: Fourteen fungal isolates were isolated from soil, ten were found as Aspergillus niger and four Aspergillus terreus. Three enzymes (lipase, amylase and protease) were determined qualitatively and quantitively by chemical methods. Tow isolates from A. niger and A. terreus highly productive was genetically modified by ultraviolet (UV). From each isolate, 50 mutants were randomized obtained and qualitatively tested. Ten of them were quantitatively determined. Different response was obtained for the three enzymes. After UV irradiation lipase was the most producer, then protease showed higher production in A. terreus only, while production decreased in A. niger , while amylase it showed a slight difference in both isolates compared to the wild. Genetic relationships of the mutants of A. niger and A. terreus were analyzed with a randomly amplified polymorphic DNA– polymerase chain reaction (RAPD–PCR). Results obtained 61.22% genetic similarity (49 total bands) was calculated between parental and mutant strain of A. niger and 48.88% genetic similarity (45 total bands) for A. terrues .

Gamifying Semai folktales is a project which aims to preserve the Semai cultural heritage and values in the 21st century and the gamification idea is also in line with policy makers, the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, via its Minister, mentioned the importance of integrating gamification in Teaching &Learning of all levels of education. The project explores the idea of gamification in encouraging ESL students to read short stories from various genres and culture and it is also set to disclose the ramifications of language gamifications in ESL teaching and learning particularly in the choice of Orang Asli Semai folktales in the selection. To ensure the language learners’ understanding of the Semai folktales, the animated movie comes with online quizzes to help the language learners to comprehend the content of the story and are able analyse the short story elements. Applying gamification in teaching and learning will give a new dimension not only to the students but also to prepare more dynamic language educators in embracing the rapid change in teaching and technology. Since gamification has exciting elements which can be motivating to the students, the videos and online quiz questions created have great commercialization potential. The videos uploaded on YouTube will be able to garner followers and the online questions uploaded on Quizzes can be accessed by any ESL learners. The findings revealed that most students preferred language activities with gamification which are more relevant to the 21st century learners.

background: The clinical instructors are an essential link between the academic program and clinical practice. By promoting critical thinking, assisting in the development of problem-solving skills, fostering independence, enhancing competency and confidence, and helping students to improve their clinical skills, and performance.This study aims to: design and validate tool to assess clinical instructors' performance at technical institutes of nursing.Design: Methodological design was utilized. Settings:This study was conducted at faculties of nursing at: port said university, Alexandra university, Ain shams university, Cairo university. Subject:Experts group from nursing faculty members. Tools:The data was collected using: an experts' opinion sheet.Results: Findings of this study revealed that from 65 items and 21 sub-items: 47 items and 13 sub-items had high values of content validity ratio; those items are valid and remained in the tool. Also, Those items had excellent reliability coefficient (r = 0.968), and Cronbach's alpha for this tool indicated excellent internal consistency. Conclusion: This article concluded that the proposed assessment tool had an appropriate level of validity and reliability.Recommendations: Based on the findings of this study, recommended that: Managers of the Technical Institutes of Nursing should use the proposed assessment tool to evaluate clinical instructors' performance to incorporate unused behaviors into their practice.

Biocontrol is known to be the safest agriculture practice for pest control in comparison with pesticides. In addition, pests can be very detrimental to crops, destroying them within a few days. One of the pests the farmers have to deal with on a regular basis is nematodes, which can be extremely destructive to seedlings and whole plants. In our study we shed some light on promising bacterial isolates found to belong to Genus Serratia which can be a good candidate for nematode biocontrol. Eight Serratia isolates were collected from tomato-planted Egyptian soil. They were chosen for this study based on their nematicidal effect. DNA isolation, PCR amplification and partial sequence analysis of 16SrRNA gene were performed. They were aligned using ClustalW with similar strains from the NCBI GenBank database, compared with reference strain of Bacillus thuringiensis JN 315886.1 (as a tree root). BLASTn Microbial genome database, based on their 16SrRNA partial gene sequence, were used to identify the isolates to be mostly correlated to Genus Serratia. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted by MEGA7 using neighbor-joining method with 1000 replicates for bootstrap analysis which indicates 99.4-99.8% similarities with the Serratia nematodiphila and Serratia marcescens species.

Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Curcumin attracted attention due to its promising anti-cancer properties, however its poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability have to be overcome. In the current study curcumin is encapsulated in krill lipids-based liposomes (marinosomes) to develop a potential anticancer therapy from low-cost and readily available nutraceuticals. Reflux followed by thin drug-lipid film method is used successfully to incorporate the drug into the liposomal membrane at high encapsulation efficiency (EE). The curcumin-loaded marinosomes (CURMs) showed a powerful antioxidant activity (EC50 ≒ 4 μg/mL). Additionally, CURMs exhibited good physicochemical and oxidative stability after eight weeks' storage at 4 °C. Furthermore, CURMs exhibited sustained release of about 30% of their curcumin content under in vitro culture conditions at 37 °C after 72 h. Consequently, CURMs showed its maximum cytotoxic effect (IC50; 11.7 ± 0.24 μg/ml) after incubation for 72 h against A549 lung cancer cells. Additionally, CURMs inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 of 2.64 ± 0.21 μg/ml after incubation for 24 h. The current study presents the CURM as a favorable in vitro drug delivery system to target cancer disease.

This paper reveals the impact of acculturation through education, social interaction and media on the nurturing of foodways among three Malaysian ethnic groups. It assists one to understand other ethnic food traditions, be accustomed to different ingredients and recipes, and get to know other's preferred eating and serving practices. Acculturation catalyzes the use of a wide variety of food in the community and introduces new eating and cooking practices. The practices of other ethnic food help create a strong confidence in the formation of a common acceptable food.

The interest in medicinal plants is not only due to the fact that it is a source of food additives, but it is also a major source of medicines. Medical plants contain many important vital ingredients used in the treatment of many diseases. Therefore, medicinal plants are considered a safe source of medical drugs. Many medicinal plants have a significant economic importance to increase their demand. The plant families include many families, such as solanaceae family, which is one of the largest plant families with more than 3000 plant species And the plants of this family contains many important biological components and because of its importance, it was necessary to study and identify these plants by making fingerprinting, detect the molecular genetic markers for this family, study the genetic diversity of these species and determine the relationships between species of this family by using genetic techniques such as the technique of Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR). The results obtained in the five solanaceae species (Lycium shwaii, Hyoscyamus muticus, Solanum nigrum from Northwestern coast, Solanum nigrun from Saint Katherine, and Nicotiana gluca) indicated that, 6 primers were applied. The HB15 primer which gave 12 bands, showed the highest polymorphism 58.33%, and the 49A primer, which gave 6 bands gave a lowest polymrphism 16.66% between the used plants populations, these results mean that ISSR technique is an powerful tool to make genetic diversity assessment for species.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins belong to the Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIP) superfamily identified in different tissues from all living organisms including mammals, plants, invertebrates and microorganisms. Only few AQPs isolated and studied from terrestrial insects. In the present study, we report the cloning of a partial cDNA sequence of AQP1 gene from Spodoptera littoralis. The cDNA is 1148bp with an open reading frame of 684bp encoding for 227 amino acids with similarity of 98% and 76% to Spodoptera litura and Grapholita molesta, respectively. Protein structure analysis showed the presence of conserved features found in all studied AQPs such as six transmembrane domains, two conserved motifs of NPA, and the aromatic/arginine (ar/R) selectivity filter. Our study revealed that AQP1 gene is expressed in all insect developmental stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults including males and females). Furthermore, AQP1 expression was detected in tissues of the digestive and excretory system (foregut, midgut, hindgut and Malpighian tubules) of fourth, fifth and sixth larval instars. Gene expression was also detected in the reproductive system of adult females and males. Therefore, we suggest that this AQP1 gene has critical role in maintaining water balance in Spodoptera littoralis insects.

The trans platinum-chloroquine diphosphate dichloride (PtCQ) is a new type of antimalarial drug used to fight parasites resistant to traditional drugs. PtCQ is synthesized by mixing platinum and chloroquine diphosphate (CQ). This study examines two efficient methods for forming a nanodrug, PtCQ-loaded liposomes, for use as a potential antimalarial drug-delivery system: the thin drug-lipid film method to incorporate the drug into a liposomal membrane, and a remote-loading method to load the drug into the interior of a cationic liposome. The membranes accordingly comprised PEGylated neutral or cationic liposomes. PtCQ was efficiently loaded into PEGylated neutral and cationic liposomes using the thin drug-lipid film method (encapsulation efficiency, EE: 76.1±6.7% for neutral liposomes, 1 : 14 drug-to-lipid weight ratio; 70.4±9.8% for cationic liposomes, 1 : 14 drug-to-lipid weight ratio). More PtCQ was loaded into PEGylated neutral liposomes using the remote-loading method than by the thin drug-lipid film method and the EE was maximum (96.1±4.5% for neutral liposomes, 1 : 7 (w/w)). PtCQ was encapsulated in PEGylated cationic liposomes comprising various amounts of cationic lipids (0-20 mol%; EE: 96.9-92.3%) using the remote-loading method. PEGylated neutral liposomes and cationic liposomes exhibited minimum leakage of PtCQ after two months' storage at 4°C, and further exhibited little release under in vitro culture conditions at 37°C for 72 h. These results provide a useful framework for the design of future liposome-based in vivo drug delivery systems targeting the malaria parasite.

Exploitation of genetic variability is of major importance in basic genetic studies and in plant improvement programs. The Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) is the largest family of the Brassicales order. It is a natural family of major economic importance. The number of genera about 365 and the number of species about 3250, Mabberley (1997) and Judd et al. (1999) recorded 419 genera and 4130 species belonging to this family and is classified into 13 tribes. In Egypt, Teckholm (1974) recorded 61 genera and 106 species distributed in different habitat types. On the other hand, El-Hadidi and Fayed (1995) recorded 55 genera and 108 species for it. Mustard plants or their oils can heal rheumatic pains and as emetic in cases of poisoning. It may be used as stimulant for the heart (Naim et al., 1984). Brassica are major oil crop and broccoli, cabbage and mustard are important part of human diet worldwide. In general, genetic improvement of crops can be accelerated when broad genetic diversity and the information of these genetic resources are available. The collection of these genetic resources and the assessment of genetic diversity within and between species should have high priority. Traditionally, markers based on morphological differences among individuals have been used to demonstrate the genetic variability, but with the development of electrophoretic techniques, the biochemical analysis become the cheapest and simplest methods that offer sufficient information to use in plant breeding and serve as a starting point for DNA-based studies (Popov et al., 2002). Moreover, the best molecular markers for genome mapping, marker assisted selection, phylogenetic studied, and crop conservation has low cost and labor requirements and high reliability is called inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR), has been available (Zietkiewicz et al., 1994). Microsatellites are very short (usually 10-20 base pair) stretches of DNA randomly and widely distributed along the genome and they can be analyzed efficiently by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using specific primers (forward and reverse) to their flanking regions. The variation in (PCR) product length is a function of the number of SSR units. Primers based on a repeat sequence, such as (CA)n, can be made with a degenerate 3'-anchor, such as (CA) 8 RG or (AGC) 6 TY (Tsumara et al., 1996; Nagaoka et al., 1997). ISSR markers were successfully used for estimating the genetic diversity in several crops, for instance barley (Afiah et al., 2007a) and canola (Afiah et al., 2007b; Afiah and Farag, 2008). In this study isozyme and ISSR were carried out on 11 ecotypes of the Cruciferae collected from different localities of Egypt and to assess the genetic diversity among them.

Four Bacillus bacterial strains were used in this study. One strain of Bacillus thuringienesis strain (Bt) were used as a cry 1Ab donor. Two bacillus strains that naturally colonized on tomato plant were used as recipients; Bacillus Subtillus subsp. subtilis strain (Bs1) and Bacillus licheniforms strain (Bl). Genetic marker test was carried using eleven antibiotics on the previous strains. Two attempts of protoplast fusion technique were done, the first was (Bt:: Bs1) and the second (Bt:: Bl). Fifty sex of fusants products were obtained, 26 and 30 for the first and second attempt, respectively. Twenty strongest growths (10 of each attempt) out of 56 fusants products were chosen for bioassay treatments. For mortality under lab conditions, obtained results showed as follow; for the first attempt, the best Fusan time was 40 min that was registered high mortality percentage of tomato leaf miner ranged from 74 to 100% for fusants product F7, F8 and F9 but fusants products of F10 was recorded down the same results of the Bt parent 65% larval mortality. For second attempt, the accumulative larval mortality were notation the highest percentage reach to 100 in case of treatment by fusants product F19 follow by F20, F13 were reported 87 and 72% larval mortality compare to their parent Bt and Bl were recorded 65 and 57 % larval mortality respectively. Under semi-filed conditions, the obtained results showed that all the chosen fusants products able to tolerate sunray from two to three days and caused mortality to tomato leaf miner larvae reached to more than 80% compare to their parent.

The thermostable endo -1,4-beta-xylanase gene of Bacillus pumilus GH strain was isolated from chromosomal DNA using specific primer s designed from Bacillus pumilus xylanase gene given in gene bank database then clon ed into pET29a (+) vector and transformed into E. coli DH5α.The positive clone was selected, sequenced and sub mitted to gene bank with the accession number KT757524.1. The open reading f rame of the xylanase gene was 687 bp encoding a protein of 228 amino acids with a molecu lar mass of 23 kDa. The sequence of Bacillus pumilus GH xylanase gene showed 99 % similarity with other xylanase genes of different Bacillus pumilus strains, differ only in two nucleotide bases at pos iti ns 579 and 600. The recombinant plasmid was subcloned into the expr ession host E.coli BL21 (DE3) and successfully expressed. The total activity of xylan ase was 9 U/ml, 52% (4.7U/ml) of the activity was extracellular and 48 % (4.3 U/ml) intr acellular.

Eighty one of yellow pigmented bacteria, mucoid colonies isolated to be indicative of most Sphingomonas species. These isolates were isolated from different soils of five locations of three Egyptian governorates; kalyobia, Menofya and Giza. Thirty six of them were identified as Sphingomonas paucimobilis. Sixteen Sphingomonas paucimobilis local strains had highest potentialities as gellan gum producers.These local strains were tested for antibiotic resistant to find antibiotic genetic markers using seven antibiotics. Specific primer PCR and plasmid profiling techniques were used to confirm, on molecular level, that the sixteen local strains gellan gum producers were Sphingomonas paucimobilis. SDS-PAGE protein fingerprinting technique was used to discriminate the previous strains. The obtained results from the previous techniques revealed the variation among the sixteen local strains.

In the present study the gene responsible for the degradation of (1,2$ DCE), designated dhlA gene, from the E coli strain HB101 has been introduced successfully into Sphingomonas paucimobolis strain UT26 in order to construct a hybrid biodegradative pathway capable of degradation of both the high and low molecular weight chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (HCH) and the low molecular weight ones (1,2$ DCE). The stable transfer and expr ession of dhlA gene into the host strain Sphingomonas paucimobolis UT26 has been confirmed on the molecular level via colorimetric method, Sodium Dodecyle Sulfate$ Polya crylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS$PAGE), and plasm id profile. Moreover, genetic fingerprinting of both the wild type and the transconjugant strains have been carried out via Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD$PCR). Th e promissing genetically improved strain could be used in pulluted ereas of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons and the system described here could be also used for improvement other Bioremediable strains.

Throughout the philosophical literature, studies on epistemological beliefs have been well documented. However, within the educational context, this philosophical construct is a recent phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the conception of knowledge (epistemological beliefs) as measured by Schommer’s Epistemological Questionnaire (SEQ), learner perception of self-directedness as measured by Guglielmino’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) and academic achievement. The value of CMIN/DF was 2.22, below the recommended value of 3.0 (Kline, 1998). In this case, the U^sup 2^/df of 2.22 and CFI of .926 indicate an adequate fit between the hypothetical model and the sample data. The RMSEA for the measurement model was .077 (adequate fit). Other fit indices also point to an acceptable model fit between the model and the data (GFI = .921, AGFI = .879, CFI =.926). The entire model had an R2 of .064 and was not significant F(12, 210)=1.112, p > .05. The mediating effect of self-directed learning on GPA, falls short of statistical significance, b = .133, p = .074. However, when reviewing the effects of each of the regression coefficients, only 5 predictor variables (innate, simple, self assessment, goal setter, self control) were found to be of practical significance. MANOVA shows that there was no significant difference in epistemological beliefs, self regulated learning and gender at .05 level across GPA (Wilk’s lambda = .94, F = 1.153’ df = 5, p > .05).

Naphthalene and ten derivatives were evaluated for initial and residual toxicity, route of penetration and speed of toxic action on C. formosanus. In no-choice treated filter paper assays using two colonies, 1'and 2'acetonaphthone had the greatest contact toxicity followed by 1and 2-methoxynaphthalene; toxicity of these chemicals was 7to 38-fold greater than naphthalene. 2, 7and 2, 6-diisopropylnaphthalene were 4to 11-fold less toxic than naphthalene. For all chemicals tested, the colony collected from Lake Charles, LA, was more tolerant than that collected from New Orleans, LA. When termites placed on filter papers treated with the estimated 24h LC90s, 2'-acetonaphthone followed by 1-methylnaphthalene and 1'-acetonaphthone were the fastest acting toxicants killing 50% of workers after < 5h compared to 16h with naphthalene. Workers responded faster than soldiers to 1'-acetonaphthone and both responded similarly to 2'-acetonaphthone. At the estimated concentrations for 90% contact mortality, termite mortality via inhalation was not significantly different from the controls in 1'-acetonaphthone, 2'-acetonaphthone and 2-naphthalene methanol treatments. Naphthalene, 2-isopropylnaphthalene, 1and 2-methylnaphthalene and 1and 2methoxynaphthalene were highly volatile causing 61% to 100% termite mortality via their toxic fumes. In no-choice treated sand assays at 100mg kg, 1'-, 2'-acetonaphthone, 1-, 2-methoxynaphthalene and 2-naphthalene methanol were effective toxicants. 1'and 2'-acetonaphthone maintained their initial toxicity when 1-month residual activity was evaluated. Acetyl substitutions altered the physical and chemical properties of naphthalene moiety to low volatility, more contact toxicity, fast action, and long persistence. This study points to the potential value of 1'and 2'acetonaphthone in termite control programs.