Abstract: Increasing concerns over the environmental impact of chemical pesticides have prompted the exploration of alternative, and eco-friendly solutions for controlling insect pests. The use of entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) as a biological control agent is of paramount importance. We aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations ofMetarhizium anisopliae(Metschnikoff) Sorokin on larval mortality and pupal formation, of sawfly larvae, a major pest of rose plants. Our study revealed a concentration-dependent effect ofM. anisopliaeon sawfly larvae. At 7 days after EPF exposure, the highest concentration (1 × 109conidia/ml) led to a mortality rate of 65.0% and at the 11th day, the larval mortality was reached up to 82.5%. The highest EPF concentration resulted in a minimal pupal formation (7.5%). This study demonstrates the potential ofM. anisopliaeas a valuable biological control agent against sawfly larvae infestations in rose plants.

Resumen: La creciente preocupación por el impacto ambiental de los pesticidas químicos ha impulsado la exploración de soluciones alternativas y ecológicas para controlar las plagas de insectos. El uso de hongos entomopatógenos (FPE) como agente de control biológico es de suma importancia. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar el efecto de diferentes concentraciones deMetarhizium anisopliae(Metschnikoff) Sorokin sobre la mortalidad larvaria y la formación de pupas de larvas de mosca sierra, una plaga importante de las plantas de rosas. Nuestro estudio reveló un efecto dependiente de la concentración deMetarhizium anisopliaesobre las larvas de mosca sierra. A los 7 días después de la exposición al EPF, la concentración más alta (1 × 109conidios/ml) condujo a una tasa de mortalidad del 65.0 % y al día 11 la mortalidad larvaria alcanzó hasta el 82.5 %. La concentración más alta de EPF resultó en una formación de pupas mínima (7.5 %). Este estudio demuestra el potencial deMetarhizium anisopliaecomo un valioso agente de control biológico contra las infestaciones de larvas de mosca sierra en plantas de rosas.

Resumo A cultura do milho é utilizada na alimentação humana, pecuária e avícola, bem como na panificação, flocos de milho, xarope de milho, amido de milho e óleos de milho. O estudo de campo consistiu em um ensaio experimental sobre a incidência desse complexo de insetos-praga na cultivar de milho Azam durante a temporada de Kharif 2020 na Estação de Pesquisa Agrícola, Baffa, Mansehra. O ensaio foi estabelecido no Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) e, em seguida, dividido em três repetições. O resultado obtido no ensaio mostrou que várias espécies de pragas foram registradas durante o período experimental; no entanto, foi observado um baixo nível da população. As espécies de insetos obtidas foram pulgão-da-folha-do-milho (6,90 ± 5,5) – por polegada quadrada –, cigarrinha-do-milho (1,32 ± 0,63), broca-do-caule-do-milho (0,63 ± 0,29), besouro-da-pulga-do-milho (0,43 ± 0,28), tripses (0,38 ± 0,22), lagarta-cabeluda (0,21 ± 0,22), gafanhoto (0,17 ± 0,11) e mosca (0,11 ± 0,08) ao longo da temporada

Abstract The maize crop is used as food for humans, livestock and poultries forms, it is also used in bread making, corn flakes, corn syrup, corn starch and corn oils. The field study consisted of one experimental trial, about the incidence of that insect pest complex on maize cultivar Azam during the Kharif season 2020 at the Agricultural, Research Station, Baffa, Mansehra. The trial was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and then it was divided into three replications. The result obtained from the trial showed that a number of the pest species were recorded during the experimental period; however, the population was noticed at a low level. The obtained insect species were corn leaf aphid (6.90 ± 5.5) per square inch, corn leafhopper (1.32 ± 0.63), maize stem borer (0.63 ± 0.29), corn flea beetle (0.43 ± 0.28), Thrips (0.38 ± 0.22), Hairy caterpillar (0.21 ± 0.22), Grasshopper (0.17 ± 0.11) and shoot fly (0.11 ± 0.08) throughout the season

Resumo As proteínas do tipo germin (GLPs) desempenham um papel importante contra vários estresses. O genoma de Vitis vinifera L. contém 7 GLPs; muitos deles são funcionalmente inexplorados. No entanto, a análise computacional pode fornecer informações importantes sobre sua função. Atualmente, as propriedades físico-químicas, localização subcelular, arquitetura de domínio, estruturas 3D, sítios de N-glicosilação e fosforilação e estudos filogenéticos dos VvGLPs foram conduzidos usando as ferramentas computacionais mais recentes. Suas funções foram previstas usando a ferramenta Search para recuperação de genes/proteínas em interação (STRING) e servidores Blast2Go. A maioria dos VvGLPs são extracelulares (43%) na natureza, mas também mostraram expressão periplasmática (29%), na membrana plasmática (14%) e específica para mitocôndrias ou cloroplastos (14%). A análise funcional previu atividades enzimáticas únicas para essas proteínas, incluindo terpeno sintase, isoprenoide sintase, lipoxigenase, fosfato permease, receptor quinase e hidrolases geralmente mediadas por cátion Mn +. VvGLPs mostraram similaridade na estrutura geral, forma e posição do domínio cupin. Funcionalmente, os VvGLPs controlam e regulam a produção de metabólitos secundários para lidar com vários estresses. Filogeneticamente, VvGLP1, -3, -4, -5 e VvGLP7 mostraram maior similaridade devido à duplicação, enquanto VvGLP2 e VvGLP6 revelaram uma relação distante. A análise do promotor revelou a presença de diversos elementos cis-reguladores, entre os quais CAAT box, MYB, MYC, sem nome-4, sendo comum a todos eles. A análise ajudará a utilizar VvGLPs e seus promotores em programas alimentares futuros, desenvolvendo cultivares resistentes contra vários estresses bióticos (Erysiphe necator e no oídio, etc.) e abióticos (sal, seca, calor, estresse hídrico, etc.).

Abstract Germin-like proteins (GLPs) play an important role against various stresses. Vitis vinifera L. genome contains 7 GLPs; many of them are functionally unexplored. However, the computational analysis may provide important new insight into their function. Currently, physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, domain architectures, 3D structures, N-glycosylation & phosphorylation sites, and phylogeney of the VvGLPs were investigated using the latest computational tools. Their functions were predicted using the Search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) and Blast2Go servers. Most of the VvGLPs were extracellular (43%) in nature but also showed periplasmic (29%), plasma membrane (14%), and mitochondrial- or chloroplast-specific (14%) expression. The functional analysis predicted unique enzymatic activities for these proteins including terpene synthase, isoprenoid synthase, lipoxygenase, phosphate permease, receptor kinase, and hydrolases generally mediated by Mn+ cation. VvGLPs showed similarity in the overall structure, shape, and position of the cupin domain. Functionally, VvGLPs control and regulate the production of secondary metabolites to cope with various stresses. Phylogenetically VvGLP1, -3, -4, -5, and VvGLP7 showed greater similarity due to duplication while VvGLP2 and VvGLP6 revealed a distant relationship. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of diverse cis-regulatory elements among which CAAT box, MYB, MYC, unnamed-4 were common to all of them. The analysis will help to utilize VvGLPs and their promoters in future food programs by developing resistant cultivars against various biotic (Erysiphe necator and in Powdery Mildew etc.) and abiotic (Salt, drought, heat, dehydration, etc.) stresses.

Resumo A natureza é presenteada com uma grande variedade de plantas ornamentais que embelezam e limpam a natureza. Por causa de seu grande valor estético, existe a necessidade de proteger essas plantas de uma variedade de estresses bióticos e abióticos. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.) é uma planta ornamental comumente conhecida como rosa-da-China ou graxa-de-estudante. É afetada por vários patógenos fúngicos e bacterianos. O presente estudo buscou isolar o patógeno da mancha foliar de H. rosa-sinensis e seu controle usando nanopartículas de prata (AgNPs). Com base nas características moleculares e morfológicas, o patógeno isolado da mancha foliar foi identificado como Aspergillus niger. As AgNPs foram sintetizadas no extrato de folhas de Calotropis procera e caracterizadas. A análise de espectroscopia UV-vis mostrou discretas bandas de ressonância plasmônica na superfície das AgNPs sintetizadas, mostrando a presença de aminoácidos aromáticos. A espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) descreveu a presença de grupos funcionais C-O, NH, C-H e O-H, que atuam como moléculas estabilizadoras e redutoras. A difração de raios X (DRX) revelou o tamanho médio (~32,43 nm) das AgNPs e a microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) mostrou sua natureza esférica. Neste estudo, foi investigada a atividade antifúngica in vitro e in vivo de AgNPs. A análise da atividade antifúngica in vitro revelou a maior inibição do crescimento de micélio (87%) na concentração de 1,0 mg/ml de AgNPs. A mesma concentração de AgNPs inibiu a propagação da doença em folhas infectadas de H. rosa-sinensis. Esses resultados demonstraram significativa capacidade de controle de doenças das AgNPs e sugeriram seu uso em diferentes plantas ornamentais.

Abstract Nature is gifted with a wide range of ornamental plants, which beautify and clean the nature. Due to its great aesthetic value, there is a need to protect these plants from a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.) is an ornamental plant and it is commonly known as China rose or shoeblack plant. It is affected by several fungal and bacterial pathogens. Current study was designed to isolate leaf spot pathogen of H. rosa-sinensis and its control using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Based on molecular and morphological features, the isolated leaf spot pathogen was identified as Aspergillus niger. AgNPs were synthesized in the leaf extract of Calotropis procera and characterized. UV-vis spectral analysis displayed discrete plasmon resonance bands on the surface of synthesized AgNPs, depicting the presence of aromatic amino acids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) described the presence of C-O, NH, C-H, and O-H functional groups, which act as stabilizing and reducing molecules. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the average size (~32.43 nm) of AgNPs and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted their spherical nature. In this study, in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of AgNPs was investigated. In vitro antifungal activity analysis revealed the highest growth inhibition of mycelia (87%) at 1.0 mg/ml concentration of AgNPs. The same concentration of AgNPs tremendously inhibited the spread of disease on infected leaves of H. rosa-sinensis. These results demonstrated significant disease control ability of AgNPs and suggested their use on different ornamental plants.

Persistent challenges in addressing severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia in resource-constrained settings have led to ongoing and often unacceptable rates of morbidity, disability and mortality. These challenges stem from limitations such as inadequate, inefficient or financially inaccessible diagnostic and therapeutic options. However, over the past decade, noteworthy innovations have emerged to address some of these hurdles, and these innovations are increasingly poised for broader implementation. This review provides a concise summary of these novel, economically viable diagnostic solutions, encompassing point-of-care assays and smartphone applications, as well as treatment modalities, notably more effective phototherapy and filtered sunlight. These advancements hold promise and have the potential to meaningfully reduce the burden of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, signifying a promising shift in the landscape of neonatal healthcare.

Resumo Linum usitatissimum L é amplamente utilizado tradicionalmente para doenças múltiplas. O presente trabalho foi realizado para explorar a atividade antimicrobiana e antibiofilme do extrato bruto de Linum usitatissimum L (Lu.Cr). Foram realizadas análises fitoquímicas e aproximadas. As ataduras de pacientes diabéticos com pé foram recolhidas nos vários hospitais. As bandagens foram cultivadas para isolar as cepas bacterianas presentes nas mesmas. O método de difusão em disco foi utilizado para identificar o potencial antimicrobiano e a concentração inibitória mínima do Lu.Cr também foi determinada. A análise aproximada confirma o teor de umidade 8,33%, teor de cinzas 4,33%, proteína bruta 21,20%, gordura bruta 49,2% e fibra bruta 5,63%. Foi revelado que as bactérias Gram-positivas são mais prevalentes entre todos os grupos de estudo. Lu.Cr possui potencial bactericida significativo contra S. aureus entre todos os outros micróbios. Devido a esse potencial, as ligaduras revestidas com linhaça podem ser utilizadas alternativamente para o tratamento do pé diabético.

Abstract Linum usitatissimum L is a widely used traditionally for multiple ailments. The present research was carried out to explore the antimicrobial, and anti-biofilm activity of crude extract of Linum usitatissimum L (Lu. Cr). Phytochemical and proximate analyses were performed. The bandages of diabetic foot patients were collected from the various hospitals. The bandages were cultured to isolate the bacterial strains present on it. The disc diffusion method was used to identify the antimicrobial potential whereas the minimum inhibitory concentration of the Lu.Cr were also determined. Proximate analysis confirms moisture content 8.33%, ash content 4.33%, crude protein 21.20%, crude fat 49.2% and crude fiber 5.63%. It was revealed that Gram-positive bacteria are most prevalent among all study groups. Lu.Cr possess significant bactericidal potential against S. aureus among all other microbes. Owing to this potential, linseed coated bandages can be used alternatively for the treatment of diabetic foot.

ABSTRACT Background: Safety and efficacy concerns regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are common among the public and have a negative impact on their uptake. We aimed to report the adverse effects currently associated with the vaccine in Pakistan to build confidence among the population for its adoption. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan between January and March 2022. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling. All data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results: We recruited 1622 people with the majority aged between 25-45 years. Of these, 51% were female, including 27 pregnant women and 42 lactating mothers. Most participants had received the Sinopharm (62.6%) or Sinovac (17.8%) vaccines. The incidences of at least one side effect after the first (N = 1622), second (N = 1484), and booster doses (N = 219) of the COVID-19 vaccine were 16.5%, 20.1%, and 32%, respectively. Inflammation/erythema at the injection site, pain at the injection site, fever, and bone/muscle pain were common side effects of vaccination. No significant differences were observed in the adverse effect scores between all demographic variables except for pregnancy (P = 0.012) after the initial dose. No significant association was observed between any variable and the side effect scores of the second and booster doses of the vaccine. Conclusions: Our study showed a 16-32% prevalence of self-reported side effects after the first, second, and booster COVID-19 vaccinations. Most adverse effects were mild and transient, indicating the safety of different COVID-19 vaccines.

Abstract Some new characterization properties of the exponential distribution based on two non-adjacent m-generalized order statistics (consequently m-dual generalized order statistics), m # - 1, coming from two independent exponential distributions are derived. The result of this paper provides a beneficial strategy to predict the failure time of some survived components in a lifetime experiment by using the result of another independent lifetime experiment.

Resumen Se derivan algunas propiedades de caracterización nuevas de la distribución exponencial basadas en dos estadísticas de orden generalizado m no adyacentes (en consecuencia, estadísticas de orden generalizado m dual), m # -1, procedentes de dos distribuciones exponenciales independientes. El resultado de este artículo proporciona una estrategia beneficiosa para predecir el tiempo de falla de algunos componentes sobrevividos en un experimento de por vida utilizando el resultado de otro experimento de por vida independiente.

RESUMEN Introducción: Actualmente, los trastornos de los discos intervertebrales (TDI) son frecuentes en la población joven y de mediana edad. Objetivos: Este estudio hospitalario de las historias clínicas se realizó para examinar los factores de riesgo, la presentación clínica, los hallazgos imagenológicos y las prácticas de tratamiento entre los pacientes con todos los tipos de trastornos de los discos intervertebrales. Métodos: Se utilizó una proforma validada para obtener información de los pacientes confirmados con trastornos de los discos intervertebrales en los últimos tres años. Resultados: La edad media de aparición de los trastornos discales entre los 219 pacientes fue de 44,7 ± 14,2 años. El historial de malos hábitos de ejercicio estuvo presente en 72 (32,9%) pacientes. El sitio más común de afectación del disco fue L4-L5 [151 (68,9%)]. 143 (65,3%) pacientes tenían compromiso de disco en un solo sitio. El síntoma clínico más frecuente fue el dolor lumbar [180(82,2%)]. La compresión de la raíz nerviosa estuvo presente en 154 (70,3%) pacientes. Se mostró presencia de protuberancia, protrusión, extrusión y secuestro discal en 116 (53 %), 90 (41,1 %), 52 (23,7 %) y 4 (1,8 %) pacientes, respectivamente. La edad de inicio >65 años (p=0,035), la edad de inicio ≤55 años (p=0,004) y el antecedente de impacto directo en la región del cuello (p=0,017) se asociaron con prolapso discal a nivel L2-L3, L4- Nivel L5 y nivel C5-C6 respectivamente, entre pacientes con compromiso discal en un solo sitio. Se encontró que el riesgo de afectación del disco en múltiples niveles aumenta después de 35 años (p<0,001). Se vio más involucradas las vértebras cervicales (p=0,0068). La afectación de las vértebras lumbares (p<0,0001) y lumbosacras (p<0,0001) se observó más entre los pacientes con afectación del disco en un solo sitio. Los fármacos anti-inflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) [155 (70,8%)] fueron los medicamentos más utilizados. La microdiscectomía se realizó en 35 (76,1%) de los 46 pacientes que se sometieron a manejo quirúrgico. Conclusiones: Es necesario fomentar hábitos de ejercicio entre las personas para la prevención de los TDI. Los diversos grupos de alto riesgo identificados en este estudio deben someterse a pruebas periódicas de IDD.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Intervertebral disc disorders (IDDs) are being commonly observed nowadays among the young and middle aged population. Objectives: This hospital record based study was done to study the risk factors, clinical presentation, imaging findings and management practices among patients with all types of IDDs. Methods: A validated proforma was used to obtain information of patients confirmed with IDDs over the past three years. Results: Mean age at onset of disc disorders among the 219 patients was 44.7±14.2 years. History of poor exercising habits were present among 72(32.9%) patients. The most common site of disc involvement was L4-L5 [151(68.9%)]. 143(65.3%) patients had single site disc involvement. The most common clinical symptom was lower back pain [180(82.2%)]. Nerve root compression was present among 154(70.3%) patients. Disc bulge, protrusion, extrusion and sequestration were present among 116(53%), 90(41.1%), 52(23.7%) and 4(1.8%) patients respectively. Age at onset >65 years (p=0.035), age at onset ≤55 years (p=0.004) and history of direct impact to the neck region (p=0.017) were associated with disc prolapse at L2-L3 level, L4-L5 level and C5-C6 level respectively, among patients with single site disc involvement. Risk of multiple level disc involvement was found to increase after 35 years (p<0.001). It was seen more involving cervical vertebrae (p=0.0068). Lumbar (p<0.0001) and lumbosacral vertebrae (p<0.0001) involvement were seenmore among patients with single site disc involvement. NSAIDs [155(70.8%)] were the most the commonly used medication. Microdiscectomy was done among 35(76.1%) out of the 46 patients who underwent surgical management. Conclusions: Exercising habits need to be encouraged among people for the prevention of IDDs. The various high risk groups identified in this study need to be periodically screened for IDDs.

Abstract Zinc deficiency is a growing issue in developing countries. Moreover, it is a well-known fact that the bakery products have very low zinc content and the further loss of zinc occurs during milling of wheat and under baking of end products, which makes it hard to produce nutritional bakery products. For this purpose, zinc sulfate has been incorporated in wheat flour at 0, 32.5, 65, and 97.5 mg/100 g to prepare cookies and determine their physicochemical and nutritional properties as well as stability under controlled storage conditions, i.e. temperature (23-25 °C) and relative humidity (45-55%). The findings exhibited that the cookies-percentage of fat and protein decreased after the addition of zinc sulfate. The fiber content of cookies was non-significantly changed, while the moisture content increased. Moreover, the diameter of cookies significantly increased from 45.65 ± 1.46 cm to 45.84 ± 1.34 cm. The thickness and spread factor of cookies were also effects ranged from 1.49 to 1.54 cm and 30.63 ± 2.98 to 29.76 ± 1.64 respectively. The results revealed that zinc sulfate was stable up to 90 days and under normal baking conditions. Based on the sensorial attributes, it was unveiled that the nutritional cookies were prepared by using 65 mg zinc sulfate with (AARI-2011) wheat flour.

ABSTRACT Lanthanide-doped gadolinium nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention due to their promising applications in biological imaging. Sodium gadolinium fluoride (β-NaGdF4) nanomaterials act as perfect host for doping of luminescent lanthanide ions. Due to heavy nature of gadolinium, it can strongly absorb X-ray radiations. Therefore, Gd-based nanomaterials are applied as contrast agents for X-ray tomography (CT). Presence of seven unpaired electrons in Gd+3 ion, its large magnetic moment and long electronic relaxation time makes it an ideal candidate to enhance water proton relaxation rates. These characteristics make Gd-based nanomaterial useful for their potential application as MRI contrast agents. In this work, sodium gadolinium fluoride is doped with ytterbium and erbium to produce β-NaGdF4:Yb/Er as core nanocrystals. They are subsequently coated with sodium gadolinium fluoride doped with neodymium (β-NaGdF4:Nd) to produce β-NaGdF4:Yb/Er@β-NaGdF4:Nd core-shell nanocrystals. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that β-NaGdF4 (host), β-NaGdF4:Yb/Er (core) and β-NaGdF4:Yb/Er@β-NaGdF4:Nd (core-shell) nanocrystals all exist in hexagonal crystalline phase. While Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) results indicated that the particle size of the synthesized nanocrystals was in range of 12 to 27 nm. FTIR results confirmed that the synthesized nanocrystals were stabilized by oleic acid. Nanocrystals reported in this work are expected to be useful trimodal contrast agents for photoluminescence, X-ray tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

The aim of present work was to investigate blends of Eudragit® NE 30D with Aquacoat® ECD using different ratios to eliminate curing effect associated with individual polymers. Propranolol HCl 10% w/w was layered onto sugar cores using 5% w/w HPMC as a binder. Drug-layered-cores were coated either with pure or blends of Aquacoat® ECD: Eudragit® NE 30D in a fluidized bed coater to obtain 20% w/w coating level. Talc 35% w/w was used as anti-tacking agent. The pellets were characterized for in vitro dissolution studies, morphology, water uptake-weight loss, osmolality and adhesion of coating after curing at 60 °C or 60 °C/75% RH for 24 h. The findings revealed that Aquacoat® ECD coated pellets showed curing effect due to further gradual coalescence of polymeric particles which resulted into better film formation upon curing. In contrast, the curing effect of Eudragit® NE 30D coated pellets was caused by decrease in adhesion of coatings after curing which provided entirely different swelling behavior of uncured (localized swelling) and cured (uniform swelling) pellets. The undesired curing effect of individual polymers was eliminated by using their blends in appropriate ratio.

Abstract This paper presents the first comprehensive report on traditional uses of medicinal shrubs of Rawalakot city, district Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Ethobotanical data obtained from 120 informants were analyzed by relative frequency citation, use value, family use value, informant consensus factor, fidelity level and Jaccard index. In total, 41 shrubs belonging to 24 families and 34 genera were documented. Rosaceae was reported the most dominant family in the area (six species) and Berberidaceae showed maximum family use value (0.68). Leaves (35%) and fruits (33%) were the most commonly used plant parts and most of the medicines were prepared in the form of decoction. The high informant consensus factor value (0.94) was recorded for diabetic disease category. Medicinal plants with high fidelity level values (100% each) were Berberis lycium, Cydonia oblanga, Ricinus communis, Ziziphus jujuba and Nerium oleander. Berberis lycium was the most significant shrub in the area with highest use value (0.68). Relative frequency citation value was maximum for Rubus ellipticus (0.30), Nerium oleander and Indigofera heterantha (0.10 each). Percentage of similar plant uses ranged from 21.05 to 0.62% and dissimilarity percentage ranged from 32.50 to 0.66%. Out of the 41 shrub species, six were reported with new therapeutic uses and may represent new bioresources. These were Debregeasia salicifolia (diabetes), Desmodium elegans (anti-cancerous), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (jaundice), Hypericum oblongifolium (arthritis), Sarcococca saligna (tuberculosis), Rubus niveus (chronic cough) and Otostegia limbata (renal disorders). We suggest that species reported with high use value should be involved in cultivation and agricultural practices for their sustainable use and those reported with new therapeutic uses should be employed in further biotechnological, pharmacological and clinical studies in order to validate their traditional uses.

RESUMO: Plantas daninhas causam dano considerável à colheita de arroz. Para averiguar a influência de diferentes práticas de manejo de plantas daninhas sob diferentes sistemas de cultivo, um teste de campo foi conduzido durante 2014 -15. Como desenho experimental foram utilizados blocos inteiramente casualizados com parcelas subdivididas, cada uma de 6 x 2 m. Foram testados três sistemas de culitivo: plantio direto com aplicação de glifosato, cultivo convencional com pré-germinação de plantas daninhas (“stale seedbed tecnique”) e cultivo convencional sem pré-germinação de plantas daninhas. Sete tratamentos de manejo de plantas daninhas foram aplicados: “weedy check (controle com ervas daninhas)”, controle manual, oxidiargil pre-emergência, pyrazosulfuron pré-emergência, pyrazosulfuron pós-emergência, fenaxapropetil + sódio fluorido pós-emergência. Resultados revelaram que todos os tratamentos inclusive sistemas cultivo e herbicidas afetaram significativamente (p<0.05) a densidade e a biomassa seca de plantas daninhas. A menor densidade (i.e. 229.22, 159.22 e 127.77 m-2) e menor biomassa seca (i.e. 68.01, 49.29 e 41.08 g m-2) de plantas daninhas foram registradas em 30, 45 e 60 (dias após semeadura) para pyrazosulfuron (como pré-emergência), respectivamente, seguido por fenoxapropetil + sódio fluoreto (como pós-emergência). O peso máximo de 1000 grãos e máxima produção (i.e. 19.15 g e 3.45 t ha-1) foram registrados para tratamentos livres de plantas daninhas, que produziram 12 e 57% mais do que “weedy check”. Máximo benefício líquido e maior relação benef)cio/custo (i.e. USD 817 ha-1 e 1.76, respectivamente) foram registrados para pirazosulfuron aplicado tanto em pré como em pós-emergência sob plantio direto. Finalmente, pirazosulfuron (pré-emergência) e fenoxapropetil + fluoreto de sódio (pós-emergência) foram os tratamentos mais eficientes para controle de plantas danihas sob cultivo convencional com pré-germinação de plantas daninhas, enquanto pirazosulfuron proprocionou o melhor benef)cio/custo sob plantio direto.

ABSTRACT: Weeds cause considerable damage to rice crop. To ascertain the influence of different weed management practices under different tillage systems, a field experiment was conducted during 2014-15. Experimental design was RCB with split-plot arrangement and with a net plot size of 6 x 2 m. Three tillage systems viz; zero tillage with glyphosate application and conventional tillage with and without stale seed bed, and seven weed management treatments viz; weedy check, manual weeding, oxadiargyl as pre-emergence, pyrazosulfuron as pre-emergence, pyrazosulfuron as post-emergence, fenoxaprop-ethyle + sodium fluoride as post-emergence and fenoxaprop-ethyle + sodium fluoride as post-emergence. Results revealed that all treatments including tillage systems and herbicides significantly (p<0.05) affected weed density and weed dry biomass. Minimum weed density (229.22, 159.22 and 127.77 m-2) and weed dry biomass (68.01, 49.29 and 41.08 g m-2) at 30, 45 and 60 DAS (days after sowing) were recorded for pyrazosulfuron (as pre-emergence), respectively, followed by fenoxaprop-ethyle + sodium fluoride (as post-emergence). Maximum 1000-kernel weight and kernel yield (19.15 g and 3.45 ton ha-1) were recorded for weed free treatments and it was 12 and 57% higher than weedy check. Maximum net benefit and benefit to cost ratio (USD$ 817 ha-1 and 1.76, respectively) were recorded for pyrazosulfuron applied at either pre- or post-emergence stage under zero tillage system. Conclusively, pyrazosulfuron (as pre-emergence) and fenoxaprop-ethyle + sodium fluoride (as post-emergence) gave the best weed control under conventional tillage with stale seed bed system, while pyrazosulfuron exhibited maximum benefit-cost ratio under zero tillage system.

Purpose - This study aims to investigate the market timing strategy in different market conditions (Le, up, down, normal and in-financial-crisis situation) in the ernerging market of Pakistan over the period 1995 to 2015, Furthermore, this study tests the validity of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and Fama and French model. Design/methodology/approach - This study considers monthly stock returns of 167 firms and constructs six different portfolios on the basis of different size and book to market ratio, The Treynor and Mazuy model is used to capture the market timing strategy. Findings - The results indicate evidence of the market timing in normal market conditions, However, there is less supportive evidence of market timing in up-market, down-market and in-financial-crisis situations, This study also confirms the validity of the capital asset pricing model and Fama and French three-factor model with strong support of value premium and size premium in the stock market. Practical implications - The findings of this study are helpful to companies in estimating the cost of issuing equity more accurately, The investors can use market timing to make their investment in a more better and profitable manner. Originality/value - Unlike other previous studies, this study considers an extended period to test the validity of the capital asset pricing model and Fama and French modeL In addition, this study is novel in testing the marketing timing of the firms in the context of emerging economy of Pakistan.