Background and Objectives: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a common microvascular complication in diabetic patients, is characterized by gradually increasing urinary albumin excretion (UAE), and affects 20-40% of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in India. The defective insulin action in the metabolism of lipoproteins leads to lipid abnormalities as well as glycation of lipoproteins cause abnormalities in the lipoprotein metabolism in Type 2 DM patients. Dyslipidemia causes glomerular injury which will lead to progression of proteinuria. Methods: 100 Type 2 Diabetic patients with not less than 10 years duration of diabetes were selected and divided in three groups; Normoalbuminuric (n=42), Microalbuminuric (n=41) and Macroalbuminuric (n=17). Lipid profile, HbA1c, S. Creatinine and Urinary Albumin Excretion (UAE) were measured and data analysis was performed. Result: Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and LDL-C levels were not significantly associated with increase in proteinuria. HDL-C levels and TG/HDL ratio were significantly associated with different stages of proteinuria. Conclusion: HDL–C levels and TG/HDL ratio can be considered an excellent tool and approach for estimating risk of development of overt proteinuria among Type 2 diabetes patients.

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder which interferes with the person's ability to communicate and relate to others. Median of global prevalence of autism spectrum disorders is 62/10 000. Both genetic and environmental factors are responsible for its development. The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic, prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal risk factors of autism. Methods: This study was done from the digital database of the child guidance clinic of the department of Psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. Results: In this study male-female ratio among autistic children was found 3:1. Two thirds of the children came from urban nuclear families. Families of autistic children were more or less evenly distributed among all social classes. Antenatal, Perinatal and neonatal factors which were found to be significantly associated with Autism were antepartum haemorrhage or threatened abortion, pregnancy induced hypertension, prematurity and pathological jaundice. Conclusion: The present study found significant correlation between birth factors like antepartum haemorrhage, pregnancy induced hypertension, prematurity and pathological jaundice with autism. Further studies are needed to verify our findings, and investigate the effects of multiple factors on autism.

Lately, there was a face-off between chieftains in Africa and the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the indictment sitting African heads of state. Former Sudanese leader Omar al Bashir and the President of Kenya and his Deputy were indicted by the ICC for crimes against humanity committed in their countries. Following their indictment, the African Union (AU) made a representation to the ICC to suspend their trials while their term in office subsisted. This request was turned down. A similar request was made to the Security Council and was also rejected. In response, the AU decided to stop any form of collaboration with the ICC. It argued that sitting heads of state enjoy immunity under customary international law. Against the backdrop of persistent gross human rights abuses in Africa and the inertia exhibited by the AU, this paper calls for continued cooperation of two institutions in the interest of the victims of these abuses and the progress of the continent.

With the fast depleting conventional energy reserves, the thrust for developing newer and alternative energy sources is the key research area worldwide. With the increase in the pollution level there is a need for searching a sustainably developed and environmental friendly energy source. The municipal solid waste has become one of the major pollutants worldwide. About twenty percent of the municipal waste comprises of the different types of polyethylene waste. The process of conversion of the polyethylene waste into useful fuel has become one of the emerging fields, countries are working worldwide. The development of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons from polyethylene mix via hydropyropysis process is being studied. The hydropyrolytic process of converting LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE and HDPE type of polyethylene into useful gaseous and liquid hydrocarbon fuel provides a path to degrade waste polyethylene into small and very small chain products. The different fractionation of the extract obtained from the mother liquid was studied. The fraction ranging from temperature 150 0C to 400 0C has been studied to observe the diesel type fraction present in the liquid. The different blend study with the conventional diesel is being studied for property determination and end use. The chromatographic, distillate properties by simulated distillation analysis and mass spectra studies were carried out to understand the properties of the product. The blend study of the diesel type fuel from polyethylene with conventional diesel fuel provides a scope for its usefulness as feedstock in internal combustion engines and power generation.

This paper aims to research whether there is link between FDI inflows and Economic growth in the Republic of Seychelles Island. The ordinary least square results obtained shows that, the impact of FDI inflows on economic growth is low. Small Island Developing States attracts less FDI inflow because they are limited to few resources that attracts overseas firms which results in retarded development. The research lighted that impact of foreign direct investment on host countries does not only depend on the quality and quantity of the FDI inflows but some other variables such as the internal policies and the management skills, market structures, economic trends among others.

Starting from Placid Tempels’ discovery of “being-force” as characteristic of the worldview of Bantus and from the natural theology of Kôngo religion as the exposition of its essential doctrines through deductive logic, this paper attempts a generalization of the notion of n‟kisi, often wrongly reduced to the concept of fetish. This generalization demonstrates that the concept of n‟kisi alludes to spiritual power as the protecting presence surrounding the human being and the animating spirit governing human beings, phenomena as well as objects of nature and of human creation. Thus defined, the concept of n‟kisi can be grasped through the divine, human, and demonic modes. While the divine n‟kisi is related to the practice of African traditional religion, the human-produced n‟kisi is rather an aspect of African traditional technology. As for the demonic n‟kisi, it is the result of the loss of the support of holy ancestors due to failure to observe ethical requirements, and/or the use of submitted evil spirits.

Holiday effects have been a hot topic in various disciplines, such as business, psychology, sociology and even more beyond. Numerous scholars have delved into this issue. Some of them mainly dwell on developed countries’ stock markets, typically showing abnormal returns around thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Easter and so on, while others focus on the relationship between stock markets in developing countries and holiday effect. This research will investigate the holiday effects in 7 selected Asian stock markets, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. As for the Holiday effects, the author mainly focuses on Chinese New Year effect, with comparison to National Day and May Day effects. The research report includes stock return index data from 2000 to 2014. This study has both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically the research results may contribute to the construction of theoretical models. Practically this study can help us have a better understanding of the relationship between holiday effects and stock markets, and may shed light to others who are interested in this field.

This study is about gender representation in billboard advertisements. It analyzed how male and female were represented in billboard advertisements in Nigeria. A fleeting glance at billboards in Nigeria often show a disconnect between the models and the products they represent. This observation led to employing the social constructionist theory of representation which posits that meaning is constructed by the individual users of the language to ascertain how the males and females are represented in billboard advertising with the unit of analysis as sex, roles and dressing of the products spokesperson, and product connection. The data for this study which were gathered through content analysis of billboards and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were analyzed using semiotic and textual analysis. This study which is both a quantitative and qualitative study found out that men are located mostly outside the home while the females were always seen within the home and less in the work environment. Again the issue of no-product connection was higher on the female side that mostly played decorative roles. This study becomes timely in the heels of the efforts towards eliminating gender discrimination and stereotypes. It is also hoped that this work will be a stepping stone for further research on gender representation in Nigerian billboard advertisements.

Objective: To evaluate by Ultrasound the lower uterine segment thickness of women with previous Cesarean section delivery determine critical above with safe vaginal delivery is predictable. Patient and Method: The study done in AL-Zahraa Teaching Hospital in AL-Najaf; attachment of Kufa university department of Obstetric and Gynecology. Kufa, Najaf. Among 200 patients with previous lower segment Cesarean section, Ahistory taken including gestational age, the interval between the pregnancy and previous Cesarean section, causes of previous Cesarean section and if it is emergency or elective. Ultrasound finding for this pregnancy including gestational age, lower segment uterine thickness. Result: In this study successful vaginal birth after Cesarean section = (59 %) elective second Cesarean section delivery (10 %) . failed trial of labour (30 %) uterine rupture scar ( 1% ) that is mean only two patients get rupture uterus among 200 patients. Conclusion: Ultra sound evolution permit better assessment of risk of scar complication intra partum could allow for safer management delivery

Costus speciosus (C. speciosus) has several pharmacological properties including antioxidant activity. Recently we have shown that methanol extract of C. speciosus leaves of summer has maximum in vitro antioxidant activity. Aim of the present work was to isolate antioxidant compound from C. speciosus leaves. Summer sample of C. speciosus leaves were collected from the local market and identified by the taxonomist. Methanol extract of the leaves was prepared and processed for isolation of antioxidant compound. Acid hydrolysis, solvent treatment, chromatographic experiments followed by crystallization were done to isolate a compound. In vitro antioxidant activity of the isolated compound was measured by superoxide anion generation with the help of xanthine-xanthine oxidase assay, linoleic acid peroxidation assay as well as by DPPH photometric assay. Isolated compound showed significant in vitro antioxidant activity which was comparable to that of quercetin, a synthetic antioxidant. The isolated compound may, therefore, be used as natural antioxidant.

Thyroid gland is a highly vascular endocrine gland consists of two lobes connected by an isthmus present in the anterior midline of the neck against vertebrae C5, C6, C7 and T1. Many study have indicated the morphometric differences of this important gland. This study puts in an effort to study the morphological and morphometric variations of thyroid gland.

Background: Occupational exposures represent complex mixture of genotoxic agents. Benzene is one of the major organic product, people with chronic exposure to this organic product are exposed to many malignant disorders. People who work in Petrol station are consistently exposed to the dangerous components of petroleum through inhalation or direct contact with their skin. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential cytogenetic damage and micronuclei frequency associated with occupational exposure to benzene among petrol station workers by using Micronucleus assay. Materials and Methods: The study groups included twenty five occupationally exposed petrol station workers and twenty five age matched controls were recruited and evaluated for genetic damage. Exfoliated Buccal cells were collected from both groups by using the sterile brush. Slides fixed in ethanol and stained with Giemsa stain and 1000 cells were studied by using a light microscope. Statistical analysis for data interpretation performed by Student’s t‑test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: As compared to control subjects, significant high level of micronuclei frequency was found in the workers exposed to benzene (4.65±2 and 1.22±7 respectively). Period of exposure also showed considerable effects (P<0.05) on micronuclei frequency, while effect of age was non-significant (P>0.05). In this study, both Control and workers with history of Tobacco smoking and alcohol were excluded. Conclusions: The results of our study concluded that benzene have the potential to increase micronuclei frequency in the exposed subjects. The study also suggested that protective strategies should be implemented by the concerned authorities to minimize exposure to fuel.

The Malaysian medicinal plant, Water Apple’ (Syzygium Aqueum) can provide bioactive compounds that help to support people suffering from many diseases. The present study is undertaken to investigate the phytochemicals and invitro antioxidant activities from extract of Water Apple fruits. Determination of phytochemicals and invitro anti-oxidative capacity, established assay method 2, 2 - diphenyl – 1- picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radical assay, nitric oxide and superoxide anion scavenging activity assays were used with reference to standard antioxidants ascorbic acid and butyl hydroxyl anisole (BHA).The percentage inhibition of radical scavenging activity increased with increase in concentrations of extract and when compared with standard antioxidants. The results show that the extract of fruits of Water Apple possesses significant antioxidant activity when compared to standard antioxidants. These findings provide a strong rationale to establish Water Apple fruits capability as an anti oxidant capacity. However, in-vivo antioxidant activity and mechanism of action is needed to be further studied.

Sera from 67 bovines (cattle and buffaloes) from villages around Ludhiana city and 10 vaccinated animals from an organized dairy farm were subjected to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) DIVA ELISA. Sera from 10/67 field animals and 2/10 farm animals were found positive for the infection. Serial samples at 100 days, 130 days and 145 days postvaccination from 6 vaccinated buffaloes were assessed for titers of antibody against FMDV serotypes O, A and Asia-1 by Liquid Phase Blocking ELISA. The mean titers were as follows: Antibodies against O at 100 days, 130 days and 145 days = 2.4; Antibodies against A at 100 days = 1.858, at 130 days = 1.866, and at 145 days = 1.85; Antibodies against Asia-1 at 100 days = 2.225, at 130 days = 2.166, and at 145 days = 2.225, respectively. The differences among the mean titers of antibodies against FMDV O, A and Asia-1 at days 100, 130 and 145 were non – significant. However, two animals showed a titer of 1.65 against FMDV A at 100, 130 and 145 days which was below the protective level (> 1.8). The findings highlight the need for monitoring larger populations for the level of immunity induced by vaccination.

This study aims to examine the effect of tax avoidance, corporate governance, and leverage on earnings quality leverage. The research method used in this study is descriptive and verification. The population target in this study is banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) with observations in 2012-2017. We used 89 sample year sobserved. Data to be used in research is secondary data in the form of data from annual reports and company financial statements. Validity and reliability testing is done before testing the hypothesis. This study uses the SPSS Version 25 analysis technique. The conclusion of tis research shows that tax avoidance, institutional ownership, independent commissioners, independent auditor, and leverage affect the quality of earnings by 31.1%. Almost 69.9% is explained by other variables outside the model.