High Fertility Rates Research Articles

Collaborative centralization of gynaecological cancer care.

To discuss the benefits of centralization of gynaecological cancer care on patients and the healthcare system and how to overcome its barriers. Evidence demonstrates that adherence to clinical practice management guidelines is more likely; the risk of adverse events is lower; survival is improved; in young women fertility preservation is higher; and cost effectiveness is higher; in systems that employ centralized care for women with gynaecological cancer. Barriers to the uptake of centralized models include knowledge, attitude as well as deficient systems and processes, including a lack of governance and leadership. Collaborative centralization refers to a model that sees both elements (centralization and treatment closer to home) utilized at the patient level that addresses some of the barriers of centralized gynaecological cancer care. Evidence supports centralized gynaecological cancer care, as it results in reduced risks of adverse events, improved survival and higher fertility rates at lower cost to funders. Collaborative centralization is a process that considers both the value of centralization and collaboration amongst healthcare professionals at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare to benefit patient outcomes.

Monitoring of the implementation of the potential for reproduction of the Kholmogory breed of cattle in the farms of the North-West region of the Russia

The most important side in breeding work is reproduction and its indicators. In modern conditions, domestic cattle breeds are losing their popularity, there is an intensive expansion of native breeds by Holstein bulls of American lines, which on the one hand leads to an increase in milk productivity, but at the same time leads to a decrease in the productive longevity of the livestock used. On the territory of the North-Western Federal District of the Russian Federation, mainly black-and-white root breeds are used, both locally selected, such as the Kholmogorskaya breed of cattle, the Yaroslavl breed, and "imported" ones.The advantage of domestic cattle is that over the years, genotypically formed resistance to unfavorable paratypical factors has led to productive longevity, higher fertility rates than those of foreign-bred cattle used in the district. The young of native breeds have more advantages in terms of survival in the pre and postnatal periods of ontogenesis.The study consisted in monitoring the realization of the reproduction potential among reproductive farms for the Kholmogorsky breed of cattle. The article presents materials on the monitoring carried out and their analysis is carried out, the indicators of reproduction on the territory of breeding farms are estimated. The analysis showed that the range of variability is about 10-15%, allowed us to draw conclusions about the need to control the quality of reproduction of young animals in livestock farms, confirmed the regularity (positive correlation) of live weight to the first insemination, as an indicator of growth and physiological development, created a number of recommendations for the zootechnical service of farms to improve the intensity of reproduction, increase the quality of the resulting repair livestock as a vector of improvement of the regional Kholmogorsky breed of cattle.

Влияние минеральных и органических удобрений в зернопропашном севообороте на свойства чернозема выщелоченного Западного Предкавказья

The purpose of the research is to assess the humus state and functioning of the soil absorbing complex of leached chernozem during the rotation period of the six–field grain crop rotation. Traditional methods of soil research were used in field long-term experience. The medium and high rates of the mineral fertilizers of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, as well as the organic fertilizers (litter, liquid manure, straw) and their combinations with mineral solid fertilizers were used. The application of the mineral fertilizers for a circle of the crop rotation contributed to an increase in all types of soil acidity. The use of the litter manure and straw significantly reduced the indicators of an active, metabolic and hydrolytic acidity, respectively, by 6.8-1.7, 15.2-13.0, and 18.4-8.2% relative to the control. The joint application of the organic and mineral fertilizers slows down the rate of acidification of the soil, but does not eliminate them. The use of the litter manure and its combination with a mineral fertilizer caused an increase in the carbon content of humus, respectively, by 3.9 and 11.6%. The use of the straw in a combination with the mineral fertilizer and liquid manure increased the carbon content of humus, respectively, by 1.4 and 14.5% relative to the control. The degree of humification with increasing rates of the mineral fertilizers decreased from 24.2 to 22.3, and with the use of the organic fertilizers increased from 22.3 to 25.2.

Study of soil rhizobacteria from Chernevaya Taiga in Western Siberia and their potential effect on plant growth

The isolation of soil bacteria from various environments with exceptionally high fertility rates represents an opportunity to identify promising agents to promote agriculture production. The paper aims to study the densities of cultivable bacteria and isolate bacteria from the radish and spring wheat rhizosphere. Plants were grown in the pot experiment with virgin Chernevaya soil, which possessed extraordinary productivity, and zonal forest soil that did not demonstrate similar features. Fifty-nine bacterial isolates were purified and evaluated for their beneficial effects on the early growth of wheat. Isolates belonged to Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes phyla, and the most represented genera were Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Paenibacillus, and Methylobacterium. These dominant bacteria were used in plant inoculation studies. Strains promoted a significant increase in shoot and root length and biomass, thus they may be considered plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria [PGPR]. Regarding biotest assays, strains that displayed high plant growth-promoting capabilities [PGP] were selected for further investigation. This study contributed to bacteria isolates from a unique natural environment with biotechnological potentials in improving plant growth and showed potency to be exploited as bioinoculants.

P-214 Obtaining a fresh sperm sample for Delayed-ICSI: Does it matter?

Abstract Study question Is a fresh sperm sample for Delayed-ICSI necessary to improve cycle outcomes? Summary answer Our results have demonstrated that the use of fresh sperm for Delayed-ICSI does not have any influence on outcomes compared to using 1-day-old sperm. What is known already Delayed-ICSI is a procedure whereby immature oocytes on Day0 are cultured overnight and injected the next day (Day1, if mature). When Lundin et. al. (1996) compared the use of fresh sperm versus 1-day-old sperm for Rescue-ICSI on unfertilised oocytes, a higher fertilisation rate was found when fresh sperm was used. At Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists (AIWS), Delayed-ICSI is carried out using 1-day-old (overnight) sperm obtained on Day0. Therefore, in order to affirm Lundin et. al.’ s findings, a comparison between the fresh and overnight sperm samples for Delayed-ICSI was done, and the outcomes were analysed. Study design, size, duration From January to July 2021, 187 IVF cycles with Delayed-ICSI on Day1-matured oocytes were done in AIWS. Of which, 89 cycles used overnight sperm – semen collected on Day0, which were processed for ICSI (Group A – mean maternal age: 37.3; age range 29.0-47.0) while the remaining 98 cycles used fresh sperm – semen collected on Day1, which were also processed for ICSI (Group B – mean maternal age: 37.9; age range 19.0-46.0). Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen samples were processed using density gradient centrifugation and/or swim-up. Day0-ICSI was done on all matured oocytes at 2.5-4.5hours post-retrieval (PIEZO, Japan). Immature oocytes were further cultured for 18-24hours and Delayed-ICSI was done immediately after maturity assessment with either overnight (Group A) or fresh sperm (Group B). All injected oocytes were cultured up to 7 days and trophectoderm biopsy for PGT-A screening (IonTorrent, USA) was performed on selected blastocysts prior to vitrification (Cryotec, Japan). Main results and the role of chance In Group A, the normal fertilisation (2PN), abnormal fertilisation (>2PN), blastulation, blastocyst utilisation and euploidy rates of Delayed-ICSI were 64%, 14%, 34%, 17% and 33% respectively. In Group B, the normal fertilisation (2PN), abnormal fertilisation (>2PN), blastulation, blastocyst utilisation and euploidy rates of Delayed-ICSI were 52%, 21%, 36%, 13% and 30% respectively. No statistical significance was observed in the fertilisation (2PN) (p = 0.2588), abnormal fertilisation (>2PN) (p = 0.0978), blastulation (p = 0.9067), blastocyst utilisation (p = 0.5101) and euploidy rates (p = 1.000) between Group A and Group B. Our findings showed that a 18-24hour incubation of sperm (1-day-old spermatozoa) had no influence on their fertilisation potential and the subsequent embryo development when compared to freshly prepared sperm for Delayed-ICSI. Furthermore, PGT-A analysis also revealed that overnight sperm do not contribute to an increase in chromosomal abnormalities in a blastocyst derived from Delayed-ICSI. Limitations, reasons for caution A larger patient cohort would have provided more data for the study, therefore further studies are required to validate our findings. Additionally, the effect of overnight incubation on the genetic and metabolic quality of a spermatozoa can also be studied to support our results. Wider implications of the findings The findings of this study have shown that fresh sperm samples on Day1 is not required as no significant differences in outcomes were observed between the use of fresh versus overnight sperm samples for Delayed-ICSI. Trial registration number Not applicable

Conceptual paper on Lahore-Pakistan pregnancy cohort study

Pakistan is among the countries with a high rate of fertility and maternal mortality, and it's in a contract with sustainable development goals (SDGs) to achieve its 5th goal (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls). Remaining this rate high with the availability of evidence-based strategies for reducing maternal mortality and advances in medical technology in Pakistan, this study will attempt to explore the methodology of the Lahore Pregnancy Cohort Study (LPCS). The objectives of the study were to determine the nutritional status, environmental factors (socio-economic status and food insecurity) and psychological status (depression and anxiety) of pregnant women. Moreover, the study will be an ongoing two-year prospective cohort study of Pakistani pregnant women in their 2nd trimester from the outpatient department of Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Meanwhile, during pregnancy, their interview was conducted three times in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum.

Demographic and Socio-economic Characteristics Impact on Fertility in Pakistan

Fertility is the actual reproductive performance of an individual, a couple which determines the country’s population size. Pakistan is the 5th most Populus country in the world with high fertility rate in regional countries. The trustworthy secondary data were taken from National Institute of Population Studies, Pakistan and analyzed. The mean and standard deviation of children ever born (CEB) was estimated 3.2±2.41. Poisson and logistic regression models were applied to study the substantial role of eight socio-economic and demographic variables regarding CEB. Poisson regression illustrated that contraceptive and length of marriage positively correlated with CEB, whereas the women education, age at marriage and wealth index showed an inverse relationship with CEB. The women education i.e., illiterate, primary education, secondary education and higher education is 50%, 13.9%, 20.8% and 15.3% and the corresponding mean CEB are 2.73, 2.48, 2.34, and 2.16, respectively. The logistic regression model demonstrated the negative relation between the odds ratio and women education and age at marriage while the family size and length of the marriage were found to be positively correlated. If the respondent remains married for 10+ years, the odds ratio of having a large family is increased by a factor of 21.352 keeping the effect of other variables kept constant. The fitted parsimonious logistic regression model’s correct classification for small family, large family and overall are 82.3%, 83% and 82.7% respectively. The findings, thus, have enormous implications for the Government and Population welfare Departments about policies formulations

Apatites Record Sedimentary Provenance Change 4–5 Myrs Before Clay in the Oligocene/Miocene Alpine Molasse

Extracting information about past tectonic or climatic environmental changes from sedimentary records is a key objective of provenance research. Interpreting the imprint of such changes remains challenging as signals might be altered in the sediment-routing system. We investigate the sedimentary provenance of the Oligocene/Miocene Upper Austrian Northern Alpine Foreland Basin and its response to the tectonically driven exhumation of the Tauern Window metamorphic dome (28 ± 1 Ma) in the Eastern European Alps by using the unprecedented combination of Nd isotopic composition of bulk-rock clay-sized samples and partly previously published multi-proxy (Nd isotopic composition, trace-element geochemistry, U-Pb dating) sand-sized apatite single-grain analysis. The basin offers an excellent opportunity to investigate environmental signal propagation into the sedimentary record because comprehensive stratigraphic and seismic datasets can be combined with present research results. The bulk-rock clay-sized fraction εNd values of well-cutting samples from one well on the northern basin slope remained stable at ∼−9.7 from 27 to 19 Ma but increased after 19 Ma to ∼−9.1. In contrast, apatite single-grain distributions, which were extracted from 22 drill-core samples, changed significantly around 23.3 Ma from apatites dominantly from low-grade (<upper amphibolite-facies) metamorphic sources with Permo-Mesozoic and late Variscan U-Pb ages and εNd values of −4.4 to dominantly high-grade metamorphic apatites with late Variscan U-Pb ages and εNd values of −2.2. The change in apatite single-grain distributions at 23.3 Ma is interpreted to result from the exposure of a new Upper Austroalpine source nappe with less negative εNd values triggered by the ongoing Tauern Window exhumation. Combining these data with the clay-sized bulk-rock εNd values reveals that the provenance changed 4–5 Myrs later at 19 Ma in the clay-sized fraction. Reasons for the delayed provenance-change recording are rooted in the characteristics of the applied methods. Whereas single-grain distributions of orogen-wide sediment-routing systems can be dominated by geographically small areas with high erosion and mineral fertility rates, bulk-rock methods integrate over the entire drainage basin, thus diminishing extreme values. Hence, by combining these two methods, spatial information are uncovered, enabling a previously unattained understanding of the underlying environmental change.

Cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered sheep in Erzurum province, Turkey

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important zoonotic infection caused by the larval stages of the genus Echinococcus. Turkey is a highly endemic region for CE and the disease is one of the major public health problems. The study was aimed to assess the situation of the CE in sheep in Turkey and also to provide data on circulating genotypes in the country. A total of 3319 sheep at slaughter were screened during the study. The prevalence of CE in the study area was 31.7% (1052/3319). The lungs were the most frequently CE infected organ (50%, 526/1052). Microscopic examination revealed that overall cyst fertility was 68.1%. Molecular analysis of partial fragments of 12S and COI gene regions were included for 351 selected cyst samples and all of them were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto. Sequence analysis showed that the predominant genotype in the study areas was G1 (77.1%), and the rest were G3 (22.9%). The prevalence rate of CE in sheep in the study area is lower compared to previous years except for one province. Considering the high cyst fertility rate and the predominance of E. granulosus G1 which is particularly pathogenic to humans, calls for serious control measures like public awareness about the disease, sufficient dog deworming programs, continuity of monitoring the disease should be taken.

Different Theoretical Perspectives to Secularization and the Impact of Migration on Future Religiosity of Europe

Secularization versus religious revival debate has been shifted to another dimension with the mass migration targeting Europe because of the conflicts in the Middle East. The literature concerning secularism was expecting a linear trend in line with the modernization and Europe was considered to be the nexus of both. This study delineates the secularization debate for evaluating the recent trend of migration within this rather neglected scope. The main argument is that among the secularization theories, religious market model and existential security paradigm have a greater explanatory power for the future state-religion relations in Europe. They indicate that as a result of migration, contrary to the expectation of classical secularism theories, the overall religiosity might increase in Europe due to the pluralization of the religious realm as well as the fact that Muslim migrants who are more religious also have higher fertility rate than Europeans. In that sense, Europe, which seemed to settle the dispute concerning religious realm for years now might be faced with a new challenge due to the migration phenomenon.

PENGARUH TRANSISI DEMOGRAFI TERHADAP KEMISKINAN

Various studies have been conducted to create policies that can reduce poverty rates, and several researchers have tried to look at the role of demography on poverty. One of them is discussing the relationship between components of demographic variables in Indonesia; cross-national regression shows that high fertility rates increase poverty by slowing economic growth. Combined fertility and mortality are associated with reduced fertility and mortality rates that simultaneously produce changes in population growth as a model of the demographic transition. Indonesia has almost completed this first demographic transition even in several provinces and districts, has passed the first demographic transition and is currently in the second demographic transition phase. Secondary data is macro, in the form of Indonesian time series data sourced from the World Bank, and is annual data, namely 1998-2019. An interesting relationship between the dependency ratio and the poverty rate is related to the term jobless growth, the more working-age, the more jobs are needed, but if there are not many jobs, unemployment will increase even though the economic growth is quite good.

Factors Associated with Development of Ventral Hernias and Healthcare Seeking Behaviors in a Cohort of Pakistani Women

Background: Anterior abdominal wall hernias constitute one of the most common surgical presentations. According to the World Bank data Pakistan has one of the highest birth rates per woman in the region at 3.6 births per woman. In Pakistan there has also been a large increase in C-section rates with nearly 20% of all pregnancies being delivered via C-section, nearly 1 out of every 5 births. Multi-parity is a risk factor for developing paraumbilical hernias and C-sections lead to incisional hernia developments. Methodology: The study conducted was a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital in the department of surgery from 1st June 2021 till 1st September 2021. Any woman presenting with a ventral hernia to the clinic was asked to fill out a questionnaire. 60 women presented over the study period and were enrolled. Results: Fifty five percent paraumbilical hernias and 41.7% incisional hernias were reported. The mean number of pregnancies was 4.10 S.D 1.531 with a range from 0-8. C-sections were 2 times more common than SVDs. Increasing number of pregnancies associated with younger age of onset. Higher number of vaginal deliveries and C-sections were each associated with the development of a ventral hernia. Conclusion: The high fertility rate and C-section rate in Pakistan incurs a huge risk to women developing ventral hernias and poses a burden to the public healthcare system. Keywords: Paraumbilical hernia; parity; Pakistan

Demographic effects of deportation: seeking the causes of high fertility rates in the North Caucasus, Russia

ABSTRACT This article explores how the deportation of the Dargin people in the Caucasus affects intergenerational fertility rates and assesses the results of the experiment. The authors paid attention to two Dargin settlements located in the foothills and Mid-Mountains areas of Dagestan, the first of which was subject to forced replacement, but the other was left intact. Inhabitants of both settlements have close kinship ties and are tied by commodity trade as well. The authors obtained data through municipal registers and an additional survey conducted in the studied localities. We used event history analysis as the main methodology. The main findings cover the following: the foothill settlers managed to keep the social norms along with handicrafts that existed before deportation which brought about the intergenerational continuity in procreative behaviour and higher childbirth rates in the foothill settlement that have persisted for a long time.

Fertility in Africa: Dynamics and Challenges of Development

This research is interested in the links between the fertility of women and the economic and social development of their country. It is part of an African context marked by weak indicators of economic and social development but with high indicators of demographic growth. Methodologically, quantitative data relating to demographic, economic, social and health variables are analyzed using a Principal Component Analysis, evolution curves, and projections to the year 2100. The results show that some African countries, despite their high fertility rates, benefit from social progress related to health and life expectancy even if their economy seems to be negatively affected especially by the high dependency indices of young people. Strong inequalities in fertility rates are also noted between different countries and different geographic regions, making the geography of the African population plural. The various demographic projections made show real opportunities for the continent's economic development in the future.

Gravidity, contraceptive use and acceptability of a proposed three-baby policy in a municipality of Ghana

Background: Childbirth and high total fertility rate among women is traditionally held in high esteem in many African societies. However, the menace of large families and increasing populations has triggered both global and National actions towards population control. This study determined the factors associated with gravidity, the acceptability of a proposed three-baby per couple policy and the prevalence of modern contraceptives in a Ghanaian municipality.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted and involved 350 women of reproductive age who had a history of past or present pregnancy. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis with the aid of STATA version 14.Results: The results indicated that 97.39% of the participants had knowledge of modern contraceptives and 33.91% were current users of modern contraceptives. Gravidity showed significant association with age, marital status, educational level, employment status and source of contraceptive (p<0.001). Participants with no formal education had the highest gravidity (Mean±SD=6.0±1.7). Also, 86.29% were aware of the proposed three-baby policy but only 28.37% were willing to accept the policy. A linear regression analysis showed a negative association between age and gravidity (p=0.018; β=-0.008). The participants’ desired number of children was also statistically significant with gravidity (p<0.001­).Conclusions: Efforts towards population control can be challenging due to the low use of modern contraceptives which is effective in reducing the TFR. Also the low acceptability of the proposed three-baby policy amongst reproductive women suggest their desire for more children.

The Productivity Improvement and Population Development of Payakumbuh Duck Using a Simple Aspirator Tool on Artificial Insemination (AI) Technology

This study aimed to determine the effect of IB frequency using different simple aspirator on fertility, weight loss and hatchability of Payakumbuh duck (Anas platyrhynchos domestication) eggs. This study used 8 male and 20 female ducks, 90% egg production. In this study, all hatched the hatched eggs. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of: P1 is 1 x 2 days, P2 is 1 x 4 days, P3 is 1 x 6 days, P4 is 1 x 8 days; the parameters observed were fertility, weight loss and hatchability. The results of the analysis of variance showed that different AI frequencies had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the fertility of hatching eggs, but had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on weight loss and hatchability. It can be concluded that P2 had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on fertility because fertile eggs were higher than other treatments. The characteristics of Payakumbuh ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestication) spermatozoa are milky white and yellowish white, thick and watery consistency, specific odor, volume 0.24±0.05 ml, pH 7.37±0.51, mass movement +, ++ and +++, live percentage 79.06±3.68%, concentration 2.342 billion cells/ml, motility 75.00±7.56% and abnormality 12.06±0.82%. The results of the analysis of variance showed that different AI frequencies had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the fertility of hatching eggs, but had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on weight loss and hatchability. The frequency of IB 1 x 4 days had the highest fertility rate, namely 67.72 ± 7.99%. A simple Aspirator can function properly with the need for repairs and upgrades in several parts of the tool such as current source, and fan capacity

Effect of adding carrots as feed supplementation on reproductive performance in Awassi ewes

The present study was designed to estimate the effect of carrots supplementation on reproductive performance in ewes. Thirty Awassi ewes. Ewes were randomly divided into three equal groups, distributed as 10 ewes for each group. First group consider as control, second group feed 400 g carrot/animal daily, third group feed 800 g carrot/animal daily. Each group were synchronized with intra vaginal sponges and injected with 400 IU of eCG at the time of sponge withdrawal. Estrus ewes were conceived naturally with rams and pregnant ewes were followed until parturition. The results of current study demonstrated that G3 had high estrus response and fertility rate 90% compared with G2 and control 80 and 70% respectively. Fecundity rate increased significant in G3 200% compared to G2 and 125 and 100% respectively. Ewes in G3 showed the highest multiple lambing rate 66.67% compared with G2 25% and control 0%. Blood progesterone concentration was high increasing at the 18th day of estrus in the ewes for G3 and G2 compared with control, also, estrogen level at the day of estrus showed high increasing in G3 compared with G2 and control group. We concluded that carrots fed as a supplementation have essential effect on enhancement of reproductive performance in ewes.

A demographer’s urban village: Testing demographic transition theory, Delhi 1950–1970

Neo-Malthusian population planning that links high fertility rate to poverty has been an area that has spawned vast and rich scholarship. In the Indian context, scholars have drawn continuities from late colonial birth control advocacy to the targeted sterilizations in 1975–1977. However, the different iterations of demographic transition theory in the 1950s–1970s are subsumed within a unilinear reading of underdevelopment during the Cold War. This article — the first detailed study of the demographer Dr S. N. Agarwala — shows how demographic transition theory was tested in his survey of fertility in a peri-urban area in Delhi. With this stress on local geographies, I contribute to the scholarship on how non-western experts negotiated the central axes of the Cold War. Experts like Agarwala negotiated transnational discourses of developmental modernity, translating them for local contexts, such as villages in peripheral Delhi. The study revealed the limits of developmental modernity, in the way this vision centered on births and reproductive capacities in solving historical and systemic inequities. In the paternalistic solutions that Agarwala proposed from the findings of his study, we find an alternate reading of the Indian population control program: one that did not rest on sterilizations as the dominant mode of achieving the small family norm.

Fertility among women in Ghana: Do child mortality and education matter?

BackgroundChild mortality and fertility are crucial in determining the growth of a country's population and have implications for public health and family planning interventions. An understanding of the effect of child mortality and education on fertility would be relevant to direct policies towards fertility reduction in Ghana. ObjectiveThe study examined the effect of child mortality and education on fertility in Ghana. MethodThe study used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), using a sample of 4938 women who have ever given birth to at least one or more children. An instrumental variable Poisson generalized method of moments estimator was used in estimating the model. This helped in dealing with the eminent endogeneity among our key variables of interest. ResultsThe results show that the experience of child mortality contributes to the high fertility rate in Ghana, while education leads to a reduction in fertility. The results suggest that women who have experienced the death of a child or live in a cluster with high mortality ratio tend to have higher fertility in line with the replacement effect, whereas women facing a high risk of child mortality are inclined to high fertility through the hoarding effect. The results further show that women with higher average years of education have a lower fertility rate. Additionally, the negative interactive terms suggest that the effect of child mortality on fertility depends on the woman's education. Women with a higher level of education, have lower fertility even in an environment marked with high child mortality. ConclusionThe results affirm that a high rate of child mortality increases fertility in Ghana through both the replacement and hoarding effects. Besides, the education of the woman leads to fertility reduction. Our findings imply that while efforts are made to reduce fertility in Ghana, policy should emphasize public education on the adverse consequences of higher fertility while prioritizing measures aimed at reducing child mortality or the risk of child mortality in Ghana. Besides, increasing access to education for women will also contribute to the reduction in fertility in Ghana. The focus of such education should complement and consolidate already existing efforts that aim to reduce child mortality such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Recent development in freezing strategies of pig semen-A review

Of late studies on frozen thawed boar semen have dramatically improved boar semen cryopreservation technique, albeit the commercial application of cryopreserved boar semen has not yet been popular. Some studies claimed successful fertility/ fertilization with frozen boar semen. Multiple researches are being carried out to evolve a suitable freezing protocol for cryopreservation of boar semen. In general, freezing protocol adopts freezing rates of either 20°, 40° or 60°C/min in lactose egg yolk extender with 2–3% glycerol using medium straw (0.5 ml) for freezing of boar semen. The supplementation of vitamin E or its analogues Trolox, butylated hydroxytoluene, reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, and alpha-lipoic acid to the freezing media of boar semen increase the cryosurvival of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa. Treating sperm with cholesterol-loaded methyl-β-cyclodextrin increases sperm cryosurvival rates and sperm quality after thawing by partly decreasing membrane damage induced during phase transition from fluid to the crystalline-gel state. High fertility rates with cooled, frozen-thawed or sex-sorted boar semen are feasible to achieve by using appropriate insemination procedures. Post-cervical intra-uterine insemination allowed a three-fold reduction of spermatozoa to be inseminated, whereas deep uterine insemination allowed a substantial reduction in the number of cooled (5–20 folds) or frozen-thawed (6-folds) spermatozoa. With combination of different approaches, acceptable fertility with cryopreserved boar semen can be achieved facilitating its use in routine and commercial application. This review depicts best ways possible to adopt suitable freezing strategies for cryopreservation of boar semen.