This study investigated the practice of artificial fruit ripening among fruit vendors of banana, plantain, mango and pawpaw in Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Two objectives, corresponding research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. The population for the study comprised all the accessible 1,810 fruit vendors in Rivers East senatorial district. A sample size of 472 fruit vendors was drawn using multi-stage sampling procedure. A validated self-structured questionnaire titled ‘Practice of Artificial Fruit Ripening’ with inter-scale reliability co- efficient of 0.896 was used as instrument for data collection. The descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics of Z-test and One-Way Analysis of Variance were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. It was found that fruit vendors in Rivers State sometimes practiced artificial fruit ripening using chemical and non-chemical methods. It was also discovered that regardless of their level of education and years of experience in the fruit business, the fruit vendors sometimes indulged in unhealthy practice of artificial fruit ripening. More so, the study revealed significant difference in practice among the fruit vendors in Rivers State based on level of education and years of experience. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the current practice of artificial fruit ripening in Rivers State is not in tandem with global best practices and therefore portend danger to the wellbeing of Rivers people and other Nigerians. The study therefore recommended among others that; community health workers should carry-out regular and effective health awareness campaigns concerning the dangers of using chemicals to ripen fruits. The Government of Rivers State through the Ministry of Agriculture should organise training programmes for fruit vendors on faster, safer, and economically feasible methods of fruits ripening and other post-harvest management techniques

Fxintegrity publishing

Rasa shastra is aPharmaco – therapeutic branch of Ayurved, incorporates many of the Herbo– mineral – metallic pharmaceutical preparations prepared out of the Parada namely KhalviyaRasayana, ParpatiRasayana, PottaliRasayanaandKupipakwaRasayana.Rasaushadhis are important for their uniqueness in Ayurvedic therapeutics due to lesser doses. KharaliyaRasayanais used in wide range for therapeutic utility and is easy for preparation. Icchabhedi Rasa is one such kharaliyaherbo-mineral formulation mentioned in various Ayurvedic text. Icchabhedi Rasa is a classical preparation commonly used for Virechana. Icchabhedi Rasa is described in various classical texts with some variation of ingredients. Jayapalais the chief ingredient of the preparation having Katu Rasa, UshnaVirya and KatuVipaka. It is well known for its strong purgative action. Though variation is observed in thedescription of these KharaliyaRasayana and compilation of these will help to study in comparative manner.AYU

Suri abhiram

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a microangiopathic thrombotic disease, which is classified into atypical, typical, and secondary types. Thrombocytopenia, acute kidney failure, and hemolysis are the main features of HUS regardless of its type. Infection with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli causes typical HUS, and gene mutations trigger atypical HUS, while secondary HUS is associated with bone marrow transplantation, autoimmunity, cancer, and other diseases. New insights into the pathogenesis of HUS have emerged over the past decades, suggesting an important role of the complement system in disease pathogenesis, which has been reinforced by the efficacy of plasma exchange and monoclonal antibodies in its treatment. In this review, we performed an updated review of HUS with a focus on understanding its pathogenesis.

Karishma

Stroke and its associated disabilities are a growing public health challenge in many developing countries where a combination of poor awareness and poor medical care is driving up mortality rates. The rising cases are attributed to the rising prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension, obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, and diabetes mellitus within the population. The prevention of stroke through awareness, knowledge, and lifestyle modification is a common approach used in public health intervention programs. Awareness and knowledge of stroke vary widely between communities partly because of access to relevant health information. This study assessed awareness, knowledge of stroke risk factors, and attitude toward stroke prevention. This study was a community-based survey among adults ≥40 years old in semi-urban communities of two local government area councils of Benue State, North Central Nigeria. The sixteen-item questionnaire used in this study is subdivided into socio-demographic information, knowledge of risk factors, symptoms of stroke, current morbidity, and attitude toward stroke prevention. The survey was done using two adults per household selected using simple random method and completed questionnaires were retrieved for analysis. The Chi-square test was used to determine the association between demographic variables and knowledge of stroke. The result showed poor levels of stroke awareness (47.3%), knowledge (44.6%), symptoms (44.6%), risk factors (20.6%), and symptoms (44.6%). Awareness of stroke and its risk factors is significantly association with age, gender, marital status, educational status, occupation, and income. Many respondents had poor knowledge of stroke and its risk factors. There is a need for improvement in stroke awareness in underserved communities, particularly those with limited access to mass media.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

While playing the Pathfinder RPG, the Game Master describes the events that occur in the game world, and the players take turns describing what their characters do in response to those events. Unlike storytelling, however, the actions of the players and the characters controlled by the Game Master (frequently called non-player characters, or NPCs) are not certain. Most actions require dice rolls to determine success, with some tasks being more difficult than others. Each character is better at some things than he is at other things, granting him bonuses based on his skills and abilities. Whenever a roll is required, the roll is noted as “d#,” with the “#” representing the number of sides on the die. If you need to roll multiple dice of the same type, there will be a number before the “d.” For example, if you are required to roll 4d6, you should roll four six-sided dice and add the results together. Sometimes there will be a + or – after the notation, meaning that you add that number to, or subtract it from, the total results of the dice (not to each individual die rolled). Most die rolls in the game use a d20 with a number of modifiers based on the character's skills, his or her abilities, and the situation. Generally speaking, rolling high is better than rolling low. Percentile rolls are a special case, indicated as rolling d%. You can generate a random number in this range by rolling two differently colored ten-sided dice (2d10). Pick one color to represent the tens digit, then roll both dice. If the die chosen to be the tens digit rolls a “4” and the other d10 rolls a “2,” then you've generated a 42. A zero on the tens digit die indicates a result from 1 to 9, or 100 if both dice result in a zero. Some d10s are printed with “10,” “20,” “30,” and so on in order to make reading d% rolls easier. Unless otherwise noted, whenever you must round a number, always round down. As your character goes on adventures, he earns gold, magic items, and experience points. Gold can be used to purchase better equipment, while magic items possess powerful abilities that enhance your character. Experience points are awarded for overcoming challenges and completing major storylines. When your character has earned enough experience points, he increases his character level by one, granting him new powers and abilities that allow him to take on even greater challenges.

Kamal singh

All the people who need loan may turn to their local banks, credit unions or peer to peer lenders. Every lending institution has its own advantages and drawbacks. In this scenario credit risk management becomes increasingly important element as the same is concerned with managing the financial debts and safeguarding the interest of the banks. The purpose of credits given by banks is to earn interest and make profits. The important function of credit management is to decide how much credit should be given to the borrower and ensuring compliances with the credit terms of repayment and avoid Non-Performing Assets (NPA) to the banks. Credit risk is the biggest risk the bank faces by the virtue of nature of business, inherits. The ability of commercial banks to formulate and adhere to policies and procedures that promote credit quality and curtail non-performing loans is the means to survive in the stiff competition. Inability to create and build up quality loans and credit worthy customers leads to default risk and bankruptcy as well as hamper the economic growth of the country

Shaila kamath

This study aims to determine the functional literacy acquisition of Alternative Learning System learners and make a sound basis for strategic planning and pedagogical intervention that will help promote and develop the said program. The descriptive-evaluative method of research was used in the study. The descriptive method was used to identify the respondents' profile based on (a) age, (b) gender, (c) civil status, and (d) employment status. The evaluative method was used to determine the respondents' functional literacy acquisition in (a) communication skills, (b) scientific and critical thinking skills, (c) mathematical and problem solving skills, (d) life and career skills, (e) understanding the self and society, and (f) digital citizenship (formerly digital literacy). Frequency Count and Percentage Technique was used to describe the functional literacy acquisition of the respondents. Meanwhile, a modified survey questionnaire based on the functional literacy, education and mass media survey ("National Profile of Adult Literacy and Numeracy Skills," 2004, p. 91) was used as the primary tool to gather the data. The respondents in this study were the students enrolled in ALS-Sipocot (North and South District), the school year 2019-2020. Due to COVID restrictions, other ALS learners from other municipalities were not covered as part of the study. Findings revealed that ALS learners do not yet manifest the complete acquisition of functional literacy needed to face the globalized world's challenges because their attainment of the required functional literacy skills is generally low. Moreover, the study disclosed that sex, age, civil status, and employment status affect the acquisition of functional literacy skills among ALS learners in Sipocot, Camarines Sur. Based on the results, the researcher developed an extension activity to help the ALS learners improve their functional literacy, particularly in the digital citizenship area, where they got the lowest score.

Darrel ocampo

Ayurvedic formulations are of three types, Herbal, Mineral and Herbo-Mineral. Of which, Herbomineral is prepared either by Khalweeya or by Bhasmeekarana procedures. The quality of Bhasma depends on the number of putas given. Rasa Bhasma is one such kind of a Herbo-mineral preparation which can be obtained by Puta procedure as described in texts of Rasa Shastra. Though there are different procedures mentioned for preparation of Rasa Bhasma, maarana done with Gorvara puta seems to be an apt way to obtain the final product. Puta is the generalised way of heat application used during the pharmaceutical procedures of Rasa dravyas, where the purified organic Metal/Mineral is converted completely into powder form which can be absorbed easily into the body without causing any ill effects. Different types of Puta have been explained for bhasmeekarana of different metals and minerals. Among them, certain putas have been mentioned where Mandaagni plays a crucial role in Maarana (Incineration). These Mandaagniputas are in use of preparing certain Bhasmas like ShilajitBhasma, HaratalaBhasma, GouripashanaBhasma, and PaaradaBhasma. As these drugs are having relatively low boiling and melting points when compared to other dravyas, and are easy to evaporate when exposed to high temperatures, they need a standardized quantum of heat by which they can be transformed into Bhasma. Gorvara puta is one such kind where agni plays a major role in the preparation of Bhasma. So, the present study A Comprehensive Study of Gorvara Puta in Preparation of Rasa Bhasmahas has been under taken.

Suri abhiram

La lecture de toute production romanesque signée d’une Africaine, laisse souvent transparaître a priori l’idée qu’elle évoque la victimisation de la femme par la gent masculine. Mais, à certain niveau, l’univers de sa fiction n’affiche pas de façon catégorique ou formelle cette question. Tel est le cas de Fatou Diome avec son roman en cours de décryptage. Le but de cet article est de montrer que l’auteure construit son texte autour de plusieurs facettes pour assurer la transmission des valeurs identitaires et que le choix de certains genres oraux et l’évocation de la problématique de genre (homme-femme) offrent des concepts qui servent à exprimer des faits propres à l’identité culturelle africaine. À partir d’une analyse thématique et sociocritique, nous comprenons qu’elle adosse insidieusement à ce thème la problématique de l’identité. Ce, à partir de plusieurs artifices littéraires qui sont entre autres le potentiel oral traditionnel du terroir et le discours revalorisant la femme, par ricochet l’identité africaine.

Assanvo

Natural products are a vital source of therapeutic agents due to their diverse chemical structures and wide range of biological activities. With the advancement of computational technologies, natural product databases have become essential tools in drug discovery, offering organized access to chemical structures, biological properties, and biosynthetic information. These databases support various stages of drug development, from target identification to lead optimization. This review outlines the essential features of Natural Products Databases and introduces the framework for the first Libyan Natural Products Database, a project designed to harness Libya’s unique biodiversity. This foundational work involves a detailed review of existing natural product databases to identify their core components, data architectures, and user interface designs. While acknowledging challenges such as data standardization, limited resources, and long-term sustainability, the creation of the Libyan Natural Products Database is expected to enhance local scientific capacity and contribute meaningfully to the global drug discovery landscape. This positions the Libyan Natural Products Database to play a foundational role in advancing pharmaceutical research and drug discovery.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Vitamin C is associated with history of the cause of the ancient hemorrhagic disease scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient with important antioxidant properties. It is required by the body for normal physiological function. The body cannot synthesize vitamin C, it is present in nature through foods and other natural sources and it exists as a nutritional food supplement. The antioxidant activity of vitamin C protects the body from free radical damage. Vitamin C is essential for the development and maintenance of connective tissues. It is used as therapeutic agent in many diseases and disorders. Vitamin C plays an important role in several metabolic functions, as the conversion of the amino acid, tryptophan, to the neurotransmitter, serotonin, and the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. Vitamin C supplementation resulted in a significant increase in vitamin C levels in populations; its high intake is associated with positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Vitamin C protects the immune system, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps to fight infections. It has an important role in bone formation, wound healing and the maintenance of healthy gums. There is profound beneficial effect of vitamin C in respect to human diseases as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and many metal toxicities. Several vitamin C analogs have been produced as anticancer and antioxidant activity. Vitamin C is useful if it is used as adjuvant therapy for several chronic diseases. Thus, this review summarizes the importance of vitamin C in the body’s physiology and biochemistry, in addition, the different mechanisms that vitamin C is implicated to treat different acute and chronic diseases. Future exploration should pay attention to chronic disease management by vitamin C.

Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Human trafficking victims suffer a direct assault on their fundamental rights, enduring a modern form of slavery and exploitation. Perpetrated by criminal groups, human trafficking exploits victims, especially women and children, in forced labor, prostitution, or organ trafficking, treating them as commodities in a market driven by supply and demand, thereby profiting at the cost of fundamental rights and human dignity. This chapter underscores the critical significance of understanding the multifaceted challenges inherent in combating human trafficking, emphasizing the urgent need for effective measures. By delving into the complexities of the transnational organized structure of this crime, the chapter provides valuable insights into the hurdles faced by law enforcement and investigative agencies. Recognizing the gravity of human trafficking as a direct violation of fundamental rights and human dignity, this chapter aims to contribute to the development of comprehensive strategies and policies to address this pervasive issue.

Prof. ramy el-kady

Background and Objectives: The complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can occur in some organs, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Stroke, one of such complications, is increasing every year. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for stroke among T2DM patients in Qatar. Methods: This was a secondary post hoc analysis of collected data from our previous study titled “Association of Vitamin D deficiency with dyslipidemia, glycemic control, and microalbuminuria in patients with T2DM in Qatar.” Results: The prevalence of stroke among our patients was 3.8%. A comparison between stroke and no-stroke groups showed a significant association between stroke and other diseases, namely, chronic kidney diseases (CKD) (p=0.007), coronary artery disease (CAD) (p=0.010), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (p<0.001), retinopathy (p=0.044), prolonged duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) (p=0.041), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p=0.006), and a high serum creatinine level (p=0.003). In the multivariate analysis, we identified the following variables as independent risk factors for stroke in patients with T2DM: male gender, CKD, CAD, PVD, high HbA1c, a high creatinine level, and prolonged duration of DM. Conclusion: The prevalence of stroke among T2DM patients in Qatar was around 3.8%. The main risk factors were male gender, CKD, CAD, PVD, high HbA1c, prolonged duration of DM, and a high level of creatinine.

Karishma

Introduction: The university experience often brings various personal and academic challenges that can negatively impact students’ mental health. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of a mindfulness program on stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, social support, and life satisfaction among university students. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 128 participants, divided into experimental and waiting list control groups. The experimental group participated in a mindfulness meditation program consisting of 12 weekly sessions. Pre-test and post-test measurements were performed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) to assess the variables. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant differences between the study phases and the groups after the intervention for all the variables examined (p < 0.05). The effect sizes calculated using the HC3 model were stress (η2 = 0.376), anxiety (η2 = 0.538), depression (η2 = 0.091), sleep quality (η2 = 0.306), social support (η2 = 0.704), and life satisfaction (η2 = 0.510). The mindfulness program was shown to be effective in reducing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression while also improving sleep quality, social support, and life satisfaction in college students. Conclusion: These findings indicate that mindfulness meditation may be valuable for enhancing psychological well-being in educational settings.

Paul alan arkin alvarado-garcia

This study examined work-life integration and female lecturers’ tasks performance in government-owned higher educational institutions in Imo state. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. Two research questions were answered while two hypotheses were tested. The population of the study comprised 1292 female lecturers in government-owned higher educational institutions in Imo State. The sample size of the study was determined using Taro Yamane formula. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to draw 406 respondents from the strata. Two sets of instruments titled; Female Lecturers’ Work-Life Integration Questionnaire (FLWLIQ) and Female Lecturers’ Task Performance Questionnaire (FLTPQ) were used for data collection. Face and content validities were ensured by experts including the researcher’s supervisor. The reliability coefficient of the FLWLIQ and FLTPQ was calculated to be 0.97 and 0.95 with the help of Cronbach Alpha. Multiple and simple regressions were used to answer the research questions. ANOVA associated with multiple regression and t-test associated with simple regression were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. It was found that self-management skills and effective communication system predict female lecturers’ tasks performance by 54% in government-owned higher educational institutions in Imo state. Based on the findings, it was concluded that work-life integration is positively and moderately significant to female lecturers’ tasks performance in higher educational institutions in Imo state. It was therefore recommended among others that; management of tertiary institutions in Imo state should consider the establishment of constructive outlets for female lecturers to vent any form of inconveniences that is inimical to their job functioning so as to reduce tension. Also, management in each of the institutions should communicate staff duties in an effective manner by setting up active communication channels in each faculty.

Fxintegrity publishing

Background: Breast cancer is a commonly found malignancy worldwide in women, and effective treatment is regarded as a substantial clinical challenge even in the presence of several options. Extensive literature is available that demonstrates polyphenols, the richly introduced phytopharmaceuticals, as anticancer agents. Among these polyphenols, resveratrol, silibinin, quercetin, genistein, and curcumin are reported to have tremendous potential against breast cancer. However, till now, no comprehensive survey has been found about the anticarcinogenic properties of luteolin against breast cancer. Scope and approach: This review targeted the available literature on luteolin in the treatment of breast cancer, its effects in combination with other anticancer drugs, and possible mechanisms. Key findings and conclusion: Lutein's outstanding therapeutic potential in the treatment of breast cancer has been recorded not just as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent but also complemented by its synergistic effects with other anti-cancer therapies such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and NSAIDs such as celecoxib and possible underlying mechanisms. Ideally, this review will open new dimensions for luteolin as an effective and safe therapeutic agent in diminishing breast cancer.

Dr. salman ahmed

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

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

Metformin, a widely prescribed biguanide for type 2 diabetes, has emerged as a promising candidate in skin cancer therapy due to its diverse anticancer mechanisms. Beyond its glucoselowering effects, metformin inhibits key oncogenic pathways, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathways, activates AMP-activated protein kinase, and disrupts mitochondrial complex I function. These mechanisms are presumed to contribute to metformin's antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Predictive molecular docking studies reveal that metformin interacts with critical proteins in melanoma pathophysiology. Against PI3K/mTOR (PDB: 5OQ4), PTPN2 (PDB: 7UAD), and TRIP13 (PDB: 5VQA), metformin exhibited docking scores of -4.4, -4.6, and -5.6 kcal/mol, respectively, interacting via hydrogen bonding with residues such as ASP-836, ASP-964 (5OQ4), ASP-50 (7UAD), and SER-187, SER-138 (5VQA). Compared to standard inhibitors, PQR309 (-9.4 kcal/mol), ABBV-CLS-484 (-7.5 kcal/mol), and ATP (-10.8 kcal/mol), metformin displayed moderate binding affinity, suggesting potential but weaker inhibition of these targets. Preclinical and clinical studies support metformin's potential to reduce skin cancer risk, particularly in diabetic patients. However, challenges regarding bioavailability, optimal dosing, and patient selection persist, necessitating further investigation. Therefore, given its affordability, safety, and multitargeted action, metformin represents an attractive candidate for repurposing in skin cancer pharmacotherapy. Focusing future research on optimizing its therapeutic application, refining drug combinations, and identifying biomarkers would enhance clinical outcomes.

Karishma

Plants, the beauty of nature, have been the basis For treating human ailments. The current accepted modern medicine has gradually developed over the years and is undoubtedly the gift of God in the sense of traditional knowledge about different medicinal plants. However, what is needed are rapid screening techniques, structure base design and combinatorial chemistry for drug development under innovations, which will share the profit of products derived from indigenous plants. There is less known information about Ficus exasperata Vahl., and Cleome ciliata Schmach and Thonn. However, the author of this book presents comprehensive information about traditional uses and the biological and phytochemical investigation of Ficus exasperata Vahl. and Cleome ciliata Schmach and Thonn.

Dr. salman ahmed