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Abstract Ag2Se shows significant potential for near-room-temperature thermoelectric applications, but its performance and device design are still evolving. In this work, we design a novel flexible Ag2Se thin-film-based thermoelectric device with optimized electrode materials and structure, achieving a high output power density of over 65 W m−2 and a normalized power density up to 3.68 μW cm−2 K−2 at a temperature difference of 42 K. By fine-tuning vapor selenization time, we strengthen the (013) orientation and carrier mobility of Ag2Se films, reducing excessive Ag interstitials and achieving a power factor of over 29 μW cm−1 K−2 at 393 K. A protective layer boosts flexibility of the thin film, retaining 90% performance after 1000 bends at 60°. Coupled with p-type Sb2Te3 thin films and rational simulations, the device shows rapid human motion response and precise servo motor control, highlighting the potential of high-performance Ag2Se thin films in advanced applications.

Resilient organizations and academic institutions have been identified as contributing immensely to resilient communities. The majority of organizations showing preparedness to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 have deployed an efficient organizational resilience framework. Yet, there is little research on organizational resilience, and the conceptualization of resilience as a complex variable has not been achieved. Focusing on the higher education sector in the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic, the current study aims to contribute to this promising research area by exploring and expanding a theoretical model on organizational capabilities that constitute organizational resilience. A qualitative phenomenological research design was utilized, where a total of 13 executives from reputable universities were interviewed, followed by a thematic analysis of the data. Findings provided deep insight into the status of universities in the UAE that are currently in the early adaptation stage of the current crisis. Organizational resilience was conceptualized as a process that comprises three successive stages (anticipation, coping, and adaptation), five key antecedents (knowledge, resources availability, social resources, power relationships, and innovative culture), and two main moderators (crisis leadership traits and employee resilience). Important findings were also identified on the needed crisis leadership styles. Recommendations for practice and research are discussed.

The study was conducted on 125 US based high-tech firms from software engineering, hardware production, biotechnology, and telecommunications. Senior-level executives, including CEOs, board members, and CTOs, provided insights through structured questionnaires. Key findings indicate that AI adoption significantly enhances organizational capabilities in terms of employees’ innovation, creativity, and experimentation. Moreover, AI adaptation positively impacts decision making thus yielding more accurate and timely valuable decisions. These findings contribute to both theoretical understanding and managerial practice by guiding strategic investments in AI technologies, fostering innovation, and advocating for ethical AI deployment practices. Future study should examine longitudinal impacts across industries and regions to optimize benefits and minimize risks in digital transformation efforts. It should also integrate qualitative methods for deeper insights and appropriate AI governance systems.

Abstract Use of a flexible thermoelectric source is a feasible approach to realizing self‐powered wearable electronics and the Internet of Things. Inorganic thin films are promising candidates for fabricating flexible power supply, but obtaining high‐thermoelectric‐performance thin films remains a big challenge. In the present work, a p‐type BixSb2−xTe3 thin film is designed with a high figure of merit of 1.11 at 393 K and exceptional flexibility (less than 5% increase in resistance after 1000 cycles of bending at a radius of ∼5 mm). The favorable comprehensive performance of the BixSb2−xTe3 flexible thin film is due to its excellent crystallinity, optimized carrier concentration, and low elastic modulus, which have been verified by experiments and theoretical calculations. Further, a flexible device is fabricated using the prepared p‐type BixSb2−xTe3 and n‐type Ag2Se thin films. Consequently, an outstanding power density of ∼1028 μW cm−2 is achieved at a temperature difference of 25 K. This work extends a novel concept to the fabrication of high‐performance flexible thin films and devices for wearable energy harvesting.

Modern organizations nowadays are striving to survive and thrive within the intense competition, complex environment, and ongoing globalization. Employees’ innovative work behavior has become the primary vehicle for these organizations to achieve this aim. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of perceived organizational support (POS) and high commitment human resource practices (HCHRPs) on employee innovative work behaviors (IWB) within the moderating role of gender. Data was obtained from 359 academic staff members working in 124 higher education institutions in all emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Findings revealed that POS and HCHRPs are positively related to employee innovative work behaviors. Moreover, the moderating effect of gender on the direct relationship between POS and employee innovative work behaviors was significant, but not significant on the direct relationship between HRPs and employee innovative work behaviors. Implications of the findings for academics and practitioners were presented, and limitations and future research were discussed.

Abstract Exploring new near-room-temperature thermoelectric materials is significant for replacing current high-cost Bi2Te3. This study highlights the potential of Ag2Se for wearable thermoelectric electronics, addressing the trade-off between performance and flexibility. A record-high ZT of 1.27 at 363 K is achieved in Ag2Se-based thin films with 3.2 at.% Te doping on Se sites, realized by a new concept of doping-induced orientation engineering. We reveal that Te-doping enhances film uniformity and (00l)-orientation and in turn carrier mobility by reducing the (00l) formation energy, confirmed by solid computational and experimental evidence. The doping simultaneously widens the bandgap, resulting in improved Seebeck coefficients and high power factors, and introduces TeSe point defects to effectively reduce the lattice thermal conductivity. A protective organic-polymer-based composite layer enhances film flexibility, and a rationally designed flexible thermoelectric device achieves an output power density of 1.5 mW cm−2 for wearable power generation under a 20 K temperature difference.

Bi2O2Se is considered one of the most promising thermoelectric (TE) materials for combining with p-type BiCuSeO in a TE module given its unique chemical and thermal stability. However, the enhancement of its dimensionless figure of merit, zT value, remains a challenge because of its low electrical conductivity. Herein, we introduce KCl into Bi2O2Se, synthesized by solid-state reaction and spark plasma sintering method, to improve its TE properties. The synthesized samples show an outstanding enhancement in electrical conductivity, carrier concentration, and power factor after KCl doping. The Bi2O2Se-based sample with a 0.05% KCl doping content possesses a high zT value of ~0.58 at 773 K, which is over 50% enhancement compared with the pristine Bi2O2Se sample. We also prove that the K element substitutes the Bi site, and Cl replaces the Se site by X-ray diffraction results and density functional theory calculation, supporting that K can improve the electrical conductivity by the position of Fermi level which is above the conduction band minimum. Experimental and theoretical results indicate the success of co-doping with a small amount of KCl and show a huge potential of this novel method for Bi2O2Se TE performance improvement.

Laetiporus is a cosmopolitan genus of the "Antrodia clade" in the order Polyporales that causes brown rot in many hardwood trees and some conifers. In the current study, we examined specimens of Laetiporus zonatus collected from Quercus semecarpifolia (Fagaceae) at three different localities in the district Swat, KP, Pakistan. The specimen’s identity was determined through extensive morphoanatomical examination and molecular characterization. For reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships of the species, the study applied three methods: maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML), and Bayesian analyses to the concatenated dataset (ITS + nrLSU + rpb2). The mean character difference approach was utilized to create a phenetic cladogram through morphometric analysis. Our sample sequence grouped together with Laetiporus zonatus showing significant support values of 87% for MP, 98% for ML and 1.0 for Bayesian analyses. The morphological data matrix showed a high degree of similarity (Bray-curtis similarity = 0.925, Euclidean distance = 3.81) between our specimen and L. zonatus. Our study also provides habitat characteristics and in vitro cultural characteristics of the isolates. Laetiporus zonatus is characterized by yellow pileal surface, become pale buff to creamy when dry and whitish cream pore surface, distinctly zonate, radially furrowed upper surface and undulating white margin, 2-3 pores mm-1, ellipsoid to ovoid basidiospores (5.6–8.7 × 4.2–5.9 μm) with Q value of 1.16-1.55 and is found exclusively on Quercus spp. in temperate forests.

Thermoelectric thin film has attracted a lot of attention due to its potential in fabricating micropower generator in chip sensors for internet of things (IoT). However, the undeveloped performance of n-type thermoelectric thin film limits its widely application. In this work, a facile post-selenization diffusion reaction method is employed to introduce Se into Bi2Te3 thin films, in order to optimize the carrier transport properties. Experimental and theoretical calculation results indicate that the carrier concentration decreases and density of states increases after Se doping, leading to the enhancement of Seebeck coefficient. Further, adjusting the diffusion reaction temperature can maintain the carrier concentration while increasing the mobility simultaneously, resulting in a high power factor of 1.5 mW/(m·K2), which is eight times higher than that of the pristine Bi2Te3 thin films. Subsequently, a thin film device fabricated by the present Se-doped Bi2Te3 thin films shows the highest output power of 60.20 nW under the temperature difference of 37 K, indicating its potential for practical use.

Modern organizations nowadays are striving to survive and thrive within the intense competition, complex environment, and ongoing globalization. Employees' innovative work behavior has become the primary vehicle for these organizations to achieve this aim. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of perceived organizational support (POS) and high commitment human resource practices (HCHRPs) on employee innovative work behaviors (IWB) within the moderating role of gender. Data was obtained from 359 academic staff members working in 124 higher education institutions in all emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Findings revealed that POS and HCHRPs are positively related to employee innovative work behaviors. Moreover, the moderating effect of gender on the direct relationship between POS and employee innovative work behaviors was significant, but not significant on the direct relationship between HRPs and employee innovative work behaviors. Implications of the findings for academics and practitioners were presented, and limitations and future research were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeThis paper draws on conservation of resources theory to advance the literature on extra-role performance behaviors among academics, particularly innovative work behaviors and knowledge sharing, through the lens of work stressors.MethodsWe develop a moderated-mediated model based on multi-source, multi-timed, and multi-level data from a sample of 207 academics and 137 direct supervisors in five higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).FindingsResults show that academics’ compulsory citizenship behaviors positively influence negative affectivity, which, in turn, negatively impacts academics’ innovative work behavior and knowledge sharing. The detrimental effect of compulsory citizenship behaviors on negative affectivity is then positively moderated by passive leadership, which amplifies this relationship. The combined effect of compulsory citizenship behaviors and negative affectivity exerted on innovative work behavior and knowledge sharing are magnified amid the elevated presence of passive leadership, while gender does not significantly influence this association.OriginalityThis is a pioneering study in the context of UAE to look into the counterproductive impact of CCB on employee innovative work behaviors and knowledge sharing.ImplicationsPertinent theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Abstract Background In order to find a new natural resource for pain-relief, the analgesic effects of Ilex dipyrena crude extract, fractions, and subfractions were evaluated in in-vivo mouse models with possible mechanism of action. Methods Analgesic effects of crude extract (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight), fractions and subfractions (75 mg/kg body weight) were screened using heat-induced (tail-immersion and hot plate test) and chemical-induced (formalin and acetic acid) nociception models in mice. The samples were also tested for the elucidation of a possible mechanism through opioidergic and GABAergic systems. Results The administration of crude extract, fractions and subfractions produced analgesic responses in acetic acid, formalin, tail immersion, and hot plate model for pain similar to those obtained with the standard. Naloxone antagonized the antinociceptive effects of the tested samples, whereas bicuculline showed partial inhibition. Considering the analgesic response, crude extract, fractions, and subfractions demonstrated promising inhibitory activity against all test models for pain, which was further supported by the possible involvement of opioidergic and GABAergic systems. Conclusion The results suggest that this plant may be useful in the development of new analgesic drugs. Further research with regard to the isolation of bioactive compounds is required to verify these findings.

Abstract Background Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. (autumn olive) is a high valued medicinal plant. It belongs to Elaeagnaceae family and is widely distributed in Himalayan regions of Pakistan. In the present study essential oil were extracted from the fruit of this plant and their antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antidiabetic potentials were also evaluated. Methods Essential oils were extracted from the fruit of E. umbellata using hydro-distillation method and were characterized by GC-MS. The extracted oil were tested for its antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antidiabetic potentials using standard protocols. Results About 68 compounds were identified by GC-MS. The extracted oil exhibited a fairly high free radical scavenging activities against DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 values of 70 and 105 μg/mL respectively (for ascorbic acid, used as standard, the IC50 values were 32 and 29 μg/mL, respectively against the mentioned radicals). The essential oil also exhibited anticholinesterase activities with IC50 values of 48 and 90 μg/mL respectively against AChE and BChE (for galantamine used as standard, the IC50 values were 25 and 30 μg/mL respectively). The essential oil also exhibited antidiabetic potential with IC50 values of 120 and 110 μg/mL respectively against α-glucosidase and α-amylase (IC50 values for standard acarbose = 28 and 30 μg/mL respectively). Conclusion Essential oil extracted from the fruits of E. umbellata exhibited reasonable antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antidiabetic potentials that could be used as alternative medicine in treating diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. However, further studies are needed to isolate responsible compounds and evaluate the observed potential in animal models. Graphical abstract

Abstract Background Elaeagnus umbellata is abundantly found in Himalayan regions of Pakistan which is traditionally used to treat various health disorders. However, the experimental evidence supporting the anti-amnesic effect is limited. Therefore the study was aimed to evaluate the prospective beneficial effect of E. umbellata on learning and memory in mice. Objectives To assess neuroprotective and anti-amnesic effects of E. umbellata fruit extracts and isolated compounds on the central nervous system. Methods Major phytochemical groups present in methanolic extract of E. umbellata were qualitatively determined. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined in extract/fractions of E. umbellata. On the basis of in vitro promising anticholinesterases (AChE & BChE) and antioxidant activities observed for CHF. Ext and isolated compound-I (Chlorogenic acid = CGA), they were further evaluated for learning and memory in normal and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice using memory behavioral tests such as the Y maze and Novel object recognition using standard procedures. The test sample were further assessed for in vivo anticholinesterases (AChE & BChE) and DPPH free radical scavenging activities in mice brain sample and finally validated by molecular docking study using GOLD software. Results The extract/fractions and isolated compounds were tested for their anticholinesterase and antioxidant potentials. The CHF. Ext and CGA showed maximum % inhibition of tested cholinesterases and free radicals. The CHF. Ext and CGA reversed the effects of scopolamine in mice. The CHF. Ext and CGA significantly increased the alternate arm returns and % spontaneous alteration performance while escape latency times (second) significantly decreased in Y maze test. The CHF. Ext and CGA significantly increased the time spent with novel object and also increased the discrimination index in the Novel object recognition test. Furthermore, molecular docking was used to validate the mechanism of cholinesterases inhibition of isolated compounds. Conclusion The data obtained from behavioral and biochemical studies (AChE/BChE and DPPH/ABTS inhibition) have shown that E. umbellata possessed significant memory enhancing potency. These results suggest that E. umbellata extract possess potential antiamnesic effects and amongst the isolated compounds, compound I could be more effective anti-amnesic therapeutics. However, further studies are needed to identify the exact mechanism of action. Graphical abstract

Background: Local herbalists share valuable contribution in usages of plants for different medicinal purposes. The field of ethnobotany plays a key role for modern medicines. Due to the rapid advancement of medical sciences, the use of plant species in traditional ways is getting declining. Documentation of such knowledge was much more necessary for awareness of the local community. Current research was conducted in the village Thana, district Malakand. Methodology: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted through an open-ended and semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information about plant species, its therapeutic uses and data about the customary values of these species. Mostly people belonging to rural areas and of more than 40 years of age were interviewed due to their vast experience and knowledge. Several informants were interviewed to confirm information regarding the uses of each plant species. These plants were taken to the local hakims and pansaris additionally. In the majority of cases, single plant species were found to be used in several ways and therefore can be said having numerous roles. Results: On the basis of collected data a total of 50 plant species were documented in the area which plays a key role in improving the health and wealth of local inhabitants. Lamiaceae is being ranked on the top as it contributes number to collected species. Out of 50 plant species,46 species were recorded best for medicinal purposes, 10 plant species were found good as fodder, 4 species for ornamental purposes, 14as food and vegetable, 12 as firewood, 8 for furniture and hedges purposes, 3 species were documented as poisonous and 4 species were found to be utilized for ornamental purpose. Conclusion: The study area is found rich in terms of floral diversity. Local inhabitants of the area use the plant species in traditional ways for the curving of different diseases since early times. Due to anthropogenic pressure and natural disasters flora of the area facing huge pressure of extinction.

Salvia moorcroftiana is medicinally used in various parts of the world to treat a number of diseases. In the literature, the antiamnesic activity of this plant has not yet been reported. Therefore, the current study was aimed at evaluating the in vivo antiamnesic (scopolamine-induced) potential of Salvia moorcroftiana. The major phytochemical groups such as total phenolic (TPC), total tannin (TTC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) in methanolic extract (SlMo-Crd) and subsequent fractions of Salvia moorcroftiana were quantified using standard methods. The in vitro anticholinesterase (against butyryl cholinesterase; BChE and acetylcholinesterase; AChE) and antioxidant (against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; DPPH and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid); ABTS free radicals) potentials of crude (SIMO-Crd) extract and fractions (hexane; SlMo-Hex, chloroform; SlMo-Chl, ethyl acetate; SlMo-Et) were also determined. The SlMo-Crd at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight compared to fractions of 75 and 150 mg/kg body weight (which were 1/10th of the highest dose tested in acute toxicity tests) were evaluated for their memory enhancement and learning behavior in normal and scopolamine-induced mental dysfunction in mice using behavioral memory tests such as the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NORT). Moreover, the samples were further evaluated for acetylcholine contents and biochemical markers such as MDA (malondialdehyde), SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), and GSH (glutathione peroxidase) levels. The maximum TPC with a value of 114.81 ± 1.15 mg GAE/g, TTC with a value of 106.79 ± 1.07 mg GAE/g, and TFC with a value of 194.29 ± 0.83 mg RE/g were recorded for the SlMo-Chl fraction. Against the DPPH free radical, the methanolic extract exhibited an IC50 value of 95.29 ± 1.06 µg/mL whereas, among the fractions, the best activity was observed for the SlMo-Chl fraction with an IC50 of 75.02 ± 0.91 µg/mL, followed by SlMoS-Et with an IC50 value of 88.71 ± 0.87 µg/mL. Among the extracts, the SlMo-Chl and SlMo-Et fractions inverted the amnesic effects of scopolamine in mice effectively. Additionally, the SlMo-Chl and SIMO-Et fractions considerably enhanced the percent spontaneous alteration performance in the Y-maze test with values of 65.18 ± 2.61/69.51 ± 2.71 and 54.92 ± 2.49/60.41 ± 2.69, respectively, for the tested doses. The discrimination index (DI) in experimental mice was considerably enhanced by the SlMo-Chl in the NORT with values of 59.81 ± 1.21/61.22 ± 1.31% DI correspondingly for the tested doses, as mentioned above, followed by the SlMo-Et extract. The selected plant in the form of extracts ameliorated the effects of amnesia in mice and could, therefore, be used as a therapy for amnesia; however, this is subject to further exploration in other animal models and the isolation of the responsible compounds.

Abstract Background The fruit of Elaeagnus umbellata has high medicinal values and is an excellent source of phytochemicals. This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and antidiabetic potential of Elaeagnus umbellata. Methods The antioxidant potential of the crude extract and subfractions of E. umbellata fruit were determined using DPPH (2, 20-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2, 2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. The enzyme inhibitory potentials of extracts against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes were also determined. The in vivo anti-hyperglycemic effects of the extract in STZ-induced type 2 diabetes were determined using Sprague Dawley adult rats. HPLC system (Agilent 1260) was used for the identification of bioactive compounds present in extracts. Molecular docking was used to identify and compare the interaction between the compounds (active constituents) and standard inhibitor acarbose with the α-amylase and α-glucosidase active sites. Results The chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions showed significant antioxidant potential with IC50 values of 40, 45 and 60 μg/mL against DPPH and 57, 70 and 120 μg/mL against ABTS free radicals respectively. The chloroform and ethyl acetate were highly active against α-amylase and α-glucosidase (IC50 values 58 and 200 μg/ml against α-amylase 60 and 140 μg/ml against α-glucosidase. The crude extract, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions were more potent in controlling the hyperglycemia in STZ-induced type 2 diabetes in rats and considerable reduction of glucose level was observed compared to the non-treated group. Furthermore, the extracts were also found useful in controlling the secondary complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus which was evident from the observed substantial reduction in the blood level of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides. The molecular docking approach indicated the favorable inhibitory interaction between the docked compounds and the active sites of the α-amylase and α-glucosidase. All docked compounds occupied the same binding site as occupied by acarbose. Conclusion It was concluded that E. umbellata can be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and oxidative stress. The extracts were also found to be effective in relieving the secondary complications associated with type 2 diabetes. Graphical abstract

The variance in the magnetoelectric behavior of BaZrO3 owing to the doping of Fe (III) on the Zr-site has been studied based on density functional calculations. We can predict the structural parameters, electronic structure, and ferromagnetic properties of BaFexZr1−xO3 precisely deprived of considering any strong correlation effect in the calculations. The equilibrium structural parameters are accounted to be in concurrence with the former theoretical and experimental investigations. It is observed that the structural phase remained semiconducting cubic (Pm-3m) up to 12.5% of Fe content and transformed to a conducting tetragonal phase (P4/mmm) beyond that. Spin-polarized density of states and band-structure calculations have probed that pristine BaZrO3 is a wide-bandgap semiconductor and in a nonmagnetic state. The ground-energy-state of Fe3+ doped BaZrO3 compounds varies from half-metal to metal in a ferromagnetic state. In particular, the present calculations have correctly predicted half-metallicity in BaFexZr1−xO3 when doping concentrations were 12.5% and 25%. The half-metallic gap ΔHM, which is the minimum of the lowest energy level of minority spin conduction bands relative to the Fermi level, and the absolute values of the topmost energy level of minority spin valence bands are estimated to be 0.55 eV in BaFe0.25Zr0.75O3 and 0.44 eV in BaFe0.5Zr0.5O3.

Ilex dipyrena Wall (Aquifoliaceae), is a traditional medicinal plant abundantly found in India and Pakistan. In the current research work, initially, the anatomical characteristics were recorded through microscopic examination of selected plant parts, such as leaf, petiole, and midrib. Then, the quantitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard tests reported in literature. The whole-plant powdered sample was then soaked in methanol to obtain crude extract, which was then fractionated into solvents of different polarities to obtain ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol, hexane, and aqueous extracts. The phytochemical composition of the crude ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts (being the most active fractions) was then confirmed through HPLC analyses, where the possible phytochemical present were predicted through comparison of retention time of a given compound peak with the available standards. The extracts were also evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and ani-lipoxygenase potentials using standard methods. The microscopic examination revealed the presence of anomocytic type stomata on the abaxial side of the leaf as well as unicellular trichrome and calcium oxalate druses crystals in the midrib and petiole, with a single, centered U-shaped collateral arterial bundle, which was directed toward the adaxial and the phloem toward the abaxial sides of the selected plant parts, respectively. Almost all tested representative groups of phytochemicals and essential minerals were detected in the selected plant, whereas five possible phytochemicals were confirmed in crude and chloroform extract and seven in ethyl acetate fraction. As antioxidant, chloroform fraction was more potent, which exhibited an IC50 value of 64.99, 69.15, and 268.52 µg/mL, determined through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Ethyl acetate extract was also equally potent against the tested free radicals. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were also potent against lipoxygenase, with IC50 value of 75.99 and 106.11 µg/mL, respectively. Based on the results of biological studies, Ilex dipyrena was found to good inhibitor of free radicals and lipoxygenase that could be further investigated to isolate compounds of medicinal importance.

Abstract Background This study contributes to the current ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Swat Valley, Pakistan. District Swat possesses remarkable biodiversity owing to its varied topographical and climatic conditions, prompting a distinct human-plant association. Our hypothesis is that the presence of such a great biodiversity has shaped into a formal ethnobotanical culture in the area transmitted through generations. We suspect that the versatility of some plant species has greater influence on the culture. Therefore, the prime objective of the study is to understand this unique human-plant relationship in the valley and to create scientific roots for the selection and practice of herbs in the ethnobotanical domain of the district. Methods Primary data were collected using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with the locals. The data collected were used for calculating some important indices, i.e. relative frequency of citation (RFC), participant agreement ratio (PAR), frequency of citation (FC), Smith’s Salience Index (SI), Relative Importance Index (RII), Cultural Value Index (CVI) and a newly proposed, Ali’s Conservation Priority Index (CPI). Index scores were used as key identifier of the ethnobotanically important plants of the area. Results Residents of the Swat Valley have listed plant uses in 15 use categories. Around 9% of the respondents have a common consensus on the selection and use of plants for the treatment of evil eye with similar results for body cuts (8.2%) followed by psychological/neural ailments (8.0%). Respondents agree that Berberis lyceum Royle. dominates in all five indices. Skimmia laureola Franch. also constitutes one of the central plants of the ethnobotanical domain, ranking second in the SI, fifth in the RII, seventh in CVI, and third in the Cultural Importance Index. It holds the thirty-fifth position in the CPI. Over 80% of the population treat different diseases with herbal remedies. In the common ethnobotanical domain of the area, plants like Mentha longifolia L., Berberis lyceum, and Skimmia laureola are very important and have high salience and importance values, thus suggesting these plants are versatile for their uses in the study area. Conclusion In conclusion, only some plant species are prioritised for their use in the ethnobotanical domain of the community. Medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) usage is widespread in the Swat Valley. The ethnobotanical knowledge could be used as a tool to understand the adaptability of a specific taxon in the area and the possible conservation risk to their existence.

Antioxidants isolated from plants have attracted the interest of clinicians and common people to be used for systemic uses rather than synthetic antioxidants because of their active role in maintaining human health with minimal side effects. Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. is an important medicinal plant native to western Himalaya and is widely distributed throughout Pakistan. The present study evaluates the phytochemical composition of this plant using HPLC along with the total content of phenolics and flavonoids. The antioxidant activities were determined following the Brand William assay. The methanolic extract (Met. Ext) of leaves, stem bark, seeds, and roots of A. nitida were used to scavenge synthetic free radicals such as DPPH and ABTS. From HPLC fingerprinting of the A. nitida selected portion, six possible phytochemicals were confirmed. Among the identified phytochemicals, there are six compounds (malic acid, chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, ellagic acid and pyrogallol) in the leaves of A. nitida, three (epigallocatechin gallate, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol) in the stem bark, six in the seeds (malic acid, vitamin C, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol), and five (malic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, and ellagic acid) in root. Comparatively, the highest antioxidant potentials were recorded for the leaves extract (IC50 of 340 and 645 µg/mL against DPPH and ABTS, respectively). The percentages of inhibition were compared with the positive control ascorbic acid, which produced an IC50 value of 60 μg/mL each against the free radicals DPPH and ABTS. The highest phenolics (43.81 mg GAE/g sample) were found in the roots, while the highest flavonoid contents (53.25 mg QE/g sample) were in the leaves. It was assumed that observed antioxidant potentials of the tested plant might be due to their phytochemicals confirmed through HPLC, and thus, this plant may be a valuable candidate in treating oxidative stress and related disorders. However, further investigations are needed to isolate responsible components in pure from. Furthermore, toxicological effects in in vivo animal models are also needed to confirm the results observed in this study.

Avena sativa L., also known as Oat belongs to the Poaceae family, is one of the most significant crops that is grown for its seeds, fodder as well as for human consumption as oatmeal. In the current study, 236 genotypes of A. sativa were analysed for genetic diversity through agro-morphological and SDS-PAGE analysis. Cluster analysis based on agro-morphological characteristics grouped all the genotypes into nine clusters, whereas genotype numbers 537 and 728 were highly different from others. The seed yield production of cluster 9 genotypes was the highest per plant (38.2 ± 0.20 g), while cluster 2 genotypes produced maximum biomass per plant (122.5 ± 9.55 g) as compared to other clusters. In a principal component analysis where four variables were studied, and the observed total variations were 57.60%. Among the genotypes, a maximum grain yield of 38.2 g (each) was recorded for genotypes 22,350 and 728, followed by genotypes 737 and 22,390 (with 36.4 g and 35.6 g of seed productions, respectively). The SDS-PAGE analysis resulted in 13 bands and all the genotypes were grouped into seventeen clusters. At the extreme periphery of the dendrogram, genotype 537 and 22,332 were considered to be the most diverse genotypes. Our findings have implications for both understanding the diversity and relationships among these diverse genotypes of A. sativa and will provide a basis for obtaining the elite germplasm optimally adapted to local conditions. The selected genotypes based on agronomic performance may be potential breeding material to raise successful future cultivars.

The increase in resistance of microbes against conventional drugs is currently a hot issue, whereas diabetes is another main cause of mortalities encountered throughout the world after cancer and heart attacks. New drug sources in the form of plants are investigated to get effective drugs for the mentioned diseases with minimum side effects. Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. is a medicinal plant used for the management of stress related disorders like diabetes and other health complications. The active constituents of the chloroform extract derived from E. umbellata berries was isolated by silica gel column chromatography which were identified as morin, phloroglucinol, and 1-hexyl benzene through various spectroscopic techniques (electron ionization mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy). The possible protective effects (antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activity) of isolated compounds were evaluated using reported methods. Morin exhibited strong in vitro antiradical potential against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals along with prominent antibacterial activities against selected bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis). Among the isolated compounds the more potent one (morin) was assessed for its in vivo antidiabetic potential in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The in vivo effects observed were further confirmed in ex vivo experiments where the effect of isolated compound on antioxidant enzyme like glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total content of reduced glutathione (GSH), % DPPH inhibition, and the lipid peroxidation MDA (Malondialdehyde) level in pancreatic tissues homogenates were evaluated. In vivo morin at tested doses (2, 10, 15, 30 and 50 mg/kg body weight) significantly restored the alterations in the levels of fasting blood glucose level and body weight loss along with significant decrease in levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, HbA1c level, and significantly increased the high-density lipoprotein in diabetic rats. Morin also effectively ameliorated the hepatic enzymes, and renal functions like serum creatinine. Morin significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme like GPx activity, GSH content, and % DPPH inhibition activity, while reduced the lipid peroxidation MDA (malondialdehyde) level in pancreatic tissues homogenates, and modification of histopathological changes in diabetic rats. Morin exhibited high antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic potentials as compared to phloroglucinol and 1-hexyl benzene, that could, therefore, be considered as a promising therapeutic agent to treat diabetes mellitus and bacterial infections.

Background: Ferula ammoniacum (D. Don) is one of the endemic medicinal plants that is traditionally used to treat a number of diseases. Although the plant has been used to enhance memory, the investigational evidence supporting the nootropic effect was unsubstantial. Hence, the rationale for this study was to assess the potential beneficial effect of F. ammoniacum seed extracts on learning and memory in mice. Methods: The powdered plant samples (aerial parts) were subjected to extraction ad fractionation. Among the extracts, crude and ethyl acetate extracts were screened for major phytochemicals through HPLC analysis. All the extracts were evaluated for the in vitro anticholinesterase (AChE and BChE) and antioxidant potentials. Among the extracts the active fraction was further assessed for improving learning and memory in mice using behavioural tests like Y-maze and novel object recognition test (NORT) using standard protocols. After behavioural tests, all the animals were sacrificed and brains tissues were assessed for the ex vivo anticholinesterase and antioxidant potentials. Results: Phytochemicals like chlorogenic acid, quercetin, mandelic acid, phloroglucinol, hydroxy benzoic acid, malic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, ellagic acid, rutin, and pyrogallol were identified in crude methanolic extract (Fa.Met) and ethyl acetate fraction (Fa.EtAc) through HPLC. Fa.EtAc and Fa.Chf extracts more potently inhibited AChE and BChE with IC50 values of 40 and 43 µg/mL, and 41 and 42 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly highest free radical scavenging potential was exhibited by Fa.EtAc fraction against DPPH (IC50 = 100 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 120 µg/mL). The extract doses, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight significantly (p < 0.01) improved the short-term memory by increasing the percent spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test along with increasing discrimination index in the NORT that clearly indicated the enhancement in the recognition memory of mice. Conclusion: The extracts more potently scavenged the tested free radicals, exhibited anticholinesterase activities, improved the learning abilities and reduced the memory impairment induced by scopolamine in mice model thus suggesting that these extracts could be effectively used for the management of oxidative stress, neurodegenerative diseases and memory loss.

Berberis lyceum Royle has such pronounced medicinal values that it is used as cure of many diseases and has exhibited great therapeutic effects among the local communities throughout the world. The present research was carried out to evaluate the quantitative ethnobotanical status and phytochemical analysis of B. lyceum. Regular field trips were arranged to the study area (Shangla District) in August 2017 to October 2019 and interviews with 100 residents (age range: 30 to 50 years) were conducted. The approach adopted for ethnobotanical data was semi-scientific as the inhabitants were not aware about the modern names of some diseases and therefore physician prescriptions were also consulted. Ethnobotanical data were examined using relative frequency of citation and % use value. The % use value of B. lyceum indicates that the people of District Shangla mostly used it for curing of different diseases. In spite of tremendous uses the plant still survived in this area mainly due to the non-accessibility for humans of the mountain tops; otherwise, increase in anthropogenic activities even in these hilly areas poses a threat of the eradication of this plant. To correlate the folkloric uses with its phytochemical composition, HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analysis was performed and a total of six phenolic compounds (quercetin, chlorogenic acid, berberine, rutin, mandellic acid, and hydroxy benzoic acid) were identified in its root. As most of the health complications are correlated to oxidative stress therefore in vitro antioxidant activity were also performed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. The observed antioxidant potential may most probably be due to berberine and chlorogenic acid that were present in highest concentration in the analyzed extract. The effectiveness of the selected plant as remedy for a number of diseases (that were pointed out by the local community) may be due to its phytochemical composition especially berberine and chlorogenic acid as oxidative stress is the root cause of many diseases. The plant extract exhibited high antioxidant potential (DPPH IC50 = 165µg/mL; ABTSIC50 = 110µg/mL) in relation to the detected concentration of berberine and chlorogenic acid. It can be inferred from experimental results that the ethnopharmacological efficacy of this endangered species may be due to its phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities. This case study helps to revive the importance of B. lyceum in local communities and emphasizes the need for its conservation.

Ziziphus nummularia is an important source of valuable phytoconstituents, which are widely used in traditional medicine system of Indo-Pak sub-continent. In this study we investigated the distribution of phenolic compounds in the fruit pericarps of six different genotypes (ZNP01-06) of Z. nummularia growing in the unexplored hilly areas of Pakistan. The methanolic extracts of these genotypes were screened for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant, and cholinesterase inhibitory potentials. The observed biological potentials were explained in terms of the outcome of molecular docking and HPLC analyses. Among them, genotype ZNP02 displayed high TPC (88.50 ± 1.23 μg/mL) and showed potent scavenging activity against DPPH (67.03 ± 1.04 μg/mL) and ABTS (65.3 ± 1.74 μg/mL) in comparison to ascorbic acid (68.7 ± 0.47 μg/mL). Moreover, genotypes ZNP01, ZNP02, and ZNP04 displayed potent inhibition against acetyl and butyryl cholinesterases (AChE and BChE) with IC50 values of 21.2, 20.5, and 23.7 μg/mL (AChE) and 22.7, 24.4, and 33.1 μg/mL (BChE), respectively. Furthermore, the individual compounds in the most potent species ZNP01 responsible for potent enzyme inhibition (identified through HPLC-UV analysis), were computed via docking simulation software to the enzyme structures. Among these compounds rutin exhibited significant binding affinity with value of −9.20 kcal/mol. The differences amongst the phytochemical compositions of the selected genotypes highlighted the genotypic variations in them. Based on our results it was concluded that the selected plant can be used as remedy of oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. However, further studies are needed to isolate responsible compounds and test the observed potential in vivo, along with toxicological evaluations in animal models.