Abdul Ghaffar

This study introduces a 4-point interpolatory quinary refinement scheme with two shape parameters and investigates the scheme’s convergence and smoothness. The scheme’s fundamental properties, such as approximation order, polynomial reproduction, and polynomial generation, are also examined. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quinary interpolatory scheme shown to generate fractal curves with endpoint interpolation, and its versatility is demonstrated by its ability to generate fractal curves within a specific range of the shape parameters. A modified 4-point quinary scheme for endpoint interpolation is also presented to enhance the scheme’s modeling capability. This research offers valuable insights into the behavior and potential applications of the scheme in engineering and industry.

Introducing orphan crops into current farming systems can enhance nutritional security. Buckwheat is a crop that can help agricultural sustainability by growing in multiple environments, using minimal inputs, providing balanced nutrients and addressing malnutrition. Since buckwheat is a short-duration crop that produces grains having a balanced nutritional profile, it can be adjusted in existing cropping systems. As buckwheat has traditionally been cultivated in hilly regions, its introduction into the low-altitude plains requires evaluation of germplasm adaptability. One hundred and forty-eight exotic genotypes were screened for adaptability under two sowing dates using randomized complete block design under split-plot arrangements in Multan, Pakistan. Data regarding yield and yield related traits were recorded. Significant differences were found among 93 germinated genotypes out of total sown 148 genotypes of Buckwheat regarding yield and yield related traits. The flowering initiation period ranged from 23 to 34 days, number of cymes per plant were found between 1 to 7. The adapted genotypes produced the highest number of seeds per cyme, with a maximum of four seeds per cyme, Genotypes matured between 68 to 87 days, biomass per plant values ranged between 7 to 16 g and genotype Silverhull-24 produced more weighted seeds (1000 seed weight 34 g). Among the tested diversity, only two genotypes Silverhull-24 (origin uncertain) and Japanese B+0 IR-13 (from Japan) were found adaptable. This restricted adaptability may be due to the predominance of buckwheat germplasm originating from high-altitude temperate regions, whereas the experimental site in Multan represents a low-altitude tropical environment. The adaptation of only two genotypes indicates the need for wider germplasm evaluation and breeding initiatives to develop buckwheat types suited to plain agro-ecologies.

Probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in enhancing fish health, strengthening immune responses, and mitigating stress, particularly as rising inland water salinity continues to compromise fish health and reduce aquaculture productivity. To investigate the potential of probiotics as a countermeasure against the health and productivity challenges posed by brackish water, a 9-month feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the hematological and antioxidant responses of Labeo rohita (20.18 ± 0.22 g; Mean ± SD) reared in inland brackish water earthen ponds (mean area: 1.0 acre; depth: 1.5 m; salinity: 6.1 ppt) and fed diets with or without a multi-species probiotic (MSP) containing Bacillus subtilis (1.9 × 10¹⁰ "CFU/g"), Bacillus licheniformis (2 × 10¹⁰ "CFU/g"), and Clostridium butyricum (2.2 × 10⁸ "CFU/g"). A total of 900 fish were randomly distributed into three treatment groups (P I, P II, and P III), each with three replicate ponds. Fish in group pond P I (control) were fed a basal diet without probiotic supplementation, whereas fish in groups P II and P III received the same basal diet supplemented with MSP at 0.5% and 1%, respectively. A significant improvement (p < 0.05) in blood biomarkers was observed in the 1% MSP fed fish, even when reared at inland brackish water. Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit count, total serum protein, albumin, and globulin were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 1% MSP fed fish compared to the non-probiotic-fed fish. A significant effect of rearing time on oxidative stress markers (ROS and TBARS) which increased over time and significant decline in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, and GSH) were observed in brackish water ponds without probiotics (p < 0.05), however, dietary MSP supplementation significantly mitigated oxidative damage and enhanced antioxidant defenses in liver, kidney, and gills (p < 0.05). Frequency of erythrocytic alterations was also significantly reduced in MSP-supplemented groups compared to non-probiotic groups (p < 0.05). Marked recovery in histoarchitecture of liver, kidneys, and gills in MSP-supplemented groups compared to non-probiotics groups. In conclusion, dietary MSP supplementation effectively improved blood health and antioxidant capacity in L. rohita in inland brackish-water ponds, suggesting its practical potential to enhance health performance under brackish-water farming conditions.

The contamination of water by Pb ²⁺ ions poses serious environmental and health risks, especially in regions with aging infrastructure and industrial activity. This study explores the removal of Pb ²⁺ from water using cation exchange membranes (CEMs) made by doping polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with sulfonated polystyrene–divinylbenzene (SPS–DVB) resin and coating them with polyaniline (PANI) via in situ polymerization for varying durations. Electrodialysis (ED) was used to evaluate the membranes’ performance. Uncoated CEMs removed 33.94% of Pb ²⁺ ions via ED. PANI coating enhanced performance, with efficiency increasing with longer coating times. After 2, 8, 16, and 24 h of coating, ED efficiencies rose to 38.19%, 43.18%, 52.96%, and 60.31%, respectively. Comprehensive characterization of the prepared membranes was carried out to assess their chemical structure, morphology, particle distribution, and electrical behavior. Spectroscopic analysis (FTIR), microscopic imaging (SEM), particle size evaluation, and conductivity measurements using a four‐point probe setup were employed. Additionally, the ion exchange capacity and hydration characteristics were quantified. The results indicate that longer PANI coating times improve the Pb ²⁺ ion separation efficiency in ED operations. This study suggests that PANI‐coated CEMs provide an effective, cost‐efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for Pb ²⁺ ion separation from wastewater, with potential applications in heavy metal removal from industrial effluents.

Lufenuron, an acyl urea insecticide, is widely used in agriculture, but its ecotoxicological impact on freshwater fish remains poorly understood. The present study investigated the biochemical and antioxidant responses of grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) following chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of lufenuron (2–4 µg/L) for 33 days. A total of 60 fish were randomly distributed into control and treatment groups, and tissues, including liver, kidney, gills, heart and brain, were sampled on Days 11, 22 and 33. Antioxidant enzyme activities—superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH)—were quantified spectrophotometrically. Results revealed organ‐specific responses to lufenuron exposure. SOD and GSH levels increased significantly ( p  < 0.05) in all examined tissues, indicating enhanced defence against oxidative stress. In contrast, POD activity declined in the gills and kidney but increased in the liver, brain and heart. CAT activity was elevated in the liver, kidney and gills but decreased markedly in the heart and brain, suggesting tissue‐dependent vulnerability to oxidative damage. Overall, the findings demonstrate that lufenuron induces oxidative stress in C. idella , disrupting enzymatic antioxidant defences in detoxifying and non‐detoxifying organs. Antioxidant enzymes are thus reliable biomarkers for assessing the ecological risks of pesticide contamination in aquatic environments.