This study interrogates the interplay between board attributes and dividend payout policy amongst listed in Nigerian manufacturing firms. The research focuses on various board attributes, including board size, board independence, gender diversity, and board ownership, to determine their influence on the dividend decisions of firms. Using panel data from a sample of Nigerian manufacturing companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2013 to 2022, the study employs multiple regression analysis to evaluate the effect of these variables on dividend per share. The results indicate that board independence positively influence dividend payouts, while board diversity and board ownership have negative non-significant effect on the criterion variable using t-statistics. These findings suggest that a well-structured board can enhance firm decision-making, leading to higher shareholder returns. The study recommends that policymakers and firm managers should consider the composition and governance of boards when devising strategies related to dividend payouts to optimize corporate performance and shareholder value.

The purpose of the study was to find out the influence of different altitude training on VO2max and stress. Forty-five male middle distance runners studying in various colleges around Kodaikanal Town, Dindigul District, were selected and divided into three equal groups (n = 15), in which group - I underwent low altitude (sea level) training, five days per week for twelve weeks and group II underwent moderate level altitude training and group – III acted as control which did not participate any special training apart from their regular activities. The subjects were tested on selected criterion variables such as VO2max and stress at prior to and immediately after the training. For testing the VO2max, Cooper’s 12 minutes run/walk test result was taken and a formula recommended by Cooper was applied, and for stress, Girdano and Everly Stress Scale was used. The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used as statistical tool to find the training effect difference between three groups. Since there were three groups involved in this study the ScheffẻS test was used as pos-hoc test. The result of the study shows that the VO2max was improved and stress level was decreased significantly for the training groups when compared with the control group. The result of the study also shown that there was no significant difference occurred between the experimental groups, such as, low altitude and moderate altitude training groups.

This review article provides a thorough psychoanalytic exploration of David Lynch's Lost Highway, a film celebrated for its intricate narrative and surreal imagery. Utilizing Freudian and Lacanian theories, the analysis investigates the film's themes of identity, trauma, and the unconscious. The protagonist's disjointed journey through fragmented realities serves as a case study in the manifestation of repressed desires and fears. By examining the interplay of memory, perception, and selfhood, this article reveals the deeper psychological currents that drive the narrative and influence character motivations. Furthermore, the discussion situates Lost Highway within Lynch's broader oeuvre, highlighting the director's fascination with the subconscious and the complexities of human experience. Ultimately, this psychoanalytic reading positions Lost Highway as not merely a cinematic puzzle but also a profound commentary on the nature of reality and the psyche, inviting viewers to confront their own unconscious landscapes.

Sustainable tourism for Indian destinations is promoted and marketed by utilizing marketing strategies to gain interest from travelers. However, the promotion of sustainable tourism destinations is achieved in a manner that does not jeopardize the environment or community conservation. Sustainable tourism is promoted by increasing the destination's visibility, which includes social media marketing, search engine optimization, and content marketing, one such example is the scheme of Swadesh Darshan, which was launched by the Indian tourism and it aims for the development of sustainable tourism destinations. Furthermore, enhancing cultural and community features in marketing might help to attract and retain tourists' interest, thereby strengthening sustainable tourism. To entice people to visit sustainable tourist places, the tourism sector is focusing on proper selling factors, physical improvements to attractions and accessibility, and proximity to other tourist sites. Overall, the current study reveals that a comprehensive Destination Management action plan can help accelerate India's green tourism transition. This study aims to understand some of the marketing strategies employed by Indian Tourism Industry on environmentally sustainable vacation spots. The Indian travel industry is impacted by sustainable tourism, one of the topics discussed in this article. This study is descriptive and relies only on books and periodicals covering a wide range of topics that are relevant to sustainable tourism destinations in India. Moreover, the present study also highlights, the importance of online marketing strategies for marketing sustainable Indian travel destinations which is discussed to have a better understanding of the future of the tourism sector in India. The particulars of the study are emerging from the SWOT analysis model for the assessment as well as the scrutinization of the potential of the Indian tourism industry.

Depression is a growing global challenge, posing a major threat to human well-being and the future of society. Despite centuries of scientific efforts, the disease remains incurable, with incidence rates steadily rising. While genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development, they do not address the root cause. Dharma Master Jun Hong Lu, through the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, offers a novel Dharma approach to treating depression. His teachings reveal that the underlying cause of depression is spiritual occupation, and once these spirits are elevated through Dharma practices, patients recover naturally. Unlike conventional treatments that manage symptoms, this approach offers a holistic solution by resolving karmic entanglements and restoring emotional balance through the Golden Buddhist Practices. This study offers a novel approach to treating depressive conditions and brings hope to patients and their families.

By analyzing the English translation of “Working Together for a China-Central Asia Community with a Shared Future, Featuring Mutual Assistance, Common Development, Universal Security, and Everlasting Friendship” delivered by President Xi Jinping, who presided over the first China-Central Asia Summit in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, on May 19, 2023, the article analyze how President Xi's keynote address used the attitude of evaluation theory system to promote China's joining hands with Central Asian countries to build the Belt and Road, and to lead the future in-depth cooperation between China and the Central Asian region.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) calls for the development of the ideas of safety and main ability of civil structures. The most critical of the aspects explored in the paper is the safety monitoring of the structural configuration of any civil engineering work. Supervision of any sign of an odd shift from the usual state of structure enables one to prevent and or counter severe loss. It also depends on other environmental parameters such as load, nature of a seasonal parameter and the type of soil. Within this research project the Al-Beruni Academic Block of Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology is taken to monitor the cracks using Glass Tell-Tales, to collect data on cracks of buildings and during seismic activity, observe, study the cracks that are present.

Background: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a vital indicator of kidney function, particularly in patients receiving treatments that may impact renal health, such as intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections like bevacizumab. Bevacizumab, commonly used to treat retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy, has raised concerns about its potential systemic effects, including its impact on kidney function due to the role of VEGF in maintaining glomerular integrity. This study investigates the effect of bevacizumab injections on renal function in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and those without. Objective: To assess changes in eGFR before and after intravitreal bevacizumab injections in patients with and without diabetic kidney disease, evaluating whether these injections significantly affect renal function. Methodology: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), from April 2019 to August 2021. Forty patients with diabetic retinopathy were selected, divided equally into DKD and non-DKD groups. Serum creatinine and eGFR were measured within 30 days before the injection and one month after the third dose of intravitreal bevacizumab. eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: The mean pre-injection eGFR was 69.35±25.91 ml/min/1.73m² in the DKD group and 96.7±30.59 ml/min/1.73m² in the non-DKD group. Post-injection, the mean eGFR was 73.3±33.87 ml/min/1.73m² in DKD patients and 93.6±29.7 ml/min/1.73m² in non-DKD patients. The mean differences in eGFR were not statistically significant between pre- and post-injection measurements in either group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab injections did not cause significant changes in eGFR in both DKD and non-DKD patients, suggesting that the treatment is unlikely to have a detrimental impact on renal function in the short term. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of repeated injections.

Synovial sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor of soft tissue and has high metastatic potential. The most common sites of metastases are the lungs, lymph nodes and bones. The pancreatic location of a synovial sarcoma is very rare. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations are essential to confirm the diagnosis. We report the case of a 57-year-old patient treated for (SS) of pulmonary localization 2 years ago and who currently presents with pancreatic localization.

The increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to conventional antibiotics has necessitated the search for alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly from plants. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of ethanol and n-hexane extracts of Aspilia africana leaves and Gardenia jasminoides roots. Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods. The extracts were tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis using the disc diffusion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in varying concentrations across both plant extracts. The ethanol extract of Aspilia africana exhibited the highest flavonoid content (12.38%), while Gardenia jasminoides roots had a significantly higher tannin concentration (23.68%) in the ethanol extract compared to Aspilia africana (0.12%). Alkaloids and saponins were also abundant in Gardenia jasminoides roots (5.37% and 9.85%, respectively), particularly in the ethanol extract. Both plant extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with the ethanol extracts showing higher potency. The results of the antimicrobial analysis showed that the ethanol extracts of both plants demonstrated greater antimicrobial efficacy, particularly at higher concentrations. Gardenia jasminoides root extract showed inhibitory activity against all tested bacteria at 50mg/l and lower concentrations. Similarly, the n-hexane extract exhibited antibacterial activity, albeit less potent than the ethanol extract. In conclusion, the results indicate that both plant species possess potent antibacterial properties, particularly in ethanol extracts, supporting their traditional use in treating bacterial infections and justifying further research into their medicinal applications.

Organic farming is one of the methods by which the world can target the global sustainable goals concerning production and consumption. Currently, organic farming is practiced in 188 countries worldwide, and 96.4 million hectares of agricultural land are under organic management. India ranks second in terms of total area under organic agricultural land and is a global leader concerning organic producers. During the period 2000-2020, India had the highest Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) concerning organic agricultural land at 41 percent. This study analyses the growth rate of the global organic players namely, Australia, India, Argentina, China, and France, in terms of organic farmland area. During the period 2000-2020, India had the maximum hectare multiplier value being 957.80, while Australia (6.74), Argentina (1.55), and France (6.89) had a hectare multiplier value in single digit and China (60.88) hectare multiplier value in double digit. This paper also analyses the major reasons resulting in this expansion.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the development of both Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) & Diabetic Macular Odema (DMO). An intravitreal anti-VEGF agent is an effective new modality of treatment. Some studies have dealt with systemic effects of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF. However, decreasing renal function has been reported recently. Aims: To investigate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (anti VEGF) injection on renal function. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in the Department of ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, during March 2019 to August 2021. A total of 40 patients with retinopathy treated with intravitreal injection bevacizumab were included in this study, out of which 20 patients having diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and rest 20 patients without diabetic kidney disease (No DKD). The patients having Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) whose Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR) > 30 mg/g or Effective Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 60mL/min/1.73m2, No Diabetic Kidney Disease (No DKD) whose UACR < 30 mg/g or eGFR > 60mL/min/1.73m2. Patients of both sexes and age above 18 years were enrolled in this study. Pre- injection and 1 month after 3rd dose of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab, UACR, Serum Creatinine and eGFR were measured and compared. Results: It was observed that half (50.0%) of the patients in DKD and more than half (65.0%) in No DKD belonged to age group 50-59 years. Male was predominant in both the groups. The mean pre-injection of serum creatinine was 1.23±0.53 mg/dl in DKD and 0.87±0.22 mg/dl in No DKD. The mean post-injection of serum creatinine was 1.19±0.45 mg/dl in DKD and 0.87±0.16 mg/dl in No DKD. The mean pre-injection of UACR was 1294.9±968.26 mg/g in DKD and 13.8±5.99 mg/g in No DKD. The mean post-injection of UACR was 1142.11±1024.06 mg/g in DKD and 13.01±6.87 mg/g in No DKD. The mean difference of serum creatinine, eGFR and UACR were not significant (p>0.05) between pre-injection and post-injection in both groups. Conclusion: Serum creatinine, eGFR and UACR were almost similar between pre-injection and post-injection in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and patients without diabetic kidney disease (No DKD).

The presence of heavy metals in wastewater has raised concern in developing countries because of their impact on human health and environmental ecology. Therefore, this study aims to remove cadmium and lead ions from wastewater using natural Pterocarpus santalinoides fruit through the adsorption method. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) method was adopted to optimize the process variables such as contact time (20-100 min), adsorbent dose (0.1-0.5 g), initial metal ion concentration (10-50 mg/l), and temperature (30-70 °C). The ANOVA results clearly indicate that the linear model was not sufficient to best predict the removal performance of cadmium (R2 = 0.4009) and lead (R2 = 6353). The optimum conditions for the maximum Cd (94.81%) and Pb (89.23 %) adsorption onto the adsorbent were achieved at contact time (42.16 min), adsorbent dose (0.25 g), initial metal ion concentration (21.52 mg/l), and temperature (37.00 °C). According to the findings of the present work, Pterocarpus santalinoides shows to be a potential eco-friendly and cheap adsorbent for the removal of Cd and Pb from aqueous solutions. The BBD-RSM actual and predicted values of the Cd and Pb ions response show non-significant correlation, suggesting poor agreement between the two, revealing that the BBD-RSM model applied is not effective for the relationship between the four parameters examined in the Cd and Pb ions removal process.

An electrochemical oxidation process with an aluminum-doped copper oxide (Al@CuO) anode was modeled and optimized for the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The Al@CuO anode material was prepared by the thermal decomposition method. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis confirmed the successful deposition of CuO on the aluminum substrate. The influence of current density, electrolysis time, and MB concentration on the performance of the electrochemical degradation of MB was modeled using Box-Behnken design (BBD). The accuracy of the proposed quadratic model by BBD was confirmed with a p-value < 0.0001 and adj-R2 > 0.9. The optimum MB degradation efficiency of 53.23 % was obtained at 80 mg MB concentration, 40 min electrolysis time, and 3.75 V applied current. The kinetics on the MB electrochemical degradation process using Al@CuO followed pseudo first-order kinetics model. These studies revealed that the Al@CuO anode electrode is not a promising anode for the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue.

The troposphere's internal processes are complex and exhibit nonlinear trends, which have a significant impact on the transmission and reception of high-quality signals worldwide. This study used measured monthly climatic data of temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure for Maiduguri and Sokoto from the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) over a forty-two-years period (1981 to 2022) to estimate the seasonal tropospheric radio refractivity and examine its variations with other meteorological parameters and refractive index. The refractivity gradiant, effective earth radius, and percentage contribution of the dry and wet term radio refractivity were also examined. According to the results, radio refractivity was found to be highest at the two locations during the rainy season and lowest during the dry season. In Maiduguri, during the rainy season and dry seasons are 361.4837 N-units in August, 272.4506 N-units in March while for Sokoto are 366.7093 N-units in August, 277.1162 N-units in February. For Maiduguri and Sokoto, the wet term (Nwet) contributes to the significant variation with 19.9753 % and 21.1831%, respectively, while the dry term (Ndry) contributes 80.0247 % and 78.8169 % to the total value of radio refractivity. The average refractivity gradients in the studied locations were found to be -42.3746 and -42.3928 N-units/km. Furthermore, it was discovered that Maiduguri and Sokoto had average effective earth radiuses (k-factors) of 1.3697 and 1.3698, respectively. These values implied super refraction propagation condition.