Resumo A doença de Newcastle (DN) é uma doença infecciosa, altamente contagiosa e letal de espécies aviárias. Considera-se que os patos são reservatórios ou portadores naturais do vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN) e são resistentes a diferentes cepas de VDN. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a patogênese da DN em patos domésticos por meio de histopatologia, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) e alterações bioquímicas séricas. Para este propósito, 80 patos foram criados por 42 dias e divididos em dois grupos A e B. Os patos do grupo A foram submetidos ao VDN a uma taxa de 0,1 ml de ELD50 (título viral de 107,32 / 100 µl) na segunda semana de idade, enquanto o Grupo B foi controle negativo. Esplenomegalia, atrofia do timo e lesão necrótica no rim foram observadas no 9º dia pós-infecção. Degeneração hepática e infiltração de células mononucleares foram observadas no proventrículo e intestino em patos infectados. Antígeno viral foi detectado em pulmões, intestino, proventrículo e órgãos linfoides de patos infectados por IHQ. Os valores de albumina e proteína total foram significativamente baixos no grupo A infectado em comparação com o grupo B. Os valores de ALT, AST e ALP foram significativamente altos no grupo A. No 5º e no 7º dia após a infecção, os esfregaços orofaríngeos foram negativos para VDN, enquanto os esfregaços cloacais foram positivos para VDN por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa. Conclui-se que os patos são suscetíveis ao VDN e à cepa virulenta de VDN que causou doenças em patos.

Abstract Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious, highly contagious and lethal disease of avian species. It is considered that ducks are natural reservoir or carrier for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and are resistant against different strains of NDV. Current study was designed to evaluate the pathogenesis of Newcastle disease in domestic ducks through histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serum biochemical changes. For this purpose, eighty ducks were reared for 42 days and divided in two groups A and B. Ducks in group A were challenged with (NDV) at rate of 0.1 ml of ELD50 (virus titer 107.32/100µl) on second week of age, whereas Group B was control negative. Splenomegaly, atrophy of thymus and necrotic lesion in kidney were observed on 9th day of post infection. Hepatic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were noticed in proventriculus and intestine in challenged ducks. Viral antigen detected in lungs, intestine, proventriculus and lymphoid organs of infected ducks through IHC. Albumin and total protein values were significantly low in infected groups A as compared to control group B. ALT, AST, and ALP values were significantly high in infected group A. On 5th and 7th day of post infection oropharyngeal swabs were negative for NDV and cloacal swabs were positive for NDV through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It is concluded that ducks are susceptible to NDV and virulent strain of NDV caused disease in ducks.

RESUMO Embora aumentem as taxas de resposta concomitantes no vírus da hepatite C (HCV), há risco de recidiva após o tratamento. Portanto, é um requisito terrível avaliar a resposta do interferon peguilado e antivirais de ação direta em Punjab, Paquistão. O estudo foi conduzido para encontrar a taxa de recorrência da infecção por HCV após o tratamento com interferon peguilado e antivirais de ação direta em Punjab, Paquistão. Este estudo foi conduzido no Departamento de Patologia Nawaz Sharif Medical College Gujrat, enquanto os efeitos do tratamento foram monitorados em diferentes hospitais públicos e privados de Punjab, Paquistão. Total de 973 pacientes que administraram a dose recomendada foram divididos em dois grupos: (i) Terapia baseada em interferon, (ii) antivirais de ação direta (DAAs). Outros parâmetros como ALT e carga viral foram estudados. A taxa de recorrência foi maior em mulheres infectadas com o genótipo 2b e em homens com genótipo misto 3a / 2b após seis meses de terapia antiviral. O genótipo 3a mostrou resposta significativa à terapia após três meses. 32 entre 374 (8,5%) foram positivos após 24 semanas de tratamento com interferon, 29 (7,7%) pacientes têm o mesmo genótipo, enquanto 3 pacientes foram reinfectados com diferentes cepas de HCV. Com DAAs, apenas 27 (4,8%) pacientes foram positivos entre 558 após duas semanas e um paciente reinfectado com genótipo diferente. Resposta virológica precoce e sustentada observada em DAAs. ALT e carga viral diminuíram mais rapidamente com DAAs, que não alcançou após 4 semanas com interferon peguilado. A resposta virológica sustentada aparece em DAAs, e a taxa de recorrência é alta na terapia com interferon em comparação com DAAs. Portanto, a reinfecção tem implicações para a eficiência do tratamento correto e para selecionar estratégias para casos de retratamento.

Abstract Although increased response rates concomitant in hepatitis C virus but relapse after treatment is threatened. Therefore, it is terrible requirement to evaluate the response of Pegylated interferon and direct acting antivirals in Punjab Pakistan. The study was conducted to find the rate of recurrence of HCV infection after treatment with Pegylated Interferon and Direct Acting Antivirals in Punjab Pakistan. This study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Nawaz Sharif Medical College Gujrat, while treatment effects monitored in different Government and Private Hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan. Total 973 patients who administered the recommended dose and divided in two groups (i) Interferon based therapy (ii) direct acting antivirals (DAAs).Other parameters like ALT and viral load studied. The rate of recurrence was higher in female infected with genotype 2b and in male with mixed genotype 3a/2b after six month of antiviral therapy. Genotype 3a showed significant response to therapy after three month. 32 among 374 (8.5%) were positive after 24 weeks of treatment with interferon, 29 (7.7%) patients have same genotype while 3 patients were re-infected with different HCV strains. With DAAs, only 27 (4.8%) patients were positive among 558 after 2 weeks and one patient re-infected with different genotype. Early and sustained virological response noted in DAAs. ALT and viral load decreased faster with DAAs that not achieved after 4 weeks with pegylated interferon. Sustained virological response appears in DAAs and recurrence rate is high in interferon therapy compared to DAAs. Therefore, reinfection has implications for correct treatment efficiency and to select strategies for retreatment cases.

This paper describes the trace and ultra-trace mineral concentration in different forages utilized by sheep (Kajli and Fat tail) in the rangelands of Chakwal district, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentrations of Se, Mo, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co were assessed using spectrophotometric methods after the digestion of forage samples. The dominant forage species consumed by sheep were Buxus pappillosa, Prosopis juliflora, Ficus palmata, Acacia modesta, Trichodesma indica, Olea permiginea, Lantana camara, Justicia adhatoda, Morus nigra, and Ipomoea carnea. The overall mean concentration of Co (1.27±0.24 mg/Kg of DM), Zn (35.14±1.28 mg/Kg of DM), and Cu (28.06±1.29 mg/Kg of DM) in forages were higher than the requirements for lactating ewes, while the concentration of Se was within the normal range. Molybdenum (0.030±0.004 mg/Kg of DM) and Mn (29.69±1.61 mg/Kg of DM) concentrations were lower than dietary requirements for sheep. In different administrative divisions (tehsils) like Chakwal, Talagang, Choa Saidan Shah, and Kalar Kahar of Chakwal district, the trace minerals Zn, Mn, and Co, showed non-significant variation, whereas Se, Mo, and Cu showed substantial variation. In conclusion, rangeland forages contained a sufficient concentration of most trace minerals (Co, Cu, Se, Zn) to meet the requirements of grazing sheep in the study district. However, Mn and Mo supplementation seems to be essential to maintain the optimal production capabilities of sheep in this area.

The effects of yeast cell wall (YCW) supplementation on growth performance, cell-mediated immune response, blood metabolites, and health scores in early-weaned male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves were evaluated. Forty Nili Ravi buffalo calves were randomly divided into four groups and supplemented with four dietary treatments, namely control (animals without prebiotics), YCW-2 (yeast cell wall fed at 2 g/calf/day), YCW-4 (yeast cell wall fed at 4 g/calf/day), and cMOS-4 (commercial mannan-oligosaccharide fed at 4 g/calf/day). Milk intake, dry matter intake (DMI), and health scores were recorded daily, whereas body weight (body weight) and structural developments (hip height, wither height, heart girth, and body length) were recorded weekly. Feed efficiency and average daily gain (ADG) were calculated at the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected fortnightly to determine glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (ßHBA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), catalase, malondialdehyde, creatinine, hepatic enzymes, cholesterol, triglycerides, and total serum protein profile. The cell-mediated immune response was determined by the application of dinitrochlorobenzene directly to the skin. The results of the study revealed that supplementation of YCW and cMOS increased DMI, body weight, feed efficiency, ADG, and structural growth in buffalo calves, whereas faecal scores were significantly improved in supplemented groups compared to the control. Glucose, BUN, and ßHBA improved in supplemented animals more than in the control group, indicating bioactivity that contributed to the improvement of gut health. Supplementation with YCW improved the growth performance, physiological responses, and gut health of early-weaned male buffalo calves.

Abstract: Ferrocement panels are thin section comprised of hydraulic mortar reinforced with steel wire mesh, and are susceptible to micro cracks at service conditions. The moisture and rainwater may infiltrate through these cracks and cause the reduction in capacity due to the corrosion of steel wire mesh. In the present study, a polypropylene (PP) wire mesh has been used to overcome this problem. The main objective of the study is to investigate the punching shear and bending capacity of the ferrocement panels using PP wire mesh. Experimental tests conducted on 32 simply supported square slabs panels of 450x450 mm subjected to concentrated load for punching shear and four-point loading to investigate the bending capacity. The test variables were the number PP layers (volume fraction ratio) and slab thickness i.e., 20, 30 and 40 mm. Test results showed that punching capacity improved by increasing both the number of PP layers and panel thickness. However, bending strength the function of tension membrane action provided by exterior PP layers. Moreover, panels with 20 mm thickness are to flimsy and do not show sufficient capacity. In general, PP wire mesh provide adequate resistance against punching and bending for slab thickness 30mm and 40mm, and can be used as replacement of conventional steel wire mesh.

Resumen: Los paneles de ferrocemento están constituidos por una sección delgada de mortero hidráulico reforzado con malla de alambre de acero y están expuestos a que se produzcan microgrietas en condiciones de servicio. La humedad y el agua de lluvia pueden infiltrarse a través de estas grietas y provocar una reducción en su capacidad debido a la corrosión de la malla de alambre de acero. En el presente estudio, se ha utilizado una malla de polipropileno (PP) para superar este problema. El objetivo principal del presente estudio es investigar la capacidad de punzonado y flexión de los paneles de ferrocemento utilizando malla de PP. Se realizaron ensayos experimentales en 32 paneles de losas cuadradas de 450x450 mm con apoyo simple sometidos a carga concentrada por punzonamiento y carga de cuatro puntos para investigar su capacidad de flexión. Las variables experimentales fueron el número de capas de PP (fracción de volumen) y el espesor de la losa, de 20, 30 y 40 mm. Los resultados de las pruebas mostraron que la resistencia a la perforación mejoró al aumentar tanto el número de capas de PP como el grosor del panel. Sin embargo, la resistencia a la flexión es función de la acción de la membrana de tensión proporcionada por las capas exteriores de PP. Además, los paneles con un espesor de 20 mm son demasiado endebles y no muestran una resistencia suficiente. En general, la malla de PP proporciona una resistencia adecuada contra perforaciones y flexiones para losas de 30 mm y 40 mm de espesor, y se puede utilizar como reemplazo de la malla de alambre de acero convencional.

Objectives of the experiment were to determine effects of dietary hay concentration in a dry total mixed ration and its carryover effects on intake, growth performance, faecal score, and feed efficiency of weaned dairy calves. Eighteen Friesian χ Jersey weaned calves (n = 6 calves/treatment) were randomly assigned to three rhodes grass hay treatments (RG13, RG26, and RG39). The experimental diets were rhodes grass hay-based total mixed rations containing 13%, 26%, and 39% chopped hay on a DM basis. The experiment had two phases of four weeks each. In phase 1 (weeks 1-4), weaned calves were fed RG13, RG26, or RG39. Then, in phase 2 (weeks 5-8), all calves were shifted to a maize silage-based diet. All the diets were iso-nitrogenous and were fed ad libitum. Calves were housed in individual pens and had free access to water and feed. Average daily gain and daily dry matter intake were analysed as repeated measures, whereas bodyweight and feed efficiency were analysed using one-way ANOVA. In phases 1 and 2 dry matter intakes were similar. Growth rate decreased linearly with increasing concentration of hay in phase 1. Overall, daily dry matter intake, average daily gain, change in body condition score and structural measurements were not affected by dietary treatments. However, overall feed efficiency was improved for calves fed RG26 compared with RG13 and RG39. Thus, feeding a moderate level of hay had positive impacts on the transition to a silage-based TMR.

Feature transformation and key-point identification is the solution to many local feature descriptors. One among such descriptor is the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT). A small effort has been made for designing a hexagonal sampled SIFT feature descriptor with its applicability in face recognition tasks. Instead of using SIFT on square image coordinates, the proposed work makes use of hexagonal converted image pixels and processing is applied on hexagonal coordinate system. The reason of using the hexagonal image coordinates is that it gives sharp edge response and highlights low contrast regions on the face. This characteristic allows SIFT descriptor to mark distinctive facial features, which were previously discarded by original SIFT descriptor. Furthermore, Fisher Canonical Correlation Analysis based discriminate procedure is outlined to give a more precise classification results. Experiments performed on renowned datasets revealed better performances in terms of feature extraction in robust conditions.

The physiological and nutrient uptake performance of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Lasani-2008 and Auqab-2000) to foliar application of 1% potassium (K) at three different growth stages (tillering, flower initiation and grain filling) was investigated under water limited environment in a wire house experiment at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad. The aim was to find out the best K application stage for improvement in drought tolerance potential. Drought stress was created by withholding irrigation at the three growth stages and then K was sprayed with carboxymethyl cellulose as a sticking agent, whereas Tween-20 was used as a surfactant for foliar spray. At maturity, aboveground nitrogen, phosphorus, K, sodium and calcium uptakes by the crop were measured. Besides, water potential, osmotic potential and turgor potential of crop were also estimated. The results indicated that the drought stress at all three critical growth stages of wheat adversely affected plant's nutrient uptake, water potential, osmotic potential and turgor potential of wheat plants. The exogenous application of K under drought stress at all three critical growth stages enhanced tolerance of wheat by reducing toxic nutrient's uptake and improving the physiological efficiency. In this regards, both varieties showed uniform behavior. Maximum improvement in all the recorded nutrients uptake and physiological parameters was achieved when K was applied at grain filling stage of both cultivars.

This paper presents a face hashing technique for fast face recognition. The proposed technique employs the two existing algorithms, i.e., 2-D discrete cosine transformation and K-means clustering. The image has to go through different pre-processing phases and the two above-mentioned algorithms must be used in order to obtain the hash value of the face image. The searching process is increased by introducing a modified form of binary search. A new database architecture called Facebases has also been introduced to further speedup the searching process.