Whole Period Of Experiment Research Articles

Morphological Changes in Mink Small Intestine when Using a Biologically Active Additive

Introduction. In fur farming, there arise problems negatively effecting quality of the end products. One of them is malnutrition. Therefore, the researchers are studying the diets composition of furbearing animals and the possibility of using feed additives. However, very little attention is paid to the effect they have on the morphological structures of internal organs, in particular, the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.The aim of the research was to study the small intestine morphometric parameters when using the biologically active additive "Emprobio" at different periods of ontogenesis.Materials and methods. The small intestine of the minks of different age groups: newborns, two-, fourand eight-month-olds was the object of the study. To study the morphometric parameters, the macroand micromorphometric methods were used.Results. The relative thickness of the small intestine mucous membrane to the total thickness of the intestinal wall in minks at birth was 60.4 %. By the age of two months old, it increased by 0.9% in the experiment group and on the contrary decreased by 2.1 % in the control one. At the age of 2–4 months old, this parameter increased to 61.3% in the experiment group and to 58.3 % in the control group. At the age of 4–8 months old, it decreased in both groups, but by the end of the experiment it increased by 2.7 % in the experiment group, by 0.5 % in the control one. By the age of two months old the height and diameter of the glands have slightly and equally increased in both groups. At the age of 2–4 months old, the height of the glands increased to the maximum: by 5.1 times in the experiment group and by 4.7 times in the control one. In the same period, the decrease of glands diameter growth rate was observed, the diameter increased only by 1.6 times in both groups. At the age of 4–8 months old, the growth rate of the glands height and diameter slowed down even more in both groups: the height increased by 1.3 times, the diameter by 1.1 times, respectively. The height of the villi had been increasing during the whole period of experiment: by 5.9 times in the experiment group; by 6.2 times in the control one.Discussion and conclusions. The growth rate of the most morphometric parameters was the highest in animals treated with the product "Emprobio", which indicated the positive effect of this biologically active additive on the structures of minks small intestine.

Neuroplasticity Elicited by Modified Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation: A Pilot Study.

Modified pharyngeal electrical stimulation (mPES) is a novel therapeutic method for patients with neurogenic dysphagia and tracheostomy. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of mPES on swallowing-related neural networks and involuntary swallowing frequency using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). 20 healthy volunteers participated in this study, including two separate experimental paradigms. Experiment 1: Immediate effect observation, 20 participants (10 female; mean age 47.65 ± 10.48) were delivered with real and sham mPES in random order for 8 repetitions. fNIRS signals were collected during the whole period of Experiments 1. Swallowing frequency was assessed during sham/real mPES. Experiment 2: Prolonged effect observation, 7 out of the 20 participants (4 female; mean age 49.71 ± 6.26) completed real mPES for 5 sessions (1 session/day). 13 of the 20 participants withdrew for personal reasons. Hemodynamic changes were recorded by fNIRS on day 1 and 5. Results show that mPES evoked cortical activation over a distributed network in bilateral primary somatosensory, primary motor, somatosensory association cortex, pre-motor and supplementary motor area, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Broca's area, and supramarginal gyrus part of Wernicke's area. Meanwhile, the increased frequency of involuntary swallowing was associated with decreased frontopolar activation (frontopolar cortex: Channel 6, p = 0.024, r = -0.529; Channel 23, p = 0.019, r = -0.545). Furthermore, after five days of mPES, decreased cortical activations were observed in the right dorsolateral prefrontal and supramarginal gyrus part of Wernicke's area, and left frontopolar and M1 areas. Overall, these results might suggest that mPES could elicit changes in neuroplasticity that could reorganize the swallowing-related neural network and increase involuntary swallow frequency.

Comparative Effects of Compound Enzyme and Antibiotics on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Biochemical Index, and Intestinal Health in Weaned Pigs.

This experiment aims to explore the effects of compound enzyme preparation substituting chlortetracycline on growth performance, serum immune markers, and antioxidant capacity and intestinal health in weaned piglets. A total of twenty-four 28-day-old “Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire” weaned piglets with an average initial weight of 7.25 ± 0.25 kg were randomly divided into three groups according to their body weight, with eight replicates in each group and one pig in each replicate. The three dietary treatments were basal diet (CON), basal diet + 1,000 mg/kg compound enzyme preparation (cellulase 4,000 IU/g, α-amylase 1,000 IU/g, β-glucanase 150 IU/g, and neutral protease 3,000 IU/g, CE), and basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC). The animal experiment lasted for 28 days and was divided into two stages: the early stage (0–14 days) and the late stage (15–28 days). The results showed that (1) compared with the CON, the CE and CTC significantly increased the ADG of weaned piglets during the early and whole period of experiment (p < 0.05), decreased the F:G in the whole experiment period (p < 0.05), and diarrhea rate in the early stage (p < 0.01). (2) Compared with the CON, the apparent total tract digestibility of ADF and NDF was significantly increased in pigs fed the CE diet in the early and late stages of experiment (p < 0.05) with no significant difference compared with the CTC. (3) Compared with the CON, the concentrations of serum IgA and SOD in weaned piglets were significantly increased in the CE group in the early stage of the experiment (p < 0.05). (4) Compared with the CON group, the acetic acid, propionic acid, and total VFA contents in cecum and colon segments were elevated in the CE group (p < 0.05) with no significant difference compared with the CTC. (5) Compared with the CON group, the villus height of duodenum and jejunum and the ratio of villus height to recess depth of ileum were increased in the CE and CTC group (p < 0.05). (6) Compared with the CON group, the abundance of Lactobacillus significantly increased (p < 0.01) while the abundance of Escherichia coli decreased in the CE group and CTC group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, CE preparation instead of CTC can significantly improve the nutrient digestibility, the immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of pigs, which may contribute to the improved growth performance of piglets.

Effect of sulfate-reducing bacteria on corrosion of X80 pipeline steel under disbonded coating in a red soil solution

Effect of sulfate-reducing bacteria on the corrosion behaviors of API-X80 pipeline steel has been studied in crevices under simulated disbonded coatings in red soil solution. The results show that there are amounts of SRB in the crevice under the simulated disbonded coating in the red soil solution during the whole period of experiment. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that SRB can enhance the corrosion of the steel in the crevice under the simulated disbonded coating, and the thermodynamic analyses indicate that SRB can accelerate the corrosion of steel using not only sulfate but also ferric hydroxide as electron acceptors.

Clinical and Biochemical Profile of Iraqi Local Breed Cows During Pregnancy and Early Lactation

This study was conducted in Al-Alam region, which is located in Salah Al-Din Governorate, on first month pregnant Iraqi local cows (n-10). The follow up extended from the first month of pregnancy up to the end of the first month post-parturition during that some clinical and biochemical parameters were measured in the serum. Blood samples from the jugular vein of cows were collected monthly for the whole period of experiment and divided into four stages: early pregnancy, mid pregnancy, late pregnancy, and early lactation immediately after birth. It was observed that the temperature, respiration rate, and heart rate increased gradually and significantly (P≤0.05) with the progress of pregnancy reaching to its highest value in the last period of pregnancy and decreased after birth. The last trimester of pregnancy and the early lactation were also showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) of the phosphorus, calcium, iron, and copper concentrations compared to the first and second trimesters of the pregnancy however, significant increases in other biochemical values (P≤0.05) were observed in urea and creatinine concentrations in the last trimester of pregnancy and early lactation. In addition to a significant decrease (P≤0.05) of the ratios of concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, and globulin in the last period of pregnancy compared to other periods. The decrease in the value of globulin continued until the early birth period while the study did not show any significant difference in the concentration of bilirubin between durations. Finally, values of the ALT, AST and ALP enzymes showed significant increases (P≤0.05) in their concentrations in the last period of pregnancy. It is concluded that possible changes in the biochemical parameters of the local Iraqi cows’ blood during pregnancy and early lactation are existed

Evaluation of various levels of sweet almond meal as a source of protein on the production variables and immune response of broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of a sweet almond meal (SAM) as a source of protein on performance and immune responses of broiler chickens. Treatments consisted of different levels of SAM (7%, 14%, 21% and 28% of diet) and control diet that was performed in a completely randomized design in 42 days. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were recorded weekly. Carcass characteristics and blood variables were measured on the 42 day of age. Immune response to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) was assessed at d 35 and d 42 (7 days after each injection). White blood cell count was done at d 28. The results showed that chickens fed 28% of SAM had lowest FI during the experiment. During grower period and also whole period of experiment, BWG was highest in chickens that consumed 7% SAM. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly increased in chickens fed 28% SAM compared to the other treatments during grower period and also whole period of the experiment. The relative weight of thigh and breast significantly decreased and the relative weight of GIT increased by increasing levels of SAM in the diet. The concentration of cholesterol and LDL significantly decreased in chickens that consumed SAM in the diet. However, the highest glucose and HDL concentration were observed in chickens fed 28% SAM in the diet. Treatments did not have a significant effect on the immune response of broilers (primary and secondary SRBC antibody titres, relative weights of spleen and bursa of fabricius and white blood cell count) (p > 0.05). The results of this study show that a diet supplemented with SAM at the level of 14%, due to the improved FCR and decreased blood cholesterol and LDL concentration, can be a good replacement for soybean meal in broiler chicken's nutrition.

Influence of Ascophyllum nodosum algae extract on finishing growth performance and nutrient digestibility of buffalo calves in warm climates.

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using an extract of Ascophyllum nodosum algae (Tasco®, AN) on feed digestibility and finishing performance of buffalo calves. Twenty-four buffalo calves (263.4 ± 7.1kg, 6 ± 1.2-month-old) were allocated to three treatments as a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments included (1) basal diet without supplement (control diet, AN0), (2) basal diet supplemented with 1% (AN1), and (3) basal diet supplemented with 2% (AN2). The gas production parameters and digestibility of feed as well as growth performance of buffalo calves were investigated. The gas production parameters of the experimental diets were not affected by treatments. The average feed intake on the whole period of experiment in the control and AN1 was maximum and minimum, respectively. The AN1 buffalo calves had the largest final weight, total weight gain throughout the entire period (day 0 to 75) and from day 30 to 60 of the experiment (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control (i.e., AN0), overall, the feed conversion ratio in AN1 and AN2 calves improved by about 21.4 and 16.3%, with the AN1 indicating the most suitable feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control, supplementation of diets with algae extract linearly improved (P < 0.05) the digestibility of nutrients. Data suggested that inclusion of algae extract had the best beneficial effects on the performance and digestibility of nutrients in finishing buffaloes. Therefore, it may be beneficial to use algae extract especially in warm or hot regions of the world such as the Khuzestan province, though more experiment is required to ensure its effect on heat stress.

Effect of Crushed Eruca sativa Seeds Supplementation to Quail Ration on Lipid Profile Before and After Sexual Maturity

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of crushed Rocket salad (Eruca sativa) seeds on serum lipid profile and risk index of males and females quail before and after sexual maturity. A total of two hundred forty unsexed quail (Coturnix coturnix) (7 days aged) were randomly distributed into 4 groups (60 birds/ group, 5 replicates, 12 birds / replicate), the feed and water were allowed ad libitum, and the treatment continued till 77 days age, as follows:- 1st group(control): birds were reared on standard ration (without Eruca sativa seeds) 2nd group: birds were reared on standard ration supplemented with 6 g / kg crushed Eruca sativa seeds from the age of 7 days till 42 days age. 3rd group: birds were reared on standard ration supplemented with 6 g / kg crushed Eruca sativa seeds from the age of 42 days till 77 days age. 4th group: birds were reared on standard ration supplemented with 6 g / kg crushed Eruca sativa seeds for the whole period of experiment (7 - 77 days). The addition of crushed Eruca sativa seed don't change the level of blood glucose, but it improves serum lipid profile in males and females quail, especially when given in the early stage of growth before sexual maturity (Eruca sativa from 7days age), and there was a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the level of cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL-C compared with control. Also the addition of Eruca sativa seeds in the ration enhanced and significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) the level of HDL-C in males and females quail before sexual maturity (2nd and 4th groups), and there is no significant changes in the level of LDL-C compared with control, which reflected in improvement of risk index (LDL/HDL) especially when Eruca sativa seeds were added from 7 days age. On the other hand, the addition of Eruca sativa seeds reduced the stress effects in males and females quail as represented by a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in AST and ALT values as compared with the control group. In conclusion, the addition of crushed Eruca sativa seeds improve the lipid profile and risk index, also reduce stress condition in males and females quail, especially when given in the growth stage and before sexual maturity.

Influence of season and climatic variables on testicular cytology, semen quality and melatonin concentrations in crossbred bucks reared under subtropical climate.

Seasonality in reproduction and effects of climatic variables on testicular cytology and semen quality in bucks reared under subtropical climatic conditions were not well understood. In the present study, using testicular cytology, semen evaluation and melatonin concentrations assessed over a period of 1year, we report that bucks reared under subtropical climatic conditions did not show seasonality in reproduction. Climatic variables including temperature, relative humidity, temperature-humidity index (THI), sunshine hours and day length were recorded daily during the whole period of experimentation (one complete year). Ejaculates were collected from crossbred (Alpine X Beetal) males (n = 6) biweekly using artificial vagina, and semen quality (volume, mass activity, sperm concentration, motility, viability, membrane integrity and protamine deficiency) was assessed. To understand the seasonal influence at testicular level, using fine needle aspiration biopsy method, testicular cells were aspirated and different types of cells and testicular cytology indices were quantified. Blood was collected biweekly for estimation of melatonin concentrations. Mass activity was higher (P < 0.05) during rainy season while individual sperm motility and sperm concentration were higher (P < 0.05) during rainy and autumn seasons as compared to other seasons. Sperm functional parameters did not show any differences during different seasons. Sertoli cell count, spermatogenic cell count and testicular indices did not differ among the seasons. Melatonin concentrations also did not differ significantly among the four seasons studied. Among the climatic parameters, THI had significant (P < 0.05) influence on sperm quality. The proportion of Sertoli cell in the testicular cytology had a significant and positive relationship with RH, THI and day length. It was concluded that seasonal variations are less evident in terms of spermatogenesis and semen quality in Alpine X Beetal crossbred bucks reared under subtropical climatic conditions.

Effect of humic acids products on cucumber productivity on irrigated chestnut soils of the Saratov transvolga region

Studies to determine the effect of humic products produced by LIFE FORCE LLC, RPE were carried out on irrigated dark chestnut soils of the Saratov Transvolga region. The yield and fruit quality of cucumber hybrid “Meringo” were studied during the experiment. It was established that a single application of K-Humate-Na with micronutrients solution increased the yield of marketable fruit for approximately three years by 24% towards the control. When there was applied Reasil® micro Hydro Mix, the yield increase reached 36%. The above mentioned treatments combined with double applications of Reasil® Forte Carb-N-Humic or Reasil® Forte Carb-Ca/Mg/B-Amino, allowed to increase fruit yield by 51-52%. The treatment of cucumber with solution of humic acids products promoted an increase in the content of compounds of nitrogen, potassium and content of sugars and vitamin C in fruit. . There was stated that the content of nitrates was five times lower the permissible limits when applied to all groups and during the whole period of experiment.

Evaluation of warm season turfgrasses for various qualitative and quantitative traits under Gujarat agro-climatic conditions

An experiment was carried out to evaluate different turfgrass species and varieties for the morphological characters under south Gujarat agro-climatic condition. Wide range of variation among the 13 genotypes of turfgrasses was recorded with respect to bio-agronomical and quality characteristics. Among the various characters, minimum days to 90 per cent establishment and deepest root were observed in Cynodon dactylon Local, which was at par with C. dactylon × C. transvaalensis Tifdwarf. Lowest canopy height, shortest average stolon internodal diameter, highestshoot density, narrowest leaf width and slowest VLGR were recorded in Zoysia tenuifolia. Maximum cumulative fresh clipping yield and minimum value of stolon internodal length were registered in Tifdwarf. Z. tenuifolia, Z. matrella and Tifdwarf showed very fine texture of leaves, whereas the latter also showed consistently good average turf quality rating and chlorophyll content in the whole period of experimentation. Under south Gujarat agro-climatic condition, C. dactylon L. × C. transvaalensis Tifdwarf performed best in most of turf quality parameters and can be subjected to further functional quality trials for sports and athletic turf.

Targeting Factor Xa Expression in Platelets As a Potential Gene Therapy Strategy for Hemophilia with Inhibitors

The development of inhibitory antibodies (inhibitors) is a critical issue in the replacement therapy of hemophilia. The effective therapy of hemophilia with inhibitors is still an urgent demand. In the coagulation cascade, factor X (FX) is the common point of both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway. FX is activated to factor Xa (FXa) by either factor IXa (FIXa)/factor VIIIa (FVIIIa) or factor VIIa (FVIIa)/tissue factor (TF) complexes. FXa forms a prothrombinase complex with factor Va (FVa), and activates prothrombin to thrombin. Since FXa activates prothrombin very efficiently and this process bypasses FIX and FVIII, it has been tried as a bypassing agent in the treatment of hemophilia with inhibitors for a long time. It was found that infusion of FXa in the plasma could alleviate the bleeding phenotype of hemophilia animals. However, studies disclosed that the half-life of FXa is too short to be an effective bypassing agent. Furthermore, improved plasma FXa concentration also increases the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). A protein ectopically expressed in platelets can be stored in platelets, and it can be released during the activation of platelets. Here, we hypothesize that if FXa can be targeted expressed and stored in platelets, the half-life of FXa could be increased, while at the same time the risk of DIC could be largely limited. When platelets are activated at the injury site, the stored FXa can be released and activate prothrombin on the surface of platelets, so as to initiate the blood coagulation. Thus, this platelet-stored FXa could be used in the treatment of hemophilia A (HA) and hemophilia B (HB) with inhibitors. To prove our hypothesis, we constructed a platelet-targeted FXa expression cassette (2bFXa) by putting FXa under the control of GPαIIb promoter. Then we made the corresponding lentiviral vector with this 2bFXa cassette. The 2bFXa lentiviral vector was used to transduce hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) collected from HA and HB mice, the modified HSCs were then transplanted back into the lethally irradiated corresponding HA and HB recipient mice. We collected plasma and platelets from the recipients. FXa was successfully detected in the platelets but not in the plasma of both HA and HB recipients by either an FXa activity assay or FX ELISA. The level of platelet-stored FXa remains constant throughout the experiment. Platelet release assay indicates almost 85.7% stored FXa can be released after the stimulation of platelets. The storage of FXa in platelets was also demonstrated by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. We then carried out a tail clip survival test to evaluate the phenotypic correction of recipients, all HA and HB recipient mice survived the tail clip challenge, demonstrating the platelet-stored FXa is biologically functional. We also tested the same strategy on HA mice with inhibitors and acquired the same results, indicating that the strategy is effective for HA with inhibitors. During the whole period of experiment, the recipient mice were all in good health. We also kept on monitoring the complete blood cell counts for 48 weeks and the cell numbers remained in normal range, indicating that the blood cells were successfully recovered in the recipients. Taken together, our proof of principle studies suggest that targeting FXa expression in platelets could facilitate the storage of FXa in platelets and would not cause obvious FXa leakage. The platelet-stored FXa is active and can be released with the activation of platelets and corrects the bleeding phenotype of HA and HB mice. This new gene therapy method could eliminate the shortage of FXa and be functional in the treatment of hemophilia with inhibitors. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Investigations on different epoxies for electrical insulation of microflex structures.

The microflex interconnection (MFI) technique is often used to connect electrically and mechanically thin film ribbons or electrodes with a solid substrate like screen printed ceramics. For stabilization reasons epoxy is used to fix the MFI structure. As epoxy tends to form cracks when surrounded by water or electrolytes we are eager to find an epoxy which provides sufficient insulation between the single channels of the MFI structure also in a moist surrounding. Therefore we designed a device to investigate the insulating properties of different epoxies (Uhu Plus Endfest 300, Epo-Tek 353ND and 353ND-T) immersed in saline solution. For comparison reasons we use as well only silicone rubber (Nusil MED-1000) instead of epoxy. We performed the experiment for 23 weeks at 60 °C, which corresponds to 26 months at body temperature. The epoxy of preference is the Epo-Tek 353ND-T as it develops no failures and insulates all channel pairs of the MFI structures electrically over the whole period of experiment.

The Protective Role of Transplanted Bone Marrow Cells against Injuries Induced by a Chemical Carcinogen and / or γ-Rays in Kidney Tissue of Rats

Aim of the work:this work aimed to study the biochemical and histopathological changes in the kidney of male albino rats post exposure to 6Gy of gamma radiation and the protective role of transplanted bone marrow cellsagainst damage induced in rat's kidney by a chemical carcinogen. Materials and Methods: in this study, forty eight healthy and active male albino rats about 120 grams in body weight were used. The animals were housed in plastic cages under normal temperature, pressure, humidity and good ventilation conditions during the whole period of experimentation. The animals were fed on a standard pellet diet and water. Results:exposure of rats to γ-radiation caused a significant increase in kidney function tests, decreased significantly the antioxidants with numerous histopathological changes in the rat kidney tissue. These changes were ameliorated by bone marrow transplantation either after whole body gamma-irradiation and/or Fe-NTA treatment. Conclusion: bone marrow transplantation either after whole body gamma-irradiation and/or Fe-NTA treatment restored the kidney functions and ameliorated the oxidative stress and antioxidants markers. The histopathological observations showed amelioration in the structure of the kidney cortex. So, BM transplantation exerts some curative effects on the function and histological structure of kidney cortex of rats exposed to gamma-irradiation and/or Fe-NTA treatment.

Passiflora edulis peel intake improves insulin sensitivity, increasing incretins and hypothalamic satietogenic neuropeptide in rats on a high-fat diet

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effect of Passiflora edulis peel flour (PEPF) intake on hypothalamic neuropeptides messenger RNA expression, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic parameters in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet. MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were divided in 3 groups: a control group, fed on a normal fat diet; a HF group, fed on a high-fat diet (35% fat [w/w]); and a high-fat Passiflora flour (HFPF) group, fed on a HF diet containing PEPF. The rats from the HFPF group as well as the HF group were kept on an HF diet for the first 4 wk to induce metabolic conditions related to obesity. Then the HFPF group was switched to a HF diet containing PEPF for additional 6 wk. Other groups were kept on normal-fat and HF diet without addition of PEPF during the whole period of experiment. The glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were evaluated through the glucose tolerance test (GTT) and the insulin tolerance test (ITT). Gut hormones and adipokines were measured through an immunoassay. The hypothalamic neuropeptides expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. ResultsThe PEPF intake increased the hypothalamic cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript expression (CART) (P < 0.05), counteracted cumulative body weight gain (P < 0.001), decreased adiposity (P < 0.05) and leptin level (P < 0.01), whereas increased adiponectin (P < 0.01), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (P < 0.01), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (P < 0.001) improved the insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obesity rats by increasing the kITT (glucose disappearance rate) (P < 0.01), which was calculated during the ITT. Other gut hormones (peptide tyrosine tyrosine, pancreatic polypeptide, and amylin) and interleukins (IL) (IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) were not changed by the PEPF intake. ConclusionOur findings provide a further understanding of how the PEPF works as a dietary component to improve glucose homeostasis and demonstrate a molecular mechanism that may increase satiety by PEPF in diet-induced obesity.

The exploration of disposition effect among business undergraduates in Poland

In this article the author attempts to explore the phenomena of disposition effect among Polish undergraduate students. The study shows that under experimental conditions participants do show disposition “to sell winners too early and ride losers too long”. Such disposition stands in opposition to rationale behavior which induces to hold stocks during the whole period of experiment. The research provides important insights into the field of behavioral finance and in particular into the global analysis of disposition effect.

Evaluating the Effect of Algal Extracts against Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Damage in BALB/c Mice

Ethanol extract of mixed algae—spirogyra and ulothrix was investigated to assess the effect on some biochemical parameters in UVB irradiated mice. The dorsal-thoracic region of mice were shaved and exposed to UVB radiation for 24 h for two consecutive weeks. Five groups of ten mice each were conducted: non-irradiated control and irradiated control. Mice treated with commercial cream (S.M.) at a dose of 0.1 mg/cm 2 and mice treated with ethanol extract of mixed spirogyra and ulothrix at a dose of 0.1 mg/cm 2 or 0.2 mg/cm 2 . Topical application was performed to all treated mice groups once a day for four consecutive weeks. Results showed significant differences between treated and control groups during the whole period of experiment. The clear potentiality of the ethanol extract was detected through body and skin weight, level of total protein, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) activities in skin. However, UVB irradiated mice treated with 0.2 mg/cm 2 exhibited the most significant effect when compared to control groups. That may be attributed to anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of algal extract.

Evaluation of meat quality after application of different feed additives in diet of broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of natural feed additives, namely bee pollen extract, propolis extract and probiotic preparation, on technological properties of meat in order to evaluate the meat quality of Ross 308 broiler chickens. The feeding of chickens (180 pcs) lasted for a period of 42 days. The experiment was carried out without segregation between the genders. The chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, whereas the other three groups were fed diets supplemented with natural additives, i.e. bee pollen extract at level of 400 mg.kg-1 of feed mixture, propolis extract at level of 400 mg.kg-1 of feed mixture, and probiotic preparation based on Lactobacillus fermentum (1.109 CFU per 1 g of bearing medium) in an amount of 3.3 g added to water (for 30 pcs chickens until 21 days of age, for 20 pcs chickens from 22nd to 42nd day of age) given to group E1, group E2 and group E3, respectively. The feed mixtures were produced without any antibiotic preparations and coccidiostatics. During the whole period of experiment, the broiler chickens had ad libitum access to feed and water. The following technological properties were examined: cooling loss (after 24 h of storage at 4 °C), freezing loss (after 3 months of storage at -18 °C), roasting loss (performed on roasted meat that was stored at -18 °C for 3 months before thawing), colour parameters based on CIELab system (the L*, a*, b* values of raw breast and thigh muscle), and tenderness (as shear force of roasted breast and thigh muscle). We have made a finding, that the examined additives had only little impact on meat quality in most of the investigated parameters, except the significant increase (p ≤0.05) in redness (a*) values and the slight decrease in roasting loss and shear force determination after propolis extract supplementation. Therefore, it may be inferred that propolis extract has been shown as the most appropriate feed additive among the applied supplements.

Effects of water quality, flooding episode and management variables on the fish yield from self-stocked ponds in lower Rufiji floodplain, Tanzania

A study was conducted to determine fish yields from flood depended ponds in Rufiji floodplain, Tanzania. Eight ponds were constructed during dry season in two sites besides two floodplain lakes, Ruwe and Uba. These ponds were selfstocked with different fish species from the lakes. More than eight species were trapped and Oreochromis urolepis, Labeo congoro and Clarias species were considered as good candidates for aquaculture. Other small fish species were harvested immediately after flood recession and the three key species were cultured for the maximum of seven months. However, other species in small quantities were remained in the ponds for the whole period of experiment. Water quality parameters were monitored throughout the study period. The relationships between water quality variables and flooding events were determined using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Other parameters included in the relationships were fish density, manure and number of species trapped and cultured. Dissolved oxygen and pH decreased with time in both sites. Fish yields were influenced by some water quality, flooding episode and other management variables. Chlorophyll-a was the only environmental variable that showed a significant correlation with fish yield (P< 0.01). Fish density and number of species trapped showed a significant effect on the fish yield (P<0.05). Re-connectivity between ponds and lakes was strongly positively correlated with yield. It can be concluded that some water quality variables, flooding and management parameters were responsible for the observed yield.

Inertial Sensor Based Indoor Localization and Monitoring System for Emergency Responders

This paper presents a novel indoor localization and monitoring system based on inertial sensors for emergency responders. The system utilizes acceleration, angular rate and magnetic field sensors and consists of three parts. The first part is a modified Kalman filtering which implements the sensor data fusion and meanwhile detects and minimizes the magnetic field disturbances, so as to provide a long term stable orientation solution. The second part is zero velocity updating which resets the velocity within still phase to deliver accurate position information. The last part of the system is body movement monitoring, which is achieved by calculating the relative position of each body segment based on the transformation of coordinate frame of each body segment. The experimental result shows that the system is able to track person indoors in both walking and running cases, and to monitor the body movement during whole period of experiment.