Digital Commons Network^™

Organosomatic Indices And Endocrine Related Histopathological Features Of The Testis, Liver, And Kidney In Caged Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) From The Seven Lakes Of San Pablo, Aline Karen T. Pagkaliwagan

Undergraduate Theses

This study was conducted to determine the potential effects of EDCs on juvenile male Nile tilapia. Measurement of E2 and BPA in water samples were conducted using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Testis, liver, and kidneys were excised, and the gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and presence of endocrine- related histopathological lesions were determined. Results revealed highly

detectable levels of E2 and BPA in all samples, including water from the deep well supply of the UPLB Limnological Research Station. GSI was lower in fish from Calibato and Yambo lakes in comparison to Sampaloc Lake. HSI was comparatively higher in …

Hematologic Profiles Associated With Hemoparasite And Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection In Captive Varanus Spp., Katya B. Milad

Undergraduate Theses

Parasitic infections can lead to serious diseases in captive wildlife making them a serious concern in captive environments. Wildlife serves as major reservoirs of zoonotic agents and parasites are among them. This study was conducted to detect the presence of hemoparasites and gastrointestinal parasites in captive Varanus spp. and to describe their association with hematologic characteristics. Blood and fecal samples of Varanus spp. from the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), Quezon City, Philippines were examined for hemoparasites and gastrointestinal parasites using light microscopy. Blood cell morphology was assessed using light microscopy while complete blood count was measured using light microscopy, Natt …

Macroscopic And Microscopic Evaluation Of Skin Wound Healing Properties Of Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus) Blood Plasma On Skin Incision Wounds Of Male Icr Mice, Archie James C. Lluz

Undergraduate Theses

The wound healing properties of saltwater crocodile blood (Crocodylus porosus) plasma was assessed by topical administration on skin incision wounds of male ICR mice. Thirty male ICR mice were divided among three treatments namely 0.9% NSS, povidone-iodine solution, and saltwater crocodile blood plasma. Macroscopic and microscopic changes on the wound were evaluated on days 7, 14, and 21. Hyperemia and wound elevation were observed on all treatments and plasma group showed that hyperemia and wound elevation resolved faster when treated with saltwater crocodile blood plasma compared to povidone-iodine. Wounds treated with plasma had smaller scabs compared with povidone-iodine and scar …

Ultrasound Features Of The Urogenital Organs Of Healthy Male And Female Palawan Bearcats (Arctictis Binturong Whitei, J.A. Allen, 1910) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Viverridae), Eoin Q. Lajara

Undergraduate Theses

There are currently no published studies regarding the ultrasonographic features of the urogenital organs of the Palawan bearcat, a Vulnerable viverrid endemic to Palawan, Philippines. Ultrasound was done in the right and left flanks, pelvic area, and genital area to view the right and left kidney, urinary bladder, and testes, respectively, of four female and three male rescued adult Palawan bearcats at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. Scans with good views were rescaled and the dimension parameters (length, width, thickness, diameter) of the organs were recorded; echogenicities of organ structures were measured also measured. The left and right kidneys …

Molecular Detection Of Aquatic Bird Bornavirus In Waterfowls In Calamba, Laguna, Gio Tristan J. Esguerra

Undergraduate Theses

Waterfowls are believed to be reservoirs and transmitters of aquatic bird bornavirus. The virus targets the central and peripheral nervous system and causes neurologic abnormalities and/or gastrointestinal dysfunction due to the involvement of the gastrointestinal autonomic nervous system. Infected waterfowls are typically asymptomatic and tend to be lifelong carriers and long-term shedders of the virus. A total 81 fecal samples were collected from five enclosures housing various species of waterfowls from an aviary in Calamba, Laguna. The samples were analyzed by RT-PCR using primers that target a highly conserved region of the matrix (M) gene located between nucleotide positions 1911 …

B-Mode, M-Mode And Doppler Echocardiographic Features In Dairy Water Buffalo Calves, Mary Jovy B. Chavez

Undergraduate Theses

Thirty-two crossbreeds (Philippine Carabao x Bulgarian Murrah) of buffalo calves weighing 18-125 kg, with age range of one day to six- months, were classified according to sex and examined using an ultrasound machine equipped with a multi-frequency scanner at 3rd to 5th ICS, right parasternal long axis view. Cardiac structures were described using B- mode, measurements were obtained using M-mode echocardiography and

blood flow was measured and characterized using pulsed-wave Doppler and color flow Doppler, respectively. The different heart chamber walls and septa appeared as hypoechoic bands while the atria, ventricles and aorta were visualized as anechoic lumen. There were …

Gross Morphometrics Of The Skull And Mandible Of The Philippine Native Horse (Equus Caballus) With Special Reference To The Applied Anatomical Landmark Measurements For Regional Anesthesia Of The Head, Marvin Dave R. Bodegon

Undergraduate Theses

Gross morphometrics of the skull and mandible of the Philippine native horse with special reference to the applied anatomical landmark measurements for regional anesthesia of the head were determined. Twelve (12) fresh heads identified as Philippine native horse were collected from abattoirs. Infraorbital, mental, auriculopalpebral, and inferior alveolar nerves were visualized and measured. A total of 50 and 25 measurements were taken from the skull and mandible, respectively. Measurements were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Sample measurements of the skull and mandible were profile/skull length (47.35 ± 2.08 cm) and length from the angle (35.18 ± 1.8 cm), respectively, Craniofacial …

Molecular Characterization Of The Cattle Tick Rhipicephalus (Boopphilus) Spp. From Selected Provinces Of Luzon, Philippines Based On The Cytochrome Oxidase 1 Gene, Adrian Jacob T. Barcenas

Undergraduate Theses

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, commonly known as the tropical cattle tick, is a major blood-sucking ectoparasite of cattle that greatly affects the cattle industry. The real identity of the cattle tick in the Philippines is not yet elucidated because this species is believed to be complex. The samples used in this study were pre-collected adult, partially fed female ticks morphologically identified as R. microplus, from the cattle-producing provinces of Luzon, Philippines: Isabela, Cagayan, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, and Quezon. The cattle ticks were characterized through amplification and sequence analysis of the cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1). Genetic characterization of the …

The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Catalyst For Creativity And Collaboration For Online Learning And Work-Based Higher Education Systems And Processes, Tashmin Khamis, Azra Naseem, Anil Khamis, Pammla Petrucka

Office of the Provost

The purpose of this research is to focus on work-based problems catalysed by the COVID-19 global pandemic, based on a case study of a multi-continental, multi-campus university distributed across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Pakistan. Higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing countries lacked pre-existing infrastructure to support online education and/or policy and regulatory frameworks during the pandemic. The university's programmes in Pakistan and East Africa provide lessons to other developing countries' HEIs. The university's focus on teaching and learning and staff development has had a transformational organisational effect.

Tsetse Blood-Meal Sources, Endosymbionts And Trypanosome-Associations In The Maasai Mara National Reserve, A Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface, Edward Edmond Makhulu, Jandouwe Villinger, Vincent Owino Adunga, Maamun M. Jeneby, Edwin Murungi Kimathi, Enock Mararo, Joseph Wang’Ang’A Oundo, Ali Abdulahi Musa, Lillian Wambua

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a neglected disease of both humans and animals caused by Trypanosoma parasites, which are transmitted by obligate hematophagous tsetse flies (Glossina spp.). Knowledge on tsetse fly vertebrate hosts and the influence of tsetse endo-symbionts on trypanosome presence, especially in wildlife-human-livestock interfaces, is limited. We identified tsetse species, their blood-meal sources, and correlations between endosymbionts and trypanosome presence in tsetse flies from the trypanosome-endemic Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya. Among 1167 tsetse flies (1136 Glossina pallidipes, 31 Glossina swynnertoni) collected from 10 sampling sites, 28 (2.4%) were positive by PCR for trypanosome DNA, most (17/28) …

The Importance Of Store Hygiene For Reducing Post-Harvest Losses In Smallholder Farmers’ Stores: Evidence From A Maize-Based Farming System In Kenya, Kobia J. Makinya, John M. Wagacha, Judith A. Odhiambo, Paddy Likhayo, Kukom Edoh-Ognakossan, Tadele Tefera, Adebayo Abass, Christopher M. Mutungi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Knowledge of the role of hygiene in reducing food loss in farm stores is limited among extensionists, researchers, and farmers. Store hygiene practices during post-harvest handling and storage of maize were assessed using a cross-sectional survey of 342 farmers, with regular follow-up of 40 farmers’ stores over seven months to measure losses caused by insects, and to score the hygiene levels using a standard checklist. Fractional Response Model was used to evaluate the associations between hygiene practices and the losses. Farmers stored their produce in sacks (98.2%) kept in outside granaries (60.1%), or rooms in dwelling houses (39.9%). Co-storage with …

Cannibalism, Oviposition And Egg Development In The Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) Under Laboratory Conditions, J. P. Egonyu, M. M. Miti, C. M. Tanga, A. Leonard, S. Subramanian

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Reliance on seasonal wild harvests of the edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) needs to be broken through developing efficient mass rearing protocols. This study aimed at boosting productivity of laboratory colonies of R. differens through understanding ways of minimising cannibalism, selecting suitable oviposition substrates and enhancing egg development and hatchability. Firstly, we investigated the extent of cannibalism in a colony of R. differens relative to total mortality, sex, diurnality, growth stage, body parts eaten and visual barriers (presence/absence of cardboard egg trays). R. differens cadavers recovered from cages with/without the egg trays were scored for cause of …

Effects Of Rhizobia And Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Yield, Size Distribution And Fatty Acid Of Soybean Seeds Grown Under Drought Stress, Nicholas O. Igiehon, Olubukola O. Babalola, Xavier Cheseto, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is among the most economically important legumes that provide more than 1/4 of food (for man) and animal feed. However, its yield is comparatively low, most especially under drought stress. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the ability of Rhizobium spp. and mycorrhizal fungi to enhance the yield, seed size and fatty acid content of soybean grown under semi-arid environment. Rhizobium sp. strain R1 was found to possess nitrogen-fixing gene coniferyl aldehyde dehydrogenase function while Rhizobium cellulosilyticum strain R3 was found to have nitrogen-fixing genes cysteine desulfurase SufS and cysteine desulfurase IscS activity. …

Prevalence Of Asymptomatic P. Falciparum Gametocyte Carriage Among School Children In Mbita, Western Kenya And Assessment Of The Association Between Gametocyte Density, Multiplicity Of Infection And Mosquito Infection Prevalence., Victor A. Mobegi, Jeremy K. Herren, Abdoulie O. Touray, Fred Wamunyokoli, Hellen Butungi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers are reservoirs for sustaining transmission in malaria endemic regions. Gametocyte presence in the host peripheral blood is a predictor of capacity to transmit malaria. However, it does not always directly translate to mosquito infectivity. Factors that affect mosquito infectivity include, gametocyte sex-ratio and density, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and host and vector anti-parasite immunity. We assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren in Western Kenya and to further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infection prevalence. Methods: P. falciparum …

The Ethiopian Staple Food Crop Enset (Ensete Ventricosum) Assessed For The First Time For Resistance Against The Root-Lesion Nematode Pratylenchus Goodeyi, Selamawit A. Kidane, Beira H. Meressa, Solveig Haukeland, Anne Kathrine Hvoslef-Eide, Danny L. Coyne

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Summary – Pratylenchus goodeyi appears to be the most prevalent nematode pest of enset in Ethiopia, where it can occur in extremely high densities. However, the damage to yield or how different enset cultivars react to the nematode has yet to be determined. The current study therefore sought to establish a first assessment of these reactions by enset to P. goodeyi infection. Determining pest-resistant cultivars is an important task in developing management strategies. Our study evaluated nine enset cultivars to establish host response and identify potential sources of resistance. In addition, the pathogenicity of P. goodeyi was assessed on three …

Cocoyam (Colocasia Esculenta) Provides An Effective Monoxenic Culture Media For Radopholus Similis, Celestine A. Oduori, Janet Atandi, James Kisaakye, Danny Coyne

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, is the most economically important nematode parasite of bananas, in addition to parasitising a range of other crops (Coyne & Kidane, 2018). Weakened, infected roots result in poor plant development and they are less able to provide anchorage to banana plants, which can lead to toppling of the entire plant. To enable research activities, such as resistance screening and efficacy studies, a readily available supply of inoculum is required for timely use in experiments. O’Bannon & Taylor (1968) developed the sterile carrot disc technique for the monoxenic culture of R. similis to support such routine …

Trapping, Identification And Rearing Of Edible Palm Weevils In Kenya And Uganda, J. P. Egonyu, K. J. Gitonga, F. M. Khamis, R. S. Copeland, P. Finyange, R. Odhiambo, G. Ddamulira, C. M. Tanga, S. Subramanian

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Palm weevils, Rhynchophorus spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) double as devastating invasive pests of palms, and delicacies in many communities. This study evaluated ethyl acetate and 3-methyl-octan-4-ol for trapping palm weevils from coconut, oil and raffia palms in Kenya and Uganda; taking into account the distance of traps on oil palm from a forest or raffia palm. Eggs from the weevils from different locations were incubated and their larvae reared on sugarcane under laboratory conditions. All the 285 weevils collected were identified by morphological and molecular techniques as Rhynchophorus phoenicis, and the catch was female-biased. 3-methyl-octan-4-ol attracted more weevils than ethyl acetate. …

Agency, Gender And Development In Oromia, Ethiopia, Kristie Drucza, Lemlem Aregu, Mulunesh Tsegaye

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This paper argues that the postcolonial revolution in knowledge about gender and power relations has not touched the agricultural sector nor literature. Using the validation data from a medium-n qualitative data study in Amhara and Oromia, Ethiopia, the paper presents a case study on farm gate selling to show how a nuclear family model is shaped by power relations that are seeded in the colonial past and yet are reproduced in the present. Ethiopian men do not share resources equally with their wife/family. So, women need to ‘help themselves’ to the stored harvest to manage the household’s needs. The paper …

Apixaban Discontinuation For Invasive Or Major Surgical Procedures (Adios): A Prospective Cohort Study., Geno J. Merli, Walter K. Kraft, Luis H. Eraso, Taki Galanis, Lynda J. Thomson, Geoffrey O. Ouma, Eugene Viscusi, Jerald Z. Gong, Edwin Lam

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Background

Apixaban pharmacokinetic properties and some clinical reports suggest cessation 48 hours prior to surgery is safe, but this has not been demonstrated in a naturalistic setting. We sought to measure the residual apixaban exposure in patients who had apixaban held as part of standard of care peri-operative management.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study of patients in whom apixaban plasma concentration and anti-Xa activity were measured while at steady state apixaban dosing and again immediately prior to surgery. Clinical management of cessation and resumption of apixaban was at the discretion of the treating physician.

Results

One hundred and …

Sustainable Development Goals V. Non-Discrimination In Wto Law: Does The End Justify The Means?, Charlotte Sieber-Gasser, Smriti Kalra, Aditi Vishwas Sheth

Indian Journal of International Economic Law

This article examines state industrial promotion from legal and institutional perspectives. Economists have argued since the 18th century on the economic efficiency of government involvement in the economy. While state-led development policies in some of the most successful development cases, such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more recently, China, have been effective, many have doubted the wisdom of government involvement in the economy. Where the availability of information is limited and the financial market is imperfect (which are the inherent conditions of less-developed countries), the government can provide beneficial initiatives in productive industrial pursuits, as demonstrated by …

The Trump Administration's Critique Of The World Trade Organisation And Its Implications For The International Trading System, Dr. Kenneth Holland

Indian Journal of International Economic Law

The crisis in which the World Trade Organization is in could be best understood as the product of the rise of China and the incredible power rivalry that it has sparked with the United States. The WTO was founded in 1995, at a time when the United States was the world’s sole superpower, and expectations were high that democracy was in the ascendancy. By 2013, however, with the ascension of Xi Jinping to the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, it was clear that China was growing increasingly authoritarian and illiberal. From Washington’s point of view, the WTO, with its …

Deployments To Diplomas: An Examination Of Academic Motivation Among Military Dependents Using Self-Determination Theory, Meagan C. Arrastia-Chisholm, Samantha Tackett, Kelly Torres, Khushbu Patel, Jacob W. Highsmith, Kacy Mixon

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Using self-determination theory, the academic motivation of college students from deployed military families was examined. Implementing a case study methodology, interviews with 14 college students were transcribed and coded using a theory-driven rubric to identify their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Each case was analyzed for one’s self-determination regulatory style (external, introjected, integrated, or identified). The need for relatedness was the most prevalent in the data and the majority of cases exhibited regulatory styles consistent with introjected motivation.

The Rise In Use Of Emotional Support Animals By College Students: The Impact Of Parenting Styles, Misty G. Smith, Samantha Ballard, Jill Willis

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

As the generational context of higher education shifts, a rise of Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and mental health concerns are present for students on college campuses. While previous studies have aimed to address the relevancy and controversy of ESAs in higher education as well as their effectiveness in supporting individuals, less research has explored underlying factors that contribute to the use of an ESA. The purpose of this study was to explore the parenting behaviors of parents/caregivers of students with ESAs in comparison to parents/caregivers of students without ESAs. An embedded mixed methods design was used. Participants completed the Parenting …

Usg’S Well-Being Policy Regarding Tobacco Product Use: A Proposal For Changing From Opt-Out To Opt-In, Donald L. Ariail, Benedikt L. Quosigk

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

The University System of Georgia (USG) has a state-wide initiative aimed at increasing the well-being of faculty and staff by deincentivizing the use of tobacco products by employees who are covered by a USG healthcare plan. This incentive is positive in that aid in stopping tobacco product usage is offered to each member; and negative in that each member who is a tobacco product user is penalized. A healthcare surcharge is added to the monthly health insurance premium paid by each faculty/staff member for themselves and covered dependents over 18 years of age who are tobacco product users. The current …

Book Review - Educated: A Memoir, By Tara Westover, Michelle Lea Boettcher, Julia M. Dingle, Savannah Lockman, Kelsey Wilkins, Nikalette Zina

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover is the story of a first generation college student navigating a transition from a rural and conservative community and family into and through higher education including graduate education. As Westover shares her struggles and is transparent with her vulnerability, she highlights a number of struggles students often face in college. The book explores the tensions between family / home and college. It also highlights the importance of individual connections and actions in the persistence and success of students. It is compelling and directly transferable to the work of student affairs practitioners as highlighted in …

Law, Institution And State Industrial Promotion, Yong Shik Lee

Indian Journal of International Economic Law

This article examines state industrial promotion from legal and institutional perspectives. Economists have argued since the 18th century on the economic efficiency of government involvement in the economy. While state-led development policies in some of the most successful development cases, such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more recently, China, have been effective, many have doubted the wisdom of government involvement in the economy. Where the availability of information is limited and the financial market is imperfect (which are the inherent conditions of less-developed countries), the government can provide beneficial initiatives in productive industrial pursuits, as demonstrated by …

Interpreting The 'National Treatment' Obligation Under Gats, Anushree Malaviya

Indian Journal of International Economic Law

The General Agreement on Trade and Services 1994 (GATS) strikes a balance between liberalizing the trade in services among the Members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), while granting a considerable margin of discretion to the Members in the manner in which they choose to discharge their obligations. One of the most crucial obligations contained therein is that of National Treatment – which prohibits discrimination between foreign and domestic services. The bare text of the provision has however created more confusion rather than given clarity – particularly in light of the advent of new technology not envisaged at the time …

The Impact Of Inflammation On The Immune Responses To Transplantation: Tolerance Or Rejection?, Mepur H Ravindranath, Fatiha El Hilali, Edward J Filippone

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Transplantation (Tx) remains the optimal therapy for end-stage disease (ESD) of various solid organs. Although alloimmune events remain the leading cause of long-term allograft loss, many patients develop innate and adaptive immune responses leading to graft tolerance. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of selected aspects of the effects of inflammation on this delicate balance following solid organ transplantation. Initially, we discuss the inflammatory mediators detectable in an ESD patient. Then, the specific inflammatory mediators found post-Tx are elucidated. We examine the reciprocal relationship between donor-derived passenger leukocytes (PLs) and those of the recipient, with additional …