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This paper presents a taxonomic study of genus Vincetoxicum s.str. from southern Asia. Eleven regional endemic species are recognized on the basis of herbarium studies and fieldwork. Three new species are described: V. lenifoliumsp. nov. (endemic to Pakistan), V. stewartianumsp. nov. (endemic to India), and V. subcanescenssp. nov. (endemic to Pakistan, Kashmir and Tibet). Three species names, V. cabulicum, V. glaucum and V. kenouriense, previously treated as synonyms of V. glaucum, V. canescens and V. hirundinaria, respectively, are resurrected. A neotype is designated for the Afghani endemic V. cabulicum. A lectotype is chosen from the syntypes of V. glaucum. We resolve the long-standing taxonomic problems in three species complexes: V. arnottianum, V. luridum, V. sakesarense, and V. stocksii; V. glaucum, V. canescens and V. cabulicum; and V. hirundinaria and V. kenouriense. Geo-taxonomic distinctions of southern Asian taxa are highlighted by excluding from henceforth the long misrecognized western Eurasian taxa V. canescens and V. hirundinaria. Furthermore, a detailed account of the genus including illustrations of whole plants, leaves and corona, distribution maps, a taxonomic key, morphological descriptions, synonymy, notes, and information on phenology, distribution and habitats is provided. Finally, provisional conservation assessments are provided, which indicate that V. cardiostephanum and V. sakesarense are critically endangered.

Iron deficiency is one of the most prevailing micronutrient deficiencies throughout the globe. Iron malnutrition affects billions of people around the world especially children and pregnant women. Its deficiencies can be overcome through microbial biofortification: a process of deliberately increasing desirable nutrients in crop plants. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can improve iron content in edible plant tissues through different direct and indirect mechanisms. Adding plant growth regulators along with rhizobacteria makes it a novel fortification approach. In the current experiment, the interactive effect of two bacterial isolates (O-13 & K-10) alone and in consortium with l-tryptophan in the presence of iron sulfate was evaluated on growth, physiology, tuber characteristics, and iron concentration in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Results revealed that inoculation with PGPR and plant growth regulator (PGR) significantly improved the plant height, straw yield, and the number of tubers per plant. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber characteristics (starch content, vitamin-C, relative water content) were also improved significantly. O-13, K-10, and l-tryptophan had significantly improved the iron concentration up to 20.59, 33.12, and 28.95%, respectively. However, inoculation with the microbial consortium and l-tryptophan showed a significant increase of up to one-fold in the iron concentration of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) as compared with uninoculated control. The results suggest that rhizobacteria can help the plant to uptake nutrients from the soil. These findings concluded on the fact that the interactive effect of microbial assisted biofortification and plant growth regulator is a novel, promising, and cost-effective approach to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies especially in resource-limited countries.

The Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalaya (HKKH) range is called the third pole of the world due to heavy ice storage. Passu Glacier is one of the HKKH range glaciers in Pakistan. In the present stud...

Maize (Zea mays L.) plays an important role in the global food security, but its production is threatened by climate change, especially drought stress. Potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) are considered us...

Micronutrient malnutrition particularly of zinc (Zn) attributes a worse situation mainly in South Asia in addition to the food security. Pulses contribute significantly towards providing calories to the masses in developing countries being the cheap source of protein. Zinc biofortification of pulses mainly of lentil can be a good strategy aimed at both increased profit as well as can combat Zn deficiency in humans. A field experiment was conducted to classify the lentil genotypes based on their higher grain output and grain Zn concentration. The 16 lentil genotypes were cultivated with the following Zn levels: 0, 6 and 9 mg kg−1 and recommended dose of primary nutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)) were applied with three replicates until maturity. Results revealed that application of Zn increased the plant growth, grain production and grain Zn concentration significantly. Zinc application at higher rates i.e. 9 mg kg−1 resulted in higher grain output and concentration of Zn in grain than lower application rate and control. The genotype Mansehra-89 was excellent in terms of high grain output and high Zn contents in their grains. The lentil genotypes, Mansehra-89, Punjab Masoor-2009, Masoor-2002 and Masoor-2006, were classified as high grain yield cultivars, and Line-10502, Mansehra-89, Line-11504 and Markaz-09 were categorized as Zn efficient/responsive genotypes. From the results, it was concluded that the lentil genotypes respond differently upon Zn fertilization and thus improved the crop yield and Zn enrichment of lentil grains. However, keeping in view the desired level of bioavailable Zn, further experimentation is required for general recommendations for right source and application methods. Moreover, these categorizations are helpful in future breeding ventures and to recommend the efficient cultivars aiming at increased Zn contents in grains.

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a major health issue worldwide, which can be alleviated by biofortification. Agronomic biofortification is a practical solution to overcome the Fe deficiency in cereals without sacrificing on yield. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Fe application on productivity, grain biofortification, and grain quality of bread wheat under conventional and conservation production systems. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangement where wheat was sown under conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT) systems and Fe was applied through various methods (no Fe application, seed priming (0.3% Fe solution), seed coating (250 mg kg−1 seed), basal application (12 kg ha−1), and foliar spray (0.5% Fe solution)). Iron nutrition significantly enhanced the yield and related traits and grain fat and protein contents. Averaged across two years, grain yield improvement from different Fe application methods was in the order of seed priming>basal application>foliar application>seed coating with respective increase of 33%, 28%, 25%, and 21% relative to control treatment. Grain Fe concentration was 65% and 58% higher with Fe foliar application compared with control during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. Interaction of tillage systems and Fe nutrition highlighted that 1000-grain weight and grain yield were improved, whereas Fe seed priming in ZT system provided maximum 1000-grain weight and grain yield. The Fe application through either method proved to be profitable and the highest benefit-cost ratio was obtained with Fe foliar application. Among tillage systems, the highest net benefits were obtained with ZT. Zero tillage significantly improved the soil microbial biomass carbon, soil microbial biomass nitrogen, and soil organic carbon by 9.25%, 2.5%, and 14%, respectively, compared with CT. In conclusion, Fe seed priming in both tillage systems improved the yield, and proved to be the most cost-effective, whereas foliar application improved the grain Fe concentration in both tillage systems.

The current study was aimed to enzymatically modify maize flour by using amylase and pullulanase in combination for increasing the yield of resistant starch type III (EM-RSIII). The enzymatic treatment imparts unique desired physicochemical properties to the maize flour including resistant starch content, amylose content, milk, oil, and water interaction ability. The sensory analysis was performed by distributing questioners among individual and results were interpreted by 5-point hedonic scale. Result indicated an increase in the stability, amylose content, and milk absorption capacity of maize flour, while a decrease in swelling power, water absorption, and oil absorption capacity. The enzymatic treated maize flour led to the transformation of amorphous native structure into a crystalline structure which was confirmed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractograms analysis, and in vitro digestibility of EM-RSIII. The EM-RSIII rich maize flour was used in cookies preparation and a significant difference in palatability and color parameters was observed. Crispiness and texture of EM-RSIII containing cookies was increased due to its low swelling power, water absorption, and oil absorption capacity. The sensory analysis showed that consumers depicted the highest acceptability of EM-RSIII supplemented cookies specifically for its appearance, sharp aroma, texture and accepted as nutritionally important food item for consumers.

Low use efficiency of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is major challenge of modern agriculture. Coating of conventional fertilizers with nanomaterials is a promising technique for improved nutrient use efficiency. In current study, nanoparticles (NPs) of potassium ferrite (KFeO2 NPs) were coated on di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer with three rates (2, 5, 10%) of KFeO2 NPs and were evaluated for release of N, P, K and Fe supplementation in clay loam and loam soil up to 60 days. The NPs were characterized for crystal assemblage, bond formation, morphology and configuration using the x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform-infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results showed that size of NPs ranged between 7 and 18 nm. The controlled release of P in 10% KFeO2 nano-coated DAP was observed throughout the incubation period. The P release kept on increasing from day-1 (14.5 µg g−1) to day-60 (178.6 µg g−1) in coated DAP (10%) in loam soil. The maximum release of 50.4 µg g−1 NH4+1-N in coated DAP (10%) was observed after 30 days of incubation. The release of NO3−1-N was consistent up to 45 and 60 days in clay loam and loam soil, respectively. The average release of potassium and iron in 60 days was 19.7 µg g−1 and 7.3 µg g−1 higher in 10% coated DAP than traditional DAP in clay loam soil. It was concluded that KFeO2 nano-coated DAP supplied P and mineral N for longer period of time in both soils, and some higher coating levels should be tested in future.

To improve sustainability of polymers and to reduce carbon footprint, polymers from renewable resources are given significant attention due to the developing concern over environmental protection. The renewable materials are progressively used in many technical applications instead of short-term-use products. However, among other applications, the flame retardancy of such polymers needs to be improved for technical applications due to potential fire risk and their involvement in our daily life. To overcome this potential risk, various flame retardants (FRs) compounds based on conventional and non-conventional approaches such as inorganic FRs, nitrogen-based FRs, halogenated FRs and nanofillers were synthesized. However, most of the conventional FRs are non-biodegradable and if disposed in the landfill, microorganisms in the soil or water cannot degrade them. Hence, they remain in the environment for long time and may find their way not only in the food chain but can also easily attach to any airborne particle and can travel distances and may end up in freshwater, food products, ecosystems, or even can be inhaled if they are present in the air. Furthermore, it is not a good choice to use non-biodegradable FRs in biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). Therefore, the goal of this review paper is to promote the use of biodegradable and bio-based compounds for flame retardants used in polymeric materials.

Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable resource which may be depleted within next few decades; hence high P use efficiency is need of time. Plants have evolved an array of adaptive mechanisms to enhance external P acquisition and reprioritize internal utilization under P deficiency. Tissue specific biomass and P allocation patterns may affect the P use efficiency in plants. six rice cultivars were grown in solution culture for 20 days and then were divided into two groups to receive either adequate P or no P that were harvested at 30, 40 and 50 days. Plants were dissected into various tissues/organs. Two rice cultivars viz Super Basmati (P-inefficient) and PS-2 (P-efficient) were grown in soil with no or 50 mg P kg−1 soil till maturity. Rice cultivars PS-2 and Basmati-2000 had higher P uptake, utilization efficiency and internal remobilization than other tested cultivars after P omission. Young leaves and roots were the major sinks while stems and mature leaves were the sources of P during P omission. In conclusion, biomass allocation and P accumulation among various tissues and P remobilization were major factors responsible for P efficiency.

The ability to identify the vulnerable regions within the crop fields assist the farmers in executing the counter plans precisely. In this regard, the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with ...

Silicon is known to improve resistance against salinity stress in maize crop. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of silicon application on growth and salt resistance in maize. Seeds of two maize genotypes (salt-sensitive ‘EV 1089’ and salt-tolerant ‘Syngenta 8441’) were grown in pots containing 0 and 2 mM Si with and without 50 mM NaCl. After detailed investigation of ion concentrations in different maize organs, both genotypes were further selected in hydroponic experiment on basis of their contrasting response to salinity stress. In the second experiment, pre-germinated seedlings were transplanted into nutrient solution with 0 and 60 mM NaCl with and without 2 mM Si. Both genotypes differed significantly in their response to salinity. Silicon addition alleviated both osmotic and oxidative stress in maize crop by improving the performance of defensive machinery under salinity stress. Silicon application also improved the water-use efficiency in both tested genotypes under both normal and salinity stress conditions. In conclusion, this study implies that the silicon-treated maize plants had better chance to survive under salinity conditions and their photosynthetic and biochemical apparatus was working far better than that of silicon-non-treated plants.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and compostable polymer obtained from annually renewable resources and is acknowledged to be sustainable and eco-friendly polymer with substantial commercial prospective as a textile fiber however, this polymer has not been investigated much in apparel applications. Therefore in this study it was aimed to develop biobased compostable socks from PLA draw textured melt spun yarns and to examine the effect of yarn linear density, fabric structure and stitch density on thermo-physiological characteristics of PLA based socks. 100% PLA based multifilament yarns of two different linear densities were melt spun and later draw textured on false twist texturing machine to be used for socks knitting. Single jersey and rib structures were produced with two different stitch densities to investigate their effect on thermal resistance, relative water vapour permeability, thermal conductivity, vertical wicking and air permeability of the socks. Minitab statistical software was employed to analyze the results of test samples. The coefficients of determinations (R-2 values) presented good estimation capability of the established regression models. The outcomes of this research may be useful in determining suitable manufacturing requirements of PLA based socks to accomplish precise thermo-physiological properties. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Grain phosphorus (P) and phytate contents are important for early growth and quality of wheat, respectively. We studied seed P and phytate contents of 57 wheat genotypes released during last 6 deca...

Cancer is a devastating disease and remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in both developed and developing countries. Although there are large number of drugs that can be used for the treatment of cancer, the problem is selective and specific killing of cancerous cells without harming the normal cells. There are some biological barriers to potential drug delivery in cancer cells like hepatic, renal, abnormal vasculature, dense extracellular matrix, and high interstitial fluid pressure. The physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) such as size, shape, and surface charge may also have significant effects on tumor penetration. NPs coated with drug can be used to overcome these biological barriers to enhance targeted delivery. This literature survey encompasses the biological barriers to potential drug delivery in cancer cells, elaborate on designing strategies to enhance NPs penetration and distribution inside the tumor interstitium. Scientists are now doing great efforts to design next-generation of nanomedicines (NMs) that need to be better targeted with high specificity and efficacy to kill cancer cells. These challenges need to be overcome through collaborations among academia, pharmaceutical industries, and regulatory agencies to eradicate this global menace. Furthermore, this review article has critically discussed the recent developments, controversies, challenges, emerging concepts, and future perspectives in cancer NMs.

Background: The Pakistani Salt Range has a rich floral diversity including Withania coagulans from the Solanaceae family. Methods: The crude methanolic extracts of the root, leaf, leaf stalk, and fruit of this plant were screened for their cytotoxic activity against human (HeLa, MCF-7, RD) and rat (RG2 and INS-1) cancer cell lines at 20 μg/mL and compared to methotrexate. The IC50 values indicated that leaf stalk and fruit extracts exert an 80% or higher cytotoxic activity against all cell lines at 24 hours. Results: The leaf stalk extract showed the highest cytotoxic efficacy against all tested cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.96 ± 0.01 μg/mL to 4.73 ± 0.05 μg/mL followed by the fruit extract with IC50 values of 0.69 ± 0.01–6.69 ± 0.06 μg/mL after 48–72 hours incubation. The leaf stalk and seed extracts were analyzed for polyphenols and flavonoids using RP-HPLC. The total flavonoid content (TFC) was calculated for all tested samples, and the highest TFC was recorded for the root extract (394.34 ± 1.26 μg/g). The total phenolic content (TPC) was found in the seed extract (307.86 ± 9.42 μg/g) of W. coagulans. The highest contents of myricetin (358.46 ± 2.91 μg/g) were noted in the leaf extract, and highest quercetin was recorded in the seed extract (21.43 ± 0.13 μg/g). The highest gallic acid concentration (83.62 ± 0.71 μg/g) was recorded in leaf stalk extract and p-hydroxybenzoic acid in the seed extract (157.46 ± 1.43 μg/g). Conclusion: The present study gives a scientific insight and comparative analysis of various plant parts in this medicinally important plant species from the Salt Range of Pakistan against both human and rat cancer cells. Keywords: Anticancer, Presto Blue cell metabolic assay, Total phenolic contents, Total flavonoid contents

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and compostable polymer obtained from annually renewable resources and is acknowledged to be sustainable and non-polluting polymer with substantial commercial prospective as a textile fiber however, there is lack of literature on apparel applications of this polymer. Therefore in this study it was aimed to develop biobased compostable gloves from PLA draw textured melt spun yarns and to examine the effect of yarn linear density, fabric structure and stitch density on thermo-physiological comfort and moisture management properties of PLA based gloves. 100 % PLA based multifilament yarns of two different linear densities were melt spun and later draw textured on false twist texturing machine to be used for gloves knitting. Single jersey and rib structures were produced with two different stitch densities to investigate their effect on thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, relative water vapour permeability, air permeability and moisture management properties of the gloves. Minitab statistical software was employed to analyze the results of test samples. The coefficients of determinations (R-2 values) presented good estimation capability of the established regression models. The outcomes of this research may be useful in determining suitable manufacturing requirements of PLA based gloves to accomplish precise thermo-physiological and moisture management properties.

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in agricultural soils is one of the major threats to food security. The application of inorganic amendments such as mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), gypsum and elemental sulfur (S) could alleviate the negative effects of Cd in crops. However, their long-term residual effects on decreasing Cd uptake in latter crops remain unclear. A field that had previously been applied with treatments including control and 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8% by weight of each MAP, gypsum and S, and grown with wheat and rice and thereafter wheat in the rotation was selected for this study. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown in the same field as the third crop without further application of amendments to evaluate the residual effects of the amendments on Cd uptake by wheat. Plants were harvested at maturity and grain, and straw yield along with Cd concentration in soil, straw, and grains was determined. The addition of MAP and gypsum significantly increased wheat growth and yield and decreased Cd accumulation in straw and grains compared to control while the reverse was found in S application. Both MAP and gypsum decreased AB-DTPA extractable Cd in soil while S increased the bioavailable Cd in soil. Both MAP and gypsum increased the Cd immobilization in the soil and S decreased Cd immobilization in a dose-additive manner. We conclude that MAP and gypsum had a significant residual effect on decreasing Cd uptake in wheat. The cost-benefit ratio revealed that gypsum is an effective amendment for decreasing Cd concentration in plants.

Biodegradable polymers from renewable resources have attracted interest due to environmental pollution caused by the disposal of non-degradable polymers, and engineering them to produce fibres of textile grade can improve the environmental sustainability of textile sector. Flame retardancy of polylactic acid (PLA) can be improved if used in intumescent system containing acidic and carbonic source; however, spinning them to produce fibres of textile grade is a big challenge. We therefore have prepared PLA composites containing phosphorous-nitrogen-based flame retardant as acidic source together with kraft lignin as carbonic source. Different quantities of flame retardant and kraft lignin were added to PLA matrix by melt blending and then hot-pressed to form moulding sheets. A modified polyester-based plasticizer was also incorporated to facilitate the spinnability of the composites. Limiting oxygen index values and UL-94 ratings of the composites were reported. The melt spinnability of composites was then assessed, and flame retardancy of knitted structures produced from multifilament yarns was tested by cone calorimetry. Composites containing up to 7% (m/m) of lignin were spinnable together with 10% (m/m) of plasticizer. A substantial decrease of 59% in heat release rate was observed compared to pure PLA. The mechanism of intumescence was also reported.

Stretchable fabrics have diverse applications ranging from casual apparel to performance sportswear andcompression therapy. Compression therapy is the universally accepted treatment for the managementof hypertrophic scarring after severe burns. Mostly stretchable knitted fabrics are used in compressiontherapy; but in the recent past, some studies have also been found on bi-stretch woven fabrics beingused as compression garments as they also have been found quite effective in the treatment of edema.Therefore, the objective of the present study is to compare the compression properties of stretchableknitted and bi-stretch woven fabrics for compression garments. For this purpose, four woven structuresand four knitted structures were produced having same areal density and their compression, comfort andmechanical properties were compared before and after 5, 10 and 15 washes. The four knitted structuresused were single jersey, single locaste, plain pique and honeycomb, whereas the four woven structuresproduced were 1/1 plain, 2/1 twill, 3/1 twill and 4/1 twill. The compression properties of the producedsamples were tested by using kikuhime pressure sensor and it was found that bi-stretch woven fabricspossessed better compression properties before and after washes and retain their durability after repeateduse, whereas knitted stretchable fabrics lost their compression ability after repeated use and the requiredsub-garment pressure of the knitted structures after 15 washes was almost half that of woven bi-stretchfabrics.

The present paper envisages the multi-response optimization of certain factors like elastane linear density,fabric thread density and weave float on some mechanical, (i.e. stretch %, recovery %) and comfort (i.e. airpermeability) properties of bi-stretch woven fabrics, under L18 orthogonal array in Taguchi design. Fabricsamples were produced using elastane core-spun cotton yarns both in the warp and weft. The elastanelinear density, fabric thread density and weave float size were used as predictor variables, while fabricair permeability, stretch and recovery were taken as response variables. Two different elastane lineardensities, i.e. 44 dtex and 78 dtex, 3 different thread densities and 3 different weave designs, i.e. 1/1 plain,2/2 z-twill and 3/3 z-twill were used. The results have been analysed using grey relational analysis for theidentification of an optimum level of process factors. Furthermore, using analysis of variance method,significant contributions of predictor variables were determined.

The techniques to find appropriate new models for data sets are very popular nowadays among the researchers of this area where existed models in the literature are not suitable. In this paper, a new distribution, generalized inverted Kumaraswamy (GIKum) distribution is introduced. The main aims of this research are to develop a general form of inverted Kumaraswamy (IKum) distribution which is flexible than the IKum distribution and all of its related and sub models. Some properties of GIKum distribution such as measures of central tendency and dispersion, models of stress-strength, limiting distributions, characterization of GIKum distribution and related probability distributions through some specific transformations are derived. The mathematical expressions of reliability function (r.f) and the hazard rate function (hrf) of the GIKum distribution are found and presented through their graphs. The parameters estimation through the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation method is used and the results are applied to the data set of prices of wooden toys of 31 children.

Warp sizing is an established method for improving the weaveability of textile yarns by coating orimpregnating warp yarns with a polymer that improves the efficiency of the weaving operation. Despiteits high cost, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) normally shows better adhesion to fibers than other sizing agents likestarch which makes it an essential constituent of size liquor recipe. However PVA desized effluent is a majorchemical oxygen demand contributor to a textile plant’s primary oxygenation treatment of water operationand being biologically inert and presents a major threat to the environment. Therefore, the recovery andrecycling of PVA will not only be cost-effective but will also be eco-friendly. The aim of this research workis to recycle the warp size materials and to study the comparison of yarn mechanical properties sized withrecycled materials to the properties of yarn sized with conventional sizing. Ultrafiltration reverse osmosistechnology is used for the recovery and recycling of PVA size material. For this purpose, Ne 16/1 and Ne21/1 carded 100% cotton yarns were used and sized with both conventional sizing recipe and by 50%recycled PVA together with 50% fresh sizing recipe. It was found that yarn sized through recycled PVA sizingrecipe has almost the same (slightly lower) mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation andabrasion resistance as compared to yarn sized through conventional sizing recipe.

Cadmium (Cd) is a biologically non-essential heavy metal while the cultivation of Cd-tolerant varieties/hybrids (V) seems the most promising strategy for remediation of Cd-contaminated soils. For this, 24-day-old seedlings of seven maize hybrids, DKC 65-25, DKC 61-25, DKC 919, 23-T-16, 32-B-33, 31-P-41, and Syn hybrid, were grown in hydroponic conditions for 21 additional days in various Cd concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15 μM). Effects of variety, Cd, and their interaction were highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) for studied plant agronomic and physiological traits except the V × Cd interaction for leaf chlorophyll content, root-shoot length, and root dry weight. The Cd accumulation in root and shoot increased gradually with increasing Cd treatments while copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) uptake was decreased in all hybrids. The reduction in root and shoot biomass and Cd uptake was lower in 32-B-33 and 23-T-16 compared to other hybrids. The highest accumulation of Cu, Zn, and Mn was observed in 32-B-33, DK C65-25, and 31-P-41, respectively. The differential uptake and accumulation of Cd by maize hybrids may be useful in selection and breeding for Cd-tolerant genotypes.

Heating fabric is an advanced textile materialthat is extensively researched by the industrialists and thescientists alike. Ability to create highly flexible and drapeableheating fabrics has many applications in everyday life.This paper presents a study conducted on the comparisonof heatability of knitted fabric made of stainless steelyarn. The purpose of the study is to find a suitable materialfor protective clothing against cold environments. Inthe current research the ampacity of stainless steel yarn isobserved in order to prevent the overheating of the heatingfabrics. The behavior of the knitted structure is studiedfor different levels of supply voltage. Infrared temperaturesensing is used to measure the heat generated from the fabricsin order to measure the temperature of the fabrics withoutphysical contact. It is concluded that interlock structureis one of the most suited structures for knitted heating fabrics.As learnt through this research, fabrics made of stainlesssteel yarn are capable of producing a higher level ofheating compared to that of knitted fabric made using silvercoated polymeric yarn at the same supply voltage.

The paper investigates the effects of weave structure and fabric thread density on the comfort and mechanical properties of various test fabrics woven from polyester/cotton yarns. Three different weave structures, that is, 1/1 plain, 2/1 twill and 3/1 twill, and three different fabric densities were taken as input variables whereas air permeability, overall moisture management capacity, tensile strength and tear strength of fabrics were taken as response variables and a comparison is made of the effect of weave structure and fabric density on the response variables. The results of fabric samples were analysed in Minitab statistical software. The coefficients of determinations (R-sq values) of the regression equations show a good predictive ability of the developed statistical models. The findings of the study may be helpful in deciding appropriate manufacturing specifications of woven fabrics to attain specific comfort and mechanical properties.

Aim of the study The present study aimed at documenting the indigenous knowledge on medicinal flora from the local communities residing near Swat River and high mountainous areas in Swat, Pakistan. Materials and methods Field study was carried out in 2013−14. The area was visited 17 times, and semi-structured and open-ended interviews were conducted in both the plain area nearby the Swat River (4 villages) and mountains (7 villages). A total of 83 erudite informants participated in the interviews with their prior consent. The collected data were analysed through quantitative indices viz., medicinal use value (MUV), relative frequency citation (RFC), family use value (FUV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL). Results A total of 78 species belonging to 45 vascular plant families were documented as medicinally important. Lamiaceae was observed the dominant medicinal plant family with 11 species, leaf was the most used part, and powder the most preferred preparation type. Maximum MUV (1) was shared by 15 species while maximum RFC (0.385) was demonstrated by both Brassica juncea and Lepidium sativum. Smaller families with mostly 1 species showed higher FUV while among the larger families Amaryllidaceae and Papaveraceae showed maximum FUV of 0.89 and 0.87, respectively. Highest FL was shown by Mentha arvensis (70%) against gastrointestinal diseases. Highest ICF was demonstrated by hepatic disorders (0.93). Furthermore, we revealed 108 indigenous herbal medicinal recipes, 6 plants added to the medicinal plant trade list, 1 species (Vincetoxicum arnottianum) reported for the first time as medicinal plant, and several new uses for 49 well known medicinal plants. Conclusion The present survey documents diverse plant species that are utilised by local communities for treating a broad spectrum of disorders. Quantitative indices helped in marking important and most preferred plants. To conclude, we recommend the plants for pharmacological studies, documenting new uses, especially Vincetoxicum arnottianum, never screened before.

Abundant plant growth and development prominently rely on adequate supply of macro and micro nutrients. Among various nutrients, nitrogen (N) and boron (B) holds great importance in sustaining and enhancing the productivity of sunflower. In calcareous soils of Pakistan, B deficiency is prevalent that affects the uptake of nutrients. The present field study aimed to assess the impact of B on biomass production and nutrient absorption in calcareous soils by considering different B doses (0‒6 kg ha -1 ) under variable N rates (50‒100% RN ‘recommended nitrogen’) for consecutive two years of 2011 and 2012. The growth traits as leaf area index, leaf area duration, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate and dry matter accumulation were significantly affected with B rate of 3.20‒3.50 kg ha -1 with 100% RN. In addition, B rate of 3.44 kg ha -1 with 100% RN produced maximum biological yield and harvest index in both years. Leaf and achene N contents were higher by 3.32 and 3.38 kg B ha -1 , respectively with 100% RN fertilization as compared to 75% RN and 50% RN. B fertilization at 3.50 kg ha -1 also had highest B contents in leaf and achenes under 100% RN. The lower B contents were found at reduced level of 50% RN in contrast to 100% RN. Chlorophyll pigments (chl a, b and total) were also affected positively with B rate of 3.46 kg ha -1 under highest level of N nutrition. However, higher biomass production and mineral uptake could be obtained at 3.0-3.50 kg ha -1 B rate with 100% RN compared to 75% RN and 50% RN nutrition. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers

Lead (Pb) is the second most toxic heavy metal after arsenic (As), which has no role in biological systems. Pb toxicity causes a range of damages to plants from germination to yield formation; however, its toxicity is both time and concentration dependent. Its exposure at higher rates disturbs the plant water and nutritional relations and causes oxidative damages to plants. Reduced rate of seed germination and plant growth under stress is mainly due to Pb interference with enzymatic activities, membrane damage and stomatal closure because of induction of absicic acid and negative correlation of Pb with potassium in plants. Pb induced structural changes in photosynthetic apparatus and reduced biosynthesis of chlorophyll pigments cause retardation of carbon metabolism. In this review, the noxious effects of Pb on germination, stand establishment, growth, water relations, nutrient uptake and assimilation, ultra-structural and oxidative damages, carbon metabolism and enzymatic activities in plants are reported. The Pb dynamics in soil rhizosphere and role of remediation strategies i.e. physical, chemical and biological to decontaminate the Pb polluted soils has also been described. Among them, biological strategies, including phytoremediation, microbe-assisted remediation and remediation by organic amendments, are cost effective and environmentally sound remedies for cleaning Pb contaminated soils. Use of organic manures and some agricultural practices have the potential to harvest better crops yield of good quality form Pb contaminated soils.

Limited remobilization of Zn from vegetative tissues into grains via phloem is a major physiological barrier against Zn loading into cereal grains. In present experiment, doubled-haploid mapping population (150 lines, derived from Clipper ×Sahara) of barley was genetically characterized for differential Zn remobilization. The germplasm was grown under glasshouse conditions. Leaves (upper three), stem (the rest of the plant) and mature grains were sampled from the main-tillers at anthesis and maturity for Zn analysis. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) regulating time to anthesis, plant biomass, Zn concentration in vegetative tissues and remobilization of Zn from these tissues into grains were identified using a genetic linkage map of 485 markers. A significant variation existed in grain Zn concentration among the lines (27–75 μg Zn g−1), and it correlated with the amount of Zn remobilized from vegetative tissues into grains. Sahara remobilized 37 % of pre-anthesis Zn reserves into grains; the presence of its alleles at all QTL associated with leaf (3 QTL) and stem (2 QTL) Zn remobilization increased the trait score. Present study provided an insight into the genetic basis of Zn remobilization from vegetative tissues into barley grains. Such information is useful in breeding for Zn biofortification.

Fertilization of grain legumes with zinc (Zn) can affect both marketable yield and Zn content of the grain, which is important in addressing human nutritional deficiencies in certain regions of the world. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the response of three different market classes of lentil to Zn fertilization using ten surface soils from Saskatchewan (Canada). The distribution of Zn among labile and stable fractions chemically separated from the soil was also determined in the ten prairie soils and related to the lentil responses observed. The three market classes of lentils (large and small green, small red) were grown without Zn (control), and with 2.5 and 5 kg Zn ha−1 added as zinc sulfate to each soil prior to planting. Zinc fertilizer application significantly influenced grain yield and was soil dependent. A significant increase in grain yield over the control was observed from application of Zn on some low organic matter, high pH Brown Chernozem soils whereas a decrease in gra...

In this study, six different woven samples were produced on air jet loom with two different weave designs (i.e. 3/1 twilland 1/1 plain), three different picking sequences (i.e. single pick insertion (SPI), double pick insertion (DPI) and threepick insertion (3PI)). All the woven samples were singed, desized, bleached and finished together at industrial scale, as asingle lot. The effect of these factors on the wetting, wicking and air permeability (AP) of the fabric samples wasanalysed. It was revealed that the fabric weave design and picking sequence has statistically significant effect on fabricwetting time, water spreading speed and AP of the fabric. It was found that fabrics woven in twill weave design andwith simultaneous 3PI give significantly better AP, shorter wetting time and better water spreading rate as compared toplain woven fabrics and those with double or SPI. It could be concluded that the thermophysiological comfort of wovenfabrics may be significantly improved simply by selecting a suitable weave design and picking sequence.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have various considerable implications, especially in agriculture, biomedical engineering, and environmental remediation techniques, making it critical to evaluate their role in the environment and plant species. NPs are extensively being used widely in many industries because of their unique properties. However, this leads to their discharge into the surrounding environments and absorption by plants. The quality of foodstuff obtained from NP-enriched plants is questionable and current research is focused on this environmental problem. This chapter addresses the role of NPs in agriculture, and their toxic effects on different physiological, biochemical, and quality parameters of plants. Moreover, types and characteristics of NPs are also discussed in this chapter. There are different types of NPs such as graphene, nanoscale zero-valent iron, NiO, fullerene, CuO, ZnO, SiO2, carbon nanotube, Ag, and CeO2. The use, functions, and potential toxic effects of NPs depend upon their physicochemical properties, concentration, and interaction with plant species. The toxic effects of NPs can be avoided by controlling various factors such as diameter, surface area, and appropriate route selection. It is widely accepted that phytotoxicity of NPs is evidenced by genotoxicity, increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction in antioxidative enzymes. NPs first interact with the cell walls. After entering the cells, they may aggravate alterations of membranes, molecules, and cell organelles, increasing solubilization of harmful NPs and ROS production. In addition, there is an intrinsic plant detoxification mechanism of NPs when exposed to nanotoxicity. Free metal radicals, which are produced during oxidative stress, work as signaling molecules, hence activating the ROS detoxification and antioxidant defense mechanism in plants to cope with NP toxicity. In the future, a closer view of nanomaterial-driven phytotoxicity is required to specify how these NPs affect plant biota.

In order to alleviate the drought adversities on maize (Zea mays L.)biomass accumulation and radiation useefficiency (RUE), a field study was conducted under drought stress levels of D1 = well-watered, D2 = droughtstress at blister stage, D3 = drought stress at blister and dough stages; and integrated nutrition levels, N0 =control, N1 = NPK, 125-60-62 kg ha-1, N2 = NPK, 125-60-62 kg ha-1 + FYM at 10 t ha-1, N3 = NPK, 125-60-62 kgha-1 + FYM at 15 t ha-1, N4 = NPK, 250-120-125 kg ha-1, N5 = NPK, 250-120-125 kg ha-1 + FYM at 10 t ha-1, N6 =NPK, 250-120-125 kg ha-1 + FYM at 15 t ha-1. Drought stress caused a significant decline in growth traits,interception of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), RUE and finally biomass production. The highestleaf area index, leaf area duration, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, interception of PAR and dry matteraccumulation was recorded in plants applied with NPK (250-120-125 kg ha-1) in combination with FYM (15 tha-1), whereas only NPK application did not significantly improve light interception and dry biomassproduction. Fraction of intercepted (Fi) radiation was significantly improved by integrated nutrientmanagement under well-watered as well as drought stress conditions. A substantial decrease in total drymatter and grain yield basis RUE was recorded from higher to lower plant nutrition rates, as the highest valueof RUE was found with treated plants of 250-120-125 kg NPK ha-1 + FYM at 15 t ha-1. Thus, our studydemonstrates that supplemental NPK with FYM is an effective strategy to boost the drought tolerance throughimproved RUE and biomass accumulation in maize., In order to alleviate the drought adversities on maize (Zea mays L.)biomass accumulation and radiation use efficiency (RUE), a field study was conducted under drought stress levels of D1 = well-watered, D2 = drought stress at blister stage, D3 = drought stress at blister and dough stages; and integrated nutrition levels, N0 = control, N1 = NPK, 125-60-62 kg ha-1, N2 = NPK, 125-60-62 kg ha-1 + FYM at 10 t ha-1, N3 = NPK, 125-60-62 kg ha-1 + FYM at 15 t ha-1, N4 = NPK, 250-120-125 kg ha-1, N5 = NPK, 250-120-125 kg ha-1 + FYM at 10 t ha-1, N6 = NPK, 250-120-125 kg ha-1 + FYM at 15 t ha-1. Drought stress caused a significant decline in growth traits, interception of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), RUE and finally biomass production. The highest leaf area index, leaf area duration, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, interception of PAR and dry matter accumulation was recorded in plants applied with NPK (250-120-125 kg ha-1) in combination with FYM (15 t ha-1), whereas only NPK application did not significantly improve light interception and dry biomass production. Fraction of intercepted (Fi) radiation was significantly improved by integrated nutrient management under well-watered as well as drought stress conditions. A substantial decrease in total dry matter and grain yield basis RUE was recorded from higher to lower plant nutrition rates, as the highest value of RUE was found with treated plants of 250-120-125 kg NPK ha-1 + FYM at 15 t ha-1. Thus, our study demonstrates that supplemental NPK with FYM is an effective strategy to boost the drought tolerance through improved RUE and biomass accumulation in maize.

The Hindu-Kush Himalaya region extends over 4 million km2 across the eight countries. Knowingly, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is considered the principal altitudinal permafrost constituent on earth and is deemed as the third ‘pole’. Among which, the Zoige wetlands are located in the northeastern boundary of QTP, wrapping a total area of 6180 km2 with an average altitude of 3500 m. This entire region is the hotspot for methane emission since the last decade. Given the importance of methane emission, many studies have focused on the effect of environmental fluctuations on the overall methane profile and, more recently on the methanogenic community structure. The current review summarizes recent advancements of the methanogenic community and methane profile and outlines a framework for better understanding of the microbial ecology of the Zoige wetlands, China. Moreover, as microorganisms are indispensable to biogeochemical cycles, especially for methane, they are believed to be the best indicators to identify the condition of wetlands. Hence, we suggest that, underpinning the microbial profile could help understand the status of a wetland.

Production of microalgae as feedstock for biofuels must deal with a number of challenges including constraints imposed by local conditions. One solution is to use indigenous strains adapted to local climatic conditions. The present report describes the isolation, identification, and characterization of 32 microalgal strains from different ecological habitats: desert freshwater channels, northern region, and saline regions of Pakistan. The effects of temperature on algal growth rates, biomass productivity, and lipid content were determined through growth at 12, 20, and 35 &deg, C for 15 days under 2% CO2 Responses to temperature varied among species with 20 &deg, C being the optimum temperature in general, although, exceptionally, the best overall growth rate was found for strain S29 (0.311 d&minus, 1) at 12 &deg, C. In some cases high biomass productivity was observed at 35 &deg, C, and, depending upon the strain, the maximum lipid content was obtained at different temperatures, including 12 &deg, C. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis showed that the major fatty acids present were palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. Oleic acid (C18:1) was the predominant fatty acid, with the specific FAME profile varying with strain. Thus, there is a rich diversity of microalgal strains native to Pakistan, some of which, characterized here, could be suitable for biodiesel production or other biotechnological applications.

Recycling the waste for environmental protection has been an important challenge for the mankind. The fibrous waste in textile industry accounts for approximately 15% of the amount of fibers used, leading to a lower yield %. The current study focused to use this waste as reinforcement to produce a fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Reinforcements were woven in 3/1 S twill, using yarn produced from noil waste and knitting waste in the weft direction. The weft yarn count, type of waste material and number of picks were the variables of study. Laminated composites were fabricated from these reinforcements and the mechanical properties (tensile, bending and impact) were compared to the conventional glass fiber composites. The specific mechanical properties of these composites were found comparable or less than that of glass fiber composites.

Starch, being a polyhydric compound with its natural charring ability, is an ideal candidate to serve as a carbonization agent in an intumescent system. This charring ability of starch, if accompanied by an acidic source, can generate an effective intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system, but the performance of starch-based composites in an IFR system has not been tested in detail. Here, we describe a PLA-based IFR system consisting of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as acidic source and cornstarch as carbon source. We prepared different formulations by melt compounding followed by molding into sheets by hot pressing. The thermal behavior and surface morphology of the composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy respectively. We also conducted limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, and cone calorimetry tests to characterize the flame-retardant properties. Cone calorimetry revealed a 66% reduction in the peak heat release rate of the IFR composites compared to pure PLA and indicated the development of an intumescent structure by leaving a residual mass of 43% relative to the initial mass of the sample. A mechanism of char formation has also been discussed in detail.

Production of phosphorus efficient crop cultivars can increase food productivity and decrease environmental pollution. Categorization of existing germplasm is a prerequisite to develop P efficient crop cultivars. For first experiment, 30 wheat genotypes were grown in hydroponics with two P levels (i.e., deficit, 20 μm KH2PO4 and adequate, 200 μm KH2PO4). Genotypes differed significantly for various P efficiency parameters. Two genotypes (Dirk and Bhakkar-02) showed < 25% decrease in growth at P deficiency. Genotype Seher-06 proved to be inefficient. Twelve selected genotypes based on the first experiment were sown in soil with two P levels (0 and 30 mg P kg-1) till maturity. As expected, genotypes differed for grain yield at both P levels. The efficient cultivars selected on the basis of both absolute and relative dry matter production at both P levels such as Dirk. Genotypes were grouped into three, four and nine classes on the basis of various parameters for P efficiency as proposed by different researchers. Most genotypes behaved in a similar fashion by different categorization methods and also at different P supply. The method to categorize the genotypes into three classes and plotting them into 9 classes proposed by Gill and his coworkers, is the best to differentiate the minor differences in genotypes. At least three different parameters at both P regimes should be used. The parameters may vary as per objectives of the study and/or growth conditions.

Surgical gowns are the shielding cloths worn by the surgical team throughout a surgery to save them from bloodpathogens of the patient being operated, and to avoid bacterial infections. Barrier effectiveness of a fabric depends uponthe liquid penetration resistance and pathogen resistance of the fabric. The objective of this study was to analyze theeffect of different weave structures and fabric thread densities on the barrier effectiveness of the woven surgical gowns.Twelve fabric samples were produced using three different weave structures, i.e. 1/1 plain, 2/2 z-twill, and 3/3 z-twill,and four different fabric constructions and then completed with a water repellent finish. Water repellency spray test andair permeability test were conducted on each of the 12 woven samples. The results of fabric samples were analyzed inMinitab statistical software. The coefficients of determinations (R2 values) of the regression equations show goodprediction ability of the developed statistical models. The findings of the study may be helpful in deciding appropriatemanufacturing specifications of surgical gowns to attain maximum barrier effectiveness.

A compression sportswear fabric should have excellent stretch and recovery properties in order to improve theperformance of the sportsman. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of elastane linear density andloop length on the stretch, recovery, and compression properties of the weft-knitted polyamide/elastane (PA/EL)stretchable fabrics used in sportswear. Two different tests were performed to study the stretch and recovery properties ofthe fabric 1st: under low power force and 2nd: cyclic loading under high tension force. Kikuhime pressure sensor wasused to measure the pressure generated by different PA/EL knitted sample garment sleeves. It was found that with theincrease in elastane linear density there is an increase in fabric course density, areal density, recovery percentage, andcompression, and fabric stretch percentage and elongation percentage decreased in both course and wale direction. Theresults of fabric samples were analyzed in Minitab statistical software. The coefficients of determinations (R2 values) ofthe regression equations showed good prediction ability of the developed statistical models.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of elastane linear density, thread density, and weave float on the stretch, recovery, and compression properties of bi-stretch woven fabrics for compression garments. Fabric samples were produced using elastane core-spun cotton yarns both in the warp and weft. The elastane linear density, fabric thread density, and weave float size were used as input variables while fabric contraction, subgarment pressure, fabric stretch, and recovery were taken as response variables. Two different elastane linear densities, i.e. 44 and 78 dtex, two different thread densities, and three different weave designs, i.e. 1/1 plain, 2/2 z-twill, and 3/3 z-twill were used. The results of fabric samples were analyzed in Minitab statistical software. The coefficients of determinations (R-sq values) of the regression equations showed good prediction ability of the developed statistical models. The findings of the study may be helpful in deciding appropriate manufacturing specifications of bi-stretch fabrics to attain specific stretch, recovery, and compression properties.