Globalization and higher education in india: the changing trends

The latest phase of capitalist expansion is called “globalisation”. That no state is an autarky but enjoys comparative advantage over others with certain resources and that free trade among these states would work for mutual benefit is the essence of it. Consequently, it advocates the minimization of the governmental intervention in economic affairs and encourages free play of market forces to foster economic development. The argument that this rationale is also applicable to higher education is increasingly gaining currency. But this paper attempts to problematise such a proposition and in contrary argues that this may prove inimical to national development. Education and especially higher education is considered to be one of the factors that help state to promoting national development. However, apologists of globalisation call for its commercialization and argue for the “withdrawal of the state” from this realm. This has only resulted in mystifying profound class inequalities within and without state. Higher education in India is not immune to this ideology in the guise of good economics. It is being structured in such a fashion since 1991 that it has been primarily coupled with the process of economic liberalization and privatization. International financial institutions like World Bank, IMF, GATT, GATS, etc are its votaries. Education was acknowledged as one of the key sectors to be traded. As a result, higher education as a “social good” is fast shifting to being a commodity in the market.

Dr Gedam Kamalakar Dr gedam kamalakar

Indonesian crisis communication response after deliberate forest fires and transboundary haze

The issue of deliberate forest fires that set illegally in Indonesia by plantation companies in their slashand-burn forests to clear lands for lucrative palm oil plantations and its caused transboundary haze became a hot issue for discussion. These fires have a negative influence on Indonesia and its neighbourhood countries, especially on their financial and human resources such as environment, economy, properties, and people. Using the right strategies in responding to any crisis determines the success of its management and coping with that crisis with minimal losses. This study aimed to examine the communication crisis response by Indonesia to this crisis by using image repair theory. Also, this study examined how image repair strategies were used by Indonesia. This study analysed the content of news stories from the website of the New Straits Times newspaper. The time frame of this study was from 2015 to 2019. A total of 87 news stories have pertained to Indonesian response, and 37 stories included image repair strategies. Among the strategies of image repair theory, corrective action strategy was the most dominant with 70%, followed by 10.8% for each shift the blame and attack accuser. The least used strategies were mortification and simple denial with 5.4% and 2.7% respectively.

Mohammed Fadel Arandas Mohammed fadel arandas

Applying the third-party logistics concept to improve business profitability: a study of the manufacturing industry in the uk

This dissertation aimed to critically investigate how UK manufacturing companies can employ 3PL services to enhance business profitability. A simple, cross-sectional sequential mixed methods research methodology was implemented with the qualitative phase being used to explain the findings of the quantitative phase, which was performed first. Data for the quantitative period were collected using an online questionnaire that was designed and administered through a Google survey (N= 416). At the same time, semi-structured interviews were performed via Zoom calls with senior executives and managers of UK manufacturing firms (N= 5). Descriptive statistics, a one-sample t-test, and stepwise regression were used for quantitative data analysis using SPSS while manual analysis of interview data was performed in Microsoft Excel. The results showed that transportation and fleet management were the services that UK manufacturing companies outsourced to the most significant extent while clearing and forward and inventory management were the services that were outsourced to the lowest degree. The reasons behind this trend included the level of risk involved in outsourcing a particular service, availability of 3PL providers offering the outsourcing service, and the cost involved. In terms of feasibility, all items were scored highly, although increased operational flexibility and significant reduction of operational costs ranked highest. Finally, the stepwise regression test revealed four statistically significant models with an overall prediction power of 20.1% on business profitability. The statistically significant predictor variables were a reduction of operational costs, increased operational flexibility, reduced fixed asset costs, and the gaining of external resources from 3PL service providers.

Mohamed Sorogy Mohamed sorogy

Antagonistic potential and plant growth promoting traits of achromobacter xylosoxidans isolated from tannery sludge sample

In the present study, the bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans was isolated from tannery effluent sludge sample in Dindugal, Tamil Nadu, India and screened for its bio-control efficacy against selected plant pathogens viz., Alternaria solani, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium oxysporum under in vitro. It was observed that maximum percent inhibition of mycelial growth of C. lunata (95%), followed by A. solani (85%) and F. oxysporum (80%). An attempt was also made for testing its plant growth promoting traits such as production of Indole acetic acid (IAA), phosphate solubilization efficacy, Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ammonia and catalase production. Significant amount of plant growth promoting traits were noticed. Further studies on mechanism of bio-control against plant pathogens and plant growth promoting activities of Achromobacter xylosoxidans need to be conformed under in-vivo condition.

Dr. SARANYA DEVI K Dr. saranya devi k

Management of saline and sodic soils

Saline and sodic (alkali) soils can significantly reduce the value and productivity of affected land. By estimation, slightly more than one-fourth of irrigated farmland in the United States is affected by soil salinity. Ions most commonly associated with soil salinity include the anions chloride (Cl–), sulfate (SO4=), carbonate (HCO3–), and sometimes nitrate (NO3–) and the cations sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg++), and sometimes potassium (K+). Crops differ in ability to tolerate salt accumulation in soils, but if levels are high enough (more than 16 mS/cm), only tolerant plants will survive. As salts accumulate in soil, the soil solution osmotic pressure increases. Reclamation of sodic soils is different; excess sodium must first be replaced by another cation and then leached. Sodic soils are treated by replacing the sodium with calcium from a soluble source.

Svedbergopen

Effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool: an empirical study

In an era where technology prevails, entrepreneurs as well as marketers see the need to keep up with the fast pace of change or risk being outdated. Gone are the days when a pure-bricks business model will thrive well in current market scenario. It is practically impossible to design a marketing strategy without considering social networks. Social media had become really important gradient in today’s marketing mix in general and in promotion mix in particular. Adapting some form of marketing online through social media is a key node for all businesses, especially in an industry where trends constantly change such as fashion and handicrafts. The paper carries out empirical research to understand the effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool and an effort has been made to analyze the extent social media helps consumers in buying decision making. In addition strategies have been suggested for maximizing the effectiveness. Various statistical tests have been applied to support the research hypothesis.

Abu Bashar Abu bashar

Faith, force, and fear: factors that influence ancestral worship among hindus

Reverence, obedience, and the transmission of traditions/values from one generation to the next are some of the most profound human responsibilities for families, clans, and tribes. One of the values that is transmitted in many cultures is respect for elders. However, the ways values are expressed differ based on culture and religion.

Santosh kumar Santosh kumar

Evaluation of the effects of boiling on the nutrient and phytonutrient composition of (aduh) aerial yam tubers

Nig. J. Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol. 38 (Issue 1, 2025) e-ISSN 2756-4045 (C) 2025 Faculty of Physical Sciences and Faculty of Life Sciences, Univ. of Ilorin, Nigeria www.njpas.com.ng Corresponding Author: Okechukwu, C.O. Department of Food Science and Technology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria Email: obedemeka51@gmail.com; +2347066896556 Page |5143 Evaluation of the Effects of Boiling on the Nutrient and Phytonutrient Composition of (Aduh) Aerial Yam Tubers *1 Okechukwu, C.O. 2 Odo, P.C. and 1 Igwesi, L. U. 1 Department of Food Science and Technology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria 2 Department of Food Technology, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu State, Nigeria Date Received: 13-05-2024 Date Accepted: 21-10-2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.48198/NJPAS/24.B06 ABSTRACT This study investigates proximate, mineral and phytonutrient composition of raw and boiled yam (Aduh) flour samples. The aduh samples were divided into two equal portions. The tubers were sorted by removal of defected tubers and divided into two equal portions of one kilogram each for the pre-treatments One portion was processed raw and the second potion was subjected to boiling treatment. The proximate and mineral composition was analyzed using the method of AOAC, (2010) while the method described by Onwuka (2005) was employed in determining the phytonutrient content. The results of the proximate composition showed that the raw aduh sample had moisture content (6.37%), ash (2.33%), crude fibre (3.64%), crude protein content (9.81%), crude fat (3.86%), carbohydrate (77.21%) and energy value of 369.94%. The values of the raw sample were higher than that of the boiled sample due to the leaching away of nutrients into the boiling water. The mineral composition showed that the flours contained 205.60 – 316.31 μg/100g calcium, 139.00 – 161.00 μg/100g magnesium, 440 – 920.00 μg/100g potassium, 550.00 – 640.00 μg/100g sodium, 590.00 – 1735 μg/100g iron and 152.00 – 412.00 μg/100g zinc, respectively. The phytonutrient composition of the raw aduh flour were alkaloids (2.16%), flavonoids (1.75%), saponins (1.27%), tannin (0.21%) and phytate (1.88%) were significantly (p<0.05) reduced during boiling treatment process. Boiling treatment led to great reduction of the anti-nutritional factors. However, a slight reduction in the nutrient parameters was observed for the boiled sample but such reduction cannot be compared with the positive gains of removal of antinutrients. Thus, it is recommended that Aduh be properly cooked for at least 60 min before consumption.

OKECHUKWU OBED CHUKWUEMEKA Okechukwu obed chukwuemeka

Effect of beetroot juice supplementation on the physical and biochemical profiles of induced metabolic syndrome in rat

Beetroot is vegetable containing phytochemical ingredients with potent antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is key drivers in the pathophysiology of some metabolic syndromes. Its effect on the progress of induced metabolic syndrome has, however, hardly been investigated. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of beetroot extract on various biophysical components of metabolic syndrome in rat. Following ethical approval, 50 Wister albino rats were used in this study and divided into three groups: Group A: rats were put on a high-fat-high-fructose (HFHF) diet; Group B: rats were put on an HFHF + fresh beetroot extract while group C: rats were the control group and were given a normal diet. The animals’ body weights and fasting blood sugar were taken fortnightly. Five rats from each group were then sacrificed at weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 and the following parameters were measured: liver volume, fasting lipid profile, hepatic transaminases and blood platelet level. Compared to the HFHF group, beetroot supplementation resulted in a significant attenuation of overall weight gain (56.91% vs. 34.51%; p < 0> 0.05). Beetroot supplementation further ameliorated the thrombocytopenia caused by an HFHF. Beetroot juice supplementation attenuated the attendant effects of induced metabolic syndrome which might contribute towards averting the consequential cardiovascular sequel. Thus, lifestyle modification comprising beetroot intake as a dietary supplementation may alleviate metabolic syndrome and may offer a potential non-medical adjunct in the routine management of metabolic syndrome.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Classification and its purpose in internet age: current trends and future direction

A study of knowledge seeking behaviour of users is essential for evolving suitable guidelines for knowledge organisation and processing. The features of knowledge organisation and its use in problem-solving and decision-making are explained. Classification plays an important role in knowledge organisation. An understanding of mental models and mental maps helps in information needs of users effectively. The schemes classification in knowledge processing is highlighted. The paper examines the scope of knowledge organisation in the modern technology and its application.

Subhash reddy b

Antiurolithiatic effects of pentacyclic triterpenes: the distance traveled from therapeutic aspects

Globally, approximately 12% of the population is inflicted by various types of urolithiasis. Standard treatments are available to avert and treat urolithiasis, but with significant adverse side effects. Pentacyclic triterpenes represent a group of naturally occurring compounds with immense potential as treatments for kidney stones. This review aims to provide an integrative description of how pentacyclic triterpenes can effectively treat calcium oxalate urolithiasis through various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition mechanisms. Some pentacylic triterpenes showing promising activities include lupeol, oleanolic acid, betulin, and taraxasterol. Moreover, future perspectives on developing pentacyclic triterpenes in formulations/drugs for urinary stone prevention are highlighted. It is anticipated that compiled information would serve as a scientific baseline to advocate further investigations on the potential of pentacyclic triterpenes in urolithiasis remediation.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

The effect of cigarette smoking on the oxidant–antioxidant imbalance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Predisposing factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comprise endogenous genetic factors and exogenous factors such as positive and negative smoking, air pollution, inhalation of dust, and work-related chemicals. Because only a small percentage of smokers develop COPD, it is thought to arise as an outcome of environmental harm and a host’s response system, which boosts the tendency of the disease to arise. Objective To clarify the effect of smoking on the level of oxidant–antioxidant in patients with COPD. Patients and methods Thirty patients with COPD (20 smokers and 10 nonsmokers) and 40 healthy individuals (18 smokers and 22 nonsmokers) participated in this study. The investigations included measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), vitamin C, and glutathione (GSH) content. Results SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, GR, and vitamin C were significant lower (P<0.0001) among patients with COPD (smokers and nonsmokers) than in the control group, whereas the MDA levels were elevated (P<0.0001) in patients with COPD (smokers and nonsmokers) when compared with the control group. Moreover, the values of SOD, GSH, and GPx were significantly lower (P<0.001) in smokers with COPD as compared with nonsmokers with COPD. Finally, there was no significant difference in the level of MDA between patients with COPD (smokers and nonsmokers). Conclusion There is a significant reduction in the level of some antioxidants (SOD, GSH, and GPx) in smokers with COPD compared with nonsmokers with COPD, but other antioxidants (CAT, GR, and vitamin C) did not change significantly, whereas the oxidant levels (i.e., MDA) were relatively convergent in patients with COPD (smokers and nonsmokers). This, in turn, points to the modest role of smoking in the causation of oxidant–antioxidant imbalance in this diseas

Dr. mahmood a. al-azzawi

Life skills for enhancing social competence during adolescence

Social competence is often seen as a desirable trait during adolescence as it is considered as a protective factor in resilient individuals. It promotes personal and interpersonal effectiveness by enhancing skills needed for dealing with environmental challenges in daily life situations. Poor social competence has been associated with a number of psychosocial troubles during adolescence, including mental disorders, emotional and behavioral problems. Of the many skill building programs used to enhance adolescent social competence, Life Skills Education and Training have been significant ones. The present study investigates the utility of life skills training in enhancing social competency during adolescence. A pre- and post-test experimental design was used in the study to analyze the stated objectives. Adolescent Social Competency Scale was used to select the study sample. 160 adolescent students (mean age=16.44) who scored low on social competence participated in the study. These were randomly divided into the experimental and control group (n=80), consisting of equal number of male and female adolescents (n=40). Participants in the experimental group were trained on six of the ten core life skills, based on the module prepared by the researcher. The training lasted for 10 sessions following which post-test assessments were done. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics including independent sample t-test and repeated measures of ANOVA. The results of the study indicate a significant effect of life skills training in enhancing adolescent social competence, irrespective of gender.

Hita claudia rao

Cold cook methods: an ethnographic exploration on the mythsof methamphetamine production and policy implications

Background Urban legends and myths are prevalent in drug-use environments. However, the distinction between myth and fact is not always clear. We found contradictory claims regarding the emergence of cold cook methods for producing methamphetamine when contrasting user-generated reports with official reports repudiating such methods as myths. Our aim is to open the topic for more academic discussion. Methods We examine cold cook methods of methamphetamine production revealed in our ethnographic study and interviews with former (n = 50) and current (n = 48) methamphetamine users. Data were collected in the suburbs of a large southeastern city in the United States. We compare the data with reports from law enforcement professionals and public health officials. Results Official reports claim the cold cook method described by users in our study is a myth and does not produce methamphetamine. Small-scale producers sell it as methamphetamine and users claim it has the same effect as methamphetamine. They are charged for possession and distribution of methamphetamine when caught with this drug. It appears the unintended consequences of recent policy aimed to reduce production and use of methamphetamine may be a user-friendly production method. We do not know the health implications at this time. Conclusion We do not make any definitive conclusions on the legitimacy of the stories or myths discussed here but instead suggest that labelling drug stories as myths might lead to dismissing facts that hold partial truth. The subsequent dismissal of cold cook methods among policy and public health officials risks a range of unintended consequences among vulnerable populations. We present our case for more research attention on the myths of methamphetamine production. Keywords: Cold Cook Methods, Cold Cook Methods step by step, Cold Cook Methods steps, Methamphetamine, Cold Cook Methods list

Kamal Singh Kamal singh

Variation in fruit morphological traits of jatropha curcas at stand and tree level

Nine fruit morphological traits were studied in ten stands of Jatropha curcas spread in eight forest divisions of Uttarakhand. Variation was examined at stand level as well as at tree level. Significant differences were found among stands for fruit length, fruit diameter, pericarp weight per fruit, seed: fruit weight ratio, kernel: fruit weight ratio and pericarp: fruit weight ratio traits while all morphological traits showed significant differences among trees within stands. The estimation of the variance components, however, revealed that the fruit traits, especially weight traits viz. fruit weight, total seed weight per fruit and total kernel weight per fruit have negligible contribution from stands and small contribution from trees. Maximum variation was found among fruits within trees (i.e. at fruit level or error). Pericarp weight per fruit and fruit ratio traits (i.e. seed: fruit weight ratio, kernel: fruit weight ratio and pericarp: fruit weight ratio) were affected to small extent by stand per se. The repeatability of all fruit traits at tree level were also low to moderate (0.105 to 0.278)

Kshitij malhotra

Factors influencing the use of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria among pregnant women in rural communities of abia state, nigeria

Background: Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) remains a critical public health concern in Nigeria, with significant implications for maternal and fetal health. Despite national policy guidelines advocating the use of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy using Sulphadoxine- Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP), its uptake remains suboptimal in many rural communities. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing IPTp-SP utilization among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) in rural areas of Abia State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 422 pregnant women selected through a multistage sampling technique across three predominantly rural Local Government Areas (LGAs): Ugwunagbo, Isiala Ngwa South, and Ukwa East. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation analyses were employed to examine associations between socio-demographic variables, accessibility, beliefs, health system factors, and IPTp uptake. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents were married (82.0%), aged between 25 and 34 years (46.9%), and had attained at least secondary education (71.1%). Key barriers to IPTp uptake included drug unavailability (30.6%), long waiting times (28.9%), fear of side effects (19.4%), and cultural beliefs (23.0%). Notably, only 24.6% reported consistent IPTp-SP availability during ANC visits, and 46.4% had to purchase the drugs outside the clinic. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between IPTp uptake and distance to clinic (r = -0.412, p = 0.001), health education (r = 0.562, p < 0.001), drug availability (r = 0.489, p = 0.002), and cultural beliefs (r = -0.297, p = 0.012). Chi-square analysis confirmed significant relationships between IPTp uptake and education level (χ² = 19.438, p = 0.001), awareness (χ² = 24.511, p < 0.001), and satisfaction with ANC services (χ² = 14.257, p = 0.003). Conclusion: The study highlights multifaceted determinants affecting IPTp-SP uptake among pregnant women in rural Abia State. These include socio-demographic factors, health system challenges, cultural beliefs, and availability of services. Interventions aimed at increasing awareness, ensuring consistent drug availability, and improving ANC service delivery are critical to enhancing IPTp coverage in rural Nigeria.

Karishma Karishma

Wireless sensing element network-based pet location observation system for domestic situations

Pets need special care and tracking system to track their path in case of lost. Due to our busy life style, this task is not simple as it used to be. The aim of this work is to design and implement smart pet house and tracking system. The objective of this paper is to allow pets owners to automate simple things like monitoring and tracking of the path of pets. Also lighting, feeding and air-conditioning controls. The proposed work addresses the implementation and analysis of a wireless sensor networks based pet location monitoring system for domestic scenarios. These systems describes, finding the path of lost pet using fitbit flex scale device and also using GPS tracker. Pet begin moving before you get a GPS signal, the tracker will calculate distance using steps and stride length as described above until a GPS signal is found.

Dr H Shaheen Dr h shaheen

Geotextile can be worth their cost in pavement

Geotextiles have been successfully used for reinforcement of soils to improve the bearing capacity. In this study geotextile as a tensional material have been used for reinforcement of granular soils. Laboratory California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were performed to investigate the load-penetration behavior of reinforced soils with geotextile. Samples of granular soil are selected and tested without reinforcement. Then CBR tests were performed by placing geotextile in one or two layers at various depths in soil sample. The effect of the number of geotextile on the increase in bearing capacity of reinforced granular soil is discussed.

Mayura

Total, insoluble and soluble oxalate contents of three pakistani legume flours

Oxalate is widely distributed in plant foods as potassium, sodium and ammonium oxalates (water-soluble form) and as insoluble calcium oxalates. Oxalate forms strong chelates with dietary calcium, thus rendering the complex unavailable for absorption and assimilation. It precipitates as insoluble salts accumulating in the renal glomeruli and contributes to the development of renal disorders. The seed flours of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. were investigated for their total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents by HPLC. The total oxalate content of M. uniflorum, P. lunatus and P. vulgaris was 1.24, 1.77 and 1.71 mg/ g, respectively. The %age of soluble oxalate were M. uniflorum (19.50), P. lunatus (15.08) and P. vulgaris (15.88). Only soluble oxalate is responsible for oxalate absorption (bioavailability) and its excretion. Overall, the total oxalate content is high in legume flour of M. uniflorum, P. lunatus, and P. vulgaris, but the soluble oxalates are very low. Therefore, all these three legumes don't have the adverse effects of oxalate on minerals bioavailability and risk of urolithiasis.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Analysis of prop1 gene in a cohort of tunisian patients with congenital combined pituitary hormone deficiency

Background: Non-syndromic combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) occurs due to defects in transcription factors that govern early pituitary development and the specification of hormone-producing cells. The most common mutations are in the Prophet of Pit-1 (ProP1) gene. This work aims to (1) report findings of genetic analyses of Tunisian patients with non-syndromic CPHD and (2) describe their phenotype patterns and their evolution through life. Methods: Fifteen patients from twelve unrelated families with variable clinical phenotypes were included after excluding autoimmune and acquired forms of non-syndromic CPHD. Detailed pedigree charts and auxological, hormonal, radiological, and therapeutic details were recorded. Sanger sequencing was performed, and sequences were analyzed with a specific focus on coding and splice site regions of the ProP1 gene. Retained variants were classified using several in silico pathogenicity prediction tools and the VarSome platform. Results: We identified the common p.Arg73Cys mutation in seven patients from four unrelated pedigrees. We found a novel homozygous mutation (c.340C>T) in one sporadic case. This mutation generates a truncated ProP1 protein, predicted to be non-functional, lacking the last 112 codons (p.(Gln114Ter)). We confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the absence of large exon deletions or insertions in the remaining sporadic patients (7/8). Conclusions: We report two mutations {one newly identified [p.(Gln114Ter)] and one previously reported (p.Arg73Cys)} in five unrelated Tunisian families with non-syndromic CPHD. This work is of clinical importance as it reports the high frequency of the p.Arg73Cys mutation in Tunisian CPHD families. Our study also illuminated the involvement of novel gene(s) in the emergence of non-syndromic CPHD.

Mariam moalla Mariam moalla

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