Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical evaluation of marine algae from various coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, India for beneficial bioactive compounds

Characterization of phytochemicals from the marine algae provides the development of new drugs against disease-causing agents. Lately, researchers have described the marine algae for its sources like minerals, bioactive compounds, and vitamins, which could be used for animals as well as humans for their health care applications. In the present study, the marine diatom of Skeletonema costatum, marine macro algae such as Ulva fasciata and Kappaphycus alvarezii were collected from the different coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and screened for phytochemicals. The marine diatom S.costatum was mass cultured, shade dried, then the macro algae also shade dried and later used for extraction using ethyl acetate. The shade dried algal powders and crude extracts were used for phytochemical analysis through SEM-EDAX and TLC methods. SEM-EDAX analysis has shown the total elemental profiles such as C, O, Na, Mg, Si, Cl, K,Ca, etc from each alga whereas, the TLC methods have exposed the various non-volatile compounds such as Rf value of 0.02 to 0.98 from the marine algae. Based on these analyses, it could be concluded that the marine algae of S.costatum, U. fasciata and K. alvarezii have exhibited its various bioactive compounds, which may be useful for animal and human health care products, especially against pathogenic diseases.
VALUE AT RISK AND EFFICIENCY UNDER DEPENDENCE AND HEAVY-TAILEDNESS: MODELS WITH COMMON SHOCKS∗ Abbreviated title: Value at risk and efficiency

This paper presents an analysis of diversification and portfolio value at risk for heavy-tailed dependent risks in models with multiple common shocks. We show that, in the framework of value at risk comparisons, diversification is optimal for moderately heavy-tailed dependent risks with common shocks and finite first moments, provided that the model is balanced, i.e., that all the risks are available for portfolio formation. However, diversification is inferior in balanced extremely heavy-tailed risk models with common factors. Finally, in several unbalanced dependent models, diversification is optimal, even though there is extreme heavy-tailedness in common shocks or in idiosyncratic parts of the risks. Analogues of the obtained results further hold for efficiency comparisons of linear estimators in random effects models with dependent and heavy-tailed observations.
MARINE IMPACTS IN THE ANTHROPOCENE HERMIT CRABS ASSOCIATED TO THE SHRIMP BOTTOM-TRAWL FISHERY ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST OF COSTA RICA, CENTRAL AMERICA

Studies of the bycatch associated to the shrimp trawling fishery in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica do not assess small organisms (< 10 cm TL) and non-dominant species (< 0.1% of total catch). There is a void in assessing the maintenance of the ecology and ecosystem on which the fishery depends. Furthermore, the Constitutional Court of Costa Rica prohibited the renewal of existing and the issuing of new shrimp bottom-trawl licenses, indicating the necessity of more scientific information on the impacts of this fishery. We present the results of a 23-month study of the shrimp bottom-trawl fishery, performed between 50 and 350 m deep in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. A total of 109 hermit crabs were collected (six species and two families). Paguristes cf. holmesi was the most common species. Zone II presented the highest species richness and abundance. Most specimens (81.8%) were caught in shallower waters (50-149 m). More than 45% of the trawls presented hermit crabs. It is imperative to further assess the trawling effects on non-commercial benthic fauna and changes on predator-prey relationships, before issuing new shrimp licenses.
AN INVESTIGATION ON PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL QUALITY OF ISFAHAN SWIMMING POOL WATERS BASED ON STANDARD INDICATORS

Abstract Background: Swimming is a recreational activity generally considered to be a healthy exercise. However, swimming pools may transmit a great number of infectious diseases, if not properly maintained, disinfected and monitored. The objective of the research was to investigate the water quality of Isfahan swimming pools and comprise the results with the standards. Methods: Twenty-five of public swimming pools were surveyed. Water samples were examined for physiochemical parameters including temperature, turbidity, pH and free chlorine and also for heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria, total and fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Findings: There was a poor compliance to the established standards for two important physiochemical parameters, including free chlorine and pH. Among the microbial indicators, total coliforms were the most frequent isolate, followed by HPC and fecal coliforms the next. The correlation analyses demonstrated the HPC and total coliforms bacteria populations increased with decrease in free chlorine. The correlation analyses also indicated that there was a positive relationship between total coliforms and all other microbiological parameters. Conclusion: Complete compliance of the pools to the standards was fairly poor and only one of the pools was free of pollution by fecal coliforms and P. aeruginosa, two important microbial indicators, during the sampling period. It is also important to maintain the proper level of free chlorine and pH in the swimming pools to ensure safety of the water quality. Keywords: Swimming pools, Water quality, Microbial indicators, Standard.
The Impact of eHRM Practice on Organizational Performance: Investigating the Effect of Job Satisfaction of HRM Professionals

In this study, an integrated eVALUE model is introduced to examine the relationship between organizational performance and electronic Human Resource Management (eHRM) practice. The model also explored the drivers of electronic Human Resource Management (eHRM) practice in the organizations. The primary data collected by using a pilot survey and closed-ended questionnaire designed on Likert 7-point scale. Simple random sampling was adopted to yield 674 acceptable responses from 165 organizations in Bangladesh. The structural equation modeling results indicate that only six drivers out of nine namely senior executives’ attitude, IT skill of HRM professionals, perceived compatibility, senior leadership support, firm culture and competitive pressure are revealed a strong positive effect on eHRM practice. The study revealed a positive and significant relationship between eHRM practice and organizational performance. Moreover, the effect of job satisfaction of HRM professionals is observed to partially mediate on practice - performance relationship. The practical implication of the outcome of study and the extent of further research are postulates at the conclusion.
Mitochondrial Diversity and Time Divergence of Commonly Cultured Cichlids in Nigeria

Aim: The aims are to study the genetic diversity and population structure of Tilapia fish species in Nigeria using mtDNA D-loop region and time divergence of these various groups of fish to give a baseline information for fish management and conservation programs. Methodology: Blood samples from four species of tilapia were collected with the use of FTA cards for DNA extraction and PCR amplification. A 941bp long fragment, including the D-loop, was subsequently used for analysis. Molecular diversity indices and Tajima’s selective test were determined. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for all the four fish species using UPGMA. The divergence time among the four fish species using MEGA5 software.
Preferences between Caesarean Section and Normal Vaginal Delivery among the reproductive women in Bangladesh

Amount of death due to pregnancy are gradually decreasing worldwide, among all of these estimated deaths, one-fifth of the maternal death recorded in southern Asia. The increasing rate of caesarean section (CS) delivery and the improved safety of surgical skill are the big reason of reduced pregnancy related mortality rate. Bangladesh has the increasing CS rate on southern Asia. This study aimed to identify the different factors affecting the increasing rate of CS in Bangladesh This cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2020 - March 2020 among the married women at reproductive age (15-49 years age) having at least one under five years child of Dhaka and Noakhali district in Bangladesh. A questionnaire was designed to survey the preference of their delivery mode. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors. A total of 357 Bangladeshi women participated in the survey and 55.7% declared they would prefer normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and 37.3% had no clear preference. The actual scenario was the overall CS rate was 51.8% during 2015-2019. But it was very high (77.8%) for the 40 years and above women. The study revealed several important factors that significantly affect the increasing rate of CS for childbirth. Maternal age, religion, current place of residence, working status, monthly household income, birth order, marital age and year of childbirth were found to have significant effect on the high rate of CS. All those who have had face CS at least once in our study faced various problem, they reported. Most of them was feeling tired to do little work and suffered long term back pain. This study will help policy makers in formulating appropriate programs to cope with this challenge efficiently and effectively. Some Special programs should be taken to increase the social awareness and values to save both mother and child, which may lead to decrease the rate of CS in Bangladesh.
Clinical and biochemical aspects between "stress" and "non-stress" induced Graves’ disease

Introduction: The role of stress in the pathogenesis of Graves’ disease has been highlighted in many studies. The hereditary pattern of Graves’ disease is uncertain because various genetic and environmental factors are known. One of the most important environmental factors is stress. Any kind of stress, such as physical and emotional, can flare or create Graves’ disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and biochemical aspects of "stress-induced" and "non-stress induced" Graves’ disease. Patients and Methods: This study evaluated 148 patients with Graves’s disease. According to perceived stress scale (PSS) all patients were divided into two groups; stress and non-stress induced Graves’ group. Chi-square test was used to determine statistical difference in qualitative variables. Results: The mean ± standard deviation perceived stress scale score in 53 patients in stress induced Graves’ disease was 40.24±6.53 and in 95 patients in non-stress induced Graves’ disease was 18.47±3.90. In this study the onset of Graves’ disease is more severe in the stress induced Graves’ disease, however the level of antithyroid peroxidase was significantly lower. Duration of methimazole since diagnosis and doses of methimazole in the stress induced Graves’ group was shorter than non- stress induced Graves’ group (P<0.001 and 0.032 respectively) and percent of male was significantly higher in stress induced Graves’ group (P=0.002). Conclusion: According to this study, clinical characteristics of stress induced Graves’ disease differ with non-stress induced Graves’ disease. Generally, severity of disease in stress induced Graves’ group was initially more severe (higher FT4 in this group), but duration of disease was shorter than non-stress induced Graves’ disease, and these patients had smaller size of goiter and lower anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody (anti-TOP Ab).
Naphthaleneacetic Acid, Ethephon, and Gibberellin A4 + A7 Have Variable Effects on Flesh Firmness and Return Bloom of Apple

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. Malus ·domestica, bioregulator, biennial bearing, floral spurs, NAA, Ethrel, GA4+7 SUMMARY. Experiments were conducted in commercial apple (Malus ·domestica) orchards in the southeastern U.S. between 1998 and 2006 with the primary objective of evaluating the effects of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and ethephon on return bloom. NAA increased return bloom in six of 10 experiments, whereas ethephon increased return bloom in four of seven experiments. Four biweekly applications of 5 ppm NAA during June and July (early summer NAA) increased return bloom more consistently than fewer applications. Four weekly preharvest applications of 5 ppm NAA increased return bloom of ‘Delicious’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ as effectively as early summer applications. Combining NAA and ethephon in early summer sprays did not consistently increase return bloom compared with either material alone. The flower cluster density of ‘Golden Delicious’ in the year of treatment had a negative effect on return bloom that was more pronounced on control trees than trees sprayed 5 weeks after bloom with 444 ppm ethephon (48 fl oz/acre Ethrel). Combining four early summer sprays of 316 ppm ethephon (24 fl oz/acre Ethrel) with 15 ppm gibberellin A4 + A7 (GA4+7) increased return bloom of ‘Cameo’ but had no effect on return bloom of ‘Mutsu’ or ‘Golden Delicious’. Growth regulator treatments did not have a consistent effect on fruit firmness in the year of treatment. Naphthaleneacetic acid or ethephon treatments in the on year of a biennial bearing cycle can promote return bloom of apple spurs. However, the positive effect on return bloom may be minimal in cultivars with a strong natural tendency toward biennial bearing or when bloom or initial fruit set are heavy in the year of treatment.
Prevalence and Intensity of Intestinal Helminths among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Ebonyi State Nigeria

Aim: This present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasites among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ebonyi State Nigeria. Methodology: The study was carried out from April 2011 to March 2012 at two purposively selected hospitals in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Three hundred and sixty pregnant women were randomly selected for this study. Stool samples were examined for intestinal helminths using Original Research Article Imakwu et al.; AJPCB, 3(3): 18-30, 2020; Article no.AJPCB. 58751 19 macroscopic and the microscopic methods. The intensity of the ova was determined directly and graded. Data analysis was performed using Statistical software for social sciences version 20. Results: Out of the 360 sampled pregnant women, 18.6% was found positive for intestinal helminthic parasites. Three intestinal helminthic parasites isolated were; A. lumbricoides (8.9%), hookworm (6.1%) and T. trichiura (3.6%). The prevalence and intensity were higher during the rainy season than the dry season. First trimester, secundigravidae and (15-20 yrs) age group had the highest prevalence of intestinal helminthic parasites. Pregnant women that ate raw vegetables had a higher prevalence of Ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infection than those that ate cooked vegetables. In relation to source of drinking water, those that got drinking water from river had the highest prevalence of all the parasites. On the type of toilet used, pregnant women who use bush method had the highest prevalence 7(10.9%) for A. lumbricoides and T. trichuria was more prevalent with those who use pit toilet 6(3.8%) while hookworm 12(8.7%), was seen among women using water cistern. In relation to washing of hands after toilet, pregnant women that do not wash hands had higher prevalence of 6(11.5%), 2(3.8%) 6(11.5%) for A. lumbricoides, T. trichuria and hookworm respectively than those that do wash their hands after toilet. Those that ate raw meat had higher prevalence of A. lumbricoides 3(15.8%), T. trichuria 2(10.5%) and hookworm 3(15.79%) than those that did not eat raw meat. Those who walk barefooted had higher prevalence of A. lumbricoides 5(8.3%), T. trichuria 4(6.7%) and hookworm 8(13.3%) than those who do not walk barefooted. Conclusion: From this study, it is concluded that helminthic parasites are still present in pregnant women at Ebonyi state, therefore there is need to control and prevent their infection so as to eradicate its effects on pregnant women. The creation of awareness on the preventive measures of helminthic infections amongst people in Ebonyi state is urgently needed. Consequently, health education in local languages should be vigorously mounted to create awareness on helminthic diseases.
Investigation of the presence of GnRH and GnRH-R system in bovine oocytes, sperm and early embryos and their functional role in reproduction

ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iv LIST OF TABLES . vii LIST OF FIGURES . viii LIST OF PLATES . ix ABBREVIATIONS. x ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . xi DEDICATION.xii CO-AUTHORSHIP STATEMENT.xiii CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND . 1 1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION.1 1.2 BACKGROUND.4 1.3 FORMS OF GnRH . 4 1.4 FORMS OF GnRH-R . 5 1.5 GnRH AND GnRH-R INTERACTION IN THE PITUITARY . 7 1.6 EXTRA HYPOTHALAMIC GnRH-GnRH-R SYSTEM AND THEIR PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES . 8 1.6. 1 In reproductive tissues and cells . 9 1.7 GnRH ANALOGUES. 19 1.7. 1 GnRH agonists . 19 1.7. 2 GnRH antagonists . 20 1.8 APPLICATIONS OF GnRH AND GnRH ANALOGUES IN REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT IN BOVINE. 21 1.8. 1 Prevention of early embryonic mortality . 21 1.8. 2 Estrus and ovulation synchronization . 23 1.8. 3 Induction of ovulation in the post-partum period . 24 1.8. 4 Cystic ovarian condition . 25 1.8. 5 Modulate testicular function and reproductive management in male animals . 26 1.9 SPERM FUNCTIONS IN FERTILIZATION AND MEANS OF ACHIEVING THEM IN VITRO. 28 1.9. 1 Capacitation of sperm . 28 1.9. 2 Sperm zona binding . 31
Sensory, Chemical, and Microbiological Assessments of Moroccan Sardines ( Sardina pilchardus ) Stored in Ice.

Sensory, chemical, and microbiological analyses were carried out on sardines during 18 d of storage in ice. Sensory results indicate that the sardines used in this experiment had a shelf life of 9 d. The pH and dimethylamine (DMA) were found to be useless in determining the degree of sardine deterioration, while trimethylamine (TMA) and total volatile bases (TVB) were accurate in predicting the spoilage process. Histamine production was slowed by refrigeration in ice (2-4°C). The amounts of histamine in flesh at the time of rejection (12th day of storage) were 11.7 and 16.2 mg/100 g of flesh, respectively, with the colorimetric method and the fluorimetric method. At the end of the experiment (highly spoiled sardines), the critical value of histamine (20 mg/100 g) was not reached. However, at the 12th d of storage, the count of all microflora studied was above the limit of 106 CFU/g of flesh.
Determination of Antioxidant Activity in Tea Extracts, and Their Total Antioxidant Content

Antioxidant activity of different types of tea (green, oolong, black, pu-erh ) were measured using different modern methods. Several types of commercially available teas, from various manufacturers were tested for antioxidant content using the amperometric method, the data is displayed here. Data gathered about antioxidant content of these different tea samples can be used to estimate quality and type of tea. The data collected using this method is also important when trying to account for the normal daily consumable antioxidant of healthy people and also patients using clinical antioxidant therapy.
Assessment of D-Dimer Levels in Southwestern Nigerian Pregnant Women

Aim: This study evaluated D-dimer level in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Southwestern Nigeria in order to provide more information on the concentration and liable risks in this region. Study Design: This is a cross sectional study where convenience sampling method was applied in sample collection. Original Research Article Bamisaye et al.; AIR, 21(9): 60-68, 2020; Article no.AIR. 57369 61 Place and Duration of Study: Blood samples were collected from pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics of Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti (FETHI), Ekiti; Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo; and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH), Osogbo in Southwestern Nigeria. Methodology: Exactly three hundred pregnant (300) and one hundred and fifty (150) apparently healthy non pregnant women were recruited for this study. The blood samples were analysed for haematocrit (HCT) and platelet count using Sysmex KX-2IN (Japan); prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) by Diagen reagents (Diagnostic Ltd., UK); the international normalized ratio (INR) was calculated from the PT results; and D-dimer quantitative assay using Tina Quant Gen 2 on Cobas C111 (Roche). Data analysis was performed using IBMSPSS version 25.0; mean and standard deviation was used to summarize continuous variables and descriptive and Inferential statistical tests were employed with level of statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. Results: The mean D-dimer levels were significantly higher in the pregnant women (0.87 ± 1.00 ugFEU/ml) than in controls (0.31 ± 0.22 ugFEU/ml) with 42% of the pregnant population having elevated concentration while the mean PT, INR and HCT were significantly higher in controls than the subjects (p<0.05). Furthermore, the HCT, platelet, PT and INR were observed to be highest at first trimester; 36.04±5.09 (L/L), 182.72±35.11 (x109/L), 11.80±1.86 (seconds) and 0.35±0.15 respectively, decreasing across the second and the third trimester. On the other hand, the D-dimer and APTT increased exponentially from the first trimester; 0.42±0.18 (ugFEU/ml) and 30.80±3.30 (seconds), through the second and third trimesters respectively (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study shows a significant increase in D-dimer in the pregnant subjects when compared with the control and an exponential increase in the third trimester, also a significant reduction in some other baseline coagulation profile hence depicting D-dimer as a notable significant marker of coagulation and fibrinolysis. This therefore emphasizes the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy and a need for adequate monitoring.
Population genetics of the African buffalo : from ecology to evolution

The African buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ) is one of the most numerous mammals of sub-Saharan Africa. Since the end of the 19th it has been affected by rinderpest epidemics and by habitat fragmentation due to increasing urbanisation and cultivation. In this thesis the genetic diversity of the African buffalo is investigated. A better knowledge of the population genetics of the African buffalo is necessary for an effective management and protection of this species. The goals of this thesis were to study the effects of rinderpest and habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity of buffalo populations, as well as the evolutionary history and herding behaviour of the African buffalo. Three types of genetic markers are used: autosomal microsatellites, Y-chromosomal microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequences. Compared to other mammals buffalo populations show a high genetic diversity and little genetic differentiation for autosomal microsatellites and mtDNA. From the high genetic diversity it is concluded that rinderpest epidemics and habitat fragmentation had little effect on genetic diversity. The little population differentiation is attributed to a Pleistocene population expansion. Among herds significant differentiation is observed at mtDNA, while among neighbouring populations there are indications that there is relatively little genetic substructuring at autosomal microsatellites. These data support the field observations of male biased dispersal between herds. Buffalo from central and south-western Africa form a separate genetic lineage from those in eastern and southern Africa. Genetic diversity of the first lineage is relatively high for all three types of markers. It is suggested that this is due to fragmentation of wet habitats as a result of climatic changes in the evolutionary past. Finally, it is discussed how the results of this thesis can be used for a more effective management and protection of the African buffalo.