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After the war of independence in 1857, the Muslims fell into the trench of decay and collapse. The menace of English rule and Hindu majority was a big threat to the Muslim existence. Since the inception of British rule, the Muslims were in an endeavor to preserve their identity. For this objective many Muslim leaders had to bear the hardships. After a long struggle Muslims were able to establish a separate homeland for their existence. It was possible not only through political movement but also through education and religious motivation. For this purpose many political and religious leaders played their role effectively. Syed Na‘īm Al-Dīn Murādabādi’s was one among such personalities. His services are multidimensional. He not only organized the Muslims of Sub continent but also presented his Two Nation theory and the idea of separate homeland for the Musilms long before ‘Allāma Dr. Muhammad Iqbāl. He also tried to provide the new born country Pakistan legal bases to run the state affairs. This article is an endeavor to highlight his services rendered in political sphere of the Subcontinent.

Mesoporous bioactive glass demonstrated valuable biomedical applications especially in the field of bone regeneration and drug delivery. For the treatment of cancer by chemotherapy, controlled drug delivery system is one of the significant methods. In this work, silver oxide doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ag2O-MBG NPs) were developed for the controlled release of doxorubicin as a model drug. Ag2O-MBG NPs were prepared by using the sol-gel method and employing pluronic 123 as an internal template. The prepared Ag2O-MBG NPs were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for composition, shape, morphology, and size. Surface area and pore size were determined by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method respectively. When immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF), hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCAp) formation was demonstrated as established by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The as-synthesized Ag2O-MBG NPs did not show any detrimental effects during MTT assay and in vivo tissue histopathology. Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated with an efficiency of 84% and its release was observed to be affected by the drug loading concentration (0.2–1.0 mg/mL) and pH (6.4–8.4) of the release media. DOX release was of 93% was witnessed approximately for two weeks at a slight acidic pH of 6.4. At 11.88 μg/mL of DOX-Ag2O-MBG NPs, notable inhibitory effects on the viability of the MG-63 osteosarcoma cancer cells were observed. These features proved that the Ag2O-MBG NPs system is effective for bone tissue regeneration and bone cancer treatment.

Monitoring of heavy metals in agricultural soils and the crops grown in them is essential to design mitigation strategies to reduce toxic heavy metals in diet and food chains. We determined chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) concentrations in the soil-plant system from agricultural fields of Siran Valley, Mansehra, Pakistan, to assess their potential health risk. Although the concentrations of the heavy metals in soils were within the permissible limits for agricultural soils, heavy metal concentrations in many of the vegetables exceeded the recommended safe values. Among the six leafy vegetables tested, all had greater than safe limits for As, four also for Cr and two also for Cd. As level was greater than safe limits in all five fruit and flower vegetables, two had Cr, and one had Pb also at unsafe levels. Among the five tuber, bulb, and root vegetables, As was higher than safe limits in all and Cd in one. The transfer factor in all three categories of vegetables followed the descending order Cd As Cr Pb. Daily intake of metals were within limit set by USEPA for all heavy metals except As. The health risk indices for Cr, As, Cd, and Pb indicated that values greater than 1 for As suggest that the vegetables studied here pose a risk of chronic arsenic poisoning, but other heavy metals do not pose such a risk. Our study reinforces the need for mitigation strategies to reduce unsafe levels of heavy metals in vegetables.

Mesoporous silica (MPS) and MPS-Fe composite was prepared via sol–gel technique and characterized by BET, FTIR, XRD, SEM and pZc. The MPS and MPS-Fe adsorption efficiencies were evaluated for a cationic dye Turquoise-blue X-GB. The MPS-Fe composite showed pore size and BET values of 9.52 nm and 309 m2/g, respectively. XRD and SEM analysis revealed the amorphous nature and uniform distribution of spherical partciles with average particle size of 50 nm of MPS-Fe composite. The points of zero (pZc) charge found to be 2.3 and 6.3 for MPS and MPS-Fe, respectively. The MPS and MPS-Fe showed promising efficiency for the adsorption of Turquoise-blue X-GB as a function of medium pH, contact time, dye initial concentration and temperature. Among, Freundlich, Langmuir, Harkins–Jura, Temkin, Doubinin–Radushkevich isotherms, the Turquoise-blue X-GB followed Langmuir isothermal model with adsorption capacities of 83.34 mg/g and 74.07 mg/g for MPS and MPS-Fe composite, respectively. Among kinetics models, pseudo second order kinetic model fitted to the dye adsorption with R2 values of 0.998 and 0.988 for MPS and MPS-Fe composite, respectively. The negative values of enthalpy (ΔH) and free energy (ΔG) revealed exothermic and spontaneous adsorption of dye at room temperature. Results revealed that MPS and MPS-Fe composite have promising potential for Turquoise-blue X-GB dye adsorption and could possibly be extended for the adsorption of dyes from textile effluents.

A simple approach to deposit metal chalcogenide-based quantum-dots on TiO2 (anatase) nanoparticles via pseudo-successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (p-SILAR) was opted to design and investigate the corresponding photoactivity under visible light. We used TiO2/PbS and TiO2/CdS nanocomposites for photocatalysis after which we prepared solar paints from them to put side by side the resultant photovoltaic performance. We developed solar paint type quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) from TiO2/PbS and TiO2/CdS nanocomposites to divulge electron-hole generation, electron-hole recombination, and resistance against photo-corrosion. TiO2/PbS exhibited higher electron-hole generation than TiO2/CdS owing to its efficient visible light harvesting capability which resulted in higher photocurrent density (JSC) and thus higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) for respective QDSC; however, it had inferior resistance against photo-corrosion. Additionally, the degradation of an azo-based dye (acid orange-56) reflected an effectual increase in the photocatalytic activity of anatase-TiO2 as a result of deposition of PbS and CdS QDs. TiO2/PbS performed better than TiO2/CdS as a photocatalyst under visible light irradiation.

In view of low cost and efficient adsorbents exploration, present study was aimed to evaluate the possibility of Pitpapra waste biomass (roots, leaves, stem) for adsorption of Zn (II) and Co (II) metals in single metal system (SMS) and binary metal system (BMS). The process variables were optimized for the maximum adsorption of metal ions. Pitpapra stem, leaves and root biomasses showed promising efficiency for the adsorption of Co (II) and Zn (II) ions and at optimized conditions of process variable, 225 mg/g and 230 mg/g of Co (II) and Zn (II) ions were removed from aqueous media, respectively. The behavior of Zn (II) in BMS changed, however, Co (II) did not show any change in BMS versus SMS. Freundlich isotherm fitted well to the adsorption data of Co (II) and Zn (II). In view of efficient adsorption of Co (II) and Zn (II) ions, the use of Pitpapra biomass is suggested for the adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater.

Novel eco-friendly and economically favourable chemically modified biosorbents and biosomposites from sugarcane bagasse (SB) has been investigated for the first time for efficient removal of Acid red 1 dye from wastewater. As fabricated biosorbents and biocomposites were characterized analytically. Batch adsorption experiments has been performed to optimize operating parameters and the determined optimum conditions are; pH: 2, dose: 0.05 g, contact time: between 60 and 75 min, initial dye concentration: 400 mg L−1, and temperature: 30 °C, at which maximum Acid red 1 dye removal capacities were found (within range of 143.4–205.1 mg g−1) by as-designed SB-derived chemically modified biosorbents and biocomposites. This high adsorption capacity was accompanied due to its large specific surface area (30.19 m2 g−1) and excessive functional active binding sites. In terms of the nature of adsorption process, kinetic and isothermal studies demonstrated that experimental data shows greater fitness with pseudo 2nd order and Langmuir model. Thermodynamics analysis revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, feasible, and exothermic in nature. Adsorption selective studies signifies that lower concentration of co-existing metallic ions were not interfered during the removal of Acid red 1 dye, which confirms that under optimized adsorption conditions the biosorbents and biocomposites exhibited greater affinity for dye molecules. The excessive quantity (82%) of loaded dye molecules within the adsorbents were extracted within the NaOH eluting media which predicts that as designed biocomposites could have capability of reusability. Hence, it is anticipated that this type of novel SB-derived biocomposites could be considered as greener potential candidate material for commercial scale dye removal applications from industrial wastewater.

Owing to its excellent thermal and mechanical properties of graphene, graphene-based composites have attracted tremendous research interest in recent years. In particular, graphene with high thermal conductivity becomes an important and promising filler in composites for thermal management. This critical review focus on the recent advances in graphene-based composites with high thermal conductivity. After the introduction of thermal conductive mechanisms of graphene-based composites, the fabrication methods of graphene-based composites are summarized. Then we also discuss currently researches of various graphene-based composites such as graphene/thermoplastic composites and graphene/thermoset composites. Herein, the mechanisms, preparation, and properties of graphene-based composites are discussed along with detailed examples from the scientific literature and the guidance are provided on the fabrication of composites with high thermal conductivity.

Biodiesel is produced by transesterification of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from oleaginous microalgae feedstock. Biodiesel fuel properties were studied and compared with biodiesel standards. Qualitative analysis of FAME was done while cultivating mixed microalgae consortia under three concentrations of coal fired flue gas (1%, 3.0% and 5.5% CO2). Under 1% CO2 concentration (flue gas), the FAME content was 280.3 μg/mL, whereas the lipid content was 14.03 μg/mL/D (day). Both FAMEs and lipid contents were low at other CO2 concentrations (3.0 and 5.5%). However, mixed consortia in the presence of phosphate buffer and flue gas (PB + FG) showed higher saturated fatty acids (SFA) (36.28%) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (63.72%) versus 5.5% CO2 concentration, which might be responsible for oxidative stability of biodiesel. Subsequently, higher cetane number (52) and low iodine value (136.3 gI2/100 g) biodiesel produced from mixed consortia (PB + FG) under 5.5% CO2 along with 50 mM phosphate buffer were found in accordance with European (EN 14214) standard. Results revealed that phosphate buffer significantly enhanced the biodiesel quality, but reduced the FAME yield. This study intended to develop an integrated approach for significant improvement in biodiesel quality under surplus phosphorus by utilizing waste flue gas (as CO2 source) using microalgae. The CO2 sequestration from industrial flue gas not only reduced greenhouse gases, but may also ensure the sustainable and eco-benign production of biodiesel.

Laser stimulation effect on L. siceraria seed mucilage, biochemicals and enzymatic activities during early growth stages were investigated. The laser density power of 1mW/cm2 for 3 and 5min treatments were performed and various responses i.e., seedlings mucilage, biochemical and enzymatic activities were studied. Laser treatment of L. siceraria seeds enhanced the biochemical as well as the enzymatic activities. TPC (total phenolic contents),TFC (total flavonoids contents), TSS (total soluble sugar), reducing sugar, proline contents, total soluble protein and nitrogen contents were recorded higher in laser treated groups versus control. Mucilage from L. siceraria seed coat was also characterized. The pre-sowing seeds were treated with laser radiation for 3 and 5min. TPC, TFC, proline contents, total soluble protein and nitrogenous compounds contents, ascorbic acid contents were recorded higher at 3min. The laser irradiation effect on TSS, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) was insignificant versus control. The SOD (superoxide dismutase) and POD (peroxidase), AMY (amylase), CAT (catalase) activities were recorded higher for 5min laser treatment. Results revealed that He-Ne continuous wave-laser pre-sowing seed irradiation affected the seed coat mucilage, biochemical and enzymatic activities positively and this treatment could possibly be used to enhance the L. siceraria productivity. Future study will be focused on growth at later stages and yield characteristics of L. siceraria.

Heavy metals contamination is a global issue and is a severe threat to living organisms. Present study was designed to analyze heavy metals distribution in soil, forage, blood and milk from Livestock station, Khizerabad, Sargodha, Pakistan. Statistical analysis was performed to access the variation in metals concernments in different types of samples as well as variation among sampling seasons. The concentration of heavy metals varied significant ( P − 1 in soil, 0.93–10.26 mg L − 1 in blood and 0.93–10.26 mg L − 1 in milk sample and similar trend was observed in case of Co, Cd, Cr and Pb. Concentration of Cr in soil, forage, blood and milk was recorded within the permissible limits, whereas Co and Cd contents were beyond the permissible limits. Pb and Ni contents were within the permissible limits in soil and forage samples. In comparison to previous study conducted in adjoining areas, it was observed that the heavy metals in the environment have been increased, which might be serious threat to the soil, environmental and livings organisms.

A novel diamine 4-(4-aminophenoxy)butyl-4-aminophenyl ether (ABAE) was synthesized as a chain extender (CE) by a quick and facile method using microwave reactor. CE was used for the preparation of stimuli-responsive Polyurethane-urea elastomer (PUU) with the ratio of NCO/OH from 2 to 2.5. Synthesized PUU was characterized with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG), and scanning electron microscopy SEM. PUU films were loaded with an anti-cancer drug “doxorubicin”. Drug release kinetics were studied in different solvents, at different pH values and with different NCO contents of PUU. The maximum of 45% cumulative drug release was observed in DMSO while the drug release increased with the decrease in pH and a maximum cumulative release of 47% was observed at acidic pH of 4.4. The minimum drug was released from the one, which was crosslinked with highest ratio (2.5) of NCO/OH. So, we can say that drug release can easily be adjusted under different conditions and environments with the help of these stimuli-responsive media.

Feed contamination during feed preparation and storage are important issues. To avoid the negative impact on animals health, the quality assurance and control in feed preparation is very important. Psidium guajava , Ficus religiosa , Vitis vinifera , Morus alba and Ziziphus Jujuba leaves anti-aflatoxigenic activities were appraised against A. paraciticus in stored layer feed. A. parasiticus inoculated layer hens feed was treated with selected plants leaves powder at different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15% w/w) and stored for six months at 28 ° C and 16% moisture. The aflatoxins (AFTs) concentrations were determined at the end of each month. The mineral contents and proximate composition of feed was evaluated at the end of storage period. All selected plants inhibited the AFTs synthesis considerably; however, Z. jujuba and M. alba inhibited the AFTs up to 100% at 5% concentration of leaves up to six months of storage. Quality analysis showed that treated feed showed stability in proximate composition and mineral contents. Results revealed that the FATs produced by A. parasiticus can be inhibited completely using plant leaves under investigation, which could be potential candidates as anti-aflatoxigenic agents to save stored products form moulds and toxins. Future studies can be focused on layer hens performance feeding with feed treated with medicinal plants leaves.

Correction for ‘Magnetic mesoporous bioactive glass for synergetic use in bone regeneration, hyperthermia treatment, and controlled drug delivery’ by Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 21413–21419, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09349D.

Dual functional, magnesium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Mg-MBG NPs) were prepared for bone regeneration and drug delivery. Template-assisted (F127) economical sol-gel method was used to prepare spherical Mg-MBG NPS of 65 ± 5 nm as determined by TEM. Different initial concentrations (0.1–0.5 mg/mL) of Mitomycin C (Mc) were used for loading to the Mg-MBG, and as a result, the variable amount of drug was loaded. Drug release was studied at different pH values (6.4, 7.4 & 8.4) of the release media which showed a maximum cumulative release of 89%, at a pH of 6.4. MTT assay indicated no significant cytotoxicity in normal human fibroblast (NHFB) cells and in vivo tissue histopathology revealed no damage to the cells. Mc loaded Mg-MBG NPs inhibited the MG-63 cancer cell viability at all concentrations and showed the IC50 value of 20.8 µg/mL. XRD and FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) upon immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). Thus biocompatible Mg-MBG with low cytotoxicity and sustained drug release was entitled as a safe biomaterial.

Solar red BA (SR-BA) and solar brittle blue A (SBB-A) direct dyes adsorption using Eucalyptus angophoroides bark (EAB) biomass was studied. The effect of process variables i.e., pH, contact time, particle size, temperature, initial dyes concentration, adsorbent dose and NaCl addition were investigated. The adsorption isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin), kinetics models (pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order) and thermodynamics parameters (ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG°) were employed to evaluate the adsorption mechanism. Thermodynamic studies indicated the spontaneous and exothermic adsorption process of both dyes onto EAB. Maximum adsorptions of SBB-A and RR-BA onto EAB were 49 mg/g and (43.5 mg/g), respectively at 2 pH, 0.25 mm particle size, 303 K, 0.1 g adsorbent dose, 0.05 M NaCl, 25 mg/L dyes initial concentration and contact time 180 min (SBB-A) and 240 min (RR-BA). The SEM and FTIR studies of dye loaded and unloaded biomass were performed in order to check the surface morphology and functional group involved in dye adsorption. The optimized conditions were applied for the adsorption of dyes from textile wastewater and up to 65.4% ± 3.20 dye removal was achieved. Results indicated that the EAB could be an efficient and low cost adsorbent for the adsorption of dyes form textile effluents.

Azo-containing amides and their derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline with different substituted benzoyl chlorides. The characterization of these synthesized compounds were based on their IR, 1H NMR spectra and elemental analysis with excellent yields.

Biodiesel is produced by transesterification of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from oleaginous microalgae feedstock. Biodiesel fuel properties were studied and compared with biodiesel standards. Qualitative analysis of FAME was done while cultivating mixed microalgae consortia under three concentrations of coal fired flue gas (1%, 3.0% and 5.5% CO

Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition bioassay (VFBIA) has been widely applied for the monitoring of toxicity on account of multiple advantages encompassing shorter test duration, sensitive, cost-effective and ease of operation. Moreover, this bioassay found to be equally applicable to all types of matrices (organic & inorganic compounds, metals, wastewater, river water, sewage sludge, landfill leachate, herbicides, treated wastewater etc.) for toxicity monitoring. This review highlights the apparent significance of Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay for ecotoxicological screening and evaluation of diverse chemical substances toxicity profile. The biochemical and genetic basis of the bioluminescence assay and its regulatory mechanism have been concisely discussed. The basic test protocol with ongoing improvements, widespread applications, typical advantages and probable limitations of the assay have been overviewed. The sensitivity of VFBIA and toxicity bioassays has also been compared.

Correction for ‘Magnetic mesoporous bioactive glass for synergetic use in bone regeneration, hyperthermia treatment, and controlled drug delivery’ by Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 21413–21419, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09349D.

The intercropping of millet with legumes rich in protein was tested at 50, 60 and 70th day of sowing for the dry matter and its nutritional value. The seeds of cluster bean, cowpea and sesbania were inter-seeded on the same day in millet. The preliminary analysis for forage quality of mixture indicated that the practice of intercropping appeared to be more successful for achieving the required nutritional value. Apparently, the successive delay in harvesting produced more dry matter and organic matter yield with the completion of biologic cycle of both the component crops. The significant loss of feeding value with respect to crude protein and ash of mixture was achieved with delayed harvesting. However, its negative impact was much low in millet–cluster bean and millet–cowpea mixture which sustained their protein contents over the sampling period. It is, therefore, suggested that mix cultivation of millet–legume, preferably sesbania, should be popularized among the dairy farmers for getting palatable and proteinaceous fodder.

The study of integrated use of chemical fertiliser and compost showed beneficial effects on growth and yield of maize. Plant height, number of grain rows per cob, number of grains per row, number of grains per cob and 1000-grain weight were significantly affected by all the treatments. However, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index and grain-pith ratio were significantly affected by compost and chemical fertiliser alone or in certain combinations. The highest grain yield of 7.18 t/ha was obtained with the application of 25% nitrogen from compost + 75% nitrogen from chemical fertiliser.

Degradation and detoxification of petroleum refinery wastewater (PRW) was carried out by advanced oxidation processes (UV/TiO2/H2O2 and gamma radiation/H2O2). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the independent variables. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using Allium cepa, brime shrimp and haemolytic assays; whereas mutagenicity was tested by Ames tests (TA98 and TA100 strains). Maximum reductions in COD and BOD were recorded as 78% and 87% for UV/TiO2/H2O2 and 77% and 86% for gamma ray/H2O2, respectively. Treatments with both methods at optimized conditions reduced the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of PRW, however, UV/TiO2/H2O2 system was found slightly efficient as compared to gamma ray/H2O2. From the results, it can be concluded that AOP's can successfully be utilized for the degradation of toxic pollutants in petroleum refinery wastewater. Moreover, the bioassays used in this study offered a good reliability for checking the detoxification of treated and un-treated PRW wastewater.

Continuous cultivation of fields with same implement (cultivator) creates a hard pan in the subsoil which adversely affects crop productivity. In addition to tillage, nitrogen management is a key factor for better crop growth and yield. Impact of different tillage systems and nitrogen management on yield attributes and grain yield of hybrid maize was evaluated by conducting experiments at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2008 and 2009. The experiment comprised of three tillage systems viz. conventional tillage, tillage with mould board plough followed by 2-cultivations (with cultivator), tillage with chisel plough followed by 2-cultivations (with cultivator) and three nitrogen levels (100, 150 and 200 kg ha -1 ). Different tillage systems and nitrogen levels significantly influenced the maize yield and yield components. Chisel ploughed plots resulted to heavier cobs, higher 1000-grain weight and grain yield in comparison with other tillage systems. Maize yield with chisel tilled plots was 18 and 9% higher than mould board ploughed and conventionally tilled plots, respectively. Generally, differences between different nitrogen application rates were more pronounced; increasing nitrogen rate resulted in increased yield and yield components of maize. Significantly, highest grains weight per cob, 1000-grain weight and grain yield was recorded with 200 kg ha -1 nitrogen application. Maize yield with 200 kg ha -1 nitrogen application was 17 and 8.50% higher than 100 and 150 kg ha-1 nitrogen application, respectively. Therefore, it may be concluded that maize hybrids should be grown with 200 kg ha -1 nitrogen application by preparing the field with chisel plough followed by cultivator. Key words: Maize productivity, chisel plough, conventional tillage, nitrogen.