79 research outputs found
Sustainable transportation energy infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles
No full textAlternative Fuel vehicle (AFV) technology and supporting energy infrastructure will become very important as the United States moves towards oil independence and environmentally sustainable economy. The current vehicle fueling infrastructure is not capable of supporting AFV technologies, and there are substantial economic and technical challenges and barriers that must be overcome in the near future. It is expected that AFV technology will require a massive infrastructure redesign and reinvestment constrained on environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, safety, security, public policy and incentives, and consumer acceptance. Hydrogen has the great potential to become one of the major energy carrier in the future energy system especially for fuel cell vehicles. The objective of this dissertation is to address and solve these interconnected key problems: (1) how to design and plan a sustainable regional infrastructure for hydrogen fuel supply chain network under uncertain demand; and (2) in what capacity and location the infrastructure will need at the macro and micro levels. We introduce a multi-period optimization model taking into account the stochasticity and the effect of uncertainty in hydrogen production, storage and usage in macro view (U.S. county level).We develop a spatially aggregated demand model to estimate the potential demand for fuel cell vehicles based on different household attributes such as income and education among others. We propose a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) tool which finds the suitable locations for a hydrogen fueling station by considering factors such as land availability, air quality, and energy source availability. The results are used to choose the optimal locations for the location allocation model by maximizing the customer demand coverage. We also propose a location allocation model which identifies the optimal locations among suitable locations by maximizing the customer demand coverage based on the capacitated Maximal Covering Location Problem (MCLP). Also, the model captures the hydrogen demand uncertainty and measures the location risk of having hydrogen fuel shortage in future. In this dissertation we also propose a life cycle assessment (LCA) and economic assessment model to compare different waste to energy methods for transportation use.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Muhammad Dayhi
Study on the Beneficial Effects of Garlic, Tribulus Terrestris, and Vitamin E Supplementation on Semen Quality, Fertility, and Hatchability of Desi Male Chicken
No full textThis study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with garlic, Tribulus terrestris, and vitamin E on semen quality parameters in desi male chickens maintained under local farming conditions in Sindh, Pakistan. A total of twenty-four non-descriptive desi chickens (8 males and 16 females, aged 19–20 weeks) were allocated to four dietary groups for 42 days: G1 (basal diet with 150 g/kg garlic), G2 (basal diet with Tribulus terrestris at 1 capsule/liter of water), G3 (basal diet with vitamin E at 1 capsule/liter of water), and G4 (control with basal breeding ration only). Semen samples collected from treated males were analyzed for volume, mass motility, individual motility, live sperm, and dead sperm counts. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the garlic group (G1), with semen volume (0.36 ± 0.02 ml), mass motility score (4.40 ± 0.16), and individual motility (83.00 ± 2.55), outperforming the control group (0.21 ± 0.02 ml, 2.60 ± 0.16, and 62.60 ± 1.67 respectively). Tribulus terrestris (G2) and vitamin E (G3) groups also showed improved semen characteristics relative to control, though garlic supplementation consistently yielded the highest values. These findings indicate that targeted inclusion of garlic, Tribulus terrestris, or vitamin E in breeding rations can significantly enhance semen quality traits in desi chickens, offering practical, low-cost strategies for improving reproductive efficiency and supporting sustainable poultry production in resource-limited settings
Impact of Chilling, Freezing, and Repeated Freeze–Thaw Cycles on Physical Quality of Buffen, Chevon, and Chicken Meat
No full textChilling, freezing, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles are common meat preservation methods; however, they can alter key physicochemical properties. Comparative data across different species under standardized conditions are limited. To compare the effects of chilled storage, frozen storage, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles on pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), thaw loss, cooking loss, and drip loss in buffen (buffalo), chevon (goat), and chicken meat. Longissimus dorsi muscles from buffalo and goat, and breast meat from broiler chickens, were stored under chilled (2–4 °C), frozen (–10 to –12 °C), or repeated freeze–thaw conditions. Measurements were performed at defined intervals of chilling, freezing and freeze thaw cycles, and data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD (P ≤ 0.05). The pH declined significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in all treatments, with the steepest reductions in repeatedly thawed samples. WHC decreased from 63.32 %, 69.98 %, and 68.00 % in fresh buffen, chevon, and chicken, respectively, to 45.94 %, 48.61 %, and 47.64 % after 15 days of chilled storage. Thaw loss and cooking loss increased markedly over time, especially in freeze–thaw treatments, reaching 26.35 %, 25.77 %, and 26.15 % for thaw loss and 64.66 %, 61.19 %, and 65.44 % for cooking loss at the final intervals. Drip loss rose progressively, with chilled and repeatedly thawed samples showing the highest increases. Extended storage and repeated freeze–thaw cycles significantly reduce meat quality across all species, with repeated thawing causing the most pronounced deterioration. Minimizing freeze–thaw cycles are essential for preserving physicochemical quality during meat handling, distribution, and retail
Fixed-time artificial insemination technology in buffaloes: a review
No full textBuffalo occupies a leading position as a major livestock commodity and is the primary milk-producing animal in many countries like Italy, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Buffalo farming emphasizes the significance of effective reproductive strategies. Among effective reproductive strategy, artificial insemination has a significant influence on herd's genetic progress. Nonetheless, buffaloes exhibit unique reproductive behavior, which complicates the insemination process. These animals demonstrate inconsistent periods (ranging from 6–48 h) of mounting acceptance. Therefore, timed artificial insemination (TAI) has surfaced as a useful technique for advancing buffalo breeding initiatives and omits the need for heat detection. TAI enhances reproductive management and genetic progress in buffaloes by synchronizing estrus and optimizing insemination timing. This review focuses on examining buffalo reproductive physiology, particularly emphasizing estrus synchronization protocols, ovulation, and TAI. We also provide a brief description of the factors influencing TAI success, such as hormonal treatments and environmental conditions. This review underscores TAI's importance identifies areas for further research and development and reinforces its central role in sustainable buffalo farming
Foreign exchange and stock market: tow related markets?
No full textThis paper studies the relationship between the stock market and the exchange rate in several countries. The approach taken in the first part of this study is a linear VAR, to be compared in the following part to a MSVAR. The data is also analyzed by Granger causality tests in both contexts and a thorough description of the empirical results obtained is shown. The research uncovers a spread (but not constant over time) causality from the exchange rate and American stock market to the local markets of the different nations studied. The non-linear, time varying approach allows several considerations on the dynamics of the relationship. The markets analyzed are the Japanese, the British and the German (pre-Euro) market against the US Dollar and the US stock market. The frequency of the data used is daily.
Trypanosomiasis and its Diagnostic Techniques in Camel: a Comprehensive Review
No full textTrypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, poses a significant threat to camel populations worldwide. This study designed for the diagnostic techniques used for detecting Trypanosoma infections specifically in camels. The disease, commonly known as camel trypanosomiasis or surra, adversely impacts the health and productivity of camels, thereby affecting livelihoods dependent on these animals. Various diagnostic methods are employed for the detection of Trypanosoma infection in camels, including microscopic examination of blood smears, serological tests like ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), and molecular techniques such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Each method has its strengths and limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and practicality in field settings. Efforts to control and manage camel trypanosomiasis rely heavily on accurate and timely diagnosis. Early detection facilitates prompt treatment and prevents the spread of the disease within camel herds. Additionally, the development and optimization of diagnostic tools tailored specifically for camels are crucial for effective disease surveillance and control. This study underscores the importance of ongoing research and innovation in diagnostic methodologies to combat trypanosomiasis in camel populations efficiently
Prevalence of Abortifacient Disorders in Small Ruminants: a Comprehensive Review
No full textAbortifacient disorders in small ruminants present a serious problem for livestock farmers, leading to financial losses and lower production rates. This review examines both infectious and non-infectious factors that cause abortions in goats (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries), which are crucial animals in rural farming practices. Infectious causes, such as bacteria (Brucella melitensis, Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii), viruses (bluetongue, border disease), and parasites (Toxoplasma gondii), are major factors in reproductive health problems, resulting in considerable livestock losses. Additionally, non-infectious factors like poor nutrition, toxins, and genetic issues also contribute to these reproductive challenges. Diagnosing the causes of abortion often requires complex testing of tissue samples, emphasizing the importance of advanced diagnostic tools. Preventing these disorders through vaccinations, better management practices, and health programs is key to minimizing their impact. This is particularly important in countries such as Pakistan, where small ruminants are essential to sustaining the agricultural economy
Brucellosis and its Diagnostic Techniques in Animals: a Comprehensive Review
No full textBrucellosis is a highly zoonotic infection found in animals and human, it has a high death ratio and lifetime sterility rate. The rates of intra- and interspecific infections have dramatically increased in recent years as a result of inadequate management and scarce resources particularly in developing nations. In cattle, reduced milk yield and elevated body temperature are the primary indicators, whereas in humans, soaring fever, overall malaise, and arthritis are the hallmarks of late-term abortion. Despite the fact that this diseases in animals and humans found unclear clinically, it will leads towards the hindrance in diagnosing this infectious illness serologically, PCR is an only way to diagnose this illness accurately. In developing nations, brucellosis poses a significant risk to livestock and public health because of its intricate nature. With an emphasis on developing nations specifically, we outlined the most recent research, noteworthy developments, and difficulties in the management and immunization against brucellosis in this review
Spatial, temporal, and demographic patterns in prevalence of chewing tobacco use in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019 : a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
No full textBackground: Chewing tobacco and other types of smokeless tobacco use have had less attention from the global health community than smoked tobacco use. However, the practice is popular in many parts of the world and has been linked to several adverse health outcomes. Understanding trends in prevalence with age, over time, and by location and sex is important for policy setting and in relation to monitoring and assessing commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Methods: We estimated prevalence of chewing tobacco use as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 using a modelling strategy that used information on multiple types of smokeless tobacco products. We generated a time series of prevalence of chewing tobacco use among individuals aged 15 years and older from 1990 to 2019 in 204 countries and territories, including age-sex specific estimates. We also compared these trends to those of smoked tobacco over the same time period. Findings: In 2019, 273·9 million (95% uncertainty interval 258·5 to 290·9) people aged 15 years and older used chewing tobacco, and the global age-standardised prevalence of chewing tobacco use was 4·72% (4·46 to 5·01). 228·2 million (213·6 to 244·7; 83·29% [82·15 to 84·42]) chewing tobacco users lived in the south Asia region. Prevalence among young people aged 15–19 years was over 10% in seven locations in 2019. Although global age-standardised prevalence of smoking tobacco use decreased significantly between 1990 and 2019 (annualised rate of change: –1·21% [–1·26 to –1·16]), similar progress was not observed for chewing tobacco (0·46% [0·13 to 0·79]). Among the 12 highest prevalence countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Sri Lanka, and Yemen), only Yemen had a significant decrease in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use, which was among males between 1990 and 2019 (−0·94% [–1·72 to –0·14]), compared with nine of 12 countries that had significant decreases in the prevalence of smoking tobacco. Among females, none of these 12 countries had significant decreases in prevalence of chewing tobacco use, whereas seven of 12 countries had a significant decrease in the prevalence of tobacco smoking use for the period. Interpretation: Chewing tobacco remains a substantial public health problem in several regions of the world, and predominantly in south Asia. We found little change in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use between 1990 and 2019, and that control efforts have had much larger effects on the prevalence of smoking tobacco use than on chewing tobacco use in some countries. Mitigating the health effects of chewing tobacco requires stronger regulations and policies that specifically target use of chewing tobacco, especially in countries with high prevalence. Funding: Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. . **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman" is provided in this record*
Study on Predisposing Factors and Control Measures against Cryptosporidiosis in Buffalo Calves at Cattle Colony Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
No full textThe current study looked at the variables affecting the frequency of Cryptosporidium Parvum in buffalo calves at the Hyderabad Cattle Colony. From calves, 100 fecal samples were taken in total, preserved, and analyzed using direct smear and Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. 74 percent of the samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium Parvum. Disease rates were higher in Nili Ravi calves (86 %) compared to Kundhi calves (62 %), with a statistically significant difference (
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