May 2011

This paper discusses the extent of underground economy in Malaysia, with a special reference to smuggling activities in Penang. Although the impact of underground economy on developed countries could be minor but it has a serious implication on developing countries. Nonetheless, the study about underground economy is relative scarce. By focusing on the smuggling activities, this study attempts to measure the extent of underground economy in Malaysia. The data are from the confiscated and contrabands smuggled to Malaysia, but limited to cases observed in Penang. All the illegal smuggling activities are recorded from year 2004 to 2008. The results explained the trend of this version of underground economy in Malaysia from the smuggling perspective.

Over the time, the profitability of the course programs should be monitored and the corresponding Organization Development Intervention (ODI) on the marketing strategies should be assessed. This study involved marketing strategy interventions on the course programs offered.The results of the study showed significant improvements in the obtained t-values. Marketing strategies on Course program operation improved with an average obtained t-value of 5.81. Marketing strategies on Leadership improved with an average obtained t-value of 5.91. Marketing strategies on Work Environment had an average t-value of 5.56. Marketing strategies on Team Work obtained an average of a t-value of 5.68. Marketing strategies on Management obtained an average of a t-value of 5.12. Marketing strategies on staff motivation obtained an average of a t-value of 6.10. The ODI helped the College to improve on its marketing strategies which assisted in the improvement of the profitability levels of the course programs.

Children are victims of disenfranchised grief because of their age factor and the circumstances of some deaths (e.g. AIDS related deaths, suicide, criminal offences). The school is the child’s second home and thus an important grieving ground for the bereaved child. The school community interacts with the bereaved child, hence it has a role to play in the child’s grief process. At the same time, mourning process is necessary for one to cope with bereavement. During the mourning process children have grieving needs. Literature review indicates that children have a special attachment to their parents who are their main attachment figures. In Kenya, the Guidance and Counselling unit in schools is expected to take care of children’s grieving needs. Disenfranchised grief is a counselling issue children deal with. This study sought information from the bereaved children in order to establish the nature of disenfranchised grief in Kenya and how orphaned primary school pupils experience it. The study was carried out in Akithi Division, Tigania District, Kenya. Ex-post facto design was used. The study population was primary school children who had lost one or both parents as well as the Teacher Counsellors. Data was collected through questionnaires which included sentence completion and an interview schedule. The data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively mainly through themes, categories and patterns derived through available theories and other sources. The study found out that there was minimal grief counselling that was going on in schools. The study recommended the introduction of grief education to all stakeholders. This would help maximize the sources of support for the bereaved children while enfranchising the grief already experienced by the orphaned pupils.

The present study analyzed the agricultural infrastructure and level of modernization among the rural farmers during the 80’s. The Main Sources of data were based on primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from 100 respondents during the authors’ M.Phil research period (1990-91). The geographical data was collected from the statistical office at Madurai. The questionnaire information was suitably converted into tables. Simple statistical techniques were extremely employed to analyze the data and determination of the findings. Standard coefficient technique is used to measure the level of modernization. The agricultural infrastructure such as land holding, irrigation and source of irrigation were taken for the analysis. The modernization of agriculture among the rural farmers is analyzed based on the primary data collected using pre-tested and pre-coded questionnaire. Four villages selected to represent various socio-economic characteristics. The villages selected were Virahanur, Paniyur, Sholamalai and Valayangulam. In each villages of 25 farmers and the total of 100 respondents were taken. Finally attempted to summarize the facts and findings of the study and present in a framework towards strengthening the agricultural activity.

The present investigation is intended to study the profession development of geography teachers high schools from perception of the class room teacher and how far the professional development is enabled to the students for better of their education. The scale of profession commitment and profession perspectives is constructed. Samples from 444 high schools geography teachers with normative survey and purposive sampling method. Statistical techniques were applied to draw the result. The Personal variables were studied with respect to locality of the institution, medium of teaching and type of the management of Geography teacher is compared. The significant difference is found in medium of teaching and type of the management and found no significant in locality of the institution. There is a positive, significant correlation between the profession commitment and profession perspectives of geography teachers.

Tero Buru was one of the Luo rites of passage performed at the funerals of adult members of the community. As a funeral rite, it was performed as the last rite before the body of the deceased is washed and taken to the grave for burial. It was similar to the requiem, the contemporary Church Service performed by Priests at funerals of the deceased Christian believers in the Luo territory. In Tero Buru the eldest son of the deceased played a leading role. As earlier observed, there were two types of Tero Buru; the first type being performed on the burial day and the second type performed later, after the burial. Irrespective of the type preferred, there had to be a mini Tero Buru to enable the buried to take place. Tero Buru was a rite in a rite. The main rite, the funeral ceremonies itself could not take place unless there was death in the community. If the dead was an adult member of the community, then, Tero Buru rite had also to be performed as per the custom. Since death begot funeral ceremonies, death of adult members of the Luo community also begot Tero Buru. In short, Tero Buru was a rite in a rite. Tero Buru was a rite in which music played a very significant role. It was nothing but song and dance. The participants of Tero Buru literally sang, recited, played sound producing resources and danced. The sounds produced to which they pegged their movements were as varied as the groups involved in the Tero Buru activities. Because of the diversity experienced, performances at Tero Buru qualified not to be considered as a music performance but rather, an extravaganza, a musical extravaganza. This was because no one group could claim the monopoly or a leading role. All the participants claimed to play equal roles. They were all equal partners in the extravaganza. All were joined in the quest of fighting death; an enemy that had caused havoc in the community.

This paper titled “Partnering of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology (IT) for a better world” , considers the possible inherent entrepreneurial nature of IT; how to foster IT innovation; and examination of the inherent difficulties currently found within the IT of Nigerian Universities in regards to supporting the development of innovative and creative ideas. Case study and survey were used as methodology for the research. Close to 200 students participated in the survey with each student answering ten multiple choice questions. Statistical analysis was performed on the results to discover any potential trends emerging relating to the impact of entrepreneurship on the IT industry and the current IT tertiary curriculum. The purpose of the student survey was to determine the current perspectives of students studying at tertiary institutions regarding the role and impact entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation has on IT. The results of the research, included herein, have provided a number of unique contributions to the field in addition to a set of successful industry perspectives on IT Entrepreneurship. In particular how to manage and increase the opportunities for an entrepreneur to continue economic growth in the IT sector in Nigeria.

Qualitative approach and case study design was used to get rich and in depth information from respondents on how counseling helps them make decisions as they prepare to go back to their communities after school. The study was conducted in the current Butula District which was previously known as Busia District in Western province. 5 teachers and 50 young adults and their parents were selected for the study. Interview guides were used to collect data. The study revealed that low intelligence affects their emotional maturity and hence their adaptive behaviour, independent living, social life and making decisions on all relationships. In addition they experience low understanding of concepts, difficulties in following instructions, short memory, poor concentration and lack of intellectual competencies. Recommendations were made with respect to making counseling more effective by training teachers and parents in counseling skills in order to help young adults better. Counseling services should be provided adequately in all schools for children with mental retardation by providing facilities and necessary resources. In addition young adults should be guided on career development and coping skills to live independently.

‘Field experiment was conducted during 2008 to 2009 to evolve the suitable planting techniques for yield maximization of sugarcane. The field experiment was laid in a randomized block design with three replications viz.,T1 - 120 cm row spacing (Wide row) with end to end method of planting, T2 - 120 cm row spacing (Wide row) with cross planting method (setts placed across the furrow), T3 - T1 + intercropping (black gram), T4 - T2 + intercropping (black gram), T5 - 80 cm row spacing (normal row) with end to end method of planting (conventional planting method), T6 - 80 cm row spacing (normal row) with cross planting method (setts placed across the furrow), T7 - T5 + intercropping (black gram), T8 - T6 + intercropping (black gram). The treated setts were planted in the furrows at the rate of 60,000 setts ha-1 in 120 cm row spaced (wide row) and 75,000 setts ha-1 in 80 cm row spaced (normal rows). The black gram (Vigna mungo) were selected and dibbled in levelled ridges at the rate of 2 to 3 seeds hill-1. In 80 cm row spacing (normal row) of sugarcane, the black gram was sown in single row. While in 120 cm row spacing (wide row), the black gram was sown in 3 rows. The growth and yield parameters of sugarcane were favourably influenced by planting technique. T7 - T5 + intercropping recorded higher no. of germinant (1,09,090 ha-1), Tiller production (2,68,460 ha-1), Plant height at 270 DAP ( 260.99 cm), LAI at 270 DAP(5.25) and NMC (1,14,950). T4 - T2 + intercropping recorded higher individual cane weight of 1.50 kg, Cane yield of 151.93 t ha-1 and Sugar yield of 17.78 t ha-1.

The study conducted here was to investigate the gene and protein expression of Toll like receptor 9 when human bronchial epithelial cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide. TLRs are pattern recognition receptor (PRR) which plays a key role in innate immunity. They recognise the molecules that are shared by pathogens but distinguishes from the host which is referred to as pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The HBECs were first cultured and once it becomes confluent they were induced with 10ng/ml of LPS. In order to find out whether the gene was expressed in the cells, the RNA was isolated and RT-PCR was carried out. Before carrying out the RT-PCR, RNA gel electrophoresis was carried out to show the 28S and 18S bands. Once the gene expression was analysed protein expression was carried out by extracting the protein using RIPA buffer and running the SDS-PAGE followed by staining. Silver staining and western blotting results revealed clear bands at 116kDa illustrating that the TLR9 protein had been expressed. RT-PCR results showed that a smear of bands for TLR9 and the in protein expression bands were seen in TLR9 protein region which indicates that TLR9 was expressed in the HBEC by LPS.

This review article will present the concrete educational, research strategies and a discussion of the genetics into the dental curriculum. Dentists are now entering the era in which genetics and genomics will play a vital role in both oral health research and dental practice. Dental professionals should understand the basic concept of genetics and genetic disorders that contribute to common dental concerns where more than 300 genes have so far been associated with tooth development is under strict genetic control.

This investigation examines uptake of heavy metals, Zinc and Nickel in the tissues of the fish, Cyprinus carpio exposed to lethal and sublethal concentrations of Singanallur waste water for 3,10 & 20 days. The concentration of zinc varied from 0.29mg / gm to 0.72mg / gm (Liver), 0.56mg / gm to 0.58mg / gm (Kidney), 0.33mg / gm to 0.52mg / gm (Muscle) and Nickel concentration was varied from 0.54mg / gm to 1.60mg / gm (Liver), 10.81mg / gm to 3.63mg / gm (Kidney) and 0.75mg / gm to 1.31mg / gm (Muscle). Accumulation of Zinc was increased progressively on 3,10 & 20 days in the following order: Muscle> Kidney>Liver. In the case of nickel the order was: Liver>Muscle>Kidney. Zinc and Nickel were found to be toxic to the fish, which will biomagnify up the foodchain and will ultimately be toxic to human beings.

Carrier based preparations of Azospirillum lipoferum (AZ 204) inoculant, developed using two different sources of biochar (acacia wood and coconut shell) were evaluated in comparison with lignite for their suitability as a best alternate to lignite for biofertilizer production. The survival of the microbial inoculant was estimated over a period of 180 days. Among the different carriers, coconut shell based biochar recorded a maximum population of log 10.79 cfu g-1 of carrier on 180 days after inoculation with a maximum moisture content of 25.22%. It was also found that seedling vigour index of green gram (CO 3) was paramount in response to coconut shell based biochar. In addition, coconut shell based biochar was found to increase the survival of Azospirillum lipoferum upto 180 days (6 months) of storage period at a required population compared to acacia wood based biochar and lignite.

Edible vaccines or Food Vaccine hold great promise as an easy-to-administer, cost-effective, easy-to-store, and socio-culturally willingly acceptable vaccine delivery for the developing countries. Edible vaccines offer exciting opportunities for significantly reducing the burden of diseases like hepatitis, cholera & measles, mainly in the developing world where the administrating & storage of vaccines is at major concern. The search for methods of vaccine delivery not requiring a needle and syringe has been accelerated by recent concerns regarding pandemic disease, bioterrorism, and disease eradication campaigns. Needle‐free vaccine delivery could aid in these mass vaccinations by increasing ease and speed of delivery, and by offering improved safety and compliance, decreasing costs, and reducing pain associated with vaccinations. Edible Vaccines are prepared by molecular farming with the help of genetic engineering. Preparation of Edible Vaccines are involving the introduction of selected desired genes into plants and inducing these genetically modified plants to manufacture the encoded proteins. This process is known as transformation and the altered plants are called transgenic plants. The vaccine is administered through the consumption of the edible plant as food, preferably in the form of a fruit or vegetable juice which can be taken orally.

Soil properties are governed by biotic and abiotic components including land use management. Hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered to be primary soil nutrient promoters and there is a positive correlation between AMF hyphae and soil fertility in natural systems. Both past and recent evidences prove that, these symbiotic fungi are present in most terrestrial ecosystems especially in tropics and play a major role in both the growth of plants and important ecosystem processes. AM has a cementing capacity to maintain soil health. Acquisition of minerals by AM in the soil ensures increased crop productivity. This paper traces the role of AM on soil physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties that influence the sustainable agriculture.

The extent of bioavailability of iron and zinc from meals is of great health concern since these micronutrients play key role in mental performance and immune response in human beings. In this study the bioavailability of iron and zinc from maize and bean composite was investigated and found to at 13% for iron and 27.7% for zinc. The inclusion of cabbage enhanced the bioavailability of both to 98.8% and 83.9% respectively to the extent that the differences in the concentrations of iron and zinc in the non-digested and digested samples were not significant (iron, p=0.12 : Zinc, p=0.263). There was a significant difference between concentration of iron and Zinc in the basic mixture when non-digested and digested were compared with p= 0.004 for iron and 0.012 for zinc respectively. In the samples where cabbage was included, there were no significant differences in the concentrations of iron and zinc between the non-digested and digested (iron, p=0.12, zinc, p=0.263) an indication of high bioavailability. The inclusion of potatoes reduced the bioavailability of iron and zinc to 76.86 % and 38.9% respectively. This is due to matrix effect where the potato introduces stronger physico-chemical interactions. The composite with maize, beans, cabbage and potatoes have a bioavailability of 76.2%, p= 0.249 for iron and 71.76%, p = 0.405 for zinc). This is an indication that cabbage has a higher enhancing effect than the potatoes. The generally high bioavailability of iron and zinc from a composite of beans and maize can be due to the interaction between the metal ions and tridentate amino acids in the beans where the chelate formed enhances their bioavailability. This interaction increases mucosal membrane permeability and lipo-solubility of the metal ions. The recommendation is that dietitians should educate people on best combination of foods that will enhance the bioavailability of not only iron and zinc but all micronutrients since they are of health importance to pregnant and lactating mothers, young children, adolescents and the elderly. Other alternatives include double fortification of salt with iron and zinc and bio-fortification.

Heavy metal contamination in the aquatic environment is a potential threat for aquatic organisms, when exposed to significant amounts of metals as consequences of industrial, agricultural and anthropological activities. Heavy metals at high concentrations can cause harmful effects on metabolic, physiological, and biochemical systems of fishes and it causes long-term eco-toxicological effects. The aim of the present study was to assess the glycogen content in gill, liver and kidney of the fish Hypophthalmichthys molitrix exposed to sublethal concentrations of cadmium chloride 1/5th (high), 1/10th (medium) and 1/15th (low) of the 96 hour LC50 values for the period of 7, 14 and 21 days. The exotic fish, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix was exposed to sublethal concentrations of cadmium chloride for various exposure periods (7, 14 and 21days). Glycogen levels were measured both in control and experimental fish. During various exposure periods, the glycogen levels were (P<0.05) significantly decreased in the experimental fish over the control.

The ever-increasing demand in the use of software in business, industry, administration, games and researches have made software engineering and development more complex. This calls for the need for higher-level abstraction of software systems in order to develop real-world systems that meets the new challenges facing software engineering and development process. This paper presents component-based software engineering (CBSE) as a solution to the complexities facing software usability and applicability. This technology (CBSE) addresses the development of systems as an assembly of components, the development of components as re-usable entities, and the maintenance and upgrading of systems by customizing and replacing such components (parts). The author assesses the challenges of this emerging technology and discusses its solutions, merits (attractions), and implications for the software engineering and development process in a developing country like Nigeria.

Software provides a means for productive activities of man and industries. Indeed the strength, intelligence and vastness of the use of computer lie on the software. Sequel to the above, this paper discusses the component- based system development life cycle, reusability and identifies the acquisition and elicitation of requirements in combination with COTS selection as a multi- criteria decisions process which possess great problem. It suggests the use of cyclic life cycle paradigm as a solution to this great problem. The paper compares Component- Based Development cycle with the Cyclic Life Cycle model, and software architecture with component- Based Development and concludes that the component- Based approach and architectural design play vital role in product configuration management. Finally, it compares Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Component- Based systems modeling. The UML can be used for both component and system modeling while the Component- Based design should best concentrate on interface definitions and collaboration between the components through the interfaces. Finally using an appropriate diagram, the paper presents the various aspects of Component- Based Architecture which include conceptual architecture, implementation architecture and deployment architecture.