Heterosis Studies for Some Morphological, Seed Yield and Quality Traits in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Heterosis has a significant position in rapeseed breeding. To assess the heterosis for seed yield and quality traits, three Brassica napus L. testers and five lines were crossed using line × tester design in RCBD with three replications to obtain cross seeds of fifteen hybrids. Data of fifteen characters were recorded. Mean sum of squares of analysis of variances for genotypes were significant or highly significant for all of the fifteen traits. Low to High degree of desirable heterosis over mid, better and commercial parents were observed. Cross 13 showed maximum values of siliqua length (14.3%, 11.1%), seed yield/plant (45.3%, 35.9%) and LnicC (-43.7%, -37.6%) for MPH and BPH as well as LnicC (-38.3%) for CH. Cross 3 revealed highest PC (5.5%, 4.4%), Cross 4 for NSP (28.4%, 25.3%), Cross 10 for GLC (-13.5%, -33.2%) and Cross 15 for NSS (22.8%, 10.8%) over MPH and BPH. Maximum OC (9.3%, 6.9%) was revealed by Cross 8 for BPH and CH. Cross No. 1 possessed highest heterosis over commercial variety ‘Punjab Sarson’ for PC (21.2%), OAC (10.8%), LeicC (46.8%), DM (-6.8%), EAC (-36.9%) and GLC (-29.3%). Cross 6 revealed maximum CH for SY (73.3%) and DF (-10.8%). The present study provides valuable facts of noble hybrids with improved traits related to nutrition and yield, as well as valuable information for further molecular and genetic studies of heterosis for these agronomic traits in B. napus. Keywords: Brassica napus L., Line × Tester, Heterosis, Morphological, Seed qualit

In situ stresses and hydraulic fracturing in Hassi Messaoud Reservoir, Algeria

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Oklahoma, 1999.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 95-99).Understanding the rock mechanics aspects of Hassi Messaoud (HMD) reservoir is extremely important not only for hydraulic fracturing purposes but also for planning horizontal well drilling and completion. Analysis of the data generated from the hydraulic fracturing experience in Hassi Messaoud shows that fracturing is strongly lithology dependent. The magnitude and the orientation of the stress characterize the stress field. The stress magnitude in HMD is correlated to Young's modulus and shaliness. A new correlation is proposed relating minimum horizontal stress, shaliness and porosity. The stress field orientation in Hassi Messaoud fits that observed in other locations throughout Algeria. The maximum principal stress is in the azimuth direction between 135-140° azimuth, perpendicular to HMD anticline trend. The iso-fracturing gradient map of HMD structure confirms the compartmentalization of the reservoir into two compartments , the eastern and the western compartments, the former having, relatively, low fracturing gradients and the latter having higher fracturing gradients. The results of this study could be used in the selection of candidate wells for hydraulic fracturing as well as planning horizontal well drilling and completion

Protocadherin-18a has a role in cell adhesion, behavior and migration in zebrafish development

AbstractProtocadherin-18a (Pcdh18a) belongs to the δ2-protocadherins, which constitute the largest subgroup within the cadherin superfamily. Here we present isolation of a full-length zebrafish cDNA that encodes a protein highly similar to human and mouse Pcdh18. Zebrafish pcdh18a is expressed in a complex and dynamic pattern in the nervous system from gastrula stages onward, with lesser expression in mesodermal derivatives. Pcdh18a-eGFP fusion protein is expressed in a punctate manner on the membranes between cells. Overexpression of pcdh18a in embryos caused cyclopia, mislocalization of hatching gland tissue, and duplication or splitting of the neural tube. Most neural markers tested were expressed in an approximately correct A–P pattern. By cell transplantation we showed that overexpression of pcdh18a causes diminished cell migration and reduced cell protrusions, resulting in a tendency of cells to stay more firmly aggregated, probably due to increased cell adhesion. In contrast, knockdown of pcdh18a by a morpholino oligonucleotide caused defects in epiboly, and led to reduced cell adhesion as shown by cell dissociation, sorting and transplantation experiments. These results suggest a role for Pcdh18a in cell adhesion, migration and behavior but not cell specification during gastrula and segmentation stages of development

Role of the International Monetary Fund in the Recent Global Financial Crisis

This research will critically evaluate the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the recent global financial crisis.  In light of the below statement, “[The global financial turmoil] has been a manmade catastrophe and responses to overcome it lie in all our hands.” (Robert Zoellick, Former President of the World Bank, 2008). To achieve this we divide the research for two sections. The two major sections of the main body of this research consist of an elaborate literature review and a critical evaluation of the IMF’s role in global financial crisis. The research has a suitable conclusion at the end. Keywords: International Monetary Funds, IMF, World Bank, Financial Crisis. DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/83-11 Publication date:March 31st 201

Manufacturing and Performance of an Economical 1-D Shake Table

The researchers and engineers encountered many problems to precisely replicate earthquake waves. Earthquakes are one of the nature's worst catastrophes and are still unpredictable. Statistical research has shown that the earthquakes have increased in frequency in recent years and have become a major concern for the world especially for those countries which are located on the fault lines such as Japan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. So, it was imperative to device a mechanism to check earthquake response and apply some necessary mitigations for the safety of humanity. After many years of research an indispensable testing apparatus was designed named as Shake Table. This apparatus is extensively used in earthquake research centers globally because it is the best available apparatus to replicate the earthquakes imposed dynamic effects on structures. A uni-axial shaking table was designed, manufactured and installed in University of Engineering & Technology Taxila, Pakistan which is operated on 3 HP servo motor coupled with encoder, motion controller and supported on HSB mechanical linear drive. The system was assembled in a simple way with care to endure sufficient replication of given (recorded) motion by shake table system. This paper focuses on the designing, manufacturing and performance of an economical analytical model of 1-D shake table incorporating conjunction of structural dynamics and linear control theory

Potable Water Pollution Crime in Jordanian Penal Law

Most legislations in world countries enacted laws and regulations to protect the national environments of such countries, including Jordan. The Jordanian environmental law develops constantly to cope with the developments place in most industrial and technological fields. Jordanian Penal Law incriminates some acts committed against the environment including potable water pollution Crime as stipulated by the Jordanian legislator in Article No. 458 of Jordanian Penal Code.Such research aims to shed the light on such crime regarding describing its elements, the due penalty defined for such crime, distinguishing between the crime – subject matter of the research – and other crimes mentioned in penal law and environment protection law No. 6 of the year 2017 and defining its relative matters. Keywords: Environment, Water Pollution, Environment Protection, Penal Law

Trends and developments in green cement “A sustainable approach”

It is evident from the history of cement that it’s a vital construction material but its hazardous effects on environment cannot be ignored. Cement production causes serious environmental damages from its production to disposal which includes carbon dioxide emissions, noise/vibration pollution and damage to natural rocks (during extraction of raw materials from quarries). Cement is considered to be the third largest (man-made) source of greenhouse gas due to emission of carbon dioxide in atmosphere. The harmful effects of cement are encouraging the construction industry to use new cementitious materials without compromising cost and quality. Efforts are being made to develop supplementary cementitious materials using domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes and also recycled materials. This review study presents a concise review of current efforts for undermining production and use of cement. This paper will also highlight some important green alternatives for cement which include energy effective, low carbon production, no carbon cements and inorganic materials. Keywords:  Cement, Carbon, Hazardous Effects, Energy, Cementitious Material

Individual, structural, and institutional factors are involved to boost the informal entrepreneurial activities. A literature review of developing nations

The study reviews the literature of determinants of informal entrepreneurship in developed and developing nations and finds the major causes that fabricate the informal culture, which is individuallevel, structural level and institutional level. The objective of this paper is to explore the important determinants of informal entrepreneurship in developing nations. Few factors have commonalities with other factors that have been discussed in the literature. Few determinants have explored as additional determinants that have not been discussed by Colin’s Model that was based on developed nations. This study has explored these factors as some additional factors in Colin’s model. Additional factors are entrepreneurial spawning, availability of resources, family tradition, and support of family members. No single factor is yet able to detect the difficulties of this sector, the nature of the informal entrepreneurship is always clarified by a “cocktail” of factors

Evaluating the motives of child labourers in the informal economy

Conventionally, the marginalised population was considered to engage in child labour due to poverty, education or lack of other options, but indeed, a few children work voluntarily. However, a growing number of scholars, in recent years, have drawn their attention to the valuable question, “why children are engaged in child labour in the informal economy”. Even though a few studies have explored the motives of informal workers, to our knowledge not a single paper has explored the motives of child labourers working in the informal economy. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by evaluating the motives of child labourers, through three competing theorisations of the informal economy

The electrochemistry of 2d hexagonal boron nitride

Since the discovery of the unique physical properties of graphene, research has intensified in the field of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial electrochemistry. Indeed, newly emerging 2D materials such as 2D-hexagonal boron nitride (2D-hBN) have the potential to transform the field of electrochemistry when implemented as a next generation electrode material. This thesis reports on the electrochemical applicability of utilising 2D-hBN, previously considered non-electroactive, as a novel electrode material. Also considered is the effect of the fabrication process of 2D-hBN when employed towards a range of electrochemical applications. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the general electrochemical concepts that concern this thesis. Chapter 2 offers an insight into recent 2D materials electrochemistry literature regarding, first, graphene and then 2D-hBN. From this, successive chapters follow the development and investigation of 2D-hBN, formed via differing synthesis techniques, thus enabling a truer reflection of 2D-hBN as an electrode material to be achieved. Chapter 3 details the relevant experimental information and the full physicochemical characterisation of the different 2D-hBN materials employed within this thesis. Chapters 4 and 5 utilise surfactant-free (pristine) 2D-hBN, where pristine 2D-hBN is ‘electrically wired’ upon a suitable electrode surface. Chapter 4 reveals for the first time that pristine 2D-hBN gives rise to beneficial electrochemical behaviour towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) when immobilised upon a graphitic substrate. Chapter 5 explores pristine 2D-hBN towards a biological approach in the sensing of dopamine (DA) and its common interferents ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Pristine 2D-hBN exhibits a beneficial electrocatalytic effect towards the detection of dopamine when immobilised upon a graphitic substrate. This observed beneficial effect upon the utilisation of pristine 2D-hBN has not previously been reported in the literature when supported upon any electrode. Both chapters implement ‘mass coverage’ studies of 2D-hBN, an often overlooked parameter within the literature Chapters 6 and 7 utilise surfactant-exfoliated 2D-hBN and compare the effect of the fabrication process of 2D-hBN (pristine vs. surfactant-exfoliated) upon the observed electrochemistry towards the ORR, capacitance applications and the sensing of dopamine, via a dropcasting electrode modification approach. Chapter 6 explores surfactant-exfoliated 2D-hBN towards the ORR and capacitance applications for the first time. The surfactant-exfoliated 2D-hBN nanosheets are immobilised upon graphitic screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) with ‘mass coverage’ studies performed and the observed electrochemical response is compared to the surfactant-free pristine 2D-hBN approach. Chapter 7 explores surfactant-exfoliated 2D-hBN as a potential electrochemical sensing platform towards the electroanalytical sensing of dopamine (DA) in the presence of the common interferents, ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) for the first time. Surfactant exfoliated 2D-hBN is electrically wired via a drop-casting modification process onto SPEs and the observed electrochemical response is compared to the surfactant-free (pristine) 2D-hBN approach. The performance of these surfactant-exfoliated 2D-hBN modified SPEs are critically evaluated upon the implementation of ‘mass coverage studies. Chapter 8 explores for the first time a low cost and reproducible approach for producing 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) electrochemical screen-printed platforms (hBN-SPEs). These novel hBN-SPEs are explored as a potential electrocatalyst towards the ORR. This fabrication approach is compared to the drop casting technique of pristine and surfactant-exfoliated 2D-hBN utilised towards the ORR, thus offering an alternative approach. This thesis demonstrates for the first time that 2D-hBN is electroactive when immobilised upon a graphitic substrate towards a range of applications. It is also shown that fabrication process in the production of 2D-hBN can affect the observed electrochemistry, thus control experiments must be undertaken to truly understand the impact of this material