RESUMEN

Ghaf, a resilient tree in arid environments, plays a critical role in ecological restoration, desertification mitigation, and cultural heritage preservation. However, the seeds' inherent challenges, notably their hard outer coating restricting germination, emphasize the pressing need for innovative strategies. This work aimed to investigate the optimization of Ghaf seed germination process through seed priming with ZnO nanoparticles treatment (duration (t), concentration (c), temperature (T), and agitation (a), employing the Taguchi method for efficient experimental design. Furthermore, the study includes Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), analysis for the regression model to assess the significance of predictor variables and their interactions, thereby strengthening the statistical validity of our optimization approach. Notably, it revealed that concentration is a pivotal influencer in optimization of Ghaf seed germination. The results showed that the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles has no linear relation with any other parameters. To verify the outcomes, validation tests were performed utilizing the predicted optimal parameters. The observed low error ratio, falling within the range of 1 to 6%, confirmed the success of the Taguchi methodology in identifying optimal levels of the factors chosen. Significantly, ZnO-primed seeds showcased a remarkable enhancement in Ghaf seed germination, increasing from 15 to 88%. This study introduces a novel approach utilizing ZnO nanoparticle treatment optimized through the Taguchi method, significantly enhancing seed germination rates of Ghaf seeds and offering a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices in arid environments.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Pulsed laser ablation in liquid, used for nanoparticle synthesis from solid bulk metal targets (a top-down approach), has been a hot topic of research in the past few decades. It is a highly efficient and 'green' fabrication method for producing pure, stable, non-toxic (ligand-free), colloidal nanoparticles, which is often challenging using traditional chemical methods. Due to the short time scale interaction between the laser pulses and the target, it is difficult to achieve complete control on the physical characteristics of metallic nanoparticles. Laser process parameters, liquid environment, and external fields vastly effect the shape and structure of nanoparticles for targeted applications. Past reviews on pulsed laser ablation have focused extensively on synthesising different materials using this technique but little attention has been given to explaining the dependency aspect of the process parameters in fine-tuning the nanoparticle characteristics. In this study, we reviewed the state of the art literature available on this technique, which can help the scientific community develop a comprehensive understanding with special insights into the laser ablation mechanism. We further examined the importance of these process parameters in improving the ablation rate and productivity and analysed the morphology, size distribution, and structure of the obtained nanoparticles. Finally, the challenges faced in nanoparticle research and prospects are presented.

RESUMEN

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common sequelae of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among adults. However, little is known about NPS associated with a history of TBI in adults relative to adults without a history of TBI and to what extent NPS may be modulated by sex and other factors. Using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set, we examined the association between Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q) scores in cognitively normal older adults with and without a history of TBI. A binomial logistic regression model was used to examine NPI-Q domains in adults with a history of TBI (n = 266) versus without a history of TBI (n = 1508). History of TBI, sex, age, and body mass index were used as covariates. Adults with a history of TBI had a greater probability of exhibiting agitation, anxiety, apathy, disinhibition and aberrant motor behavior relative to adults without a history of TBI. In terms of sex differences, males with and without a history of TBI had an increased likelihood of agitation, apathy, disinhibition, and apnea, whereas females had an increased likelihood of anxiety and insomnia relative to males. Our study confirms that history of TBI is associated with an increased prevalence of specific NPS, including agitation, anxiety, apathy, disinhibition, and aberrant motor behavior. Given that the aforementioned NPS are linked through different pathways, damage to any of them may cause an alteration in behavior. As well, NPS appear to be modulated by sex, with symptoms differing between males and females. Our research suggests future studies examining NPS sequelae of TBI should adjust for sex.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a journey towards economic integration of Eurasia. The CPEC contains US$62 billion investment projects on energy, infrastructure, and other development projects in Pakistan. However, CPEC could enhance climate change vulnerabilities for the faltering economy of Pakistan due to its three possible environmental risks and repercussions. Its major environmental concern is related to energy projects as three quarters of the newly planned energy will be generated from traditional coal-fired power plants. Traditional coal power plants are the major contributors to CO2 emissions and smog, which ultimately lead to global warming and climate change. Its second important environmental concern is linked with massive tree cutting for the construction of various road networks from Kashghar, China, to Gwadar, Pakistan. Tree cutting leads to enormous concentration of CO2 emissions along the road networks. Vehicle trafficking is its third important environmental threat. Karakorum highway is expected to carry up to 7000 trucks per day that will release up to 36.5 million tons of CO2. Despite all the environmental risks, the CPEC enables Pakistan to manage energy crisis and upgrade aging infrastructure. However, if appropriate remedial measures are not taken to diminish environmental risks, Pakistan will be among major contributors to CO2 emissions, and its rank will be worsen in global climate risk index, after completion of this project. Therefore, it is very crucial to assess possible environmental impacts of CPEC projects regarding energy, infrastructure, and transportation. Furthermore, scientists from both countries should collaborate to manage the environmental repercussions of CPEC projects.

Asunto(s)