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District Tor Ghar is phytosocilogically unexplored region in the western Himalaya. Present study was conducted in district Tor Ghar during the summers of 2012 and 2013 to study floristic diversity of herbaceous flora in the region. The district Tor Ghar is located on 34° 32′ - 34° 50′ N, and 72° 48′ - 72°58′ E. A total of 229 herb species belonging to 168 genera and 66 families were identified. Herbaceous vegetation was sampled from 1 × 1 m quadrats. For vegetation classification into plant communities, presence, absence (1,0) data on 229 herbaceous species and 64 locations were analyzed in PCORD version 5 via Cluster and Two Way Cluster Analyses. Six plant communities were established. Plant abundance data were treated in CANOCO version 4.5 to measure the ecological gradient of plant species and communities of the region. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) a type of indirect gradient analysis reconfirmed the results of Cluster and Two way Cluster Analysis. Moreover the study furnishes useful information for improvement, protection and management of present vegetation status for future generation. A comprehensive conservation measure with practical implementation is utmost necessary for conservation of rapidly depleting plant resources of the area.

Water availability is considered as the main limiting factor of wheat growth illuminating the need of cultivars best adapted to drought situations for better wheat production and yield. Among these, the stay-green trait is thought to be related to the ability of wheat plants to maintain photosynthesis and CO

The study highlights the effect of acid- and base-rich conditions on the proton dynamics of diethylmethylammonium poly[4-styrenesulfonyl(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [DEMA][PSTFSI], a polymerized protic ionic liquid designed as a polymer electrolyte for nonhumidified polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Different proportions of triflic acid (HTf) and diethylmethylamine (DEMA) were added to the pristine polymer. The thermal analysis of the mixtures revealed that the addition of the base increases the glassy/amorphous nature of the polymer; however, HTf plasticizes the polymer and lowers the Tg value, so that it falls outside of the differential scanning calorimetry-studied temperature range. 50 mol % doping of the HTf contents increases the conductivity upto 0.952 mS cm-1, and 50 mol % DEMA mixture has a conductivity of 0.169 mS cm-1 at 100 °C. Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher fitting of the ionic conductivities of the doped systems suggested that the ionic conductivities are completely decoupled from segmental motion of the polymer. A combination of Fourier transform infrared and static NMR studies demonstrated that HTf-added polymer composites show conduction via Grotthuss and vehicular mechanisms, while DEMA-added polymer composites show predominantly a Grotthuss mechanism by developing the aggregates of proton and added base.

Background:After the introduction of simulators in urology, urology education has evolved significantly. The development of Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) skills has shifted to simulator-based learning from being directly on patients. We evaluated the outcome of simulation-based teaching of TURP procedural skills on virtual reality simulator and objectively assessed the operative skills on the Global Rating Scale (GRS). Methodology:In this prospective comparative study, high fidelity (VirtaMed | UroSim™) simulator was used. A total of 17 participants were enrolled in this study, 4 were urology faculty members, and 13 were post-graduate urology trainees. All participants performed five attempts of real-time TURP complete procedure and were allowed to resect the maximum possible prostate tissue (goal ≥ 85%). Skills were assessed in terms of resection, bleeding control and safety parameters. Objective assessment of simulative operative skills was done on GRS score sheets by faculty, based on the Global Rating Index for Technical Skills (GRITS) and OSATS. The data from the 1stand 5thattempts of all participants was analyzed on SPSS version 22.0. Results:There was statistically significant difference in the mean resection score at 1stattempt between faculty and trainees i.e. 112±8.6 and 86.69±9.95, respectively (pthattempt. All the enrolled members resected >80% of prostate volume (40 score points). Similarly, for the parameters associated with bleeding control, there was a significant difference in the bleeding control, lost blood and remaining bleeders between trainees and faculty members (pstattempt while on 5thattempt, the outcomes were comparative in both groups. The objective assessment of operative skills of the trainee’s displayed improvement in all 5 parameters including tissue injury, movement and time, instrument application, surgical process and surgical details. Conclusion:Simulation-based TURP teaching significantly improves simulative operative skills in resection, bleeding control and safety parameters. GRS is an effective tool in assessing simulative operative skills and may evaluate endo-urological procedural training in urology trainees periodically. Link: http://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJEHSR/article/view/594/679

Betasatellites are single-stranded DNA molecules associated with most monopartite begomoviruses of family Geminiviridae. They are symptoms modulating molecules and depend on their helper viruses for replication, encapsidation and movement. To investigate the genetic diversity of cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB), different Pakistani isolates of betasatellites were retrieved from the NCBI data bank. The sequences were compared to all available sequences of CLCuMuB in the database, identified from cotton in Pakistan, India and China. Phylogenetic and recombination analysis showed the sequences are separated into five major groups. This is primarily based on recombination within the satellite conserved region (SCR) of the betasatellite genome. The first group consists of sequences of the original betasatellite associated with the first epidemic of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) in the 1990s, while the second group consists of recombinant betasatellites associated with the second epidemic of CLCuD, containing a short fragment of tomato leaf curl betasatellite (ToLCB) DNA in the “satellite conserved region (SCR)”. The third group contains a short fragment of papaya leaf curl betasatellite (PaLCuB), while the fourth group contains a short fragment of tobacco curly shoot betasatellite (TbCSB) in the SCR region. The fifth group consists of sequences of betasatellite associated with the recent begomovirus disease complex identified from Vehari. This betasatellite contains a short fragment of sequences in the SCR region of a defective betasatellite (KT228331) from India. This new strain of CLCuMuB is named CLCuMuBVeh. Here, the significance of the evolution of CLCuMuB with respect to the CLCuD complex is discussed.

In this paper we presents Minimaxloss criterion for fixed variance ratio, based on D-,G- and A-efficiency, and which accounts within-whole plot and sub plot singlemissing observations, for constructing two factor robust designs with in split-plot response surface designs structure that is robust to a single missing observation at different designs points for fixed variance ratio. A missing observation make the outputs of Response Surface Modal is difficult. Then comparison of the loss in the data due to a single missing values by numerically computations for A-optimality, D- optimality and G-optimality. In these situations the effect of missing observations will also be studied on the basis of graphical tools like, Variance Dispersion Graph (VDG).

Himalayas are one among the world biodiversity hotspots harboring many endemic medicinal plants. Despite augmentation in the documentation of ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plant species, information regarding endemic species is still underway. Current paper highlights the traditional medicinal uses of rare endemic and unexplored group of plants having potential for novel chemical constituents with effective pharmacological activities. In total, 142 informants (91 male and 51 female) including seventeen traditional healers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire, personal observations and group discussions. Interviews were taken in field or otherwise photographs were shown for identification. Females were interviewed indirectly through male family members. For data analysis, quantitative analytical approach was adopted using ethnopharmacological indices as Relative frequency of citations and Fidelity Level. In total, 38 endemic plant species belonging to nineteen families were utilized by the local inhabitants. Highest number of endemics was belonging to Ranunculaceae (7), followed by Gentianaceae and Rosaceae (4 each) with respect to number of species. Highest number of endemics was used in fever, wound healing, throat infection and tonic (4 species each). Root was the most widely used part (36.17%) in cure of diseases and the leading mode administered was decoction (25.49%). Highest use reports and RFC values were recorded for Pimpinella stewartii (58 citations, 0.41 RFC), Caltha alba var. alba (52 citations, 0.37 RFC). Endemic plant species considerably contribute toward ethnomedicinal knowledge and despite rarity, the communities prefer their utilization. Conservation of endemics is necessary for future availability to the local communities. Keywords: Endemic flora, Ethnomedicinal, Traditional knowledge, Hazara, Pakistan

At present time Zika virus is a serious emerging health problem worldwide. At first it was assumed to be an endemic disease but emergence beyond borders of Africa made it a serious issue globally. Zika virus was first time discovered in 1947 from the blood of Rhesus monkey in Uganda. The disease is mild during the first few days of infection with rash, fever, conjunctivitis and arthralgia. The transmission of virus occurs through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito but reports have also shown evidence of transmission through sexual and parental means. Till now no proper vaccines are developed for Zika virus. Zika Virus after being studied for so long for its pathology, virology, vectors, genetic diversities and its ability to co-exist with other viral strains; is still a big question for its transmission factors, viral strains, their adaptability and treatment. This review of literature was carried out to spread awareness among the general public for adversity and thus prevention of this disease globally.

The present study evaluated three wheat genotypes (SD-28, SD-32 and Chirya-1) were evaluated for physiological attributes like Relative Water Content, Proline Content, Membrane Stability Index and Chlorophyll Content where Opata was used as a control check under three different levels of drought stress (100% FC, 80% FC and 60% FC). Results revealed that chlorophyll content was significantly affected under stressed conditions in all the studied genotypes and genotypes. Molecular diagnosis of the selected wheat genotypes and genotypes was carried out with RT-PCR using expression profile of 06 genes (TaLhca1, TaLhca2, TaLhca3, TaLhcb1, TaLhcb4 and TaLhcb6) that encodes for LHCI and LHCII proteins. RT–PCR indicated variable expression of the selected genes in response to different level of drought stress. The results obtained clearly showed the relation between genotypes and severity of drought stress condition. Among the studied genotypes Chirya-1 and SD-28 performed well with higher level of gene expression under drought stress condition; and may be considered drought tolerant genotypes with potential to enrich the genetic background of locally adapted wheat lines against drought stress.

Commercially available foliar spray labeled as ‘Planto-fuel’ increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) most of the growth traits viz., leaf length, bulb diameter (7.6 cm), bulb length (5.9 cm), leaves fresh weight/plant, neck fresh weight/plant, bulb fresh weight/plant (166.6 g) and plant fresh weight. It also produced the maximum yield (14.2 tons/ha) while the basal application of DAP significantly increased the number of leaves/plant and 2nd best results in yield whereas the lowest yield was observed through water spray. It is observed that the foliar application of micronutrients mixture in combination with nitrogen is the most suitable method to increase the onion production.

Rice is cultivated worldwide under wide range of ecological conditions and is a daily staple food crop for more than half of world’s population. The morphological characterization is usually performed to select better genotypes. This type of characterization identifies elite genotypes based on qualitative as well as quantitative traits. In present study 45 diverse rice germplasm were screened for important qualitative traits. The experiment was designed as augmented and important qualitative traits including leaf related traits, lodging, panicle shape, seed coat color and awn related traits were studied. Significant variations were observed for all the examined traits. Majority of genotypes showed resistance to lodging, and only few showed slight lodging. The brown seed coat color was found dominant among genotypes. All the studied traits included in the study were found useful for the identification of improved genotypes and these traits have direct relation with yield or yield related traits. However, to elucidate the particular responsible genes for these traits, further molecular based studies are recommended. Keywords: Genetic variability; Lodging; Morphological traits; Rice; Qualitative traits http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80056

In the present research work, 13 wheat genotypes (NR-378, NR-379, NR-381, NR-388, NR-390, NR-391, NR-392, NR-399, NR-397, NR-401, NR-403, NR-402 and NR-404) were evaluated against two treatments (T1: 0 mg K2HPO4/kg soil, T2: 200 mg K2HPO4/kg soil) for phosphorus use efficiency in soil filled trays in wooden boxes. The experiments were carried out at Crop Sciences Institute NARC, Islamabad. Experimental design was a two-factor completely randomized design with three replications. Plant samples were collected 40 days after planting and data were recorded for different traits, viz. shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root length, shoot length, proline contents, soluble sugar, protein concentration, phosphorus uptake and phosphorus use efficiency. Overall, wheat genotypes, NR-397, NR-379, NR-390, NR-403, NR-401, NR-378, NR-404, were found most phosphorus efficient and NR-392 least efficient; however, wheat genotypes, NR-391, NR-399, NR-402, were most efficient in phosphorus use efficiency. Differential response of these wheat genotypes for all the parameters studied under control (P zero) and treatment (P = 200 mg/g) might be due to their different genetic potential. These genetic variations of wheat genotypes for P efficiency can be exploited to develop phosphorus efficient wheat cultivars either through breeding or transfer of P efficient gene by genetic engineering for P-deficient calcareous soils.

Proton transport has been recognized as an essential process in many biological systems, as well as electrochemical devices including fuel cells and redox flow batteries. In the present study, we address the pressing need for solvent-free proton conducting polymer electrolytes for high-temperature PEM fuel cell applications by developing a novel all-solid polyelectrolyte membrane with a self-assembled proton-channel structure. We show that this self-assembled nanostructure endows the material with exciting ‘dry’ proton conductivity at elevated temperatures, as high as 0.3 mS cm−1 at 120 °C, making it an attractive candidate for high-temperature PEM fuel cell applications. Based on the combined investigation of solid-state NMR, FTIR and conductivity measurements, we propose that both molecular design and nano-scale structures are essential for obtaining highly conductive anhydrous proton conductors.

Whitefly (Bemicia tabaci) is an insect pest that causes severe losses in economically important crops by sucking the plant sap and transmitting plant viruses. We used the promising new approach of plant-mediated artificial miRNA (amiRNA) expression against three essential genes of whitefly. The Arabidopsis thaliana miR159 precursor was modified and engineered to express artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) targeting three vital genes of whitefly, sex lethal (Sxl) protein, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and orcokinin (Orc). The amiRNAWF construct was transformed into the Nicotiana tabacum plants. Whiteflies were infested in separate cages on both control and transgenic plants. After four weeks of infestation, the nymphs were counted and real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to assess the relative expression of whitefly genes. The transgenic N. tabacum plants showed resistance against whitefly and the number of whiteflies in the next generation were substantially reduced on transgenic plants compared to control plants. Abnormal egg hatching and poor development was observed and only a small number of whitefly nymphs matured to adults. RT-qPCR results indicated that the expression of target genes (Sxl, AChE and Orc) in the nymphs was considerably down-regulated in whiteflies reared on transgenic plants. The amiRNA mediated resistance against whitefly in transgenic plants may pave the way for engineering resistance against whitefly in cotton plants.

DATPMs were synthesized by the acid-catalysed Baeyer condensation of 4-substituted benzaldehydes and aniline in good yields. The materials were purified by column chromatography and characterized by FTIR, 1H-13CNMR and elemental analysis. The optimized ligands were docked with the IKKα, (PDB code: 3BRT) using the MOE-Dock module and are found to obey Lipinski’s Ro5 cut-off limits. The computational results revealed that the DATPMs, like other derivatives of TPM, could be potential anticancer drugs. Moderate protein kinase inhibitory activity was exhibited by samples 2 and 3 by displaying inhibition bald zone of 10 and 9 mm respectively against the Streptomyces 85E strain.

Money laundering has an element of a bate for one individual and a tool of exploitation for another individual and carries an externality (positive or negative) for the society. Its multifarious nature is analysed in perspective of Principal-Agent-Client Model of Provan and Milward (2001). Model of Network Evaluation by Provan and Milward (2001) is originally used for health and social sector; however this model is extended and applied for governance of money laundering. In this model we evaluate the affectivity of the network of money transaction with the objective function to minimise transaction of money through money laundering by making laws and procedure and get these implemented through agents. As there is involvement of multiple stakeholders, therefore, evaluation of network effectiveness is made at three levels i.e. at community level to analyse: community, the network itself and the network’s organisational participants. These levels are of interest to three major constituents of money transaction network such as principal, agent, and clients.

Für die Synthese von Tensiden mit bestimmten Eigenschaften werden verschiedene Vorgehensweisen der Synthese ausgearbeitet. In der gegenwärtigen Arbeit werden einige kostengünstige Vorgehensweisen mit reduzierter Anzahl an Reaktionsschritten zur äußerst effizienten Synthese biologisch abbaubarer und umweltfreundlicher Tenside diskutiert. Die in diesen Methoden verwendeten Ausgangsmaterialien stammen aus ökonomisch günstigen Quellen wie Monosacchariden, Harzsäuren, Fettsäuren etc. Kosten entstehen dann nur noch aufgrund des Einsatzes von Lösemitteln und Spezialreagenzien. Obwohl viele Naturprodukte bereits jetzt schon erhältlich sind, sind nur einige wenige für die Umsetzung zu Tensiden geeignet. Die Diskussion über die Herstellung von verschiedenen Tensiden für gängige Produkte ergibt sich aus der Tatsache, dass kein gutes Universaltensid für jede potentielle Anwendung erhältlich ist.