Effect of boiling on biochemical composition of raw Cassia Tora seeds and its potential as feed ingredient in poultry feeds

Effect of the duration of boiling on the proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional factors of Cassia tora seeds was investigated. Boiling lasted for 30, 60 and 90 minutes, after which the seeds were dried in an oven at 60oC for 24 hours, ground and analyzed. Results showed that raw seeds of C. tora contained 9.63% crude protein (CP) compared to 13.13%, 14.01% and 13.57% for 30, 60 and 90 minutes of boiling respectively. The dry matter was increased above 30 minutes of boiling. Fibre, ash, ether extract, nitrogen free extract and gross energy were reduced (P<0.05) by boiling. Boiling did not influence the mineral composition of the seeds. Generally boiling reduced the anti-nutritional factors. Boiling for 90 minutes compared to other durations led to 64.36%, 68.62%, 44.86% and 19.56% reductions in tannins, HCN, saponins and phytate respectively. In conclusion, raw Cassia tora seeds has potential for inclusion in poultry feeds and should be boiled at least for 30 minutes to reduce the anti-nutritional factors and improve its nutritive value especially the crude protein. Keywords: anti-nutritional factors, boiling, cassia tora, mineral, proximat

Value transmission in primary schools: are teachers’ acculturation orientations a moderator?

The transmission of human values to primary school pupils is key, which is acknowledged in curricula in a variety of cultural contexts worldwide. The present study presents data from the multicultural and multilingual region of Bolzano in Northern Italy (n = 422 pupils in k = 30 classrooms). In addition to class teachers’ values as predictors of their pupils’ values we investigated whether teachers’ acculturation orientations would strengthen the relationship between teachers’ and children’s values, thereby acting as moderators. We focused on the opposing acculturation orientations of integration-transformation versus exclusion. A multilevel analysis showed that teachers’ conservation values (tradition, conformity, and security) significantly predicted their pupils’ conservation values, and that teachers’ openness to change values (self-direction, stimulation, and hedonism) significantly predicted their pupils’ openness to change values. This indicates successful value transmission in the classroom. Teachers’ self-transcendence (benevolence and universalism) and self-enhancement (achievement and power) values did not significantly predict pupils’ values. As expected, teachers’ acculturation orientations were related to their values, but they did not play a role in predicting pupils’ values. Implications for value transmission in the school context and for acculturation research are discussed

IFNβ Protects Neurons from Damage in a Murine Model of HIV-1 Associated Brain Injury.

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) causes brain injury. Type I interferons (IFNα/β) are critical mediators of any anti-viral immune response and IFNβ has been implicated in the temporary control of lentiviral infection in the brain. Here we show that transgenic mice expressing HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein 120 in their central nervous system (HIVgp120tg) mount a transient IFNβ response and provide evidence that IFNβ confers neuronal protection against HIVgp120 toxicity. In cerebrocortical cell cultures, neuroprotection by IFNβ against gp120 toxicity is dependent on IFNα receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and the β-chemokine CCL4, as IFNAR1 deficiency and neutralizing antibodies against CCL4, respectively, abolish the neuroprotective effects. We find in vivo that IFNβ mRNA is significantly increased in HIVgp120tg brains at 1.5, but not 3 or 6 months of age. However, a four-week intranasal IFNβ treatment of HIVgp120tg mice starting at 3.5 months of age increases expression of CCL4 and concomitantly protects neuronal dendrites and pre-synaptic terminals in cortex and hippocampus from gp120-induced damage. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro data suggests astrocytes are a major source of IFNβ-induced CCL4. Altogether, our results suggest exogenous IFNβ as a neuroprotective factor that has potential to ameliorate in vivo HIVgp120-induced brain injury

Qualitative model of potato seed systems: A proposal to converge seed-related biophysical and socioeconomic factors.

One of the most important constraints to potato production in developing countries is the lack of quality planting material to be used by farmers, either coming from the formal or from farmer-based seed systems. A number of projects have been implemented to improve farmers' access to quality planting material in different countries. However, these experiences have not been documented in a comparative or parallel way in order to understand the factors that influence success or failure and to extract lessons and guidelines that can support decision-making for future investments. This paper presents a proposal for modeling potato seed systems by identifying the key factors that influence the use of quality seed by farmers, which includes three main types of factors, namely 1) the biophysical factors related to seed degeneration and seed availability, both influenced by the presence of biotic (viruses, bacterial wilt, and other diseases, or pest such as potato tuber moth), and abiotic constraints (frosts or draughts that represent shocks that could threaten seed availability); 2) management factors, including farmers' own seed management practices and also the seed multiplication technologies used by the private or public sector in charge of seed supply, this influenced in turn by the existing regulatory frameworks; 3) demand and market related factors, which includes farmers' willingness to pay for quality seed, influenced by their perception about the added value of seed quality, the market demand for specific varieties, and the profitability of potato cultivation as a business. The proposed seed model aims at highlighting key factors that should be documented, analyzed and taken into account when planning seed potato intervention