jbas
Abstract : Evaluation of Bioactivity and Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation of Herbal Plants Against Ampicillin Resistant Bacteria
|
|
|
Abstract: Presently, natural products are extensively used as substitute of synthetic drugs because of natural and environment friendly antimicrobial actions due to presence of bioactive compounds. These bioactive compounds are found extensively in herbs. In this study, bioactivity and phytochemical study of crude extracts of Ocimum basilicum, Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis and Origanum vulgare against ampicillin resistant bacterial strains isolated from fruits and vegetables eaten as raw, was investigated. Bacterial strains were isolated from the surface of selected washed fruits and vegetables by serial dilution method. Three morphologically different strains (A, P and L) were selected on the basis of resistance to ampicillin (150ug/ml). 16s rRNA sequencing revealed that bacterial strains A, P and L belong to Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain A, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain P and Rhodobacter sphaeroides, respectively. Phytochemical screening showed presence of different chemical compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phlobotannins, quinones, coumarin and flavonoids. Occurrence of saponins and flavonoids in the extract was further confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Ocimum basilicum, Rosmarinus officinalis and Origanum vulgare extracts caused inhibition of the isolated ampicillin resistant organisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) but effect of Thymus vulgaris was more pronounced. Anti-mitotic study revealed the ability of these extracts to reduce dividing cells by the anti-mitotic properties and this is helpful in inhibition of the development of cancer cells. Therefore, these plants can be used to discover natural products that will aid in more effective developments of new drug research activities. Keywords: Medicinal plants extracts, phytochemical screening, antibacterial activity.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Associations Among Self-Compassion, Eating Behaviors, and Stress in College Freshmen
|
|
|
Abstract: Purpose: Few studies have investigated the potential relationship between self-compassion and eating behaviors. Self-compassion has been shown to improve one’s ability to respond more effectively to various situations and stressors by embracing the constructs of self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness. This study examined correlations between self-compassion, eating behaviors and stress in first-time college freshmen. Methods: First-time freshmen (N=1477), ages 18-22 years (63% female), self-reported measures of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Associations among PSS, SCS and TFEQ scores were examined with Pearson correlations by gender. Differences by gender were explored with t-tests. Results: There were significant (p < 0.01) correlations between disinhibition and negative SCS constructs (self-judgment, r = 0.29; isolation, r = 0.23; over-identification, r = 0.28) and restraint and self-judgment in females (r = 0.26). Females scored significantly higher than males on PSS and negative SCS subscales (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Interventions increasing self-compassion and reducing stress may optimally support psychological and behavioral wellbeing as students transition into college. Future research needs to understand how self-compassion interventions may attenuate the inimical cycle of dietary restraint and disinhibition in university students. Keywords: Mindfulness,self-kindness, freshmen transition, dietaryrestraint, dietary disinhibition,hunger,perceived stress, behavioralwellbeing.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Allelopathic Impact of Sorghum and Sunflower on Germinability and Seedling Growth of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
|
|
|
Abstract: Sorghum and sunflower are considered as highly allelopathic plants with inhibitory efficacy on plants of other species. In a pot study, the phytotoxic potential of sorghum and sunflower shoot and root on germination and seedling growth of cotton was evaluated through soil incorporation of powders and spray of water extracts. The experiment was conducted at Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam during Kharif (summer) 2010 and 2011. The analysis of pooled data suggested that all the powders and water extracts of both allelopathic crops caused substantial suppression of germination and related traits of cotton seedlings as compared to control (untreated). Sorghum shoot powder (10 g kg-1 soil) caused highest allelopathic effects and reduced cotton seed germination by 12.8%, root length by 45.4%, shoot length by 51.9%, fresh weight seedling-1 by 41.7% and dry weight seedling-1 by 36.7%, followed by sunflower shoot powder (10 g kg-1 soil) in phytotoxic efficiency for inhibiting seed germination, seedling growth and weight in contrast to control (untreated). Sorghum showed superiority over sunflower in allelopathic efficiency. Powder of both crops was found more allelopathic in contrast to water extract. Among plant parts phytotoxic potential, shoot proved higher in inhibitory effect than root. However, it was concluded from the results of present study that both sorghum and sunflower possess allelopathic compounds with growth suppressing ability which could be utilized for effective weed management in cotton under field conditions as eco-friendly low-cost alternate of herbicides with wise strategy. Keywords: Sorghum, sunflower, allelopathy, cotton, germination, growth.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Use of the Suitability Model to Identify Landfill Sites in Lahore-Pakistan
|
|
|
Abstract: Site selection is a vital and basic concern of solid waste management in Lahore District, Pakistan, where there is fast growing urbanization. An appropriate landfill site for management of solid waste in this district must be found, and this demands the evaluation of multiple suitability criteria. Based on the current situation of the study area, these criteria were assigned weights according to their relative importance by using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The weights were then used in a simple additive weighted process (SAW) to generate a hierarchy of suitable sites for landfill to resolve the solid waste issue in Lahore District. Geographic information system (GIS) environment was used to collect, manipulate, analyze and present spatial data. Each spatial characteristic was standardized to same scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is the lowest suitability and 5 is highest suitability. This work presents a GIS-based site selection methodology that provides support to decision makers for the assessment of waste management issues in Lahore District. Keywords: Site Selection, Simple Additive Weight, Landfill, Solid Waste, Spatial, Lahore.Download Full Article |
