Molecular phylogeny of Fusarium species by AFLP fingerprint

The high-resolution genotyping method of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used to study the genetic relationships within and between natural populations of five Fusarium spp. AFLP templates were prepared by the digestion of Fusarium DNA with EcoRI and MseI restriction endonucleases and subsequent ligation of corresponding site-specific adapters. An average of 44 loci was assayed simultaneously with each primer pair and DNA markers in the range 100 to 500 bp were considered for analysis. A total of 80 AFLP polymorphic markers were obtained using four primer combinations, with an average of 20 polymorphic markers observed per primer pair. UPGMA analyses indicated 5 distinct clusters at the phenon line of 30% on the genetic similarity scale corresponding to the 5 taxa. The similarity percent of each group oscillated between 87 and 97%. The phenetic dendrogram generated by UPGMA as well as principal coordinate analysis (PCA) grouped all of the Fusarium spp. isolates into five major clusters. No clear trend was detected between clustering in the AFLP dendrogram and geographic origin, host genotype of the tested isolates with a few exceptions. The results of the present study provide evidence of the high discriminatory power of AFLP analysis, suggesting the possible applicability of this method to the molecular characterization of Fusarium. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(3): 51-55

Enhanced fuzzy finite state machine for human activity modelling and recognition

A challenging key aspect of modelling and recognising human activity is to design a model that can deal with the uncertainty in human behaviour. Several machine learning and deep learning techniques are employed to model the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) representing the human activity. This paper proposes an enhanced Fuzzy Finite State Machine (FFSM) model by combining the classical FFSM with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The learning capability in the LSTM and CNN allows the system to learn the relationship in the temporal human activity data and to identify the parameters of the rule-based system as building blocks of the FFSM through time steps in the learning mode. The learned parameters are then used for generating the fuzzy rules that govern the transitions between the system’s states representing activities. The proposed enhanced FFSMs were tested and evaluated using two different datasets; a real dataset collected by our research group and a public dataset collected from CASAS smart home project. Using LSTM-FFSM, the experimental results achieved 95.7% and 97.6% for the first dataset and the second dataset, respectively. Once CNN-FFSM was applied to both datasets, the obtained results were 94.2% and 99.3%, respectively

Garag sheep phenotype and husbandry in Um Hani area in the White Nile State, Sudan

Garag sheep phenotype and husbandry were studied in a survey of 295 animals at <1 - >4 years old in Um Hani area in the White Nile State, Sudan. Body weight (BW) and measurements generally increased with age from <1 to 4 years old. The tail was below the hock joint in most animals. The hair was short and rough and the coat colour varied and was mainly white (73.89% in females and 64.44% in males),  black and white (9.49% in females and 17.78% in males) and white and red (5.08% in females and 6.67% in males). The face profile was convex and the animals were polled. There were strong correlations between BW and measurements and different linear regression equations were used to predict BW from heart girth (HG), height at withers (HW) and body length (BL) with no significant differences between measured and predicted BW. Flock size was 80.78 and females formed most of the flocks (88.37%). Lambs were weaned at 4.24 months old. Age at puberty was 6.82 months in males and 7.2 months in females. Age at first service was 8.12 months in males and 7.96 months in females. Gestation period was 154.2 days. Lambing interval was 356.4 days and lambing was from August to September. Lactation period was 124.8 days and average milk yield was 0.37 kg/day. Longevity was higher in females (6.48 years) than males (3.8 years)

Genetic affinities of Fusarim spp. and their correlation with origin and pathogenicity

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses was used in combination with pathogenicity assays to study the taxonomic kinships among five Fusarium species. A total of 46 isolates of Fusarium spp. obtained from diseased cotton seedlings showing typical root rot and dampping-off symptoms were characterized. Of 10 primers tested, four primers produced polymorphic amplification patterns with taxon-specific bands, in addition to individual-specific bands. Genetic analysis indicated into 2 main clusters, with the minor cluster included all F. moniliforme and F. solani at the genetic similarity of GS=57.82%. The major cluster consisted of all F. oxysporum, F. avenaceum and F. chlamydosporum clustered at 71% similarity. There was no clear-cut relationship between clustering in the RAPD dendrogram, pathogenicity test and geographic origin of tested isolates. The results suggest that RAPD-PCR is a useful method for analysing genetic variation within and between Fusarium spp. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(5): 109-113

PCR identification of Fusarium genus based on nuclear ribosomal-DNA sequence data

We have developed two taxon-selective primers for quick identification of the Fusarium genus. These primers, ITS-Fu-f and ITS-Fu-r were designed by comparing the aligned sequences of internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of a range of Fusarium species. The primers showed good specificity for the genus Fusarium, and the approximately 389-bp product was amplified exclusively. PCR sensitivity ranged from 100 fg to 10 ng for DNA extracted from Fusarium oxysporum mycelium. No amplification products were detected with PCR of DNA from Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina isolates using these primers. The assay is useful for rapid identification of Fusarium spp. cultures. The application of these PCR methods for early diagnosis of the seedling and wilt disease of cotton needs to be studied further. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(4): 82-85

Carcass characteristics of male Desert goats in Elobeid area in North Kordofan State, Sudan

Body components and carcass characteristics of the Desert goat, which is an important meat breed in the Sudan, were studied in Elobeid area in North Kordofan State in November 2005. Six males at < 1 and 1 year old (3 in each group) were bought from Elobeid livestock market and slaughtered according to Islamic rituals. There were significant differe-nces (P<0.05) in weights of blood, leg, heart, mesenteric fat and testicles and no significant differences in the percentages of body components on empty body weight basis between the two age groups. Slaughter weight, empty body weight and hot carcass weights were increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing slaughter age and were heavier at 1 year old. Dressing percentages on live body weight and empty body weight basis were higher at 1 year old with no significant differences between the two age groups and the empty body weights were higher compared to the live body weight. The percentages of total carcass muscles and fat were increased and that of bones were decreased with increasing age. There were no significant differences between the two age groups in ratio of muscle to bone, muscle to fat and whole sale cuts. There were significant (P<0.05) differences between the two age groups in carcass moisture, protein, fat and ash. Longissmus dorsi area was highly significantly (P<0.01) increased with increasing slaughter age. &nbsp

A Preliminary Study For Worker-Driven Social Responsibility Concept From An Islamic Perspective

                                                      Sumber-sumber Islam menyebut tentang perlunya ilmu pentadbiran yang selaras dengan pemikiran pengorganisasian dalam Islam. Ramai pakar dan penyelidik Muslim mengakui bahawa penggunaan kaedah Barat oleh negara-negara Islam merupakan cabaran yang besar kerana perniagaan di dunia Islam mempunyai perspektifnya tersendiri sehingga perlu berusaha untuk mencapai objektif Syariah dalam setiap aspek perniagaannya. Begitu juga, skop Tanggungjawab Sosial Pekerja (TSP) masih belum ditentukan dan tiada kriteria untuk mengukur kesannya di negara-negara Islam. Sedangkan, pemikiran pentadbiran Islam sudah pun mempunyai asas dan kriteria yang kukuh dalam merekrut pekerja, terutama untuk pekerjaan awam kerana tanggungjawab sosial adalah sesuatu yang berharga kepada Islam. Disebabkan isu-isu tersebut, kajian ini perlu dilakukan untuk mengenal pasti TSP dalam perspektif Islam. Secara umum, kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Secara khusus ia menggunakan pendekatan induktif yang sesuai digunakan untuk mengumpul data daripada bahan-bahan terdahulu. Data-data yang terkumpul akan dianalisis melalui kaedah analisis kandungan. Hasil analisis ini menemukan beberapa definisi dan kaedah dasar pekerjaan yang meningkatkan tanggungjawab sosial mengikut model TSP dari perspektif Islam. Sumbangan lain ialah menggalakkan peralihan penyelidikan secara teori kepada kajian aplikasi dan penerapan yang mempercepatkan amalan ciri-ciri Islam dalam tanggungjawab sosial dengan mempromosikan konsep TSP kepada pelbagai organisasi.   Islamic literature mentions the need for administrative sciences that are consistent with Islamic organisational thought. Many Muslim specialists and researchers admit that the adoption of Western methods by Islamic countries represents a significant challenge since business in the Islamic world has its perspective and the quest is to achieve the objectives of Sharia in every aspect of its business. The scope of Employee-Driven of Social Responsibility (WSR) activities is still undetermined and there are no criteria for measuring the impact of these organisational activities especially in Islamic countries. Simultaneously, Islamic administrative thought sets firm foundations and criteria and tightens them when recruiting employees, especially for public jobs since social responsibility is an asset to Islam. Therefore, this study needs to identify the WSR in Islamic perspective. A qualitative approach was used, while the inductive approach was used to collect data from previous literature. Data collections would be analysis by content analysis method. Yield of this study showed that several defines and methods of the possibility of establishing employment policies that enhance social responsibility according to the WSR model from an Islamic perspective. It will contribute cognitively towards building an understanding for a new social responsibility model represented by WSR in Islamic perspective. Other contributions are promoting the transition of Islamic literature from theory and theoretical research to application and applied studies that accelerate the practice of Islamic characteristics in social responsibility by promoting these concepts to various organisations

Analysing Properties of Asphalt Concrete Modified with Crumb Rubber Compare to Other Mixture

Several  researchers have been undertake in finding alternative materials in order to be used as a modifier in asphalt mixture for the purpose of improving its properties. This research presents a study of laboratory evaluation on the performance of hot-mixed asphalt (HMA) using crumb rubber as an additive. It is noted that crumb rubber was identified to have potency as a modifier in HMA due to the elastic behavior exposed by the rubber particles, especially in reducing the rutting potential. This study fine crumb rubber Shred (2.36-0.85 mm) obtained by ambient-temperature grinding process from discarded truck tires, was used to modify asphalt concert. The fine crumb rubber with different contents, i.e. 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%, was incorporated into the mixture by using dry and wet process method in differentent temperatures. The Marshal properties, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), Indirect Tensile Strength test (ITS) and Indirect Tensile Strength Modulus (ITSM), Permeability   were conducted. The result showed that marshal stability, Marshal Quotient, Voids in Mix (VIM) and Voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) decreased with the increasing crumb rubber modifier. However, Marshal Flow and Void filled with asphalt (VFWA) increased when crumb rubber modifier was increased. The crumb rubber asphalt mixture result indicated has increased amount of crumb rubber in asphalt concrete mixture will decrease the Marshall Stability and permeability test shows that asphalt concrete without crumb rubber lower than AC with crumb rubber strength compare to other mixture

Modify Flipped Model of Co-regulation and Shared-regulation Impact in Higher Education, and Role of Facilitator on Student's Achievement

2021 International Conference on Computational Science and Computational Intelligence (CSCI'21)Flipped learning approach is a well-organized learning model leading to efficient active learning, effective peer-to-peer collaboration, and student-teacher interaction. However, to date, strategic implementation of co-regulation and shared regulation is rare in a flipped model in higher education. Hence, applying the self-regulation, co-regulation and shared-regulation strategies in flipped learning model is something necessary. Aims: This research is to propose and modify the current flipped learning model by adding some elements like providing some co-regulation and shared regulation strategies to enhance the level of student’s self-regulation skills giving rise to better student’s academic achievements by using technology next to instructor support. Methodology: The proposed model consists of the self-regulation, co-regulation and shared regulation strategies to enhance student’s academic performance in a peer-to-peer interactive way by creating a pool of scripted dialogical regulation questions to collaboratively assessment of the student’s self-regulation resulted from learning analytics and semantic analysis of the regulation dialogical questions and answers exchanged by students online. Results: The expected outcome of this research is a modified flipped model for students in higher education to strategically have an effective self-regulation and peer-to-peer co-regulation. Their enhancement leads to effective peer-to-peer collaboration and better academic success.N/