Counter Part Research Articles

Calculating traveltimes in 2D general tilted transversely isotropic media using fast sweeping method

Traveltime calculations play an important role in the field of exploration seismology, such as traveltime tomography and seismic imaging and so on. Seismic anisotropy poses a challenge for traveltime calculation, because anisotropic eikonal solvers are more complex than the isotropic counter part. To solve the eikonal equations in 2D tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media, we have developed a fast algorithm combine with fast sweeping method to compute the first arrival traveltimes of quasi-P (qP)-, quasi-SV (qSV)-, and quasi-SH(qSH)-waves. For the qP- and qSV-waves, we analyzed the quartic coupled slowness surface equation derived from the Christoffel equation. Then, we constructed a local solver to relate traveltime and slowness. We found that in the local solver, one component of the slowness vector is known and the corresponding slowness equation is monotonic. This provides a strong basis for the fast iterative algorithm we proposed, where we use the Newton method to solve the qP- and qSV-wave slowness equation to determine the related traveltimes. For the qSH wave, the slowness equation is quadratic and simple to solve. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can obtain accurate traveltimes for simple and complicated 2D TTI models.

Loss of energetic particles due to feedback control of resistive wall mode in HL-3

Effects of three-dimensional (3D) magnetic field perturbations due to feedback control of an unstable ( is toroidal mode number) resistive wall mode (RWM) on the energetic particle (EP) losses are systematically investigated for the HL-3 tokamak. The MARS-F (Liu et al 2000 Phys. Plasmas 7 3681) code, facilitated by the test particle guiding center tracing module REORBIT, is utilized for the study. The RWM is found to generally produce no EP loss for co-current particles in HL-3. Assuming the same perturbation level at the sensor location for the close-loop system, feedback produces nearly the same loss of counter-current EPs compared to the open-loop case. Assuming however that the sensor signal is ten times smaller in the close-loop system than the open-loop counter part (reflecting the fact that the RWM is more stable with feedback), the counter-current EP loss is found significantly reduced in the former. Most of EP losses occur only for particles launched close to the plasma edge, while particles launched further away from the plasma boundary experience much less loss. The strike points of lost EPs on the HL-3 limiting surface become more scattered for particles launched closer to the plasma boundary. Taking into account the full gyro-orbit of particles while approaching the limiting surface, REORBIT finds slightly enhanced loss fraction.

Outcome of RT-PCR in the Diagnosis of Patients with COVID-19 Symptoms: A Study in a COVID-19 Referral Hospital

<i>Introduction: </i>Corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19) outbreak was first reported in China rapidly spread around the world within short period causing global public health emergency. COVID 19 is a highly infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The initial symptoms were fever, cough, dyspnea, myalgia or fatigue, headache, hemoptysis, diarrhea and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Hence in diagnosis of COVID-19 RT-PCR of viral nucleic acid is regarded as the reference standard to detect the COVID-19 positive cases. <i>Objective: </i>The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of RT-PCR of the patients with COVID-19 symptoms. <i>Methodology: </i>This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out in the department of Radiology and imaging in collaboration with the department of Virology and COVID unit in IbnSina Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during January, 2022 to June, 2022. A total of 239 OPD patients with COVID-19 symptoms aged above 18 years were enrolled in this study. The collected data were cleaned, edited and entered into computer for analysis. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 23.0. The ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of School of Public Health & Life Science, University of South Asia, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. <i>Results: </i>In this study a total of (n=239) patients with COVID-19 symptoms were enrolled. According to age distribution, the majority., 142 (59.42%) patients belonged to the age group >52 years, which was the highest and followed by 44 (18.42%) age group (43-52) years, 36 (15.06%) (33-42) years, 14 (5.85%) (22-32) years and 3 (1.25%) <22 years. According to sex distribution, the majority, 167 (69.85%) were male and 72 (30.12%) were female. Distribution by symptoms, all the patients239 (100%) had general weakness and followed by sneezing 221 (92.46%), fever 236 (98.74%), headache 228 (95.39%), cough 232 (97.07%), respiratory distress, 225 (94.14%), cough and SOB, 237 (99.16%), loss of smell, 212 (88.74%), lac of apatite, 224 (73.72%), asthma 218 (91.21%) and pneumonia, 118 (49.37%). In RT_PCR lab test results, the majority 195 (81.58%) were observed COVID-19 Negative (-) and 44 (18.41%) were observed COVID-19 Positive (+). Among the positive cases, the majority 26 (60%) were male and 18 (40%) were female. <i>Conclusion: </i>This study prevailed around 20 % of the patients with COVID-19 symptoms got COVID-19 Positive in RT-PCR lab test results. Therefore, the patients with COVID-19 symptoms must conduct RT-PCR lab test for their being sure of their COVID-19 affection. At the same time, the male are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than their counter part female.

The determination of mycotoxins using isotope-coded labeling and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction by high throughput flow injection analysis coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

A novel and rapid method for the determination of ochratoxin A (OTA), funmonisin B1 (FB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) in legumes samples by high throughput flow injection analysis-tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS) in conjunction with isotope-coded labeling (ICD) coupled with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) was developed. The samples were extracted by a known QuEChERS method (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe). The extracted components and mycotoxin standards were, respectively, labeled by d0-10-methyl-acridone-2-sulfonyl chloride and its deuterated counter part (d3-MASC). Subsequently, the mixed light-/heavy-labeled solutions were enriched and purified by DLLME method and corresponding extracts were directly used for FIA-MS/MS analysis. The FIA-MS/MS method coupled with ICD-coded labeling technique for the determination of mycotoxins in legume samples could be achieved within 2 min, which was much suitable for high throughput screening analysis. Meanwhile, the labeled mycotoxins with d3-MASC as internal standards could effectively eliminate matrix interference and ensure the accuracy and precision of mass spectrometry analysis. The limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.29 to 0.42 μg/L and 0.85 to 1.30 μg/L, respectively. The recoveries were 66.9 %–85.2 %, and the daily and inter day RSDs were within the range of 2.0 %–4.9 % and 2.4 %–5.0 %, respectively. The established method could be feasibility applied to the determination of mycotoxins in legume samples with satisfactory results.

Benchmarking performance through efficiency analysis trees: Improvement strategies for colombian higher education institutions

We introduce benchmarking analysis based on state-of-the-art machine learning techniques applied to the measurement of efficiency to assess the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). We rely on Efficiency Analysis Trees (EAT) and its Convexified frontier counterpart (CEAT) to assess the efficiency of 144 private HEIs in Colombia and compare the results with those achieved with classical Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Both EAT and CEAT show a higher discriminatory power than DEA when determining efficiency scores. Our results identify the different splits of the production frontier, corresponding to each node of the efficiency tree, which groups HEIs according to specific management models. By identifying relevant peers for inefficient observations at the node level, we show which strategic guidelines can be adopted to improve the performance of each HEI. This process encourages mutual learning and suggests potential changes within each node leading to efficiency improvements.

Quantum homogenization in non-Markovian collisional model

Collisional models are a category of microscopic framework designed to study open quantum systems. The framework involves a system sequentially interacting with a bath comprised of identically prepared units. In this regard, quantum homogenization is a process where the system state approaches the identically prepared state of bath unit in the asymptotic limit. Here, we study the homogenization process for a single qubit in the non-Markovian collisional model framework generated via additional bath-bath interaction. With partial swap operation as both system-bath and bath-bath unitary, we numerically demonstrate that homogenization is achieved irrespective of the initial states of the system or bath units. This is reminiscent of the Markovian scenario, where partial swap is the unique operation for a universal quantum homogenizer. On the other hand, we observe that the rate of homogenization is slower than its Markovian counter part. Interestingly, a different choice of bath-bath unitary speeds up the homogenization process but loses the universality, being dependent on the initial states of the bath units.

Enhancing wear performance: A comparative study of traditional vs. additive manufacturing techniques for 17–4pH SS

This study investigates the microstructural, mechanical, and tribological characteristics of 17–4 PH stainless steel specimens produced through Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques, namely Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), in comparison to conventionally wrought steel (W). The wear test carried out on the samples were pin-on-disk, ball-on-plate and lubricated pin-on-disk. The counter part was an alumina ball with a diameter of 3 mm. The wear scar was less pronounced on lubrication test than in dry conditions for all samples. The coefficients of friction (COFs) were higher in dry conditions (in the order of 10−1) than in lubrication conditions (in the order of 10−2). Moreover, the wear rate had a significant reduction under lubrication conditions (in dry tests are in the order of 10−7, while lubrication conditions led to results in the order of 10−9). Additionally, FFF and SLM exhibited remarkably low wear rates in comparison to the wrought sample showing a superior dry and lubricated wear behaviour. AM allows for comparable or improved properties, despite slightly lower hardness due to retained austenite/delta ferrite and reduced precipitates. That significant improvement enhances the appeal of AM for high-performance components, particularly for small production runs and complex geometries being a promising and efficient technology for diverse industries.

Foam‐mat‐dried açaí pulp (Euterpe oleracea Mart)

AbstractDrying, as alternative process, enhances stability, eases transport, and prolongs storage for fruits and fruit pulps. This study focused on producing açaí foam with 2% emulsifier and comparing it to a control (0% emulsifier), following by drying (60 °C) in a forced air circulation oven. Açaí powder with 2% emulsifier exhibited a higher effective diffusion coefficient (5.35 × 10−4 cm2 s−1) than the without emulsifier counter part (1.41 × 10−4 cm2 s−1). The pores formed after pulp aeration with the emulsifying agent led to a higher diffusion coefficient and a shorter drying time. Sorption isotherms at 25 °C and 35 °C displayed favorable fits for both powders (R2>0.9). Açaí powder with emulsifier demonstrated superior solubility (47.93%) and faster rehydration (168 s) compared to the control (19.72%; 324 s). The use of a 2% emulsifying agent resulted in a porous, dried açaí powder with improved flowability and solubility, indicating higher quality.Practical applicationsTraditionally, açai pulp is commercialized as a frozen product, which entails high energy costs and logistical constraints. Foam‐mat drying allows the dehydration of viscous, heat‐sensitive, and high‐sugar foods that cannot be effectively dried through spray drying. It offers a practical application in the food industry, particularly as an ingredient. Powdered fruit pulps, including açai pulp, are widely utilized in ice creams, yogurts, and instant juices. To meet industrial requirements, these powders need to exhibit good solubility, quick rehydration, and stability at room temperature. Through foam‐mat drying, high‐quality powdered açai pulp can be produced with a short drying time. This technology enables the production of stable powders that can be easily rehydrated, opening opportunities for new ingredient development and diverse applications.

Product Activity of Lactic acid Bacteria Isolated from Samples of New Born from Women and Children Hospital in Ramadi, Iraq

Twelve infants aged below six months were sampled from Women and Children Hospital of Ramadi, Iraq during the period April the 1st 2021 till October the 1st 2022. Infants were divided into two main groups; breast and bottle milk fed. Each group comprise three males and three females. Samples of feces were collected and lactobacillus specie were extracted. The extract was used once alone and another as a mixture with each of Amoxicillin, Amikacin and Cefixime antibiotics on petri dishes cultured with Staphylococcus, Klabsella and Psedudomonas bacteria. Diameter of inhibition was measure and resulted data were subjected to statistical analysis. The results of the statistical analysis showed that lactobacillus specie extract with the Cefixime has significantly highest mean diameter of inhibition compared to all other types of treatments. Infants who were on breast milk fed showed significantly better respond to the treatment than their counter part in the bottle milk fed group. Klabsella was found to respond weakly under almost all of the applied treatments.

Left common trunkus pulmonary veins have genetic background and poor rhythm outcome after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background There is a genetic background in pulmonary vein (PV) development and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the genetic trait of PV variations and their rhythm outcome after AF catheter ablation (AFCA) is unclear. Objective We explored the genetic and clinical characteristics and long-term rhythm outcomes of AF patients with PV variation or left common trunkus (LCT)-PV. Methods We included 2,897 AF patients (74.0% male, age 59.0 ± 10.7 years, 66.3% paroxysmal AF) with available genome-wide association study results, cardiac computed tomogram data, and protocol-based regular rhythm follow-up from the Yonsei AF ablation cohort database. We defined LCT-PV when the upper and lower PV separate at >10 mm distal to the left PV antrum margin. PV variations included both LCT-PV and accessory PVs. We analyzed the polygenic risk score (PRS) of 12 AF-associated genes (DSP, GJA1, HCN4, KCNQ1, NPPA, PITX2, RYR2, SCN5a, SHOX2, ATP2A2, TBX3, and TBX5) and long-term rhythm outcomes after AFCA. Results We found PV variation in 296 (10.2%) and LCT-PV in 102 (3.5%). PRS of 1,227 single nucleotid polymorphisms (SNPs) was significantly higher in PV variation patients (p=4.93e-08) and LCT-PV patients (p=1.95e-20). The patients with LCT-PV had higher CHA2DS2VASc scores (p=0.024) and lower atrial epicardial adipose tissue volume (p=0.034). During 39.7 ± 34.8 months follow-up period, LCT-PV patients had a significantly higher recurrence rate than their counter part in the paroxysmal AF sub-group (Log-rank p=0.036), but not in overall PV variations. LCT-PV with the highest 10% PRS was independently associated with AF recurrence after AFCA (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.21-3.63, p=0.008). Conclusions Among the patients who underwent AFCA, PV variation, including LCT-PV, has a significant genetic background. The post-AFCA recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with LCT-PV and high PRS, especially in paroxysmal AF.

The polynomial reconstruction problem: The first 50 years

The problem of reconstructing the characteristic polynomial of a graph of order at least 3 from the collection of characteristic polynomials of its vertex-deleted subgraphs was posed by Cvetković in 1973 as a spectral counter part to the well-known Ulam's reconstruction conjecture. Over the last 50 years, this problem has received notable attention, many positive results have been obtained, but in the general case the problem is still unresolved. In particular, no counter example is found in literature. In this expository paper we survey classical and some more recent results concerning the polynomial reconstruction problem, discuss some related problems, variations and generalizations.

Pseudo‐Gruneisen Parameters for Binary Liquid Mixtures at Different Temperature

The binary liquid mixtures of ethanol and benzene are used to understand the behavior of alcohol mixtures by using the ultrasonic waves at different temperatures. The Gruneisen parameter which is originally defined for solids to study the internal structure and other quasi crystalline properties of liquids. For the liquid mixtures, the pseudo counter part of Gruneisen parameter is defined for many liquids, pseudo-Gruneisen parameter (Г) decreases with increase of temperature except for liquids, water, and for alkali metals. For ethanol and benzene liquid mixtures at 308, 313, 318, and 323 K over the entire range the ultrasonic velocity and also the other acoustical parameters have been measured. The various temperatures starting from 308 K up to 323 K, the thermodynamic interaction of binary liquid mixtures is studied experimentally by using the ultrasonic interferometer at 2 MHz. The study has also measured the density and viscosity in the given temperature range. In addition to this, adiabatic compressibility (βa), free length (Lf), internal pressure (πi), enthalpy (H), solubility parameter (δ), activation energy (G), isothermal compressibility (βT), specific heat ratio (γ), volume expansivity (αT), pseudo-Gruneisen parameter (Г), reduced volume (Ṽ), and specific heat capacity (C) are calculated. The variations of interactions in binary liquid mixtures have been investigated using these values. The measurement of ultrasonic velocity of the pseudo-Gruneisen parameter for the liquid mixture at different temperatures is highlighted in conclusion.

Shadow of quantum extended Kruskal black hole and its super-radiance property

We perform the shadow calculation of the loop quantum gravity motivated regular black hole recently proposed by Ashtekar, Olmedo and Singh (will be termed AOS black hole hereafter). In the process, we also construct the rotating loop quantum gravity inspired solution of the originally proposed static spherically symmetric AOS black hole by applying the modified Newman-Janis algorithm. We study the quantum effects on the shadows of both the non-rotating and rotating loop quantum black hole solutions. It is observed that the general shape of the shadow for non-rotating AOS black hole is circular in shape as is expected for its classical counter part too, but the presence of loop quantum gravity inspired modification contracts the shadow radius and the effect reduces with the increase in the mass of the black hole. On a similar note, in the rotating situation, we find contraction in shadow radius due to quantum effects and the tapered nature of the shadow as expected from the classical Kerr case. However, instead of the symmetrical contraction, like non-rotating one, we found more contraction on one side relative to the other when we compare our result with the shadow of the Kerr black hole. We finally studied super-radiance in rotating AOS background and observed that the super-radiance condition for massless scalar field is identical to that of the Kerr case with the rotation of the BH being more compared to Kerr in the low mass regime. With an increase in mass of the rotating AOS black hole, the difference from Kerr starts to become insignificant.

RTID-06. A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL USING ACCELERATOR-BASED BNCT SYSTEM FOR REFRACTORY RECURRENT HIGH-GRADE MENINGIOMA

Abstract BACKGROUNDS Recently, nuclear reactors have been replaced with accelerator-based neutron sources (ABNS) for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). High-grade meningiomas (HGM) are refractory, especially recurred after some radiotherapy. We are now applying randomized controlled trial (RCT) of “A phase II clinical trial using accelerator-based BNCT system for refractory recurrent high-grade meningioma”. STUDY DESIGN PMDA in Japan which is a counter part of FDA in USA suggested the importance of RCT even for this exploratory clinical trial for HGM. Along to this suggestion, we prepared 2 study groups, BNCT test treatment group and control best supportive care (BSC) group. Progression free survival (PFS) was set-up as primary endpoint. Rescue BNCT is allowed for control group patients, if they showed progress disease (PD) during observation. Two-dimensional modified Macdonald criteria is adopted for assessment. METHODS The trial started in August 2019. Eighteen subjects were enrolled and divided in 12 and 6 subjects for BNCT and control BSC group, respectively. Cyclotron-based ABNS system was used for neutron source. Neutron-irradiation time is determined not to exceed to 7.5 Gy-Eq for scalp dose which was referencing preceding phase I trial for malignant gliomas. The last patient-in was August 2021. INTERIM RESULTS (as of April 30, 2022): All 6 cases of control group were judges as PD. Seven out of 11 cases of BNCT group were judged as PD. One case of BNCT group dropped out from the study with withdrawal of consent. Median PFS were 8 and 64 weeks for control group and BNCT group, respectively. Log-rank test showed marked statistical difference with p-value of 0.000401 between these 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS This RCT showed a marked difference of PFS between accelerator-based BNCT group and control group, so far. We will keep on observation at least next 2 years for other endpoints.

THE HAIRY APE: A SOCIAL VISION OF EUGENE O’NEILL THROUGH EXPRESSIONISTIC TECHNIC

Eugene O’Neill has a powerful social vision and his plays are rich in social criticism. As a social dramatist, O’Neill sees the society as a whole and gives exact ‘feel’ of it. He deals with characters, events and situations which constitute an integral part of it. O’Neill’s plays create in us a new social awareness. He visualizes society critically, without prejudice. He is rarely satisfied with the surface view of life, but moves inward to sound its depth. O’Neill’s social vision has a remarkable social range. His plays embody the ideas and conflict of the first half of the twentieth century. They deal with the social and economical chaos of our time. O’Neill’s dramas provide one of the most direct and serious criticism of modern American socio-economic order and present it in its true perspective. O’Neill’s The Hairy Ape is an expressionistic tragi-comedy of the modern industrial unrest. In the play, it is the modern industrial society which destroys the modern counter part of the protagonist Yank. The play is about the plight of capitalist class is equally disturbing. The researcher, in the present research work, proposes to study what way Eugene O’Neill’s has depicted his social vision in The Hairy Ape. The researcher also proposes to study O’Neill’s use of expressionistic technic in the play.

ASSESSMENT OF THE PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND ITS EFFECT ON FOOD CROP PRODUCTION IN BAMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed food crop farmer’s perception of climate variability and its effects on food crop production in Bama LGA Borno State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling was used in drawing 100 respondents for this study. Information was collected using structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics used includes frequencies, means and percentages. The inferential statistics used was multiple regressions model. The result revealed that majority of 71% where male and dominated food crop production, 76% were also married. Furthermore, 56% had 5-8 household members. 20% had tertiary education, while 43% had primary education. The result revealed that 45% had 5-8ha of land for food crop production. An overwhelming majority of 90% perceived those gases released from factories/industries and auto mobile ranked 1st as responsible for causing climate variability. 87% ranked deforestation as 2nd cause of climate variability, while 10% ranked traditional neglect as the 12th and least cause of climate variability. For the effect of climate variability on food crop production, majority of 95% ranked decrease in crop yield as the 1st effect of climate variability, 94% ranked reduced income from crop yield as the 2nd effect of climate variability. The least perceived effect of climate variability was reduced cover crop which was ranked by 50% of the respondents in 14th place. The result of factors influencing the perceived effect of climate variability was positive and significant at P≤0.05 and P≤0.01, respectively. The coefficient of gender was positive and significant at P≤0.05 which implies that every male had higher chance of being affected by the effect of climate variability than their female counter part. The study recommended more campaign on climate variability for rural farmers. Also, government, non-governmental organizations and policy makers should create an avenue where more female farmers could participate and have access to arable land.

Matricide, Myth, and the Great Mother: An Asian Ecofeminist Reading of Seolmundae (the Creator of Jeju Island in Korea) and Nüwa (the Protector Goddess of Chinese Mythology)

Abstract This study is an Asian ecofeminist reading of two Great Mother Goddesses, Seolmundae (the Creator of Jeju Island in Korea) and Nüwa (the Protector Goddess of Chinese mythology). Nüwa (yin) cannot be reduced to just a counter part of Fuxi (yang) while Seolmundae cannot be shadowed as one of many other creation myths. Rather, they are the Great Mother, the Divine Feminine as the fecundity of Life, the healing Spirit, and the caring Heart which we have to discover and rescue from our forgotten histories to transform violent culture into caring and healing culture. The purpose of this study is to say yes to salim (enlivening, healing, caring-Life with a capital L) and to say no to disruptions of Life (war, violence, destroying nature) as we witness the physical and spiritual sufferings and degradation caused by oppression of those that rendered subaltern. Discovering the Goddess is our ethical imperative for expanding healing culture and loving nature and recognizing the agencies/subjectivities of the subaltern, including Asian women and nature.

Charge and Discharge of Capasitors: Revisiting the Analogy with Water in Connected Containers

Analogy can be considered as an approach in teaching an abstract concept, where in electricity related to capacitor, water and containers are sometimes used. In this work we try to summerize available reports related to this. Usually, the water flow (WF) represents electric current, water height (WH) is an analogy to electric potential difference, container floor area (FA) can be viewed as capacitance, hose (HS) is as connecting wire, and water reservoir with large floor area (WR) behaves as a battery. The voltage saturation while charging the capacitor and voltage decaying while discharging capacitor can be obtained with the use of WH, FA, HS, and WR elements. Even it is not so ideal, but the observation tends to show qualitatively similar curves. We also present comparation table between electric circuit and water circuit. Unfortunately, not every aspect in electric side has the counter part in the water side. The difference between the two systems are clear and must be noticed to avoid misconception for the teaching target.

Cloning of gonadotropin Gph-alpha, FSH-beta and LH-beta subunits and seasonal profiles of steroid hormones in wild-caught Nile perch, Lates niloticus

The Nile perch (np; Lates niloticus) is a freshwater teleost species with a potential for aquaculture in freshwater surroundings. However, wild-caught breeders have persistently failed to spawn spontaneously in captivity. Cloning of the gonadotropin subunits and analysing seasonal variation in reproductive hormone levels for a 1-year period were done to gain knowledge on the physiological basis underlying the reproductive biology of np. The β-follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH-β) and β-luteinizing hormone (LH-β) subunits and their common α-glycoprotein (Gph-α) subunit were cloned using 3′ and 5′ RACE-PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the npgph-α, npfsh-β, and nplh-β subunits were 664, 580 and 675 nucleotides in length, encoding peptides of 124, 120 and 148 amino acids, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of each mature subunit showed high similarity with its counterparts in other teleost. Sequence analysis showed that npFSH-β is more similar to higher vertebrate FSH-βs than to higher vertebrate LH-βs. Heterologous immunoassay was calibrated to analyse pituitary LH levels. While the LH immunoassay showed parallelism of npLH with that of tilapia (ta), no parallelism for FSH was found. Levels of pituitary LH were higher in females at gonadal stages of vitellogenic oocytes, mature secondary oocytes and mature tertiary oocytes with migrating nucleus than in pre-vitellogenic oocytes and early and late perinucleolus oocytes. Using competitive steroid ELISA, variations in the levels of the steroid hormones 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in males and E2 in females were characterized in relation to month and reproductive index of Nile perch. Our findings show that in females, gonadosomatic index and plasma E2 were highly correlated (R2 = 0.699, n = 172) and peaked from September to November while in males, the gonadosomatic index and plasma 11-KT peaked from October to November. In female fish, both steroid hormones were detected in the plasma but greatly varied in concentrations. E2 in particular, increased with the developmental stage of the gonads. The levels of steroid hormones, E2 and 11-KT in females and males respectively increased with fish size (total lengths) and suggest that females mature at a body length of 40–59 cm than their counter part males that mature at a total length of 60–70 cm. Taken together, we describe seasonal endocrine differences in wild-caught adult Nile perch which could potentially be exploited to manipulate the reproductive axis in cultured breeders.

The Challenges Faced by Women Professionals in the Development of the Society in Nigeria

The paper discussed the challenges faced by women professionals in the development of the society in Nigeria. Women have always played an important role in the progress of a nation, even as they emerge as, scholars, poets, writers, reformers and administrators Nurses, Mothers Leaders in various spheres of life. They have also contributed to societal development as professionals in all field of human endeavours. Though women have triumphed in pursuing careers and professionalism but they still envisage some challenges in crucial aspects of life. This challenges have served as deterrent to women development some of these challenges include: traditional and cultural challenges, religious challenges and economic challenges. The paper also considered some professional challenges such as negotiation and networking and building long-lasting business relationships, emotions spoil leadership skills, women tend to push themselves too hard, balancing work and family life, low risk-bearing ability, and delegation. In conclusion Women played an important part in drawing attention to the role of women in the development process of the society. For a long time now there have been tough competitions against male counterpart since most of the fields have been dominated by men. It is therefore, necessary that we revisit the level of inequalities and disparity that exist in among male and female counter part in Nigeria, if we will make good development impact in the lives of all citizens. The more time we give women, and their contributory opportunities to the development of the house hold income and ownership of land and other capital income generating ventures, the better their chances of seeking and having justice in their work and community issues.