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The Southeast Asian species Mus (Mus) cookii Ryley 1914 has been previously reported from southern China, Nepal, northeastern and peninsular India, Myanmar, north and central Thailand and Vietnam. A cytochrome b (Cytb) gene analysis revealed the presence of M. cookii which significantly expands the known western range of this species. However, it is unclear whether the M. cookii population in the Pothwar region represents a historical or recent westward range expansion or, on the contrary, a relictual source population that further experienced an historic eastward range expansion into Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectrics is an emerging technology in the field of renewable energy sources, and the exploration of doped materials has opened up new avenues for enhancing their performance. La-doped thermoelectric materials with the composition Bi2−xLaxTe3 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were synthesized using the WOWS sol–gel method and sintered at 500 °C for 5 h. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed a rhombohedral crystal structure with lattice constants of a = b = 4.41(2) Å and c = 29.81(3) Å. Scanning electron microscopy revealed particle-like shapes (0.7–2.5 μm). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the single-phase nature of the samples. DC electrical measurements showed increasing conductivity with temperature. AC electrical analysis demonstrated frequency-dependent behavior with increasing AC conductivity and decreasing loss factor and dielectric constants. Seebeck coefficient measurements exhibited temperature-dependent behavior. Thermal transport properties showed increasing thermal conductivity and volumetric specific heat with temperature, while thermal diffusivity decreased. The composition Bi1.9La0.1Te3 with x = 0.1 doping displayed lower thermal conductivity, higher electrical conductivity, and a higher ZT value, making it more suitable for thermoelectric applications. Furthermore, the sample Bi1.8La0.2Te3 exhibited favorable characteristics for energy storage applications compared to the other samples. These findings provide insights into the potential applications of La-doped bismuth telluride compounds in thermoelectric and energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to enhance nutritional qualities of various agricultural byproducts such as wheat bran, rice bran and rice polish through co-culture solid state fermentation (SSF) using Candida utilis and Rhizopus oligosporus for their better exploitation as feed ingredients. Methods: Co-culture solid state fermentation (SSF) was carried at 30oC for 48 h by employing Candida utilis and Rhizopus oligosporus on various agricultural byproducts like wheat bran, rice bran and rice polish. After that the fermented agricultural byproducts were dried in hot air oven at 80oC and analyzed to compare with unfermented byproducts. Results: The results of the proximate analysis showed that crude protein contents increased significantly (p≤0.05) in all the fermented substrates with concurrent decrease in nitrogen free extract (NFE) contents. A significant reduction in anti nutritional content (phytic acid) was also observed in fermented products whereas values of mineral contents [calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P)] were found high. Resultantly, high mineral contents improved Ca: P ratio in the fermented products. Shelf life study showed that the fermented substrates were nutritionally stable and no significant changes in nutritional values were observed up to 90 days. Conclusion: All these results showed that the fermented substrates are nutritionally better and can be successfully exploited as animal feed for better growth of livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian bush rat, Golunda ellioti, is indigenous to the Indo-Pak subcontinent. Food habits of this bush rat were investigated using its stomach and fecal contents. Trapping was conducted every month from November 2013 to February 2016. This over 28 months generated a total of 2520 trapping nights. Sample slides from 82 stomach and 10 fecal samples were compared with the reference slides. Field observations along with feeding the Indian bush rat in captivity revealed that it preferably fed on 27 species of grasses with Digitaria sanguinalis [frequency of occurrence (FO) = 13.5%] being the most abundant one followed by Pennisetum orientale (FO = 8.5%). However, the Berger-Parker index revealed that D. sanguinalis (d = 0.148) was followed by Triticum aestivum (d = 0.145). Along with that, they also consumed tillers and seeds of wheat, gram seeds and young leaves of mustard. Considering the climatic changes, its success in adapting to the arid regions and dependence on grasses for food and cover may favor this species in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We collected 10 live and two dead specimens of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) from Potohar Plateau to record their morpho-anatomical characteristics. The average body weight and length were recorded in three age classes: juvenile, sub-adult and adult. The maximum body weight, body length and tail length was 20 kg, 147.3 cm, and 85.7 cm, respectively. The total number of scales was 286±6.4, 271±24 and 294±11.0 in the juvenile, sub-adult and adult stages, respectively. The size of the scales varied on different body regions, with smallest being on the head and the largest on the trunk region. The number of scales on the head differed significantly from that on the trunk (p < 0.01) and tail (p < 0.05) regions. The number and size of the scales on the fore limbs differed significantly (p < 0.05) from those on the hind limbs. The relative tongue length constituted 37% of the total body length of the adult specimens. The digestive tract constituted 7% of the relative body weight and 19%-23% of the relative body length, whereas relative length of the reproductive tract was 12%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian pangolin ( Manis crassicaudata) has been recently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as an endangered species throughout its range, but in Pakistan it is categorized as vulnerable. Very little is known about the breeding habits of this nocturnal and fossorial animal in the wild. The present paper provides information on breeding ecology of its population in Potohar Plateau in Pakistan. A total of 13 specimens were trapped to record breeding condition of the captured animals. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the study area to collect breeding data on the species. Our limited data show a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. The local population seems to breed once a year, usually from July to October, with a litter size of one to two. The juvenile pangolins were observed during the months of January, April and December. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]