Naveed Ahmad

Synergism of polyamines and plant growth regulators enhanced morphogenesis, stevioside content, and production of commercially important natural antioxidants in Stevia rebaudiana Bert

This study was aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of polyamines (PAs) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) on in vitro propagation and stevioside production in Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia). A large-scale in vitro propagation protocol was established for leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with various combinations of PAs and PGRs. The synergistic combination of spermidine (Spd, 2.0xa0mgxa0L−1) with 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D, 1.5xa0mgxa0L−1) and 6-benzyleadenine (BA, 1.5xa0mg L-1) induced maximum callogenic response (91.7%). The combination of Spd (1.0xa0mgxa0L−1) and BA (1.0xa0mgxa0L−1) was found most effective for shoot regeneration (94.4%), mean number of shoots (14. 7), and leaves per explant (88.3). However, the combination of putrescine (Put, 2.0xa0mgxa0L−1) and kinetin (Kn, 2.0xa0mgxa0L−1) promoted mean shoot length (6.6xa0cm). Incorporation of either Spd or Put in combination with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) or indole butyric acid (IBA) to culture media improved root organogenesis. Vigorous plantlets having optimum roots were successfully acclimatized in soil. Chromatographic data revealed that the synergism of Spd, BA, and Kn (2.0xa0mgxa0L−1) enhanced stevioside content in shoots (10.20xa0mg/g DSB) as compared to control (3.02xa0mg/g DW). Furthermore, application of Put and BA (2.0xa0mgxa0L−1) enhanced fresh (57.5xa0gxa0L−1 FSB) and dry shoot biomass (9.03xa0gxa0L−1 DSB) compared to control. In contrast, the Spd and BA (2.0xa0mgxa0L−1) increased antioxidant activity (80.6%) as compared to control (55.3%). Combination of Spd, BA, and GA3 (2.0xa0mg L-1) enhanced the production of phenolic and flavonoid contents. This is the first successful report on the application of polyamines for large-scale in vitro propagation and accumulation of higher stevioside content, a potential step towards industrial production.

IMPACT OF BRAND CREDIBILITY ON CONSUMER LOYALTY A CASE STUDY OF FAST FOOD INDUSTRY IN DG KHAN, PAKISTAN

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the relationship of brand credibility and consumer loyalty with the indirect effect of attitude towards brand as mediator. Mainly, the study was conducted in the service sector by taking a prominent sectors food sector. To represent food service sector Pizza Hut was chosen. Sample of study was college/ sub campuses students and staff members from banking institutions in D. G. Khan. Different statistical techniques were used like factor loading (As a data reduction technique), Reliability analysis (To check the consistency among the different questions of a variable), Descriptive statistics (To check the central tendency), Correlation analysis (To check the relationship among variables) and regression analysis including model summary and ANOVA (To check the cause and effect relationship among variables). Results found that brand credibility and consumer loyalty are the most significant factors. Furthermore attitude towards brand as mediator plays a significant role.

Impact of Islamic Fashion Marketing on Islamic Marketing : A Case Study of Pakistani Women's

This research attempts to explain main aspects of Islamic fashion marketing in the consideration of the Muslim women. In this study author focuses the relationship of Islamic Fashion Marketing on the Islamic Marketing. The statistical population covers 65 women’s in this research which are selected randomly as a sample group. Data is collected by standard questionnaire. For data analysis, correlation coefficient is use through “ANOVA and SPSS”. There are the two determinants of Islamic fashion marketing which are Religion and Design. Results showed Positive relationship between Religions and Islamic marketing and also there is the Positive relationship between Design and Islamic marketing.

Propagation of Olive Cultivars through Air Layerage

An experiment Propagation of olive cultivars through air layerage was conducted at Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab Peshawar Pakistan during year 2011. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block (RCB) designs with split plot arrangement. Factor A was olive cultivars (Coratina, Baincullela, Frantoio) kept in main plot, while different bark size (2cm, 3cm, 4cm and 5cm) were allotted to sub plot. A significant variation was recorded for all parameters studied at different bark size for air layering in olive cultivars. The olive cultivars significantly influenced root length (cm) whereas, the interaction of olive cultivars and different bark also showed a significant variation for parameters. The maximum days to root appearance (47) and roots plant -1 (12.56) were recorded in 5 cm bark removed. Whereas, the minimum days to root appearance (40) and roots plant -1 (7.90) were recorded in 3 cm and 2 cm bark removed respectively. However, the highest root length (6.52 cm), root weight (2.94 g), percent plant survival (85.55 %) was recorded in 3 cm bark removed and root volume (1.17 ml) in 4 cm bark removed. By contrast the lowest highest root length (5.52 cm) was observed in air layered branches in 2 cm bark removed, root weight (1.86 g), percent plant survival (68.88 %) in 4 cm bark removed and root volume (0.91 ml) in 5 cm bark removed. Among various olive cultivars, the highest root length (6.25 cm) was observed for cultivar Coratina, while the lowest root length (5.40 cm) was recorded in cultivar Baincullela. In response to interaction effect the maximum days to root appearance (49) and roots plant -1 (17.70) was recorded for cultivar Baincullela in 5 cm bark removed. Whereas, the minimum days to root appearance (36) for the cultivar Coratina was recorded in 3 cm bark removed and roots plant -1 (17.70) for cultivar Baincullela in 5 cm bark removed. Cultivar Coratina was observed with the highest root length (8.25 cm) in 3 cm, root volume (1.44 ml) in 4 cm and percent plant survival (90.00 %) in 3 cm bark removed. However, the lowest root length (3.43 cm) was recorded in 2 cm bark removed and root volume (0.84 ml) for both cultivars in 5 cm bark removed. Similarly, the lowest root weight (1.82 g) and percent survival (58.30 %) was recorded in 4 cm bark removed for cultivars Baincullela and Frantoio respectively. It was concluded from present data that Coratina performed best in root development through air layerage, when 3 cm bark removed under the climatic conditions of Peshawar. I. Introduction Olive (Oleaeuropaea L.) belongs to family Oleaceae. Olive is an attractive evergreen tree with grey- green foliage. It is a slow and steady growing tree having a long life of about 900 to 1000 years. It can reach a height up to 15 m or more. It was under cultivation long before the time of earliest recorded history, originated in the Eastern Mediterranean area. The cultivation in Italy, Spain and North Africa began later than in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In Asia, cultivation is confined to Iraq, Iran and China (Simmonds, 1976). Olive growing plays an important role in the economy of a country. It can be grown in marginal and waste land, where the soil is unsuitable for other crops. It increases the land value. It contributes to soil conservation and helps to combat problems of the environmental degradation and desertification. It provides employment opportunities to the rural population and thus helps in poverty alleviation. A large number of olive groves are owned by small holders in the olive growing countries; who earn enough for the betterment of their livelihood. Moreover, olive products help to satisfy the nutritional needs of the population. Ripe olive fruits are pressed for rich oil which is the best oil available in the world for edible purposes. The olive oil has twice as much energy value than sugar. The fruit contain around 20% oil and has very less cholesterol. Olive fruits contain 80% unsaturated fatty acid compared with 20% saturated ones. Olive oil contains high percentage of oleic acid which is very essential for our body. The olive oil is used for cooking, salad dressing, food

Effect of seed soaking on seed germination and growth of bitter gourd cultivars

Present experiment was performed to investigate the possible role of seed soaking in improving seed germination, growth and yield along with good bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) cultivar in district Bhimber. In present experiment three bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) cultivars i.e. Faisalabad Long, Jaunpuri and Palee were used along with soaking durations (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 hours) . Results revealed that cultivars and soaking durations have significant effect on growth and yield. Among cultivars, cultivar Palee was more effective in enhancing germination percentage (85.56%), earlier emergence (6.28), fruits plant -1 (21.09) and yield (23.94 tones). Seed soaking for 12 hours improved germination percentage (85.18%), fruits plant -1 (20.70) and yield (19.13 tones) of bitter gourd cultivars. Seed soaked for 16 hours minimized the number of days to emergence (6.28). In crux, seed soaking of cultivar Palee in water for 12 hours has the potential to improve germination, seedling growth and yield and may be recommended for best results regarding maximum germination, growth and yield under the agroclimatic condition of district Bhimber, Azad Kashmir Pakistan.

Impact of Working Capital on Corporate Performance : A Case Study from Cement , Chemical and Engineering Sectors of Pakistan

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of working capital on the corporate Performance in the cement, chemical and engineering sectors of Pakistan. The data is obtained from the annual reports issued by the companies during 2007-2011. To verify the relationship between the measures of working capital and profitability regression models are used. The results show that average collection period and operating cycle are positively whereas average age of inventory is negatively related to the return on equity. Firm size is positively whereas leverage is negatively related to the return on equity. Average payment period is negatively whereas cash conversion cycle is positively and significantly related with return on equity. The results indicate that working capital management influences the firms’ profitability.

Food Safety: Benefits of Contamination Control on Consumers’ Health

Abstract Food safety is attaining the core attention of researchers to save people from food contaminants. These contaminants enter the food chain due to various reasons and become maniac for consumers. The sources of contaminants are very diverse and they pose serious health threats. Processing, storage, transportation, preharvest and postharvest intervals, all are important for food commodities. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi causing food spoilage and foodborne hazards. Pesticides are also applied on raw commodities which pose health risks to consumers. In poultry and some meat products, antibiotics prevail which can increase antibiotic resistance in food spoilage microorganisms, causing difficulty in their control. Food-poisoning microorganisms are also a serious challenge to food safety if not properly controlled. Human health is immensely affected causing diseases such as cancers, nervous disorders, immune system problems and reproductive problems if safe food is not consumed. The present data cover the possible causes, health effects, types of contaminants, and their entry points in foods. Hence, increased food safety awareness will be effective to cope with adverse food safety hazards.

Fortification of durum wheat semolina with detoxified matri (Lathyrus sativus) flour to improve the nutritional properties of pasta

Durum wheat semolina (DWS) can be enriched with legume flours to produce more nutritious but high-quality pasta. DWS was substituted with detoxified matri (Lathyrus sativus) flour (DMF) at 5–25%, which in spaghetti increased the levels of protein, lipid, fibre and ash but decreased nitrogen-free extract. Water absorption, arrival time and dough development time increased from 63.1 to 69.2%, 1.7 to 2.4 and 2.3 to 3.3xa0min, respectively, while dough stability, consistency and tolerance index decreased. DMF addition increased cooking loss (4.8–5.8%) and hardness (13.2–16.5xa0N) but decreased percent rehydration. Based on farinographic (departure time), cooking quality (adhesiveness) and cooking loss thresholds for DMF at 15%, the effects of xanthan gum (XG) addition on the cooking qualities of the corresponding spaghetti were determined. XG up to 3% limited cooking loss (4.97 vs 5.4%) and improved hardness, compared to samples lacking XG. Considering functional, cooking and nutritional properties of spaghetti, incorporation of 15% DMF and 3% XG appeared optimal.

Spectral lights trigger biomass accumulation and production of antioxidant secondary metabolites in adventitious root cultures of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.)

Stevia rebaudiana (S.xa0rebaudiana) is the most important therapeutic plant species and has been accepted as such worldwide. It has a tendency to accumulate steviol glycosides, which are 300 times sweeter than marketable sugar. Recently, diabetic patients commonly use this plant as a sugar substitute for sweet taste. In the present study, the effects of different spectral lights were investigated on biomass accumulation and production of secondary metabolites in adventitious root cultures of S.xa0rebaudiana. For callus development, leaf explants were excised from seed-derived plantlets and inoculated on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing the combination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D, 2.0mg/l) and 6-benzyladenine (BA, 2.0mg/l), while 0.5mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was used for adventitious root culture. Adventitious root cultures were exposed to different spectral lights (blue, green, violet, red and yellow) for a 30-day period. White light was used as control. The growth kinetics was studied for 30days with 3-day intervals. In this study, the violet light showed the maximum accumulation of fresh biomass (2.495g/flask) as compared to control (1.63g/flask), while red light showed growth inhibition (1.025g/flask) as compared to control. The blue light enhanced the highest accumulation of phenolic content (TPC; 6.56mg GAE/g DW), total phenolic production (TPP; 101mg/flask) as compared to control (5.44mg GAE/g DW; 82.2mg GAE/g DW), and exhibited a strong correlation with dry biomass. Blue light also improved the accumulation of total flavonoid content (TFC; 4.33mg RE/g DW) and total flavonoid production (TFP; 65mg/flask) as compared to control. The violet light showed the highest DPPH inhibition (79.72%), while the lowest antioxidant activity was observed for control roots (73.81%). Hence, we concluded that the application of spectral lights is an auspicious strategy for the enhancement of the required antioxidant secondary metabolites in adventitious root cultures of S.xa0rebaudiana and of other medicinal plants.

Physiological indices, biomass and economic yield of maize influenced by humic acid and nitrogen levels

Nitrogen and humic acid are important factors affecting physiological, biomass and economic yield of maize. Experiment was conducted at New Developmental Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar during kharif 2011. Maize (cv. Azam) was sown at proper moisture condition on 30th June 2011. Three levels of humic acid (1.5, 3 and 4.5 kg ha–1) were applied at sowing whereas four nitrogen levels (80, 120, 160 and 200 kg ha–1) were applied 1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at 4–5 leaf stage and remaining 1/3rd at tasseling stage. A control treatment was used with no humic acid and nitrogen. The experiment was laid out in 2-factorial randomized complete block design having four replications. Nitrogen and humic acid were significantly affected leaf area (cm), CGR (crop growth rate) (g m–2 day–1), biomass and economic yield. Leaf area index (LAI) and NAR (net assimilation rate) (g cm–2 day–1) were not affected by humic acid but affected with nitrogen. Net assimilation rate (NAR) (g cm–2 day–1) and CGR (crop growth rate) (g m–2 day–1) were significantly affected by stages. Application at the rate of 4.5 kg HA ha–1 and 160 kg N ha–1 is better as compared to other treatments and is recommended for higher physiological indices, biomass and economic yield.