Allele-specific primer based identification of dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitor

Wheat is one of the most important staple food crops cultivated over 200 mha in the range of environment throughout the world. Wheat production must continue to increase by 2% annually, more particularly in developing world including south-east Asia. Besides increasing the inherent productivity of wheat, it is important to minimize the losses caused to production by various abiotic and biotic factors. Alpha–amylase inhibitors are attractive candidates for the control of seed weevils as these insects are highly dependent on starch as the energy source. They play an important role in the carbohydrate metabolism of many heterotrophic and autotrophic organisms. In this study, we aimed to make sequence comparison and phylogenetic relationship among dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitor genes. These genes were clustered into two major groups based on phylogenetic analysis. Multiple alignments show at least 24 candidates single nucleotide polymorphisms in inhibitor genes, which could further be exploited for SNPs based haplotype diversity among Indian released wheat genotype. We have detected dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitor genes in cultivated and wild ancestors of wheat using genome specific primers. Genes encoding dimeric alpha-amylase belong to the family of 24 kDa alpha-amylase inhibitors. In this study, specific primer pairs were designed based on SNPs of these genes and chromosome locations of inhibitor genes confirmed by amplification in accession of T. urartu, A. tauschii, and A. speltoides. Results obtained under this study support that inhibitor genes amplified with primer PSWDAIAF1/PSWDAIAF2 and PSWDAIBF1/PSWDAIBF2 is present on genome B. These results further support evidence at molecular level that dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitor in cultivated wheat is encoded by a multigene family.

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Fractional Integration and Fractional Differentiation of the M-Series

Mathematics Subject Classification: 26A33, 33C60, 44A15In this paper a new special function called as M-series is introduced. This series is a particular case of the H-function of Inayat-Hussain. The M-series is interesting because the pFq -hypergeometric function and the Mittag-Leffler function follow as its particular cases, and these functions have recently found essential applications in solving problems in physics, biology, engineering and applied sciences. Let us note that the Mittag-Leffler function occurs as solution of fractional integral equations in those area. In this short note we have obtained formulas for the fractional integral and fractional derivative of the M-series

CINEMATIC REPRESENTATIONS OF PARTITION OF INDIA

The partition of India in August 1947 marks a watershed in the modern Indian history. The creation of two nations, India and Pakistan, was not only a geographical division but also widened the chasm in the hearts of the people. The objective of the paper is to study the cinematic representations of the experiences associated with the partition of India. The cinematic portrayal of fear generated by the partition violence and the terror accompanying it will also be examined.  Films dealing with partition have common themes of displacement of thousands of masses from their homelands, being called refugees in their own homeland and their struggle for survival in refugee colonies. They showcase the trauma of fear, violence, personal pain, loss and uprooting from native place. Also, how the cinematic space tries to recreate those horrors, bestial passions and disregard for humanity in the larger political arena will also be examined. At the same time, sexuality and gender relations where women’s bodies became site of conflict between two communities will also be discussed. Moreover, how the personal experiences of filmmakers during the times of partition shaped their cinematic depictions will also be enumerated. Films which remind us of that communal carnage called partition, for instance, Lahore (1949, Hindi), Chhinamula (1951, Bengali) Megha Dhaka Tara (1960, Bengali), Subarnrekha (1965, Bengali) Garm Hawa (1973, Hindi), Tamas (1987, Hindi) Bombay (1995, Hindi), 1947 Earth (1998, Hindi), Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (1998) Fiza (2002, Hindi), Pinjar (2003, Hindi) Dev (2003, Hindi), Partition (2007, English) and Midnight Children (2012, English) will be examined.&nbsp

Proposing the concept of Perfection Quotient (PQ) as a measure of readiness for health behavior change

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) has been used for a long time to test for readiness of individuals with regard to their learning abilities.  It offers limited utility in ascertaining readiness toward health behavior change.  Work on emotional quotient (EQ) and X quotient (XQ) has been done in recent years but has not been applied for determining readiness toward health behavior change through health education and health promotion interventions.  The purpose of this editorial is to propose a novel concept of perfection quotient (PQ) that integrates IQ, EQ and XQ for ascertaining the readiness for health behavior change through health education and health promotion interventions in a variety of target populations. Such measure will be invaluable in ameliorating the impact of health education and health promotion interventions

Dietary Education in School-Based Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs

The purpose of this article was to review school based interventions designed to prevent childhood and adolescent obesity that focused on modifying dietary behavior and were published between 2000 and May 2009. A total of 25 interventions met the criteria. The grade range of these interventions was from K to 12; 13 studies exclusively targeted elementary school, 2 targeted both elementary and middle school, 9 exclusively targeted middle school, and 1 targeted high school. The majority of the interventions focused on both dietary and physical activity behaviors, whereas 8 interventions focused exclusively on dietary behaviors. Approximately one-half of the interventions were based on a behavioral theory. In terms of duration, 13 were longer than 6 mo, 4 were less than 1 mo, and 8 had a duration between 1 and 6 mo. The majority of the interventions were implemented by teachers. In terms of activities, almost all interventions had a curricular component except 2 that distributed free fruit or vegetables. Besides curricular instructions, parental and family involvement was also utilized by several interventions. Environmental and policy changes were used in 7 interventions. For evaluation, the 2 most popular designs were experimental design with random assignment at group level and quasi experimental design, both of which were used by 9 interventions each. In terms of impact on adiposity indices, only 14 interventions measured it and only 6 of those were able to demonstrate significant changes. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of school based dietary education interventions for childhood obesity prevention are presented

Designing Effective Health Education Interventions for Preventing Obesity in South Asian Americans

South Asian Americans constitute the fastest growing immigrant group in the United States. Overweight (adults: 38% - 57%, children: 18% - 43%) and obesity (24%) rates in Asian Americans are increasing and not even a single health education intervention has been designed for this group in this regard. The purpose of this study was to identify culturally-relevant determinants that influence obesity and overweight among South Asian Americans and develop a set of recommendations for designing culturally-appropriate interventions for this group. The modifiable determinants for overweight and obesity in South Asian Americans were found to be physical inactivity, dietary behaviors (consuming large portion sizes, less consumption of fruits and vegetables, large consumption of sweetened beverages), watching TV for long hours on a sustained basis, acculturation to the US, poor family communication, less social support, less social integration, stress, and longer years of living in the United States. There is need for interventions both for children in school settings utilizing parental involvement and for adults in community settings utilizing local religious organizations. Culturally robust behavioral theories need to be utilized with this subpopulation

A Study: How AI is Incorporated in the Middle East Banking

The banking sector has undergone significant transformation due to the swift advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The present study elucidates the benefits of aforementioned technology and their influence on both individuals and communities. The paper discusses a novel cohort of banking institutions that have reaped the rewards of advancements in AI-powered electronic gadgets and internet-based applications. For example, mobile devices are increasingly utilized to conduct transactions via economic institutions\u27 accounts.  author has discussed in the paper that advancements in AI have brought significant benefits to the banking sector. The adoption of AI-powered electronic gadgets and internet-based applications has revolutionized the way banking services are delivered, providing convenience, personalized experiences, and enhanced customer service. AI technologies have also contributed to fraud detection and prevention, improved operational efficiency, and facilitated financial inclusion. As the banking sector continues to evolve, the integration of AI is likely to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of banking services

Using Multi-Theory Model for Physical Activity Behavior Change

Physical inactivity is a major public health problem. College students are a vulnerable group. This study was aimed at using multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change to predict physical activity behavior change in college students. Regression revealed that 26% of the variance in the initiation of physical activity was explained by advantages outweighing disadvantages, behavioral confidence, work status, and changes in physical environment. About 30% of the variance in sustenance of physical activity was explained by emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in social environment.https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/archivedposters/1160/thumbnail.jp

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PHYTOSTEROLS FROM BIGNONIA VENUSTA (L.)

Objective: To isolate phytosterols from Bignonia venusta (L.) and its antimicrobial activity. Introduction: B. venusta is an important medicinal plant known for its vast potential. It is a valuable plant which is commonly used in traditionalsystem of medicine for relieving pain and inflammation, as well as in a number of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Methods: In the present study, phytosterols from B. venusta was identified and quantified in vivo. Phytosterols were identified using chromatographic and spectral studies. Results: Trimethyl (3,3-difluoro-2-propenyl) silane, butanoic acid, 3-methyl-3-nitroso-, methyl ester, peroxide, dibutyl, and 1,2-epoxy-5,5-dimethyl1-phenyl-3-hexyne were identified by infrared and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). GC-MS profiling showed various compounds. It is the first report on phytosterols from the experimental plant. Further, we studied antimicrobial potential of isolated compounds against clinically important microbes. Conclusion: B. venusta (L.) is an ideal source of phytosterols and act as antimicrobial agen