Drought causes decline in bio-productivity, affects livelihoods and threatens food security. However, it has been observed that access to assets (such as natural capital) and diversification of livelihood help in ameliorating drought risk. The aim of this paper is to examine the contributions of ownership of assets and livelihood diversification in the overall adaptation to drought of farming communities in Bungudu, Dange, Dawakin-Tofa and Rimi in Northwestern Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling adopted by this study led to the selection of four localities and eighty smallholder farmer households. The research used indicators for measuring adaptive capacity to construct an adaptive capacity index. The values of the indicators were normalized. All the normalized scores lie between -1 and 0. Then scorecard method was used to compare and rank contributions of ownership of assets and livelihood diversification to the adaptation to drought of the four communities. The Adaptation Index generated has shown that Dawakin-Tofa with scores the highest score (43.5) has been ranked 1st is among the communities with highest ownership of small ruminants and is the most adaptive among the four communities. The findings of this study have corroborated work that shown that low adaptation to drought is associated with among other things lacking of livestocks (including small ruminants). It is concluded that ownership of small ruminants scored highest and has been ranked 1st in its contribution to adaptation to drought in ¾ communities of the study area. The recommendations of this study are geared towards enhancing sustainable livelihood of the communities.

This study was conducted in 2017 among postgraduates students pursuing a business qualification at Kampala International University, Uganda; emotional intelligence (EI) was the predictor variable and leadership skills was the response variable. Testing four hypothesis: (i) Emotional intelligence has a significant positive effect on Leadership skills among postgraduate students in business management at Kampala International University, Uganda, (ii) There is a significant difference between gender and level of Leadership skills among postgraduate students in business management at Kampala International University, Uganda, (iii)There is a significant difference between age groups and level of Leadership skills among postgraduate students in business management at Kampala International University, Uganda, (iv) There is a significant difference between work experience and level of Leadership skills among postgraduate students in business management at Kampala International University, Uganda; the study adopted a descriptive- correlational research design. Purposive sampling was used to identify the 93 employed/working students who were considered for the study. The findings of the study revealed that there was a significant effect between emotional intelligence and leadership skills (r2= .33, p<.001); there was no significant difference between gender and leadership skills; there was a significant difference between age groups and leadership skills; and there was no significant difference between work experience and leadership skills. On the basis of the findings, conclusions and recommendations were made. The study provided additional evidence confirming the role of emotional intelligence in leadership and how age influences leadership skills as called for by Van Solinge, 2014.

Vascular tissues respond as an inflammation to adverse stimuli like pathogens, bruised cells or an irritant. An inflammation manifests itself as redness, swollen joints, pain at joints, stiff joints and impaired joints. Currently inflammation is treated by NSAIDS. However, drugs used to treat inflammation can potentially lead to enhanced risks of blood clotting which in turn can end up fatal heart attacks or strokes. This scenario has hence necessitated a search for alternate drugs derived from medicinal plants. Their chemical diversity also make them rich and possible sources of drugs without accompanying adverse side effect. Therefore a study in this direction will be both rewarding and unfulfilling. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antiinflammatory activity from the ethanol extract of whole plant of Caralluma umbellata in carrageenan induced paw edema in Wistar Albino rats. This study was compared to a positive control drug, indomethacin. The ethanol extract was given in a concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Ethanol extract of C. umbellata whole plant with a concentration of 400 mg/kg b.w. showed maximum (85.44%) inhibition on carrageenan induced rat paw edema at 3rd hour. The effect was significantly (p<0.001) higher than that of the standard drug indomethacin (84. 78%). From the result, it can be concluded that the antiinflammatory activity of C.umbellata ethanol extract of whole plant may be due to the presence of secondary metabolites in the extract.

Consanguinity constitutes one of the major health problems worldwide, in which consanguineous marriages are associated with an increased risk for congenital malformations and autosomal recessive diseases. Although the advancement in modern biomedicine and forensic laboratories techniques continue to guide scientists to move forward to unravel many life sciences secrets, it is still ambiguous to investigate the full picture of milk kinship and its related consanguinity. Theoretically, it is possible to see such consanguinity developed from early sufficient breast-milk feeding. Thus, scientists should cooperate to investigate the problem practically to find a proper solution. This review article focuses on the alleged consanguinity that evolves from milk breastfeeding or beyond through wet nursing or milk formula feeding. Additionally, this article proposes the idea of removing milk genetic components to establish a new safe genetically free formula as a promising solution

This study aimed at studying the epidemiology and prevalence of risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. 254 male subjects aged between 30 and 60 years old and apparently in good health having consented freely. They were randomly selected from 10 health areas, including 5 in urban area (n=107) and 5 in rural area (n=147), in Dschang Health District. After obtaining the ethical clearance, the level of physical activity, the data on socio-demographic conditions and smoking were identified by a simplified questionnaire. With the help of nurses and investigators, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, umbilical perimeter, waist circumference, body mass index and fasting blood glucose were measured. Approximately 5 ml of blood was taken at the elbow for biochemical assays. The collected data were submitted to the EPI-InfoTM version 7.1.5.0. Software. Results showed that 83% of people were inactive in rural area and the 41-50 age group was more inactive (18.03%) whereas in the urban area there was 76.19% of inactive people and the 51-60 age group recorded the most inactive individuals (43.83%) (P>0.05). The inactive population showed 38.24% overweight and 14.7% obese. Smokers represented only 20.55% in rural area and 16.82% in urban area. Triglycerides, which were higher among smokers in rural area (349 ±49.23 mg/dl at P>0.05) than in the urban area for former smokers (343.78 ±48.08 mg/dl) who had a higher rate but without significant difference with the other categories of smokers (P>0.05). Atherosclerosis index of smokers from urban area was higher without significant difference compared to other groups.

This complete-enumeration, before-and-after study (without controls), was conducted on third-year medical students in Maharashtra, India. Traditional didactic lectures were delivered on eight non-communicable diseases/conditions mentioned in the University syllabus for the subject of Community Medicine. The pre-test, conducted after the traditional didactic lectures, comprised eight questions pertaining to these eight topics. For case-based learning, participating students (n=61) were randomly assigned, using lottery method, to two sub-groups comprising 30 and 31 students, respectively, to enable small-group discussion. The students in each sub-group were similarly exposed to case scenarios on all eight non-communicable diseases/conditions and the same facilitators jointly guided the discussion. An identical questionnaire was used for the pre- and post-tests. The scores from students in the two sub-groups were combined for analysing results of the pre- and post-tests. The outcome studied was the difference in cognitive domain scores after attending traditional didactic lectures (by pre-test) and case-based learning (by post-test). The mean correct scores (out of 80) in the post-test (51.61 ± 7.42) were significantly higher (Z=10.088; p<0.0001) than that in the pre-test (40.61 ± 4.18). Gender difference was statistically significant for questions on obesity (Z=2.622; p=0.0088) and blindness (Z=2.017; p=0.0434) in the pre-test, but there was no significant gender difference in the post-test scores. Though case-based learning significantly increased the cognitive domain scores in all eight topics, additional educational interventions would be required for some students who obtained low scores in the post-test

The main objective of this work was to investigate the cow’s milk ingredients percentage after pasteurized using laser and heat treatment in order to compared them with untreated milk. In this work, fresh cow’s milk sample (360 ml) were obtained from farms of Sudan University of Science and Technology, the sample was divided into three parts, the first part pasteurized by Nd: YAG laser with output power of 50 watts for two minutes, the second part pasteurized by heating to a temperature of 72°C for 15 seconds the third part was control sample used as obtained. Moisture content, crude protein content, crude fat, ash content, total solid (TS) content, lactose content, pH of the milk samples and titratable acidity were analyzed for the three samples. The obtained results revealed that the ingredients percentage reduced in all heat-based pasteurized milk components compared to laserbased pasteurized milk components.

School feeding has been an effective safety net that has prevented countries affected by economic challenges from adopting negative coping strategies. The study assessed the food quality of the Ghanaian School Feeding Programme in Bawku Municipality, in the Upper East Region. Some of the specific objectives were; to assess the wholesomeness of the foodstuffs used in the preparation of meals for the school pupils and also examining the impacts of the school feeding programme on the basic education in the Bawku Municipality. The study highlighted some of the challenges confronting caterers who are involved in the school feeding programme. A survey research design was employed to obtain the data from primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through a structured questionnaire administered to 120 respondents in 10 randomly selected public primary six pupils and two caterers each from the selected schools in Bawku Municipality. The retrieved data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and the results were presented in the form of tables and figures. The results showed that (70%) of the basic schools under the school feeding programme in Bawku Municipality enjoy quality food and this has led to an increased in pupils’ enrolment, and class attendance. The major challenges were found to be the delay in releasing of funds to caterers. It was recommended that, the government of Ghana should provide the Municipal Assembly with resources to help monitor and evaluate the implementation of the program for improvement. Moreover, the municipal assembly should find a better storage facility for the schools under the GSFP to help keep the food safe for a longer period without introducing chemicals that has a longer effect on the food and harmful to pupils.

Okro fiber was obtained from okro stem by soaking in ammonium oxalate for 20minutes.The effect of alkali treatment (mercerization) on 10grammes of each sample was investigated. Various concentration of the NaOH (Sodium hydroxide) ranging from 0% to 22% was prepared. The temperature of the treatment was varied from 25 to 40oC .Water imbibitions studies was also carried out on the fiber samples by varying the temperature and concentration of the fiber samples obtained. Result of treatment of the fiber with ammonium oxalate indicated a whitish lustrous material. The mercerization effects on the fiber indicated an increase in mass of the fiber from an initial weight of 0.4g in 1.0M to 0.8g in 4.0M at 25oC .On the other hand, there was a substantial swelling noticed in the case of the fiber sample treated with 1.0M (0.6g) to 0.9g (4.0) at 40oC.For imbibitions studies, the water uptake recorded the best value with fiber treated with 1.0M showing a maximum imbibitions value at 25oC. The overall results of the study indicated that treatment of fiber with chemical enhanced some crucial properties of the fiber and has inhibited substantially the amount of water absorbed by fibrous materials. Industries involved in the exploration of natural fibers as potential fibers may benefit immensely from this investigation as this may add to the list of fiber utilized for fiber production due to its abundance.

Chondroid syringoma is a rare benign skin tumor that is mainly located on the face and neck. It is characterized by a high risk of recurrence, hence the interest of complete excision and prolonged surveillance. A 42-year-old patient presenting with a subcutaneous benign eyebrow tumor, 8mm in diameter. After the enucleation of the tumor, the anatomo-pathological examination objectified a chondroid syringoma. No recurrence after a decline of 3 years. Chondroid syringoma is a rare tumor of the sweat glands, located mainly at the level of the face and the neck, the treatment is based on a complete exeresis of the tumor. The knowledge of this pathology is important because the possibility of recurrence or malignant transformation exists, hence the interest of a prolonged surveillance

Exploration of vegetations in ecologically significant areas became underline research in modern approach. In this regard the East Indian coastal belt at Ganjam district has been chosen as the study area and the ethno ecology of Pandanus fascicularis Lamk was focused. Normal taxonomic and ecological overviews were adopted to establish the vegetational data. The various ethno biological, ethno ecological uses, medico folklore remedies approaches were strictly adopted. The various data so procured are compiled and greater emphasis of this plant was laid as comprehended from the utility and general psychology of the people who took this as a crop more than that of rice was confirmed as each and every part of the plant is used in one or the other way. On the contrary, the study area (Ganjam Hinterland) is designated as the sacred groove for this plant owing to the part played by the plant for the people’s economy and biodiversity conservation as well.

In present study an attempt was made to prepare microballoons of Telmisartan by emulsion solvent diffusion technique for sustained delivery by using polymers like Ethyl cellulose to extend the drug release for about 12 hours in the upper GIT, which may result in enhanced absorption and there by improved bioavailability. Formulation optimization of Telmisartan loaded microballoons was carried out by using different concentration of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Ethyl cellulose. Total 9 batches were formulated. All 9 batches were evaluated for entrapment efficiency (EE) and buoyancy. Among all batches DP4 shows maximum entrapment efficiency (EE) and buoyancy and was considered as optimized formulation. DP4 batch was further used for process optimization. The process optimization was carried out at three different stirring speeds i.e. 1300, 1500 and 1700 rpm for three different stirring time period i.e. 1hr, 2hr and 3 hr and another 9 batches were formulated. Out of all the batches DP13 showed the spherical shape of microballoons without formation of flakes. Optimized batch DP13 was evaluated for Zeta Potential, Particle Size Distribution which show -41.8mV and 1.344 µm particle size, SEM, XRD Analysis. Batch DP13 was charged for stability and were placed in glass vials container and stored at ICH storage condition (2°C - 4°C Refrigeration condition , 30 ± 2°C / 60% ± 5% RH , 40 ± 2°C / 75% ± 5% RH ) for a period of 30 days. The samples were analyzed for physical appearance, buoyancy and for the drug release after 30 days. After 1 months samples were withdrawn and microballoons showed no change in physical appearances, buoyancy and drug release, which indicate that the microballoons were stable.

The sustainable production of ethanol from implausible bio-resources like, less or non-edible fruit samples are focused in the current investigation. Bio-ethanol is a fuel ethanol (ethyl alcohol), the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. It is most often used as a motor fuel, mainly as a bio-fuel additive for gasoline. Therefore, an attempt has been made to obtain a fuel grade ethanol using fruit samples like, Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis, L) and Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale, L.) by fermenting them with the help of flocculating yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, L). The outcome of the experimentation facilitated to obtain 48% alcohol after finishing point of distillation processes; it can be can envisioned that, an optimized concentration of ethanol has been obtained on ensuing to standardization of the protocol. This bio-ethanol has been further subjected for physico-chemical characterization and found that, it can be one of the most promising types of bio-fuels that can be explored from the fruit resources. Hence, in the studies, the technological attributes of flocculated Yeast (Saccharomyces cereviseae) was employed to rationalize its use in alcoholic fermentation, thereby, the enhancement in the production of bio-ethanol from the selected fruit cultivars at significant level was achieved with a speed of about three to four folds greater than the yield reported in the earlier studies. Further, the ethanol samples were evaluated for Gas chromatography; the yield of ethanol, sample-4 (Passion fruit juice) gave 100% purity of ethanol as compared to standard. The bio-ethanol obtained as a result of fermentation was further subjected for the evaluation of Engine performance using single cylinder IC Engine with standard specifications.

Managing abdominal wall tumors with high risk of relapse usually requires large excisions. It is the case of sarcomas, desmoid fibromatosis and abdominal wall metastases. The repair of large full-thickness defects of the abdominal wall usually needs the combination of a prosthetic material as a replacement of the deep layer and a reliable flap to cover the prosthetic material. Depending on the local condition of the surgical site and the size of the defect, the use of a free flap might become necessary. The authors report the case of a 55 year-old patient who underwent surgery for a relapsing sarcoma of the anterior abdominal wall. A two-stage reconstruction of the abdominal wall defect was performed using a free transfer of a myocutaneous Latissimus Dorsi flap. The first stage of reconstruction took place before the excision was performed. The free flap was then folded in the fashion of an “apple turnover” waiting for the second stage to take place, so the excision of the tumor and the final covering could be performed at the same surgical time. Microsurgical transfers imply potential peroperative and postoperative risks, especially the risk of vascular thrombosis. The authors discuss the two-stage surgical transfer of the myocutaneous Latissimus Dorsi free flap, its technique, its advantages and its disadvantages

Drug-induced liver injury is a potential complication of all medications because the liver has a central role in the metabolism of drugs and toxic substances. This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Gymnema slyvestre leaves on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in wistar rats. The experiment was carried in three phases. In Phase I, the hepatoprotective activities of the methanolic extract of the leaves was determined by assaying for some liver function indices (AST, ALT & ALP) on acetaminopheninduced liver damage in rats. In phase II, the methanolic extract of the leaves was further fractionated with chloroform, ethylacetate and n-butanol to obtained chloroform, ethylacetate, n-butanol and residual extracts respectively; and the effect of these fractions on liver function (AST, ALT & ALP) was determined.