Determination of Crop Water Productivity of Different Soybean Varieties in District Swat of Pakistan

A field study was conducted on clay loam soil at the Agriculture research institute, Swat during Kharif 2012. Main objective of the study was to determine the yield response factor on maximum, optimal and minimum irrigation levels of soybean varieties, using two varieties (swat 84 and malakand 96) having four replicates and four irrigation levels. Crop water prodcuctivity were were determined from crop yield divided Seasonal water applied. CWP was recorded minimum 0.58 kg m-3 for (swat 84) varieties V1 and maximum 0.82 kg m-3for V2 (malakand 96) varieties (Table 1). Mean of I40, I60, I80, I100 were 0.58,0.62, 0.71 and 0.75 respectively. Lower CWP values of V1 and highest value for V2 were determined.Hence it is concluded that among both the varieties V2 performed better on irrigation two (V2I4), therefore this strategy is recommended for irrigated areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Keywords: Deficit irrigation, Irrigation levels, water productivity, soybean

Electroplastic cutting influence in machining processes

The thesis presented is performed with the aim of studying the effect of electropulses (EPs) in machining processes such as drilling and round turning processes for different materials. When the EPs of short duration are applied to metals undergoing plastic deformation, the deformation resistance decreases and plasticity increases at the same time. The influence of EPs on the plastic flow is called electroplastic effect. Chip formation during machining is greatly influenced by cutting speed, feed rates and tool geometry. Selecting properly these parameters for a particular machining operation is very important to achieve high machining efficiency. It was found that EPs assisted cutting processes improve the machinability of materials based on the electroplastic effect. The influence of EPs in drilling process is studied by combining different feed rates, drill diameters and current densities in aluminium 7075 and steel 1045. Similarly, the effect of electropulsing has been observed for aluminium 6060 and steel S235 during turning process. The correlation between chip compression ratio , shear plane angle f , cutting speed, feed rates and current densities have been studied in EPs assisted processes. It has been observed that lower feed rates and subsequently, high current densities reduce the shear angle f and increase the chip compression ratio during drilling process. The specific cutting energy (SCE) is reduced upto 27% in aluminium 7075 and 17% in steel 1045 when drilling is assisted with EPs. However, the chip compression ratio decreases and shear plane angle f increases with the increase in cutting speed during turning of steel S235. In contrast, chip compression ratio increases and shear plane angle decreases with the increase in cutting speed while turning of aluminium 6060. The current density decreases with the increase in feed rates and increases with the increase in cutting speed in steel S235. However, current density has high values at higher feed rates and it decreases with the increase in cutting speed during turning of aluminium 6060. The SCE decreased with the increase in feed rates and depth of cut during electrically assisted turning of steel S235. But for aluminium 6060, the SCE increased whenthe cutting speed is increased. The results elaborated that electrically assisted drilling process improves the material machinability by decreasing SCE in aluminium 7075 and steel 1045. The electrically assisted turning process seems to have influence in improving the machinability of steel S235 but for aluminium 6060, the plastic deformation tends to be increased by increasing the SCE during EPs assisted turning process.La tesis presentada tiene como objetivo estudiar el efecto insitu de aplicar pulsos de corriente (EPs) a dos proceso de arranque de viruta, taladrado con taladro de pedestal y cilindrado en torno, todo ello aplicado a diferentes materiales. Cuando los EPs de corta duración se aplican a metales sometidos a deformación plástica, la resistencia a la deformación disminuye y la plasticidad aumenta al mismo tiempo. La influencia de los EPs en el flujo plástico se llama efecto electroplástico. La formación de virutas durante el mecanizado está muy influenciada por la velocidad de corte, las velocidades de alimentación y la geometría de la herramienta. La selección apropiada de estos parámetros para una operación de mecanizado particular es muy importante para lograr alta eficiencia de mecanizado. Se encontró que los procesos de corte asistido por EPs mejoran la maquinabilidad de materiales basado en el efecto electroplástico. La influencia de los EPs en el proceso de taladrado se estudia combinando diferentes velocidades de alimentación, diámetros de taladro y densidades de corriente en aluminio 7075 y acero 1045. De forma similar, el efecto de los electropulsos se ha observado para aluminio 6060 y acero S235 durante el proceso de torneado. La correlación entre la relación de compresión de viruta , el ángulo del plano de corte f, la velocidad de corte, las velocidades de alimentación y las densidades de corriente se han estudiado en los procesos asistidos por EPs. Se ha observado que las velocidades de alimentación más bajas y posteriormente, las altas densidades de corriente reducen el ángulo de corte f y aumentan la relación de compresión de virutas durante el proceso de taladrado. La energía de corte específica (SCE) se reduce hasta 27% en aluminio 7075 y 17% en acero 1045 cuando se asiste el taladrado con EPs. Sin embargo, la relación de compresión del chip disminuye y el ángulo del plano de corte f aumenta con el aumento de la velocidad de corte durante el torneado del acero S235. Por el contrario, la relación de compresión de la viruta aumenta y el ángulo del plano de corte disminuye con el aumento de la velocidad de corte en un torneado de aluminio 6060. La densidad de corriente disminuye con el aumento de las velocidades de avance y aumenta con el aumento de la velocidad de corte en acero S235. Sin embargo, la densidad de corriente tiene altos valores a mayores velocidades de alimentación y disminuye con el aumento de la velocidad de corte durante el torneado de aluminio 6060. El SCE disminuyó con el aumento en las velocidades de alimentación y la profundidad de corte durante el torneado asistido eléctricamente del acero S235. Pero para el aluminio 6060, el SCE aumentó cuando se incrementa la velocidad de corte. Los resultados muestran que el proceso de taladrado asistido eléctricamente mejora la maquinabilidad del material disminuyendo SCE en aluminio 7075 y acero 1045. También se observa una mejora en la maquinabilidad del acero S235 cuando es cilindrado en un torno, en cambio la SCE del aluminio 6060 disminuye empeorando la maquinabilidad, probablemente debido a la gran deformación plástica en la zona de corte que experimenta el material, lo que hace que amente la SCE durante el proceso de torneado asistido por EPs

Detailed Structural Investigation of the Bjørnøyrenna Fault Complex

The NE-SW and N-S trending, Bjørnøyrenna Fault Complex is obviously belongs to an extensional regime. It is comprised of three main master faults (MF1, MF2 & MF3) in the study area. This large array of master faults further characterized by different segments termed as (MF1a, MF1b; MF2a, MF2b; MF3a, MF3b & MF3c) which constitute linked fault system with variable soft-linked and hard-linked elements. In a cross-sectional view, the fault geometries exhibit a distinct contrast between deepest (late Carboniferous-early Permian) and shallowest (intra Triassic -Cretaceous) stratigraphic levels. On the basis of regional significance and thick skin nature, MFCP1 qualified as a “First class” fault. On the other hand, MF1 & MF2 are not basement involved but shows reactivation with time and exhibits a regional significance. Therefore, it could be termed as a combination of “First or Second class” fault. Subsequently, the fault complex is subdivided into platform and sub platform on the basis of intrinsic fault frequency, pattern and dip dimensions of the reflection packages. On the platform, the fault at deeper level MFCP1 is characterized by planar fault geometry whereas; MF1 at shallowest level is dominated by strong listric configuration. Additionally, relatively simple listric detachment has been recognized within Permian succession. However, rotated fault blocks geometry has been recognized along planar normal faults (MF2a & MF2b) in sub platform. Fault dating was performed by using the methods of expansion growth index and recognition of syn-rift sedimentation. On the behalf of these methods, the N-S striking, MFCP1 was active in the late Carboniferous-early Permian whereas, NE-SW striking master fault MF2a & MF2b demonstrates an age of mid/late Jurassic – early Cretaceous. Moreover, an age of MF1 could be younger than the intra Triassic. An evidence of positive structural inversion is recognized in the present study. The analysis of such feature suggests that the strike slip movement could be responsible for the generation of this mild inversion. Therefore, an age of inversion structure can be related to the late Jurassic to the early Cretaceous. The evolution of the Bjørnøyrenna Fault Complex was started in late Carboniferous-early Permian. The late Permian-early Triassic period was characterized by the uplift of the Loppa high and significant subsidence recognized in the fault complex. The mid-late Triassic period was characterized by growth faulting. The mid Jurassic-early Cretaceous time was marked by an extensive uplifting followed by tremendous erosion of sediments. The early cretaceous time is characterized by positive inversion resulting in strike slip movement. In addition, late Cretaceous time is followed by post rift subsidence

Electroplastic cutting influence on power consumption during drilling process

The aim of this study is to report the use of non-conventional material removal process technique. It was found that electropulses (EPs) assisted drilling process improves the material machinability based on the eletroplastic influence. The influence of EPs in drilling process is studied by combining different feed rates, drills diameters, and current densities in 7075 aluminium and 1045 carbon steel. The results show that the electrically assisted drilling process improves material machinability, decreases the specific cutting energy up to 27 % in aluminium and 17 % in steel.Peer ReviewedPreprin

Petrophysical and Geochemical Analysis of Chichali Formation for the Source Rock Evaluation: A Case Study of Chanda-01 Well, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan

A source rock has the ability of generating hydrocarbons after the maturation of the organic component for a specific period of time. The hydrocarbon generation and release from a potential source rock is dependent on the content of the organic matter, which is determined by Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content. In this research, the Chichali Formation of Cretaceous age is considered to be a source rock in the Chanda gas field, Upper Indus Basin on the basis of petrophysical and geochemical results of well Chanda-01. The study includes computation of TOC, mineralogy and parameters like porosity, permeability and fluid saturation which have been carried out from Well log data. Additionally, geochemical results of the well have been incorporated in order to calibrate and authenticate both results. The formation is encountered at a depth of 4543 m in Chanda-01 well and its thickness is about 34 m. The formation has been divided into two parts on the basis of lithology. The upper part is representing sandy shale, whereas the lower part exhibits massive shale unit. The log data of natural gamma ray, resistivity, density and spectral gamma ray, including uranium, thorium and potassium curves have been interpreted in the lower part of the formation, which confirms that the formation is possibly deposited in anoxic conditions with sufficient organic rich content. Moreover, geochemical analysis of the rock cuttings of the well shows good Vitrinite Reflectance and TOC results which complement the results obtained from the petrophysical analysis. Seven rock samples of Chichali Formation have been analyzed for its TOC & VR value which confirms that shale in this area has fair source potential as the average value of both tests against these samples are greater than 1%. Therefore, having fair source rock potential in Chanda gas field, there is a possibility that Chichali Formation could be a potential source in the other fields of Upper and Middle Indus basins and a prospect for the shale gas resource as well

An ultra-fast annealing treatment by electropulsing during pure copper wire drawing

The influence of electropulses in situ on the drawing process of copper wires was investigated with the aim of avoiding time consuming annealing thermal treatments. It was found that with the application of electropulses, tensile and drawing forces were reduced and the plasticity of the wire was improved. Meanwhile, compared with conventional drawing, hardness decreased. With the electropulsing treatment, no di erences were found in the material’s resistivity. The microstructure exhibited similar grain size despite the joule e ect, although some changes were found in the low and high angle grain boundaries. Compressive residual stresses were found on the surface during the assisted process; consequently, these specimens were expected to have a better performance under fatigue fracture. Therefore, we have found the first evidence of the advantages of this hybrid technique for pure copper wire drawing and, ultimately, to replace the conventional drawing annealing process with a more time effective electropulse-assisted drawing process.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

An assessment of blood transfusion practice guidelines: What quality of indication is being employed to grow transfusion guideline endorsements?

Transfusion of blood components is widely utilized in the management of medical and surgical conditions. Though transfusion is a life-saving intervention, there has been debate about the standardization of blood transfusion practices. There has been a tremendous response in literature generated from multiple medical specialties regarding appropriate use of blood products to guide clinicians in their transfusion decisions. However, the consequence of numerous guidelines from multiple specialties results in varying recommendations for transfusion practices. This study was designed to compare and analyze current guidelines to determine if the recommendations generated to guide clinicians in transfusion decisions are truly supported by quality evidence. We performed a literature search on clinical transfusion practice guidelines from January 2005 to October 2015 with the following computer databases: PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Central, Scopus and the National Guideline Clearinghouse. Additional websites and publications, such as the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion, were also searched for guidelines missed from the computer database search. Key words that were used for the search include the combination of the following keywords: blood, blood component, blood product, transfusion, guidelines. The resulting eleven guidelines were analyzed for the following areas: characteristics and composition of the guideline working group panel, literature and evidence utilized for the systematic review, databases utilized to retrieve evidence and literature for the systematic review, methodologies employed by guideline committees to grade strength and quality of evidence and recommendations, quantity of recommendations suggested, and specific transfusion thresholds and/or clinical settings for transfusion of blood products. We developed a three-tiered classification system in order to compare the level of evidence and strength of recommendations generated by each guideline even with the utilization of seven difference grading systems. A total of 107 recommendations were generated about packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate transfusion. Of the 107 recommendations, 48 (48.86%) of the recommendations were specific to the use of packed red blood cells, 31 (28.97%) of the recommendations were specific to the use of fresh frozen plasma, 15 (12.02%) of the recommendations were specific for the use of platelets, and only 13 (12.15% recommendations were specific to the use of cryoprecipitate. Future research should thus be stimulated and directed at providing more abundant and high quality evidence regarding the use and safety of blood components in the perioperative setting

The Impact of Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction on the ITL of Academicians in HEIs of Developing Countries like Pakistan

Academicians are the role model of the system, accountable for producing specialized workforce for the poverty reduction and economic growth of any country. In the background of the developing countries like Pakistan, this role becomes more prominent. In this “Review Article” we endeavor to explore the consequences of organizational commitment and job satisfaction on intention to leave (ITL) of academicians in Higher Educational institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan with a view to construct a ‘Research Model’ on the issue, grounded in the contemporary research. This article stated the effect of job related factors (pay, supervision, promotion, working condition, co-workers) on job satisfaction. It is acknowledged from the present study that organizational commitment and job satisfaction have depressing impact on intention to leave and negatively related to each other. The literature also explores the fact that job related issues do effect the job satisfaction and organizational commitment of the Academicians. Keywords: Organizational Commitment, Job Satisfaction, Factors of Job satisfaction, ITL, Public Sector Universities

Biosynthesis of lovastatin using agro-industrial wastes as carrier substrates

Purpose: To compare fungal strains including Aspergillus flavipes GCBL-72, Aspergillus flavus GCBL-60, and Aspergillus niger GCBL-45 and determine whether solid- or liquid-state fermentation (SSF or LSF) is more appropriate for lovastatin production using various inexpensive raw materials.Methods: LSF and SSF techniques were used to produce the drug lovastatin.  High-performance liquid chromatography was performed out to quantify lovastatin production. A kinetic growth model was applied to estimate product formation at the expense of substrate utilization.Results: Aspergillus flavus GCBL-60 was a superior lovastatin-producing strain consuming wheat bran as the raw material in SSF. The optimum lovastatin production was 28.36 ± 0.76 mg/100mL at 35 °C, pH 5.5, inoculum size 2 mL, 96 h incubation time, and 60 % moisture content. Evaluation of the kinetic growth parameters for lovastatin production confirmed that product formation was improved after fermentation parameter optimization.Conclusion: Our results indicate that Aspergillus flavus GCBL-60 was best  lovastatin-producing strain and that SSF was superior to LSF for maximum  production. Careful optimization can enhance product formation.Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Kinetics, Optimization, Lovastatin, Solid-State Fermentation, Raw material