Despite the wealth of evidence for unfavourable effects of salt consumption on blood pressure dietary adherence remains unachievable. Behaviour modification by considering the perceived barriers has emerged as a promising control measure. This is a cross sectional study carried out in primary health centre of Chidambaram to assess the level of perceived barriers to salt restriction among known hypertensive patients in an urban population and to find out the various factors influencing the level of barriers. The study assessed known hypertensive patients for their prior behaviours and perceived barriers in following salt restriction along with dietary sodium estimation and clinical details. The barriers perceived by the participants were assessed and categorized as less, moderate and severe using Fredmann test. It was analyzed for association with factors of prior behaviour, duration of disease and treatment regularity using ANOVA. The study revealed no association between socio-demographic factors and perceived barriers yet duration of disease and treatment regularity had positive association with perceived barriers which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Also prior behaviours were statistically associated with perceived barriers (p<0.05). This study highlights the importance of knowledge of perceived barriers to encourage behavioural change for adapting salt restriction as a healthy practice

The study was conducted to evaluate loan recovery performance among group-based micro credit institutions in Delta State, Nigeria using a well-structured questionnaire and oral interview. Respondent groups were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Primary data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, table, percentage, mean and trend analysis using bar graph and histogram. Inferential statistics such as multiple regression analysis technique was also used. The result revealed that a total of 163,100 group members have been reached with total savings mobilized at N2,560,126,690 and total loan disbursed at N33,851,127,825. The mean loan repayment rate was 91.29%. The trend analysis indicated a steady rise in the amount of savings mobilized and credit extended to groups. The result of the regression analysis indicated that five of the estimated determinants fund size, membership size, duration of group existence, supervision and proportion of credit repaid were positive and statistically significant while interest charge was negative and significant. The major constraints in loan administration by financial institutions include government laws and regulations, lack of infrastructural facilities, diversion of loans, delay in loan repayment, and lack of funds among others. It is therefore recommended that group-based finance institutions should strategies on rural savings mobilization and utilization on the rural economy for sustainable financial inclusion.

Musculoskeletal pain is very common complaint in the workplace and about billions of dollars yearly are spending on work related musculoskeletal pain. Elbow pain is one of the common complaints in allied health providers today. Rare researches have been studied on musculoskeletal pain among allied health providers in Pakistan, but not specifically on elbow pain. The objective of study is to determine lifetime prevalence of work related elbow pain among allied health providers of Lahore. Cross-sectional study was conducted among allied health providers by using convenient sampling technique. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) of pain was used to assess the prevalence rate of work related elbow pain among allied health providers. The data was collected through a survey study of 105 participants from different healthcare setups in Lahore and was analyzed through statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21.There were total 105 participants who include 37 (35.2%) physiotherapist, 38 (36.2%) nurses and, 30 (28.6%) technologists. The prevalence of work related elbow pain among allied health providers was reported in 9 (8.6%) participants. Elbow pain was reported in physiotherapists 13.5%, nurses 2.6% and technologists 10%.Physiotherapists and technologists have much prevalence of elbow pain than nurses because of nature of their job in poor and uncomfortable posture

Metaphors are an ambiguous and complex genre in Kiswahili Literature which slips into the forms of other literary genres and figurative language. This is potrayed in their definitions and manner of classification. Although metaphors are classified as a genre of sayings in Kiswahili oral literature their use goes above and below the saying. Kyallo Waddi Wamitila is one of the scholars of literature who besides having classified metaphors has also written literary works including plays. In his plays, words have been used to convey information metaphorically in context. This article shows the application of the conceptual metaphor theory in the analysis of word metaphors in Wamitilas plays. Though there are also other types of metaphors based on genre and use of figurative language such as play metaphors, narrative metaphors, poetic metaphors, songs, conversational metaphors, proverbial metaphors, simile metaphors, metonymy and quibbles.

Carrying angle has been studied by many researchers and it is being studied to correlate with different parameters like age, sex, height and side. The study is aimed to determine the normal carrying angle between right and left hands. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 medical students of Devdaha Medical College and Research Institute, Rupandehi district, Nepal from October 2016 to December 2016. Carrying angle of each individual was measured by using manual metal goniometer and height was measured by using measuring tape. The data was recorded in MS Excel 2007 and further statistical analysis was performed for the descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test was performed to compare the means of the study population by using SPSS 16. In the present study, participants were in the age group of 18-25 years with the mean age of 20.90 ± 1.45 years including 21.98 ± 1.45 years in male and 20.37 ± 1.12 years in female. The mean carrying angle in right hand was 10.64º ± 2.57 whereas 9.69 º ± 2.52 in the left hand with the significant differences between right and left hand. There were no significant differences between age, sex and height with the carrying angle in the study. The mean carrying angle value was higher in case of males than in females. This study is helpful for the anatomists, anthropologists, cosmetic surgeons and orthopaedic surgeon for the correction of the fractures and other associated elbow disorders.

This research investigated the surface and ground water quality in the Sokoto-Rima floodplain and determined the human health implications of consuming it. Five sample points were selected systematically, and at each sample point, three samples were taken each from ground (tube well), and surface (river) water. The surface water was taken from the river Rima at hundred meters interval, and the sampling was repeated after 20days. Thus a total of 30 samples (1st batch-15 and 2nd batch-15) were collected. Data obtained from laboratory were tested for correlation (Pearson correlation) and the difference (paired t-test) between surface and ground water. Results showed that positive correlation exist in pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolve Solid (TDS), Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Nitrate (NO3-), Sulphate (SO42-), while negative correlation in Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chloride (Cl-), Phosphate (PO43-) and Potassium (K+). Result also showed that the mean difference of pH, BOD, PO43- and K+ are significant at p<0.01 (2-tailed) and Cl- is significant at p< 0.05 (2-tailed). TDS, Cl, PO4, NO3, SO4 and K are within the WHO and NESREA standards, while, DO, BOD and TSS (in NESREA) are above the standards. The Most Probable Number (MPN) method was used to find the number of coliforms, and Isolate method was used to identify the name of the coliforms found in each sample area. Result showed that in surface water Citrobacter freundii was found in all the study area except in Boye and Escherichia coli were only found in Boye. While, in groundwater Escherichia coli was found in two sample areas. The study therefore, concludes that the quality of the surface and ground water in the area is a determinant of the soil characteristics and has a positive relationship with the health characteristics of the surrounding communities. The research also concludes that surface and groundwater in the study area are not safe for human consumption unless proper water treatment and sanitation is done.

Poisoning due to deliberate self-harm (DSH) with the seeds of yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) results in significant morbidity and mortality each year in South Asia. Yellow oleander seeds contain highly toxic cardiac glycosides including thevetins A and B and neriifolin. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, SriLanka among all DSH to see the prevalence of yellow oleander poisoning. Out of 121 DSH patients, 33(31.4%), 9 (27.3%) male and 24 (72.7%) female had seeds of yellow oleander poisoning. Among them, 3 (9.1%) patients got 1st-degree heart block while 2 (6.1%) got 2nd- degree heart block and 1(3%) patient got 3rd-degree heart block. Unfortunately, 2 (6.1%) patients have died. Though the numbers of suicide are already quite high, it is estimated that the real figures may be even higher in Sri Lanka. The under‐reporting is due to deaths not being recorded or being misclassified for different reasons such as stigma, legal harassment or insurance benefits. The main reasons for the oleander poisoning were a confrontation with their parents and siblings.

Weirs are the most extensively used hydraulic structures in the different fields of hydraulics, environmental, irrigation, and chemical engineering, as flow measuring and flow control devices in open Channels. The object of the present paper is to study the effect of the geometry of crump weir on the coefficient of discharge (Cd) under different flow conditions. The experimental work was conducted in rectangular laboratory flume; fifteen physical models were used with five upstream angles (17o, 22o, 27o, 32o and 37o) and three different crest heights (10, 15 and 20) cm under free flow conditions. The results show that Cd value will increase with the decrease of crest height as well as with increasing flow rate; it is also directly proportional to the upstream slope and inversely to the downstream slope. Computational fluid dynamic (FLOW 3D) were used to conduct new experiments.An empirical relation was obtained to estimate the coefficient of discharge Cd under different height and upstream slopes crump weirs.

Inflammatory response is a form of immune response which could be caused by infectious agents and toxic chemicals. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract contains phytonutrients such as protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron; and is also a rich source of antioxidants which could be attributed to the traditional and scientific claims in the treatment of anaemia. This work was designed to determine possible pro and anti-inflammatory responses in the traditional application of raw liquid extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf (iyana ipaja-chaya) in the treatment of anaemia. Twenty three (23) out of Thirty one (31)anaemic patients aged 12-32 years (including 2 females aged 12/15 years and 21 males aged 17 – 32 years) with PCV ≤ 20% receiving treatment at 5 traditional homes in Saki-west Local Government of Oyo State-Nigeria. Age matched 50 apparently healthy volunteers (Female-25; Male-25) with a PCV of 42±3.0% were recruited as control subjects. Thirty one anaemic patients initially volunteered themselves for the work but only 23 were successfully monitored. The patients were recruited before the commencement of the treatment. Each of the test and control subjects was subjected to stool microscopy for intestinal parasite, Giemsa thick staining procedure for plasmodium and Serological test for anti HIV, anti-HCV and HBsAg. All subjects who were negative to the aforementioned laboratory procedures were selected as subjects. Freshly prepared sixty milliliters (60ml) of the liquid was administered to each of the 23 anaemic patients and the 50 normal control volunteers 3 times on daily basis for 14 days when the PCV was found to have increased appreciably. Plasma ALT, IL-4, IL-6 , TNF-α (before and after the administration of the extract), HIV-1 p24 Antigen ELISA, anti-HCV, HBsAg were determined in all subjects by ELISA technique while whole blood was used to determine PCV by microhaematocrit and the identification of Plasmodium infection using Geimsa thick staining techniques.

In Less Economically advanced nations, more than half of their populations live in rural areas and majority depend on agriculture for survival. Post- harvest food loss in Africa represents a multi-faceted challenge that reduces the income of approximately 470 million farmers. Agriculture plays a key role in the overall economic performance of Jakiri Sub Division, in terms of its contribution to food, source of livelihood and in providing employment. Using secondary and primary data, participatory approaches through field observation, questionnaires and interviews, this study investigates post-harvest options of farmers in Jakiri Sub-Division. Results revealed that agricultural production techniques have evolved and improved over the years, however very little has been done to improve post-harvest management. Findings equally showed that Postharvest options of farmers are inadequate due to a complexity of reasons such as the absence of sufficient technologies/infrastructures, inadequate capital and technical knowhow and above all refusal to adopt appropriate techniques. Consequently this results in large quantities of harvested food produce being lost thereby representing a waste of time, effort and resources. Overcoming these socioeconomic constraints through the development of infrastructures, increased training and sensitization of the local population is an important step in achieving food security and also it would go a long way to increase the efficiency of resources used in food production.

Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common endocrine disorder and its outcomes are social, psychological and medical burden to the world. This study is designed to determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunctions and its association with different factors. In this hospital based cross-sectional study 809 women were enrolled (resident of Rupandehi District) during a period of August 2015 to September 2016. BMI was determined by measuring the height and weight to know the status of obesity and blood pressure was measured using sphygmomanometer. Other relevant information like age, sex and smoking habits were recorded by trained laboratory personnel through a comprehensive baseline questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and subjected for thyroid function test (TSH, fT3 and fT4). The studied population was categorized as euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism on the basis of the level of thyroid hormones. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of thyroid disorders is nearly one third of the total studied population. The number of participants was higher in the subclinical hypothyroidism (17.18%) followed by the hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and the least in subclinical hyperthyroidism (7.96%). Study revealed higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. The screening of thyroid function test is recommended for high risk population in Nepal which will be helpful for the prompt diagnosis of the disease and the policy makers to formulate the national policies in order to minimize the disease burden and its consequences

Over the years, Poverty alleviation programs and policies have evolved, including a succession of policies and plans by Government, Non-Governmental Organizations and International Donor Agencies. The Nigerian Government at different times introduced policies and plans with a view to addressing the problem of poverty but the problem still persists. In spite of these various efforts as intensified by both internal and external systems, of poverty has become not only more complicated but almost impossible due largely to a number of challenges notable among which are both individual and institutional. This amplifies that the efforts have proven too inadequate to reduce poverty, hence persistence of the scourge in the country. Using poverty indicators such as literacy level, access to safe water, nutrition, infant and maternal mortality, and the number of people living on less than $1 a day, Nigeria is found to rank among the 25 poorest nations in the world below Kenya, Ghana and Zambia. It is obvious that from 1960 till date, all Nigerian governments, be it military or civilian, have come up with one form of poverty reduction or alleviation programme or another, meant to reduce the level of poverty, give hope and succor to the poor and, or move towards some sort of wealth creation. Strategies, policies and plans have been formulated and executed over these years. These programmes have been judged by scholars not to be satisfactory. Inspite of all such previous government efforts at alleviating poverty in Nigeria, the incidence and severity of poverty has continued to pose formidable threats to the welfare of Nigerians and sustainable development of the country. To this end, a myriad of problems have been identified as constraints on poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria. Despite the relevance of religion in solving developmental problems of Nigeria little is done to explore in the development literature Islamic strategies of alleviating poverty. Against this backdrop, the paper seeks to explore the Islamic strategies of alleviating poverty.

Nerve conduction study (NCS) measures how quickly electrical signals move through peripheral nerve. It is used to assess peripheral nerve dysfunction thus diagnose the types of neuropathy, and nerve damage. The purpose of this study was to observe the significance of recording nerve conduction parameters (NCP) of common peroneal nerve (CPN) from tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in neuropathic subjects. This study included 153 subjects which were grouped, on the basis of clinical and routine NCS in to normal healthy subjects and neuropathic patients; axonal and demyelinating types. Nerve conduction parameters were recorded and analyzed by using Digital EMG machine. After categorizing the subjects, the recordings of NCP were also obtained from TA muscle on stimulation of CPN, above and below the head of fibula. Study was performed at recommended temperature (32-340C). For statistics, the data was analyzed using MS Excel 2010 and Graph pad Prism6. A t-test was applied to see the significance of NCP recorded from TA and compared it with the NCP obtained from extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle in different categories of selected subjects. P-values < 0.5 were considered significant. The comparison of most NCP between TA and EDB was highly significant in these categories of selected subjects. In neuropathic patients, more than 40% were non responsive to EDB stimulation while recording from TA was comparatively convincing. Findings of the study showed that the recording of nerve conduction parameters from TA is very useful in severe neuropathic condition, therefore, should be performed routinely in nerve conduction study

This study aims to analyze the influence of corporate culture on corporate performance either directly or indirectly through work motivation. Quantitative research method, Unit of analysis of this research is 2,844 employees residing in 6 retail company spread all over Indonesia. This research uses path analysis technique (path analysis), SPSS 23.00 analysis tool. The results of this study indicate that corporate culture can directly affect the company's performance and can also affect indirectly from corporate culture advocate to work motivation (as intervening variable) and then to the company's performance. The stronger the existing culture in a company, it will be able to increase employee motivation and impact on company performance optimally.

High alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of liver disease. Several markers have been studied for alcohol consumption such as carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT), gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST). An elevated serum AST in relation to serum ALT (alanine transaminase) has been proposed as an indicator that alcohol has induced organ damage. Thus when AST:ALT ratio is greater than 2, this is considered as highly suggestive that alcohol is the cause of the patient’s liver injury. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of AST:ALT ratio in alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease. This study involved 148 subjects, out of which 74 were diagnosed cases of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and remaining 74 were age and sex matched diagnosed cases of nonalcoholic liver disease(NALD). Blood samples were collected and plasma AST and ALT activity were determined in both groups(ALD & NALD) by colorimetric method using standard curve . Then the ratio of AST:ALT was calculated and compared in both groups. The plasma activity of AST and ALT was high in both alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease patients. Plasma AST, ALT activity and their ratio (AST:ALT ratio) were found to be significantly different in both groups(p < 0.05). AST:ALT ratio less than 2 was found in 95.94% and 29.72% of non-alcoholic liver disease and alcoholic liver disease respectively. The ratio was more than 2 in 4.05% of nonalcoholic liver disease and 70.27% of alcoholic liver disease cases. The ratio of AST:ALT was significantly increased in alcoholic liver disease as compared to nonalcoholic liver disease. Hence, the ratio of AST:ALT can be used as a parameter for the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease and for the differentiation of alcoholic liver disease from nonalcoholic liver disease