A focus group is an investigative tool for social research based on a structured and focused discussion with a small group of people, run by a facilitator (moderator) to generate qualitative data through a set of open-ended questions. The focus group technique is a qualitative research methodology popularly used in social research in a wide range of sectors. A researcher uses a set of open-ended questions on a specific topic to generate qualitative data. The focus group is an efficient way of gathering data about particular opinions or attitudes by covering a large number of people in the same group. This entry explores the methodology and processes of focus groups as well as the analysis of data from focus group research.

Mukhles m. al-ababneh

Peripheral nerves are more prone to damage during trauma. Though nerve grafts are used as an alternative method in treating it, the results are purely ambiguous. One such modern approach to treat peripheral nerve injury is bone marrow differentiated neuronal cells. Our present aim is to study the effect of in-vitro differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in rats. Six weeks old rat weighing 80 gm was used for isolation and culture of BMSCs. The second passage cells were taken for neuronal differentiation. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry were performed with Anti goat IgG antibody indirectly conjugated with FITC to express nestin. In vitro differentiated BMSC along with PLGA Scaffold is injected into the site of peripheral nerve injury and the results were studied by ENMG, microdissection, and histopathology. The cells were expressed with Nestin goat polyclonal antibody. At the end of the second week, the rat reveals increased amplitude (8.3 mv) with decreased latency (0.8 ms) of the peripheral nerve. Micro dissection confirms the neuronal continuity of the injured peripheral nerve. Histopathology distinctly exhibit increased myelination and decreased endoneuronal space. In conclusion, neuronal differentiated BMSC, regenerate peripheral nerve injury faster than conventional methods and can be applied as an alternate therapy in peripheral nerve repair.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Toxicity of different insecticides was evaluated against 2nd and 3rd instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera under laboratory conditions by leaf dipping method. The insecticides viz., thiodicarb 75WP, novaluron 10EC, spinetroam 11.7EC, indoxacarb 15.8EC, quinalphos 25EC, rynaxypyr 18.5SC, emamectin benzoate 5SG and cypermethrin 25EC were tested. Spinetoram was found most effective in managing the 2nd instar larvae of H. armigera and it was followed by novaluron 10EC and indoxacarb 15.8EC as compared to cypermethrin 25EC. Emamectin benzoate 5SG @ 1 x 10-7 to 1 x 10-9 per cent concentrations recorded 100% mortality against 2nd instar larvae and LC50 values for 3rd instar larvae was 0.00000000045%. Insecticides novaluron 10EC, spinetoram 11.7EC and cypermethrin 25EC did not show promising and consistent results against 3rd instar larvae of H. armigera at 24 hrs. The LT50 of novaluron 10EC at 0.00005% concentration was 19.861 hrs and it was 28.144 hrs at 0.000001% against 2nd instar larvae of H. armigera

Dr. babu lal jat

Fueled by the recent advancements in pervasive environment, affluent context aware systems is among the rousing in computing today, including embedded environment, different wireless network technology, electronic communication and so on. Context-Aware Collaborative Filtering using Genetic Algorithm approach resulted in an improved mobile business model by determining optimal similarities between contexts. In this work, we plan to devise a hybrid framework called Multi-distribution Perceptron and Hidden Markov Model to smoothen the mobile networks with different degrees of context- confidence. Initially, Multi-distribution Layer Perceptron Model is designed aiming at improving the precision rate with the aid of Multi-distribution Bayesian Posterior measure. Experimental analysis shows that the M-PHMM framework is able to reduce the computational complexity for obtaining user patterns by 26.05% and improve the precision rate by 18.90% compared to the state-of-the- art works.

Dr h shaheen

The present study aims to shed some light on the gains from consolidation exercise in terms of profitability of banks. Through the application of paired t-test, we arrived at the result that the consolidation of banks did improve the profitability of banks in India. The increase in profitability of banks under study is due to an increase in employee turnover and the subsequent reduction in operating expenses. Merger and acquisition programmes in Indian banks cannot be regarded as a false step if the benefits of it accrue to all stakeholders.

Akhil antony

Financial Inclusion is emerging as a new paradigm of economic growth that plays major role in driving away the poverty from the country. It refers to delivery of banking services to masses including privileged and disadvantaged people at an affordable terms and conditions. Financial inclusion is important priority of the country in terms of economic growth and advances of society. It enables to reduce the gap between rich and poor population. In the current scenario financial institutions are the robust pillars of progress, economic growth and development of the economy. When and where all citizens are participated in financial system, the economy and system will become very strong. In this regard the research article was focuses on customer perceptions towards inclusive banking practices.

Dr tatayya bommali

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is caused by an external physical force which may result in altered level of consciousness with or without impairment of cognitive and physical functions in individuals. It is neither congenital nor degenerative in nature. The impairments can be permanent with partial or total functional disabilities or psychosocial maladjustment. The Intensive rehabilitation with multiple health disciplinary teams can improve a certain extent of physical and cognitive aspects of brain injury patients. Case Report: In this case report we are presenting a 19 year old boy diagnosed as diffuse axonal injury with Glasgow coma scale (GCS ) Score of 4/15 (E1M2V1) at the time of incident has come to our department after 8 months with no head control, no cognitive and no voluntary attempts to do functional activity. The main objective of management is to improve mobility, communication, perception and cognitive functions with minimum period of time by working as a health team. Conclusion: After 14 months post incident with intense rehabilitation of six months his GCS score is improved with scoring of 13/15 (E4M6V3). The improvement seen may be partly attributed to the coordinated work of the team members who meet in the case conference every two weeks to review & revise the treatment protocol. Such that common and individual goals are shared and total therapy time is managed, to incorporate all goals by team members

Nagarjuna narayanasetti

Objectives: Viral gastroenteritis is a major health problem that is common worldwide, especially in developing countries, and is responsible for the majority of childhood diarrhea disease. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus frequency and the age and seasonal distribution of viral agents in children with acute gastroenteritis attending to our hospital. Materials and Methods: In this study, 6999 stool specimens were investigated for the presence of rotavirus and adenovirus. The samples were obtained between January 2013 and August 2019 from children age 0-17 suffering from acute gastroenteritis attending to our hospital. Frequency of rotavirus and adenovirus were retrospectively evaluated with regard to seasonal distribution, gender and age of patients. Results: Viral antigens were detected in 1341 (19.1 %) of the specimens examined in the study. Among the positive results, rotaviruses and adenoviruses frequency were detected in 14.7 %, 4.4 %respectively. Rota-adenovirus co-infection was 8.4 %(n=113). Whereas rotavirus antigen was determined in all age groups, the highest was found in children age 0-2 with a rate of 57.9 %. Moreover, considering the seasonal distribution of the cases, it can be said that rotavirus infections are mostly observed in winter and spring, while adenovirus infections are frequently detected in summer and autumn. Conclusion: Rotavirus and enteric adenovirus infections are important public health problems that caused hospitalization, morbidity and mortality among children <5 years children in our country. As well as an approach to prevention of acute gastroenteritis, it is very important to detect the agent correctly and quickly for the treatment approach.

Sağlık bilimleri enstitüsü dergisi yyÜ

The aim of this study was to examine university students’ fear of success from the perspective of positive psychology. Two objectives were addressed: first, analyzing the relation between fear of success, optimism, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and search for meaning in life; second, exploring the variance of the fear of success, taking into account the affective dimension of the self (self-esteem) and search for meaning in life. The results confirmed that fear of success was positively related to search for meaning, and negatively to optimism, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. The variance of the fear of success was explained by the self-esteem and search for meaning in life. Implications for school psychologists were discussed.

Elena stănculescu

Le 05 décembre 2012, les pratiques et expressions culturelles liées au balafon des communautés sénoufo du Mali, du Burkina Faso et de la Côte d’Ivoire ont été inscrites sur la Liste représentative du patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité. Le tafal-djéguélé est une pratique et expression culturelle liée au balafon des Sénoufo de Côte d’Ivoire. Deux raisons principales fondent son usage : amener les laboureurs à la houe à se surpasser d’une part, et magnifier les valeurs des senambélé1 d’autre part, notamment celles en rapport avec le labour étant donné que le sénoufo est agriculteur par essence. Toutefois, en raison de certains changements sociaux, le tafal-djéguélése pratique de moins en moins. Cette situation prive le senanw d’aujourd’hui d’un cadre majeur d’enseignement et de diffusion de valeurs, et pose ainsi la question de leur transmission aux générations actuelles et futures. Cet article vise à démontrer comment la faible pratique du tafal-djéguélé empêche de nos jours la transmission de "valeurs- références" en pays sénoufo, mais aussi à proposer des pistes de solutions.

Assanvo

Introduction/aims: Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a monogenic non-autoimmune diabetes with 14 different genetic forms. MODY-related mutations are rarely found in the Tunisian population. Here, we explored MODY related genes sequences among seventeen unrelated Tunisian probands qualifying the MODY clinical criteria. Materials and methods: The GCK and HNF1A genes were systematically analyzed by direct sequencing in all probands. Then, clinical exome sequencing of 4,813 genes was performed on three unrelated patients. Among them, 130 genes have been reported to be involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism, β-cell development, differentiation and function. All identified variants were analyzed according to their frequencies in the GnomAD database and validated by direct sequencing. Results: We identified the previously reported GCK mutation (rs1085307455) in one patient. The clinical features of the MODY2 proband were similar to previous reports. In this study, we revealed rare and novel alterations in GCK (rs780806456) and ABCC8 (rs201499958) genes with uncertain significance. We also found two likely benign alterations in HNF1A (rs1800574) and KLF11 (rs35927125) genes with minor allele frequencies similar to those depicted in public databases. No pathogenic variants have been identified through clinical exome analysis. Conclusions: The most appropriate patients were selected, following a strict clinical screening approach, for genetic testing. However, the known MODY1-13 genes could not explain most of the Tunisian MODY cases, suggesting the involvement of unidentified genes in the majority of Tunisian affected families.

Mariam moalla

This paper addresses global supply chain management (GSCM). The industry used to explore this topic is the automotive industry, as it is a core industry in the world economy, both in revenue generation and inefficiency. The paper explores both the positive and negative attributes of supply chain management, explores and analyses the gap between evaluation and implementation of improvements in supply chain management and then looks into the global issues affecting supply chain management and their solution.

Mohamed sorogy

Background: Previously, Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae), commonly known as holy basil, has been noted for its anti-ulcer properties, primarily attributed to its oil and leaf extracts. However, the anti-ulcer activity of an ethanolic extract derived from the whole plant has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the antiulcer effect of the ethanolic extract of O. sanctum whole plant (OSWP) in an experimental ulcer model. Methods: The study, conducted at PCSIR Labs Complex in Karachi in August 2024, was approved by the Ethical Use of Experimental Animals Committee (IEC/OSWP-05). This study investigates the anti-ulcer activity of an ethanolic extract of OSWP in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage at 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight, with ranitidine (50 mg/kg) used as a positive control. Outcome measures included ulcer index (UI), percentage protection, and gastric pH. Results: The ethanolic extract of OSWP demonstrated dose-dependent gastroprotective effects. At 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, the UIs were 9.49 ± 2.40, 4.55 ± 1.44, and 2.5 ±2.25, respectively, with corresponding protection ranging from 48.9% to 86.54% for the 200 to 400 mg/kg doses (p < 0.05). Gastric pH increased from 5.6 to 7.6. In comparison, ranitidine (50 mg/kg) resulted in a UI of 4.0 ± 0.88, 78.47% protection (p < 0.05), and a pH of 7.0. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity in the ethanolic extract of OSWP, which may be further developed as a potential anti-ulcer agent. A graphical presentation of the whole experimental process is shown in Figure 1.

Karishma

The methanol extract of the whole alga Hypnea pannosa J. Agardh was subjected to antifungal screening. It showed low activity against Aspergillus flavus Link ex Gray 1821.

Dr. salman ahmed

Vitamin D deficiency and its effect have attracted a considerable research interest due to its relation to glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, sensitivity and synthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D levels in patients with type II diabetes mellitus aged between 35 - 65 years and investigating their relations with glycemic control and obesity. The study included 74 Libyan patients with known history of type II diabetes mellitus (33 males and 41 females). Serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and vitamin D levels were biochemically estimated in these patients. Further, body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all the diabetic patients (weight in kilogram per height in meter square). The mean level of plasma glucose level was 150.58 ± 63.82 mg/dl (mean ± SD). The mean of HbA1c level was 7.90 ± 8.48% (mean ± SD). The mean level of vitamin D was 22.7 5 ± 14.97 ng/ml. The mean of BMI was 26.55 ± 4.10 Kg per m2. The findings showed that 58.10% of the cases had vitamin D deficiency (Out of which 24.24% were males and 85.36% were females). This study showed statistical significance differences in glucose, HbA1c, vitamin D and BMI between male and female patients. Moreover, elderly ages for both sexes had adverse effects on vitamin D status. Vitamin D levels have negatively been correlated with levels of glucose, HbA1c and BMI. It is concluded that vitamin D deficiency has an adverse effect on glucose homeostasis in patients with type II diabetes mellitus and this can be a contributor risk factor in complications of type II diabetes mellitus development in Libyan patients.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

This exploratory case study employed Appreciative Inquiry Framework in answering the following questions: 1) What are the expectations set by the following to the student homosexuals; a) Self, b) Parents and c) Teachers; 2. What are the positive and negative effects of these expectations to the student homosexuals? and 3) How do these expectations affect the process of identity development of the student homosexuals?. The participants are five college students who identified themselves as homosexual. Written consent was secured to ensure that the research abides to the ethical standards. The data was triangulated through analysing the point of view of the student participants, their parents and their teachers. Results revealed that expectations set by the student homosexuals, their parent and teachers are all contributory factors that affect the identity development of student homosexuals. Moreover, it was revealed that those who have problems in their identity development experienced difficulties in their performance in school. Positive and negative effects of expectations were also noted as the participants shared their stories. With the results, it was recommended that teachers must treat all their students equally regardless of their gender preferences in life. Activities that support the holistic personalities of students must be given emphasis. The parents must support their children in whatever endeavour they take and provide them guidance to be successful in their academic pursuits. Lastly, a model of counselling procedure for student homosexuals was proposed.

Darrel ocampo

The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the analgesic and antiemetic activities of Ficus exasperata and Cleome ciliata leaves methanolic extract by using the chick emesis model (oral treatment) and acetic acid-induced writhing test (intraperitoneal treatment) in mice, respectively. The antiemetic activity (150 mg/kg b.w., of extract) was carried out by using chlorpromazine (150mg/kg) as standard antiemetic drug. The analgesic activity (250 mg/kg b.w. of extract) was performed using aspirin (150mg/kg) as a standard analgesic drug. The results showed significant analgesic and antiemetic effects.

Dr. salman ahmed

Olfactory Reference Disorder (ORD) is defined by a continuous fixation on the belief that one is exuding an unpleasant or offensive body odor or breath, which is either imperceptible or only marginally detectable by others. This report describes a 26-year-old male who sought assistance due to his conviction of emitting a foul odor from his mouth and nose, prompting him to visit multiple dentists and otolaryngologists. His condition led to social withdrawal, resulting in feelings of despair and powerlessness. The Mental Status Examination (MSE) revealed a depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, and an obsession with the perceived smell. Both MRI and EEG findings were normal. The patient was diagnosed with ORD and depression based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale – Olfactory Reference Syndrome (YBOCS-ORS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). He was prescribed fluoxetine at a dosage of 40 mg, along with a low dose of olanzapine. Furthermore, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was initiated to support his recovery. Ultimately, the patient secured employment. Although he continued to have lingering thoughts of an unpleasant odor at a low intensity, he managed to function adequately and engage in social interactions more effectively.

Karishma

Tomato is one of the most important vegetables worldwide. It is considered a mainstayof many countries’ economies. However, tomato crops are vulnerable to many diseasesthat lead to reducing or destroying production, and for this reason, early and accuratediagnosis of tomato diseases is very urgent. For this reason, many deep learning modelshave been developed to automate tomato leaf disease classification. Deep learning isfar superior to traditional machine learning with loads of data, but traditional machinelearning may outperform deep learning for limited training data. The authors proposea tomato leaf disease classification method by exploiting transfer learning and featuresconcatenation. The authors extract features using pre-trained kernels (weights) fromMobileNetV2 and NASNetMobile; then, they concatenate and reduce the dimensionalityof these features using kernel principal component analysis. Following that, they feedthese features into a conventional learning algorithm. The experimental results confirmthe effectiveness of concatenated features for boosting the performance of classifiers.The authors have evaluated the three most popular traditional machine learning classifiers,random forest, support vector machine, and multinomial logistic regression; amongthem, multinomial logistic regression achieved the best performance with an averageaccuracy of 97%.

Mehdhar s. a. m. al-gaashani

Introduction: Saliva is a crucial diagnostic tool to evaluate oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum is an effective method to increase salivary flow and can also be employed a medium for the administration of medicinal ingredients. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of chewing xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums on salivary acidogenicity levels. Materials and Methods: A single centre, randomised, doubleblind, multiple arm parallel clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged between 6-11 years. Baseline salivary pH was recorded with the pH meter and then the participants were asked to consume chocolate and salivary pH was recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. Then children were randomly allocated to Group A-Xylitol chewing gum (control group, n=20), Group B-Herbal chewing gum (n=20), and Group C-Probiotic chewing gum (n=20) and instructed to chew gum according to their assigned group and salivary pH was again recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. The change in salivary pH was evaluated using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Post-hoc Bonferroni’s test. Results: The mean age of the study population was 9.23±1.38 years. Statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in pH was recorded post consumption of probiotic, xylitol and herbal chewing gums and the mean salivary pH values recorded at 60 minutes were 7.20±0.21, 7.01±0.23 and 6.43±0.22, respectively. Conclusion: The observations of the study showed that xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums reversed the fall in salivary pH, after an acidogenic challenge with probiotic being better among the three groups.

Dr. neeti tatiya