Role of Agricultural Extension Agents in Enhancing Tomato Production in District Peshawar

The research study was conducted in three selected villages of district Peshawar in order to investigate the role of Agricultural Extension Agents in enhancing tomato productivity. Three villages namely Nahaqi, Khazana and Mairo were selected for this study on the basis of accessibility and availability of tomato growers. A detailed interview schedule was developed for data collection and after collection of data paired T-test was used for studying the difference of productivity. The results of the study shows that majority of the respondents were among the age group of 31-40 years with 33.75%. Education ratio was high as 72.5% while none educated were 27.5%. The ratio of owner-cum tenant was 32.5% which was the second dominant group. Major problems faced by respondents were insect/pest attack which ratio was 36.25% followed by seed problem which was reported by 27.5% of the respondents. The frequency of Agricultural Extension Agents’ visits to farmers once in month was reported by 46.25% of respondents. However, 37.5% respondents paid visit to Agricultural Extension Office once in a month which is not satisfactory. Eighty percent of the respondents attended trainings. Seventy percent of respondents reported that different methods regarding tomato crop were delivered to the farmers. The increase in production was reported by 68.75% while no change was observed by 23.75%.  The Paired T-test statistics shows that 10.39% increase was there due to the activities of extension agents and department. It is concluded that the role of Agric. Extension Agents was obviously good and can not be neglected, in this study effective role of Agricultural Extension Agent is positively correlated with adoption and production of tomato. Hence on the basis of observed value it was recommended that these activities should be continued and each category farmers should be involved in order to increase their production. These activities should be launched in other parts of the province by Agricultural Extension department. Keywords: Agriculture, Agric. Extension Agents, Tomato Production and District Peshawa

An Investigation on the Preparation of Contaning Low Caloric Biscuits with Supplementation of Dietary Fiber

This research was conducted to find out the effect of wheat bran, rice bran, corboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and guar gum supplementation on the quality of whole wheat flour biscuits. The proximate composition of whole wheat flour (WWF), wheat bran (WB) and rice bran (RB) were 9.0, 11.30, and 7.00 % moisture, 7.19, 12.61 and 14.80 % crude protein, 1.92, 3.79, and 2.29 % crude fat, 0.36, 4.78 and 9.96 % ash, 1.97, 12.7 and 14.2% crude fiber and 75.95, 67.52 and 65.95 %NFE respectively. Biscuits were prepared by adding this bran’s @ 4 to 8% and CMC and guar gum @ 0.14% in WWF. The samples were prepared as Bo (control), B1 96%WWF+4%WB, B2 92%WWF+8%WB, B3 96%WWF+4%RB, B4 92%WWF+8%RB, B5 96%WWF+4% WB + 0.14% CMC, B6 96%WWF+4% WB +0.14 % guar gum, B7 96%WWF+4% RB + 0.14 CMC and B8 96%WWF+4%RB +0.14% guar gum. The moisture content (%) increased in WB (from 2.71 to 2.87) and RB (from 2.69 to 2.78) supplemented biscuits, while decrease was recorded in CMC (from 2.82 to 2.62) and guar gum (from 2.69 to 2.58) respectively. Protein content (%) increased in WB (from 5.09 to 5.51) and RB (from 5.17 to 5.61) supplemented biscuits, while decrease was recorded in CMC (from 5.44 to 5.35) and guar gum (from 5.33 to 5.08) respectively. The NFE content (%) decreased in WB (from 65.39 to 59.0) and RB (66.74 to 66.09) supplemented biscuits, while it is increased in CMC (from 64.05 to 64.69) and guar gum (from 64.42 to 65.17) respectively. The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash content and NFE were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the level of supplementation. The physical analysis i.e. width and spread factor decreased by increasing the levels of bran, CMC and guar gum, while thickness increased by increasing levels of bran and decreased in CMC and guar gum supplementation. There was significant difference in the mean scores for sensory evaluation of the biscuit (p<0.05). Keywords: Wheat &Rice Bran, Biscuits, Quality, Supplementation, Chemical Evaluation

An Investigation into the Negative Impacts of Social Media on Academic Performance of Youth

This study is an attempt to know about the negative impacts of social media on the students of swat university district swat. It is quite explicit that use of social media is a burning and blistering issue of the day as well as the major concern of the day. In this regard this attempt was undertaken to highlight the issue and bring intimation regard the burning phenomenon among the masses as well as concerned people. The data is thoroughly analyzed in the result highlighting that there are negative impacts of social media on academic performance youth. Most of the data has been collected from literate and educated person who admitted that due to social media students’ academic performance affected. This research activity highlights that use of social media is misery of the day which needs immediate solution and measures to prevent the students. The research also includes the forms of social media which are affecting the student academic performance negatively. This research is a combination of authentic literature which has been selected from accurate sources. Such literature indicates the condition of social media in different regions of the world where it has been on peak and affecting the lives of students adversely. The collected data was then analyzed in shape of tabulation which was then explained. Keywords: Social Media, Students’ Academic Performance, Youth, Impacts, District Swat

Der Unterschied zwischen islamischem und konventionellem Banking: Ein grundlegender makroökonomischer Ansatz

The introduction of this thesis outlines the factors that have strengthened Islamic banking historically and currently. In doing so, the financial crises are examined to explain the lessons learned and the view of ancient Islamic values in the Muslim-dominated world. Within Islamic banking, there are various voices that criticize the debt-driven system. In addition, the social problem of one's identity through historical-colonialist structures is discussed. In view of the growing market, a scientific debate is necessary. In the second chapter, the basic framework of Islamic banking is presented in an understandable way, with the difference to conventional banking going beyond the prohibition of positive interest. Different types of accounts are distinguished and the importance of the credit market compared to the stock market is explained. In the third chapter, the theoretical concept of Islamic banking is translated into a Keynesian macro model. It is the first model of its kind to consider rationing in the credit market as a consequence of shocks. Evidence from the monetary policy of the European sovereign debt crisis is included to highlight the differences between traditional and Islamic banks. Then, the Keynesian model is extended to a 4-market model to better represent the effects of a homogeneous Islamic economic system. The goods market amplifies the effects of shocks compared to the 3-market model and shows that systems with Islamic banks need to be more regulated. The fourth chapter uses the New Keynesian macro model to examine long-run consequences of shocks on the economy. The model incorporates assumptions of Islamic banking and shows that boundedly rational expectations can generate higher volatility. A dynamic New Keynesian model is also used to assess the long-run effects

The Utilization of Improved Farming Technology in District Peshawar,Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa-Pakistan

This study was designed with the main objectives the utilization of improved farming technology in district Peshawar during 2010. Results of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were in the age of 36-50 years. Most (55%) of the farmers were illiterate. Among literate 45% respondents, most (20%) of the respondents were having low level of education. Wheat and maize were the major crops grown by the farmers in the area. Majority (77.5%) of the respondents were getting water from water channels to their fields having poor condition. Majority (72.5%) of the respondents had no linkages with the government departments having no advantages from coupling as reported by 92.5% of the respondents. Majorities (62.5%) of the respondents were unaware about the adoption of modern agriculture technology and they said for non assistance by government to the farmers. Creation of knowledge was stated by most (60%) of the respondents among farmers about modern agriculture. Main problems were: poor literacy level, lack of technical knowledge; poor economic conditions of farmers; no linkages of farmers with government departments, government negligence, and lack of training and unavailability of loans. It is suggested that farmers should make more use of modern agriculture machinery in their fields. Government should be imparted enlarge association with farmers to solve their problems on their door step. Availability of easy loans and training programmes for awareness about latest agriculture machinery and farming practices is recommended. Keywords: Farming Technology, Major Crops, Economic Condition, District Peshawa

Fast Adaptive Robust Differentiator Based Robust-Adaptive Control of Grid-Tied Inverters with a New L Filter Design Method

In this research, a new nonlinear and adaptive state feedback controller with a fast-adaptive robust differentiator is presented for grid-tied inverters. All parameters and external disturbances are taken as uncertain in the design of the proposed controller without the disadvantages of singularity and over-parameterization. A robust differentiator based on the second order sliding mode is also developed with a fast-adaptive structure to be able to consider the time derivative of the virtual control input. Unlike the conventional backstepping, the proposed differentiator overcomes the problem of explosion of complexity. In the closed-loop control system, the three phase source currents and direct current (DC) bus voltage are assumed to be available for feedback. Using the Lyapunov stability theory, it is proven that the overall control system has the global asymptotic stability. In addition, a new simple L filter design method based on the total harmonic distortion approach is also proposed. Simulations and experimental results show that the proposed controller assurances drive the tracking errors to zero with better performance, and it is robust against all uncertainties. Moreover, the proposed L filter design method matches the total harmonic distortion (THD) aim in the design with the experimental result

Functional Properties and Preparation of Diet Apricot Jam

This research was conducted to prepare apricot diet jam from the pulp of fresh mature apricots by using artificial sweeteners i.e. aspartame and saccharine. Apricots were washed with clean water to remove dust particles. After sorting and pitting, apricots were cut into two halves with the help of stainless steel knives and dipped in 0.1% citric acid solution to avoid browning. The pulp of apricots was extracted by using plumper. Apricot pulp was heated to get the desired consistency. Low heating was continued and brix were noted after every 20 minutes. At the end two different artificial sweeteners were used for the preparation of jam. Pectin with small amount of non nutritive sweeteners were dissolved separately and added to the mixture. Preservatives and color was added at the end of cooking. At 210brix the product was poured into the jam bottles, already washed, cleaned, sterilized and without moisture. Bottles were caped and stored at ambient room temperature. After three days the samples were studied for their chemical characteristics. The parameter (i.e.) moisture, acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, pH, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar were determined in apricot diet jam.  Physicochemically the mean values of the results were 3.69 pH, 0.66% total acidity, 6.54% vit. C (mg/100g), 77.01% moisture, 21.3% TSS, 4.13% reducing sugars, and 9.2% non reducing sugars. Keywords: Preparation Apricot Diet Jam, Preservatives, Chemical Characteristic

Influence of Different Chemical Preservatives and Local Preservation Methods of Drying Apricot

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different apricot drying methods of Local and Turkey on the overall quality of sun-dried apricot stored at ambient temperature for period of three months. In Local method, the fruit before drying is destoned and cut in two pieces, while in Turkey the destoned whole fruit is used for drying. For packing of the samples white glassy bags were used. The treatments were T0 (Local Method + Unpacked), T1 (Local Method + Packed), T2 (Local Method + Sulfur dioxide + Unpacked), T3 (Local Method + Sulfur dioxide + Packed), T4 (Turkey Method + Unpacked), T5 (Turkey Method + Packed), T6 (Turkey Method + Sulfur dioxide + Unpacked), T7 (Turkey Method + Sulfur dioxide + packed). The samples were analysed physico-chemically (TSS, ascorbic acid content, moisture content, acidity, pH and dry solids), microbially (Total fungal count) organoleptically (color, flavor and texture) and overall acceptability at each 15 days interval of storage. At three months storage TSS (30.80 oBx) was slightly reduced in all unpacked samples. Moisture content (18.50 %) was slightly increased in unpacked samples (T0, T2, T4, T6) and slightly reduced in packed samples (T1, T3, T5, T7). Ascorbic acid content (16.80 mg/100 g) was reduced in unpacked and packed samples, the loss was more in unpacked samples. Titratable acidity (0.40%) was slightly enhanced in all samples. pH (5.20) was reduced (4.4) in all samples. Dry solid (81.60) was slightly reduced in unpacked samples and increased in packed samples. Sun dried apricots samples were analysed for total microbial growth. Maximum growth was found in sample T0 (1163.0 cfu/g) and minimum in T7 (35.14 cfu/g). These samples were sensory evaluated. Maximum score for colour was obtained by T7 (7.86 – 7.20) and minimum by T0 (5 - 4). For taste maximum score was obtained by T5 (8.6 – 8.0) and minimum by T2 (5.6 – 4.6). Texture maximum score was obtained by T7 (7.0 – 5.6) and minimum by T0 (6.0 – 4.2). For overall acceptability maximum score was obtained by T5 (7.53 – 6.36) and minimum by T0 (5.73 – 4.53). Statistical analysis of all the treatments stored for three months at ambient temperature was found significant (p<0.05) except storage effect on moisture content and dry solids. Keywords: Local Methods, Quality, Sun-Dried Apricot, Physico-Chemically Analysis, Organoleptically Analysi

A novel switched model predictive control of wind turbines using artificial neural network-Markov chains prediction with load mitigation

The existing model predictive control algorithm based on continuous control using quadratic programming is currently one of the most used modern control strategies applied to wind turbines. However, heavy computational time involved and complexity in implementation are still obstructions in existing model predictive control algorithm. Owing to this, a new switched model predictive control technique is developed for the control of wind turbines with the ability to reduce complexity while maintaining better efficiency. The proposed technique combines model predictive control operating on finite control set and artificial intelligence with reinforcement techniques (Markov Chains, MC) to design a new effective control law which allows to achieve the control objectives in different wind speed zones with minimization of computational complexity. The proposed method is compared with the existing model predictive control algorithm, and it has been found that the proposed algorithm is better in terms of computational time, load mitigation, and dynamic response. The proposed research is a forward step towards refining modern control techniques to achieve optimization in nonlinear process control using novel hybrid structures based on conventional control laws and artificial intelligence.© 2021 THE AUTHORS. Published by Elsevier BV on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Cytotoxic Effect of Nefazodone on HepG2 Cell Line and the Reliability of Comet Assay to Determine Genotoxicity.

Nefazodone is atypical antidepressant which was manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1994 to avoid the adverse effects associated with other antidepressants, including nausea, sedation, insomnia, cardiovascular toxi-city, weight gain and dysfunction. In 2004, nefazodone was withdrawn from USA after its withdrawal from Canada and Europe due to the reports of liver injury in patients treated with this drug. The current study was performed to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of nefazodone on HepG2 cell line at different concentrations by using MTT assay and comet assay, respectively. The results showed that nefazodone causes a reduction in cells viability of  HepG2 cell line with an IC50 4.682 µg/ml. Comet assay showed a significant increment in the three parameters (tail length, percent of DNA in tail and tail moment) in a concentration-dependent manner, when compared with negative control (p˂0.01), but these results considered as false positive due to cells death