Formulation, Characterization, Study of Swelling Kinetics and Network Parameters of Poly (MA-co-VA-co-AA) Terpolymeric Hydrogels with Various Concentrations of Acrylic Acid

The ter-polymeric hydrogels of vinylacetate (VA), methacrylate (MA) and acrylicacid (AA) were prepared using ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross linker and benzoylperoxide (BPO) as an initiator. The effect of acrylic acid concentration on various swelling parameters was studied at different pHs (1.0, 4.0, 5.5, 7.4 and 8.0). A promising relationship was found to exist between media penetration velocity and equilibrium media content of hydrogels at all pH values for various concentration of acrylic acid. The fastest dynamic swelling was observed for the highest concentration of acrylic acid (40 mol % of AA) at pH 8.0. In the kinetic study, during the first hours, a first order kinetics (Fick Model) was observed at pH higher than the value of pKa (4.75) of acrylic acid, the hydrogels exhibiting non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Whereas, for the acidic media pH, a second order kinetics was observed (Schott Model). Network parameters strongly support the swelling out comes. The relaxations of the ter-polymeric chain were observed after swelling at pH 8.0 via SEM pictures. Thermo gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric analysis also agree with the above conclusions. Well controlled swelling behavior, network properties, SEM out comings and thermo-gravimetric analysis support the idea to use these hydrogels for targeted drug delivery in the colon part of the digestive tract

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever among adults of high and low socioeconomic groups

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and practices of selected adult population in Pakistan regarding Dengue Fever.METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted among selected communities with different socio-economic backgrounds in Karachi, Pakistan. A sample size of 440 adults (aged 18 years and above) were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire regarding their knowledge, attitude and practices about dengue fever. A composite scoring system, based on the answers given in the questionnaire, was used to establish the level of awareness in the population. The division of the higher and lower socio-economic groups was based on their income and locality; both these variables were determined as a part of our survey.RESULTS: Data from 400 respondents (244 males, 156 females) was used for primary analysis. About thirty five percent of the sample had adequate knowledge about dengue fever and its vector. Knowledge had significant associations with education (p = 0.004) and socioeconomic status (p = 0.02). The high socioeconomic group showed better preventive practices.CONCLUSION: Knowledge of dengue is inadequate in the low socioeconomic class. Better preventive practices against the vector are prevalent in the high socioeconomic group. Hence, a greater focus should be accorded to the low socioeconomic areas in future health campaigns

Enhancing crop resilience through thiamine: implications for sustainable agriculture in drought-stressed radish

During 21st century, abiotic stress has adversely affected the agriculture crop production around the globe. Keeping in view the food requirement under water shortage condition, a study was planned to investigate the effect of thiamine application on radish crop under drought stress conditions on plant. For study purpose, two varieties of locally available radish (‘Early-Milo’ and ‘Laal-Pari’) were grown with normal water application as well as thiamine (100 mg L-1) application while maintaining a stress condition (60% field capacity). Increasing water deficit stress linearly reduced plant growth, yield and biomass in both varieties by reducing water use efficiency, while significantly enhanced these attributes with thiamine application. Thiamine application under drought stress exerted significant impacts on physiological attributes in both varieties, including enhanced osmolytic attribute in drought conditions and improvements in superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities in plant leaves. Antioxidant and osmoprotectant upregulation positively linked to radish crop's drought tolerance. Moreover, PCA and heatmap analysis revealed a significant interdependence among various traits and interconnected in determining the crop's capacity to sustain growth under conditions of drought stress. In crux, thiamine application conclusively enhances radish growth, yield, biomass, physio-chemical and osmolytic attributes, ionic composition and enzymatic antioxidant potential. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the application of thiamine in commercial agriculture practices to mitigate the negative effects of drought stress on radish crop production

Potential Role of Plant Growth Regulators in Administering Crucial Processes Against Abiotic Stresses

Plant growth regulators are naturally biosynthesized chemicals in plants that influence physiological processes. Their synthetic analogous trigger numerous biochemical and physiological processes involved in the growth and development of plants. Nowadays, due to changing climatic scenario, numerous biotic and abiotic stresses hamper seed germination, seedling growth, and plant development leading to a decline in biological and economic yields. However, plant growth regulators (PGRs) can potentially play a fundamental role in regulating plant responses to various abiotic stresses and hence, contribute to plant adaptation under adverse environments. The major effects of abiotic stresses are growth and yield disturbance, and both these effects are directly overseen by the PGRs. Different types of PGRs such as abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), ethylene (ET), and jasmonates (JAs) are connected to boosting the response of plants to multiple stresses. In contrast, PGRs including cytokinins (CKs), gibberellins (GAs), auxin, and relatively novel PGRs such as strigolactones (SLs), and brassinosteroids (BRs) are involved in plant growth and development under normal and stressful environmental conditions. Besides, polyamines and nitric oxide (NO), although not considered as phytohormones, have been included in the current review due to their involvement in the regulation of several plant processes and stress responses. These PGRs are crucial for regulating stress adaptation through the modulates physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes and activation of the defense system, upregulating of transcript levels, transcription factors, metabolism genes, and stress proteins at cellular levels. The current review presents an acumen of the recent progress made on different PGRs to improve plant tolerance to abiotic stress such as heat, drought, salinity, and flood. Moreover, it highlights the research gaps on underlying mechanisms of PGRs biosynthesis under stressed conditions and their potential roles in imparting tolerance against adverse effects of suboptimal growth conditions.Fil: Sabagh, Ayman EL. Kafrelsheikh University; EgiptoFil: Mbarki, Sonia. National Institute Of Research In Rural Engineering; TúnezFil: Hossain, Akbar. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute; BangladeshFil: Iqbal, Muhammad Aamir. University Of Poonch Rawalakot; PakistánFil: Islam, Mohammad Sohidul. Hajee Mohammad Danesh And Technology University; BangladeshFil: Raza, Ali. Fujian Agriculture And Forestry University; ChinaFil: Llanes, Analia Susana. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnologicas. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnologicas.; ArgentinaFil: Reginato, Mariana Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnologicas. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnologicas.; ArgentinaFil: Rahman, Md Atikur. Grassland And Forage Division National Institute; Corea del SurFil: Mahboob, Wajid. Nuclear Institute Of Agriculture,; PakistánFil: Singhal, Rajesh Kumar. Indian Council Of Agricultural Research; IndiaFil: Kumari, Arpna. Guru Nanak Dev University; IndiaFil: Rajendran, Arvind. Vellore Institute Of Technology; IndiaFil: Wasaya, Allah. Bahauddin Zakariya University; PakistánFil: Javed, Talha. Fujian Agriculture And Forestry University; JapónFil: Shabbir, Rubab. University Of Poonch Rawalakot; PakistánFil: Rahim, Junaid. University Of Çukurova; PakistánFil: Barutçular, Celaleddin. Institute Of Crop Science And Resource Conservation; AlemaniaFil: Habib Ur Rahman, Muhammad. Sichuan Agricultural University; ChinaFil: Raza, Muhammad Ali. Sichuan Agricultural University; ChinaFil: Ratnasekera, Disna. University Of Ruhuna; Sri LankaFil: Konuskan l, Ömer. Mustafa Kemal University; TurquíaFil: Hossain, Mohammad Anwar. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute; BangladeshFil: Meena, Vijay Singh. Indian Council Of Agricultural Research; IndiaFil: Ahmed, Sharif. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute; BangladeshFil: Ahmad, Zahoor. Bangladesh Wheat And Maize Research Institute; BangladeshFil: Mubeen, Muhammad. Sichuan Agricultural University; ChinaFil: Singh, Kulvir. Punjab Agricultural University; IndiaFil: Skalicky, Milan. Czech University Of Life Sciences Prague; República ChecaFil: Brestic, Marian. Slovak University Of Agriculture; EslovaquiaFil: Sytar, Oksana. Slovak University Of Agriculture; EsloveniaFil: Karademir, Emine. Siirt University; TurquíaFil: Karademir, Cetin. Siirt University; TurquíaFil: Erman, Murat. Siirt University; TurquíaFil: Farooq, Muhammad. College Of Agricultural And Marine Sciences Sultan; Omá

Voices Unheard: Analyzing Marginalization and Resistance in Rabbani's 'Invisible People' through a Spivakian Lens

This scholarly research offers a comprehensive analysis of Rabbani's seminal work, 'Invisible People,' through the theoretical lens of Gayatri Chakraborty Spivak's postcolonial feminist perspective. The study investigates the experiences and challenges faced by marginalized populations in contemporary society, aiming to elucidate effective strategies for resistance against marginalization. Key focal points include Spivak's subaltern concept and the imperative of amplifying marginalized voices. The analysis critically examines Rabbani's portrayal of 'invisible people' (2017) as individuals bereft of agency and influence due to their marginalized status, exploring multiple forms of exclusion encompassing economic, social, and political dimensions. Moreover, the research delves into Rabbani's nuanced treatment of identity construction and the intricate intersections of marginalization. Applying Spivak's theory of strategic essentialism, the study scrutinizes how these individuals navigate their identities and mobilize collective resistance. Additionally, the research evaluates notions of agency and empowerment within Rabbani's narrative, investigating methodologies employed by marginalized groups to challenge entrenched power dynamics. Through Spivak's concept of "subaltern counter publics," the study examines the significance of grassroots movements, community organizing, and the establishment of alternative platforms for collective action. Ethical considerations within Spivak and Rabbani's frameworks are also addressed, highlighting the complexities and ethical responsibilities associated with representing marginalized populations. This research underscores the importance of reflexive researcher positionality when engaging with these narratives. Overall, this study provides a nuanced and insightful analysis of Rabbani's 'Invisible People' from a Spivakian perspective, contributing to the ongoing discourse on resistance, marginality, and social justice within this theoretical framework. &nbsp

Exploring the Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on English Language Instruction at Secondary Schools in Faisalabad: A Survey Study

In the modern world of innovativeness, ICT has a keen importance in the educational field. The study dealt with the perception of teachers about ICT for teaching the English language at the secondary school level in Faisalabad. The rationale of the study was based on the objectives of understanding the perceptions of teachers about the usage of ICT and how learners perceive the incorporation of ICT in education. ICT is not confined to a set of new technologies used in EFL classrooms; rather, it has innovated new pedagogical approaches to both teaching and learning in EFL settings. The research was conducted to assess the impact of ICT technology in EFL classrooms, how it was helpful for the learning and teaching process and the way it innovated pedagogical approaches. The study dealt with perceptions about the incorporation of ICT due to the current progressive era. This study examined the aspects of the incorporation of ICT and the attitudes of learners and teachers toward ICT. Twenty-five English teachers participated in the research, and a survey questionnaire was completed by using Google Forms. SPSS along with Microsoft Excel was used to analyse the data. The outcomes of the study revealed positive attitudes of teachers towards the usage of ICT

Cloning and expression analysis of alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) hybrid promoter isolated from Zea mays

Hybrid promoters are created by shuffling of DNA fragments while keeping intact regulatory regions crucial of promoter activity. Two fragments of alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) promoter from Zea mays were selected to generate hybrid promoter. Sequence analysis of both alcohol dehydrogenase promoter fragments through bioinformatics tools identified several crucial cis regulatory elements and transcription factors binding sites. Both fragments were separately cloned in the TA vector (pTZ57R/T) and fused to get the complete hybrid promoter (Adh-H). Alcohol dehydrogenase hybrid promoter was further cloned in expression vector pGR1 through adaptor ligation. Transient β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay revealed that hybrid promoter exhibited high expression under anaerobic conditions in wheat tissues. From the study it is concluded that hybrid promoter (Adh-H) may be used to derive gene expression in monocots during anaerobic conditions. The present work also provides an important insight in the designing of hybrid monocot promoters to improve multiple traits in crops without facing intellectual property rights (IPRs) issues.Key words: Hybrid promoter, histochemical β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay staining, cis regulatory elements, alcohol dehydrogenase, Zea mays

The Impact of Artificial intelligence and Robotics on the Future Employment Opportunities

The widespread human-robot interaction is increasing progressively as robots have made the life of everyone easy-going and comfortable. In this work, we have analysed the behaviour and characteristics of various types of robots. We have also studied the outgrowing relation between robotics and humans. In our analysis, we also have a selection of aspects of this field, which are done by the numerous technologists as well as scientists. We are interested in exploring the functioning of the human brain by generating a functioning system that resolves problems and gives satisfactory results. Artificial intelligence is a vast field that is also pushing its way in the domain of healthcare, business and quality assurance. Various researches disclose that the corporate sector is joining artificial intelligence to estimate the supply-demand concept and automate human resource systems. The public sector is also developing different intelligent machines for security surveillance and malfunction detection of critical systems like nuclear reactors.&nbsp; Artificial intelligence and robotics are also phenomenal to implement the law and order enforcement without any danger. As artificial intelligence is growing, employment in this domain is also increasing due to the high demand of intelligent machines in each sector worldwide. Our primary focus is to delve into the relationship between humans and robots.</p