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The entropy of a graph is a functional depending both on the graph itself and on a probability distribution on its vertex set. The second law of thermodynamics establishes the concept of entropy as a physical property of a thermodynamic system. Graph entropies defined for various graph invariants have shown applications in different fields of physics, chemistry, statistics, biology, and social sciences. In this paper, we define graph entropies in terms of fifth geometric-arithmetic index, fourth atom-bond connectivity index and Sanskruti index. We computed the bounds of these graph entropies for arbitrary graphs and for molecular graphs of single-walled armchair carbon nanotube Y-junctions and constructed the regression equations between the computed entropies and topological invariants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to a vast range of medicinal and edible waterbird species due to its diverse geographical environment. Waterbird species have been used for various ailments and cultural practices since ancient times, while ethno-pharmacological applications and cultural uses of waterbird species in this area have seldom been documented. This study is the first ethnomedicinal and cultural assessment of waterbird species, and the first compilation and listing of all known data on these species in Eastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from native respondents (N = 100). To analyze the data, principal component analysis (PCA), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL%), relative popularity level (RPL), rank order priority, and similarity index were used. Results: In total, 64 waterbird species were utilized in cultural practices, of which 40 species are used to cure different infectious and chronic diseases such as cold, cough, flu, fever, respiratory disorders, asthma, TB, gastric ulcers, kidney stones, male impotency, obesity, paralysis, piles, cancer, arthritis, body pain, and weakness. PCA showed significant differences in the use of waterbird species among the local inhabitants of the study area, separated along the axis-2 (p < 0.05). The FL% of waterbird species varied from 12 to 100%. 100% FL was analyzed for four waterbird species, i.e., Charadrius mongolus (cold), Gallicrex cinerea (asthma), Anas platyrhynchos (cancer), and Esacus recurvirostris (body weakness). In this study, Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) was the most popular species used in the healthcare system of Eastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with high RFC (4.06), FL% (100), and RPL (1.0) values. Conclusion: We concluded that waterbird species are more used for medicine and food purposes in the study area. However, in vitro/in vivo assessment of biochemical activities of waterbird species with a maximum FL% might be significant to produce novel drugs. Recent research shows important ethno-ornithological information about native people and their links with waterbird species, which might be helpful for the sustainable use of waterbird diversity in the research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a new iterative scheme (NIS) to investigate the approximate solution of the fourth-order parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) that arises in transverse vibration problems. We introduce the Mohand transform as a new operator that is very easy to implement coupled with the homotopy perturbation method. This NIS is capable of reducing the linearization, perturbation, and restrictive assumptions that ruin the nature of the numerical problems. Some numerical examples are demonstrated to legitimate the accuracy and authenticity of this NIS. The computational results are obtained in the shape of a series that converges only after a few iterations. The comparison of the graphical representations shows that NIS is a very simple but also an effective approach for other numerical problems involving complex variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the recent economic crisis of the world, producing low-cost objects in every field of science and engineering is the main topic of research. Making small in-sized objects, low in budget and weight, and efficient in quality is necessary for the present and future world. In this whole scenario, nanotechnology contributing more than enough. Nanomaterials and nano-objects are highly preferable, carbon nanotubes are one of the highly chosen structures of nanomaterials, which is used in different chemical, biological, and technological fields. This thought leads us to study its different aspects of physical and chemical properties. Topological descriptors are used to characterize different molecular structures by making its numerical quantitative analysis. This article deals with different carbon nanotube structures, studying their chemical and physical characterizations and comparing armchair, semicapped, and capped carbon nanotubes. It provides the best option by making comparative analysis with different tools and algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the degree based topological properties of the novel planar metal-organic networks TM – TCNB. Interestingly, the TM – TCNB systems are metallic in any event in one turn heading and show long-run ferromagnetic coupling on the off chance that for attractive structures, which speak to perfect applicants and a fascinating possibility of uncommon applications in spintronics. Chemical graph theory plays an important role in modeling and designing any chemical structure. The topological indices are the numerical invariants of a molecular graph and are very useful for predicting their physical properties. We have computed the degree based topological indices for this metal-organic networks TM – TCNB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G. Polya laid the foundation of counting polynomials in chemical graph theory. These polynomials can be associated with various graphs to signify their properties. In this study, a new concept has been introduced to construct the counting polynomials such as, Sadhana Theta and PI polynomials in terms of omega polynomial. A star expression has been established in order to transform equidistant into non equidistant edges. Furthermore, new relations have also been evolved to calculate Theta, PI and Sadhana Indices through Omega polynomial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an innovative approach to determine the approximate solution of the coupled time-fractional Keller-Segel (K-S) model. We use the fractional complex transform (FCT) to switch the model into its differential partner, and then, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is introduced to tackle its nonlinear elements using He's polynomials. This two-scale theory helps to define the physical meaning of the FCT for the solution of the K-S model. Some examples are illustrated to show that the proposed scheme presents the significant results. The considerable findings show that this strategy does not require any assumptions and also reduces the massive computations without imposing any constraints. This technique is also suitable in functional studies of fractal calculus due to its powerful and robust support for nonlinear problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the approximate solution of the casting-mould heterogeneous system with Caputo derivative under the homotopy idea. The symmetry design of the system contains the integer partial differential equations and the fractional-order partial differential equations. We apply Yang transform homotopy perturbation method (Y T-HPM) to find the approximate solution of temperature distribution in the casting-mould heterogeneous system. The Y T-HPM is a combined form of Yang transform (Y T) and the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) using He's polynomials. Some examples are provided to demonstrate the superiority of the suggested technique. The significant findings reveal that Y T-HPM minimizes the enormous without imposing any assumptions. Due to its powerful and robust support for nonlinear problems, this approach presents a remarkable appearance in the functional studies of fractal calculus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsteady energy and mass transport of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) second grade nanofluid via an exponentially extending surface with Dufour and Soret effects are investigated in this study. Variable thermal conductivity and mixed convection effects are used to investigate the heat transfer mechanism. There are also new characteristics such as slip flow, viscous dissipation, Brownian motion, nonlinear thermal radiation, and thermophoresis. In the problem formulation, the boundary-layer approximation is used. Using the suitable transformations, the energy, momentum, and concentration equations are generated into non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The solution to the resultant problems was calculated via the Homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of environmental parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are graphically depicted. When comparing the current results to the previous literature, there was also a satisfactory level of agreement. In comparison to a flow based on constant characteristics, the flow with variable thermal conductivity is shown to be significantly different and realistic. The temperature of the fluid grew in direct proportion to the thermophoresis motion, buoyancy ratio, and Brownian motion parameters. According to the findings, the slippery porous surface may be employed efficiently in chemical and mechanical sectors that deal with a variety of very viscous flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the war of independence in 1857, the Muslims fell into the trench of decay and collapse. The menace of English rule and Hindu majority was a big threat to the Muslim existence. Since the inception of British rule, the Muslims were in an endeavor to preserve their identity. For this objective many Muslim leaders had to bear the hardships. After a long struggle Muslims were able to establish a separate homeland for their existence. It was possible not only through political movement but also through education and religious motivation. For this purpose many political and religious leaders played their role effectively. Syed Na'īm Al-Dīn Murādabādi's was one among such personalities. His services are multidimensional. He not only organized the Muslims of Sub continent but also presented his Two Nation theory and the idea of separate homeland for the Musilms long before 'Allāma Dr. Muhammad Iqbāl. He also tried to provide the new born country Pakistan legal bases to run the state affairs. This article is an endeavor to highlight his services rendered in political sphere of the Subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date seed oil was cooled to −20°C, filtered to produce olein fraction (OF, yield 38%), olein was further cooled to −30°C to produce super olein fraction (SOF, yield 22%), kept in amber glass bottles at 25–30°C for 90 days. HPLC analysis showed that phenolic compounds were intensified in olein and super olein of date seed oil. In SOF, concentrations of chromatographic acid, quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, p‐coumeric acid, m‐coumeric acid, and ferulic acid were 26.11 mg/100 g, 245.61 mg/100 g, 23.72 mg/100 g, 115.19 mg/100 g, 133.42 mg/100 g, 18.74 mg/100 g, 83.25 mg/100 g, 53.47 mg/100 g, and 49.97 mg/100 g. The concentrations of C18:1 in date seed oil, olein, and super olein were 43.64%, 48.91%, and 55.37%, respectively. Total phenolic contents of date seed oil, olein, and super olein were 191, 295, and 343 mg GAE/100 g. At the end of storage, the peroxide value of date seed oil, olein, and super olein was 0.55, 0.71, and 0.85 (MeqO2/kg) with no difference in color, smell, and taste. Practical applications: Increased information on nutrition‐ and health‐associated disorders has a great influence on the development of functional foods. Unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, phytochemicals, and other bioactive compounds contained in vegetable oils have a large number of health benefits. Traditionally used vegetable oils are subjected to refining, bleaching, and deodorization to produce bland oils that lead to a complete elimination of almost all bioactive compounds. Date seed oil can be used in raw forms, and olein and super olein fractions of date seed oil were first time produced. Olein and super olein fractions had a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds than date seed oil with no difference in sensory characteristics. Olein and super olein fractions can be used in the development of the large number of functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truly, the translations of the Holy Quran, made by the Orientalism, is a vast area of study that can never be mentioned her in these few pages. Rather this task is increasing day by day, not only in positive sense but even in negative sense too i.e. in the form of deformation of the actual text though it be the Quranic text or the Hadith text. As here it is being investigated about the Quranic text, the translations of the Holy Quran are being evaluated. This task, particularly, that has been completed by a British scholar i.e. Edward Henry Palmer seems to be a worthy task though it has been intended, particularly, the distortion of the Holy Quran in the form of a translation but as we know that neither the Quranic arrangement and construction of the text nor the internal sense thereof can be changed by anybody for being assured by Allah Almighty Himself in the chapter Hijr as follows: {Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an), and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).} [15:9] Therefore, now it can be challenged to everyone that they can never affect its reliability and accuracy. Only for being just in recollecting the favors of Allah Almighty upon us, it has been intended to make our own contribution unto the safety and sanctity of the Holy Quran through having the “Syntactic Errors” pointed out and falsified made by a prominent western scholar Edward Henry Palmer whose translation has been a valuable data for the modern intellectuals of the West specially. Palmer’s English translation of the Holy Quran has been written in an innovative style and, hence, the errors found therein, in my view, has been made only for its being innovative. Our main aim in writing this article is to stimulate the Muslims to have enough knowledge and interest within this area because the awareness concerning the Ultimate Word of God Almighty will make them capable to wipe out the deformation caused by the translations of the Orientalists, particularly, the translation of Edward Henry Palmer wherewith a confusing situation has been created through the distortion of the meanings of the Holy Quran and, hence, the intelligentsia has been confused and caused to be distracted because the beauty of the Holy Quran has been veiled in the form of corruption and distortion so much that whenever a westerner is told about the Holy Quran, they take it as an abuse because the reality found therein has been defamed though this article is expected to wipe out most of the misconceptions about the holy Quran. May Allah Almighty accept from us this contribution and make it a channel of direction and assistance unto the mankind as well as the cause of our own salvation! Amen! [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, software development efforts are being plagued by projects which are released with delays and failure to meet user expectations. Agile approaches, which are a new set of software development processes depending on the notions of adaptation and flexibility, are currently being promoted as a solution to solve these recurring issues and pave the way for future success. An estimate involving costs, complexity, effort, and a timeframe within Agile Software approaches is required for accurate assessment and similar project data. The preceding methods, including analogy and planning poker, are useless in the presence of past records and expertise. The current study in Agile Development and Efficient estimate is the topic of this study. Also, it emphasizes the issues with current agile processes, proposing a solution for correct cost and effort estimates as an outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing human behaviors using computer-based approaches is a new dimension of digital humanity. It integrates computing with healthcare, psychology, and social media. Like other healthcare and medical-related problems, anxiety and depressive disorders are common in Pakistan. In the existing era, this disease is not only affecting people of all ages but the impact of depression is also witnessed on social media communications. On social media, anyone could not guess about the mental conditions of a user through his/ her tweets or comments. Especially, the prediction of depressed unknown users through his behavior on social media is a hard task. Computer science and the medical domain can eliminate such healthcare-related issues. In this paper, a system has been proposed to detect and analyze the behavior of a user on social media. The proposed system comprises of an algorithm that performs sentimental analysis of users’ tweets and comments and a web-based platform to share best practices and success stories of users who have recovered from the disease. The system has been tested on real-time data obtained from tweeter using Application Programming Interface (API). Top trends have been focused to obtain the data and the proposed system successfully detected the users under depression. After working on the huge dataset, the proposed system will be a good contribution to humanity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbon nanotube is made up of a molecular structure of a regular hexagonal lattice. This tube can be extended by closing one- or both end of the tube, denoted by semi-capped and capped nanotube. Due to its different structures, it is categorized into three forms, despite every form or shape, it has a wide range of usage. As a memory device, current-carrying device, regenerative study of medicines, and highly recommended in tissue engineering. Due to its numerous applications, there is immense interest to study its physical and chemical properties. As nanotube and its shape is motivated by a molecular structure and topological descriptors are also tools to study different molecular structures, we use this tool to analyze different nanotube structures like armchair carbon, semi-capped, and capped nanotube by Zagreb indices and its co-indices. Moreover, we also compared capped (semi or full) and uncapped armchair carbon nanotube and provided sufficient results of the comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress is a major abiotic stress limiting the crop production worldwide. Salt accumulation in root zone and uptake of toxic ions (i.e., Na+ and Cl- ) causes disturbance in water uptake by osmotic stress, oxidative stress, salt injury of roots and specific ion toxicity to the plants reducing the crop growth and production. Silicon (Si) treatment to stressed plants exhibits positive effect on growth, physiology and ionic homeostasis of plants. A study was conducted to check the varietal response of bread wheat genotypes against moderate (75 mM NaCl) and strong (150 mM NaCl) saline conditions in hydroponics and stressed plants were treated with exogenous silicon (2 mM) to evaluate it against saline stress in wheat seedling. Fifty days old wheat seedling showed negative response to saline stress under both levels but when treated with Si, its growth traits, tissue health parameters and ionic homeostasis were improved. Exogenous silicon application improved growth traits shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight upto 75% and tissue health parameter i.e., membrane stability index and relative water contents upto 61% as compared to salinity stress. It improved the ionic homeostasis in wheat seedling by decreasing the Na+ uptake upto 43 and 84% and increasing the K+ concentration by 26 to 39% respectively under moderate to strong saline conditions. Different genotypes showed different response against salinity and exogenous Silicon application. Faisalabad-08 and Anaj-17 performed best in all growth, physiological and ionic parameters and also ranked as top varieties in Principle component analysis on the basis of salt tolerance index. It was concluded that Faisalabad-08 and Anaj-17 has higher salt tolerance among all wheat genotypes tested, and silicon treatment to stressed plants increases the salt tolerance and improves growth traits, tissue health and ionic homeostasis in all wheat genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on antioxidant potential of cheddar cheese utilizing milk from cow and buffalo sources during ripening was conducted in 2019-20 at Institute of Food science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Pakistan. The cheese samples were placed at the controlled atmosphere (4°C) for ripening and were ripened for 3, 6 and 9 months. This research was conducted to evaluate antioxidant ability of cheddar cheese during ripening. Freeze dried water (WSE) and ethanol soluble fractions (ESE) of cheddar (cow and buffalo) were prepared and monitored for their antioxidant activities during ripening. Total antioxidant activity (TAA) of soluble fractions (WSE and ESE) was determined. Higher TAA was found in WSE (59.900 ± 1.59 μg/g trolox equivalent) and higher reducing power was observed in ESE (27.734 ± 5.76 μg/g) of buffalo milk cheddar cheese after 9 months of ripening. Increased values were found for total phenolic content (TPC) in freeze dried WSE (69.572 ± 5.88 μg/g gallic acid equivalent) and for DPPH in freeze-dried ESE (1436.1 ± 4.95 μmol/ml trolox equivalent) of cow milk cheddar cheese after 9 months of ripening. In short, it (cheddar cheese) can be utilized in manufacturing of functional foods due to its increased antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the study, different control practices, such as host plant resistance, imidacloprid seed treatment combined with the use of blue sticky traps, neem seed kernel extract, the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and synthetic insecticides (acephate and chlorfenapyr), were tested individually and in various combinations for managing thrips (Megalurothrips distalis). A mungbean genotype, 13TM-04, known for its comparative resistance, was chosen for these trials. The treatments, whether applied alone or in various combinations, showed significant differences in efficacy when compared with each other. A combination of treatments viz., imidacloprid seed treatment+ installation of blue sticky traps and chlorfenapyr 360 SC @ 100ml/acre spray was observed to be the most successful against thrips and resulted in maximum yield 1970.1 kg/ha of mungbean. While imidacloprid seed treatment with blue sticky trap installation, alone, did not show distinctive impact on the thrips population as well as on the yield in mungbean. The imidacloprid seeds treatment remained effective up to 38 days after sowing against the thrips. The application of chlorfenapyr and acephate, either individually as sprays or in combination with other control measures, resulted in a notable reduction in the thrips population. For the management of M. distalis in mungbean combination of imidacloprid seed treatment, blue sticky traps installation and chlorfenapyr at 100 ml/acre should be applied. Current studies provide useful information to adopt integrated pest management of thrips at Bhakkar district for the local farmers for better crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, single-doped (cobalt (Co), neodymium (Nd)), and co-doped (Co/Nd) ZnO thin films were fabricated through the hydrothermal method on a silicon substrate (100) and investigated structural, morphological, and optical characteristics. In this work, tunable bandgap engineering of single-phase Co/Nd co-doped ZnO nanorods was reported to be controlled through variation of dopant concentrations. The concentration of neodymium varies as 4, 8, and 12 % by weight, while cobalt is fixed up to 4 %. XRD confirms the phase purity and high crystalline nature of the prepared nanorods. The physical structural parameters such as-fabricated nanorods were investigated in detail. Furthermore, Scherrer, Williamson-Hall (W–H), and size-strain plot (SSP) methods were used to investigate the crystallite size and lattice strain. The optical parameters like absorbance (A), transmittance (%T), energy bandgap (E g), skin depth (δ), optical density (D opt), optical conductivity (σ opt), Urbach energy (Eu), and extinction coefficient (k), were investigated by UV–vis spectra. This study shows that grown films are suitable for modern optoelectronic applications. • Development of Co/Nd co-doped ZnO thin film on silicon (100) substrate. • Nanorods grown on the surface of the substrate. • Significant effect of Co and Nd concentration on ZnO optical properties. • Redshift in energy bandgap occurs at 12 % Nd doping. • The grown films are suitable for optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Drought stress negatively affects wheat crop production worldwide. Selection of drought tolerant varieties and application of silicon (Si) can help to uplift the crop production. The present investigation was aimed to screen drought tolerant wheat varieties by evaluating the potential of Si fertilization.Study was conducted in two sets of experiments, in first (hydroponic) investigation two wheat varieties out of eleven were screened out based upon agronomic parameters, membrane stability, potassium (K+) distribution and tolerance index. The screened varieties were then subjected to different silicon fertilizers under water deficit pot conditions in second experiment and impact of Si sources was monitored via agronomic, physiological and biochemical attributes.Faisalabad-08 and Anaj-17 were best performing varieties in tested parameters. The silica fertilizer application improved the growth, physiological, biochemical and ionic attributes under water deficit and increased the grain yield of crop. Among tested sources, silicic acid proved best as compared to other silicates in terms of ameliorating the osmotic stress. The silicic acid application improved the root and shoot growth parameters i.e. increased plant height by 13% and grain yield by 43%, relative water contents (30%), membrane stability (46%), antioxidant activity (up to 64%), organic solutes production and silicification of cell wall by increasing Si uptake by 9 folds.It was observed that combined use of tolerant varieties and silica fertilizer as silicic acid can uplift plant growth and production under water deficit conditions. Further field investigations are recommended to check crop economics of applied treatments.Methods: Drought stress negatively affects wheat crop production worldwide. Selection of drought tolerant varieties and application of silicon (Si) can help to uplift the crop production. The present investigation was aimed to screen drought tolerant wheat varieties by evaluating the potential of Si fertilization.Study was conducted in two sets of experiments, in first (hydroponic) investigation two wheat varieties out of eleven were screened out based upon agronomic parameters, membrane stability, potassium (K+) distribution and tolerance index. The screened varieties were then subjected to different silicon fertilizers under water deficit pot conditions in second experiment and impact of Si sources was monitored via agronomic, physiological and biochemical attributes.Faisalabad-08 and Anaj-17 were best performing varieties in tested parameters. The silica fertilizer application improved the growth, physiological, biochemical and ionic attributes under water deficit and increased the grain yield of crop. Among tested sources, silicic acid proved best as compared to other silicates in terms of ameliorating the osmotic stress. The silicic acid application improved the root and shoot growth parameters i.e. increased plant height by 13% and grain yield by 43%, relative water contents (30%), membrane stability (46%), antioxidant activity (up to 64%), organic solutes production and silicification of cell wall by increasing Si uptake by 9 folds.It was observed that combined use of tolerant varieties and silica fertilizer as silicic acid can uplift plant growth and production under water deficit conditions. Further field investigations are recommended to check crop economics of applied treatments.Results: Drought stress negatively affects wheat crop production worldwide. Selection of drought tolerant varieties and application of silicon (Si) can help to uplift the crop production. The present investigation was aimed to screen drought tolerant wheat varieties by evaluating the potential of Si fertilization.Study was conducted in two sets of experiments, in first (hydroponic) investigation two wheat varieties out of eleven were screened out based upon agronomic parameters, membrane stability, potassium (K+) distribution and tolerance index. The screened varieties were then subjected to different silicon fertilizers under water deficit pot conditions in second experiment and impact of Si sources was monitored via agronomic, physiological and biochemical attributes.Faisalabad-08 and Anaj-17 were best performing varieties in tested parameters. The silica fertilizer application improved the growth, physiological, biochemical and ionic attributes under water deficit and increased the grain yield of crop. Among tested sources, silicic acid proved best as compared to other silicates in terms of ameliorating the osmotic stress. The silicic acid application improved the root and shoot growth parameters i.e. increased plant height by 13% and grain yield by 43%, relative water contents (30%), membrane stability (46%), antioxidant activity (up to 64%), organic solutes production and silicification of cell wall by increasing Si uptake by 9 folds.It was observed that combined use of tolerant varieties and silica fertilizer as silicic acid can uplift plant growth and production under water deficit conditions. Further field investigations are recommended to check crop economics of applied treatments.Conclusion: Drought stress negatively affects wheat crop production worldwide. Selection of drought tolerant varieties and application of silicon (Si) can help to uplift the crop production. The present investigation was aimed to screen drought tolerant wheat varieties by evaluating the potential of Si fertilization.Study was conducted in two sets of experiments, in first (hydroponic) investigation two wheat varieties out of eleven were screened out based upon agronomic parameters, membrane stability, potassium (K+) distribution and tolerance index. The screened varieties were then subjected to different silicon fertilizers under water deficit pot conditions in second experiment and impact of Si sources was monitored via agronomic, physiological and biochemical attributes.Faisalabad-08 and Anaj-17 were best performing varieties in tested parameters. The silica fertilizer application improved the growth, physiological, biochemical and ionic attributes under water deficit and increased the grain yield of crop. Among tested sources, silicic acid proved best as compared to other silicates in terms of ameliorating the osmotic stress. The silicic acid application improved the root and shoot growth parameters i.e. increased plant height by 13% and grain yield by 43%, relative water contents (30%), membrane stability (46%), antioxidant activity (up to 64%), organic solutes production and silicification of cell wall by increasing Si uptake by 9 folds.It was observed that combined use of tolerant varieties and silica fertilizer as silicic acid can uplift plant growth and production under water deficit conditions. Further field investigations are recommended to check crop economics of applied treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was executed to explore efficacy of ultrasound assisted extraction of dietary fiber from oat cultivar S2000. Extraction (variables time, temperature and amplitude) was optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM) conducted by Box Behnken Design (BBD). The effect of time, temperature and amplitude were studied at three levels. It was observed that time and temperature exerted more impact on extraction efficiency as compared to amplitude. The highest yield of total dietary fiber (TDF), soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and In-soluble dietary fiber (IDF) fractions were observed under ultrasound processing, for 20 min at 40 °C with 80% amplitude. Characterization of extracted dietary fiber showed that it had better crystallinity, thermal properties and good fibrous structure. It also showed better functional properties as compared to traditionally extracted dietary fiber. Furthermore, dietary fibers from oat may offer high-value utilization, and the expansion of comprehensive utilization in functional food and nutraceutical development. • Ultrasound, a novel and efficient technique for isolating dietary fiber from the oat. • Characterizing the functional properties; health benefits and applications. • Enhance the yield and quality of dietary fiber, through eco-friendly practices. • Development of functional foods enriched with oat cultivar S2000 dietary fiber. • Highlighting the significance of oat cultivar S2000 as a valuable source of dietary fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this project is to fabricate a highly stable Fe3O4-OA-MWCNT composite and its colloidal suspension in polyalphaolefin (PAO) base fluid for heat transfer applications. The nanocomposite was produced in three mass ratios (0.5 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1.5 : 1) to explore the concentration effects on the stability of the nanocomposite. XRD analysis and FTIR spectroscopy were conducted to inspect the phase and composition of the synthesized nanocomposite. The crystallite sizes (3.75 nm, 7.74 nm, and 7.52 nm) and dislocation densities of each composite were calculated, and it was revealed that the samples with high concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles showed small defects in their lattices. Dispersion stability of ferrofluids was also examined by natural deposition method for 365 days. The ferrofluids displayed high stability for more than one year with no sign of sedimentation. Thermal conductivity of the nanofluid was also measured via. A transient plane source method and a linear trend with slight deviation were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a new iterative method (NIM) for the investigation of the approximate solution of the Klein-Gordon and sine-Gordon equations. This approach is formulated on the combination of the Mohand transform and the homotopy perturbation method. Mohand transform (MT) is capable to handle the linear terms only, thus we introduce homotopy perturbation method (HPM) to tackle the nonlinear terms. This NIM derives the results in the form of a series solution. The proposed method emphasizes the stability of the derived solutions without any linearization, discretization, or hypothesis. Graphical representation and absolute error demonstrate the efficiency and authenticity of this scheme. Some numerical models are illustrated to show the compactness and reliability of this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have characterized graph structures connected with some algebraic properties. Also, this paper is actually the concatenation of graph theory and algebra. We have introduced left and right inverse graphs of antiautomorphic inverse property loops. Also, there is a connection between bipartite graphs and mathematical structures, commutator subloop, associator subloop, and associative part, the nucleus of the loop, through edge labeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To detect the resistant pattern of uropathogens and find the association of different factors with the resistance in the Poonch District of Azad Kashmir. Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hospital, Rawalakot, from Mar to Aug 2019. Methodology: Patients having signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection and growth of bacteria on urine culture were included in the study. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined by using the standard, modified Kirby Buer disc diffusion method. Zone sizes were interpreted following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2019 guidelines. Results: 68 culture-positive patients were included in the study, 45 (66%) patients were female. There was a previous history of urinary tract infection in 44 (64.7%) patients, and 52 (76.5%) gave a history of antibiotic use in the last three months. E. coli was the commonest organism isolated, followed by Klebsiella, Proteus and Pseudomonas. All patients were resistant to at least one antibiotic, 48 (72%) isolates were multi-drug resistant. Uropathogens showed the highest resistance to Ampicillin in 67 (98.5%) patients and the lowest resistance to Piperacillin/Tazobactam 2 (3%) patients only. Resistance was significantly higher in patients having a history of recurrent urinary tract infection (p=0.028) and the use of antibiotics in the last three months (p<0.001). Conclusion: Resistance to antimicrobial agents is increasing in community-acquired urinary tract infections. Resistance is significantly higher in patients having a history of recurrent urinary tract infection and the use of antibiotics in the last three months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The symmetry design of the system contains integer partial differential equations and fractional-order partial differential equations with fractional derivative. In this paper, we develop a scheme to examine fractional-order shock wave equations and wave equations occurring in the motion of gases in the Caputo sense. This scheme is formulated using the Mohand transform (MT) and the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), altogether called Mohand homotopy perturbation transform (MHPT). Our main finding in this paper is the handling of the recurrence relation that produces the series solutions after only a few iterations. This approach presents the approximate and precise solutions in the form of convergent results with certain countable elements, without any discretization or slight perturbation theory. The numerical findings and solution graphs attained using the MHPT confirm that this approach is significant and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an uncertain atmosphere, the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow in three principal flows of the third grade fluid across two parallel plates is presented. Fuzzy differential equations are constructed by manipulating dimensionless differential equations. The prime purpose of the current article is to use a semi-analytical approach fuzzy-based Adomian decomposition method to achieve numerical results for nonlinear FDEs with fuzzy boundary conditions. Triangular fuzzy numbers are used in fuzzy BCs with help of α -cut approach. This strategy is linked to the membership function. In a graphic and tabular depiction, the effect of α and other constraints on fuzzy velocity profiles is explored. The current findings are in good agreement with their previous numerical and analytical results in a crisp environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The algebras of the symmetry operators for the Klein–Gordon equation are important for a charged test particle, moving in an external electromagnetic field in a space time manifold on the isotropic hydrosulphate. In this paper, we develop an analytical and numerical approach for providing the solution to a class of linear and nonlinear fractional Klein–Gordon equations arising in classical relativistic and quantum mechanics. We study the Yang homotopy perturbation transform method (Y HPTM), which is associated with the Yang transform (Y T) and the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), where the fractional derivative is taken in a Caputo–Fabrizio (CF) sense. This technique provides the solution very accurately and efficiently in the form of a series with easily computable coefficients. The behavior of the approximate series solution for different fractional-order ℘ values has been shown graphically. Our numerical investigations indicate that Y HPTM is a simple and powerful mathematical tool to deal with the complexity of such problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow of an electrically conducting micropolar fluid with a radiative heat source and mixed chemically reactive species is considered. The stretching/shrinking surface under the influence of the applied magnetic field in the normal direction is used. Appropriate similarity functions are used for the numerical solution of highly non-linear governing equations of the flow problem, and the behaviors of the flow, temperature and concentration function under the influence of various physical parameters are revealed graphically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information technology has brought a change that cannot be ignored, it has completely changed the fundamental structure of the human lives. The world has been converted into a global village due to the invention of social media. This research aims to evaluate the impact of social media on religion through the use of secondary resources such as previous literature and data that exists regarding the relationship between social media and religion focusing on vision of Islam. Furthermore, it also examines the impact of social media on Muslims globally. Islam has been actively being preached through social media at various occasions, by use of different social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Muslim world today is changing significantly due to the impact of information technology, for the sake of learning about Islām. The stigma regarding the negative impacts of social media still exists, this study aims to highlight the existing negative impacts of social media can potentially have on religion and to what extent can we tackle those negative aspects of social media. On the other hand, in the light of previous literature this article will also explore the positive impacts that social media has had over religion by the support of mentioning different theories and Islamic teachings. This paper concludes and recommends that the social media has vast impact on Muslim youth in both positive and negative ways, however, they need to act upon according to the collective wisdom of Islam through understanding the core objectives of Islām. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present scenario, the banking system of non-Muslim countries is based on interest and this practice is also common in Muslim countries. The prime objective of loan is to do welfare of poor, but interest on debt is creating economic downturn of poor and needy. The prevailing unjust system is making humans slaves in modern times. On the other hand, people who lend money are negligent in returning it to owners in time. This study will explore the teachings of Judaism, Christianity and Islam about the religious obligations on lenders and borrowers. This is qualitative research and data is gathered from books, articles and online sources. The study shows that interest is Haram (Prohibited) in Abrahamic faiths. Moreover, there is great reward for the one who provides loan to needy. The lender should be lenient in demanding money and should give time extension to borrower. Furthermore, if the lender forgives his debt to poor, he will get great reward from Allah. On the other hand, the borrower should not get loan on interest as well as unnecessary loan. The borrower should return the loan as early as possible if he can. Interest based banking has no link with the teachings of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of Islamic ethics holds substantial importance in the development of character building in Muslim youth. If a young mind leads a life according to the fundamentals of Islamic ethics, he is directly obeying Allah’s commands and is following the religion. He feeds his soul with honesty, justice, bravery, and the pursuit of knowledge. Another precedent of obeying these ethics is that an individual can easily avoid the seven deadly sins. This paper discusses the values of Islamic ethics alongside old and modern psychology, philosophy, and the development of young minds (which is not dealt so far in this manner as per the humble knowledge of the researcher). It explains how adapting these ethics can bring peace to oneself and how it helps one to become a more suitable member of society. By widely referencing the Qurān, the paper elaborates the punishments and consequences of the seven deadly sins; and how Islam protects against them. This research helps learn the role of Islamic ethics in the character building of young minds and mental health peace within the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the accurate ability to diagnose the pleural fluid GeneXpert MTB/RIF assessment in the suspected pleural tuberculosis patients considered as gold standard the pleural biopsy. Materials & Methods: This study was a validation cross-sectional survey and it was conducted in the pulmonology department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from 1st July to 31st December 2018 after approval of IRB. Participants with suspected pathology ≥ 18 years with exudative pleural effusion were included in the study. By implementing the process of the standard technique, closed needle pleural biopsy was executed by means of ABRAM'S needle. The collected samples of patients were sent to the pathology department of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for histopathology. Pleural fluid was referred to the National Institute of Health Islamabad for GeneXpert MTB/RIF assessment on the alike day and reports were assembled. All findings were entered in a structured Proforma. Data was entered in SPSS version 20 and analyzed. Results: A total of 180 patients were included; 65.6% of patients were male. When the sensitivity of pleural fluid GeneXpert MTB/RIF examination was calculated it was 10.4% whereas, the calculated specificity was 72.8%. While +ve predictive value of GeneXpert was 22.2% and the -ve predictive value was 52.1%. The likelihood ratio was 8.25 and the ROC curve also showed similar values. Conclusion: The sensitivity of pleural fluid GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay is very low and specificity is moderate for diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis when compared with pleural biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) plays a vital role in plant growth; however, the yield response to N fertilizer is regularly declining in the major cropping systems due to overuse and the upper limit of yields. Heavy losses of N are also documented due to its excessive use in the rice-wheat rotation system, resulting in low nitrogen-use efficiencies (NUE) and environmental problems. Therefore, a three-year field experiment was performed with different N managements to investigate the impact of reduced N input rates in this exhaustive cropping system. Reducing the N application rates did not affect the wheat and rice yields significantly, only during the second wheat season was the yield slightly reduced as compared to higher N input treatments. Decreasing the N input rates in the prior crop and present crop, and the interactions of both rice and wheat seasons (R × W) did not influence the yields of either crop. A reduction in N fertilizer had a considerable impact on dry matter production during the wheat seasons but demonstrated no effect during the rice season. The accumulation of N was significantly reduced during both crop seasons by lowering the rate of N application. In addition, the NUE indices were significantly influenced by N fertilizer application rates. In conclusion, N fertilizer input rates for both rice and wheat crops can be lowered as compared to present fertilization rates without any risk of yield decline. Lowering the N input increases the NUE and effectively reduces N losses, and soil N status can also be maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides an overview of a special issue of the journal "Algorithms" focused on "Deep Neural Networks and Optimization Algorithms." The issue includes seven papers that address theoretical and practical issues in this area. The papers cover a range of topics, including preprocessing pregnancy examination data, sampling in neural network training, neural network boosting for logistic regression, generating artificial EEG data, enhancing QR code source printer identification, gas tracking in chemical industry parks, and developing a graph neural network-based surrogate model. The document concludes by noting the increasing use of AI in cybersecurity and the three main directions of research in this field. The authors of the document express their gratitude to the authors, referees, and the editorial office of Algorithms. [Extracted from the article]

The metric dimension of a graph G is the selection of the minimum possible number of vertices such that each vertex of the graph G is distinctively defined by its vector of distances to the set of selected vertices. It was proved that the problem of determining the metric dimension of a graph is NP-hard. In this paper, the metric dimension of Toeplitz graphs with two and three generators is discussed and the exact values are found. Also, two conjectures about the exact metric dimension of Toeplitz graphs are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings of diverse forms of carbon nanostructures have encouraged research on their applications in several areas. They are used as a structural material in electronic and optical devices, involving transistors, photodetectors, plastic, biological sensors, pharmaceutical and medicine, and drug delivery systems. Since the discovery of Y‐shaped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) junctions, they have drawn interest for future electron devices, for example, three‐terminal transistors, amplifiers, and switches. A topological index is a number that is used to study the physicochemical properties of chemical structures. In this paper, we are providing topological properties of CNT Y‐junctions. The results obtained for different types of Y‐junction graphs appeared with comparisons. According to the best of our knowledge and literature, this is the first report about topological indices on this class of CNT junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graph in which atoms are taken as vertices and bonds can be shown by edges is called a molecular graph. For such graphs we can find the indices showing their bioactivity as well as their physio-chemical properties. Industry is flourishing nowadays just because of the interdisciplinary study of different subjects. This gives us a way to understand the application of different subjects. Chemical graph theory is a mixture of chemistry and mathematics both play an important role in chemical graph theory. Chemistry provides a chemical compound and graph theory transform this chemical compound into a molecular graph which further studied by different aspects such as topological indices. In this article, we computed generalized Randić, general Zagreb, general sum-connectivity, ABC, GA, A B C 4 , and G A 5 indices of line graphs of the H A C 5 C 7 [ p , q ] and V C 5 C 7 [ p , q ] nanotubes." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a blueprint for topological electronics, edge state transport in a topological insulator material can be controlled by employing a gate-induced topological quantum phase transition. Here, by studying the width dependence of electronic properties, it is inferred that zigzag-Xene nanoribbons are promising materials for topological electronics with a display of unique physical characteristics associated with the intrinsic band topology and the finite-size effects on gate-induced topological switching. First, due to intertwining with intrinsic band topology-driven energy-zero modes in the pristine case, spin-filtered chiral edge states in zigzag-Xene nanoribbons remain gapless and protected against backward scattering even with finite inter-edge overlapping in ultra-narrow ribbons, i.e., a 2D quantum spin Hall material turns into a 1D topological metal. Second, mainly due to width- and momentum-dependent tunability of the gate-induced inter-edge coupling, the threshold-voltage required for switching between gapless and gapped edge states reduces as the width decreases, without any fundamental lower bound. Third, when the width of zigzag-Xene nanoribbons is smaller than a critical limit, topological switching between edge states can be attained without bulk bandgap closing and reopening. This is primarily due to the quantum confinement effect on the bulk band spectrum, which increases the nontrivial bulk bandgap with decrease in width. The existence of such protected gapless edge states and reduction in threshold-voltage accompanied by enhancement in the bulk bandgap overturns the general wisdom of utilizing narrow-gap and wide channel materials for reducing the threshold-voltage in a standard field effect transistor analysis and paves the way toward low-voltage topological devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human being has strong and historic connections with plants to fulfill food, feed, and shelter. Moreover, human uses plants as medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Plants are chemical factories for the biosynthesis of the huge number of secondary metabolites (SMs) that are directly used as a medicine or indirectly used in the development of commercial pharmaceutical drugs. Their improvement through classical breeding remains a difficult struggle for plant breeders. Hence, rapidly advancing research on the plant omics era has accelerated our understanding of the complex structure of SMs synthesis in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). In addition, sequencing technologies and the completion of several genome sequences of MAPs have opened numerous opportunities for fine mapping and gene characterization. The accessibility of these technologies together with research of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes for key characteristics such as SMs content and biologic activity and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses pave the way for the development of new strategies for the improvement of MAPs. To explore the knowledge of SMs in MAPs, several reviews have been published over the last three decades for researchers with advanced knowledge of plant biotechnology. However, this review has offered a summary of the recent developments, limitations, and future potential in molecular breeding of MAPs species and their application to plant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of bile duct stones is variable. Selection of the appropriate treatment modality based on identifiable risk factors can increase the chances of a successful outcome. The aim of this study is to identify factors affecting outcomes of a laparoscopic bile duct exploration. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of consecutive laparoscopic bile duct explorations over a period of 13 years at a district general hospital. Results: The total number of patients in the study was 85. Elective explorations were 56 while 29 were emergency procedures. The mean operative time was 154 minutes. The conversion rate was 14% with failure to extract stones being the most common reason. Forty-two percent of conversions were in nonelective procedures and 17% in previous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failures. Eleven percent patients had a transcystic clearance of bile duct and the largest stone removed transcystic was 5 mm. The largest stone removed by a laparoscopic choledochotomy was 15 mm and stones >20 mm were removed on conversion. Seven patients (8%) had a postoperative bile leak, 4 of these required a postoperative ERCP stent and radiological drainage while 3 required a reoperation. Three patients had retained stones treated by postoperative ERCP. Conclusion: Emergency procedures, increasing number and size of stones, previous failed ERCP are factors that contribute to the outcomes of a laparoscopic bile duct exploration. The chances of a successful exploration can be improved by appropriate patient and procedure selection and preparation based on identification of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the heat transfer features and stagnation point flow of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) hybrid second-grade nanofluid through a convectively heated permeable shrinking/stretching sheet is reported. The purpose of the present investigation is to consider hybrid nanofluids comprising of Alumina Al 2 O 3 and Copper Cu nanoparticles within the Sodium Alginate (SA) as a host fluid for boosting the heat transfer rate. Also, the effects of free convection, viscous dissipation, heat source/sink, and nonlinear thermal radiation are considered. The converted nonlinear coupled fuzzy differential equations (FDEs) with the help of triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) are solved using the numerical scheme bvp4c. The numerical results are acquired for various engineering parameters to study the Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient, velocity, and temperature distribution through figures and tables. For the validation, the current numerical results were found to be good as compared to existing results in limiting cases. It is also inspected by this work that with the enhancement of the volume fraction of nanoparticles, the heat transfer rate also increases. So, it may be taken as a fuzzy parameter for a better understanding of fuzzy variables. For the comparison, the volume fraction of nanofluids and hybrid nanofluid are said to be TFN [0, 0.1, 0.2]. In the end, we can see that fuzzy triangular membership functions (MFs) have not only helped to overcome the computational cost but also given better accuracy than the existent results. Finding from fuzzy MFs, the performance of hybrid nanofluids is better than nanofluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, fundamental flow problems, namely, Couette flow, fully developed plane Poiseuille flow, and plane Couette–Poiseuille flow of a third-grade non-Newtonian fluid between two horizontal parallel plates separated by a finite distance in a fuzzy environment are considered. The governing nonlinear differential equations (DEs) are converted into fuzzy differential equations (FDEs) and explain our approach with the help of the membership function (MF) of triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs). Adomian decomposition method (ADM) is used to solve fundamental flow problems based on FDEs. In a crisp environment, the current findings are in good accord with their previous numerical and analytical results. Finally, the effect of the α -cut α ∈ 0,1 and other engineering constants on fuzzy velocity profile are invested in graphically and tabular forms. Also, the variability of the uncertainty is studied through the triangular MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on the functional properties of citrus juices. Citrus fruits and juices were analyzed for physico-chemical properties. The 'Pamelo' excelled in terms of average fruit weight (451.83 ± 7.1 g), fruit volume (543.33 ± 9.1 cm3) and rag percentage (68.64 ± 1.1%). 'Valencia late' (48.67 ± 0.3%), 'Flame' (48.38 ± 1.3%) and 'Kinnow' (35.95 ± 4.9%) were good in juice %. The juice was subjected to sonication treatment at 15°C for 5 min keeping pulse duration 5 s on and 5 s off (70% amplitude level and 20 kHz frequency). Total phenol, flavonoids, free radical scavenging activity, antioxidant capacity, and reducing power increased in fruit juices as a result of sonication. The total phenolic contents in the juices of all citrus cultivars ranged from 223.49 ± 4.5 to 590.47 ± 5.5 µg gallic acid equivalent/g and increased from 315.18 ± 6.1 to 645.44 ± 7.1 µg GAE/g after ultrasonic processing. The DPPH values of juices of all citrus cultivars ranged from 791.54 to 1251.93 µmol equivalent of trolox/mL and increased from 1001.54 to 1336.77 µmol equivalent of trolox/mL after applying ultrasound. The sonication is highly feasible for practical use in the industry for the production of citrus fruit juices with improved quality in terms of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritionists recommend to consume 3 g Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to prevent cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle-related disorders. To fulfill the daily requirements of CLA, large proportions of dairy and meat products have to be included in the dietary plan that may have negative impacts such as excessive intake of fat, cholesterol, and lactose. Current investigation was aimed to determine the effect of safflower oil derived CLA on fatty acids composition, lipolysis and sensory properties of cheddar cheese. Safflower oil-derived conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was added to cheddar cheese at four levels i.e. 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% concentrations (T1, T2, T3 & T4), cheese without CLA supplement was used as control, vacuum packaged samples were ripened at 6–8°C for 90 days. Analysis of CLA supplement revealed that concentrations of ∆9c,11 t-18:2, ∆10 t,12c-18:2, ∆9c,11c-18:2, ∆9 t, 11c-18:2 were 52.16, 44.37, 0.27 and 0.55 mg/100 g. In control, concentrations of ∆9c,11 t-18:2 and ∆10 t,12c-18:2 was 0.24% and 0.07% with a total CLA content of 0.31%. In T3, concentrations of ∆9c,11 t-18:2, ∆10 t,12c-18:2, ∆9c,11c-18:2 and ∆9 t, 11c-18:2 were 1.12, 3.82, 1.63, 2.77 (total CLA 8.34mg100g). In T4, concentrations of ∆9c,11 t-18:2, ∆10 t,12c-18:2, ∆9c,11c-18:2 and ∆9 t, 11c-18:2, were 1.47, 3.50, 3.25 and 3.44% (total CLA 11.67 mg/100 g). Supplementation of cheddar cheese at all four levels significantly increased the concentrations of lactic acid, citric acid, propionic and acetic acids. After 90 days of ripening, free fatty acids in control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 0.14, 0.19, 0.23, 0.29 and 0.37% with no difference in composition and sensory properties. These results suggested that CLA content of cheddar cheese can be successfully increased with safflower oil-derived CLA supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheddar cheese is a source of a variety of biologically active peptides and free amino acids (FAAs), which contribute to the cheese aroma, flavors, and textures. The FAA liberation and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition potential of cheddar cheese made from cow and buffalo milk before and after in vitro digestion by gastric and duodenal enzymes with ripening were investigated. The cheese samples were stored under refrigeration condition (4°C) for ripening for 3, 6, and 9 months. The possible differences existing in the level of FAAs were explored before and after in vitro digestion of ripened cheddar cheese made from cow and buffalo milk. The lower level of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition value 62.4 ± 1.04% was observed in gastric digested cheese samples after 9 months of ripening, while the highest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition value 93.1 ± 1.29% was observed in duodenal digested cheese samples after 6 months of ripening. This study showed that before and after in vitro digestion, highest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory potential of cheddar cheese was observed between 6 and 9 months of ripening. In 9-month ripened cheese, a significant increase in the contents of glutamic, glutamine, valine, leucine, and lysine was observed after duodenal digestion in case of both cow and buffalo milk Cheddar cheeses. The contents of valine, ornithine, and tryptophan were negligible before digestion and significantly increased afterward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on evaluating the influence of ultrasonic-assisted pasteurization (UAP) on the quality and shelf stability of jambul squash. Squash was analyzed for physicochemical characteristics during a storage period of 4 months. There was a significant effect (p <.05) of storage period on the acidity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and flavonoids of jambul squash with a significant increase in acidity and DPPH radical scavenging activity and decrease in flavonoids with the corresponding increases in sonication time and pasteurization temperature during storage. The microbial content of jambul squash during storage remained lower than untreated samples. Microstructure evaluation of jambul squash showed de-shaped middle lamella and cell wall after UAP treatment. Outcomes of the current study revealed that squash samples with increased sonication time and pasteurization temperature had less microbial content than untreated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented research aimed to develop a spray drying process without the use of organic solvents for the preparation of novel Karaya gum polymer microparticles (MPs) of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP). The prepared microparticles were characterized and evaluated. Prepared novel karaya gum micro-particles loaded Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP MPs) were observed an effect on cadmium (CAD) induced testicular toxicity. A total of 40 rats (male) was divided into 4 groups viz. 1. Control group, 2. GLP MPs (250 mg/kg, 60 days of b.w per day), 3. CAD (60 days of 30 mg/l/day), 4. GLP MPs + CAD. CAD was responsible for altering the sex hormones, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, elevated levels of indicator of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, and a reduced action of SOD, GSH, and CAT (antioxidant enzymes), were observed in the tissues of the testicles of CAD- treated group. Such harmful occurrences were followed by an up-regulation in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) levels, protein expression of Nrf2, and HO-1 expression was decreased. GLP MPs pre-treatment significantly abrogated these toxic effects which were confirmed histologically. This study concluded that pre-treatment with GLP MPs exerts a protective effect against CAD-induced male reproductive testicular toxicity. [Display omitted] • Novel Karaya gum polymer microparticles of ganodermalucidum polysaccharide (GLP MPs) were prepared. • Prepared GLP MPs were observed an effect on cadmium (CAD) induced testicular toxicity in rats. • Effect of GLP MPs on level of sex hormone, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were observed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human body needs sufficient quantity of protein on daily basis for the normal functioning. Dietary protein in sufficient quantity is becoming a key issue for huge population of the world particularly in developing countries. Present investigation aimed to explore the phenotypic variation and to investigate the genomic regions associated with seed protein contents in Turkish common bean germplasm collected from 19 provinces. Field experiments were conducted according to augmented block design at two locations (Bolu and Sivas) for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant environmental effects (p < 0.05) on seed protein contents within environments, while genotype by environment interaction revealed nonsignificant effects. Overall mean protein contents were 36.36%, while Balikesir-3 and Hakkari-38 yielded minimum (31.64%) and maximum (40.70%) protein contents. Among 19 provinces, accessions from Hakkari and Erzincan provinces disclosed maximum and minimum mean protein contents respectively. Scatter plot between seed protein contents and plant height divided the accessions according to their protein contents and plant height. A total of eight stable accessions were selected and can be recommended for future breeding activities. The implemented constellation plot separated the studied germplasm into two populations on the basis of their protein contents. Genotyping by sequencing resulted 7900 DArTseq markers was used for marker-trait association and a total of 11 markers showed significant association for protein contents. During this study, DArT-3365703 marker was identified in both locations (Sivas and Bolu) during 2017 and might be used for future common bean breeding. Physical map revealed the presence narrow regions between identified markers on Pv02 and Pv05. Therefore, these regions should be considered for future breeding activities. We are confident that results of present study will be helpful for marker-assisted breeding of common bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the interactive effects ofhumic acid (HA) amended growing media (GM) and indole butyric acid (IBA) on a range of parameters determining growth and propagative capacity of Fig (Ficus carica L., var Black Mission) stem cuttings. Cuttings were treated varying IBA concentration (0, 500,1000 and 1500 mg/L) and propagated in nine GM consisted of sandy loam and clay soils amended with four levels of HA (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 g/m2) and a mixture of sandy loam and clay soils (1:1 v/v) without HA. Ranking of GM changed across IBA concentrations for the majority of parameters, including plant survivability (PS) indicated significant GMxIBA interaction. PS increased with rising IBA concentration (500-1000 mg/L) under lower levels of HA (2.5-5.0 g/m2) across GM. However, the relative response was better in sandy loam based GM. Based on stepwise multiple linear regression, seven parameters viz., percent bud sprout (PBS), shoot length (SL), shoot diameter (SD), leaf area (LA), leaf chlorophyll content (LCC), root to shoot ratio (R/S) and plant N uptake (NUP) explained most of the variance (R2= 99.8%) in plant survival (PS) and acted as the critical determinants of survivability in Fig propagation via stem cuttings. Strong inter relationships existed among the critical traits, thus creating complex trade-offs affecting the overall propagative capacity of Fig stem cuttings. Our approach could be useful in developing indirect selection criterion determining success rates in propagation via stem cuttings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]