Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral Ascorbic Acid And α-Tocopherol Protect On Di-(2-Ethyl Hexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) Induced Effects On Gonadotoxicity In The Adult Male Wistar Rats

Environmental pollutants such as di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) adversely affect reproductive system tissue differentiation and functions with exposure at intrauterine, neonatal or adult stages of life, thereby potentiating male infertility later in life. World health organization estimates a global infertility prevalent rate of 10-15%, and 20-30% among Nigerians, with male factor constituting about 40-50% of infertility cases. This study was designed to investigate the effect(s) of oral vitamins C and E on DEHP induced changes in some semen parameters and serum testosterone concentration in adult Wistar rats. Seventy (70) adult male Wistar rats weighing between 156-250 g were randomised into 7 experimental groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (group n=10). Animals in groups 1, 2 and 3 were treated with 0.02 mg, 20 mg, 200 mg oral DEHP/kg bw daily respectively, while those in groups 4, 5 and 6, in addition to the above DEHP treatments, were treated with 100 mg ascorbic acid and 67.5 mg α-tocopherol per kg bw daily respectively. Rats in group 7 served as Control and were treated with vehicle. All treatments lasted for 60 days. After, over night fasting, samples of semen and serum were obtained for analysis. Results obtained were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed for significant differences in means using one way ANOVA and Post Hoc test. Relative to the control reference values, groups exposed to oral DEHP had significant (p<0.05) reduction in sperm count, total sperm motility, active sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, serum testosterone concentration and serum super oxide dismutase levels to 31.70±18.68x106 cells/mL, 38.60±24.78%, 8.50±5.66%, 38.00±18.00%, 9.56±1.34 ng/mL and 0.017±0.0013 units respectively. Sluggish sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology significantly (p˂0.01) increased to 39.70±13.05% and 68.50±18.42% respectively. In the groups that had DEHP co-treatments with oral ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol, all studied parameters tended to comparative indifference statistically, with the Controls values. This indicates a protective function against DEHP effects on the studied parameters. The study has shown therefore, that DEHP inflicts oxidative stress in the reproductive system which potentially suppresses serum testosterone concentration with attendant derangements in the qualitative and quantitative sperm cells in adult Wistar rats, and thereby enhancing male infertility. However, the antioxidants ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol protects the gonadal and sperm cells from the harmful effects of DEHP by ameliorating oxidative stress and improving male fertility. This implies that there is need to avoid prolonged exposure to DEHP while encouraging the daily intake of oral ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol.
Dipstick urine analysis for detection of renal abnormalities among school children

Urinary screening program to diagnose asymptomatic renal disease in school going children is widespread in the developed countries. Early identification and treatment of kidney diseases in children are important initial steps in prevention of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). CKD in children is a worldwide health problem and may be too covert for early detection. The simplest and least expensive method of screening apparently healthy individuals is dipstick urine analysis. Several studies have used reagent strips and have documented their effectiveness in detecting urinary abnormalities. School urinary dipstick screening allows early detection of the disease and helps prevents the onset of renal insufficiency. Proteinuria in children may be early marker of kidney disease in children. Similarly, glycosuria is seen in patients with urinary diseases or DM. There is wide variation in the incidence and pattern of renal diseases in Asia. Few studies have been done in Nepal and none from this region. Hence, this study was prospectively conducted as a urinary screening for asymptomatic school children.
Morphometric studies and analyses of germinability in Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. in an urban-rural gradient in Teresina-PI, Brazil

Urbanization can alter environmental factors that affect the morphologicaland germinative characteristics of seeds. We evaluated the influence of anurban-rural gradient on the morphometrics of the fruits and seeds ofCenostigma macrophyllum Tul. (Fabaceae) and on seed germinability in theregion near Teresina, Piaui State, Brazil. One hundred fruits were collectedin the urban zone and 100 in the rural area, and the lengths, widths,thicknesses, and weights of both the fruits and seeds were measured,as well as the numbers of seeds per fruit. The seeds were then used ingreenhouse germination experiments (during two months) to calculate thepercentages of emergence (E%) and survival (S%), the emergence rate index(ERI), synchronization index (Z), and Timson’s index (T). The results showedsignificant statistical differences between the two areas in terms of thebiometric patterns of the fruits and seeds as well as seed germination, withhigher values in the urban zone. As such, urbanization was found to affectthe morphologies and germination processes of plant species.
On the Shoulders of Giants: Continuing the Legacy of Large-Scale Ecosystem Manipulation Experiments in Puerto Rico

There is a long history of experimental research in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico. These experiments have addressed questions about biotic thresholds, assessed why communities vary along natural gradients, and have explored forest responses to a range of both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic disturbances. Combined, these studies cover many of the major disturbances that affect tropical forests around the world and span a wide range of topics, including the effects of forest thinning, ionizing radiation, hurricane disturbance, nitrogen deposition, drought, and global warming. These invaluable studies have greatly enhanced our understanding of tropical forest function under different disturbance regimes and informed the development of management strategies. Here we summarize the major field experiments that have occurred within the Luquillo Experimental Forest. Taken together, results from the major experiments conducted in the Luquillo Experimental Forest demonstrate a high resilience of Puerto Rico’s tropical forests to a variety of stressors.
Selenium and nano-selenium ameliorations in two breeds of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of synthesized nano-selenium (NS) and commercial inorganic selenium (Se) on immunity, behaviour, and performance of Arbor (AB) and Ross (RB) broilers that were exposed to heat stress of 40 °C for 6 - 8 hours daily over 38 days. Two hundred and ten one-day-old broilers of two breeds were supplemented with 0.5 mL/L of NS or Se in their drinking water. Two hundred sera, 200 intestinal swabs, and 1000 internal organ and tissue samples were collected. Weight gain, performance index, behavioral indices, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, serum total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum creatinine concentrations increased (P <0.01) in RB compared with AB when supplemented with NS. Meanwhile, NS supplementation decreased (P <0.01) water intake and the logarithmic bacterial counts of the intestine and breast in RB and AB, respectively. Histopathology revealed mild leukocytic infiltration and mild vacuolar degeneration in hepatocytes, and focal leukocytic infiltration, mild congestion, and cytoplasmic vacuolation in the myocardium of RB. Photomicrographs showed a mild lymphoid depletion in the spleen, while histopathology of the bursa of Fabricius revealed a normal follicular epithelium and normal lymphoid follicles with mild inter-follicular fibrosis in RB that were supplied with NS as opposed to AB, which expressed more severe pathological affections from heat stress. Thus, NS was more effective than Se in allowing broilers to respond to heat stress.Keywords: behaviour, immunity, growth traits, tissue architecture
Common Eider (Somateria Mollissima) Body Condition and Parasitic Load during a Mortality Event in the Baltic Proper

During late spring of 2007 and 2015, we observed unusually high mortality of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) on Christiansø in the Baltic Proper. The number of dead birds (2007: 125; 2015: 110) composed 5–10% of the total colony. In 2015, we collected 15 (12 adult females, three subadult males) of the 110 recently deceased Common Eiders for detailed autopsy. The average body mass of the females was 1,040 g (920–1,160 g) which is ca 60% lower than what can be expected of healthy females during wintertime. Similarly, for the subadult males the average body mass of 1,203 g (1,070–1,300 g) comprised only 45% of what can be expected for healthy subadult males during winter. All 15 birds were thus severely emaciated and cachexic with general atrophy of muscles and internal organs. Hunger oedema, distended gall bladder, empty stomach, empty and dilated intestines and dilated cardiomyopathy were observed as well. In addition, all 15 Common Eiders were infected with high loads of the acanthocephalan parasite Polymorphus minutus. No gross morphological changes suggested toxicological, bacteriological or viral causes to the mortality. Taken together, our autopsy suggested starvation leading to secondary metabolic catabolism and eventually congestive heart failure. Five birds that were examined in 2007 showed the same symptoms. We suspect that the introduction of suboptimal feeding conditions in combination with a high parasite load over the last decade synergistically caused high physiological stress leading to population level effects manifested as high mortality.
MULTIPLEX PCR-BASED IDENTIFICATION OF POTATO GENOTYPES AS DONORS IN BREEDING FOR RESISTANCE TO DISEASES AND PESTS

The breeding of potatoes with the traditional technology of hybridization and selection of individual plants is a time-consuming process. The use of DNA markers linked to genes underlying resistance to diseases and pests can significantly improve the efficiency of the selection of valuable genotypes in the early stages of breeding process. The aims of the work were i) screening of potato genetic resources from the VIR collection (Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, St. Petersburg) for the presence of genes encoding resistance to cyst-forming nematodes, potato wart, potato viruses X and Y (PVX and PVY) by the multiplex PCR method; ii) evaluation of the effec- tiveness of molecular markers for the identification of potato genotypes resistant to the golden nematode, potato wart and PVY. A total of 90 accessions from the VIR collection were studied, among them the cultivated potatoes from two subspecies, the S. tuberosum subsp. chiloense (native varieties of Chile) and S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum (breeding varieties), as well as hybrid clones have been distinguished as sources and donors of potato resistance to pathogens of the economically significant or quarantine diseases. In this work, several molecular markers that were early recommended for the identification of potato genes responsible for the resistance to cyst nematodes, Y and X viruses, and potato wart were first used for the multiplex PCR analysis of genetically diverse material. Ten mark- ers used were TG 689, 57 R, N 195 of H1 gene and Gro1-4-1 of Gro1-4 gene (resistance to the golden nematode Globodera rostochiensis pathotypes Ro1, Ro4), marker Gpa 2-2 of Gpa2 gene (re- sistance to the pale nematode G. pallida pathotype Pa2), RYSC3 marker of Ry adg gene, Ry 186 marker of Ry chc gene and YES3-3A marker of Ry sto gene (all genes provide immunity to the potato virus Y), the PVX marker of the Rx gene (immunity to potato virus X) and the NL 25 marker of the Sen1 for resistance to potato wart caused by Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilb.) Percival. The PCR screening results were matched with the phenotypic characteristics of the test potato genotypes for resistance to the golden nematode, wart and potato virus Y. Multiplex PCR analysis allowed us to identify potato genotypes with several (up to five) resistance genes, including those providing resistance to the nematode G. rostochiensis patotype Ro1, S. endobioticum patotype 1 and potato virus Y. A significant association was established between the molecular markers linked to the H1 gene and the resistance of potato genotypes to the nematode G. rostochiensis Ro1 (r A = 0.59, r s = 0.72- 0.79), and between the marker N L25 of Sen1 gene and potato resistance to wart (r A = 0.62). No association was detected between Ry adg and Ry sto molecular markers and plant resistance to pota- to virus Y due to a large number of tested resistant potato genotypes which possibly carry un-known immunity genes.
Living in precarious housing: non-standard employment and housing careers of young professionals in Ireland

Abstract There is a growing understanding amongst researchers that traditionally defined linear housing career paths are becoming more difficult to follow, especially for young people. This seems to be particularly the case in the context of changing labour markets and the rise of flexible employment. In this paper we use the example of Ireland to demonstrate how non-standard and precarious work influences housing pathways of young professionals. Due to the employment circumstances, these ‘middle class’ workers are increasingly excluded from home ownership; they also experience difficulties in the private rental market. Consequently, they often rely on different forms of alternative housing arrangements. Such arrangements include prolonged sharing with friends and strangers, or moving back with parents. As a result, these young professionals tend to follow non-traditional housing pathways and are not able to move up the housing ladder. Their housing mobility, on the contrary, often consists of vertical or even ‘backward’ movements.
Therapeutic Potential of Plant Extracts Against Multidrug Resistance Poultry Bacteria

Plant extracts were evaluated on bacteria isolated from poultry farm for developing substitutive therapeutic agent of antibiotics. A diverse range of bacterial load observed both in total viable count (TVC) and in total coliform count (TCC) in 30 samples randomly collected from poultry feeds, drinking water and faeces. A total of six bacterial isolates e.g. Pseudomonas spp. , Aeromonas spp. , Citrobacter spp. , Vibrio spp. , Escherichia coli and Plesiomonas spp. were found in the samples cultured in MacConkey Agar medium. Fifteen antibiotics were studied against bacterial susceptibility. All the bacterial isolates exhibited multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) with gross resistance to erythromycin and ampicillin. E. coli had the highest MAR (53.3%), and Vibrio spp. as well as Plesiomonas spp. both had the same MAR (46.7%). Methanolic extract of Terminalia chebula and Azadirachta indica showed significant zone of inhibition against all the tested bacteria. These findings confirm the presence of multidrug resistant bacteria in poultry environment that reveals a possibility of cross-contamination to human and animals. The plant extracts could be developed into therapeutic drugs to rein antibiotic poultry resistant bacteria. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 30(1): 119-130, 2020 (June)
Form And Structure Selected Songs From Kidung Penghiburan Consolation Worship In GKI Indramayu

Analysis of music form aims to peel and unravel the song thoroughly so that the contained elements in it can be found. The problem statement in this research is analysis of form song from Kidung Penghiburan. This research uses descriptive qualitative method and using several data collection techniques, including observation and documentation studies. Data will be validated by data triangulation. Data analysis techniques in this research uses data reduction, data presentation, conclusion withdrawal and verification. The result of this research showed that the songs from Kidung Penghiburan titled Pintu Gebang Terbukalah, Jalan Hidup Tak Selalu, Makin Dekat Tuhan, and Tuhan Allah Beserta Engkau are the two-part songs with different phrases arrangement and motif tabulation. Pintu Gebang Terbukalah’s form is A (a a’), B (b y), Jalan Hidup Tak Selalu’s form is A (a a’), A’ (a x), B (b y), Makin Dekat Tuhan’s form is A (a a’), B (b a’), and Tuhan Allah Beserta Engkau’s form is A (a a’), B (b b’).
The usability of Burger body model on determination of oriented strand boards’ creep behavior

In this work, the usability of the Burger body model (BBM) for determining the behavior of oriented strand boards (OSBs) under long-term loads was evaluated. The actual bending strain data and predicted strain data as a function of different stress levels and load durations under constant environmental conditions (25 ± 2°C and 50% relative humidity) were compared. Two test groups, short-term bending tests and long-term creep-rupture bending tests, were performed according to relevant ASTM standards. Specimens were randomly assigned to three groups and loaded at 47% (132.2 kg), 51% (137.4 kg), or 55% (154.9 kg) of the mean static short-term flexural strength. Specimen creep was monitored for 10,000 h using an automated measurement system. The four-parameter BBM parameters were obtained for all specimens at 2000-h time intervals, providing five different estimates. Measured strain values were compared with strain predictions from the BBM and with the goal of evaluating length of experiment on prediction accuracy. Each stress level provided statistical differences based on the error between the actual strain and predicted strain values. Group 3 provided minimum error compared to group 1 and group 2. The 10,000 and 8000 h loading provided the most accurate predictions compared to 6000, 4000, and 2000 h of data. Overall, the longer the actual data is collected the more accurate predictions were obtained. As a result, the BBM was found useful tool for predicting the creep behavior of OSBs under different loads and load durations. It was also shown that the increased duration of practical loading minimizes the error between the prediction. Therefore, the BBM is suggested for use predicting the creep behavior of OSBs over 8000 h load durations.
Sustainability Reporting: Imperative for Turnover Growth

Growth in revenue of firms is an indicator to stakeholders that the firm is improving. Thus, creating the need for firms to ensure a continuous increase in their turnover. This study examined the effect of sustainability reporting on turnover growth of quoted companies in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design with 167 listed firms as the population. 28 quoted firms were chosen with the use of purposive sampling. Data from 2009 to 2018 were obtained from secondary sources. Content analysis was employed as a tool to analyse the disclosures in sustainability reports. The model was estimated using Pooled OLS (multivariate regression). Company age and financial leverage were used as control variables. The study found that the compliance level of the sampled firms with sustainability reporting requirements for the four dimensions are below average, however, sustainability reporting has a significant effect on turnover growth with Prob. (F-stat) of 0.0463<0.05. Therefore, the study recommends that management of firms should intensity efforts to ensure maximum compliance with GRI sustainability guidelines.
Effect of Seed Hardening and Pelleting on Germination and Seedling Attributes of Cowpea under Saline Condition

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important legume crop. Investigations were undertaken to study the effect of seed hardening, seed pelleting and combined effect of seed hardening with seed pelleting on germination and seedling growth of cowpea under induced saline condition viz., EC4, EC8, EC12 and EC16. Cowpea seeds were hardened with KCl @ 1%, CaCl2 @ 1% and both KCl and CaCl2 @ 1% and hardened seeds were further pelleted with pungam leaf powder @ 100, 150 and 200 g kg-1 of seed. Observations on germination % and seedling parameters were recorded. The experimental results revealed that increased salinity reduced germination and seedling growth in terms of germination %, speed of germination, root length, shoot length, dry matter production and vigour index. However, hardening and pelleting treatments significantly increased all these parameters at all the levels of salinity when compared to control. Among the treatments, seeds hardened with KCl @ 1 % + CaCl2 @ 1 % and pelleted with pungam leaf powder @ 200 g per kg recorded higher germination % and all the seedling parameters when compared to control and other treatments.
Examining Preservice Teachers’ TPACK-21 Efficacies with Clustering Analysis in Terms of Certain Variables

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences between preservice teachers’ 21st century techno-pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK-21). The study group included 254 preservice teachers from the departments of Science Teaching and Mathematics Teaching at a state university in Turkey. In order to determine the preservice teachers’ strong and weak points in terms of TPACK-21 and to reveal the differences between them in terms of their gender, computer use efficacies and Internet use frequencies, the clustering analysis method was used. For the purpose of confirming the evident difference between the TPACK-21 variables, one-way ANOVA was applied, and the effect sizes were determined (η2). It was found that for all the variables, there were significant differences between the clusters. Also, Bonferroni post hoc analysis conducted for the confirmation of the clusters revealed significant differences between the clusters for each factor influential on the students’ TPACK-21 perceptions.
Employees Demography and Team-Playing Behaviour of Bank Workers in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria

This descriptive survey research investigated the influence of employee demography on bank workers’ team-playing behaviour. The population of this study is the entire bank workers in Ijebu Ode Southwest, Nigeria. Participants were selected randomly while an instrument titled “Team-playing Behaviour Questionnaire (TPBQ)” was used for data collection. TPBQ is designed on a five-point rating scale divided into 3 parts. The first part contains participants’ demographic data, the second part seeks information about employees’ team-playing behaviour. The last part contains items to elicit factors that bring about non-assistive team-playing behaviour at work. TPBQ was examined by experts in Sociology and Measurements for validity. Cronbach alpha method (resulting in 0.79 reliability co-efficient) was used to test the instrument for reliability. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), Mean and Standard Deviation, and ANOVA.Findings revealed that employee demography (age, sex, years of experience, and job status) have a significant but varied influence on team-playing behaviour of banker workers. There are other non-demographic variables like team’s lack of focus, membership laziness, lack of voice in team deliberations, and lack of interest or required skill for the job or task given, all have high tendencies to bring about non-supportive team-playing behaviour among staff. Recommendations are raised upon these findings.