Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
‘Our Culture does not Permit us to Report Abuse Cases to Authorities’: Contributing Factors to Intimate Partner Violence Among Migrant Female Head Porters in Kumasi, Ghana

Intimate partner violence has been in existence and is a social problem in many countries including Ghana. Studies on intimate partner violence over the years have focused on the general population by neglecting certain groups of people like migrant women who are more vulnerable to it. It is based on this that this study explored the contributing factors to intimate partner violence among migrant female head porters in Kumasi, Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative research design in which 20 participants were interviewed. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were adopted. Findings of the study revealed that individual factors such as drug and alcohol abuse, low level of education, childhood exposure to violence and personal beliefs contributed to the abuse of migrant female head porters. In addition the study found that family/relational factors like interference from extended family members and disagreement on the time to have sexual intercourse contributed to abuse. Moreover, social structural factors like poverty and societal attitudes and perception contributed to abuse. Polygamy and cultural beliefs also served as socio-cultural factors that contributed to abuse. Based on the findings the study recommended that specific programs should be developed by the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Ghana police service to limit the occurrences of intimate partner violence among migrant women. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA
"Prokaryotic Metallothionein gene isolation, Nucleotide sequence and expression"

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins, which are proposed to have roles in essential trace metal homoeostasis and in the detoxification of metal ions. The genes encoding MTs have been isolated from a wide range of eukaryotes, although MT genes have not previously been isolated from prokaryotes. The polymerase chain reaction (PGR) was initially used to isolate a prokaryotic MT gene fragment from Synechococcus PCC 6301. PGR fragments were amplified using inosine-containing primers designed from the amino acid sequence of a prokaryotic MT. Subsequent cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence of the PGR product corresponded to the amino acid sequence of the prokaryotic MT. The amplified product was thus part of the gene encoding the MT, and was designated smtA. The same primers used in the initial amplification were subsequently utilised for anchored PGR, to amplify the remainder of the coding region and the 3' and 5' flanking regions of the smtA gene. A genomic library was produced from Synechococcus PGG 7942 DNA and screened using the PGR products described above as probes. A genomic clone was isolated, nucleotide sequence analysis revealed the structure of the smt locus, two open reading frames, smtA and smtB, arranged in a divergent orientation about the smt operator/promoter region. The operator/promoter region contains the transcriptional and translational signals for the two genes and three regions that are candidate sites for interaction of regulatory proteins. The transcript start sites of the two genes were mapped within the operator/promoter region by primer extension analysis. An increase in the relative abundance of transcripts of both smt genes was studied in response to various metal ions in a series of northern blots. Inhibitor studies confirmed that the smtA gene is regulated at the transcriptional level. The 5' flanking region of the smtA gene conferred metal specific induction of the reporter gene lacZ. SmtB has sequence similarity to several prokaryotic regulatory proteins and contains a putative helix-turn-helix structural domain. Deletion analysis suggests that SmtB is a repressor of smtA expression. Subsequent work has confirmed that SmtB is a trans-acting repressor of expression from the smt operator/promoter.
Computer assisted sperm analysis - the relationship to bull field fertility, possible errors and their impact on outputs: A review

Sperm motility is one of the indicators most evaluated before and after cryopreservation, regarding quality and fertilizing ability. The present review provides complex information about the possible negative effects on the results of computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and also reflects a possible connection of these results to bull field fertility. Recently, there has been a growing interest in sperm motility assessment by CASA to determine sperm motion more accurately and objectively than by subjective evaluation. CASA systems have been routinely used in most research laboratories and also with increasing tendency in the case of insemination centres. However, objectivity and comparison of CASA results through laboratories can be impacted unfavourably. This is in particular due to the absence of standardization for bull sperm motility evaluation and the presence of drawbacks in the form of human and non-human factors. Investigators have recently turned to the possible association of CASA results with the prediction of bull field fertility. However, the studies suffer from discrepancies, thus a clear relationship has not yet been confirmed. Specific combinations of motility parameters with accurate determination of sperm subpopulations could represent another part in the complex system of providing the ability to predict fertility in vivo. The task of future works should be to establish standardization regarding sperm motility evaluation of specific animals, in addition to the settings and algorithms of CASA systems. Furthermore, predictive value CASA outputs to bull field fertility demand more extensive research aimed at a more precise definition of this relationship.
The application of DNA-based methods to the diet of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)

Studying the diet of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana) is important for modelling the flow of energy and nutrients through the Southern Ocean food web. Previous studies have demonstrated that krill consume a diverse range of prey, but, have failed to detect or quantify the contribution of important prey groups. The aim of this thesis was to examine whether new DNA based methods can contribute to the analysis of krill diet. Initial work developed methods for preserving, extracting and analysing prey DNA derived from krill stomachs. These methods were shown to be capable of preserving large amounts of intact prey DNA and generating reproducible diet data. However, two problems with the method were identified. The first problem was the presence of a large amount of predator DNA in diet samples that competed with prey DNA during PCR amplification. Further work developed methods that removed predator DNA prior to PCR, or, blocked predator DNA amplification during PCR. These methods were successful when applied to a simplified test system but failed when applied to real field samples. The second problem was a discrepancy between the results obtained with DNA and concurrent results obtained with microscopy. This suggested the initial method suffered from bias that skewed results for some prey groups. Subsequent work attempted to resolve this problem by changing the approach from quantifying various prey within individual krill stomachs to quantifying the presence or absence of various prey groups in a large number of krill. When applied to field samples this approach correctly identified the same prey groups as microscopy, and, suggested that gastropods are a more important component of krill diet than previously recognised. However, there were still issues regarding the quantification of prey. The remaining work focused on fundamental issues related to the longevity and quantification of prey DNA in krill stomachs. In krill stomachs, prey DNA was found to: be stable for several hours after ingestion, vary in quantity over six orders of magnitude; and, exit the stomach faster when krill continued to engage in feeding activity. Overall the results were promising and the application of DNA methods to krill diet warrants further investigation.
Optimizing a process to obtain Ocimum sanctum L. (albaca morada) aqueous extract.

INTRODUCTION: Ocimum sanctum L. (albahaca morada) is a traditional medicinal herb with hypoglycaemic action and other therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVES: to optimize a technique for obtaining aqueous extract from O. sanctum and to analyze the impact of the process parameters. METHODS: the effect of three variables in the process of obtaining aqueous extract from O. sanctum leaves was studied along with the optimization of this technique on the basis of maximizing the number of total solids present in the extract and the recovery values by using a lab cylindrical reactor with de-scaled geometry of an industrial reactor. The response surface study used hybrid design of eleven experiments, managed to analyze 3 factors at five levels and adequately responded to the need of finding out the impact of the process variables and the optimal extraction values. RESULTS: drug-solvent ratio was the most influential variable, being the most significant in the extraction, although all of them were significant. Also, 100 oC temperature, drug/solvent ratio (1:11) and three hours for shaking were the optimal operational parameters for the suggested process. CONCLUSIONS: the factors having the highest impact on the process and their significance were found. Additionally, the technique to obtain O. sanctum aqueous extract was optimized by estimating the most adequate values for operational parameters
Multiplex PCR for rapid detection of Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae in subclinical mastitis milk

To improve mastitis diagnosis and achieve rapid, specific, reliable and cost effective test, a multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection and differentiation of major streptococcal species, viz. Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae was developed. Evaluation with 24 ATCC strains and 606 strains comprising streptococci (84) and staphylococci (522) showed the assay to be highly accurate. The threshold of detection of the mPCR assay was 10fg of genomic DNA and < 102 CFU ml-1. Assessment of 115 milk samples collected from subclinically infected herd, showed mPCR assay to be more efficacious than culture method. Identification of Streptococcus species using this assay will be crucial to determine prevalence of Streptococcus in a herd. This will facilitate early diagnosis, treatment and control of the rate of infection at farm level. The assay can be implemented for routine monitoring of herd health and can be of great value for promoting prevention of streptococcal mastitis.
Divergence in the Island Night Lizard Xantusia riversiana (Sauria: Xantusiidae)

INTRODUCTION The island night lizard, Xantusia riversiana Cope (Fig. 1), is found only on Santa Barbara, San Clemente , and San Nicolas Islands off southern Cal i fornia (Fig. 2). The species is sufficiently divergent in morphology f rom its mainland relat ives, X. vigilis Baird and X. henshawi S te jneger (Fig. 1), that it has been placed in the monotyp ic genus Klauberina by Savage (1957, 1963). Regardless of whether it is accorded gener ic (Savage 1957) or subgeneric (Bezy 1972) rank, X. riversiana is clearly more divergent than the other living vertebrates of the Cal i fornia Channel Is lands, suggest ing that it may have been present longer than other species on one or more of the islands. Moreover , casual observat ions indicate that there may be greater morphologica l d i f fe rences between the island populat ions of X. riversiana than were documented by earlier work (Savage 1951, Smith 1946). In an effor t to fur ther clarify the evolutionary history of the species , we have compared electrophoret ical ly de termined geneticdistances and divergence t ime est imates between the island populat ions with those between the species of Xantusia, and have reappraised inter-island d i f fe rences in karyotypes , scalation, colorat ion, body size, clutch size, and variabili ty.
The effects of moulting on muscle fibre characteristics of the yabby, Cherax Albidus

[n order to grow, crustaceans must shed their exoskeleton in a process known as "moulting'. Although this process is short and intermittent, it remains dominant over the life of a crustacean. Physiological changes in the period between moults (intermoult) are comparatively quiescent as opposed to the periods directly before and after the actual moult, known as premoult, and postmoult respectively (West, 1997). Moulting is associated with distinct physiological changes including the breakdown of muscle (Musgrove and Geddes, 1985). This muscle breakdown, known as atrophy is the diminution in size of the actual muscle mass and is very specific, occurring to facilitate the withdrawal of the large pinnate claw muscle mass from the narrow basiischial joint (Mykles and Skinner, 1985). It is likely that atrophy does not occur in the abdomen as it is withdrawn through an opening similar in size to the actual muscle mass. This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of moulting on the characteristics of atrophic claw and non-atrophic abdominal muscles in the yabby, Cherax albidus. Although the moult cycle is a continuum, it may be sub-divided into several stages and sub-stages by reference to morphological changes in the integument state, and in development of the uropod setae using light microscopy. Three individuals of the yabby species Cherax albidus, were sacrificed at each of the following four stages, including intermoult (C1 C2) early premoult (D1 to Du), late
Phylogeny and evolution of a highly diversified catfish subfamily: the Loricariinae (Siluriformes, Loricariidae)

The Loricariinae belong to the Neotropical mailed catfish family Loricariidae, the mostspeciose catfish family in the world, and are united by a long and flattened caudal peduncle and the absence of an adipose fin. Despite numerous works conducted on this group, no phylogeny is presently available. Prior to conduct evolutionary studies, an exhaustive and robust phylogeny was reconstructed using mitochondrial and nuclear data. Then, this phylogeny was used in multivariate and multi-table analyses to reveal the main evolutionary trends of the subfamily. The resulting phylogeny indicated that the Harttiini tribe, as classically defined, formed a paraphyletic assemblage and was restricted to three genera, and within the Loricariini tribe, two sister subtribes were distinguished, Farlowellina and Loricariina, both displaying complex evolutionary patterns. In addition several new taxa were highlighted and described. Subsequently using this phylogeny as exploratory tool, we demonstrated: (1) using co-inertia analysis that the diagnostic features provided to define the different genera were phylogenetically dependent; (2) using multiple co-inertia analysis that the underlying evolutionary forces shaping their diversification included intraphenotypic (morphology and genetics) and extraphenotypic (ecology and distribution) components; (3) using the RLQ analysis that co-dispersion events occurred between co-distributed species responsible for the current fish distribution; and (4) using the multi-scale pattern analysis that the co-evolution in traits related to the mouth characteristics was linked to reproductive functions responsible for a tertiary evolution of this organ.
Riparian arthropod responses to flow regulation and river channelization

Summary 1 Alterations to river flow and morphology widely impact riverine habitats. Little is known about the consequences of such alterations on riparian arthropods, although they contribute substantially to riverine biodiversity and play a critical role in linking aquatic and terrestrial food webs. 2 We investigated the interactive effects of flow regulation (hydropeaking) and river channelization on gravel-bar habitat characteristics and riparian arthropods in seven Alpine rivers. Digital elevation models were developed to simulate inundation dynamics of each gravel bar. 3 Channelization significantly increased inundation frequency, and hydropeaking increased substrate embeddedness. The total abundance of riparian arthropods was significantly reduced by hydropeaking, whereas arthropod species richness was reduced by both hydropeaking and channelization. Sites that were affected by both hydrological and morphological modifications together were almost devoid of arthropods. 4 The sensitivity of riparian arthropods to alterations in flow and morphology differed among taxa. Spider abundance and richness were significantly reduced by channelization only. Ground beetles showed no significant response. Rove beetle abundance and richness were negatively affected by hydropeaking whereas channelization had a negative effect only in rivers with hydropeaking. 5 Abundance and richness of all taxa combined, and of spiders independently, were negatively correlated with inundation frequency and substrate embeddedness. Rove beetle abundance and richness were negatively correlated with embeddedness. Spider and rove beetle richness were also correlated with gravel bar area. 6 Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that the richness and abundance of riparian arthropods were predominantly affected by the availability of exposed gravel above the average high-water level and substrate embeddedness. Restoration of riverbank morphology and mitigation of hydropeaking are likely to benefit riparian arthropods. Riparian arthropods, particularly spiders and rove beetles, appear to be sensitive indicators of the ecological effects of hydromorphological alterations in rivers.
Studies on Zea coleoptile cell wall [beta]-D-glucanases and their native substrates

In vitro autolytic reactions in zea mays (hybrid B73 X Mol7) coleoptile cell walls were investigated. Of interest were the polysaccharides which served as substrates, characteristics of the participating enzymes and the mechanism of hydrolysis. During cell wall autolytic reactions, 85 to 90% of the hemicellulosic 0-D-glucan, which constituted as much as 117 yg per mg cell wall dry weight, was liberated from cell wall in the form of polymeric and monomeric products. Enzymolysis of the polymeric products with a purified bacterial glucanase specific for mixed-linkage glucans confirmed that g-D-glucan served as the primary substrate for autolytic reactions. Small quantities of galactose were observed; however, other major wall components consisting of xylose and arabinose were unaffected during autolytic reactions-. The autolytic enzymes were found to be tenaciously associated with isolated cell wall. Pretreatment of cell wall with detergents and ionic strength failed to significantly affect their autolytic potential. The use of high ionic strength (3 M) facilitated the dissociation of the en­ zyme-cell wall complex, and reconstitution studies confirmed that the saltsol ubilized enzymes included the autolytic enzymes. Purification of the cell wall enzymes disclosed both endoand exoglucanase proteins. The former, apparently an erido-e-l,3-glucanase, had a molecular weight of 25,000 daltons and exhibited a pH optimum of 5.5. This enzyme was apparently responsible for initiating the autolytic dis­ solution of wall glucan. An exo-e-l,3-glucanase with a molecular weight
Cuestiones de variación lingüística en un sistema de tratamientos del español de la Argentina: El español bonaerense 2: cambios momentáneos de tratamiento pronominal y esquemas innovadores

Fil: Rigatuso, Elizabeth Mercedes. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Bahia Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Humanidades. Centro de Estudios Linguisticos; Argentina. Academia Argentina de Letras; Argentina
Guide de terrain des ligneux saheliens et soudano-guineens - 2me ed.

This work is a field guide to the woody plants of the savannes and steppes of northern tropical Africa, from Senegal to Chad. 371 species of trees, shrubs and woody lianas, belonging to 62 families are included. The Dutch introduction comprises notes on fire, the use of the plants by Man, and the conservation status of the species concerned. The French field guide has a key on vegetative characters, an illustrated glossary, descriptions of the species, with accent on the vegetative part, and illustrations of all species. 81 species have - mostly taxonomic - notes, including 10 new synonyms in the genera Boswellia, Combretum, Euphorbia, Lippia, Maerura, Pachystela and Salix. One species - Maerua sp. - is possibly new, but sufficient material is still lacking.
Use of the strips with plant mixture as method of increasing biodiversity and healthiness of organic potato plants.

Summary These studies present the results of use of mixture of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. ) and marigold (Tagetes L.) which was sown on the margins of organic potato fields. The necessary agrotechnical measures were performed. The plants on the margins were used as the mechanical barrier for spores of. P. infestans. Also beneficial insects occurring on margins were observed. As a control area it was used the field without the strips with mix of plants, but with the same agricultural practices. During growing season the healthiness of plants was monitored. Symptoms of late blight were noted. Beneficial insect living in the strips according to adjacent crops were noted, most insects were observed in the strips from the field of rape.
Histological studies on the hair follicle and skin of chegu goat

Skin samples were collected from right and left paralumbar flank areas of seven apparently healthy Chegu goats. Thickness of skin ranged from 2.2 to 3.5 mm with mean of 2.84±0.37 mm. The overall thickness of the epidermis ranged from 12 to 26 μm with a mean of 21.47±6.07 μm. The dermis of the skin consists of dense irregular connective tissue which consists mainly of collagen fibre embedded in the ground substance. Sebacious gland, sweat glands and arrector pili muscle were found along the hair follicle. Loose connective tissue layer were found below the papillary layer conform the contour of the stratum basale. The sweat gland opened into the neck of follicle just above the sebaceous gland. Two types of hair follicles (primary and secondary) were found in the skin of Chegu goat. The primary follicles were associated with sweat gland, arrector pili muscle and a sac like sebaceous gland. The secondary follicles were devoid of the associated structures. The average follicle density was 30.66±9.68 follicle/mm and the secondary follicle/primary follicle ratio was 18.9.
P2X purinergic receptors and exocrine glands.

Purinergic P2X receptors are widely expressed in acinar and ductal cells of exocrine glands. Several studies provide evidence for the expression of P2X1, P2X4 and/or P2X7 receptors. These non-selective cation channels are activated by ATP which can be released by the exocrine glands themselves, following various stimuli like cholinergic stimulation. The P2X7 receptor is unique because of its long intracellular C-terminal domain, allowing the interaction of this receptor with various intracellular proteins. P2X7 receptors are partly localized in lipid rafts. Their activation modulates the activity of enzymes involved in phospholipid signalling and thus the activity of intracellular effectors. Here we give an overview of recent studies which have now confirmed the involvement of exocrine gland P2X7 receptors in various signalling pathways, taking place in host defence and in exocrine secretion.