Effect of Adding Different Levels of (Date-Palm Pollen) to the Diet of Laying Hens in the Quality of the Egg Recipe

(225) eggs have been used in this experiment, (45) eggs for each treatment (15 eggs / repeater). The eggs have been collected from the laying hens fed by date palm pollen for five periods with ratios of (1, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0) percent for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth treatment sequentially. The egg characteristics have been examined including: egg weight, egg quality, egg-white (weight, height and relative weight), yolk (weight, height and relative weight), and eggshell (thickness, weight, and relative weight) for all the treatment. Results have shown the following: 1- The use of date palm pollen of the ratios (1%, 0.8%, 0.6% ,%0.4) in the third, fourth, and fifth treatment sequentially has led to high significant superiority in the egg weight. 2- There has been a  high significant superiority (p≤0.05) for the date palm pollen treatment during the third and fourth periods in the fourth treatment as compared to all other treatment in egg-white weight, while the fifth treatment shows significant superiority in egg-white height during the whole five periods of the experiment as compared to the other date palm pollen treatment, and also significant superiority of the fifth treatment in yolk weight during the whole five periods of the experiment on both the addition and the control treatment. 3- The fourth treatment has achieved a significant superiority (p≤0.05) in the third  period on the second and third experiment treatment in addition to the control treatment, while in the fourth and fifth no significant superiority has been noticed. As related to the eggshell thickness, there is no significant superiority in the fifth period among the whole five treatment. Keywords: laying hens, Date-Palm Pollen, egg quality

Effect of Testosterone on Ovarian Function in Beef Heifers

Synchronization of follicular wave emergence forms the basis of many reproductive management techniques used in the cattle industry such as estrus synchronization, fixed-time artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Estrogen in combination with progesterone has been used widely for this purpose due to ease of use and efficient, consistent and quick results, irrespective of the status of the dominant follicle or corpus luteum when the treatment is applied. The recent ban by the European Union on use of estrogens in food-producing animals prompted us to examine if testosterone could be used as an alternative drug for follicular wave synchronization. We tested the hypothesis that the administration of testosterone will shorten the life-span of the extant dominant follicle resulting in early emergence of a new follicular wave. We tested two forms of testosterone (conjugated form: testosterone enanthate and unconjugated form: non-esterified free testosterone) and determined that intramuscular injection of oil-based preparation of the unconjugated form caused a sharp rise in plasma concentrations of testosterone followed by a less rapid decline. The pharmacokinetics of testosterone in blood plasma of 16 heifers was determined after two intramuscular injections of 200 mg of unconjugated testosterone (in 4 ml canola oil) at 12 hour intervals. Testosterone C max was 13.9 ng/mL and the distribution half-life of testosterone in the bloodstream was 3.2 days. Plasma testosterone concentrations were elevated within 2 hours, maintained for initial 36 hours and declined to baseline over 13 days. To study the ovarian and endocrine effects of testosterone, heifers (n=6 per group) were given two intramuscular injections of 200 mg of unconjugated testosterone in 4 mL canola oil at 12 hour intervals on Days 1 (T1), 3 (T3) or 6 (T6) of the first follicular wave (Day 0 = ovulation); the Control group was given 4 mL canola oil. Ovarian structures were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography over one interovulatory interval and plasma samples were collected. Following treatment, the dominant follicle grew more slowly for the next 5 days in T1 (P=0.05) and T3 (P=0.06) groups compared to the Control group, while the dominant follicle in the T6 group regressed more slowly (P=0.02) than in the Control group. The diameter profile of the dominant follicle of the post-treatment wave (Wave 2) and the ovulatory wave did not differ between treatment and Control groups. Overall, testosterone treatment (T1, T3 and T6 combined) extended the duration of current (Wave 1; P=<0.001) wave in 8 out of 17 heifers compared with the Control group and emergence of the post-treatment wave was not synchronized. Although the interovulatory interval was not affected by the treatments, the proportion of 2-wave cycles tended to be higher (P=0.08) after treatment (T1, T3 and T6 combined) compared to the Control group. The plasma LH concentrations in T1 and T3 groups decreased after treatment, while it did not change in T6 group compared to Control group. FSH concentrations were not affected by the testosterone treatment. In conclusion, our hypothesis that exogenous testosterone treatment will hasten the emergence of next follicular wave, was not supported. Furthermore, testosterone treatment did not cause the demise of the dominant follicle. Testosterone treatment resulted in slower growth of the dominant follicle when treatment was initiated at or before the time of dominant follicle selection, and slower regression of the dominant follicle when treatment was initiated during the static phase. These changes appear to be mediated by the decline in systemic concentration of LH. In addition, testosterone treatment delayed the emergence of the next follicular wave irrespective of the status of the dominant follicle at the time of treatment

Influences of Delayed Meiotic Resumption on Porcine Oocyte Competency

In pigs, successful in vitro production of embryos (IVP) faces significant challenges due to many defects in various steps of this technique, including: in vitro maturation of oocytes, in vitro fertilization, and in vitro culture of embryos. Poor cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes is considered the main factor for low rate of IVP of pig embryos. One of the main causes of this problem is the insufficient time for cytoplasm of oocytes to be matured due to the loss of communications between cumulus cells and oocytes. Recently, a new strategy emerged to inhibit meiotic resumption and provide more time to accumulate important factors for oocytes competence. The overall hypothesis of this thesis was that delaying meiotic resumption during the in vitro maturation will have a positive effect on oocytes competence for fertilization and embryo development in an in vitro environment. In our first study (Chapter 3), the first experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of natriuretic peptide precursor type C (NPPC, 100-1000 nM), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP, 2-10 µM), cyclic adenosine 3, 5monophosphate (cAMP, 0.5-2 mM), nitric oxide (NO, 0.5-2 mM), and steroid hormones (testosterone, 500-1000 ng/ml ; progesterone, and estradiol, 100 ng/ml for each) to delay resumption of nuclear maturation during in vitro maturation of porcine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Meiotic resumption was inhibited at an optimum concentration of 1000 nM for NPPC, 1mM for dbcAMP and NO, and 100 ng/ml for estradiol. The other substances (cGMP, testosterone, and progesterone) could not inhibit the meiotic resumption. Using the inhibitory substances, the second experiment evaluated the effect of delaying nuclear maturation for different times during IVM process (2, 6, 18, 22 hrs). Estradiol, NPPC, cAMP, or a combination of these substances were able to inhibit the meiotic resumption for 22 hrs. Three treatments (NPPC + estradiol (NE); cAMP (CA); NPPC + estradiol + cAMP (CANE)) were chosen to delay nuclear maturation (n= 450-500 COCs /group) and evaluate their effects on embryo development. Interestingly, blastocyst rate ranged from 6.0-8.7% and did not differ between the treatment groups or treatments to the control (9.4%, porcine follicular fluid in maturation medium, Pff). The selected treatment could be considered a base to develop a medium without animal source products like Pff. As a part of the second experiment (Chapter 4), the effects of inhibitory substances (NE, CA, CANE) on molecular pathway and gene expression profile of in vitro matured pig oocytes was evaluated. Microarray technology was used to assess the genes expression profile associated with different treatments compared to Pff group. The results revealed that 120, 55, and 167 genes were differentially expressed in matured oocytes for NE, CA, or CANE, respectively. The data were analyzed using EASE program to classify genes into different ontology categories. While DAVID and PANTHER programs were used to identify the most significant molecular pathways induced by each treatment. The results showed CA treatments significantly up-regulated mitochondrial ribosomal protein L3 ( MRPL3) and heat shock protein 90kDa alpha (HSP90AA) genes. Also, Janus kinase / signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) pathways were up-regulated. The NE treatments up-regulated several genes: MYC associated factor X (MAX), mitogen-activated protein kinase 9 (MAPK9), and v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog (REL) involved in cellular proliferation and the development of oocytes. While CANE was found to up-regulate IGF1 gene. The results of this study showed that using different substances to delay meiotic resumption would change the response of molecular pathways and genes expression of matured oocytes. However, the effects of these treatments groups on embryo development were equivalent to Pff group. In our final study (Chapter 5), in vitro produced pig embryos were vitrified using two different devices: a closed device (French Straws (FS), n=127) or an open device (Open Pull Straw (OPS), n=115). After vitrification and warming, the embryos were graded based on their morphological quality and cultured for 48 hrs. The quality of embryos was also evaluated at 48 hrs of embryo culture. The results showed that almost 85% of the vitrified embryo were quality 1 after the warming procedure for both devices. However, the quality of embryos (Grade 1) slightly decreased in OPS compared to FS after 48 hrs of culture (FS=88, OPS=72). Vitrified-warmed embryos did not grow from morula to blastocyst, suggesting sub-optimal culture conditions or cryo-damage affecting the development of embryos. These results indicated that using FS in a vitrification protocol can be used to preserve in vitro produced pig embryos on long-term basis. This thesis was demonstrated that delaying meiotic resumption of pig oocytes using NPPC+estradiol, cAMP or NPPC+estradiol+cAMP treatments can support embryo development by improving oocyte competence through different molecular effects. Also, these in vitro produced embryos could be stored in liquid nitrogen in a closed devices (French Straw)

Investigation of piezoresistive sensor for robotic gripping operations

Various types of tactile pressure sensors in robotic grasping operations have been effectively implemented in robotic hand fields. Some useful approaches of these tactile sensors are briefly discussed in this study based on their robotic hand applications. A robotic hand model is also designed to employ the tactile sensors that have recorded the information that is collected through the physical interaction between the pressure sensors and the object. This study has practically investigated the response of the piezoresistive pressure sensor during the object gripping operations in different weights. Empirical results have proven that the piezoresistive pressure sensor is the proper technique that can be implemented in robotic hand applications. The correlation between the input force and the output volt has been experimentally derived to achieve the efficient gripping operation

Re-gripping analysis based on implementation of slip-detection device for robotic hand model

To develop an intelligent robotic hand, diverse approaches have been applied, including optimum gripping force and slippage analysis. In this study, a robotic hand was modeled with tactile pressure sensors. The slip detection sensor, which is represented as a rotary encoder device, was employed to indicate the slip situation features, distance and velocity. Empirical findings imply that the correlation between the distance that an object has slipped and the required re-gripping force was developed to be availed as an automatic feedback algorithm. The slippage events were revealed and analyzed to perform the control system mechanism of the re-gripping mission

Gripping an object based on inspection of slip events for a robotic hand model

An effective grasping operation is required in intelligent robotic hands to address the well-known challenge that occurs during the gripping process. One of the most important issues is detecting and addressing the slip situation; otherwise, stable grasps will not be achieved properly. This study investigated robotic re-gripping operations based on slip event indication. Tactile pressure sensors are utilized to discover the physical interaction between robotic claws and a particular object during the gripping operation. Slip signal detection is executed by implementing a rotary encoder device that was provided in a robotic hand model. The robotic system has attempted to accomplish the re-gripping mission autonomously. Therefore, an automatic feedback control algorithm is developed to perform re-gripping tasks based on the distance at which an object has slipped. Experimental findings present the correlation between the required forces for an object to re-grip securely and the distance at which an object has slipped. This approach was demonstrated as Hooke’s law

PEDIA: prioritization of exome data by image analysis

Purpose Phenotype information is crucial for the interpretation of genomic variants. So far it has only been accessible for bioinformatics workflows after encoding into clinical terms by expert dysmorphologists. Methods Here, we introduce an approach driven by artificial intelligence that uses portrait photographs for the interpretation of clinical exome data. We measured the value added by computer-assisted image analysis to the diagnostic yield on a cohort consisting of 679 individuals with 105 different monogenic disorders. For each case in the cohort we compiled frontal photos, clinical features, and the disease-causing variants, and simulated multiple exomes of different ethnic backgrounds. Results The additional use of similarity scores from computer-assisted analysis of frontal photos improved the top 1 accuracy rate by more than 20–89% and the top 10 accuracy rate by more than 5–99% for the disease-causing gene. Conclusion Image analysis by deep-learning algorithms can be used to quantify the phenotypic similarity (PP4 criterion of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines) and to advance the performance of bioinformatics pipelines for exome analysis

PEDIA: prioritization of exome data by image analysis.

PURPOSE: Phenotype information is crucial for the interpretation of genomic variants. So far it has only been accessible for bioinformatics workflows after encoding into clinical terms by expert dysmorphologists. METHODS: Here, we introduce an approach driven by artificial intelligence that uses portrait photographs for the interpretation of clinical exome data. We measured the value added by computer-assisted image analysis to the diagnostic yield on a cohort consisting of 679 individuals with 105 different monogenic disorders. For each case in the cohort we compiled frontal photos, clinical features, and the disease-causing variants, and simulated multiple exomes of different ethnic backgrounds. RESULTS: The additional use of similarity scores from computer-assisted analysis of frontal photos improved the top 1 accuracy rate by more than 20-89% and the top 10 accuracy rate by more than 5-99% for the disease-causing gene. CONCLUSION: Image analysis by deep-learning algorithms can be used to quantify the phenotypic similarity (PP4 criterion of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines) and to advance the performance of bioinformatics pipelines for exome analysis

Gripping controller design for a one-degree-of-freedom robotic hand model based on slip detection

Robotic hands are considered mechatronic instruments that have the ability to perform activities beyond human capabilities. Robotic hands are widely used in manufacturing and dangerous nuclear industries as well as in precise applications, such as military or medical implementations. Repetitive and maintenance tasks are achieved with high accuracy when robotic hands are used. Consequently, the evolution of robotic hands is necessary to cover a wide range of tasks and by adding sensors, the grasping force can be measured and detected when the object slips. Measuring the grasping force between the robotic hand and an object can be achieved by using Force-Sensing Resistor (FSR), which have been widely used in robotics applications. Although this type of sensor has good features to handle diferent objects, the robotic hands that are currently using this sensor have never mentioned the object slipping feature during grasping operation. Slip sensing is signifcant in advance robotic manipulation. Therefore, this research has paid attention in the slipping detection process that occurs after gripping operation as well as the re-gripping of the object. The proposed work focuses on detecting the slip of the object and measuring the features of this slippage, such as distance and velocity. In this study, the robotic hand model employs an accelerometer sensor to detect the acceleration signal of the object during slippage. Furthermore, a common type of rotary encoder device is used to measure the distance of the slipping situation and velocity. A circuit is designed and implemented to collect the data of the sensors that would be analyzed. The robotic hand system comprises a new algorithm for data extraction and signal processing analysis that are measured from an object re-gripping operation based on slip detection information. The experimental works have concentrated on gripping an object with diferent weights (from 0.4118 N to 3.187 N) and detecting the slip situation to securely re-grip the object. The empirical findings have presented the output voltage of the FSR is directly proportional to the weight of the object, the minimum and maximum measured voltage are 0.209 V and 2.093 V respectively. In addition, the experimental results determine the subsequent re-gripping control mission based on slip events. The control system of an object re-gripping task is represented in Hooke's Law that estimates the required re-gripping force based on the distance of the object has slipped. The K values for accelerometer and rotary encoder are 0.0535+0.028 and 0.056+0.01 respectively. This conclude that the rotary encoder is better for slip detection in this robotic hand mode

متطلبات تطبيق المعايير المحاسبة الدولية في القطاع العام (IPSAS) في العراق: دراسة ميدانية لعينة من الموظفين الإداريين وأساتذة المحاسبة بالجامعات العراقية

هدف البحث إلى التعرف على متطلبات التطبيق السليم للمعايير المحاسبية الدولية للقطاع العام في العراق (قطاع التعليم العالي). كما هدف البحث إلى تحديد المعوقات المحاسبية والتشريعية وأثرها على تطبيق معايير المحاسبة الدولية في القطاع العام العراقي، ومن أجل تحقيق الأهداف المرجوة تم توزيع استبانة الكترونية على عينة عشوائية من اساتذة المحاسبة والتدقيق، وكذلك الكادر الاداري (موظفين، مديرو دوائر المالية والمحاسبة، موظفين ومديري الدائرة القانونية) في الجامعات العراقية. وكشفت الدراسة عن وجود معوقات محاسبية وتشريعية في البيئة العراقية تتعارض مع متطلبات تطبيق معايير المحاسبة العامة الدولية في القطاع العام، والتي تحد من تطبيقها في القطاع العام العراقي