Digital Commons Network^™

Placental Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor, Protein Kinase B And Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin Are Downregulated In Hiv-1 Positive Women On Antiretroviral Drugs, Winifrida B. Kidima, Gatambwa D. Mukandala, Osiana Leonard, Daniel Nkungu

Tanzania Journal of Science

HIV-1 and ARV drugs uptake during pregnancy may change placental phenotype during pregnancy affecting fetal growth. We investigated the influence of maternal HIV-1 and ARV drugs on expression of placental genes important for fetus growth. A total 51 HIV-1 positives and 46 HIV-1 negative pregnant women were studied. Placental gene expression changes of insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF-1) R, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), protein kinase B (AKT-1), sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporters (Slc38a1, Slca38a2, Slc38a4), inhibin A, adrenomedullin and 11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type (HSD)-2 were assessed by RT-qPCR. There was a significant decrease in mRNA expression of placental …

Assessment Of Seasonal Variations In Forage Quality In Saanane Island National Park, Mwanza, Tanzania, George M. Sangu, Cuthbert L. Nahonyo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Seasonal variations in proteins, vitamin A, vitamin C, carbohydrates and minerals (Ca, Fe, Na, K and P) for seven most grazed and four most browsed plant species were assessed using laboratory analysis to determine what nutrient resources were available to grazers and browsers inhabiting the Saanane Island. The results indicated great seasonal variations in proteins, vitamin A, vitamin C and carbohydrates which were statistically significant with P < 0.01, F 3.444 at DF 5. Similarly, the minerals (Ca, Fe, Na, K and P) showed greater seasonal variations with K and P being higher during wet season, while Na and Fe were higher in dry season. The levels of proteins, vitamins, fibres and minerals were well above daily dietary requirements for grazers and browsers. These results suggested that both grazers and browsers were benefiting from seasonal differences in terms of available resources at disposal as animal health is regulated by levels of proteins and vitamins available in grazing and browsing materials.  Keywords: Forage Quality, Minerals, Protein Saanane, Seasonality, Vitamin

Identification And Characterization Of Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses In Non-Crop Plants From Unguja And Pemba Islands, Joseph A. Mwakosya, Gladness E. Temu, Joseph C. Ndunguru

Tanzania Journal of Science

Cassava mosaic disease caused by cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) remains one of themajor constraints to cassava production since it causes yield losses up to 100%. Researchesshowed that some of CMBs infecting cassava plants may be coming from non-crop plants. Thisstudy intended to identify and characterize CMBs isolated from non-crop plant species inUnguja and Pemba Islands. A total of 108 viral symptomatic and asymptomatic non-crop leafsamples were collected using stratified sampling. DNA was extracted by using CTAB protocolfollowed by polymerase chain reaction using universal and specific primers for cassava mosaicbegomoviruses identification. Results showed that, among eleven samples that were amplified,four were …

Mathematical Characterization Of Biological Control Of Cassava Pests Model, Yidiat O. Aderinto, Faith O. Ibiwoye, Michael O. Oke, Folashade M. Jimoh

Tanzania Journal of Science

Pests are major constraints to the effective growth and development of every crop through their damage, and can be controlled effectively by the use of their natural enemies which is referred to as the biological pest control. In this study, the biological control model of cassava pests through optimal control theory was presented in order to minimize the population of the pests and stabilize the natural enemies population so as not to affect the crop negatively. A mathematical model was formulated via the Lotka-Volterra model, and the model was characterized. The optimality system was established, the equilibrium point with its …

Health Care In Metropolitan Manila During The American Colonial Era: A History Of The Management Of Infectious Diseases And Its Effects On The Practice Of Chinese Medicine (English Translation), Peng Hui, Ziyang Huang, Franz David Ong Lim

Social Transformations Journal of the Global South

Since the American occupation of Manila, the health care system of the Philippines was transformed with its goal of “modernizing the Philippines.” Systematic Western prevention and control measures and institutions were established. This in turn affected the practice of Chinese medicine, which was present since the Spanish period. With the help of Dr. Tee Hankee and other doctors, local Chinese medicine gradually developed into a combination of Chinese and Western medicine through the developments of the Chinese General Hospital and the establishment of the Filipino Chinese Western Medicine Association. The melding of Chinese and Western medicine formed a distinctive Philippine …

Optimization Of In-Vitro Tissue Culture And Transformation System For Sweet Sorghum Cultivars Using Immature Inflorescence, Logayn Abushal

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Sweet sorghum is a multi-purpose crop that can be used for human food, animal feed, and bio-fuel production. This crop is drought-tolerant and can therefore be grown in arid and semi-arid regions especially in marginal areas in Egypt. Nevertheless, production of Sweet sorghum cannot coup with the increasing demand in consumption as a food, and fuel due to a lag in scientific research regarding its genetic improvement. Therefore, genetic improvement of Sweet sorghum is innately required so that new traits of economic importance could be introduced; however, this can only be achieved through the establishment of a robust in-vitro …

Format Preference And Utilisation Of Library Information Resources By Undergraduates Of Public Universities In A Nigerian State, Bosede Adebimpe Ajiboye, Rahman Olorunleke Arowolo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The existence of an academic environment is incomplete without a functioning library, which forms the fulcrum of all academic institutions in knowledge development and information depository. Irrespective of the format, information must be protected and persevered for posterity. The study used a descriptive design method based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Structured Questionnaire was used to obtain data from 210 respondents while for the qualitative data the researcher interviewed the Heads of Automation and Readers’ Services Units of the three universities studied. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The formats of information resources …

Ameliorating Role Of Ulva Lactuca Extract On Neurobehavioral And Neurochemical Abnormalities Caused By Lithium In Rats, Samira Bouhalit, Noura Brahmi

Journal of Bioresource Management

Lithium is a relevant mood-stabilizing agent that is used in the management of depressive and manic episodes in bipolar, disorder; however, its application may cause diverse side effects including oxidative stress. This work investigated the neuroprotective and anti-stress activity of Ulva lactuca extract (MEUL) against lithium induced neuronal toxicity in rats. Lithium (2 g/kg) was administered in diets with or without MEUL (250 mg/kg BW by gavage) for 90 days. Lithium induced oxidative stress lead to an elevation in lipid peroxidation and oxidation protein product levels, a reduced superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, glutathione, and ascorbic acid concentrations in brain. …

Structure And Parasitism Of Egg-Batches Of The Pine Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea Pityocampa In The Algerian Cedar Forests., Zineb Messaadia, Nabil Bertella, Naama Frah

Journal of Bioresource Management

Today, climate change is one of the greatest threats facing forest ecosystems. It directly influences the geographical distribution of insects and increases epidemics of harmful insects. The present work took place in this context. It aimed to contribute to the knowledge of egg parasitoids that could affect the evolution of the pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa, a major forest pest in Algeria and Mediterranean countries. The study was carried out on 120 batches of eggs taken from the Atlas cedar at two sites in the Chelia cedar zone (case of eastern Algeria) in 2017. It allowed the analysis of a …

Thinking In The Global South — Reflections On Anti-Vaxxers As An Instance Of Global Alterity, Raul Pertierra

Social Transformations Journal of the Global South

Excerpt: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light several features of the present state of globality. In many countries, objections against vaccination have attracted media prominence. Although reasons for this resistance may differ from one country to another, there seems to be a common thread linking them globally. This paper examines this thread and explores its relationship to conditions underlying modernity. As some have argued (e.g., Latour 2014, Luhmann 1998), modernity is not an explanatory concept but a category that allows us to label a complex reality, which includes internal contradictions (e.g., a society of universal levelling whose mechanism effaces …

Replacing Laboratory Animals In Safety Testing, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

In 1993, the NIH Revitalization Act included language, supported by corporations and animal advocates, that authorized a new program to develop and validate toxicity tests that would replace and reduce the use of laboratory animals. Seven years later, that 1993 Act led to the passage of the 2000 ICCVAM Authorization Act. This act established the Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) to facilitate the development and implementation of alternative methods that would replace or reduce the use of animals in safety testing and risk assessment. ICCVAM started slowly, but twenty-one years after its formal launch, it …

Long Term Observation Of The Grassland Vegetation Used Intensively Or Extensively And Ecologically, H.-D. Matthes, J. Matthes, W. Jentsch, V. Pastushenko

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The aim of the present paper was to study alterations of the grassland flora from 55 plots following a more extensive management under long term observation within 6 years. Extensification of grassland use leads to an increase of the numbers of plant species by 32%, “Red-list-species” included. The moisture number of the soils slightly increased and the reaction and nitrogen numbers decreased. Results are presented for different vegetation units.

Influence Of Extensive Management On Botanical Composition Of Permanent Meadow Sward, K. Mlynarczyk, E. Korona, E. Marks

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The aim of undertaken investigations was to find the possibilities of grassland management with special respect to the biodiversity and the landscape conservation. Changes in botanical composition of the meadow sward against a background of different mowing utilization were examined on the semi-natural meadows situated on the peat-mursh soil in Masurian Landscape Park (north-east Poland). The areas mown with biennial pause and completely turned off from uses followed gradual simplifying of species composition and increasing of bog species participation. Results show on advisability of passing one harvest each year or with one-year pauses.

Vegetation Changes In Sown Grassland In The Uk After Nine Years Of Extensive Grazing Management, C. A. Marriott, G. T. Barthram

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect of extensive grazing management with sheep on vegetation change in sown pastures (initially containing Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens) in the uplands of Scotland was investigated from 1990-1999. One treatment was representative of current more intensive management systems; it was fertilized, and maintained at a sward surface height of 4 cm. Two treatments were unfertilized and were maintained at sward surface heights of 4 cm or 8 cm; the ewe numbers carried on these treatments averaged 74% and 44%, respectively, of those on the fertilized treatment. In all treatments the sheep were Scottish Blackface ewes. Their single …

The Influence Of Rising Atmospheric Co2 On Grassland Ecosystems, J. A. Morgan, P. C. D. Newton, J. Nösberger, C. E. Owensby

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and climatic change will have significant effects on the ecology of grasslands. This paper evaluates results from four CO₂ enrichment studies in contrasting grasslands. A Swiss study investigates the effects of elevated CO₂ (600 μL L^-1 CO₂) on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L), a New Zealand study examines how elevated CO₂ (475 μL L^-1 CO₂) affects a botanically diverse pasture, and studies in the Kansas tallgrass prairie and the Colorado shortgrass steppe investigate the effects of an approximate …

The Illegally Traded Elephant In The Room: Species Terrorism & Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade, Áine Dillon

Pace International Law Review

The illegal wildlife trade has been a dilemma for decades

and remains prevalent globally – international intervention is

required now. While most countries participate in the Convention

on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora (“CITES”), not all countries have the same approaches

to combating the illegal wildlife trade. Unique approaches

can be beneficial because each illegally traded species

requires a different response, and countries with limited resources

can also participate. However, the lack of a unified response

hinders the global fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

While traditional methods to combat crime, such as passing

laws, …

Study The Effects Of Taurine Oral Supplement Used For Type 2 Diabetic Patients On Body Weight; Glycemic Control And Some Bone Mineralization Biochemical Markers, Falah Hassan Sheri, Hiba Dawood, Jubran K. Hassan, Qais A. Aljazaeari

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

Background: Taurine is sulfur containing semi-essential amino acid that has important roles in many biological processes, but; its effects on glucose homeostasis, weight; growth and bone mineralization were not well defined in human. Objectives: evaluation the effects of oral taurine used for 3 months on bone mineralization biomarker; glycemic control and body weight in type II diabetic patients. Methods: interventional double-blind placebo-controlled study in which 80 patients with type2 diabetes mellitus (age range 45e55) assigned in either control (n ¼ 40) or study (n ¼ 40) group. The last group received 1000 mg capsule of taurine once a -d for …

Qbd Based Design And Characterization Of Proniosomal Transdermal Delivery Of Atenolol And Glibenclamide Combination: An Innovative Approach, P Anitha, S. Ramkanth, S. V. Satyanarayana

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

There are numerous circumstances where chronic disease is associated with other disorders, especially in diseases like diabetes with noncommunicable disease risk factors, such as hypertension. This study shows a novel and innovative combinational proniosomal delivery of combination to beat the reactions by complex therapeutic regimen, and to improve patient compliance after controlling combinational transdermal delivery of Glibenclamide (GLB) and Atenolol (ATN) which have not been tried actually. To achieve the above reason, proniosomes were prepared and optimized utilizing Box-Behnken design. The ideal formulation was chosen by a point prediction method and formulation showed vesicle size of 562 ± 1.223 nm, …

The Use Of Natural Polymers In Formation Of Polyelectrolyte Complexation, Niharika Lal, Athira Nair, Navneet Verma

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

In recent years, great advances have been made towards the development of various techniques for novel drug delivery systems. These techniques focus on the rate of drug delivery, duration of action and site of action. One of such technique in fabricating novel drug delivery system is the use of polymers in development of in-situ drug delivery systems. Polymers used as carriers have revolutionized over the years. The formation of a polymer complex with other oppositely charged polymers resulted in the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes, which possess unique physicochemical properties with high biocompatibility. The polyelectrolyte's themselves are characterized as cationic, anionic …

Medieval Weathers: An Introduction, Michael J. Warren

Medieval Ecocriticisms

Introduction to the first volume of Medieval Ecocriticisms.

A Poisson-Akash Inrar(1) Model For Over Dispersed Count Time Series, Emmanuel W. Okereke, Sunday N. Gideon

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

In this paper, a Poisson-Akash INAR(1) model was proposed in order to improve on the modelling of overdispersed stationary count time series. The estimators of the parameters of the model were derived using the Yule-Walker (YW) method and the conditional least squares (CLS) method. An expression for the conditional log-likelihood and the r-step ahead forecast were obtained for the model. Three overdispersed nonseasonal stationary count time series were modelled to illustrate the applicability of the proposed model as well as its capacity to outperform the competing INAR (1) models in modelling overdispersed stationary count time series and the result showed …

Overview On The Lebanese Environmental Governance System: Main Hazards In The Oil And Gaz Sector, Rami Harkous

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Due to harsh environment and vulnerability of marine ecosystems, many challenges are faced regarding offshore oil and gas activities. Many steps are currently undertaken to overcome such challenges.

As Lebanon is inside the new oil and gas sector in its offshore region, plans should be made to address environmental challenges that may occur in this sector. The Lebanese environmental governance system meets international standards in various aspects but some gaps are addressed to manage such risks that may be encountered with oil and gas activities in the Lebanese offshore. This article ends by a fast run through environmental regulatory authority, …

The Inhibition Activity Of Tert-Butylhydroquinone Towards Corrosion Of Aluminum, Copper And Stainless Steel In Biodiesel Blend B20 Alternative Fuel, Chaza Joumaa, Ibtissam Saad, Ghassan Younes

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) has been investigated as corrosion inhibitor for aluminum; copper and stainless steel in biodiesel blend B20 by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. The results showed that the inhibition efficiency increases with an increase in the concentration of TBHQ but decreases with increasing temperature from 30℃ to 60℃. A maximum inhibition efficiency of about 61.52% for aluminum was recorded for THBQ in biodiesel blend B20 at temperature 30℃ and at a concentration of 4x10^-6 M which is the lowest concentration used compared to the concentrations of TBHQ used for the other metals (copper and stainless steel). Theoretical …

A Sonogram Of The Dark Side Of The Dao: The Possibility Of Antinatalism In Daoism, Robbert Zandbergen

Comparative Philosophy

In the present work I study Daoist philosophy in conjunction with the radical new philosophy of antinatalism, spearheaded by South African philosopher David Benatar. Although I am not claiming equivalence between the two, a meaningful communication emerges between the classical Chinese sources used here and the modern doctrine of antinatalism. I argue that both visions partake in a radical critique of consciousness according to which this faculty of the human mind is far from what it is often held to be. In fact, it is perceived as a destructive and disruptive element of, and in, existence. Moreover, both offer a …

Sameness, Difference And Environmental Concern In The Metaphysics And Ethics Of Spinoza And Chan Buddhism, Michael Hemmingsen

Comparative Philosophy

In this paper I contrast the metaphysical philosophies of Benedict de Spinoza and the ‘sudden enlightenment’ tradition of Chan Buddhism. Spinoza’s expressivist philosophy, in which everything can be conceived via a lineage of finite causes terminating in substance as a metaphysical ground of all things, emphasises the relative sameness of all entities. By contrast, Chan’s philosophy of emptiness, which rests on the dependent co-origination of all entities, renders such comparison fundamentally meaningless. Having no source beyond dependent co-origination to generate a thing’s distinct nature leads to a metaphysics in which, rather than being relatively similar or different, all things …

The Yi-Jing Cosmic Model As A Framework For Comparative Philosophy, Harry Donkers

Comparative Philosophy

Based on the symbolism of the trigrams, the Yi-Jing cosmic model offers possibilities in a coordinate system with eight octants to discuss different philosophical developments in parallel. It forms a framework for further elaboration of theory and methodology of comparative philosophy. This paper is restricted to extracting, analyzing and comparing common features from the perspectives of the Yi-Jing model. Achieving harmony is the subject of a new paper under construction. The philosophical developments in the quadrants, Naturalism, Moralism, Rationalism and Humanism, are characterized by a fundamental difference between subject and object. This difference remains intact in the octants, but specified …

Rangeland Desertification In China, Wang Tao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Land desertification is one of the most serious environmental and social-economic problems in the North China. The processes of desertification mainly have being controlled by the interaction of human activities and fragile eco-environment, that means the pattern and intension of landuse are major factors for development or reverse of desertification. Because of the increasing pressure of population, the rangeland in the North China has being cultivated decade by decade, which changed landuse from grassing to cropping in a large area and destroyed the natural vegetation cover. The result is to let the wind erosion become easier and the desertification has …

Grasslands, Communicating The Benefits, D. Keeney

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The multiple benefits of perennial agriculture , including forages and grasslands, for building soil quality, protection of natural resources, enhancement of biodiversity and wildlife, are well known to us, but little understood by the public. This is not a situation where “more education” would necessarily increase recognition. Rather, we must build in the public a desire for the enhancement of green space, clean water and air, and diverse landscapes that multiple purpose agriculture can bring. We seek such environments intuitively and now that much of the world’s people are “trapped” in urban settings of steel and concrete, this desire is …

Effect Of Fenugreek Seeds In Maternal Diet On Some Features Of Newborn Pups In Albino Mice, Karim R. Hamad

Polytechnic Journal

Introduction: Fenugreek seeds have got interest of researchers for their positive effects on laboratory animals and human being, including their effects on reproductive system. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 5% raw fenugreek seed and its boiled aqueous extract containing diet on adult female mice, for 2 weeks before mating, to evaluate fertility, and some features of newborn pups. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 adult female mice randomly and equally were divided into three groups. Group I: Control, Group II: Female mice treated with 5% raw fenugreek seed containing diet, and Group III: Female mice …

The Hypoglycemic And Hypolipidemic Potential Of Ginger-Thyme Combined Extract In Sucrose Induced Hyperglycemic Rats, Burhan A. Salih, Dilzar Sabah Asaad

Polytechnic Journal

The current study is designed to investigate the in vivo action of ginger- thyme combined crude extract on hyperglycemia and obesity related measurements in sucrose induced chronic hyperglycemia experimental model in albino male rats. Twenty-five male albino rats were divided into five groups (N=5 for each); First group was regarded as control which consists of rats feed with normal diet and water ad libitum, while second group was the model which consists of rats fed with high sucrose fed (HSF) (50%sucrose). and other three groups were rats which treated with three different doses of ginger-thyme combination extract (125mg/kg, 250 mg/kg …