Amelioration of saline-sodic soils through land preparation with three tillage implements （disc plow, rotavator and cultivator） each followed by application of sulfuric acid at 20% of gypsum （CaSO4-2H2O） requireme...Amelioration of saline-sodic soils through land preparation with three tillage implements （disc plow, rotavator and cultivator） each followed by application of sulfuric acid at 20% of gypsum （CaSO4-2H2O） requirement or no sulfuric acid application during crop growth period was evaluated in a field study for 2.5 years at three sites, i.e., Jhottianwala, Gabrika （Thabal）, and Thatta Langar, in Tehsil Pindi Bhattian, Hafizahad District, Pakistan. Within 2.5 years, there was a decrease in the salinity parameters measured （electrical conductivity, pH, and sodium adsorption ratio）, with a gradual increase in rice and wheat grain yields. It was observed that the disc plow, which not only ensured favorable yields but also helped improve soil health at all the three sites, was the most effective tillage implement. Also, application of sulfuric acid resulted in higher yields and promoted rapid amelioration of the saline-sodic soils.展开更多
The storage and transportation of raw milk at low temperatures promote the growth of psychrotrophic bacteria and the production of thermo-stable enzymes, which pose great threats to the quality and shelf-life of dairy...The storage and transportation of raw milk at low temperatures promote the growth of psychrotrophic bacteria and the production of thermo-stable enzymes, which pose great threats to the quality and shelf-life of dairy products. Though many studies have been carried out on the spoilage potential of psychrotrophic bacteria and the thermo-stabUities of the enzymes they produce, further detailed studies are needed to devise an effective strategy to avoid dairy spoilage. The purpose of this study was to explore the spoilage potential of psychrotrophic bacteria from Chinese raw milk samples at both room temperature （28 ℃） and refrigerated temperature （7 ℃）. Species of Yersinia, Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Chryseobacterium showed high proteolytic activity. The highest proteolytic activity was shown by Yersinia intermedia followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens （d）. Lipolytic activity was high in isolates of Acinetobacter, and the highest in Acinetobacter guillouiae. Certain isolates showed positive ^-galactosidase and phospholipase activity. Strains belonging to the same species sometimes showed markedly different phenotypic characteristics. Proteases and lipases produced by psychrotrophic bacteria retained activity after heat treatment at 70, 80, or 90 ℃, and proteases appeared to be more heat-stable than lipases. For these reasons, thermo-stable spoilage enzymes produced by a high number of psychrotrophic bacterial isolates from raw milk are of major concern to the dairy industry. The results of this study provide valuable data about the spoilage potential of bacterial strains in raw milk and the thermal resistance of the enzymes they produce.展开更多
Recent Geological and Paleontological exploration during the start of new/third millennium (from 2000 to 2019) yielded 45 taxa of vertebrates and invertebrates from Mesozoic and Tertiary (except a jawless fish from Ca...Recent Geological and Paleontological exploration during the start of new/third millennium (from 2000 to 2019) yielded 45 taxa of vertebrates and invertebrates from Mesozoic and Tertiary (except a jawless fish from Cambrian and a trilobite from Permo-Triassic boundary) strata of Pakistan like dinosaurs, mesoeucrocodiles, eucrocodiles, pterosaurs-light bodied flying reptiles, plesiosaurs-broad bodied and ichthyosaurs-streamlined bodied reptiles and fishes, basilosaurid whale, Baluchithere rhinoceroses and paleo-horses mammals, invertebrates (hippurites/rudists, oysters, mussels and other bivalves, ammonites, belemnites nautilides and gastropods Mollusca, starfish echinoids, nummulites, assilina and alveolina foraminifers, arthropods and corals), algae, sponge and wood fossils. Here described new fossil records would attract widespread interests.展开更多
Titanosaurs articulated cranial elements especially jaw bones with articulated complete teeth row are extraordinarily rare. Here the holotypic snout with articulated jaw bones and complete teeth row of Saraikimasoom v...Titanosaurs articulated cranial elements especially jaw bones with articulated complete teeth row are extraordinarily rare. Here the holotypic snout with articulated jaw bones and complete teeth row of Saraikimasoom vitakri are being presented which has international significance and contributes to understanding the evolutionary relationships and paleobiogeographic history of the vertebrates of Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. The completeness of the skeleton, in particular the presence of a well-preserved skull has a significant influence on resolution of titanosaur phylogeny. Here Saraikimasoom vitakri holotypic snout from South Kinwa, and referred jaw with articulated pointed and rounded teeth along with associated postcranial fossils from north Kinwa, and other associated materials from Mari Bohri, mid-Sangiali, Zubra Basti Nala and Grut localities of Pakistan are being presented. All these assemblages show consistent results.展开更多
Titanosaurs’ crania are rare in the global world. Further titanosaur crania associated with postcrania are again negligible which prevented for its higher and lower level phylogenetic studies. The titanosaur skulls w...Titanosaurs’ crania are rare in the global world. Further titanosaur crania associated with postcrania are again negligible which prevented for its higher and lower level phylogenetic studies. The titanosaur skulls were also extraordinarily rare in Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, but the recent discoveries of holotypic skull, braincase and associated postcranial skeleton of Gspsaurus pakistani is anatomical wealth. Further its exemplar’ skeletons from Top Kinwa and Mari Bohri of Pakistan and Chota Simla from India provide more information which can be used for comparison. Here the holotypic partial skull with braincase and associated postcranial skeleton and also its exemplars and referred materials with key elements of Gspsaurus pakistani are being presented which have international significance and contribute to understanding the evolutionary relationships, higher and lower level phylogenetic studies and paleobiogeographic history of the vertebrates of Indo-Pakistan subcontinent.展开更多
Although previous researches have greatly increased our general knowledge on plant responses to nitrogen(N)stress,a comprehensive understanding of the different responses in crop genotypes is still needed.This study e...Although previous researches have greatly increased our general knowledge on plant responses to nitrogen(N)stress,a comprehensive understanding of the different responses in crop genotypes is still needed.This study evaluated 304 maize accessions for low-N tolerance under field conditions,and selected the low-N sensitive Ye478 and low-N tolerant Qi319 for further investigations.After a 5-day low-N treatment,the typical N-deficient phenotype with yellowing older leaves was observed in Ye478 but not in Qi319.After the 5-day low-N stress,16 RNA libraries from leaf and root of Ye478 and Qi319 were generated.The differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in the root of Qi319 up-regulated by special N deficiency were mainly enriched in energy-related metabolic pathways,including tricarboxylic acid metabolic process and nicotinamide metabolic process.Consistent with yellowing older leaves only observed in Ye478,the special N deficiency-responsive DEGs related to thylakoid,chloroplast,photosynthetic membrane,and chloroplast stroma pathways were repressed by low-N stress in Ye478.A total of 216 transcription factors(TFs),including ZmNLP5,were identified as special N deficiencyresponsive TFs between Qi319 and Ye478,indicating the importance of transcriptional regulation of N stress-responsive pathway in different tolerance to low-N stress between crop genotypes.In addition,15 miRNAs were identified as DEGs between Qi319 and Ye478.Taken together,this study contributes to the understanding of the genetic variations and molecular basis of low-N tolerance in maize.展开更多
The present study evaluated calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide(CLDH)availability for the removal of fluoride from local groundwaters.The Mg/Al layered double hydroxide(LDH)was synthesized by coprecipitation metho...The present study evaluated calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide(CLDH)availability for the removal of fluoride from local groundwaters.The Mg/Al layered double hydroxide(LDH)was synthesized by coprecipitation method and characterized by XRD,FT-IR and TGA-TDA analyses.Batch defluoridation experiments were performed under various conditions such as calcination,solution pH,contact time,temperature,material dosage and reuse.Experimental results indicate that fluoride removal strongly increased after calcination of the LDH up to 600℃.The maximum fluoride removal was obtained at solution pH of 6.85.Kinetics of fluoride removal followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model.The rise in solution temperature strongly enhances the removal efficiency.The adsorption mechanism involved surface adsorption,ion exchange interaction and original LDH structure reconstruction by rehydration of mixed metal oxides and concomitant intercalation of fluoride ions into the interlayer region.The optimum dosages required to meet the national standard for drinking water quality were found to be 0.29 and 0.8 g/L,respectively,for Bejaad and Settat goundwaters.A decrease in the fluoride uptake with increasing the number of regeneration cycles was observed.展开更多
Theropods, mesoeucrocodiles and pterosaurs (along with titanosaurian sauropods) are found in two overbank flood deposited mottled muds/shale units (alternated by meandering river deposited sandstone unit) of the lates...Theropods, mesoeucrocodiles and pterosaurs (along with titanosaurian sauropods) are found in two overbank flood deposited mottled muds/shale units (alternated by meandering river deposited sandstone unit) of the latest Maastrichtian (67 - 66 Ma) Vitakri Formation, Barkhan District, Balochistan, Pakistan. These vertebrates coexisted under the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary line of control and became extinct as mass extinction. Previously these taxa lack the detail description but here theropods, mesoeucrocodiles and pterosaur from Pakistan are being described well with large photographs which provide better understanding of fauna from Pakistan and comparison with coeval taxa from Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. These fauna with associated cranial and postcranial skeletons are significant for Gondwanan paleobiogeography and phylogenetic studies.展开更多
A field investigation was conducted to determine the survival and growth rate of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) and guava (Psidium guajava L.) saplings planted in salt-affected soils. The field used was h...A field investigation was conducted to determine the survival and growth rate of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) and guava (Psidium guajava L.) saplings planted in salt-affected soils. The field used was highly saline-sodic in nature with a wide variation in electrical conductivity of the saturated soil extract (ECe), pHs, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and gypsum requirement (GR). A randomized complete block design was utilized with three treatments, i.e. T1 = plastic container bags totally removed, T2 = only the plastic container bag's base removed and T3 = plastic container bags un-removed. There were 34 and 8 plants in each block for eucalyptus and guava, correspondingly. The survival rates of eucalyptus and guava saplings were greater than 90%. In addition, gain in eucalyptus height was significantly higher in the T1 treatment where the bags were totally removed while for guava height the treatments were not significant.The gain in girth was not significant for both eucalyptus and guava saplings. With eucalyptus the taproot length was greater than the lateral roots while for guava the lateral roots were longer than the taproots.There was a decrease in the salinity-sodicity of the soils for the upper 30 cm depth under both types of vegetation, indicating that the salts had leached down to the B-horizon.展开更多
The global prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly with an exponential rise in incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in recent years.‘Diabesity’,the term coined to show the strong interlink between obesity and d...The global prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly with an exponential rise in incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in recent years.‘Diabesity’,the term coined to show the strong interlink between obesity and diabetes,is the direct cons-equence of the obesity pandemic,and poses significant challenges in the management of the disease.Without addressing the clinical and mechanistic complications of obesity such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnoea,a rational management algorithm for diabesity cannot be developed.Several classes of anti-diabetic medications including insulins,sulphonylureas,thiazolidinediones and meglitinides are associated with the risk of weight gain and may potentially worsen diabesity.Therefore,appropriate selection of antidiabetic drug regimen is crucial in the medical management of diabesity.The role of non-pharmacological measures such as dietary adjustments,exercise interventions and bariatric procedures should also be emphasised.Unfortunately,the importance of appropriate and optimal management of diabesity is often overlooked by medical professionals when achieving adequate glycemic control which results in inappropriate management of the disease and its complications.This review provides a narrative clinical update on the evidence behind the management of diabesity.展开更多
The prevalence of unwholesome land use practices and population pressure exacerbates soil loss which is worsening the problem of sedimentation of the Kubanni dam. This study was conducted at the Kubanni drainage basin...The prevalence of unwholesome land use practices and population pressure exacerbates soil loss which is worsening the problem of sedimentation of the Kubanni dam. This study was conducted at the Kubanni drainage basin covering a spatial area of 56.7 Km2 in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria to estimate annual soil loss using the RUSLE model. Satellite images of Landsat OLI for December 2014, 2016, 2018, February, July and November 2022;soil data, rainfall data from 2010 to 2022, and DEM of 30-meter resolution were utilized for the study. All factors of the RUSLE model were calculated for the basin using assembled data. The erosivity (R-factor) was discovered to be 553.437 MJ∙mm∙ha−1∙h−1∙yr−1. The average erodibility (K-factor) value was 0.1 Mg∙h∙h∙ha−1∙MJ−1∙mm−1∙yr−1. The Slope Length and Steepness factor (LS-factor) in the basin ranged between 0% and 13.47%. The Crop Management Factor (C-factor) values were obtained from a rescaling of the NDVI values derived for the study area and ranged from 0.26 to 0.55. Support practice (P-factors) were computed from the prevalent tillage practice in the basin and ranged from 0.27 to 0.40. The soil loss amount for the Kubanni basin was found to be 28441.482 tons∙ha−1∙yr−1, while the annual soil loss for the entire Kubanni drainage basin was found to be 49780.257 tons∙yr−1. The study has demonstrated the viability of coupling RUSLE model and Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques for the estimation of soil loss in the Kubanni drainage basin.展开更多
Large deposits of cement raw material and resources like limestone, gypsum and shales/clays found from the Koh Sulaiman area of South Punjab (Saraikistan) and Balochistan Provinces, Pakistan. The installation of cemen...Large deposits of cement raw material and resources like limestone, gypsum and shales/clays found from the Koh Sulaiman area of South Punjab (Saraikistan) and Balochistan Provinces, Pakistan. The installation of cement industries especially in South Punjab/Saraikistan Province due to close occurrences of resources should develop the area and increase the export. The Koh Sulaiman regions of South Punjab (Saraikistan) have huge gypsum deposits which deserve for further exploitation. Pakistan is agricultural country and fertility of cultivated lands is vital. Fertilizer resources like phosphate deposits are moderate but the deposits of phosphate and potash bearing rocks are very vast and need their further explorations and exploitation in the Indus Basin. Pakistan has very large construction, dimension and decor stone deposits like limestone, marble, dolomite and igneous rocks like granite, dolerite, serpentine, etc. which needs further exploitation for the development of the areas and increase export. Pakistan is spending a lot of earnings for importing glass, glass wares, pottery, clay, etc. while Pakistan has these resources which needs exploitation of own resources. The best structures and geotectonic elements like the Northern and Western Indus Sutures and Karakoram Suture and Indus placers which are rich in gemstones and jewelry resources. To increase gems and jewelry export, these industries requires reduction in gemstones smuggling and encouragement for gem appraisal and jewelry industry at high level for value addition. In short, Pakistan is rich in natural resources but poor in development. Try should be made to develop and export the own mineral commodities like cement, gypsum, marble, gemstones and jewelry.展开更多
The Jurassic-Cretaceous (J/K) and Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg) boundaries/transitions are found in Pakistan especially well exposed on the western continental margin of the Indo-Pakistan plate (part of Gondwana) like K...The Jurassic-Cretaceous (J/K) and Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg) boundaries/transitions are found in Pakistan especially well exposed on the western continental margin of the Indo-Pakistan plate (part of Gondwana) like Kirthar, Sulaiman and Kohat and Potwar basins. Its lithology is variable both lateral and also vertical. The J/K and K/Pg transitions are represented by terrestrial and marine strata like laterite, bauxite, vary colored shale, sandstones and conglomerates and rare limestone beds. Mesozoic vertebrates found so far belong to archosaurs like poripuchian titanosaurs (sauropods), theropods, mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaurs, snake and bird are briefly overviewed here.展开更多
Background: Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth, economic intricacies, and complex healthcare challenges, particularly in Lagos State, the economic hub and most populous state, faces the challenge...Background: Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth, economic intricacies, and complex healthcare challenges, particularly in Lagos State, the economic hub and most populous state, faces the challenge of ensuring quality healthcare access. The overview of the effect of quality improvement initiatives in this paper focuses on private healthcare providers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study assesses the impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects on these private healthcare facilities. It explores the level of participation, perceived support, and tangible effects of the initiatives on healthcare delivery within private healthcare facilities. It also examines how these initiatives influence patient inflow and facility ratings, and bring about additional benefits and improvements, provides insights into the challenges faced by private healthcare providers in implementing quality improvement projects and elicits recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such initiatives. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed for in-depth exploration, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Private healthcare providers in Lagos involved in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project were purposively sampled for diversity. Face-to-face interviews elicited insights into participation, perceived support, and project effects. Questions covered participation levels, support perception, changes observed, challenges faced, and recommendations. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes from interview transcripts. Adherence to ethical guidelines ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent. Results: Respondents affirmed active involvement in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project, echoing literature emphasizing private-sector collaboration with the public sector. While acknowledging positive influences on facility ratings, respondents highlighted challenges within the broader Nigerian healthcare landscape affecting patient numbers. Respondents cited tangible improvements, particularly in staf展开更多
Discoveries of many coal seams at depths by drilling carried by Geological Survey of Pakistan in Sor Range and Harnai Gochina, extended the coal seams at depth which is challenge for mine owners to exploit feasibly. B...Discoveries of many coal seams at depths by drilling carried by Geological Survey of Pakistan in Sor Range and Harnai Gochina, extended the coal seams at depth which is challenge for mine owners to exploit feasibly. Bed to bed gypsum samplings (and their chemical analyses) of huge gypsum deposits from Sulaiman foldbelt is a base for industrialist and also planers to develop cement and gypsum industries to increase export and foreign exchange for the development of area and Pakistan. Low and high grade sedimentary iron deposits, silica sand and uranium host rocks and their extensions in Sulaiman and Kirthar foldbelts are presented. Anomalies of a few base metals arise as a result of geochemical exploration carried at part of Loralai District of Balochistan. Theropod dinosaurs were frequent in India, while Poripuchian titanosaurs (Sauropoda, Dinosauria) were frequent in Pakistan. Besides some ichnotaxa, many bone taxa such as 1 titanosauriform, 14 titanosaurian sauropod (including one new titanosaur), and 3 theropod dinosaurs are established from Pakistan. Among these 12 titanosaur species and 3 theropod species are named in about 10 km<sup>2</sup> area of Vitakri dome and 2 titanosaur species are named in about a few hundred square meter area of Mari Bohri (Kachi Bohri) which is about 10 km westward from Vitakri dome. Pakistan is a unique country which discoverd 14 diversified titanosaurs in a short area and also in a short period (67 - 66 million years ago/Ma). About 400 bones found from a few meter thick upper part of upper shale horizon of latest Maastrichtian Vitakri Formation which is base for titanosaur taxa. Cranial material is in low fraction (but include significant diverse snouts), caudal vertebrae are prominent, the cervicals, dorsals and sacrals have significant numbers, forelimb and hind limb bones have balanced fraction. Humeri, femora and tibiae are most common. To know the position of Pakistani titanosaurs among titanosaurs and sauropods, there is a need to extend list of characters for phylogeneti展开更多
The metabolic syndrome as a consequence of the obesity pandemic resulted in a substantial increase in the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty live disease(MAFLD)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Because of the s...The metabolic syndrome as a consequence of the obesity pandemic resulted in a substantial increase in the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty live disease(MAFLD)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Because of the similarity in pathobiology shared between T2DM and MAFLD,both disorders coexist in many patients and may potentiate the disease-related outcomes with rapid progression and increased complications of the individual diseases.In fact,awareness about this coexistence and the risk of complications are often overlooked by both hepatologists and diabetologists.Management of these individual disorders in a patient should be addressed wholistically using an appropriate multidisciplinary team approach involving both the specialists and,when necessary,liaising with dieticians and surgeons.This comprehensive review is to compile the current evidence from a diabetologist's perspective on MAFLD and T2DM and to suggest optimal management strategies.展开更多
Recently two slender and medium to large sized titanosaur taxa like Pakisaurus balochistani and Isisaurus colberti of pakisaurids Poripuch along with small sized stocky Saraikimasoom and medium sized stocky Gspsaurus ...Recently two slender and medium to large sized titanosaur taxa like Pakisaurus balochistani and Isisaurus colberti of pakisaurids Poripuch along with small sized stocky Saraikimasoom and medium sized stocky Gspsaurus of gspsaurids Poripuch have been recognized from Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. The diagnosis and description of Pakisaurus balochistani and some missing elements of Isisaurus colberti discovered from Pakistan are added here for understanding of possible fuller anatomy of slender titanosaurs. Further so far no any research information regarding the comparison of titanosaurs of India and Pakistan is available. Here present research provides the comparison between titanosaurs recognized from Pakistan and India.展开更多
文摘Amelioration of saline-sodic soils through land preparation with three tillage implements （disc plow, rotavator and cultivator） each followed by application of sulfuric acid at 20% of gypsum （CaSO4-2H2O） requirement or no sulfuric acid application during crop growth period was evaluated in a field study for 2.5 years at three sites, i.e., Jhottianwala, Gabrika （Thabal）, and Thatta Langar, in Tehsil Pindi Bhattian, Hafizahad District, Pakistan. Within 2.5 years, there was a decrease in the salinity parameters measured （electrical conductivity, pH, and sodium adsorption ratio）, with a gradual increase in rice and wheat grain yields. It was observed that the disc plow, which not only ensured favorable yields but also helped improve soil health at all the three sites, was the most effective tillage implement. Also, application of sulfuric acid resulted in higher yields and promoted rapid amelioration of the saline-sodic soils.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31772080)the Major Science and Technology Projects of Zhejiang Province(No.2015C02039),China
文摘The storage and transportation of raw milk at low temperatures promote the growth of psychrotrophic bacteria and the production of thermo-stable enzymes, which pose great threats to the quality and shelf-life of dairy products. Though many studies have been carried out on the spoilage potential of psychrotrophic bacteria and the thermo-stabUities of the enzymes they produce, further detailed studies are needed to devise an effective strategy to avoid dairy spoilage. The purpose of this study was to explore the spoilage potential of psychrotrophic bacteria from Chinese raw milk samples at both room temperature （28 ℃） and refrigerated temperature （7 ℃）. Species of Yersinia, Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Chryseobacterium showed high proteolytic activity. The highest proteolytic activity was shown by Yersinia intermedia followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens （d）. Lipolytic activity was high in isolates of Acinetobacter, and the highest in Acinetobacter guillouiae. Certain isolates showed positive ^-galactosidase and phospholipase activity. Strains belonging to the same species sometimes showed markedly different phenotypic characteristics. Proteases and lipases produced by psychrotrophic bacteria retained activity after heat treatment at 70, 80, or 90 ℃, and proteases appeared to be more heat-stable than lipases. For these reasons, thermo-stable spoilage enzymes produced by a high number of psychrotrophic bacterial isolates from raw milk are of major concern to the dairy industry. The results of this study provide valuable data about the spoilage potential of bacterial strains in raw milk and the thermal resistance of the enzymes they produce.
文摘Recent Geological and Paleontological exploration during the start of new/third millennium (from 2000 to 2019) yielded 45 taxa of vertebrates and invertebrates from Mesozoic and Tertiary (except a jawless fish from Cambrian and a trilobite from Permo-Triassic boundary) strata of Pakistan like dinosaurs, mesoeucrocodiles, eucrocodiles, pterosaurs-light bodied flying reptiles, plesiosaurs-broad bodied and ichthyosaurs-streamlined bodied reptiles and fishes, basilosaurid whale, Baluchithere rhinoceroses and paleo-horses mammals, invertebrates (hippurites/rudists, oysters, mussels and other bivalves, ammonites, belemnites nautilides and gastropods Mollusca, starfish echinoids, nummulites, assilina and alveolina foraminifers, arthropods and corals), algae, sponge and wood fossils. Here described new fossil records would attract widespread interests.
文摘Titanosaurs articulated cranial elements especially jaw bones with articulated complete teeth row are extraordinarily rare. Here the holotypic snout with articulated jaw bones and complete teeth row of Saraikimasoom vitakri are being presented which has international significance and contributes to understanding the evolutionary relationships and paleobiogeographic history of the vertebrates of Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. The completeness of the skeleton, in particular the presence of a well-preserved skull has a significant influence on resolution of titanosaur phylogeny. Here Saraikimasoom vitakri holotypic snout from South Kinwa, and referred jaw with articulated pointed and rounded teeth along with associated postcranial fossils from north Kinwa, and other associated materials from Mari Bohri, mid-Sangiali, Zubra Basti Nala and Grut localities of Pakistan are being presented. All these assemblages show consistent results.
文摘Titanosaurs’ crania are rare in the global world. Further titanosaur crania associated with postcrania are again negligible which prevented for its higher and lower level phylogenetic studies. The titanosaur skulls were also extraordinarily rare in Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, but the recent discoveries of holotypic skull, braincase and associated postcranial skeleton of Gspsaurus pakistani is anatomical wealth. Further its exemplar’ skeletons from Top Kinwa and Mari Bohri of Pakistan and Chota Simla from India provide more information which can be used for comparison. Here the holotypic partial skull with braincase and associated postcranial skeleton and also its exemplars and referred materials with key elements of Gspsaurus pakistani are being presented which have international significance and contribute to understanding the evolutionary relationships, higher and lower level phylogenetic studies and paleobiogeographic history of the vertebrates of Indo-Pakistan subcontinent.
基金This work was supported by grants from the Ministry of Agriculture of China for Transgenic Research(2018ZX0800916B)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31861143004)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
文摘Although previous researches have greatly increased our general knowledge on plant responses to nitrogen(N)stress,a comprehensive understanding of the different responses in crop genotypes is still needed.This study evaluated 304 maize accessions for low-N tolerance under field conditions,and selected the low-N sensitive Ye478 and low-N tolerant Qi319 for further investigations.After a 5-day low-N treatment,the typical N-deficient phenotype with yellowing older leaves was observed in Ye478 but not in Qi319.After the 5-day low-N stress,16 RNA libraries from leaf and root of Ye478 and Qi319 were generated.The differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in the root of Qi319 up-regulated by special N deficiency were mainly enriched in energy-related metabolic pathways,including tricarboxylic acid metabolic process and nicotinamide metabolic process.Consistent with yellowing older leaves only observed in Ye478,the special N deficiency-responsive DEGs related to thylakoid,chloroplast,photosynthetic membrane,and chloroplast stroma pathways were repressed by low-N stress in Ye478.A total of 216 transcription factors(TFs),including ZmNLP5,were identified as special N deficiencyresponsive TFs between Qi319 and Ye478,indicating the importance of transcriptional regulation of N stress-responsive pathway in different tolerance to low-N stress between crop genotypes.In addition,15 miRNAs were identified as DEGs between Qi319 and Ye478.Taken together,this study contributes to the understanding of the genetic variations and molecular basis of low-N tolerance in maize.
文摘The present study evaluated calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide(CLDH)availability for the removal of fluoride from local groundwaters.The Mg/Al layered double hydroxide(LDH)was synthesized by coprecipitation method and characterized by XRD,FT-IR and TGA-TDA analyses.Batch defluoridation experiments were performed under various conditions such as calcination,solution pH,contact time,temperature,material dosage and reuse.Experimental results indicate that fluoride removal strongly increased after calcination of the LDH up to 600℃.The maximum fluoride removal was obtained at solution pH of 6.85.Kinetics of fluoride removal followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model.The rise in solution temperature strongly enhances the removal efficiency.The adsorption mechanism involved surface adsorption,ion exchange interaction and original LDH structure reconstruction by rehydration of mixed metal oxides and concomitant intercalation of fluoride ions into the interlayer region.The optimum dosages required to meet the national standard for drinking water quality were found to be 0.29 and 0.8 g/L,respectively,for Bejaad and Settat goundwaters.A decrease in the fluoride uptake with increasing the number of regeneration cycles was observed.
文摘Theropods, mesoeucrocodiles and pterosaurs (along with titanosaurian sauropods) are found in two overbank flood deposited mottled muds/shale units (alternated by meandering river deposited sandstone unit) of the latest Maastrichtian (67 - 66 Ma) Vitakri Formation, Barkhan District, Balochistan, Pakistan. These vertebrates coexisted under the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary line of control and became extinct as mass extinction. Previously these taxa lack the detail description but here theropods, mesoeucrocodiles and pterosaur from Pakistan are being described well with large photographs which provide better understanding of fauna from Pakistan and comparison with coeval taxa from Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. These fauna with associated cranial and postcranial skeletons are significant for Gondwanan paleobiogeography and phylogenetic studies.
基金Project jointly supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) (No. PAK/97/024).
文摘A field investigation was conducted to determine the survival and growth rate of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) and guava (Psidium guajava L.) saplings planted in salt-affected soils. The field used was highly saline-sodic in nature with a wide variation in electrical conductivity of the saturated soil extract (ECe), pHs, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and gypsum requirement (GR). A randomized complete block design was utilized with three treatments, i.e. T1 = plastic container bags totally removed, T2 = only the plastic container bag's base removed and T3 = plastic container bags un-removed. There were 34 and 8 plants in each block for eucalyptus and guava, correspondingly. The survival rates of eucalyptus and guava saplings were greater than 90%. In addition, gain in eucalyptus height was significantly higher in the T1 treatment where the bags were totally removed while for guava height the treatments were not significant.The gain in girth was not significant for both eucalyptus and guava saplings. With eucalyptus the taproot length was greater than the lateral roots while for guava the lateral roots were longer than the taproots.There was a decrease in the salinity-sodicity of the soils for the upper 30 cm depth under both types of vegetation, indicating that the salts had leached down to the B-horizon.
文摘The global prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly with an exponential rise in incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in recent years.‘Diabesity’,the term coined to show the strong interlink between obesity and diabetes,is the direct cons-equence of the obesity pandemic,and poses significant challenges in the management of the disease.Without addressing the clinical and mechanistic complications of obesity such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnoea,a rational management algorithm for diabesity cannot be developed.Several classes of anti-diabetic medications including insulins,sulphonylureas,thiazolidinediones and meglitinides are associated with the risk of weight gain and may potentially worsen diabesity.Therefore,appropriate selection of antidiabetic drug regimen is crucial in the medical management of diabesity.The role of non-pharmacological measures such as dietary adjustments,exercise interventions and bariatric procedures should also be emphasised.Unfortunately,the importance of appropriate and optimal management of diabesity is often overlooked by medical professionals when achieving adequate glycemic control which results in inappropriate management of the disease and its complications.This review provides a narrative clinical update on the evidence behind the management of diabesity.
文摘The prevalence of unwholesome land use practices and population pressure exacerbates soil loss which is worsening the problem of sedimentation of the Kubanni dam. This study was conducted at the Kubanni drainage basin covering a spatial area of 56.7 Km2 in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria to estimate annual soil loss using the RUSLE model. Satellite images of Landsat OLI for December 2014, 2016, 2018, February, July and November 2022;soil data, rainfall data from 2010 to 2022, and DEM of 30-meter resolution were utilized for the study. All factors of the RUSLE model were calculated for the basin using assembled data. The erosivity (R-factor) was discovered to be 553.437 MJ∙mm∙ha−1∙h−1∙yr−1. The average erodibility (K-factor) value was 0.1 Mg∙h∙h∙ha−1∙MJ−1∙mm−1∙yr−1. The Slope Length and Steepness factor (LS-factor) in the basin ranged between 0% and 13.47%. The Crop Management Factor (C-factor) values were obtained from a rescaling of the NDVI values derived for the study area and ranged from 0.26 to 0.55. Support practice (P-factors) were computed from the prevalent tillage practice in the basin and ranged from 0.27 to 0.40. The soil loss amount for the Kubanni basin was found to be 28441.482 tons∙ha−1∙yr−1, while the annual soil loss for the entire Kubanni drainage basin was found to be 49780.257 tons∙yr−1. The study has demonstrated the viability of coupling RUSLE model and Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques for the estimation of soil loss in the Kubanni drainage basin.
文摘Large deposits of cement raw material and resources like limestone, gypsum and shales/clays found from the Koh Sulaiman area of South Punjab (Saraikistan) and Balochistan Provinces, Pakistan. The installation of cement industries especially in South Punjab/Saraikistan Province due to close occurrences of resources should develop the area and increase the export. The Koh Sulaiman regions of South Punjab (Saraikistan) have huge gypsum deposits which deserve for further exploitation. Pakistan is agricultural country and fertility of cultivated lands is vital. Fertilizer resources like phosphate deposits are moderate but the deposits of phosphate and potash bearing rocks are very vast and need their further explorations and exploitation in the Indus Basin. Pakistan has very large construction, dimension and decor stone deposits like limestone, marble, dolomite and igneous rocks like granite, dolerite, serpentine, etc. which needs further exploitation for the development of the areas and increase export. Pakistan is spending a lot of earnings for importing glass, glass wares, pottery, clay, etc. while Pakistan has these resources which needs exploitation of own resources. The best structures and geotectonic elements like the Northern and Western Indus Sutures and Karakoram Suture and Indus placers which are rich in gemstones and jewelry resources. To increase gems and jewelry export, these industries requires reduction in gemstones smuggling and encouragement for gem appraisal and jewelry industry at high level for value addition. In short, Pakistan is rich in natural resources but poor in development. Try should be made to develop and export the own mineral commodities like cement, gypsum, marble, gemstones and jewelry.
文摘The Jurassic-Cretaceous (J/K) and Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg) boundaries/transitions are found in Pakistan especially well exposed on the western continental margin of the Indo-Pakistan plate (part of Gondwana) like Kirthar, Sulaiman and Kohat and Potwar basins. Its lithology is variable both lateral and also vertical. The J/K and K/Pg transitions are represented by terrestrial and marine strata like laterite, bauxite, vary colored shale, sandstones and conglomerates and rare limestone beds. Mesozoic vertebrates found so far belong to archosaurs like poripuchian titanosaurs (sauropods), theropods, mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaurs, snake and bird are briefly overviewed here.
文摘Background: Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth, economic intricacies, and complex healthcare challenges, particularly in Lagos State, the economic hub and most populous state, faces the challenge of ensuring quality healthcare access. The overview of the effect of quality improvement initiatives in this paper focuses on private healthcare providers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study assesses the impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects on these private healthcare facilities. It explores the level of participation, perceived support, and tangible effects of the initiatives on healthcare delivery within private healthcare facilities. It also examines how these initiatives influence patient inflow and facility ratings, and bring about additional benefits and improvements, provides insights into the challenges faced by private healthcare providers in implementing quality improvement projects and elicits recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such initiatives. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed for in-depth exploration, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Private healthcare providers in Lagos involved in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project were purposively sampled for diversity. Face-to-face interviews elicited insights into participation, perceived support, and project effects. Questions covered participation levels, support perception, changes observed, challenges faced, and recommendations. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes from interview transcripts. Adherence to ethical guidelines ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent. Results: Respondents affirmed active involvement in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project, echoing literature emphasizing private-sector collaboration with the public sector. While acknowledging positive influences on facility ratings, respondents highlighted challenges within the broader Nigerian healthcare landscape affecting patient numbers. Respondents cited tangible improvements, particularly in staf
文摘Discoveries of many coal seams at depths by drilling carried by Geological Survey of Pakistan in Sor Range and Harnai Gochina, extended the coal seams at depth which is challenge for mine owners to exploit feasibly. Bed to bed gypsum samplings (and their chemical analyses) of huge gypsum deposits from Sulaiman foldbelt is a base for industrialist and also planers to develop cement and gypsum industries to increase export and foreign exchange for the development of area and Pakistan. Low and high grade sedimentary iron deposits, silica sand and uranium host rocks and their extensions in Sulaiman and Kirthar foldbelts are presented. Anomalies of a few base metals arise as a result of geochemical exploration carried at part of Loralai District of Balochistan. Theropod dinosaurs were frequent in India, while Poripuchian titanosaurs (Sauropoda, Dinosauria) were frequent in Pakistan. Besides some ichnotaxa, many bone taxa such as 1 titanosauriform, 14 titanosaurian sauropod (including one new titanosaur), and 3 theropod dinosaurs are established from Pakistan. Among these 12 titanosaur species and 3 theropod species are named in about 10 km<sup>2</sup> area of Vitakri dome and 2 titanosaur species are named in about a few hundred square meter area of Mari Bohri (Kachi Bohri) which is about 10 km westward from Vitakri dome. Pakistan is a unique country which discoverd 14 diversified titanosaurs in a short area and also in a short period (67 - 66 million years ago/Ma). About 400 bones found from a few meter thick upper part of upper shale horizon of latest Maastrichtian Vitakri Formation which is base for titanosaur taxa. Cranial material is in low fraction (but include significant diverse snouts), caudal vertebrae are prominent, the cervicals, dorsals and sacrals have significant numbers, forelimb and hind limb bones have balanced fraction. Humeri, femora and tibiae are most common. To know the position of Pakistani titanosaurs among titanosaurs and sauropods, there is a need to extend list of characters for phylogeneti
文摘The metabolic syndrome as a consequence of the obesity pandemic resulted in a substantial increase in the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty live disease(MAFLD)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Because of the similarity in pathobiology shared between T2DM and MAFLD,both disorders coexist in many patients and may potentiate the disease-related outcomes with rapid progression and increased complications of the individual diseases.In fact,awareness about this coexistence and the risk of complications are often overlooked by both hepatologists and diabetologists.Management of these individual disorders in a patient should be addressed wholistically using an appropriate multidisciplinary team approach involving both the specialists and,when necessary,liaising with dieticians and surgeons.This comprehensive review is to compile the current evidence from a diabetologist's perspective on MAFLD and T2DM and to suggest optimal management strategies.
文摘Recently two slender and medium to large sized titanosaur taxa like Pakisaurus balochistani and Isisaurus colberti of pakisaurids Poripuch along with small sized stocky Saraikimasoom and medium sized stocky Gspsaurus of gspsaurids Poripuch have been recognized from Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. The diagnosis and description of Pakisaurus balochistani and some missing elements of Isisaurus colberti discovered from Pakistan are added here for understanding of possible fuller anatomy of slender titanosaurs. Further so far no any research information regarding the comparison of titanosaurs of India and Pakistan is available. Here present research provides the comparison between titanosaurs recognized from Pakistan and India.
