April 2016

Orofacial clefting is a significant birth defect involving improper fusion of palatal shelves and/or the nasal process. Clefting is complex and known to have multifactorial risk factors. Aim of the study is to find out the association of age and socioeconomic status of the parents. Highest frequency of clefts were found in subjects with mother’s age between 25-29 years, which was significant (p=0.002). Highest frequency of orofacial were found to be more in subjects with father’s age between 30-34years which was significant (p= 0.046).

Introduction: Vernonia amygdalina belongs to the family Asterecae. Vernonia amygdalinacontains active components or phytochemicals that can lead to liver regenerations in hepatotoxicity in hepatoxicity. Aim: The aim of this study isto assess the chemotherapeutic and hepatoprotective effect of leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalinain rats. Method: A total number of 15 albino rats were fed on standard diet and divided into three groups. Rats of the firstgroup were injected intraperitioneally with paraffin oil and tap water (control). Rats of the second and third groups were intraperitioneally injected with CCL4, standard diet and tap water. The third group was treated with the leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina. Blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins were contained in the leaf extract of the plant. Levels of alanine ALT, GGT and AST were highest in the CCL4 treated group with a mean and standard deviation of AST (88.25±14.22), ALT (89.25±8.99) and GGT (91.75±6.32) respectively as compared to the control and CCL4 treated groups. Histopathologically, a greater amount of mononuclear cell infiltration, necrotic and few fibroblasts were observed in the liver of CCL4 treated groups whiles liver regeneration was observed in the third group. Conclusion: The results showed that the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina possessed hepatoprotective abilities.

Introduction: Neonatal septicemia is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in India.The bacteriological profile of neonatal septicemia has changed from time to time and from place to place over the years Objective: Isolation and identification of pathogens responsible for neonatal septicemia from the blood with their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Materials and methods: Blood samples from clinically suspected neonatal septicemic cases were subjected to aerobic culture and isolates obtained were tested for antibiotic susceptibility pattern as per CLSI guidelines from September 2012 to August 2013 Results: Out of 1129 blood samples studied, 263 (23.29%) were blood culture positive. 161 (61.2%) were males.182 (69.3%) were preterm. Early onset septicemia was seen in 60.9% of cases. Gram negative organisms were predominant in 154 (58.5%), Gram positive organisms in 75 (28.5%), of cases. Klebsiella species and Escherichia coli were isolated in 50 % and 14.8% of cases respectively. MRSA was the major gram positive bacteria with 48 (64%). 22 (8.3%) were Candida isolates confirmed by repeat culture, 21(95.4%) were non albicans Candida species. Majority of gram negative isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime, piperacillin tazobactum and Gram positive isolates showed high resistance to Penicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin. 51 (66.1%) and 32(41.6%) of Klebsiella isolates showed ESBL and MBL production respectively, majority of which were from early onset septicemia. Conclusion: In view of the changing spectrum of the causative agents of neonatal septicemia and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns from time to time, periodic review of cases to assess any changing trends in the infecting organisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility is important.

In the present study had as an objective to study the effects of the consumption of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on human health. Forty-eight healthy adult individuals were selected, who were appraised at the begining and the the end of the research through clinical exams (glucose, lipidic profile, uric acid levels, complete blood count, thyroid hormones and routine urine) and its characteristics as a functional food. The individuals were separated in twelve groups by age, physical activity (active and sedentary) and the type of drink consumed (caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee) and guided as to how to prepare the drink and the daily amount to be consumed during the six months. After collection of all data, they were submitted to the statistical analysis through the Scott-Knott test and Student t test at the level of 5% of probability, using the SISVAR program. From the results, a significant reduction was observed in the total cholesterol levels HDLc and LDLc, uric acid, platelets and hematocrits and an increase in the leucocytes, independent of coffee type consumed, age group and physical activity. The consumption of caffeinated as well as decaffeinated coffee promoted improvements or did not interfere in the appraised factors, evidencing that the caffeine is not the component responsible for the alterations. Therefore, the results show that coffee presents characteristics that suggests its effect as a functional food, possibly attributed the other components of the drink.

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has well recognised adverse health implications for the mother and her newborn that are both short and long term. Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing GDM and the prevalence of obesity is increasing globally. Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of applying instructional scheme for pregnant women on their knowledge, attitude and clinical implications. Subject and Methods: quasi-expermintal research design with convenience random sampling was used which calculated 60 pregnant women in the first trimester using three tools. Results: The results indicates a statistically significance differences in post and follow-up implementation of instructional scheme phase comparing to pre instructional scheme phase in total knowledge, attitude, and clinical implications. Conclusion & Recommendations: there are a remarkable increase and improvement of the pregnant women 's level of knowledge and acquiring the ultimate positive and noticeable improvement in the attitude and their clinical implications ,and there are obvious needs for instructional scheme offered on simple media to pregnant women to prevent occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Within this context, there is a great demand for strategies and programs that take into consideration all the social, financial, and psychological contexts.

Aims & objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence of styloid process and its correlation with serum calcium levels. The objectives are to evaluate the prevalence of clinical symptoms of elongated styloid process; prevalence of history of trauma to head and neck region and tonsillectomy of elongated styloid process; prevalence of elongated styloid process in age group, male and female and right and left; prevalence of pattern of calcification of stylohyoid complex; evaluate the relationship between body weight, height and elongated styloid process. Materials & methods: Digital panoramic radiographs of 500 patients in age group of 40-89 years were taken. Serum calcium estimation of all these patients was done. All the measurements and findings were compared and statistically analysed. Results: The statistical data revealed that, majority of subjects were males aged 40-49 years. Out of total 500 subjects, 41 had elongated styloid process. The incidence of elongated styloid process ranged from 0% to 28.6% in different age groups. The proportion of males with elongated styloid process (19.7%) was higher as compared to those of females (14.9%). Pattern E was most common. Mean body weight as well as mean height of subjects with elongated styloid process was observed to be significantly higher as compared to those having normal styloid process. Serum calcium levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in subjects having styloid process as compared to subjects having normal styloid process. Conclusion: With increasing age, there was an increase in proportion of subjects with elongated styloid process, more common in males with bilateral involvement. Pattern E was the commonest pattern followed by pattern L. A very poor correlation between length of styloid process and serum calcium levels was observed signifying that serum calcium levels were not dependent on the length of styloid process.

Taxonomic Guerra R.R., Luna A.S.L., Siqueira R.A., Firmino M.O., Cleub C., Guerra M.V.S.F. and Cavalcanti T.A. 2016. [Body condition evaluation, external biometrics measurements and morphology of digestive tube of red-cowled cardinals (Paroaria dominicana Linnaeus, 1758) of wild life apprehended in Paraíba, Brazil: releasing projects subsidies.] Paroaria dominicana is a bird belonging to the Passeriforme order. Because of its song and color qualities is one of the main targets of wild animal trafficking in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the external and organ biometry of the digestive tube, as well as the histological aspects of this system and the body condition of specimens from apprehensions made by the Wild Animal Screening Center, in order to provide subsidies for taxonomic classification, clinical, nutritional and species preservation management, as well as for releasing projects. It were carried out body condition evaluation, external biometrics measurements and tube digestive morphological analysis of 20 P. dominicana apprehended in Paraíba, Brazil. The seized specimens presented unfavorable body conditions, which were related with loss of feathers; the visceral topography and histology of the digestive system was consistent with those of other birds, but the external and internal biometry presented differences. The results demonstrated that body condition analysis of seized animals is an important tool that should be considered in evaluations at Screening Centers, in order to achieve a better nutritional and/or clinical management before releasing projects, thus increasing the project success. The results will provide input for taxonomic classification, as well as corroborate further clinical, nutritional, preservationist and release project studies.

Gaining insights into the possible functional aspects of relatively unknown genes to tumor genesis may help uncover new cancer biomarkers. Jakmip1, connected to autism spectrum disorders, is relatively new protein that we first demonstrated its ability to activate Wnt/beta catenin pathway and induce increased cervical carcinoma cell proliferation. In this report, we examined the impact of exogenous supplementation of Jakmip1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma. Cells over expressed for Jakmip1and their controls were assayed for their in vitro proliferation potential in CCK-8 and clonogenic assays, before they were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice to monitor tumor growth. Here, we present that up regulation of Jakmip1 increases cell proliferation and induce larger tumor development in xenografts. The acquisition of pro-proliferation prowess following Jakmip1 higher expression paralleled the protein expression of beta catenin and cyclin D1. Collectively, our data avidly suggest that upregulated Jakmip1 wields the potential to promote cancer growth and may be relevant to lung tumorigenesis.

The presence of ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare entity. The non-gland migration occurs in the early stages of embryogenesis to your normal cervical location. Thus, the ectopic tissue lodges in general in the path of the thyroglossal duct, in the middle line of the neck. The most common location is in the lingual zone, being called a lingual thyroid. This, in most cases will be asymptomatic. However, it is able to manifest itself with symptoms of dysphagia, dysphonia, obstruction of upper airways or hemorrhage at any moment between childhood and adulthood. We present a rare case of lingual thyroid in a man of 43 years, when hormonal tests were normal, however scintigraphy confirmed the diagnosis associated with surgical pathology, which revealed nodular goiter hyperplastic ectopic in association with lymphocytic thyroiditis type Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This article is a review of this disease, targeting mainly the conduct, still very controversial in world literature.

Hospital acquired infections, nosocomial pneumonia(NP) being the second most common, is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing cardiovascular surgeries. In this retrospective study, the data of 875 children, 1/12 to 16 years of age, who underwent cardiovascular surgery between January,2014-February,2016 in Kartal Koşuyolu Research and Training Hospital were detected. 281(168 males, 113 females) of them, mechanically ventilated longer than 3 days postoperatively, were included in the study. NP was diagnosed in 41 of them (14.5%) according to the Center for Disease Control(CDC) criteria. ETA cultures were obtained regularly. The isolated pathogens were Klebsiella Pneumonia(29.2%), Pseudomonas Aeruginosa(24.3%), Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia(21.9%), Acinetobacter Baumannii(17.3%) and Candida Albicans(7.3%). The overall mortality was 28.8%(81/281) and the mortality due to NP was 14.8%(12/81). There was a statistically significant relationship between the age, duration of mechanic ventilation, reintubation and NP. (p<0.05) However, the correlation between the gender, use of antacids, accompanying abnormalities, nasogastric feeding and the ETA positivity was nonsignificant. (p>0.05) Assessment of responsible pathogens via routine ETA cultures and determining the risk factors of NP will help us promote our infection control measures to decrease the postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. Moreover, these findings may form a base for further studies in other pediatric cardiovascular surgery intensive care units(PCVS-ICU).

Background: Tubercular Meningitis is an important life threatening manifestation of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. It is quite common in the developing countries and can influence the socio economic status as most of the cases occur in the working age group. Aims and Objectives: To study: 1. The clinico-pathological profile of patients with tubercular meningitis. 2. To assess the role of hyponatremia in relation to its incidence, impact and prognosis in tubercular meningitis. Materials and Methods: One year single centered observational study including 45 cases of tubercular meningitis in a tertiary care teaching hospital in north eastern India. Diagnosis of tubercular meningitis was based on CSF findings as per standard protocol. Serum sodium was estimated on presentation and repeated based on the clinical status and a value < 135 mmol/L was diagnosed as hyponatremia. Results and Observations: A male preponderance with a mean age of 31.97 years was observed with a peak in the age group of 21 – 30 years. The average duration of symptoms was 3 weeks and fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, altered consciousness and neurological deficits mostly cranial nerve palsies are the usual presenting features. Clear to turbid fluid, elevated protein, decreased glucose, increased ADA activity, lymphocytic pleocytosis were salient features in CSF which also showed AFB in few samples and positive PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in a substantial number of cases. Hyponatremia, seen in 46.6% of cases had a bearing on the clinical severity but was statistically insignificant in relation to mortality. Death was observed in 13.33% of total cases, 83.33% of which had hyponatremia. Conclusion: The study concluded with the inference that hyponatremia may be an important prognostic indicator in relation to the severity of tubercular meningitis.

Frozen Addicts are one of the leading causes of death. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists 126 central nervous system disorders. Although the cause of frozen addict are unknown, each year approximately 1,90,000 people in the United States and 10,000 people in Canada will be diagnosed with a primary symptoms. Frozen addicts are the number two cause of disability in men age 40 and older. Only 31 percent of males and 30 percent of females survive/recover five to fifteen years following the diagnosis of primary symptoms. Enhancing the quality of life of people with frozen addict requires access to quality specialty care, clinical trials, follow-up care and rehabilitative services. Although genes that are linked to monogenic forms of Parkin’s disease a and other closely related neurodegenerative diseases are, at first glance, not related to a coo man cause , recent genetic, pathologic and molecular studies have strengthened the evidence that there is probably more “cross talk” between the different pathway, on several levels, then previously appreciated. These finding support the existence of common pathogenic mechanisms, protein aggregiation, mitochondrial dysfunction or oxidative stress, which had been suspected as major culprits of neurode generation for many years. This review tries to demonstrate that during routine office visits, neurologist failed to identify the presence of depression, anxiety, and fatigue more than half of the time failed to recognize sleep disturbance in 40% of patients. Awareness of likelihood under recognition of behavioral symptoms in PD should generate approaches to diagnostic accuracy and facilitate timely therapeutic interventions.

Backgrounds: Children continue to swallow foreign bodies (FBs), some of which are bizarre but coins continue to be the most common. This review presents our experience with 62 swallowed FBs outlining aspects of diagnosis and management. Patients and Methods: The medical records of all children with the diagnosis of swallowed FB were retrospectively reviewed for age, type of the swallowed FB, diagnosis and management. Results: During a 7-year period, from June 2008 to July 2015, a total of 62 children with swallowed FBs were treated. Their age ranged from 8 months to 10 years (mean 5.2 years). There were 38 males and 24 females. All were healthy with no prior medical problems except one who had primary repair of esophageal atresia during neonatal period. A variety of FBs were swallowed but coins were the commonest representing 71% of cases. Twenty seven FBs (43.5%) required either endoscopic or surgical removal (21 esophageal and 6 intestinal). The remaining 35 (56.5%) passed spontaneously. Conclusions: Swallowing of FBs by children continues to be a common medical problem. Coins remain the commonest object to be swallowed. Impacted esophageal FBs require prompt removal.Watchful waiting is preferred to deal with swallowed FBs once they passed beyond the esophagus, but early recognitison and management of any complication is necessary.

Introduction: MTA has been recommended primarily as a root end filling material, but it has also been used in pulp capping, pulpotomy, apical barrier formation in teeth with open apexes, repair of root perforations, and root canal filling. Objectives: This study is designed to evaluate the biocompatibility and bone healing of MM-MTA in comparison to MTA. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 30 rats by making osteotomies on both sides of the mandibles of the rats. Fifteen rats were sacrificed after one week to evaluate the short term inflammatory response and bone healing and the other fifteen were sacrificed after three weeks to evaluate the long term inflammatory response and bone healing. Specimens were collected for histopathological examination under light microscope and histomorphometric examination. Results: Grey ProRoot MTA showed significantly lower inflammatory reaction than MM-MTA, and no statistical significant difference was recorded between the two materials in the histomorphometric analysis. Conclusions: MM-MTA and Grey ProRoot MTA showed comparable biocompatibility when evaluated in vivo. Although the results are supportive for the Grey ProRoot MTA showing more biocompatibility compared to MM-MTA, both materials are considered to be equivalent in the ability of the formation of bone.

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of austere winter on psychomotor performance of expedition members who stayed for prolonged duration in Antarctica. Twenty-four volunteers (scientific and technical support personnel) from winter-over team of Indian Antarctic Expedition served as participants. The performance on psychomotor tasks namely hand steadiness, two-hand coordination, and finger dexterity were evaluated at pre and post winter session in Antarctica. A mixed group factorial ANOVA revealed that there was a significant decrease in error for hand steadiness and two-hand coordination, and decline in time (seconds) for finger dexterity at post-winter session when performance was compared against pre-winter session. However, no significant difference was found between scientific and technical support personnel in performance on psychomotor tasks.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the lower extremity static & dynamic balance and core stability performance in three different types of strength athletes. Material and Method: For the purpose of the present study, sixty (N=60) strength athletes, comprising of Wrestlers (n1 =20); Weightlifters (n2=20); Bodybuilders (n3=20)] subjects between the age group of 18-25 years (Mean ± SD: Age 20.53 ± 1.57 years, height 165.98 ± 3.52 cm, body mass 57.60 ± 3.77 kg, leg length 87.51±2.03) were selected. Stork balance test, Y - balance test were used to assess static and dynamic balance of the dominant leg respectively. Modified beiring sorensen and prone plank test were used to measure core stability performance. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used to determine the intra group differences in the lower extremity static & dynamic balance and core stability performance among the three groups of strength athletes. When a significant difference among the groups was observed, a pair-wise comparison of the groups was done by using the LSD post-hoc test to identify direction and significant differences between the groups. To test the hypothesis, the level of significance was set at 0.05. All the subjects, after having been informed about the objective and protocol of the study, gave informed consent and volunteered to participate in this study. Results: Significant differences were observed in static balance, dynamic balance and core stability among strength athletes of three groups (p≤0.05). Thus, when LSD Post-Hoc test was applied to study the direction and significance of differences between the paired adjusted final means for static balance, dynamic balance and core stability, the wrestlers were found to be significantly different when compared with its counterparts. It has been observed that wrestlers had demonstrated significantly better dynamic balance whereas weightlifters and bodybuilders had demonstrated superior static balance and core stability than wrestlers. However, when different sub-variables of dynamic balance i.e. anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral balance were compared, the results revealed insignificant differences in the anterior balance among strength athletes of three groups. But, posteromedial and posterolateral balance was superior in wrestlers than the weightlifters and bodybuilders. This study concludes that the female wrestlers have lower static balance performance and core stability performance as compared to weightlifters and bodybuilders whereas they have superior dynamic balance among the three groups.

The development of soft tissue air emphysema after dental treatment is an infrequently reported sequel. It may be caused due to inadvertent introduction of air into soft tissues during procedures using high speed, air driven hand-pieces or air–water syringes. However with scattered case reports and reviews in dental, surgical, anaesthetic and dermatologic literature, it appears to be under reported and rare. Orbital emphysema due to dental treatment is even a rarer entity with very few documented cases in literature. A case of subcutaneous orbital emphysema following routine metal crown removal is presented to illustrate the typical presentation, differential diagnosis, management and prevention of this uncommon condition.

It is undeniable that violence has a huge impact on the mental and behavioral aspect of the general growth and development of a child into adulthood. Considering the high level of violence in Newark, New Jersey in 2012, we decided to understand the level of childhood exposure to violence and its role to present day violence. Using a sample of youths who has had exposure to some form of violent acts, we conducted a study to depict if there was any form of violence exposure during their childhood formative years. This was achieved using a survey analysis completed by participants and the survey contained questions on different forms of violence and their roles in the act. We concluded that early exposure of a child to any form of violence is contributory to the general attributes and behavior of the child as a youth/ teenager/ adult.

Nasolabial cyst is an uncommon, soft tissue cyst of non-odontogenic origin found in the maxillofacial region. It presents as a slowly enlarging, asymptomatic swelling in the nasolabial region. Being a soft tissue cyst, it cannot be appreciated radiographically. We present a case of nasolabial cyst in a 60 year old female patient who reported to us with a swelling in the left nasolabial region. Iodine contrast agent was injected into the cyst followed by a series of images to evaluate the entire extent of the lesion. This paper highlights the importance of use of radiographic contrast agent in the diagnosis of this rare lesion. A brief review of literature with emphasis on the conventional radiographic and computed tomography findings is presented.

Purpose: 1) To analyze the clinical pattern - type of trauma, risk factors, circumstances, time gap between injury and presentation. 2) To assess the final visual outcomes Methods: A total 250 patients of all age group with ocular trauma were included in the study. All patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria underwent ocular examination after taking informed consent. In all cases a detailed demographic history was taken including address their literacy status, occupation and financial status, cause of injury, and nature of circumstance. The ocular examination including visual acuity, slit lamp examination, a dilated fundus examination with direct ophthalmoscope and indirect examination with 90D lens was carried out. Cases had undergone a B scan to evaluate posterior segment. An Intra ocular tension was measured in all patients. Results: Age –wise analysis showed that ¼ th (24.4%) of patients were in age group between 21-30 years and males outnumbered females by ratio of 3.6:1. RE was involved (48%), 117 cases LE was involved (46.8%). Both eyes were involved in 13 cases(5.2%).It was observed that highest incidence of blunt injuries was among students 91(36.4%) followed by business 38(15.2%) and manual labour 22 (8.8%) industrialist 16 (6.4%). Eyelid injuries are majority of the times associated with either closed or combined globe injuries hence accounting to 84.8% in present study. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents under the influence of alcohol was the most common cause of ocular trauma. Most common object causing ocular trauma was foreign body and stone. Visual acuity at time of presentation and final outcome varied significantly. These patients can be educated about safety measures to prevent ocular trauma and its consequences and to undergo treatment at the earliest to prevent permanent blindness.

The Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression is controlled by a polymorphic CA simple sequence repeat 1 [CA-SSR1] in intron one, and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region (-216 G/T,-191C/A). We investigated the EGFR cell surface expression level and analyzed these genomic markers in six types of adenocarcinoma in Arabian patients. The highest expression of EGFR was observed in lung (93%) and bladder (95%) cancers. The CA-SSR1 long allele (OR=1.641, 95% CI 1.01-2.66, p=0.044) and the SNP-191C/A A allele (OR=3.87, 95% CI 1.51-9.87, p=0.004) were significantly associated with lung adenocarcinoma (LA). Haplotype analysis revealed three haplotypes within EGFR gene were significantly associated with lung and bladder cancer risk. However, after Bonferroni correction only haplotype SSR1L/-216G/-191A remained significantly associated with increased lung cancer risk (OR=4.652, 95% CI 1.47-14.71, p=0.012). This is the first observation of a significant association between genetic markers influencing EGFR expression level and the risk of developing lung cancers in Arabs. Furthermore, the molecular event that favors the selection of the long SSR1 allele in Arab lung cancer patients seems to be different from the somatic mutation that favors the selection of the short allele in the East Asian lung cancer patients.

Background: The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the human body and is the area in which the mandible articulate with the cranium. Conventionally, the most commonly used radiographic methods for the evaluation of osseous changes of the TMJ include transcranial projection, transpharyngealprojection, tomography and panoramic radiography. With the introduction of Computed Tomography (CT), the osseous components of the TMJ can be viewed three dimensionally. Unfortunately, most CT units are large and expensive, and are not readily available to dentists. Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is a newly developed technique and because of its comparatively lower radiation dose and higher spatial resolution, it has been widely accepted and used for different diagnostic tasks in oral and maxillofacial region. Recent Studies have revealed that the CBCT is a reliable alternative to multislice CT for the assessment of the TMJ space and osseous changes. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate osseous changes and the range of motion of TMJ in Temporomandibular disorder using CBCT. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross sectional study has been conducted at Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, private Dental Institution, Chennai. The study population will consist of 50 subjects (100TMJs) from 18-60 years of age. Using 3D reconstruction CBCT (ProMax 3D Machine), images obtained in both maximum intercuspation and maximum mouth opening position. Results: The Adjusted Logistic Regression model, age and gender showed no statistically significant association with the presence of bone changes. The Pearson X2 test showed that there was a statistically significant association with the presence of bone change in relation to condylar mobility of the Right TMJ (Right side p = 0.009; Left side p = 0.811). The results of the McNemar test showed that the proportions of TMJ bone changes showed no significant differences between the sides (p = 1.000). The range of motion proved to be increased demonstrating hypermobility in 35 patients in the right TMJs and 37 patients in the left TMJs. Hypomobility was seen in 4 Right TMJs and 2 Left TMJs. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of degenerative bone alteration in TMJs, which is more frequent in women and mostly located in the condyle. The prevalence of degenerative bone changes occur at the young age group. There is significant correlation between condylar mobility and the presence of degenerative bony changes in TMJs.

Chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and evaluation of their antimicrobial potential against some fungal and bacterial causes of diseases in buffaloes were investigated. A total of 75 animal cases of dairy buffaloes were selected from a private farm at Giza governorates in which animals suffered from diarrhea, mastitis and respiratory symptoms. Seventy five samples (25from each of nasal swabs, pharyngeal swabs from dairy buffaloes with respiratory disorders, fecal swabs of diarrheic animals and milk samples of mastitis animals). The main bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Sreptococcus spp, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Ps.aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp. The species of Staphylococcus are considered the most predominant isolates from different samples of buffaloes that suffered from respiratory disorders, diarrhea or mastitis at rates of incidence of (32%, 12 % and 36%) respectively. While, S.typhimurium was recovered from diarrheic buffaloes at incidence rate of 8% .On the other hand, the most predominant members of Aspergillus species in samples were A.flavus (60%), A. fumigates (54.6%), A.niger (53.3%), followed by A. ochraceus (41.3%). While, C.albicans was isolated at the rates of (41.33%) and was recovered from 68%, 40% and 16% of samples of buffaloes with mastitis, diarrhea and respiratory disorders respectively. The silver nanoparticles was synthesized by chemical method and the sizes and morphology of Ag-NPs were characterized by visual inspection; in a UV-visible spectrophotometer and scanning by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for detection of their particle size and the purity of the prepared powder. The antimicrobial potential of prepared Ag-NPs against C.albicans, A.flavus, S.aureas and Salmonella sp. was concentration dependent, when the concentrations of Ag-NPs increased up to 300 ug/ml, the optical density of treated spore suspension were decreased till reach 100% transmittance and clear medium. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Ag-NPs for C.albican, A.flavus, Salmonella sp., S.aureas sp. was (250-, 300,300 and 250ug/ml), respectively. Whereas, the results of combination between AgNPs and traditional antibioticrevealed that the requirement of lower concentrations from both to obtain the antimicrobial effects (200, 150, 200 and 200ug/ml) for C.albican, A.flavus, Salmonella sp., S.aureas sp., respectively. The treated fungal and bacterial cells were subjected to SEM, the damage and rupture of their cell wall was detected or membrane damage and some pits and adhered to respiratory sequence of cytoplasm that had been caused leakage in inter cellular components and finally cell death. Therefore, the synergistic, combination therapy of Ag-NPs with other traditional antibiotics drugs was urgently required to decrease the used concentration of nanoparticles, overcome the microbial resistant to traditional antibiotics and resulted more efficient antimicrobial activity for the treatment of human and animal diseases.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder of impaired carbohydrates, fat and protein metabolism. It is characterized by hyperglycemia expressed as abnormal glucose value, which is due to insulin deficiency and/or insulin resistance which results in decrease utilization of carbohydrate and excessive glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis from amino acid by fatty acids. A single dose of Alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce diabetes mellitus. Diabetes was confirmed by the elevated blood glucose levels determined at 72 hrs. Animals with blood glucose level more than 250 mg/dl were considered as diabetes. Plant extract at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg of ethanol extract and the standard drug glibenclamide 1 mg/kg, were administered as single dose per day orally to diabetes induced rats for a period of 21 days were studied on blood glucose. In the diabetic rats, all the two doses of plant extract produced a significant reduction in blood glucose levels.

Introduction: Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the major complications of coronary intervention and has been correlated with mortality. CIN is responsible for approximately 11% of all iatrogenic renal insufficiency and is the third most common cause of hospital-acquired renal failure after decreased renal perfusion and nephrotoxic drugs. CIN is traditionally defined as an increase in serum creatinine of either 0.5 mg/dl or 25% from baseline within 72 h of exposure. The association of increase in serum creatinine with short- and long-term adverse clinical outcomes is well established. Objectives: To find out occurrence of contrast induced nephropathy in patients undergoing primary PCI and its relation with duration of symptoms and contrast volume. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital, including 140 patients undergoing primary PCI. Results: Majority of patients were males (74.28%). Mean patient age was 53.32±11.97 years. Smoking (45.71%), hypertension (36.42%), diabetes mellitus (28.57%), and Dyslipidemia (22.85%) were the main risk factors. Most patients presented between 3 to 6 hours of index event (44.28%). Twenty nine patients (20.71%) developed CIN. The mean contrast volume used in CIN group was significantly higher than non CIN group. Conclusion: Contrast induced nephropathy occurs frequently in patients undergoing primary PCI. There is no correlation between duration of symptoms at presentation and CIN. The volume of contrast used during procedure is a good predictor of development of CIN.

Back Ground and Objectives: The most recent genetic research have identified key genes that may be promoting the formation of tumors of the oral cavity and larynx, regardless of external factors such as smoking and HPV. The aim of this paper is to verify whether the importance of the genetic factor is very dependent on the parameters affecting the oral defenses drop, mostly on mucins. Study Material: Was conducting a review for 2015-2016 year with databases PUB MED, GENE, and HOME Genetic References, using key word and key stream "oral and laryngeal cancer genetic in 2015 and 20216 year to identify potential genes involved. The data were compared with the most recent review that also takes into account the two most important external causes smoking and HPV. According to a previous our study, have been identified, but also the incidence of other factors regarding the onset of oral cancer and larynx. The applicability and verification of these results even after a posterior effective bibliographic update has been tested on a sample of thirty laryngectomees patients, through the administration of a questionnaire Results and Discussion: even if with some differences the type and the number of genes involved, are broadly similar to those identified in a recent review. Statistical analysis of the results obtained by processing the questionnaire, confirmed that the l smoke autoimmune disorders and certain environmental conditions and lifestyles, can inactivate and/or deprive the Mucinic Fraction. To observe that the proportion of patients with laryngeal cancer presenting an autoimmune disease is higher than the contro group (0.012 with Fisher Exact test) and also versus to general population given in Italian (36% vs 1%) with p value < 0.001, with a test of proportions. Also during those same PCs smoking and the presence of an autoimmune disease are twonot associated risk factors (p = 0.1211 with fisher's exact test). Among all autoimmune conditions, according very recent epidemiological studies, diabetes, in the sample of laryngectomized patients is higher tha the control group, but with p value =0.195. The results also that xerostomia is in larynctomees group a sign very important were the p-value is 0.012 with large influence in men ,p-value = 0.054 indicate Conclusions and Proposals: The etiology of cancer of the oral cavity and larynx is multifactorial. and seem to depend for different geographical areas, from food use/abuse, sexual mores and lifestyles and also by the increase in diabetes. The crucial protective function of mucins that altered in various carcinomas resulting in hyper expression, provides the original idea for a proposal to fight the tumor. You could use an oncogenic virus "attenuated" improved in capsid with the enzyme neuroaminidase, to delete the links-sialic acid mucin. Interrupting hyperespressivity and consequently the process of angiogenesis, facilitating their entry into cells and the tumor suppressor p53, engineered viral DNA may then suppress carcinogenesis

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of everX posterior (Fibre Reinforced Composite, GC), SDR(Bulk Fill Flowable composite, DENTSPLY), Tetric® N-Ceram Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent) and Filtek™ Z350 XT (3M ESPE) on maxillary first premolars with class II Mesio- Occluso-Distal(MOD)cavities using an instron machine and to evaluate the mode of failure /fracture using stereomicroscope at 10x after staining. Method and Materials: 60 non carious human maxillary first premolars divided into 6 groups ,out of which 2 control groups of 6 teeth each and 4 experimental groups of 12 teeth each were subjected to axial compression test to evaluate the resistance to fracture using an Instron 3382(USA).Group I consisted of intact teeth (positive control), Group II consisted of prepared but un-restored teeth (negative control),Group III consisted of MOD cavities restored with Tetric® N-Ceram Bulk Fill,Group IV consisted of MOD cavities restored with Filtek™ Z350 XT,Group V consisted of MOD cavities restored with everX posterior and Group VI consisted of MOD cavity restored with SDR. After restoration the teeth were stored at 370 C for 24 hours and then thermo cycled for 500 cycles at temperatures of 50C and 550 C Results: Statistical analysis revealed that Group V showed the maximum mean load to fracture however there was no significant difference between Group I, Group III and Group VI. Group IV showed the least mean load to fracture. Mode of failure analysis showed more of Cohesive type of failure on tooth structure for Group V, whereas group III, IV and VI showed more of Mixed type of failure. Conclusion: everX posterior along with occlusal lining using a universal composite can be a material of choice for restoration of large class II cavities and exhibited more cohesive failure. Tetric® N-Ceram Bulk fill and SDR also showed good results of fracture resistance however showed more of Mixed type of failure. Filtek z350xt showed least fracture resistance and more Mixed failure

Aims and Objectives: The aim of study is to determine the frequency and prescribing pattern of antihypertensive drugs in Out Patient Department of a tertiary care hospital and to identify whether the pattern of prescribing is appropriate in accordance with national and international guidelines for pharmacotherapy of hypertension. Methods: This is a prescription-based survey; the prescriptions were collected randomly from OPDs of SGM Hospital in form of Xerox copy after taking the consent, the total 3587 prescriptions were analyzed. Results: In the 3587 prescriptions total 8144 drugs were prescribed; of these only 4.19% (342) drugs were belonging to cardiovascular groups. Amongst the cardiovascular drugs 94.73% (324) were belongs to antihypertensive and 5.26% were to anti-CHF (drugs) groups. 91.35% drugs were prescribed as monotherapy and 8.64% as combination therapy. The CCBs (Amlodipine 83.47%) were the most frequently prescribed (35.49%) antihypertensive followed by ACEIs 25% (Enalapril 60.49%), β-blockers 13.27% (Atenolol 69.76%), AT1 antagonist or ARBs 9.25% (Losartan 80.0%), combination therapy 8.64% (AT+AM = LO+HCTZ 46.42%) and diuretics 8.33% (Hydrochlorothiazide 55.55% 27). However over all prescribing frequency amongst antihypertensive drugs were as follow; Amlodipine (29.63%) ≥ Enalapril (15.12%) ≥ Ramipril (9.87%) ≥ Atenolol ≥ (9.25%) ≥ Losartan (7.40%) hydrochlorothiazide ≥ (4.63%) ≥ Es-amlodipine (4.32%) ≥ AT+AM (4.01%)= LO+HCTZ (4.01%) ≥ Frusemide (3.70%) ≥ Candesartan (1.85%) ≥ Metoprolol (1.54%) and others. Conclusions: Most of antihypertensive in this study were prescribed as monotherapy. CCBs; Amlodipine was most frequently prescribed antihypertensive followed by Enalapril ≥ Ramipril ≥ Atenolol ≥ and Losartan, in combination therapy AT+AM and LO+HCTZ were equally prescribed. The pattern of this study were appears to be in accordance with the national and international guidelines.

Free floating thrombus in the right heart is a medical emergency and is referred to as ‘Thrombus in transit’. The condition is underdiagnosed and transthoracic echocardiography is a good diagnostic tool to detect it. In our patient who had free floating thrombus in right heart with pulmonary embolism was treated with thrombolysis and made a good recovery.

The present work was conducted at the diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder. Fifty- diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder from three hospitals in Hail, KSA were consecutively selected. Diabetic patients have a higher prevalence of thyroid disorders than the general population, this may influence diabetic management. In this study, we investigated thyroid hormone levels in diabetic and hypertention patients. The subjects in all groups were above 60 years of age. The concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were evaluated using a Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) procedure. Patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower serum T3 levels (p=0.000). There were no significant differences observed in serum T4 (p=0.339) and TSH (p=0.216) levels between the all subjects. All the diabetic patients had high fasting blood glucose levels. The effect of diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder on blood glucose showed that high significant increase on blood glucose with increasing aging. On the other hand there were a significant increase on fasting blood glucose in the population that increase in aging than young one. The liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP were a significant increase in blood of human in the population that increases in aging and diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder than young one. Concerning lipid profile, we noted that variety induced high significant variation of different lipid parameters in the population that increase in aging and diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder. Results generally showed that increase in aging and diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder were always high significant increase in their blood glucose and fasting blood glucose. Also, there is high significant increase in liver functions in the population that increase in aging and diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder than young one and high significant variation of different lipid parameters in the population that increase in aging and diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder than young one. We conclude that T3 levels were altered in the diabetic and hypertention patients that have thyroid disorder.

We compared a minimally invasive surgical technique to the conventional (open approach) surgical technique used in fixation of hip fractures with the dynamic hip screw (dhs) device. We tested following outcome measures: duration of surgery, mean difference of pre- and postoperative haemoglobin levels, post operative vas score and bony union . The minimally invasive dhs technique had significantly shorter duration of surgery and length of hospital stay. There was also less blood loss in the minimally invasive dhs technique. The minimally invasive dhs technique produces better outcome measures in the operating time, length of hospital stay, and blood loss compared to the conventional approach while maintaining equal fixation stability

Introduction: Anchorage has been the most important factor of consideration which determines the treatment success and result of orthodontic treatment. Preserving anchorage during retraction has been a challenge for orthodontist with conventional mechanics. Objective: The study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of orthodontic mini-implants in providing anchorage for the closure of premolar extraction. To evaluate the success rate, positional stability, clinical effectiveness of mini-implants and patient experiences with the implants with the help of a questionnaire. Materials and Methods: 15 patients between the age group of 15-25 years were selected who had a treatment protocol for extraction of first upper and lower premolars and had maximum anchorage requirement. The mini-implant of 1.3 mm in diameter and 8 mm in length were placed in the interdental region in the buccal alveolus between the second premolar and the first molar in each quadrant of maxilla and mandible, and were loaded with Ni-Ti coil spring. Primary and secondary outcomes of implants placement was checked. Results: The success rate of the immediately loaded OMIs in the study was 83.33%with a higher success rate on left side. Pain and peri-implantitis was the only complication observed. Avoidance of the headgear during the treatment was one of the most important motivating factor for patients to opt for OMIs during the study. Conclusion: Orthodontic mini-implants can be used as an excellent source of anchorage. OMIs were very well accepted by the patient as an alternative to headgear for anchorage augmentation.

Common bile duct injury is rare and chalanging in blunt trauma. It occurs only in 0.5% cases under going laparotomy for acute trauma. We present a case of blunt abdominal trauma of common biliary duct injury with portal vain avulsion. We discuss its review, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of this case. Now in the age of advancement in radiology as well as other diagnostic tool it will be managed.

This research aimed to investigate the measurement of the Inventory of Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA). The IDEA consisted of 28 items that were used to assess five experiences of emerging adulthood (Identity Exploration, Negativity/Instability, Feeling “In-Between”, Experimentation/Possibilities, Self-Focus). Statistical technique using Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) was conducted by using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21.0, followed by Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) via Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to confirm the measurement model. EFA results revealed three factors and CFA results confirmed the correlations between the three factors (Identity Exploration/Feeling “in-between”, Negativity/Instability, Experimentation/Possibilities) were all significant, respectively. The new Malay version of IDEA (M-IDEA) has only three subscales with a total of 10 items. This study contributes to the emerging adulthood literatures by adapting the IDEA into a non-western culture - Malaysia.

Background: ‘Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,’ a type of anxiety disorder is a potentially disabling condition that can persist through out a person’s life and causes variable degree of distress to patients. Objective: To assess gender difference in symptomatology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Setting and Design: Cross-sectional at department of psychiatry in tertiary heath care center. Methods and Material: The study included 100 patients attending psychiatric OPD and admitted patients in psychiatric ward, at tertiary care center of Rajasthan, India who were clinically screened for obsessive compulsive symptoms. The patients, suggestive of suffering from OCD, were thoroughly evaluated for the diagnosis by using ICD-10 criteria for the OCD. All the participants were subjected to Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) for assessing the phenomenology and severity of OCD. Statistical analysis used: Commercially available software SPSS version 17. Results: The present study clearly revealed that 58% patients were males who had significantly earlier age at onset of OCD and were less likely to be married. They presented with significantly more aggression obsessions and checking compulsion, where as 42% patients were female and presented with significantly more contamination obsessions and cleaning compulsions. Conclusion: This study reveals that patients with OCD suffer over a long period of time, spend a lot of time on their obsessions and compulsions impairing their social and occupational functioning.

Objective: To assess the uterine size in relation to the parity and caesarean section delivery as revealed by transabdominal ultrasound. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 50 women with vaginal delivery and caesarean section deliveries were examined by transabdominal sonography. The uterus was assessed by measuring the length, anteroposterior and transverse diameter of the uterus. Morphologic findings were recorded. The effect of the parity, number of caesarean sections on the uterine size were evaluated. The gynaecological symptoms were also recorded. Results: The maximum dimensions of the uterus in length, anteroposterior and transverse diameter was 11.5cm, 5.6cm and 4.8cm respectively in a multiparous women (parity -3) who had undergone one vaginal and two caesarean section deliveries. The minimum dimensions of the uterus in length, anteroposterior and transverse diameter was 7.6cm, 3.5cm and 3.3cm respectively in a multiparous women (parity -2)who had who had undergone one vaginal and one caesarean section delivery. Most often uterus position was anteverted. Positive correlation was seen between the length of the uterus and the parity status. There is no significant correlation in between the length of the uterus and post caesarean. However the maximum size of the uterus obtained in this study was seen in case of multiparous (Parity 3) women with two caesarean deliveries who had no gynaecological symptoms. Conclusions: The size of the uterus in a multiparous woman as assessed by transabdominal sonography revealed significant increase in the size with increasing parity. The multiparous women with multiple caesarean section deliveries woman who had developed bulkiness of the uterus had no gynaecological symptoms. This bulkiness of the uterus in multiparous women who had undergone multiple caesarean deliveries with no gynaecological symptoms is to be considered normal and hysterectomy should be avoided in these cases.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder and is one of the most leading cause for maternal and fetal mortality in developing countries. Objective: To evaluate the levels of free fatty acid and lipid-peroxidation levels in pre-eclampsia. Methods: This study was carried out in 100 patients with pre-eclampsia and 100 healthy pregnant women (control group) during the third trimester of pregnancy. The serum free fatty acid was determined by Estimation of serum free fatty acids by NEFA C diagnostic kit (wako pure chemicals. Richmond VA). Lipid-peroxidation was determined by utley’s method. Results: In the present study the level of free-fatty acid and MDA level are significantly increased in pre-eclamptic pregnancy compared with normal pregnancy Conclusion: Higher level of Free-fatty acid and lipid-peroxidation in serum is a marker of oxidative stress which play important role in the etiopathaogenesis of preeclampsia in pregnancy.

Cheiloscopy is the forensic investigation technique that deals with identification of humans based on lip traces. Lip prints are the normal lines and furrows in the form of wrinkles and grooves present in the zone of transition of the human lip between the inner labial mucosa and outer skin, the study of which is known as Cheiloscopy. In the forensic investigation mouth has immense potential for the evidences. Lip prints and palatal rugae are unique to an individual. The present study is an attempt to determine the pattern of lip prints and evaluate its uniqueness in a sample of Chhattisgarh population and also their association with gender and age. In the present work, examination of the pattern of the print in the four quadrants of the lip revealed that no individual had a single type of lip print and no two or more persons had similar features of lip grooves. From the results of the present study it can be shown that lip print patterns in all 101 subjects were distinct and none of the patterns were identical. This finding was in concordance with results obtained in the studies conducted earlier. No significant association were observed which supports that lip print patterns keeps changing during an individual's lifetime and confirms the permanence of lip prints. Lip prints are also capable for individual identification in criminal investigation. In future, studies on samples from different geographical regions and ethnic races will help to determine the geographical origin and probable race of questioned lip prints. Thus, it can be said that lip prints do have potential for use as corroboratory evidence in criminal investigations.

Ecological bioindicators are a species or group of species whose ecological attributes (e.g. presence/absence, abundance, etc) readily reflect the abiotic or biotic state of an ecosystem. Although the interest in using of bioindicators as a simple and cost-effective tool in ecological monitoring has been increasing worldwide, their inappropriate selection and application have put under question their utility as a conservation tool. In this study, using a priori defined suitability criteria, we explored whether reliable ecological bioindicators can be identified within the avifauna associated with savannah woodland and gallery forests habitats in the Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park (ASLNP), Ethiopia, and tested the reliability of using them for effective monitoring of future changes in tree structure within the national park. We counted birds along 10 transects established in each of the disturbed and undisturbed sites of two vegetation types (savanna woodland and gallery forest), and recorded data on tree abundance and cover. For the undisturbed sites of the two vegetation types, we identified two types of bioindicators: characteristic (i.e. species with strong habitat specificity) and detector (species that span a range of ecological states). Of the total 86 species recorded across the study sites, one characteristic and three detector species for the savanna woodland, and three characteristic species and one detector species for the gallery forest were identified. However, only the characteristic bioindicator species showed significant difference in abundance between the two land use types in each vegetation type; thus were regarded as reliable potential bioindicators. Further, the abundance of these characteristic bioindicator species showed strong and significant positive correlations with both tree abundance and cover in each vegetation type. We conclude that bird species selected as characteristic bioindicators can potentially be used for effectively monitoring of future changes in tree abundance and cover in the undisturbed sites of the ASLNP. We also suggest that ecological bioindicators selected following the procedures we used will have valuable potential application in the monitoring of habitat integrity.

The fish acid silage is an age old organic matter preservation technique, elaborated starting from whole fish or their parts, to which acids are added. The objective of this research was to produce and characterize acid silage from tilapia filleting residues elaborated with organic acids during 28 days of storage. For such, three acid silage types were elaborated from residues of tilapia filleting using 5% v/p of formic, acetic and propionic organic acids. The moisture and ethereal extract variables increased in relation to the initial ensilage time. In compensation, the protein and ash content underwent a decrease. The extracted oils of the silage remained stable during the experiment, peroxide formation not being detected. Due to the high preservation efficiency, the three acids (formic, acetic and propionic) are suitable in the elaboration of fish acid silage.

Soil carbon sequestration is the process of storing carbon underground to curb the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Although the earth naturally stores carbon in forest, oceans, and soil, these carbon sinks are unable to excessive and increasing amount of carbon dioxide humans continue to emit. As a result, researchers have begun to explore ways of enhancing the absorption of natural carbon sinks, as well as ways to artificially store carbon dioxide underground. This experiment was conducted to study the carbon sequestered by teak trees within the 5km radius of Malanjkhand Copper Mine, Malanjhkhand, District- Balaghat, (M.P.), India. Malanjkhand referred to as MCP (Malanjkhand Copper Project) is an open- pit copper mine in India. This was compared with the carbon sequestered by teak trees situated nearby mining and forest areas. The results and findings reveals that there are inherent problems associated with a development of copper project and due to copper mining some of the trees sequestered less carbon comparison to forest area. The teak trees underneath soil situated nearby copper mine having poor health than the soil taken underneath teak trees situated at forest area.

Unscientific use of chemicals in agriculture leads to several health hazards and environmental problems. To protect our crops and the environment we have to follow sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, which minimizes the use of harmful and energy intensive inputs and adopts use of organic manures and bio fertilizers. Among the several methods of eco friendly agriculture, liquid nutrition occupies an important position. Foliar nutrition with organic compounds in vegetables is especially important as they provide quality foods, which are very important for providing health security to people. India has vast potential of organic resources and the extract prepared from these resources can be effectively utilized to sustain yield, improve physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and to maintain soil health. Commonly used liquid manures are compost tea, vermiwash, biogas slurry and cow’s urine along with the extracts of oil cakes like groundnut cake, poultry manure and neem cake. Several studies were conducted on the nutrient content of common organic liquid manures. Biogas slurry, the common by product of biogas has a nutrient content of 0.5-1.0 % N; 0.5-0.8 % P and 0.6-1.5 % K (Dhobighat et al., 1991). The nutrient content of cow’s urine was reported to be 0.9-1.2% N, 0.2-0.5% P and 0.5-1% K (Bertram, 1999). Vermiwash contains 0.5% N, 0.39% P and 0.46% K (Jasmine, 1999). Compost tea is rich in soluble nutrients, but the tea collected during early stages of composting may contain pathogens (Diver, 2002). As per the reports of Ingham (2003), the nutrient content of compost tea is 0.5-0.75% N, 0.25-0.5% P and 0.5-0.75% K.

Banana is one of the widely used fruit though out the world and it is grown almost in all seasons and places, so in the present study fungal species were isolated from banana fields and banana plantation dumping yards for cellulase which can be used for the bioconversion of banana plantation waste generated after the recovery of fruits. Samples of soil and leaf were obtained from villages of Nanjangud and Bannur villages the fungal isolated were tested to find their ability to produce cellulase( which can degrade cellulose, which is a homopolymer made of glucose units linked by β1, 4 glycosidic bonds) Out of 35 fungal colonies7 showed cellulytic activity and three fungal strains noticed to show maximum zone of hydrolysis of carboxyl-methyl cellulose and cellulase produced by the fungi were determined by carboxy methyl cellulose assay. Maximum cellulase production was obtained after 72 hr of incubation at 37°C in Czapek-Dox broth supplemented with 1% carboxymethyl cellulose medium and the pH was adjusted to 4.5-5.0. Fungal studies indicated Aspergillus and Curvularia and Fusarium were more frequent fungal strains found and banana fields and banaba plantation dumping yards. The purpose of the current study was to screen potential cellulytic fungi from the Banana fields in order to study the use of them for the bioconversion of the banana wastes into usable form.

Studies were conducted to determine the occurrence and abundance of Blue-Greens in relation to physico-chemical characteristics of Konandur pond in Thirthahalli taluk, Karnataka. A total of 14 species of Blue-Greens belonging to 10 genera were recorded of which Gleocapsa consists of 3 species followed by Nostoc and Oscillatoria with 2 species. The physico-chemical parameters were analyzed as per standard methods. The study revealed that, pond water was not much polluted. In the light of standard of water quality recommended by BIS, the pond water should be used for human consumption and cooking after proper treatment.

A study on indoor and outdoor air microbiological contamination in various rooms of public places such as RTC Complex, Government School and College building (Government degree college for women) in Visakhapatnam city, India. Investigations were conducted in the period 2014-2015. Air samples were taken twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. In all of the tested places a multiple growth of bacteria and significant increase of mould spores were observed in afternoons. The predominant bacteria and moulds isolated from investigated air samples were: Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Cladosporium sp. and Alternaria sp. Among these microbes the presence of pathogenic and strongly allergenic microorganisms was detected. The results seem to suggest that the concentrations of bioaerosols identified in the studied areas in the afternoon were higher than the values established in the morning for the indoor background – the concentrations of both bacteria and fungal aerosol were higher in the afternoon. The air in the school principal’s room and college laboratory were considered the least contaminated with microbial aerosol due to the specific features of the rooms.

An experiment was conducted at the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207 during the Aman season from July to December, 2013 to find out the influence of foliar application of urea along with magic growth spray on the growth parameters of Aman rice. The one factorial experiment was laid out in a RCBD design with three replications. The treatments were : different nitrogen doses and application methods [T0=N0 (No nitrogen applied), T1=N00+10% (Urea was applied only 10% of the recommended dose (RD) with magic growth as foliar spray), T2=N50+5% (50% Urea was applied as top dressing and 5% Urea was applied with magic growth as foliar spray), T3=N50+10% (50% Urea was applied as top dressing and 10% Urea was applied with magic growth as foliar spray), T4=N75+5% (75% Urea was applied as top dressing and 5% Urea was applied with magic growth as foliar spray), T5=N75+10% (75% Urea was applied as top dressing and 10% Urea was applied with magic growth as foliar spray), T6=N100 (100% of RD of N applied as Urea topdressing), T7=N100+10% (100% Urea was applied as top dressing and 10% Urea was applied with magic growth as foliar spray)]. The 75% Urea top dressing and 10% Urea with magic growth as foliar application gave higher results in most of the growth parameters. In case of plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves, effective tillers hill-1 results were maximum and minimum in non-effective tillers hill-1 with75% Urea top dressing and 10% Urea with magic growth as foliar spray. Moreover, 75% Urea top dressing and 10% Urea of the recommended dose with magic growth as foliar spray increased all the growth attributes with a saving of 15% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer compared to recommended practice.

The study examined the choice of students and teachers in regard to the use of teaching styles for effective teaching environmental health courses. This study investigated the relationship between the independent variables of students’ and teachers’ perceptions and the choice requirements necessary for the validation and development of dependent variables of the teaching method of environmental health. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of health and physical education, geography, biology and agricultural science teachers and students in selected secondary schools in Edo State. The sampling method used was the multi-stage sampling technique which was employed to select 1000 participants for the study. The instrument used for the study was a questionnaire. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using Pearson Product Moment correlation, Spearman correlation coefficient for two independent sample mean, the Scheffe post hoc test. They were used to test the null hypotheses formulated to solve the problem of the study at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Results of the study revealed a significant relationship between students and teachers perceptions towards the teaching method used in environmental health with a calculated mean of 1.7631, standard deviation .58504 and rho value of .507 (P<0.05). Based on the findings, it is recommended that the teachers should use adequate and effective teaching method to bring about effective understanding of the content of environmental health course

The present study has been carried out to assess the attitudinal response of the residents of Jammu city towards Traffic noise. The study area was divided into three sites: Site I (Crossings on the main highway), Site II (Crossings on the main roads connecting the highway) and Site III (Crossings with light vehicular traffic). A total of 300 respondents (150 males and 150 females) at each site were interviewed using questionnaire. The compilation of survey data of 900 respondents of study area revealed that all the respondents ranked Traffic noise as major source of noise in Jammu city. Gender wise differences in attitudinal response of all the respondents towards the traffic noise was found to be insignificant (p>0.05).

A naturally occurring hemagglutinin molecule detected in the hemolymph of black clam Villoritta cyprinoides was able to agglutinated various mammalian erythrocytes. Reduction of activity was obtained when the animals were treated with Cd and Pb. As the hemocyte play a vital role in the innate immunity, this findings strongly confirmed that the heavy metals such as Cd and Pb affects the immune function of V. cyprinoides.

The effect of foliar fertilizing on the yield and the chemical composition of kernels from texas almond cultivar in Valandovo region in the period from 2012 to 2013 was determined. The experiment was set in four variants and three repetitions. The variants were: Control (untreated); NPK+Ever green со Me (55% organic matter, 2% w/w Mg, 2% w/w Fe, 2% w/w Zn, 2% w/w Mn, 0.5 % w/w Cu, 0.5% w/w B); NPK+Biolinfa (34% organic matter 3% N, 5.80% K2O) and NPK+Oligomix (1.20% B, 0.10% Cu, 4% Fe, 1.50% Mn, 0.10% Mo, 2% Zn). The distance of fruit planting was 4.5 m row by row and 3.5 m in the rows. In each variant and repetition were included 20 plants, and total in all experiment were involved 240. Three foliar treatments were applied with given above fertilizers at a concentration of 0.4%. In the end of the November, soil fertilizing with the fertilizer Polyfeed NPK 11-44-11 in quantity amount of 450 kg/ha was done. Before setting up the experiment, soil agrochemical analyses were made, and was concluded good fertility with nitrogen, medium fertility with phosphorus and potassium. The foliar fertilizing has a positive influence on the yield and the chemical composition of almond kernels. The highest average content of almond fruit yield (2699 kg ha-1) and the highest average almond kernels yield (1333.50 kg ha-1) was determined in the variant treated with fertilizer NPK+Ever green with Me (55% organic matter, 2%w/w Mg, 2%w/w Fe, 2%w/w Zn, 2% w/w Mn, 0.5 %w/w Cu, 0.5 %w/w B). The lowest almond fruits yield (1841 kg ha-1) and the lowest almond kernels yield (857.25 kg ha-1) was determined in the control variant. The highest average content of nitrogen (3.80%), phosphorus (1.15%), potassium (1.17%) and oils (59,30%) was determined in the kernels from variant NPK+Ever green со Me (55% organic matter, 2% w/w Mg, 2% w/w Fe, 2% w/w Zn, 2% w/w Mn, 0.5 % w/w Cu, 0.5% w/w B). The highest average content of calcium (0.93%) and magnesium (0.40%) were determined in the kernels from variant NPK+Oligomix (1.20% B, 0.10% Cu, 4% Fe, 1.50% Mn, 0.10% Mo, 2% Zn).

The present work monitors the growth parameter and cocoon production in Bombyx mori fed on V1 mulberry leaves fortified with the putative probiotic bacterial, Lactobacillus casei. The growth of (length and weight) the bacteria supplemented silkworms of the all instars (II-V) increased significantly over the control animals. The maximum body length (55mm) observed was in the probiotic supplemented worms of the IV instar, while the control worms at IV instar could attain only 46mm. The body weight of probiont supplemented II instar larvae showed a three-fold increase (689mg) compared to the normally fed larvae (205mg). In the fifth instar larvae, the probiotic supplemented group recorded a very high body weight (3550.0mg) than the control group (2946.0mg). Weight of the cocoons from worms reared on probiotic bacteria was higher than that of the silkworms fed on mulberry leaves alone.

The blue-green algal flora of Government Arts College campus was studied. In the study, different blue-green algal forms were observed and they were identified. The present work is just an initiative to identify the different blue-green algal forms present in the ponds. These forms could be further isolated and cultured for use as biofertilizer.

This work aims at analyzing the knowledge to be taught related to the energy concept in le manual entitled Physique (Collection AREX, Les classiques africains). The didactical and epistemological analyses of the concerned chapters made on the basis of the whole grid of teaching taking into account all the teaching aspects of the concept has proven that the aids used in the manual and taught of the students are not only less significant and less representative but also they might be the sources of learning difficulties.

The study was conducted to compare the effects of different bag opening methods on the growth, yield, and nutritional composition of oyster mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Pleurotus cystidiosus (PC). Bag opening methods were used including (1) removing ring and cotton plug, (2) opening at the top and bottom of culture bags, (3) opening some site around culture bags, (4) de-plastic culture bag. The culture bag after taking of cotton plug (no removing ring) was used as control. This result obtained showed that different bag opening methods had significant effect on mushroom yield, biological efficiency (BE), and no effect on nutritional composition of mushroom PO and PC. Bag opened with larger surface induced rapidly dried substrate and reducing the number of flushes and total harvesting period. However, it induced increasing the number of effective fruiting bodies of both oyster mushrooms, the yield at the first three flushes of mushroom PO and at the first flush of mushroom PC, except de- plastic culture bag. No removing ring was the best method to get the highest yield (204.3 g/bag) and BE (40.80%) of mushroom PC while removing ring was identified as the best method for cultivation of mushroom PO with the highest yield (298.5 g/bag) and BE (59.62%). Opening at the top and bottom and opening some sites around culture bag were suitable opening methods for mushroom PO to reduce the total harvesting period and increase mushroom weight per flush while total yield and PE were not different with control condition.

Response surface methodology (RSM) is a powerful and efficient mathematical approach widely applied in the optimization of process parameters. Box-Behnken design was applied to elucidate the process parameters that significantly affect cellulase production. The experiment established the optimum conditions of incubation time (5.5 days), temperature (32.50C), pH (5.5), spore suspension (1.75ml) for solid state fermentation that led to the maximum production of cellulase at a level of 86.34 IU/gds. Good correlation was observed between the actual and predicted results indicated that the present model was applicable to production of cellulase enzyme efficiently.

The study aims to investigate the removal of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) from contaminated soils using Jatropha curcas and Vetiveria zizanioides plant species. Soil samplings from the 0-20 cm depth were taken from two agricultural plots (Attécoubé and Cocody) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The two plants species were planted in pots (25x25cm) containing 10 kg of soils. Samples were removed from pots for analysis, following 3, 6 and 9 months of growth. Physical and chemical characteristics of soil, such as: texture, cation exchanges capacity, pH, organic matter and heavy metals contents were measured before and after plant growth. Soil samples were air-dried and sieved through a 2-mm sieve according to NF X31-412. Samples were digested according to references methods used for the studies of marine pollution (UNEP). Metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and a Perkin Elmer 3000DV Inductively Coupled Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES). Results show that Vetiveria zizanioides and Jatropha curcas were effective heavy metal accumulators, making them useful in the phytoremediation of polluted soils by heavy metals. The accumulation of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn in Jatropha curcas roots was found to be higher than those in leaves. However, in the case of Vetiveria zizanioides, Cu and Zn accumulated more in plant leaves than in roots. The results of this study clearly revealed that Vetiveria zizanioides was more effective than Jatropha curcas in reducing soil pollution by heavy metals.

Curcuma caesia, a member of Zingiberaceae family, is a unique perennial aromatic plants distributed in South and Southeast Asia. The most important components of turmeric are curcuminoids which chemically related to its principal ingredient of curcumin. The detailed studies using curcumin include antioxidative, anti inflammatory, anti carcinogenic, anti viral and anti infectious activities, wound healing and detoxifying properties. Plant tissue culture is an appropriate tool for conserving the rare and endangered Curcuma spp. Morphogenetic changes were observed in Curcuma caesia explants in the MS media supplemented with different concentrations of PGRs. Kinetin 1 and 2 mg/l and combination of BAP 1mg/l and Kinetin 1mg/l exhibited a better response.

The baru has a sexual propagation with a low germination index. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate dormancy breaking methods on baru seeds in order to get information to improve the baru seeds germination, even after the pericarp extraction. The experiment was carried out at the Biology Laboratory of the Mato Grosso State University using a completely randomized experimental design with eight seed dormancy breaking treatments: control; immersion on water at room temperature for 12, 24 and 48 hours; temperatures of 40oC during 3 and 6 hours; mechanical scarification with a nº 80 sand paper; 2-minute boil. The seeds were extracted with a hammer. For each treatment the seeds were placed on a moistened paper towel, rolled up and placed in a perforated plastic trayon a countertop in a protected environment under normal conditions of temperature, photoperiod and air relative humidity. At 4 and 10 days after seeding, the germination percentage and the germination speed index were evaluated. The maximum germination percentage was achieved just with the extraction of the pericarp that involves the seed. For the earlier and uniform germination the immersion on water at room temperature for 48 hours or the scarification in a nº 80 mechanical sander is recommended. The baru dormancy is only due to the tegument hardness and after the seed extraction, no dormancy was observed.

Kuvempu University Campus exactly located in the part of buffer zone of Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka. Fourty five species of wild grasses belongs to 32 genera and nine tribes were documented in the present study. Tribe Andropogoneae, consisted of 17 species of 11 genera, followed by Paniceae 12 species of 10 genera and seven species of three genera. The genus Eragrostis has highest species (05), followed by Dichanthium and Ischaemum have three species each. Grasses are fast vanishing sensitive plants from their natural habitats. So, there is urgent need of studies and scientifically catalogue of grass flora of regional, national and global level, before they are destroyed.

Objective: The use of whole body 18F-FDG investigation is now rapidly growing. Unlike in radiology, patients in Nuclear medicine are a source of radiation themselves, since F-18 in 18F-FDG is a Positron emitter. The aim of this study is to measure the amount of radiation dose received by nuclear medicine physicians and staff during injection Methods: As per clinical protocol, the patients are supposed to have minimum period of 4 hours prior to the study. Whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were performed in 35 patients for various indications. The radiation dose from the patients was measured using the portable radiation survey meter, during injection. Results: The maximum radiation exposure during FDG injection was 40 mR/hr to the nuclear medicine physician. The minimum radiation exposure during FDG injection was 6.63 mR/hr to the nuclear medicine physician. This was a pediatric patient and the total activity for this patient was 2.2 mCi. The average radiation exposure during FDG injection was 20.91 mR/hr to the nuclear medicine physician. The maximum radiation exposure after water push was 20 mR/hr to the nuclear medicine physician. The minimum radiation exposure after water push was 3.38 mR/hr. The average radiation exposure after water push was 7.87 mR/hr to the nuclear medicine physician. Conclusion: The exposure rate at surface of Patients is very high of 18F-FDG injected patients. Therefore the person administering the dose to patient should avoid standing very close to the patient. Also the half life of 18F is very less i.e. 109.7 minutes; therefore, exposure rate falls rapidly with the passage of time. So the exposure to staff and Nuclear medicine Physicians are very low

An investigation was carried out for popularization of organic turmeric cultivation through frontline demonstrations in Koraput district of Odisha in India during 2013-14 under National Horticulture Mission. An average yield of 124.8 q / ha was obtained under organic cultivation of turmeric in contrast to average yield of 142.8 q / ha from inorganic plots (farmers practice) during Kharif’2013. The average cost of production of turmeric per hectare was found to be Rs. 191560 and Rs. 179600 from organic and inorganic field respectively. The average gross return per hectare from FLD (organic) and inorganic field (Farmers Practice)was recorded as Rs. 374400 and Rs.285600respectively.However, the average net return/ ha of organic turmeric in different FLD plots was obtained as Rs. 185840 in contrast to Rs.106000 in different farmers field under inorganic cultivation. The Cost : Benefit ratio was found to be 1: 1.95 in Organic turmeric and 1:1.59 in Inorganic turmeric. Organic turmeric growers were highly satisfied with their organic production and higher economic return. High cost : benefit ratio also advocated the economic viability of the demonstration and motivated the farmers towards adoption of interventions demonstrated.

Seasonal variation of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium of the sediment were studied in six stations. The study was conducted at monthly once during the morning time interval from May 2011 to April 2012. The pH (8.71) of the soil remains alkaline in nature throughout the study period. Nitrogen (82.67mg100g) in station 4, phosphorus 21.08 (mg/100g) in station 6 and potassium in station 4 21.08 (mg/100g). Sediment nutrients brings numerous pollutants and play an important role in the remobilization of contaminations in aquatic system between water and sediments. Nutrients becomes maximum ranges in the freshwater flow of riverine sides because of more plantations and agricultural wastages. The nutrients of sediments in the six stations were subjected to two way Anova found that they were not significant. The ecosystem of Manakudy estuary adversely effected by nutrient pollution.

The kinetics of Ag+ catalysed oxidation of Acetamide by N-bromoparatoluensulphonamide (BAT) as a oxidant is used. In aquous medium the reaction was carried out. Results from the study shows reaction was found to be of first order with respect to BAT and Acetamide. The specific rate of the reaction increases with an increase in BAT concentration as well as amide concentration, The specific rate is not affected by the addition of allyl acetate, Sodium chloride, PTS and by changing pH. The reaction rate remains constant and at the end the rate of reaction found to be first order. On the basis of these kinetic results, a possible reaction mechanism is proposed and an attempt has also been made to formulate a reaction scheme.

Wireless mobile ad-hoc networks are characterized as networks without any physical connections. In these networks there is no fixed topology due to the mobility of nodes, interference, multipath propagation and path loss. Hence a dynamic routing protocol is needed for these networks to function properly. Many Routing protocols have been developed for accomplishing this task. The purpose of this paper is to study, understand, analyze and discuss mobile ad-hoc routing protocol DSR (Bouke, 2011) which is a on demand protocol. Considering the No. of hops, Traffic sent, Traffic received, route discovery time, Delay, throughput and network load in DSR routing protocol, it is evaluated and analyzed over different data rates (Bapuji and Sharma, 2011).

This document deals with the concept of a wireless charging and power transmission for the portable devices. The proposed concept is based on the wireless power transmission by means of microwave radiations using the “Rectenna”.

In this paper we have estimate bounds of the number of level crossings of the random algebraic polynomials where are dependent random variables assuming real values only and following the normal distribution with mean zero and joint density function . There exists an integer n0 and a set E of measure at most such that, for each n>n0 and all not belonging to E, the equations (1.1) satisfying the condition (1.2), have at most roots where α and A are constants.

Recent technological advancements have led to a flood of data from various domains over the past few decades. Big Data incorporates large volume of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, which is beyond the processing capabilities of traditional databases. In addition to its huge volume, Big Data is commonly unstructured and requires more real-time analysis. On the other hand, the processing and analysis of Big Data plays a central role in decision making, forecasting, business analysis, product development, customer experience, and loyalty. Hence, organizations dealing with Big Data and analytics need to manage the challenges and opportunities related to datasets they have. The IT industry has responded by providing Big Data tools and technologies as well as approaches. However, many of the existing approaches and technologies experience noted limitations. In this paper, attempt has been made to examine the distinctive features of Big Data along the lines of the 3Vs (variety, volume, and velocity) using literature review and provide an understanding of the Big Data processing approaches. Furthermore, Various Big Data analytics frameworks that deal with Big Data analysis workloads were also investigated and analyzed against set of criteria. Finally, analysis and discussions of existing Big Data analytics frameworks along with a way forward approach is presented.

In India, tospoviruses are arising as serious pathogens and affecting the cultivation of variety of crops. Five Tospovirus species, viz., Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) (Reddy et al., 1992) and Groundnut yellow spot virus (GYSV) (Satyanarayana et al., 1998) from groundnut, Watermelon bud necrosis virus (WBNV) from watermelon (Singh and Krishnareddy, 1996), Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) from onion (Ravi et al., 2005) and Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) from tomato (Kunkalikar et al., 2007) have been identified on the basis of host range, vector specificity, serological properties and amino acid sequence identity of NP gene. Among them bud necrosis disease has emerged as a serious threat to watermelon and groundnut cultivation in India.

Extruded longitudinal double-skinned aluminium body plates with integrated stiffeners are recently used for manufacturing in automobile industry like front rails and railway carriages. Theses extrusions provide light and heavy rigid structures. However, since it is not feasible to produce large parts by extrusion, these plates need to be connected, mostly by welding techniques. The crashworthiness performance of laser welded columns is evaluated using finite element (FE) analysis. This is very important in automobiles, since more attention is being paid to crashworthiness of the structures in recent years. The analysis method is based on the Super folding Element (SE) concept, which originates from experimentally observed folding patterns of crushed shell elements. The FE model is used to predict accurately the progressive axial collapse of the lased welded columns and impact strength is greatly improved by laser welding technique.

The solution of the Boltzmann Transport equation for thermal conductivity is very difficult. In a large number of books the method given is very tedious. So Now , We have calculated a simple solution of the Boltzmann Transport equation for thermal conductivity assuming relaxation time is independent of temperature.

In this paper, we describe a representation for spatial information, called the stochastic map, and associated procedures for building it, reading information from it, and revising it incrementally as new information is obtained. The map contains the estimates of relationships among objects in the map, and their uncertainties, given all the available information. The procedures provide a general solution to the problem of estimating uncertain relative spatial relationships and trajectory description. The estimates are probabilistic in nature, an advance over the previous, very conservative, worst-case approaches to the problem. Finally, the procedures are developed in the context of state-estimation and filtering theory, which provides a solid basis for numerous extensions. Traditionally, the dynamic model, i.e., the equations of motion, of a robotic system is derived from Euler–Lagrange (EL) or Newton–Euler (NE) equations. The EL equations begin with a set of generally independent generalized coordinates, whereas the NE equations are based on the Cartesian coordinates. The NE equations consider various forces and moments on the free body diagram of each link of the robotic system at hand, and, hence, require the calculation of the constrained forces and moments that eventually do not participate in the motion of the coupled system. Hence, the principle of elimination of constraint forces has been proposed in the literature. One such methodology is based on the Decoupled Natural Orthogonal Complement (DeNOC) matrices, reported elsewhere. It is shown in this paper that one can also begin with the EL equations of motion based on the kinetic and potential energies of the system, and use the DeNOC matrices to obtain the independent equations of motion. The advantage of the proposed approach is that a computationally more efficient forward dynamics algorithm for the serial robots having slender rods is obtained, which is numerically stable. The typical six-degree-of-freedom PUMA robot is considered here to illustrate the advantages of the proposed algorithm. Moreover obstacle avoidance, motion planning and dynamic simulation comes in the trajectory generation part. Spatial description and trajectory generation work simultaneously for the proper functioning of the robot. Joint-space trajectory generation is in common usage in robotics to provide smooth, continuous motion from one set of n joint angles to another, for instance for moving between two distinct Cartesian poses for which the inverse pose solution has yielded two distinct sets of n joint angles. The joint-space trajectory generation occurs at runtime for all n joints independently but simultaneously.

In present scenario, due to the anthropogenic activities, environmental degradation increase in an alarming rate. In order to achieve acceptable level of environmental sustainability, the citizens must be empowered with essential knowledge. Educational institutions are the places where contact of the society is more. Therefore it is necessary to study environmental awareness level among the student community. Present study attempts to know the awareness level against environmental pollution among the secondary students. Data were collected using questionnaire randomly from 997 students. Data were analyzed by mean, SD and z-test. This study revealed that students are aware about the environmental pollution. But male are more aware than female. The private school, English medium and urban student are more aware than Government school, Assamese medium and rural student respectively. Compulsory environmental education at all level in the education system may most appropriate strategy towards environmental protection leading to decrease pollution in society.

The performance and emission characteristic tests have been carried out on a single cylinder direct injection diesel engine running under constant speed and variable loads. In the first part, the engine tests have been conducted with used cooking oil methyl ester (B100) and their blends with conventional diesel oil in the proportions of 20:80 (B20), 40:60 (B40), 60:40 (B60), and 80:20 (B80). In the second part, the engine tests have been conducted with blends of conventional diesel oil, used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME), and diethyl ether in the proportions of 76:20:4 (BD20), 52:40:8 (BD40), 28:60:12(BD60), 4: 80:16 (BD80) and 0:83.33:16.67(BD100). A series of tests have been conducted for each of test fuel. The engine is allowed to run at constant speed at 1500RPM, but at different loads (0.4, 4, 6, 8 and 10kg). The performance and emission characteristics of blends are analyzed and compared with conventional diesel oil. The experimental results obtained for UCOME are comparable with conventional diesel oil with the increase in engine performance and reduction in engine exhaust emissions.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the largest developing counties at the current time. Currently, a huge public construction work is running in the kingdom. It was observed that many of public construction projects are exposed to extensive delays especially in public universities construction projects. These delays will affect greatly the educational sector through: 1) Loss of benefits for all stakeholders, 2) Decrease of quality due to rapid execution in construction to recover the delayed time, 3) Delay of the start of related projects, and 4) Increase of claims and disputes between project parties. The main objectives of this research is to identify the main delay causes in public universities construction projects and to develop a fuzzy system to estimate the expected percentage of delay in the construction of public universities projects. This system will enable project owner and contractor to estimate the percentage of delay based on assumed construction related circumstances. The proposed system is implemented using MATLAB software. The research methodology will include identification of the most critical causes of delays through literature review and by conducting Delphi Technique with the help of a selected panel of domain experts. The main concept of Delphi technique is to achieve an agreement in different opinion of experts that will facilitate the determination of critical causes. Twelve critical causes of delay were identified. Those critical causes are used as input variables for the fuzzy system. Each critical cause will be identified in the form of membership functions. The relations between the critical causes are built by using a set of if then Rule. The proposed systemis validated using 14 actual cases collected from king Abdulaziz University and Taibah University projects. The validation results were satisfactory.

Radio Resource Management refers to a group of mechanisms that are collectively responsible for efficiently utilizing a Radio Access Technology to provide services with an acceptable level of QoS. RRM mechanisms contains Power Control, Handover Control, Packet Scheduling or Congestion Control, and Admission Control. Radio Resource Management new strategies are implemented independently in each RAT. RRM strategies is suitable for the heterogeneous network, because each RRM strategy only considers that situation of one particular RAT. CRRM strategy is also known as Multi-access RRM (MRRM) has been proposed. In this paper focus on JCAC algorithm has been presented. Considering four different simulation results are obtained and compared. Result show joint management of radio resources and bandwidth adaptation reduce call blocking or dropping probability in heterogeneous cellular networks

In health or hospital facilities is of great concern. The facilities and amenities such as a bed patient infusion device either in the inpatient or outpatient in space. In this study, infusion devices is the focus of this research is the design of Infusion pole. The design of a portable infusion bag must follow the concept of ergonomics design tool. In using such a product, the user will always be looking for a more practical both in use and in storage, because these things will greatly ease the burden on the user to use it. Along with the development of a product will always have innovation in accordance with the needs of its users. Due to the success of the industry in the face of competition is determined by the success in designing and developing products that conform to the desires of consumers and the speed of the industry to adapt / respond to changes in consumer desires. Infusion pole is one of the medical devices that are used to enter into the patient's body fluids. This research aims to design and develop Column Infusion ergonomic backpack shape according to the patient's needs. Design using the model of the human body such anthropometry shoulder height, shoulder width, abdominal circle and circle data. Anthropometry patient data retrieval to design a portable pole conducted at Hospital Budi Kemuliaan by taking 50 patient data on anthropometric data in accordance with the design of the pole. Based on the data processing takes into account the patient's body anthropometry it creates a portable infusion bag with size according to the patient data obtained , the considerable standard deviation , mean and percentile . Obtained high bag size of 47.04 cm, a width of 33.96 cm bag, circle bag fastener width of 84.3 cm and a bag in a chest binder of 27.84 cm. Portable infusion backpack designed to match the needs of people who are following the design model of the human body measurements (anthropometry). Backpacks infusion can be taken by patients without assistance from other parties and reduce the occurrence of infusion pole fallen or falling, when the patient walks.

Double-perovskite materials of composition Sr2Mg1−xCoxCrO6−δ (SMCCO, x = 0 to 0.7) were evaluated as potential SOFC anode materials. Their lattice structures, electrical and ionic conductivity, and electrochemical performance were investigated to study the effect of Co content. SMCCO also showed good chemical compatibility at temperatures below 1000 °C. Both the electronic and ionic conductivity increased with increasing Co doping. To investigate the effect of Co doping on the conduction properties of SMCCO, we performed first-principle calculations. From these results, we found that the weak Co−O bond is considered to be responsible for the enhanced ionic conductivity of SMCCO materials. The substitution of Co was also found to increase the sinterability of SMCCO, resulting in a decrease in the polarization resistance of the SMCCO electrode. Single-cell tests indicated the potential ability of the Co-doped SMCO to be used as SOFC anodes.

This study aimed thermal evaluation (TG/DTG and DSC), mineral elements quantification by atomic absorption and caffeine content of native progenies of grass mate (Ilex paraguariensis St.), in order to complement the genetic evaluation of these progenies at field to allow the selection of more productive ones for sustainable exploitation of natural resources by the indigenous community. The thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) corresponds to the mass thermal decomposition process, which began at 150°C and had a sharp peak in exothermic reaction of 450°C at the end of the process. The curves (DSC) have similar thermal behavior in the process of thermal decomposition that varies in temperature range of 150°C to 450°C. All progenies have an initial mass loss of around 10%, due to the water removal and other volatile compounds. The analysis of minerals performed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry did not show significant differences between the examined elements (Na, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ca, Fe, Mg, and K), however the progeny number 7 presented significative mean values of potassium (± 2681.23), and it is observed, also, similarity between the blocks. The concentration of caffeine content varied in the range of 6.566 mg/g to 13.630 mg/g, with emphasis on blocks 1 and 4, there was no significant deviation among treatments and calculated R value was 0.9945 between 0.002 to 0.007 mg/g, which increases the energetic potential of plant material. So, grass mate represents an alternative of employment and income to the indigenous community.

The present paper deals with the study of vacuum solution of Bianchi-type-I model in the metric version of theory of gravity. Using the special form of deceleration parameter, we find the solution of Einstein’s field equation. The function is also evaluated for the model and the physical properties of this model have been discussed.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an important atmospheric compound because of its link to ozone destruction in the stratosphere and its role as an ozone precursor in the troposphere. Availability of NO2 data over a period of one year (October 2013 – September 2014) has been utilized to assess the NO2 concentration levels over Karaikal, a rural coastal region along the south eastern coast of India. The diurnal and seasonal pattern of NO2 values over the study period has also been analyzed. The daytime and nighttime NO2 concentration pattern is found to follow the global pattern.

Removal of acetic acid from wastewater has been investigated using adsorbents based on Jordanian natural zeolite (JNZ-1, JNZ -2, JNZ -3 JNZ-4) or (JNZ1-4) .The effects of acetic acid concentration, adsorbents dosage, contact time, temperature, were studied in batch experiment. The removal is most effective with activated (Jordanian natural zeolite). A maximum removal of around 41.82 was achieved under the conditions of the experiments.

In this work the potential of zeolites for lead ions adsorption from industrial aqueous solutions was studied. This was done by using batch sorption experiments, where zeolites made in direct contact with the contaminant under study until equilibrium is attained. Effects of different parameters on the sorption process were examined, such as sorbent concentration, contact time and PH. Lead ions uptake increases with increasing the initial concentration of the zeolites. The equilibrium data were well represented by Freundlich isotherm model. Also, an increase in the PH was found to enhance the removal of these ions. The volcanic Tuff which also called "zeolites" is a locally available material that can be utilized of the removal of contaminants, such as heavy metals, from wastewater streams. Its availability and cheapness make it a good candidate among other sorbents in the adsorption science. In Jordan, zeolites are found in the following locations: zeolitic tuffs are located at Jabal Aritayn (30km NE of Azraq), Tlul Al-shahba (20km E of Al safawi), Tal-Rimah (35km NE of Al Mafraq) and other small deposits in the South Jordan (Tell Burma, Tell Juhaira and Wadi El-Hisa) and in Central Jordan (Makawer, Al-Zara, Wadi Heidan and Wadi Al-Walah). Phillipsite, chabazite and faujasite are the most abundant zeolite minerals found in the Jordanian zeolitic tuff. The zeolite content in these tuffs varies from (20% to 50%). processing routes, zeolite concentrates with grades up to 90% were achieved. The objective of this work is to study the possibility of the use of zeolites for the removal of heavy metals from industrial aqueous solution. The uptake capacity of zeolites and the effect of different parameters on the adsorption process, such as the PH, and concentrations, will be considered.

Cloud Computing is a service that allows users to store data on offsite storage system managed by third-party and is accessible by a web service API. Data access control is an effective way to ensure the data security in the cloud. The Protection of data integrity and privacy has become one of the issue in cloud computing. The Private auditing technique is achieved by the emergence of the Regenerating code. Regenerating code provide lower bandwidth and fault tolerance. This method requires data owners to stay online and handle auditing. In the proposed paper, we present a public auditing scheme for the regenerating-code based cloud storage. This method solves the regeneration problem in the absence of data owners. The users ask the Third Party Auditor (TPA) to check the integrity of the data. Moreover to preserve data privacy, the data’s are encrypted using AES algorithm. Thus our scheme is highly secure and can be feasibly integrated into the regenerating code based cloud storage. The MD5 technique is efficiently used in order to protect the data.

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer globally and most reported cancer in India with fourteen deaths in an hour on a yearly basis. Oral cancers can be cured with early detection but the biggest hindrances are lack of awareness, cost of tests and the immense workload of the cyto-pathologist leading to delay and errors in the detection process. An effective, semi-automated system described in this paper has made an attempt towards mitigating the above mentioned issues by combining techniques like Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, image processing and neural networks. The primary concern and objective of the system developers is to help cure the menace of oral cancer that is plaguing India and the world. This system is perhaps one of the first successful attempts at semi-automating the process.

In the competing interests of unwed mothers, putative father and the child regarding guardianship, the interests of the child is conclusive and gets primacy over the interests, since the parent's interest relates only to the legal obligation towards the child. The law as contained in Sec 7 of the Guardians and Wards Act to declare mother as the sole guardian of her child, subject to notice being given to putative father and mother's refusal to name the father resulted in the rejection of claim to guardianship. However, the disclosure of the name of the father might lead to several difficulties in safeguarding the future welfare of the child, if putative father is already married to another woman. The interest of the minor is subservient to the rights of the child, more so in the case of parent who forsakes his / her duties and responsibilities for the well-being of the child. The need for divorcing religion from law has become a necessary imperative in the interpretation of law by the courts and emphasis being legislative intent and existing case-laws. In this context, the unwed Christian mother requires a status on par with Hindu counter-part. Any decision by the court on the issue of guardianship never acquires finality, more so when any interested party, interested in the welfare of the child can question the decision, when the child's future is in peril. The child has the right to know his paternity as the universal declaration of Human rights and the convention on the rights of the child provides. Thus, it may be a sufficient to safeguard the rights of the child, if the mother gives the name of the putative father in a sealed cover to be opened when a controversy arises on the issue. The duty of the State is to issue a birth certificate to the mother of the child without insisting for disclosure of father's name.

Guided by Joyce Epstein’s model of parental involvement in academics, a case study of Nyangoma School for the hearing impaired in Bondo Sub County Kenya was undertaken to establish how parental participation contributed to improved academic performance of the hearing impaired learners. Informants interviews with 19 participants composed of parents of the hearing impaired were carried out. From the study, it was found that though faced by several challenges, parents of the hearing impaired do participate in their children’s education and this contributes to improved academic performance. It is recommended that further studies on factors affecting parental participation be carried out. Moreover, guidelines and policies to enhance parental participation in the learning of the hearing impaired need to be institutionalized.

This article discuss the use of TRIZ theory and its adaptation to MTRIZ, which focuses on developing critical thinking abilities and problem solving . In addition, this article discuss the motives for designing MTRIZ designing, principles, tools, goals, target group, and the activities, and expected outcomes of MTRIZ.

Humans coexist with extreme events all the time, only when the intensity of the event becomes greater than a certain level there is a resulting disaster. Small earthquakes occur all of the time with no adverse effects. Only large earthquakes cause disasters. Statistical analysis reveals that larger events occur less frequently than small events. In a year, we would have many values for the events; the annual maximum is the greatest of those values. Within an annual series, only the largest value per year is allowed, even if an additional significant peak occurred. As the magnitude of a hazardous increases, the frequency of occurrence (how often a given magnitude is equaled or exceeded) decreases. Thus, major disasters result from a small number of large events that rarely occur. A plot of recurrence intervals versus associated magnitudes produces a group of points that also approximates a straight line on semi-logarithmic paper. Historical data are analyzed to gain an understanding of an event past behavior and to provide guidance on expected future. The extreme event analysis is concerned with the distribution of annual maximum values at a given site. These events are given a rank in a descending order. The Weibull equation is used for estimating the annual frequency, the return period or recurrence interval, the percentage probability for each event, and the annual exceedence probability. The probability of a certain-magnitude earthquake occurring in the region during any period can be also calculated. Past records of earthquakes at the Western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Medina and surrounding area) for years 1921 G- 2010G are used to predict future conditions concerning the annual frequency, the return period, the percentage probability for each event, and the probability of a certain-magnitude earthquake occurring in the region during any period.

The Philippines’ Local Government Code of 1991promulgatedtheSpecial Education Fund (SEF) for local government units(e.g. municipalities, cities, and provinces) to help public schools in their areas. This study explored and linked the local support, through SEF, and basic education performance in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, for the period, 2009 to 2013. As standard of the Department of Education, performance was measured through the indices of quality, access and efficiency. Results revealed that the establishment of extension classes received the largest support, while, sports activities got the least. Funding supports were relatively increasing annually except in 2011 when calamity hit significant parts of the locality. Quality-wise, the uptrend in NAT MPS emerged very promising, but, the steady decline in pupil-textbook ratio was rather alarming. With the exception of completion rate, access to school showed desirable proportions in graduation, participation, and gross enrolment. Cohort survival was low indicative of schools’ inefficiency, while drop-out rate was regarded acceptable as it is relatively lower than the national average. Indeed, the funding support from the local government was statistically related to the basic education performance in the districts.

The present investigation consist of vertical magnetic investigations in the Osmania University Campus (780 31ʹ 00ʺ E longitude to 780 32ʹ 26ʺ E longitude and 170 23ʹ 45ʺ N latitude to 170 25ʹ 42ʺ N latitude) is situated in an area of approximately 6.58 sq kilometers (1627.32 acres) in a granitic terrain. Taking 20m station interval along the traverses trending Six traverses (FF1, II1, NN1, OO1, QQ1, and RR1) were approximately in E-W direction and remaining three traverses (AA1, BB1, and CC1) were approximately in N-S direction were carried out for structural configuration of the region. Qualitative analysis of vertical magnetic data using gradient techniques of coefficient of variation has been performed to anticipate the subsurface structures and assemblages of groundwater aquifer zones and derive several lineaments and magnetic linear features (Magentic Highs and Lows) suggesting the presence of vrious geological lineaments. From coefficent of variation map eight non permeable zones (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H) and five (1,2,3,4,5) permeable zones were identified which compare with the borehole data showing as groudnwater occurrence and aquifer magnetic characters of the study region.

The study focuses on understanding generational differences in the workplace in Sudanese private sector. Specifically, the study attempts evaluation of the generational differences in the workforce and how manger can manage these differences. This is in addition to evaluation of the distinct characteristics of the employees from older workforce and digital generation in the private sector in Sudan. The study adopts qualitative approach for the data collection and analysis, primary data was collected by interviews. The main findings reveal that, there are some differences between the two generations regarding their attitudes, values, perceptions and expectations, digital workforce tend to show higher expectations regarding career and life advancement rather than old generation. The older generation appeared to be slightly more satisfied with their jobs rather than the digital generation. Accordingly leader and manager should attempt to manage and reduces the gap/conflict between the two generations, they must try to enhance communication channel between the two in order to enhance their ability to understand each other and correct the misperception toward each other.

In a country like India importance of agriculture is not likely to decline due to different aspects of food security and employment to rural poor. Emphasis of different five year plans is on self-sufficiency and self reliance in agricultural production and efforts have also resulted in sustainable increase in production and productivity. Measurement of sustainability has becoming a challenge for the corporations seeking to evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness. Different state corporations play important role in the development of agricultural sector. This research studies the performance of MARKFED and its impact on the agricultural sustainability. The present study is based on secondary data only and has undertaken different aspects of agricultural sustainability with special reference to MARKFED

Educating learners with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties presents both challenges and prospects. Despite sensitization, training and capacity building to teachers on Special Needs Education in general and on Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, this special group of learners still face educational challenges in inclusive schools due to their deviant behaviours thus jeopardizing their learning. The purpose of his study was to examine the challenges and prospects in educating learners with EBD in inclusive schools, Madiany division, Siaya County Kenya. The objective of the study was to examine the challenges the EBD learners face in accessing the general curriculum in inclusive schools. The study was informed by B. F. Skinner’s behavioural theory of reinforcement and adopted concurrent triangulation and descriptive survey designs. It targeted 570 teachers where 102 teachers were sampled using simple random sampling and cluster sampling and 15 head teachers were sampled using purposive sampling. The study used questionnaires to collect data from teacher and interview schedules to collect data from the head teachers. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency counts, measures of central tendencies and percentages. The findings of the study were presented in tables and narratives. The study found out that truancy, impulsivity, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) lack of trained personnel, large class sizes and the system of education in Kenya are among the challenges that were faced by the EBD learners. It also found out that teachers have mixed attitude towards the EBD learners. The study recommended that there should be constant capacity building to teachers on special needs education and that the Teachers’ Service commission should employ at least one trained special needs education teacher in every school for quality and professional management of the EBD learners.

This study investigated the types of lexical errors made during Kiswahili news bulletin transmission in Kenya. The sample of the study consisted of 37 news items recorded from the 7 o clock news and transmitted through the studio within a period of one year. The results showed six different categories of errors which included: pluralization of non plural forms, code mixing, tautology, acronyms, confusion of homophones and partial homophones and translation the implication of the study for news broadcasting in Kenya is highlighted and recommendations are suggested.

Tourist destinations in the Indian Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh are facing acute solid waste management problem which gets aggravates particularly in peak tourist season in the summer. On account of the mass flow of tourist to the region, an enormous quantity of garbage and other waste material are being produced from the restaurants daily. Kargil town located at the junction where roads from Leh, Srinagar and Zanskar meet. Therefore acts as a halt point and serves food to tourists who visit Ladakh as a result enormous quantity of waste is generated. Therefore in order to estimate the magnitude of spatiotemporal trends in solid waste generation in the restaurant industry of the town, Direct Waste Analysis Method was used and 10% representative sample was selected through random sampling technique. The result shows that restaurants in the town generate about 0.630 per day in summer season and daily waste generation is only 0.062 Metric Tonnes in the winter season. The result has shown that there is significant variation in quantity waste with regarding the space and time. The data set generated through this pilot study could be indispensable for envisaging an integrated solid waste management plan for restaurant industry of the town.

Due to the unprecedented growth of internet, a booming trend in the marketing arena (Social Media Marketing) has been revisited in this research paper. Social media marketing has attracted the attention of the industry as well as researchers due to its enormous reach and acceptance throughout the length and breadth of globe. The attempt of this research paper shall be to analyze the impact of social media marketing on brand equity.

Issues of professional roles have been overlooked in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Due to this fact, the present study was undertaken to investigate the integrative positions and capabilities of parents and professionals in relation to the education policy statements of children with disabilities. The subjects of this study were purposefully selected from eight schools (six high schools & two colleges); experts of zone Education Office and Bureau. The instruments employed to collect data were interview, FGD and observations. The finding of the study disclosed that there was role confusion among professionals concerning their areas of expertise. Professionals were reluctant or have poor awareness concerning education of students/children with disabilities. Certified professionals were misplaced and most assigned experts were unfamiliar to the field. Lack of specific policy and laws that states responsibilities of teachers at school level were not communicated to institutions and offices that in turn hampers the education of these children. Special education teachers were regarded as the only responsible professionals in the education of children with disabilities in all areas. Hence, there is a need for a clear communication of available education guide at MoE that uncover the integrative roles and responsibilities of professionals in the education including their participation in curriculum planning, educational decision making, and placement of children with disabilities in the regions/country. Empowering, training and counseling parents, conducting further researches on the educational intervention were some suggested ways to further assist education of children/students with disabilities.

Ethiopia that is located in Northeastern part of Africa, has an estimated population of more than 75 million inhabitants, of which a 50% population of approximately below poverty line, Ethiopia had an estimated Gross Domestic Product(GDP) per capita in 2015 of US$ 597 (International Monetary Fund (IMF) - World Economic Outlook April 2014). Over 80% of the Ethiopian population lives in rural areas and 45% of the population lives below the official poverty line. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in the country are contributing to poverty reduction by providing loans and to mobilizing savings from low-income segments of the population. The objective of this paper is mainly to study the role and performance of Microfinance Institutions during the period of 2004-2014. In this study, the researcher purely used secondary data mainly from annual reports of National Bank of Ethiopia and other sources. This paper ensured some of the problems facing most of the MFIs in general and finally put forwarded possible suggestions.

Nigeria has experienced a spiraled rise in income, increased inequality and poverty levels in the last couple of years. It was not surprising that Nigeria missed the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) poverty target by a wide margin. Available statistics from recent surveys by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics indicates that about 70% of Nigerians live in poverty. This is in spite of the insistence by publicists who keep shouting that the economy is growing. This paper agrees that the economy is growing only that it is doing so in reverse gear. The paper reviews poverty alleviation strategies of the past that were poorly targeted and concentrated more on tricycles, hair palming and sewing machines and why they failed to reduce poverty. The paper therefore suggests that a realistic, poverty reduction strategy should target the youths and do so anchoring on inclusive, redistributive nature using microfinance loans.

Background and objectives: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a recurrent, chronic, and debilitating mental illness which demands daily management using self-management strategies (SMS). Much of the literature on self-management is derived from research focused on Western culture. Less is known about how people self-manage their MDD in other cultures. Hence, a qualitative study was designed to understand how women in Pakistan self-manage their recurrent MDD. The aim of this paper is to describe a set of findings pertinent to the role of religion/spirituality in Pakistani women’s experiences with recurrent depression and their use of religious/spiritual SMS that were extracted from results of a larger study. Population: A purposive sample of 10 Pakistani women living in Karachi, Pakistan and seeking treatment for MDD from the psychiatric outpatient clinic at a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi were included in the study. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted using the data from a total of 27 interviews. ATLAS.ti was used to organize, manage, and qualitatively and thematically code and analyze the transcribed interview data. Results: Three major themes emerged from the data. The first theme was the experience of depression. The women’s experience of depression was integrated with their individual religion/spirituality. They all shared a polarized perspective, i.e. depression as positive as well as painful. The second theme was strategy selection. Women unanimously reported that faith in God, family and social network structure, and broader cultural practices influenced their selection of religious/spiritual focused strategies. The third theme was religious/spiritual SMS. Women identified (a) having faith in God, and (b) ways of connecting with God as their religious/spiritual focused strategies. Having faith in God was not only viewed as an influencing factor but also as a strategy. Women shared four ways through which they connected with God (i) performing prayers, (ii) reciting the holy Qur’an, (iii) talking to God, and (iv) performing a Pilgrimage. Interpretation and Conclusions: Religion and spirituality are the critical lenses through which Pakistani women understand their illness and make decisions about how to manage their MDD. Since self-management occurs within a socio-cultural context, it is imperative for nurses to understand not only the religious and spiritual perspectives but also socio-cultural perspectives to facilitate and support women’s efforts to self-manage their MDD.

Spices in India is popularly known as Masale. The history and culture of Indian spices is probably as old as human civilization itself. The Vedas, the Bible and the Quran are all replete with references - direct or indirect - to Indian spices. The earliest literary record in India on spices is the Rig Veda (around 6000 BC), and the other three Vedas - Yajur, Sama and Atharva. Spices constitute an important group of agricultural commodities, which are virtually indispensable in the culinary art. They can be primarily defined as farm products used in various forms viz; fresh, ripe, dried, broken, powdered etc. Out of the 109 spices listed by the ISO, India produces as many as 75 in its various agro climatic regions. India accounts for about 45% (2, 50,000tons) of the global spice exports, though exports constitute only some 8% of the estimated annual production. Over all, spices are grown in some 2.9 million hectares in the country (ISB 2014). Spice production in India, as much of the agriculture in the country, is undertaken in millions of tiny holdings and determine the livelihood of large number of the rural population. Productivity of spices is highest in Uttarakhand (7.21MT/ha) against national average of 1.8 MT/ha (State Horticulture Mission Govt. of Uttarakhand, 2014-15).