Resumo O trabalho de pesquisa foi projetado para investigar a densidade e diversidade de rotíferos pelágicos em um lago perto de Marala Headworks. Foram avaliados os parâmetros físico-químicos da água como pH, oxigênio dissolvido, temperatura, condutividade elétrica, transparência e turbidez. A correlação entre rotíferos e esses parâmetros também foi estudada. A amostragem do plâncton foi realizada mensalmente para verificar a densidade populacional dos rotíferos. No total, foram identificadas 18 espécies de rotíferos pertencentes a 11 gêneros. O maior número de rotíferos e sua diversidade foi demonstrado pelos gêneros Brachionus, Keratella e Filinia. O Brachionus calyciflorus foi a espécie dominante em todas as amostras, com densidade populacional média (41%). A análise de variância dos parâmetros físico-químicos mostrou que a temperatura do ar e da água, condutividade elétrica, transparência, oxigênio dissolvido e saturação de oxigênio foram estatisticamente significantes em todos os meses. Enquanto o pH foi estatisticamente não significativo (p≥0,05), a correlação de Pearson mostrou que o oxigênio e a transparência foram negativamente correlacionados com a densidade e diversidade dos rotíferos. A temperatura do ar e da água, a concentração de íons de hidrogênio (pH), a condutividade elétrica e a salinidade mostraram relação positiva com a densidade e diversidade de rotíferos.

Abstract Research work was designed to investigate the density and diversity of pelagic rotifers in a Lake near Marala Headworks. The physico-chemical parameters of water such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, electrical conductivity, transparency and turbidity were evaluated. Correlation between rotifers and these parameters was also studied. Plankton sampling was done on monthly basis in order to check the population density of rotifers. In total, 18 species of rotifers were identified which belonged to 11 genera. The highest number of rotifers and their diversity was shown by genera namely Brachionus, Keratella, and Filinia. The Brachionus calyciflorus was dominant species in all the samples with mean population density (41%). Analysis of variance of physico-chemical parameters presented that the air and water temperature, electrical conductivity, transparency, dissolved oxygen and oxygen saturation were statistically significant in all the months. While pH was statistically non-significant (p≥0.05. Pearson correlation showed that oxygen and transparency were negatively correlated with rotifers density and diversity. Air and water temperature, concentration of hydrogen ions (pH), electrical conductivity and salinity showed positive relationship with density and diversity of rotifers.

BACKGROUND: In the current era, innovation has become the basis for the success of all industries. In reality, fast innovation facilitated by rapidly changing technological discoveries is critical to global economic progress. AIM: The primary goal of this article is to examine the effect of knowledge exchange and development of supervisory support, trust, training, information technology, and industrial cluster resources on innovation capabilities in the dairy sector of Pakistan. SETTING: From a total of 520 small and medium enterprise (SMEs) dairy farms, 227 owners and managers were carefully chosen to participate in the survey. METHOD: The current study's research framework was based on the resources and diffusion of innovation perspective theories. The data were gathered from dairy farm owners and managers in Punjab, Pakistan. SmartPLS-SEM was used to examine the multivariate connection among the variables. RESULTS: The current research finds that training and development, supervisory assistance, and industrial cluster resources strongly influence knowledge sharing. Furthermore, trust has a favourable influence on innovative capabilities. However, the mediation effect of knowledge sharing (KS) did not support information technology (IT) training and development (T) and innovative capabilities (IC CONCLUSION: According to findings in the study, T as a form of learning connect employees through the sharing of new ideas, allowing the business to improve and the concept to be modified. This study found that supervisory assistance significantly impacts innovative capabilities and knowledge sharing.

Abstract Hedera nepalensis (H. nepalensis) , belonging to the family Araliaceae, is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat stomach problems. The current study investigated the gastroprotective potential and the mechanism of action of H. nepalensis in diclofenac-and ethanol-induced ulcer models. Anti-oxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibitory prospects of H. nepalensis were checked out by free radical scavenging assay and UV spectrophotometer respectively. Effect of H. nepalensis on the pH, gastric total acidity of gastric juice and protective effects of H. nepalensis against ulcer models have been examined. Histopathological studies have been carried out. The aqueous methanol extract of H. nepalensis (100 µg/mL) showed anti-oxidant (83.55%) and lipid peroxidation inhibitory (70.88%) potential at 1000 µg/mL; the extract had no buffer potential. The extract (400 mg/kg) significantly (81.12% and 63.46%) showed gastroprotective effect in diclofenac and ethanol-induced rat ulcer models respectively. Histopathological studies confirmed the biochemical findings. FTIR analysis showed the presence of carboxylic acid, alkanes, conjugated alkanes, aldehydes and alkyl-aryl ethers. Gallic acid, M-coumaric acid and quercetin were found by HPLC analysis. H. nepalensis exhibited significant protection against diclofenac and ethanol induced gastric damage by anti-oxidant and lipid peroxidation suppression effects suggesting potential broad utility in treatment of diseases characterized with gastric damage.

RESUMEN Esta investigación se llevó a cabo para determinar el efecto de la exposición al macho cabrío sobre la respuesta al estro, el inicio del estro permanente, la tasa de ovulación, la tasa de concepción y la tasa de preñez en cabras sincronizadas con esponjas de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP). Se colocaron esponjas dentro de la vagina durante quince días en grupos aislados y expuestos a machos. Después de retirar la esponja, se observaron continuamente las actividades estrales. El intervalo entre la retirada de la esponja y el inicio del estro permanente fue de 32.3±10 h (18-51 h) y 45.2±10.9 h (27-51 h) en el grupo de machos aislados y expuestos respectivamente (p<0.05). Las tasas de ovulación y concepción se confirmaron mediante el nivel de progesterona sérica mediante radioinmunoensayo. Las tasas de ovulación fueron del 100% en ambos grupos y las tasas de concepción fueron del 93% y del 100% en los machos expuestos y en el grupo aislado, respectivamente (p>0.05). Los embarazos fueron confirmados por ultrasonido en el día 35 después del apareamiento, que fueron 93%, fue y 69% en el grupo expuesto y aislado de machos, respectivamente (p>0.05). Sobre la base de la evidencia, se infirió que la exposición repentina al macho después de la extracción de la esponja provocó un inicio del estro notablemente más temprano, mientras que la exposición continua al macho no pudo mostrar un impacto significativo en las tasas de concepción y preñez en comparación con el grupo aislado.

ABSTRACT This investigation was executed to determine effect of buck exposure on estrus response, onset of standing estrus, ovulation rate, conception rate and pregnancy rate in goats synchronized with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) sponges. Sponges were placed inside the vagina for fifteen days in buck exposed and isolated groups. Post sponge withdrawal, estrus activities were continuously observed. The interval between sponge withdrawal and the onset of standing estrus were 32.3±10 h (18-51 h) and 45.2±10.9 h (27-51h) in buck isolated and exposed group respectively fp<0.05). Ovulation and conception rates were confirmed by serum progesterone level using radioimmunoassay. Ovulation rates were 100% in both groups and conception rates were 93% and 100% in buck exposed and in isolated group respectively (p>0.05). Pregnancies were confirmed by ultrasound on day 35 post mating which were 93%, was and 69% in buck exposed and isolated group respectively (p>0.05). Based upon the evidence, it was inference that post sponge removal sudden buck exposure cause markedly earlier estrus onset while the continuous buck exposure was unable to show significantly impact on conception and pregnancy rates compare to isolated group.

The potential of natural (N) and magnetized (M) forms of different rocks (calcite and dolomite) and clays (bentonite, kaolinite, and hematite) were evaluated for the removal of As(III) from aqueous solutions, in order to optimize and scrutinize the most suitable adsorbent. The order observed for efficiency of As(III) removal was N-calcite > N-dolomite > M-calcite > M-dolomite > N-bentonite > M-bentonite > M-kaolinite > N-kaolinite > M-hematite > N-hematite. On the basis of this analysis, natural calcite was further selected for in-depth analysis of various adsorption parameters such as time, pH, temperature, dosage, and concentration of As(III) ions. An excellent adsorption capacity of 19.05 mg·g-1 was displayed by calcite for As(III), which was significantly higher than that previously reported for other studies. The characterization of adsorbent calcite was performed by various analytical techniques: XRD, XRF, FTIR, SEM-EDS, TG/DTA and PZC. The kinetic investigation revealed that the adsorbent successfully removed over 98% of As(III) from aqueous solution after 160 minutes of equilibration time. The adsorption data was well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model and fairly described by the pseudo-second-order mechanism. The mean energy of adsorption (E) determined from the Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) model was less than 8 kJ·mol-1, which indicates a physical adsorption process. The calculated thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption of As(III) by calcite is endothermic, favourable and spontaneous.

ABSTRACT Parthenium hysterophorus is an invasive plant variety found in around 50 countries. Phenolic compounds in the P. hysterophorus leaves, HPLC analysis was carried out. In addition, methanolic extract of P. hysterophorus leaves was evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity, and hemolytic activity. The leaves crude extract was orally administered to rabbits (n = 5) at four doses (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg kg–1) for 9 days and its effects on hematological and biochemical parameters were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 software. The HPLC data revealed the presence of Chlorogenic acid, Bis-HHDP-hex (pedunculagin), Morin, Ellagic acid, Rutin, Syringic acid, etc., which were detected at various retention times. Among these compounds, Ellagic acid was abundantly present with sample peak area of 9594.909 %. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the leaves extracts at a concentration of 80 μg were, 57.35 ± 4.12 μg GAE/μg and 39.44 ± 0.41 μg QE/μg. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was 72.82 % with IC50 value of 168 μg/μL at 80 μg of the extract. In the hemolysis assay, 200 μg of extract had highest cell inhibition of 76.90 % with IC50 >500. Significant (P<0.05) variation in the hematological and biochemical parameters was observed in the extract fed groups. It has been concluded that P. hysterophorus leaves extract had toxic effects on the hematological and biochemical parameters in rabbits which cause abnormal blood profile.

ABSTRACT Conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) mainly consists of Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) and conjugated linolenic acids (CLNAs). CFAs received significant importance because of their anti-carcinogenic, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, lipid/ energy metabolism modulatory effects and some other health promoting properties. Though, their concentration in food stuff is inadequate for any therapeutic application to be implemented. For a biotechnological perspective, microbial production of these CFAs has been extensively explored as an alternative and various bacterial strains of Propionbacterium , Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have shown promising results. This review will amass and recap available data concerning CLA and CLNA production by various bacterial strains via various enzymatic reaction behind all the processes. Numerous studies on CFA biochemical pathways are important to understand and discourse the metabolic mechanisms behind this process showing all the gene products that could be involved in the production. Among these bacterial strains few have shown the modulation of lipid metabolism in-vivo , further research should be focused on this topic which would help us to understand the role of gut microbiota on human health and future foods sustainability.

Abstract The present study conducted to assess nutritional, safety parameters (aflatoxin M1/AFM1 and heavy metals; copper, cadmium and zinc) and fatty-acid composition of tea-whiteners (TWs). Accordingly, TW’s samples composition (moisture, ash, protein, fat and nitrogen free extract) determined using AOAC methods, minerals including Na, K and Ca heavy metals including Cu, Cd and Zn determined via atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The AFM1 measured using thin layer chromatography (TLC) whereas, fatty acids and trans-fat contents were determined using gas chromatography. ANOVA and independent sample t test applied to assess the significant difference. Results indicated that protein and fat contents (%) of liquid TWs were 2.7-5.4 and 4.28-6.48, respectively. Powdered TWs protein and fat (%) were 13.4-17, and 23.06-29.03, respectively. AFM1 was not found in any TW. Cu/Cd and Zn levels (ppm) of liquid TWs were 0.296-2.075, ND-1.206 and 0.009-0.026 respectively. For powdered TWs the readings (ppm) were 0.515-0.632, 0.003-0.005 and 0.010-0.013 respectively. Trans-fats (%) in liquid TWs were 2.90-7.51 and in powdered TWs were 1.29-1.83. In nutshell, TWs had traces of trans fats ranged 1.29-7.51% whereas, liquid TWs contain more trans-fats than powdered TWs. Major fatty acids among liquid and powdered TWs were palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid.

Abstract This study was aimed at evaluation of effects of ball-milled roasted chickpea (RC) powder on physicochemical, rheological and sensorial properties of yogurt supplemented with RC levels of 1 (RCY1), 2 (RCY2), 3 (RCY3), 4 (RCY4), and 5 g/100 mL (RCY5). Results showed a gradual decline in the pH of pre-inoculated samples with corresponding increases in powder concentration from 1 to 5 g/ 100 mL. Degrees of lightness and yellowness increased in supplemented samples as compared to control (RCY0). Higher firmness was exhibited by RCY3 and RCY5 samples in the range of 59.39-78.56 g. RCY3 showed the highest consistency value (1480.214 g/s). Overall, the syneresis was significantly lower (p<0.05) in supplemented samples as compared to control. The addition levels of more than 3% RC resulted in smoother and more gradual dispersive patterns of particles, and RCY4 showed the most prominent polydispersity and resembled RCY5. Comparatively, supplemented samples exhibited a significantly lower degree of shear-thinning as compared to control samples. RCY5 showed the maximum texture score among all supplemented samples, and supplemented samples showed comparable sensory attributes to those of control samples. It was evident from this study that RC powder can be employed as a functional food ingredient in yogurt production.

ABSTRACT Background: Manchurian fir (Abies nephrolepis Maxim) and Korean spruce (Picea koraiensis Nakai) are primary conifer species of economic and ecological importance in northeast China. Several taper studies have analyzed for fir and spruce species in the countries harboring the boreal forests. However, taper models do not exist for Manchurian fir and Korean spruce in China or abroad. This study aimed to develop stem taper models for these species. A dataset of 188 destructively sampled trees (Manchurian fir 123 and Korean spruce 65) was used to evaluate eight well-known taper models. These models were fitted with generalized non-linear least squares by using 3,570 diameter and height measurements. We incorporated a first-order continuous-time error structure to adjust the inherent autocorrelation. Results: The form-class segmented model of Clark et al. (1991) best predicted the diameter, merchantable volume, and stem volume of the species when the upper stem diameter at 5.3 m was available or predicted. Conclusion: When diameter measurements at 5.3 m were not available, the Kozak (2004) and Max and Burkhart (1976) models were superior to other models in estimating the diameter of both species and volume of Korean spruce. For Manchurian fir, the Fang et al. (2000) model was more accurate in volume estimates.

Abstract Plant based protein sources are one of the best, cost effective and easily available protein sources being used in fish feed. But due to a lower number of micro-biota in fish gut plant meal based diets cannot be digested and absorbed well in fish body. Probiotics were supplemented at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 gkg-1 levels in fish feed for formulating one control and five test diets. In this study, three replicates of each treatment were used and number of fingerlings was 15 in each replicate. The C. carpio (common carp) fingerlings were fed at 5% of live wet weight on their prescribed diet twice daily. The results revealed that supplementation of probiotics in corn gluten meal based diets significantly (p<0.05) improved growth performance, carcass composition and hematological parameters. Most optimum values of growth performance parameters were noted at 2 gkg-1 level of probiotics supplemented diet. C. carpio fingerlings fed corn gluten meal based diet supplemented with 2 gkg-1 level of probiotics indicated significant (p<0.05) improvements in crude protein (17g) crude fat (9g) and gross energy (3 kcalg-1) whereas higher red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and hemoglobin (Hb) was also recorded in fish blood when fed 2 gkg-1 probiotics level diet. From these results, it was concluded that 2 gkg-1 probiotics supplementation in corn gluten meal based diet is optimum for improving growth performance, body composition and hematology of C. carpio fingerlings.

Abstract Pectin is a very important ingredient in food processing. The present study was designed to find out the changes taken place in pectin content during development and ripening phases of banana fruit. The expression of gene (pectin esterase) was also observed during development and ripening. Five exotic cultivars namely William, Brazilian, G-Naine, Basrai and Pisang were selected for this study. Sampling were carried out after every 2 weeks during development and there was 6 sampling stages (from emergence to harvesting stage). After harvesting the fruit of all cultivars were subjected to natural ripening in the lab and sampling during ripening were carried out according to the colour changes in the fruit skin. 5 ripening stages were studied. Hence total number of 11 stages were studied during development and ripening. The sequence of pectin esterase were obtained from NCBI, primers were designed and procured. RNA was extracted from each cultivar and expression analysis of pectin esterase was carried out. It was found that the expression of gene is variable during the development and the ripening stages in each cultivar. Similarly, the pectin content were also significantly variable during development and ripening of fruit. The variation was also found among the cultivars. It was concluded that unripe banana have more pectin content then ripe banana and the pectin content of the fruit is associated with expression of the gene.

Abstract Background: Plant-derived compounds are alternatives of synthetic insecticides in sustainable agriculture. Objective: This study investigated the phytotoxic effect of higher concentrations (2, 4, 8 and 16%) of four plants extracts (Azadirachta indica, Mentha arvensis, D. stramonium and Citrus limonium) on cotton plants. Methods: Each concentration was replicated four times to check the phytotoxic effect (CO2-in, CO2-out, H2O-in, H2O-out and photosynthesis absorption rate (PAR) in randomized complete block design. Data was recorded after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of spray with the help of Photosynthetic CL 340 meter. Results: The results showed that CO2-in was more affected by the D. stramonium (131.65±0.38) at 8% concentration. The overall progress showed that C. limonium was more affected the CO2-in of cotton crop. CO2-out was less affected by the C. limonium (117.83±1.46) at 4% concentration than M. arvensis (116.99±1.25) at 8% concentration and D. stramonium (115.77±0.74) at 16% concentration, but was more affected by the A. indica (118.15±0.71) at 4%. H2O-in was more affected by the C. limonium (0.39±0.05) than D. stramonium, A. indica and M. arvensis at 16% concentration. H2O-out of cotton was least affected by the D. stramonium (7.63±0.01) at 2% and more affected by the C. limonium (1.56±0.15) at 16% concentration. PAR was more affected by the A. indica (931.47±8.39) at 4% concentration and least affected by the M. arvensis (1499.7±9.94) at 8% concentration. Conclusions: Different dosages of various botanicals influenced the opening and closing of stomata and photosynthesis of cotton plants.

Abstract Background: Parthenium hysterophorus L., commonly known as parthenium weed, poses severe economic and environmental hazards to the agro-ecosystems of Pakistan. Objective: To estimate the yield loss and critical competition period of this weed in the spring sown maize crop. Method: Field studies were conducted at an agronomic research area in the College of Agriculture at the University of Sargodha in Punjab-Pakistan during two consecutive year spring seasons (2014 and 2015). Treatments were comprised of viz., control plots (weed free), and parthenium competition durations of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks after crop emergence (WAE), as well as weedy check for the full growing season of the crop. Results: Study results showed that the prolongation in parthenium competition duration from 2 WAE to the full crop season resulted in an increase in dry weight up to 541% and 450% in the years 2014 and 2015, respectively. Plant height, stem diameter, biological yield, 1000 grain weight and grain yield decreased significantly at 2 or more WAE parthenium competition periods. The maximum reduction in plant height (8.8 and 11.3%), stem diameter (30.6 and 12.7%), cob number m-2 (35.8 and 33.9%), grain rows cob-1 (26.6 and 29.4%), 1000 grain weight (15 and 9.8%), grain (34.1 and 39.1%) and biological yield (31.4 and 27.9%) were recorded with the longest parthenium competition duration (6 WAE) during the years 2014 and 2015, respectively. Conclusion: Based upon the results above, it is concluded that the critical competition period of parthenium in spring maize, as determined by a three-parameter logistic model, is 17 to 28 and 16 to 26 days after crop emergence during the years 2014 and 2015, respectively. Therefore, this weed must be controlled during these periods in order to avoid significant grain yield loss.

Anesthetics are an indispensable prerequisite for surgical intervention and pharmacological animal studies. The objective of present study was to optimize the dose of ketamine (K) and xylazine (X) along with atropine sulfate (A) in order to achieve surgical tolerance in BALB/c mice. Several doses of ketamine (100, 150, 200 mg/kg) and xylazine (10, 15, 20 mg/kg) were mixed and combination of nine doses (K/X: 100/10, 100/15, 100/20, 150/10, 150/15, 150/20, 200/10,200/15,200/20) were evaluated (n=9 per combination). A constant dose of atropine (0.05 mg/kg) was also used to counter side effect. Time-related parameters were evaluated on the basis of reflexes. KX at dose 200/20 mg/kg produced surgical tolerance in all nine mice with duration 55.00±6.87 minutes. The induction time 0.97±0.09 minutes, sleeping time 90.67±5.81 minutes and immobilization time (102.23±6.83 minutes) were significantly higher than all combination. However, this combination was considered unsafe due to 11 % mortality. While, KX at dose 200/15 mg/kg results in none of the mortality, so was considered as safe. Moreover, this combination produces surgical tolerance in 89 % mice with duration (30.00±7.45 minutes). It was concluded that KX at dose 200/15 mg/kg along with atropine 0.05 mg/kg is safe for performing surgical interventions in BALB/c mice.