Journal of Life and Social Sciences (J. Life. Soc Sci. eISSN: 3006-2675) is a peer reviewed international journal, Articles for Journal of Life and Social Sciences must be original reports of research not simultaneously submitted to or previously published in any other scientific or technical journal and must make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge or toward a better understanding of existing scientific concepts. The study reported should be applicable to a sizable geographic area or an area of ecological or economic significance and of potential interest to a significant number of scientists. The journal was started aims to provide a platform of publications following eminent standards to the researchers, scholars, scientists, and professionals of Biological and Social Sciences. The inclusion of multiple academic disciplines helps in pooling the knowledge from two or more fields of study to handle better-suited problems by finding solutions established on new understandings. The authors can submit manuscripts online through OJS System. Authors can submit their manuscripts to the editorial office along with any query about status of manuscript through email at, editor@bbasrjlifess,com Frequency of publications (Volume and Issue) Each calendar year will have one volume with one issue. Journal of Life and Social Sciences publishes articles as soon as the final copy-edited version is approved by the authors rather than waiting for a collection of articles for a specific issue. Also, each article is published in its respective category.
COLD STRESS TOLERANCE IN ZEA MAYS: REGULATORY MECHANISMS
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important C4 cereal crops grown globally. Originating from the tropical and subtropical regions of Mesoamerica, maize is sensitive to temperatures between 0 and 15°C. As maize is cultivated beyond these temperature thresholds, spring frosts can cause severe physiological damage to the plant. However, in recent years, advances in the field of maize genomics have enabled scientists to better understand how the maize genome regulates cold and freezing tolerance within the plant. This review will examine how recent studies on maize have shed light on the physiological impacts of cold stress on maize plants, the role of the ICE1-CBF-COR regulative pathway, as well as other regulative pathways that control freezing tolerance in maize plants. Also, this review will discuss the various breeding strategies that have been employed to create maize varieties with increased resistance to cold stress.
Copyright (c) 2026 Z ALI, S SARDAR, S KIRBAG (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
COMPARATIVES STUDY OF BLOTTER, AGAR-PLATE, AND DEEP-FREEZING METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF SEED-BORNE FUNGAL PATHOGENS IN WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) CULTIVARS OF THE DISTRICT MANSEHRA REGION, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN
Seed-borne fungal pathogens are major issues limiting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity, affecting germination potential, vigour of seedlings, grain quality, and also serving as a primary source of fungal inoculum for field epidemics. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of three most popular methods, such as the blotter test, deep-freezing blotter method, and agar-plate method for detection of seed-borne fungal pathogens in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. Fifty wheat seed samples from 14 different areas in District Mansehra of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, were collected and belonged to 9 commercial cultivars. A total of 9 species of fungi were isolated from 50 wheat seed samples of nine wheat varieties, including Alternaria alternata, Ustilago tritici, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Curvularia lunatus, Aspergillus niger, Tilletia indica, Mucor mucedo, and Rhizopus stolonifera. All nine species were isolated by the agar-plate method compared to the other two methods, which also had the highest overall isolation frequency (96%), blotter test (84%), and the deep-freezing method (80%), respectively; three species (A. niger, P. chrysogenum, and R. stolonifera) were only isolated by the agar-plate method. In all methods, the most common species was A. alternata, detected in 90% of the blotter test and 94% of the deep-freezing test. A supplementary wash test found T. indica in 90% of samples, and the deep-freezing method showed the highest recovery of this quarantine-significant pathogen in the comparative tests. In location-wise analysis, the highest fungal growth was found in Dhodial, while the cultivar-wise analysis found that the cultivar with the highest fungal load was Pirsabak-2013 and the cultivar with the highest germination percentage was Paseena-2017, while Pirsabak-2013 had the lowest. A. alternata, Curvularia lunatus, Tilletia indica, Mucor mucedo and Fusarium oxysporum were symptomatically transmitted from infected seed to emerging seedlings of cultivars Zincol and Paseena-2017 in a seed-to-seedling transmission assay. The results indicated that the agar-plate method is the most reliable single test to use for routine phytosanitary screening in this agro-ecological zone, and that this test, when used in combination with the blotter, freezing and wash test, can be most effective in detection of saprophytic and quarantine pathogens.
Copyright (c) 2026 A QUDSIA, JAMSHAID, F SHIREEN, S AHMAD, S SARDAR, S KIRBAG (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF ZEA MAYS CHITINASE GENE FAMILY
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops globally, whose yield and quality are threatened by various fungal pathogens such as Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus flavus, and Exserohilum turcicum. Chitinases, which belong to the glycosyl hydrolase (GH) enzyme family, specifically GH18, GH19, and GH20, play important roles in the plant's immune response against these fungal pathogens by breaking down the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds present within their cell walls' chitin. By performing Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) combined with the identification of the gene families present within the genome, researchers can map the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) responsible for the disease resistance of these plants to specific chitinase loci. This study aims to provide a synthesis of the genomic analysis of the maize chitinase (ZmChi) genes, including their structural characteristics, their phylogenetic relationships, their chromosomal locations, their expression patterns, and their associations with resistance to these fungal pathogens.
Copyright (c) 2026 Q HAYYAT, Q ALI, R ABRAR, S KHAN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
EVALUATING THE IMPACTS OF POTASSIUM CHLORIDE SEED PRIMING AND HYDRO PRIMING ON GERMINATION OF MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA L.) UNDER SALT STRESS
Seed germination is seriously affected by saline conditions, especially in areas that are arid or semi-arid. The purpose of the present research was to check how seed priming contributes to the enhancement of germination performance even in saline conditions. The present study is a tri-replicated CRD lab experiment in which three priming treatments were used, i.e., unprimed (UP), hydro-priming (HP), and KCl priming (KP; 250 ppm), with three levels of salinity as 0, 25, and 50 mM NaCl. Noted parameters are Germination percentage (GP), Mean germination time (MGT), Coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), Germination energy (GE), and Germination Rate index. The results demonstrate that as the salinity level rises from 0Mm NaCl to 50 mM, mean germination time increases, while the other parameters like GP, GRI, CVG, and GE decrease in the control due to the high salt concentration. These negative impacts are effectively alleviated by the priming treatments. Among all of the treatments, the KCL priming mitigated saline stress most effectively, even at the highest level of salinity, such as 50mM NaCl. Although it was less successful than KCl priming, hydro-priming also increased germination as compared to unprimed seeds. Priming enhances stress resistance, as evidenced by the substantial interplay between salinity and priming. All things considered, KCl priming was a successful and useful method for enhancing mungbean germination in saline environments, indicating its possible use for improved crop establishment in salt-affected soils
Copyright (c) 2026 J AHMAD, SHUH SHERAZI, H AHMED (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
GENOME-WIDE CHARACTERIZATION, EVOLUTIONARY ANALYSIS, AND FUNCTIONAL PREDICTION OF THE BCCP GENE FAMILY IN HELIANTHUS ANNUUS
The biotin carboxylase carrier (BCCP) is an essential component of the acetyl-CoA Carboxylase complex (ACCase), responsible for catalyzing the initial reaction of fatty acid synthesis and therefore is crucial for plant growth, development, and production of oil. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an economically important oilseed crop; however, a genome-wide analysis of the BCCP gene family in this crop has not been reported. In this study, a genome-wide analysis of the BCCP gene family in H. annus was performed to determine its evolutionary history, duplication events, and genomic structures and predict potential functions. A total of ten HaBCCP genes were identified to be unevenly distributed across the eight sunflower chromosomes, revealing a dispersed genomic distribution largely driven by segmental duplication. Phylogenetic clustering of the BCCP genes into three distinct clades suggested that the diversification of the BCCP gene family occurred before species divergence and that the sunflower BCCP genes are orthologous to members from Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica juncea, Gossypium hirsutum, Oryza sativa, Glycine max, and Solanum tuberosum. The Domain and Motif analysis identified highly conserved catalytic regions among numerous HaBCCP genes, while structural divergence in some genes revealed lineage-specific functional specialization. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the majority of the BCCP proteins are targeted to chloroplasts or plastids, in line with their role in fatty acid biosynthesis, while the targeting of the other members to the cytoplasm, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus suggested wider functional diversification within the family. The cis-regulatory elements analysis revealed an abundant amount of these elements involved in hormonal signaling, light responsiveness, stress responsiveness, and development, suggesting that the HaBCCP genes are regulating diverse physiological processes. Ka/Ks analysis showed that duplicated HaBCCP gene pairs have been subjected to strong purifying selection, indicating that the function of this gene family has been conserved despite gene duplications. Additionally, intra-genomic synteny analysis confirmed segmental duplication as the primary driver of family evolution, and protein-protein interaction analysis identified a closely coordinated interaction network with HaBCCP3 and HaBCCP10 as the hub proteins. In summary, this study offers the first glimpse of the evolutionary, structural, and functional importance of the BCCP gene family in sunflower, revealing that duplication has led to family expansion while critical metabolic functions in fatty acid synthesis have been preserved. This work provides a solid genomic foundation for future functional studies of the BCCP genes and also provides potential targets for enhancing oil production and metabolic efficiency in sunflower.
Copyright (c) 2026 A SANAM, H AHMED, J AHMAD, SHUH SHERAZI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
EFFECT OF ORAL QUESTIONING ON PRIMARY STUDENTS’ SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENT, CRITICAL THINKING, AND CLASSROOM ENGAGEMENT
This study examines the effect of the oral questioning as a formative assessment technique on the academic achievement of 5th-grade students in General Science in a public primary school in district Vehari, Pakistan. A quasi-experimental design was used, with one control group and one experimental group (30 students each). The control group received traditional instruction without formative assessment, while the experimental group was taught using oral questioning technique over 24 weeks. Two intact groups of 30 students each (N=60) were selected: a control group receiving traditional teaching and an experimental group where oral questioning technique was integrated into regular instruction. A self-developed duly valid and reliable achievement test was administered as pre-test and post-test. Results from independent samples t-tests indicated no significant difference in pre-test scores between groups (p > 0.05), confirming baseline equivalence. However, post-test analysis revealed that the experimental group (M = 66.33, SD = 8.84) significantly outperformed the control group (M =59.67, SD = 8.21), with t(58) = 3.72, p = 0.001. The findings also reveal that oral questioning enhances student engagement, promotes collaborative learning, and improves academic achievement in General Science. It is recommended that teachers should integrate oral questioning to achieve better student learning outcomes. Furthermore, the study highlights important implications for teachers, school administrators, curriculum developers, and policymakers aiming to improve science teaching-learning through effective oral questioning in Pakistan.
Copyright (c) 2026 M IRSHAD, M SAEED (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
THE PREVALENCE AND SPECTRUM OF CYP1B1 AND LTBP2 VARIANTS IN PRIMARY CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA PATIENTS OF PAKISTANI POPULATION, A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent vision loss in the world, and impacts millions of people. Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a form of congenital glaucoma that is more severe and is a result of defects in the anterior chamber angle and trabecular meshwork. The disease is a common occurrence in groups of people where there is a high incidence of consanguineous marriage, like in Pakistan. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mutational spectrum of the CYP1B1 and LTBP2 genes in patients of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) from Pakistan. For assessing contribution to PCG, clinical and genetic data were analysed to obtain the disease associated variants. The results showed that mutations in the gene of CYP1B1 were the most frequent genetic defect associated with the disease. These included missense p.Arg390His (p.R390H) which was the most frequent variant. The gene was also shown to have other pathogenic mutations and polymorphisms. Pathogenic variants in the gene for LTBP2 were also detected. While this was not as prevalent as CYP1B1 mutations, these mutations included functionally significant frameshift, missense and nonsense mutations including p.Thr404Serfs*30, p.Asp1010Asn and p.Arg299X. Both these genes have been found to be mutated and this is part of the genetic heterogeneity of primary congenital glaucoma in Pakistan. In conclusion, the importance of CYP1B1 and LTBP2 in the pathogenesis of PCG and the potential for genetic screening for early diagnosis, genetic counselling and better disease management in affected families is highlighted.
Primary Congenital Glaucoma (PCG); CYP1B1; LTBP2; Consanguinity; Genetic Heterogeneity; trabecular meshwork; anterior chamber angle
Copyright (c) 2026 I AMIN, MA NAEEM, A ILYAS, S SHAKEEL, I RANJHA, M KOUSAR (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
ENHANCED PRODUCTION OF ANTI-DENGUE SECONDARY METABOLITES IN CARICA PAPAYA CELL SUSPENSION CULTURES USING ELICITORS: A REVIEW
Dengue fever is among the most important mosquito-borne viral infections in the world, impacting millions of people each year in tropical and sub-tropical areas. However, with the spread of the disease in the world and the lack of specific antiviral therapy, we need to find new therapeutic methods. Carica papaya L. is a plant that is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of dengue and is also known for its high content of phytochemical compounds, which is why it has become a potential medicinal plant. This review aims to determine the potential of C. papaya as a source of anti-dengue secondary metabolites and investigate the biotechnological strategies to increase the production of secondary metabolites by using plant cell culture technology. This review covers the taxonomy, botanical characteristics, distribution, and phytochemical makeup of Carica papaya, emphasizing important bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and proteolytic enzymes. It brings into focus several key metabolites, such as quercetin and kaempferol (due to inhibition of viral NS2B-NS3 protease and NS5 polymerase enzymes and their anti-dengue properties) and chlorogenic acid and carpaine (because of anti-dengue action through modulation of the immune system and platelet protection). Additionally, the biology and replication of the dengue virus are also discussed in order to rationalize molecular targets of these compounds. It also reviews the drawbacks of whole plant extraction, and it considers cell suspension cultures of C. papaya as a sustainable approach for metabolite production while paying attention to the use of elicitors like methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, chitosan, and yeast extract for the improvement of the biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenolics. Overall, elicitor-assisted cell culture is a promising methodology for the production of anti-dengue metabolites and the establishment of plant-based antiviral drug development.
Carica papaya; Dengue virus (DENV); Anti-dengue metabolites; Secondary metabolites; Cell suspension culture; Antiviral phytochemicals; Elicitation
Molecular Biology , Plant Molecular Biology
Copyright (c) 2026 M KOUSAR, GZ JAHANGIR, MZ SALEEM, S MANZOOR, M AHMAD (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR LIVER CANCER: ADVANCES IN SYNTHESIS, MECHANISMS, DELIVERY, AND TRANSLATIONAL CHALLENGES
The usage of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as multifunctional therapeutic drugs for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasingly gaining recognition due to the cytotoxic nature of these nanomaterials, possibilities of surface functionalization, and their capacity for incorporation into other delivery systems. The current article highlights progress made (in years 2023-2025) in environmentally friendly and engineered production of ZnO nanoparticles, including plant-based and doped versions thereof, explains the molecular mechanisms of antitumor activity of ZnO NPs involving generation of ROS, release of Zn2+, apoptosis, and ferroptosis induction, and immunomodulation, and describes novel nano-formulations based on ZnO NPs, such as pH-sensitive vehicles, films, scaffolds, and quantum dots. The present paper also touches upon the problem of the toxicity of ZnO NPs and challenges in moving this technology from bench to clinic.
Copyright (c) 2026 S MANZOOR, M NOUMAN, MZ SALEEM, GZ JAHANGIR, S YOUNAS (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
CHITIN-BINDING PROTEINS FROM MORINGA OLEIFERA (MO-CBPS): STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS, ANTIFUNGAL MECHANISMS, AND PROSPECTS FOR APPLICATION IN PLANT IMMUNITY AND PHYTOPATHOGEN CONTROL
Moringa oleifera contains bioactive chitin-binding proteins (Mo-CBPs) that contribute to plant defense and possess significant biotechnological and therapeutic potential. Several isoforms, including Mo-CBP2, Mo-CBP3 and its variants, and Mo-CBP4, exhibit remarkable thermostability and strong antifungal activity. These proteins inhibit fungal growth through chitin binding, membrane disruption, oxidative stress induction, and metabolic interference. Beyond antifungal functions, Mo-CBPs also demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Their stability, effectiveness, and low cytotoxicity make them promising candidates for crop protection, plant immune enhancement, and pharmaceutical applications. Continued research may support their development as biofungicides and therapeutic agents.
Copyright (c) 2026 MZ SALEEM, MJ AKHTAR, M NOUMAN, K HAIDER, SAR SHERAZI, S MANZOOR, GZ JAHANGIR, N HUSSAIN, S YOUNAS (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
CLONING AND PLANT-EXPRESSION DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HUMAN ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES: LL-37 AND DERMCIDIN AS CASE STUDIES
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has added to the search for alternatives to antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is an attractive antimicrobial agent due to its combination of broad antimicrobial effects with other qualities of biomodulation of immune function and antimicrobial control of biofilms. The present review explores the comparison of the use of plant-based recombinant expression as an alternative to the use of human AMPs in bioethics, using the example of LL-37 and Dermcidin. LL-37 is a Cationic, amphipathic host-defense peptide with membrane-active, antibiofilm, antiviral, and immunomodulatory functions, whereas the peptides that result during fermentation by Dermcidin are typified by DCD-1L, which is an anionic, Dcd-derived secretory peptide. Investigating pCAMBIA2301 as a representative binary-vector construct, the review highlights peptide-specific construct planning, codon optimization, regulatory context, targeting, stabilization, and recovery. The general thesis is that the production of these peptides by plants necessitates that peptide biology be integrated with expression-system engineering instead of simply inserting a peptide-coding sequence into a vector.
Antimicrobial peptides; LL-37; Dermcidin; Plant molecular farming; pCAMBIA2301; Binary vector; Cloning strategy; Recombinant expression
Copyright (c) 2026 MF RAFIQ, GZ JAHANGIR, A SARWAR, MZ SALEEM, S MANZOOR (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
CHROMATOGRAPHY (GC-MS) CHARACTERIZATION, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF MELIA AZEDARACH L. SEED OIL AND ITS APPLICATION TO INHIBIT THE AFLATOXINS BIOSYNTHESIS OF ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS AND ASPERGILLUS PARASITICUS
The current study was led to assess the secondary metabolites composition, antioxidant activity, antifungal potential, and anti-aflatoxigenic efficiency of Melia azedarach seed oil against aflatoxigenic moulds. The bioactive compounds screening exposed the occurrence of tocopherols (3.5 ± 0.1 mg/g), flavonoids (4 ± 0.2 mg CAE/g), and total phenolics (21 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g). The Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectroscopic (GC-MS) analysis recognized 73.90% linoleic acid methyl ester as the chief fatty acid ingredient, followed through 8.99% and 6.78% of margaric acid methyl ester and oleic acid methyl ester, respectively. The antioxidant potential of seed oil was assessed by applying the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical quenching procedure. The seed oil displayed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities with 46.9mg/mL of IC50 value. The antifungal potential against Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus exhibited significant mould biomass inhibition at maximum oil dosage. The highest inhibition was determined at 500 mg/mL, ensuing 82% inhibition of Aspergillus parasiticus and 84% inhibition of Aspergillus flavus. The oil also efficiently inhibited the aflatoxins in both mould species in a dose-dependent way. The aflatoxin inhibition of G2, G1, B2, and B1 for Aspergillus parasiticus reached 96%, 86%, 94%, and 87%, respectively, while for Aspergillus flavus the aflatoxin inhibition reached 97% and 91% for B2 and B1, respectively, at 500mg/mL. These outcomes suggest that the seed oil of Melia azedarach exhibits significant free radical scavenging, anti-moulds, and anti-aflatoxigenic activities and can act as an efficient non-synthetic substance for inhibiting aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin pollution.
Copyright (c) 2026 M SIDDIQUE, J ALI, M AKRAM, J ABBAS, M YOUNAS (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS FOR MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF CHENOPODIUM ALBUM
Chenopodium album is a highly noxious weed species found in maize, soybeans, sugar beets, potatoes, and various vegetable crops. Various crop plants faced major losses in yield due to this weed through competition for water, minerals, and nutrients. The designated study was conducted to analyze the morphological traits of this species and to evaluate its adaptability across harsh environmental conditions to understand its survival mechanisms. Nine plant samples were collected from three different locations at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Analysis of variance, variance components, correlation, regression, and GGE biplot analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship among the studied traits. Results revealed that fresh weight and dry weight exhibited the highest broad-sense heritability and genetic advance values, which indicate higher genetic vigor for growth and development of Chenopodium album plants. Most of the traits showed positive and significant associations, while moisture content was negatively correlated with all other parameters. Regression analysis revealed that leaf length, leaf width, and dry weight were the major contributors to plant height. Also, location 2 was the most favorable environment for the growth and development of Chenopodium album. Timely management and control of this invasive species is clearly needed to reduce yield losses of crops.
Copyright (c) 2026 E YASEEN, K TAHIR, AMNA, M WASEEM (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS FOR MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF RUMEX DENTATUS
The study assessed the growth performance and morphological variation of Rumex dentatus taken from three distinct places within the University of Punjab, Lahore's Faculty of Agriculture Sciences. Nine plant samples were examined for characteristics such as fresh weight, dry weight, moisture content, leaf area, leaf width, leaf length, and root length. Statistical analyses of ANOVA, regression, correlation, and GGE biplot analyses were performed by Statistix software. All measured features showed notable variations between distinct regions. Strong positive correlations were found between leaf-related metrics, while negative correlations were found between leaf-related parameters and root length and shoot height. Regression analyses revealed strong interconnectedness between the variables. Location 1 was found to be relatively favorable for vegetative growth. The environmental influence on the growth of Rumex dentatus was highlighted through this study. As for management strategies, it was suggested to control the growing population of Rumex dentatus to minimize yield loss.
Copyright (c) 2026 AMNA, E YASEEN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
NEEM-MEDIATED GREEN SYNTHESIS OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES: THERAPEUTIC MECHANISMS, ENVIRONMENTAL UTILITY, AND CRITICAL RESEARCH FRONTIERS
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have emerged at the forefront of nanomaterials chemistry, biomedicine, environmental engineering, and agricultural technology owing to their exceptional physicochemical and biological properties. Among the various synthetic approaches, biogenic fabrication using botanical extracts has gained significant momentum, with Azadirachta indica (neem) emerging as a particularly powerful phytochemical platform. This review critically synthesises five years of primary literature on neem-mediated ZnO NP synthesis and evaluates their applications in antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, wound healing, and photocatalytic contexts, demonstrating that neem-derived ZnO NPs exhibit a superior biological activity profile compared to chemically synthesised counterparts. Five high-priority knowledge gaps are identified and interrogated with actionable research recommendations to guide responsible scientific translation.
Copyright (c) 2026 T ARIF, S MANZOOR, S YOUNAS, GZ JAHANGIR, MZ SALEEM, N HUSSAIN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS FOR MORPHOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL ADAPTATIONS OF RUMEX DENTATUS
Rumex dentatus is one of those important weeds found in wheat fields in Pakistan. In this paper, the authors focus on the study of the morphological features and adaptive strategies of R. dentatus depending on geographical habitats to determine the ecological versatility of the species and its advantage over competitors. Large differences were revealed in such important morphological characters as plant body length, the dimensions of the leaf, and allocation of biomass, all of which suggested its capacity to adapt to local environmental conditions. The results showed that the parameters of fresh weight and moisture percentage were the main contributors to the variation affecting water-use efficiency, which played a key role in maintaining homeostasis in stressed conditions in the plant species. From the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we discovered that the dependence of the species on such characteristics as moisture percentage, fresh weight, and plant length was mutually influential and central to fortifying the species. Overall, the results turn attention towards the fact that R. dentatus is not only an agronomic competitor weed but also a useful model object for studying stress responsiveness. It provides a better understanding of the ecological importance of R. dentatus for effective control of weeds in the agroecosystems and the stress tolerance promotion for ecological restoration.
Copyright (c) 2026 J ZAHEER, A SULTAN, SM ASADULLAH, Q HAYYAT (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS FOR MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS L.
Parthenium hysterophorus belongs to the family Asteraceae, which is an invasive, unwanted plant affecting agriculture, biodiversity, and human health in Asia, Africa, and Australia. This research intended to probe the morphological characteristics of P. hysterophorus and which of these attributes are linked to enable strategies for controlling the invasive spread of the plant. Several characteristics, such as leaf area, shoot height, fresh and dry weight, FW/DW ratio, amount of moisture, and root length, were assessed and compared. Variances were learned to have a close relation with environmental habits like the type of land in relation to soil, water, and nutrients. Multiple correlations, such as fresh mass and dry mass =0.899*, humidity level with the area of the leaf = 0.972*, and root length with shoot height = 0.965*, have pointed towards the fact that all these traits are interrelated. Multiple regression analysis by steps revealed that none of the recording traits of the first predictor had any effect on the fresh weight. These results re-emphasize that proper, targeted, and specialty management strategies for this site would be appropriate to combat P. hysterophorus. It is further suggested that integrated control measures, inclusive of mechanical, chemical, cultural, and biological means of pest control, are more sustainable. More studies are recommended in order to define specific antecedents of trait variations and refine local treatments.
Copyright (c) 2026 M TARIQ, MU RAZA, Q HAYYAT (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This research delves into the alarming issue of mob lynching, examining the Criminal Injustice Act's peril to humanity on a global scale. The act threatens humanity, culture, nationality, and peaceful coexistence due to false rumors propagated through social media and the rapid dissemination of information. Perpetrators, often unaware of the severe consequences, commit a crime defined by law and humanity, adversely affecting victims' physical and mental well-being. Communal harmony surrounding mob lynchings is explored, shedding light on the intent and characteristics of this illegal activity tolerated in public, private, and government domains. The study draws attention to the trauma and phobias experienced by survivors or victims, hindering their public appearance. In the context of the Pakistani Constitution's Article 19(1)(a), guaranteeing freedom of speech, the research emphasizes that it does not endorse or permit illegal activities such as lynching. Despite this, media involvement poses a challenge, impacting justice administration and potentially leading to miscarriages of justice in future cases. The essay underscores the impact on individuals or groups, making them both victims and accused. Case studies provide insights into the perspectives on mob lynching as a crime against humanity. Additionally, the essay delves into relevant Sections and Rules, as well as positions taken by National and International Committees, shedding light on the multifaceted issue. Legal professionals express concern over judges altering rulings under community or political pressure, affecting India's criminal justice system. The reluctance to grant unfettered media access to legal proceedings further complicates the situation. The study acknowledges social media's influence on court trials and seeks to explore various examples of lynching in Pakistan, examining the judicial system's role in mitigating this threat. The research critically examines the multifaceted dimensions of mob lynching, emphasizing its impact on victims, justice administration, and societal harmony. The study aims to raise awareness and prompt a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Copyright (c) 2026 S ALI, B AHMED, MM QUTUB, Z AHMAD (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
NEVERMORE: THE LANGUAGE OF LOSS AND INCAPABILITY TO MOVE ON
This article explores the philosophical and psychological dimensions of grief and man’s inability to fully detach himself from loss. Using Edgar Allan Poe’s, The Raven as the symbolic touchstone of departure, this study examines how memory, mourning and nostalgia shape the experience of loss across the intellectual traditions. Using existential philosophy, psychoanalytic theory, neuroscience and literary thoughts including the works of Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus, Sigmund Freud, Marcel Proust and contemporary psychological studies, this paper focuses on the true nature of grief by arguing that it is not merely a process of detachment but is also a form of negotiation between memory and continuation. Memory functions both as a refuge and prison, keeping the presence of what has been lost intact, as well as preventing complete emotional closure. This paper demonstrates the persistence of memory and the human’s refusal to “move on”, are the instrinsic aspects of the human consciousness and identity. Ultimately the healing comes not by erasing the memory but by embracing the reality and by transforming the grief into strength and by making the language of loss both as expression of despair and a pathway towards the psychological resilience and existential renewal.
Copyright (c) 2026 Z ASHFAQ, SHUH SHERAZI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
GENETIC VARIABILITY AMNOG MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF CHENOPODIUM ALBUM
Chenopodium album possess unique set of biological characteristics such as hyperbolic fecundity, metabolic endurance, sustained geosolic dormancy, and the ability to germinate in less favorable conditions. It can be grown in many different ways. Its ability to survive prolonged drought stress enables it to grow in a wide range of soils. In this study, the samples of Chenopodium album were collected from three distinct locations. Findings indicated that there is a statistically significant negative correlation between plant moisture contents with dry-weights: leaf width, leaf length, leaf area, plant height, root weight, and root length. Positive correlation was revealed between all other morphological traits. Higher heritability was recorded for all of the studied traits, while the genetic advance was found highest for leaf area. The positive correlation indicated that the growth and development of Chenopodium album was higher and may lead towards the loss of water, nutrients and minerals for crop plants where ever it will grow. So, it was suggested that the removal of Chenopodium album weed from crop fields is very important to avoid crop plant losses.
Copyright (c) 2026 A REHMAN, MT TUFAIL, N NAEEM, RF NAQVI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
IMPACT OF WATER STRESS ON CUCUMBER GROWTH AND YIELD
Efficient irrigation plays a vital role in the production of vegetables and fruits. Too low or high water application can reduce the growth and development process of plants, which may negatively affect the crop yield. To investigate the fact, a field experiment was carried out to check the growth and yield of cucumber on a sandy soil, under grееnhousе conditions by using a drip irrigation system having a flow rate of drippers 2 liters per hour respectively. The field study was carried out on a random block design (RCBD) having five different rates of irrigation, i.е. (T1 = one time, T2 = two times, T3 = thrее times, T4 = four times, and T5 = five times) application per day, respectively. The results revealed that different levels of irrigation with constant doses of fertilizers brought a positive еffеct in cucumber production. T5 was found to be the most economic and suitable of all the treatments because it took fewer days for the plants to develop flowers (30.385 days), set fruit (9.055 days), mature fruit (6.178 days), produce more fruits per plant (33.746), have the longest fruit (17.812 cm), the heaviest fruit (131.977 g), the maximum vine length (2.73 m), and have the highest fruit yield (57.644 tons ha-1). On all the metrics, however, treatment T1's outcomes were insufficient. The results indicate that, when utilizing a drip irrigation system in a greenhouse, five times a day for five minutes each time, with a 45-minute interval between applications, is optimal for the best potential development and yield of cucumbers.
Copyright (c) 2026 ZA TASEEN, M AHSAN, M KHAN, A IQBAL, SHUH SHERAZI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL NEWS NETWORKS IN CONSTRUCTING GLOBAL SOUTH IDENTITIES
International news networks are central actors in the contemporary production, circulation, and contestation of identities across the global order. This manuscript synthesizes theory and empirical scholarship on how transnational news organisations, primarily those headquartered in the Global North but also emergent southern networks, frame, represent, and thereby help construct collective and individual identities in the Global South. Drawing on scholarship on news values and framing, media imperialism, and contra-flow mediated construction of reality and Global South scholarship, the paper argues that international news networks perform three interrelated functions in identity construction: Agenda-setting and framing that privilege particular problem definitions and storylines. Symbolic positioning that links southern places and peoples to preexisting stereotypes. Provision of arenas for contestation where southern media, publics, and political actors accept, negotiate, or resist external frames. The analysis highlights structural asymmetries in news flows and resources that sustain enduring North-South influence, but also documents contra-flows and southern-origin broadcasters that diversify available narratives. The result is hybrid, contested identity formations in the Global South, shaped by interaction between external mediated imagery and local meaning-making. Implications for research, policy, and media practice include the need for pluralised news infrastructures and audience-centred empirical studies to map how mediated representations translate into lived identity.
Copyright (c) 2025 S SHAH, N PARVEEN, AN DURRANI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
COMPLEXITY OF DNA REPAIR MECHANISMS AND EMERGING TRENDS IN SAFEGUARDING GENETIC INTEGRITY
The production and productivity of sesame face significant challenges due to the absence of high-yielding and regionally adapted cultivars, susceptibility to capsule shattering and inadequate seed retention, and exposure to biotic and abiotic stressors. The lack of modern production techniques and insufficient pre- and post-harvest technologies further contribute to these limitations. As a result, existing and future sesame genetic improvement efforts should incorporate features that increase yield and quality, are adapted to the local environment, are machine-harvestable, and have other industrially crucial food and feed properties for various utilities. This can be accomplished by combining traditional breeding techniques with genetic and genomic tools like mutant breeding and breeding assisted by genomics. In this essay, we will examine the research that has been done on sustainable sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production, as well as the production challenges and prospects for sesame in Myanmar. An essential crop for nutrition and the economy, sesame is treasured for its oil. With greater health consciousness, the demand for sesame on the global market is expanding. Meanwhile, the market for international trade among the producing nations is very competitive. To overcome these obstacles and identify the crucial limiting variables, an integrated strategy is required for sesame production. The integration of these genomic resources will make it possible to boost sesame production through crop protection and production methods, postharvest procedures, crop improvement initiatives, and capacity building. Since improved seed yield, variety release, and deployment with relevant agronomic qualities, as well as oil content and fatty acid compositions, are all important aspects of sesame breeding, it is important to describe these developments in this review. The paper highlights the economic importance of sesame, its production situation, its main production limits, traditional breeding techniques, genomics-assisted breeding, and how these can all be combined to speed up breeding and create cultivars with desirable features for the market.
Copyright (c) 2023 M SHAHZADI, MZ HAIDER, A SAMI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
EXPLORING THE GENETIC RESOURCES OF COTTON
Since its first use in 6000 BC, cotton (genus Gossypium) has become a major natural textile in the global market. Modern tools such as web databases, microsatellite databases, and comparative QTL resources have been developed to evaluate the consequences of human dispersal and selection on different strains of Gossypium. Out of the fifty species of Gossypium, only four have been domesticated, leading to significant changes in lint percentage (40%), fibre length (22%), and boll size. The biggest challenge with domestication is the lack of genetic variety. This is particularly evident in Gossypium hirsutum L. upland cotton cultivars compared to Pima and Egyptian cotton cultivars of Gossypium barbadense. The latter possess a higher degree of genetic diversity due to the introduction of G. hirsutum genes into G. barbadense cultivars. Including genes from all types of Gossypium in cultivated cotton species is very important. The use of genome-wide markers such as Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) enabled the discovery of 16,162 public SSRs and 312 mapped RFLP sequences. These markers were further employed to study various plant traits reported in 26 mapping populations. These included qualitative traits such as fiber quality, yield, leaf and flower shape, trichome density and placement, disease protection, and quantitative traits such as quantitative trait loci (QTLs). After a suitable comparison of the mapped populations, 432 QTLs were associated with 3,475 loci within 11 mapping groups. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of over 1,000 QTLs derived from backcross and hybrid inbred line populations with the same parents revealed the most accurate meta-clusters for fiber color, fineness, and length. The cotton genome has undergone enrichment by incorporating genes obtained from distantly related organisms via diverse transformation techniques.
Copyright (c) 2022 A ABBAS, AU REHMAN, MS BUKHARI, MZ ABBAS (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
THE ROLE OF ABSCISIC ACID IN INDUCING COLD TOLERANCE IN PLANTS
Abscisic acid's (ABA) mode of action and its connections to adaptations to cold have captured plant hormone researchers' attention for over a decade. Abiotic stress is the main risk to agriculture productivity needed to feed the globe in the next decades. A significant phytohormone, ABA, is crucial in responding to various challenges, including high and low temperatures, drought, thermal or heat stress, and heavy metal and radiation stress. Stress situations cause plants to slow down their growth and development, ultimately impacting the output. There is a lot of proof that ABA moves around inside plants. In reaction to dry soil conditions, As a growth hormone ABA is an important biochemical that causes stomata closures. It has been claimed that ABA produced in morphological plant body parts is transferred to seeds. The transport of ABA is a crucial mechanism in physiological responses because it significantly determines an endogenous concentration of ABA action sites. ABA is a significant messenger that is a signaling mediator to control how plants respond adaptively to various environmental stressors. It is described in detail that several plant exposures elevated ABA endogenous levels under cold stress. In our present discussion, the role of ABA in low temperatures will be our main focus. ABA transportation in plants, the biosynthetic pathway of ABA in plants, the Pathway from IPP to ABA Production, the ABA functions in plants, and the location of biosynthesis. The review also deals with the production of ABA in plants under cold stress.
Copyright (c) 2022 A TAHIR, M ASHRAF (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
CURRENT SITUATION AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF WHEAT PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN
Wheat is Pakistan's most important staple food crop and is vital to the country's food security and economy. Pakistan is the eighth-largest wheat producer in the world, and wheat contributes about 14% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Wheat is a major source of calories and nutrition for the Pakistani population. It is the most widely consumed grain, and Pakistan's per capita wheat consumption is among the highest in the world. The wheat sector also employs a significant number of people in Pakistan. It is estimated that about 45% of the country's population is directly or indirectly associated with agriculture, and wheat is the most important crop grown by small farmers. The wheat sector thus plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation and rural development. Moreover, the wheat sector also significantly impacts Pakistan's economy. Wheat is the largest agricultural commodity traded in the country, and its production and trade contribute to foreign exchange earnings and the country's overall economic growth. Wheat is important to Pakistan's economy, food security, and livelihoods, and its sustainable production and productivity are critical for the country's overall development.
Copyright (c) 2022 A SHAHZAD, A HAMID, A HUSSAIN, M RASHID, M KHAN, Z HUSSAIN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
EXPLORING MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS VARIATION IN AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS: A COMPREHENSIVE MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS
Amaranthus hybridus, a neglected leafy vegetable, threatens crop plants because it competes for vital resources like water, minerals, and nutrients. Crop yield decreases due to this competition. To handle this issue, an organized study was developed to examine the characteristics of Amaranthus hybridus in three different locations with distinct environments. The result proved a connection between the studied traits, dry weight, fresh weight, plant height, leaf area, leaf width, leaf length, and root length. Notably, there was an impact of plant leaf width on its plant height. Furthermore, the study showed that location was identified as an environment for the vigorous growth and development of Amaranthus hybridus. The study recommended removing or controlling the Amaranthus hybridus population in crop yield to reduce losses. Amaranthus hybridus describes the importance of population managing strategies.
Copyright (c) 2022 H SHAHZADI, A SAMI, MZ HAIDER (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
DNA repair mechanisms are the cellular safeguards that maintain the integrity of our genetic blueprint, ensuring that the information encoded within the DNA molecule remains intact. This review explores the complex DNA repair mechanism, providing insight into the essential mechanisms that rectify different forms of DNA damage. From the nuanced correction of single-base lesions to the intricate coordination of double-strand break repair, the exploration navigates through the varied pathways cells utilize to defend against the continual threats to their genetic material. Major subjects addressed encompass Base Excision Repair (BER), Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER), Homologous Recombination (HR), and Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ). We unravel the mechanisms, proteins, and regulatory factors that govern these pathways, each tailored to address specific DNA damage, from chemical modifications to UV-induced thymine dimers and double-strand breaks. In an era of rapidly advancing biotechnology, we highlight emerging trends and future directions in DNA repair research, including using CRISPR-based gene editing techniques and developing small molecules that modulate repair pathways for therapeutic purposes.
Copyright (c) 2023 M KHAN, MZ HAIDER, A SAMI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
EXPLORING CORRELATION AND REGRESSION AMONG MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM
Artemisia absinthium, a significant perennial shrub, has a rich history of traditional medicinal use for treating various ailments, such as hepatitis, gastritis, jaundice, and aiding in wound healing. It has also demonstrated effectiveness against conditions like heartburn, indigestion, gassiness, stomach discomfort, and anemia. Beyond its medicinal uses, Artemisia absinthium exhibits properties such as being depressive, antifungal, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and antioxidant. While it is commonly found along highways and in pastures, it is predominantly cultivated in arid, open waste areas. Research indicates a positive correlation between height, fresh weight, dry weight, and moisture content. The study revealed that site two is conducive to the optimal development of Artemisia absinthium, even though it is primarily cultivated in pastureland and farmland. Additionally, the leaf extracts of Artemisia absinthium have been observed to inhibit the germination of needle and thread grass, suggesting its potential as a natural weed control agent. Therefore, removing these invasive weeds in areas where Artemisia absinthium is cultivated is recommended.
Copyright (c) 2022 A NASRULLAH, MZ HAIDER, A SAMI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
USE OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT APPROACHES TO CONTROL SPODOPTERA EXIGUA (BEET ARMYWORM): A REVIEW
The destructive impact of Spodoptera exigua Hübner, commonly known as the beet armyworm, plays a pivotal role in substantial economic losses, amounting to as much as 75% (equivalent to an annual value of US$100 billion). This deleterious impact is attributed to the extensive damage inflicted upon cash crops in Pakistan and across the global crop cultivation areas. In addressing the imperative to mitigate the detrimental effects of the beet armyworm, diverse ecologically sustainable management strategies have been identified. Among these, introducing biocontrol agents emerges as a prominent approach, exploiting the pest's natural enemies to regulate its population. Additionally, modern biotechnological techniques, encompassing RNA interference (RNAi), host-plant resistance (HPR), Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), and Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), have been actively explored as innovative avenues for pest control. Semiochemical interferences, which involve manipulating insect behavior through chemical signaling and applying insect growth regulators (IGRs), further contribute to the resources with a wide range of applications in management strategies. Moreover, integrating environmentally friendly chemicals, such as biopesticides, is crucial in achieving sustainable and eco-friendly pest control.
Copyright (c) 2023 A AHMAD (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0