Evaluation of Anthhelmintic Potential of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Seeds Administered In-Feed and In-Water for West African Dwarf (WAD) Goatss

Forty West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (average 10kg±0.25kg bodyweight) infected naturally with helminthes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of Carica papaya seeds in aqueous and crude extract forms against intestinal worms. The animals were randomly assigned into four treatment groups: GI, GII, GIII and GIV consisting of 10goats/group. GI animals were not treated while GII underwent Thiabendazole anthelmintic treatment. GIII and GIV were medically given the powdery and aqueous forms of C. papaya seed extract via feed and water respectively. Before anthelmintic treatments and after the 1st and 2nd two weeks of administering the anthelminth, faecal and blood samples were collected for parasitological and haematological analysis. Data collected were subjected to one-way ANOVA. Treatments of both aqueous and powdery forms of C. papaya seed extract resulted into a significant increase in lymphocyte counts, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin concentration. Conversely, there was significant decrease in the eosinophil counts. The reductions in the faecal egg counts of helminth when C. papaya seed extract were applied are comparable to those obtained for thiabendazole treatment. However, the effects of aqueous form of C. papaya seed extract were more conspicuous than the crude (powdery) extract administered via the feed. The results from this study suggests that extracts from C. papaya seeds could be of potential use as alternative anthelminthic to synthetic dewormers in therapeutic or sub-therapeutic use for production animals. Keywords: Anthelmintic, haematology, helminthes, parasitology, thiabendazol

Comparative study of Pap smear abnormalities in HIV infected and HIV non-infected women

Background: HIV positive women are more likely than HIV negative women to have cervical dysplasia. Incidence of HPV-related dysplasia increases as immune function declines. To analyse the prevalence of cervical dysplasia on papsmear among women affected with HIV and to compare with that of HIV negative women.Methods: The study period was of 6 months duration from December 2010 to May 2011. Cervical cytology specimen from HIV positive and HIV negative women who attended the OPD of Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Government Medical College, Kozhikode. Were collected after excluding known case of carcinoma cervix, post hysterectomy patients, patients with bleeding per vagina and also those with active genital tract infections.Results: A prospective study of 200 females (100 HIV positive and 100 HIV negative) was done in our hospital. Age range was between 36 and 50 years. PAP smear abnormality was obtained in 35% of the study group. Out of which 21% was seen in HIV positive patients and 14% in HIV negative patients. Prevalence of LSIL (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) was significantly higher among HIV positive patients. Abnormality was not associated with CD4 count, HIV status of husband or addictions of husband, not associated with number of partners of husband both in HIV positive and negative patients.Conclusions: PAP smear abnormality (overall), prevalence of LSIL was significantly higher among HIV positive patients. It was not associated with SES, age of first intercourse, number of partners of wife and other immunosuppressive status

An empirical examination of the moderating role of age and gender in consumer mobile banking use: a cross-national, quantitative study

Purpose Despite the benefits of mobile banking services in an increasingly digitised world, adoption rates remain unsatisfactory. The present cross-national study examines age- and gender-dependent variations of consumer intentions and use of mobile banking services. Design/methodology/approach The study analyses consumer mobile banking use by integrating factors such as with trust, security and privacy and it examines the effects of these factors among two demographic factors including age and gender. 897 Lebanese and British mobile banking users completed a survey. Data was analysed by partial least squares-structural equations modelling. Findings Consumer behavioural intention was significantly moderated by age through its relationship with facilitating conditions and trust among Lebanese respondents, and performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, price value and habit among their British counterparts. As for gender, a significant moderating effect was evidenced in the Lebanese, but not the British sample, on the level of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, price value and perceived security. Originality/value The findings provide evidence of the applicability of the new factors proposed in this research. The reflection of the influence of these demographic factors in a cross-national context provides insights into mobile banking adoption variation between different countries

INDIGO : better geomagnetic observatories where we need them

The INDIGO project aims to improve the global coverage of digital observatories by deploying digital magnetometer systems in: i) Observatories where existing analog recording equipment is in need of upgrading. ii) Newly established digital observatories. iii) Existing digital observatories for the purpose of quality control and redundancy. In implementing the project and selecting suitable sites, special attention is paid to parts of the Earth devoid of magnetic observatories, increasing the reliability and long-term operation of existing observatories and cost-effective use of local resources. The Poster reviews the current status of the project. We examine the different steps and initiatives taken since the initiation of INDIGO in 2004 and assess their effectiveness in achieving progress towards our aims of improving global coverage and enhanced data quality

Glued to your phone? Generation Z's smartphone addiction and online compulsive buying

Recent studies found that smartphone usage has become an addiction nowadays, especially among young consumers. The abuse of these digital devices affects individuals' social life and well-being. Of particular interest in this regard is the study of compulsive buying, as it has been noted a possible co-occurrence of this disorder with smartphone abusive tendencies. With a model theoretically anchored in the stimulus-organism-response framework, the current study investigates the novel connection between smartphone addiction and online compulsive buying in a sample of 275 Generation Z consumers. The proposed model integrates mood regulatory behaviours and flow experiences associated with smartphone addiction to affect online compulsive buying behaviours. The current research contributes to the literature on compulsive buying behaviours and smartphone addiction by offering empirical evidence that (1) smartphone addiction and online compulsive buying are related; and (2) mood regulatory behaviours and flow experience act as strengthening factors in this relationship. This article advances knowledge in terms of theory and practice on Generation Z consumers’ smartphone addiction and online compulsive buying

Evaluation Strategic Performance in Yemens Public Universities from the Point of View of Experts

The aim of the research is to evaluate the strategic performance in Yemeni government universities from the point of view of experts, by identifying the level of practice of administrative performance and academic performance in its various fields, according to the opinions of experts. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive analytical approach was used through a closed questionnaire designed, according to the modified Delphi method, distributed among an intentional sample of (31) experts. (Administrative performance-Academic performance) came at a low score, with an average of (2.21) for the tool as a whole. As for the axes, they were respectively, (2.21, 2.22). The study also found that there are no statistically significant differences between the experts’ estimates due to the variables (scientific degree, current job, years experience). Accordingly, the study recommends expanding the dissemination of a clear vision among university employees, beneficiaries and stakeholders about the concept of strategic performance evaluation. In addition, the use of information and technology technologies in strategic performance evaluation processes

A pseudo-spectral scheme for systems of two-point boundary value problems with left and right sided fractional derivatives and related integral equations

We target here to solve numerically a class of nonlinear fractional two-point boundary value problems involving left- and right-sided fractional derivatives. The main ingredient of the proposed method is to recast the problem into an equivalent system of weakly singular integral equations. Then, a Legendre-based spectral collocation method is developed for solving the transformed system. Therefore, we can make good use of the advantages of the Gauss quadrature rule. We present the construction and analysis of the collocation method. These results can be indirectly applied to solve fractional optimal control problems by considering the corresponding Euler-Lagrange equations. Two numerical examples are given to confirm the convergence analysis and robustness of the scheme. © 2021 Tech Science Press. All rights reserved.Russian Foundation for Basic Research, РФФИ: 19-01-00019The Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR) Grant No. 19-01-00019

Dynamic modeling of mean-reverting spreads for statistical arbitrage

Statistical arbitrage strategies, such as pairs trading and its generalizations, rely on the construction of mean-reverting spreads enjoying a certain degree of predictability. Gaussian linear state-space processes have recently been proposed as a model for such spreads under the assumption that the observed process is a noisy realization of some hidden states. Real-time estimation of the unobserved spread process can reveal temporary market inefficiencies which can then be exploited to generate excess returns. Building on previous work, we embrace the state-space framework for modeling spread processes and extend this methodology along three different directions. First, we introduce time-dependency in the model parameters, which allows for quick adaptation to changes in the data generating process. Second, we provide an on-line estimation algorithm that can be constantly run in real-time. Being computationally fast, the algorithm is particularly suitable for building aggressive trading strategies based on high-frequency data and may be used as a monitoring device for mean-reversion. Finally, our framework naturally provides informative uncertainty measures of all the estimated parameters. Experimental results based on Monte Carlo simulations and historical equity data are discussed, including a co-integration relationship involving two exchange-traded funds.Comment: 34 pages, 6 figures. Submitte

Shrinking-Hole Colloidal Lithography: Self-Aligned Nanofabrication of Complex Plasmonic Nanoantennas

Plasmonic nanoantennas create locally strongly enhanced electric fields in so-called hot spots. To place a relevant nanoobject with high accuracy in such a hot spot is crucial to fully capitalize on the potential of nanoantennas to control, detect, and enhance processes at the nanoscale. With state-of-the-art nanofabrication, in particular when several materials are to be used, small gaps between antenna elements are sought, and large surface areas are to be patterned, this is a grand challenge. Here we introduce self-aligned, bottom-up and self-assembly based Shrinking-Hole Colloidal Lithography, which provides (i) unique control of the size and position of subsequently deposited particles forming the nanoantenna itself, and (ii) allows delivery of nanoobjects consisting of a material of choice to the antenna hot spot, all in a single lithography step and, if desired, uniformly covering several square centimeters of surface. We illustrate the functionality of SHCL nanoantenna arrangements by (i) an optical hydrogen sensor exploiting the polarization dependent sensitivity of an Au-Pd nanoantenna ensemble; and (ii) single particle hydrogen sensing with an Au dimer nanoantenna with a small Pd nanoparticle in the hot spot

ABC Algorithm for Combinatorial Testing Problem

Computer software is in high demand everywhere in the world. The high dependence on software makes software requirements more complicated. As a result, software testing tasks get costlier and challenging due to a large number of test cases, coupled with the vast number of the system requirements. This challenge presents the need for reduction of the system redundant test cases. A combinatorial testing approach gives an intended result from the optimization of the system test cases. Hence, this study implements a combinatorial testing strategy called Artificial Bee Colony Test Generation (ABC-TG) that helps to get rid of some of the current combinatorial testing strategies. Results obtained from the ABC-TG were benchmarked with the results obtained from existing strategies in order to determine the efficiency of the ABC-TG. Finally, ABC-TG shows the efficiency and effectiveness in terms of generating optimum test cases size of some of the case studies and a comparable result with the existing combinatorial testing strategies