Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agronomic and seed traits of soybean lines with genes for aphid resistance, inheritance and mapping of Cowpea mild mottle virus-like resistance in soybean, and fatty ester composition of low-phytate, low-saturate soybean lines

6 Introduction 7 Literature Review 8 Materials and Methods 17 Results and Discussion 21 Acknowledgements 23 References 27 CHAPTER 3. INHERITANCE AND MOLECULAR MAPPING OF AN ALLELE PROVIDING COWPEA MILD MOTTLE VIRUS-LIKE RESISTANCE IN SOYBEAN 31 Abstract 3
Pattern of maternal vaginal flora in labor and its effect on the newborn

Background: Neonatal sepsis is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Early onset sepsis is attributed to abnormal bacterial colonization of the maternal urogenital tract which leads to either an ascending but silent amniotic fluid infection or symptomatic chorioamnionitis. Aims & Objectives: 1. To study the pattern of maternal vaginal flora in labor. 2. To study the outcome in the neonate. Methods: This study was conducted on 250 mothers in labor & their babies followed up till discharge in the departments of OBG & neonatology in a tertiary care medical college hospital, Deliveries by caesarean section were excluded. Results: Out of 250 mothers 130 (52%) of them showed colonization. Out of the 130 babies born to colonised mothers, 50 (38.46%) showed features of sepsis, while only 10 (8.34%) born to non-colonised mothers had features of sepsis. This study showed a statistically significant association between features of sepsis in babies and maternal vaginal colonization. Of the 60 babies with suspected sepsis, 40 had positive blood culture which is the gold standard investigation for sepsis. All of these culture positive babies i.e all 40(100%) had maternal colonization with a statistically significant association. Conclusion: This study shows that maternal vaginal colonisation has significant association with neonatal sepsis. Hence, finding the organism in the maternal vaginal flora and treating it as per sensitivity might result less cases of neonatal sepsis.
Interest Rate (Caps) and Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions in Zambia

This paper examined the non-linear relationship between interest rate and operational sustainability of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Zambia during a period of interest rate cap. Using aggregate quarterly financial statements data from March 2006 to December 2017, the Autoregressive Distributed Lags technique was employed to examine cointegration and adjustments to long-run equilibrium properties of the data. The results suggest a downward trend for yield on gross portfolio while lowest operational self-sustainability was recorded during the interest rate cap period. Overall, the paper documented evidence that MFIs in Zambia are operationally sustainable. The results also show an inverted U-shaped relationship between interest rate and operational sustainability in the long-run. This suggests the existence of a threshold interest rate beyond which it induces decline in sustainability of MFIs. The results of this study call for policy makers to avoid imposing interest rate ceilings in order to enable MFIs generate adequate revenue to cover their costs but promote alternative measures to stimulate lower interest rates.
Evaluation of the Effect of Different Cavity Configuration (C-factor) on Marginal Adaptation of Low Shrinkage Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different cavity configuration (C-factor) on marginal adaptation of low shrinkage resin composites. A total of 90 freshly extracted human non-carious premolar teeth was used and divided randomly according to tested materials into two main equal groups (45 each); Silorane based resin composite and kalore resin composite. Each group was subdivided according to the cavity configuration into three equal subgroups of (15 each); flat tooth surface, class II cavity and class V cavity. Each division was divided according to storage time into three subdivisions (5 each); one month, three months and six months. After storage time and dye immersion in silver nitrate 50% wt. for 12 hours. Each tooth was split longitudinally into 2 halves and inspected under stereomicroscope to evaluate the marginal leakage of tooth restoration interface. Finally, a randomly representative specimen from each group was investigated under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to evaluate the qualitative examination. The results of this study revealed that less microleakage of Silorane than kalore. All resin materials when used with the corresponding adhesive system with all C-factors do not completely eliminate the microleakage. There was significant difference between flat tooth surface and both of class II and class V. Silorane and Kalore showed high leakage score at six months storage time.
Interrelation between birth weight, body mass index, insulin resistance, C-Reactive Protein-hs, adiponectin and leptin in children (Age 10 to 20 years)

Background : India is projected to have one of the largest populations of obese children over the next decade. Birth weight reflects maternal nutrition and fetal programming which may be a leading cause of obesity. Adipokines also play an important role in development of obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum adiponectin, leptin in Indian school-going children in the age group of 10–20 years. This study also describes distribution of adipokines concentrations and examines the inter-relationship of adipokines with birth weight, body mass index (BMI), C - reactive protein high sensitive (CRP-hs), and insulin resistance (IR). Methods : A cross-sectional study involves a total of 200 school going children between the age group of 10-20 yrs. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, CRP-hs, were measured for the school going children and birth weight was recorded. BMI was defined as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR). Results : Children with higher BMI had higher birth weight and insulin. Obese children had lower adiponectin and higher leptin levels suggestive of an inverse association with adipokines. Children with higher BMI had lower glucose. Conclusion : Leptinan indicator of fat mass induces insulin resistance and inflammation. The derangement observed in all related parameters including insulin resistance, leptin, adiponectin and CRP-hs were due to high fat mass. However, the relationship of birth weight and adipokines needs further evaluation.
Overcoming the challenges of tamarix management with Diorhabda carinulata through the identification and application of semiochemicals

The northern tamarisk beetle, Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers), is an approved and established classical biological control agent for saltcedars (Tamarix spp.). Adequate control of Tamarix has not yet been achieved in certain areas where D. carinulata has been released. Retaining beetle populations on sites where it has been released is problematic, and accurately monitoring D. carinulata populations to determine successful establishment is difficult. Negative, indirect impacts have also resulted from the agent’s establishment outside targeted treatment areas in the southwestern United States. Manipulation of D. carinulata spatial distribution with semiochemicals could potentially resolve or ameliorate these and other operational issues. Lures utilizing a specialized wax based matrix for the controlled release of semiochemicals were impregnated with a previously identified pheromone and/or behaviorally active host plant volatiles known to stimulate aggregation in D. carinulata. Emission of these compounds from the matrix was characterized using a push-pull volatile collection system, and quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Observed release rates confirm that semiochemicals lures formulated with this matrix are a viable option for facilitating aggregation of D. carinulata under field conditions. The results of field-based assays indicate saltcedars treated with this semiochemical delivery system attracted and retained higher densities of D. carinulata than Tamarix that received a control (semiochemical free) lure. Higher densities of both adult and larval D. carinulata were recorded on treated plants. Semiochemically treated Tamarix plants also exhibited more damage, resulting in a greater decrease in canopy volume than control trees. The attraction and retention of D. carinulata to these species-specific semiochemicals on treated Tamarix plants also arrested the dispersal of newly released individuals, resulting in greater population growth. Repellent semiochemicals were also investigated for their potential to manipulate spatial distributions of D. carinulata in the field and behavioral assays conducted with reproductive adults demonstrated the ability of larval produced compounds to repel conspecific adults. These results indicate that semiochemical-impregnated media could be useful for detecting, retaining, and directing populations of D. carinulata. The use of semiochemicals could be used to potentiate low density populations, increase monitoring efficacy, retain adults on release sites, and repel D. carinulata from sensitive habitat.
Pheroid℗ technology as a tool to change the administration route of selected pharmaceuticals from intravenous to oral

The Pheroid® drug delivery system is now on the threshold of progressing into human clinical trials for various patented pharmaceutical applications and a systematic investigation of its toxicological properties in vitro and in vivo is thus a priority. In vitro testing included the Ames Assay. No genotoxicity was demonstrated during the analysis in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA102. Acute and subchronic toxicity were investigated in two species of rodent. Observations focused on physical condition, blood biochemical analysis and haematological levels. Gross necropsy was performed on the test animals and organ weights as well as histopathology of selected organs. The acute toxicity study showed tolerance of the maximum prescribed dose of 2000 mg/kg in two rodent species after intravenous administration (absolute bioavailability). The oral formulation was tolerated without incidents. During both the acute and subchronic evaluations no physiological, chemical or haematological alterations were caused by the Pheroid® technology. Clear data is presented that the Pheroid® system will not contribute to toxicity during acute and prolonged administration (either through the oral or intravenous route) of the system. The toxicity of future treatments will consequently be dependent on the characteristics of the active ingredient entrapped in this system.
Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) : composição química e avaliação das propriedades funcionais in vivo = Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) : chemical composition and evaluation of its functional properties in vivo

Diversos estudos tem sugerido que a ingestao frequente de vegetais reduz o risco de doencas cronicas nao transmissiveis em funcao da presenca de compostos como a fibra alimentar (FA) e demais substâncias bioativas associadas, os quais produzem efeitos positivos sobre a saude humana. A FA inclui polissacarideos nao amilaceos, oligossacarideos resistentes a digestao e lignina. Essas substâncias podem passar inalteradas pelo trato gastrintestinal ou serem fermentadas pela microbiota colonica, resultando em efeitos fisiologicos beneficos. A taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) e uma aracea comestivel originaria da America tropical e possui consideravel valor nutritivo. A porcao tuberosa e consumida por diversas populacoes em todo mundo, no entanto, o consumo de suas folhas e menos difundido. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar parcialmente a fracao fibrosa da folha de taioba liofilizada (FTL), e avaliar possiveis efeitos fisiologicos in vivo em ratos Wistar machos alimentados com dieta AIN 93G, ou hiperlipidica. As folhas de taioba foram cozidas em agua, liofilizadas e quimicamente caracterizadas. Por meio de ensaio biologico foram avaliados os efeitos da FTL sobre a producao de acidos graxos de cadeia curta, sobre o metabolismo de acidos biliares (AB) e indicadores bioquimicos. A FTL apresentou teores de fibra alimentar total, soluvel e insoluvel de 35,23 ± 0,26%, 6,82 ± 0,06% e 28,04 ± 0,21%, respectivamente. A analise da composicao monossacaridica mostrou que a glicose e o monomero mais abundante (61%), sugerindo a presenca de celulose em grandes quantidades. Os animais alimentados com dieta AIN 93G contendo taioba apresentaram maior peso e excrecao de gordura fecal, e melhores perfis de ABs, por diminuir a proporcao de ABs secundarios. Nos ratos alimentados com dieta hiperlipidica a adicao de FTL resultou em menor ganho de peso corporal e gordura hepatica, e maior peso e conteudo de gordura nas fezes; alem disso, observaram-se maiores concentracoes de acidos graxos de cadeia curta e ABs fecais em comparacao ao grupo controle, que recebeu baixos teores de fibra; tambem se observou menores concentracoes de colesterol serico e maior conteudo de cinzas corporais nos grupos recebendo a FTL. Os resultados sugeriram que os componentes da folha de taioba possuem elevada capacidade de ligacao com os ABs e alta fermentabilidade, indicando que a folha possui potencial para reduzir o risco de doencas cardiovasculares e câncer de colon Abstract
Response of feeding different sources and concentrations of zinc and copper on performance of broiler chickens

An experiment was undertaken to evaluate the response of broiler chicken to supplementary sources and concentrations of zinc and copper with reference to the growth, immune response and carcass traits. A six weeks (0–6 weeks) feeding trial was conducted involving two Zn levels (40 and 80 mg/kg) each with two Cu levels (8 and 16mg/kg) and again each with two mineral sources (organic and inorganic) in the form of Zn propionate and Cu propionate (organic) and Zn sulphate and Cu sulphate (inorganic) through a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment. Each of such test diet was offered as mash ad lib to four replicated groups of 8 chicks each. Significantly (P<0.001) higher body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chicks was observed at 16 mg Cu/kg than that recorded at 8 mg Cu/kg diet during different growth phases. There was no significant effect on BWG due to Zn levels and mineral sources. The feed intake did not differ significantly due to different levels of Zn and mineral sources. However, it was significantly (P<0.05) higher at 16 mg Cu/kg than 8 mg Cu/kg diet during 4–6 wks of age. No significant effect was observed on FCR due to Zn levels, mineral sources and interaction among Zn, Cu and mineral sources. The HA titer to SRBC and foot pad index to PHAP was significantly (P<0.01) higher at both higher levels of Zn and Cu with organic sources as compared to their lower levels with inorganic sources of minerals. The various carcass quality traits were not affected by different treatments. However, the relative organ weight (liver and heart) were significantly higher at lower level of Zn and higher level of Cu. Based on the results it may be concluded that a dietary combination of 40 mg zinc and 16 mg copper/kg diet either organic or inorganic form of mineral was found adequate to obtain optimum growth performance and carcass yield. However, better immune response can be realized with a dietary combination of 80 mg zinc and 16 mg copper/kg diet with organic source.
Effect of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on the Interference between Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) and Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)

Effectiveness of the common soil fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as a biological control for spotted knapweed and its effect on competitive interactions between spotted knapweed and bluebunch wheatgrass were evaluated in a growth chamber study using addition series methods. Total seeding densities ranged from 2000 to 60 000 seeds/m2. Mean bluebunch wheatgrass plant weight was 3.5 times greater than spotted knapweed weight per plant, respectively. Coefficient ratios estimating species interaction showed bluebunch wheatgrass density had a greater influence than spotted knapweed density on both bluebunch wheatgrass and spotted knapweed weights (2.11 and 0.51, respectively) when not under the influence of S. sclerotiorum. Niche differentiation ratios indicated a lack of resource partitioning between species (1.11). S. sclerotiorum reduced spotted knapweed density by 68 to 80% without reducing bluebunch wheatgrass density. Spotted knapweed weight per plant also was reduced by the addition of 5. sclerotiorum (1.4 to 1.2 mg) but there was not a corresponding increase in bluebunch wheatgrass weight. S. sclerotiorum decreased competition between spotted knapweed and bluebunch wheatgrass. This study provides evidence that establishment of bluebunch wheatgrass on spotted knapweed infested rangeland may be improved by combining S. sclerotiorum with high grass seeding rates.
Status of Golden Jackal Canis aureus and ungulates in a small enclosed area- Van Vihar National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

We estimated densities of Golden Jackals and five ungulate species in Van Vihar National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is an enclosed area of about 4. 45km², out of which 3. 5km² is available for free ranging animals. Twenty-six transects with a combined length of 22.6km and an effort of 50.2km were walked. A total of 1079 animal detections belonging to six different species were made. The density of jackals was (17±3.8SE)/km 2 . Among the ungulates, chital had the highest density (118±18.8SE)/km 2 followed by Sambar (34.1±6.9 SE)/km 2 , Nilgai (13.1±2.8SE)/km 2 , Blackbuck (6.6±1.5 SE)/km 2 and Wild Pig (3.7±0.8 SE)/km 2 . The ungulate biomass was found to be (12979.2±2463.26 SE)kg/km 2 . Chital biomass was the highest at (5574.2±886.58 SE)kg/km 2 , followed by Sambar biomass of (4569.4±913.75 SE)kg/km 2 , Nilgai (2358±523.24 SE)kg/km 2 , Blackbuck (211.2±66.18 SE)kg/km 2 and Wild Pig (118.4±28.37 SE)kg/km 2 . The sex ratio was calculated and most ungulates had female-biased adult sex ratio.
Assessment of the Impact of Cost Sharing Mechanism in Healthcare Service Delivery in Tanzania: A Case of Amana Hospital

The cost sharing scheme in health delivery is supposed to cater for the quality, affordable and better services for the Patients. The overall study objective was to assess the impact of cost sharing mechanisms in the delivery of healthcare services in Tanzania. The study was conducted in Dare es salaam at Amana Hospital using a sample of 108 participants where 95 were Patients, 3 doctors, 8 nurses, and 2 accountants. In line to the above mentioned subject, the specific objectives were to assess the accessibility, convenience and affordability of healthcare services to the beneficiaries and stakeholders, the performance of healthcare services delivery and to identify the obstacles facing the hospitals in the delivery. The data from the field were collected through questionnaires, and interview. The results revealed that less than 50% was awarded by participants to accessibility, convenience, and affordability of health services to the beneficiaries and stakeholders. Less than 45% was awarded to the performance of cost sharing scheme in health delivery is negative. Obstacles in this study included little participant’s awareness about cost sharing, availability of medicines, long distance to the service centres, unfriendly hospital environment and poor hospital attendance. It can be concluded that the implementation of cost sharing scheme in Tanzania lies far from Tanzanians expectation of the said service. The following recommendations are made; Government should sensitize people on the cost sharing scheme. Prices of health services have to be revised to allow most Tanzanians to access it and lastly improving quality of health delivery is necessary to create confidence on patients to make use of them.
Observations on the water quality management of larval and postlarval rearing tanks of Penaeus monodon hatchery at Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

The present study was carried out in the Pioneer Hatchery Ltd. situated at Cox's Bazar sea coast of southeastern apex of Bangladesh. Water parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH etc. greatly influence the larval and Jlostlarval development and their survival rate in the rearing tanks of Penaeus monodon hatchery. For quality assessment water samples were collected fimr times daily from the larval and postlarval rearing tanks and measured the water temperature, salinity, DO, pH, H2S, NH3-N, N02-N, N03- N, P04-P, Si02 • The results of analysis of these parameters have been critically evaluated to find out their optimal range in the hatchery management of Penaeus monodon.
The determinants of life insurance ownership : the mediating effect of risk perception

The conventional life insurance and family Takaful market penetration rate was at 54.6 percent in 2015 indicating that about half of the Malaysian population is still uninsured. This study is conducted to investigate (a) the relationship of life insurance ownership with demographic and psychographic factors, and (b) the mediating effect of risk perception on the relationship between psychographic factors (i.e. personal value, risk attitude and trust) and life insurance ownership. A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect data from July to December 2015 in the four states located at the Northern regions of Malaysia, namely Kedah, Perlis, Penang and Perak. A total of 408 individuals approached at their work places and shoppers intercepted in the malls were surveyed. The data collected were analysed using binary logistic and multiple regressions. The respondents in their 20’s and 30’s are found more likely to own life insurance as compared to the respondents aged below 20 years old. Most of the life insurance policyholders are males, Chinese and Indian, and those who are middle income earners. The findings on psychographic factors show that trust has a significant positive relationship with life insurance ownership, and there is a significant mediating effect of risk perception on the relationship between trust and life insurance ownership. The respondents who trust their life insurance agents are found to have low risk perception of the purchase of life insurance. Thus, they tend to own life insurance. This study proposes that extensive ownership promotions of family Takaful and micro-insurance be targeted to Muslim individuals and low-income earners. The actions in fulfilling prospective policyholders’ needs, building trust in life insurance agents and creating awareness about the importance of life insurance are vital to encourage those who do not own life insurance to purchase life insurance.