Heavy metal-resistant rhizobacteria fosters to alleviate the cadmium toxicity in Arabidopsis by upregulating the plant physiological responses.

This study was designed to investigate the role of Morganella morganii strains in alleviating Cd stress in Arabidopsis seedlings under controlled conditions. Both M. morganii strains ABT3 (ON316873) and ABT9 (ON316874) strains isolated from salt-affected areas showed higher resistance against Cd and possess plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, indole-acetic acid production, ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, and, catalase, gelatinase and protease enzyme production. Plant inoculation assay showed that varying concentration of Cd (1.5 mM and 2.5 mM) significantly reduced Arabidopsis growth, quantum yield (56.70%-66.49%), and chlorophyll content (31.90%-42.70%). Cd toxicity also triggered different associations between lipid peroxidation (43.61%-69.77%) and enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms. However, when both strains were applied to the Arabidopsis seedlings, the shoot and root length and fresh and dry weights were improved in the control and Cd-stressed plants. Moreover, both strains enhanced the resistance against Cd stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities [catalase (19.47%-27.39%) and peroxidase (37.50%-48.07%)]that ultimately cause a substantial reduction in lipid peroxidation (27.71%-41.90%). Both strains particularly ABT3 also showed positive results in improving quantum yield (73.84%-98.64%) and chlorophyll content (41.13%-48.63%), thus increasing the growth of Arabidopsis seedlings. The study suggests that PGPR can protect plants from Cd toxicity, and Cd-tolerant rhizobacterial strains can remediate heavy metal polluted sites and improve plant growth.

In order to develop sustainable and effective agricultural techniques in areas polluted with heavy metals, it is important to have a deeper understanding of the characteristics of metal-resistant PGPR. Hence, this study focuses on the efficacy of M. morganii in promoting the growth and increasing the photosynthetic pigments of Arabidopsis seedlings under Cd toxicity.

Managing menstruation during natural disasters: menstruation hygiene management during "super floods" in Sindh province of Pakistan.

Menstruation is part of women's normal life, which requires basic hygienic practices. Managing hygiene can be affected by several factors and situations such as natural disasters. Focusing on 'super flooding' in Pakistan's Sindh Province, we pay attention to how this 'natural disaster' has affected hygienic practices of menstrual cycle of women. The study meticulously examines the dynamics of menstrual hygiene management, encompassing the nuanced encounters with feelings of shame and embarrassment among girls and women situated in flood camps, schools, and community shelters. It also intends to highlight women's challenge and embarrassment to participate in the distribution process of essential resources such as pads. The insights garnered from this study hold potential relevance for various stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and researchers, offering a nuanced comprehension of the intersection of menstrual hygiene, climate change, and well-being of women.

Fe-NPs and Zn-NPs: Advancing Aquaculture Performance Through Nanotechnology.

Aquaculture is a growing industry facing several challenges, including disease control, water quality management, and sustainable feed production. One potential solution to these challenges is the use of trace elements such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), either in their conventional form or as nanoparticles (NPs). Aquatic animals need these micronutrients for normal growth, physiological processes, and overall health. In marine species, iron boosts development, immunity, and disease resistance. At the same time, zinc enhances metabolism, synthesizes essential enzymes, and produces hormones that play a part in defenses, growth, reproduction, and antioxidative activities. According to this review, species-specific requirements by different Fe and Zn compounds have all emphasized the impacts on animal growth and development, antioxidant capacity, reproductive efficiency, and immunological response. However, NPs of Fe and Zn have been found to have higher bioavailability and efficacy than conventional forms. This work examines the effects of applications of Fe and Fe nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) and Zn and Zn nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) in aquaculture. However, the source of Fe and Zn in aquaculture species and administration volume may significantly impact efficacy. Nanotechnology boosts the positive benefits of Fe and Zn by converting them to their nanoforms (Fe-NPs) and (Zn-NPs), which are better used by animals and have a broader intake range. As a result, Fe-NPs and Zn-NPs offer an effective method for using nutrients in aquaculture.

Numerical simulation for peristalsis of Quemada fluid: A dynamic mesh approach.

INTRODUCTION: Flow dynamics due to the peristaltic pumping has been the topic of great interest for the researchers. But numerical and analytical analyses for the peristaltic motion are limited where flow domain is deformed real-time. Research on peristalsis has a limitation where theoretical aspects of walls motion are considered, neglecting the real time deformation of the walls. OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to propose a more reliable and accurate numerical methodology for peristaltic motions to address the above-mentioned challenge. Stream traces, velocities, and pressure drops along the tube is to be visualized more accurately. METHODS: In present study a finite volume based dynamic mesh motion method is adopted to analyze the peristaltic motion of a non-Newtonian Quemada fluid in an axisymmetric channel. The walls and interior domain of the channel is dynamically deformed for a sinusoidal wave traveling on boundary. RESULTS: Simulation of unsteady flow behavior for time t=0s to 2s and amplitude ratio Φ=0.2,0.4,and0.6. predicts fluid trapping phenomenon. Rotation of fluid particles is more prominent for higher amplitude ratios. Pressure gradient increases with increasing amplitude ratios. CONCLUSION: A novel dynamic mesh method is proposed for peristaltic pumping. It provides more accurate and more physical results for stream traces; pressure drops and velocities along the tube. A limited case of the study validates the theoretical and analytical results already presented in literature; hence the method is reliable.

An approach to [Formula: see text]-single-valued neutrosophic submodules.

Dealing with erroneous, unexpected, susceptible, flawed, vulnerable, and intricate information is simplified with the use of a single-valued neutrosophic set (svns). This is because of the fact that these types of information are more sensitive to error. This is due to the fact that these particular kinds of information are more prone to error. The ideas of fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets have both undergone further development as a direct result of the development of this new theory. In svns, indeterminacy is quantified in a way that is both obvious and unambiguous, and truth membership, indeterminacy membership, and falsity membership are all completely independent of one another. In algebraic analysis, certain binary operations can be thought of as interacting with algebraic modules. These modules are intricate and ubiquitous structures. There are many different applications for modules to be used in. Modules find use in an extremely wide variety of different kinds of businesses and market segments. We investigate the idea of [Formula: see text]-svns and relate it to [Formula: see text]-single-valued neutrosophic module and [Formula: see text]-single-valued neutrosophic submodule, respectively. The goals of this research are to comprehend the algebraic structures of a [Formula: see text]-single-valued neutrosophic submodule of a classical module and enhance the legitimacy of this technique by discussing numerous essential aspects. Both of these goals will be accomplished through the course of this study. The strategies that we have developed in this manuscript are more generalizable than those that have been utilized in the past. These strategies include fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, and neutrosophic sets.

Lethal, Sub-Lethal and Trans-Generational Effects of Chlorantraniliprole on Biological Parameters, Demographic Traits, and Fitness Costs of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797)] was first reported in the Americas, then spread to all the continents of the world. Chemical insecticides are frequently employed in managing fall armyworms. These insecticides have various modes of actions and target sites to kill the insects. Chlorantraniliprole is a selective insecticide with a novel mode of action and is used against Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Isopteran, and Dipteran pests. This study determined chlorantraniliprole's lethal, sub-lethal, and trans-generational effects on two consecutive generations (F0, F1, and F2) of the fall armyworm. Bioassays revealed that chlorantraniliprole exhibited higher toxicity against fall armyworms with a LC50 of 2.781 mg/L after 48 h of exposure. Significant differences were noted in the biological parameters of fall armyworms in all generations. Sub-lethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole showed prolonged larval and adult durations. The parameters related to the fitness cost in F0 and F1 generations showed non-significant differences. In contrast, the F2 generation showed lower fecundity at lethal (71 eggs/female) and sub-lethal (94 eggs/female) doses of chlorantraniliprole compared to the control (127.5-129.3 eggs/female). Age-stage specific survival rate (Sxj), life expectancy (Exj) and reproductive rate (Vxj) significantly differed among insecticide-treated groups in all generations compared to the control. A comparison of treated and untreated insects over generations indicated substantial differences in demographic parameters such as net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and mean generation time (T). Several biological and demographic parameters were shown to be negatively impacted by chlorantraniliprole. We conclude that chlorantraniliprole may be utilized to manage fall armyworms with lesser risks.

Toxic and repellent impacts of botanical oils against Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) in stored cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.].

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important legume which is consumed globally for protein intake, particularly in Asian states. It is a well-known source of dietary fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins. The cowpea grains are stored after harvest and used till the next harvest. However, the grains are infested by storage pests, primarily Callosobruchus maculatus. Hence, effective management strategies are needed to protect the stored grains form the pests. This study assessed the efficacy of some edible oils in suppressing C. maculatus infestation in stored cowpea grains. Four different botanical oils (i.e., mustard, neem, poppy, and pumpkin) at four different concentrations (i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml per 100 g grain) were included in the study. A control treatment without any botanical oil was also included for comparison. The relevant concentrations of botanical oils were poured into plastic containers containing 100 g cowpea grains and ten C. maculatus adults were released. The jars were sealed and placed at room temperature. Data relating to mortality, oviposition, F1 adult emergence, and seed weight loss were recorded. The tested botanical oils and their concentrations significantly affected mortality after one day. Mortality after 2nd and 3rd days remained unaffected by botanical oils and their different concentrations. The highest mortality was recorded in neem oil-treated grains followed by poppy, pumpkin, and mustard oils. Increased oviposition rate was observed in the grains treated with mustard and pumpkin oils, while those treated with neem and poppy oil recorded decreased oviposition. The control treatment had increased oviposition rate compared to tested botanical oils. All botanical oils significantly inhibited egg laying percentage. The highest germination was recorded for the grains treated with mustard oil followed by pumpkin, poppy, and neem oils, respectively. The lowest germination was recorded for control treatment. Significant differences were noted for C. maculatus repellency among botanical oils. No emergence of adults (F1 progeny) was recorded in all tested botanical oils; thus, F1 progeny was inhibited by 100%. Weight loss, damage percentage, and holes in the grains were not recorded since F1 progeny did not emerge. It is concluded that tested botanical oils are promising and could be utilized to control C. maculatus in cowpea grains during storage.

Satellitome Analysis and Transposable Elements Comparison in Geographically Distant Populations of Spodoptera frugiperda.

Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) is a member of the superfamily Noctuoidea that accounts for more than a third of all Lepidoptera and includes a considerable number of agricultural and forest pest species. Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous species that is a significant agricultural pest worldwide, emphasizing its economic importance. Spodoptera frugiperda's genome size, assembly, phylogenetic classification, and transcriptome analysis have all been previously described. However, the different studies reported different compositions of repeated DNA sequences that occupied the whole assembled genome, and the Spodoptera frugiperda genome also lacks the comprehensive study of dynamic satellite DNA. We conducted a comparative analysis of repetitive DNA across geographically distant populations of Spodoptera frugiperda, particularly satellite DNA, using publicly accessible raw genome data from eight different geographical regions. Our results showed that most transposable elements (TEs) were commonly shared across all geographically distant samples, except for the Maverick and PIF/Harbinger elements, which have divergent repeat copies. The TEs age analysis revealed that most TEs families consist of young copies 1-15 million years old; however, PIF/Harbinger has some older/degenerated copies of 30-35 million years old. A total of seven satellite DNA families were discovered, accounting for approximately 0.65% of the entire genome of the Spodoptera frugiperda fall armyworm. The repeat profiling analysis of satellite DNA families revealed differential read depth coverage or copy numbers. The satellite DNA families range in size from the lowest 108 bp SfrSat06-108 families to the largest (1824 bp) SfrSat07-1824 family. We did not observe a statistically significant correlation between monomer length and K2P divergence, copy number, or abundance of each satellite family. Our findings suggest that the satellite DNA families identified in Spodoptera frugiperda account for a considerable proportion of the genome's repetitive fraction. The satellite DNA families' repeat profiling revealed a point mutation along the reference sequences. Limited TEs differentiation exists among geographically distant populations of Spodoptera frugiperda.

Thin layer drying kinetics and quality dynamics of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) treated with preservatives and solar dried under different temperatures.

Poor postharvest handling, microbial infestation, and high respiration rate are some the factors are responsible for poor storage life of perishable commodities. Therefore, effective preservation of these commodities is needed to lower the damages and extend shelf life. Preservation is regarded as the action taken to maintain desired properties of a perishable commodity as long as possible. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is perishable fruit with high nutritive value; however, has very short shelf-life. Therefore, effective preservation and drying is needed to extend its storage life. Drying temperature and preservatives significantly influence the quality of perishable vegetables and fruits during drying. The current study investigated the effect of different temperatures and preservatives on drying kinetics and organoleptic quality attributes of persimmon. Persimmon fruits were treated with preservatives (25% honey, 25% aloe vera, 2% sodium benzoate, 1% potassium metabisulfite, and 2% citric acid solutions) under different drying temperatures (40, 45, and 50°C). All observed parameters were significantly affected by individual effects of temperatures and preservatives, except ash contents. Similarly, interactive effects were significant for all parameters except total soluble sugars, ash contents, and vitamin C. Generally, fruits treated with citric acid and dried under 50°C had 8.2% moisture loss hour-1, 14.9 drying hours, 0.030 g H2O g-1 hr-1, 1.23° Brix of total soluble solids, 6.71 pH, 1.35% acidity, and 6.3 mg vitamin C. These values were better than the rest of the preservatives and drying temperatures used in the study. Therefore, treating fruits with citric acid and drying at 50°C was found a promising technique to extend storage life of persimmon fruits. It is recommended that persimmon fruits dried at 50°C and preserved in citric acid can be used for longer storage period.

Why May COVID-19 Overwhelm Low-Income Countries Like Pakistan?

Since the coronavirus disease 2019, called COVID-19, has overwhelmed the high-income countries with ample resources and established health-care system, we argue that there are plausible concerns why it may devastate the low-income countries like Pakistan. Focusing on Pakistan, we highlight the underlying reasons, eg, demographic features, ineffective health-care system, economic and political inequalities, corruption, and socio-cultural characteristics, that create fertile grounds for COVID-19 to overwhelm low-income countries. This study presents Pakistan's brief profile to demonstrate these underlying structures that may make low-income countries like Pakistan more vulnerable in the face of an unceasing COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes that the country may make appropriate and possibly effective short-term preparedness measures to halt or slow the transmission of the virus, and deal with its current implications as well as it may pay significant attention to long-term measures to deal effectively with COVID-19's longer-term effects. These measures will help them, including Pakistan, to deal appropriately with a similar future critical event.

On m-polar Diophantine Fuzzy N-soft Set with Applications.

INTRODUCTION: In this paper, we present a novel hybrid model m-polar Diophantine fuzzy N-soft set and define its operations. METHODS: We generalize the concepts of fuzzy sets, soft sets, N-soft sets, fuzzy soft sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets, Pythagorean fuzzy sets, Pythagorean fuzzy soft sets and Pythagorean fuzzy N-soft sets by incorporating our proposed model. Additionally, we define three different sorts of complements for Pythagorean fuzzy N-soft sets and examine few outcomes, which do not hold in Pythagorean fuzzy N-soft sets complements unlike to crisp set. We further discuss (α, ß, γ) -cut of m-polar Diophantine fuzzy N-soft sets and their properties. Lastly, we prove our claim that the defined model is a generalization of the soft set, N-soft set, fuzzy Nsoft set, intuitionistic fuzzy N soft set, and Pythagorean fuzzy N-soft set. RESULTS: m-polar Diophantine fuzzy N-soft set is more efficient and an adaptable model to manage uncertainties as it also overcomes drawbacks of existing models, which are to be generalized. CONCLUSION: We introduced the novel concept of m-polar Diophantine fuzzy N-soft sets (MPDFNS sets).

Maternal pesticide exposure and its relation to childhood cancer: an umbrella review of meta-analyses.

This umbrella review summarizes the available meta-analyses elucidating the effects of maternal pesticide exposure on adverse health outcomes in children particularly the risk of childhood cancer. A literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus with 10-years temporal restriction and with search terms of ('pesticides') and ('maternal' or 'pregnancy' or 'gestational' or 'perinatal' or 'children' or 'infants' or 'birth weight' or 'gestational age' or 'cancer' or 'tumor' or 'malignancy' or 'carcinoma') and ('meta-analysis' or 'systematic review'). Using relative risk estimates, e.g., odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), ß coefficients, and 95% confidence interval (CI) as a prerequisite for inclusion/exclusion criteria a total of 19 eligible meta-analyses were included. The results showed that maternal domestic/occupational pesticide exposure increases the risk for childhood leukaemia. The overall OR regarding the risk of pesticide exposure and leukaemia was 1.23 to 1.57 with heterogeneity I2 values that varied between 12.9% and 73%. Some studies found that exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB-153) pesticides appears to decrease infant birth weight to some extent [p,p´-DDE (ß = -0.007 to -0.008)] and [PCB-153 (ß = -0.15 to -0.17)]Needing more studies on this relationship, our study found that pesticide exposure is a risk factor for leukaemia in children.

Doctors Dealing With COVID-19 in Pakistan: Experiences, Perceptions, Fear, and Responsibility.

This study aimed to describe the dealings of 20 biomedical doctors with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Focusing on physicians from three different hospitals, we describe their challenges, emotions, and views concerning the pandemic. Many regarded the virus from a biomedical standpoint. Yet some also perceived it as a "tool of a proxy war" and a "plot," without giving agency to anyone for that "plot." Furthermore, these care providers faced a great fear of infection and an even greater fear of transmitting the virus to their families and friends. A few also feared stigmatization as viral carriers. Whether they experienced fear or not, all of our physician interlocutors emphasized their sense of responsibility to "serve humanity," yet some also expressed a strong belief in the inevitability of the will of Allah. Some were satisfied with the role of the government in containing the virus, while others expressed concerns and felt that the government should be doing much more. All expressed confidence in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), viewing it as an effective buffer against viral contagion. We conclude with a call for further research especially ethnographic studies on dealings of physicians with COVID-19 across Pakistan as frontline care providers.

The impact of different plant extracts on population suppression of Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) yield under field conditions.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) is a destructive pest of the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) crop in Pakistan. Although insecticides are the primary management strategy used to control H. armigera, most of them are not effective due to considerable toxic residual effects on the fruits. Nonetheless, H. armigera is rapidly evolving resistance against the available pesticides for its management. This situation calls upon the need of alternative management options against the pest. Different plant extracts have been suggested as a viable, environment-friendly option for plant protection with minimal side effects. Furthermore, the plant extracts could also manage the insect species evolving resistance against pesticides. This study evaluated the efficacy of different plant extracts (i.e., Neem seed, turmeric, garlic and marsh pepper) against H. armigera. Furthermore, the impact of the plant extracts on growth and yield of tomato crop was also tested under field conditions. The results revealed that all plant extracts resulted in higher mortality of H. armigera compared to control. Similarly, the highest plant height was observed for the plants treated with the plant extracts compared to untreated plants. Moreover, the highest tomato yield was observed in plants treated with plant extracts, especially with neem seed (21.013 kg/plot) followed by pepper extract (19.25 kg/plot), and garlic extract 18.4 kg/plot) compared to the untreated plants (8.9 kg/plot). It is concluded that plant extracts can be used as eco-friendly approaches for improving tomato yield and resistance management of H. armigera.

Silicon-based induced resistance in maize against fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)].

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major economic pest in the United States and has recently become a significant concern in African and Asian countries. Due to its increased resistance to current management strategies, including pesticides and transgenic corn, alternative management techniques have become more necessary. Currently, silicon (Si) is being used in many pest control systems due to its ability to increase plant resistance to biotic and abiotic factors and promote plant growth. The current experiments were carried out at the College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China, to test the effect of Si on lifetable parameters and lipase activity of fall armyworm and vegetative and physiological parameters of maize plants. Two sources of Si (silicon dioxide: SiO2 and potassium silicate: K2SiO3) were applied on maize plants with two application methods (foliar application and soil drenching). The experiment results revealed that foliar applications of SiO2 and K2SiO3 significantly (P≤0.05) increased mortality percentage and developmental period and decreased larval and pupal biomass of fall armyworm. Similarly, both Si sources significantly (P≤0.05) reduced lipase activity of larvae, and fecundity of adults, whereas prolonged longevity of adults. Among plant parameters, a significant increase in fresh and dry weight of shoot, stem length, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant activity was observed with foliar applications of Si. Root fresh and dry weight was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in plants treated with soil drenching of SiO2 and K2SiO3. Moreover, SiO2 performed better for all parameters as compared to K2SiO3 and control treatment. The study conclusively demonstrated a significant negative effect on various biological parameters of fall armyworm when plants were treated with Si, so it can be a promising strategy to control this pest.

COVID-19 in Pakistan and Papua New Guinea: reflections on mass testing and challenges.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic continues during 2021. Some countries are revisiting their containment measures to be eased or re-imposed after massive testing programs. Yet is testing itself a solution? Testing may be an important containment step, yet in low-income countries (LICs), it may be substantially challenging to carry out. This is because the situation in LICs is complexified by inadequate and corrupt economic, political, and healthcare systems in which testing is often beyond reach. Focusing on Pakistan and Papua New Guinea (PNG), we contend that the sparse number of recorded COVID-19 infections may demonstrate that both countries lack the required resources to conduct effective testing and deal with the pandemic. To appropriately tackle the pandemic, such countries need focus on implementing the measures they can and on public education about how viruses work and why it is so important to seek to contain their spread. Furthermore, we invite thorough studies to examine and analyze massive testing from various perspectives.

Belief and Possibility Belief Interval-Valued N-Soft Set and Their Applications in Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Problems.

In this research article, we motivate and introduce the concept of possibility belief interval-valued N-soft sets. It has a great significance for enhancing the performance of decision-making procedures in many theories of uncertainty. The N-soft set theory is arising as an effective mathematical tool for dealing with precision and uncertainties more than the soft set theory. In this regard, we extend the concept of belief interval-valued soft set to possibility belief interval-valued N-soft set (by accumulating possibility and belief interval with N-soft set), and we also explain its practical calculations. To this objective, we defined related theoretical notions, for example, belief interval-valued N-soft set, possibility belief interval-valued N-soft set, their algebraic operations, and examined some of their fundamental properties. Furthermore, we developed two algorithms by using max-AND and min-OR operations of possibility belief interval-valued N-soft set for decision-making problems and also justify its applicability with numerical examples.

Prevalence and management of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in different wheat genotypes and their impact on yield and related traits.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is significantly altered by the infestation of sucking insects, particularly aphids. Chemical sprays are not recommended for the management of aphids as wheat grains are consumed soon after crop harvests. Therefore, determining the susceptibility of different wheat genotypes and selecting the most tolerant genotype could significantly lower aphid infestation. This study evaluated the susceptibility of six different wheat genotypes ('Sehar-2006', 'Shafaq-2006', 'Faisalabad-2008', 'Lasani-2008', 'Millat-2011' and 'Punjab-2011') to three aphid species (Rhopalosiphum padi Linnaeus, Schizaphis graminum Rondani, Sitobion avenae Fabricius) at various growth stages. Seed dressing with insecticides and plant extracts were also evaluated for their efficacy to reduce the incidence of these aphid species. Afterwards, an economic analysis was performed to compute cost-benefit ratio and assess the economic feasibility for the use of insecticides and plant extracts. Aphids' infestation was recorded from the seedling stage and their population gradually increased as growth progressed towards tillering, stem elongation, heading, dough and ripening stages. The most susceptible growth stage was heading with 21.89 aphids/tiller followed by stem elongation (14.89 aphids/tiller) and dough stage (13.56 aphids/tiller). The genotype 'Punjab-2011' recorded the lower aphid infestation than 'Faisalabad-2008', 'Sehar-2006', 'Lasani-2008' and 'Shafaq-2006'. Rhopalosiphum padi appeared during mid-February, whereas S. graminum and S. avenae appeared during first week of March. Significant differences were recorded for losses in number of grains/spike and 1000-grain weight among tested wheat genotypes. The aphid population had non-significant correlation with yield-related traits. Hicap proved the most effective for the management of aphid species followed by Hombre and Husk among tested seed dressers, while Citrullus colocynthis L. and Moringa oleifera Lam. plant extracts exhibited the highest efficacy among different plant extracts used in the study. Economic analysis depicted that use of Hombre and Hicap resulted in the highest income and benefit cost ratio. Therefore, use of genotype Punjab-2011' and seed dressing with Hombre and Hicap can be successfully used to lower aphid infestation and get higher economic returns for wheat crop.

Corrigendum: COVID-19 Vaccination: Concerns About Its Accessibility, Affordability, and Acceptability.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.647294.].

COVID-19 Vaccination: Concerns About Its Accessibility, Affordability, and Acceptability.

By the mid of June 2021, after an almost 1.5-year-long COVID-19 pandemic that has significantly affected the world in multiple ways, various vaccines against COVID-19 have arrived and started worldwide. Yet, economic, (geo)political, and socio-cultural factors may influence its uptake at individual and country levels. Several issues will (and already have been reported in media) revolve around this vaccination regarding its accessibility, affordability, and acceptability at an individual level and a country level. Given that in this commentary, we provoke a discussion: Who-a country as well as the individuals-would have access to it, and who would economically afford it, and who would accept it? Centering these intriguing questions, we revisit the body of literature that explicates vaccine hesitancy, refusal, and resistance, and we also draw on the current literature and media reports about vaccination against COVID-19. We suggest that these backdrops need essential attention so that everyone can afford, accept, and have access to it. Otherwise, the current risk in the face of a year-old pandemic will continue.