Abstract: Performance contract is a management tool for measuring freely negotiated performance targets between institutions management and the Government. Performance Contracts have been used in many enterprises in the world. Performance contract was introduced by the Government of Kenya to ensure delivery of quality service to the public as well tertiary institutions also known as TIVET institutions. The purpose of this study was to carryout assessment on the effects of financial resources on the implementation of performance contract in Tertiary institutions in Meru County. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the effects of financial resources on implementation of performance contract in tertiary institutions in Meru County andto establish the effect of structures on implementation of performance contract in tertiary institutions in Meru County. The study adopted a survey research design and stratified sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of 63 from a population of 76 employees of tertiary institutions in Meru County. Data was collected using a questionnaire and the interviews. Data analysis was done using SPSS software; correlation coefficients were used to determine the nature of the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables. Chi-square analysis will be done to test significance of variables. The findings were presented in tables and figures. The study of the findings were considered important for gathering information for managerial policy decision making that enabled the managers understand the positive approaches towards performance contracting as a management tool for improving performance in tertiary learning institutions which has continuous benefits to the long-term development. The findings of this study were; financial resources affected implementation of performance contract in tertiary institutions to a very great extent. Also there is a significant relationship between financial resource and implementation of performance contract in tertiary institutions to a very great extent {r(63) = 0. 78, p <0.05}. There is a strong positive relationship between structure of PC and implementation of performance contract {r(63) = 0.63,p <0.05}. Based on the findings the study recommended that the Government should release financial resources in good time to enable the officers implement performance contracting. This will help them to meet their targets in good time and the institutions should continually monitor and evaluate the managers so as to ensure that they follow the correct performance contracting procedures.

Abstract: Second Language Teaching in classroom situation is a challenging task for the second language teacher. The teacher has to make hectic effort to generate the four fundamental language skills among the learners in a heterogeneous classroom situation. Traditionally in the Indian situation the teacher is inclined to practice the Grammar Translation Method which is known as the Traditional Method to develop competencies among the learners. But the learners belonging to varied levels of capability cannot be made equally competent through this method that makes use of grammar rules and translation device in teaching English in the classroom situations. On the contrary, if teaching situation is manipulated through Functional Communicative Approach, second language learning happens to be a joyful experience so that the learners get motivated to be associated in the language process. The present Study is an attempt to explore experimentally the comparative effectiveness of the Traditional Method of teaching and teaching with Communicative Approach in the second language classroom situation.

Abstract: In this paper, a new non-monotone conic trust region method with fixed step-size based on conic models for solving unconstrained optimization problem is proposed. Unlike the traditional trust region methods, the sub-problem of our new algorithm is the conic minimization sub-problem. Moreover, we use the fixed step-size to obtain a new point when the trial step is not accepted. Theoretical analysis indicates that the new method preserves the global convergence under suitable conditions.

Abstract: Children, the leaders of tomorrow, are usually the hope and aspiration of every society. Hence, the literature which enhances the education especially the writing and readership skills of children need to be explored and encouraged. The paper x-ray child literature and the challenges of its teaching and readership in Nigeria. Also, the relevance children literature to the society in question is brought to light. The paper concludes that children literature education and readership help in developing and shaping the personality of the child in the society.

Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of ethanolic leaf extract Annona muricata (soursop) on N,N-dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Four groups of Wistar albino rats (12 rats/group) were used for the study. One group received intra-peritoneal injection of 10mg of DMN/kg body wt. thrice a week (on the first three days) for 14 days, in addition to the extract at a dose of 200mg/kg body wt. given by gavage. A second group received the same dose of DMN but without extract, while rats in the third group were administered the same dose of extract without DMN. Members of the fourth group were given physiological saline (vehicle), and served as controls. After 14 days, the rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. Blood samples were collected from the ocular vein, and the sera were analysed for aspartate transaminase, AST; alanine transaminase, ALT and alkaline phosphatase, ALP; while collagen, malondialdehyde, MDA; reduced glutathione, GSH, superoxide dismutase, SOD and catalase, CAT levels were assayed in liver tissue. All assays were done using standard methods. Liver sections were also fixed in formol-saline and subjected to histological analysis. DMN administration resulted in significant increases in serum AST, ALT and ALP; and in liver MDA and total collagen content (P 0.05). On the other hand, liver SOD and CAT activities were significantly reduced by the DMN treatment. Histological examination of liver sections from the DMN rats showed severe degenerative changes such as congestion, haemorrhagic necrosis and deposition of thick collagen fibers. These biochemical and histological changes were reversed significantly by the Annona muricata leaf extract.These results suggest that Annona muricata leaves may reverse hepatic fibrosis probably through maintenance/restoration of liver antioxidant status.

Abstract: We report on a 12-year-old Saudi girl with uncontrolled congenital hypothyroidism, due to thyroid gland aplasia. She was found to have bilateral multicystic ovaries and menstrual dysfunction. This association is not widely recognized.

Abstract: Individuals suffering from impaired masticatory function (MF) may adapt food consistency to their existing dental status or rely on the digestive system to compensate for the lack of oral preparation of food. These circumstances further leads to deficient nutrient intake or increase the likelihood of digestive diseases and decrease gut absorption. Dysfunction of masticatory efficiency thus may be detrimental to general health. This article reviews evidence of the effects of masticatory deficiency on nutrition. It is difficult to draw conclusions from many of the reviewed studies due to issues related to study design, confounding variables, and the subjective nature of the measurements. The reviewed evidences supporting an association between MF and deficient dietary intake often are based on relatively weak correlations and cannot confer a causal relationship between the reviewed variables.

Abstract: Albert Chinualumogu Achebe was best known for his portrayal of traditional African life as it clashes with white men (colonial masters). He was also known for his neglect of female characters’ role in most of his novels. In this paper, attempt has been made to show his ‘turn back’ from the earlier position of assigning women an inferior status in his novels. This is done in the light of Anthills of the Savannah where the dominant female character, Beatrice, is portrayed as a symbol of the new women – educated, full of potentials and credentials. Hence, Achebe with a new voice and thought. The paper concludes with explanation on the two sets of female characters in Achebe’s novels. The earlier novels reflected women as inferior and weak while in the novel analysed, the female characters represented by Beatrice, are portrayed with full potentials like their male counterparts. This is what makes the novelist a born-again.

Abstract: Assessment drives education programmes. Objective Structured Clinical Examination(OSCE) assesses clinical competencies more efficiently than MCQ or essay questions. However OSCE demand intensive preparation, logistics and resource input. Senior medical students were recruited as assessors for the formative OSCE conducted after the introductory clinical appointment. Feedback of participating students was considered vital to evaluate the OSCE. The objective is to evaluate perceptions of 3rd year medical students undergoing and OSCE regarding fairness, suitability, acceptability and comprehensiveness when senior medical students assess and role-playas simulated patients. Fourteen stations OSCE for the 3rd years medical students was developed by senior academics of all clinical departments. Final year (5th Year) students were trained to perform as simulated patients and assessors. The entire batch of third year medical students was given a pre tested self-administered questionnaire within two weeks of completion of the OSCE. The questionnaire was designed with adaptations from a similar study done by Russell B Pierre et al. Majority of students felt that the OSCE was fair (87.5%), comprehensive (78%), motivate learning (88%)and gives an opportunity to identify their weaknesses (72%). However 38% found it a very stressful experience and 38% of students felt that having senior students as simulated patients hindered their performance. On a par with the Jamaican students, our students also felt that the OSCE was fair and comprehensive. Compared to 67% of Jamaican students, only 38% of our students found the OSCE very stressful. Reasons for reported concern about senior students’ performing as simulated patients by some students should evaluated further in order to make use of advantages of senior students involvement in OSCE. Our students reiterated fairness, suitability, acceptability and comprehensiveness of OSCE as a method of assessment. Careful planning should foster students’ acceptance of senior students as assessors. The faculty should use OSCE more often in evaluating students.

Abstract: The bi-quadratic equation with 4 unknowns given by x4 +y4+z4=32w4 is analyzed for its patterns of non-zero distinct integral solutions. Six different patterns of integer solutions to the above bi-quadratic equation are presented. A few interesting relations between the solutions and special numbers, namely, polygonal number and pyramidal number are exhibited.

Abstract: Anthelmintics derived from plant source can be an answer to this world wide problem as they form secure and non-toxic with a modified site of action. Ocimum sanctum Linn known as Tulsi in India is a sacred plant for hindus known from centuries and being used in Ayurveda for its varied healing properties belonging to the Labiateae family. To this purpose we have studied in vitro antihelminthic activity of osmium in comparison with albendazole. The leaves of Ocimum sanctum was taken from the Institute staff quarter’s garden, which was endorsed by certified Taxonomist. The study was done using earth worms’ adult type due to their anatomical resemblance with the intestinal roundworm parasites of humans. The suspension of aqueous extract of leaves of Ocimum sanctum Linn, concentration 100 mg/ml was prepared. Albendazole was used as standard reference drug and its 20 mg/ml concentration was prepared by as per the prescribed method. The anthelmintic activity was performed according to standard screening methods. Aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum took145±14 minutes to paralyze and 223+11 minutes to death of the worm, whereas Albendazole took 92±18 minutes to paralyse and 165±17 minutes to death of the worm with significant (P<0.05) value. Aqueous extract is more potent than control (NS) and lesser antihelmintic acvitity than albendazole. Time to paralysis and consequent death were significantly higher in aqueous extract of Ocimum that of Albendazole at same concentrations. Aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn is more potent than control (NS) and lesser antihelmintic acvitity than albendazole. Time to paralysis and consequent death were significantly higher in aqueous extract of Ocimum that of Albendazole at same concentrations.

Abstract: We search for three non-zero distinct integers such that each of the triple (x-y, z, x+y) forms Harmonic progression. A few interesting properties among the solutions are also presented.

Abstract: The objective of present study is to determine the bilateral significant difference between the right and left side femoral head diameters, the correlation between diameters in each side and Osteometrical data in Indian population. The dimensions of the femoral head are important in preparation and selection of prosthesis or implants for femoral head and in the determination of gender. Difference in femoral head size was observed by previous studies. Present study is designed on random sample of 102 femur bones to determine bilateral significant difference between the right and left side femoral head diameters, to determine the correlation between diameters in each side and Osteometrical data in Indian population. The descriptive measures and inferential calculations were done. The student’s t-test and Scatter plot, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and regression analysis were used to assess the objective. Statistical assessment with p-values < 0.05 was considered significant. The mean values (mm) for vertical diameters were 43.63±2.74 (left) and 43.62±2.63 (right). Anteroposterior diameters were 44.02±2.87 (left) and 43.92±2.84 (right).head circumference were 136.99±8.41 (left) and 138.06±8.97 (right). Significant variability was not found (p>0.05) among the bilateral femoral head diameters. Significant strong positive correlation (p<0.05) was observed between the vertical diameter and anteroposterior diameter. Result was compared with available researches. Conclusion: Significant variability in the femoral head diameter was not found. The vertical and anteroposterior diameters of femoral head showed strong positive correlation.

Abstract: 2-[3’- Aminoacetyl amino-2’-methyl-6-monosubstituted quinazolin-4’(3’H)-onyl-imino]-4-thiazolidinones 5-6 were synthesised by cyclisation of 1-[3’-Aminoacetyl-2’-methyl-6’-monosubstituted quinazolin-4’(3’H)-onyl]-thiosemicarbazide 3-4 . 7-18 were synthesised by condensation of various substituted aldehydes at the 5th position of thiazolidinones 5-6. The newly synthesised compounds showed anticonvulsant activity ranging from 50%-90% (seizure protection). Compound 18, 2-[3’-aminoacetyl amino-2’-methyl-6’-bromosubstituted quinazolin-4’(3’)-onyl imino]-5-methyl-(p-N,N-dimethyl benzyl) -4-thiazolidinone showed maximum activity being more potent than the reference drug phenytoin sodium.

Abstract: EST (endometrial stromal tumors) are the second most common pure mesenchymal tumors of the uterus even though they account for less than 10% of all such tumors. Endometrial stromal nodule (ESN) and Low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) falls in the lower end of spectrum and undifferentiated endometrial stromal sarcoma (UES) falls in other malignant end of spectrum. ESN’s are very rare and low grade ESS accounts for only 0.2% of all uterine malignancies. Here we describe a case of Low grade ESS with limited infiltration which has been recently described in literature; purpose of which is to propose to practicing surgeons and gynaecologists that although these tumors behave in benign fashion however, these patients should be carefully followed than the usual low grade ESS as for possible chances of late metastasis.