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The effect of soaking temperature, soaking time, and steaming time min up to five levels on DSG, percentage head rice yield (HRY), hardness, lightness, and color of japonica rice variety Huaidao 5 were taken under consideration. The most appropriate model in prediction of DSG, HRY, hardness, lightness and color was quadratic with R² values of 0.92, 0.91, 0.94, 0.91, and 0.94 respectively by response surface method (RSM). Although, the DSG, HRY, hardness, and color increased with the process severity thereby lightness decreased. However, HRY increased only up to some level before it started to reduce. The predicted optimum soaking temperature, soaking time and steaming time were 65°C, 135 min and 10.66 min respectively and the predicted DSG, HRY, hardness, lightness and color under this condition was 82.38%, 73.44%, 32.38 N, 81.54, and 13.62 respectively with 0.897 composite desirability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of groundwater resources in Punjab, Pakistan to meet the crop water requirements is increasing rapidly due to constrained surface water supplies. However, the abundant abstraction of groundwater has created serious negative concerns in terms of lowering water table. Thus the sustainability of regional groundwater resources depends upon its proficient management through groundwater modeling technique. Therefore, a research was accomplished to quantify the groundwater pumping and to identify the groundwater depletion areas using MODFLOW model. Three pumping scenarios were developed up to year 2030: such as Scenario-I (Maintaining the current pumping rate for the study period); Scenario-II (Increase in pumping rate according to the historical trend); and Scenario-III (Adjusted canal water supplies and groundwater patterns). The results of Scenario-I indicated that the groundwater level would decline up to 14m for the study period. Scenario-II results showed maximum decline of groundwater level, which would be 18m up to year 2030. The adjusted canal and groundwater supplies among upper and middle part of the study area in Scenario-III, which will recover the groundwater by 2-3m in the middle part of the study area, gave a good management strategy. So, in lower and middle part of study area, groundwater should be artificially recharged and more canal should be supplied water to avoid depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Leguminosae) is widely used in folk medicines. Glycyrrhizin, an active compound of G. glabra, possesses anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigates the G. glabra methanol extract and glycyrrhizin for the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV). G. glabra was extracted in 70% aqueous methanol. Phytochemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for the analysis of chemical composition. The topical solution of G. glabra methanol extract (2% w/v) and glycyrrhizin (1% w/v) was prepared in normal saline. After corneal burn (1 N NaOH), animals were left untreated for a week so that neovascularization appears in all groups. Treatments started on day 7 and continued for next 21 consecutive days. The animals were treated with 3 drops of various topical solutions thrice a day. Digital photograph analysis and histological studies were used for the evaluation of CNV. Phytochemical analysis of the G. glabra methanol extract showed the presence of saponins, phenols, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and proteins. TLC and HPLC confirmed the presence of glycyrrhizin. Photograph analysis of the extract and glycyrrhizin treated group showed a considerable decrease in CNV. Histological study of G. glabra and glycyrrhizin treated groups showed no blood vessels with properly arranged collagen fibers. This study showed that G. glabra and glycyrrhizin can be used for the treatment of CNV. Bioassay guided isolation can lead to preparation of ophthalmic solutions for the treatment of CNV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of molecular marker technology in the 1980s, the fate of plant breeding has changed. Different types of molecular markers have been developed and advancement in sequencing technologies has geared crop improvement. To explore the knowledge about molecular markers, several reviews have been published in the last three decades; however, all these reviews were meant for researchers with advanced knowledge of molecular genetics. This review is intended to be a synopsis of recent developments in molecular markers and their applications in plant breeding and is devoted to early researchers with a little or no knowledge of molecular markers. The progress made in molecular plant breeding, genetics, genomic selection and genome editing has contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of molecular markers and provided deeper insights into the diversity available for crops and greatly complemented breeding stratagems. Genotyping-by-sequencing and association mapping based on next-generation sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification of novel genetic markers for complex and unstructured populations. Altogether, the history, the types of markers, their application in plant sciences and breeding, and some recent advancements in genomic selection and genome editing are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

State estimation (SE) is well-established at the transmission system level of the electricity grid, where it has been in use for the last few decades and is a most vital component of energy management systems employed in the monitoring and control centers of electric transmission systems. However, its use for the monitoring and control of power distribution systems (DSs) has not yet been widely implemented because DSs have been majorly passive with uni-directional power flows. This scenario is now changing with the advent of smart grid, which is changing the nature of electric distribution networks by embracing more dispersed generation, demand responsive loads, and measurements devices with different data rates. Thus, the development of distribution system state estimation (DSSE) tool is inevitable for the implementation of protection, optimization, and control techniques, and various other features envisioned by the smart grid concept. Due to the inherent characteristics of DS different from those of transmission systems, transmission system state estimation (TSSE) is not applicable directly to DSs. This paper is an attempt to present the state-of-the-art on DSSE as an enabler function for smart grid features. It broadly reviews the development of DSSE, challenges faced by its development, and various DSSE algorithms. Additionally, it identifies some future research lines for DSSE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TransgenicBt-cotton producesBt-toxins (Cryproteins) which may accumulate and persist in soil due to their binding ability on soil components. In the present study, the potential impacts ofBt- and non-Btgenotypes of cotton on soil microbial activity, substrate use efficiency, viable microbial population counts, and nutrient dynamics were studied. Two transgenicBt-cotton genotypes (CIM-602 CIM-599) expressingcry1 Acgene and two non-Btcotton genotypes (CIM-573 and CIM-591) were used to evaluate their impact on biological and chemical properties of soil across the four locations in Punjab. Field trials were conducted at four locations (Central Cotton Research Institute-Multan, Naseer Pur, Kot Lal Shah, and Cotton Research Station-Bahawalpur) of different agro-ecological zones of Punjab. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected by following standard procedure from these selected locations. Results reveled thatBt-cotton had no adverse effect on microbial population (viable counts) and enzymatic activity of rhizosphere soil. Bacterial population was more inBt-cotton rhizosphere than that of non-Btcotton rhizosphere at all locations. Phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and oxidative metabolism of rhizosphere soil were more inBt-cotton genotypes compared with non-Btcotton genotypes. Cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, extractable phosphorous, extractable potassium, active carbon, Fe and Zn contents were higher in rhizosphere ofBt-cotton genotypes compared with non-Btcotton genotypes. It can be concluded from present study that the cultivation ofBt-cotton expressingcry1 Achad apparently no negative effect on metabolic, microbiological activities, and nutrient dynamics of soils. Further work is needed to investigate the potential impacts ofBt-cotton on ecology of soil-dwelling insects and invertebrates before its recommendation for extensive cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Rolando fractures being intra-articular fractures of the most mobile joint of the thumb, assume significance because any residual incongruity of the articular surfacemay result in loss of motion as well as secondary osteoarthritis and hence serious disability. This fracture continues to pose difficulties to the treating surgeons and although several treatment options have been described for these fractures, there are no definite guidelines. Methods The present study describes the results of open reduction and internal fixation of nine Rolando fractures with large and single fragments, usingmini T-plate and screws. Results At 3-year follow-up all the fractures had united, functional results were excellent or good in most cases, and all the patients had returned to previous activities. Significant complications such as deep infection and loss of reduction were not encountered in any patient. Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation with mini T-plates in properly selected cases of Rolando fracture with large and single palmar and dorsal articular fragments offers several advantages such as allowing direct visualization of the joint, removal of interposed soft tissues, and exact anatomical restoration of the articular surface. The fixation in most cases is rigid enough to allow early mobilization without loss of reduction. Thus, complications such as stiffness as well as future arthrosismay be minimized. However, the technique is demanding and needs high degree of precision. The possibility of implant removal should be discussed beforehand with the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sexual behaviour and HIV/AIDS related knowledge among female sex workers (FSWs) in Bahawalpur division (BD). STUDY DESIGN: A cross sectional study. Setting: Three districts (Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan). DATA: Fifty FSWs from various brothels were interviewed by using convenient sampling. METHODS: Descriptive and inferential analysis carried out. RESULTS: Every 7 out of 10 FSWs were illiterate. Higher proportion (58%) of FSWs heard about HIV/AIDS but profound lack (66%) of comprehensive knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS transmission. The practice of consistent use of condom during sex remain quite low (32%) among FSWs and more than half (54%) of the respondents never asked to client for condom use before sex. Two models are executed separately to explore the association of FSWs knowledge about HIV/AIDS and comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Age, education, marital status, duration as a sex worker, number of per month clients, consistent use of condom, sex service charge, asks client for condom use, multiple partner increases the chance of getting HIV, aware of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and mass media are found to be associated regarding comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission. CONCLUSIONS: FSWs were at high risk of contracting STDs and of transmitting it to their clients due to inconsistent condom use. Interventions are suggested to promote the comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS and use of condom before sex, ultimately to improve health outcomes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For effective remediation of contaminants, plant-endophyte partnership is a promising field to be explored. Generally endophytic bacteria assist their host plant by withstanding the stress induced by the contaminants. The objective of this study was to explore the suitability of plant-bacterial partnership for chlorpyrifos (CP) remediation using ryegrass and a CP degrading endophyte,Mesorhizobiumsp. HN3 which belongs to plant growth promoting rhizobia. The inoculatedyfp-taggedMesorhizobiumsp. HN3 efficiently colonized in the rhizosphere, enhanced plant growth and degradation of CP and its metabolite 3,5,6 trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP). Significantly lower CP residues were observed in the roots and shoots of plants vegetated in inoculated soil which might be attributed to the efficient root colonization of HN3yfp. These results suggest the involvement ofMesorhizobiumsp. HN3yfpin CP degradation inside the roots and rhizosphere of plants and further emphasize on the effectiveness of endophytic bacteria in stimulating the remediation of pesticide contaminants. This is the first report which demonstrates the efficacy of bacterial endophyte for degradation of CP residues taken up by the plant and enhanced remediation of chlorpyrifos contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fuzzy algorithm was designed for the evaluation of wheat straw mechanical properties such as shear strength, bending strength and young's modulus under influence of moisture contents and loading rates. Wheat straw mechanical properties were measured under controlled moisture contents, i.e. 9.5%, 15.1% and 22.8%, on distinguished internode positions, i.e. IN1, IN2 and IN3 (first, second and third internode, respectively), and with three loading rates, i.e. 10, 20 and 30 mm/min, respectively during year 2013. The results showed that moisture content, loading rate at various internode regions significantly (P<0.05) influenced the shear strength, bending strength and young's modulus. Shear strength (yang mai 16, verity) increased with escalating moisture content and loading rate toward third internode. Whereas bending strength and young's modulus dropped off with the raise of moisture content and loading rate in the direction of the third internode. The proposed mamdani min- max 27 rule based fuzzy model was evaluated with a sub data set from experimental results. Coefficients of determination of relationships for shear strength, bending strength and young's modulus were 0.96, 0.92 and 0.75j, respectively, indicating that the fuzzy logic algorithm for mechanical properties prediction of wheat straw could be regarded as an substitute under the selected experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]