Split Middle Domination in Graphs

The middle graph of a graph G, denoted by M(G) is a graph whose vertex set is V(G)?E(G) and two vertices are adjacent if they are adjacent edges of G or one is a vertex and other is an edge incident with it. A dominating set D of M(G) is called split dominating set of M(G) if the induced subgraph ?V[M(G) ]-D? is disconnected. The minimum cardinality of D is called the split middle domination number of G and is denoted by? ??_SM (G). In this paper many bound on ? ??_SM (G) were obtained in terms of the vertices, edges and many other different parameters of G but not in terms of the elements of M(G). Further its relation with other different parameters are also developed

Introducing medical parasitology at the University of Makeni, Sierra Leone

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version.Capacity building in Sierra Leone (West Africa) is critical to prevent potential future outbreaks similar to the 2013-16 Ebola outbreak that had devastating effects for the country and its poorly developed healthcare system. De Montfort University (DMU) in the United Kingdom (UK), in collaboration with parasitologists from the Spanish Universities of San Pablo CEU and Miguel Hernández de Elche, is leading a project to build the teaching and research capabilities of medical parasitology at the University of Makeni (UniMak, Sierra Leone). This project has two objectives: a) to introduce and enhance the teaching of medical parasitology, both theoretical and practical; and b) to implement and develop parasitology research related to important emerging human parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp. due to their public health significance. Two UniMak academics, hired to help initiate and implement the research part of the project, shared their culturally sensitive public health expertise to broker parasitology research in communities and perform a comprehensive environmental monitoring study for the detection of different emerging human parasites. The presence of targeted parasites are being studied microscopically using different staining techniques, which in turn have allowed UniMak’s academics to learn these techniques to develop new practicals in parasitology. To train UniMak’s academics and develop both parts of our project, a DMU researcher visited UniMak for two weeks in April 2019 and provided a voluntary short training course in basic parasitology, which is currently not taught in any of their programmes, and was attended by 31 students. These sessions covered basic introduction to medical parasitology and life-cycle, pathogenesis, detection, treatment and prevention of: a) coccidian parasites (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and Cystoisospora); b) Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba and free-living amoebas; c) malaria and d) microsporidia. A theoretical session on common staining techniques was also provided. To facilitate the teaching and learning of these parasites, the novel resource DMU e-Parasitology was used, a package developed by the above participating universities and biomedical scientists from the UK National Health Service (NHS): http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/ index.htm. Following the two weeks of training, UniMak’s academics performed different curriculum modifications to the undergraduate programme ‘Public Health: Medical Laboratory Sciences’, which includes the introduction of new practicals in parasitology and changes to enhance the content of medical parasitology that will be subjected to examination. Thus, a new voluntary practical on Kinyoun stain for the detection of coccidian parasites was introduced in the final year module of ‘Medical Bacteriology and Parasitology’; eighteen students in pairs processed faecal samples from pigs provided by the Department of Agriculture and Food Security from a nearby farm. Academics at UniMak used the Kinyoun staining unit (available at http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/learn/lab/Kinyoun/story_html5.html; [1]) to deliver this practical. Although our project is at a preliminary stage, it has been shown to be effective in promoting the introduction and establishment of medical parasitology at UniMak and could be viewed as a case-study for other universities in low-income countries to promote the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve public health understanding of infectious diseases

Human-related microsporidia in the English urban environment: what we know so far?

The potential zoonotic transmission route of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. (E. intestinalis, E. hellem and E. cuniculi) is under discussion. “Urban animals” could represent a risk to the population that should be carefully studied. Following the detection of human-related microsporidia in 2 out of 18 dog faecal samples collected in the city centre of Leicester (UK) in January 2016, 228 animal faecal samples were randomly sampled from different parks and recreational areas across the city from June 2016 to February 2017. The presence of microsporidia species were sought by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with melting curve analysis after extracting DNA by dysrupting the spores using Fast-Prep for soil following previous methodologies. 28 stool samples were positive for human-pathogenic microsporidia, as follows: Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 2 waterfowl stool samples. A higher prevalence of Encephalitozoon spp. was identified. Thus, 26 faecal samples (14 deer, 7 avian [3 waterfowl, 2 songbird, 1 pigeon, 1 uncertain], 2 dog, 1 fox and 2 unidentified due to diarhoea) were positive for Encephalitozoon spp. Specifically, E. intestinalis/ E. hellem were detected in two samples from avian species (waterfowl and diarrhoeic sample) and E. cuniculi in 7 (6 deer and 1 fox). Our results indicate that human-related microsporidia would be present in urban parks and recreational areas in Leicester, which could represent a risk for humans. Interventions to tackle this potential risk should be applicable to a variety of animals, although more studies are needed to fully understand the potential zoonotic role of these pathogens

Cryptosporidium spp. in the English urban environment: a public health concern?

Several species of Cryptosporidium can infect humans and have been described as opportunistic parasites. Different outbreaks have been described in the UK as oocysts of these pathogens can spread through contaminated water and food as some species of Cryptosporidium, such as C. parvum, exhibit resistance to harsh environmental conditions. These pathogens have been found in animal faeces, thus we reported the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in a dog faecal sample collected in a highly frequented public park in Leicester city centre (UK), after screening 9 topsoil and 18 faecal samples. As a result, and to determine potential risks to the Leicester population, we collected 132 animal faecal samples [37 deer, 13 dogs, 4 cats and 78 avian (27 uncertain due to diarrhoea, 25 pigeon, 14 waterfowl and 12 songbird)] across different parks in Leicester from June 2017 to May 2018. Animal faecal samples were appropriately screened using Kinyoun's acid-fast staining. We observed structures related to Cryptosporidium spp. in 16 faecal samples as follows: 10.3% avian (3 pigeon, 2 songbird and 3 diarrhoeic), 18.9% deer and 7.7% dog. However, and in order to characterise the risks to the local population, molecular analysis will be required to determine if the oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. found are from anthroponotic species. Our results might highlight the relevance of performing environmental monitoring studies to determine the presence of these pathogens in the urban environment due to the unprecedented expansion of the urban media that is occurring to a global scale

EIMERIOSIS IN POULTRY OF RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD AREA

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of eimeriosis in poultry and identify potential risk factors for its spread in Rawalpindi/Islamabad area of Pakistan. Of 359 gut samples (suspected for harbouring eimeriosis) examined, 258 (71.86%) were found infected. Four species of Eimeria (E. maxima, 34.10%, E. tenella, 30.62%, E. mitis, 13.95% and E. necatrix, 7.75%) were recorded. The prevalence of eimeriosis was highest in the month of September (89.74%), while lowest during June (28.57%). The disease was more common at the farms where the litter was wet and not managed properly

Effect of Growth Media, pH and Temperature on Yeast to Hyphal Transition in Candida albicans

The transition of C. albicans from unicellular yeast form to filamentous form i.e., pseudohyphae and hyphae is referred to as morphogenesis. C. albicans has the ability to respond to environmental conditions and accordingly changing its cell morphology. Three main morphological forms of C. albicans are unicellular yeast, pseudohyphae and hyphae. The effect of different growth media (Horse serum medium, RPMI-1640, MSGB), incubation temperatures (34˚C, 37˚C, 40˚C) and pH values (5.4, 6.4, 7.4) on germ tube production by C. albicans was evaluated. Horse serum medium noticeably promotes filamentation while RPMI-1640 medium shows moderate filamentation and MSGB media shows moderately low filamentation. The germ tube of C. albicans developed early in 1.5 hr at high temperature i.e., 40˚C. Incubation temperature of 37˚C was associated with highest germ tube formation while 34˚C shows low filamentation. A pH of 5.4 also induces low filamentation, pH 6.4 gives moderately lower than pH 7.4. A pH of 7.4 was best suited for germ tube induction. The peak of mycelium production appears between 1.5 and 6 hr after inoculation of C. albicans culture. These results suggested that environmental factors are important in selectively favoring yeast or hyphal form, most important being the growth medium, incubation temperature and external pH value

Potential presence of Cyclospora and Cystoisospora in urban parks from Leicester, UK

Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cystoisospora belli (previously known as Isospora belli) are emerging coccidian parasites that can spread by ingesting contaminated food or water. Despite their presence is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, different studies have described domestic outbreaks due to these pathogens around the world. Zoonotic transmission of these pathogens is under discussion as they have been found in various animals and birds. We have performed a preliminary study to investigate their potential presence in an English urban environment. 132 animal faecal samples were collected between Summer 2017 and Spring 2018 from 7 different urban parks across Leicester (UK). A veterinarian confirmed animal species as: 78 avian (25 pigeon, 14 waterfowl, 12 songbird, 27 uncertain due to diarrhoea), 37 deer, 13 dogs and 4 cats. Smears were microscopically analysed by Kinyoun's acid-fast staining technique. Cyclospora spp. were observed in three faecal samples (2.3%), two from deer and one from avian (diarrheic sample); however, further analysis are required to determine if the oocysts observed are from Cyclospora cayetanensis. Contrarily, Cystoisospora spp. were not found in any of the screened stool samples. Despite our results should be considered as preliminary, the presence of Cyclospora spp. oocists in 2.3% of the animal faecal samples collected across Leicester might represent a potential human risk that, although minor, should be throughly studied to protect the local community. Moreover, Cyclospora spp. have been found in different animal species, which may require different interventions to target those specific animals to protect the public health

Evaluation of allelopathic potential of some selected medicinal species

Laboratory trials were made to evaluate the allelopathic potential of selected medicinal species. The aqueous extracts bioassay on two test plants (wheat and pea) was carried out through filter paper method. Toxicity and non toxicity was assessed by recording their effects on germination and percentage growth of radicle and plumule of test plants. The trials were replicated three times in Randomized Complete Split Block Design. The data was analyzed by using software SPSS v II. The results suggested that Sonchus asper and Melilotus officinalis stimulate the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) up to 150% of plumule and 40% of radicle. These species had significantly enhanced effect on the percentage growth of test plant. The inhibitory effect was more on the wheat, by aqueous extractions of Sisymbrium irio, Cannabis sativus and Oxalis corniculata. The growth of wheat was more enhanced in the aqueous extractions of Gallium aperine and Ageratum conizoides, almost 150% of radicle. But the most inhibitory and retarded effect was observed in case of S. irio, O. corniculata, Rumex dentatus and Parthenium hysterophorus.Key words: Allelopathy, medicinal species, filter paper

Studying the presence of Cyclospora and Cystoisospora in urban parks from Leicester, UK.

Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cystoisospora belli (formerly known as Isospora belli) are emerging coccidian parasites that can spread by ingesting contaminated food or water. Despite their presence is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, different studies have described domestic outbreaks due to these pathogens around the world. Zoonotic transmission of these pathogens is under discussion as they have been found in various animals and birds. We have performed a preliminary study to investigate their potential presence in an English urban environment. 132 animal faecal samples were collected between Summer 2017 and Spring 2018 from 7 different urban parks across Leicester (UK). A veterinarian confirmed animal species as: 78 avian (25 pigeon, 14 waterfowl, 12 songbird, 27 uncertain due to diarrhoea), 37 deer, 13 dogs and 4 cats. Smears were microscopically analysed by Kinyoun's acid-fast staining technique. Cyclospora spp. were observed in three faecal samples (2.3%), two from deer and one from avian (diarrheic sample); however, further analysis are required to determine if the oocysts observed are from Cyclospora cayetanensis. Contrarily, Cystoisospora spp. were not found in any of the screened stool samples. Despite our results should be considered as preliminary, the presence of Cyclospora spp. oocysts in 2.3% of the animal faecal samples collected across Leicester might represent a potential human risk that, although minor, should be throughly studied to protect the local community. Moreover, Cyclospora spp. have been found in different animal species, which may require different interventions to target those specific animals to protect the public health

Digital Twinning remote laboratories for online practical learning, Production & Manufacturing Research

The COVID19 pandemic has demonstrated a need for remote learning and virtual learning applications such as virtual reality (VR) and tabletbased solutions. Creating complex learning scenarios by developers is highly time-consuming and can take over a year. It is also costly to employ teams of system analysts, developers, and 3D artists. There is a requirement to provide a simple method to enable lecturers to create their own content for their laboratory tutorials. Research has been undertaken into developing generic models to enable the semiautomatic creation of virtual learning tools for subjects that require practical interactions with the lab resources. In addition to the system for creating digital twins, a case study describing the creation of a virtual learning application for an electrical laboratory tutorial is presented, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach