Predator- Prey Interaction In Plant –Associated Ecosystems. Effect On Plant Fitness And Trophic Cascade

Predator-prey interactions in plant-associated ecosystems play a crucial role in shaping ecosystem dynamics and stability. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the implications of these interactions, highlighting the intricate web of relationships among predators, herbivores, and plants. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining predator-prey interactions for ecosystem stability and functioning. Trophic cascades initiated by predator-prey interactions have been shown to regulate herbivore populations, indirectly benefiting plant communities. However, human activities can significantly impact predator populations and trophic cascades, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to preserve these important ecological dynamics. The integration of molecular techniques and modeling approaches can enhance our understanding of trophic cascades in plant-associated ecosystems. Conservation strategies aimed at promoting predator diversity and enhancing plant fitness are essential for maintaining ecosystem stability and promoting sustainable management of plant-associated ecosystems. Further research is needed to investigate the complex dynamics of predator-prey interactions and trophic cascades, as well as to develop effective conservation strategies to preserve these important ecological dynamics

Sonographic Association of Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index with Hypertension During Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Background: Hypertension (HTN) in pregnancy is the second most basic reason for maternal death and cause obstetric complications in 5-10% of all pregnancies. HTN directly affects the blood flow of uterine artery.  Doppler screening test is a valuable method to do safe and non-invasive detection and has high reliability in the detection of uterine artery blood flow characteristics. Objective: The purpose of the present study is to find association between predictive value of uterine artery pulsatility index in normal and hypertensive pregnancy during third trimester. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the sample size of 138 patients by selecting the convenient sampling from Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. The pulsatility index of uterine artery of all the women with normal singleton pregnancy and hypertensive during third trimester of pregnancy were obtained using Doppler ultrasound. Data was analyzed with the help of Anova .The results were derived by mean, frequency and standard deviation . Results: The significance between groups was 0.002. The mean values of right and left uterine artery pulsatility index of 36 hypertensive patients were 1.40 and 1.41 and standard deviation 0.4 and 0.5 respectively whereas the mean values of right and left uterine artery pulsatility index of 102 normal patients were 0.739 and 0.77 and standard deviation 0.23 and 0.5 respectively Conclusion: Our study concluded that there was an association between uterine atery pulsatility index and hypertension during pregnancy. The uterine artery pulsatiltiy index has increased with hypertension in third trimester of pregnancy. Keywords: Hypertension, Pulsatility Index, Doppler Ultrasound DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/72-07 Publication date:March 31st 202

A Review on Pharmaceutical Waste Pollution in Water: Extent, Management and Removal Strategies

Pharmaceutical waste and presence of hazardous pollutants in them is a growing concern due to their fate, origin, higher rate of utilization and varying nature of active ingredients resulting in water contamination. However, there is few research on the graving nature of the problem. Cascading impacts on human and ecosystems can be expected from contaminated groundwater and other aquatic channels. While, various technologies used and studied for the removal/reduction/sedimentation of pharmaceutical pollutants. At the initial stages, level of toxicity should check with respect to flora, fauna, environment, and human health. Furthermore, the production of by-products from pharmaceutical pollutants should also be checked and regulated. These by-products can be much more toxic, than the original contaminants and can exert significant toxic effects. It was concluded that there should be ongoing efforts to reduce the cost associated with pharmaceutical waste and their pollutants removal processes to ensure sustainability in the environment and human being

Drug-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome in Cancer Patients Receiving Capecitabine in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To determine the frequency of hand-foot syndrome and associated factors among patients receiving Capecitabine for the management of cancer in a tertiary care setting. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Oncology Department Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan from Dec 2020 to May2021. Methodology: One hundred patients with malignant conditions taking Capecitabine for more than two weeks were included in the study. A detailed relevant dermatological examination was carried out on all the patients to diagnose hand-foot syndrome based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 Grading of Hand-Foot Syndrome. Results: Out of 100 cancer patients using Capecitabine for more than two weeks included in the study. Sixty-eight showed the presence of hand-foot syndrome, while 32 did not show any features of hand-foot syndrome. Combination treatment was statistically significantly associated with hand-foot syndrome among the patients included in our study (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Hand-foot syndrome was a common side effect seen in patients managed with Capecitabine for their cancerous condition. Patients using other chemotherapeutic agents along with Capecitabine were more at risk of having hand-foot syndrome than those taking Capecitabine alone

Zinc nutrition application augments morpho-physiological attributes, productivity and grain zinc bioavailability of Paddy Rice

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is the most important micronutrient disorders affecting plants and human health. Present study evaluated the potential of various Zn application methods in improving the performance of selected rice genotypes and Zn bioavailability in grains. Pre-selected Zn application methods through pot experiments were validated in the field. Harvested grains were fed to albino rats for Zn bioavailability. Results revealed that soil + foliar application of Zn was effective in improving the seedling growth of rice genotypes by modulating the agronomic, water related and biochemical attributes. The rats gained more body weight fed with rice genotype Accession-164 (high Zn accumulator) compared with the minimum for Super Basmati (low Zn accumulator) feed. In crux, soil application of Zn at 15 kg ha-1 followed by foliar application of 0.25% ZnSO4.7H2O solution at tillering and heading stages produced the highest grain yield (26.25%, 29.11%) with maximum bioavailable Zn (21.02%, 22.50%) during both years, respectively, in the grains for combating malnutrition in the tested rats

Perceptions on the accessibility of Islamic banking in the UK—Challenges, opportunities and divergence in opinion

This study examines the views of UK-based Muslims, Islamic Scholars and Islamic banking employees on the current state of the latter industry, both in practical terms and as regards engagement with the nation’s large, but often marginalised Islamic community. The British Government has recently championed the Islamic banking sector and committed to supporting it as a means of addressing financial services needs and consolidating London’s position as the global centre for Islamic investment. The analysis adds to the substantive literature in two principal ways: (i) by contextualising the evidence via the notions of empowerment, engagement and social justice that underpin both the state’s attempts to foster growth and the central tenets of Islam; and (ii) by placing comparison of the opinions of key groups at the heart of the investigation. The findings reveal that while progress has been made, UK-based Muslims see several substantive impediments to access, including the complex terminology of Islamic banking products, the lack of internet banking facilities and branch networks as well as a generalised lack of interest in marketing on the part of the institutions. Whilst some coincidence of perception is evident, the views of bankers are shown to be out of line with those of the other parties in a number of key areas. For example, bankers appear to see less potential in the role of the internet as a medium for spreading awareness than do either potential customers or religious scholars. The paper therefore concludes with a call for multi-party Ijtihad and Qiyas (deductive analogy) that will encourage industrial outreach and, in so doing, support long-term growth

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic

Radio-Controlled Intelligent UGV as a Spy Robot with Laser Targeting for Military Purposes

The main objective of this unmanned ground vehicle is to deal with the security issues like terrorist activities across the border and in various remote combat missions by reducing the involvement of soldiers. This unmanned ground robot comprises a wireless high-definition camera that can transfer live streams from the robot to headquarters using Wi-Fi. The robot&rsquo;s movement can be controlled with two modes; one of them is a radio controller working on 2.4 GHz frequency with seven independent channels. Secondly, its movement can also be controlled using a Python-based GUI application. Nowadays, different techniques have been used for face recognition; in our remotely piloted robot, we have used Haar-cascade classifiers in combination with the LBPH algorithm to implement real-time facial recognition. The robot uses a rack and pinion driving mechanism and an ATMEL Cortex-M3 CPU as a controller with 32-bit/s processing speed. In addition, a laser is installed on the turret to shoot the targets down, which can be used in an autonomous mode based on facial recognition results, or it can be used manually either through an RF controller or Python-based GUI. The turret moves in 2-DOF with the help of metallic geared servo motors. Both servo motors can rotate up to 180&deg;. The driving mechanism of the robotic tank is just like DDR, with one difference, the two DC gear motors of the robot are connected diagonally

Genetic Engineering in Livestock: Zoology's Role in Improving Animal Health, Productivity, and Sustainability in Agriculture

This review paper provides an overview of the advancements and applications of genetic engineering techniques in livestock, providing an in-depth look at how genetic engineering has improved animal health, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture. In the introduction, genetic engineering is presented as an important tool for improving animal health, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture. Several genetic engineering tools and methods are discussed in the paper, including transgenic technology and genome editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9. A special focus is placed on the application of genetic engineering to livestock, specifically disease resistance and control, improved productivity, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the review discusses the role of genetic engineering in improving animal health by introducing disease-resistant genes and eliminating disease-causing genes. Genetically engineered vaccines and enhanced biosecurity measures are also discussed in detail as well. A further examination of how genetic engineering can enhance livestock productivity is also included in the review, including the introduction of growth-promoting genes and the manipulation of metabolic pathways. As part of the program, nutritional content and allergenicity can also be enhanced in milk and meat products. As well as highlighting the importance of genetic engineering in promoting sustainable agriculture, the review also discusses how genetic engineering can reduce environmental impacts on agriculture. It is intended to reduce methane emissions and nitrogen and phosphorus waste, as well as optimize resources and land use through improved feed conversion efficiency and disease resistance in order to reduce the need for antibiotics. In this article, ethical and regulatory issues are discussed, including ethical concerns, current regulations, and guidelines for genetic engineering in livestock. At the conclusion of the review, future directions and challenges are discussed, emphasizing the need for continued research and responsible implementation in order to improve animal health, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture