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

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

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

Static anti-windup compensator design for locally Lipschitz systems under input and output delays

This paper proposes a static anti-windup compensator (AWC) design methodology for the locally Lipschitz nonlinear systems, containing time-varying interval delays in input and output of the system in the presence of actuator saturation. Static AWC design is proposed for the systems by considering a delay-range-dependent methodology to consider less conservative delay bounds. The approach has been developed by utilizing an improved Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, locally Lipschitz nonlinearity property, delay-interval, delay derivative upper bound, local sector condition, L2 gain reduction from exogenous input to exogenous output, improved Wirtinger inequality, additive time-varying delays, and convex optimization algorithms to obtain convex conditions for AWC gain calculations. In contrast to the existing results, the present work considers both input and output delays for the AWC design (along with their combined additive effect) and deals with a more generic locally Lipschitz class of nonlinear systems. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated via simulations for a nonlinear DC servo motor system, possessing multiple time-delays, dynamic nonlinearity and actuator constraints

DNA Barcoding: Amplification and sequence analysis of rbcl and matK genome regions in three divergent plant species

Background: DNA barcoding is a novel method of species identification based on nucleotide diversity of conserved sequences. The establishment and refining of plant DNA barcoding systems is more challenging due to high genetic diversity among different species. Therefore, targeting the conserved nuclear transcribed regions would be more reliable for plant scientists to reveal genetic diversity, species discrimination and phylogeny.Methods: In this study, we amplified and sequenced the chloroplast DNA regions (matk+rbcl) of Solanum nigrum, Euphorbia helioscopia and Dalbergia sissoo to study the functional annotation, homology modeling and sequence analysis to allow a more efficient utilization of these sequences among different plant species. These three species represent three families; Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae respectively. Biological sequence homology and divergence of amplified sequences was studied using Basic Local Alignment Tool (BLAST).Results: Both primers (matk+rbcl) showed good amplification in three species. The sequenced regions reveled conserved genome information for future identification of different medicinal plants belonging to these species. The amplified conserved barcodes revealed different levels of biological homology after sequence analysis. The results clearly showed that the use of these conserved DNA sequences as barcode primers would be an accurate way for species identification and discrimination.Conclusion: The amplification and sequencing of conserved genome regions identified a novel sequence of matK in native species of Solanum nigrum. The findings of the study would be applicable in medicinal industry to establish DNA based identification of different medicinal plant species to monitor adulteration

Machine learning-based prediction of specific energy consumption for cut-off grinding

Cut-off operation is widely used in the manufacturing industry and is highly energy-intensive. Prediction of specific energy consumption (SEC) using data-driven models is a promising means to understand, analyze and reduce energy consumption for cut-off grinding. The present article aims to put forth a novel methodology to predict and validate the specific energy consumption for cut-off grinding of oxygen-free copper (OFC–C10100) using supervised machine learning techniques. State-of-the-art experimental setup was designed to perform the abrasive cutting of the material at various cutting conditions. First, energy consumption values were predicted on the bases of input process parameters of feed rate, cutting thickness, and cutting tool type using the three supervised learning techniques of Gaussian process regression, regression trees, and artificial neural network (ANN). Among the three algorithms, Gaussian process regression performance was found to be superior, with minimum errors during validation and testing. The predicted values of energy consumption were then exploited to evaluate the specific energy consumption (SEC), which turned out to be highly accurate, with a correlation coefficient of 0.98. The relationship of the predicted specific energy consumption (SEC) with material removal rate agrees well with the relationship depicted in physical models, which further validates the accuracy of the prediction models.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Specific energy modeling of abrasive cut off operation based on sliding, plowing, and cutting

Studying the specific energy during material removal mechanism at micro-scale provides a better understanding of energy transition between different material removal regimes. Modeling of specific energy into components of sliding, plowing and cutting helps to analyze the influence of grain properties process parameters, and mechanical properties on energy transition between different phases of material removal. Present research put forth the comprehensive model of specific energy consumption for abrasive cut off operating based on the individual models of primary and secondary rubbing energies, specific plowing energy and specific cutting energy. Materials of SS201, Inconel 718, Al 1100, Al 7075 and oxygen free copper (OFC– C10100) have been employed while cutting with semi super abrasive cubitron cut off wheel. Model validation on experimental data revealed that triangular shape of cubitron grits significantly influenced the plowing energy and played an important role in energy transition between different material removal regimes. Moreover, cutting conditions and material properties also affected the overall specific energy consumption, dominance of particular specific energy components and machinability of the materials.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings There were 1.19 million (95% UI 1.11-1.28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59.6 [54.5-65.7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53.2 [48.8-57.9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14.2 [12.9-15.6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13.6 [12.6-14.8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23.5 million (21.9-25.2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2.7% (1.9-3.6) came from YLDs and 97.3% (96.4-98.1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

Measuring universal health coverage based on an index of effective coverage of health services in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019 : A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) involves all people receiving the health services they need, of high quality, without experiencing financial hardship. Making progress towards UHC is a policy priority for both countries and global institutions, as highlighted by the agenda of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW13). Measuring effective coverage at the health-system level is important for understanding whether health services are aligned with countries' health profiles and are of sufficient quality to produce health gains for populations of all ages. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we assessed UHC effective coverage for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Drawing from a measurement framework developed through WHO's GPW13 consultation, we mapped 23 effective coverage indicators to a matrix representing health service types (eg, promotion, prevention, and treatment) and five population-age groups spanning from reproductive and newborn to older adults (≥65 years). Effective coverage indicators were based on intervention coverage or outcome-based measures such as mortality-to-incidence ratios to approximate access to quality care; outcome-based measures were transformed to values on a scale of 0–100 based on the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile of location-year values. We constructed the UHC effective coverage index by weighting each effective coverage indicator relative to its associated potential health gains, as measured by disability-adjusted life-years for each location-year and population-age group. For three tests of validity (content, known-groups, and convergent), UHC effective coverage index performance was generally better than that of other UHC service coverage indices from WHO (ie, the current metric for SDG indicator 3.8.1 on UHC service coverage), the World Bank, and GBD 2017. We quantified frontiers of UHC effective coverage performance on the basis of pooled health spending per capita, representing UHC effective coverage index levels achieved in 2019 relative to country-level government health spending, prepaid private expenditures, and development assistance for health. To assess current trajectories towards the GPW13 UHC billion target—1 billion more people benefiting from UHC by 2023—we estimated additional population equivalents with UHC effective coverage from 2018 to 2023. Findings Globally, performance on the UHC effective coverage index improved from 45·8 (95% uncertainty interval 44·2–47·5) in 1990 to 60·3 (58·7–61·9) in 2019, yet country-level UHC effective coverage in 2019 still spanned from 95 or higher in Japan and Iceland to lower than 25 in Somalia and the Central African Republic. Since 2010, sub-Saharan Africa showed accelerated gains on the UHC effective coverage index (at an average increase of 2·6% [1·9–3·3] per year up to 2019); by contrast, most other GBD super-regions had slowed rates of progress in 2010–2019 relative to 1990–2010. Many countries showed lagging performance on effective coverage indicators for non-communicable diseases relative to those for communicable diseases and maternal and child health, despite non-communicable diseases accounting for a greater proportion of potential health gains in 2019, suggesting that many health systems are not keeping pace with the rising non-communicable disease burden and associated population health needs. In 2019, the UHC effective coverage index was associated with pooled health spending per capita (r=0·79), although countries across the development spectrum had much lower UHC effective coverage than is potentially achievable relative to their health spending. Under maximum efficiency of translating health spending into UHC effective coverage performance, countries would need to reach $1398 pooled health spending per capita (US$ adjusted for purchasing power parity) in order to achieve 80 on the UHC effective coverage index. From 2018 to 2023, an estimated 388·9 million (358·6–421·3) more population equivalents would have UHC effective coverage, falling well short of the GPW13 target of 1 billion more people benefiting from UHC during this time. Current projections point to an estimated 3·1 billion (3·0–3·2) population equivalents still lacking UHC effective coverage in 2023, with nearly a third (968·1 million [903·5–1040·3]) residing in south Asia. Interpretation The present study demonstrates the utility of measuring effective coverage and its role in supporting improved health outcomes for all people—the ultimate goal of UHC and its achievement. Global ambitions to accelerate progress on UHC service coverage are increasingly unlikely unless concerted action on non-communicable diseases occurs and countries can better translate health spending into improved performance. Focusing on effective coverage and accounting for the world's evolving health needs lays the groundwork for better understanding how close—or how far—all populations are in benefiting from UHC