Search

Agriculture is an important sector that plays a key role in the economic growth of countries. Innovative agricultural advancements has undoubtedly supported the expansion of the capacity and efficiency of different agricultural activities. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization assessment, the world's population is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, and 9.6 billion by 2050 which will result in an unprecedented demand for food and agriculture products. It is estimated that the food production should increase by 70 percent to meet such a demand. Given the limited farming space, lack of water, climate change, and constantly changing environmental conditions, new and innovative smart agriculture solutions must be developed. In general, there has been an increase in the agricultural production volume over the time to ensure the food security. Efforts are being made to increase the quality and quantity of agribusiness products by transforming them into smart and connected products through a smart agriculture industry. Smart and precision agriculture refers to the integration of technology, such as the Internet of things, sensors, robotics, artificial intelligence, smart supply chains, big data analytics, and blockchain, into the agriculture industry. The Internet of things era is the umbrella that covers and enables the other technological tools. Smart technology integration can lead to a more productive and efficient agriculture via reducing the need for manual human interactions and making proactive intelligent decisions. This article aims at providing a survey on smart and sustainable agriculture focusing on its enabling technologies while providing future directions for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Phenotypic plasticity is exceptionally high in A. adscensionis. • Survival in environmental heterogeneity is due to specific anatomical modifications. • Sclerification protects plants organs from collapse and desiccation. • Water conservation is a prime strategy in A. adscensionis for survival. Abstract Aristida adscensionis L. is a widely distributed grass species that particularly invades Potohar region (arid/semi-arid conditions) of the country. Exploration of adaptive components in this grass in relation to altitudinal gradient is the first attempt. Plant samples were collected from 6 different altitudinal ranges, viz. 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 m a.s.l. Morpho-anatomical and physiological features along altitudinal gradient varied significantly that showed phenotypic plasticity in this species to inhabit a variety of environmental conditions. Stomata at 400 m altitude were larger and rhomboid-shaped, which changed to narrowly elliptic at moderate elevations and circular at high elevations. Growth and biomass production were maximum at 800–1000 m a.s.l. along with most of the morpho-anatomical and physiological features like proportion of vascular tissue, nutrient uptake, and chlorophyll pigments. Xeromorphy was high in plants colonisng at 1200 m elevations, which was indicated by an intensive sclerification, increased amount of storage parenchyma, increased vascular bundle number, deeply grooved bulliform cells, and dense pubescence on adaxial leaf surface. Leaf succulence was the unique feature in plants inhabiting 1400 m elevation. Another prominent feature was the development of chlorenchyma inner to stem epidermis. All these features reflect the tolerance capacity of A. adsecnsionis against environmental adversaries like salinity, aridity and low temperatures of the Potohar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a model carrier protein that transports and deposits the various endogenous and exogenous ligands in the body. β-resorcylic acid (BR) is a phyto-phenolic molecule mainly used in the food industry because of its antibacterial, flavouring and preservative nature. The interactions of small ligand molecules with proteins are of great importance for researchers from the pharmacology perspective. This article explains the mechanism of binding of BR with BSA with the help of multi-spectroscopic approaches and molecular modelling. The UV absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy affirmed the formation of BSA-BR complex. The thermodynamic studies confirmed the nature of the reaction to be spontaneous and exothermic, and the stabilisation of the complex by van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding. The energy transfer was found to occur with a high probability. BR induced the microenvironmental and conformational alterations BSA as revealed by synchronous spectra, 3D fluorescence maps, circular dichroism (CD), resonance-enhanced Rayleigh scattering (RRS), red edge excitation shift (REES) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The β-cyclodextrin (β-cd), metals and vitamins largely influenced the BR-BSA binding strength. Competitive displacement assays further elucidated the BR binds to BSA at subdomain IIIA (site II). Molecular docking and simulations computationally validated the results of the wet lab experiments. [Display omitted] • The BSA-BR complex was affirmed with 1:1 binding stoichiometry and quenching in static mode. • The binding reaction was spontaneous and exothermic, involving van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. • The binding strength was found to change in the presence of metal ions, vitamins and β-cd. • BR binds with BSA near subdomain IIIA (site II). • BR induced minor changes in the conformation and microenvironment in BSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural populations of a desert halophyte Sporobolus ioclados were investigated to explore morpho-anatomical and physiological modifications at differently salt-affected habitats. Derawar Fort (DF) was the least affected site, Trawaywala Toba and Bailahwala Dahar (BD) were moderately saline sites and Ladam Sir (LS) and Pati Sir (PS) were highly saline sites. At root level, S. ioclados showed increased root cross-sectional area, epidermal and endodermal thicknesses, and greater proportion of cortical parenchyma as salinity level of the habitat increased. Sclerification of outer cortex was visible only at the highest saline site. Decreased stem area, epidermal cell area, cortical and vascular bundle cell area, and increased hypodermal thickness at stem level were recorded with increase in the salinity level of the habitats. At leaf level, S. ioclados showed smaller and thicker leaves, increased epidermis thickness, and well-developed bulliform cells, increased mesophyll area and increased trichome density under high salinities. The plants at high salinities were better adapted in terms of growth, exclusion, internal structure, and restricted uptake of Na + by roots, accompanied by increased concentration of K + and Ca 2+ in shoots. All these changes may be an evolutionary strategy that has been developed by the S. ioclados plants during the long process of evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Grasses dominated diverse habitats, due to their specific adaptive strategies. • Root morpho-anatomical characteristics are more developed at lower elevations. • Anatomical modifications were specific and related to water conservation. • Structural and functional attributes contribute to widespread distribution of grasses. The adaptability potential of plants enables them to colonize diverse habitats along elevation gradients. Studying these adaptive traits and linking them to environmental attributes provide useful information to understand limitations imposed by elevation gradients on distribution of plant species. To meet these objectives, six most dominant perennial grass species with broad distributional ranges along an elevation gradient from 300–1400 m a.s.l in northern Punjab (Pakistan) were selected for the present study. Dominance of different grass species were linked to proportion of parenchyma, sclerification of aerial plant parts, size of vascular tissue, leaf thickness, and size and density of trichomes. Chrysopogon serrulatus dominated all elevations except the highest one, which was directly linked to increased root area and high proportion of storage parenchyma, vascular region, large metaxylem vessels, increased sclerification in aerial parts, and size and density of trichomes. Cymbopogon jwarancusa dominated lower and middle elevations (300–1000 m) and exhibited increased sclerification in stem and leaves, higher vascular bundle area, and, increased leaf sheath thickness. Lognormal distribution exhibited a non-linear response for eco-morphological and physiological characteristics with decreasing pattern along increase in elevation. Physiological traits responded negatively in response to climatic variables. Root anatomical traits exhibited nonlinear response at lower elevation, while stem traits responded positively at medium elevational gradients (700–1000 m). Leaf sheath showed positive response with elevation and temperature. In conclusion, morpho-physiological and anatomical modifications were specific to grasses studied, which contributed differently towards growth and survival along elevation gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morpho-anatomical and physiological response of Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. (Family Cyperaceae), occurring in industrial-polluted water near Sheikhupura, Pakistan, to metal (Ni and Cd) stress were examined. Two levels (30 and 60 mg L-1) of each of Ni and Cd were maintained during the experiment. Growth and development were severely affected by both metals, however, Cd was more toxic than Ni, although Ni was absorbed readily by the roots and its considerable amount was translocated to aerial plant parts due to its mobile nature. In contrast, high amount of Cd were retained in the roots. Specific root physio-anatomical modifications for Ni tolerance were found result from leaf turgor potential, high accumulation of organic osmolytes, enhanced sclerification, and aerenchyma formation, while leaves were more developed bulliform cells and stellate parenchyma. Cd tolerance was found to be related to accumulation of organic osmolytes, thick epidermis and endodermis, enhanced sclerification, and stellate cell formation in stem, and well developed bulliform cells in leaves. The structural and functional response of metal toxicity were very specific in C. alopecuroides depending on the type of metal which enabled this species to survive successfully in metal-polluted wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High drought tolerance related to sclerenchyma in stem and bulliform cell development in leaves. • Drought tolerant ecotypes survival depends on dense pubescence. • No single character can be taken as a yard-stick for adjudging drought tolerance. • More drought tolerant ecotypes provide a base for re-vegetation of extreme desert conditions. Cenchrus ciliaris L. is a perennial palatable grass and is capable of growing in a variety of habitats including extreme desert environment. The present study was conducted to explore the effect of drought stress on morpho-anatomical modifications in the aerial parts of C. ciliaris ecotypes, which were collected from the Cholistan Desert. Seeds of C. ciliaris wre collected from different regions in the Cholistan desert and grown in the Faisalabad conditions. Stress treatment were applied to the ramets that were isolated from mother plants. Three moisture regimes were maintained during the experiment, i.e., 100%, 75% and 50% field capacity. Ecotypes were grouped into four categories i.e., highly tolerant, tolerant, moderately tolerant and sensitive. Highly tolerant ecotypes (E92001 and E92002) showed epidermal thickness in leaves and stem, intensive sclerification in stem, increased vascular bundle number, well developed bulliform, increased metaxylem area and decreased stomatal density on both leaf surfaces. Tolerant ecotypes (E92003 an E92008) showed dense pubescence on their leaves. It is concluded that no definite or precise single character can be taken as a yardstick for adjudging the biomass production in theses desert grass ecotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penicillin is an antibiotic drug effective against many serious diseases such as syphilis and Staphylococcus infections. Different kinds of fungi have used to obtain various biotechnological products. The current study elucidates the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Penicillin derived from soil fungi using rapid High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) when procreating on different growth conditions. The samples are collected and render with HPLC after penicillin produced in both synthetic and semi-synthetic media, over a regular period of incubation. A significant effect on penicillin production has seen in nutrient media or growth media. Our results strongly indicate that the synthetic medium, used the nutrient source as a pure chemical source is good and consistent in penicillin production from 4 to 5 days of incubation. However, systematic, undefined, and rather cheap potato dextrose agar medium is low in penicillin productivity. Penicillin antimicrobial activity was tested on the normal flora of human intestine by taking E. coli, Enterococcus, and Bacillus as indicator organisms and the research results suggest that Penicillin is a potent antibiotic even against the helpful normal flora of the human intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of the blue economy (BE) may be impeded by the adverse consequences of human activities, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, unsustainable economic expansion, and engagement in environmentally harmful trading practices. Therefore, this study aims to determine the impact of GHG emissions, trade, and economic growth on the BE. To achieve this, we used a panel dataset of 25 selected countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, covering the period 2002–2019. As a process of estimation, we employed the Westerlund error correction model to detect cointegration. To determine the long-term relationship among the variables, we adopted the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) approach, which revealed a significant outcome in the long run but an insignificant outcome in the short run. In response to this divergence, the panel corrected standard error (PCSE) model was applied to correct the autocorrelation problem. Subsequently, a two-step generalized methods of moment (GMM) test was conducted to check robustness. Based on the results of PCSE and GMM, this study reveals that trade has a negative effect on the BE, while GHG emissions and economic growth have a positive ascendance. From a policy standpoint, all governments must integrate ocean-based solutions into their national climate pledges to fulfill the objectives outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate food composition data is crucial for promoting healthy eating, dietary planning, research and development, food labeling, and public health policy. However, no comprehensive database currently compiles all available food composition data for South Asian recipes, especially Pakistani recipes, highlighting the need for ongoing research. The study aims to compile the underrepresented South Asian recipes primarily focusing on Pakistani cuisine by generating a comprehensive dataset on the nutritional profile of popular Pakistani recipes to support public health initiatives, informed food-related policies, and promote inclusiveness. A secondary study was conducted to collect South Asian recipes from public sources like RecipeDB, focusing on Pakistani recipe sources from HUM Masala TV and a survey. The study included preliminary results of a survey. The collected data was cleaned, and the serving sizes were predicted using Machine Learning algorithms. The ingredients in each recipe were mapped to their corresponding nutritional content in the USDA database. The resulting food composition data was compiled into a comprehensive dataset. We have successfully compiled a preliminary dataset of around 5000 recipes, their ingredients, and corresponding nutrition profiles. Although we included recipes from three regions: Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, most of the focus has been on Pakistan. We plan to continue building the dataset and include more recipes from South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. We have started building a comprehensive dataset of South Asian recipes, primarily Pakistani cuisine, providing accurate nutritional information. As the demand for personalized nutrition and health advice grows, artificial intelligence-powered systems can use this dataset to provide more accurate and individualized recommendations. Furthermore, this dataset can be used to develop applications that can automate the process of tracking diet for South Asians catering to sustainability and adaptability. None [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some reports indicate that thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, is hepatoprotective. The aim of this study was to determine whether TQ is able to bind directly to bilirubin, and whether TQ or liposomal formulation of TQ (Lip-TQ) can reduce cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced liver toxicity, serum bilirubin level in mice. The binding of TQ with bilirubin was studied by UV–VIS, fluorescence and Near-UV CD spectroscopy. Inhibition of binding of bilirubin to erythrocytes by TQ was also examined. To increase the in vivo efficacy, Lip-TQ was prepared and used against CYP-induced toxicity. The protective role of TQ or Lip-TQ against CYP-induced toxicity was assessed by determining the liver function parameters, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and histological studies. It was found that TQ binds to bilirubin and significantly inhibits the binding of bilirubin to erythrocytes. Lip-TQ (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) from 254 ± 48 to 66 ± 18 IU/L (P < 0.001), alanine transaminase (ALT) from 142 ± 28 to 47.8 ± 16 IU/L (P < 0.05) and serum bilirubin from 2.8 ± 0.50 to 1.24 ± 0.30 mg/dl (P < 0.05). Treatment with Lip-TQ reduced the CYP-induced inflammation and hemorrhage in liver tissues. Moreover, treatment with free or Lip-TQ protected the activity of SOD and CAT in CYP-injected mice. Therefore, TQ can reduce the level of bilirubin in systemic circulation in disease conditions that lead to hyperbilirubinemia and liver toxicity and hence may be used as a supplement in the treatment of liver ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two ecotypes of Cenchrus setigerus Vahl (birdwood grass) were collected from dry mountains surrounding hyper-saline Kalar Kahar Lake and Gatwala artificial forest plantation. The ramets of the two ecotypes were established in pots for 15 days and then subjected to 100% FC (control) or 75% and 50% FC (field capacity) levels. Growth attributes such as plant height, tillers per plant, leaves per plant, shoot fresh and dry weights were severely affected while root length was the only attribute that increased in both ecotypes under moisture stress. Root anatomical attributes like cortical and pith parenchyma, and vascular region thickness increased in both ecotypes under water stress. Root radius increased in the Faisalabad ecotype at 75% FC, while increased in Salt Range ecotype only at 50% FC. Stem cellular region, sclerenchymatous cell area, vascular bundle area and metaxylem area increased significantly under moderate and severe water deficit only in the Faisalabad ecotype. The Salt Range ecotype exhibited intensive sclerification and large vascular tissue at 50% FC. Leaf anatomical attributes like epidermal cell area, bundle sheath thickness, sclerenchyma thickness and its cell area, and, vascular bundles area significantly increased in the Salt Range ecotype with increasing water deficit. The Faisalabad ecotype showed significant increase in vascular bundle area, metaxylem area and adaxial stomatal area. These findings indicated that both C. setigerus ecotypes mainly relied on water conservation and survival rather than maintaining growth and biomass production. The anatomical modifications at root, stem and leaf levels ensured survival of C. setigerus ecotypes in extreme arid conditions. • Growth attributes were severely affected while root length increased under stress • Root radius increased in the Faisalabad ecotype at 75% FC, while at 50% FC in Salt Range ecotype • Stem area, sclerification and vascular bundle area increased only in Faisalabad ecotype • The Salt Range ecotype exhibited intensive sclerification in leaves and large vascular tissue at 50% FC • The Faisalabad ecotype showed an increase in vascular bundle area, metaxylem area and adaxial stomatal area [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Populations of Cyperus alopecuroides are differently adapted to stress conditions. [•] Tolerant ecotype BW showed better growth under stress. [•] BW ecotype had higher photosynthetic efficiency, K+ uptake and proline accumulation. [•] Lysogenous aerenchyma in roots was more prominent in ecotype FW. [•] Ecotype BW had specific anatomical features for survival in stressful environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]