Search

Abstract Exorbitant praxis of nitrogen pioneered and opened up the usage of time-specific and need-based nitrogen management. The leaf color chart (LCC), being one of the handy tool, is put to use for the estimation of the indirect leaf N, and also heightens the competence of crop N administration. Integrating leaf color chart assessments into maize cultivation practices can provide a practical and cost-effective approach for tailoring nitrogen applications, leading to improved resource-use efficiency and sustainable maize production. To perceive the specific leaf color chart (LCC) value for precision maneuvering of nitrogen in different maize hybrids, a field experiment was carried out at the research farm of Division of Agronomy, FoA, Wadura, Sopore, SKUAST-Kashmir, in the years 2019 and 2020 (Kharif seasons). Split Plot Design (SPD) employing three maize varieties (Shalimar Maize Hybrid-2 (SMH-2), Kanchan-517 and Vivek-45) in main plots and precision management of nitrogen (T1: Control, T2: Recommended Nitrogen (120 kg N ha–1), T3: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 3) kg N ha−1, T4: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 3) kg N ha−1, T5: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 4) kg N ha−1, T6: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 4) kg N ha−1, T7: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 5) kg N ha−1 and T8: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 5) kg N ha−1) in sub-plots was systemized. The pooled means indicated that SMH-2 chalked up utmost values in growth (plant height 189.4 cm) and periodic leaf area index and yield parameters with a grain yield of 6.1 t ha–1, straw yield of 10.6 t ha–1, respectively. The LCC value of @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1 set down statistically highest and significant grain (6.0 t ha–1) and straw yield (10.8 t ha–1) pooled over the years amidst other nitrogen management treatments, respectively. LCC @ 20 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1 turned up to have highest apparent N recovery (REN) followed by LCC @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha-1 whereas LCC @ 20 (≤ 4) kg N ha–1 which was at par with LCC @ 20 (≤ 5) kg N ha-1 recorded maximum agronomic efficiency (AE). LCC @ 20 (≤ 3) kg N ha–1 showed the highest physiological efficiency (PE) and partial factor productivity (Pfp). Furthermore, different rice genotypes manifested significant effects vis-à-vis Pfp and REN, which were maximum in SMH-2 contrasted with Kanchan-517 and Vivek-45. In the interim, the economics of pooled data divulged that the maximum B: C ratio was observed in SMH-2 and LCC @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1. Therefore, site-specific nutrient management through LCC proved to be an effective strategy to maximize yield and nitrogen use efficiency in hybrid maize.

Abstract This study investigates the synergistic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and melatonin (MT) on Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry) plants under drought stress, focusing on growth, fruit biomass, and stress tolerance. ZnO NPs enhance nutrient uptake and stress resistance, while MT regulates growth hormones and boosts photosynthetic efficiency. Seven treatments were evaluated: T1 (no stress, 0.5 g/L ZnO NPs + 0.1 g/L MT), T2 (no stress, 0.5 g/L ZnO NPs), T3 (no stress, 0.1 g/L MT), T4 (drought stress, no application), T5 (drought stress, 0.5 g/L ZnO NPs + 0.1 g/L MT), T6 (drought stress, 0.5 g/L ZnO NPs), and T7 (drought stress, 0.1 g/L MT). Growth and stress parameters included shoot/root length, fruit biomass, bud number, chlorophyll content, oxidative stress markers (H₂O₂, MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaves of Fragaria × ananassa. The combined treatment (ZnO NPs + MT) consistently outperformed others, achieving the highest growth metrics under both conditions: shoot length (22.33 ± 1.53 cm non-stress, 15.00 ± 1.53 cm drought), root length (18.67 ± 1.53 cm non-stress, 12.00 ± 1.53 cm drought), and fruit biomass (9.55 ± 0.31 g non-stress, 5.02 ± 0.23 g drought). Bud formation peaked at 3.33 ± 0.58 buds/plant non-stress and 2.00 ± 0.00 buds/plant drought. Under drought, the combined treatment also enhanced chlorophyll content (2.47 ± 0.20 mg/g FW) and significantly reduced H₂O₂ (28.67 ± 2.52 µmol/g FW) and MDA (4.21 ± 0.10 µmol/g FW) levels, while maximizing antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD: 121.67 ± 7.64 U/g FW, POD: 206.33 ± 14.84 U/g FW, CAT: 48.00 ± 3.61 U/g FW). These findings highlight the combined application of ZnO NPs and MT as a promising strategy to enhance growth and stress tolerance in strawberry plants, warranting further research on optimized concentrations, delivery methods, and molecular mechanisms.

Bioretention systems can efficiently eliminate microplastics (MPs) from stormwater and prevent their potential pollution in surface water. However, MPs dynamics in bioretention systems and their effects on microbes, plants, and organics removal are unknown. In this study, five lab-scale bioretention columns (i.e., control and four treatments) were established and filled with soil and fillers (zeolite and ceramsite). Various sorbents were utilized in columns, including biochar, kaolin and kaolin-biochar (KBC) composites for MPs adsorption. This study examines how biochar/kaolin amendment affects MPs and organics (COD and TOC) removal, plant health, and microbial community structure in bioretention systems. In the 60-day time-series column experiment, all amended columns removed over 90% of MPs compared to the control. The biochar, kaolin and their combined composite eliminated MPs by 90%, 94%, and 97%, respectively. Adding vegetation to the columns improved MPs removal. Moreover, bioretention systems were more effective in removing MPs ranging from 0.6 to 1 mm with a 71% removal rate than MPs ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 mm, resulting in a 54% removal. Organics were removed contrarily in the soil and filler layer of the bioretention system, with the soil layer removal higher due to increased microbial activity. The removal rate of total organic carbon was higher (90%) than that of chemical oxygen demand (80%). The most dominant phylum of the bacteria in the soil of treatment columns were Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota, which constituted 16‐27% and 41‐58%, respectively. While the dominant phylum in that of fillers were Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, which constituted 18‐42% and 42‐65%, respectively. The maximum microbial enrichment was observed in the biochar and KBC vegetated columns. This work advances our understanding of the complex dynamics between microplastics and organic matter in stormwater and how, individually and in combination, vegetation, biochar, and kaolin vegetation, biochar, and kaolin, individually and in combination, enhance bioretention systems' effectiveness in managing multiple pollutants.

Abstract This study assessed the growth, biomass, and carbon storage potential of four urban tree species—Pinus roxburghii, Broussonetia papyrifera, Jacaranda mimosifolia, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis—in Islamabad’s greenbelts. Sampling was conducted using a quadrat method, covering five sites (F-9, G-8, H-8, I-8, Zero-Point), with 400 trees analyzed. Growth parameters such as diameter at breast height (DBH), height, aboveground biomass (AGB), aboveground carbon density (ACD), belowground carbon density (BCD), basal area (BA), and volume were measured. E. camaldulensis recorded the highest AGB (mean: 2.07 t ha⁻¹, range: 0.05–6.54 t ha⁻¹), ACD (mean: 971.43 t ha⁻¹), and BCD (mean: 233.14 t ha⁻¹), along with the largest DBH (mean: 47.31 cm) and height (mean: 20.10 m). B. papyrifera showed significant carbon storage potential, with mean ACD and BCD values of 373.94 t ha⁻¹ and 89.75 t ha⁻¹, respectively. In contrast, J. mimosifolia displayed the lowest mean AGB (0.2493 t ha⁻¹) but showed considerable variability, with DBH ranging from 7.68 to 59.83 cm. P. roxburghii exhibited moderate values, with a mean AGB of 0.45 t ha⁻¹ and ACD of 212.36 t ha⁻¹. Overall, mean AGB, ACD, and BCD across all species were 0.89 t ha⁻¹, 418.73 t ha⁻¹, and 100.49 t ha⁻¹, respectively, while basal area ranged from 12.07 to 154.94 m² ha⁻¹ (mean: 61.84 m² ha⁻¹). Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlations among DBH, height, and biomass parameters (p

Abstract Salinity stress adversely affects wheat growth and productivity, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study investigates the combined impact of ascorbic acid (AsA), silver nanoparticles (NPs), and Salvadora oleoides aqueous leaf extract (LE) on wheat tolerance to salinity stress. A randomized complete design (RCD) was employed with fourteen treatments: T1 (5 mM AsA), T2 (10 mM AsA), T3 (20 ppm AgNPs), T4 (40 ppm AgNPs), T5 (5% S. oleoides LE), T6 (10% S. oleoides LE), T7 (20 ppm AgNPs + 5 mM AsA), T8 (20 ppm AgNPs + 10 mM AsA), T9 (40 ppm AgNPs + 5 mM AsA), T10 (40 ppm AgNPs + 10 mM AsA), T11 (20 ppm AgNPs + 5% S. oleoides LE), T12 (20 ppm AgNPs + 10% S. oleoides LE), T13 (40 ppm AgNPs + 5% S. oleoides LE), and T14 (40 ppm AgNPs + 10% S. oleoides LE). Wheat plants were subjected to salinity stress (SS) and no-stress conditions (NoSS) for 50 days. Chlorophyll content, DPPH activity, total soluble proteins and sugars, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, leaf ion concentrations, and nutrient uptake were analyzed. Under SS, T6 (10% LE) showed the lowest chlorophyll-a (90.04%) and b (57.84%). DPPH activity was highest in NoSS with T9 (40 ppm NPs + 5 mM AsA) at 14.40%, and lowest in SS with T6 (10% LE) at 6.67%. Total soluble proteins and sugars were highest in NoSS with T9 (40 ppm NPs + 5 mM AsA) and T6 (10% LE). In SS, SOD activity peaked with T6 (10% LE) at 8.39 U/mg protein, while CAT activity was highest with T9 (40 ppm NPs + 5 mM AsA) at 6.25 U/mg protein. Lipid peroxidation was highest in SS with T6 (10% LE) at 14.67 µM MDA/g fresh weight. Leaf Na and Cl concentrations were highest in SS with T9 (40 ppm NPs + 5 mM AsA), at 14.26% and 44.15%, respectively. The combined application of 40 NPs and 5 AsA (T9) proved most effective in enhancing chlorophyll content and DPPH activity under NoSS, while 10% LE (T6) showed significant improvements in SOD activity and lipid peroxidation mitigation under SS. Future research should explore optimizing treatment concentrations and combinations to further enhance wheat stress tolerance and evaluate long-term effects on crop yield and quality.

Abstract Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a vital crop constituting approximately 20% of global caloric intake, faces significant threats from heavy metal contamination, particularly cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr), along with drought stress, jeopardizing global food security. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of these stressors and the potential of plant growth enhancers such as gibberellic acid (GA3), biochar (BC), and rhizobacteria to improve wheat growth. Conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, the experiment utilized a completely randomized design with three replications across 72 pots, each filled with clay loam soil. The experimental layout included 24 treatment combinations involving cadmium stress (6 mg/kg), chromium stress (300 and 600 mg/kg), drought stress simulated at -0.8 MPa soil water potential, and various applications of GA3 (200 mg L− 1) and biochar (0.6% and 0.9% w/w). Seedlings of T. aestivum cv. Dilkash-21, treated with Agrobacterium fabrum, showed significant growth metrics, with root lengths of 9.36 cm under 6 mg/kg Cd stress compared to 5.53 cm in controls. The treatment also increased shoot and root fresh weights by 24.7% and 22.5%, respectively, while chlorophyll content peaked at 2.26 mg/g under 6 mg/kg Cd. Additionally, electrolyte leakage decreased to 10.5%, and the vigor index improved to 1586.05 under Cd stress. These findings indicate that utilizing GA3 and biochar can mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stressors on wheat. Future research should focus on the underlying mechanisms of these treatments and explore their application in field conditions to further enhance wheat productivity and resilience against environmental stress.

Abstract This study investigates the impact of industrial wastewater from leather, household, and marble sources on the growth, physiological traits, and biochemical responses of Momordica charantia (bitter melon). Industrial activities often lead to the release of contaminated effluents, which can significantly affect plant health and agricultural productivity. Water analysis revealed that leather effluent contained high concentrations of heavy metals, including cadmium (2.67 mg/L), lead (1.95 mg/L), and nickel (1.02 mg/L), all of which exceeded the recommended safety limits for irrigation. Seed germination was significantly reduced, with only 45% germination in seeds irrigated with leather effluent, compared to 90% in the control group. Similarly, in plants treated with leather wastewater, shoot length, and root length were reduced by 38% and 42%. Chlorophyll content showed a marked decline, with chlorophyll “a” reduced by 25% and chlorophyll “b” by 30% in wastewater-treated plants, indicating impaired photosynthetic activity. Antioxidant enzyme activity, including catalase and superoxide dismutase, increased by up to 40%, reflecting a stress response to heavy metal toxicity. These findings highlight that industrial wastewater severely disrupts plant metabolic processes, leading to stunted growth and physiological stress. To safeguard crop productivity and food security, stringent wastewater treatment protocols must be implemented to mitigate environmental contamination. Future research should focus on developing advanced remediation techniques and sustainable wastewater management practices to reduce heavy metal toxicity and enhance soil health.

Abstract Green nanomaterials are increasingly used to improve plant growth and phytochemical traits. This study employed Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, a medicinal plant, as a bio-reductant and capping agent to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs), which were applied as seed primers for Lactuca sativa (lettuce), an annual species prized for its short germination time and rich bioactive compounds. Characterization of CuO-NPs using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX confirmed their purity, crystalline structure, and an average particle size of 74.66 nm. The CuO-NPs were applied at concentrations of 0.01 mg/ml, 0.02 mg/ml, 0.03 mg/ml, and 0.04 mg/ml. At the highest concentration (0.04 mg/ml), significant reductions in physical growth parameters were observed, with plant length, height, and width measuring 7.85 cm, 5.50 cm, and 3.48 cm, respectively, compared to 13.70 cm, 11.52 cm, and 11.18 cm in control plants. Phytochemical analysis identified tannins, alkaloids, phytosterols, saponins, flavonoids, and glycosides in all methanolic extracts, while carotenoids were absent at higher concentrations (0.03 mg/ml and 0.04 mg/ml) due to phytotoxicity. FTIR analysis revealed a prominent peak at 858 cm⁻¹ at 0.01 mg/ml, indicating the presence of antioxidant-rich aromatic phenyl compounds. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that CuO-NPs synthesized using Eucalyptus globulus extract enhance phytochemical constituents at optimal concentrations but inhibit growth and reduce key phytochemicals at higher doses. Future research should optimize nanoparticle concentrations to minimize phytotoxicity while maximizing beneficial effects on plant growth and bioactive compounds.

Abstract Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop of immense economic importance, especially in the agronomic context of Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Understanding the effects of various agronomic practices, such as priming techniques, sowing methods, and seed rates, on wheat yield and growth is crucial for optimizing production and ensuring regional food security. To study the effects of priming and sowing techniques in combination with seed rates on short (Israr Shaheed) and long (Gomal) duration, three experiments were conducted at the agronomic research site of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, wheat varieties. In the first experiment, various priming techniques were used. Among different techniques used Farmyard manure priming produced the tallest plants at 111.3 and 125.3 cm, the maximum number of tillers (335.7 and 345.0 m-2), longest spikes (8.6 and 7.6 cm), maximum spikelets (27.2 and 31.0 spike-1), maximum number of grains (45.5 and 48.7 spike-1), maximum grain yield (4.4 and 4.6 t ha-1) and maximum harvest index (38.7 and 41.5%) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Conversely, compost manure produced heavier grains than other interactions (49.2 and 42.3 g) while sodium chloride showed the maximum biological yield (12.4 and 11.8 t ha-1) for Israr Shaheed and Gomal correspondingly. In 2nd experiment, different sowing methods were tested on two wheat varieties Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Dry sowing followed by flooding produced tallest plants measuring (105.5 and 101.7 cm), maximum number of tillers (398.2 and 406.7 m-2), longest spikes (8.3 and 7.2 cm), maximum spikelets (29.8 and 35.5 spike-1), maximum number of grains (54.3 and 51.6 spike-1) and maximum grain yield (4.3 and 4.6 t ha-1) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Israr Shaheed and Gomal showed maximum 1000-grain weights (45.3 and 45.0 g) in sprouted seeding in flooded fields respectively. The highest biological yield (13.6 t ha-1) was in dry seed in the flooded field while the maximum harvest index (33.5 and 33.9%) was recorded in soaked seed followed by flooding for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. In the last experiment, different seed rates were studied. The results showed that plants grown with seed rate 150 kg ha-1 showed the tallest plants at 111.0 and 111.7 cm, maximum number of tillers (411.6 and 408.2 m-2), longest spikes (7.8 and 7.7 cm), maximum spikelets (34.3 and 34.3 spike-1), maximum number of grains (50.8 and 47.2 spike-1), maximum grain yield (4.6 and 4.5 t ha-1) and maximum harvest index (38.4 and 36.7%) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. The maximum number of 1000-grains weight (g) was found on 200 and 250 kg ha-1 for Israr Shaheed and Goma-8, respectively giving 45.2 g while biological yield was the highest in 175 kg ha-1 respectively. Conclusively, the results indicated that yield and yield attributes in wheat were enhanced up to 150 kg ha-1 seed rate when interacted with farmyard manure priming along with dry sowing of seed followed by flooding. Future research should explore the integration of advanced irrigation techniques and nutrient management practices to further enhance wheat productivity in the Dera Ismail Khan region.

Abstract The Aluminum alloy AA7075 workpiece material is observed under dry finishing turning operation. This work is an investigation reporting promising potential of deep adaptive learning enhanced artificial intelligence process models for L18 (6133) Taguchi orthogonal array experiments and major cost saving potential in machining process optimization. Six different tool inserts are used as categorical parameter along with three continuous operational parameters i.e., depth of cut, feed rate and cutting speed to study the effect of these parameters on workpiece surface roughness and tool life. The data obtained from special L18 (6133) orthogonal array experimental design in dry finishing turning process is used to train AI models. Multi-layer perceptron based artificial neural networks (MLP-ANNs), support vector machines (SVMs) and decision trees are compared for better understanding ability of low resolution experimental design. The AI models can be used with low resolution experimental design to obtain causal relationships between input and output variables. The best performing operational input ranges are identified for output parameters. AI-response surfaces indicate different tool life behavior for alloy based coated tool inserts and non-alloy based coated tool inserts. The AI-Taguchi hybrid modelling and optimization technique helped in achieving 26% of experimental savings (obtaining causal relation with 26% less number of experiments) compared to conventional Taguchi design combined with two screened factors three levels full factorial experimentation.

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) toxicity significantly threatens agricultural productivity and food safety. Developing effective strategies to enhance plant tolerance to Cd stress is essential. This study investigates the synergistic effects of biochar (BC) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on mitigating Cd toxicity in maize (Zea mays), focusing on their impact on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities. Soil samples were collected from the Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS) and analyzed for trace metal ions and other properties. Biochar was produced from fruit and vegetable waste, washed, washed, deashed, and mixed with 10 ppm GA3. FH-1036 hybrid maize seeds were sterilized and planted in pots containing soil with varying Cd levels (0, 8, and 16 mg Cd/kg soil). Twelve treatments were established, including control, GA3, BC, and their combinations under different Cd stress levels. Plants were irrigated to maintain 60% field capacity and harvested at the V10 growth stage. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were measured in roots, stems, and leaves. Statistical analysis was performed using OriginPro 2021, with ANOVA and Fisher’s LSD test used to determine significant differences. GA3 and BC treatments significantly reduced H2O2 levels in maize roots, stems and leaves under Cd stress. The combined treatment of GA3 + BC showed the most significant reduction in H2O2 levels across all plant parts, reducing root H2O2 by 50%, stem H2O2 by 55%, and leaf H2O2 by 53% under severe Cd stress (16 mg Cd/kg). SOD activity increased under non-stress conditions but decreased under Cd stress, with the highest activity observed in the combined treatment. POD activity followed a similar pattern, with GA3 + BC treatment resulting in the most significant increases under non-stress conditions and the least reductions under Cd stress. CAT activity showed substantial increases with GA3 + BC treatment, particularly under severe Cd stress, with a notable rise over the control. APX activity also exhibited enhancements with GA3 and BC treatments, especially in the combined treatment under various Cd stress levels. This study highlights the potential of combined BC and GA3 treatments in improving Cd stress tolerance in maize. Future research should focus on field trials and the long-term impacts of these treatments on crop productivity and soil health.

Abstract The plant extract-mediated method is eco-friendly, simple, safe, and low-cost, using biomolecules as a reducing agent to separate nanoparticles. Lanthanum (La) is a rare earth metal that positively affects plant growth and agriculture. Citrus limon is a leading citrus fruit with many varieties. Conventional vegetative propagation methods depend on season, availability of plant material and are time-consuming. It is the main reason for limiting the acceptance of new varieties. So, In-vitro propagation of the lemon method is practiced overcoming all these problems. Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3-NPs) were synthesized using plant extract of C. aurantium. Ultraviolet (UV)-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the synthesized La2O3-NPs. Fabricated La2O3-NPs were oval and spherical, with an average size of 51.1 nm. UV-visible absorption spectra of La2O3-NPs were shown at a sharp single peak at 342 nm and FTIR showed stretching frequency at 455 cm−1-516 cm−1. In the TGA outcome, mass loss was 9.1%. In vitro experiments demonstrated that La2O3-NPs significantly enhanced the germination and growth of C. limon seeds, achieving an 83% germination rate at 5 mg/L concentration, with uncoated seeds showing root initiation at 10 days and shoot formation at 15 days. Furthermore, La2O3-NPs effectively stimulated callus induction and maturation, with optimal responses observed in media containing MS and 2 mg/L 2,4-D, resulting in a maximum callus frequency of 100% from leaves and 87.5% from shoots at 5 mg/L concentration. These findings underscore the potential of La2O3-NPs to improve seed germination rates, seedling vigor, and callogenesis efficiency, suggesting their promising integration into agricultural practices for sustainable crop production, especially in suboptimal growing conditions. Future research is recommended to explore the mechanisms and broader applications of La2O3-NPs across various plant species and environments.

Background: The number of tuberculosis (TB)-related morbidities and mortalities is still high in the South-east Asian region. This study was performed to characterize and visualize the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) TB research in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection database was utilized. A total of 4822 documents were included in the final analysis according to the predefined eligibility criteria. The data were exported to the R package and VOSviewer software for factorial analysis and network visualization, respectively. Results: The included documents were published in English between 2020 and 2024 in 1255 journals. These documents were authored by 17005 authors (3.53 authors/document). The authors collaboration index was noticed 3.61. In total, 74.16% documents were published as the article. The highest number of documents were published in 2022 (n = 1089). The documents published in 2020 received the highest number of mean total citations per article (n = 8.64). The most published journal was Cureus Journal of Medical Science (n = 228). The most prolific author was Gupta A (n = 115). The most active institution was the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (n = 587). The top most trending topics were Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB elimination, molecular docking, extrapulmonary TB, Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, and multidrug resistance. India was the most productive country and had the strongest research collaboration with the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), and South Africa. Pakistan was mainly collaborating with the USA, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and China. The India and Pakistan collaboration was observed only in 66 documents. Conclusion: There is a poor output of scientific publication on TB in most SAARC countries. However, it is recognized that India has produced the highest number of scientific publications. The detection of undiagnosed post-COVID-19 pandemic TB cases is crucial to control further cases in the region. An effective regional cooperation should be established among institutions, universities, and countries to achieve the World Health Organization End TB goals.

Abstract Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae), commonly known as chamomile can tolerate freezing temperatures and grows in many soil types. This plant is found on all continents and has significant medicinal value. There are more than 120 chemicals detected in chamomile flowers, with the majority found in the essential oil. In this study, M. chamomilla was given the NaCl stress of 0 mM, 1 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM concentrations This study was the first to assess the efficacy of German chamomile upon exposure to salt stress hence plant particles that had been dried and powdered were analyzed using, phytochemical tests, Fourier Transform Infrared and UV–Vis spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The characterization and results of these activities show amazing results which enhance their antibacterial property with an increased zone of inhibition when the samples of salt stress of the above-given concentrations were compared to the control samples. More graph analysis indicates an effective impact of salt stress on the phytoconstituents of M. chamomilla. Other than that, there was a clear flower induction upon salt stress, as a variety of compounds are regarded as essential to the biological functions of chamomile flowers according to the phytoconstituent screening which can be further used in the cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical industry, and all other fields as well for various application as a nano-drug or bio-drug. Due to this, this plant became essential for plant biotechnology research.

Abstract Background Academic achievement is essential for all students seeking a successful career. Studying habits and routines is crucial in achieving such an ultimate goal. Objectives This study investigates the association between study habits, personal factors, and academic achievement, aiming to identify factors that distinguish academically successful medical students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The participants consisted of 1st through 5th-year medical students, with a sample size of 336. The research team collected study data using an electronic questionnaire containing three sections: socio-demographic data, personal characteristics, and study habits. Results The study results indicated a statistically significant association between self-fulfillment as a motivation toward studying and academic achievement (p = 0.04). The results also showed a statistically significant correlation between recalling recently memorized information and academic achievement (p = 0.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant association between preferring the information to be presented in a graphical form rather than a written one and academic achievement was also found (p = 0.03). Students who were satisfied with their academic performance had 1.6 times greater chances of having a high-grade point average (OR = 1.6, p = 0.08). Conclusion The results of this study support the available literature, indicating a correlation between study habits and high academic performance. Further multicenter studies are warranted to differentiate between high-achieving students and their peers using qualitative, semi-structured interviews. Educating the students about healthy study habits and enhancing their learning skills would also be of value.

Abstract Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus), known for its captivating appearance and remarkable nutritional profile, has garnered considerable attention in recent years. Despite its popularity, there's a dearth of research on optimal conditions for seed germination and early growth stages such as seedling shoot length, which are crucial for optimal crop yield. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating various growing media's performance on dragon fruit germination and early growth stages. Dragon fruit seeds were obtained from local markets in Pakistan and evaluated in five different growing media: cocopeat, peat moss, sand, vermiculite, and compost. Germination parameters were observed for 45 days, including seed germination percentage, mean germination time, and mean daily germination percentage, among others while early growth was monitored for 240 days. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. Significant differences were found among the growing media regarding germination percentage, mean germination time, and mean daily germination. Vermiculite exhibited the highest germination rate (93.33%), while compost showed the least (70%). Peat moss and sand media facilitated rapid germination, while compost showed slower rates. Stem length was significantly influenced by the growth media, with compost supporting the longest stems. Vermiculite emerged as the most effective medium for dragon fruit seed germination, while compost showed slower but steady growth. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing dragon fruit cultivation, aiding commercial growers and enthusiasts in achieving higher yields and quality. Further research could explore additional factors influencing dragon fruit growth and development.

Antibiotic resistance marker was used in this investigation because they are selected;e markers and effective in different hosts. This study used Zeocin binding protein (ZBP) due to its known 3D structure and applicability in prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts. A library of 22 mutations was developed through a rational design strategy. Subsequently, a selection strategy was used to identify destabilizing mutations in the ZBP. ZBP variants were expressed in E.coli using a leaky expression approach, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated by cultivating different variants at various Zeocin concentrations. Zeocin resistance was drastically decreased in some ZBP variants. Positive controls (wild-type ZBP) exhibited high resistance, while negative controls (pET vector without ZBP) showed susceptibility. Two variants (ZBP P9E and ZBP R26F) displayed drastic resistance loss. The variants reported in this study may identify molecular chaperones and folding modulators affecting proteostasis. These variants can potentially discover chemical chaperones that improve the stability and solubility of destabilized ZBP variants.

Abstract Ropivacaine is a commonly used local anesthetic for brachial plexus blocks in children, but the minimum effective dose of ropivacaine for interscalene brachial plexus blocks has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the 90% minimum effective concentration (MEC90) of ropivacaine for an ultrasound‐guided interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB). A total of 155 patients, aged from 1 to 10 years, underwent unilateral surgical procedures on areas of the upper extremity not innervated by the ulnar nerve. The biased coin design up‐and‐down sequential method (BCD‐UMD) was used to determine the MEC90 of ropivacaine for ultrasound‐guided ISB. In our study, the initial concentration of ropivacaine was 0.07% in the toddler group and 0.09% in the preschool and school‐age groups. During the trial, the concentration of ropivacaine for each subsequent patient was determined by the blocking effect of the previous patient. In case of failure, the concentration for the next patient was increased by 0.01%. Otherwise, the concentration was either decreased by 0.01%, with a probability of 0.11, or kept the same, with a probability of 0.89. Overall, the MEC90 of ropivacaine was 0.104% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.070%–0.106%) in the toddler group, 0.114% (95% CI, 0.090%–0.117%) in the preschool group, and 0.133% (95% CI, 0.099%–0.136%) in the school‐age group. No adverse events occurred. Our study showed that lower concentrations of ropivacaine could provide effective nerve blocks and reduce the risk of local anesthetics.

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus represents a multifaceted disorder characterized by intricate pathophysiological mechanisms, encompassing diminished insulin secretion, augmented hepatic glucose production, and heightened insulin resistance. This study aims to assess the sex (Male and Female only) and family history-based differences in the prevalence of T2DM and explore the determinants contributing to this disparity among clinical patients. Subjects and methods The study encompassed a diverse pool of clinical patients, encompassing both individuals with diabetes and those without the condition, who had previously sought medical attention for clinical checkups at healthcare centers. The collected data included essential parameters such as blood pressure, weight, height, smoking habits, educational background, and physical activity levels. To ensure methodological rigor and data accuracy, blood pressure measurements adhered to the stringent guidelines set forth by the World Health Organization. Results Participants of the present study reported diabetes, among which notable findings emerged regarding health indicators. It was observed that the prevalence of high blood pressure, obesity, and high blood cholesterol exhibited a statistically significant increase among the female participants, underscoring the sex-based disparities in these health parameters. The male population aged 60 or older, the presence of a family history of DM accentuated this risk, resulting in a striking 3.1 times higher prevalence compared to females, who exhibited a 2.4 times higher risk (OR = 2.4, p = 0.0008). This intriguing relationship between diabetes and cholesterol levels was not limited to sex. Both male (OR = 2.47) and female (OR = 2.1) diabetes patients displayed highly significant associations with cholesterol levels. The risk of T2DM was significantly associated with triglycerides in both sexes (1.58 times higher in males, and 1.71 times higher in females). Conclusions The significance of hypertension as a comorbidity in T2DM, highlighting sex-specific associations and the potential impact of a family history of diabetes on blood pressure. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering lipid profiles, obesity, and their sex-specific associations when assessing and managing diabetes risk. Comprehensive diabetes care should include strategies for lipid control, weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction, tailored to the individual’s sex and specific risk profile.

Abstract Cadmium (Cd), being a heavy metal, tends to accumulate in soils primarily through industrial activities, agricultural practices, and atmospheric deposition. Maize, being a staple crop for many regions, is particularly vulnerable to Cd contamination, leading to compromised growth, reduced yields, and potential health risks for consumers. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic matter has been shown to improve soil structure, nutrient retention and microbial activity. The choice of biochar as an ameliorative agent stems from its well-documented capacity to enhance soil quality and mitigate heavy metal stress. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the efficacy of biochar in combination with GA3, a plant growth regulator known for its role in promoting various physiological processes, in mitigating the adverse effects of Cd stress. The detailed investigation into morpho-physiological attributes and biochemical responses under controlled laboratory conditions provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of these interventions. The experimental design consisted of three replicates in a complete randomized design (CRD), wherein soil, each containing 10 kg was subjected to varying concentrations of cadmium (0, 8 and 16 mg/kg) and biochar (0.75% w/w base). Twelve different treatment combinations were applied, involving the cultivation of 36 maize plants in soil contaminated with Cd (T1: Control (No Cd stress; T2: Mild Cd stress (8 mg Cd/kg soil); T3: Severe Cd stress (16 mg Cd/kg soil); T4: 10 ppm GA3 (No Cd stress); T5: 10 ppm GA3 + Mild Cd stress; T6: 10 ppm GA3 + Severe Cd stress; T7: 0.75% Biochar (No Cd stress); T8: 0.75% Biochar + Mild Cd stress; T9: 0.75% Biochar + Severe Cd stress; T10: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar (No Cd stress); T11: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar + Mild Cd stress; T12: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar + Severe Cd stress). The combined application of GA3 and BC significantly enhanced multiple parameters including germination (27.83%), root length (59.53%), shoot length (20.49%), leaf protein (121.53%), root protein (99.93%), shoot protein (33.65%), leaf phenolics (47.90%), root phenolics (25.82%), shoot phenolics (25.85%), leaf chlorophyll a (57.03%), leaf chlorophyll b (23.19%), total chlorophyll (43.77%), leaf malondialdehyde (125.07%), root malondialdehyde (78.03%) and shoot malondialdehyde (131.16%) across various Cd levels compared to the control group. The synergistic effect of GA3 and BC manifested in optimal leaf protein and malondialdehyde levels indicating induced tolerance and mitigation of Cd detrimental impact on plant growth. The enriched soils showed resistance to heavy metal toxicity emphasizing the potential of BC and GA3 as viable strategy for enhancing maize growth. The application of biochar and gibberellic acid emerges as an effective means to mitigate cadmium-induced stress in maize, presenting a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices.

With the rapid development of metasurface technology, metasurfaces have gained significant attention in optical edge detection. Owing to their precise control over the phase, amplitude, and polarization state of electromagnetic waves, metasurfaces offer a novel approach to edge detection that not only overcomes the size limitations of traditional optical devices but also significantly enhances the flexibility and efficiency of image processing. This paper reviews recent research advances in metasurfaces for optical edge detection. Firstly, the principles of phase-controlled metasurfaces in edge detection are discussed, along with an analysis of their features in different applications. Then, methods for edge detection based on polarization and dispersion modulation of metasurfaces are elaborated, highlighting the potential of these technologies for efficient image processing. In addition, the progress in multifunctional metasurfaces is presented, offering new perspectives and application prospects for future optical edge detection, along with a discussion on the limitations of metasurface-based edge detection technologies and an outlook on their future development.

BackgroundZea mays (maize) is a globally significant cereal crop with diverse applications in food, feed, and industrial products. However, maize cultivation is often challenged by environmental stressors such as heavy metal toxicity and drought stress (DS). Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) can accumulate in soil through industrial activities and improper waste disposal, posing significant threats to plant growth and development. Drought stress further exacerbates these challenges by limiting water availability and affecting physiological processes in plants. This study explores the impact of Cd and Pb toxicity, as well as DS, on maize growth and development, and investigates the potential mitigating effects of various treatments, including gibberellic acid (GA3), biochar (BC), rhizobacteria (RB), and their combinations.MethodsThe experiment involved maize plants subjected to different stress conditions: cadmium (Cd) at concentrations of 0, 6, and 12 ppm, lead (Pb) at 0 and 400 ppm, and drought stress (DS). Treatments included the application of 10 ppm GA3, 0.75% BC, a combined treatment of 10 ppm GA3 and 0.75% BC, rhizobacteria (RB), and a combined treatment of 0.5% BC and RB. The study measured germination rates, shoot and root lengths, and biochemical parameters such as shoot and root protein, phenolics, and chlorophyll contents under these conditions.ResultsIn the absence of Cd stress (0 Cd), the application of 10 ppm GA3 and 0.75% BC significantly enhanced germination rates by 72% and 76%, respectively, compared to the control, with the combined treatment exhibiting the highest enhancement of 86%. Under Cd stress (6 ppm Cd), GA3 and BC individually improved germination by 54% and 57%, respectively, with the combined treatment showing the largest increase of 63%. Drought stress influenced germination, with notable improvements observed with the application of 0.5% BC (50% increase) and RB (49% increase). Similar trends were observed in shoot and root lengths, where the combined treatment of GA3 and BC resulted in the most significant improvements. The treatments positively influenced shoot and root protein, phenolics, and chlorophyll contents, particularly under stress conditions.ConclusionThese findings highlight the potential of combined treatments, such as the application of GA3 and BC or BC with RB, in alleviating the adverse effects of heavy metals (Cd and Pb) and drought stress in maize cultivation. The combined treatments not only improved germination rates but also significantly enhanced shoot and root growth, as well as important biochemical parameters under stress conditions. This suggests that GA3 and BC, alone or in combination with RB, can play a crucial role in enhancing maize resilience to environmental stressors. The study highlights the importance of exploring sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the impacts of heavy metal toxicity and drought stress. Future research should focus on long-term field trials to validate these findings and further investigate the mechanistic pathways involved in stress mitigation by these amendments, as well as their economic feasibility and environmental impact on a larger scale to ensure their practical applicability in real-world agricultural settings.

Abstract Background This ethnobotanical study in Dunyapur, District Lodhran, Pakistan, focuses on traditional medicinal knowledge, exploring 41 plants across 28 families. The research involves 496 informants from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, herbalists, housewives, teachers, and shopkeepers. The prevalence of herbs (68%) aligns with their accessibility and rapid regrowth, shaping the local medicinal landscape. The study investigates socio-demographic features, emphasizing the importance of considering the community's diverse perspectives. Methods The research employs quantitative ethnobotanical data analysis, introducing various indices like PPV, FUV, FIV, RFC, UV, and RI. The analysis of plant growth habits underscores the dominance of herbs, and the method of preparation evaluation identifies decoction as the most common (23%). Leaves (27%) are the most utilized plant part, and Resedaceae stands out with the highest FUV (0.38). FIV highlights the ecological and cultural significance of Poaceae, Boraginaceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae. Results The RFC values range from 0.016 to 0.032, with Cucumis melo having the highest value (0.032), indicating its frequent citation and cultural significance. The study reveals specific plants like Melia azedarach, Peganum harmala and Salvadora oleoides with high PR values for skin issues, reflecting their widespread acceptance and effectiveness. Oligomeris linifolia emerges with the highest UV (0.38), emphasizing its greater significance in local traditional practices. Leptadenia pyrotechnica records the highest RI (9.85), underlining its exceptional importance in the community's traditional pharmacopeia. Conclusion The findings offer a holistic understanding of ethnobotanical knowledge in Dunyapur, emphasizing the role of local contexts and ecological factors in shaping traditional plant uses. The study contributes valuable insights into the diverse practices within the community, laying the foundation for sustainable integration of traditional knowledge into broader healthcare frameworks.

Abstract Salinity poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity, impacting crops’ growth, morphology and biochemical parameters. A pot experiment of three months was conducted between February to April 2023 in the Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Four brinjal (eggplant) varieties: ICS-BR-1351, HBR-313-D, HBR-314-E, and HBR-334-D were selected and assessed for the effects of salinity on various growth and biochemical attributes. The experiment was completely randomized in design with three replicates each. This study revealed that increased salinity significantly reduced the shoot length, root length, and leaf number across all varieties, with maximum adverse effects observed at a 300mM NaCl concentration. Among the tested varieties, ICS-BR-1351 demonstrated superior performance in most growth parameters, suggesting potential salt tolerance. Biochemically, salinity decreased chlorophyll content across all varieties, with the sharpest decline observed at the highest salt concentration. V4 (HBR-334-D) showed a 57% decrease in chlorophyll followed by V3 (HBR-314-E) at 56%, V2 (HBR-313-D) at 54%, and V1 (ICS-BR-1351) at 33% decrease at maximum salt levels as compared to control. Conversely, carotenoid content increased up to -42.11% in V3 followed by V2 at -81.48%, V4 at -94.11%, and − 233% in V1 at 300mM NaCl stress as compared to respective controls. V3 (HBR-314-E) has the maximum value for carotenoids while V1 has the lowest value for carotenoids as compared to the other three brinjal varieties. In addition to pigments, the study indicated a salinity-induced decrease in total proteins and total soluble sugar, whereas total amino acids and flavonoids increased. Total proteins showed a decrease in V2 (49.46%) followed by V3 (36.44%), V4 (53.42%), and V1 (53.79%) at maximum salt concentration as compared to plants treated with tap water only. Whereas, total soluble sugars showed a decrease of 52.07% in V3, 41.53% in V2, 19.49% in V1, and 18.99% in V4 at the highest salt level. While discussing total amino acid, plants showed a -9.64% increase in V1 as compared to V4 (-31.10%), V2 (-36.62%), and V3 (-22.61%) with high salt levels in comparison with controls. Plant flavonoid content increased in V3 (-15.61%), V2 (-19.03%), V4 (-18.27%) and V1 (-27.85%) at 300mM salt concentration. Notably, salinity elevated the content of anthocyanin, lycopene, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) across all varieties. Antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase also increased under salt stress, suggesting an adaptive response to combat oxidative damage. However, V3 (HBR-314-E) has shown an increase in anthocyanin at -80.00%, lycopene at -24.81%, MDA at -168.04%, hydrogen peroxide at -24.22%, POD at -10.71%, CAT as-36.63 and SOD as -99.14% at 300mM NaCl stress as compared to control and other varieties. The enhanced accumulation of antioxidants and other protective compounds suggests an adaptive mechanism in brinjal to combat salt-induced oxidative stress. The salt tolerance of different brinjal varieties was assessed by principal component analysis (PCA), and the order of salt tolerance was V1 (ICS-BR-1351) > V4 (HBR-334-D), > V2 (HBR-313-D) > V3 (HBR-314-E). Among the varieties studied, ICS-BR-1351 demonstrated resilience against saline conditions, potentially offering a promising candidate for saline-prone agricultural areas.

This study examines a single-fed, self-isolated, dual-band, 8-element multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system for fifth-generation (5G) and beyond-5G (B5G) handsets. The proposed antenna is designed by an innovative composition of two F-shaped slots backed by a slotted ground plane, enabling a dual-band operation in the sub-6 GHz (4.7 to 4.9 GHz, n79) and millimeter wave (mmWave) (28 to 29 GHz, n257) frequency bands. High isolation of >14.4 dB and >25 dB and a high diversity gain of >9.9 dB were achieved at the respective frequency bands without using additional decoupling techniques, exhibiting an efficiency of approximately 90% with high gains of 4.9 and 7.2 dBi at the n79 and n257 bands, respectively. The antenna demonstrates excellent MIMO performance regarding very low envelope correlation coefficient ( $\lt -7.3$ dB and −7 dB). In addition to the safety evaluations, the performance is verified in a realistic mobile device to ensure practical feasibility. The evaluations showed promising results, demonstrating that the proposed design is a suitable, compact, and highly effective MIMO solution for 5G and B5G handsets.

Erosion behavior of AISI 1045 carbon steel was investigated using slurry solutions with different viscosities (1 cP, 3 cP, and 8 cP) containing 5 wt% silica sand as erodent particles. Tests were carried out using a slurry pot apparatus with various rotational velocities and at three mounting angles (30°, 60°, and 90°). The qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed using the Taguchi design method, paint modeling, image processing, and microscopic imaging techniques. The results indicate that the erosion process in the slurry flow is significantly influenced by fluid viscosity. There is a notable decrease in erosion wear rate as fluid viscosity increases. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was conducted, concluding that viscosity and rotational speed are the significant factors influencing the weight loss of carbon steel. The results demonstrate that each factor has a major impact on the response; velocity (47.20 %) is the primary factor contributing to R, followed by viscosity (38.20 %). The erosive wear mechanism changed considerably with the variation in fluid viscosity and impact angles. As viscosity increases, the cutting and pitting erosion wear mechanism shift to sliding wear with the development of micro-perforation sites.

Abstract Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the third crucial global crop facing threats from Alternaria solani, a necrotrophic fungal pathogen causing early blight disease. Beyond crop impact, it leads to substantial production reduction and economic losses worldwide. This study introduces a green synthesis method for producing Ferric Oxide nanoparticles (FNPs) using dried Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves. Guava leaf extract acts as a reducing agent, with iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) as the oxidizing agent. This study employed various characterization techniques for Ferric Oxide nanoparticles (FNPs). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed peaks at 877 cm−1, 1180 cm−1, 1630 cm−1, 1833 cm−1, 2344 cm−1, and 3614 cm−1, associated with Maghemite vibrations, polyphenol compounds, and amino acids. UV–Vis spectroscopy exhibited a characteristic absorbance peak at 252 nm for FNPs. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images illustrated particle sizes of 29-41 nm, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) indicated elemental composition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed crystalline FNPs with peaks at 26.78, 30.64, 36.06, 38.21, 43.64, 53.52, 57.42, 63.14 and 78.32. Disease resistance assays demonstrated FNPs’ effectiveness against A. solani, reducing disease incidence and severity. In the leaf detach assay, concentrations of 15, 10 and 5 mg/L showed a dose-dependent reduction in disease severity and incidence. The Greenhouse Assay confirmed FNPs’ concentration-dependent effect on disease incidence and severity. The study also explored FNPs’ potential as biocontrol agents showing no adverse effects on overall plant development. Additionally, the study highlighted the agronomic potential of FNPs in enhancing plant growth and development emphasizing their role as micronutrients in biofortification. The findings suggest the promising application of FNPs in plant protection and biofortification strategies.

Abstract Osmotic stress is a significant concern in agricultural crop production as it can harm crop growth, development, and productivity. Agriculture crops are particularly vulnerable to osmotic stress due to their reliance on water availability for various physiological processes. Organic amendments like activated carbon biochar and growth hormone gibberellic acid (GA3) can play a vital role. However, the time needed is to modify the established amendment to achieve better results. That’s why the current study used potassium-enriched biochar (KBC = 0.75%) with and without GA3 (15 mg/L) as amendments under no osmotic stress and osmotic stress in wheat. Results showed that GA3 + KBC caused significant enhancement in germination (9.44%), shoot length (29.30%), root length (21.85%), shoot fresh weight (13.56%), shoot dry weight (68.38), root fresh weight (32.68%) and root dry weight (28.79%) of wheat over control under osmotic stress (OS). A significant enhancement in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, while the decline in electrolyte leakage of wheat, also validated the effectiveness of GA3 + KBC over control in OS. In conclusion, GA3 + KBC is the most effective among all applied treatments for improving wheat growth attributes under no osmotic and osmotic stress. Further research is needed at the field level, focusing on various cereal crops, to establish GA3 + KBC as the optimal treatment for effectively mitigating the impacts of osmotic stress.

Abstract In recent years, many disease outbreaks and pandemics have been reported and have posed serious public health challenges. Therefore, vaccination on a large scale is the only hope to prevent and control these vaccine-preventable diseases. This letter discusses the COVID-19 vaccination's role in preventing other infectious diseases.

Abstract Soil salinization is a prevalent form of land degradation particularly in water-deficient regions threatening agricultural sustainability. Present desalinization methods demand excessive water use. Biochar has been recognized as a potential remedy for saline soils and Gibberellic acids (GA3) are known to mediate various biochemical processes aiding in stress mitigation. This study was undertaken at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur during winter 2022–23 to explore the combined effect of biochar and GA3 on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in saline conditions. Employing a fully randomized design wheat seeds in 24 pots were subjected to two salinity levels with three replications across eight treatments: T1 to T8 ranging from controls with different soil electrical conductivities (ECs) to treatments involving combinations of GA3, biochar and varying soil ECs. These treatments included T1 (control with soil EC of 2.43dS/m), T2 (salinity stress with soil EC of 5.11dS/m), T3 (10 ppm GA3 with soil EC of 2.43dS/m), T4 (10 ppm GA3 with soil EC of 5.11dS/m), T5 (0.75% Biochar with soil EC of 2.43dS/m), T6 (0.75% Biochar with soil EC of 5.11dS/m), T7 (10 ppm GA3 combined with 0.75% biochar at soil EC of 2.43dS/m) and T8 (10 ppm GA3 plus 0.75% biochar at soil EC of 5.11dS/m). The results indicated that the combined applications of GA3 and biochar significantly enhanced plant growth in saline conditions viz. germination rate by 73%, shoot length of 15.54 cm, root length of 4.96 cm, plant height of 16.89 cm, shoot fresh weight 43.18 g, shoot dry weight 11.57 g, root fresh weight 24.26 g, root dry weight 9.31 g, plant water content 60.77%, photosynthetic rate 18.58(CO2 m−2 s−1) carotenoid 3.03 g, chlorophyll a 1.01 g, chlorophyll b 0.69 g, total chlorophyll contents by 1.9 g as compared to the control. The findings suggest that the combined application of these agents offers a sustainable and effective strategy for cultivating wheat in saline soils. The synergy between biochar and GA3 presents a promising avenue for sustainable wheat cultivation in saline conditions. This combined approach not only improves plant growth but also offers an innovative, water-efficient solution for enhancing agricultural productivity in saline-affected regions.

Abstract Drought and cadmium (Cd) stress are both major issues that significantly affect the growth and development of wheat plants. Both drought stress and Cd toxicity disrupt physiological processes i.e., nutrient uptake, cell expansion, and enzymatic reactions resulting in poor crop growth. To overcome these issues, the use of activated carbon and gibberellic acid (GA3) are considered valuable amendments. However, the current study aimed to add value using GA3-enriched biochar (GA3-BC). That’s why, a lab experiment was conducted on wheat to assess the effectiveness of GA3-BC against Cd and drought stress. For GA3 enrichment in biochar, 10 µg GA3/g biochar was mixed. There were 3 levels of GA3-BC i.e., 0, 0.6 (GA3-BC1), and 0.9% (GA3-BC). All levels were applied in 3 replicates under no stress (0Cd + no drought), drought stress (DS), and 6 mg Cd/ kg soil (6Cd). Results showed that GA3-BC2 caused a significant improvement in shoot length (44.99%), root length (99.73%), seedling length (60.13%) and shoot fresh weight (63.59%) over control at 6Cd + drought stress. A significant improvement in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll while a decrease in electrolyte leakage and regulation of antioxidants i.e., lipid peroxidation, SOD, CAT, APx, GR, GPx, GST, and DPHH also signified the effectiveness of GA3-BC2 compared to control at 6Cd + drought stress. In conclusion, GA3-BC2 is an efficacious amendment for simultaneously alleviating drought and Cd stress in wheat. More investigations are recommended at the field level on different cereal crops cultivated in different soil textures to declare GA3-BC2 as the best treatment for mitigation of drought stress and Cd toxicity.

This study delves into the patterns of urban expansion in Kabul, using Landsat and Sentinel satellite imagery as primary tools for analysis. We classified land use and land cover (LULC) into five distinct categories: water bodies, vegetation, barren land, barren rocky terrain, and buildings. The necessary data processing and analysis was conducted using ERDAS Imagine v.2015 and ArcGIS 10.8 software. Our main objective was to scrutinize changes in LULC across five discrete decades. Additionally, we traced the long-term evolution of built-up areas in Kabul from 1973 to 2020. The classified satellite images revealed significant changes across all categories. For instance, the area of built-up land reduced from 29.91% in 2013 to 23.84% in 2020, while barren land saw a decrease from 33.3% to 28.4% over the same period. Conversely, the proportion of barren rocky terrain exhibited an increase from 22.89% in 2013 to 29.97% in 2020. Minor yet notable shifts were observed in the categories of water bodies and vegetated land use. The percentage of water bodies shrank from 2.51% in 2003 to 1.30% in 2013, and the extent of vegetated land use showed a decline from 13.61% in 2003 to 12.6% in 2013. Our study unveiled evolving land use patterns over time, with specific periods recording an increase in barren land and a slight rise in vegetated areas. These findings underscored the dynamic transformation of Kabul’s urban landscape over the years, with significant implications for urban planning and sustainability.

The yield and quality of field pea are directly influenced by inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB with NPK, which increase various parameters, such as the yield and quality of field pea. This research was conducted during the Rabi season in 2022-2023 at Lovely Professional University in the Punjab region of India. The yields of pea grain and stover are greatly increased by the use of 100% RDF (the recommended dose of fertilizer) with PSB and Rhizobium. In addition to the combination of Rhizobium, PSB and NPK increased the harvest index of field pea. The protein content and number of nodules were strongly affected by this treatment, which was more beneficial than the other treatments. Overall, the net return was greater in T7 (100% RDF+ PSB + Rhizobium). In addition, in comparison with the other treatments, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium also had positive effects on T7.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to determine the burden of oral health parameters such as dental caries, dental plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, mouth opening, and dental fluorosis among children and early adolescents belonging to upper and lower-middle-class private schools of Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 550 study subjects was conducted among schools to assess dental caries, the presence of dental plaque, gingivitis, dental fluorosis, and mouth opening. The sample was selected through a nonprobability sampling technique. The inclusion criteria were male and female students from class 6 to class 10, students present on the day of the examination, and students given verbal consent for the study; the exclusion criteria included students with dental anomalies such as amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta, supernumerary teeth, congenitally absent teeth or teeth missing due to fracture or trauma. An open epi was used to calculate the sample size. The study was performed in private schools belonging to various localities near Ziaud-din University. Dental examination was carried out using a disposable dental examination kit. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used to analyse the variables. Results: The mean age of the study sample is 12.96 ± 2.30, the mean DMFT (Decayed missing and filled tooth) score is 1.07 ± 2.04, the mean plaque score is 0.38 ± 0.90, and the gingival index is 0.21 ± 0.79, the mean mouth opening is 36.16±8.65. The gender-wise distribution of oral health parameters presented the statistically significant difference in mean mouth opening among male and female study subjects p

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major cause of deaths all over the world. The high level of blood cholesterol and oxidative stress are major risk factors for heart diseases. The phytotherapeutics have attracted attention as potential agents for preventing and treating oxidative stress associated diseases. The objective of present study was to evaluate the synergetic cardio-protective and antilipidemic potential of medicinal plants viz. Coriandrum sativum, Piper nigrum and Cactus grandiflorus. Cardio-protective and anti-lipidemic potential of herbal mixture was evaluated against salbutamol induced cardiotoxicity in rabbits. For this purpose, rabbits were divided into six groups as normal control, salbutamol control, curative and standard drug curative. Results Salbutamol significantly (p

The genus Trichoderma holds economic significance due to its widespread distribution and diverse applications, including biological control, enzyme production, and various biotechnological uses. The accurate identification of Trichoderma species is crucial given their close association with human activities. Despite previous efforts in classification, a comprehensive analysis combining morphological and molecular approaches is necessary. This study focuses on the isolation of four Trichoderma species from industrial wastewater in Pakistan, expanding on the known diversity in the region; isolation involved collecting samples from industrial wastewater effluents at specific sites in Punjab, Pakistan. Trichoderma strains were cultured and purified on solid media, with subsequent biomass production for bisorptional activity. Morphological characterization included colony features and microscopic examinations. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were conducted for molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the Maximum Likelihood Algorithm. The study identified three Trichoderma species, viz. T. citrinoviride, T. erinaceum, and T. longibrachiatum. Each species was characterized morphologically and supported by molecular–phylogenetic analysis. Illustrations of microscopic features and a phylogenetic tree based on the ITS-nrDNA region were recorded. T. citrinoviride and T. longibrachiatum, isolated from steel mill and tanneries wastewater, respectively, were differentiated based on morphological characteristics such as phialides and conidia. The combination of morphological and molecular techniques enhances the accuracy of species identification. The study highlights the significance of Trichoderma in industrial wastewater environments and underscores the need for continued research in this area. Future research should focus on exploring the ecological roles and potential applications of the newly identified Trichoderma species. Additionally, further investigations into the biotechnological potential of these species, including enzyme production and bioremediation capabilities, would contribute to their practical applications.

The production of citric acid, a vital agricultural commodity utilized across various industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, detergents, and cosmetics, predominantly relies on microbial fermentation, with Aspergillus niger accounting for approximately 90% of global production. In this study, we aimed to optimize the key factors influencing citric acid production, with a focus on strains, fermentation techniques, and carbon sources, particularly sugarcane molasses. A. niger, sourced from the Botany department/Biotechnology laboratories at Govt. College of Science, Lahore, was employed for citric acid production. The process involved inoculum preparation through spore collection from 3 to 5 days of cultured PDA slants. The fermentation medium, comprising cane molasses with a 15% sugar concentration, was meticulously prepared and optimized for various factors, including magnesium sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, time of addition of potassium ferrocyanide, ammonium oxalate, and calcium chloride. Our optimization results shed light on the significant impact of different factors on citric acid production. For instance, the addition of 0.4 g/L magnesium sulfate led to a maximum yield of 75%, while 2 g/L potassium ferrocyanide, added at 24 h, achieved a yield of 78%. Remarkably, ammonium oxalate, at a concentration of 10 g/L, resulted in a notable 77% yield. Conversely, the addition of calcium chloride exhibited negligible effects on citric acid production, with the control group yielding more at 78%. Our study underscores the potential for optimizing factors to enhance citric acid production by A. niger in submerged fermentation. These findings highlight the pivotal role of magnesium sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, and ammonium oxalate in augmenting citric acid yields while emphasizing the minimal impact of calcium chloride. Ultimately, these insights contribute to advancing our understanding of microbial citric acid biosynthesis, providing valuable implications for industrial applications and future research endeavors.

Background: Traditional and ethnic foods, rooted in centuries-old practices, have long been revered for their potential health benefits. In contemporary society, the sustainability and application of these foods for basic health care are garnering increased attention, offering promising prospects for holistic well-being. Methods: In our research, we aimed to document the medicinal plants utilized by the indigenous community residing within the study area. Between 2021 and 2022, interviews were conducted with 457 participants, with 100 of them being identified as key informants. The snowball sampling technique was utilized to identify respondents. A group discussion was also held concerning the conservation and challenges associated with medicinal plants and traditional wisdom. The medicinal plants were assessed by applying various quantitative metrics, including Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) and Relative Popularity Level (RPL). Results: The study identified 40 medicinal plant species from 22 different families that are employed to treat 33 unique human ailments. It was observed that perennial herbs accounted for 78% of these species in use. The leaves were shown to be the primary plant part in use, accounting for 35% and decoction was determined as the most prevalent preparation method. Some plants, such as Polygonum plebejum with the highest UV and RI values, and Centaurium pulchelum known for its use in treating jaundice with the highest RFC, were highlighted. In contrast to the findings presented in earlier literature, our study revealed a 14% concurrence rate, accompanied by a 6% disparity rate, and notably, 69% of the usages were newly documented. Conclusion: This research serves as the inaugural quantitative investigation into ethnomedicinal practices within the study area, underscoring the importance of indigenous herbal treatments. The sustainability of traditional and ethnic foods offers promising prospects for the future of health care in human society. These foods, rooted in age-old wisdom, not only preserve cultural heritage but also present holistic health benefits. Embracing them can lead to more natural, accessible, and effective health solutions, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern healthcare needs.

In this paper, a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna for future mobile phone applications operating in sub-6 GHza using a novel combination of an E-shaped slot placed on the ground plane and an F-shaped probe is used to achieve a dual-band independently tunable antenna. The proposed antenna is not only self-isolated but it has also effectively achieved high isolation of greater than 17 dB in both 3.5 GHz (3.4 – 3.6 GHz) and 4.7 GHz (4.6 – 4.87 GHz) frequency bands for 8-element MIMO antenna configuration for 5G smartphones. The simple yet compact size of (0.035 λ0 Image 1 0.23 λ0), of the slot antenna produces a balanced slot mode which not only reduces the ground effects but also improves the isolation between two adjacent input ports. The novelty of the proposed dual-band MIMO antenna is its independent control of each band across a wide frequency band and results demonstrate higher efficiency (64% – 71%) and diversity gain performance in both frequency bands. Furthermore, the antenna is designed by the meticulous configurations of 8-antenna elements without employing any external decoupling structure to attain the desired polarization diversity. The prototype of this 8-element MIMO antenna is also fabricated and measured to validate its simulated performance. The simple structure of the proposed design and high efficiency makes it a promising candidate for 5G smartphones.

Saffron, the "golden spice" derived from Crocus sativus L., is renowned for its richness in secondary metabolites such as crocin and safranal, contributing to its unique properties. Facing challenges like decreasing global production, optimizing cultivation techniques becomes imperative for enhanced yields. Although the impact of factors like planting density, planting depth, spacing, and corm size on saffron growth has been studied, the interaction between corm size and planting depth remains underexplored. This study systematically investigates the interactive effects of corm size and planting depth on saffron growth and yield, providing evidence-based guidelines for optimizing cultivation. A factorial experiment, employing a completely randomized design, was conducted to assess the influence of corm size (05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) and planting depth (10cm, 15cm, 20cm) on saffron yield. Uniform-sized corms were obtained, and a suitable soil mixture was prepared for cultivation. Morphological and agronomic parameters were measured, and statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. The study revealed that planting depth significantly affected saffron emergence. The corms sown under 15cm depth showed 100% emergence regardless of corm size (either 05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) followed by 10cm depth corms. Corm dry weight exhibited a complex interaction, where larger corms benefited from deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms thrived at shallower depths. Similar patterns were observed in shoot fresh weight and dry weight. Specifically, the largest corm size (t3, 15.1-20g) produced the greatest fresh-weight biomass at the deepest planting depth of 20cm (T3), while intermediate-sized corms (t2, 10.1-15g) were superior at the shallowest 10cm depth (T1). The total plant biomass demonstrated that larger corms excelled in deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms were optimal at moderate depths. This research highlights the intricate interplay between corm size and planting depth in influencing saffron growth. Larger corms generally promote higher biomass, but the interaction with planting depth is crucial. Understanding these dynamics can aid farmers in tailoring cultivation practices for optimal saffron yields. The study emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to corm selection and depth placement, providing valuable insights for sustainable saffron production and economic growth.

Comorbidities associated with obesity, including diabetes and kidney diseases, greatly increase mortality rates and healthcare costs in obese patients. Studies in animal models and clinical trials have demonstrated that L-serine supplementation is a safe and effective therapeutic approach that ameliorates the consequences of obesity. However, little is known about the effects of L-Serine supplementation following high-fat diet (HFD) consumption and its role in the mRNA expression of markers of kidney injury. We provide a descriptive action by which L-serine administration ameliorated the consequences of HFD consumption in relation to weight loss, glucose homeostasis as well as renal mRNA expression of markers of kidney injury. Our results indicated that L-Serine supplementation in drinking water (1%, ad libitum for 12 weeks) in male C57BL/6J mice promoted a significant reduction in body weight, visceral adipose mass (epididymal and retroperitoneal fat pads) as well as blood glucose levels in mice consuming a HFD. In addition, the amino acid significantly reduced the mRNA expression of the Kidney Injury Marker 1 (KIM-1), P2Y purinoceptor 1 (P2RY1), as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNFα). L-serine administration had no effect on mice consuming a standard chow diet. Collectively, our findings suggest that L-serine is an effective compound for long-term use in animal models and that it ameliorates the metabolic consequences of HFD consumption and reduces the elevated levels of renal pro-inflammatory cytokines occurring in obesity.

Abstract Background Divergence between deterioration to life-threatening COVID-19 or clinical improvement occurs for most within the first 14 days of symptoms. Life-threatening COVID-19 shares clinical similarities with Macrophage Activation Syndrome, which can be driven by elevated Free Interleukin-18 (IL-18) due to failure of negative-feedback release of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18bp). We, therefore, designed a prospective, longitudinal cohort study to examine IL-18 negative-feedback control in relation to COVID-19 severity and mortality from symptom day 15 onwards. Methods 662 blood samples, matched to time from symptom onset, from 206 COVID-19 patients were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-18 and IL-18bp, enabling calculation of free IL-18 (fIL-18) using the updated dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.05 nmol. Adjusted multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between highest fIL-18 and outcome measures of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Re-calculated fIL-18 values from a previously studied healthy cohort are also presented. Results Range of fIL-18 in COVID-19 cohort was 10.05–1157.7 pg/ml. Up to symptom day 14, mean fIL-18 levels increased in all patients. Levels in survivors declined thereafter, but remained elevated in non-survivors. Adjusted regression analysis from symptom day 15 onwards showed a 100 mmHg decrease in PaO2/FiO2 (primary outcome) for each 37.7 pg/ml increase in highest fIL-18 (p

Aim and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study were to assess the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival, local tumor control rate (response rate), effect on the quality of life, and treatment-related toxicities in all patients diagnosed with recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGGs). Methodology: The present study was conducted between September 2017 and July 2019 in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and included a total of 22 patients. The study included recurrent HGGs (Grade III/IV) Operated Cases of Grade III and Grade IV. Results: The majority of our patients were between the age group of 40–60 years (45.5%). There were 12 males (54.5%) and 10 females (45.5%). GBM was the most common diagnosis in 13 (59.1) patients and 9 (40.9%) were anaplastic astrocytoma. Sixteen patients were diagnosed as recurrent HGG radiologically. Sixteen (72.7%) patients achieved partial response and 6 (27.3%) achieved stable disease. The median PFS was 2.8 months and the median overall survival was 4.2 months. Conclusion: Reirradiation is one of the treatment options for recurrent HGGs and conformal intensity-modulated radiotherapy can be effective treatment modality for recurrent high-grade brain tumors with only mild side effects. Although survival is better in patients with good performance status and young age.

The major yield governing factors especially under rainfed ecosystem are the agro-meteorological indices. Hence, an experiment was conducted in 2021 kharif season to examine the impact of nutrient omission on phenology, yield and agro-meteorological indices of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) under the North Western Himalayas of India at the Agronomy farm of FoA (Faculty of Agriculture), Wadoora, Sopore, SKUAST-Kashmir. Eight treatments were used in the experiment viz. (T1-Absolute control, T2-N120P75K40, T3-N120P75K40Zn5S10, T4-P75K40Zn5S10 (-N), T5-N120K40Zn5S10 (-P), T6-N120P75Zn5S10 (-K), T7-N120P75K40S10 (-Zn) and T8-N120P75K40Zn5 (-S)), using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results demonstrated that recommended dose of fertilizer plus zinc and sulphur (T3-N120P75K40Zn5S10) noted higher grain (9.78 t ha−1) and biological (22.05 t ha−1) yield, a longer period of time to reach various phonological stages thereby achieved maximum heat units or growing degree days (GDD), heliothermal units (HTU), photo-thermal units (PTU), pheno-thermal index (PTI) and heat use efficiency (HUE). Nitrogen was the most limiting nutrient thereby accumulating least heat units and HUE. The agrometeorological indices could be therefore helpful in predicting the phenology and maize yield. The outcomes of the experiment showed that using the recommended fertilizer dosage plus zinc and sulphur in QPM should be adopted to attain higher yield under the North Western Himalayas of India, However, additional agro-ecological study is required to further validate the findings.

Abstract Backgrounds A physical therapist may become infected while treating a patient since they are in direct contact with them or within a two-meter radius. In addition, physical therapists may feel that they are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection when applying rehabilitation practices, which often involve direct contact with patients. The physical therapist were surveyed on their level of anxiety and depression due to the Coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). Methods The physical therapists were asked to complete two reliable and validated scales, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), to identify the presence of anxiety and depression in the participants. In addition, logistic regression models were used to determine the general characteristics of anxiety or depression. Results Among the 117 physical therapists who completed and participated in the study, 74 (63%) and 65 (55.5%) physical therapists reported having symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. The prevalence of overall anxiety levels was higher; mild (OR = 2.09; P = 0.08), moderate (OR = 2.26; P = 0.15), and severe levels six times as high (OR = 6.28; P = 0.1) in females compared to male physical therapists. Females, younger age, unmarried individuals, not having children, and not living with family showed a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression. Binary logistic regression analysis also revealed that the female gender, a single individual, and having no children were associated with anxiety and depression. Conclusions A significant percentage of physical therapists reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially among females, younger age, single individuals, not having children, and not living with family. Thus, the mental health of physical therapists is suggested to be constantly and cautiously monitored, especially for those at high risk of developing psychological symptoms.

Obesity produces a systemic low-grade inflammation associated with many adverse health conditions and, as we recently learned, with complications of COVID-19. Functional studies in animal models have demonstrated that asperuloside, an iridoid glycoside found in many medicinal plants, has produced promising anti-obesity results. However, the safety profile and the anti-inflammatory properties of asperuloside remain unknown. Here, we confirmed the previously reported anti-obesity properties of asperuloside, and, importantly, we performed toxicity studies assessing cell viability providing a dose reference for future animal experiments. Asperuloside significantly reduced blood levels of leptin and the mRNA levels of orexigenic peptides, such as NPY and AgRP in mice consuming HFD, with no effect on mice eating a standard chow diet. In addition, our results indicate that ASP reduced both hypothalamic and hepatic mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as the blood levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which are known to play a major role in the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular complications. Collectively, our findings suggest that asperuloside is a safe compound for long-term use in animal models and that it reduces the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines occurring in obesity.

To create weed management techniques capable of improving agroecosystem sustainability, it is essential to comprehend the different weed flora composition and diversification dynamics in conservation agriculture production systems. In North Western Himalaya from 2018 to 2020, evaluation of various tillage techniques with and without residue incorporation and weed management techniques on diverse weed flora composition was performed. Fifteen treatment amalgamations of five tillages viz. CT (conventional tillage) in maize-CT in wheat, CT-ZT (ZT, zero tillage), ZT-ZT, ZT-ZTR (ZTR, zero tillage in amalgamation with remainder integration) & ZTR-ZTR and three weed management practices viz. H (suggested herbicide in maize)-H (suggested herbicide in wheat), IWM-IWM (IWM, integrated weed supervision) & HW-HW; (HW, hand weeding) were calculated in strip plot design. Significant differences (p = 0.05) of weed density and total weed count were recorded during summer (maize) and winter (wheat) seasons. Among tillage treatments, lowest weed population and total weed population were recorded in conservation tillage (ZTR-ZTR) in summer and conservative tillage followed by zero tillage in winter season (CT-ZT), respectively. IWM-IWM and H-H had a least weed population and total weed population in summer and winter seasons, respectively. Highest important value index during summer and winter seasons was recorded in Echinochloa colona (55.90%) and Avena ludoviciana (76.99%), respectively. Higher Shannon Wiener index and Evenness were recorded for CT+HW-CT+HW (1.83, 0.91) and ZT+IWM-ZTR+IWM (1.73, 0.86) which indicate higher weed species diversity during summer and winter seasons, respectively. ZTR-ZTR led to less diverse weed diversity compared to intensive conventional tillage (CT-CT) practices. However, higher Simpson’s diversity was recorded for CT+HW-CT+HW, i.e. 0.83 and 0.82 for maize and wheat, respectively, compared to the other conventional tillage treatments. This study helps in understanding the crop-weed relation such that the implementation of sound and economic weeds management strategies. Further, long-term experiments are required in order to interpret the complicated relationships of diverse weed species under different tillage and weed management strategies for sustainable and adoptive conservation agriculture production system for North Western Himalayas.