Evaluation of Solid State Fermetation by Aspergillus Niger to Improve the Nutritive Value of Palm Kernel Cake for Broilers

A study was conducted to examine the effects of solid-state fermentation (SSF) by Aspergillus niger on the nutrient contents of palm kernel cake (PKC). The effects of different types and levels of alcohols were investigated on the enzyme activity and nutrient contents of fermented PKC+ rice bran (RB). The results showed that the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents of fermented substrate (FS) (PKC+RB) were decreased by 47.3% and 22.6% respectively, while the crude protein (CP) was increased by 28.7% after 8 days of fermentation and the activity of mannanase was 109.7 U/g at 6 days of fermentation. There were no significant effects (P>0.05) of ethanol and methanol on the nutrient contents and citric acid production in the fermented substrate. An experiment was conducted to improve the fermentation process of A. niger on PKC. Rice bran was added to PKC in varying proportions. Three different proportions of rice bran (lo%, 20% and 30% of total substrate) were used and the fermentation was carried out for 8 days. The results showed that the nutrient contents of FS were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the RB added. Nevertheless, among the different substrate groups used, 70% PKC+ 30% RB showed the lowest concentration of ochratoxin (43.3ppb). The ochratoxin level of 100% PKC substrate group was 49.8 ppb. Therefore, based on the ochratoxin level, the substrate group consisting of 70% PKC + 30% RB was used as the substrate for SSF. The fermented substrate was used as an ingredient in the broiler ration. Four experimental diets were used in the feeding trial. They were: 1) control diet (without PKC), 2) diet containing 20% PKC, 3) diet containing 20% FS and 4) diet containing 25% FS. A total of 60 birds, 15 birds per treatment, 3 weeks old Arbor Acre were used. The birds were placed in individual cages. The growth trial was continued up to 42 days. The results showed poor (Pc0.05) growth performances of birds fed diets containing FS and the best performance was recorded in birds fed control diet. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the performance of birds fed diet containing 20% PKC and those fed control diet. Cumulative FCR of birds fed control diet was 1.85 whereas that of birds fed dietary treatment 4 was 2.42. The study on histopathological examination of visceral organs of chickens fed diet containing FS showed some lesions of ochratoxicosis where the immune organ (bursa of Fabricius) was adversely affected. The lesions in liver were less than those of the kidney. An attempt was carried out to delay sporulation of hngal culture. In this study, 14% ammonium sulphate was observed as the best concentration to add in culture during SSF of substrate (PKC+RB) by A. niger to delay sporulation. The digestibility of fibre was improved by adding ammonium sulphate in the culture. Although the nutritive value of fermented PKC was enhanced by SSF with A. niger, the feeding trial carried out in broilers showed no beneficial effect of using the fermented substrate as a ration component in poultry feed. Nevertheless, the information obtained in this study would be beneficial in the understanding of the biochemical changes that occur in PKC during SSF with A. niger

Code Writing Problem in Python Programming Learning Assistant System

To advance python programming knowledge of students, Python Programming Learning Assistant System (PYPLAS) is elaborated. Currently, PYPLAS included the element fill-in-blank problem and error debugging problem to improve the student’s python programming skill. Then, students learn python testing techniques such as unit test (PYUNIT), PYTEST and coverage, etc. In this paper, PYPLAS provides the code writing problem so that students can learn the python code testing and write the python code according to test code. So, code writing problem is generated by using Test Driven Development (TDD) method. Teacher gives the test code to students. Students answer the program code according to test code by using unit test (PYUNIT). Teacher checks the answer code according to coverage in TDD method. For evaluations, 100 codes are provided to accurate the code testing and coverage approach in TDD method. 11 problems are generated and asked 5 learners from training center and universities to solve them in offline PYPLAS. Their results are checked by using coverage approach to display their correct rate. The results show the code writing problem is helpful to test the student’s coding quality

Who continues to stock oral artemisinin monotherapy? Results of a provider survey in Myanmar.

BackgroundArtemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is a key strategy for global malaria elimination efforts. However, the development of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites threatens progress and continued usage of oral artemisinin monotherapies (AMT) predisposes the selection of drug resistant strains. This is particularly a problem along the Myanmar/Thailand border. The artemisinin monotherapy replacement programme (AMTR) was established in 2012 to remove oral AMT from stocks in Myanmar, specifically by replacing oral AMT with quality-assured ACT and conducting behavioural change communication activities to the outlets dispensing anti-malarial medications. This study attempts to quantify the characteristics of outlet providers who continue to stock oral AMT despite these concerted efforts.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of all types of private sector outlets that were stocking anti-malarial drugs in 13 townships of Eastern Myanmar was implemented from July to August 2014. A total of 573 outlets were included. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to assess outlet and provider-level characteristics associated with stocking oral AMT.ResultsIn total, 2939 outlets in Eastern Myanmar were screened for presence of any anti-malarial drugs in August 2014. The study found that 573 (19.5 %) had some kind of oral anti-malarial drug in stock at the time of survey and among them, 96 (16.8 %) stocked oral AMT. In bivariate analyses, compared to health care facilities, itinerant drug vendors, retailers and health workers were less likely to stock oral AMT (33.3 vs 12.9, 10.0, 8.1 %, OR = 0.30, 0.22, 0.18, respectively). Providers who cut blister pack or sell partial courses (40.6 vs 11.7 %, OR 5.18, CI 3.18-8.44) and those who based their stock decision on consumer demand (32.8 vs 12.1 %, OR 3.54, CI 2.21-5.63) were more likely to stock oAMT. Multivariate logistic regressions produced similar significant associations.ConclusionPrivate healthcare facilities and drug shops and providers who prioritize consumers' demand instead of recommended practices were more likely to stock oral AMT. Malaria elimination strategies should include targeted interventions to effectively reach those outlets

A Model HACCP Plan for Fish Seasoning Powder Production

Many kinds of seasoning powder available in market contain high amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in Myanmar. So, natural seasoning powder without MSG from fish and vegetables seasoning powder was considered for safe and healthy product as substitute of MSG. The main aim of this research is to design Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for fish based seasoning powder production. Local indigenous raw materials such as Ngar-Gyin (Mrigal fish), cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, chinese cabbage, garlic and ginger were used in the formulation of fish based seasoning powder. The prerequisite programs (PRPs), operational prerequisite programs (OPRPs), hazards, critical control point, preventive measure, critical limits, monitoring procedure and corrective actions have been designed in this HACCP plan. A sample generic HACCP plan was recommended. Three Critical Control Points (CCPs) in the processing; cold storage of raw fish; pressure cooking and packaging were identified. A HACCP plan was completed with perquisite programs dealing with the identified hazards

Osmotic Dehydration of Toddy Fruit Cubes in Sugar Solution Using Response Surface Methodology

The response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the effects of immersion time (60, 90 and 120 min), temperature (35, 45 and 55°C) and concentration of sucrose solution (30, 40 and 50°Brix) in osmotic dehydration of toddy fruit tubes (1cm3). Box-Behnken Design was used with water loss (WL, %), solid gain (SG, %), and weight reduction (WR, %) as responses. The models obtained for all the responses were significant (P≤0.05) without a significant lack of fit. The optimum conditions were temperature (45°C), immersion time (120min), concentration of sucrose solution (40°Brix) in order to obtain WL of (33.867g/100g initial sample), SG of (4.478g/100g initial sample) and WR of 29.39 g/100g initial sample, respectively

Insights into the availability and distribution of oral artemisinin monotherapy in Myanmar: evidence from a nationally representative outlet survey

Abstract Background The containment of artemisinin resistance in Myanmar, historically an important probable origin and route of anti-malarial resistance to the India sub-continent and beyond, is crucial to global malaria control and elimination. This paper describes what is currently known about the sale and distribution of oral artemisinin monotherapy (AMT) across Myanmar, where this medicine is commonly found. Methods A nationally representative 2015 outlet survey was conducted in the private sector, and among community health workers across four geographical domains. A national sample of outlets was screened for availability of malaria testing and treatment, and an audit was completed for all anti-malarials. Results A total of 3859 outlets across Myanmar had an anti-malarial in stock on the day of survey. Of the 3859 anti-malarial stocking outlets, 988 outlets stocked oral AMT. Availability of oral AMT was highest among outlets in the Western border (36.8%) versus other domains (Eastern, 15.0%; Central, 19.3% Coastal, 10.7%). Over 90% of the oral AMT service delivery points were private sector outlets: general retailers (49.4%), pharmacies (23.5%), and itinerant drug vendors (14.2%). Eleven unique oral AMT products were audited. The most common product audited was Artesunate®, manufactured by Mediplantex in Vietnam, which accounted for 79.9% of the oral AMT market share. Other oral AMT products were manufactured in China and in Myanmar. Over 60% of oral AMT products had a shelf life at purchase of greater than 2 years and only 14.7% were expired. The median number of oral AMT tablets typically dispensed to treat malaria was two tablets, approximately one tenth of a full adult course. The median price of a 50 mg tablet was $0.16. Conclusions Given the high availability and distribution of oral AMT, it is possible that Myanmar has become the last remaining viable market for any oral AMT in the region for manufacturers. National and international organizations need to act quickly and effectively to stop the production and distribution to both improve malaria control within Myanmar and reduce risk of artemisinin resistance spreading to India and Africa

Evaluation of optimal lysine level in Myanmar local breed and DYL crossed breed pig

 A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was comprised 2x3 factorial arrangements of two breeds (DYL and local breed) and three different lysine levels. The 12 weeks old, nine castrated DYL and nine castrated local breed were randomly allocated in each individual pen to six treatment groups with three replicates into 18 pens. Two breeds of pigs (DYL and local breed) were exposed to the three different dietary treatments, L1- basal diet without lysine supplementation, L2- basal diet with 1.15% total lysine for grower and L3- basal diet with 1.65% total lysine for grower. The growth performance and feed intake were determined for growing pigs. In this study, no significant difference (p>0.05) was found in feed intake among the three different treatments. However, significantly better body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in pigs fed L2 and L3 but were not significantly (p>0.05) differ from each other. Otherwise, diets without lysine supplementation (L1) showed no better effect on the growth performances of both DYL and local breeds. It could be noted that L2 was the best level to obtain optimal growth performances and farm efficiency. Between the two breeds, body weight of DYL was superior over that of local breed. The interactions were observed between lysine levels and different breeds regard for body weight and cumulative weight gain. To wrap up, it was noticeable that crystalline lysine supplementation helped to improve growth performance in both breeds

Effect of dietary garlic and thyme seed supplementation on the production performance, carcass yield and gut microbial population of broiler chickens

A total of 200 Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments consisting of 5 replications with 10 chicks each in order to evaluate the effect of dietary garlic and thyme seed supplementation on the production performance, carcass yield and gut microbial population. Treatments were control diet (T1), control diet with 1% thyme seed powder (T2), control diet with 1% garlic powder (T3) and control diet with 0.5% thyme seed and 0.5% garlic powder (T4). Feed intake, body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass yield was not significantly (p>0.05) improved by dietary treatments compared to control. Escherichia coli (E. coli) count in the gut of broilers did not show significant difference among dietary treatments. However, Lactobacilli count in the gut of broilers significantly (p<0.05) increased in T2 compared to that of T1. Lactobacilli count in the gut of broilers received T1, T3 and T4 did not differ significantly (p>0.05) with each other. It was concluded that thyme seed was reliable as feed additive in the broiler diet and could provide positive advantages to the colonization and proliferation of Lactobacilli