Population Ecology Of Brown Planthopper (Nilaparvata Lugens Stal) And White Backed Planthopper (Sogatella Furcifera Horvath) In Myanmar

The ecological studies on the brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) (Hemiptera: Homoptera) and the white backed plant hopper (WBPH) Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) (Hemiptera: Homoptera) were carried out in Myanmar. BPH is one of the major pests of rice and damage by this pest could cause hopper burns due to intensive sucking of the plant. This suggested an urgent need for alternative control measures besides using chemical insecticides. This study was conducted with the objectives to establish the biological life tables of BPH and WBPH, investigate their feeding and movement behaviours and examine the relationships between population fluctuations, host plant, rainfall and humidity in the field. The studies were conducted in an unsprayed rice field at Hmawbe Research Area, Myanmar from July 2007 to May 2008. Age specific survival and fecundity rates of BPH and WBPH were measured under field conditions. A life table was constructed using single sex methods. The population parameters of BPH fed on rice showed that the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) of BPH was 0.0677 per female per day. The daily finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.07 females per female per day with mean generation time (T) of 34.64 days. The net reproduction rates (Ro) of the population was 10.02. The population doubling in time (DT) was within 10.42 days. The population parameter of WBPH fed on rice showed that the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r m) of WBPH were 0.0699 per female per day. The daily finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.0255 females per female per day with mean generation time (T) of 34.97. The net reproduction rates (Ro) of the population was 9.2732. The population doubling time (DT) was within 10.88 days. Feeding behaviour studies suggested that in both choice and no choice experiments, the patterns of feeding lesions between BPH and WBPH were quite similar. Higher numbers of feeding lesions were observed on 30 day old plants than 45 day and 60 days old plants. More feeding on leaf sheath than on leaf blade was observed for both planthoppers. In the movement behaviour study, it was revealed that BPH adults were found to be more active than the nymphal instars. In older rice plants, the highest movement (4.7 cm per two hours) was observed on 60- day-old plants and lowest (2.7 cm per two hours) on 30-day-old plants. Increased movements of planthoppers were observed at 13:00hrs. Population fluctuation study revealed that BPH population was high at 64 and 74 DAT (in mid September 2007) associated with heavy rainfall, high temperature and high humidity. The population was lowest at 138 DAT (in the mid week of October 2007) suggesting that low rainfall and low humidity were, at least partially responsible for the decrease population of the BPH. During the dry season, the population was low at 8 DAT (early week of January 2008) and then increased at 31 DAT (first week of February 2008). However, the population declined at 56 DAT and increased to moderate numbers at 86 DAT. The population development trend of WBPH was almost similar to those observed for BPH. During the dry season, the highest WBPH population was recorded at 90 DAT and the lowest at 33 DAT. During the first cropping coinciding with the rainy season, the fluctuation of planthoppers was correlated with temperature and rainfall. During the second cropping coinciding with the dry season, there was no rainfall and planthoppers population was observed to be correlated to temperature and relative humidity. Therefore, temperature, rainfall and relative humidity influenced planthopper populations during two different rice growing seasons

Sampanago: ‘city of serpents’ and the first Muttama (Martaban)

The discourse between riverine and maritime sites in lower Myanmar during the late first and early second millennium CE has received little attention, with literature focusing on single sites and their dependence upon upper Myanmar [Map 1]. However, as we explain in this essay, it was the variety and fluctuations between a series of sites that sustained the economic and religious significance of this area. Our argument is epitomised by the archaeology and chronicles of Sampanago (Campānāga) or “City of Serpents” (16°40’5.91”N,97°35’46.90”E

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards sexual and reproductive health including comprehensive sexuality education among first year students of university Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Malaysia

This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude and behavior in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) including comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) among 439 first year students; 213 sciences and 226 arts students from 5 Faculties of University Malaysia Sabah (2016-2017). Exposure of Malaysian students to sexual education is limited to science subjects which are only being taught at upper elementary and secondary high school levels. Arts students are less exposed to sexual education across Malaysia as it is delivered in Basic Science subject only. It was a university-based, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Pretested self- administered questionnaire was anonymously completed by all participants and was conducted from November 2016 to January 2017. Students’ demographic characteristics from Science and Arts streams were same except females, Sabah ethnics and Malays were more in Arts. Awareness of HIV/AIDS, Condom, Wet dream, COC pills and abortion services were more in Science students and statistically significant. 34.3 % and 81.2% of Science students agreed that CSE should be introduced in primary and secondary school but not statistically significant. 22 out of 439 students were sexually active. Science students had more knowledge about SRH and favourable attitude towards sexuality education but less favourable behaviour of watching and reading pornographic materials. It was concluded that there were gaps in knowledge, attitude and behaviour of SRH and need to remedy these by giving appropriate CSE classes to first-year university students in an elective module according to their culture and religious beliefs in accord with International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education (ITGSE)

Lymphatic filariasis increases tissue compressibility and extracellular fluid in lower limbs of asymptomatic young people in Central Myanmar

When normal lymphatic function is hampered, imperceptible subcutaneous edema can develop and progress to overt lymphedema. Low-cost reliable devices for objective assessment of lymphedema are well accepted in clinical practice and research on breast-cancer related lymphedema but are untested in populations with lymphatic filariasis (LF). This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data in a longitudinal study on asymptomatic, LF antigen-positive and -negative young people in Myanmar. Rapid field screening was used to identify antigen-positive cases and a group of antigen-negative controls of similar age and gender were invited to continue in the study. Tissue compressibility was assessed with three tissue tonometers, and free fluids were assessed using bio-impedance spectroscopy (BIS). Infection status was confirmed by Og4C3 antigen assay. At baseline (n= 98), antigen-positive cases had clinically relevant increases in tissue compressibilityat the calf using a digital Indurometer (11.1%, p = 0.021), and in whole-leg free fluid using BIS (9.2%, p = 0.053). Regression analysis for moderating factors (age, gender, hydration) reinforced the between-infection group differences. Results demonstrate that sub-clinical changes associated with infection can be detected in asymptomatic cases. Further exploration of these low-cost devices in clinical and research settings on filariasis-related lymphedema are warranted

Preventive chemotherapy reverses covert, lymphatic associated tissue change in young people with lymphatic filariasis in Myanmar

Objectives This longitudinal comparative study investigated the effect of preventive chemotherapy (PC) on covert tissue changes associated with lymphatic filariasis (LF) among young people living in an LF-endemic area in Myanmar. Methods Tissue compressibility and extracellular free fluid in the lower limbs of people aged 10– 21 years were measured using indurometry and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). Baseline measures were taken in October 2014, annual mass drug administration (MDA) of PC was delivered in December, and in March 2015 further PC was offered to LF-positive cases who had missed MDA. Follow-up measures were taken in February and June 2015. Results A total of 50 antigen‐positive cases and 46 antigen‐negative controls were included. Self‐reported PC consumption was 60.1% during 2014 MDA and 66.2% overall. At second follow‐up, 24 of 34 cases and 27 of 43 controls had consumed PC. Significant and clinically relevant between‐group differences at baseline were not found post‐PC. Bayesian linear mixed models showed a significant change in indurometer scores at both calves for antigen‐positive cases who consumed any PC (dominant calf: −0.30 [95% CI −0.52, −0.07], P < 0.05 and non‐dominant calf: −0.35 [95% CI −0.58, −0.12], P < 0.01). Changes in antigen‐negative participants or those not consuming PC were not significant. Conclusion This study is the first attempt to use simple field‐friendly tools to track fluid and tissue changes after treatment of asymptomatic people infected with LF. Results suggested that PC alone is sufficient to reverse covert lymphatic disturbance. Longer follow‐up of larger cohorts is required to confirm these improvements and whether they persist over time. These findings should prompt increased efforts to overcome low PC coverage, which misses many infected young people, particularly males, who are unaware of their infection status, unmotivated to take PC and at risk of developing lymphoedema. Indurometry and BIS should be considered in assessment of lymphatic filariasis‐related lymphedema

Life table and population parameters of Nilaparvata lugens Stal. (Homoptera: Delphacidae) on rice

Survival and fertility characteristics of the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens were assessed in the laboratory and field. Life tables and population parameters of the BPH were constructed in an environment with unlimited food supply and that was free of natural enemies. The highest mortality occurred in the immature stage, especially in the first and second instars. The life table analysis showed that the population density of BPH decreased gradually. The survival ratio of male to female was 0.512:0.488. The females lived for a maximum of 20 days. The trend of oviposition showed a peak at around the tenth day of the female life. The highest number of eggs produced per female per day was 9.63. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) in egg production per female per day was 0.0677 and the daily finite of increase (λ) was 1.0688 females per female per day, with a mean generation time (T) of 34.05 days. The net reproductive rate (Ro) of the population was 10.02. The population doubling time (DT) was 10.42 days

Automatic Grasping Region Extraction Using Shape Profile Based and Geometrical Features Approach

Many applications of robotics include the grasping and manipulation of objects. Working in assembly robotic environments, the robot has to accurately not only locate the part but also to recognize it in readiness for grasping. In order to determine a grasping position, it is necessary to recognize the types of object, and detect portions which are suitable for grasp. According to get the important data clearly and correctly from the images, the detection and extraction methods are essential. This paper is mainly focused on the method of extracting the PCA and Shaped Profile with geometrical feature. Our proposed method is the combination of shapes based approach with the ratio and hole features. The proposed system has been tested successfully to a dataset of 336 images for seven types of common hand tools and achieved good accuracy and less computation complexity for 2D images by using a single camera. The overall recognition accuracy of PCA method with geometrical feature approach is 69.0476% on the same set of test images whereas overall accuracy of shape profile based method with geometrical feature approach is 97.9167%. Base on the experiment, this system is robust for the industrial robots for grasping tasks. This paper intends to implement machine vision system for industrial robotic grasping tasks.

Land tenure in rural lowland Myanmar: From historical perspectives to contemporary realities in the Dry zone and the Delta: Of lives of land Myanmar research series.

This study emerged out of an identified need to document social processes leading to land insecurity, and those leading to investment and sustainable use of lands by rural populations. Focusing on the Delta and Dry Zone, the main paddy producing regions of Myanmar, this analysis unravels the powers at play in shaping rural households’ relationship to land. From British colonization to the 2012 reforms, many issues have remained relatively unchanged with regards to local dynamics of landlessness, exclusion processes, local power plays, restrictions in farmers’ land rights and the State’s excessive focus on rice. In the midst of a fast evolving legal context, this work provides a typology of farmers and the landless and argues that more attention needs to be paid to understand the diversity of rural households and forms of landlessness

Risk factors for lymphatic filariasis and mass drug administration non‑participation in Mandalay Region, Myanmar

Background Myanmar commenced a lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination programme in 2000. Whilst the country has made considerable progress since then, a number of districts have demonstrated persistent transmission after many rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). The causes of unsuccessful MDA have been examined elsewhere; however, there remains little information on the factors that contribute in Myanmar. Methods We conducted an analysis of factors associated with persistent infection, LF-related hydrocoele and MDA participation in an area with ongoing transmission in 2015. A cross-sectional household survey was undertaken in 24 villages across four townships of Mandalay Region. Participants were screened for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) using immunochromatographic tests and, if positive, for microfilaria by night-time thick blood slide. Individuals 15 year and older were assessed for filariasis morbidity (lymphoedema and, if male, hydrocoele) by ultrasound-assisted clinical examination. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to assess risk factors for LF and for non-participation (never taking MDA). Significant variables identified in univariate analyses were included in separate step-wise multivariate logistic regressions for each outcome. Results After adjustment for covariates and survey design, being CFA positive was significantly associated with age [odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.06), per year], male gender (OR 3.14, 1.27–7.76), elevation (OR 0.96, 0.94–0.99, per metre) and the density of people per household room (OR 1.59, 1.31–1.92). LF-related hydrocoele was associated with age (OR 1.06, 1.03–1.09, per year) and residing in Amarapura Township (OR 8.93, 1.37–58.32). Never taking MDA was associated with male gender [OR 6.89 (2.13–22.28)] and age, particularly in females, with a significant interaction term. Overall, compared to those aged 30–44 years, the proportion never taking MDA was higher in all age groups (OR highest in those  60 years, ranging from 3.37 to 12.82). Never taking MDA was also associated with residing in Amarapura township (OR 2.48, 1.15–5.31), moving to one’s current village from another (OR 2.62, 1.12–6.11) and ever having declined medication (OR 11.82, 4.25–32.91). Decreased likelihood of never taking MDA was associated with a higher proportion of household members being present during the last MDA round (OR 0.16, 0.03–0.74) and the number visits by the MDA programme (OR 0.69, 0.48–1.00). Conclusions These results contribute to the understanding of LF and MDA participation-related risk factors and will assist Myanmar to improve its elimination and morbidity management programmes

Ternary copper(II)-polypyridyl enantiomers: aldol-type condensation, characterization, DNA-binding recognition, BSA-binding and anticancer property

Chiral enantiomers [Cu(phen)(l-threo)(H2O)]NO31 and [Cu(phen)(d-threo)(H2O)]NO32 (threo = threoninate) underwent aldol-type condensation with formaldehyde, with retention of chirality, to yield their respective enantiomeric ternary copper(ii) complexes, viz.l- and d-[Cu(phen)(5MeOCA)(H2O)]NO3·xH 2O (3 and 4; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; 5MeOCA = 5-methyloxazolidine-4-carboxylate; x = 0-3) respectively. These chiral complexes were characterized by FTIR, elemental analysis, circular dichroism, UV-Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy (FL), molar conductivity measurement, ESI-MS and X-ray crystallography. Analysis of restriction enzyme inhibition by these four complexes revealed modulation of DNA binding selectivity by the type of ligand, ligand modification and chirality. Their interaction with bovine serum albumin was investigated by FL and electronic spectroscopy. With the aid of the crystal structure of BSA, spectroscopic evidence suggested their binding at the cavity containing Trp134 with numerous Tyr residues in subdomain IA. The products were more antiproliferative than cisplatin against cancer cell lines HK-1, MCF-7, HCT116, HSC-2 and C666-1 except HL-60, and were selective towards nasopharyngeal cancer HK-1 cells over normal NP69 cells of the same organ type