Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exchange Rate Volatility and Export Competitiveness Nexus: Empirical Evidence from South Africa

Allexander Muzenda Department of Research and Publications Regenesys Business School; South Africa E-mail of corresponding author:alexmuzenda02@gmail.com ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of real exchange rate volatility on export competitiveness of the South African economy during the period 2000:q1 to 2011:q4. Volatility of the real exchange rate was computed using the GARCH approach. The one-step Engle-Granger error correction model (ECM) was applied to investigate the magnitudes to which real exchange rate volatility affects the economy’s export competitiveness in both shortand long-run periods. Results from the estimated export competitiveness function indicate that real exchange rate volatility demonstrates adverse impacts on export competitiveness; with relatively more pronounced detrimental impact being demonstrated in the long-run period.
Management of Poultry Farms and the Likelihood of Contamination of Poultry Feed with Mycotoxinsin Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. World's Vet. J. 5(4): 51-58

The aim of this study was to characterize the poultry production system in Gharbia governorate and assessing the risk of contamination of poultry feed with mycotoxins. A total of 65 poultry farms were visited, in addition to interviewing owners and/or workers, poultry feed samples were collected. Feed samples were analysed for the detection of Total Aflatoxin (TA) and Ochratoxin A (OTA). The concentrations of TA and OTA were determined using direct competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. About 50% and 36% of farms were rearing ducks and broiler chickens, respectively. The number of birds per cycle was varied between less than 5,000 to more than 20,000. 58.5% of poultry farms reported having special designated area for dead poultry disposal and 77% of poultry farms used branded commercial feed. The mean length of storage of feed at the farm was five days and about 75% reported having a special poultry feed store. Almost all poultry farmers reported that, they have heard about mycotoxins and more than 80% used anti-mycotoxins as feed additives. All samples were contaminated with both Aflatoxins and Ochratoxins. The mean concentration of Aflatoxins in feed samples was 73.25 ppb, and 100% of samples were higher than the maximum permissible limit (20 ppb). The mean concentration of Ochratoxins in feed samples was 43.58 ppb, and 2.22% of samples were higher than the MPL (100 ppb). In conclusion, the hygienic conditions of the current poultry production system in Gharbia governorate were not optimum. This would increase the likelihood of disease transmission between poultry farms and the likelihood of contamination of poultry feed with mycotoxins. Breeder companies and poultry feed traders could play a role in raising the awareness of poultry producers with the importance of hygiene and biosecurity. Further studies for the economic impacts of mycotoxins on poultry production are required.
Dietary Intake and Risk Assessment of HeavyMetals from Selected Biscuit Brands in Nigeria

Biscuits are commonly consumed by all age groups particularly children in Nigeria. However, this food item may be contaminated with heavy metals picked up from the ingredients, production and packaging methods. Therefore, this study assessed the concentrations of heavy metals in biscuits and its associated health risk status. In the light of this, concentrations of seven metals (Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb and Cd) in ten selected brands of biscuits available in the Nigerian market were assessed in this study. Health risk assessment and dietary exposure to heavy metals were also estimated in view of presenting information on the dietary intakes of heavy metals and the lifetime adverse health effects related with the consumption of these food products. The metal concentrations were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after acid digestion of the samples. The observed mean concentrations of trace metals were ND-12.5 mg/kg Mn, 5.64-157 mg/kg Zn, ND-46.4 mg/kg Cr, 99.4-296 mg/kg Fe, 3.11-92.0 mg/kg Pb. Cu and Cd were not detected in all the biscuit samples. From the analysis of heavy metals, it was observed that Cr and Pb were higher than Food and Agricultural Organization/ World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) safe limit for cereals and cereal-based food products. The estimated dietary daily intake values of Cr and Pb surpassed their permissible intake limits, while the intakes of beneficial nutritive metals, such as Zn and Fe, from the ingestion of these food products were quite low and contributed insignificantly to the dietary requirements of Zn and Fe. The overall estimated target hazard quotient (ΣTHQ) values for the heavy metals were high suggesting possible health concern for infants, school children and adults who consume these products consistently on a daily basis over a long period of time.
Detection Toxoplasma gondii by Latex and ELISA Test in Infertile and Fertile Men in Kalar City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The main three infective stages of T. gondii are tachyzoite, rapidly dividing invasive, a slowly dividing bradyzoite in tissue cysts, and an environmental stage, the sporozoite, protected inside an oocyst (RobertGangneux, 2013). Herbivores are infected by ingestion of food and water contaminated by oocysts, and carnivores by eating tissue cysts located in the meat of infected animals. Omnivores, including humans, are infected by both routes by oocysts via unclean vegetables or fruits, contaminated water or hands, and by tissue cysts via improperly processed or raw meat (Bobic' et al., 2012).
The Effect of Commercial Sweetener “Cipla” on the Serum Lipid Profiles in Diabetes-Induced Rats

Objective: Deriving from sugar or sucrose, sucralose sweetener has no calories and is 600 times sweeter than sugar. Cipla as a commercial sweetener has different compounds, including lactose, L-leucine, cross, carmellose sodium, also creates a low calorie. In the present study the effect of Cipla on serum lipid profiles of diabetic and healthy rats was evaluated. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats weighing 230 ± 30 g that randomly divided into 4 equal groups: healthy control group, diabetic control group, healthy treatment group and the diabetic treatment group. Sucralose dosage in the present study was determined as daily 15 mg/kg for one month in healthy treatment group. The diabetic treatment group received that amount of sucralose by gavage. In order to induce diabetes in rats at 65 mg/kg dosage of streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally and the rate of serum glucose was measured with a glucometer after 24 hours; so, the cases higher than 250 mg/dL were considered as diabetic rats. At the end of this process, blood samples were collected from tail vein of all rats. Following serum separation the serum lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) were evaluated and analyzed using SPSS software (version 18). Results: In this study, although the lack of meaningful change in HDL and meaningful decrease of triglyceride and cholesterol was proved Conclusion: It seems that the administration of the sweetener by diabetic and cardiovascular patients must be done with caution due to increasing and meaningful effect of Cipla on serum LDL.
TRACE ELEMENT AND LIGHT MICROSCOPIC STUDIES ON TESTIS OF ALBINO RATS TREATED WITH SILDENAFIL CITRATE (CAVERTA)

Address for Correspondence: Dr. K. V. P. Suriyakumari, Professor and Head, Dept. of Anatomy, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital (SMVMC&H), Kalitheerthalkuppam, Pondicherry605107, India. E-Mail: suriyaudhay@gmail.com *1 Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical 2 College and Hospital (SMVMC&H), Madagadipet, Pondicherry, India. 2 Professor, DDE Study Center, Annamalai University, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, India. 3 Research Assistant, Dept. of Physics, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India. Background: Caverta (Sildenafil citrate), an oral therapy for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), being the citrate salt of Sildenafil, is a selective inhibitor of cGMPspecific phosphodiestrase type (PDE5). Aim: To study the druginduced (i) changes in the trace element content of Testis and (ii) changes in the histoarchitecture of Testis of the experimental Albino rats. Materials and Methods: For the present study, totally 48 animals were selected on weight basis and divided into 8 groups (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8) with six animals in each group. Control animals (S1) were fed with conductivity water while the experimental animals (S2, S3, S4 and S5) were treated with a single dose of Caverta (@ 1μg/g body weight). Control animals were sacrificed at zero hour while the experimental animals (S2, S3, S4 and S5) were sacrificed after 1 hour, 21⁄2 hours, 4 hours and 24 hours of drug administration respectively S6, S7 and S8 group of animals were fed with a single dose of the chosen drug (@ 1μg/g body weight) daily for all the 15, 30 and 45 days respectively. These animals were sacrificed after 4 hours of the last dosage. Vertical ventral midline incision was made in the abdominal wall to collect the left and right Testes. Results: The spectral analysis indicates that the long term Caverta treatment of Albino rats results in the accumulation of Iron and Copper levels accompanied by a depletion of Nickel levels in the Testis. The histological studies indicate that long term exposure of Testis to Caverta leads to distorted histoarchitecture of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial space dilation and separation of Spermatogenic cells. Conclusion: Long term Sildenafil Citrate (Caverta) treatment of Albino rats will bring in adverse effects and will completely alter the histoarchitecture of the Testis.
Influence of couple body mass indices on the treatment outcomes and expected neonatal body weights associated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles

Aim of Study: To investigate the effects of Egyptian couples’ body mass indices (BMIs) on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and the clinical parameters of their neonates. Design: Prospective doublecentric randomized study which randomized by computer. Setting: International Islamic Center for Research and Population Studies Al-Azhar University and private infertility center from November 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015. Main Outcome Measure(s): Live birth was the main treatment outcome while the main outcome for the neonates was neonatal body weight (NBW). Result(s): With adjusting of confounders, this study showed that in ICIS cycles, couples with a female BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 had a significantly higher odds of abortion and a significantly lower odds of live birth than couples with both male and female BMI < 25 Kg/m 2 . The neonatal body weight of singletons was significantly higher when their parents’ BMIs were greater; while, there are no significant differences were obtained in the NBWs of twins. Conclusion: Live births conceived via ICSI were negatively affected by increased maternal BMI while not affected by paternal BMI. The neonatal body weights of singletons increased with paternal BMI which did not significantly affect the NBWs of twins.
Impact of Fiscal Policy on Inflation Expectations in Nigeria

-Recent theoretical position is that monetary policy alone is not sufficient to stabilize prices and that the traditional macroeconomic roles of policies can be reversed such that monetary policies are used for debt stabilization while fiscal policies are used to stabilize prices. This study therefore investigates the impact of fiscal policy on inflation expectations in Nigeria. The study began by investigating the causal relationship between inflation and inflation expectations in Nigeria and confirmed the existence of a bi-causal relationship. Basing its theoretical position on the rational inflation expectations theory, the study sourced data spanning from 1981(Q1) to 2018(Q2) for sixteen variables. These variables were separated into four groups and the principal component of each group of data was used as explanatory variables while the Hodrick-Prescott filtered inflation rate data was used as proxy for inflation expectations. The study applied the Vector Error Correction Mechanism (VECM) and established a negative relationship existing between inflation expectations and fiscal policy in Nigeria. However,the result was not significant. The study then recommends more indepth studies on inflation expectations related issues generally and specifically, a disaggregated study of the impact of fiscal policy variables on inflation expectations for Nigeria for effective control of inflationary trends in Nigeria.
Validation of the Transportation Burden Questionnaire Among Family Caregivers of Older Adults

Because family caregivers provide a substantial amount of informal care to dependent loved ones, the potential burden such care may place on family members is an important area for clinical research and intervention. Providing transportation is one aspect among many which family caregivers routinely provide which can add to the phenomenon of caregiver burden. Coughlin and D’Ambrosio (2012) note that over 25% of adults aged 75 or older will need alternative transportation services in the future due to disease-related inability to drive. While the provision of transportation is recognized in the literature as a caregiving task and a component of global burden, few studies, to date, have addressed this as a distinct concern for measurement and intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine if an item set focused specifically on transportation burden would be additive to accepted global measures of burden in a volunteer sample of caregivers. This is the third phase of a combined qualitative and quantitative research effort. In Phase 1, a qualitative method was employed to examine the concept of transportation burden. In Phase 2, an iterative strategy was employed to formulate and refine a list of items concerning perceived burdens associated with the provision of transportation. A subset of these items became the proposed Transportation Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) item set. Since transportation burden is thought to contribute to caregiver burden, Phase 3 utilized exploratory factor analysis to finalize the TBQ structure. Criterion validity of this new measure was evaluated using two accepted caregiver scales, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and Caregiver Strain Index (CSI). The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was also administered to assess for presence of depression among caregivers. Price, Bryant, UMSL, 2014 6 This sample included 150 self-selected, family caregivers. The mean age for this sample of caregivers was 58 and included a majority of Caucasian women that were caring for either a parent or husband who was suffering from both a cognitive and physical ailment. After exploratory factor analysis, five subthemes arose: definitive burden, extraneous factors, time and self-sacrifice, care recipient attributes, and acceptance. Three of these subthemes were consistent with preliminary qualitative studies. Criterion validity was acceptable for both the ZBI (r = 0.645) and the CSI (r = 0.615) which showed moderate correlations between the TBQ and extant scales. Overall, this sample of family caregivers had mild to moderate caregiver burden, caregiver stress, and was depressed based on total scores of the ZBI, CSI, and CES-D respectively. Based on total scores for the TBQ, the majority of this sample also showed evidence of transportation burden. This study offers a foundation for future family caregiver research because the TBQ allows for planning of tailored interventions by specifically measuring transportation burden as well as its’ inherent subthemes.
PROTEIN AND MINERAL CONTENTS OF COMMONLY CONSUMED COMPLEMENTARY FOODS IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study determines the nutritive value of some commonly consumed complementary foods in Lafia, North-Central Nigeria. Data were collected using pretested standard questionnaires administered randomly on 120 mothers with children aged between 6 and 12 months, attending Immunization unit, Epidemiological centre, Lafia. Samples of identified commonly consumed complementary foods were prepared from cowpea, maize, soybeans, yams and sorghum and analyzed using standard procedures. The results obtained were expressed in % /100g for proximate composition and anti-nutrient content while minerals were expressed in mg / 100g. The protein content ranged from 1.00 ± 0.81 to 23.60 ± 0.30, moisture content ranged from 69.82 ± 0.41 to 79.11 ± 0.19, fat content ranged from 5.42± 0.13 to 13.01± 0.06, fibre content ranged from 0.77± 0.01 to 5.26 ± 0.11 and ash content from 0.39± 0.03 to 5.12±0.20. Calcium content ranged from 0.11± 0.01 to 1.29 ± 0.04, iron content ranged from 10.82 ± 0.34 to 98.89 ± 0.20, zinc from 3.17 ± 0.16 to 80.66 ± 0.77, copper from 0.32±0.01 to 8.20 ± 0.12 and manganese from 7.07±0.21 to 102.68±0.61. Tannic acid content ranged from 1.87 ±0.06 to 3.19 ± 0.05, saponins from 2.80±0.02 to 7.00±0.71, oxalate content between 1.15 ± 0.08 and 4.96 ± 0.06 and phytates level ranged from 0.26 ±0.01 to 1.09 ±0.06. The low level of phytates and oxalate in the studied complementary foods would allow for high bioavailability of the minerals.
Screening Ethanolic Extract of Aerva lanata for α-Amylase Inhibition and in vitro Uptake of Glucose in Adipose Tissue and Psoas Muscle of Male Sprague Dawley Rats

The study was intended to investigate anti-diabetic efficacy of Aerva lanata by determining its α-amylase inhibition activity and in vitro uptake of glucose in adipose tissue and psoas muscle isolated from male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Aerva lanata is reported to have many traditional and Ayurvedic uses. Male SD rats (n=3) of 150 g were sacrificed and 250 mg of respective tissues were isolated for the study. Aerva lanata ethanolic extract (ALE) (5-20 mg/mL) showed 13.30 to 54.08% α-amylase inhibition activity. Glucose uptake studies in in vitro conditions were carried out in both adipose tissue and psoas muscle in different sets - tissue alone, tissue along with (Aerva lanata extract: 50µg, 100µg, 150µg, insulin: 25 mU/L, insulin: 50 mU/L and Aerva lanata extract: 50µg + insulin: 25 mU/L, Aerva lanata extract: 100µg + insulin: 25 mU/L, Aerva lanata extract: 150µg + insulin: 25 mU/L, Aerva lanata extract: 50µg + insulin: 50 mU/L, Aerva lanata extract: 100µg + insulin: 50 mU/L, Aerva lanata extract: 150µg + insulin: 50 mU/L). The rate of glucose uptake by insulin action in these tissues was stabilized by ethanolic extract of Aerva lanata and this shows synergetic activity of insulin and Aerva lanata.
Investigation of Antiglycation and Antioxidant Potential of Some Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants

Non-enzymatic glycation of protein is the major cause of various diabetic complications. Medicinal plants having therapeutic potential against glycation are pivotal to treat diabetic complications. In this regard, with the aim of evaluation of antiglycation and antioxidant potential of four different plant extracts, 25 grams of fine powdered aerial part of Oliveria decumbens and Citrullus colocynthis, fruits of Capparis Spinosa, and seeds of Ferula assa-foetida, and Vitex agnus-castus and Juglans regia leaves were extracted in 100 ml methanol, ethanol, methanol-ethanol and water. In vitro antiglycation activity of extracts were examined by BSA-fluorescent assay and the DPPH free radical scavenging assay was used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Results clearly showed that all medicinal plants exhibited antiglycation activities but vary considerably from plant to plant and also between different solvents. Among all investigated medicinal plants, V. agnus-castus, O. decumbens and C.colocynthis exhibited better glycation inhibitory activity compared to other plants. V. agnus-castus showed best inhibitory activity as inhibition percent of all four its extracts was above 50% and among all extract of medicinal plants, methanolic extract of V. agnus-castus exhibited stronger antiglycation activity, so that glycated BSA was decreased about 77%. Also methanolic extract of C. colocynthis and methanolic and ethanolic extracts of O. decumbens significantly exhibited glycation inhibitory activity so that formation of glycated BSA was decreased 64.6%, 58.5%, and 58.75% respectively. Antiglycation activity of other medicinal plants assessed in this study was under 50% at all four different solvent. For instance about J. regia the best inhibitory activity was methanolic extract (46%), C. spinosa and F.assa-foetida ethanolic extracts and methanolic extracts exhibited 38.8% and 34% respectively. According to DPPH assay results, antioxidant potential of investigated medicinal plants (100μg/ml) based on mean scavenging activity are in the following order, C. spinosa > F.assa-foetida > V.agnus-castus > O. decumbens > C. colocynthis > J.regia. It can be concluded that V.agnus-castus with strong antiglycation activity and good DPPH scavenging activity has high therapeutic potential against glycation-associated diabetic complications.
Immunoglobulin Levels (IgG, IgM And IgA): Normal Values for Healthy Infants and Children in Sana’a City-Yemen

Background: Ig level assessment is often used in the diagnosis and follow up of immunodeficiency, as well as in studies investigate the prevalence of low serum levels in specific diseases. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the level of immunoglobulin in healthy infants and children in Yemen, to establish a national standard for immunoglobulin level among healthy children based on local data. Methods: Immunoglobulin concentration was estimated in 448 healthy children of both sexes of different age groups in Sana’a city. IgG, IgM and IgA serum immunoglobulins were determined by the commercial immunoturbidimetry method. The mean Levels ±SD, 95%CI, minimum, maximum and mode of immunoglobulins (Igs) were calculated and cross tabulation of significant variations were obtained by χ2 and p value. Results: Four-point two percentage of children showed a high level of IgG, 78.6 % within normal level, and 17.4 % showed a low level. There was no one of tested children showed a high level of IgM, and 94.2 % of them were within normal level, and only 5.8% with low level. Also, 2.2 % showed high level of IgA, 57.6% within normal level and 40.2 % with a low level. The mean level of IgG for both sexes was 910±424mg/dl, while for males was 912±452mg/dl, and for females was 902±404mg/dl. The total mean level of IgM was 96.7±50mg/dl, for males was 96±56mg/dl, and for females was 97±41mg/dl and the variation between sexes was non-significant. The total mean level of IgA was 105±79mg/dl, for males was 98±76mg/dl, and for females was 112±82mg/dl, but the variation was non-significant. The mean values level of all immunoglobulins tested in this study were well correlated with age, where level increase with increasing age. Conclusion: The study has provided useful information about the normal level of serum immunoglobulins concentration in infants and children, and the results can be taken as a reference values for Yemen. The serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels in most healthy children in our study were within normal range of the international standard, with mean value equal to that reported worldwide.