Search

Climate variability affects the phenological, physiological, and morphological adaptability of Kiwifruit. Hence, five Kiwifruit varieties were evaluated under variable rainfed climatic conditions in Pothowar. Phenological data of all five varieties was observed at both study sites, including bud initiation, bud swelling, and bud burst. Goldflesh (GDF) and Green Flesh 1 (GF1) were observed to be late in bud burst and to have poor physio-morphological responses and plant survival rates. In contrast, Hayward (H), Bruno (B), and Greenflesh 2 (GF2) exhibited superior performance in terms of plant physiological and morphological traits (e.g., heat damage percentage, photosynthetic activity, shoot length, t runk diameter, d isease incidence percentage, and survival rate). Greenflesh 2 (GF2) plants at both study locations exhibited a lower percentage of heat damage (4.25 and 5.83) than Greenflesh 1 (6.2 and 9.87) and Goldflesh (6.11 and 8.83), respectively. Bruno had more photosynthetic activity (627.31 and 773.5 mol m-2 sec-1) than Goldflesh (330.49 and 343.71 mol m-2 sec-1) and Greenflesh 1 (346.96 and 354.25 mol m-2 sec-1, respectively). Hayward (112.56 and 183.44 cm) and Bruno (109.98 and 160.39 cm) had longer shoots compared to Greenflesh 1 (44.23 and 71.26 cm) and Goldflesh (62.49 and 111.16 cm). Bruno (1.02 and 1.6 cm) and Hayward (0.93 and 1.56 cm) had a significantly larger trunk diameter than Greenflesh 1 (0.74 and 1.3 cm) and Goldflesh (0.78 and 1.3 cm), respectively. Hayward, Bruno, and Greenflesh 2 were significantly more resistant to disease incidence (0.27, 0.15, and 0.41) and plant survival was high (80%, 78%, and 79%) in all three varieties at both locations. Bruno and Greenflesh 2 proved to be the most productive varieties under variable climate conditions; thus, their material can be used to develop future Kiwifruit ideotypes in rainfed regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of government effectiveness (GE) and technological innovation on economic growth and environmental degradation in Middle East & North Africa countries. The study utilizes panel data from the period of 2002–2020. The findings indicate that there is a significant and positive relationship between innovation (INV) and CO2 emissions (0.0244), while GE has a significant and negative impact on CO2 emissions (−0.5753). In a similar vein, it can be observed that both INV and government efficacy exert a substantial and favorable influence on the process of economic growth (0.0353 and 0.0773). Furthermore, the interaction of INV and GE showed a noteworthy moderating effect on CO2 emissions (−0.1581). Conversely, it exhibited a more pronounced positive influence on economic growth (0.1122). The study highlights that synergizing INV with GE is essential for attaining sustainable economic growth in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, carbon nanowires (CNWs) were synthesized on thin stainless steel (SS-410) sheet by a chemical vapor deposition method at the growth temperature of 900 °C using acetylene gas as a precursor of carbon. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed the fibrous morphology of synthesized carbon material. At the same time, EDX analysis suggested the fibrous carbon material was predominantly grown on Fe/Cr metal catalyst particles presumably formed on the surface of a thin SS-410 sheet at high temperatures. The diameter distribution of the carbon nanowires is in the range of 40–60 nm. The carbon contents of the as-prepared material were about 50 wt % which increased to 90 wt % after nitric acid treatment due to the removal of excess metallic impurities. After purification with concentrated nitric acid, CNWs exhibited better adsorption behavior toward copper ions than that of as-prepared CNWs under similar conditions. Effect of pH, contact time, adsorbate, and adsorbent dose were studied. Langmuir isotherm model appears to be a better fit compared to the Freundlich isotherm model, thus suggesting the physisorption adsorption process between CNWs adsorbent and copper adsorbate in an aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of fresh fruits after harvesting is not new since it has constantly been a challenge for humankind. The growing population in developing countries, where food shortages exist, require serious food security measures to address hunger and malnutrition. Present research focused on the development, fabrication and testing of mango pulp extractor to assist small-scale fruit farmers in the countryside with a view to minimizing fruit spoilage. The unit, whose major material was food grade stainless steel (SS-304), consists of major components such as teflon brushes mounted shaft, motor, main frame, hopper, extraction compartment, pulp outlet, fruit residue outlet, perforated sieve and bearings. After construction, the machine was tested at three feed rate (2.0, 2.5, 3.0 kg/min) and extraction speed levels (500, 900 and 1400 rpm). Each of these factors was replicated three times, which resulted into 3 × 3 × 3 factorial experimental design. The optimum operating parameters for maximum pulp yield, maximum extraction efficiency and minimum extraction losses were determined. The physicochemical analysis of the extracted pulp was also carried out. Results revealed a maximum pulp yield of 77.9%, highest extraction efficiency of 96.03% and highest extraction loss of 9.3%. The mango pulp extraction machine was found to be affordable, easy to operate and maintain. The breakeven point of the machine was found to be 40 h if the machine is operated at its peak capacity. Therefore, it is recommended for small-scale farmers and for cottage industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinnow orchards grown in different agro-ecological regions of Punjab, Pakistan, namely Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh (TTS) and Vehari districts, were selected to assess the effect of climate variables on fruit-bearing patterns. Experiment was laid out in RCBD while selecting identical features Kinnow plants and labeled twigs at analogous canopy positions in all three sites. Temperature was reported higher in TTS and Vehari areas, while relative humidity in Sargodha accounted for different levels of agrometeorological indices by computing more variations in warm districts. Climate variables influenced fruit-bearing habits and vegetative growth trend in all three flushes while recording heavy fruit-bearing plants during on-year and light fruit-bearing in off-year at Vehari. Similarly, three vegetative flushes were recorded unevenly in all three sites due to different fruit-bearing patterns induced by climate variables. Harvesting pattern of orchards began earlier in Sargodha, where maximum orchards were harvested before new flowering to add evenness to fruiting habits during on & off-years. In warm conditions, fruit ripening arrived in the peak of winter and mostly domestic market-driven harvesting resulted in late start of fruit picking with more erratic fruit-bearing habits. Both physiological and pathological fruit drops have been significantly affected by climate variables with a higher degree of physiological drop in warm regions and pathological effects in the humid conditions of Sargodha on heavy fruit-bearing plants. Fruit yield and grading quality were also affected in both seasons by showing more asymmetrical trend in yield and fruit grading in warm areas of TTS and Vehari due to an irregular fruiting pattern compared to Sargodha. From now on, the climate variables of the three sites directly influenced the fruiting patterns, vegetative flushes, fruit drops, yields and grades of Kinnow mandarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research to control yield losses from Sclerotinia (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) has focused on stem resistance. However, resistance to leaf infection against this pathogen would also be beneficial, both in limiting additional plant leaf damage and in reducing inoculum build up within-crop and resultant spread onto stems. Three B. napus breeding populations, C2 (NC-8 × RQ-001-NCA-8 NC2-7), C5 (cv. Charlton × RQ-001-NCA-8 NC2-7) and C6 (cv. Charlton × NC4-5), were screened for leaf resistance (based on mean lesion diameter) under controlled environment conditions. Each population consisted of parents (P1 and P2), F1, F2, BC1P1 and BC2P2, except for C5 that lacked BC1P1. Moderate broad sense heritability for leaf resistance (0.45) to S. sclerotiorum was only found in population C6, where genetic variance was mostly non-additive. Analyses of generation means and variances indicated that both dominance and complex epistatic interactions were present in C6. Bivariate analysis revealed a positive genetic covariance between the non-additive effects for mean leaf lesion and cotyledon lesion diameters, and significant negative covariance of residuals, which supports a common genetic control of cotyledon and leaf resistance to S. sclerotiorum. These results will guide breeders in selection and development of genotypes with both cotyledon and leaf resistance against this important pathogen worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin is the most effective chemotherapeutic drug used to treat the several types of tumors. Fraxinus xanthoxyloides is a plant with several pharmacological and biological activities. This research was aimed to find the curative potential of F. xanthoxyloides extract to counter the cisplatin-induced testicular damage in albino rats. Male albino rats were used for this trial. Rats were distributed into eight equal groups. Group I: control, Group II: vehicle control; Group III: cisplatin (10 mg/kg i.p.); Group IV: cisplatin (10 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg); Group V: cisplatin (10 mg/kg) and F. xanthoxyloides (200 mg/kg); Group VI: cisplatin (10 mg/kg) and F. xanthoxyloides (400 mg/kg); Group VII: F. xanthoxyloides (200 mg/kg) and Group VIII: F. xanthoxyloides (400 mg/kg). Rats were slaughtered on 46th day of the experiment and testes and blood samples were collected. Hormonal analysis, antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes were assessed. Cisplatin treatment induced significant (P<0.05) reduction in LH, FSH and testosterone concentrations. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GSR) were significantly (P<0.05) reduced while significant (P<0.05) increase in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level was observed. Cisplatin significantly (P<0.05) decreased the seminiferous tubules diameter, tunica albuginea height, epithelial height, spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes and spermatids while significantly (P<0.05) increased the interstitial spaces and tubular luminal diameter. Whereas F. xanthoxyloides restored all these damages and abnormalities to their normal level. It is concluded that F. xanthoxyloides extract have capability to ameliorate the cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in male albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Acute gastroenteritis is a common illness that leads to significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric population. This study was aimed to determine the frequency of hyponatremia among hospitalized children having acute gastroenteritis. Study Design: Crosssectional Study. Setting: Unit-ll, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Nishtar Medical College and Hospital, Multan. Period: From 1st January 2018 to 30th June 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 232 children aged 1-12 years of either sex, clinically assessed cases of acute gastroenteritis with duration of illness < 7 days, were considered. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for quantitative variables while frequencies and percentage were tabulated for the qualitative variables. Post stratification chi-square test was applied to see effects of studied variables and P value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Mean age of our study cases was 2.33 ± 2.11 years. Majority of patients, 135 (58.2%) were boys, 143 (61.6%) from urban areas and 161 (69.4%) were having poor socioeconomic status. History of hypotonic IV fluid therapy was positive in 18 (7.8%) and history of ORS intake was positive in 71 (30.6%). Mean duration of illness was 4.19 ± 1.27 days. Mean serum sodium level 135.37 ± 2.20 mEq/L. Hyponatremia was present in 90 (38.8%). Male gender, poor socioeconomic status, no use of hypotonic IV fluid therapy, no intake of ORS and disease duration of >3 days were significantly associated (P value < 0.05) with hyponatremia. Conclusion: Frequency of hyponatremia was high in children with AGE. Male children, poor socioeconomic status, no use of hypotonic IV fluid therapy, no intake of ORS and prolonged disease duration were significantly associated with hyponatremia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the frequency of risk factors and acute complications for SGA in term new borns during first 24 hours after delivery. Study Design: Descriptive Case Series. Setting: Department of Pediatric Medicine, Nishter Hospital, Multan. Period: 15 Aug 2014 to 30 Apr 2015. Material & Methods: A total of 157 term babies, delivered in labor room in Nishter hospital Multan were evaluated in 24 hours of birth. Mother of each SGA baby was examined regarding history, clinical examination and nutritional status were noted. SGA babies were completely monitored for 24 hours in the department of pediatric medicine for complications. Results: There were 88 (56.1%) male and 69 (43.9%) female. Mean age and weight of the patients at the time of presentation were 12.73 + 6.65 hours and 2.03 + 0.65 Kg respectively. Among mothers, 61.1% were nulliparous, anemia was found in 47.8%, inter pregnancy intervals of less than or equal to one year in 58.6% and hypertension in 61.8%. Among SGA babies, perinatal asphyxia was found to be present in 63.7%, meconium aspiration in 51%, hypothermia in 37.6%, hypoglycemia in 24.2%, hypocalcaemia in 32.5%, polycythemia in 47.1% and thrombocytopenia in 41.4%. Conclusion: Maternal hypertension, nulliparity, short inter pregnancy interval and anemia were frequently encountered risk factors for SGA babies. The most frequently encountered perinatal complications observed were perinatal asphyxia, meconium aspiration, polycythemia, thrombocytopenia, hypothermia, hypocalcaemia and hypoglycemia in decreasing order of frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the frequency of hypomagnesaemia among children admitted in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatric medicine, Unit-I, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Periods: From 1st August 2017 to 31st May 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 379 children of age group 1-12 years and either gender were admitted at PICU irrespective of presenting complaint with duration of illness less than 2 weeks were included. Post stratification chi-square test was applied to see the effect of different variables like age of the patients, BMI, duration of illness and serum Magnesium levels, hypomagnesaemia, residential status, socioeconomic status, mother's education and gender, on hypomagnesaemia. P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Of these 379 study cases, 221(58.3%) were boys while 158 (41.7%) were girls. Mean age of our study cases was 4.81 ± 2.27 years. Mean duration of illness was 5.57 ± 2.34 days. Mean weight of study cases was 17. 30 ± 5.92 kilograms. Mean serum Magnesium level was 1.45 ± 0.67 mg/dl. Hypomagnesemia was found to be present in 190 (50.1%). Male gender, urban residential status, illiteracy, hospitalization before PICU admission, disease duration of 1 to 2 weeks and weight < 20 kg turned out to be significantly associated (p < 0.05) with hypomagnesaemia. Conclusion: High frequency of hypomagnesaemia was noted among children admitted at PICU. Children with hypomagnesaemia had prolonged hospital stay and adverse outcomes. Hypomagnesaemia was significantly associated with male gender, residential status, mother's educational level, hospitalization before PICU admission, disease duration and weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotinia rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a devastating disease on oilseed rape and mustard worldwide. While the focus to effectively control yield losses from Sclerotinia has been on locating stem resistance, resistance to leaf and to early (cotyledon) stage resistance to this pathogen are also important, both not only limiting additional plant damage, but also inoculum build up and spread onto stems. Three Brassica napus breeding populations developed in India, C2 (NC-8 × RQ-001-NCA-8 NC2-7), C5 (cv. Charlton × RQ-001-NCA-8 NC2-7) and C6 (cv. Charlton × NC4-5), were screened for cotyledon resistance (based on lesion diameter) under controlled environmental conditions to investigate the inheritance of disease resistance. Each population consisted of parents (P1 and P2), F1, F2, BC1P1 and BC2P2, except for population C5 which lacked BC1P1. Moderate broad sense heritability of 0.42, 0.31 and 0.49 for cotyledon resistance was found in populations C2, C5 and C6, respectively, and there was mostly non-additive genetic control of resistance. Analyses of generation means and variances indicated that the additive-dominance model was adequate to explain genetics of cotyledon resistance in population C2. There was heterosis for susceptibility (i.e., larger lesion diameter). The dominance × dominance digenic epistasis explained genetic control in population C6, with heterosis towards resistance (i.e., smaller lesion diameter). This information is critical for breeding for resistance to this important pathogen in Australia, India and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental consciousness as well as individual's demand for ready to eat food, recently, has changed the trends in food packaging leading to the development of biodegradable and edible packaging. Emulsified edible films have better transparency, superior mechanical properties and provide barriers to water and other atmospheric gases. Edible films if not consumed, biodegrad chemically. In present study, edible films were, initially, prepared using Chitosan and Aloe vera at different concentrations. Films were then subjected to physical and mechanical testing. Films with 20% Aloe vera had low thickness as compared to films with no Aloe vera. These films also had superior mechanical properties and lower water vapor permeability. Films with 20% Aloe vera were, then, selected and beeswax was dispersed in Chitosan-Aloe vera solution at concentration upto 2.0% followed by film preparation through casting technique. Thickness and water vapor permeability were observed to be improved with increase in concentration of beeswax. Tensile strength of edible films was also improved 1.3 times when concentration of beeswax increased from 0.5 to 2.0%. Percentage elongation decreased with increase in beeswax concentration in the emulsified films. No change in particle size was observed with change in concentration of beeswax. Emulsions were also stable at room temperatures. Decrease in transparency of emulsified edible films was observed with increase in beeswax content in the emulsified films. In addition, cost analysis of the films proved them reasonable to be used as an alternate of synthetic packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising air temperature due to climate change has posed a mammoth challenge to global viticulture and key berry quality traits are compromised. Exploring the effects of seasonal temperature variability on berry ripening and quality attributes in different viticulture regions may help in sustainable viticulture industry. The present research was designed to explore the effect of temperature variables on key quality attributes of table grape cultivars in Pothwar region of Pakistan. Key berry quality traits such as total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturity indices (MI), ascorbic acid, sugars, total polyphenol contents (TPC) and total anthocyanin contents (TAC) were unlocked for four important table grape cultivars under varying environmental conditions at Chakwal and Islamabad districts for two consecutive vintages of 2019 and 2020. The district Chakwal has up to 0.92 °C, 1.35 °C, 1.12°C and 0.81°C higher Tmin, Tmax, Tmean and diurnal temperature variation (DTV) respectively, compared to Islamabad particularly for the 2019 vintage. The results of the present study revealed that the warmer site (Chakwal) has significantly (P ≤0.05) higher juice pH, TSS (°brix) and maturity indices (MI) particularly for the relatively hotter vintage of 2019. Interestingly, MI was 33% higher for the relatively warmer vintage of 2019 compared to 2020 with relatively lower acidity (up to 38%). Moreover, higher titratable acidity (11.2%), ascorbic acid (28.5%), polyphenols (20.3%) and anthocyanins (10.6%) were noticed for the colder Islamabad compared to Chakwal. Although elevated temperature for warmer location and vintage favoured berry ripening, however key biochemical attributes such as titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, polyphenols and anthocyanins were negatively affected. The findings of the present research provide useful insight into the impact of growing season temperature on key berry attributes and may help devise adaptation strategies to improve berry quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two year (2009-2011) experiment was conducted to investigate effect of pepper-garlic intercropping system on soil biology and nutrient profile in plastic tunnel to overcome continuous monocropping obstacles. During first year's trial, garlic cloves of four cultivars (G026, G025, and G087 for the harvest of bulbs) were intercropped between two rows of pepper seedlings (cv. Golden Pepper) on each bed. Similarly, garlic bulb (cv G064 for the harvest of green seedlings) was sandwiched between two rows of pepper seedlings. During 2nd year, the pepper crop was transplanted on the same beds already having garlic in the field of previous crop, following the same geometry. Sole pepper was grown as control. Both crops received uniform fertilization and irrigation as per requirements of pepper. Results revealed that concentration of soil bacteria and actinomycetes was higher respectively after one month of garlic intercropping during both the years of study as compared to the sole pepper; however, fungal population exhibited a diminishing trend. Soil protective enzyme activity (invertase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase) also showed dynamic changes after the intercropping of garlic. The principal soil nutrients (NPK) attained higher levels in pepper-garlic co-growth treatments as compared to the sole pepper The intercropping with green garlic (cv. G064) resulted highest nutrient levels suggesting that the effect might be cultivar specific. It was concluded that the intercropping of pepper with garlic enhances the soil fertility by changing nutrient levels, enzymatic activity and the soil microbial population. Overall, the pepper-garlic intercropping model provides a cost effective and eco-friendly organic farming system for vegetable growers. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pot experiment was carried out at different nitrogen levels in maize and peanut intercropping system to investigate the mechanisms that govern interactions between intercropped species in soil rhizosphere. Three different nitrogen levels 100%, 75% and 50% of normal nitrogen application rate were used in maize monoculture. Two peanut plants were intercropped with single maize plant per pot. Effect of reduced nitrogen application was investigated in soil rhizosphere by measuring soil enzymatic activity, nutrition, soil microbial diversity and composition. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) was carried out to understand about composition of viable soil micro flora and community level physiological profile (CLPP) was applied to work out the microbial diversity. The results revealed that soil nutrition and enzymatic activities were higher in intercropping treatments as compared to mono-cropping with similar level of nitrogen. The results of PLFA analysis showed that intercropping inhibited the fungal population and promoted the bacterial community. The results of AWCD showed that 4 kinds of carbon utilization sources (carboxylic acid, polymer, amines & carbohydrates) increased by the decrease of nitrogen levels in intercropping treatments and other 2 kinds of carbon sources (phenolic acids & amino acids) showed different trend. Cluster analysis (CA) and Principal component analysis (PCA) carried out from the results of PLFA and CLPP indicated distinct separation amongst all treatments of monocropping and intercropping as well as with different level of nitrogen application that reflected a variation in soil microbial activity and composition. However intercropping treatment with 75% nitrogen level performed similar to 100% monocropping treatment of maize. The results revealed that by intercropping of peanut with maize can be used to decrease the dependence on artificial fertilizer which provides a convenient organic farming model for growers across the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit yield depends on spray management techniques, i.e., uniformity, time, quantity, and precision of application. Due to variability in tree canopies, it is difficult to manage spray applications properly. Old orchard sprayers apply continuous spray without differentiating between size, density and spaces between canopies, causing drift losses and environmental hazards. Keeping this in view, conventional sprayer was modified to double sided vertical boom type sprayer, which was equipped with infrared sensors, solenoid valves and Arduino Mega microcontroller, programmed with Arduino IDE. Vertical booms consist of eight nozzles, four on each side, height and width of which were adjustable according to groove age. Each pair of nozzles was controlled independently for variable rate of application with respect to canopy characteristics. Spray coverage and vertical distribution of real time variable rate sprayer (RTVRS) were analyzed and compared with conventional sprayer. Average spray coverage at discharge rates, 800 and 1200 L/hr was 5.37, 9.18 μL/cm² with RTVRS and 3.87, 6.63 μL/cm² with conventional sprayer respectively. Vertical distribution was measured for 3 m canopy height, which was divided into 3 equal sections. Percent spray deposits of RTVRS were 22.2%, 54.06%, 23.78% and conventional sprayer were 17.75%, 59.03%, 23.17% from lower to upper section, while the skewness towards top was -0.35 and -0.48 respectively. RTVRS showed promising results as compared to conventional sprayer and better replacement to address the current issues related to farmers and environment. Moreover, the cost of production is also 5 to 10 times less than imported crop sprayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the S-2 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, or INS Arihant, completed in 2009 by India as part of the Advanced Technology Vessel project of the Indian Navy. The impact of this nuclear weapons delivery system on the Indian Ocean region, and especially Pakistan, is discussed, as are the nuclear policies of India and Pakistan, and Pakistan's options for responding to India's seaborne capability. Options for the Pakistani Navy to deploy nuclear weapons at sea are discussed in particular.

This study indicated that the inhabitants of Poonch Valley utilized 169 plant species for more than 30 domestic needs. Major use categories were determined with the largest (most species) being for medicines and foods. Medicinal plants, timber and fodder are identified as use categories that are of particular conservation importance in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A family of fourth and second-order accurate numerical schemes is presented for the solution of fifth-order boundary-value problems with two-point-boundary conditions. The non-polynomial sextic spline functions are applied to construct the numerical algorithms. This approach generalizes polynomial spline algorithms, and provides solution at every point of range of integration. Convergence of the methods is discussed through standard convergence analysis. A numerical illustration is given to show the pertinent features of the technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We use a quartic spline equivalent nonpolynomial spline functions to develop a numerical method for computing approximations to the solution of a system of third-order boundary-value problems associated with obstacle, unilateral, and contact problems. We show that the present method gives approximations which are better than those produced by other collocation, finite-difference, and spline methods. A numerical example is given to illustrate the applicability and efficiency of the new method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phenological shifts are one of the most visible signs of climatic variability and change in the biosphere. However, modeling plant phenological responses has always been a key challenge due to climatic variability and plant adaptation. Grapevine is a phenologically sensitive crop and, thus, its developmental stages are affected by the increase in temperature. The goal of this study was to develop a temperature-based grapevine phenology model (GPM) for predicting key developmental stages for different table grape cultivars for a non-traditional viticulture zone in south Asia. Experiments were conducted in two vineyards at two locations (Chakwal and Islamabad) in the Pothawar region of Pakistan during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons for four cultivars including Perlette, King’s Ruby, Sugraone and NARC Black. Detailed phenological observations were obtained starting in January until harvest of the grapes. The Mitscherlich monomolecular equation was used to develop the phenology model for table grapes. There was a strong non-linear correlation between the Eichhorn and Lorenz phenological (ELP) scale and growing degree days (GDD) for all cultivars with coefficient of determinations (R2) ranging from 0.90 to 0.94. The results for model development indicated that GPM was able to predict phenological stages with high skill scores, i.e., a root mean square (RMSE) of 2.14 to 2.78 and mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.86 to 2.26 days. The prediction variability of the model for the onset timings of phenological stages was up to 3 days. The results also reveal that the phenology model based on GDD approach provides an efficient planning tool for viticulture industry in different grape growing regions. The proposed methodology, being a simpler one, can be easily applied to other regions and cultivars as a predictor for grapevine phenology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This endeavor includes thirty grapes' genotypes grown in northern zones of Punjab, Pakistan to determine similarities and dissimilarities in forty-four morphological traits according to the descriptor "International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)". The relation between the genotypes was determined by principal component analysis (PCA), and similarity was worked out by using cluster analysis. The dendrogram divided the genotypes into two main groups with classes and subclasses. The variation present within the class was up to 81.72% while the difference between classes was 18.28%. The morphological quantitative traits such as bunch length, bunch width, bunch weight, peduncle length, the weight of 10 berries, number of berry in a bunch, berry length, and berry width were in the following range 27.50-11 cm, 13.75-5 cm, 583.56-77.70 g, 6.50-1.55 cm, 53.70-9.70 g, 354-28, 27.37-11.40 mm and 18.06-10.41 mm respectively, which indicated a wide level of diversity in the selected genotypes. Based on phenological attributes, "Regina", "Perlet", and "Early White" were found early maturing genotypes to prevent berry rotting due to monsoon rains at the final stage of ripening. The data generated in this study would be helpful to preserve the existing germplasm and be available for designing future breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop growth models can be valuable tools for researchers, academia, extension educators, and policy makers/planners for the evaluation of sustainable and long-term husbandry practices. Determining the optimum sowing window, which can be determined using crop growth models, is imperative under changing climate conditions. Thus, the main objectives herein were to 1) assess the performance of the cropping system model-crop environment resource synthesis-maize model for hybrids and sowing dates in the spring and autumn, and 2) determine the optimum sowing window in 15 districts of Punjab, Pakistan. In the spring experiment, 3 hybrids (P-33M15, M-DK6525, and S-NK8441) were planted in the main plots and then on 5 different sowing dates (January 15th, February 5th, February 25th, March 15th, and April 5th), they were planted in the subplots. In the autumn experiment, 3 hybrids (P-30R50, M-DK6714, and S-NK6621) were planted in the main plots and then on 5 different sowing dates (June 15th, July 5th, July 25th, August 15th, and September 5th), they were planted in the subplots. Model calibration and evaluation results were better in the spring and autumn. Performance of the model was good for the grain yield in the autumn (mean percentage difference (MPD): 7.47% to 8.90%) compared to the spring (MPD: 9.42% to 11.72%). Model evaluation was good for the early sowing dates (January 15th and February 5th) (error range: 6.26% to 9.65%) compared to the delayed dates (February 25th to April 5th) (error range: 9.34 to 14.91%). In the autumn, the model showed better performance for the delayed sowing dates (February 25th and August 15th) (error range: 5.22% to 9.43%) compared to the early dates (June 15th and July 5th) (error range: 8.56% to 11.27%). The model simulated good growth, development, grain yield, and yield components in the spring and autumn and of both 2016 and 2017. For the model application simulation of data over the long-term (1980 to 2017), the optimum sowing window in the spring was January 15th to March 5th and for the autumn it was July 23rd to August 27th for the 15 districts in Punjab, Pakistan. Simulation of the sowing dates for the whole year indicated that the spring was better compared to the autumn for obtaining the maximum grain yield. The results of the model were in line with the recommendations of the agricultural extension department for the sowing window for spring and autumn maize. It is therefore suggested that farmers should complete the sowing of spring and autumn maize within the sowing window to attain a higher yield of maize in arid and semiarid areas of Punjab, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Renal failure (RF) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. its management still remains challenging for treating physicians. Acute peritoneal dialysis (APD) is an option for treatment of renal failure among young children. We aimed to determine the efficacy of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in RF among children admitted. Study Design: Case series study. Setting: Nephrology Department of Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Multan. Period: February 2018 to July 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 74 children with renal failure were included. All the patients were treated with acute peritoneal dialysis. The outcome of interest was clinical and biochemical improvement. Result: Amongst all there were 46 (62.2%) male and 26 (37.8%) female. Mean age of the children was found to be 57.72 months. Mean weight of children was 12.36 kg with a standard deviation of 6.4 kg. Most of the children, 43 (58.1%) had acute renal failure (ARF) whereas 31 (41.9%) had chronic renal failure (CRF). With PD, mortality was reported in 22 (29.7%) children. Conclusion: Acute peritoneal dialysis showed good rates of improvement in renal function, so, it should be recommending among children with acute renal failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Asthma affects about 15% of children while it is one of the commonest reason for admissions in pediatric emergencies and wards. We aimed this study to determine outcome of Salbutamol alone and salbutamol in combination with Ipratropium Bromide in acute asthma in children. Study Design: Randomized Controlled trial (RCT). Setting: Unit-II Department of Pediatric Medicine, Nishtar Medical College and Hospital, Multan. Period: 20th Nov 2017 to 30th June 2018. Material & Methods: The study consisted of 104 children, with 52 children each in Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ who were subjected to salbutamol alone and salbutamol in combination with Ipratropium bromide respectively. In both groups oxygen was administered via nasal prongs at a flow rate of 3L/minute. These children was monitored at 30 minutes interval for 2 hours (least value out of these 4 values was taken). Both groups were compared for outcome in terms of mean heart rate, respiratory rate, accessory muscle score, peak expiratory flow rate (PERF) percentage and SPO2. Results: Of these 104 study cases, 61 (58.7%) were boys while 43 (41.3%) were girls. Mean age of our study cases was noted to be 9.92 ± 3.01 years. Mild level of asthma severity was noted in 35 (33.7%) and moderate severity in 69 (66.3%). Mean heart rate in group A was noted to be 119.40 ± 12.22 and in group was 119.29 ± 8.51 beats per minute. (p=0.956). Mean respiratory rate in group A was 29.98 ± 4.00 while in group B was 27.88 ± 3.85 (p=0.000). Mean accessory muscle score in group A was 0.537 ± 0.336 while in group B was 0.130 ± 0.030 (p = 0.000). Mean PEFR percentage in group A was 68.69 ± 18.64 while in group B was 87.12 ± 17.10 (p = 0.000). Mean SPO2 in group A was 96.15 ± 1.05 while it was 95.94 ± 1.29 (p = 0.362). Conclusion: Our study results have shown that nebulization of salbutamol in combination with Ipratropium Bromide is more effective in the management of children with acute asthma. It was safe, effective and reliable as there was no adverse side effect noted in our study. We recommend the use of this combination nebulization therapy in children with acute asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive warming of the grape growing regions has reduced the land capability for sustainable grapevine production and the geographical distribution of grapes. Bud burst, blooming, berry set, veraison, and harvest are the key phenological stages of grapevine, and are crucial for managing vineyard activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seasonal temperature variability on the timing of key phenological stages of table grape cultivars in a new emerging viticulture region, i.e., the Pothwar region of Pakistan. Phenological stages of four table grape cultivars were recorded during two consecutive growing seasons at two locations. All phenological stages were attained earlier for the relatively warmer location, i.e., Chakwal. Similarly, the length of the growing season from bud burst to harvest was 15 to 21 days longer for the 2020 growing season than for the 2019 growing season, which corresponds to the inter-annual temperature variability. Moreover, the grapevine cultivars showed a distinct response for each growth phase; cv. Perlette matured earlier while cv. NARC Black was the last to ripen. Despite the large variability in the length of the active growing period from bud burst to harvest, accumulated growing degree days (GDD) varied only in a narrow range, i.e., 1510–1557 for cv. Perlette, 1641–1683 for cv. King's Ruby, 1744–1770 for cv. Sugraone, and 1869–1906 for cv. NARC Black. This implies that seasonal temperature variability using GDD is a better indicator for the phenology of table grape cultivars compared to regular time. It is clear from the results from this study that the variation in phenological responses of table grape cultivars due to temperature differences necessitates genotype and site-specific vineyard management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of wastes during the processing of meat products is not desirable because it significantly deteriorates the quality of the final product as well as causes some serious health threats if not properly disposed-off. The majority of the waste, in the meat industry is produced during slaughtering. The composition of waste generated by the meat industry depends on species of animals slaughtered. The waste material of the meat processing industry contains plentiful amount of organic compounds due to which its disposal is quite difficult. Efficient utilization of by-products has direct impact on the economy of the country and reduce environmental pollution. Edible meat by-products are claimed to have high nutritional value as compared to the lean meat. Organ meats can be used for human consumption, animal feed production and medicinal purposes after proper treatment and processing. This article provides information regarding the waste material generated by meat processing plants, its health impacts, nutritional status of meat by-products and their utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out different bacterial isolates of urinary tract infection (UTI) in neonates with late onset sepsis (LOS) at a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatrics, Nishtar Hospital Multan. Period: August 2020 to February 2021. Material & Methods: A total of 176 neonates with LOS and culture positive UTI were enrolled. The urine samples were sent to the institutional laboratory for isolation and identification of the causative agents. Baseline information like age, gender, socioeconomic status, family system and maternal literacy were noted. Once registered, the urine samples were sent to the laboratory of the hospital for isolation and identification of the causative agents. Urine samples were collected within 48 hours of admission. Results: Of the 176 neonates, 110 (62.5%) were male while 66 (37.5%) were female. Overall, mean age was 8.64±5.22 days. There were 90 (51.1%) neonates who belonged to rural areas and 86 (48.9%) to urban areas. Poor socioeconomic status was noted in 116 (65.9%) neonates. In terms of maternal literacy, 118 (67.0%) mothers were illiterate. Overall, mean gestational age was 38.59 ± 2.17 weeks. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the predominant causative organism noted among 146 (83.0%) neonates whereas Klebsiella was seen in 23 (13.1%) while other bacterial isolates were Proteus 2 (1.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 (0.6%), Enterobacter aerogenes 1 (0.6%), Enterococcus fecalis 1 (0.6%), Staphylococcus aureus 1 (0.6%) and Group B Streptococcus 1 (0.6%). Conclusion: High frequency of Escherichia coli was observed followed by Klebsiella among neonates having urinary tract infection presenting with late onset of sepsis in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most destructive pest of bitter gourd. Conventionally, it is controlled by chemical insecticides despite their hazardous impacts. Entomopathogenic fungi are considered as eco-friendly and safer alternative of chemical. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against B. cucurbitae on bitter gourd. Results: The study revealed that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae were efficient against B. cucurbitae in controlled as well as field conditions. Both mode of application (i.e., contact and oral) were found to be effective; however, high efficacies of them were observed through contact application (73.43 and 59.72%), respectively. Pathogenicity of both fungi increased with increase in concentration and time intervals. Under field conditions, significantly low fruit infestations and significantly a high population reduction of B. cucurbitae were observed at 30 DAT when both fungi were applied with 108 CFU/ml concentrations. Conclusions: Beauveria bassiana and M. anisopliae had the potential to be used against B. cucurbitae; however, the former showed high efficiency comparatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Quartic non-polynomial splines are used to develop a new numerical method for computing approximations to the solution of a system of third-order boundary-value problems associated with obstacle, unilateral, and contact problems. It is shown that the new method gives approximations, which are better than those produced by other collocation, finite-difference, and spline methods. Convergence analysis of the method is discussed through standard procedures. A numerical example is given to illustrate the applicability and efficiency of the novel method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As many antagonistic plants are being continuously explored for their nematicidal potential against nematodes, therefore, in the present study two antagonistic plants viz. Cannabis sativa and Azadirachta indica at different doses viz. 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 g per kg of the soil were evaluated against Meloidogyne javanica on peach with the objective to curtail reliance on hazardous chemicals. Soil amendments of both the plants significantly reduced number of galls, eggmasses and eggs per eggmass on peach, root, soil, and total populations and reproduction factor of the nematode. Both the plants caused statistically similar reductions in these parameters at all the concentrations with few exceptions. However, the reductions caused by C. sativa were comparatively more than those by A. indica. The maximum reductions were observed at a dose of 15 g per kg of soil while the reductions were found to be the minimum with the lowest dose of 2.5 g per kg of soil. Similarly, the per cent reductions over control caused by both the plants were found to be dose dependent. As the concentration of the plant material increased, there was a corresponding decrease in the values of these parameters and the relationships were found to be inversely proportional. It is concluded from the present study that incorporation of C. sativa and A. indica in the soil as organic amendments can work very well as nematicides and can be successfully used for controlling root-knot nematodes replacing traditional chemical treatments and avoiding environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]