Herein, a polysaccharide-based hydrogel from seeds of Salvia spinosa (SSH) was evaluated as a pH-responsive, superporous, hemocompatible, non-toxic, and sustained release material. The SSH-based tablets showed pH-dependent swelling (pH 7.4 > 6.8 > 4.5 > 1.2) as well as swelling and de-swelling behavior at pH 7.4 and 1.2, respectively. Sustained release of febuxostat was achieved by mimicking the gastrointestinal tract conditions for 14 h and following the zero-order kinetics and super case-II transport mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous nature of SSH even after compression. SSH was found to be hemocompatible with antioxidant properties. Acute toxicity studies ensured the safety of SSH at a maximum dose level of 2.0 g kg-1 body weight of the animals. SSH was also found as non-irritant to the eye. The histopathology of vital organs did not show any lesions or inflammation. Conclusively, SSH can be considered a safe ingredient for oral, dermal, and ophthalmic formulations. Herein polysaccharidebased polysaccharide based (SSH pHresponsive, pHresponsive responsive, responsive pH-responsive superporous nontoxic, nontoxic non toxic, toxic non-toxic material SSHbased pHdependent dependent 74 7 4 7. 68 6 8 6. 45 5 4. 1.2 12 1 2 deswelling de respectively zeroorder zero order caseII case II mechanism compression properties 20 0 2. kg1 kg kg- animals nonirritant irritant eye inflammation Conclusively oral dermal formulations 1.

ABSTRACT Aspergillus fumigatus is a respiratory pathogen, which has the potential to cause brooder pneumonia in poultry chicks and aspergillosis in birds and farmers. Frequent and irrational use of antifungals has led to the development of resistance in the fungal species. The present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of essential oils (EOs) from four different spices against multi-drug resistant (MDR) A. fumigatus isolated from 40 poultry feed samples. Twenty fungal isolates were identified to be A. fumigatus based on the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, which were confirmed by targeting and amplifying the species-specific rodA gene (313 bp). Five (5/20) isolates were found to be MDR by the disk diffusion method. EOs were tested as an alternative strategy for 5 MDR isolates of A. fumigatus. Clove EO provided better activity by 6 log10 reduction for 30-90 min exposure as compared to other EOs, therefore, shortlisted for well-diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Clove EO provided promising results as compared to fluconazole, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, nystatin and voriconazole as its mean ZOI (39.6 ± 6.34) were better than all other commercial antifungals (p< 0.001). Mean MIC was reported to be 0.195 ± 0.11 µl/ml. Safety testing of the EO produced 74-82% cell viability for the range of 0.390 - 0.097 µl/ml as compared to DMSO. Findings of the present study highlight that clove EO can be source of a good therapeutic agent for infections of MDR isolates of A. fumigatus. pathogen farmers species (EOs multidrug multi drug (MDR A 4 samples characteristics speciesspecific specific 313 (31 bp. bp . bp) 5/20 520 20 (5/20 method log log1 3090 30 90 30-9 therefore welldiffusion well (MIC fluconazole B ketoconazole 39.6 396 39 (39. 6.34 634 34 p< p (p 0.001. 0001 0.001 0 001 0.001) 0195 195 0.19 011 11 0.1 µlml µl ml 7482% 7482 74 82% 82 74-82 0390 390 0.39 0097 097 0.09 DMSO 31 (3 5/2 52 2 (5/2 309 3 9 30- 39. (39 6.3 63 000 0.00 00 019 19 01 1 0. 748 7 8 74-8 039 0.3 009 09 0.0 ( 5/ (5/ 6. 74- 03 (5

RESUMO Aspergillus fumigatus é um patógeno respiratório, que tem o potencial de causar pneumonia incubadora em pintos e aspergilose em aves e criadores. O uso frequente e irracional de antifúngicos tem levado ao desenvolvimento de resistência nas espécies fúngicas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antifúngica de óleos essenciais (OEs) de quatro diferentes especiarias contra A. fumigatus multirresistente (MDR) isolado de 40 amostras de ração de aves. Vinte isolados fúngicos foram identificados como A. fumigatus com base nas características macroscópicas e microscópicas, que foram confirmadas pelo direcionamento e amplificação do gene rodA espécie-específico (313 pb). Cinco (5/20) isolados foram considerados MDR pelo método de difusão em disco. OEs foram testados como uma estratégia alternativa para 5 isolados MDR de A. fumigatus. Clove EO forneceu melhor atividade por redução de 6 log10 para exposição de 30-90 min em comparação com outros OEs, portanto, pré-selecionado para difusão e método de concentração inibitória mínima (MIC). Clove EO forneceu resultados promissores em comparação com fluconazol, anfotericina B, cetoconazol, nistatina e voriconazol, com ZOI médio (39,6 ± 6,34) melhor do que todos os outros antifúngicos comerciais (p < 0,001). A MIC média foi de 0,195 ± 0,11 µl/ml. O teste de segurança do EO produziu 74-82% de viabilidade celular para a faixa de 0,390 - 0,097 µl/ml em comparação com DMSO. Os resultados do presente estudo destacam que o EO de cravo pode ser fonte de um bom agente terapêutico para infecções de isolados multirresistentes de A. fumigatus. respiratório criadores fúngicas (OEs (MDR 4 microscópicas espécieespecífico espécie específico 313 (31 pb. pb . pb) 5/20 520 20 (5/20 disco log log1 3090 30 90 30-9 portanto préselecionado pré selecionado MIC. (MIC) fluconazol B cetoconazol voriconazol 39,6 396 39 (39, 6,34 634 34 p 0,001. 0001 0,001 0 001 0,001) 0195 195 0,19 011 11 0,1 µlml µl ml 7482% 7482 74 82% 82 74-82 0390 390 0,39 0097 097 0,09 DMSO 31 (3 5/2 52 2 (5/2 309 3 9 30- (MIC 39, (39 6,3 63 000 0,00 00 019 19 01 1 0, 748 7 8 74-8 039 0,3 009 09 0,0 ( 5/ (5/ 6, 74- 03 (5

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate functional potential of Aloe vera juice against (CCl4 induced) hepatotoxicity using animal model. Biochemical analyses including liver, renal enzymes, bone biomarkers and lipid profile were conducted after 4 weeks of oral Aloe vera juice administration. Liver enzymes, AST, ALP and total bilirubin were reduced up to 15-7%, 60-32.52% and 29-48%, respectively in Aloe vera juice treated rats i.e., 10 mL/kg and 20 mL/kg doses. Reduction in serum cholesterol (8%), LDL (12%) and triglycerides (15%) were observed. Urea was significantly reduced up to 11% which further reduced up to 30% at higher dose. Increased content of serum proteins (23-50%) and albumin (40-116%) were found at the different doses. Vitamin D was found maximum in G4 i.e., 38.63 mg/dL as compared to lowest i.e., 5.12 mg/dL in G2, similarly improvement in calcium i.e., 11-22% was observed in G3 and G4. The serum oxidative stress markers indicated raised superoxide dismutase (9%), glutathione (15%), catalase (9%) and reduced lipid peroxidation 78% at higher concentration of Aloe vera juice consumption. In addition, histological evaluation also depicted positive impact on hepatic and renal portfolio in all treated rats. All of the findings enlighten the potential of Aloe vera juice as a functional beverage.

Resumen La eficacia de la mayoría de los insecticidas sintéticos contra Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) se ha visto comprometida debido al comportamiento alimentario críptico de éste insecto. Es por ello que existe una necesidad imperiosa de buscar otros enfoques de manejo efectivos y ecológicos para combatir esta plaga. Se evaluó la susceptibilidad del 2do y 4to estadio de la fase larvaria de C. partellus frente a Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt-k) (Berliner) y Metarhizium anisopliae (Mechnikov) en un entorno controlado. Se trató a las larvas con tratamientos individuales y combinados de una dosis única de B. thuringiensis (Bt: 0,75 µg/g) y tres concentraciones de conidios de M. anisopliae (1x104, 1x106 y 1x108 conidios/ml). La aplicación individual e integrada de ambos entomopatógenos afectó de manera significativa la mortalidad, la pupación, la emergencia de adultos, la micosis y la esporulación de estadios larvales de C. partellus. La máxima mortalidad se registró (2do: 94,63%) y (4to: 91,43%) cuando las larvas fueron sometidas a aplicaciones combinadas de M. anisopliae (1x108 conidios/ml) y B. thuringiensis (0,75 µg/g). El mismo tratamiento integrado también provocó una disminución significativa de la pupación (2do: 0,00% y 4to: 6,66%) y de la emergencia de adultos (2do: 0,00% y 4to: 0,00%) de C. partellus en comparación con el resto de los tratamientos experimentales. Además, se registró una tasa significativamente mayor de micosis y esporulación en ambas fases larvarias (2do: 88,52% y 143,96 conidios/ml) y (4to: 82,04% y 131,85 conidios/ml), cuando se expusieron a una concentración individual menor de M. anisopliae (1×104 conidios/ml). Los resultados actuales sugieren que la aplicación integrada de M. anisopliae y B. thuringiensis podría ser una táctica ecológica viable para el control de C. partellus.

Abstract Introduction Total thyroidectomy remains highly technical, with a significant risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) compromise and hypoparathyroidism. After identifying RLN, at the level of the ligament of Berry, local factors may compel the surgeon to either dissect along the nerve or the thyroid capsule. Objective The objective of the present study is to compare these two approaches in terms of outcomes and complication rates. Methods This is a retrospective analysis from September, 2013 to April 2019 of 511 consecutive patients undergoing thyroidectomy. General demographics and disease parameters were recorded. At the discretion of the surgeon and according to the demands of the local operative factors, the patients either had dissection along the RLN or along the thyroid capsule. Perioperative and postoperative parameters such as blood loss, duration of surgery, hospital stay, pain scores, analgesia requirements and complications were recorded. The groups were compared with the Pearson chi-squared test or with the Fisher exact test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The incidence of transient hypocalcaemia and transient RLN compromise were higher when dissection was performed along the nerve as opposed to the plane along the thyroid capsule. Other parameters including operative time, hospital stay, pain scores, analgesia requirement, wound infection, seroma, hemorrhage, and recurrence did not differ between the groups. Subgroup analysis of the patients who presented with complications showed that local factors, malignancy, and extent of surgery correlated positively with complications when dissected along the RLN. Conclusion Dissection along the capsule of the thyroid during thyroidectomy is a safer plane in terms of low rate of transient RLN injury and hypoparathyroidism as opposed to dissection along the nerve.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of different preparations of fluoride gels on the salivary pH of albino rats. Material and Methods: This experimental study consisted of 40 Albino rats randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A was the control group and received no intervention. Experimental group B received a topical application of 0.2% sodium fluoride gel. Experimental group C received topical application of stannous fluoride gel 0.4%. Experimental group D received topical application of APF gel (1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel). The different preparations of the gels were applied once daily for 4 minutes on the occlusal surface of the right maxillary molars for 14 days. Salivary pH values were recorded immediately after the application of gels with the help of pH paper on day 1 and day 14. Results: There was a significant difference in the pH level of groups B, C and D after 14 days of fluoride application (p < 0.05). The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test was applied for the comparison between the groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that all the fluoride gels after administration caused the acidic pH of saliva with the most acidic effect produced by APF gel. Objective Methods intervention 02 0 2 0.2 04 0.4% 1.23% 123 23 (1.23 . gel) Results p 0.05. 005 0.05 05 0.05) nonparametric non parametric Conclusion 0. 0.4 1.23 12 (1.2 00 0.0 1.2 (1. 1. (1 (

Abstract Food is a basic human right since it is necessary for survival. Unsafe food threatens billions of people throughout the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people grow sick and die. Microbial, chemical, personal, and environmental hygiene are all issues that the food chain faces from farm to fork/plate. Human tragedies and economic disasters have been reported in the past as a result of purposeful or inadvertent personal behavior and government inability to ensure food safety and quality. The issue of food safety has gotten a lot of press. As a result, a Food Safety Information Platform (FSIP) based on machine learning and open data with a Chatbot based on cloud computing (MLODCCC) architecture was developed, which includes a nice Facebook hyperlink and chatbot interface for locating trustworthy food safety knowledge. Rumors about the safety of food goods instill fear in people, leading to a broad boycott and, as a result, significant economic loss. This study looked into the function of rumors among friends. The findings suggested that people choose to use news media information in interaction with friends because it is seen to be more reliable than other resources.

Abstract Highly nutritional and functional properties of chia seeds would make it unique than other grains. Considering its known properties chia can be used as an important food ingredient. These are rich in fiber, ash, protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and antioxidants. Higher proportion of protein having greater biological value with essential amino acids and high dietary fiber content prevents several metabolic disorders and obesity. It is also consist of PUFA helpful in lowering cardiovascular diseases. Rusks were supplemented with chia flour at a rate ranging 5 to 20% with the goal to modify the fiber content, nutritional contents and physicochemical properties. The obtained results were highly significant and showed increasing trend in dietary fiber and PUFA values. Texture values decreased significantly. Sensory evaluation showed significant (p<0.05) differences in color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability. Most acceptable treatment was with 5% chia flour supplementation with a mean score of 8.10. Hence, Chia flour-supplemented rusks up to 5% addition level could be utilized as a convenience food and vehicle of improved nutritional status with health beneficial bioactive compounds. Moreover, supplementation of chia flour led to improvement of functional properties of wheat rusks as a valuable source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds.

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 Biosorption is a cost-effective excellent tool for removing problematic dyes. The present work was focused on the utilization of Citrus paradise (grapefruit) peels aqueous extract for synthesis of nickel nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by SEM and were used for the remediation of congo red direct dye. The decolorization of Congo Red direct dye was measured using UV/Visible spectrophotometer following the optimization of experimental factors. Maximum decolorization was observed at a dye concentration of 0.02 %, pH 6, at 50 °C temperature, and catalyst dose was 0.01 g/L. TOC and COD values were found to be 79.89 % and 78.23 %. Agriculrural waste could be used for the remediation of other synthetic dyes as well; hence helps in cleaning our natural environment.

Resumen La biosorción es una excelente herramienta rentable para eliminar colorantes problemáticos. El presente trabajo se centró en la utilización del extracto de cáscaras de Citrus paradise (pomelo) para la síntesis de nanopartículas de níquel. Las nanopartículas preparadas se caracterizaron por microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) y se utilizaron para la remediación del colorante directo rojo de Congo. La decoloración del colorante directo Rojo Congo se midió mediante espectrometría siguiendo la optimización de factores experimentales. Se observó una decoloración máxima a una concentración de colorante de 0.02 %, pH 6, y una temperatura de 50 °C; la dosis del catalizador fue de 0.01 g/L. Se determinó que los valores de TOC y DQO eran 79.89 % y 78.23 %, respectivamente. Los residuos agrícolas también podrían utilizarse para la remediación de otros tintes sintéticos y con ello ayudar a limpiar nuestro entorno natural.

Abstract The leafhopper Tambocerus viraktamathi Rao is a newly recorded species in Pakistan. So far, only two species have been identified from the genus Tambocerus Zhang & Webb in Pakistan. Their distinguishing features, along with illustrations, are provided below.

Resumen La chicharrita Tambocerus viraktamathi Rao es una especie recién registrada en Pakistán. Hasta ahora, sólo se han identificado dos especies del género Tambocerus Zhang & Webb en Pakistán. A continuación se presentan sus características distintivas, junto con ilustraciones.

RESUMO A presente pesquisa avaliou a mudança espaço-temporal na floresta subtropical do distrito de Malakand através de técnicas de Sensoriamento Remoto e GIS. O principal objetivo era identificar diferentes classes de cobertura terrestre e determinar as mudanças temporais na cobertura florestal na área de estudo. Este estudo foi baseado nas duas diferentes técnicas de classificação da cobertura do solo. Neste estudo, quatro imagens Landsat foram adquiridas com o intervalo de 10 anos, de 1988 a 2018. A classificação de máxima probabilidade e a classificação de distância mínima foram aplicadas passo a passo em todas as quatro imagens. A área total do distrito de Malakand foi registrada como 975,32 km2. Em relação à porcentagem de cobertura de área sábia, a floresta cobriu 22,1 % da área total, enquanto os assentamentos de outras classes, agricultura, terra árida e água cobriram 17,7, 23,3, 33 e 3,9% respectivamente em 1988. Enquanto que em 2018, a porcentagem de cobertura de área razoável abrangia 9,3 % da área total, embora os assentamentos de outras classes, a agricultura, a terra árida e a água tenham coberto 33,8, 22,3, 31,8 e 3,7, respectivamente. A mudança na área florestal ao longo do tempo foi de 60,4 km2 que é igual a 6,2 % durante 1998 a 2008 e finalmente o desmatamento total foi de 124,4 km 2 que é igual a 12,7% de perda de área de floresta perdida de 1998 a 2018. Assim, a área florestal foi mudada para assentamentos e terras áridas de 1988 a 2018. O Índice de Vegetação com Diferença Normalizada (NDVI) foi calculado para 1988, 1998, 2008 e 2018. Com base na análise do NDVI, o desmatamento total ao longo do tempo foi de 166,29 km 2 nos últimos 30 anos (1988-2018) com percentual de desmatamento de 43,66 % de área perdida. As imagens Landsat têm resolução de 30 metros e pequenas mudanças de área florestal não podem ser detectadas pelas imagens Landsat, assim, produtos de alta resolução podem detectar mais desmatamento comparativamente.

ABSTRACT The present research evaluated spatio-temporal change in the sub-tropical forest of district Malakand through Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. The main objective was to identify different land cover classes and to determine temporal changes in forest cover in the study area. This study was based on the two different classification techniques for the land cover classification. In this study, four Landsat images were acquired with the interval of 10 years from 1988 to 2018. The maximum likelihood classification and Minimum distance classification was applied on all the four images step by step. The total area of district Malakand was recorded as 975.32 km2. Regarding percent wise area coverage Forest covered 22.1 % of the total area while other classes' settlements, agriculture, barren land and water have covered 17.7, 23.3, 33 and 3.9 % respectively in 1988. Whereas in 2018, percent wise area coverage forest covered 9.3 % of the total area although other classes' settlements, agriculture, barren land and water have covered 33.8, 22.3, 31.8 and 3.7 respectively. The change in forest area over the time was 60.4 km2 which is equal to 6.2 % during 1998 to 2008 and ultimately overall deforestation was 124.4 km2 which is equal to 12.7 % loss of forest area lost from 1998 to 2018. Thus, the forest area was changed to settlements and barren lands from 1988 to 2018. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for 1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018. Based on NDVI analysis, total deforestation over the time was 166.29 km2 in last 30 years (1988-2018) with percent deforestation of 43.66 % area lost. The Landsat images have 30 meters resolution and small forest area changes can not detected by Landsat images, thus high-resolution products can detect more deforestation comparatively.

RESUMEN La presente investigación evaluó el cambio espacio-temporal en el bosque subtropical del distrito de Malakand mediante técnicas de teledetección y SIG. El objetivo principal era identificar las diferentes clases de cobertura del suelo y determinar los cambios temporales de la cobertura forestal en el área de estudio. Este estudio se basó en dos técnicas de clasificación diferentes para la clasificación de la cubierta del suelo. En este estudio, se adquirieron cuatro imágenes Landsat con un intervalo de diez años desde 1988 hasta 2018. La clasificación de máxima verosimilitud y la clasificación de mínima distancia se aplicaron a las cuatro imágenes paso a paso. La superficie total del distrito de Malakand se registró como 975,32 km2. En lo que respecta a la cobertura porcentual de la superficie, el bosque cubrió el 22,1 % de la superficie total, mientras que los asentamientos, la agricultura, las tierras baldías y el agua cubrieron el 17,7, el 23,3, el 33 y el 3,9 % respectivamente en 1988. Durante el año 2018, el bosque cubrió el 9,3 % de la superficie total, así también los asentamientos de otras clases, la agricultura, la tierra estéril y el agua han cubierto el 33,8, 22,3, 31,8 y 3,7 respectivamente. El cambio en la superficie forestal a lo largo del tiempo fue de 60,4 km2, lo que equivale a un 6,2 % durante el período 1998-2008 y, en última instancia, la deforestación global fue de 124,4 km2, lo que equivale a una pérdida del 12,7 % de la superficie forestal perdida entre 1998 y 2018. Por lo tanto, la superficie forestal se transformó en asentamientos y tierras baldías de 1988 a 2018. Se calculó el índice de vegetación de diferencia normalizada (NDVI) para 1988, 1998, 2008 y 2018. Según el análisis del NDVI, la deforestación total a lo largo del tiempo fue de 166,29 km2 en los últimos 30 años (1988-2018), con un porcentaje de deforestación del 43,66 % de superficie perdida. Las imágenes Landsat tienen una resolución de 30 metros y los cambios en las áreas forestales pequeñas no pueden ser detectados por las imágenes Landsat, a diferencia de los productos de alta resolución que pueden detectar más deforestación en comparación.

Abstract The present study was designed to characterize oat bran for their biological attributes. The results showed that bran of Avon variety contained high TDF, SDF, β-glucan and extractability of β-glucan than bran of oat variety Sargodha-81. The extrusion process exhibited the highest extractability of β-glucan (45.37%) followed by cooking (37.28%) and baking methods (32.45%). Moreover, the glucose level reduction was found significantly different when raw and processed oat bran diets fed to normal, hypercholesterolemic and diabetic rats. The highest reduction was recorded when fed on diet containing 30% processed oat bran. The processed oat bran exhibited more reduction as compared to raw oat bran. Furthermore, addition of 20% oat bran in wheat grits porridge was found to have significant effect (p < 0.05) on appearance, mouth feel and overall acceptability. Convincingly, it is recommended that processed oat bran may be introduced in diet-based remedy to rheostat lifestyle-related disorders.

Abstract: The paper tackles the problem of question answering on social media data through an extractive approach. The task of question answering consists in obtaining an answer from the context given the context and a question. Our approach uses transformer models, which were fine-tuned on SQuAD. Usually, SQuAD is used for extractive question answering for comparing the results with human judgments in social media TweetQA dataset. Our experiments on multiple transformer models indicate the importance of application of pre-processing in the question answering on social media data and elucidates that extractive question answering fine-tuning even on other type of data can significantly improve the results reducing the gap with human evaluation. We use ROUGE, METEOR, and BLEU metrics.

Abstract Milk is a nutritious perishable product having a short shelf-life owing to the occurrence of spoilage bacteria in it. This has led to an increasing demand for ensuring safety through milk processing. Conventional techniques (such as heat treatment) increase shelf-life but damage the nutritional and sensory qualities of milk. Hence, there is a need to develop innovative, nonthermal processing techniques that increase the shelf-life while preserving its nutritional quality. This review focuses on the recent advances in assuring microbial safety of milk by using nonthermal techniques such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, ultraviolet irradiation and membrane microfiltration.