42 research outputs found
Feed form and probiotic supplementation improve egg production and reduce environmental impact in laying hens
No full textContext. Laying hens are influenced by various factors, including diet, which can have a significant impact on egg production and quality, as well as overall animal health. Aims. This study aimed to evaluate egg production and quality, environmental impact, reproductive organs and plasma mineral profiles of laying hens fed diverse forms of feed supplemented or not with a probiotic mixture. Methods. Ninety-six-week old laying hens were randomly distributed among four groups. The hens were housed in 32 cages (three hens/cage, eight replicates per treatment) during 112–127 weeks of age. The first group was fed a mash diet; and the second group was fed a pelleted diet with a diameter of 3 mm. The third and fourth groups were fed the same diets as for Groups 1 and 2 respectively, but supplemented with a mixture of probiotics (PM) Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis. Key results. The pelleted diet significantly increased egg weight and mass, and feed intake compared with the mash diet. PM supplementation significantly decreased the number of broken eggs and yolk index compared with the unsupplemented control. Fresh eggs showed a significantly higher egg grade, Haugh unit score, yolk color, and percentage albumen weight than did the stored eggs, but the yolk index and percentage were lower. Pelleting the feed significantly decreased excreta dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and nitrogen (N) outputs. Excreta crude fiber was significantly decreased by PM supplementation compared with the unsupplemented control. The PM supplementation increased the true protein in the mash feed while decreasing it in the pelleted feed. Percentage heart and gizzard were significantly decreased because of feeding pelleted feeds compared with mash one to which PM was integrated. Pelleting significantly increased serum calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and alkaline phosphatase concentrations compared with the mash feed, but decreased serum phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn). Conclusions. Pelleting laying hen diets improved economic traits and yielded stronger effects than did PM supplementation, decreased excreta dry matter, organic matter, and N pollution, and increased serum Ca and Fe concentrations. Implications. These results suggest that pelleted diets could be a more effective strategy to improve production efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of poultry
Insecticide susceptibility in larval population of the West Nile vector Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) in Saudi Arabia
No full textObjective: To investigate the susceptibility to some conventional and non-conventional
insecticides in laboratory and field larval populations of the West Nile vector Culex
pipiens L. (Cx. pipiens), the dominant species in Jeddah Province, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The tested conventional insecticides were Actikil and Pesgard, while the nonconventional
ones were Bacilod, Dudim and Baycidal. Probit analysis and photomicroscopical
observations were carried out to shed light on acute toxicity in laboratory
and field Cx. pipiens strains.
Results: Cx. pipiens were more susceptible to Pesgard (LC50: 0.045 and 0.032 mg/L)
than Actikil (0.052 and 0.038 mg/L) and Bacilod (0.129 and 0.104 mg/L), for the field
and laboratory strains, respectively. Results showed that treatments with the chitin synthesis
inhibitor Dudim and Baycidal evoked morphological effects similar to those
induced by other insect growth regulators. According to IC50 values obtained (concentration
which to inhibit the emergence of 50% of mosquito adults), the compound Dudim
(0.0003 and 0.0001 mg/L) was more effective against Cx. pipiens L. mosquitoes than
Baycidal (0.0004 and 0.0003 mg/L) for both the field and laboratory strains, respectively.
Conclusions: Our results provide baseline data to enhance control programs and orient
public health decisions on the selection of pesticides againstmosquito vectors inSaudiArabia
Studies on the reproductive, cytological and biochemical toxicity of Ginkgo biloba in Swiss albino mice
No full textTitle: Studies on the reproductive, cytological and biochemical toxicity of Ginkgo biloba in Swiss albino mice
Author(s): Al-Yahya AA (Al-Yahya, Abdulaziz A.), Al-Majed AA (Al-Majed, Abdulhakeem A.), Al-Bekairi AM (Al-Bekairi, A. M.), Al-Shabanah OA (Al-Shabanah, O. A.), Qureshi S (Qureshi, S.)
Source: JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY Volume: 107 Issue: 2 Pages: 222-228 Published: SEP 19 2006
Department: Pharmacology and Toxicology
Abstract: Ginkgo biloba (an herbal product), used as a folkloric medicine in the treatment of dementia, was evaluated for its effects on reproductive, cytological and biochemical toxicity in male Swiss albino mice. The mice were treated with different doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day) of the aqueous suspension of Ginkgo biloba for 90 days by oral gavage. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) reproductive organ weight; (2) motility and content of sperms; (3) spermatozoa morphology; (4) cytology of the testes chromosomes; (5) study on reproduction; (6) biochemical study on proteins, nucleic acids, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH). The treatment caused significant changes in the weight of caudae epididymis, prostate, chromosomal aberrations, rate of pregnancy and pre-implantation loss. However, the percent motility, sperm count and morphology of spermatozoa were not affected. Our study on biochemical parameters showed depletion of nucleic acids, NP-SH and increase of MDA, which elucidated the role of free radical species in the induced changes in testis chromosomes and the reproductive function. The exact mechanism is not known, however, the activation of GABA, glycine and glutamate under the influence of Ginkgo biloba and its constituents might have generated free radicals and depleted cellular glutathione by calcium influx and membrane depolarization. The observed toxicity is attributed to the toxic constituents (ginkgolic acids, biflavones, cardanols, cardols, bilobalides and quercetin) of Ginkgo biloba. Our results warrant careful use of Ginkgo biloba as a remedy for impotence and/or erectile dysfunction. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved
Protective effect of arabic gum against cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in mice: A possible mechanism of protection
No full textTitle: Protective effect of arabic gum against cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in mice: A possible mechanism of protection
Author(s): Abd-Allah, ARA, Al-Majed, AA, Mostafa, AM, Al-Shabanah, OA, El Din, AG, Nagi, MN
Source: JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY Volume: 16 Issue: 5 Pages: 254-259 Published: 2002
Department: Pharmacology and Toxicology
Abstract: Arabic gum (AG) is a naturally occurring compound that has been proposed to posses potent antioxidant activity. In this study, the possible effects whereby AG could protect against cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin (DOX) in mice were carried out. Administration of single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg, i.p.) induced cardiotoxicity 72 h, manifested biochemically by a significant elevation of serum creatine kinase (CK) (EC 2.7.3.2). In addition, cardiotoxicity was further confirmed by the significant increase in lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA). Administration of AG (25 g/kg) orally for 5 days before and 72 h after DOX injection produced a significant protection against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. This was evidenced by significant reductions in serum CK and cardiac lipid peroxides. The effect of AG was examined on the superoxide anion radical generated by enzymatic and nonenzymatic methods. The results indicate that AG is a potent superoxide scavenger. The superoxide scavenging effect of AG may explain, at least in part, the protective effect of AG against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Reservoir Heterogeneity Effect on CO2 Storage: Investigate the effect of carbonate-cemented layers in the Roda Sandstone on the migration of the CO2 plume at a short-term timescale using RRM and DARTS
No full textThe storage of carbon dioxide is now regarded as a critical industrial application aimed at mitigating its accumulation in the atmosphere. Reservoirs and aquifers have been identified as viable alternative locations. This report seeks to examine the impact of sedimentological heterogeneity on the development and migration of CO2 plumes over time. The study uses the Roda Sandstone Formation as a case study, primarily due to the presence of carbonate-cemented layers within the Gilbert-delta lobes, which contribute to reservoir heterogeneity commonly observed in subsurface formations. The utilization of a sketch-based modeling approach was employed in constructing the geo-models represented by Rapid Reservoir Modeling (RRM) software since the Roda Sandstone is an exposed section in Isabena Valley in Spain. Furthermore, various realizations are constructed using different parameters of the cemented layers to comprehensively comprehend all potential scenarios. The aforementioned observations pertain to variations in the thickness and lateral continuity of the cemented layers. Additionally, dynamic modeling is also performed by injecting CO2 into the reservoir for 50 years. The simulator utilized for dynamic modeling is the Delft Advanced Research Terra Simulator (DARTS). The findings demonstrate that reservoirs with moderate sedimentological heterogeneity are actually better sites to store CO2 due to the capacity and effectiveness of the storage.Geo-Energy Engineerin
The proliferation of peripheries:Militarized drones and the reconfiguration of global space
No full textBy situating drones in a lineage of colonial technologies of pacification, the critical literature on militarized drones suggests a revised concept of peripheries and global space. This paper engages this literature to argue for a conception of peripheries as spaces of colonial state power at multiple scales. It does so by arguing for a distinction between proliferation to the global periphery and the proliferation of peripheries at multiple scales and across scattered sites. The paper also draws on Gramsci and Fanon to elaborate an internationalist anticolonial position on the defense of territorial sovereignty of states in the global periphery. © 2017, The Author(s) 2017
Histological changes in placental Syncytiotrophoblasts of poorly controlled gestational diabetic patients
No full textCorresponding Author:
Dr. Majed S. Alokail
Department of Biochemistry, College of Science,
King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451
Tel. ++9661-467-5943, Fax. ++9661-467-5931
Email: [email protected] seems reasonable to expect that biochemical changes occurring in the pregnant woman with diabetes should be reflected in the placenta structure. However, it has not been possible to correlate placental morphology with glycemic control in a comparison between those with long life diabetes and poorly controlled gestational diabetes. In the present study we have histologically studied the syncytiotrophoblast of human placentae from overt diabetic and poorly controlled gestational diabetic patients. Using specific staining techniques and direct light microscopy we qualitatively studied these placentae and compared them with the normal placentae. We found fibrin thrombi, villous oedema, hyperplasia and thickening of basement membrane in the placentae of poorly controlled gestational diabetic mothers. Direct microscopy revealed that these various changes in syncytiotrophoblast structure were marked in the poorly controlled gestational placenta compared with overt diabetics, and could have been due to the presence of histochemical compounds e.g. general carbohydrates and lipids. These studies may indicate that poor control of diabetes during the gestation as indicated by high level HbAlc may result in the accummulation of carbohydrate compounds and fat droplets in the placental basement membrane, leading to structural changes in the placental cells
In Defense of Intra-Sectarian Divide: Street Mobilization, Coalition Formation, and Rapid Realignments of Sectarian Boundaries in Lebanon
No full textThis article examines the rapid transformations in the salience of sectarian boundaries despite seemingly deeply entrenched polarization. Lebanon provides an interesting case study where sectarian dichotomies moved relatively quickly from a predominantly Christian-Muslimdivide to a more recent Sunni-Shiasplit within the context of tumultuous street mobilizations. While this sectarian dichotomy is resonant with the regional intra-Muslim divide, its local dynamics and mechanisms remain unknown. Based on recent literature pointing to street mobilization as an important channel for ethnic politics, this article focuses on co-mobilization - or coalition formation in protests - as a mechanism of sectarianization. It builds on an original and exclusive protest event catalogue (2000-2010), network analysis, and in-depth interview to ask: how does the salience of sectarian dichotomies shift in tandem with transformations in street politics? Through an analysis of momentous street mobilizations and coalition formations, the article traces how sectarian and political fault-lines are (re-)drawn and crystalized. The findings suggest that sectarian polarization emerges when political parties (re-)alignments overlap with the boundaries of sectarian cleavages, thus allowing interchangeability between political and sectarian categories. Contrary to common belief, this finding indicates that intra-sectarian political unity - rather than inter-sectarian divisions - shapes the processes of sectarianization and polarization. © 2020 The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]
Fish and Black Soldier Fly Meals as Partial Replacements for Soybean Meal Can Affect Sustainability of Productive Performance, Blood Constituents, Gut Microbiota, and Nutrient Excretion of Broiler Chickens
No full textOne hundred and twenty, one-day-old male broiler chicks were used to investigate the effects of supplementation with different dietary protein sources on their performance and immune systems. Chicks were randomly divided into four equal experimental groups (six replicates, each of five chicks). The first group served as a control and was fed a standard corn–soybean meal diet. The second, third, and fourth groups were fed diets in which the soybean meal (SBM) was partly replaced by fish meal (FM), black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), and black soldier fly prepupae (BSFP), respectively. Throughout 1–14 and 15–42 days of age, FM, BSFL, and BSFP were added at 3 and 5%, respectively. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the FM group was the best among the tested groups. Feeding BSFP decreased final body weight (BW), BW gain, feed intake, and impaired the FCR compared to the other treatments for the entire experimental period. The BSFP group had significantly lower cecal Salmonella counts compared to the control group and lower total bacterial counts compared to the other groups except for BSFL. BSFL can be fed to broiler chickens at 3% during the starter period and 5% during the grower-finisher periods without negative influences on growth performance, red blood cell characteristics, blood lipid profiles, and nutrient excretion, while BSFP can improve the chickens’ gut ecosystem
Compiling high-level scripting languages to performant code
No full textThe popularity of data- and scientific-oriented applications, the abundance of on-demand compute resources, and the scarcity of domain expert programmers have given rise to high- level scripting languages. These high-level scripting languages offer a fast way to translate ideas into code, but tend to incur a heavy performance overhead. To alleviate the performance penalty, each implementation of these languages often offer a compilation path to a subset of the language.
In this thesis, we present the design and implementation of the Wolfram Language compiler, the production compiler for the Wolfram Language. We show how popular language features and runtime behavior, expected by Wolfram Language developers, are efficiently implemented within the compiler. We then show how the compiler provides a friction-less path to migrate programs from the interpreter to the compiler. We evaluate the compiler and show that the compiled code matches the performance of a highly tuned hand-written C code. Unlike existing techniques that compile a subset of the language, the compiler sup- ports the entirety of the Wolfram Language. We show why the compiler is a new model of development for programmers and showcase some applications of the compiler. The compiler has been released as a prominent feature of the Wolfram Engine, is readily available to developers, and is used by internal and external users to drive Wolfram Language features and implementations.Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'Closed Access', the embargo will last until 2022-08-01The student, Abdul Dakkak, accepted the attached license on 2020-07-16 at 15:01.The student, Abdul Dakkak, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2020-07-16 at 15:06.This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2020-07-17 at 09:50.DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #15663 on 2020-10-02 at 15:51:21Made available in DSpace on 2020-10-07T22:50:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2
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