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.
Sulfur dioxide, a noxious air pollutant, can cause health and environmental effects, and its emissions should be controlled. Nonthermal plasma is one of the most effective technologies in this area. This study evaluated the efficiency of a packed-bed plasma reactor (PBR) and in-plasma catalysis (IPC) in SO2 removal process which were finally optimized and modeled by the use of the central composite design (CCD) approach. In this study, SO2 was diluted in zero air, and the NiCeMgAl catalyst was selected as the catalyst part of the IPC. The effect of three main factors and their interaction were studied. ANOVA results revealed that the best models for SO2 removal efficiency and energy yielding were the reduced cubic models. According to the results, both PBR and IPC reactors were significantly energy efficient compared with the nonpacked plasma reactor and had high SO2 removal efficiency which was at least twice larger than that of the nonpacked one. Based on the results, the efficiency of IPC was better than in PBR, but its performance decreased over time. However, the PBR had relatively high SO2 removal efficiency and energy efficiency compared to the nonpacked reactor, and its performance remained constant over the studied time. In optimization, the maximum SO2 removal efficiency and energy efficiency were 80.69% and 1.04 gr/kWh, respectively (at 1250 ppm, 2.5 L/min, and 18 kV as the optimum condition) obtained by the IPC system which were 1.5 and 1.24 times greater than PBR, respectively. Finally, the model’s predictions showed good agreement with the experiments.
Poor water quality and lack of access to improved sanitation continue to pose a significant threat to human health. The burden of disease analysis suggests that lack of access to safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene is the third most significant risk factor for poor health in developing countries with high mortality rates. Diarrhoea is the leading disease associated with unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene and is responsible for the deaths. The study observed that out of the 150 respondents, 37% are 31-40 years, followed by 20-30 years with 32%. 130 (86.7%) respondents have got married, and 61% of the respondents are female. 85% adopted the nuclear family system, and 50% of respondents are illiterates in the study areas. 85% of respondents are daily wage earners, 37% are earnings rupees between 2000-2500 per month. 27% of respondents are landless labours, and 37% of households possess below 2 acres of land. 40% of respondents suffer from health problems, and 44% consume rice as their staple food. 62% of respondents have debts, and 33% got from money lenders. 62% of respondents do not have toilet facilities and go open defecation. 92% of respondents stated that toilet makes dignity, saves time and energy, saves their children school days, makes adolescent girls privacy, save wage loss, and toilet makes quality life.
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.
Worldwide, the threat created by antibiotic resistance to public health calls for immediate action. Antibiotic resistance is one of the main causes of the emergence and spread of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription. This study aims to investigate the dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription and the reason behind that in the community pharmacy in Libya. The study was randomized analytical conducted between March and April 2023 among pharmacists and assistant pharmacists employed by community pharmacies in various Libyan areas Tripoli, Zawia, and Sabratha. The data were analyzed by Fisher's exact and Chi-square tests to predict the determinations of dispensing antibiotics without prescriptions. In this study, a total of 293 participants were included, 63 had been excluded because they did not meet the inclusion of the study. The remaining 230 were enrolled for final analysis, most of them were female subjects (70.7%). Findings showed that 78.7% of the participants consulted with patients about the reason for requesting a specific type of antibiotic, while 68.7% dispensed antibiotics with probiotics. Study participants with 2 - 4 years' work experience were 76.6% higher toward dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription (P=0.683). The major reason for dispensing antibiotics without prescriptions were pharmacists knowledgeable enough to give a patient antibiotics without a prescription (68.3%). In Libya, misuse of antibiotics by the public is widespread. People can purchase antibiotics without prescription. Thus, dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription in community pharmacies is an alarming issue in Libya which can increase antibiotics resistance. Pharmacists' knowledgeable is high in dispensing patients antibiotics without a prescription, but patient pressure and financial issues are the major reasons behind dispensing antibiotics without a prescription. It can be recommended that the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and the need for ongoing education support for community pharmacy professionals is of importance.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The recent boom in Android mobile device usage has caused a shift in the information technology and has affected the way how information and data are stored, shared among the mobile users. The advent of social networking applications also demands the availability of resources that can be shared among the authentic users. This paper reviews and compares the available techniques and solutions for detecting Unexpected Permission Authorization to Mobile Apps. It is observed that malware for the android system is also growing significantly, current solutions for detecting malware on smartphones are still ineffective.
Avian influenza has impacted negatively on poultry production in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the status of avian influenza virus (AIV) antibodies in wild birds to provide early warning of an outbreak. One hundred and forty-six sera from five different species of wild birds were tested for antibodies to avian influenza A viruses (H5 and H9) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. An overall seroprevalence of 3.4% (5/146) was recorded in the study area. Seroprevalence of 6.67% (2/30) was recorded in speckled pigeons (Columba guinea) and Village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) respectively and 3.33% (1/30) in Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis). No antibodies were detected in laughing doves (Spilolepia senegalensis) and African silver bill (Euodice cantans). The serological detection of AIV subtypes H5 and H9 by HI showed the exposure of these birds to the two subtypes. The result from this study indicates evidence of the presence of H5 and H9 AI viruses in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance of influenza A involving wild birds’ population and H5 as well as H9 subtype is recommended. This is necessary in order to know the actual status of these strains in the poultry population in Nigeria in view of their zoonotic and economic importance.
Supply chain management, especially in manufacturing companies, is very important as the companies rely on the raw materials needed for production. Moreover, the success of a company is also determined by how it could gain competitive advantage to compete in the industry. It is proven that a company with effective supply chain management and competitive advantage would perform better. The purpose of this research is to see the effect of supply chain management and competitive advantage on company performance conducted at PT Ahlindo Perkasa Alam. This research uses quantitative method with Census sampling of 32 employees working in the company. The test results show that Supply Chain Management and Competitive Advantage have a positive significant effect on Company Performance at PT Ahlindo Perkasa Alam as much as 76.1%.
Brushites are the most commonly found phosphate stones in the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder. The study was conducted to observe the possible growth patterns of brushite crystals in the gel for 14 days. The crystal formation was observed as a bullet, needle, platy, columnar shaped and their aggregates. Magono and Lee's meteorological classification further explained these shapes. Besides the morphology, the average size, number and weight of crystals were also observed on the 7th and 14th days. Energy Dispersive X-ray, Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to characterize the crystals. These results can help to determine the promotion, modulation and inhibition of the crystals, which will be helpful in evaluating the risk factors and prophylactic management of brushite-type urinary stones.
Introduction: Use of endotracheal tube (ETT) has many limitations. There is a need for an airway device with similar safety and good side effect profile. In this prospective observational study, the oxygenation and ventilation parameters between patients who were inserted Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) or ETT for laparoscopic surgeries were compared. Materials and Methods: After ethical committee approval, informed consent was obtained from sixty patients (thirty in each group) posted for elective laparoscopic surgery. Following induction of general anaesthesia and paralysis, PLMA or ETT was inserted and pressure control mode was used for ventilation. The following parameters were measured: a. Oxygen saturation and changes in FiO2 needed to ensure a target SpO2> 95%, EtCO2 and changes in respiratory rate and inspiratory pressure needed to ensure a target EtCO2 between 35-45 mmHg. b. Insertion characteristics of airway device and gastric tube, hemodynamic responses, incidence of complications. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used to analyze qualitative data. Independent t test was used to assess quantitative variables. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the outcome measures over time adjusted for duration of surgery and anaesthesia. P values<0> Results: Both groups were comparable with respect to age, gender and weight. Oxygenation and ventilation parameters achieved with both ETT and PLMA were comparable and satisfactory. Haemodynamic parameters increased significantly in ETT group compared to PLMA group during airway insertion and removal. Also, postoperative sore throat was comparatively less in the PLMA group. Conclusion: Hence we conclude that PLMA may be considered as an alternative to ETT in airway management of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries with comparable oxygenation and ventilation parameters and improved side effect profile.
The butanol fraction of the leaves of Castanospermum australe Cunn. & Fraser., was tested on adult Callosobruchus analis (pulse beetle) for its insecticidal activity by impregnation method at concentrations of 3, 9, 48, 240 and 354 μg / cm2. The result showed that the extract is toxic to Callosobruchus analis and the LD50 was found to be 38 µg/cm2. The insecticidal activity of the butanol fraction of Castanospermum australe leaves against adult Callosobruchus analis was determined by impregnation method in five different concentrations and the result so obtained revealed that the extract is toxic against the test insect (pulse beetle). The mortality was lowest (14 %) at 3 µg/cm2 and highest (96 %) at 354 µg/cm2 (Table). The LD50 by log-log graph was found to be 38 µg/cm2. It may be said that the saponins of this plant could be utilized as a natural insecticide that could be an effective alternative for insect pest management.
Stakeholder plays significant roles in project success. They ensure clear communication of project goals, contribute to decision-making, and demonstrate commitment, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. They also act as advocates within their organizations, generating buy-in and support. The main purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the roles of shareholders in a project success. The paper is conceptual in nature and uses a number literatures ranging from 2007 to 2023 from a good number of journals. After scrutinized the literature review, the paper concludes a number of findings. The findings implies that stakeholders in a project is crucial for its success and sustainability. Stakeholders play a significant role in ensuring the performance of the project. Project managers need to acquire stakeholder management skills to address the communication requirements of stakeholders. This is important for the success of the project. The paper recommend that policymakers, practitioners and academia have to ensure the expectations and make a balance among the stakeholders.
This study ascertained availability of disaster preparedness and digitization in archives preservation in public libraries in Rivers state. Two objectives and its corresponding research questions and hypotheses guided this study. The descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target population of this study comprised 514 library staff drawn from Rivers state library board and staff from Jubilee library Port Harcourt. The sample size for this study was 399 library staff comprising of 227 staff from Rivers state library board and 172 library staff from Jubilee library Port Harcourt. The sample size was determined by Taro Yamane sample size determination formula while a two-stage sampling technique of stratified and simple random sampling techniques was used to select the sample size. A self-structured questionnaire titled availability of disaster preparedness and digitization in archives preservation questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Face and content validation was ensured by three experts. The instrument yielded reliability coefficients of 0.79 with the use of Cronbach Alpha reliability method. Meanand Standard Deviation was used in answering research questions while z-test was used for the inferential statistics. The findings revealed that disaster preparedness and digitization in the preservation of archives are supported and available in public libraries in Rivers state, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that there are significant differences in the responses of Rivers state library board staff and Jubilee library Port Harcourt staff on the terms of the availability of the disaster preparedness and digitization in archive preservation in the public libraries. It was therefore recommended that more librarians should be employed by the Rivers state government so as to make the process of archive preservation in the State’s public libraries through disaster preparedness and digitization less rigorous and efficient.
The incorporation of lomustine, a hydrophobic anticancer drug into PLGA nanoparticles by interfacial deposition method was optimized. Based on the optimal parameters, it was found that lomustine-PLGA nanoparticles with acceptable properties could be obtained. Optimization of formulation variables to control the size and drug entrapment efficiency of the prepared nanoparticles seems to be based on the same scientific principles as drug-loaded nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation, solvent evaporation method. The process was the most important factor to control the particle size, while both the drug-polymer interaction and the partition of drug in organic and aqueous phases were the crucial factors to govern the drug entrapment efficiency. PLGA concentration at lower level (100 mg), 1:5 organic phase: aqueous ratio, 1%w/v PVA concentration, 3%w/v pluronic F68 achieved smaller particle size. Additionally, L:G ratio of PLGA 75:25, lower volume of organic solvent (1:10 organic phase: aqueous phase), higher initial drug content (10mg) enhanced the drug entrapment efficiency and maintained lomustine concentration in blood for an extended time period, elevated lomustine concentration in lungs and slowed the elimination of lomustine. The biodistribution profiles of prepared nanoparticles in albino mice showed higher plasma drug concentration for longer period of time, elevated drug concentration in lungs and slow elimination from kidney. No toxic effects of prepared nanoparticles were observed in histopathological examination of lungs and kidney. The systematic investigation reported here promises the development of PLGA nanoparticles loaded with lomustine when tested in Lung Cancer cell line L132 and toxicological/ histopathological studies in albino mice.
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.
“Phyllanthus emblica” known to be amla has role in the skin aging influences the changes in skin, including skin dryness, wrinkle, and irregular pigmentation. Initially the 6 day observation has been taken for the ageing activity to be track to study the TREM2 pathway of “Phyllanthus emblica”. Cellular observation and pathway consideration: The environmental impact of pH, Temperature, Humidity and stability of amla fruits is important for the ageing of cells in neuronal cascade of TREM2 Pathway, while studying the fruits cell cycle. The melanin suppression through inhibition of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-2 activities, the strong antioxidant, and the potent matrix metalloproteinase-2 in cellular observation of tyrosinase pathway. The study aimed to evaluate the anti-skin aging efficacy of amla.
Purpose: With an increase in updated technologies use of Fintech services have also been increased. Intention to use of Fintech services largely depend upon attitude of individuals towards adoption of these services. Drawing upon the Technology Innovation Model (TAM) theory this paper observes different factors associated with customer’s attitude towards acceptance of fintech facilities provided by banks that in turn affect intent about usage of these services. The features like Supposed Utility, Apparent Comfort for Usage, Supposed Peril, Trust Factor, Administration Sustenance, Consumer Innovativeness, Attitudes in the direction of Acceptance, Intent in the direction of Adoption are used in this study. Methodology: The data was collected from residents of Delhi using a survey method through online mode. A well-structured questionnaire was circulated among customers with the help of employees of each branch by using the online platform WeChat. Also, Questionnaire was circulated among customers with the help of employees of each branch who gave them proper instructions to fill the questionnaire. It was circulated through WeChat. To inspect the strength of the association amid factors, , Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) and regression path analysis were applied using SEM in AMOS software. Findings: The findings revealed that Government Support is a key predictive variable for the adoption of Fintech services. Whereas Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Risk are not significantly supported the attitude towards adoption of Fintech services. While other factors slightly supported attitude towards adoption. Practical Implications: The findings of this article are useful for banks to provide empirical framework for customers to adopt new, user-centered fintech services. Originality/Value: This article in useful for the banking institutions, Government agencies and insurance companies provide empirical framework for customers to adopt new, user-centered fintech services.
Service quality in the hospitality industry becomes one of the most important factors for gaining a sustainable competitive advantage and customers’ confidence in the highly competitive marketplace, and therefore service quality can give the hospitality industry a great chance to create competitive differentiation for organisations. It is thus considered as a significant core concept and a critical success factor in the hospitality industry. A successful hotel delivers excellent quality service to customers, and service quality is considered the life of hotel. Many benefits can be achieved by service quality such as establishing customer satisfaction, contributing to business image, establishing customer loyalty, and providing a competitive advantage to a business. Service quality performance can mean different to different people, for example, employees may show higher perceptions of service quality than customers perceived, and thus managers and their employees never like to identify deficiencies in service quality
The goal of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie heart andskeletal muscle damage in male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g in response to a 3-h exposure to 180 mm Hg(5% O2) in the model of severe hypobaric hypoxia. It has been demonstrated that the level of the cardiac bio-marker troponin I in the blood plasma of rats exposed to severe hypobaric hypoxia for 3 h increased signifi-cantly compared to the control group, indicating myocardial injury. At the same time, the administration ofthe HIF-1α transcription factor inhibitor did not affect the plasma level of troponin I. In contrast, the releaseof the non-specific biomarker myoglobin into the bloodstream did not increase in response to hypoxia com-pared to the control animals. In addition, 24 h after the exposure to severe hypobaric hypoxia the serum myo-globin level was significantly lower in animals administered with the HIF-1α inhibitor topotecan than in ratsthat did not receive topotecan. Therefore, it may be assumed that the inhibition of the HIF-1α transcriptionfactor 10 min before exposure to severe hypobaric hypoxia reduces skeletal muscle damage. The mechanismsthat affect the adaptation of heart and skeletal muscles to hypoxia are discussed.