 0.32 and 0.4, respectively.

Purpose: Technological evolution has transformed businesses in the new era. Modern paradigms shift towards adoption of gadgets that has changed the methods of providing services to clients. Banks provided themselves with the current contrivances to offer creative and dynamic types of assistance to customers. Banks has now offering "advanced and digital banking" through e-banking services to facilitate their customers. However, there are several e-banking services depends on e-service quality that affects loyalty of their customers. The main purpose of the current study is to measure the direct relationship of e-banking service quality on customer loyalty and also indirect effect of trust as mediating variable. Design/Methodology/Approach: The data was collected from 250 clients using questionnaire from top five commercialized banks of Pakistan. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect the information. PLS-SEM was employed to statistically test the data. Findings: This study found significant direct effect of e-banking service quality through its three dimensions “reliability, website design and security” on customer loyalty. In addition, the results also supported the mediation of three dimensions of e-banking service quality with customer loyalty. Implications/Originality/Value: All three dimensions increase the customer loyalty and trust played important role it this mechanism.

Purpose: SME’s in Pakistan like developed economies play crucial role in the economic development and sustainability as long as entrepreneurs should be mindful about SME’s success and failure factors. In the extant literature, particularly in Pakistan, there is a lack of studies that have been empirically examined the comparative factors of Southern Punjab and Balochistan this setting particularly in Pakistan. The current study has focused on the comparative analysis of success or failure of Southern Punjab and Balochistan SME’s. The purpose of paper is to examine the aspects of SMEs that are central to their success/failure functioning in both areas of Pakistan. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data was collected through a questionnaire using the Lussier’s Model of success or failure factors among the owners of successful and unsuccessful SMEs. The researchers collected 200 questionnaires from SMEs. Data was analyzed by using the logistic regression technique. Findings: Results of the current study showed that management experience, planning, professional advice, staff, product and services, marketing, and age are important for the viability and success of SME’s operating in Southern Punjab. In Balochistan, management experience, planning, professional advice, education, marketing are significant for the success/failure of SME’s. Implications/Originality/Value: Thus, this study adds value to the knowledge to enhance understanding in “why some businesses succeed and others fail” by using Lussier’s Model. The results of the study assist policymakers in developing the programs that enhance the SME’s promotion, establishment, and development.

The experiment was conducted at SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar during 2018 to evaluate the effects of foliar sprays of different micronutrients, viz. B, Zn Cu, Mo, Fe and Mn, on plant growth, physiological and yield attributes of okra. Treatments were prepared as 100 ppm aqueous solution of each boric acid, zinc sulphate, copper sulphate, ferrous sulphate and magnesium sulphate, except ammonium molybdate (taken as 50ppm). Each treatment was applied individually as well as in different combinations at 30, 45 and 60 DAS, thus making total of 14 treatments with three replications. Results indicated that different treatments markedly increased the plant growth, chlorophyll and yield of okra. The maximum plant height (156.40 cm), leaf area (5938.55 cm2), leaf area (5938.55/plant), LAI (4.39), SLW (10.1) mg/cm2) as well as leaf chlorophyll content (0.80 mg/g) were recorded when all the micronutrients were applied in combination (T7). The same treatment also recorded earliest fruit harvest (45.43 DAS) with highest number of fruits per plant (23.20), maximum fruit size (1.37 cm × 11.25 cm) and thus, fruit yield (241.74 g/plant) against the minimum plant height (116.45 cm), LAI (1.90), SLW (6.12 mg/cm2), chlorophyll content (0.50 mg/g), number of fruits (20.29/plant), fruit size (1.11 cm × 9.56 cm) and yield (183.01 g/plant) with maximum time taken (71.8 DAS) to first harvest. Finally, it can be stated that combined application of micronutrients (B, Zn Cu, Mo, Fe and Mn) as foliar sprays at 30, 45 and 60 DAS is most effective in improving plant growth, yield and yield attributes of okra.

Objectives: Continuous cultivation of rice and wheat crops in rice–wheat cropping system has resulted in numerous edaphic, social and environmental problems. Nonetheless, increasing water scarcity is also threatening the sustainability of rice–wheat cropping system. Therefore, farmers are compelled to cultivate alternative crops, like maize for water saving and higher economic returns. However, limited is known for integrated management of nitrogen (N) in wheat and maize crops. This study investigated the impact of integrated N management on productivity and profitability of wheat-maize cropping system. Methods: The study was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Mulan, Pakistan. Wheat and maize crops were cultivated with recommended N dose using inorganic and organic sources, either alone or in combination with biofertilizer, while no N application was regarded as control. Data relating to root biomass yield and soil organic carbon (SOC) were collected. Results: Organic fertilizer alone and in combination with inorganic fertilizer and biofertilizer significantly improved root biomass and SOC. Improved SOC and crop root system resulted in better productivity of wheat-maize cropping system. Sole inorganic fertilizer application improved crop yield; however, had almost no effect on SOC. Integrated N management strategy (50% organic and inorganic fertilizer in combination with biofertilizer), improved crop yield (7168, 6405 kg/ha), net benefit (US$ 779, 961) and SOC (2.75%, 1.59%) for maize and wheat crops, respectively. Conclusion: Integrated N management strategy using different N sources seemed a viable and economically sound alternative of conventional N management, which would further strengthen the sustainability of wheat-maize cropping system.

Water deficiency has become a major issue threatening the sustainability of arable crops globally. This study was conducted to assess the effects of deficit supplemental irrigation (DSI) at different growth phases on the performance of different maize hybrids under semi-arid climate. The irrigations were skipped either at vegetative or reproductive stage, while a sufficient supplemental irrigation was taken as control in three maize hybrids i.e., P-30Y87, S-6621 and P-30Y58. The DSI at both growth phases significantly hampered root length and proliferation, crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI) and relative water contents (RWC). The DSI applied at both growth phases reduced the grain yield and yield related attributes, but DSI at reproductive stage was more lethal. Hybrid P-30Y87 performed better under different irrigation treatments due to better root system, crop allometry and other yield related traits compared to other hybrids while hybrid P-30Y58 recorded the lowest crop yield due to poor root system. The lateral roots had positive correlation with grains cob-1 and water use efficiency, while positive correlation among root length and grain weight and yield was observed under DSI at both growth phases. In conclusion, DSI at reproductive stage severely hampers the maize productivity; however maize productivity under deficit irrigation supply can potentially be improved to some extent by using maize hybrids with better root system. The moisture deficiency at reproductive stage proved more lethal for maize productivity, while maize hybrids with better root system potentially evaded the adverse effects of moisture deficits under semi-arid climate.

Abstract Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is the most devastating disease of citrus across the world, caused by the phloem limited fastidious bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter spp.’. This research was conducted on HLB infected 10-year-old Kinnow orchard located at Multan, Pakistan. Different classes of antibiotics in various combinations were applied on HLB-infected trees. The antibiotic treatments were applied before flowering in February, during fruit setting in April and at fruit growth stage in June. The different antibiotics combinations used were Ampicillin sodium + Rifampicin, Cefalexin + Rifampicin, Ampicillin sodium + Cefalexin, Ampicillin sodium + Cefalexin + Rifampicin and Control (distilled water). Different fruit qualitative and quantitative attributes were examined. The application of antibiotics significantly decreased 2–11% in flower, June and pre-harvest drops as compared to control. Further, antibiotics increased fruit weight and yield by five times while the juice content, total soluble solids, ripening index, total sugars, phenolic and vitamin C content were also increased in fruits. In addition, total soluble proteins, peroxidase and catalase activities were increased in fruits harvested from antibiotic treated plants compared to control, however the superoxidase dismutase activity was decreased in fruits of antibiotic treated plants. Finally, it is concluded that application of different antibiotics combinations helps in improving the fruit yield and different quality attributes of HLB infected Kinnow trees.

Background: Artesunate the most potent antimalarial is widely used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant malaria. The antimalarial cytotoxicity of artesunate has been mainly attributed to its selective, irreversible and iron- radical-mediated damage of parasite biomolecules. In the present research, iron oxide nanoparticle fortified artesunate was tested in P. falciparum and in an experimental malaria mouse model for enhancement in the selectivity and toxicity of artesunate towards parasite. Artesunate was fortified with nontoxic biocompatible surface modified iron oxide nanoparticle which is specially designed and synthesized for the sustained pH-dependent release of Fe2+ within the parasitic food vacuole for enhanced ROS spurt. Methods: Antimalarial efficacy of Iron oxide nanoparticle fortified artesunate was evaluated in wild type and artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (R539T) grown in O + ve human blood and in Plasmodium berghei ANKA infected swiss albino mice. Internalization of nanoparticles, the pH-dependent release of Fe2+, production of reactive oxygen species and parasite biomolecule damage by iron oxide nanoparticle fortified artesunate was studied using various biochemical, biophysical, ultra-structural and fluorescence microscopy. For determining the efficacy of ATA-IONP+ART on resistant parasite ring survival assay was performed. Results: The nanoparticle fortified artesunate was highly efficient in the 1/8th concentration of artesunate IC50 and led to retarded growth of P. falciparum with significant damage to macromolecules mediated via enhanced ROS production. Similarly, preclinical In vivo studies also signified a radical reduction in parasitemia with ~8–10-fold reduced dosage of artesunate when fortified with iron oxide nanoparticles. Importantly, the ATA-IONP combination was efficacious against artemisinin-resistant parasites. Interpretation: Surface coated iron-oxide nanoparticle fortified artesunate can be developed into a potent therapeutic agent towards multidrug-resistant and artemisinin-resistant malaria in humans. Fund: This study is supported by the Centre for Study of Complex Malaria in India funded by the National Institute of Health, USA. Keywords: Malaria, Iron oxide nanoparticle, Artesunate, Oxidative stress, Protein carbonylation, DNA damage, Multi-drug resistant malaria, Artemisinin-resistant malaria, Ring survival assay

BACKGROUND: Mechanical neck pain is the most common musculoskeletal disorder of general population. Mechanical neck pain is also known as axial neck pain or nonspecific neck pain as it is non radiating pain and has an acute or sudden onset without known etiology. The goal of ergonomic modifications is to create environment suitable for the physical needs of patients and to guide patients to perform workplace exercises Ergonomic modifications results in the enhancement of working posture and decline in incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Ergonomic guidelines, which include avoid slouch posture, sit upright, Frequently used items should be within close reach, Alternate activities like drinking water, speaking on phone, speaking to a colleague, whole body stretch should be done,Avoid maintaining same position for long period. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of isometric exercises and stretching versus isometric exercises and stretching with ergonomic modifications for mechanical neck pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an RCT randomized control trial, single blind study which consists of 30 subjects (n=30) of age 20-45 years, with 15 subjects (n=15) in experimental group (isometric exercises and stretchings with ergonomic modifications were applied) and 15 subjects (n=15) in control group (isometric exercises and stretchings wereapplied).Duration of study was 6 months. Pre and post treatment assessment was done.Interventions were applied with moderate intensity 3 times a week (10rep/ 3 set per day) for 4 weeks (12 sessions) in both groups. Questionnaire, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity and neck disability index (NDI) for functional disability was used as data collection tools. Level of significance a= 5 % or 0.05, P value 0.05, Confidence interval0.95 and power 0.8. Sample size was calculated through epitool. RESULTS: Both VAS and NDI scores showed more improvement in experimental group (isometric neck exercises and stretching with ergonomic modifications) as compared to control group (isometric neck exercises and stretching). One way ANOVA was used for between group analysis and paired t-test was used for within group analysis. As P-value < 0.05 so we rejected null hypothesis, there is a significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that ergonomic modifications with isometric exercises and stretching result in improvement of posture, reduce muscle stress, increase muscle balance, increase range of motion as compared to isometric exercises and stretching.Isometric exercises and stretchings cause removal of waste product from neck muscles by improving blood circulation that reduce muscle stiffness and spasm which causes pain relief and improves range of motion and ergonomic modifications improve posture alignment of body that reduce stress, increase muscular balance and reduce muscle spasm. KEYWORDS: Ergonomic modifications, Isometric exercises, mechanical neck pain, stretching.

Broadcasting is the backbone of the route discovery process in on-demand routing protocols in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs). Pure flooding is the simplest and most common broadcasting technique for route discovery in on-demand routing protocols. In pure flooding, the route request (RREQ) packet is broadcasted and each receiving node rebroadcasts it. This continues until the RREQ packet arrives at the destination node. The obvious drawback of pure flooding is excessive redundant traffic that degrades the system performance. This is commonly known as broadcast storm problem (BSP). To address BSP, various probabilistic broadcast schemes have been proposed in the literature where a node broadcasts a RREQ packet with a certain probability. However, these schemes do not consider the effects of thermal noise and co-channel interference which cannot be ignored in realistic MANETs, and therefore, these schemes do not perform well in real life MANETs. This paper presents a novel Channel Adaptive Probabilistic Broadcast (CAPB) scheme that adapts the rebroadcast probability dynamically to the current SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) and node density in the neighborhood. The proposed scheme and two related state of the art (SoA) schemes from the literature are implemented in the standard AODV routing protocol to replace the pure flooding based broadcast. Extensive ns-2 simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the standard AODV, and the two competitors in terms of routing overhead, throughput, end-to-end delay and energy consumption significantly in noisy MANETs.

ABSTRACTGroundwater is the major source of drinking, domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes in the arid and semi-arid areas and its quality is important factor determining its suitability. Our objectives were to evaluate the groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigation, spatial distribution, and homogeneity or heterogeneity levels between the physicochemical parameters. Standards methods were used to analyze the groundwater samples. The result reveals that sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) are the most dominant cation and anions. According to hydro-chemical facies, the majority samples water types are Na-Cl, Na-HCO3−. Wilcox diagram was used to evaluate the groundwater quality, and 60% of samples fall in (C3-S2, C4-S2, and C3-S3) water quality class. Highly significant correlation was observed between Cl− and SO24- with Na+ and positive correlation between the pH and CO23−. The cluster analyses indicate that Cl− very close similarities with TDS. The 84% of groundwater samples are unsuitable for the potable use as per WHO guidelines. The findings of this study are playing a crucial role in groundwater management.

The present study was conducted in three villages of district Budgam in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to find out how farmers differentiate the quality of soils and to determine the level of concurrence between farmers perception and scientific assessment of soil quality. Five fields in each village were selected and ranked on the basis of soil quality indices computed from the minimum data set of indicators, including plant available nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, OC, BD, WHC (water holding capacity), CEC (cation exchange capacity) as well as microbial count. The respondents ranked the same 5 selected fields on the bases of their experience and perceptions of soil quality. The study reveals that 58% of farmers ranked the best soils correctly whereas, the percentage of farmers who ranked 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th soils correctly was 40, 30, 40, and 45%, respectively. The study found that a greater number of farmers from the remotest village Dalwash were able to judge the soils properly, thereby indicating more profound knowledge and better cognitive abilities to understand soils in the local context. The results divulged by the current study highlight the remarkable local soil knowledge of the farmers and therefore, linking this knowledge system with scientific concepts would prove valuable for sustained land-use management.

The use of non-toxic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) by an aqueous plant extract has proven to be a viable and environmentally friendly method. Therefore, the present investigation is based on the FeO NPs synthesis by means of FeCl3·6H2O as a precursor, and the plant extract of Nephrolepis exaltata (N. exaltata) serves as a capping and reducing agent. Various techniques were used to examine the synthesized FeO NPs, such as UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The FT-IR studies were used to identify different photoactive biomolecules at 3285, 2928, 1415, 1170, and 600 cm−1 in the wavenumber range from 4000 to 400 cm−1, indicating the -OH, C-H, C-O, C-C, and M-O groups, respectively. The XRD examination exhibited crystallinity, and the average diameter of the particle was 16 nm. The spherical nature of synthesized FeO NPs was recognized by SEM images, while the elemental composition of nanoparticles was identified by an EDX spectrophotometer. The antiplasmodial activity of synthesized FeO NPs was investigated against Plasmodium parasites. The antiplasmodial property of FeO NPs was evaluated by means of parasite inhibitory concentration, which showed higher efficiency (62 ± 1.3 at 25 μg/mL) against Plasmodium parasite if compared to plant extracts and precursor. The cytotoxicity of FeO NPs was also assessed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under in vitro conditions. The lack of toxic effects through FeO NPs keeps them more effective for use in pharmaceutical and medical applications.

The goal of the research was to explore a new green method used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from an aqueous extract of Trigonella incise, which serves as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained results showed an 85% yield of nanoparticles by using 2:5 (v/v) of 5% plant extract with a 0.5 M solution of AgNO3. Different techniques were used to characterize the synthesized Ag NPs, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–visible spectroscopy. The UV–visible spectra of green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed maximum absorption at a wavelength of 440 nm. The FT-IR studies revealed the stretching oscillation frequency of synthesized silver nanoparticles in the absorption band near 860 cm−1. Similarly, the bending and stretching oscillation frequencies of the NH function group were assigned to the band in the 3226 cm−1 and 1647 cm−1 regions. The bending vibration of C-O at 1159 cm−1 confirmed the carbonyl functional group that was also assigned to the small intensity band in the range of 2361 cm−1. The X-ray diffraction analysis of Ag NPs revealed four distinct diffraction peaks at 2θ of 38°, 45°, 65° and 78°, corresponds to (111), (200), (220) and (311) of the face-centered cubic shape. The round shape morphology of Ag NPs with a mean diameter in the range 20–80 nm was analyzed via SEM images. Furthermore, the nanoparticles showed more significant antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with an inhibition zone of 21.5 mm and 20.5 mm at 6 μg/mL concentrations, respectively, once compared to the standard reference. At concentrations of 2 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL, all of the bacterial strains showed moderate activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 11 mm to 18.5 mm. Even at high concentrations of AgNPs, S. typhi showed maximum resistance. The best antifungal activity was observed by synthesized Ag NPs against Candida albicans (C. albicans) with 21 mm zone of inhibition, as compared to a standard drug which gives 22 mm of inhibition. Therefore, we conclude that the antibacterial and antifungal activities showed satisfactory results from the synthesized Ag NPs.

The Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project set out to improve the diversity, quantity, and accessibility of germplasm collections of crop wild relatives (CWR). Between 2013 and 2018, partners in 25 countries, heirs to the globetrotting legacy of Nikolai Vavilov, undertook seed collecting expeditions targeting CWR of 28 crops of global significance for agriculture. Here, we describe the implementation of the 25 national collecting programs and present the key results. A total of 4587 unique seed samples from at least 355 CWR taxa were collected, conserved ex situ, safety duplicated in national and international genebanks, and made available through the Multilateral System (MLS) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty). Collections of CWR were made for all 28 targeted crops. Potato and eggplant were the most collected genepools, although the greatest number of primary genepool collections were made for rice. Overall, alfalfa, Bambara groundnut, grass pea and wheat were the genepools for which targets were best achieved. Several of the newly collected samples have already been used in pre-breeding programs to adapt crops to future challenges.

The roots of Glycyrrhiza spp. have been utilized in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Non-traditional (aerial) parts constitute a large portion of the biomass of Glycyrrhiza plants and are mostly discarded after harvesting the roots and rhizomes. Through comparative phytochemical and anti-inflammatory activity analyses, this study explored the potential benefits of the aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. as medicinal materials. First, a combined approach based on GC/MS and UHPLC-ESI-QTof MS analysis was adopted for the identification and quantitative examination of medicinally important compounds from G. uralensis. Additionally, a bioassay-guided fractioning of ethanolic extracts of G. uralensis leaf material was performed and its anti-inflammatory activity was tested. The aerial portion of G. uralensis was rich in medicinally important compounds. Two compounds (henicosane-1 and decahydroisoquinoline-2) were found to exert a significant anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE2) and cytokines (IL-1β, IL6, and TNF-α), without exerting cytotoxic effects. Moreover, both compounds down-regulated iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression. These results suggest that non-traditional parts of G. uralensis are suitable sources of bioactive metabolites that can be explored for medicinal purposes.

The non-uniformity value which currently many applications of magneto-hydrodynamics are found in medicine where drug deliverance happens through peristaltic pumping phenomena, various magnetic drugs are released to target tumor diseases and to control the drug flow movement to the desired area. Owing to these facts, the aims of this article is to examine the simultaneous influence of magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) and slip effect on unsteady peristaltic nanofluid flow in a non-uniform porous channel of finite length. The constituent governing equations for the model have been examined under the approximation of long wave length and small Reynolds value. Keeping kerosene oil and ethylene glycol as base fluids with polystyrene chosen as nanoparticle. The current analysis is carried out for the peristaltic flow transferal which carries innumerable industrialized employments. The incompressible, viscous, electrically conducting flow is studied in wave form. Here, exact method is employed to obtained closed form solutions. We have implemented computational software packages “Mathematica” as a main tool in order to obtain explicit expressions for axial velocity, temperature, stream function, pumping phenomenon and bolus formation. Obtained solutions are used for graphical analysis against different physical parameters. It is concluded that axial velocity increments for higher Hartmann number and slip parameter near the walls. The porosity effects increases the temperature whereas the temperature field shows increasing behavior for larger Brinkman number.

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is a widespread but locally endangered species across Pakistan. The current study investigates the occupancy of grey wolf and conflict with humans in Khanbari Valley Gilgit Baltistan. The study was conducted from the 5th of December 2014 to the 11th of January 2015. The study area was delineated into blocks following natural watersheds, and overall 47 motion-triggered cameras were installed in various locations encompassing an area of 810 km2 with an effort of 1428 trap nights. A human-wolf conflict survey was carried out through questionnaires, where 57 respondents were randomly chosen from 08 villages in the valley. Grey wolf was photo-captured at 11 different camera stations, occupancy estimated at 0.37 ± 0.22 S.E., and detection probability of 0.29 ± 0.19 S.E was obtained. A total of 166 livestock were killed which incurred an economic loss of USD 17,046 (USD 299 per household) in five years. Predation on goat was highest, though consumed as per availability. Sheep predation indicates selection for this animal because predation was much higher than availability. Cattle was predated as per availability and accounts for the least part of the livestock loss. Predation of livestock was greatly influenced by four factors: habitat, prey type, prey age, and time of predation. We recommend conservation initiatives like compensation for economic losses, construction of predator-proof corrals, and awareness campaigns to promote human-wolf co-existence in the area.

Water shortage is among the major abiotic stresses that restrict growth and productivity of citrus. The existing literature indicates that tetraploid rootstocks had better water-deficit tolerance than corresponding diploids. However, the associated tolerance mechanisms such as antioxidant defence and nutrient uptake are less explored. Therefore, we evaluated physiological and biochemical responses (antioxidant defence, osmotic adjustments and nutrient uptake) of diploid (2x) and tetraploid (4x) volkamer lemon (VM) rootstocks grafted with kinnow mandarin (KM) under two water-deficit regimes. The KM/4xVM (VM4) and KM/2xVM (VM2) observed decrease in photosynthetic variables, i.e., photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), leaf greenness (SPAD), dark adopted chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), dark adopted chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv´/Fm´), relative water contents (RWC) and leaf surface area (LSA), and increase in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) under both water-deficit regimes. Moreover, oxidative stress indicators, i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide, and activities of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APx), glutathione reductase (GR) were increased under both water-deficit regimes. Nonetheless, increase was noted in osmoprotectants such as proline (PRO) and glycine betaine (GB) and other biochemical compounds, including antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total soluble protein (TSP) in VM2 and VM4 under both water-deficit regimes. Dry biomass (DB) of both rootstocks was decreased under each water-deficit condition. Interestingly, VM4 showed higher and significant increase in antioxidant enzymes, osmoprotectants and other biochemical compounds, while VM2 exhibited higher values for oxidative stress indicators. Overall, results indicated that VM4 better tolerated water-deficit stress by maintaining photosynthetic variables associated with strong antioxidant defence machinery as compared to VM2. However, nutrient uptake was not differed among tested water-deficit conditions and rootstocks. The results conclude that VM4 can better tolerate water-deficit than VM2. Therefore, VM4 can be used as rootstock in areas of high-water deficiency for better citrus productivity.

A Monte Carlo study of identified particle ratio fluctuations at LHC energies is carried out in the framework of HIJING model using the fluctuation variable νdyn. The simulated events for Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76 and 5.02 TeV and Xe-Xe collisions at sNN=5.44 TeV are analyzed. From this study, it is observed that the values of π,K, p,K, and π,p follow the similar trends of energy dependence as observed in the most central collision data by NA49, STAR, and ALICE experiments. It is also observed that νdyn for all the three combinations of particles for semicentral and central collisions, the model predicted values of νdynA,B for Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76 TeV agree fairly well with those observed in the ALICE experiment. For peripheral collisions, however, the model predicted values of νdynπ,K are somewhat smaller, whereas for p,K and π,p it predicts larger values as compared to the corresponding experimental values. The possible reasons for the observed differences are discussed. The νdyn values scaled with charged particle density when plotted against Npart exhibit a flat behaviour, as expected from the independent particle emission sources. For p,K and π,p combinations, a departure from the flat trend is, however, observed in central collisions in the case of low pT window when the effect of jet quenching or resonances is considered. Furthermore, the study of νdynA,B dependence on particle density for various collision systems (including proton-proton collisions) suggests that at LHC energies νdyn values for a given particle pair are simply a function of charged particle density, irrespective of system size, beam energy, and collision centrality.

This paper presents the strain effects on the structural, electronic and phonon properties of a newly proposed SrBaSn half Heusler compound. Since it is stable considering chemical thermodynamics, we tested its strength against uniform strain w.r.t phonon spectrum and it produces a direct bandgap of 0.7 eV. The direct bandgap reduces to 0.19 eV at −12% strain beyond which the structure is unstable. However, an indirect gap of 0.63 eV to 0.39 eV is observed in the range of +5% to +8% strain and afterwards the strain application destabilizes the structure. From elastic parameters, the ductile nature of this material is observed.

Modern agricultural production is greatly dependent on pesticide usage, which results in severe environmental pollution, health risks and degraded food quality and safety. Molecularly imprinted polymers are one of the most prominent approaches for the detection of pesticide residues in food and environmental samples. In this research, we prepared molecularly imprinted polymers for fenthion detection by using beta-cyclodextrin as a functional monomer and a room-temperature ionic liquid as a cosolvent. The characterization of the developed polymers was carried out. The polymers synthesized by using the room-temperature ionic liquid as the cosolvent had a good adsorption efficiency of 26.85 mg g−1, with a short adsorption equilibrium time of 20 min, and the results fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The polymer showed cross-selectivity for methyl-parathion, but it had a higher selectivity as compared to acetamiprid and abamectin. A recovery of 87.44–101.25% with a limit of detection of 0.04 mg L−1 and a relative standard deviation of below 3% was achieved from soil, lettuce and grape samples, within the linear range of 0.02–3.0 mg L−1, using high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. Based on the results, we propose a new, convenient and practical analytical method for fenthion detection in real samples using improved imprinted polymers with room-temperature ionic liquid.

Mepiquat chloride (MC) is a plant growth regulator used to manage the rampant vegetative growth of cotton. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2017 and 2018 to investigate the influence of MC applied at different times on phenology, morphology, lint yield and quality of cotton cultivated using different sowing techniques. MC was applied 50 days after sowing (DAS), 60 DAS and 70 DAS to cotton planted in flat fields (flat sowing), ridges (ridge sowing) and beds (bed sowing). The interactive effect of MC application time and sowing technique did not influence crop phenology, morphology, and lint yield and quality. It was revealed that the crop planted on beds took fewer days to flower (10%) as compared to that on the flat field, and the bed-sown crop produced a higher number of opened bolls (60%) and was characterized by a higher boll weight (32%) and seed cotton yield (50%) in comparison to the flat-sown crop. A late application of MC (at 70 DAS) caused a significant reduction in the time to flowering (8%), with a simultaneous increase in the number of opened bolls (60%), boll weight (32%), ginning out turn (8%) and lint yield (27%) as compared to MC application at 50 DAS. In terms of lint quality, cotton planted on beds had better fiber uniformity (8%) compared to that on the flat field, while MC applied at 70 DAS produced better fiber fineness by 27% in comparison to MC applied earlier. Overall, cotton planting on beds and MC application at 70 DAS may help improve cotton yield and fiber quality and may help in the mechanical picking of cotton.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an oligogenic condition, characterised by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology. Previously, European and Han Chinese populations identified different susceptibility loci, of which ERBB4 (rs1351592) was strongly associated with PCOS. Our study aimed to investigate the association of ERBB4 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), rs1351592 with PCOS in Pakistani women of Hazara region. Fifty PCOS patients and 14 healthy women were recruited and SNP was replicated using ARMS-PCR and sequencing. The study showed that Luteinising Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Testosterone (T) were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls (P

Background: This research investigated the association between school role in improving parenting skills and the academic performance of secondary school students. And to examine the role of student gender, literacy status of the parents and parental importance to children education in the association between school role in improving parenting skills and students' academic performance. Methods: A multistage stratified random sampling technique was adopted to portray information from 448 students on a Likert scale. Chi-square, Kendall's Tau-c tests were used to determine the direction and strength of association among variables. Results: The results depicted that the association of children's academic performance was found significant (P = 0.000) and positive (Tau-c = 0.215) with school capacitating parents how to monitor and discuss schoolwork at home with children, assisting parents in setting academic goals for children (P = 0.000, Tau-c = 0.225). Moreover, the respondent's gender, parent literacy status and parental importance to children's education explained variation in the association between school role in improving parenting skills and children's academic performance. Conclusions: The school role in improving parenting skills significantly and positively contributed to children's academic performance. Moreover, boys, children of literate parents and children whose parents give more importance to their education with school active role in improving parenting skills were more liable to score higher grades.

High external nitrogen (N) inputs can maximize maize yield but can cause a subsequent reduction in N use efficiency (NUE). Thus, it is necessary to identify the minimum effective N fertilizer input that does not affect maize grain yield (GY) and to investigate the photosynthetic and root system consequences of this optimal dose. We conducted a 4-year field experiment from 2014 to 2017 with four N application rates: 300 (N300), 225 (N225), 150 (N150), and 0 Kg ha−1 (N0) in the Northwest of China. GY was assessed by measuring the photosynthetic capacity and root system (root volume, surface area, length density and distribution). Grain yield decreased by −3%, 7.7%, and 21.9% when the N application rates decreased by 25%, 50%, and 100% from 300 Kg ha−1. We found that yield reduction driven by N reduction was primarily due to decreased radiation use efficiency (RUE) and WUE instead of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation and evapotranspiration. In the N225 treatment, GY, WUE, and RUE were not significantly reduced, or in some cases, were greater than those of the N300 treatment. This pattern was also observed with relevant photosynthetic and root attributes (i.e., high net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and root weight, as well as deep root distribution). Our results suggest that application of N at 225 Kg ha−1 can increased yield by improving the RUE, WUE, and NUE in semi-arid regions.

Nanoparticles of carbon has auspicious uses in a biomedical procedures like energy storage, catalyst supports, biomedical, in drug targeting system, in cancer treatment, in biological therapy, in blood diagnostic and coagulation systems. Motivated from these processes, peristalsis features have been accounted to study the mixed convection of the nanofluid, that is, Carbon-water in a vertical type channel with symmetric walls. Heat transport of magneto-hydro nanoliquid flow inside porous media is scrutinized. Single wall and multiwall Carbon nanotubes with water based nanoparticles are considered. Viscosity is prescribed as variable. The channel boundaries satisfy wall compliant and slip condition. Heat generation or absorption term is present. Assumptions of small Reynolds number along with long wave length are implemented for mathematical modeling. Transformed form of flow equations are evaluated by using numerical scheme. Through different parameters, graphical behaviors of temperature and velocity are displayed and elaborated. Moreover heat transfer rate is computed. Results revealed that for larger M , velocity is minimum at upper region and it grows in the lower region. The larger variation in K leads deceleration in the velocity in lower portion and an enhancement is observed in velocity in upper portion. Further, it is seen that the heat transfer rate is larger for the MWCNT nanoparticles case as compared to the case of SWCNT nanoparticles.

The high throughput thermoelectric devices are considered a promising futuristic energy source to control global warming and realize the dream of green energy and a sustainable environment. In the present work, strict and highly accurate spin-polarized density functional theory combined with the Boltzmann transport scheme has been applied to extract the properties of Co2XAl (X = Zr, Nb, Hf) Heuslers. The mechanical stability appropriately prefers their cubic crystalline geometry with the ductile character of these alloys. The modified Becke–Johnson potential illustrates better results than GGA and GGA+U functionals. The band profile is found to be n-type (indirect bandgap) for Co2NbAl and p-type (direct bandgap) for Co2ZrAl and Co2HfAl Heuslers near the Fermi level. The preferably asymmetric density of states and structural optimization demonstrate the ferromagnetic character of these Heuslers. The formation and cohesive energy recommend that these alloys are thermodynamically stable. The Co2XAl (X = Zr, Nb, Hf) Heuslers deliver the significant value of the vital parameters like the Seebeck coefficient, zT, and power factor, which recommends the better thermoelectric response for practical applications. The improved stability, ductile behavior, durability, and rational zT should turn helpful in deciding the scalable potential of Co2XAl (X = Zr, Nb, Hf) materials for the design of long-lasting thermoelectric generators and flexible electronic devices.

Puccinia striiformis (Pst) is a devastating biotrophic fungal pathogen that causes wheat stripe rust. It usually loves cool and moist places and can cause 100% crop yield losses in a single field when ideal conditions for disease incidence prevails. Billions of dollars are lost due to fungicide application to reduce stripe rust damage worldwide. Pst is a macrocyclic, heteroecious fungus that requires primary (wheat or grasses) as well as secondary host (Berberis or Mahonia spp.) for completion of life cycle. In this review, we have summarized the knowledge about pathogen life cycle, genes responsible for stripe rust resistance, and susceptibility in wheat. In the end, we discussed the importance of conventional and modern breeding tools for the development of Pst-resistant wheat varieties. According to our findings, genetic engineering and genome editing are less explored tools for the development of Pst-resistant wheat varieties; hence, we highlighted the putative use of advanced genome-modifying tools, i.e., base editing and prime editing, for the development of Pst-resistant wheat.

The stratification phenomena have great importance in fishery management, insufficiency of dissolved oxygen in the lower parts of lakes, rivers and ponds, and phytoplankton populations. Thus the present article examines vital role of stratification phenomena in Powell-Eyring fluid flow due to inclined sheet which is stretched in a linear way. Collaboration of Cattaneo-Christov heat and mass flux model instead of Fourier Law of heat conduction is also accounted. Interpretation of heat transport is carried out with heat generation/absorption. Thermal stratification supports heat transport. Chemical reaction and solutal stratification also helped out mass transport. Non-linear governing equations with partial derivatives are converted into ordinary differential equation with the help of similarity transformations. Homotopic method is applied to solve arising dimensionless governing equations. Pertinent parameters and their physical behavior are displayed graphically. Drag force coefficient is also examined graphically. In culmination, substantial parameters of radiation and heat generation/absorption raised the temperature field while thermal relaxation time and solutal relaxation time parameters lower the temperature and concentration fields, respectively.

In this report, we have applied the muffin tin orbital method within full-potential linearized augmented plane wave approximation to investigate the intricate details of the electronic structure, elastic properties and magnetism of antiperovskite compounds Co3XN with X = Rh, Pd and Sn. The detailed analysis of the electronic structure calculations using various chemical bonding indicators suggest the covalent hybridization of the electronic states associated with Co (the high valency transition element) and the X atom (low valency transition element) as the significant interaction liable for the exhibition of the octahedral symmetry by these alloys. The large magnetic moments of Co3RhN, Co3PdN and Co3PtN are observed to be 6.20 μB, 5.20 μB and 6.21 μB, respectively; with a net magnetic moment of around 4.7 μB contributed by Co atoms in each compound. The direct exchange between Co and X atoms and indirect interaction between Co and Co via N atoms is responsible for its ferromagnetic character. The influence of the strain on the overall magnetism and relative atomic moments in the unit cell is also investigated. The anisotropic nature of these alloys and the mechanical properties like ductility increases from Rh > Pd > Pt. Also, the Debye temperatures of Co3RhN, Co3PdN and Co3PtN are calculated to be 702 K, 689 K and 606 K, respectively.

Analysis regarding nanofluid is proved to be effective in the enhancement of heat transport features. Thus, the heat transfer problems involving nanofluid has gained much significance in biomedical procedures, such as drug targeting system, treatment of cancer, biotherapy, blood diagnostic and coagulation systems, and many others. Keeping this usefulness in mind, the current attempt is presented to analyze the features of viscous dissipation in hydromagnetic nanofluid flow through stretchable surface. Thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion phenomena are implemented to demonstrate the transportation of nanoparticles. Modified diffusive theory is accounted to address the transportation of heat and mass. Suitable transformations are used to get system of dimensionless governing equations. Approximate solutions are constructed by homotopic technique. Graphical behaviors of velocity, temperature, and particles concentration are described through different parameters. Skin friction is also studied explicitly. It is found that some extra effects of Brownian and thermophoresis diffusions are appeared by implementing modified theory of fluxes. Non-dimensional thermal relaxation time parameter causes reduction in temperature distribution while decrement concentration field is observed for higher non-dimensional solutal relaxation time parameter.