Impacts of trade openness on Myanmar's economic growth (1962~2019)

Thesis(Master) -- KDI School: Master of Public Policy, 2021This paper examines Myanmar''s economic growth rate by inflow of Trade Openness and the Vector Error Correction Model was applied. Purpose of this study is to see trade openness has long-term positive or negative effects on GDP growth rates. According to this study, in the long run, GDP growth rate is positively associated with Trade Openness. However, the relationship is not statistically significant. GDP growth rate and inflation are also negative long-term relationship. The results proved to be negative for inflation, and people were saving money in the banks because Myanmar''s interest rates were so high compared to other countries. Therefore, this study suggest that Myanmar’s government should change monetary policy like decreasing interest rate. Furthermore, government should adopt suitable tactical trade policies and implement important changes to ensure Myanmar''s long-term economic prosperity. In addition, the findings of this research can be utilized to inform future research in order to develop sound trade liberalization policies that will help Myanmar prosper economically.1. INTRODUCTION 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 3. DATA AND METHODOLOGY 4. DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS AND RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS 5. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONmasterpublishedKhin Thid

Qualitative study of parental perceptions of barriers & enablers of girls’ education in Monywa, Myanmar

In Myanmar, there are no significant gaps in literacy rates for boys and girls in the age group 15-19 years. However, the gap gradually increases after the age of 19. The study explored parents’ attitudes towards girls’ and boys’ schooling in Monywa, Myanmar to better understand parental perceptions. Findings show both rural and urban parents equally in favor of educating both daughters and sons, even when there’s a financial struggle for the family. One respondent observed that girls’ education was more likely to be prioritized if the girl was smart, while boys’ education was likely to be prioritized regardless

Determination of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotypes in Anogenital Cancers in Myanmar

Molecular and epidemiologic investigations suggest a causal role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in anogenital cancers. This study identified oncogenic HPV genotypes in anogenital cancers among men and women in a 2013 cross-sectional descriptive study in Myanmar. In total, 100 biopsy tissues of histologically confirmed anogenital cancers collected in 2008-2012 were studied, including 30 penile and 9 anal cancers from Yangon General Hospital and 61 vulvar cancers from Central Women's Hospital, Yangon. HPV-DNA testing and genotyping were performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Overall, 34% of anogenital cancers were HPV-positive. HPV was found in 44.4% of anal (4/9), 36.1% of vulvar (22/61), and 26.7% of penile (8/30) cancers. The most frequent genotypes in anal cancers were HPV 16 (75%) and 18 (25%). In vulvar cancers, HPV 33 was most common (40.9%), followed by 16 (31.8%), 31 (22.7%), and 18 (4.6%). In penile cancers, HPV 16 (62.5%) was most common, followed by 33 (25%) and 18 (12.5%). This is the first report of evidencebased oncogenic HPV genotypes in anogenital cancers among men and women in Myanmar. This research provides valuable information for understanding the burden of HPV-associated cancers of the anus, penis, and vulva and considering the effectiveness of prophylactic HPV vaccination

A Modified Quantization Based Image Compression Technique using Walsh-Hadamard Transform

A new quantization table using the nearest maximum common prime factor is generated for image compression using Walsh-Hadamard Transform (WHT). Image compression is important for many applications that involve huge data storage and transmission such as multimedia, video conferencing and medical imaging. In the proposed system, RGB components of color image are converted to YCbCr color image. Then an image is divided into 8x8 pixel block for each block. WHT based image compression is used to lossy image compression. The prime based new quantization table is created to reduce the quantization error (QE) bit in the quantization step. After the image is quantized, Huffman coding is a technique for representing the quantized coefficients as compactly as possible. The reverse process takes place for image decompression. The image compression system using WHT, standard quantization table, Huffman coding is also created. The performances are compared between original system and proposed system using performance parameters such as Compression ratio, Bit Per Pixel, Mean Square Error, Peak Signal to Noise Ratio and Time.

Development of Double Haploid Lines from F1 Cross of Yar-8 x Thee Htat Yin Genotypes through Anther Culture

Anther culture has become a powerful technique for the rapid production of double haploid lines in crop breeding program. The objectives of this experiment were to examine the callusing and green plant regeneration ability of parents (Yar -8 and Thee Htat Yin) and their F1, and to develop the double haploid lines from the cross of Yar-8 and Thee Htat Yin genotypes. Nitsch and Nitsch (N6) medium with 2 mg.L-12, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.5 mg.L-1 kinetin was used for callus induction and Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 1 mg.L-1 Naphthalene acetic acid, 1 mg.L-1 Indole 3-acetic acid, 1 mg.L-1 Indole 3-butric acid, and 2 mg.L-1 kinetin was used for green plant regeneration. Callus induction was successfully observed in both parents and their F1. Plant regeneration from regenerated callus was dependent on the genotypes. Only Yar-8 and F1 progenies produced green plants as well as albino plants. Out of total 14 plants, 10 plants were double haploid (DH) plants. These double haploid lines (DH) could be done further evaluation to develop improved rice lines in Myanmar

Effect of leucaena forage and silage substitution in concentrates on digestibility, nitrogen utilization and milk yield in dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding leucaena forage and silage substitution in concentrate on the performances of dairy cows. Nine cross-bred Holstein Friesian cows (410±12kg) in the 12th week of lactation were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups with three replicates/treatments in a completely randomized design. The three treatments were control diet without substitution of leucaena forage and silage (DLFS0), diet with substitution of leucaena forage 10% (DLF10) and diet with substitution of leucaena silage 10% (DLS10). Cows were fed treatments for 60 days. Although nutrient intakes were not significantly different (p>0.05) each other, digestibility of DLFS0 was significantly higher (p<0.05) than others. Conversely, nitrogen utilization and average milk yield of cows offered DLFS0 were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of cows fed on DLF10 and DLS10. The highest feed cost (p<0.05) per kg of milk was found in DLFS0 and the lowest cost was observed in DLF10. Therefore, although the leucana forage and silage could be substitute up to 10% of concentrates without adverse effects on the performances of dairy cows, the substitution of leucaena forage gave the better performances than that of leucaena silage

Effects of feeding dietary Palm Kernel Cake on egg production and egg quality of Khaki Campbell duck

The study examined the effects of graded levels of Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) on the laying performance and egg quality in Khaki Campbell ducks. Twenty-seven female Khaki Campbell ducks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments viz T1 (0% PKC; control), T2 (15% PKC) and T3 (35% PKC) and the performance characteristics and egg quality traits were examined for 4 weeks. Ducks fed T2 and T3 had higher (P0.05) on the feed conversion ratio in ducks. Similarly, dietary PKC did not affect (P>0.05) the weekly egg production and the percentage of hen-day production. Ducks fed T2 and T3 had greater (P0.05) by dietary PKC. Results indicated that Khaki Campbell ducks could tolerate up to 35% PKC in their diets without detrimental effects on egg production and egg quality

Spatial distribution, work patterns, and perception towards malaria interventions among temporary mobile/migrant workers in artemisinin resistance containment zone

BACKGROUND: Mobile populations are at a high risk of malaria infection and suspected to carry and spread resistant parasites. The Myanmar National Malaria Control Programme focuses on preventive interventions and vector control measures for the temporary mobile/migrant workers in Myanmar Artemisinin Resistance Containment Zones. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 in Kawthaung and Bokepyin townships of Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar, covering 192 mobile/migrant aggregates. The objectives were to identify the spatial distribution of the mobile/migrant populations, and to assess knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices concerning malaria prevention and control, and their preferred methods of interventions. The structure of the192 migrant aggregates was investigated using a migrant mapping tool. Individual and household information was collected by structured interviews of 408 respondents from 39 aggregates, supplemented by 12 in-depth interviews of health care providers, authorities, volunteers, and employers. Data were analyzed by triangulating quantitative and qualitative data. RESULTS: The primary reasons for the limitation in access to formal health services for suspected malaria within 24 hours were identified to be scattered distribution of migrant aggregates, variable working hours and the lack of transportation. Only 19.6% of respondents reported working at night from dusk to dawn. Among study populations, 73% reported a perceived risk of contracting malaria and 60% reported to know how to confirm a suspected case of malaria. Moreover, only 15% was able to cite correct antimalarial drugs, and less than 10% believed that non-compliance with antimalarial treatment may be related to the risk of drug resistance. About 50% of study population reported to seeking health care from the public sector, and to sleep under ITNs/LLINs the night before the survey. There was a gap in willingness to buy ITNs/LLINs and affordability (88.5% vs. 60.2%) which may affect their sustained and consistent use. Only 32.4% across all aggregates realized the importance of community participation in effective malaria prevention and control. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based innovative approaches through strong collaboration and coordination of multi-stakeholders are desirable for relaying information on ITNs/LLINs, rapid diagnostic test, and artemisinin combination therapy and drug resistance successfully across the social and economic diversity of mobile/migrant aggregates in Myanmar

Evaluation on dry forage yields and nutritional characteristics of introduced herbaceous legumes in Myanmar

The study was carried out to evaluate the forage yields, nutritive values and in vitro fermentation parameters of herbaceous legumes. Five varieties of introduced herbaceous legumes; Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Ubon stylo, Macrotyloma axillare cv. Archer, Centrosema brasilianum cv. Ooloo, Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Stylo 184 and Macroptilum bracteatum cv. Cadarga were evaluated at the research farm, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Myanmar. No fertilizer and no irrigation were applied for cultivation to test drought resistance. Dry forage yield, nutritive values and gas production at four harvesting times were measured with 4×5 factorial arrangement (5 legumes and 4 harvesting time) in randomized complete block design. There was no interaction between legumes and harvesting time on forage yield, nutritive values and fermentation parameters but they were affected by the main effects of legume types and harvesting time. Among the legume forages, the highest dry forage yields were found in Ooloo, Ubon stylo, and Stylo 184, and followed by the DM yield of Archer and Cadarga. The DM yield of the second harvest was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of the first, third and fourth harvest which were not significantly different from each other. As a chemical composition, the DM content of Archer was lower (p<0.05) than those of other varieties. Among the legumes forages, the lower CP content was found in Cadarga. The higher NDF was observed in Ooloo. Ooloo, Ubon stylo and Cadarga showed higher ADF in comparison with the other two varieties. Among the harvesting time, the lowest DM content was found at the first harvest. The highest CP content was found at third harvest. The NDF content was not significantly different. The lowest ADF content was found in fourth harvest. According to the dry forage yield, Ubon stylo and Ooloo had the highest dry forage yield and in term of nutritive values, Stylo 184 and Archer had higher nutritive values. As the main effect of forages, Stylo 184 and Archer had higher gas production in comparison with the other varieties. As the main effect of harvesting time, the fourth harvest had the highest gas production in comparison with other harvesting time. It could be better for cultivation by application of fertilizer and irrigation to get more forage yield and quality. &nbsp

In vitro antidiabetic activities of Myanmar medicinal plants: Cassia siamea Lam. and Butea monosperma Roxb.

This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potentials of Cassia siamea and Butea monosperma. Cytotoxic activity of test extracts was performed by a hemolytic assay. Estimation of the antidiabetic properties was explored by α-glucosidase and DPP-IV inhibition assays. The glucose transportation activity of test extracts across the yeast cells was expressed by a glucose uptake assay. Non-hemolytic effects of test extracts were shown as lysis per cent less than 15 on RBCs. The inhibition potential of test extracts on α-glucosidase enzyme illustrates that IC50 values (μg/mL) of C. siamea was 76.33±12.2 and B. monosperma was 77.28±2.02. While the IC50 values of the acarbose was 36.76±1.55 μg/mL. In addition, the tested extracts showed the ability to inhibit DPP-IV enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 (μg/mL) values of C. siamea, B. monosperma, and the sitagliptin were 117.02±9.73, 103±8.5, and 144.85±13.43, respectively in DPP-IV inhibitory assay. Moreover, the test extracts could transport glucose in yeast cells representing the glucose uptake effectively especially in B. monosperma with a concentration-dependent manner in all tested glucose concentrations. This study provided that the tested extracts promise to possess the antidiabetic potential with non-hemolytic properties, diabetic-enzymes suppressing potency and glucose utilizing ability