As a key component of Earth's biomass, lipids are essential for both the structural integrity and biological functioning of all living systems. Lipases catalyze degradation of lipids and make them available for use in in various biological processes as well as industrial sectors. The aim of this study was to isolate lipolytic fungal strains from petroleum-contaminated soil and optimization of physio-chemical parameter of submerged fermenting medium by using response surface methodology (RSM). The eight parameters studied for optimum lipase yield include temperature, pH, inoculum size, incubation period, metal ion (K2HPO), carbon source (glucose), nitrogen source (peptone), and substrate concentrate (olive oil). Total 10 lipolytic fungal strains were isolated and among 10, 5 showed high lipase activity, with K7 identified as the promising lipase producer (90 Ug-1). Molecular and Classical analysis confirmed K7 as Penicillium chrysogenum. Medium optimization employing Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) followed by central composite design (CCD) identified temperature and incubation time as significant factors, yielded increase in lipase production of 8.5 folds. ANOVA analysis also showed high precision and accuracy of model in term of low p values, higher T values, and coefficient of determination (R2) (89.66%). Furthermore, regression analysis also revealed importance of temperature and incubation period as significant variables in the form of pareto, residuals, probability, 2D and 3D graphs. The optimized condition for 100 ml medium were 27.8 degrees C, 150 rpm, 124 h incubation time, pH 5, 0.5 g glucose, 0.2 g metal ion, 0.06 g peptone, 1 ml olive oil, and 3 ml inoculum size. The significance of this study contributes to the efficient lipase production in various industrial applications.

Background: Apis dorsata is one of the most economically important bees. The A. dorsata colonies are rapidly declining in Pakistan due to multiple factors. Investigation regarding Varroa destructor in A. dorsata was completely ignored in the past. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the morphological identification, prevalence, and infestation rate of V. destructor in the phoretic phase and reproductive phase of A. dorsata in Pakistan. Methods: This research was performed season-wise from December 2022 to November 2023 in the selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Season-wise (one month of each season) examination of A. dorsata hives, samples collection, and examination of adult and sealed brood cells of A. dorsata for V. destructor collection, morphological identification, prevalence, and infestation rate was carried out. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and t-test. Results: The different life stages of V. destructor were identified based on morphological characters. Sizes of protonymph, deutronymph , and adult female V. destructor were 631–682 × 735–784 μm, 1,011–1,197× 1,080–1,667 μm, and 1,168–1,205 × 1,741–1,785 μm, respectively, while male V. destructor were 598–626 × 605–661 μm, 739–787 × 706–741 μm and 801–870 × 803–874 μm, respectively. In winter, spring, summer, and autumn, the prevalence of V. destructor in the phoretic phase of A. dorsata was 36%, 60%, 44%, and 32%, respectively, whereas in the reproductive phase was 4%, 32%, 60%, and 48%, respectively. Seasonal prevalence of V. destructor showed a statistically significant effect (p <0.05) in the phoretic and reproductive phases of A. dorsata. A comparative prevalence of V. destructor between phoretic and reproductive phases of A. dorsata colonies was found highly significant (p <0.05) in winter and spring. The overall prevalence of V. destructor in A. dorsata colonies in winter, spring, summer, and autumn was 36%, 60%, 60%, and 48%, respectively. The comparative infestation rate of V. destructor between phoretic and reproductive phases was found highly significant (p < 0.05) in winter, summer, and autumn. Season-wise overall infestation rate of V. destructor showed significant results (p < 0.05) in the phoretic and reproductive phases. Conclusion: The infestation of V. destructor was first time recorded in A. dorsata. This parasite continuously declines the A. dorsata in Pakistan.

Botanical surveys in all parts of Pakistan are mainly focused on ethnomedicinal uses of plants, and very little attention has been paid to documenting edible wild fruit species (EWFs). Multiple methodologies and tools were used for data collection. In a recent survey 74 EWF species belonging to 29 families were documented, including their medicinal uses for the treatment of various diseases. The most cited (23%) preparation method was raw, fresh parts. The UV and RFC of EWF species ranged from 0.08 to 0.4 and from 0.02 to 0.18, respectively. In terms of specific disease treatments and their consensus, the ICF ranged from 0 to 0.38. Sexual, gastrointestinal, and respiratory disorders had the highest use reports, and 11 species of plants had the highest FL of 100%. On the basis of uses reported by the inhabitants of seven districts of Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, the CSI ranged from the lowest 1.3 to the highest 41. It is concluded that the traditional uses of EWF species depend mainly on socio-economic factors rather than climatic conditions or the number of species. However, there is a gradual loss of traditional knowledge among the younger generations. The present survey is the first baseline study about the socio-economic dimension of local communities regarding the use of EWF species for food as well as medicine.

Plants have been the primary source of sustenance, medicinal remedies, and refuge for humans throughout history. Wild edible fruits, in particular, have played a significant role in shaping people's diets due to their nutritional value. This research aimed to investigate the mineral content, antioxidant properties, chemical composition, and basic characteristics of selected wild edible fruits from Dera Ismail Khan, specifically Cordia myxa and Cordia dichotoma. The chosen wild edible fruits were utilized to determine their inorganic content through spectroscopy, assess their antioxidant potential using the DPPH assay, and analyze their proximate components such as crude fats via the soxhlet extraction method, proteins using the Kjeldahl technique, and ash content through muffle burning. Standard AOAC techniques were employed to ensure accurate measurements. The results of the proximate analysis revealed that C. dichotoma had a carbohydrate content of 88.35%, while C. myxa had 53.79%. Furthermore, the study found that the copper concentrations in C. myxa and C. dichotoma were 525.00 mg/kg and 477.70 mg/kg of dry weight, respectively. Notably, the highest levels of total phenols and their derivatives were detected in C. myxa (33.41 mg GAE/g) and C. dichotoma (19.59 mg GAE/g), with C. myxa exhibiting significant antioxidant activity (IC50 46.75 g/mL). Additionally, both fruits displayed a total flavonoid content of 0.463 mg QE/g.. Antibacterial activity was performed by microdilution method of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) whereas, Cordia myxa (L.) showed greatest activity of inhibition against Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Cordia dichotma inhibited Klebsiella pneumonia effectively. Cordia dichotma proved to be the good anti-diabetic while Cordia myxa proved itself for better anti-inflammatory activity in defined laboratory environment, both activities were confirmed by performing enzyme inhibition assays. With high quantities of macronutrients, trace elements, antioxidants, and possible health advantages, these neglected food sources become more important in both conventional and contemporary diets.

R&D spending upsurges technological advancement and innovation which results in lowering energy consumption and environmental degradation. The current study investigates the asymmetrical impact of R&D spending on CO2 emissions in China via employing annual data from 1980 to 2021 and the NARDL model for empirical analysis. The estimated results of the NARDL model confirmed that there are asymmetries in positive and negative coefficients of R&D spending in China. The results depict that the positive shock in R&D spending exerts a negative and statistically significant impact on CO2 emissions in both runs implying that an increase in R&D spending lowers CO2 emissions. However, the negative coefficient of R&D spending yields a positive and statistically significant impact on CO2 emissions revealing the fact that a negative shock in R&D spending results in the upsurge of CO2 emissions in China. According to these findings, the impact of positive and negative shocks in R&D spending on CO2 emissions is asymmetric. The findings also show that the impact of a negative shock in R&D spending is greater than the impact of a positive shock on CO2 emissions. In addition to the negative shock in R&D spending, increases in energy consumption, economic growth, and FDI inflows also contribute to an upsurge in CO2 emissions in China. The robustness of the estimated results is assessed using standard fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) models. The FMOLS and DOLS results have been confirmed to be sound and consistent with the results of the NARDL model. The study suggests that the economic strategies should aim at investing in R&D spending to foster environment-friendly technological innovations and to lower environmental degradation in China.

Amylases are one of the biotechnologically important enzymes that have multiple applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textile, detergent, paper and pulp, bioremediation and nano-biotechnology industries. Amylases can be isolated from animals, plants and microbial regions, but nowadays enzymes from prokaryotic species have gained more importance. Among the microbes, amylases from Bacillus cereus have gained considerable demand in various industrial sectors. Growing industrial demand for enzymes compels the availability of enzymes in large quantities that can only be achieved by employing efficient fermentation techniques. Therefore, the current study is aimed at the statistical optimisation of the production conditions for extracellular amylase production from Bacillus strain AS2. In a recent study, the optimum amylase producing AS2 strain was identified on a molecular level, and it was found that it has close relation with the already reported strains of Bacillus cereus. . The further enzyme production was optimised by using a statistical optimisation tool. A full-factorial central composite design (CCD) consisting of 53 experiments was designed using six significant variables (incubation period, pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen source and metal ion). The analysis revealed that the optimal media concentrations were 54.34 g center dot L-1-1 starch, 0.63 g center dot L-1-1 CaCl2, 2 , 1 g center dot L-1-1 glycine, pH 7.0, 76 h, and 40 degrees C, respectively. A 1.23-fold increase in the enzyme yield (1 050 IU center dot mL-1 center dot min-1)-1 center dot min-1 ) was noticed as compared to the original production level. The statistical optimisation approach gives the exact variables that influence the enzyme production and, hence, offers the best way to optimise the bioprocess. The optimised enzyme can be used in industries for various purposes such as de-sizing, de-inking, hydrolysing starch residues, etc.

Apple peel is considered as a waste product in many fruit industries but it is a noteworthy source of nutrients and phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols which have the ability to scavenge free radicals. Objectives: To study the physicochemical properties of apple (Malus domestica) peel powder, as well as its TPC and free radical scavenging activities. Methods: Proximate analysis of the apple peels powder was carried out. Total polyphenol content of apple peel powder was determined. The total content of phenolic compounds was expressed as gallic acid equivalent, i.e. mg GAE/100g of extract dry weight of sample. Results: The results of physicochemical characteristics moisture (7.65±0.88%), ash (2.50±0.35%), fat (1.18±0.02%), fiber (15.25±1.03%), protein (2.79±0.05%), carbohydrates (71.0±2.30%) and energy were 312±4.70 Kcal/100g. The total phenolic contents in the methanolic extract of apple peel powder were 320±5.4 mg GAE/100g while in H2O extract 201±4.20 mg/100g. The findings of the apple peel powder's methanolic extract's capacity to scavenge free radicals varied from 25.40±1.30—69.2±3.80%, while those of the water extract were 14.30±1.05—45.62±1.90% and BHT were 17.8±1.15—51.62±2.15% at concentration 20-100 µg/ml. Conclusions: The outcomes showed that both apple peel powder extracts had promising total polyphenols and have strong free radical scavenging activity. These findings suggest that the apple peel powder act as robust naturally occurring antioxidants and may be employed as a preventative therapy for several oxidative stress-related degenerative disorders.

Abstract The versatility of Morus (Mulberry) fruit is growing among various suppliers and users globally. This study assessed the comparative variability in terms of total sugar, acidity, minerals, phenolic and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant dynamics of three black mulberry (M. serrata, M. nigra and M. macroura black) and two white mulberry cultivars (M. alba and M. macroura white) during various fruit development stages. Over all, M. alba (white cultivar) displayed maximum increase in sugar (0.10 to 1.35%) with maximum sugar recorded at fruit developmental stage 3 (FDS-3) followed by M. serrata (black cultivar) at FDS-5 (1.1%) and M. macroura white (white cultivar) at FDS-4 (0.9%). Decrease in acidity in M. alba from 0.8% at FDS-1 to 0.09% at FDS-4, M. nigra from 0.8% at FDS-1 to 0.03% at FDS-7 and M. macroura white from 0.6% at FDS-2 to 0.04% at FDS-4 were observed. TPC was maximum (590 GAE/100g) in M. nigra at FDS-6 and M. serrata (450 GAE/100g) at FDS-7 while white mulberry showed minimum TPC of < 200 GAE/100g during development stages. Two black cultivars (M. serrata and M. nigra) showed significant increase in total anthocyanin contents (14.57 to 100.06 and 14.13 to 201.87) from FDS-1 to FDS-7, whereas M. alba showed little increase (6.51 to 6.90). However, a decrease in anthocyanin contents (CGE/100 g FW) was observed in both M. macroura black and M. macroura white (17.07 to 11.79 and 9.03 to 2.68) from FDS-1 to FDS-7. The DPPH inhibition of black mulberry cultivars was pointedly greater with elevated levels of Fe, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Na, P and K as compared to the white cultivars during maturity. HPLC and MS procedures verified total six anthocyanins such as cyanidin, mono glucosides of malvidin, cyanidin rutinoside, delphinidin and pelargonidin in all mulberry cultivars that may be potential phyto-therapeutic agents for the prevention of diabetes and other metabolic syndromes. Conclusively, mulberry could be of great significance for people anticipated to take mulberry as adjuvant therapy against health related complications concerning reactive oxygen species and to overcome heavy metal toxicity.

The purpose of this paper is to study the scientific classification of raspberries. The raspberries are cultivated in abroad as well as in Pakistan. Raspberry is a crop that is cultivated in most European countries and in different areas of Pakistan such as Murree, Islamabad, and Lahore. Raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. Antioxidants are present in raspberries which may prevent cell damage and cancer. Raspberries are used to lower the sugar level. We use raspberries in different products such as juices, lotions, desserts, and wines. There are many health benefits of raspberries for humans as well as animals in lowering sugar levels and prevent from cancer and other cell damage. Raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are renowned for their sensory and nutritional properties, owing to their high level of critical components that are useful for the role of biological activity in human health. Raspberries are one example of a plant-based diet that appears to lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and death. It may support the promotion of a vibrant complexion, increased vitality, and weight loss.

Aloe vera L. (Lililaceae) bears various medicinal applications that likely date back more than a thousand years ago. The current review provides an overview of the folk traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and cosmaceutical applications of the A. vera plant to date. The data have been retrieved from different scientific databases, including PubMed-Medline, Researchgate, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, SciELO, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, books, conference papers, Masters and Ph.D. dissertations. As per the collected data of this review, almost 40 active phytoconstituents in A. vera have been reported so far with varying concentrations. Ethnobotanical data displayed that A. vera is still used as traditional medicine among communities against more than 20 different health-related problems. The DPPH, FRAP, TAC, and ABTS assays were commonly employed where A. vera extracts showed varying antioxidant activities against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Data on the biological activities showed A. vera plant extracts with remarkable anti-inflammatory activities through the inhibition of TNF-α and prostaglandin E2 factors and also exerts anti-diabetic activity against type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As per the collected data of this review, A. vera extracts have been reported with anti-microbial activities against more than 12 bacterial and 7 fungal strains and also obstruct the uncontrollable proliferation of specific types of cancer cells like HCT-116, HepG2, HeLa, A549, and MCF-7. Conclusively, A. vera possesses wide-ranging applications in the treatment of various diseases. However, more controlled investigations and clinical trials with the elucidation of the mechanism of action activities are prerequisites in the future to substantiate the outcomes and efficacies of A. vera under different circumstances. Any toxic effects of A. vera if associated with specific extracts or compounds should be addressed for safer consumption of Aloe-based food and cosmetic products.

BACKGROUND:Mulberry (Morus) from the Moraceae family is distributed widely in tropical to temperate regions of the world having economic and medicinal significance with exceptional nutritional characteristics. OBJECTIVES:Assessment of variations in sugars, acidity, minerals, total phenolics, anthoc yanins and antioxidant potentials of three black mulberry (Morrus serrata, M. nigra and M. macroura black) and two white mulberry cultivars (M. alba and M. macroura white) during development stages. METHODS:Total sugars and acidity were evaluated with AOAC methods and total phenolic content was estimated with folin-ciocalteau method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated with DPPH assay, minerals were quantified with atomic absorption spectroscopy and anthocyanins were assessed and identified with high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. RESULTS:Over all, M. alba (white cultivar) displayed maximum sugar (1.35%) at fruit development stage 3 (FDS-3) following M. serrata (black cultivar) at FDS-5 (1.1%) and M. macroura white (white cultivar) at FDS-4 (0.9%). Acidity decreased in M. alba (0.8–0.09%), M. nigra (0.8–0.03%) and M. macroura white (0.6–0.04%) during development. Total phenolic content was maximum (590 GAE/100 g) in M. nigra at FDS-6 and M. serrata (450 GAE/100 g) at FDS-7. Two black cultivars (M. serrata and M. nigra) showed significant increase in total anthocyanins (14.57–100.06 and 14.13–201.87 CGE/100 g FW) from FDS-1 to FDS-7 while decrease in M. macroura black and M. macroura white (17.07–11.79 and 9.03–2.68) from FDS-1 to FDS-7. The DPPH inhibition of black mulberries was pointedly greater with significant levels of iron, copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and potassium than white cultivars during maturity. HPLC and LC-MS procedures identified various anthocyanins in all cultivars including cyanidin, malvidin, pelargonidin and delphinidin. CONCLUSIONS:Mulberries with improved nutrition, acceptable range of metals, bioactive compounds and higher antioxidant potentials could be significant against various diseases like cancer, cardiovascular problems, neurodegenerative disorders, obesity, diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.

Objective The purpose of this study was to establish whether the water used by inhabitants of the five surrounding village communities of Kachura, Qomra, Kwardu, Hoto, and Gamba in the district of Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan is portable or not for human consumption. Skardu is located at 35°17’25”N 75°38’40”E, with an elevation of 2,228 meters above sea level in Northeastern Pakistan. Methods Three water samples were collected from each of the 5 villages in the district. Total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total solids (TS), total hardness (TH), calcium, magnesium, total alkalinity (TA), chloride, nitrate, conductivity, sodium, and potassium were determined using established chemical analysis techniques, according to recommended World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Results The findings showed that water samples had not been treated before being consumed by people. Variations between the communities were found when the parameters were analyzed. TSS ranged from 11 to 44 mg/L; total solids ranged from 94 to 392 mg/L; and TDS ranged from 82 to 348 mg/L. Calcium varied from 72 to 232 mg/L, magnesium ranged from 16 to 88 mg/L, and total hardness ranged from 88 to 320 mg/L. Chloride levels ranged from 8 to 12 mg/L, total alkalinity was between 72 and 248 mg/L, and nitrate levels were within acceptable bounds. Water conductivity varied between 139 and 612 S/cm. While potassium ranged from 49 to 147 mg/mL, sodium ranged from 33 to 118 mg/mL. Notably, the water samples from Kwardu, Hoto, Gamba, and Kachura had potassium levels that were higher than allowed. Only three of the samples taken from the village of Qomrah were within acceptable ranges. Conclusion According to the study’s findings, water samples from the Skardu district were not treated before being consumed by people. The high potassium content in drinking water increases the risk of hyperkalemia and can cause serious health issues, especially in people with kidney, cardiac, and diabetes conditions. Consequently, it is recommended to use reverse osmosis (RO) to remove excess potassium from water. Also, it is advised to boil drinking water before consuming to kill microbes. To reduce potential health hazards connected with drinking untreated water, it is essential to increase the local residents’ awareness of waterborne issues.

Strawberry is a member of family Rosaceae. Fragaria x ananassa are two important species which grown throughout the world. It is a rich source of Vitamin C, also contains sugar, organic acid, and major constituent is water. It is utilized in fresh form as well as processed such as jam and juices. Organic food products are beneficial for the people around the globe. From the past years, organic food production is increased abruptly. Plasticulture strawberry production system is used which enhances the yield of strawberry doubles times as compared to matted rows. Different kinds of plastic mulches used which give protection to plant and soil and increase the yield. As we know due to health concerns that occurred due to excessive use of chemicals and fertilizers, it is hazardous to use chemical fertilizers on unpeelable fruits like strawberry. It enhances risks for human health. Many constituents of strawberries such as ellagic acid, anthocyanins, and ellagitannins provide different health benefits to humans. It has anticarcinogenic and anti-antioxidant properties, and they prevent human from heart diseases and many other problems such as obesity.

Distribution networks are undergoing a massive transition due to the continuously increasing penetration of renewable energy resources. The presence of renewables, like Photovoltaic systems (PVs) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), in the conventional passive distribution networks provides opportunities to utilize these for improving the distribution network operation. For example, BESS can reduce the intermittency in PV output, peak shaving, congestion management, and improvement in voltage profile. This paper investigates the operational benefits of BESS and PV for additional voltage support to legacy voltage control (On-load Tap-changers) in a real MV distribution network considering local and centralized voltage control approaches. The analyzed network is part of Dubai distribution network and consists of 80 nodes at 33 kV and 11 kV voltage levels. In the local voltage control approach, the impact of BESS and PV inverters are analyzed when operated in constant power factor mode. Since the local voltage control approaches can often lead to sub-optimal utilization of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) for voltage control, this work also considers centralized adaptive voltage control to maximize the DER support. Detailed simulation-based analysis and comparison of the performance of voltage control schemes is performed using MATLAB and OpenDSS simulations with actual measurement data.

The significant role of research and development is undeniable in fostering the process of innovation, economic growth, and welfare of nations. This study estimates the levels and factors mainly technological progress and economic growth in affecting the efficiency of public expenditures on research and development activities for China and India over the period 2000 to 2019. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is employed for measuring the level of efficiency. The results of the DEA technique show that China is the most efficient country between the two countries. On the other hand, the results of bootstrap truncated regression model show that improving access to advance technology and fostering the growth process has a positive impact on the level of efficiency of research and development expenditures. Apart from technological progress and growth trade openness, political stability and government effectiveness are also positively associated with the level of efficiency of research and development expenditures in sample economies. The conclusion of the study suggests that the policymakers should devise policies to raise the level of efficiency of research and development expenditures via increasing access to advance technology and fostering the growth process in the sample economies. Such policies will be helpful in utilizing the scarce resources efficiently.

Background: Blueberries are one of the most popular and nutritious fruits in the world. They are small, round, and blue with a sweet and tangy flavor. Blueberries are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Objective: This study is a review of the origin, taxonomy, classification, cultivation, commercial importance, and health benefits of blueberry. Methods: A wide range of electronic data was gathered including different articles, review papers. Conference papers, abstracts published in national and international proceedings, books, and thesis. The current research was based on International database such as Google Scholar, BIOSIS, Journal Citation Reports, Research Gate, Science Direct, and Scopus with particular keywords. Results: Blueberries are the best source of antioxidants, polyphenols, and fiber. Blueberries have very best nutritional aspects including neuro-protective, osteoprotective, reno-protective, and opthalmo-protective properties. Conclusion: Blueberries are native to North America and have been used by Native Americans for centuries for their medicinal properties. In recent years, blueberries have gained widespread popularity due to their many health benefits, including their ability to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function. In addition to their cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits, blueberries may also have cognitive benefits.