Resumo A raposa-vermelha (Vulpes vulpes) é um carnívoro de médio porte que ocorre em diferentes regiões do Paquistão, porém ainda carece de dados científicos sobre sua ecologia e distribuição. O presente estudo investigou o status filogenético e a dieta da raposa-vermelha (V.v. griffithii) que ocorre no Parque Nacional de Ayubia, Paquistão. Por meio de armadilhas fotográficas e análises moleculares, confirmamos a ocorrência de raposa-vermelha na área de estudo. Com base no citocromo B mitocondrial (304 bp) e amostragem limitada, quase todas as raposas-vermelhas do Parque Nacional de Ayubia e áreas circundantes do Himalaia se enquadram na linhagem materna holártica, enquanto as raposas-vermelhas encontradas nas planícies do Paquistão fazem parte da linhagem materna basal paleártica. Usando 32 fezes, descobrimos que a dieta da raposa-vermelha compreende 80% de espécies de presas de origem animal (selvagens e domésticas) e 19% de matéria vegetal. As espécies de presas de animais selvagens incluíram a lebre-do-cabo (Lepus capensis) e o esquilo-voador (Pteromyini sp.), que constituíram 17% e 15% da dieta, respectivamente. As raposas-vermelhas consumiam raramente ratos domésticos (Mus musculus), algas do Himalaia (Paguma larvata) e ovelhas (Ovis aries), cada um compreendendo cerca de 6% a 9% da dieta da raposa-vermelha. A espécie de raposa também se alimentava de burros domésticos de forma oportunista. Com base em nossa amostragem, nosso estudo sugere que a raposa-vermelha (V.v. griffithii) que ocorre no Parque Nacional de Ayubia e nas cordilheiras menores do Himalaia pertence à linhagem materna holártica. O estudo também destaca o consumo de sementes de plantas por raposas-vermelhas, indicando que pode desempenhar um papel ecológico importante na dispersão de sementes no Parque Nacional de Ayubia.

Abstract The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a medium-sized carnivore that occurs in different regions of Pakistan, however, still lacks scientific data on its ecology and distribution. The current study investigated the phylogenetic status and diet of the red fox (V.v. griffithii) occurring in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan. Through camera trapping and molecular analysis, we confirmed the occurrence of red fox in the study area. Based on mitochondrial cytochrome B (304 bp) and limited sampling, nearly all red foxes of Ayubia National Park and surrounding Himalayan ranges fall within Holarctic maternal lineage, whereas red foxes found in plains of Pakistan are part of the basal Palearctic maternal lineage. Using 32 scats, we found that red fox diet comprises of 80% animal-based prey species (both wild and domestic) and 19% plant matter. The wild animal prey species included Cape hare (Lepus capensis) and flying squirrel (Pteromyini sp.), which constituted 17% and 15% of diet, respectively. Red foxes infrequently consumed House mouse (Mus musculus), Himalayan Palm civet (Paguma larvata) and sheep (Ovis aries), each comprising around 6% to 9% of red fox diet. The fox species also scavenged on domestic donkey opportunistically. Based on our sampling, our study suggests that the red fox (V.v. griffithii) that occurs in Ayubia National Park and across the lesser Himalayan ranges belongs to Holarctic maternal lineage. The study also highlights consumption of plant seeds by red foxes, indicating it may play an important ecological role in seed dispersal in Ayubia National Park.

Resumo As micorrizas, associadas exclusivamente às orquídeas, desempenham um papel crucial no crescimento das plantas, nas interações competitivas e na proteção contra patógenos. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar quantitativamente a taxa de colonização de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) em Dactylorhiza hatagirea em três locais localizados na região de Caxemira (Himalaia) : Gulmarg, Sonamarg e Pahalgam. Além disso, examinar parâmetros do solo como temperatura, precipitação, pH, carbono orgânico, fósforo, potássio e nitrogênio. As pontas das raízes foram coletadas a uma profundidade de 0-20 cm e após armazenadas em sacos de polietileno estéreis, refrigeradas a 4±1 °C. Nossos resultados mostraram uma variação significativa na colonização micorrízica nos três locais, sendo que Pahalgam apresentou o valor mais alto com 78%, seguido por Gulmarg com 73% e Sonamarg com 57%. A Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP) revelou 69,5% de variação nas variáveis ambientais e de solo. Correlações positivas foram observadas entre pH, nitrogênio, potássio e carbono orgânico, enquanto o fósforo foi negativamente correlacionado com potássio e nitrogênio. Os locais Gulmarg e Pahalgam foram semelhantes nas características do solo, enquanto Sonamarg exibiu diferenças significativas. O fósforo correlacionou-se positivamente com Sonamarg, mas negativamente com Pahalgam e Gulmarg, enquanto outros parâmetros do solo mostraram tendências opostas. O estudo destaca a importância da colonização de FMA na compreensão e melhoria das interações planta-micróbio em ecossistemas terrestres, destacando o seu papel na ciclagem de nutrientes e na assimilação de elementos essenciais como o fósforo e nitrogênio. micorrizas orquídeas plantas patógenos (FMA Himalaia (Himalaia disso temperatura precipitação pH orgânico nitrogênio 020 0 20 0-2 estéreis 41 4 1 4± C °C 78 78% 73 57 57% ACP (ACP 695 69 5 69,5 significativas correlacionouse correlacionou se opostas plantamicróbio planta micróbio terrestres 02 2 0- 7 6 69,

Abstract Mycorrhizae, exclusively associated with orchids, play a crucial role in plant growth, competitive interactions and pathogen protection. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization rate in Dactylorhiza hatagirea at three sites in Kashmir Himalaya: Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. Additionally, it examines soil parameters such as temperature, precipitation, pH, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. The root tips were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm. Samples were stored in sterilized polythene bags, refrigerated at 4±1 °C. Our results showed a significant variation in mycorrhizal colonization across three sites, with Pahalgam showing the highest at 78%, followed by Gulmarg at 73%, and Sonamarg at 57%. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed 69.5% of the variation in environmental and soil variables. Positive correlations were observed among pH, nitrogen, potassium, and organic carbon, whereas phosphorus was negatively correlated with potassium and nitrogen. Gulmarg and Pahalgam were similar in soil characteristics, while Sonamarg exhibited distinct differences. Phosphorus positively correlated with Sonamarg but negatively with Pahalgam and Gulmarg, while other soil parameters showed opposite trends. The study emphasizes the significance of AMF colonization in understanding and enhancing plant-microbe interactions in terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting its role in nutrient cycling and the assimilation of essential elements like phosphorus and nitrogen. Mycorrhizae orchids growth protection (AMF Himalaya Additionally temperature precipitation pH carbon nitrogen 020 0 20 0-2 cm bags 41 4 1 4± C °C 78 78% 73 73% 57 57% PCA (PCA 695 69 5 69.5 variables characteristics differences trends plantmicrobe microbe ecosystems 02 2 0- 7 6 69.

Abstract An investigation on tomato was conducted at PAU, Ludhiana during 2020-21 with an objective of developing hybrids possessing maximum harvesting span with desirable horticultural traits. Experimental material, comprised of 56 F1 hybrids, 18 parental lines and standard check ‘PTH-2’, were transplanted in randomized complete block design in three replicates. Evaluation for all the experimental material was carried out during main as well as spring season. Cross combinations viz., PAU 114×nor-RM-1, PAU 2381×nor-RM-1 in main season while, crosses LT-44×rin-Rutgers, PAU 2381×rin-Rutgers in spring season recorded significant heterobeltosis and heterosis over check for yield and quality traits. Out of 56 hybrids, CLN1621L×alc-IIHR-2050, LT-44×rin-Rutgers in main as well as spring season, PAU 2381×nor-RM-1, Leader×nor-RM-1, LT-42×alc-IIHR-2050 and Roma×nor-RM-1 in main season and PAU 2381×rin-Rutgers, FL-556×rin-Rutgers, FL-556×alc-IIHR-2050 and LT-44×alc-IIHR-2050 in spring season were best for prolonged harvesting span vis-à-vis fruit yield, weight, minimum days from transplanting to first harvest, pericarp thickness, lycopene content, dry matter, TSS and titrable acidity. Therefore, the hybrid crosses which expressed higher yield potential in addition with acceptable qualitative performance together with maximum harvesting span could be utilized for commercial exploitation. 202021 2020 21 2020-2 traits 5 F 1 ‘PTH2, PTH2 PTH ‘PTH 2 , ‘PTH-2’ replicates viz viz. 114×norRM1, 114norRM1 norRM 114×nor RM 1, 114 nor 114×nor-RM-1 2381×norRM1 2381norRM1 2381×nor 2381 2381×nor-RM- while LT44×rinRutgers, LT44rinRutgers LTrinRutgers LT 44×rin Rutgers, 44 rin Rutgers 2381×rinRutgers 2381rinRutgers rinRutgers 2381×rin CLN1621L×alcIIHR2050, CLN1621LalcIIHR2050 CLNLalcIIHR CLN1621L×alc IIHR 2050, CLN1621L alc 2050 CLN L CLN1621L×alc-IIHR-2050 LT44×rinRutgers 2381×norRM1, Leader×norRM1, LeadernorRM1 LeadernorRM Leader×nor Leader Leader×nor-RM-1 LT42×alcIIHR2050 LT42alcIIHR2050 LTalcIIHR 42×alc 42 LT-42×alc-IIHR-205 Roma×norRM1 RomanorRM1 RomanorRM Roma×nor Roma Roma×nor-RM- 2381×rinRutgers, FL556×rinRutgers, FL556rinRutgers FLrinRutgers FL 556×rin 556 FL-556×rin-Rutgers FL556×alcIIHR2050 FL556alcIIHR2050 FLalcIIHR 556×alc FL-556×alc-IIHR-205 LT44×alcIIHR2050 LT44alcIIHR2050 44×alc LT-44×alc-IIHR-205 visàvis vis à weight harvest thickness content matter acidity Therefore exploitation 20202 202 2020- ‘PTH2 ‘PTH-2 norRM1 114×norRM1 114norRM 114nor 11 114×nor-RM- 2381×norRM 2381norRM 2381nor 238 2381×nor-RM LT44 44rin 4 2381rin alcIIHR2050 alcIIHR CLN1621L×alcIIHR2050 LalcIIHR CLN1621LalcIIHR205 CLN1621Lalc CLNLalc CLNL 205 CLN1621L×alc-IIHR-205 Leader×norRM1 Leadernor Leader×nor-RM- LT42 LT42×alcIIHR205 LT42alcIIHR205 42alc LT-42×alc-IIHR-20 Roma×norRM Romanor Roma×nor-RM FL556 FL556×rinRutgers 556rin 55 FL556×alcIIHR205 FL556alcIIHR205 556alc FL-556×alc-IIHR-20 LT44×alcIIHR205 LT44alcIIHR205 44alc LT-44×alc-IIHR-20 20 ‘PTH- 114×norRM 114×nor-RM 23 LT4 alcIIHR205 CLN1621L×alcIIHR205 CLN1621LalcIIHR20 Lalc CLN1621L×alc-IIHR-20 Leader×norRM Leader×nor-RM LT42×alcIIHR20 LT42alcIIHR20 LT-42×alc-IIHR-2 FL55 FL556×alcIIHR20 FL556alcIIHR20 FL-556×alc-IIHR-2 LT44×alcIIHR20 LT44alcIIHR20 LT-44×alc-IIHR-2 alcIIHR20 CLN1621L×alcIIHR20 CLN1621LalcIIHR2 CLN1621L×alc-IIHR-2 LT42×alcIIHR2 LT42alcIIHR2 LT-42×alc-IIHR- FL5 FL556×alcIIHR2 FL556alcIIHR2 FL-556×alc-IIHR- LT44×alcIIHR2 LT44alcIIHR2 LT-44×alc-IIHR- alcIIHR2 CLN1621L×alcIIHR2 CLN1621LalcIIHR CLN1621L×alc-IIHR- LT42×alcIIHR LT42alcIIHR LT-42×alc-IIHR FL556×alcIIHR FL556alcIIHR FL-556×alc-IIHR LT44×alcIIHR LT44alcIIHR LT-44×alc-IIHR CLN1621L×alcIIHR CLN1621L×alc-IIHR

Abstract Two full-scale corner beam-column joints with and without fuse bars were designed, constructed, tested, analyzed and modeled under in-plane lateral cyclic loading presented herein. The first specimen was designed using Eurocode 8 and equipped with four fuse bars. Second specimen was designed using BS8110 (non-seismic code of practice) with corbel. All the specimens have similar size of foundation beams, columns and beams. Visual observation during testing showed that specimen with fuse bars suffered less damage as compare with specimen without fuse bars. Furthermore, specimen with fuse bars has higher lateral strength capacity, stiffness, ductility and equivalent viscous damping than specimen without fuse bars. Finally, there is good agreement of lateral strength capacity, ductility, stiffness and equivalent viscous damping which lies between 2% and 20% between experiment and modeling hysteresis loops. Thus, it is recommended that fuse bar as a green structural material can be installed inside the corner beam-column joint for RC buildings to cater strong earthquakes in high seismic regions.

RESUMEN En este artículo se describe la introducción del programa HEARTS en las Américas de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud en Trinidad y Tabago y las experiencias satisfactorias y los desafíos encontrados con su ejecución y ampliación como estrategia para fortalecer la respuesta del sistema de salud a las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Se reunieron datos sobre la ejecución del programa HEARTS en la Región de las Américas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud con el fin de determinar cuáles han sido los avances, los obstáculos, los factores de éxito y las enseñanzas extraídas. En el año 2019, el Ministerio de Salud inició la ejecución del programa en cinco (4,9%) de los 102 centros de atención primaria de salud, y para fines del 2021, se había ampliado a 46 (45,0%). El programa HEARTS garantiza el manejo integral de la salud cardiovascular de los pacientes mediante la prestación de asesoramiento sobre hábitos saludables, la aplicación de protocolos de tratamiento basados en la evidencia, la garantía de acceso a medicamentos y tecnologías esenciales, así como el uso de un enfoque de trabajo en equipo basado en el riesgo, un sistema de monitoreo y evaluación, y un enfoque basado en el equipo para abordar la prestación de la atención. Entre los obstáculos para su ejecución se encontraron la fragmentación del sistema de atención médica, el papel paternalista asumido por los profesionales de la salud, la resistencia al cambio de algunos trabajadores de salud y la falta de enfoques de trabajo en equipo para la prestación de la atención. La ejecución satisfactoria del programa fue posible gracias a un compromiso político de alto nivel, la creación de un comité nacional de supervisión de HEARTS, la participación de las partes interesadas en todas las fases del programa y la aplicación de enfoques estandarizados para la atención. En su ejecución en el contexto de los entornos de atención primaria de salud existentes, el programa HEARTS proporciona un modelo de atención excepcionalmente bien integrado y exhaustivo que encarna los principios de acceso universal a la atención de salud al tiempo que garantiza la salud individual y poblacional. De este modo, este modelo fomenta un sistema de atención primaria de salud fortalecido y unos servicios receptivos y resilientes.

ABSTRACT This article describes the introduction of the Pan American Health Organization’s HEARTS in the Americas program in Trinidad and Tobago and the successful experiences and challenges encountered in introducing and scaling it up as a strategy for strengthening the health system’s response to cardiovascular diseases. Evidence about implementation of the HEARTS program in the World Health Organization’s Region of the Americas was reviewed to identify the progress made, barriers, success factors and lessons learned. In 2019, the Ministry of Health commenced implementation of the program in 5 (4.9%) of the 102 primary health care centers, and by the end of 2021, it had been scaled up to 46 (45.0%) centers. The HEARTS program ensures that patients’ cardiovascular health is managed in a comprehensive way through providing counseling about a healthy lifestyle, using evidence-based treatment protocols, ensuring access to essential medicines and technologies, and using a risk-based team approach, a monitoring and evaluation system and also a team-based approach to care delivery. The barriers encountered during implementation included the fragmentation of the existing health care system, the paternalistic role assumed by health care professionals, the resistance of some health care workers to change and a lack of team-based approaches to providing care. Successful implementation of the program was enabled through ensuring high-level political commitment, establishing the national HEARTS Oversight Committee, ensuring stakeholder involvement throughout all phases and implementing standardized approaches to care. When implemented in the context of existing primary health care settings, the HEARTS program provides an exceptionally well integrated and comprehensive model of care that embodies the principles of universal health care while ensuring the health of both populations and individuals. Thus, it enables and promotes a strengthened primary health care system and services that are responsive and resilient.

RESUMO Este artigo descreve a introdução do programa HEARTS nas Américas da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde em Trinidad e Tobago e as experiências bem-sucedidas e os desafios encontrados durante a introdução e expansão do programa como estratégia para fortalecer a resposta do sistema de saúde às doenças cardiovasculares. Analisaram-se evidências sobre a implementação do programa HEARTS na Região das Américas da Organização Mundial da Saúde para identificar os avanços obtidos, os obstáculos, os fatores de sucesso e as lições aprendidas. Em 2019, o Ministério da Saúde iniciou a implementação do programa em 5 (4,9%) dos 102 centros de atenção primária à saúde; no final de 2021, o programa havia sido ampliado para 46 (45,0%) centros. O programa HEARTS assegura que a saúde cardiovascular dos pacientes seja manejada de uma forma abrangente por meio de aconselhamento sobre estilo de vida saudável, uso de protocolos de tratamento baseados em evidências, garantia de acesso a medicamentos e tecnologias essenciais e utilização de uma estratégia de equipe baseada no risco, de um sistema de monitoramento e avaliação e de uma abordagem de atendimento baseado em equipe. Os obstáculos encontrados durante a implementação incluíam a fragmentação do sistema de saúde existente, o papel paternalista assumido pelos profissionais de saúde, a resistência de alguns profissionais de saúde a mudanças e a falta de abordagens baseadas em equipe na prestação do atendimento. Para permitir que a implementação do programa fosse bem-sucedida, obteve-se compromisso político de alto nível, criou-se o Comitê de Supervisão do HEARTS nacional, assegurou-se o envolvimento de interessados diretos em todas as fases e implementaram-se abordagens padronizadas de atendimento. Quando implementado no contexto dos ambientes existentes de atenção primária à saúde, o programa HEARTS oferece um modelo de atenção excepcionalmente bem integrado e abrangente que incorpora os princípios de atenção universal à saúde, ao mesmo tempo em que garante a saúde das populações e dos indivíduos. Dessa forma, viabiliza e promove um sistema de atenção primária à saúde fortalecido e serviços responsivos e resilientes.

ABSTRACT A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the vaccination status and barriers to vaccination among the university students by utilizing a simple random sampling technique in the largest public sector university of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The participants comprised 380 university students. Data was collected by a self-designed questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Chi-square Test and Fischer Exact test were applied to assess the impact of demographics on vaccination status, and barriers to vaccination. Out of 380 participants, 328 (86.31%) were males and 52 (13.68) females. The immunization status of university students against various diseases was variable: 97.10% (n=369) were vaccinated against poliomyelitis, 58.68% (n=223) against BCG, 44.21% (n=168) against hepatitis B, 49.21% (n=187) against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus and 55.26% (n=210) against measles vaccine. The barriers to vaccination were unwillingness 15.0% (n=57), inaccessibility 17.10% (n=65), financial issues 4.47 % (n=17) and unawareness 63.42% (n=241). Moreover, 31% (n=118) of the participants considered that the use of vaccines is unsafe. The vaccination status of the university students in Southern Punjab, Pakistan is alarming as most of the students were unvaccinated. The unawareness and perception of the unsafety of vaccines were the biggest barriers to vaccination.

RESUMEN Se realizó un estudio transversal para determinar el estado de vacunación y las barreras a la vacunación entre los estudiantes universitarios, mediante la utilización de una técnica de muestreo aleatorio simple, en la universidad más grande del sector público del sur de Punjab, Pakistán. Los participantes fueron 380 estudiantes universitarios. Los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario de diseño propio. Se utilizó el Paquete Estadístico para Ciencias Sociales (SPSS) para el análisis de datos. Se aplicaron la prueba de chi-cuadrado y la prueba exacta de Fischer para evaluar el impacto de la demografía en el estado de vacunación y las barreras para la vacunación. De 380 participantes, 328 (86,31%) fueron hombres y 52 (13,68%) mujeres. El estado de inmunización de los estudiantes universitarios frente a diversas enfermedades fue variable: 97,10% (n = 369) fueron vacunados contra poliomielitis, 58,68% (n = 223) contra BCG, 44,21% (n = 168) contra hepatitis B, 49,21% (n = 187) contra la difteria, tos ferina y tétanos y 55,26% (n = 210) contra la vacuna contra el sarampión. Las barreras para la vacunación fueron la falta de voluntad 15,0% (n = 57); la inaccesibilidad 17,10% (n = 65); los problemas económicos 4,47% (n = 17) y el desconocimiento 63,42% (n = 241). Además, el 31% (n = 118) de los participantes consideró que el uso de vacunas no es seguro. El estado de vacunación de los estudiantes universitarios en el sur de Punjab, Pakistán, es alarmante ya que la mayoría de los estudiantes no estaban vacunados. El desconocimiento y la percepción de la inseguridad de las vacunas fueron las mayores barreras para la vacunación.

Abstract Objective: The objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to investigate the effectiveness of the lower limb rehabilitation protocol (LLRP) combined with mobile health (mHealth) applications on knee pain, mobility, functional activity and activities of daily living (ADL) among knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients who were overweight and obese. Methods: This study was a single-blind, RCT conducted at Teaching Bay of Rehmatul-Lil-Alameen Post Graduate Institute of Cardiology between February and November 2020. 114 knee OA patients who were overweight and obese were randomly divided by a computer-generated number into the rehabilitation group with mHealth (RGw-mHealth) to receive LLRP + instructions of daily care (IDC) combined with mHealth intervention, rehabilitation group without mHealth (RGwo-mHealth) to receive LLRP + IDC intervention and control group (CG) to receive IDC intervention. All three groups were also provided leaflets explaining about their intervention. The primary outcome measure was knee pain measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. The secondary outcome measures were mobility measured by the Timed up and go (TUG) test, functional activity measured by the patient-specific functional scale (PSFS), and ADL measured by the Katz Index of independence in ADL scores. Results: Among the 114 patients who were randomized (mean age, 53 years), 96 (84%) completed the trial. After 3-months of intervention, patients in all three groups had statistically significant knee pain reduction (RGw-mHealth: 2.54; RGwo-mHealth: 1.47; and CG: 0.37) within groups ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients in the RGw-mHealth and RGwo-mHealth had statistically significant improvement in mobility, functional activity, and ADL within groups ( P < 0.05), but no improvement was noted in the CG ( p > 0.05). As indicated in the overall analysis of covariance, there were statistically significant differences in the mean knee pain, mobility, functional activity, and ADL changes between groups after 3-months ( p < 0.001). The pairwise between-group comparisons (Bonferroni post hoc analysis) of the knee pain, mobility, functional activity, and ADL scores at 3-months revealed that patients in the RGw-mHealth had significantly higher mean change in the knee pain, TUG test, functional activity, and ADL scores compared to patients in the RGwo-mHealth or CG. Conclusion: Reduction in knee pain, improvement in mobility, functional activity, and ADL were more among patients in the RGw-mHealth compared with the RGwo-mHealth or CG. Trial registration National Medical Research Registry: NMRR-20-1094-52911. Date of registration: 05-05-2020. URL: https://www.nmrr.gov.my.

Abstract Organic manures are more preferred and environmentally friendly than chemical fertilizers for minimally contaminating soil, water and environmental resources, but the determination of right source of organic manures continues to remain an unexplored aspect. Considering the important issue, a multi-year field trial was carried out to determine the response of forage soybean to four sources of nutrients such as chemical fertilizers (IF), poultry litter (PL), bovine’s farm yard slurry (BFYS) and sewage sludge (SS) and their seven binary combinations (PL+BFYS, PL+SS, PL+IF, BFYS+SS, BFYS+IF, SS+IF and PL+BFYS+SS). Supplementation of organic manures with mineral fertilizers remained superior to their sole application, particularly BFYS + IF was found significantly (p≤0.05) superior for yielding the highest fresh biomass (23.9, 26.4 and 25.7 t ha–1) with improved nutritional quality. The same combination of integrated fertilizer management also recorded higher sustainability as per sustainable forage yield index along with the highest net income and the benefit-cost ratio. PL and SS applied in conjunction with IF performed better than sole or binary application of organic manures. Therefore, BFYS + IF may be recommended for adoption to produce comparable forage yield and nutritional quality of soybean along with reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.

Abstract The severe damage of precast concrete wall structures that have been recorded in the past earthquake has led to the innovation of the rocking wall concept which can demonstrate free or minimum damage aftershock of an earthquake. Furthermore, extensive research works have been well conducted in the past three decades on the establishment of precast rocking wall systems, designs, details, and techniques. Despite this extensive development, little attention has been devoted to investigate the interaction between the rocking wall systems and the flooring diaphragm. The historical perspective on the development of rocking wall systems over the past few decades in the precast concrete structures is presented. Subsequently, the limited research works on the interaction of precast rocking wall to the floor diaphragm are described. Apart from that, this paper attempts to highlight the application of rocking wall systems in the context of precast connection for the precast load-bearing structures. In this contribution, the precast rocking wall-floor connection for precast load-bearing structures is proposed and presented in this paper.

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.

ABSTRACT Cereal-legumes intercropping is among the most economical and effective agronomic strategies to boost forage biomass production, nutritional quality and monetary returns. This review synthesizes the research findings on how intercropping affects productivity, quality, competitiveness and economic viability of sorghum-legumes mixed, row and strip intercropping systems under varied pedo-climatic conditions. Though component crops show yield reductions in row (additive and row-replacement series), mixed (seed blended crops) and strip intercropping systems, in general overall productivity per unit land area increases to a great extent. The significantly higher resource capturing with better utilization efficacy by intercrops in temporal and spatial dimensions helps explain their greater productivity. In addition, forage intercrops result in improved nutritional quality as legumes contain protein in double quantity than cereals. Cereal-legumes intercropping systems yield higher quantities of lush green forage with improved quality traits, which ultimately increase monetary benefits. Furthermore, legumes inclusion as an intercrop with cereals has the potential to serve as a nitrogen-saving strategy due to the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) process. Moreover, cereal-legume intercropping systems are effective in reducing weed infestations and soil erosion by providing extended soil cover, as well as in increasing water use efficiency and improving soil fertility. However, despite a significant increase in overall productivity, component crops suffer yield losses in intercropping systems owing to competition for the finite divisible pool of growth resources. Thus, there is a dire need to optimize spatial and temporal arrangements in sorghum-legumes intercropping systems to achieve maximum productivity and economic returns.

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the differential gene expression resulting from tocotrienol-rich fraction and α-tocopherol supplementation in healthy older adults. METHODS A total of 71 eligible subjects aged 50 to 55 years from Gombak and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were divided into three groups and supplemented with placebo (n=23), α-tocopherol (n=24) or tocotrienol-rich fraction (n=24). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of supplementation for microarray analysis. RESULTS The number of genes altered by α-tocopherol was higher after 6 months (1,410) than after 3 months (273) of supplementation. α-Tocopherol altered the expression of more genes in males (952) than in females (731). Similarly, tocotrienol-rich fraction modulated the expression of more genes after 6 months (1,084) than after 3 months (596) and affected more genes in males (899) than in females (781). α-Tocopherol supplementation modulated pathways involving the response to stress and stimuli, the immune response, the response to hypoxia and bacteria, the metabolism of toxins and xenobiotics, mitosis, and synaptic transmission as well as activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and complement pathways after 6 months. However, tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementation affected pathways such as the signal transduction, apoptosis, nuclear factor kappa B kinase, cascade extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2, immune response, response to drug, cell adhesion, multicellular organismal development and G protein signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Supplementation with either α-tocopherol or tocotrienol-rich fraction affected the immune and drug response and the cell adhesion and signal transduction pathways but modulated other pathways differently after 6 months of supplementation, with sex-specific responses.

Abstract: Background: Soil salinity is a major menace to plants. Salt tolerant plants have developed different morphological, structural and physiological characteristics, which enable them to survive and reproduce under high salt concentrations. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that differently adapted ecotypes of T. domingensis may have different structural and biochemical response to various levels of salt stress. Studied species/Data description: Six ecotypes of Typha domingensis Pers. were evaluated for anatomical and biochemical response and to find out the mechanism of adaptation under salt stress. Methods: All the ecotypes of Typha domingensis were acclimatized for a period of six months. Four levels of salinity viz. 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl were maintained. The plants were carefully collected from the medium to study various anatomical and biochemical characteristics. Results: The most promising anatomical modifications were; reduced leaf thickness in Sheikhupura, Gatwala and Treemu ecotype, increased cell vacuolar volume in Sahianwala and Knotti ecotype, larger metaxylem vessel in Sheikhupura and Gatwala ecotype, aerenchyma formation in all ecotypes and high sclerification in Sahianwala and Knotti ecotype. Accumulation of osmolytes mainly proline and glycinebetaine in Treemu, Sahianwala, Jahlar and Knotti ecotype under different levels of salt stress may be defense mechanism of T. domingensis to prevent severe loss in turgor. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that genetic potential of T. domingensis to grow under salt stress could be used for the purpose of phytoremediation and reclamation of soil salinity.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La salinidad del suelo puede llegar a ser una amenaza para las plantas. Sin embargo, las plantas tolerantes a la salinidad han desarrollado diferentes características morfológicas, estructurales y fisiológicas, las cuales les permiten sobrevivir y reproducirse en altas concentraciones de sal. Hipótesis: Los ecotipos adaptados de Typha dominguensis pueden tener diferentes respuestas tanto estructurales como bioquímicas a varias concentraciones de estrés salino. Especies estudiadas/Descripción de los datos: Seis ecotipos of Typha dominguensis Pers fueron evaluados en base a sus respuestas anatómicas y bioquímicas para determinar el mecanismo de adaptación bajo la influencia de estrés salino. Métodos: Todos los ecotipos de T. dominguensis fueron aclimatados por un período de seis meses. Y fueron mantenidos en cuatro niveles de salinidad: 0, 100, 200, 300 mM NaCl. Posteriormente, las plantas fueron colectadas cuidadosamente del medio para el análisis de las características bioquímicas y anatómicas. Resultados: Las más interesantes modificaciones anatómicas encontradas fueron: reducción del grosor de las hojas en los ecotipos pertenecientes a Sheikhupura, Gatwala and Treemu; incremento en el volumen de las vacuolas en la célula en los ecotipos correspondientes a Sahianwala and Knotti; incremento en el tamaño de los vasos del metaxilema en Sheikhupura y Gatwala; formación parénquimaima de todos los ecotipos y alta esclerificación en los ecotipos de Sahianwala y Knotti. Acumulación de osmolitos principalmente prolina y glicinabetaína en los ecotipos Treemu, Sahianwala, Jahlar y Knotti bajo diferentes niveles de estrés salino. Este puede ser un mecanismo de defensa de T. domingensis para prevenir la pérdida severa de turgencia. Conclusiones: Los resultados demuestran el potencial genético de T. domingensis para crecer bajo condiciones de estrés salino que puede ser usado para el propósito de fitoremediación y determinación de salinidad edáfica.

Juvenile Neolamarckia cadamba or kelempayan tree has been harvested from forest plantation and converted into sawn timber. Some basic properties of timber such as physical and mechanical were determined from different parts of the tree namely lower, center and upper. The physical properties were evaluated. The mechanical properties were conducted using small test clear specimens. The results indicated that the physical and mechanical properties of the lower portion of the trunk were significantly superior compared to the upper portion of the trunk. The investigation revealed that the wood be able to use as a substitute material of the furniture components after some modification undertaken on its properties.