Optimizing the transplanting window for higher productivity of short and medium duration rice cultivars in Punjab,India using CERES-Rice model

The CERES-Rice(V4.7.5)model was used to identify the optimum transplanting window for higher productivity of rice in Indian Punjab.The model was first sensitized for 11 genetic coefficients and then these values were used for calibrating and validating the model for rice cultivars.The Normalized Root Mean Square Error was in excellent range(<10%)for all the parameters—the coefficient of determination(R2)for CVS.PR126 and PR127 for days taken to anthesis and maturity were 0.94 and 0.89−0.96,respectively while grain yield and LAI(leaf area index)were 0.89−0.98 and 0.87−0.89,respectively.The optimum transplanting window of 24−30 June for PR126 and 20−26 June for PR127 simulated the grain yield/LAI ranging from 8,425−8,473 kg·ha^(−1)/4.23−4.24 for PR126 and 8,298−8,356 kg·ha^(−1)/4.20−4.21 for PR127.The early transplantation of rice cultivars on 7th June resulted in the lowest yield/LAI of 6,702 kg·ha^(−1)/3.8 for PR126 and 6,865 kg·ha^(−1)/3.9 for PR127.The deviation for the grain yield and HI(harvest index)of PR126 was between−14.2%to+8.2%and−15.1%to+10.5%,respectively,and of PR127 varied between−11.2%to+8.1%and−14.2%to+10.6%,respectively.The decline in the yield/HI from the average was observed during early transplantation in 2^(nd)week of June(before the 15^(th)of June for PR126 and the 13^(th)of June for PR127)as well as late transplantation in the 1st week of July(after 11^(th)July for PR126 and 6^(th)July for PR127)for rice cultivars.The negative effect on yield and HI of both varieties during early and late transplantation could be due to unfavorable climatic conditions.

Identifying barriers to early diagnosis of breast cancer and perception of women in Malwa region of Punjab,India

Objective:The aim of present study is to identify the breast cancer screening barriers among the women with breast cancer of Malwa region of Punjab,India.The study was conducted at three government hospitals representing almost all districts of Malwa region.Methods:The quantitative research design was followed using empirical research methods.Study was carried out by one-to-one interview by the field investigator and research assistant.Total of 363 breast cancer patient has been interviewed through the scheduled questionnaire and results has been recorded for further analysis.In this study,five barriers are described namely as personal barriers,socio-cultural barriers,economic barriers,health­system barriers,and treatment barriers which contains various questions regarding barriers to breast cancer screening.Univariate analysis methods have been used for the analysis to access the socio-demographic profile of women.Data has been obtained with the help of 5-point liker scale.Binary logistic model was chosen.Results:Majority of participants were in the age groups 50-<60 years(3&6%,140/363)and>60 years(31.1%,112/363).Majority of these women(47.4%,171/363)were illiterate and most of them were housewives.The major barriers to breast cancer screening faced by most of the women were having no knowledge about screening services(90.9%,329/363),the importance of early diagnosis(90.9%,329/363),different screening methods(95.5%,347/363)and place of availing screening services(91.2%,330/363)misguided belief in God and fate(81.5%,295/363)and preferring duties than taking care of health(70.2%,254/363).Education qualification(odds ratio[OR]0.74,β'=-0.309,t=-5.357,P=0.000)and socioeconomic class(OR 1.43,β’=0.354,t=3.399,P=0.001)were found to be significant determinant of the barriers among women.Conclusion:The survey was conducted in the women between the age 40-60 years and as an outcome,the unawareness about screening services,fatalistic attitude,fear of being diagnosed with the cancer,low per capita income was found out significant factors that restricted the women for early check-up for the breast cancer.

Fertilization and Soil Ploughing Practices under Changing Physical Environment Lead to Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics under Conservation Agriculture in Rice-Wheat Cropping System: A Scoping Review

Ploughing and fertilization practices in rice-wheat system have deteriorated the soil carbon (C) pools. Conservation agriculture (CA) based management approaches have proven to enhance C sequestration and reverse the loss of soil-organic-carbon (SOC), which further enhances soil fertility. Different fractions of SOC pools react to the alterations in management practices and indicate changes in SOC dynamics as compared to total C in the soil. Higher SOC levels in soil have been observed in case of reduced/no-till (NT) practices than conventional tillage (CT). However, between CT and zero tillage/NT, total SOC stocks diminished with an increase in soil depth, which demonstrated that the benefits of SOC are more pronounced in the topsoil under NT. Soil aggregation provides physical protection to C associated with different-sized particles, thus, the improvement in soil aggregation through CA is an effective way to mitigate soil C loss. Along with less soil disturbance, residual management, suitable crop rotation, rational application of manures and fertilizers, and integrated nutrient management have been found to be effective in not only improving soil C stock but also enhancing the soil health and productivity. Thus, CA can be considered as a potential method in the build-up of SOC of soil in rice-wheat system.

Variation,inheritance and correlation of growth characteristics of Populus deltoides Bartr.at various ages in the central-plain region of Punjab,India

The growth performance of twenty poplar （Populus deltoides Bartr.） clones, planted in the central-plain region of Punjab in north-western India, was evaluated using a randomized block design with three replications and plot size of four plants. Significant differences among clones were observed for diameter at breast height （DBH）, height and volume per tree at age five, six and eight years. Clone L-48/89 recorded significantly superior volume than the control （G-48） at all ages, with superiority of 51.4, 43.9 and 48.5 per cent at age five, six and eight years, respectively. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were the highest for volume （26.55-34.66% and 15.84-26.00%） and the minimum for tree height （8.43-12.13% and 4.71-7.59%）. The broad sense heritability was relatively higher for DBH （0.42-0.55） and genetic advance as per cent of mean was highest for volume （19.48-40.18）. All genetic parameters increased with age. All traits showed significant positive correlation with each other.

Assessment of Day Time Anthesis Warming on Rice Cultivars under Varying Textured Sites of South-Western Punjab, India

Rice production is highly influenced by the prevailing weather conditions, physico-chemical properties of the soil, the yielding potential of cultivars besides, several crop management practices and inputs. To understand the performance of the tiller production of various paddy cultivars under varying soil texture sites of the south-western Punjab, four rice cultivars viz., PR121 (V1), PAU201 (V2), PR128 (V3) and PR129 (V4) were grown at three different locations having soil texture from light to heavy. Sowing of nursery was completed between May 15, 2019 and May 23, 2019 however, seedlings were transplanted in the well prepared field during 05-20 June, 2019. Results of the present study clearly depicted the role of weather parameters on plant height, effective tillers, grain yield and spikelet sterility in the rice crop. High temperatures have detrimental effects on fertility of rice varieties, regardless the transplanting time. Among different rice cultivars, sterility was the lowest (17.8%) in PR121 and the highest 42.6% in PR129. Apart from the varietal differences, the lowest sterility 28.4% recorded in medium textured soil was lowered by 21.5% and 27.8% than light and high textured soils. Cultivar PR121 produced 3.9%, 7.7% and 15% higher grain yield than PR128, PAU201 and PR129, respectively. The response of anthesis period thermal stress on spikelet sterility should be considered to develop the temperature tolerant varieties for addressing the climate change issues.

Novel Sources of Combined Resistance Against Rice Root-Knot Nematode and Brown Spot Disease in Oryza rufipogon

Rice root-knot nematode(RRKN,Meloidogyne graminicola)and brown spot(BS,Drechslera oryzae)are serious constraints on the quality of rice grains,particularly under direct-seeded rice conditions in many parts of the world.Developing rice varieties resistant to RRKN and BS will be the most effective and environmentally friendly management strategy.A total of 93 and 58 Oryza rufipogon accessions were screened against RRKN and BS,respectively,for two years under artificial inoculation conditions.Among the 93 O.rufipogon accessions。

Tribological Performance of Different Concentrations of Al_(2)O_(3)Nanofluids on Minimum Quantity Lubrication Milling

Nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication(NMQL)is a green processing technology.Cottonseed oil is suitable as base oil because of excellent lubrication performance,low freezing temperature,and high yield.Al_(2)O_(3)nanoparticles improve not only the heat transfer capacity but also the lubrication performance.The physical and chemical proper-ties of nanofluid change when Al_(2)O_(3)nanoparticles are added.However,the effects of the concentration of nanofluid on lubrication performance remain unknown.Furthermore,the mechanisms of interaction between Al_(2)O_(3)nanoparti-cles and cottonseed oil are unclear.In this research,nanofluid is prepared by adding different mass concentrations of Al_(2)O_(3)nanoparticles(0,0.2%,0.5%,1%,1.5%,and 2%wt)to cottonseed oil during minimum quantity lubrication(MQL)milling 45 steel.The tribological properties of nanofluid with different concentrations at the tool/workpiece interface are studied through macro-evaluation parameters(milling force,specific energy)and micro-evaluation parameters(surface roughness,micro morphology,contact angle).The result show that the specific energy is at the minimum(114 J/mm^(3)),and the roughness value is the lowest(1.63μm)when the concentration is 0.5 wt%.The surfaces of the chip and workpiece are the smoothest,and the contact angle is the lowest,indicating that the tribological proper-ties are the best under 0.5 wt%.This research investigates the intercoupling mechanisms of Al_(2)O_(3)nanoparticles and cottonseed base oil,and acquires the optimal Al_(2)O_(3)nanofluid concentration to receive satisfactory tribological properties.

Metabolomics in drug discovery: Restoring antibiotic pipeline

Metabolomics has emerged as a valuable tool in drug discovery and development,providing new insights into the mechanisms of action and toxicity of potential therapeutic agents.Metabolomics focuses on the comprehensive analysis of primary as well as secondary metabolites,within biological systems.Metabolomics provides a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic changes that occur within microbial pathogens when exposed to therapeutic agents,thus allowing for the identification of unique metabolic targets that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.This approach can also uncover key metabolic pathways essential for survival,which can serve as potential targets for novel antibiotics.By analyzing the metabolites produced by diverse microbial communities,metabolomics can guide the discovery of previously unexplored sources of antibiotics.This review explores some examples that enable medicinal chemists to optimize drug structure,enhancing efficacy and minimizing toxicity via metabolomic approaches.

Surveying the genomic landscape of silage-quality traits in maize(Zea mays L.)

Despite the longstanding importance of silage as a critical feed source for ruminants,its quality improvement has been largely overlooked.Although numerous quantitative trait loci(QTL)and genes affecting silage quality in maize have been reported,only a few have been effectively incorporated into breeding programs.Addressing this gap,the present study undertook a comprehensive meta-QTL(MQTL)analysis involving 523 QTL associated with silage-quality traits collected from 14 published studies.Of the 523 QTL,405 were projected onto a consensus map comprising 62,424 genetic markers,resulting in the identification of 60 MQTL and eight singletons.The average confidence interval(CI)of the MQTL was 3.9-fold smaller than that of the source QTL.Nine of the 60 identified MQTL were classified as breeder’s MQTL owing to their small CIs,involvement of more QTL,and large contribution to phenotypic variation.One-third of the MQTL co-localized with DNA marker-trait associations identified in previous genomewide association mapping studies.A set of 78 high-confidence candidate genes influencing silage quality were identified in the MQTL regions.These genes and associated markers may advance marker-assisted breeding for maize silage quality.

Optical dromions for complex Ginzburg Landau model with nonlinear media

This manuscript studies the optical dromions with beta derivative(BD)applied to the Complex Ginzburg Landau equation(CGLE)with Kerr law,parabolic law,cubic quintic septic law and quadratic cubic law.We obtain bright dromians by using the sine-cosine method(SCM).We will also obtain domain walls with the assistance of Bernoulli equation approach(BEA).Constraint conditions are also listed.

Gamma Correction for Brightness Preservation in Natural Images

Due to improper acquisition settings and other noise artifacts,the image degraded to yield poor mean preservation in brightness.The simplest way to improve the preservation is the implementation of histogram equalization.Because of over-enhancement,it failed to preserve the mean brightness and produce the poor quality of the image.This paper proposes a multi-scale decomposi-tion for brightness preservation using gamma correction.After transformation to hue,saturation and intensity(HSI)channel,the 2D-discrete wavelet transform decomposed the intensity component into low and high-pass coefficients.At the next phase,gamma correction is used by auto-tuning the scale value.The scale is the modified constant value used in the logarithmic function.Further,the scale value is optimized to obtain better visual quality in the image.The optimized value is the weighted distribution of standard deviation-mean of low pass coefficients.Finally,the experimental result is estimated in terms of quality assessment measures used as absolute mean brightness error,the measure of information detail,signal to noise ratio and patch-based contrast quality in the image.By comparison,the proposed method proved to be suitably remarkable in retaining the mean brightness and better visual quality of the image.

Cryptotanshinone ameliorates cladribine-induced cognitive impairment in rats

Objective:To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of cryptotanshinone against cladribine-induced cognitive impairment in rats.Methods:Rats were administered with cladribine(1 mg/kg,p.o.)and cryptotanshinone(10 and 20 mg/kg,i.p.)for four weeks.Behavioral tests such as Morris water maze and elevated plus maze were conducted to check memory impairment caused by cladribine.On day 29,all rats were sacrificed,and the brains were separated for estimation of neuroinflammatory factors,biochemical parameters,neurotransmitters,Aβ(1-42),blood-brain barrier permeability,nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF).Results:Treatment with cryptotanshinone dose-dependently enhanced spatial memory,improved the levels of neurotransmitter and antioxidant enzymes,and suppressed proinflammatory cytokine release.Cryptotanshinone also decreased Aβ(1-42)accumulation and increased the levels of Nrf2 and BDNF in the hippocampus.Additionally,the histopathological results showed that cryptotanshinone reduced cladribine-induced neuronal death in the hippocampus.Conclusions:Cryptotanshinone exhibits a promising neuroprotective effect against cladribine-induced cognitive impairment in preclinical studies,and may be a potential phytochemical for the treatment and management of cognitive impairment.

Efficient Optimal Routing Algorithm Based on Reward and Penalty for Mobile Adhoc Networks

Mobile adhoc networks have grown in prominence in recent years,and they are now utilized in a broader range of applications.The main challenges are related to routing techniques that are generally employed in them.Mobile Adhoc system management,on the other hand,requires further testing and improvements in terms of security.Traditional routing protocols,such as Adhoc On-Demand Distance Vector(AODV)and Dynamic Source Routing(DSR),employ the hop count to calculate the distance between two nodes.The main aim of this research work is to determine the optimum method for sending packets while also extending life time of the network.It is achieved by changing the residual energy of each network node.Also,in this paper,various algorithms for optimal routing based on parameters like energy,distance,mobility,and the pheromone value are proposed.Moreover,an approach based on a reward and penalty system is given in this paper to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms under the impact of parameters.The simulation results unveil that the reward penalty-based approach is quite effective for the selection of an optimal path for routing when the algorithms are implemented under the parameters of interest,which helps in achieving less packet drop and energy consumption of the nodes along with enhancing the network efficiency.

Sericin alleviates pentylenetetrazole kindling epilepsy and associated comorbidities via modulation of GABA-T enzyme and mitochondrial activity

Objective:To assess the effect of sericin against pentylenetetrazole(PTZ)kindling epilepsy and its associated comorbidities.Methods:Epilepsy was induced with PTZ at the dose of 30 mg/kg i.p.on alternative days for 25 days in rats.Sericin was administered orally at the doses of 250,500,and 1000 mg/kg for 35 days.The behavioral activities were performed using an elevated plus maze,forced swim test,and Morris water maze test.A PTZ challenge test was conducted on day 32.On day 35,rats were sacrificed to perform oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction,neuroinflammation,neurotransmitters,GABA-T activity,and histopathological analyses.Results:Sericin at 500 and 1000 mg/kg significantly reduced behavioral changes and neuroinflammatory cytokines,as well as improved oxidative stress,mitochondrial enzyme complex activity,neurotransmitter level,and GABA-T enzymatic activity(P<0.05).Moreover,sericin improved the neuronal survival altered by PTZ kindling in rat hippocampus.Conclusions:Sericin mitigates epilepsy-associated secondary complications possibly by the modulation of mitochondrial enzyme complexes and GABA-T enzymatic activity.

Meta-QTL analysis for mining of candidate genes and constitutive gene network development for fungal disease resistance in maize(Zea mays L.)

The development of resistant maize cultivars is the most effective and sustainable approach to combat fungal diseases.Over the last three decades,many quantitative trait loci(QTL)mapping studies reported numerous QTL for fungal disease resistance(FDR)in maize.However,different genetic backgrounds of germplasm and differing QTL analysis algorithms limit the use of identified QTL for comparative studies.The meta-QTL(MQTL)analysis is the meta-analysis of multiple QTL experiments,which entails broader allelic coverage and helps in the combined analysis of diverse QTL mapping studies revealing common genomic regions for target traits.In the present study,128(33.59%)out of 381 reported QTL(from 82 studies)for FDR could be projected on the maize genome through MQTL analysis.It revealed 38 MQTL for FDR(12 diseases)on all chromosomes except chromosome 10.Five MQTL namely 1_4,2_4,3_2,3_4,and 5_4 were linked with multiple FDR.Total of 1910 candidate genes were identified for all the MQTL regions,with protein kinase gene families,TFs,pathogenesis-related,and disease-responsive proteins directly or indirectly associated with FDR.The comparison of physical positions of marker-traits association(MTAs)from genome-wide association studies with genes underlying MQTL interval verified the presence of QTL/candidate genes for particular diseases.The linked markers to MQTL and putative candidate genes underlying identified MQTL can be further validated in the germplasm through marker screening and expression studies.The study also attempted to unravel the underlying mechanism for FDR resistance by analyzing the constitutive gene network,which will be a useful resource to understand the molecular mechanism of defense-response of a particular disease and multiple FDR in maize.

(∈,∈∨q)-模糊BCK-滤子

在BCK-代数中引入(∈,∈∨q)-模糊BCK-滤子的概念,讨论了它的某些性质.特别是,分别利用水平集和∈∨q-水平集给出了∈∨q-模糊BCK-滤子的若干特征.

ROS and oxidative burst:Roots in plant development

Reactive oxygen species(ROS)are widely generated in various redox reactions in plants.In earlier studies.ROS were considered toxic byproducts of aerobic metabolism.In recent years,it has become clear that ROS act as plant signaling molecules that participate in various processes such as growth and development.Several studies have elucidated the roles of ROS from seed germination to senescence.However,there is much to discover about the diverse roles of ROS as signaling molecules and their mechanisms of sensing and response.ROS may provide possible benefits to plant physiological processes by supporting cellular proliferation in cells that maintain basal levels prior to oxidative effects.Although ROS are largely perceived as either negative by-products of aerobic metabolism or makers for plant stress,elucidating the range of functions that ROS play in growth and development still require attention.

Review on friction stir welding of magnesium alloys

Friction Stir Welding(FSW)is considered to be the most significant development in metal joining in last two decades.FSW has many advantages when welding magnesium or lightweight alloys.The Friction stir welding of magnesium alloy has many potential applications in major industries i.e.land transportation,aerospace,railway,shipbuilding and marine,construction,and many other industrial applications.Even magnesium alloys have been used in industrial equipment of nuclear energy as magnesium alloys have low tendency to absorb neutrons,sufficient resistance to carbon dioxide and excellent thermal conductivity.Recently,the research and development in FSW field and associated technologies have been developing rapidly worldwide.In this review article,the basic principle of friction stir welding and several aspects of friction stir welded magnesium alloys have been described.The current state of friction stir welding of magnesium alloys is summarized.In spite of this,much remains to be learned about the process and opportunities for further research are identified.

Variation among poplar clones for growth and crown traits under field conditions at two sites of North-western India

We evaluated the growth and crown traits of 36 poplar clones at two distinct agro-climatic regions of Punjab （Ludhiana and Bathinda） in northwestern India, following randomized block design with three replications and plot size of four trees. Significant differences among clones （p〈0.001） were observed for diameter at breast height （DBH）, tree height, volume, crown width and number of branches under both the site conditions. Clones ‘G-3’, ‘25-N’ and ‘41-N’ at Ludhiana and ‘G-3’, ‘RD-01’ and ‘S7C8’ at Bathinda were found to be superior for volume production. All growth and crown traits registered significantly higher values at Ludhiana in comparison to those at Bathinda. Clone site interaction was also significant （p〈0.001）. For volume, clones ‘L-62/84’, ‘113520’, ‘25-N’ and ‘S4C2’ witnessed huge fluctuations in ranking between sites. The correlations between growth traits were positive and highly significant （p〈0.001） at both sites. The clonal mean heritability was moderate for DBH and volume both at Ludhiana （0.61–0.66） and Bathinda （0.61–0.62）. Across sites, the genetic advance was the highest for volume （49.76%） and the lowest （6.50%） in case of height.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activity and GC-MS analysis of juice and peel oil of grapefruit varieties cultivated in India

Citrus family especially Grapefruit,has attained considerable attention due to the presence of a number of essential components that have cardiovascular and anti-hypertensive properties.The juice and essential oil extracted from eight recently released grapefruit cultivars were used to study physicochemical and antioxidant properties.The total soluble solids(TSS),titratable acidity(TA) and pH of juice samples extracted from various grapefruit varieties differed significantly.The refractive index,specific gravity and optical rotation values for the oil varied from 1.473 to 1.396,0.863 to 0.847 and +93 to +86,respectively.The percent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical activity(% DPPH activity) and ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP) values for grapefruit juice and peel oil varied from 24.06 to 18.79,2.91 to 1.44 mmol g^–1 and 84.87 to 74.73,7.76 to 5.73 mmol g^-1,respectively.There were significant differences in physicochemical,antioxidant properties and volatile profiles of extracted juice and oil.The oil exhibited higher DPPH and FRAP values than the juice.Among different components identified which accounted for over 99% of the volatile fraction,limonene,myrcene,and benzopyran were major components in all oil samples.