GENETIC DIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP IN DIFFERENT GENOTYPES OF COTTON FOR FUTURE BREEDING

Back ground: To make the plants well adapted and more resistant to diseases and other environmental stresses there is always a need to improve the quality of plant’s genome i.e. to increase its genetic diversity.Methods: In the present study six variety and six lines of cotton were investigated for their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship. For this purpose 35 different RAPD primers obtained from the Gene Link Technologies,USA were used.Results: Among 35 RAPD primers, 13 primers produced reproducible PCR bands while the rest failed to show any amplification product. Our results indicated that the total count of the reproducible bands was 670 and polymorphic loci were counted to be 442 which constitute 66% of total loci. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two major groups each consists of 7 and 5 genotypes respectively. Genotypes Lp1 and Tp4 were placed at maximum genetic distance and in separate groups and could be utilized for future cotton breeding.Conclusions: RAPD analysis is a cheaper and time saving technique for the determination of genetic diversity of different cotton genotypes. Cotton genotype Lp1 and Tp4 could be the best candidates for future breeding programs as both genotypes are genetically distant from each other

Development of a hybrid genetic algorithm based decision support system for vehicle routing and scheduling in supply chain logistics managment

Vehicle Routing and Scheduling (VRS) constitute an important part of logistics management. Given the fact that the worldwide cost on physical distribution is evermore increasing, the global competition and the complex nature of logistics problems, one area, which determines the efficiency of all others, is the VRS activities. The application of Decision Support Systems (DSS) to assist logistics management with an efficient VRS could be of great benefit. Although the benefits of DSS in VRS are well documented, however in practice many organisations perform these activities manually using combination of skills, intuition and expertise. A comprehensive review of literature revealed several drawbacks in the existing methods for addressing VRS. The traditional optimisation approaches have very limited applications and these require high computation time. Also, heuristic approaches are capable only to specific variation, a slight difference in the structure of the problem make the algorithm inefficient. Furthermore, metaheuristics methods require higher computation time and they are context dependent. Also, further investigations on the VRS problem formulations suggest that heuristic approaches usually address a single objective of distance minimisation. However in the real world there may be a number of conflicting objectives. In general, there is a lack of considerations for route selections, resource utilisation, unhlfilled demands, underused capacities, reliability of deliveries, fleet size, human fitness and operational cost. Also, these approaches fail to realise non-linearity within objectives and constraints defined for VRS problems. Furthermore, there are no clear distinctions between hard and soft constraints considered in these methods. Finally, the existing approaches fail to capture stochastic and dynamic nature of the logistics processes. In order to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, this study designed and developed a hybrid DSS to assist logistics managers with VRS tasks. The capabilities of the developed DSS have then been applied to a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution company. The architecture of this DSS is composed of Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimisation tool and a simulation model. The GA module aims to provide a pool of near optimum transportation schedules. The simulation module is used to further evaluate the generated schedules. The feed back from the simulation module is used to update the GA for reoptimisation. Some unique features of this DSS are such as: development of a multi modal genetic algorithm to address VRS problems; considering supply chain performance measures as part of VRS problem formulation; allowing consideration of different objectives, soft or hard constraints concerning the supply chain, considering linearlnonlinear relationships within objectives and constraints defined and finally, considering stochastic and dynamic behaviours of the supply chain system. The GA and simulation tool integration provides unique benefits that have not been in the literature such as consideration of practical requirements, uncertainties, dynamic and stochastic behaviours, considering several criteria and producing different alternative solutions. Also, this integration allows the GA model to filter out solutions that are less competitive and therefore reducing the simulation time evaluation, which is computationally expensive. Furthermore, the human interaction with the system assists in generating higher quality of solutions. Finally, the clear benefit of this DSS is the fact that it greatly influences the applicability of the GA generated schedules and provides better confidence in implementation of these solution

Avaliação da falta de fatores de integridade gerencial da cidade de Ahvaz

In recent years, the complexities of urbanization in Iran and discussion about issues such as sustainable urban development, human development, strengthening the city economy, emphasis on social justice, environmental protection, etc., have increasingly confronted the issue of urban management with complex and systematic issues. In the present study, with objective of evaluating the factors of lacking integration of urban management at policy and decision-making level in a sample of Ahwaz was identified by quantitative method. The design of this research is descriptive and quantitative and will be analyzed in two levels of descriptive and inferential. Findings of the study, which consist of opinions of 400 people from three groups of citizens, private sector and public sector managers in Ahwaz (including municipality, Ahwaz city council and some governmental organizations such as Road and Urban Organization, Housing Foundation And ...) show that after studying similar works, field study and surveying experts, components of urban management's lack of integrity have been determined such as organizational multiplicity, levels of authority and infrastructure, rules and regulations, and dependent variable is integrated urban management approach. After determining variables and analyzing responses of respondents using statistical software SPSS 22, regression and statistical analysis was performed. The purpose of this model is to find out the significance of nonintegrity factors in areas level and also the importance of components on overall average. For advanced analysis and prediction of change in the dependent variable, in the case of change in independent variables, the ENTER method of regression is used in which all independent variables are entered into model simultaneously and effects of all independent variables are examined on dependent variable.En los últimos años, las complejidades de la urbanización en Irán y la discusión sobre temas como el desarrollo urbano sostenible, el desarrollo humano, el fortalecimiento de la economía de la ciudad, el énfasis en la justicia social, la protección ambiental, etc., han enfrentado cada vez más el problema de la gestión urbana con aspectos complejos y Problemas sistemáticos. En el presente estudio, con el objetivo de evaluar los factores de la falta de integración de la gestión urbana a nivel de políticas y toma de decisiones en una muestra de Ahwaz, se identificó mediante un método cuantitativo. El diseño de esta investigación es descriptivo y cuantitativo y se analizará en dos niveles, el descriptivo e inferencial. Los hallazgos del estudio, que incluyen opiniones de 400 personas de tres grupos de ciudadanos, sector privado y gerentes del sector público en Ahwaz (incluido el municipio, el ayuntamiento de Ahwaz y algunas organizaciones gubernamentales como Road and Urban Organisation, Housing Foundation And ... ) muestran que después de estudiar trabajos similares, estudios de campo y expertos en estudios topográficos, se han determinado los componentes de la falta de integridad de la gestión urbana, como la multiplicidad organizativa, los niveles de autoridad e infraestructura, las normas y regulaciones, y la variable dependiente es el enfoque de gestión urbana integrada. Después de determinar las variables y analizar las respuestas de los encuestados utilizando el software estadístico SPSS 22, se realizó la regresión y el análisis estadístico. El propósito de este modelo es descubrir la importancia de los factores de no integridad en el nivel de las áreas y también la importancia de los componentes en el promedio general. Para el análisis avanzado y la predicción de cambio en la variable dependiente, en el caso de cambio en las variables independientes, se usa el método de regresión ENTER en el que todas las variables independientes se ingresan en el modelo simultáneamente y los efectos de todas las variables independientes se examinan en la variable dependiente.Nos últimos anos, as complexidades da urbanização no Irã e a discussão sobre questões como desenvolvimento urbano sustentável, desenvolvimento humano, fortalecimento da economia da cidade, ênfase na justiça social, proteção ambiental, etc., têm confrontado cada vez mais a questão da gestão urbana com questões sistemáticas. No presente estudo, com objetivo de avaliar os fatores de falta de integração da gestão urbana em nível de política e tomada de decisão em uma amostra de Ahwaz foi identificado pelo método quantitativo. O delineamento desta pesquisa é descritivo e quantitativo e será analisado em dois níveis de descritivo e inferencial. Constatações do estudo, que consistem em opiniões de 400 pessoas de três grupos de cidadãos, setor privado e gestores do setor público em Ahwaz (incluindo o município, o conselho municipal de Ahwaz e algumas organizações governamentais como a Organização Viária e Urbana, Fundação de Habitação e ... ) mostram que após estudar trabalhos similares, especialistas em estudo de campo e topografia, foram determinados componentes da falta de integridade da gestão urbana, como multiplicidade organizacional, níveis de autoridade e infraestrutura, regras e regulamentos, e variável dependente abordagem integrada de gestão urbana. Após a determinação das variáveis e análise das respostas dos respondentes pelo software estatístico SPSS 22, procedeu-se a regressão e análise estatística. O objetivo deste modelo é descobrir a importância dos fatores de não integridade no nível das áreas e também a importância dos componentes na média geral. Para análise avançada e predição de mudança na variável dependente, no caso de mudança em variáveis independentes, é utilizado o método de regressão ENTER, no qual todas as variáveis independentes são inseridas no modelo simultaneamente e os efeitos de todas as variáveis independentes são examinados na variável dependente

COVID-19 associated acute transverse myelitis unresponsive to steroid therapy

A 63-year-old female presented to hospital with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. After primary evaluation, SARS-CoV-2 infection was suspected and confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. She was started on broad spectrum antibiotics and remdesivir. After 12 days of hospitalization, she reported bilateral weakness and numbness of lower extremities and increased shortness of breath in the absence of fever. MRI with contrast was performed which showed intrinsic spinal cord lesion at the C7-T3 levels suggestive of transverse myelitis. She was started on IV steroids and was transferred to tertiary hospital for higher level of care. On neurological exam, there was an obvious reduction in the power of lower extremities and hyperreflexia was noted. Due to increasing weakness, MRI of cervical and thoracic spine was repeated and subsequently was started on Solu-Medrol 1-gram IV daily for 5 days. She was unresponsive to steroid therapy and refused plasmapheresis. Her course of hospitalization was complicated with acute on chronic renal failure and obstructive uropathy

Phytoaccumulation of heavy metals and protein expression by different vegetables collected from various parts of Khyber Pukhtunkhawa Province, Pakistan

The present study investigates heavy metal uptake and protein expression by different vegetables collected from various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province of Pakistan. Statistical analysis of the data showed that maximum concentration of Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn were found in radish and spinach, respectively, collected from Peshawar. Maximum Pb and Mg accumulation were found in cauliflower and pea at Swat followed by coriander at Haripur and minimum Pb uptake was noticed in radish taken from Nowshehra. Highest Cu uptake was detected in spinach at Nowshehra. Data regarding Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mg and Zn concentration in water samples gathered from different sites of KPK indicated that maximum concentration of Cd was observed in Swat. Maximum Cr and Cu concentration were measured in water samples from Peshawar while maximum concentration of Pb and Ni were detected in water samples from Haripur. In case of soil samples, maximum Cd, Cr, Mg and Zn uptake was observed in soil sample at Nowshehra. Maximum Pb and Ni concentration was found in soil samples collected from Peshawar. Cu concentration was observed to be the highest in soil at Swat. Protein profile of different vegetables i.e. cauliflower, radish, carrot, turnip, pea, spinach, coriander and garlic sampled across five different sites showed that uptake of Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mg and Zn by these vegetables caused the expression of numerous polypeptides

Dust storm phenomena and their environmental impacts in Kuwait

Dust storms are one of the significant phenomena in the desert areas of the world. It is internationally agreed that days with visibility below 1000 metres due to dust present in the air are a result of strong winds. As Kuwait is part of the Arabian desert, which is identified as one of the major dust sources, so dust storm occurrence is more frequent especially during summer. Dust storms in Kuwait are mainly associated with north and north westerly winds, which are locally known `Shamal'. That is because this wind crosses the Iraqi and Arabian deserts before reaching Kuwait carrying a huge amount of dust and sand. There are local dust sources within Kuwait which supply these winds with dust. Dust occurs in Kuwait in four main types: 1) Sand/dust storm 2) Rising dust 3) Suspended dust 4) Haze There are many factors which play an important role in the occurrence of dust in Kuwait, they include the following: 1) Kuwait's location within the great desert belt. 2) Lack of rainfall. 3) Lack of vegetation cover. 4) Surface air turbulence due to huge amounts of radiation. 5) Human activities such as over-grazing, off-road driving. Dust and sand storms have a bad effect on environment in Kuwait. The main aspects of the environmental impact of dust which have been focussed on in this thesis, are: 1) Dust effects on vehicle body parts and the role of dust storms in road accidents due to poor visibility. 2) Dust effect on house parts and buildings. 3) Dust effects on human health from inhaling the fine dust particles which contain many organic and non-organic material. These materials, which are carried by dust, cause various types of allergies especially with respiratory system. There are many methods which have been used to reduce the amount of dust which is raised up in the air by strong winds. But it seems the most suitable method is tree planting which has many positive effects other than stabilising sand

Decomposition of color wavelet with higher order statistical texture and convolutional neural network features set based classification of colorectal polyps from video endoscopy

Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the leading causes of death across the world. The gastrointestinal polyps are considered as the precursors of developing this malignant cancer. In order to condense the probability of cancer, early detection and removal of colorectal polyps can be cogitated. The most used diagnostic modality for colorectal polyps is video endoscopy. But the accuracy of diagnosis mostly depends on doctors' experience that is crucial to detect polyps in many cases. Computer-aided polyp detection is promising to reduce the miss detection rate of the polyp and thus improve the accuracy of diagnosis results. The proposed method first detects polyp and non-polyp then illustrates an automatic polyp classification technique from endoscopic video through color wavelet with higher-order statistical texture feature and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) is used for higher-order statistical texture features of different directions (Ɵ = 0o, 45o, 90o, 135o). The features are fed into a linear support vector machine (SVM) to train the classifier. The experimental result demonstrates that the proposed approach is auspicious and operative with residual network architecture, which triumphs the best performance of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 98.83%, 97.87%, and 99.13% respectively for classification of colorectal polyps on standard public endoscopic video databases

Macronutrients for Plants Growth and Humans Health

Macronutrients are crucial for the growth, and development of plants due to their roles as structural components and redox-sensitive agents. Generally, the application of macronutrients leads to increased crop output, growth, and overall quality. While macronutrients play a role in every stage of a plant\u27s life, scientists in fields such as plant physiology, biotechnology, and eco-physiology have recently focused on exploring additional aspects of these minerals, and their potential. Each macronutrient has a unique function in plant metabolism, and this study aims to examine the latest advancements in understanding the specific roles of macronutrients in plant growth and acclimatization. Furthermore, the study also discusses future research prospects in this field, highlighting the importance of ongoing investigations in maximizing plant productivity, and resilience

Relationship between fdi inflows and economic growth: A review.

Abstract The relationship between FDI inflows and economic growth has motivated voluminous empirical research focusing on both developed and developing countries. The literature provides conflicting results regarding the relationship between FDI inflows and economic growth. On the one hand, some researchers argue that, besides supplementing capital, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), as a principal conduit of technology upgradation, know-how transfer and managing skills exchange, heralds the globalisation of host economies. They view FDI as an engine of economic growth and development. Other researchers argue that FDI carries various potential drawbacks including deterioration in the balance of payments as profits are repatriated, crowding-out effect in the host economy, dependence on external sources, dilution in control, destructive competition of foreign affiliates with domestic firms and loss of market to foreign firms due to weak competitive capability of the domestic firms. This study sums up the literature as well as research studies on the relationship between foreign direct investment inflows and economic growth and attempts to arrive at a meaningful conclusion