Seed to soil contact is critical for successful germination and establishment.The seed coat micromorphology is a stable trait that has contributed significant information to the phylogenetic classification of angiospe...Seed to soil contact is critical for successful germination and establishment.The seed coat micromorphology is a stable trait that has contributed significant information to the phylogenetic classification of angiosperms.Seed morphology refers to the physical characteristics of seeds,such as their size,shape,color,texture,and structure.The characteristics can vary greatly among different plant species and can provide important information about the plants'life cycle,ecological requirements,and evolutionary history.The aim of this work was to describe the 34 species representing 23 botanical families that were collected to study the micromorphological features of seeds from Khaplu and Skardu mountainous area.Seed shape,color,and texture were observed under a light and scanning microscope and stereo microscope.Micromorphological and ultrastructural data have proved useful in determining seed plant evolution,classification,ecology,and phylogeny.Seed shapes varied from elliptic,oblong,ovate,pyramidal,and spherical.Surface sculpturing varied from rugulate,negative reticulate,reticulate,foveolate,granular and striated.The seed size varied enormously from very minute Matricaria chamomilla 0.33 mm×0.06 mm to very large seed Elaeagnus angustifolia 13.76 mm×4.70 mm.Epicuticular projections,anticlinal wall,periclinal wall,wall ornamentation,and seed texture were also studied under scanning electron microscopy.Most of the seed colors were brown and black except Carthamus tinctorius which exhibits creamy white color.A principal component analysis was used to identify the most outliers in seed micromorphology and provide a significant explanation.A taxonomic key based on micromorphological features has been constructed to assist botanists in identifying species and genera,and to support the conservation of seed bank resources.展开更多
The quantum electrodynamic (QED) behaviour is studied for quantum Hall effect (QHE). Quantum theory with conjecture of fractional charge quantization (quantum dipole moment), eigenfunctions for fractional charge quant...The quantum electrodynamic (QED) behaviour is studied for quantum Hall effect (QHE). Quantum theory with conjecture of fractional charge quantization (quantum dipole moment), eigenfunctions for fractional charge quantization at the surface of a twisted and twigged electron quanta and above its surface, fractional Fourier transform and Hermite function for fractional charge quantization is developed. With energy eigen value equation for QHE and with energy operator on an eigenfunction of a twisted and twigged electron quanta, the corresponding eigenfunctions are normalized with Schrodinger’s quantum wave mechanical equation for electric scalar and magnetic potentials, respectively (QED behavior). The fractional electric and magnetic fields with their corresponding potentials for the quantized fractional states in semiconducting hereto structures are theoretically calculated. Such mathematical expressions are in good agreement with experimental results of Nobel Prize winning scientists Klitzing, Haroche, Peter and Gruebber. Our results can also explain the hybridized states of orbits with emphasis on sigma and pi bonding and their corresponding antibonding orbitals as a manifestation of electrophilic and nucleophilic chemical reactions.展开更多
The structural, electronic, and elastic properties of ZnSe1-xSx for the zinc blende structures have been studied by using the density functional theory. The calculations were performed using the plane wave pseudopoten...The structural, electronic, and elastic properties of ZnSe1-xSx for the zinc blende structures have been studied by using the density functional theory. The calculations were performed using the plane wave pseudopotential method, as implemented in Quantum ESPRESSO. The exchange-correlation potential is treated with the local density approximation pz-LDA for these properties. Moreover, LDA＋U approximation is employed to treat the ＂d＂ orbital electrons properly. A comparative study of the band gap calculated within both LDA and LDA＋U schemes is presented. The analysis of results show considerable improvement in the calculation of band gap. The inclusion of compositional disorder increases the values of all elastic constants. In this study, it is found that elastic constants C11, C12, and C44 are mainly influenced by the compositional disorder. The obtained results are in good agreement with literature.展开更多
The structural, electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os metals and their alloys PtPdX （X = Ir, Os and Rh） are studied systematically using ab initio density functional theory. The ground...The structural, electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os metals and their alloys PtPdX （X = Ir, Os and Rh） are studied systematically using ab initio density functional theory. The groundstate properties such as lattice constant and bulk modulus are calculated to find the equilibrium atomic position for stable alloys. The electronic band structure and density of states are calculated to study the electronic behavior of metals on making their alloys. The electronic properties substantiate the metallic behavior for all studied materials. The firstprinciples density functional perturbation theory as implemented in quasi-harmonic approximation is used for the calculations of thermal properties. We have calculated the thermal properties such as the Debye temperature, vibrational energy, entropy and constant-volume specific heat. The calculated properties are compared with the previously reported experimental and theoretical data for metals and are found to be in good agreement. Calculated results for alloys could not be compared because there is no data available in the literature with such alloy composition.展开更多
This paper is based on the results of an ethnomedicinal research work conducted in the semi-tribal mountainous area lying between District Mianwali (PunjabProvince) and District Karak (KhyberPakhtunkhwaProvince),Pakis...This paper is based on the results of an ethnomedicinal research work conducted in the semi-tribal mountainous area lying between District Mianwali (PunjabProvince) and District Karak (KhyberPakhtunkhwaProvince),Pakistanduring June 2009-July 2011. During field survey, questionnaires were used to interview the local inhabitants of the area. The ethnomedicinal data consists of 131 plant species (2 Pteridophytes, 7 Monocots, 122 Dicots) belonging to 48 families (2 Pteridophytes, 4 Monocots, 42 Dicots). The most commonly represented families were Amaranthaceae (9 spp.), Mimosaceae (8 spp.), Asteraceae and Papilionaceae (7 spp.) each;Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Scrophulariaceae (6 spp.) each, followed by Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae and Polygonaceae (5 spp.) each. Plant specimens were identified, preserved and vouchers were deposited in the Plant Taxonomy Lab. of Department of Biological Sciences,University of Sargodha,Pakistanfor future reference. The data collected through interviews with the local people indicates that these species are mostly used in respiratory tract infections (RTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), digestive disorders, sexual problems, skin diseases, liver ailments, wound healing, blood vomiting, malaria, piles, epilepsy, jaundice, gummosis, round worms, hepatitis etc. in the area. Due to lack of scientific approach regarding harvesting and utilization of this valuable medicinal flora, many plants are quickly going towards extinction;therefore, further work is needed to create awareness in the community conservation of the precious medicinal plants.展开更多
In this study the pseudo-potential method is used to investigate the structural, electronic, and thermodynamic proper- ties of ZnOl_xSx semiconductor materials. The results show that the electronic properties are foun...In this study the pseudo-potential method is used to investigate the structural, electronic, and thermodynamic proper- ties of ZnOl_xSx semiconductor materials. The results show that the electronic properties are found to be improved when calculated by using LDA ~ U functional as compared with local density approximation （LDA）. At various concentrations the ground-state properties are determined for bulk materials ZnO, ZnS, and their tertiary alloys in cubic zinc-blende phase. From the results, a minor difference is observed between the lattice parameters from Vegard＇s law and other calculated results, which may be due to the large mismatch between lattice parameters of binary compounds ZnO and ZnS. A small deviation in the bulk modulus from linear concentration dependence is also observed for each of these alloys. The ther- modynamic properties, including the phonon contribution to Helmholtz free energy △F, phonon contribution to internal energy △E, and specific iheat at constant-volume Cv, are calculated within quasi-harmonic approximation based on the calculated phonon dispersion relations.展开更多
In the present research work, a non-edible oil source Cucumis melo var. agrestis （wild melon） was systematically identified and studied for biodiesel production and its characterization. The extracted oil was 29.1% ...In the present research work, a non-edible oil source Cucumis melo var. agrestis （wild melon） was systematically identified and studied for biodiesel production and its characterization. The extracted oil was 29.1% of total dry seed weight. The free fatty acid value of the oil was found to be 0.64%, and the single-step alkaline transesterification method was used for conversion of fatty acids into their respective methyl esters. The maximum conversion efficiency of fatty acids was obtained at 0.4 wt% NaOH （used as catalyst）, 30% （methanol to oil, v/v） methanol amount, 60 ℃ reaction temperature, 600-rpm agitation rate and 60-min reaction time. Under these optimal conditions, the conversion efficiency of fatty acid was 92%. However, in the case of KOH as catalyst, the highest conversion （85%） of fatty acids was obtained at 40% methanol to oil ratio, 1.28 wt% KOH, 60 ℃ reaction temperature, 600-rpm agitation rate and 45 min of reaction time. Qualitatively, biodiesel was characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FFIR） and gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy （GC-MS）. FTIR results demonstrated a strong peak at 1742 cm-1, showing carbonyl groups （C=O） of methyl esters. However, GC-MS results showed the presence of twelve methyl esters comprised of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, non-decanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecadienoic acid and octadecynoic acid. The fuel properties were found to fall within the range recommended by the international biodiesel standard, i.e., American Society of Testing Materials （ASTM）： flash point of 91℃, density of 0.873 kg/L, viscosity of 5.35 cSt, pour point of - 13 ℃, cloud point of -10 ℃, total acid number of 0.242 mg KOH/g and sulfur content of 0.0043 wt%. The present work concluded the potential of wild melon seed oil as excellent non-edible source of bioenergy.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To document the indigenous knowledge and evaluate the antioxidant activity of medicinal herbs used for treatment of various diseases.METHODS: The ethnomedicinal data were collected through semi-structured i...OBJECTIVE: To document the indigenous knowledge and evaluate the antioxidant activity of medicinal herbs used for treatment of various diseases.METHODS: The ethnomedicinal data were collected through semi-structured interviews of local informants along with collection of herbarium specimens. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging assay.RESULTS: A total of 12 important medicinal herbs were evaluated for ethnomedicinal uses and antioxidant activity. Medicinal plant diversity showed that Solanaceae was the dominating family(3 spp.),followed by Asteraceae and Lamiaceae(both 2spp.). Leaves(31%) were most frequently used in preparation of traditional medicines, and the most recommended mode of preparation was powder(28%). The antioxidant results revealed that thehighest activity was found in Atropa acuminata and Crocus sativus.CONCLUSION: The results of this study proved that A. accuminata and C. sativus can be the excellent sources of antioxidant compounds. A sustainable use and conservation of the valuable natural resource greatly promote the development of functional food additives and cosmetics.展开更多
In recent years,the emergence of nanotechnology experienced incredible development in the field of medical sciences.During the past decade,investigating the characteristics of nanoparticles during fluid flow has been ...In recent years,the emergence of nanotechnology experienced incredible development in the field of medical sciences.During the past decade,investigating the characteristics of nanoparticles during fluid flow has been one of the intriguing issues.Nanoparticle distribution and uniformity have emerged as substantial criteria in both medical and engineering applications.Adverse effects of chemotherapy on healthy tissues are known to be a significant concern during cancer therapy.A novel treatment method of magnetic drug targeting(MDT)has emerged as a promising topical cancer treatment along with some attractive advantages of improving efficacy,fewer side effects,and reduce drug dose.During magnetic drug targeting,the appropriate movement of nanoparticles(magnetic)as carriers is essential for the therapeutic process in the blood clot removal,infection treatment,and tumor cell treatment.In this study,we have numerically investigated the behavior of an unsteady blood flowinfused with magnetic nanoparticles during MDT under the influence of a uniform external magnetic field in a microtube.An optimal homotopy asymptotic method(OHAM)is employed to compute the governing equation for unsteady electromagnetohydrodynamics flow.The influence of Hartmann number(Ha),particle mass parameter(G),particle concentration parameter(R),and electro-osmotic parameter(k)is investigated on the velocity of magnetic nanoparticles and blood flow.Results obtained show that the electro-osmotic parameter,along with Hartmann’s number,dramatically affects the velocity of magnetic nanoparticles,blood flow velocity,and flow rate.Moreover,results also reveal that at a higher Hartman number,homogeneity in nanoparticles distribution improved considerably.The particle concentration andmass parameters effectively influence the capturing effect on nanoparticles in the blood flow using a micro-tube for magnetic drug targeting.Lastly,investigation also indicates that the OHAM analysis is efficient and quick to handle the system of nonlinear equations.展开更多
Deficiencies of essential vitamins,iron(Fe),and zinc(Zn)affect over one-half of the world’s population.A significant progress has been made to control micronutrient deficiencies through supplementation,but new approa...Deficiencies of essential vitamins,iron(Fe),and zinc(Zn)affect over one-half of the world’s population.A significant progress has been made to control micronutrient deficiencies through supplementation,but new approaches are needed,especially to reach the rural poor.Agronomic biofortification of pulses with Zn,Fe,and boron(B)offers a pragmatic solution to combat hidden hunger instead of food fortification and supplementation.Moreover,it also has positive effects on crop production as well.Therefore,we conducted three separate field experiments for two consecutive years to evaluate the impact of soil and foliar application of the aforementioned nutrients on the yield and seed biofortification of mungbean.Soil application of Zn at 0,4.125,8.25,Fe at 0,2.5,5.0 and B at 0,0.55,1.1 kg ha−1 was done in the first,second and third experiment,respectively.Foliar application in these experiments was done at 0.3%Zn,0.2%Fe and 0.1%B respectively one week after flowering initiation.Data revealed that soil-applied Zn,Fe and B at 8.25,5.0 and 1.1 kg ha−1,respectively,enhanced the grain yield of mungbean;however,this increase in yield was statistically similar to that recorded with Zn,Fe and B at 4.125,2.5 and 0.55 kg ha−1,respectively.Foliar application of these nutrients at flower initiation significantly enhanced the Zn contents by 28%and 31%,Fe contents by 80%and 78%,while B contents by 98%and 116%over control during 2019 and 2020,respectively.It was concluded from the results that soil application of Zn,Fe,and B enhanced the yield performance of mungbean;while significant improvements in seed Zn,Fe,and B contents were recorded with foliar application of these nutrients.展开更多
The Nagar Parkar complex consists of Neoproterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks dissected by episodic mafic and felsic dykes.The latter can be classified broadly into porphyritic felsic dykes and aplitic felsic dyke...The Nagar Parkar complex consists of Neoproterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks dissected by episodic mafic and felsic dykes.The latter can be classified broadly into porphyritic felsic dykes and aplitic felsic dykes(minor)展开更多
In the present study an account is given of an investigation based on the results of the floristic research work conducted between 2005 and 2007 in Dera Ismail Khan District, north western Pakistan. The area was surve...In the present study an account is given of an investigation based on the results of the floristic research work conducted between 2005 and 2007 in Dera Ismail Khan District, north western Pakistan. The area was surveyed and 8 Asclepi- adaceous plant species were collected. These plant species are Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton. Caralluma edulis (Edgew.) Benth., Leptadenia pyrotecnica (Forssk.) Decne., Oxystelma esculentum (L. f.) R. Br., Pentatropis nivalis (J. F. Gmel.) D. V. Field & J. R. I. Wood, Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Blatt.& McCann., Periploca aphylla Decne. and Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. The study showed that five plants were used ethnobotanically in the area. All the plants were deposited as voucher specimens in the Department of plant sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, for future references. Complete macro & microscopic detailed morphological features of the species have been discussed. Taxo- nomic key was developed to differentiate closely related taxa.展开更多
First-principles calculations by means of the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method using the generalized gradient approximation with correlation effect correction（GGA＋U） within the framework of spi...First-principles calculations by means of the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method using the generalized gradient approximation with correlation effect correction（GGA＋U） within the framework of spin polarized density functional theory（DFT＋U） are used to study the structural,electronic,and magnetic properties of cubic perovskite compounds RbXF3（X = Mn,V,Co,and Fe）.It is found that the calculated structural parameters,i.e.,lattice constant,bulk modulus,and its pressure derivative are in good agreement with the previous results.Our results reveal that the strong spin polarization of the 3d states of the X atoms is the origin of ferromagnetism in RbXF3.Cohesive energies and the magnetic moments of RbXF3 have also been calculated.The calculated electronic properties show the half-metallic nature of RbCoF3 and RbFeF3,making these materials suitable for spintronic applications.展开更多
The plane wave pseudo-potential method was used to investigate the structural, electronic, and elastic properties of Cd Se_（1-x）Te_x in the zinc blende phase. It is observed that the electronic properties are improv...The plane wave pseudo-potential method was used to investigate the structural, electronic, and elastic properties of Cd Se_（1-x）Te_x in the zinc blende phase. It is observed that the electronic properties are improved considerably by using LDA ＋ U as compared to the LDA approach. The calculated lattice constants and bulk moduli are also comparable to the experimental results. The cohesive energies for pure Cd Se and Cd Te binary and their mixed alloys are calculated. The second-order elastic constants are also calculated by the Lagrangian theory of elasticity. The elastic properties show that the studied material has a ductile nature.展开更多
基金supported by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number(PNURSP2025R101),Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Seed to soil contact is critical for successful germination and establishment.The seed coat micromorphology is a stable trait that has contributed significant information to the phylogenetic classification of angiosperms.Seed morphology refers to the physical characteristics of seeds,such as their size,shape,color,texture,and structure.The characteristics can vary greatly among different plant species and can provide important information about the plants'life cycle,ecological requirements,and evolutionary history.The aim of this work was to describe the 34 species representing 23 botanical families that were collected to study the micromorphological features of seeds from Khaplu and Skardu mountainous area.Seed shape,color,and texture were observed under a light and scanning microscope and stereo microscope.Micromorphological and ultrastructural data have proved useful in determining seed plant evolution,classification,ecology,and phylogeny.Seed shapes varied from elliptic,oblong,ovate,pyramidal,and spherical.Surface sculpturing varied from rugulate,negative reticulate,reticulate,foveolate,granular and striated.The seed size varied enormously from very minute Matricaria chamomilla 0.33 mm×0.06 mm to very large seed Elaeagnus angustifolia 13.76 mm×4.70 mm.Epicuticular projections,anticlinal wall,periclinal wall,wall ornamentation,and seed texture were also studied under scanning electron microscopy.Most of the seed colors were brown and black except Carthamus tinctorius which exhibits creamy white color.A principal component analysis was used to identify the most outliers in seed micromorphology and provide a significant explanation.A taxonomic key based on micromorphological features has been constructed to assist botanists in identifying species and genera,and to support the conservation of seed bank resources.
文摘The quantum electrodynamic (QED) behaviour is studied for quantum Hall effect (QHE). Quantum theory with conjecture of fractional charge quantization (quantum dipole moment), eigenfunctions for fractional charge quantization at the surface of a twisted and twigged electron quanta and above its surface, fractional Fourier transform and Hermite function for fractional charge quantization is developed. With energy eigen value equation for QHE and with energy operator on an eigenfunction of a twisted and twigged electron quanta, the corresponding eigenfunctions are normalized with Schrodinger’s quantum wave mechanical equation for electric scalar and magnetic potentials, respectively (QED behavior). The fractional electric and magnetic fields with their corresponding potentials for the quantized fractional states in semiconducting hereto structures are theoretically calculated. Such mathematical expressions are in good agreement with experimental results of Nobel Prize winning scientists Klitzing, Haroche, Peter and Gruebber. Our results can also explain the hybridized states of orbits with emphasis on sigma and pi bonding and their corresponding antibonding orbitals as a manifestation of electrophilic and nucleophilic chemical reactions.
文摘The structural, electronic, and elastic properties of ZnSe1-xSx for the zinc blende structures have been studied by using the density functional theory. The calculations were performed using the plane wave pseudopotential method, as implemented in Quantum ESPRESSO. The exchange-correlation potential is treated with the local density approximation pz-LDA for these properties. Moreover, LDA＋U approximation is employed to treat the ＂d＂ orbital electrons properly. A comparative study of the band gap calculated within both LDA and LDA＋U schemes is presented. The analysis of results show considerable improvement in the calculation of band gap. The inclusion of compositional disorder increases the values of all elastic constants. In this study, it is found that elastic constants C11, C12, and C44 are mainly influenced by the compositional disorder. The obtained results are in good agreement with literature.
文摘The structural, electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os metals and their alloys PtPdX （X = Ir, Os and Rh） are studied systematically using ab initio density functional theory. The groundstate properties such as lattice constant and bulk modulus are calculated to find the equilibrium atomic position for stable alloys. The electronic band structure and density of states are calculated to study the electronic behavior of metals on making their alloys. The electronic properties substantiate the metallic behavior for all studied materials. The firstprinciples density functional perturbation theory as implemented in quasi-harmonic approximation is used for the calculations of thermal properties. We have calculated the thermal properties such as the Debye temperature, vibrational energy, entropy and constant-volume specific heat. The calculated properties are compared with the previously reported experimental and theoretical data for metals and are found to be in good agreement. Calculated results for alloys could not be compared because there is no data available in the literature with such alloy composition.
文摘This paper is based on the results of an ethnomedicinal research work conducted in the semi-tribal mountainous area lying between District Mianwali (PunjabProvince) and District Karak (KhyberPakhtunkhwaProvince),Pakistanduring June 2009-July 2011. During field survey, questionnaires were used to interview the local inhabitants of the area. The ethnomedicinal data consists of 131 plant species (2 Pteridophytes, 7 Monocots, 122 Dicots) belonging to 48 families (2 Pteridophytes, 4 Monocots, 42 Dicots). The most commonly represented families were Amaranthaceae (9 spp.), Mimosaceae (8 spp.), Asteraceae and Papilionaceae (7 spp.) each;Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Scrophulariaceae (6 spp.) each, followed by Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae and Polygonaceae (5 spp.) each. Plant specimens were identified, preserved and vouchers were deposited in the Plant Taxonomy Lab. of Department of Biological Sciences,University of Sargodha,Pakistanfor future reference. The data collected through interviews with the local people indicates that these species are mostly used in respiratory tract infections (RTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), digestive disorders, sexual problems, skin diseases, liver ailments, wound healing, blood vomiting, malaria, piles, epilepsy, jaundice, gummosis, round worms, hepatitis etc. in the area. Due to lack of scientific approach regarding harvesting and utilization of this valuable medicinal flora, many plants are quickly going towards extinction;therefore, further work is needed to create awareness in the community conservation of the precious medicinal plants.
基金the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for partial funding.
文摘In this study the pseudo-potential method is used to investigate the structural, electronic, and thermodynamic proper- ties of ZnOl_xSx semiconductor materials. The results show that the electronic properties are found to be improved when calculated by using LDA ~ U functional as compared with local density approximation （LDA）. At various concentrations the ground-state properties are determined for bulk materials ZnO, ZnS, and their tertiary alloys in cubic zinc-blende phase. From the results, a minor difference is observed between the lattice parameters from Vegard＇s law and other calculated results, which may be due to the large mismatch between lattice parameters of binary compounds ZnO and ZnS. A small deviation in the bulk modulus from linear concentration dependence is also observed for each of these alloys. The ther- modynamic properties, including the phonon contribution to Helmholtz free energy △F, phonon contribution to internal energy △E, and specific iheat at constant-volume Cv, are calculated within quasi-harmonic approximation based on the calculated phonon dispersion relations.
文摘In the present research work, a non-edible oil source Cucumis melo var. agrestis （wild melon） was systematically identified and studied for biodiesel production and its characterization. The extracted oil was 29.1% of total dry seed weight. The free fatty acid value of the oil was found to be 0.64%, and the single-step alkaline transesterification method was used for conversion of fatty acids into their respective methyl esters. The maximum conversion efficiency of fatty acids was obtained at 0.4 wt% NaOH （used as catalyst）, 30% （methanol to oil, v/v） methanol amount, 60 ℃ reaction temperature, 600-rpm agitation rate and 60-min reaction time. Under these optimal conditions, the conversion efficiency of fatty acid was 92%. However, in the case of KOH as catalyst, the highest conversion （85%） of fatty acids was obtained at 40% methanol to oil ratio, 1.28 wt% KOH, 60 ℃ reaction temperature, 600-rpm agitation rate and 45 min of reaction time. Qualitatively, biodiesel was characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FFIR） and gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy （GC-MS）. FTIR results demonstrated a strong peak at 1742 cm-1, showing carbonyl groups （C=O） of methyl esters. However, GC-MS results showed the presence of twelve methyl esters comprised of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, non-decanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecadienoic acid and octadecynoic acid. The fuel properties were found to fall within the range recommended by the international biodiesel standard, i.e., American Society of Testing Materials （ASTM）： flash point of 91℃, density of 0.873 kg/L, viscosity of 5.35 cSt, pour point of - 13 ℃, cloud point of -10 ℃, total acid number of 0.242 mg KOH/g and sulfur content of 0.0043 wt%. The present work concluded the potential of wild melon seed oil as excellent non-edible source of bioenergy.
基金Supported by the Higher Education Commission(HEC/1944-11)Pakistan
文摘OBJECTIVE: To document the indigenous knowledge and evaluate the antioxidant activity of medicinal herbs used for treatment of various diseases.METHODS: The ethnomedicinal data were collected through semi-structured interviews of local informants along with collection of herbarium specimens. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging assay.RESULTS: A total of 12 important medicinal herbs were evaluated for ethnomedicinal uses and antioxidant activity. Medicinal plant diversity showed that Solanaceae was the dominating family(3 spp.),followed by Asteraceae and Lamiaceae(both 2spp.). Leaves(31%) were most frequently used in preparation of traditional medicines, and the most recommended mode of preparation was powder(28%). The antioxidant results revealed that thehighest activity was found in Atropa acuminata and Crocus sativus.CONCLUSION: The results of this study proved that A. accuminata and C. sativus can be the excellent sources of antioxidant compounds. A sustainable use and conservation of the valuable natural resource greatly promote the development of functional food additives and cosmetics.
基金the research grant of Jeju National University in 2020,the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea Government(Ministry of Science and ICT)(NRF-2018R1A4A1025998)Higher Education Commission of Pakistan(Project No.210-3800/NRPU/R&D/HEC/1530).
文摘In recent years,the emergence of nanotechnology experienced incredible development in the field of medical sciences.During the past decade,investigating the characteristics of nanoparticles during fluid flow has been one of the intriguing issues.Nanoparticle distribution and uniformity have emerged as substantial criteria in both medical and engineering applications.Adverse effects of chemotherapy on healthy tissues are known to be a significant concern during cancer therapy.A novel treatment method of magnetic drug targeting(MDT)has emerged as a promising topical cancer treatment along with some attractive advantages of improving efficacy,fewer side effects,and reduce drug dose.During magnetic drug targeting,the appropriate movement of nanoparticles(magnetic)as carriers is essential for the therapeutic process in the blood clot removal,infection treatment,and tumor cell treatment.In this study,we have numerically investigated the behavior of an unsteady blood flowinfused with magnetic nanoparticles during MDT under the influence of a uniform external magnetic field in a microtube.An optimal homotopy asymptotic method(OHAM)is employed to compute the governing equation for unsteady electromagnetohydrodynamics flow.The influence of Hartmann number(Ha),particle mass parameter(G),particle concentration parameter(R),and electro-osmotic parameter(k)is investigated on the velocity of magnetic nanoparticles and blood flow.Results obtained show that the electro-osmotic parameter,along with Hartmann’s number,dramatically affects the velocity of magnetic nanoparticles,blood flow velocity,and flow rate.Moreover,results also reveal that at a higher Hartman number,homogeneity in nanoparticles distribution improved considerably.The particle concentration andmass parameters effectively influence the capturing effect on nanoparticles in the blood flow using a micro-tube for magnetic drug targeting.Lastly,investigation also indicates that the OHAM analysis is efficient and quick to handle the system of nonlinear equations.
基金the Researchers Supporting Project No.(RSP2023R410)King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi ArabiaPunjab Agricultural Research Board,Pakistan for funding the Research Project PARB No.904.
文摘Deficiencies of essential vitamins,iron(Fe),and zinc(Zn)affect over one-half of the world’s population.A significant progress has been made to control micronutrient deficiencies through supplementation,but new approaches are needed,especially to reach the rural poor.Agronomic biofortification of pulses with Zn,Fe,and boron(B)offers a pragmatic solution to combat hidden hunger instead of food fortification and supplementation.Moreover,it also has positive effects on crop production as well.Therefore,we conducted three separate field experiments for two consecutive years to evaluate the impact of soil and foliar application of the aforementioned nutrients on the yield and seed biofortification of mungbean.Soil application of Zn at 0,4.125,8.25,Fe at 0,2.5,5.0 and B at 0,0.55,1.1 kg ha−1 was done in the first,second and third experiment,respectively.Foliar application in these experiments was done at 0.3%Zn,0.2%Fe and 0.1%B respectively one week after flowering initiation.Data revealed that soil-applied Zn,Fe and B at 8.25,5.0 and 1.1 kg ha−1,respectively,enhanced the grain yield of mungbean;however,this increase in yield was statistically similar to that recorded with Zn,Fe and B at 4.125,2.5 and 0.55 kg ha−1,respectively.Foliar application of these nutrients at flower initiation significantly enhanced the Zn contents by 28%and 31%,Fe contents by 80%and 78%,while B contents by 98%and 116%over control during 2019 and 2020,respectively.It was concluded from the results that soil application of Zn,Fe,and B enhanced the yield performance of mungbean;while significant improvements in seed Zn,Fe,and B contents were recorded with foliar application of these nutrients.
文摘The Nagar Parkar complex consists of Neoproterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks dissected by episodic mafic and felsic dykes.The latter can be classified broadly into porphyritic felsic dykes and aplitic felsic dykes(minor)
文摘In the present study an account is given of an investigation based on the results of the floristic research work conducted between 2005 and 2007 in Dera Ismail Khan District, north western Pakistan. The area was surveyed and 8 Asclepi- adaceous plant species were collected. These plant species are Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton. Caralluma edulis (Edgew.) Benth., Leptadenia pyrotecnica (Forssk.) Decne., Oxystelma esculentum (L. f.) R. Br., Pentatropis nivalis (J. F. Gmel.) D. V. Field & J. R. I. Wood, Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Blatt.& McCann., Periploca aphylla Decne. and Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. The study showed that five plants were used ethnobotanically in the area. All the plants were deposited as voucher specimens in the Department of plant sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, for future references. Complete macro & microscopic detailed morphological features of the species have been discussed. Taxo- nomic key was developed to differentiate closely related taxa.
文摘First-principles calculations by means of the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method using the generalized gradient approximation with correlation effect correction（GGA＋U） within the framework of spin polarized density functional theory（DFT＋U） are used to study the structural,electronic,and magnetic properties of cubic perovskite compounds RbXF3（X = Mn,V,Co,and Fe）.It is found that the calculated structural parameters,i.e.,lattice constant,bulk modulus,and its pressure derivative are in good agreement with the previous results.Our results reveal that the strong spin polarization of the 3d states of the X atoms is the origin of ferromagnetism in RbXF3.Cohesive energies and the magnetic moments of RbXF3 have also been calculated.The calculated electronic properties show the half-metallic nature of RbCoF3 and RbFeF3,making these materials suitable for spintronic applications.
文摘The plane wave pseudo-potential method was used to investigate the structural, electronic, and elastic properties of Cd Se_（1-x）Te_x in the zinc blende phase. It is observed that the electronic properties are improved considerably by using LDA ＋ U as compared to the LDA approach. The calculated lattice constants and bulk moduli are also comparable to the experimental results. The cohesive energies for pure Cd Se and Cd Te binary and their mixed alloys are calculated. The second-order elastic constants are also calculated by the Lagrangian theory of elasticity. The elastic properties show that the studied material has a ductile nature.
