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

The paper examines the use of social media among speakers of English in Morocco and the extent to which it has empowered users in various struggles against political and social injustices. More importantly, it explores whether these media have helped students and enhanced their capacity to challenge and speak out against human rights abuses. In so doing, the thesis addresses some key polemical issues and questions germane to the topic, mainly the dialectic between technological and social determinism, the role of social media, mainly Facebook, in shaping democratic change among students. The thesis uses a combination of methodological approaches to explore the structural, textual and contextual dimensions of social media’s implications and impact on the promotion and protection of students in Morocco. Through analysing students’ writings, the research draws on rich data derived from in-depth qualitative research design conducted with Moroccan students. It offers insights into the embeddedness of social media as a technological medium and also into the interplay between students’ perceptions, practices and their political participation. Moreover, the study examines the complex and multi-layered interconnections between Facebook in particular and the various social, political and cultural processes shaping its appropriation and its potential, and enhancing democracy. The study concludes that social media play a significant role in enhancing Moroccan social and collective action capabilities by favouring different forms of mobilization, and facilitating linkages between dispersed constituencies and national public spheres with a view to promoting human rights practices among students in Morocco. The paper argues, however, that the medium does not affect in any radical way the dominant political and social orders inasmuch as its implications and potential remain considerably limited by the various digital divides, and are mediated through the power relations characterizing society in terms of the degree of literacy and political involvement.

Since the publication of Red Sorghum: A Novel of China translated by Howard Goldblatt, a great number of long and elaborate theses has sprung up. Theoretically, many theoretical viewpoints have been employed to analyze this novel, but in a cumbersome jumble. On the aspect of the selection of linguistic data, superficially distinctive linguistic units tend to be selected more frequently as the research subjects, while those representing the unique style of the original text are less likely to be comprehensively researched. Methodologically, subjective text analysis method takes the upper hand, while only a few scholars employ the objective and exhaustive methods.

Bangladesh, a standout amongst the most crowded regions of Asia is at present experiencing Major energy emergency. Years of unconsciousness, absence of potential assets, labor, innovation and investment have taken the circumstance to an emergency level. Commercial energy consumption depends on natural gas (around 70%) trailed by coal, oil and hydropower. At present there is a huge difference between demand and generation of electricity. A step of building a nuclear power plant named Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is taken by Government to fulfill this crying need. Bangladesh has planned to establish two Russian nuclear power reactors in operation (Rooppur-1 & Rooppur-2). The power plant will be built at Rooppur, 200 km north-west of Dhaka, at Paksey union on the bank of the Padma in the Ishwardi subdistrict of Pabna District, in the northwest of the nation. This paper discusses the prospect of green power generation using RNPP and evaluates different parameters whether it is a proper decision or not and also provides some necessary recommendations regarding the implementation of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

Methanol-to-Gasoline Process involves the chemical transformation of Natural gas into usable gasoline range products. The objective of this work was to conduct a techno-economic analysis of Methanol-to-Gasoline Process, identifying heat integration, recycle and cost saving opportunities in the Process, and determining the Present-day Profitability of the Process. Aspen Hysys v8.6 was used in the model simulation, with an Auto-thermal Reformer being Used in modelling Synthesis Gas Manufacture, and a Plug Flow Tubular Reactor used in the methanol synthesis, with kinetic data similar to that of the commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst. The Gasoline synthesis reactor was modelled as a conversion reactor, with 94% conversion based on the CuO/ZnO/HZSM-5 zeolite conversion yield. It was also discovered, that starting with 10.02MMscfD of natural gas, we obtained 1462 Barrels/day of Gasoline, 82 Barrels/day of Methanol and 147 Barrels/day of Di-Methyl Ether. The total Capital Cost came to $172,360,500, the Operating Cost of $21,808,945 annually, and Gross annual revenue came to $26,575,626, with annual savings of $4,766,681. After Heat Integration and product recycle, a savings of $7,303,009 was realized (74% reduction). The simple payback period of 36.2 years and a Net-present value of -$94million after 20 years, indicating that the MTG process is not viable under the present economic situation. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that the MTG process will be profitable within the 1st 20 years when the price of natural gas falls $500/MMscf or is completely free, or when the interest rate falls 5% or when the inflation rate rises above 20%. The reason for its non-profitability was discovered to be its water to hydrocarbon volume distribution, with water being 53.32% and Gasoline was 46.68%.

Abstract: Haematological malignancies represent approximately 7% of all malignant diseases. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive and fatal disease. AML treatment basically remained unimproved in the last 20 years, and depends upon induction of cytotoxic chemotherapy. An average less than 30% of AML patients survive for long-term. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently being investigated for an ever-expanding number of clinical indications based on their tissue-regenerative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects.The aim of the present work is to detect the effect of human umbilical cord blood-derivedmesenchymal stem cells (HUCB-MSCs) on the expression of the leukaemic inhibitory factor gene (LIF) and on interleukin-10 (IL-10) in AML-patients.The MSCs were separated from HUCB, and co-cultured with samples collected from peripheral blood (PB) of AML-insulted adults prior to chemotherapy. The expression of LIFgene and the IL-10levelwere measured using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, respectively before and after the co-culture in order to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the MSCs. The present study revealed that the group of AML cells co-cultured with HUCB-MSCsshowed a significant increase in the expression level of LIF gene compared with the untreated group. The group of AML cells co-cultured with MSCs showed a significant decrease in the IL-10 concentration compared to that of the untreated group.Our data demonstrated thatco-culture of AML with MSCs represents a simple approach to inhibit leukaemic cells in vitro.