Several diseases affect maize plants and one among them is black bundle disease, causal organism of which is yet to be confirmed with conflicting reports appearing in literature. In the present work, an effort was made to record the disease incidence by carry out filed surveys in Southern most district of Karnataka state, India and also to isolate and identify the causal organism. The surface sterilized pith tissue from the infected plants was cultured on PDA medium to identify the organism in the affected vascular tissue. The isolated tissue produce Cephalosporium acremonium which was confirmed based on morphological characters. In addition, Simplicillium sp. and Macrophomina phaseolina were also isolated from the same infected plant material and suspected to have participated in the disease development. In accordance with several reports in literature, Cephalosporium acremonium was tested and confirmed as the causal organism of disease in green house experiments by following the Koch’s postulates. This is in contrast with some earlier reports, wherein the exact symptoms of black bundle disease were reported as barren stalks in corn caused by Fusarium sp. The simplicillium sp. which had morphological similarity with C. acremonium and had an ambiguous taxonomic status in literature was confirmed as a distinct species through PCR based diagnosis.
Background: Hypertension (HTN) has emerged as a significant public health challenge and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries like Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among resi dents of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage random sampling technique to select 305 individuals from Khilkhet Thana in Dhaka North City Corporation. Data were collected through direct surveys using a modified version of the WHO STEPS questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Findings: The study identified a 34.4 % prevalence of HTN among the participants, with 46.2 % of hypertensive individuals being under 40 years of age. Of the 105 hypertensive individuals, 65 % were newly diagnosed during the study, and 11 previously diagnosed individuals were not on any medication. A significant association (P < 0.001) was observed between the prevalence of HTN and inadequate intake of fruits (OR = 3.129, 95 % CI = 1.912–5.122, χ2 = 21.328), insufficient vegetables consumption (OR = 2.199, 95 % CI = 1.356–3.565, χ2 = 10.373), high intake of fatty foods (OR = 2.387, 95 % CI = 1.465–3.890, χ2 = 12.454), and excessive salt consumption (OR = 2.771, 95 % CI = 1.677–4.579, χ2 = 16.310). Additionally, the prevalence of HTN was notably higher among overweight (46.70 %) and at-risk (22.90 %) individuals, based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), respectively. The study also found significant correlations (P < 0.001) between HTN and factors such as smoking (OR = 2.824, 95 % CI = 1.601–4.980, χ2 = 13.432), kidney disease (OR = 7.534, 95 % CI = 2.694–21.070, χ2 = 19.282), general stress (OR = 3.692, 95 % CI = 2.179–6.255, χ2 = 24.896), COVID-19 related stress (OR = 3.511, 95 % CI = 2.116–5.826, χ2 = 24.712) and sleeping pattern (OR = 5.798, 95 % CI = 3.404–9.875, χ2 = 45.724). Conclusions: The high prevalence of HTN, particularly among younger individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the urgent need for nationwide surveys, surveillance, and clinical research to accurately depict the true burden of HTN in Bangladesh.
This study investigated utilization of information communication technology for the improvement of personnel economics in the administration of public secondary schools in Rivers state. The study had two objectives, with corresponding research questions and hypotheses. A descriptive survey design was employed, and the population consisted of 11,258 secondary school teachers from 258 public senior secondary schools in Rivers state, with 4,127 males and 7,131 females. A sample of 383 teachers (163 males and 220 females) was drawn from 15 public senior secondary schools using the Taro Yamane Formula and a two-stage sampling technique of stratified and simple random sampling. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled "Utilization of Information and Communication Technology and Personnel Economics in Secondary School Administration." The questionnaire underwent face and content validation by three experts and demonstrated good reliability with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.82. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while inferential statistics utilized the z-test. The findings indicated a significant difference between male and female teachers in their perceptions of ICT utilization for teachers' supervision and evaluation, highlighting the potential for ICT to improve personnel economics in the administration of public secondary schools in Rivers state. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that implementing various ICT-based strategies such as developmental supervision, contextual supervision, clinical supervision, and collaborative forms of developmental supervision could enhance the effectiveness of teaching staff and overall school productivity in public secondary schools in Rivers state.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of four different colored (green, yellow, orange, and red) sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are available at the local market in Karachi, Pakistan. Their 95% ethanol extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg were prepared and compared with commonly used analgesics (aspirin) and anti-inflammatory agents supporting its traditional use. The analgesic effects of 95% ethanol extracts of Capsicum annum L. were investigated by acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and hot plate test. The anti-inflammatory activities were observed using carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw in rats. Animals were divided into ten groups (n=7): (1) Control (2) CAG 200 (3) CAG 400 (4) CAR 200 (5) CAR 400 (6) CAO 200 (7) CAO 400 (8) CAY 200 (9) CAY 400 and (10) Standard. All the extracts were given orally. Acute toxicity was also determined by increasing the dose to 3000 mg/kg, which showed no evidence of mortality. All extracts of Capsicum significantly increased the hot plate pain threshold and remarkably reduced the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Results obtained were compared with the corresponding control group, revealing that the fresh fruit extract of all four kinds of bell pepper (200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg) possess anti-inflammatory and pain-suppressing activities possibly mediated via PG synthesis inhibition
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as Tennis Elbow, affects approximately 1-3% of the population. Despite the absence of histological evidence of inflammation in the affected tissue, the term “epicondylitis” implies inflammation. The Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) muscle is primarily affected, and the condition is attributed to excessive use of this muscle. Non surgical treatment options, such as rest, physiotherapy, cortisone injection, platelet-based therapies, and restricted movements, are recommended. Surgical intervention is suggested for cases involving physical impairment or chronic pain. This review aims to provide healthcare professionals with an understanding of the condition, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment planning options.
COVID-19 pandemic has spread all over the world and has caused psychological impacts. Medical students are known to be vulnerable population, experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders compared to non-medical students. The nature of life changes like what happened and still happening during the pandemic have its impact on mental health of the students. The aim of this study was to identify the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on medical students among different universities to develop profiles to characterize students' anticipated levels of psychological impacts during the pandemic. Also, to search for potential risk factors that could make students more likely to experience these impacts. An online survey was filled by medical students (n = 100) at faculties of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and medical sciences of different universities: University of Benghazi, Libyan International Medical University, Omar Almokhtar University, Cairo University and Alexandria University. The students were taken to the further analysis. Thus, 55% of the participants had psychological impacts due to the pandemic and 17% had severe effect. Some of these impacts were actually positive as a large number (58%) of the participants felt relaxed during the pandemic. Multiple stressors were identified that contributed to the increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression. These included concern about academic performance (80%), concern about self/dear-one’s health (90%), difficulty with concentration (46%), disruption to sleeping patterns (78%), increased social isolation (26%), disruption to eating patterns (48%), changing in the living environment (26%), financial difficulties (34%) increased class workload (20%) depressive thoughts (37%) and suicidal thoughts (07%). In conclusion, the study indicates that COVID-19 pandemic have positive and negative impacts on medical students. Thus, it is suggested that measures need to alleviate students’ stress, which might have harmful effects in different aspects.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the relationships between liquid- ity (LIQ), capital structure (LEV), and fnancial performance (FIP). Additionally, we seek to investigate the indirect efect of liquidity (LIQ) on fnancial performance (FIP) by examining the intermediary role of the capital structure (LEV) of non-fnancial-listed companies in the Vietnamese stock market. This study utilizes PLS-SEM with a robust sample of 644 non-fnancial-listed companies in the Vietnamese stock market. The fndings suggest that liquidity positively infuences fnancial performance but negatively impacts capital structure. Conversely, capital structure negatively afects fnancial performance. Thus, liquidity indirectly enhances fnancial performance through capital structure mediation. This research result can provide suggestions for non-fnancial enterprises in making fnancial decisions to increase fnancial efciency by increasing the holdings of highly liquid assets to prevent risks and take advantage of new investment opportunities in the future. In addition, increasing the holding of highly liquid assets also reduces debt pressure and reduces interest costs, thereby increasing fnancial efciency. Our research shows that the relationship between economic factors is extremely complex; specifcally, our research shows the true nature of the positive impact of liquidity on fnancial performance, including direct positive efects and indirect positive efects through capital structure. In addition, our research results also show that non-fnancial enterprises that want to increase fnancial efciency need to pay attention to revenue growth, and non-fnancial companies with larger total assets (size) will have more advantages in increasing fnancial performance.
Background In 2016, the Tanzanian government shifted the vaccine supply chain responsibilities from the Medical Store Department (MSD) to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) to reduce costs. However, cost estimates that informed the decision were based on invoice value of vaccines and related supplies, rather than a proper economic evaluation study. Therefore, this study aims to compare the actual storage and distribution costs of vaccines and related supplies between MSD to EPI. Method Micro-costing approach was used to estimate resource use at MSD and EPI for the year 2018. Data were collected through a review of documents, warehouse databases, and interviews with key staff at MSD and EPI. We included both capital and recurrent costs. Microsoft Excel® was used for analysis with input data from the UNICEF forecasting tool, WHOs vaccine volume and capacity estimation tool, diesel generator calculator, and supply chain service fee estimator version 1.02. Results The total vaccine storage and distribution costs were estimated to be USD 1,996,286 at MSD and USD 543,648 at EPI. Distribution and program management costs represented 41% (USD 819,288) and 38% (USD 762,968) of the total costs at MSD, while storage and distribution costs represented 43% (USD 234,423) and 34% (USD 184,620) of the total costs at EPI, respectively. The cost drivers at MSD were fuel and transport (21%), receiving and dispatch (19%) and, program management personnel cost (14%), while at EPI were storage space (20%), program management personnel cost (18%) and fuel and transport (15%). Conclusion The storage and distribution of vaccines in Tanzania via the EPI reduced the vaccine supply chain cost to about 27% of the program costs at MSD.
Several studies demonstrate a strong correlation between talent and organizational performance. This view has led to continued improvement of methodologies, human resource scorecards, benchmarking, and engaging in best practices aimed at attracting both talent and better business management. As all these underline advancements of organizational strategic goals, it also determines the development and alignment of individual performance (Savanevičienė and Vilčiauskaitė, 2017, pg. 247). Although most of the studies involve for-profit corporations incorporating them in various industries proves to be both logical and psychologically sound. Regarding this project, the major focus is on determining talent strategies that best companies use to attract and retain people. For the project, Deloitte has been chosen as the reference organization for the strategies it uses and how its human resource management has been able to sustain attracting and retaining good talent.
Cet article porte sur l’ouvrage Le ventre, le pain ou la cendre de Tchicaya U Tam’si. À partir des approches linguistique, stylistique et sémiotique, nous avons tenté de montrer, dans notre analyse, en quoi l’écriture de ce recueil construit des stratégies discursives propres à retenir l’attention du récepteur. À cet effet, nous avons relevé deux principales figures de rhétoriques à savoir, l’emphase et l’hyperbole. Ces deux procédés de style produisent d’une part un effet d’insistance du procès poétique ; et de l’autre, un effet d’amplification du langage poétique.
Background: Numerous studies have linked uterine fibroids to hypertension, suggesting that this condition may be a risk factor unique to women. These days, fibroids are the main cause of myomectomy and hysterectomy. This study aimed to ascertain the relationship between uterine fibroids and hypertension in Saudi women. Methods: This case-control study was carried out between January 2023 and January 2024 on patients with uterine fibroids and non-uterine fibroids who had an appointment for surgery at the gynecological department of the Maternal and Children Hospital (MCH) Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. Blood pressure readings and fibroid diameters are important factors in studying uterine fibroids. Results: The 140 individuals who were split into 70 cases and 70 control groups had average ages of 41.62±2.16 and 44±1.10. 95 participants had menorrhagia, which was the most common ailment in both groups. In contrast to the controls, the uterine fibroid cases had significantly higher rates of anemia (54.2%), OCP (12.8%), infertility (11.4%), and abortion (37.1%) (P<0.001). 48.5% of uterine fibroids had hypertension, compared to 17.1% of controls (P<0.001).Conclusion: There is a considerable relationship between uterine fibroids and hypertension. Anemia, infertility, and abortion are higher in uterine fibroid cases.
Introduction: The prevalence of oral hygiene behaviors (OHB) is very low among school children in Ethiopia. However, the determinants of student's readiness/intention to perform those behaviors have been remained unstudied. Objective: This study aimed to identify the determinants of oral hygiene behavioral intention (OHBI) among preparatory school students based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods and materials: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 students. A 98-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate oral hygiene knowledge (OHK), oral hygiene behavior (OHB), and OHBI based on TPB variables [attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC)]. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling analysis (SEM) were employed to confirm relationships and associations among study variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were used to declare statistical significance. Results: A total of 393 students were participated with a response rate of 97.5%. The mean age of the participants (54% females) was 18 (± 1.3) with an age range of 16 to 24. The TPB model was well fitted to the data and explained 66% of the variance in intention. ATT (β = 0.38; 95% CI, (0.21, 0.64)), SN (β = 0.33; 95% CI, (0.05, 0.83)) and PBC (β = 0.29; 95% CI, (0.13, 0.64)) were significant predictors of OHBI, where ATT was the strongest predictor of OHBI. Conclusion: The TPB model explained a large variance in the intention of students to improve their OHB. All TPB variables were significantly and positively linked to stronger intent, as the theory suggests. Furthermore, these results suggest that the model could provide a framework for oral hygiene promotion interventions in the study area. Indeed, these interventions should focus on changing the attitudes of students towards OHB, creation of positive social pressure, and enabling students to control OHB barriers.
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.
Shell and tube heat exchanger is the most common type of heat exchanger, widely used in oil refinery and other large chemical process. The energy present in the exit stream of many energy conversion devices such as I. C engines, Gas turbines etc. goes as waste, if not utilized properly. For example, the heat energy stored in the engine coolant can be utilized in a better way by recovering the heat for heating purposes inside the cabin. It is comparatively economical than the existing heating arrangements, which employ conventional heating coils. So, the present work has been carried out with a view to predicting the performance of a shell and tube heat exchanger in the field of waste heat recovery application. The objective of this project is to design a shell and tube heat exchanger and study the flow and temperature field inside the shell and tubes using ANSYS Fluent R14.5. An attempt has been made to calculate the performance of the above heat exchanger with and without baffles for parallel flow configurations, and the results so obtained have been compared.
La socialisation en Afrique de l’Ouest se fait par des canaux normatifs dont le mariage. Ce lien sacré, scellé par les Hommes et béni par Dieu, est une nécessité humaine et reste un goulot social pour plusieurs femmes. Sur cette entité géographique patriarcale, la condition féminine relève très souvent d’’un chemin de croix’ pour un épanouissement multiforme. Issoufi DICKO et Safiatou BA se saisissent de cette facette de la thématique du genre pour questionner les vies et les règles traditionnelles en contexte de modernité. Les deux jeunes écrivains maliens portent, entre condition féminine et inversion sexuelle, un regard sans complaisance sur leur société en profonde mutation. Trame nourricière de leurs ouvrages respectifs, ces thèmes leur permettent de mettre en scène des personnages hauts en couleur et en courage. Contrariées en partie par leurs quotidiens et la vie, le système patriarcal et l’embrigadement socioreligieux, leurs héroïnes s’indignent et se révoltent contre les sorts qui leur sont imposés. Défiant les règles de la vie en couple et celles socio-culturelles, elles s’érigent en rempart des dérives sociales perpétrées contre les femmes. Parallèlement à la condition féminine et les conflictualités de la vie en couple, le lesbianisme balbutiant au Mali est convoqué. Issoufi DICKO et Safiatou BA décrivent méticuleusement les arcanes de son enracinement progressif. Cette contribution aborde, avec la méthode qualitative, la condition féminine et l’homosexualité au Mali, entre fiction et réalité sociale. L’objectif de cette contribution est d’analyser la condition féminine et l’homosexualité à travers les deux romans.
This paper aims to explore the supporting and inhibiting factors in the effort to integrate character education in akidah akhlak subjects at MIN 11 Aceh Tenggara. This study uses a qualitative method with a narrative approach and data collection techniques of interview, observation, and documentation; then, the data is analyzed using the methods developed by Miles and Huberman, namely data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. This study shows that the supporting factor for integrating character education in aqidah moral learning at MIN 11 Aceh Tenggara is the availability of learning media in the form of focus and Madrasah residents who work together to supervise all students, both outside and inside the Madrasah environment. The inhibiting factors are the limitations of Madrasah infrastructure in the form of no mosque or prayer room, family support, and social media and games that have an influence on student character.
The aim of the paper is to develop Indian economy growth and its impact of upcoming scenario. In the modern world education is becoming the most important resource for economic and social development of countries, improving well-being and individual development of citizens. Education in every sense is one of the fundamental factors of development. No country can achieve sustainable economic development without substantial investment in human capital. Education enriches people's understanding of themselves and world. It improves the quality of their lives and leads to broad social benefits to individuals and society. Education raises people's productivity and creativity and promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances. In addition it plays a very crucial role in securing economic and social progress and improving income distribution. Our higher education institutions serve and enrich society in many ways and their role in modern Ireland is multi-faceted
Objective: This study was conducted to investigate traditional beliefs and practices of women regarding care of the mother and the infant during pregnancy, in childbirth, and in the postpartum period. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at a public hospital in Istanbul. The data collected consisted of socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, and responses to questions about some traditional customs regarding pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Results: In our research, some non-harmful cultural practices were found, such as the belief that to have a clever and beautiful baby the mother should eat fruit; that to have a healthy and peaceful pregnancy, the mother should not look upon ugly things; the mother should indulge her food cravings; and to have an easy birth, the mother should walk and focus on prayers. On the other hand, we also found beliefs that could be harmful, such as wiping the mouth of a baby with a date before breastfeeding, and practices believed to be protective that could cause harm, such as putting a knife under the baby’s bed, fastening a safety pin to the baby’s clothes, and for the mother and child to remain at home for 40 days. Conclusion: While non-harmful and beneficial practices related to maternal and infant health should be accepted and supported as a part of our cultural richness, practices that could be harmful should be prevented in pregnancy classes or with training upon hospital discharge
Environmental factors are known to influence carcinogenesis. Pollutants, such as heterocyclic amines (HAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are examples of environmental borne procarcinogens. Procarcinogens are not active carcinogens although, they require bio-activation, via enzymes such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) to transform to active product. CYP1A1 isoform, regulated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a significant role in the bio-activation of PAHs and HAs. AhR has multiple co-activators and co-repressors for AhR that have been identified S remarkably. Silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) was designated as a major co-repressor for AhR. In the present study, it is examined the effect of SMRT over expression on the cyp1a1 mRNA levels in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cell line. Hepa 1c1c7 cells were maintained in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and competent cells have successfully been produced using calcium chloride method. Cells were transformed using plasmid DNA and Lipofectamine. TCDD (2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) was employed as an inducing agent for CYP1A1. The total cellular RNA was isolated and real-time PCR of Cyp1a1 was conducted. A statistical analysis was conducted by using one-way analysis of variance followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test. The results showed that cells transfected with the co-repressor SMRT has lower TCDD-mediated induction of cyp1a1 mRNA without affecting constitutive Cyp1a1 mRNA levels, i.e., SMRT was able to significantly decrease inducible Cyp1a1 mRNA levels in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. The present findings also demonstrated that calcium chloride is a convenient method for routine transformation. Thus, this study opens a new avenue for the management of carcinogenesis involving CYP1A1 inducing carcinogens.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is an organization set up by the Nigerian government to involve the country’s graduate yearly in the development of the country. The one year service period has three weeks orientation period when the corps members are trained in paramilitary training. During this period, the corps members use the manual approach to supply their personal information. The manual method of information system used by the corps members is very tedious, time-consuming, prone to errors, and information modification and retrieval are practically impossible. To solve these problems, an online NYSC orientation camp information system is proposed. The proposed system is analyzed, designed and developed using Entity-Relationship Model (ERM) with an entity-relationship diagram as a defector. The architecture model is implemented using PHP and MySQL programming languages. The results showed that the researchers have developed an interactive online NYSC orientation camp information that can handle updates and modification of data more efficiently and can be accessed anywhere and anytime than the manual methods of information system. The researchers hereby recommended the developed software to the National Youth Services Corps headquarters for efficient database analysis of the corps members’ information system
Université Nazi Boni
Central Council For Research In Unani Medicine, Ministry Of Ayush, Government Of India, New Delhi