Resumo Allium cepa pertence à família Liliaceae e é rica em nutrientes e antioxidantes. Apesar das expressivas aplicações alimentares do bulbo da cebola, sua casca e outras camadas externas são geralmente consideradas resíduos, e seu potencial nutricional e terapêutico ainda é pouco explorado. O presente estudo foi delineado com o objetivo de investigar comparativamente o potencial antioxidante de duas partes de Allium cepa, por exemplo o bulbo (parte comestível) e camadas externas e cascas secas (parte não comestível). Além disso, o efeito inibitório dos extratos do bulbo de cebola e casca sobre a α-glucosidase intestinal de ratos e α-amilase pancreática suína também foi avaliado. O potencial antioxidante dos extratos da casca de cebola e bulbo foi avaliado utilizando-se 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), método de poder antioxidante de redução do ferro (FRAP), método 2,2'-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfônico (ABTS) de eliminação de radicais, atividade de eliminação de radicais H2O2 e atividade quelante do Fe2+. Os flavonoides totais e os teores fenólicos do extrato de etanol da casca de cebola foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao do bulbo. O extrato de etanol da casca de cebola também apresentou melhor atividade antioxidante e eliminação de radicais livres quando comparado ao extrato de etanol do bulbo, enquanto o extrato aquoso de bulbo apresentou menor potencial antioxidante. O potencial de inibição da α-glicosidase dos extratos de casca de cebola correlacionou-se com seus teores fenólicos e de flavonoides. Os resultados encontrados identificaram que a casca de cebola é uma possível fonte de agentes antioxidantes e compostos fenólicos que podem ser benéficos contra o desenvolvimento de várias doenças crônicas que estão associadas ao estresse oxidativo. Além disso, as camadas externas secas e as cascas da cebola exibiram maior conteúdo fenólico e atividades antioxidantes, em comparação com o bulbo interno. As informações obtidas pelo presente estudo podem promover o uso de outras partes vegetais além do mesocarpo comestível para futuras aplicações em alimentos, ao invés de serem desperdiçadas.

Abstract Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2’-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extract’s α-glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared to the inner bulb. The information obtained by the present study can be useful in promoting the use of vegetable parts other than the edible mesocarp for several future food applications, rather than these being wasted.

Abstract The entropy generation analysis of a thermal process is capable of determining the efficiency of that process and is therefore helpful to optimize the thermal system operating under various conditions. There are several ingredients upon which the phenomenon of entropy generation can depend, such as the nature of flow and the fluid, the assumed conditions, and the material properties of the working fluid. However, the dependence of entropy generation phenomenon upon such properties has so far not been fully realized, in view of the existing literature. On the other hand, based upon the existing studies, it has been established that the non-uniform concentration of nanoparticles in the base fluid does cause to enhance the heat transfer rate. Therefore, it is logical to investigate the entropy production under the impact of non-homogenous distribution of nanoparticles. Based upon this fact the aim of current study is to explore a comprehensive detail about the influence of non-homogeneous nanoparticles concentration on entropy production phenomenon by considering a laminar viscous flow past a moving continuous flat plate. Non-uniform concentration is considered in the nanofluid modeling in which the Brownian and thermophoretic diffusions are considered which impart significant effects on velocity and temperature profiles. An exact self-similar solution to this problem is observed to be possible and is reported. The effects of various controlling physical parameters such as Brinkman number, Schmidt number, Prandtl number, diffusion parameter, and concentration parameter on both local as well as total entropy generation number and Bejan number are elaborated by several plots and tables. The obtained results reveal a significant impact of all aforementioned parameters on entropy generation characteristics. It is observed that by a 20% increase in nanoparticles concentration the total entropy generation is increased up to 67% for a set of fixed values of remaining parameters.

ABSTRACT Objectives of the study were to investigate influence of artificial insemination (AI) in caged and floored flock in comparison to natural mating (NM) on broiler breeders’ welfare, productive performance and economic appraisal. To execute this experiment, a total of 1440 pullets of Ross-308 Parent Stock along with 168 males were picked from a commercial flock and divided into three groups i.e., AIC=AI in cages, AIF=AI on floor and third was NM=NM on floor. Each group carried 480 females (HH) while 168 males were divided into 41, 48 and 58 for AIC, AIF and NM, respectively. During both phases all procedures and studied parameters were the same except the sperm dose rates which were changed during post peak. According to the results, significantly (p≤0.05) higher levels of serum corticosterone, glucose and cholesterol were recorded in birds of AIC and respectively as compared to birds being allowed to mate naturally. Whereas, the experimental males and females of AIF and AIC kept for AI exhibited (p≤0.05) higher body weight, depletion % and feed consumption particularly in post peak phase. However, among the birds subjected to AI, the birds kept in the cages had better performance (p≤0.05) than the birds kept in the floor. Moreover, frequency rate of insemination in females and milking of males found (p≤0.05) reciprocal to the depletion, feed intake and body weight during peak but particularly in post peak. Perhaps, various sperm doses remained inert to implicit any impact on studied parameters. Similarly, egg weight was neither affected by housing systems nor by mating strategies during both phases. However, various insemination and milking frequencies noticeably swayed the productive traits under this study. AI in floored flock was found ineffective even in comparison to natural mating. In conclusion, AI in cages brought forth the better productive performance and lesser male depletion, hence, can be recommended.

RESUMO: Foram realizados estudos para verificar a resposta do trigo de duplo propósito a diferentes níveis de nitrogênio (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 kg N ha-1) em tratamentos com corte (para fins de forragem e produção de grãos) e sem corte (somente para produção de grãos) no Instituto de Pesquisa Agrícola Dera Ismail Khan, Paquistão, durante os anos de 2009-10 e 2010-11. Os resultados revelaram que o número máximo de dias até o espigamento (123,5 e 124,5), a altura de plantas (117,7 e 116,6 cm), o teor proteico de grãos (11,59% e 12,47%), o rendimento de forragem fresca (2.646 e 2.956 kg ha-1) e o rendimento de grãos (4.631 e 4.489 kg ha-1) foram registrados em parcelas que receberam 150 ou 200 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio, respectivamente, e vice-versa. Os dados indicaram valores mais altos para o número de dias até o espigamento (124,9), em comparação com as parcelas sem corte (118,9). As parcelas sem corte atingiram maiores altura da planta (112,4 cm), índice e duração da área foliar aos 112 DAS (2,82 e 45,2, respectivamente) e taxa de crescimento da cultura (15,44 gm-2 dia-1). Foram registrados pesos fresco e seco de plantas daninhas significativamente menores nas parcelas com corte, em comparação com parcelas sem corte, mas não houve influência significativa dos diferentes níveis de nitrogênio. O teor proteico dos grãos foi ligeiramente menor nas parcelas com corte (11,11%) sob diferentes níveis de nitrogênio, em comparação com as parcelas sem corte (11,24). O trigo de duplo propósito resultou em maior custo-benefício em comparação com o trigo somente para grãos, utilizando níveis mais altos de nitrogênio. Concluiu-se, a partir dos estudos, que o nitrogênio a 150 ou 200 kg ha-1 pode ser utilizado de forma lucrativa para melhorar a produtividade do trigo de duplo propósito.

ABSTRACT: Studies were carried out to see the response of dual-purpose wheat to different nitrogen levels i.e. 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1 in cut (for forage and grain purpose) vs. uncut (for grain only) treatments at the Agriculture Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan during the years 2009-10 and 2010-11. The results revealed that maximum number of days to heading (123.5 and 124.5), plant height (117.7 and 116.6 cm), grain protein content (11.59 and 12.47%), fresh forage yield (2,646 and 2,956 kg ha-1) and grain yield (4,631 and 4,489 kg ha-1) were recorded in plots that received either 150 or 200 kg ha-1 nitrogen respectively and vice-versa. The data indicated higher values for number of days to heading in cut (124.9) as compared to uncut plots (118.9). Uncut plots attained maximum plant height (112.4 cm), leaf area index and duration at 112 DAS (2.82 and 45.2 respectively) and crop growth rate (15.44 g m-2 day-1). Significantly lower fresh and dry weed weights were recorded in cut plots as compared to uncut plots while different nitrogen levels did not affect them significantly. Grain protein content was slightly lower in cut plots (11.11%) under different levels of nitrogen as compared to uncut plots (11.24). Dual-purpose wheat resulted in a higher benefit cost ratio as compared to grain-only wheat using higher nitrogen levels. It was concluded from the studies that either 150 or 200 kg ha-1 nitrogen can be profitably used for enhancing dual-purpose wheat productivity.

RESUMO Experimentos de campo foram conduzidos na Universidade de Haripur, Paquistão, para explorar o papel de unidades fototérmicas nos teores de óleo, no perfil de ácidos graxos, na produtividade e nas características de rendimento de quatro híbridos de girassol dos tipos SMH-0917, NK-S-278, SMH-0907 e Hysun-33. Esses híbridos de girassol foram selecionados porque são aqueles de que os produtores daquela região mais dependem para produção de girassol. Os híbridos de girassol foram semeados na primavera e organizados através do delineamento em blocos casualizados com três réplicas sob condições de campo. Foi encontrada variação significativa (p 0,05%) entre os híbridos de girassol no que se refere às necessidades de unidades fototérmicas para o total crescimento e maturidade fisiológica da flor. Os maiores acúmulos de unidades fototérmicas foram encontrados em Hysun-33, seguido por SMH-0917 e SMH-0907. Os maiores teores de óleo por semente e composição de óleo (os ácidos linoleico e oleico foram os mais abundantes, e o palmítico, o menos abundante) foram encontrados em Hysun-33, SMH-0917 e SMH-0907. De modo geral, Hysun-33, SMH-0917 e SMH-0907 atuaram melhor em altura da planta, diâmetro do capítulo, número de aquênios por capítulo e produtividade do aquênio sob condições de campo. Também foi observado que a disponibilidade de umidade e temperatura influenciou positivamente na qualidade do óleo dos híbridos de girassol sob condições de plantio na primavera. A significativa quantidade de variação na população de girassol causada pelo acúmulo de unidades fototérmicas, conteúdo de óleo, qualidade do óleo e características de rendimento sob condições de campo uniformes revela uma potencial variação genética, que pode ser útil no cruzamento de híbridos locais de girassol jovens e com alto rendimento.

ABSTRACT Field experiment was conducted at the University of Haripur, Pakistan, to explore the role of photothermal units on oil contents, fatty acids profile, yield and yield traits of four sunflower hybrids viz SMH-0917, NK-S-278, SMH-0907 and Hysun-33. These sunflower hybrids were selected because the farmers of that area are mostly relying on these hybrids for sunflower production. Sunflower hybrids were sown in spring and arranged under Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications under field conditions. Significant variation (p 0.05%) was found among the sunflower hybrids for photothermal unit requirements for flower completion and physiological maturity. Highest photothermal unit accumulation was found in Hysun-33 followed by SMH-0917 and SMH-0907. Highest seed oil content and oil composition (linoleic and oleic acid were most abundant, whereas palmitic acid was least) was recorded in Hysun-33, SMH-0917 and SMH-0907. Overall Hysun-33, SMH-0917 and SMH-0907 performed better for plant height, head diameter, number of achenes per head and achene yield under field conditions. It was also observed that temperature and moisture availability positively influenced the oil quality of sunflower hybrids under spring planting conditions. The significant amount of variation within the sunflower population for photothermal unit accumulation, oil content, oil quality, and yield traits under these uniform field conditions reveals potential genetic variation that could be useful in breeding early maturing and high yielding local sunflower hybrids.

RESUMO As espécies do gênero Alternanthera são plantas daninhas aquáticas/semiaquáticas invasoras que representam uma ameaça grave para a agrobiodiversidade em diversos países do mundo. O presente estudo foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos fitotóxicos dos resíduos de Alternanthera philoxeroides e A. sessilis nas características de emergência e crescimento inicial de plântulas de arroz (Oryza sativa). O solo foi preparado com resíduos de espécies de Alternanthera – 4% (w/w) – separadamente, que foram submetidas a um período de decomposição de 0, 15 e 30 dias. Houve redução significativa da emergência do arroz, porém foi observado aumento no tempo médio de emergência e no tempo para emergência de 50% em solos modificados com resíduos de espécies de Alternanthera, em comparação com sementes semeadas em solos não modificados. A emergência do arroz com A. sessilis e A. philoxeroides foi reduzida para 50-67% e 52-75%, respectivamente. Uma redução significativa do comprimento da raiz do arroz, da parte aérea e da biomassa também foi observada no solo infestado com as espécies de Alternanthera. Também ocorreu aumento dos fenólicos totais à medida que aumentou o tempo de decomposição dos resíduos em ambas as espécies, mostrando, assim, interação direta com as características de emergência e crescimento de plântulas de arroz. Foram identificados os compostos fenólicos quercetina, ácido clorogênico, ácido p-cumárico, trans-4-hidroxi-3-metoxi, ácido cinâmico, ácido cafeico, ácido siríngico, ácido sinápico, ácido vanílico e ácido benzoico 4-hidroxi-3-metoxi.

ABSTRACT Alternanthera species are invasive aquatic/semi-aquatic weeds posing a serious threat to agro-biodiversity in several countries in the world. The present study was conducted to assess the phytotoxic effects of Alternanthera philoxeroides and A. sessilis residues on emergence and early seedling growth traits of rice (Oryza sativa). Soil was prepared with 4% (w/w) Alternanthera species residues separately and allowed to decay for 0, 15 and 30 days. Rice emergence was significantly decreased but increase in mean emergence time and time to 50% emergence was observed in soils modified with Alternanthera species residues compared with seed sown in unmodified soils. Rice emergence was reduced to 50-67% and 52-75% by A. sessilis and A. philoxeroides, respectively. A significant reduction in rice root, shoot length, and biomass was also noted with Alternanthera-infested soil. Total phenolics increased with increasing residue decay time in both species thereby showing their direct interaction with emergence and seedling traits of rice. The phenolic compounds identified were namely Quercitin, Chlorogenic acid, P-Coumeric acid, Trans-4-hydroxy3-methoxy, Cinamic acid, Caffeic acid, Syringic acid, Sinapic acid, Vanillic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid.

Foi realizado um estudo laboratorial para investigar o efeito alelopático de extratos aquosos de partes de plantas de Alternanthera philoxeroides e A. sessilis e dos resíduos incorporados ao solo na germinação e no crescimento de plântulas de arroz (Oryza sativa). Os extratos aquosos preparados a partir de diferentes partes das plantas das duas espécies de Alternanthera retardaram a germinação do arroz. Alternanthera philoxeroides e A. sessilis inibiram a germinação de arroz em 9-100 % e 4-49 %, respectivamente. A germinação de sementes de arroz foi reduzida com o aumento da concentração de extratos aquosos de folhas de ambas as espécies de plantas daninhas. O crescimento inicial de plântulas (comprimento da raíz e da parte aérea) e o índice de vigor sofreram uma redução significativa pelo extrato aquoso a 5% em comparação com o controle de água tratada destilada. Os comprimentos de germinação, raiz e parte aérea, a massa seca da raiz e da parte aérea, e o índice de vigor de plântulas de arroz foram drasticamente reduzidos em 3 e 4% em solo infestado por resíduos em comparação com solo livre de resíduos. O efeito inibitório de A. philoxeroides em termos de germinação e crescimento das plântulas de arroz foi maior do que o efeito de A. sessilis. O extrato aquoso a 5% e o solo infestado de resíduos de A. philoxeroides a 4% causaram a falha completa da germinação das sementes de arroz. Alternanthera philoxeroides continha compostos fenólicos solúveis em água, ou seja, ácido 4-hidroxi-3-metoxi-benzoico (16,19 mg L-1) e ácido m cumárico (1,48 mg L-1), enquanto que Alternanthera sessilis continha uma grande quantidade de ácido clorogênico (17,85 mg L-1), ácido gálico (11,03 mg L-1) e ácido vanílico (9,88 mg L-1). O estudo indica que o potencial alelopático de espécies de Alternanthera pode desempenhar um papel importante no aumento da capacidade de invasão dessas espécies, as quais podem suprimir as plantas de arroz nas imediações.

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of plant parts of Alternanthera philoxeroides and A. sessilis and soil incorporated residues on germination and seedling growth of rice (Oryza sativa). Aqueous extracts prepared from different plant parts of Alternanthera species delayed rice germination. Alternanthera philoxeroides and A. sessilis inhibited rice germination by 9-100% and 4-49%, respectively. Germination of rice seeds was reduced with increasing concentration of aqueous leaf extracts of both weed species. Early seedling growth (root and shoot lengths) and seedling vigor index were significantly reduced by 5% aqueous leaf extract compared with distilled water treated control. Germination, root and shoot lengths, root and shoot dry weights and seedling vigor index of rice were drastically reduced by 3 and 4% in residue infested soil compared with residue free soil. The inhibitory effect of A. philoxeroides in terms of germination and seedling growth of rice was greater than that of A. sessilis. Five percent aqueous leaf extract and 4% residue infested soil of A. philoxeroides caused complete failure of rice seed germination. Alternanthera philoxeroides contained water soluble phenolics, namely 4 hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid (16.19 mg L-1) and m-coumaric acid (1.48 mg L-1), whereas Alternanthera sessilis was rich in chlorogenic acid (17.85 mg L-1), gallic acid (11.03 mg L-1) and vanillic acid (9.88 mg L-1). The study indicates that the allelopathic potential of Alternanthera species may play an important role in enhancing the invasiveness of these species and may suppress rice plants in the vicinity.