Consequences of diverse use of nitrogen sources on grain yield, grain quality and growth attributes of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.)

A two year field experiment was conducted to check the consequences of diverse use of nitrogen sources on grain yield, grain quality and growth attributes of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during Autumn 2008 and 2009. Experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement comprising 3 replications with a net plot size of 3 × 5 m. Treatment comprised two hybrids: that is, H1 (Pioneer-30Y87) and H2 (Pioneer-31R88) with combination of six nitrogen sources S0 : Control (0) kg N ha-1, S1: Urea (50%) + Poultry manure (50%), S2: Urea (50%) + Farm Yard Manure (50%) , S3: Urea (50%) + Pressmud of sugarcane manure (50%), S4: Urea (50%) + Compost (50%), S5: Urea (50%) + (PM+FYM+PMS+ Compost) 50% . Results of grain yield (t ha-1), grain protein content (%) grain oil content (%), leaf area index, leaf area duration, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate was found to be significant during 2008 and 2009. It was concluded that hybrid maize H1 (Pioneer - 30Y87) produced better grain yield (6.14 t ha-1) during 2008 when nitrogen sources S1: Urea (50%) + Poultry manure (50%) was applied in combination as compared to grain yield (6.0 t ha-1) in hybrid H2 (Pioneer -31R88) during 2009. Growth and quality attributes also performed better in 2008 as compared to 2009 at nitrogen sources S1: Urea (50%) + Poultry manure (50%).Key words: Nitrogen sources, hybrid maize, yield, growth, quality

Etude expérimentale des propriétés mécaniques des composites Fibres de Jute/Polypropylène fabriqués à partir des fils co-torsadés et par la technique de thermoformage

In the current study the mechanical properties of jute/polypropylene commingled composite made through compression hot press were investigated and compared with non-commingled composites. The effect of instant and gradual loading during thermoforming process was also investigated to check the effect of pressure on the physical and mechanical properties of the composites. To make the commingled composites, the reinforcement used for the fabrication was made with the jute/polypropylene co-twisted yarn. The jute yarn was signed on low flame to remove the protruding fibers, then jute/polypropylene yarn were co-twisted on the simplex frame to make commingled yarn. The UD, 2D and 3D reinforcement was prepared using the commingled yarn. UD and 2D reinforcements were also made with simple jute yarn to develop non-commingled composite to compare with commingled composites. All type of composites were made using compression hot press. For the commingled composites the readymade prepreg made with commingled yarn was used while for non-commingled composites the jute woven fabric and polypropylene matrix sheet were placed alternatively. To evaluate the mechanical performance tensile, flexural, short beam shear and Charpy impact test were conducted as per standard test methods. The microscopic evaluation was also done of tested samples to check the failure pattern in different composites.The results revealed that the commingled composites were dominant over the non-commingled counterparts. The fabrication of composites using commingled yarns technique resulted in impregnation of reinforcement at fiber level, which leads to good adhesion of matrix with fibers, which resulted in improved mechanical properties such as, the tensile strength and the flexural strength of commingled composites as compared to the non-commingled composites. In addition, the Charpy impact energy and Fmax value of commingled composites were also enhanced, which confirms the high quality and better fiber-matrix adhesion in commingled composites as compared to conventional non-commingled ones. It was observed that the fabrication of thermoplastic composites using the commingled technique is a viable solution resulting in the development of high-quality composites with improved matrix distribution around the reinforcement along with enhanced properties. Both UD and 2D commingled composites showed similar kind of behavior as compared to non-commingled composites. The 3D commingled composites were developed for the first time and tested at 0° and 90° orientation. The results showed that the highest mechanical properties at 90° direction due to higher number of reinforcing yarns, whereas in 0° the fewer number of reinforcing yarn result into poor mechanical performance. The cross-section of samples shows that reinforcing yarn are placed in layers which through binding yarn with even fiber-matrix distribution.The results of composites made through instant and gradual loading were evaluated through microstructure study and mechanical performance. The microstructure study was carried out up to fibril level in order to observe the physical effect of instant and gradual loading on the cellulosic structure of jute. The microstructure of fibers of composites made using instant loading showed significant damage as compared to samples which were made with gradual loading. The fibers of composite made using gradual loading had a very healthy fibers with even polygonal boundary. The tensile, flexural, SBS and Charpy impact results showed superior mechanical performance of gradual loaded samples as compared to instant loaded samples.Cette thèse porte sur une étude expérimentale visant à analyser le couplage entre les proécdés d’élaboration et les propriétés mécanique des bio-composites à base de fibres en jute et du Polypropylène (Jute/PP). Une nouvelle technique a été développée dans le cadre de ce travail. Il s’agit d’un processus basé sur la réalisation des fils co-torsadés Jute/PP qui servent à la fabrication de tissus 2D et 3D. Ainsi, les composites sont fabriqués à l'aide d'une presse à chaud par compression. Cette méthode contribue à améliorer la qualité de fabrication des biocomposites à base de fibres naturelles en minimisant les défauts d’imprégnation. Pour évaluer cet apport, plusieurs essais mécaniques standardisés ont été rélaisés : des essais monotones de traction, de flexion et de cisaillement et des essais dynamiques du type Charpy. Les résultats on été compares à ceux obtenus par une technique alternant un tissu de jute et une feuille de matrice en polypropylene. Tous les résultats montrent que les biocomposités réalisés par la nouvelle technique des fils co-torsadés présentent une tenue mécanique meilleure par rapport à la seconde méthode.En effet, la fabrication de composites utilisant la technique des fils co-torasdés jute/PP entraîne une bonne imprégnation du renfort au niveau des fibres, ce qui conduit à une meilleure adhérence entre la matrice et les fibres. On note que les niveaux de l'énergie d'impact Charpy et de la valeur maxiamle de la charge obtenues pour les biocomposites fabriqués avec des fils co-torsadés sont nettement supérieures et démontrent bien que cette technique améliore notablement la qualité de l’adhrérence Fibres de jute/PP. Aussi, des observations microscopiques ont été effectuées sur des échantillons testés pour vérifier et analyser les modes de dommage pour les différents biocomposites analysés dans cette étude. Cette nouvelle technique de fabrication des biocomposites à base de fibres naturelles a été améliorée en ajustant les paramètres opératoires à savoir la pression et la température

An experimental study of the mechanical properties of jute / polypropylene composites manufactured by the commingled yarn and thermoforming

Cette thèse porte sur une étude expérimentale visant à analyser le couplage entre les proécdés d’élaboration et les propriétés mécanique des bio-composites à base de fibres en jute et du Polypropylène (Jute/PP). Une nouvelle technique a été développée dans le cadre de ce travail. Il s’agit d’un processus basé sur la réalisation des fils co-torsadés Jute/PP qui servent à la fabrication de tissus 2D et 3D. Ainsi, les composites sont fabriqués à l'aide d'une presse à chaud par compression. Cette méthode contribue à améliorer la qualité de fabrication des biocomposites à base de fibres naturelles en minimisant les défauts d’imprégnation. Pour évaluer cet apport, plusieurs essais mécaniques standardisés ont été rélaisés : des essais monotones de traction, de flexion et de cisaillement et des essais dynamiques du type Charpy. Les résultats on été compares à ceux obtenus par une technique alternant un tissu de jute et une feuille de matrice en polypropylene. Tous les résultats montrent que les biocomposités réalisés par la nouvelle technique des fils co-torsadés présentent une tenue mécanique meilleure par rapport à la seconde méthode.En effet, la fabrication de composites utilisant la technique des fils co-torasdés jute/PP entraîne une bonne imprégnation du renfort au niveau des fibres, ce qui conduit à une meilleure adhérence entre la matrice et les fibres. On note que les niveaux de l'énergie d'impact Charpy et de la valeur maxiamle de la charge obtenues pour les biocomposites fabriqués avec des fils co-torsadés sont nettement supérieures et démontrent bien que cette technique améliore notablement la qualité de l’adhrérence Fibres de jute/PP. Aussi, des observations microscopiques ont été effectuées sur des échantillons testés pour vérifier et analyser les modes de dommage pour les différents biocomposites analysés dans cette étude. Cette nouvelle technique de fabrication des biocomposites à base de fibres naturelles a été améliorée en ajustant les paramètres opératoires à savoir la pression et la température.In the current study the mechanical properties of jute/polypropylene commingled composite made through compression hot press were investigated and compared with non-commingled composites. The effect of instant and gradual loading during thermoforming process was also investigated to check the effect of pressure on the physical and mechanical properties of the composites. To make the commingled composites, the reinforcement used for the fabrication was made with the jute/polypropylene co-twisted yarn. The jute yarn was signed on low flame to remove the protruding fibers, then jute/polypropylene yarn were co-twisted on the simplex frame to make commingled yarn. The UD, 2D and 3D reinforcement was prepared using the commingled yarn. UD and 2D reinforcements were also made with simple jute yarn to develop non-commingled composite to compare with commingled composites. All type of composites were made using compression hot press. For the commingled composites the readymade prepreg made with commingled yarn was used while for non-commingled composites the jute woven fabric and polypropylene matrix sheet were placed alternatively. To evaluate the mechanical performance tensile, flexural, short beam shear and Charpy impact test were conducted as per standard test methods. The microscopic evaluation was also done of tested samples to check the failure pattern in different composites.The results revealed that the commingled composites were dominant over the non-commingled counterparts. The fabrication of composites using commingled yarns technique resulted in impregnation of reinforcement at fiber level, which leads to good adhesion of matrix with fibers, which resulted in improved mechanical properties such as, the tensile strength and the flexural strength of commingled composites as compared to the non-commingled composites. In addition, the Charpy impact energy and Fmax value of commingled composites were also enhanced, which confirms the high quality and better fiber-matrix adhesion in commingled composites as compared to conventional non-commingled ones. It was observed that the fabrication of thermoplastic composites using the commingled technique is a viable solution resulting in the development of high-quality composites with improved matrix distribution around the reinforcement along with enhanced properties. Both UD and 2D commingled composites showed similar kind of behavior as compared to non-commingled composites. The 3D commingled composites were developed for the first time and tested at 0° and 90° orientation. The results showed that the highest mechanical properties at 90° direction due to higher number of reinforcing yarns, whereas in 0° the fewer number of reinforcing yarn result into poor mechanical performance. The cross-section of samples shows that reinforcing yarn are placed in layers which through binding yarn with even fiber-matrix distribution.The results of composites made through instant and gradual loading were evaluated through microstructure study and mechanical performance. The microstructure study was carried out up to fibril level in order to observe the physical effect of instant and gradual loading on the cellulosic structure of jute. The microstructure of fibers of composites made using instant loading showed significant damage as compared to samples which were made with gradual loading. The fibers of composite made using gradual loading had a very healthy fibers with even polygonal boundary. The tensile, flexural, SBS and Charpy impact results showed superior mechanical performance of gradual loaded samples as compared to instant loaded samples

Synergistic application of Pseudomonas strains and compost mitigates lead (Pb) stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) via improved nutrient uptake, antioxidant defense and physiology

Lead (Pb) is one of the most dreadful non-essential elements whose toxicity has been well reported worldwide due to its interference with the major plant functions and its overall yield. Bioremediation techniques comprising the application of beneficial microorganisms have gained attention in recent times owing to their ecofriendly nature. Addition of organic matter to soil has been reported to stimulate microbial activities. Compost application improves soil structure and binds toxic contaminants due to its larger surface area and presence of functional groups. Furthermore, it stimulates soil microbial activities by acting as C-source. So, in current study, we investigated the individual and synergistic potential of two lead (Pb)-tolerant Pseudomonas strains alongwith compost (1% w/w) in sustaining sunflower growth under Pb contaminated soil conditions. Lead chloride (PbCl2) salt was used for raising desired Pb concentration (500 mg kg−1). Results revealed that Pb stress drastically affected all the measured attributes of sunflower plant, however joint application of rhizobacteria and compost counteracted these adverse effects. Among them, co-application of str-1 and compost proved to be significantly better than str-2, as its inoculation significantly improved shoot and root lengths (64 and 76%), leaf area and leaves plant−1 (95 and 166%), 100-achene weight (200%), no. of flowers plant−1 (138%), chl ‘a’, ‘b’ and carotenoid (86, 159 and 33%) contents in sunflower as compared to control treatments. Furthermore, inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens along with compost increased the NPK in achene (139, 200 and 165%), flavonoid and phenolic contents (258 and 185%) along with transpiration and photosynthetic rates (54 and 72%) in leaves as compared to control treatment under Pb contamination. In addition, Pb entry to roots, shoots and achene were significantly suppressed under by 87, 90 and 91% respectively due to integrated application of compost and str-1 as evident by maximum Pb-immobilization efficiency (97%) obtained in this treatment. Similarly, bioconcentration factors for roots, shoots and achene were found to be 0.58, 0.18 and 0.0055 with associated translocation factor (0.30), which also revealed phytostabilization of Pb under combined application of PGPR and compost. Since, phytoremediation of heavy metals under current scenario of increasing global population is inevitable, results of the current study concluded that tolerant PGPR species along with organic amendments such as compost can inhibit Pb uptake by sunflower and confer Pb tolerance via improved nutrient uptake, physiology, antioxidative defense and gas exchange

Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licenseBackground: 80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality. Methods: This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70–8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39–8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11–3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26–11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08–7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications. Interpretation: Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide. Methods: A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study—a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3·85 [95% CI 2·58–5·75]; p<0·0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63·0% vs 82·7%; OR 0·35 [0·23–0·53]; p<0·0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer. Interpretation: Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised. Funding: National Institute for Health and Care Research