October 2013

Variable planting density experiment was conducted on oil palm from 1998 to 2007. The study was to evaluate the effects of different plant spacing on growth, development and yield oil palm in Ghana. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with five replications. The treatments were composed of four densities 116, 129, 148 and 173 palms per hectare. Growth parameters measured include leaf area, leaf area index, rachis length, frond dry weight and plant height. These parameters were generally not statistically significant (p=0.05). Fresh fruit yield were similar for all treatments until 10YAT where plots with 173 palms per began to produce significantly fewer bunches. For good growth and productivity oil palm should be planted at 8.84m triangular, equivalent of 148 palms/ha in the semi deciduous forest zone of Ghana.

Due to the stresses of every day life and variable eating habits, constipation is a major complaint in and around big cities in Thailand. Through our research, we have found that skipping meals, routinely consuming fast foods with little nutrients, having insufficient amount of vegetables in daily diet, excess fat and chemical preservatives, artificial coloring, scents, and tastes, all contribute to developing constipation. Also, the combination of a lack of routine for meals and exercise, coupled with emotional and commotional stress contribute not only to constipation but also leads to more serious chronic diseases like, hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer. Undoubtedly, these chronic diseases causes premature deaths and burdens societies. The objective of this study is to develop an effective herbal medicine formula base on the Thai Herbal Materia Medica to alleviate and cure constipation.

Current methods of disposal and management of nutritionally rich food and household waste are not satisfactory. They are source of foul smell, pollution, unhygienic conditions and infectious diseases. A satisfactory method could not come out from earlier studies made on vermicomposting of such waste under tropical climatic conditions. Therefore the present study was taken up. Different ratios of three waste components were used for experiments and the best results were obtained in a ratio of 35 kg of food and kitchen waste, 7 kg of sand-soil mixture and 1 kg of shredded paper (35:7:1), in which 830 % increase in worm population, 157 % increase in biomass and 58 % vermicomposting was observed. It may be concluded from the study that food and household organic waste can be recycled at home level which may have far reaching effects in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Viruses, also known as oncoviruses, capable of transforming cells into a malignant phenotype. These viruses encode oncogenes that can be inserted into the mammalian genome causing transformation. This study was aimed to detect three types of herpes viruses HHV 4, HHV 6 and HHV 8 sequences in leukemia patients and healthy individuals to evaluate the role of these viruses in leukemia arise, and to determine the best way to detect the virus particles in human sera and blood. The present work were obtained four types of leukemia, Acute Lymphoid Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (CLL) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). The Samples of blood were taken from 75 Iraqi patients newly diagnosed affected with one of the four types of leukemia aged between (2-63) years, and twenty-five healthy control subjects ages between (8-62) year were analysis by molecular genetic methods. During the period from August 2012 till May 2013. The viral DNA extraction from serum by QI Aamp Ultra Sens Virus Kit from Qiageen/Germany was found more suitable and sensitive to detect the present viruses than the genomic DNA extraction from whole blood, further amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis on 2% agarose gels. The present study detected EBV serologically in serum of patients and controls by the MONO mononucleosis rapid test. The results revealed the molecular way was more effective and sensitive that EBV detect in serology in 2.7% but with molecular methods detect in 19% of samples. These percentage of EBV divided on the four types of leukemia in different numbers, 12% in ALL, 3% in AML, 4% in CLL, where there was no positive samples to HHV-6 and HHV-8.

An experiment was conducted at Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (India) for assessing the effect of composted coirpith, composted pressmud and FYM on leghaemoglobin content in nodules of green gram and enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase and urease) of the soil sowned green gram (Vigna radiata L.). There was an increase in leghaemoglobin content from 25 to 45 DAS and its goes down gradually upto 55 DAS .The treatmentT12 (composted coirpith + composted pressmud + farmyard manure) showed increased leghaemoglobin content followed by T9 (composted coirpith + NPK) as compared to the control T1. Soil enzymatic activity dehydrogenase and urease activity increase upto 45 DAS and then declined gradually in 55 and 75 DAS. T12 (composted coirpith + composted pressmud + farmyard manure) treatment shows more dehydrogenase and urease activity followed by T9 (composted coirpith + NPK) against the control (T1). Hence composted coirpith, composted pressmud and farmyard manure increased the leghaemoglobin content of the nodules of green gram and also the enzymatic activity of the treated soil.

Phytase, myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate phosphohydrolases (EC 3.1.3.8) belongs to a sub-class of the family of histidine acid phosphatase that initiate stepwise removal of phosphate from phytate. Facing the problem of phosphorus deficiency in plants and animal feed together with its pollution in areas of intensive livestock production, phytase seems destined to become increasingly important. Hence, for both environmental and economic concerns, phytases and phytase-producing organisms are attracting significant industrial interest. This review provides the information about the applications of the phytase.

Ladybeetles are very recurrently accessible in the gardens as well as in the agricultural fields. On the basis of their feeding habits they can be categorized differently, for instance, those feeding on aphids are aphidophagous while those preferring to feed on coccids are coccidophagaous and the third category is austerely phytophagous and is deliberated as the pest of nightshades and cucurbits. Development of the larvae of Epilachna vigintioctopuncata Fabricius, universally known as the 28-spotted ladybeetle was studied by feeding them on three food treatments. One group was fed on the leaves of Momordica charantia, other on the flowers of the same plant and the third group was fed on leaves alternated by flowers of bitter gourd. Results specify best survival as well as development among the group fed on leaves followed by food alternation and flowers.

Diversity of Zooplankton is one of the most important ecological parameters as these are the intermediate link between phytoplankton and fish and plays a key role in cycling of organic materials in an aquatic ecosystem. These are one most important biotic component influencing all the functional aspects of an aquatic ecosystem such as food chains, food web and cycling of matter. The study conducted with an aim to study the zooplankton diversity including physico-chemical parameters. The study was carried out in Ramnagar annua (N 24049´57.3˝, E 92045´23.7˝) which is an oxbow-lake from September 2012 to August 2013 during different seasons. The physico-chemical parameters indicate the prevalence of good quality of water in the wetland. A total of 26 species of zooplankton were found from the study area. The species richness of the group rotifera (44.18%) was highest. A total of 12 species belonging to 7 genera and 6 families were found during the period of investigation. These were followed by cladocerans, which were represented by 6 families comprising 9 species and 9 genera. There were 4 species of copepoda belonging to 2 families and 2 genera. The lowest diversity was exhibited by ostracods being represented by only species belonging to a single family.

Histopathological lesion have been studied in the liver of Mystus vittatus under 10, 20 and 30 days of exposure to 10% sub lethal concentration of monocrotophos (96 hr LC50 : 0.025 ppm; 10% SLC-0.0025 ppm). In control cat fish, the liver was comprised of polygonal hepatocytes with centrally placed nucleus. Pesticide induced dilation of blood sinusoids, vacuolization and disintegration of cell boundaries were noticed in the 10 and 20 days of exposed fish. The complete damage of hepatocytes and loss of integrity of cell wall were noticed on 30 day of exposure.

A study was conducted at Krishnagiri District of Tamilnadu state in India which is well known for the production and processing of the mango. Various agricultural information needs of the farmers in processing and producing value added products in mango are analysed and studied. A well structured and pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect data from 300 randomly selected mango growers. The respondents wanted information in the descending order on the aspects like selection of mango varieties, / hybrids, plant protection measures, pruning in crop, manures and fertilizer management, post harvest technology, preparation main field, planting techniques, pretreatment of seedling, weed management, method of propagation, irrigation management, intercropping, recommended growth regulators to prevent flower and fruit drop, harvesting techniques and value addition in mango.

Main idea to prevent the ground contamination by heavy metals is to extract them maximally with minimum consumption of chemical reagents. So, a perfect studying of pulp ionic structure, an adjustment of the sulphuric ores flotation parameters and modelling of minerals selectivity variables, by using thermodynamic method of analysis, the behaviour of lead xanthenes surface state in solution and experimental investigations results, allow obtaining quantitative physico-chemical models of minimum necessary xanthenes concentration of lead sulphide complete flotation. The optimal pH values ensuring a complete flotation of galena are agree with the potential of zero or minimum charge of its surface, and the optimal composition of the collector sorption layer consisting both of chemisorbed xanthenes and physically adsorbed dixanthenes. In additional, it was obtained quantitative models for the necessary xanthenes concentration of lead sulphide complete flotation in the case of different oxidation products of galena surface in pH values from 7,0 up to 12,0. The models derived can be used as the criteria for functional units of automation systems to control and regulate the flotation process in mineral processing plants. All these should conduct to increasing of metals extraction degree with minimum chemical reagents consumption and providing good environmental protection.

This paper discusses the effects of process parameters on the biodegradation of cassava peels and cassava root sieviate through the action aspergillus niger. The ability of aspergillus niger to increase the crude protein content and decrease the crude fiber content of the cassava wastes was investigated with time and substrate concentration as process parameters. Face–centered central composite design (FCCCD) of the experiment was applied in the determination of the two-parameter improvements of the nutritive value of the wastes. The experiment was designed in minitab version 16.0 while the analysis of variance (ANOVA) SPSS 16.0 was applied in the analysis of the raw data. The experimental data analysis showed that the crude protein percentage contents of the two wastes significantly increased, from 4.85 to 15.86 and from 1.85 to 9.42 for the cassava peels (CP) and cassava root sieviate CRS) respectively due to the action aspergillus niger. Similarly, crude fiber was decreased from 68.2% to 7.82% and 70.3% to 8.30% for CP and CRS. These remarkable improvements on the nutritive value the cassava wastes were recorded at an optimum time of 10 days and substrate concentration of 0.6g/ml. From the results, it was obvious that Aspergillus niger was able to enrich the protein while decreasing the fibre contents of the cassava wastes significantly (P<0.05). However from the interaction plots and multiple comparison tests, 6 days of biodegradation and 0.2g/ml substrate concentration have the optimum desirable effect.

The phytoplankton abundance associated with hydrographical parameters at 28 selected stations (April 2012) of Kerala Coast have been discussed. Considerable variations were noticed both in magnitude and compositions in the phytoplankton density. In this investigation, a total 104 species of phytoplankton were identified and represents in different distinct class viz: Bacillariophyceae (78), Dinophyceae (22), Chlorophyceae (3), Cyanophyceae (1), and Dictyophycae (1). Diatom species were more prominent within the stations. However, Coscinodiscus species Asterionella species, Biddulphia species and Pleurosigma species were the common species found in almost all the stations and at station 25, blooming of Asterionella species were noticed. Compared to other stations, station 25 followed a high salinity and high silicate concentration. Nitrite showed a very slight increase whereas ammonia, nitrate and phosphate showed a complete depletion. The Phytoplankton population density depends upon the physico chemical parameters, and their intensity was mostly coupled with the parameters like salinity, pH, silicate and nitrite.

The comparative studies of secondary metabolites investigation used in pharmacuetical drug research using qualitative test is being performed on Cucurma caesia and Kaemferia galanga Zingerbaracae family. These medicinal plants are of high economic value due the presence of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The samples were extracted using various solvents like methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate and water (aqueous). Among the various solvent extract methanol gives the highest positive result followed by ethanol, water (aqueous) and ethyl acetate respectively. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various compounds like tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, amino acids and carbohydrates. The percentage of scavenging of the methanolic extract were almost same at different concentrations, however the total phenolic content of Cucurma caesia and Kaemferia galanga were 121.13 and 144.8 mgGAE/g . For the antimicrobial activities, the test was screened against gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria and fungi by paper disc method. The studies showed the medicinal plants could play a vital role in health and diseases as they contained pharmacologically useful active principle elements.

Biomass is the most potential candidate for their quantitative availability. Prosopis juliflora a Mesquite is a shrub or small tree in the Fabaceae family. It is also one of the biomass which is available hundred hectares in India.We developed protocol in order to characterize the physical and chemical properties of P.juliflora as feed stock for energy conversion process. The particle size of the biomaterial was found to be 8nm from X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. The SEM image reveals the particle size with a cluster of needle shaped surface with voids. Proximate and elemental analyses showed that P.juliflora has lower moisture content and high fixed carbon indicates that it is appropriate to meet requirements of thermochemical process. Also, considered as one of the strengths of biomass utilization for energy purposes in terms of contribution to environmental protection, P.julifloracontains very low level of Mg and Ca (0.39% & 2.32% respectively). Higher proportion of carbon and lower proportion of oxygen content in P.juliflora leads to high calorific value 3891Kcal/kg. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) was performed for the identification of different modes of functional groups present in the biomaterial. From the microhardness measurements, Vickers hardness number (Hv), Stiffness constant (C11) and Yield strength (σv) have been calculated. The electrical behaviour of the biomaterial has been investigated at room temperature. The ac impedance plot indicates a single relaxation process occur at room temperature.

Water is one of the natural resources used by all living beings. The quality of water is very important for survival. Water is contaminated knowingly or unknowingly. In developing countries it is estimated around 80% of people are affected by water-borne disease due to water contamination. This paper presents an overview of water resources, water management system and water quality monitoring.

Monitoring and controlling the hypnosis and arterial pressure during a surgery is really vital since in excess of dosing and below dosing can be hazardous for the patients. Anesthesia drugs have impact on multiple results of an anesthesia patient. Automation of anesthesia is very useful as it will provide more time and flexibility to anesthesiologists to focus on critical issues that may arise during the surgery. Furthermore patient safety and cost reduction. Anesthetics are administered to regulate hypnosis and analgesia, respectively in the patient during the surgery. Most distinctive measures include Bispectral index (BIS), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and in general, BIS and MAP as the indirect measurements of hypnosis and analgesia, respectively. Isoflurane is given as the input to the Pharmocokinetic-pharmacodynamic model (PK-PD), from the model BIS and MAP were taken as output. In this work, a neural network based internal model controller (NN-IMC) is proposed by regulating the level of hypnosis and pressure. Performance of proposed approach is evaluated with conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) controller. Simulation results show that proposed NN-IMC outperforms conventional PI controller.

The synthesis of the doped BaTiO3 was carried out using the solid state synthesis method. The dopants that used were high purity chemicals of more than 99.9% purity. The dopants used were Niobpentoxide (Nb2O5) of Fluka AG and Cobaltous Chloride Hexahydrate (CuCl26H2O) of Himedia Laboratories. Both the chemicals used were AR grade. The dopants were added as wt% of the basic compound BaTiO3. The final compound was in powder form. For characterization of the sample it was convenient to use them in the form of pellets using Hydraulic Pellet Press (KP Sr 734) of Himaya Engineers. The powder was inserted in the central hole by weight measurements, of radius 0.5 cm. The powder was inserted and the top punch pressed on the sample. The pressure applied was two tons for a period of two minutes. The process was repeated for all the doped samples. The pellets formed were of one cm in diameter and 4mm thick. The x-ray pattern for all the doped samples were taken and compared with standard reference file. The inter planar distance (d) was calculated and found to be in agreement with the standard reference values confirming the perovskite structure of the Nb and Co doped BaTiO3. The SEM of the samples was done on JEOL 6360A Analytical Scanning Electron Microscope. The scanning electron image shows distinctly the uniform distribution of the grains. For the various dopant concentrations it is seen that there is change in the grain size. The dielectric properties of the compound sample were measured on HIOKI 3532 LCR HiTester. The instrument provides a wide range of test frequencies from DC and 42 Hz to 5MHz.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Coccinia indica leaf extract was extent the biogenic synthesis of metal nanomaterials offers an environmentally benign alternative to the conventional chemical synthesis. Upon contact, rapid reduction of Ag+ ions was observed in <1 min with Ag nanoparticle formation reaching 90% completion in <20 min. Effect of leaves extract concentration on the particle size and shape were investigated from UV–vis spectrum, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles is in the size range of 10-20 nm and is crystallized in face centred cubic symmetry. The possible biochemical mechanism leading to the formation of silver nanoparticles was studied using FT-IR. The synthesized silver nanoparticles may be extremely useful in making biosensor devices as well as for other applications.

Polycrystalline In2O3 thin films have been deposited on glass substrate by spray pyrolysis technique using indium acetate as a precursor solution. The influence of precursor concentration was studied in the range of 0.025 – 0.15 M with substrate temperature 450 ˚C. The deposited films were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with EDS, Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), UV-Visible spectrophotometer and Photoluminescence (PL). The XRD analysis indicated that the films were highly preferential grain orientation along (222) plane with cubic crystal structure. The surface morphology, grain size and roughness of the films were observed by SEM and AFM. The UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed that the films had high transmittance in the visible region above 75% and the optical band gap values were found to be in the range of 3.3 – 3.68 eV. The optical constants such as refractive index (n), and extinction coefficient (k) were evaluated from transmittance data. The photoluminescence (PL) was studied at room temperature with a 325 nm as excitation wavelength.

Stressors facing nursing students has adverse consequences on their academic and professional as well it may lead to attrition from nursing programs, and shortage of nurses. Emotional intelligence (EI) is set of abilities enables a person to generate, recognize, express, understand, and evaluate their own, and others, emotions. The current study aims at determining nursing students’ emotional intelligence and its relationship with students’ perceived stress level and their academic achievement. Descriptive corelational cross-sectional design was used to survey 118 nursing students (63 Stream I and 55 Stream II). Students were moderately stressed, with EI level significantly correlated with their perceived stress score (r = -0.30, p = 0.001) and their GPA (r=.308, P=. 005). Emotional intelligence may contribute to the identification and implementation of appropriate interventions and strategies to help nursing students develop optimal personal and professional personality that enable them to deal effectively with stressors and consequently improve their academic achievement.

Introduction: Coronary artery disease is one of the major causes of death in young athletes all over the world, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. Knowledge of the coronary arteries along with its septal branches is very important. Interventional cardiologists treat these conditions by approaching the specific interventricular septal branches of the coronary arteries. Objectives: To study the septal branches of the interventricular septum arising from both the coronary arteries and their variations. Materials and method: This study was conducted on 50 specimens. The lumen of the coronary arteries were injected with cast material and made like thick scaffoldings then dissected under water and the variations were studied. Results: 64% were right dominant, 16% left dominant and 20% co-dominant. The branches to the interventricular septum were maximum in case of co-dominance. Discussion: In Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the volume of the left ventricle reduces gradually and decreases cardiac output. This condition can be treated by approaching the interventricular septum through the septal branches and causing local necrosis of the septum using alcohol. Conclusion: This study helps the interventional cardiologists to plan the line of treatment in Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and ablate the septum using alcohol.

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate antihyperglycaemic activity of an aqueous extract of Diabcap (a polyherbal formulation) and to ascertain its role in hepatoprotection in Streptozotocin (STZ) (60mg/kg, ip single dose) induced diabetes in rats as though potentially uncommon yet diabetic hepatopathy may be an apt organ to be targeted in diabetes. The rats were randomly divided in diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Diabcap was administered in two different doses and results were compared with metformin. The diabetic rats showed a marked elevation in fasting blood glucose level, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, serum bilirubin, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum cholesterol & triglyceride. Administration of Diabcap significantly (p<0.001) reduced the blood glucose level in 300mg/Kg dose of hyperglycaemic rats and showed good results in improving liver function test and reduces the triglyceride and cholesterol level of STZ induced diabetic rats (SIDRs). Histological examination of the liver of normal, diabetic control and drug treated rats were in the same direction with biochemical findings. In vivo toxicity was also performed in albino rats. In the acute oral toxicity each group of rats was orally given a single dose of 2gm/Kg and in sub-acute toxicity rats were administered with 5, 50, 300mg/Kg body weight (BW) of Diabcap once daily for 28 days. This study provides compelling evidence for a holistic approach of Diabcap in amelioration of diabetes linked manifestation or dysregulations. Finally it was concluded that besides acting as an effective antihyperglycaemic agent it can also be used against diabetic hepatopathy.

Brucellosis is a re-emerging bacterial zoonoses and a major health concern worldwide; most cases being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as pyrexia of unknown origin. The occupational source of exposure predisposes the farmers, shepherds, butchers, laboratory workers, veterinarians and slaughterhouse workers to a greater risk of contracting the disease. The present work was thus undertaken to study the risk of exposure to the high risk occupational groups from different parts of Kerala, and also to compare between conventional test like Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and Standard tube agglutination Test (STAT) with Indirect Immuno-sorbent assay (I-ELISA) for the serodiagnosis of human Brucellosis. A total of 240 human serum samples collected from 83 veterinary doctors, 47 livestock inspectors and 110 slaughter house workers were subjected to RBPT, STAT and Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbant Assay. Out of the 240 samples tested, 56 (23.3%), 2(0.83%) and 13 (5.41%) samples were found positive for antibodies to Brucella abortus by RBPT, STAT and I-ELISA respectively. Among Veterinary Doctors (n=83), RBPT tested positive in 17(20.48%) samples while I-ELISA tested positive in 6(7.22%), but STAT did not give any seropositivity. Among livestock inspectors, (n=47) RBPT tested positive in 8(17%). Among Slaughterhouse workers (n=110), RBPT tested positive in 31 (21.18%) while STAT tested positive in 2 (1.81%) and I-ELISA in 7 (6.36%). Seroprevalence was high in veterinary doctors (7.22%) followed by slaughter house workers (6.36%), and the incidence is high among male population and the highest age group of the affected was of 30-40 years (2.37%). The data collected from the study participants revealed that all the identified positive cases were chronic non vegetarians using all kinds of meat products. The positive cases had not underwent any kind of treatments or never attempted any specific diagnosis for brucellosis ever before. The present study suggests that brucellosis is a professional hazard in the veterinary practitioners and slaughterhouse workers. So periodic screening especially among occupationally exposed people must be done. The disease is easily misdiagnosed because of the deceptive nature of the clinical signs and symptoms. The clinicians may miss many cases of Brucellosis because it is not considered a common disease. Elimination of the infection in animals by vaccination to produce Brucella free animals and products will help to prevent transmission of infection.

Fruit-based land use systems and their effects on physicochemical properties of soils were assessed in Abaya-Chamo Basin of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The study area lies between6°30’ to 6°38’ N and 37°33’ to 37°37’ E and altitude of 1200 masl. The physiography is characterized by flat plain under forest and cultivation. A survey was carried out using semi-structured techniques. Land use systems including maize, natural forest, monoculture banana field, and mixed banana and mango fields were identified. Twelve composite soil samples were made from120 random samples collected from the four land-use types. Organic Carbon (OC) and Total Nitrogen (TN) in the surface soils of maize field declined by 61 and 59%, respectively, compared to natural forest during the past 30-40 years. Similarly, OC and TN were reduced by 48.5 and 55.5% in banana and 34 and 52% in mixed fruit cropland fields, respectively, when compared to their contents under natural forest. Likewise, the depletion of CEC in the banana and the maize fields were 32 and 13%, respectively, as compared to the CEC in the forest land. Total nitrogen and Available Phosphorous (AP) contents correlated positively and highly significantly (P< 0.01) with OC and Electrical Conductivity (EC). Generally, OC, TN, PBS, exchangeable K, Ca and Mg, available P, Mn and Fe contents decreased in cultivated land-uses, whereas buildup of OC and TN were obtained in forest lands. The available micronutrients especially Fe and Cu were influenced by the difference in landuse management. These soil properties were positively and highly significantly correlated with TN and OC contents. Therefore, management practices that improve soil quality such as the inclusion of leguminous specious should be employed when converting the land to crop production.

The aim of this study is to examine whether there are differences in social support dimensions of graduate students in terms of demographic profile. The number of participants was 534 graduate students (155 male and 379 female) randomly selected in one Malaysian university. The age of students ranged from 19 to 45; with mean age of 27.10. Apart from, applying descriptive statistic such as frequency, mean and, the data were statistically tested using a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), through SPSS, version 19. The finding of this study displayed that there were significant differences in total social support, and its’ dimensions such as family support and friend support across different faculties. The same result found for family among different races. Likewise, there was significant difference only in family support among various age groups. Furthermore, using t-test, significant differences observed across genders. In this regard, significant differences have established in total social support, family and friends. In addition, social support and significant others were significantly different in terms of marital status. However, there were no significant differences in social support of graduate students across different semesters, employment status and family sizes.

Salivary Shelter is basic necessity of life, ranked behind only to food and clothing in importance. There is strong urge in every individual life, whether rich people or poor people to own a house. House is not a place of dwelling alone it also satisfies an individual`s social and psychological needs. House by itself is not productive asset but investment in housing helps in increasing productivity provision of shelter is thus closely linked with a country`s overall socio – economic development. For the purpose of the study a questionnaire was constructed and survey taken from a finite number of customers as consider them as samples where the total population was infinite in nature. The research design used for the study is descriptive research which will analyze the current market status and consumers. The collected data is analyzed and interpreted with the help of suitable statistical tools and accordingly the findings, suggestions and recommendations are constructed which is consider to be the important part of the project.

In the present study, a pot culture experiment was conducted to estimate the ameliorating effect of Triadimefon (TDM), Hexaconazole (HEX) and Propiconazole (PCZ) on drought stress in Capsicum annuum L. plant belongs to solanaceae family. From 30 days after sowing (DAS), the plants were subjected to 3 days interval drought (DID) stress and drought stress with TDM @ 10 mg l-1, HEX @ 10 mg l-1 and PCZ @ 15 mg l-1 and one day interval irrigation was kept as control. The plant samples were collected on 40, 50 and 60 DAS. The plants were separated into root, stem and leaf for estimating the biochemical, antioxidant and antioxidant enzymes. Combined drought stress treatments increased biochemical, antioxidant contents and antioxidant enzymes activities when compared to control. The triazole treatment mitigated the adverse effects of drought stress by increasing the antioxidant potentials and thereby paved the way for overcoming drought stress in C. annuum L.

This study discusses the evaluation of a learning-to-learn grammar module for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learner in one of the private institutions of a higher learning. The objective of this study is to evaluate the learning-to-learn grammar module in terms of its usability, suitability and user-friendliness for EFL learners. The sample size consists of 20 EFL learners, studying the Advanced level.The learners were given a set of questionnaires to evaluate the grammar module. They evaluated the grammar module in terms of its usability, suitability and user-friendliness. The learning-to-learn grammar module has received a very good feedback from the learners (M = 3.5 and 3.6). This indicates that the module has met the criteria of the suitability, usability and user-friendliness.

In this study, in vitro antibacterial properties of Scleroderma bermudense extracted using three different solvent systems (Petroleum ether, Chloroform and Methanol) were studied against plant and human pathogens viz., Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas syringae, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella parathyphi, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Escherichia coli by agar well diffusion method. The three organic solvent extracts, showed more effective inhibitory activity against all the tested bacteria. Author conclude, the present results of the study evidence the utilize of the mushrooms in traditional biomedicine for the curing of ailments caused by the microorganisms.

Extrusion cooking is a popular means of preparing snack foods and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals using starch-based raw materials. Snacks contribute an important part of many consumers in daily nutrient and calories intake. A ready to eat extruded food was developed using brabender single screw laboratory extruder by incorporation of defatted soy flour with rice flour. The effect of moisture content (12 to 24 per cent (w.b.), defatted soy flour in the blend ratio (10 to 26 per cent) and die head temperature (160 to 2000C) were studied on the textural quality such as crispness, hardness and cutting strength of the extruded snacks. It was observed that at the lower value of moisture content (15 per cent) of feed and defatted soy flour to rice flour blend ratio (14:86) the crispness of snacks was highest. The crispness decreased up to 1850C die head temperature beyond 1850C temperature the crispness increased. Similarly the crispness of the product gradually decreased by increasing or decreasing defatted soy flour to rice flour ratio blending ratio beyond 14:86. The lowest hardness was obtained nearly at 14:86 defatted soy flour to rice flour blend ratio and 15 per cent moisture content of feed as the value of moisture content of feed increased the value of hardness also increased. The minimum cutting strength was observed at 1700C die head temperature. Further it was observed that the maximum value of crispness lies nearly higher side of die head temperature and lowest hardness and cutting strength was obtained at lowest value of moisture content i.e. 15 per cent and 14:86 blend ratio.

Present study has been undertaken in summer Sesamum 2010 at Pulse Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Model Farm, Vadodara, Gujarat to find out the effect of different NPK levels on yield and quality. The seed and stalk yields were significantly get influenced by nitrogen and sulphur applications while steady increase has been recorded due to phosphorus levels. Oil content in Sesamum has been observed to be increased with increasing levels of nitrogen and sulphur but there was no any significant effect due to Phosphorus.

Devi estuary lying between 86o 04’ - 86o 20’ E longitude and 19o 45’- 19o 57’ N latitude harbours a moderately rich and diverse flora of mangroves. But in the past the species diversity was remarkably high as indicated by Ravishankar et al. (2004). 15 exclusive mangrove species (true mangroves) have been reported from this mangrove chunk of Odisha prior to the recent survey. In course of time there is tangible shrinkage of habitat as well as population of mangroves. Some species have already been wiped out, a few are on the verge of extinction and many species have shown very restricted distribution putting them in threatened/ vulnerable/ rare category (Nayar and Sastry, 1987). The depletion of the species is mainly due to severe biotic pressure coupled with other coastal dynamic changes and ecological changes. Mangrove forests are composed of several species having great economic potentialities, which inspire the people to exploit the mangrove forests in an unplanned manner to meet their needs. This causes depletion of species. So, immediate conservation of the mangrove forests are need of the hour. Realising this, the Government of India now emphasizes over the conservation of mangrove vegetation in all the states, where it is present. This aims at the interventions, such as restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of the unique and priceless estuarine ecosystems of the coastal regions. Due to the incessant efforts of the Forest Departments of Odisha in general and Mangrove Forest Division (WL), Rajnagar, Kendrapara in particular under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project the rate of depletion has significantly decreased in the Mahanadi delta and Bhitarkanika National Park through large scale mangrove plantations. If these measures will be implemented in the Devi estuary then the depletion of the mangroves can be checked to a large extent. Taking these facts and the un-exploredness of the mangrove flora into account, this communication emphasizes on the floristic composition and conservation of the mangroves.

The present study has been planned to observe the effects of different salinity on the ultimobranchial gland in an eryhaline teleost fish Tilapia (O.mossambicus). Cytophysiological studies along with some biochemical observation. Therefore it is planned to study the effect of increased salinity concentration at different time of year specially in calcium regulatory organs. Very little data is available (shukla, 1993 and singh, 1997) on this physiological aspect of catfish in our Country. It is interesting to study the effects of increased salinity at different phases of its reproductive cycle i.e., during pre-spawning, spawning and post-spawning periods specially on calcium regulatory organs. Since not much work is available on this aspects it was planned to explore this line with an eryhaline teleost fish Tilapia. Due to its easy availability and also tenacity, the eryhaline fish Tilapia, was selected. Work on eryhaline is almost rare in this animal with exposure to external stress. This fish was procured during the different periods of the year and a stock was maintained for a continuous supply of these animals.

Clarias batrachus, Linn. a common Indian cat fish was treated with various sub acute concentrations of Lead acetate for three days and seven days. A third set carried chronic exposure to 15 ppm lead acetate for 105 days. Different blood parameters studied included total RBC and total WBC counts, gm % of haemoglobin, % cytotoxicity, haematocrait, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). Differential count of WBCs were also done for the respective groups. Lead accumulation in the blood was estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). A Co-relation Co-efficient (‘r’) between lead content of blood and Mean values of these parameters was worked out. The r –values are found to be highly significant.

The general objective of the study was to examine the relationship between plot size and technical efficiency in cassava production in Oyo State of Nigeria. Specifically, the study estimated technical efficiency of cassava farmers; determined the most productive resource in cassava production as well as determined the nature of return to cassava production. Data obtained from 120 representative cassava farmers were analyzed by the use of Stochastic Frontier Production Function technique. Results obtained showed that labour was the most significant productive resource in cassava production. Results further showed that plot size had negative relationship with technical efficiency. Level of education and amount of credit obtained were the significant factors of cassava farmers’ technical efficiencies. The value of 0.8024 obtained for returns to scale showed that cassava farmers were operating in the rational zone of production surface. The study suggested that cassava farmers should reduce their cassava plot size to a manageable size; more credit should be made available to cassava farmers while most of the educated farmers should pay more attention to the operations on their farms in order to reduce their level of technical inefficiency.

Root cultures were initiated from stem, petiole and leaf explants of Pelargonium radula. Stem segments, the explants most amenable to adventitious root induction, developed well when cultured on half strength solid MS (Murashige & Skoog) medium containing 15 g/L sucrose. To enhance the induction and proliferation of adventitious roots, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or α-napthalenacetic acid (NAA) were added to the culture medium. Supplementation with 0.5 mg/L NAA gave the highest incidence of root initiation (97.7%) and the highest number of roots (8.1 roots/explant). Root cultures were subsequently established in continuously agitated liquid medium. Up to 17 g/flask fresh weight of roots were obtained in full strength liquid MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L NAA, with the cultures maintained in either light or darkness.

Hyper-immune serum was developed in three groups of rabbits. Bacillus thuringiensis (CEMB no. 30023 strain no. PR 17.2) was used to produce delta endotoxin, the product of Cry1 Ac gene which was used as antigen. Toxoid was prepared having 0 (control), 0.5 and 1.0 mg of delta endotoxin which was injected in rabbits which produced the hyper-immune serum. These antibodies were further used to detect the expression of CryI AC gene. Agarose gel precipitation test was done against standard antigen and antiserum, as well as against antiserum and delta endotoxin from the Bt plants. All the Agarose gel precipitation tests, showed positive results which indicated that antibodies were successfully developed and expressed in rabbits against delta endotoxin derived from B. thuringiensis.

In this paper, a table and procedure are given for finding the three stage Chain Sampling plan ChSP (0,1,2) with repetitive deferred sampling plan involving minimum sum of producer’s and consumer’s risks for specified Acceptable Quality Level and Limiting Quality Level.

All classical statistical methods rely explicitly or implicitly on parametric models based on number of assumptions. The most widely used assumption is that the observed data have normal distribution. This assumption about the structural and the stochastic parts of the model have been present in statistics for two centuries, and have been the framework for all the classical methods. Classical methods perform well if the data obeys the assumptions. Now-a-days data collected and stored at enormous speed (GB/TB/hr) and pressure to provide better customized service for an edge. The data does not follow the so-called assumptions then the result using classical methods get affected. In this context traditional techniques are infeasible due to enormity of data, high dimensionality of data and heterogeneous of data. The robust methods can be seen as extensions to the classical ones which can cope with deviations from the stochastic assumptions. Classification and data reduction techniques play an important role while handling large data. A reliable and precise classification aspect is essential in analyzing multivariate data. This paper presents the evaluation aspects such as apparent error rate of various classical and robust discriminant methods on a simulation study using R package.

The effect of radiation absorption on the onset of instability of a rotating fluid layer driven by convection is investigated when the fluid is heated from below in a porous medium taking into consideration viscous effect. The Boussinesq approximation is used for the radiative absorption in the energy equation. Using the linearised stability theory and normal mode analysis, the criteria for the onset of instability via stationary convection is obtained for the case of two free boundaries. Analytical expressions have been found for the onset of stationary and oscillatory instabilities and for the oscillatory frequency, which depend on the rate of radiation absorption. The critical wave number and the oscillatory frequency also depend strongly on this quantity. Graphs have been drawn and the results discussed with their help. The oscillatory thermal Rayleigh number for various values of of T,kc, and B are shown in Table 1.

Thin transparent films of poly (vinyl alcohol)/hydroxypropyl cellulose (PVA/HPC) (100/0, 96/4, 92/8, 88/12, 84/16 and 0/100 wt/wt%) blends were prepared by using solution-cast technique. In the present study, the temperature-dependent (in the range 295-390 K) dielectric dispersion was used to probe the molecular mobility of the amorphous phase of the blend systems near the glass transition temperature (Tg). The dielectric properties on certain chosen blends (100/0, 92/8 and 88/12 wt/wt%) before and after irradiation with different fast neutron fluencies within the range from 105 to 108 n/cm2 were investigated. The results noticed that all the samples face to changes in the values of the dielectric permittivity (ε'), dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) and a.c. electrical conductivity (σac). The data also indicated that the measurable changes in the glass transition temperature (Tg) may be due to the fact that the position of Tg is strongly dependent on the molecular weight, purity and water content of the sample. These changes may be attributed to degradation process and/or to cross-linking process either by the presence of HPC with different concentrations or by irradiation with different fast neutron fluencies or both of them. This suggests that, the observed dispersion and the correlated barrier hopping mechanism depend on composition and temperature of blend matrix.

To investigate the anti tumor potential of 50% hydro ethanolic extract of Caeselpinia sappan (EECS) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice. The anti tumor potential was carried out both by in vitro (MTT assay in Hep G 2 cell line) and in vivo methods. The cytotoxic effect (Ic 50 value) on Hep G 2 cell line and Vero cell line was found to be 1.25mg/ml and 2.50mg/ml. Various hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, Hb and PCV) and marker enzymes (Cathepsin-D, β-D-glucuronidase, Acid phosphatase, 5’-nucleotidase and lactate dehydrogenase) were analyzed. The extract was administered at the dose of 400mg/kg of body weight and with the 5-FU (20 mg/kg.ip) as the standard drug. Tumor was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of EAC cells (1x106cells/mouse). Significant changes were observed in biochemical parameters of ascitic carcinoma mice when compared to C.Sappan treated mice. The anti tumor potential activity was mainly due to the presence of poly phenolics and flavonoids present in the plant extract. Thus, the present study confirms the anti tumor potential of the ethanolic extract of C.Sappan.

Silver doped (4%, 8%, 12% and 16%) TiO2 nanoparticles have been prepared by sol–gel method at room temperature. In this present study, we used titanium tetra isopropoxide and 2–propanol as a common starting materials and found that the final product was in anatase phase. The samples of pure anatase were calcined at 500°C for 5 h. The X-ray powder diffraction study reveals that all the prepared samples have pure anatase phase of tetragonal system. The functional groups of the samples were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The diffused reflectance UV–Vis-DRS spectra indicated that the Ag doped TiO2 samples exhibit higher blue shifts compared with the undoped TiO2 nanoparticle. The photoluminescence studies showed that emission Peaks are shifted to lower wavelength regions. The morphological structures and elements present in the samples were determined by using techniques viz., scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX).

We investigated local chicken at sale points for antibodies against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) in some live bird markets in Plateau State, Nigeria. Our aim was to determine the degree of endemicity of NDV in the target population and to evaluate the attendant epidemiological implication. A total of 300 samples were collected from two markets. Standard method for Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test was adopted for screening the samples. Results showed that 245 (81.5%) of the samples tested positive for the agent. The distribution of antibodies (log2) showed that 4 samples (1.5%) had a titre of 1, 8 samples (2.5%) had a titre of 2, 15 samples (5.1%) had a titre of 3, 28 samples (9.3%) had a titre of 4, 42 samples (13.8%) had a titre of 5, while 42 samples (14.2%) had a titre of 6, 48 samples (16%) had a titre of 7 which was the second most frequently encountered titre, 57 samples (19%) had a titre of 8, which was the most frequently encountered titre 35 samples (11.7%) had a titre of 9, while the highest titre obtained was 10, in (6.8%) samples. Overall HI (log2) in all samples collected ranged from1-10. The highest positive sample was observed in Bukuru with 124 (82%) positive while for Jos 120 (80%) was positive. The result obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using statistical package for social science (SPSS version 16) for statistical difference at 95% confidence interval and there was no significant difference in the percentage of the two sites.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy, and causes fetal mortality and morbidity. The prevalence of gestational diabetes is increasing all over the world. Worldwide prevalence is estimated to be between 2.8% (in Washington DC, USA) and 22% (in Sardinia, Italy). In our study, oral glucose tolerance test was done after fasting plasma glucose in 2336 pregnant women of different age groups (15-25, 26-35 and 36-45 years). Out of 2336 subjects, 112 patients (4.8%) were selectively diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus and another 112 subjects were included as normal subjects in this study. The values of fasting and 1 hour post glucose load in all three maternal age groups were 102.10±4.63, 106.37±7.06, 110.8±8.9 and 205.07±3.19, 205.60±4.06, 226.1±5.23 respectively, which were significantly higher with that of normal subjects (p=0.000). Results of our study indicates that rate of gestational diabetes mellitus has an increasing notion in Nepalese women. The main factor responsible for this increasing trend of gestational diabetes in Nepalese women may be due to the modern trend of either delay marriage or early marriage.

Cultural relativism is based on a facile observation that what is considered to be morally right at one time and place (or in one culture) may or may not be considered to be morally right in another. For example, it is morally permissible in Saudi Arabia to have more than one wife up to four wives, and in Indian it is morally permissible that wives to be burned alive along with their dead husbands on a funeral pyre; however, none of these examples (in Saudi Arabia and/or India) are morally permissible in Australia. A major question that must be asked when considering the use of cultural relativism in the study of morality is, how widely do cultures actually vary? This article has elaborated on a number of points regarding cultural relativism. First, it is fundamentally destructive to the idea of shared morality because the only determination that can be made from a culturally relativist standpoint is that an act is personally immoral, rather than a statement of comparison of wider culture. Furthermore, it demonstrated that the basis of cultural relativism – that the moral norms and values of cultures vary widely – is often overstated and thus that the use of moral relativism in the analysis of morality is not actually as useful as it may be. Finally, it showed that cultural relativism can often be twisted in order to preclude moral judgment of acts that are clearly wrong, based on the assertion that these acts are traditional within the culture that they are taking place in.

The cell- cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin is a potent invasion suppressor molecule. In human cancers, partial or complete loss of E-cadherin expression correlates with malignancy .Inactivating mutations have been identified for the E-cadherin gene (CDH1) in diffuse gastric cancers and lobular cancer of the breast. Hence in the present study we tried to study the occurrence of tumour specific mutations in exon 4-5, exon7, exon 8, exon 9 and exon 16 of E-cadherin gene in sporadic ductal carcinoma of the Breast. About 50 breast cancer patients were involved in the study. In exon 4-5 we observed 3 mutations ,one deletion mutation and 2 insertion mutation; in exon 7 we observed two deletion mutation; In exon 8 and exon 9 one deletion mutation was observed. In exon 16 one insertion mutation was observed. These mutations are suggestive of loss of growth control and tumour suppressive role of E-cadherin.

Homicide followed by suicide (Dyadic death) is a severe form of interpersonal violence, in the present study the perpetrator was male who served poison mixed in cold drink to his children and spouse and consumed poison himself to end their lives. In the present study as per police inquiry (inquest report) the cause behind the Dyadic death was financial insecurity where the father and two daughters died but mother and her son survived in the incidence, the reason was that the daughters obeyed the father and they drank the cold drink served to them without questioning. But son and his mother taken drink in less amount as the taste was unusual and they survived. These Dyadic deaths are less common as compared to suicide and homicide alone as per several studies. Here we present a case of homicide followed by suicide between family members by consuming poison.

The effect of Iodine deficiency disorders includes goitre and brain damage. Goiter is prevalent worldwide and in India; it is also widely prevalent Aim: According to the World Health Organisation, a total goiter rate of more than 5% in school children (6-12) should signal the presence of public health problem. As such no study estimating IDD prevalence at all India level is available, So, the present study was undertaken & is a Cross- Sectional Study conducted in department of Community Medicine, SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar between June 2012 to July 2012. The study was conducted to find out the magnitude of goiter in the age group of 6-12 years in district Ladakh & to propose recommendations for the said problem. Subject and Methods: 2699 subjects were screened. Two-stage cluster sampling was used to select the study sample. In the first stage, thirty clusters were selected based on probability proportionate to the size of the target population in different zones. A sample of 90 children (45 boys & 45 Girls) of age group of 6-12 years from the school and out of school/household of selected village/ward was selected. The number of children per cluster was based on the estimated prevalence of 30% with 95% confidence interval. Results: 30% children had G1 goiter and 1.9% children had G2 goiter. Prevalence varied with sex and age. The prevalence of G1 in boys was higher (34.9%) than girls (25.1%) & prevalence of G2 goiter was 1.8% in boys and 2% in girls. Total goiter rate calculated by summing prevalence of G1 and G2 was 36.7%, in males which is more as compared to females (27.1%). Conclusion: The results of the present study have indicated that iodine deficiency continues to be a health problem. So, monitoring of iodine content of salt for at distributor level & at consumer should be done.

Telecobalt radiotherapy machines have become an integral part for treatment of cancer in developing countries. Head scatter factor (Sc) is very essential for beam modelling in treatment planning system for accurate dose delivery in radiotherapy. The magnitude of Sc depends on design and materials of source head of telecobalt machines. Mini-phantoms were fabricated indigenously using water equivalent material polymethyl methaacrylate (PMMA) for Sc measurement as per ESTRO recommendation. It is a simple and reliable tool for Sc measurements. The effect of variation of Sc values for change in field sizes, interchange of collimator jaws and introduction of wedges for three different telecobalt machines of same manufacturer were measured. The collimator exchange effect and the effect of wedges on Sc are within the acceptable limit. Our measurements indicate that the variation of Sc for different telecobalt machines has some uncertainty and for clinical usage Sc data should be measured for each telecobalt machines separately.

Bluetongue is an arthropod borne viral disease of ruminants. Bluetongue virus was isolated from clinically affected sheep of Marathwada region in Maharashtra. In initial studies inoculation of the isolate in chicken egg embryo by yolk sac route revealed characteristic cherry red discoloration and death of the chicken embryo. The isolate was adapted on BHK-21 cell line. The bluetongue virus isolate gave characteristic cytopathic effect (CPE) consisting of rounding of cells and cell detachment from 24 hours post inoculation. Further to confirm the bluetongue virus isolate by molecular characterization, the viral RNA was extracted and purified. The extracted RNA was subjected to electrophoresis in 1 % agarose gel. A total of 10 characteristic bands were observed upon electrophoresis thereby confirming the isolate. The results warrant continuous surveillance of sheep in Marathwada region of Maharashtra.

The concept of corporate communication has been widened to include the cultivation of mutually beneficial relationships between the organization and various stakeholders who matter most from the point of view of business management. The present study evaluates the corporate communication system, process and practices of leading public and private undertakings with special reference to Karnataka State. The crucial importance of corporate communication becomes highly relevant in the present times since the world moves towards globalization of communication and economy. A synthesis of the available literature suggest that corporate communication scenario of Karnataka State suffers from certain limitations. The present study approached the problem through a systematic survey method, which is popular in Mass Communication and Journalism and other branches of Social Science. The implications of the findings of the study on the system, process and practices of corporate communication in leading corporate houses of Karnataka State namely – Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, MphasiS and Biocon sensitize the various stakeholders corporate communication for better practice and performance. The investigation reveals that it is imperative to formulate a corporate communication policy in the new millennium since modern corporate houses are required to race against the time and rise to the occasion in reaching out to various stakeholders. The policy makers of public and private corporate houses are also required to expand and develop corporate communication system by involving the visionaries and missionaries in the field concerned. A separate training division would facilitate constant development of human resources in the corporate communication department of the select corporate houses. The corporate communicators should also be encouraged to gain the benefit of specialization in various branches of corporate communication management in modern society. The corporate communication activities need management support and active involvement of various branches of organizational management. The study emphasizes that inter-departmental coordination would enrich the status of corporate communication in select corporate houses. The modern corporate houses should also formulate a set of sound ethical considerations and practices in order to prevent unlawful and unhealthy corporate communication practices. The corporate communicators also required proper training and orientation in the art of image building and demonstrating the socially beneficial programmes of the corporate houses through adequate communication campaigns. The practice of corporate communication demands integrated approaches in general and application of multimedia in particular. The future agenda for corporate communication management in select corporate houses must deal with the process of corporate social responsibility and adoption of sound ethical practices. The corporate communication services have to be rendered with due respect to professional ethics and corporate social responsibility.

Present investigation was carried out on chickpea, Cicer arientum Linnaeus by using Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) suspension compared with control plot against the incidence of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) at Bhojdari village of Sangamner, Ahmednagar district (Maharashtra) during Rabi season, 2012-13. The results indicates that Neem Seed Kernel Extract (5%) effectively reduce the H. Armigera larval population as compared with control plot when used in regular three sprays. H. armigera has been observed to be a major pest in village and requires more attention to get rid of its infestation. Gram pod borer has been also categorized as a national pest in India.

The Nigerian banking sector has had a checkered transition and evolutionary trajectory. The sector has turned full cycle with several booms and bursts, distresses and regroupings experienced. Consequently, not a few studies have been undertaken to provide explanation to this phenomenon and to provide solutions. This study joins the plethora of other investigations seeking to explain factors that impact on the performance of Nigerian banks. Specifically, it investigated how organizational structure influenced the performance of Nigerian banks. The descriptive survey method of research was used for this study and responses were gathered from five hundred and forty-three respondents (543) comprising managerial and non-managerial staff of Commercial banks in South East Nigeria. Results revealed that structure has significant positive effect on the enhancement of performance of Commercial Banks in South East Nigeria. We thus recommend greater specialization among banks in Nigeria. This will further boost performance and subsequently enhances the growth of the Nigerian economy.

Gender issues have become a critical concern of all humanity today. The case is that women are marginalized, more especially in Africa. Thus part of African underdevelopment is attributed to this discrimination. The major factor that makes the study of gender problems in Africa complex is that African traditional society, particularly, the Igbo society of Eastern Nigeria, anchor their development, social organizations and political structure on the their religion(s). So their religious belief defines and controls all social arrangements. However, the picture of women marginalization in Igbo society seems to be representing the Igbo society of the modern era rather than the Igbo of the pre-colonial period. This paper therefore contends that the assumption that women in the Igbo traditional society were sidelined into the private sphere is tinged with historical bias. Thus through sociological and historical survey, this paper discovers that women have been in the frontline of social development in the Igbo traditional society. It notes also that most positions of power are not inherited rather they are acquired through achievements. Therefore, both men and women have open space to compete for such positions. It observes that there are two major means of entering into societal leadership in Igbo society, these are technically called the:-‘Invited’ and ‘Invented’ spaces. In the invited space, anybody who attains a level of achievements through industry or special ability is invited to the cult of elders, which is the leadership class and many women attained such positions in the traditional society. In like manner, the women form the endogenous social group, which becomes indispensible pressure group in Igbo political setting, influencing all decisions and actions. This paper therefore concludes that the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria have been gender sensitive in their social arrangements and this influenced their development before the colonial era.

"The balance between work and an individual's life is significant in modern society because the concept suggests that the person has some form of control over his or her existence. At the beginning persons were satisfied with work and time duration at work life. While today these two basic things have lead to development of stress at every hierarchical level. Person has totally ignored time for Physical and Mental fitness in work life. The work life does include giving time for family but in very less consideration. The usual hours of entertainment are now utilized for extra duty. Thus the normal employee is not knowing where he is spending his hour of recreation and entertainment. The work pressure leads to stress and ultimately work life imbalance. The health hazards, stress and social problems are riding on a bomb shell of modern life. The tug of war between the employers and employees for high pay packages and multi million business profit figures is detriment to healthy society and environment. Some constructive steps by researchers, Government & companies be taken for drawing the line

The purpose of this study was to find out school Teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion of students with Autism. In addition, this study attempted to find out if there any significant differences in school Teachers’ attitudes with respect to Teachers’ (gender, position, education level, teaching experience, and contact with students with Autism) variables.391 general and special education teachers from various inclusive schools within the Jeddah in Saudi Arabia completed study instrument (Attitudes toward Inclusion of Student with Autism Scale) to determine their attitudes toward inclusion of students with Autism. An analysis of the collected data, using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance, indicated that the "Overall" school Teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion of students with Autism were slightly positive. The results also indicated significant differences in the Teachers’ attitudes depending on Teachers’ (position, education level, teaching experience, and contact with students with Autism), favoring special education teachers, more advanced level of education, less teaching experience, and those with previous contact with students with Autism.

The Study on EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK basically was aimed at studying the implementation of Employee Handbook in HUSYS (HR Function Management Company) and the strengths & Weakness in the HR Department’s functioning in the organization and come up with suggestions for the further improvement. HUSYS was chosen for the study as the company has very good reputation. The Study was taken up through an opinion survey of the employees working in the organization. The researcher has analyzed the policies and drawn certain inference and the opinion of the employees, which will be very much useful in the future formulation and implementation of the policies for the organization. The study mainly covered the broader areas of Introduction of the organization, Definition of the Employee status followed in an organization viz., HR policies, Standards of the Conduct, Wages and Salaries, Benefits and Services, Employee Communication, Grievance Handling recruitment policy, training and development policy, promotional policy, transfer policy, welfare programmer, environmental policy, quality policy and motivational measures. The response of the respondents was interesting and a mixed one. They appreciated the positive things and at the same time were very critical about some aspects which were not beneficial and had no impact on the functioning of the unit. These things were discussed in detail in the next chapters.