Food taboo of taking pineapple and milk at a time

The purpose of this study was to assess whether potential toxic interactions occur between the pineapple and milk following oral administration in rats by comparing clinical signs, hematological and biochemical parameters with the normal control and toxic standard groups. Pineapple and milk solutions were made by 1:1 (PMS1) and 2:1 (PMS2) ratio, administered 12 mL/kg body weight. Forty rats were equally divided into 4 groups treated for 3 days: a) normal control (only vehicle treated); b) toxic standard (CCl4 was suspended in corn oil, 20% v/v; treated 1.25 mL/kg), c) PMS1 and d) PMS2 groups. CCl4 administration altered the normal behavior, changes gross and microscopic morphology. Toxicity related hematological and serum biochemistry changed significantly (p<0.05) than the normal group. However, all these clinical and pathological changes were completely absent in PMS treated groups. These results suggest that taking pineapple with milk is not toxic and this food taboo is wrong

Efficient Mission Planning for Robot Networks in Communication Constrained Environments

Many robotic systems are remotely operated nowadays that require uninterrupted connection and safe mission planning. Such systems are commonly found in military drones, search and rescue operations, mining robotics, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Different robotic systems may employ disparate communication modalities such as radio network, visible light communication, satellite, infrared, Wi-Fi. However, in an autonomous mission where the robots are expected to be interconnected, communication constrained environment frequently arises due to the out of range problem or unavailability of the signal. Furthermore, several automated projects (building construction, assembly line) do not guarantee uninterrupted communication, and a safe project plan is required that optimizes collision risks, cost, and duration. In this thesis, we propose four pronged approaches to alleviate some of these issues: 1) Communication aware world mapping; 2) Communication preserving using the Line-of-Sight (LoS); 3) Communication aware safe planning; and 4) Multi-Objective motion planning for navigation. First, we focus on developing a communication aware world map that integrates traditional world models with the planning of multi-robot placement. Our proposed communication map selects the optimal placement of a chain of intermediate relay vehicles in order to maximize communication quality to a remote unit. We also vi propose an algorithm to build a min-Arborescence tree when there are multiple remote units to be served. Second, in communication denied environments, we use Line-of-Sight (LoS) to establish communication between mobile robots, control their movements and relay information to other autonomous units. We formulate and study the complexity of a multi-robot relay network positioning problem and propose approximation algorithms that restore visibility based connectivity through the relocation of one or more robots. Third, we develop a framework to quantify the safety score of a fully automated robotic mission where the coexistence of human and robot may pose a collision risk. A number of alternate mission plans are analyzed using motion planning algorithms to select the safest one. Finally, an efficient multi-objective optimization based path planning for the robots is developed to deal with several Pareto optimal cost attributes

Improving the crown rot resistance and tolerance of wheat using marker-assisted recurrent selection

Crown rot disease (Fusarium pseudograminearum) of wheat causes significant yield losses across Australia. However, the genetic control of crown rot resistance and tolerance is complex and traditional breeding strategies have proven ineffective. Marker Assisted Recurrent Selection (MARS) was examined as a strategy to more effectively pyramid the many minor genes controlling plant response to crown rot. Populations were developed from three-way crosses to (i) optimize screening procedures for crown rot, (ii) examine the relationship between resistance and tolerance, (iii) identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to resistance and tolerance, (iv) pyramid QTLs using MARS and (v) confirm response to selection. Disease severity in greenhouse pot tests was less reliable than field screening using managed inoculum; hence field screening was used for all subsequent evaluations. In the MARS approach, materials from each population were genotyped and phenotyped by F4 for crown rot response and QTLs linked to crown rot resistance and/or tolerance identified. Consistent QTL, mapped to unique chromosomal regions, were then recombined in crossing to pyramid markers. Following two cycles of recombination, the progeny from both cycles of MARS, the base population and the original parents were compared for resistance and/or tolerance depending on the population. Resistance and tolerance (determined as reduced yield loss in the presence of crown rot) were independently inherited. A significant and positive response to selection was observed with some recombinants significantly more resistant and higher yielding than their parents. The genotypes identified and developed in this study combine multiple sources of resistance and tolerance and these materials and their associated markers can be used by the Australian wheat industry to improve wheat yield in the presence of crown rot

Roles of surfactant and binary polymers on dissolution enhancement of bcs ii drugs from nanocomposites and amorphous solid dispersions

Drug nanocomposites and amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are two major formulation platforms used for the bioavailability enhancement of BCS Class II drugs. The major drawback of nanocomposites is their inability to attain high drug supersaturation during in vitro (\u3c50% relative supersaturation) and in vivo dissolution. On the other hand, formulating an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) with high drug loading (\u3e20%) that releases drug rapidly, while generating and maintaining high supersaturation over at least three hours is challenging. The goal of this thesis is to develop a fundamental understanding of the impact of anionic surfactants–polymers on in vitro drug release from nanocomposites and ASDs, while addressing the above challenges. To achieve this goal, the following objectives are set: (1) compare griseofulvin (GF, drug) release from spray-dried nanocomposites and ASDs with identical formulation that has low GF:polymer (HPC/Soluplus) mass ratio (1:1 to 1:5) and an anionic surfactant (SDS), (2) examine the presence/absence of SDS on drug release from nanocomposites, (3) develop rapidly supersaturating ternary ASDs of GF with HPC/Sol and SDS as a minor component, (4) investigate GF release from ternary ASDs of GF with a hydrophilic, wettability-enhancing polymer (HPC/PVP-VA64) as a minor component and an amphiphilic polymer as drug precipitation inhibitor (Soluplus), and (5) apply the fundamental knowledge generated for GF to another BCS Class II drug, itraconazole (ITZ). Spray-drying of aqueous GF nanosuspensions with 1:5 GF:Sol–0.125% SDS has led to formation of a novel class of nanocomposites, HyNASDs, which have notable amorphous GF content (~5–20%). Their dissolution has generated 300% supersaturation within 20 min that is largely maintained after 3 h (250%). Such remarkable drug supersaturation is made possible by strong intermolecular interactions/miscibility between GF–Soluplus at 1:5 ratio and ensuing fast kinetic solubilization of GF nanoparticles upon contact of HyNASDs with water. While HyNASDs do not generate as high saturation as ASDs (480%), they can be rendered competitive to ASDs upon further optimization. The supersaturation generation by HyNASDs is affected by presence of SDS either in the formulation or in the dissolution medium, drug–polymer interactions/miscibility as well as the size of the drug (nano)crystals in the polymeric matrix. Incorporating even 1.23% SDS in Sol-based ASDs has led to dramatic increase in supersaturation (max. 570%), but it has no notable improvement for HPC-based ASDs. SDS provides Sol-based ASDs with enhanced wettability and augments Sol in solubilizing GF, without interfering with Sol’s ability to inhibit GF recrystallization. Combination of Sol with HPC/VA64 has led to a trade-off between rapid drug release and high supersaturation. A strong synergistic effect exists for the ASD with 11:1 Sol:VA64. The inclusion of a hydrophilic polymer as a minor component in an amphiphilic, precipitation-inhibiting polymer of a ternary ASD exhibited optimal drug release. General findings from GF regarding HyNASD formation and impact of SDS are applicable to ITZ as well. Overall, this thesis has generated fundamental knowledge about the impact of SDS and binary polymers on improved in vitro release of BCS Class II drugs

Characterization of Acyltransferases and WRINKLED Orthologs Involved in TAG Biosynthesis in Avocado

Triacylglycerols (TAG) or storage oils in plants are utilized by humans for nutrition, production of biomaterials and fuels. Since nonseed tissues comprise the bulk biomass, it is pertinent to understand how to improve their TAG content. Typically, the final step in TAG biosynthesis is catalyzed by diacylglycerol (DAG) acyltransferases (DGAT) and/or phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferases (PDAT), which also determine the content and composition of TAG. Besides enzymatic regulation of TAG synthesis, transcription factors such as WRINKLED1 (WRI1) play a critical role during fatty acid synthesis. In this study, mesocarp of Persea americana, with \u3e 60% TAG by dry weight and oleic acid as the major constituent was used as a model system to explore TAG synthesis in nonseed tissues. Based on the transcriptome data of avocado, it was hypothesized that both DGAT and PDAT are likely to catalyze the conversion of DAG to TAG, and orthologs of WRI1 transcription factors regulate fatty acid biosynthesis. Here, with comprehensive in silico analyses, putative PamDGAT1 and 2 (Pam; Persea americana), PamPDAT1, and PamWRI1 and 2 were identified. When acyltransferases were expressed into TAG-deficient mutant yeast strain (H1246), only DGAT1 restored TAG synthesis capacity, with a preference for oleic acid. However, in planta, when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, PamDGAT1, PamPDAT1, PamWRI1, and PamWRI2 increased lipid contents, PamDGAT2 remained inactive. The data reveals that putative PamDGAT1, PamPDAT1 are functional and preferred acyltransferases in avocado and both PamWRI1 and 2 regulate fatty acid synthesis. In conclusion, while nonseed tissue of a basal angiosperm has certain distinct regulatory features, DAG to TAG conversion remains highly conserved

Enhancing learners' English language proficiency through service learning : an investigation on BRAC University perspective

Service Learning concept shows the positive impacts on the active engagement of English language teachers as well as learners in creating appropriate scope for making a learning community both inside and outside the classroom. The students are perfectly connected to community service with the direct use of their integrated language skills unlike the traditional classroom teaching. Considering that fact, learners are put in real life situations to experience language skills so that instead of learning English, the learners have the scope for language acquisition. With a view to ensuring that principle, BRAC University has incorporated Starboard activity, English Week observance etc. as parts of integration between two academic courses: English and Ethics. This paper shows the impacts of these service-learning activities in improving the skills of language learners through investigating as well as carrying a message: “Serve to Learn”. After gathering data, SPSS copyright version 14 computer packages and Microsoft Office Excel 2007 version have been used to assess them

Effect of ethylene and carbon dioxide on root-nodule formation and nitrogen fixation in three grain legumes

The involvement of ethylene, (C₂H₄) in the formation and persistence of legume root nodules, and its interaction with carbon dioxide, (CO₂) have been studied in three different legume species, namely, pea (Pisum sativum L.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). This work was undertaken because of the possible connection between tolerance to ethylene in the root zone and tolerance to waterlogging.Two different techniques for root aeration were employed: a 'constant flow - through' system and a 'closed -vessel' (recirculatory) system. In the constant flow -through system, legume roots were exposed to an air -stream containing 0, 0.11, 0.33, and 1 ppm of C₂H₄. In the closed -vessel system C₂H₄ and /or CO₂ produced by the roots were allowed to accumulate around them.Exogenous C₂H₄ at 1 ppm significantly inhibited root -nodule formation in pea and bean. Nodule fresh weight (individual and total), nitrogenase activity and leghaemoglobin content per plant were significantly reduced. Total N accumulation in the shoots and shoot dry weight per plant were also significantly lower than in the other treatments. However, root dry weight and primary root length were not significantly affected in either species. Significant positive correlations were observed between leghaemoglobin content and nodule fresh weight per plant, nitrogenase activity and leghaemoglobin, total N accumulation in the shoots and nitrogenase activity, and root dry weight and total nodule fresh weight. Shoot N concentration, on the other hand, was negatively correlated with shoot dry weight and total nodule fresh weight.No comparable effect of 1 ppm C₂H₄ on the lentil cultivar, which is known to be moderately waterlogging tolerant, was observed.Similar results were observed in the closed- vessel experiments, where C₂H₄ (produced by the plant roots) reached concentrations of 0.6 -0.8 ppm. Carbon dioxide (0.6 -1 %) in the root atmosphere of pea and bean plants caused an increase in individual and total nodule fresh weight and the nitrogenase activity of the nodules. However, increased CO₂ in the root atmosphere did not significantly increase total N accumulation and shoot dry weight in pea. Again, no significant effect was observed with lentil. No significant interactions between C₂H₄ and CO₂ were observed in either experimental system.Comparisons of a range of bean cultivars in sealed vessels showed large differences in the amounts of C₂H₄ produced by the root systems. Abnormal shoot growth and defoliation occurred when the endogenous C₂H₄ was allowed to accumulate, suggesting that it was at least partly responsible for the effects.The relationship between sensitivity to C₂H₄ of different species and cultivars, and tolerance to waterlogging is discussed

Modeling of Consumer Responses to Dynamic Pricing in a Smart Grid

This paper models the responses of three different types of consumers based on their sensitivity to dynamic price. Simulated household demand data is used to model the dynamic price of electricity. These prices are then used to experiment responses of consumers in a centralized dynamically priced power market. It is taken into consideration that some consumers will only have access to imperfect information but they can still alter their usage and benefit from the associated cost savings. Analysis based on a developed software system found that sensitive consumers, given full information and control with tools such as a Home Area Network and an Advanced Metering Infrastructure, could gain significant cost savings. Due to the reduction of the overall peak load caused by the shift in consumer demand, the electricity generation and distribution infrastructure could see significant savings as well