Diversity of pollinators and their role in the pollination biology of chickpea, Cicer arietinum L. (Fabaceae)

Abdul Latif,Saeed Ahmad Malik,Shafqat Saeed,Naeem Iqbal,Qamar Saeed,Khalid Ali Khan,Chen Ting,Hamed A. Ghramh 한국응용곤충학회 2019 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.22 No.2

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important source of food for people worldwide. In the current study, we studied its pollination biology with special reference to floral visitors along with their visitation rate, frequency and pollen load during 2012 and 2013. We also explored the effect of floral visitors on the capsule weight, seed weight, seed numbers and seed germination. Results revealed three bees, two wasps, five flies, one moth and three butterfly species on the flowers of chickpea. Apis dorsata, A. florea, Amegilla sp. and Eristalinus aeneus were the major species with 434–474, 223–311, 69–74 and 81–136 individuals, respectively in both years. Floral visitors differed significantly in term of visitation frequency with A. florea as the most frequent visitor (9.13–9.86 visits/flower/5 min) followed by E. aeneus (5.43–5.58 visits/flower/5 min) and A. dorsata (1.72–2.31 visits/ flower/5 min) in both years. Similarly, A. florea had statistically highest visitation rate (16.85–19.99 flowers visited/min) followed by E. aeneus (9.73–10.68 flowers visited/min). A. dorsata had significantly higher pollen load on its body (84629–85,104 pollen grains) followed by A. florea (64940–65,135 pollen grains) and Amegilla sp. (64020–65,120 pollen grains). The open-pollinated flowers had significantly higher capsule weight (0.27 ± 0.01 g), seed weight (0.18 ± 0.01 g), seed numbers (1.67 ± 0.07 seeds) and seed germination (95 ± 1.38%) as compared to flowers deprived of pollinators in cages. The results suggested A. florea, A. dorsata and E. aeneus could be effective pollinators of chickpea. Hence these three species can be properly utilized on commercial scale to increase crop yield.

pH-triggered surface charge-reversal nanoparticles alleviate experimental murine colitis via selective accumulation in inflamed colon regions

Naeem, Muhammad,Oshi, Murtada A.,Kim, Jihyun,Lee, Juho,Cao, Jiafu,Nurhasni, Hasan,Im, Eunok,Jung, Yunjin,Yoo, Jin-Wook Elsevier 2018 Nanomedicine Vol.14 No.3

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study, we developed pH-triggered surface charge-reversal lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), loaded with budesonide, which could precisely deliver the drug to inflamed colon segments for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used to render LNPs cationic (PEI-LNPs), and Eudragit® S100 (ES) was coated on PEI-LNPs to obtain pH-triggered charge-reversal LNPs (ES-PEI-LNPs). ES coating avoided a burst drug release under acidic conditions mimicking the stomach and early small intestine environments and showed a sustained release in the colon. The surface charge of ES-PEI-LNPs switched from negative to positive under colonic conditions owing to pH-triggered removal of the ES coating. Bioimaging of the mouse gastrointestinal tract and confocal analysis of colon tissues revealed that ES-PEI-LNPs selectively accumulated in an inflamed colon. Furthermore, ES-PEI-LNPs mitigated experimental colitis in mice. These results suggest that the pH-triggered charge-reversal LNPs could be a promising drug carrier for ulcerative colitis therapy and other colon-targeted treatments.</P> <P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study, we developed, through intelligent design, pH-triggered surface charge-reversal lipid nanoparticles, which were shown to precisely deliver a corticosteroid drug to inflamed colon segments in an ulcerative colitis mouse model. The results of the study suggest that the pH-triggered charge-reversal lipid nanoparticles are a promising drug nanocarrier for colon-targeted therapy, including ulcerative colitis treatments.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Colon-targeted delivery of cyclosporine A using dual-functional Eudragit ^® FS30D/PLGA nanoparticles ameliorates murine experimental colitis

Naeem, Muhammad,Bae, Junhwan,Oshi, Murtada A,Kim, Min-Soo,Moon, Hyung Ryong,Lee, Bok Luel,Im, Eunok,Jung, Yunjin,Yoo, Jin-Wook Dove Medical Press 2018 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE Vol.13 No.-

<P><B>Background</B></P><P>Colon-targeted oral nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an ideal, safe, and effective therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC) owing to their ability to selectively accumulate in inflamed colonic mucosa. Cyclosporine A (CSA), an immunosuppressive agent, has long been used as rescue therapy in severe steroid-refractory UC. In this study, we developed CSA-loaded dual-functional polymeric NPs composed of Eudragit<SUP>®</SUP> FS30D as a pH-sensitive polymer for targeted delivery to the inflamed colon, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a sustained-release polymer.</P><P><B>Methods</B></P><P>CSA-loaded Eudragit FS30D nanoparticles (ENPs), PLGA nanoparticles (PNPs), and Eudragit FS30D/PLGA nanoparticles (E/PNPs) were prepared using the oil-in-water emulsion method. Scanning electron microscope images and zeta size data showed successful preparation of CSA-loaded NPs.</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>PNPs exhibited a burst drug release of >60% at pH 1.2 (stomach pH) in 0.5 h, which can lead to unwanted systemic absorption and side effects. ENPs effectively inhibited the burst drug release at pH 1.2 and 6.8 (proximal small intestine pH); however, nearly 100% of the CSA in ENPs was released rapidly at pH 7.4 (ileum–colon pH) owing to complete NP dissolution. In contrast to single-functional PNPs and ENPs, the dual-functional E/PNPs minimized burst drug release (only 18%) at pH 1.2 and 6.8, and generated a sustained release at pH 7.4 thereafter. Importantly, in distribution studies in the gastrointestinal tracts of mice, E/PNPs significantly improved CSA distribution to the colon compared with PNPs or ENPs. In a mouse model of colitis, E/PNP treatment improved weight loss and colon length, and decreased rectal bleeding, spleen weight, histological scoring, myeloperoxidase activity, macrophage infiltration, and expression of proinflammatory cytokines compared with PNPs or ENPs.</P><P><B>Conclusion</B></P><P>Overall, this work confirms the benefits of CSA-loaded E/PNPs for efficiently delivering CSA to the colon, suggesting their potential for UC therapy.</P>

Colon-targeted dexamethasone microcrystals with pH-sensitive chitosan/alginate/Eudragit S multilayers for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Oshi, Murtada A.,Naeem, Muhammad,Bae, Junhwan,Kim, Jihyun,Lee, Juho,Hasan, Nurhasni,Kim, Wooseong,Im, Eunok,Jung, Yunjin,Yoo, Jin-Wook Elsevier 2018 Carbohydrate Polymers Vol.198 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Oral colon-targeted drug delivery has gained popularity as an effective strategy for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we prepared colon-targeted dexamethasone microcrystals (DXMCs) coated with multilayers of chitosan oligosaccharide (CH), alginate (AG), and finally Eudragit S 100 (ES) (ES<SUB>1</SUB>AG<SUB>4</SUB>CH<SUB>5</SUB>-DXMCs) using a layer-by-layer (LBL) coating technique. Particle size, surface charge, <I>in vitro</I> drug release, and <I>in vivo</I> anti-inflammatory activity of ES<SUB>1</SUB>AG<SUB>4</SUB>CH<SUB>5</SUB>-DXMCs were evaluated. ES<SUB>1</SUB>AG<SUB>4</SUB>CH<SUB>5</SUB>-DXMCs had an average particle size of 2.34 ± 0.19 μm and a negative surface charge of - 48 ± 9 mV. ES<SUB>1</SUB>AG<SUB>4</SUB>CH<SUB>5</SUB>-DXMCs demonstrated pH-dependent dexamethasone release, avoiding initial burst drug release in acidic pH conditions of the stomach and small intestine, and providing subsequent sustained drug release in the colonic pH. Importantly, ES<SUB>1</SUB>AG<SUB>4</SUB>CH<SUB>5</SUB>-DXMCs exhibited a significant therapeutic activity in a mouse model of colitis compared to other DXMCs. Overall, the LBL-coated DXMCs presented here could be a promising colon-targeted therapy for IBD.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Dexamethasone microcrystals with colon-targeted chitosan/alginate/Eudragit S multilayers were fabricated. </LI> <LI> Unwanted burst release of dexamethasone was prevented in the upper gastrointestinal tract pH. </LI> <LI> Dexamethasone was released in a sustained manner after reaching the colonic pH. </LI> <LI> Excellent therapeutic activity was found in a mouse model of colitis. </LI> </UL> </P>

Female Body Shape Classifications and Their Significant Impact on Fabric Utilization

T. Naveed,Y. Zhong,A. Hussain,A. A. Babar,A. Naeem,A. Iqbal,S. Saleemi 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.12

In apparel manufacturing, more than 50 % cost is consumed by the textile fabric. Therefore companies have significant apprehensions in the fabric utilization. It can result in more efficient and cost-effective in fabric utilization if they are related to different body shapes. The purpose of this study is to classify female body shapes and evaluate fabric utilization efficiency for each category of the body shape. To this end, three dimensional (3D) body scans are collected from 124 young female subjects. For the body shape analysis, 3D body scans are processed by using Moore neighbor algorithm and region prop function to perceive the outermost shell. Moreover, both front and side view of the scans is processed for data reduction using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and clustering using K-Means ++. It has been observed through our analysis of a dataset that female bodies can be categorized into four body shapes, that is, oval shape, circle shape, triangle shape, and rectangle shape. It has also been observed that all four body shape categories exhibit dissimilar anthropometric size measures. The result implies that these body shapes have devoured different fabric utilization for the garments (fitted trouser and fitted shirt). It has been noted that in fitted trouser and fitted shirt the most effective is the rectangle shape (cluster 4) and the least is the circle shape (cluster 2) in the fabric consumption. Similarly, the fitted trousers utilize less fabric while the fitted shirts consume more fabric in all body shapes. These findings provide a better reference of fabric utilization and cost-effectiveness to the apparel manufacturers while producing garments for different categories of the body shape.

Foraging activity and population estimation of Microtermes mycophagus Desneux (Isoptera: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

Naeem Iqbal,Shafqat SAEED,Theodore A. EVANS,권용정 한국곤충학회 2015 Entomological Research Vol.45 No.2

The knowledge of the seasonal foraging activity and the numbers of foragers in a colony would be helpful for designing effective termite baiting programs. The current study presents the seasonal activity of Microtermes mycophagus Desneux in a tree plantation in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan, using silk cotton tree wood traps during 2011–2013. The population of M. mycophagus was also estimated using the constant removal method. The number of workers in the underground traps showed a seasonal trend with the highest capture rate occurring during summer and the lowest during winter. The peak in the population (1139 workers/trap) was observed in October after the rainy season. Positive and significant correlation was found between the mean air temperature and the numbers of M. mycophagus workers captured. The constant removal population estimates revealed 16 499–40 265 individuals in the colony of M. mycophagus. Our results suggest that for cost–effective management of the termite species, baiting programs should be started immediately after August when rapid increases in activity of M. mycophagus have been recorded.

Distributed Gateway Selection for M2M Communication in Cognitive 5G Networks

Naeem, Muhammad,Ejaz, Waleed,Karim, L.,Ahmed, Syed Hassan,Anpalagan, A.,Jo, Minho,Song, Houbing IEEE 2017 IEEE network Vol.31 No.6

<P>M2M communication is an important component for future wireless networks. M2M systems consist of a large number of devices that can operate with minimum or no human intervention. However, spectrum demand rises exponentially with the increase in the number of connected devices. Cognitive 5G networks are key to address the issue of spectrum scarcity. Further, use of multiple gateways in cognitive 5G networks for M2M communication can increase system throughput, coverage, and energy efficiency. Nevertheless, using multiple gateways for the secondary M2M devices may cause interference to the primary M2M devices. Existing gateway selection protocols for cognitive M2M communication mostly use single channel CSMA, and thus are not efficient in terms of reducing the interference. Thus, in this article, we propose a DGAP based on multi-channel CSMA for M2M communication in 5G networks. Further, we propose a Lo-DGAP, where each gateway transmits only the worst primary M2M device information rather than transmitting all neighboring primary M2M device information. The proposed Lo-DGAP increases the throughput of the system by reducing the message header payload and is also energy-efficient. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes in terms of network lifetime and energy consumption.</P>

Seismic performance evaluation of a structure retrofitted using steel slit dampers with shape memory alloy bars

Naeem, A.,Eldin, M. N.,Kim, J.,Kim, J. Springer Science + Business Media 2017 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.17 No.4

Backward and forward rotating of FG ring support cylindrical shells

Mohamed A. Khadimallah,Muzamal Hussain,Khaled Mohamed Khedher,Muhammad Nawaz Naeem,Abdelouahed Tounsi 국제구조공학회 2020 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.37 No.2

In this research work, the analytical rotating vibration for functionally graded shell with ring supports are restricted to some volume fraction laws based on Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The frequencies of functionally grade cylindrical shells have been investigated for the distribution of material composition of material with two kinds of material. Stability of a cylindrical shell depends highly on these aspects of material with ring supports. The frequency behavior is investigated with fraction laws versus circumferential wave number, length-to-radius and height-to-radius ratios. The frequencies are higher for higher values of circumferential wave number. The frequency first increases and gain maximum value with the increase of circumferential wave mode. Moreover, the effect of angular speed is also investigated. It is examined that the backward and forward frequencies increases and decreases on increasing the ratio of height- and length-to-radius ratios.

Response of rotational parameter in the stagnation point with motile microorganism: Unsteady nanofluid

Mohamed A. Khadimallah,Imene Harbaoui,Sofiene Helaili,Abdelhakim Benslimane,Humaira Sharif,Muzamal Hussain,Muhammad Nawaz Naeem,Mohamed R. Ali,Aqib Majeed,Abdelouahed Tounsi Techno-Press 2023 Advances in concrete construction Vol.15 No.4

The unsteady mixed convection Casson type MHD nanofluid flow in the stagnation point with motile microorganism around a spinning sphere is investigated. Time dependent flow dynamics is considered. Similarity transformations have been employed to transfer the governing partial differential structure into ordinary differential structure. The impact of distinct parameters is examined via tables and graphs. The impact of rotational parameter (spin) on profiles of velocity profiles, temperature and concentration is revealed for unsteady mixed convection Casson type MHD nanofluid flow. It is observed that it is clear that rotational parameter has a great effect on non-dimensional primary velocity component but rotational parameter has a slight impact on non-dimensional secondary velocity component. The validity of the current investigation is authorized through comparing the existing outcomes with previous published literature.