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For the Klein group K and a positive integer k, irreducible modules of the orbifold vertex operator algebra L픰픩2 ̂(k, 0)K have been classified and constructed in [C. Jiang and B. Wang, Representations of the orbifold VOAS L픰픩2 ̂(k, 0)K and the commutant VOAS CL픰픬 m ̂(1,0)⊗3(L픰픬m ̂(3, 0)), Bull. Malays. Math. Sci. Soc. 44(1) (2021) 353–373]. In this paper, we determine completely the fusion rules of L픰픩2 ̂(k, 0)K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longevity of probiotics is the main concern to confer positive health benefits to the host. Microencapsulation is one of the promising techniques to keep probiotics viable during storage and gastric transit. Immobilization can efficiently protect cells, making this technique potentially suitable for the industry for the delivery of probiotics to the gastrointestinal tract of humans through fermented dairy products. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of single and double coating on the stability of Bifidobacterium bifidum in set type yoghurt. The encapsulation was carried out in two experimental plans. In the plan I, the B. bifidum was single coated with sodium alginate (SA) at 4%, 5%, and 6% and chitosan (CH) at 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0% concentrations. Based on their highest encapsulation efficiency (EE), single‐coated microbeads comprise of SA 6% and CH 0.8% were selected for double coating (plan II). Whey protein concentrate (WPC) at concentration of 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10% was used for double coating of SA 6% and CH 0.8% microbeads. The double‐coated beads with SA (6%), WPC (5%), and CH (0.8%) WPC (5%) further selected based on EE for yoghurt preparation. Different yoghurt treatments were prepared and stored (28 days) at 4 ± 2°C. All yoghurt samples were analyzed for physicochemical (pH, acidity), microbiological (viability of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, B. bifidum), and sensory characteristics. It was noted that EE of double‐coated microbeads was greater than 90% as compared to single coated. It was also observed that pH decreases up to 4.2 and the acidity increased with the storage time. The count of probiotic and yoghurt cultures was affected significantly during storage but the survival rate of encapsulated treatments was maintained more than the minimum recommendation (107 CFU/ml) till the end of the storage period. The sensory properties of yoghurt containing double‐coated microbeads also significantly vary from the sample containing free cells of B. bifidum. It is concluded that double coating with the polysaccharides–protein matrix can maintain viability (>106 CFU/ml) for 28 days with no prominent change in physicochemical and sensory attributes as compared to free cells. The whey and its products (whey protein isolate and concentrate) can be recommended as a coating material for probiotics in future studies. Novelty impact statement: The research study investigates the effect and comparison of single and double coating with different coating materials on the viability of Bifidobacterium bifidum in set type yoghurt. In this study, dairy industrial waste, that is, whey has been used along with sodium alginate and chitosan in different combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to analyze the impact of varying levels of plant based protein diets (15%, 20%, and 25% crude protein) prepared from cheaper plant proteins, to keep minimum use of fish meal, on growth performance, survival and production of hybrid fry (Labeo rohita♀ x Catla catla ♂). The hybrid fry of mean 1.05±0.08 g body weight and 4.36±0.40 cm mean length were acclimatized and transferred to 8 X 6 X 3 ft. hapas. Fry were fed with fish meal at the rate of 10 % of body weight during acclimatization period and experimental feed at the rate of 5 % of body weight up to the end of the 90 days experiment in duplicate at the fish farms facility. The growth performance of test fishes was observed at monthly interval and accordingly the fish feed was readjusted. During the study period, water quality parameters were maintained within safe limits for fish growth. Ten fish specimens from each treatment were randomly collected at the end of trial for growth parameters analysis. Different growth parameters, such as mean weight gain, mean length gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed conversion ratio and production were determined. Results revealed maximum gains in T3 (25%) feed group as compared to T1 (15%) and T2 (20%) feed groups. The lowest food conversion ratio (FCR) was also noted in the T3 (25%) group showing best feed composition of T3 (25%) feed by the tested fish fry. ANOVA analysis showed highly significant (P<0.001) difference in the final weight, final length and production among three treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3), while no difference (P>0.05) was observed in SGR, FCR and PER values of the three treatment groups. Hence, a protein diet containing 25% dietary protein is not only cost-efficient, economical but also nutritional and wholesome for a fish's health condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics confer numerous health benefits and functional foods prepared with these microbes own largest markets. However, their viability during transit from gastrointestinal tract is a concerning issue. Microencapsulation of probiotics is a novel technique of major interest to increase their survivability in GIT and food matrices by providing a physical barrier to protect them under harsh conditions. This article contributes the knowledge regarding microencapsulation by discussing probiotic foods, different methods and approaches of microencapsulation, coating materials, their release mechanisms at the target site, and interaction with probiotics, efficiency of encapsulated probiotics, their viability assessment methods, applications in food industry, and their future perspective. In our opinion, encapsulation has significantly got importance in the field of innovative probiotic enriched functional foods development to preserve their viability and long-term survival rate until product expiration date and their passage through gastro-intestinal tract. Previous review work has targeted some aspects of microencapsulation, this article highlights different methods of probiotics encapsulation and coating materials in relation with food matrices as well as challenges faced during applications: Gut microbiota; Lactic acid bacteria; Micro-encapsulation; Stability enhancement; Cell's release, Health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to analyze the impact of varying levels of plant based protein diets (15%, 20%, and 25% crude protein) prepared from cheaper plant proteins, to keep minimum use of fish meal, on growth performance, survival and production of hybrid fry (Labeo rohita♀ x Catla catla ♂). The hybrid fry of mean 1.05±0.08 g body weight and 4.36±0.40 cm mean length were acclimatized and transferred to 8 X 6 X 3 ft. hapas. Fry were fed with fish meal at the rate of 10 % of body weight during acclimatization period and experimental feed at the rate of 5 % of body weight up to the end of the 90 days experiment in duplicate at the fish farms facility. The growth performance of test fishes was observed at monthly interval and accordingly the fish feed was readjusted. During the study period, water quality parameters were maintained within safe limits for fish growth. Ten fish specimens from each treatment were randomly collected at the end of trial for growth parameters analysis. Different growth parameters, such as mean weight gain, mean length gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed conversion ratio and production were determined. Results revealed maximum gains in T3 (25%) feed group as compared to T1 (15%) and T2 (20%) feed groups. The lowest food conversion ratio (FCR) was also noted in the T3 (25%) group showing best feed composition of T3 (25%) feed by the tested fish fry. ANOVA analysis showed highly significant (P<0.001) difference in the final weight, final length and production among three treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3), while no difference (P>0.05) was observed in SGR, FCR and PER values of the three treatment groups. Hence, a protein diet containing 25% dietary protein is not only cost-efficient, economical but also nutritional and wholesome for a fish's health condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera, also called zogale, is grown and harvested as a tiny and middle-sized tree in different parts of the world. It has various industrial applications, such as medicine, food, and cosmetics. M. oleifera tree is known as a miracle tree containing essential nutrients that could play a significant role in human nutrition. Based on its chemical composition and nutritional properties, it can be used to overcome malnutrition, particularly in breastfeeding mothers and infants. Different parts (leaves, peels, seeds, and flowers) of the Moringa tree are good sources of phenolic compounds, essential amino acids, vitamins, proteins, and beta carotenes, which can play a regulatory and functional role. The proportion of bioactive components is dependent on the source and variety of the plant. The flowers, seeds, and leaves of this plant have also been used in different food applications. This review highlights the reported knowledge relevant to the use of M. oleifera as a food fortificant and therapeutic agent based on its prominent biological activities and the presence of phytochemicals. In a nut shell, the leaves, peels, seeds, and flowers of the Moringa tree are potential sources of different phenolic compounds, which act as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuro-enhancer, and anticancer. There is a dire need for planned and well-structured experimental designs to deliver possible future applications of this tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted to estimate the body composition parameters in hybrid fry (Labeo rohita ♀ and Catla catla ♂) by feeding them at three graded protein feeds (15%CP, 20%CP, 25%CP). Eighteen days old fry of hybrid (L. rohita ♀ and C. catla ♂) of 0.12±0.08 average weight(g) and length(cm) 1.63±0.21 were acclimatized and shifted in hapas (8x6x3 ft.), fed at the rate of 5% of their wet body weight. Ten samples from each hapa were randomly selected at the end of three months (90 days trial) for body composition analysis. Mean percent water, ash, fat and protein contents were ranged 80.55±0.94 to 80.55±0.94; 2.23±0.13 to 2.23±0.13, 5.85±0.55 to 6.63±0.97 and 10.59±1.67 to 11.93±1.67 in wet body weight of hybrid fish (Labeo rohita ♀ and Catla catla ♂), respectively, reared under different treatments. Mean water and fat contents showed highest percent values in T1 (15%CP), while ash and protein contents were found highest in T3 (25%CP) in the hybrid fish. Protein and lipid showed inverse relation as with increasing dietary protein levels as T3 (25%) feed showed highest protein content and lowest lipid content. Inverse relation was seen between water content and fat content. % water showed relationship with % fat, % protein and % organic content in T1 feed, while T2 and T3 showed no significant correlation. All (T1, T2, T3) feeds showed no relation between % water and % ash (wet and dry). All (T1, T2, T3) feeds observed highly significant correlation between body weight and water content. Investigation of body size on total body composition parameters revealed generally in different feeds an increasing trend in total protein, total ash and total organic content, while a decreasing trend in total fat content. Total length in all (T1, T2, T3) feeds observed no influence on total water content, total protein content and total organic content, while an influence on ash content and total fat content was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to analyze the presence or absence of common adulterants in milk and milk products from six different regions of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Purposely, 54 samples from six different regions of Faisalabad were collected. Results revealed that milk of Faisalabad's regions was adulterated with water, starch, urea, glucose, cane sugar, soap, synthetic milk and neutralizers. The results for starch, formalin, vegetable fat, artificial color, nitrates, sodium chloride, coal tar dyes, hydrogen peroxide, annatto, detergent, sulphate adulteration was found to be non-significant. The results for soap, synthetic milk, urea, sugar cane, neutralizers and glucose were significant. It was noted that R2 milk samples had more bacterial load (3.92x108 CFU/mL) followed by R1 (3.38x108 CFU/mL). Among milk products, cream samples collected from R6 had the maximum bacterial count (1.74x108 CFU/mL). The milk samples were also analyzed for the presence of added urea by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted to estimate the body composition parameters in hybrid fry (Labeo rohita ♀ and Catla catla ♂) by feeding them at three graded protein feeds (15%CP, 20%CP, 25%CP). Eighteen days old fry of hybrid (L. rohita ♀ and C. catla ♂) of 0.12±0.08 average weight(g) and length(cm) 1.63±0.21 were acclimatized and shifted in hapas (8x6x3 ft.), fed at the rate of 5% of their wet body weight. Ten samples from each hapa were randomly selected at the end of three months (90 days trial) for body composition analysis. Mean percent water, ash, fat and protein contents were ranged 80.55±0.94 to 80.55±0.94; 2.23±0.13 to 2.23±0.13, 5.85±0.55 to 6.63±0.97 and 10.59±1.67 to 11.93±1.67 in wet body weight of hybrid fish (Labeo rohita ♀ and Catla catla ♂), respectively, reared under different treatments. Mean water and fat contents showed highest percent values in T1 (15%CP), while ash and protein contents were found highest in T3 (25%CP) in the hybrid fish. Protein and lipid showed inverse relation as with increasing dietary protein levels as T3 (25%) feed showed highest protein content and lowest lipid content. Inverse relation was seen between water content and fat content. % water showed relationship with % fat, % protein and % organic content in T1 feed, while T2 and T3 showed no significant correlation. All (T1, T2, T3) feeds showed no relation between % water and % ash (wet and dry). All (T1, T2, T3) feeds observed highly significant correlation between body weight and water content. Investigation of body size on total body composition parameters revealed generally in different feeds an increasing trend in total protein, total ash and total organic content, while a decreasing trend in total fat content. Total length in all (T1, T2, T3) feeds observed no influence on total water content, total protein content and total organic content, while an influence on ash content and total fat content was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine requirement of unscheduled I/V fluid in children treated with low osmolar oral rehydration solution as compare to standard oral rehydration solution. Study Design: Case control study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatrics, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, from Sep 2018 to Feb 2019. Methodology: Sample size of 400 patients was calculated using WHO calculator. Patients were recruited through non probability consecutive sampling. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. For each patient detailed history was taken including demographic information. Group A patients (controls) receive standard oral rehydration solution and Group B patients will receive low osmolar oral rehydration solution (Cases). Each group was followed for 6 hours after the treatment. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24. Chi-square test applied and p-value ≤0.05 found significant. Results: A total of 400 cases were enrolled in the study. There were 220 (55%) male and 180 (45%) female in our study. Mean weight of patients was 9.46 Kg ± 5.9 SD. In group A, 8 patients showed unscheduled fluid requirement while 192 did not showed unscheduled fluid requirement. In group B, 32 patients showed unscheduled fluid requirement while 168 did not showed unscheduled fluid requirement (p=0.000). Conclusions: Incidence of or need of, unscheduled I/V fluid in children treated with low osmolar oral rehydration solution is less as compare to standard oral rehydration solution for management of acute diarrhea with some dehydration. And hence low osmolar oral rehydration solution shows better acceptance in management of acute diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to improve the aqueous solubility of atorvastatin (AT) and ameliorate permeability of metformin (MT) in a combination formulation, improving their oral bioavailability. Several AT-MT loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) based nanoparticles were prepared through electrospraying method (ES-NPs), and tested for physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo parameters. Among the trialed formulations, a sample consisting of AT, MT, PVP, and HA at the weight ratio of 1/6.25/3.75/15 furnished the most satisfying solubility and release rate results. It enhanced approximately 10.3-fold and 3.6-fold solubility of AT as compared with AT powder and marketed product (Lipilow) in phosphate buffer pH = 6.8, respectively. Whereas, permeation of MT was 1.60-fold and 1.47-fold improved as compared with MT powder and marketed product (Glucophage), respectively. As compared with Lipilow, AUC (0-∞) and C max of AT with ES-NPs in rats were improved to 3.6-fold and 3.2-fold, respectively. Similarly, as compared with Glucophage, AUC (0-∞) and C max of MT were improved to 2.3-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively. Thus, ES-NPs significantly enhanced the solubility of AT (a BCS class II drug) and permeability of MT (a BCS class III drug) and might be a promising drug delivery system for co-delivery of these drugs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedera helix L. is a specie that is used for its ornamental and medicinal properties widely. In spite of its very good biochemical characterization, the knowledge about the DNA variability is very limited and no DNA markers were used to analyses the genomic variability of the populations, up to date. In the present study, genetic diversity of 56 Hedera helix, individuals nine populations were studied using 10 Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers. High polymorphic bands (95.78%), polymorphic information content (0.25) and allele number (1.34) showed SCoT as a reliable marker system for genetic analysis in Hedera helix. At the species, the percentage of polymorphic loci [P] was 66.20%, Nei's gene diversity [H] was 0.159, Shannon index [I] was 0.148 and unbiased gene diversity [UHe] was 0.56. Genetic variation within populations (70%) was higher than among populations (30%) based on analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). We used SCoT molecular marker for our genetic investigation with the following aims: 1-- Investigate genetic diversity both among and with date Hedera helix, 2--Identify genetic groups within these nine populations ivy, and 3--produce data on the genetic structure of date ivy populations. The results obtained revealed a high within-population genetic variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of current study was to fabricate PEG based hydrogels cross linked with monomer i.e. acrylic acid and 2, Acrylamide-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) in aqueous media. N,N'-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) was used as cross linker while ammonium per sulfate was added in reaction as initiator. Sodium bicarbonate was used as to create pores in hydrogel making the formulations superporous. Ivabradine hydrochloride as model drug was loaded into prepared hydrogel formulation. FTIR confirmed the compatibility of Polyethylene glycol with acrylic acid and AMPS. Thermal stability of PEG based hydrogels was confirmed by DSC and TGA techniques. Prepared hydrogels showed pH dependent swelling behavior. Presence of AMPS caused excellent swelling of hydrogels due to its polyelectrolyte nature while in case of acrylic acid dense cross linking cause comparatively less swelling of acrylic acid based hydrogels. Sol–gel fraction was determined to find out unreacted and uncross linked portion of each formulation. Invitro release study confirmed controlled release of loaded drug from PEG based polymeric matrices. Release kinetics suggested that drug release from hydrogel matrix followed solvent diffusion swelling mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in the Pediatric Oncology Units (POUs) of Pakistan. Data from 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019 and 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 for the first and second cohort, respectively, in order to compare the registration, abandonment rate, and delay in treatment. Six hundred and thirty-four were registered cases, 379 and 255 in the first and second cohort, respectively, which was significantly different <0.005. Seventy-seven were abandoned, 45 and 32 in the first and second cohort, respectively. Fifty-nine COVID-19 positive cases, 24, 4, 27, and 4 were admitted, referred, home isolated, and leave against medical advice (LAMA), respectively. Delayed treatment and reduction in new cases were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation conducted in 90 days feeding trial evaluated the effect of three dietary protein feeds (15% CP, 20%CP, 25%CP) composed of plant protein ingredients, on elemental concentration in Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) fingerlings, a developed strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Feed preparation criteria was based on cost effectiveness and local availability of cheaper plant protein feed ingredients. Ten specimens were randomly selected from each treatment hapa for evaluating the concentrations of selected essential and non-essential elements in GIFT fingerlings fed with dietary protein levels of 15% (T1), 20% (T2) and 25% (T3) crude protein. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was used for the analysis of whole-body elemental concentrations in relation to fish size under the influence of various dietary protein levels. The concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Pb and Cd were quantified for T1, T2 and T3 fish samples. An increasing trend was observed in the concentrations of studied elements with the increase of dietary crude protein in fish feed. The elemental concentration in the carcasses of studied GIFT yielded similar accumulation pattern for three treatment groups T1, T2 and T3, i.e., K > Na > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Pb > Cd. Linear and multiple regression was applied to check the significance of accumulated elements. The relationship among the element concentrations and weight and length of fishes was also examined. A positive association between the elements and weight and length of the sampled fish was noted except for Fe in T1 with body weight. A common trend of positive and negative allometry was observed for most of the elemental concentrations with wet body weight and total length respectively. The level of non-essential toxic elements, Cd and Pb, did not exceed the permitted levels of international standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was an attempt to compare the phytoceutic potential of ginger rhizome and ginger leaves of the Suravi variety. For this purpose, both rhizome and leaves were dried and used for the preparation of patties. After that, patties were assessed for colour tonality, texture, total phenolic content and hedonic response such as colour, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. The results depicted that L* and b* values changed significantly during the storage interval; however, b* value was also affected by treatments whilst L* and a* values did not impart any momentous effect. For texture, the highest value was observed for patties with ginger rhizome powder (0.067 ± 0.0032 N) followed by patties with ginger leaf powder (0.060 ± 0.0029 N) and then control patties (0.057 ± 0.0026 N). For total phenolic content (TPC), maximum phenolic contents were observed as 84.80 ± 3.31 mg GAE 100 g-1 in treatment T2 followed by 75.68 ± 2.95 mg GAE 100 g-1 in T1 and 61.70 ± 2.41 mg GAE 100 g-1 in T0. For hedonic response, all the parameters changed significantly during the storage interval; however, flavour, taste and overall acceptability changed momentously with treatments. The findings of the current investigation demonstrated that ginger leaves have a higher antioxidant potential as compared to the ginger rhizome and control patties, and they should be incorporated into food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: About one quarter of pregnant women in the population of Pakistan are using long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) for prevention of malaria. Past research reported that adequate information and education would act as mediator to change behaviour among patients for prevention of malaria infection. The effective use of LLINs would contribute to reduction of disease burden caused by malaria. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of health education on the adoption of LLINs among pregnant women living in Tharparkar, a remote district in Sindh Province, Pakistan. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design with control and intervention groups was conducted with 200 pregnant women (100 in each group). Women in the intervention group were provided with health education sessions on malaria for 12 weeks, while those in the control group obtained routine information from lady health workers (LHWs). Pre- and post-intervention assessment was done of knowledge about malaria and use of LLIN, which was statistically analysed using descriptive statistics and difference in difference (DID) multivariable regression analysis to test effectiveness of the intervention. Results: Baseline was conducted with 200 pregnant women. Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups with slight differences in age, education, income, type of latrine, and source of drinking water. There were no significant differences between mean knowledge and use of LLINs scores between groups at baseline. However, the estimated DID value after the intervention was 4.170 (p < 0.01) and represents an increase in scores of knowledge in the intervention group compared to control. Similarly DID value of 3.360 (p < 0.05) showed an increase in use of LLINs score after the intervention which was significant, showing that the intervention had a positive effect. Conclusions: Results proved that health education could be an effective intervention for improving knowledge and usage of LLINs among pregnant women for the prevention of malaria. Such educational interventions have a positive potential to be implemented at larger scale by incorporating them into routine health sessions provided by health workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipid scramblases externalize phosphatidylserine to facilitate numerous physiological processes. Several members of the structurally unrelated TMEM16 and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein families mediate phospholipid scrambling. The structure of a TMEM16 scramblase shows a membrane-exposed hydrophilic cavity, suggesting that scrambling occurs via the "credit-card" mechanism where lipid headgroups permeate through the cavity while their tails remain associated with the membrane core. Here we show that afTMEM16 and opsin, representatives of the TMEM16 and GCPR scramblase families, transport phospholipids with polyethylene glycol headgroups whose globular dimensions are much larger than the width of the cavity. This suggests that transport of these large headgroups occurs outside rather than within the cavity. These large lipids are scrambled at rates comparable to those of normal phospholipids and their presence in the reconstituted vesicles promotes scrambling of normal phospholipids. This suggests that both large and small phospholipids can move outside the cavity. We propose that the conformational rearrangements underlying TMEM16- and GPCR-mediated credit-card scrambling locally deform the membrane to allow transbilayer lipid translocation outside the cavity and that both mechanisms underlie transport of normal phospholipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the attitude of Physical Therapy Students towards Post-graduation studies. A cross sectional survey was administrated in 4th year and final year. Undergraduate physical therapy students from different institutes of Pakistan. Opinion from Participants was taken regarding the motives and barriers in pursuing higher studies in physical Therapy. For this purpose, a well-structured questionnaire was used to investigate latest trends in pursuing higher studies in physical therapy. We have found that most of the participants were females and belong to the University of Sargodha. Tuition fee and academic program were the prime factors that participants preferred while choosing University for higher education. Lucrative career and availability of research opportunities were principal motives while inadequate financial aid and social issues were a barrier. Most of the students wanted to obtain higher education in Musculoskeletal PT and neurological PT. We concluded that post-graduation in PT is acquired to gain professional enhancement and better status in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of Bifidobacterium bifidum in the yoghurt with and without encapsulation. The B. bifidum was encapsulated with 6% sodium alginate concentration (SAC) and 0.8% Carboxymethyl‐Hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) as a single coating and then double‐coated with whey protein concentrate (WPC). After that, yoghurt was prepared with the addition of free and encapsulated probiotic (B. bifidum) along with the starter cultures and studied weekly up to 28th day of storage. Organoleptic analysis also shows higher score in encapsulated probiotic bacteria rather than free. The viable count of probiotic and yoghurt cultures was affected significantly (p < .01) during refrigerated storage of yoghurt and their survivability remained higher (8.81 ± 0.35 to 5.39 ± 0.58 log cfu/ml) in double‐coated encapsulated yoghurt. Encapsulated cells of probiotic culture have shown minimum zone of inhibition compared with free cells, and antibiotic (gentamicin) has shown maximum resistance against Salmonella. Practical applications: The present study concludes that probiotics can be used against foodborne pathogens but antibiotic has shown more resistant as compared to probiotic. The most efficient and significant technology for probiotics preservation is encapsulation against unfavorable environmental conditions. So, to improve the physical stability of alginate gels, chitosan coating material enhanced the survival of encapsulated probiotic in the yoghurt. The results of this study can be used at industrial level to claim health benefits of encapsulated probiotics for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]