The study explored perceived challenges faced by student-teachers during the off-campus teaching practice. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was all the student-teachers (300, 350, and 400 levels) from College of Education (Regular), University (Regular), University (Sandwich), and other modes of education. However, 135 student-teachers were randomly and conveniently sampled for data collection. The instrument used for the study was an adapted questionnaire. The instrument was validated from an expert perspective. Data to answer research questions were analysed using the means and standard deviations. The study found that student-teachers do not have personal challenges during their teaching practices. The study found that student-teachers do not have supervisory challenges during their teaching practices. The study also revealed that student-teachers do not face major challenges from their practicing schools during their teaching practices. It is recommended that Colleges of Education, Teacher Continuous Professional Development of the Universities, as well as Ghana Education Service should organise periodic workshops for student-teachers and in-service teachers on the selection of appropriate TLMs for various lessons.

The work is aim at the development of a computer program for the nonlinear analysis of rectangular thin isotropic plate on Ritz method. Twelve boundary conditions were analyzed which include: SSSS, CCCC, CSCS, CSSS, CCSS, CCCS, CCFC, SSFS, CCFS, SCFC, CSFS, and SCFS. General expressions for displacement and stress functions for large deflection of isotropic thin rectangular plate under uniformly distributed transverse loading were obtained by direct integration of Von karman’s non-linear governing differential compatibility and equilibrium equations. Polynomial function as shape function was on the decoupled Von Karman’s equations to obtain particular stress and displacement functions respectively. Non-linear total potential Energy was formulated using Von Karman equilibrium equation and Ritz method was deployed in this formulation. A computer based program was developed using Matlab programming language to circumvent the challenges involved in solving the governing differential equations of thin rectangular plates. The developed program is capable of determining deflection and stresses at any point of the plate against the usual method of evaluating deflection at the center. The results obtained were compared with those of previous researchers The comparison made are only for SSSS, CCCC and CCCS plates. It was so because the remaining boundary conditions considered in this work have not been researched upon by previous researchers. From results obtained, the average percentage differences recorded for SSSS, CCCC, and CCCS plates for the present and previous studies are 4.01978%, 3.7646%, and 5.02% respectively. The percentage differences for the three plates compared are within acceptable limit of 0.05 or 5% level of significance in statistics. From the comparison made, it was obvious that an excellent agreement was observed in all cases thus indicating applicability and validity of the polynomial function and computer program for solving exact plate bending problems.

This work is aimed at formulating a polynomial function for the nonlinear analysis of CCCS isotropic rectangular thin plate. The previous researchers used trigonometry function as their shape function on the decoupled Von Karman’s equations to obtain particular stress and displacement function respectively. Trigonometry function can only be used effectively for SSSS and CCCC plates; apart from these boundaries conditions its efficiency reduces. This present work hence used a polynomial function to formulate the approximate shape function for the CCCS plate. Direct variational calculus was used applied on Von Karman’s equations to obtain the general form of minimized total potential energy which serves as a platform for the determination of coefficient factor( Amplitude or coefficient of deflection). The numerical values of CCCS plate under unit load were obtained using Amplitude equation formulated. These values were obtained for various aspect ratio (ranging from 1 to 1.5 with an increment of 0.1). This work was compared with the previous work [1] and the percentage difference in the results are within the acceptable limit. This results indicate that the approach adopted by the present work is adequate, reliable and satisfactory for the analysis of CCCS rectangular plate.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant and belongs to BCS class I which exhibits high solubility and high permeability. Guaifenesin has a half-life of 1 hour; in order to increase its duration of action gastroretentive tablets are formulated. Guaifenesin shows poor flow properties so the method opted for the preparation of this tablets is Top spray granulation. In which HPMC K100LV/HPMC E6LV/HPMC K100M/HPMC K15MPCR is used as swelling matrix polymer, Povidone is used as binder, Magnesium stearate is used as lubricant and MCC is used as diluent. Tablets are evaluated for floating lag time, total floating time, thickness, hardness, friability and invitro drug release studies were performed. The optimized formulation showed less floating lag time, sufficient floating time and with maximum drug release of 88.9% at the end of 12 hours.

Aim and Objective: To evaluate the probiotic potenties along with safety of probiotics within infant faecal origin. Methods and Results: The present study isolates lactic acid bacteria from infant feces were characterized and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. On evaluation of in vitro probiotic capability, the test isolates exhibited in vitro probiotic potency, antagonistic property and better cell surface properties. The Bile salt hydrolase activity, cholesterol assimilation, antioxidant activity and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory action of the test isolates proves their health conferring potency. Standard protocols were used for the estimation of lymphocyte proliferation rate, phagocytosis rate, cytokine response and faecal enzyme levels. Animal experiment using different doses of L. plantarum (MBTU-S1B) substantiated its immunotolerance against inhibitory effects of supraoptimal concentration of both T and B cell mitogens with significant reduction on β-Glucosidase and Nitroreductase activity with p< 0.05, while contrasting effect was noticed for β-Glucuronidase. Findings of the in vivo study proved higher dose of probiotic would not provide any additional benefit on host body. Conclusions: The test isolates possesed in vitro probiotic potency and the in vivo study with MBTU- S1B proved their applicability in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Significance and Impact of Study: To conflict disease outbreaks by improving general immunity via probiotics.

Vertical bone atrophy in the mandible is a challenge when inserting dental implants. In situations where less than 3 mm of residual bone is present but both vestibular tables remain intact, a mandibular split technique can be used. It is a highly predictable and easy to perform technique although borderline situations such as those shown in the present clinical case series with less than 3 mm bone width may be less unpredictable in terms of outcome and long-term implant survival. Therefore, we show a series of extreme cases treated with a technique of splitting, biological reaming and matching of the implant to the recipient bed, which achieves lasting results ten years later.

This article aims to analyze the research trend and hotspots in the field of comparative literature by using the method of bibliometrics. The data is derived from the Web of Science Core Collection Database. The visualization software VOSViewer is utilized to draw keyword co-occurrence knowledge graph. R programming language is employed to analyze the quantity of publications, core journals, highly cited papers, the most contributing authors, and keyword word cloud. The results indicate that ever since 1975, this study field has entered a period of rapid development; top journals with most publications are mainly from France, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Most of the highly cited articles have emerged in the recent two decades, and quite a few of them inherit the academic tradition of adopting a geographic perspective. The keyword word cloud and the keyword co-ocurrence knowledge mapping reveal that comparative literature study is shifting its focus from literary history and intertextuality to identity, culture, literary theory and world literature. The recent reserch hotspots in this field are mainly identity, culture, world literature, literary theory, Latin American literature, appropriation, genre, theatre, ethics and digital humanities, etc.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the estrogenic effects of the methanolic extract of the stem bark of Cylicodiscus gabunensis in the female rat. The evaluation focused on the effect of the extract on the oestrous cycle, the evolution of the fresh weight of the uterus and ovaries, the total cholesterol level, and the total protein and oestradiol levels. The doses of extract administered to the female rats were 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Administration of C. gabunensis extract at 400 mg/kg induced an increase in total protein levels. The administration of the extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg gives the same results as the negative control which is distilled water. No significant variation of the C. gabunensis extract on the other parameters studied was observed compared to the negative control. This study shows that C. gabunensis would have anti-estrogenic effects, additional work should be carried out in order to validate the use of this extract in the treatment of female infertility.

Introduction: Preterm labor is one of the clinical events that can change a normal pregnancy into a high-risk one for both the mother and the fetus. Preterm labors are thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including decidual bleeding and uterine deformation. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to observe the maternal complications of preterm birth. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. The study duration was 6 months, from January to June of 2015. Purposive sampling method was used to select a total of 100 women from those admitted at the study hospital for deliveries according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: Most of the patients were from the third decade of life. Majority (61.0%) patients had multi para. Majority (39.0%) patients were gestational age 34 weeks. More than half (53.0%) had infection, among which urinary tract infection were the most common. Neonatal death was 61%, and most common cause of neonatal death was septicemia, followed by respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusion: Most of the patients were in 3rd decade of life, and did not receive regular antenatal check-up. Infection and pre-eclampsia were the most common maternal complications, while respiratory distress syndrome was the most common perinatal morbidity. Septicemia and respiratory distress syndrome were the most common cause of perinatal death.

Background: Worldwide, head and neck cancer (HNC) was the 6th most common cancer in 2020 in all ages and both sexes. In Bangladesh, lip and oral cavity cancer was the 2nd most common cancer in 2020. Up to 60% of HNC patients presents with locally advanced disease. Aim and Objective: To determine treatment Interruption and hospital admission in head and neck cancer patients during concurrent chemoradiotherapy with or without prophylactic nasogastric tube feeding. Materials and Method: A quasi-experimental study was performed in Radiation Oncology Department of National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital from 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020. A total number of 68 Patients (34 patients in each arm) was included in this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria by purposive Sampling technique. All patients in Arm A and Arm B were planned for total 66 Gray in 33 daily fractions, 2 Gray per fraction, 1 fraction per day, 5 fractions per week over 6½ weeks and inj. Cisplatin 40mg/m² was given intravenously 2 hours before radiotherapy on 1st day and then weekly. All the information’s were recorded in a pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis was done by using independent sample t test for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables and data were presented in tables and graphs. Results: In this study, mean age was 52.5 ± 8.5 years and male: female ratio was 4.2: 1 among all patients. The Incidence of treatment interruption was significantly lower in Arm A compared with Arm B (29.4% in Arm A and 70.6% in Arm B, p-value < 0.05). There were fewer patients who required hospitalization in Arm A (23.5% in Arm A and 55.9% in Arm B) and length of hospital stay was less too (5.3 ± 1.7 in Arm A and 10.0 ± 1.9 in Arm B, p value <0.05). There were no significant differences in treatment response and toxicities between the two groups. Conclusion: Prophylactic nasogastric tube feeding at the beginning of CCRT in head and cancer patients is beneficial in terms of preventing treatment break and reducing hospital admission.

The antiquity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is replete with the search for effective and efficient models of governance to aid harmonious co-existence among the federating units. This has unfortunately led to an unending discussion on constitutional restructuring. The Legal framework and the institutions charged with the responsibilities of developing these models is and are established by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Nigeria is increasingly becoming a theatre of war and terrorism centre where human life is not valued. Nigeria is stressed and distressed, with ‘revolutionary pressures’ everywhere. How did we get to this gridlock? How do we get out of it? And where do we go from here? Why is a country that was once ranked with India, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea still moving in circles instead of moving up? Why are we still a country in transition, more than a century after the Amalgamation? Are we fated to be a banana republic? This paper is to examine, cross-examine and re-examine these and other questions. It is the view of the researchers that all though the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is not a perfect document, the major problem is that those saddled with the responsibility of implementing the provisions of the constitution are allowing the primordial sentiments of ethnicity and religious inclinations to becloud their sense of patriotism and nationhood, hence the constitution is implemented more in breach and default. There is therefore the need for a mental re-orientation and national re-birth to forge a greater sense of unity among the diverse ethnic groups that make up the Nigerian nation. The paper concludes by suggesting for the rapid mental renovation of political office holders and all citizens to embrace the rule of law where justice, fairness, and equity will regulate human conduct. This will ultimately metamorphosed into building a strong institution rather than strong personalities in Nigeria. The researchers ultimately advocates for sincere implementation of the provisions of the constitution as it is, pending constitutional amendment. The research methodology utilized by the researchers is the Qualitative Research methodology.

The Liquid-Liquid equilibria of Tertiary-Butyl Alcohol – Water – Benzene System were measured experimentally at 30°C and 1atm pressure. The experimental binodal curve compositions were obtained using the cloud point method. The compositions of the two equilibrium phases were analysed using Agilent 7820A series Gas Chromatograph. The consistency of the experimental data was determined using the Hand, Othmer-Tobias and Bachman- Brown correlation equations while the plate point was determined using the Treybal’s method. The effectiveness of the solvent in the extraction was determined by calculating the distribution coefficients and separation factors. The experimental tie-line data were correlated with the Universal Quasi-Chemical (UNIQUAC) and Non-Random Two Liquid (NRTL) activity coefficient models. Also, the deviation between the experimental and calculated equilibrium compositions were calculated using the root mean squared deviation equation. The UNIQUAC predicted data gave a closer resemblance to the experimental.

This present paper deals with large deflection of clamped thin rectangular isotropic plate under uniformly distributed load. The analysis of clamped plates is of great important and its structural behavior has not been completely understood. Previous studies have made a great in road in the analysis of clamped plates through varied approaches mostly assuming trigonometric series as displacement field. A variational method based on the principle of minimization of total potential energy has been employed through assumed displacement field. Therefore, the von Karman differential equation was decoupled through direct integration retaining its non-linear character. The aim of this present studies is to provide solution to analysis structural behavior of clamped (CCCC) thin rectangular isotropic plate under uniform distributed. The analysis was accomplished through a theoretical formulation of shape function based on polynomial series and subsequently, the formulated shape function was used on Ritz energy method. The resulting functional was minimized to obtain a general amplitude equation of the form K1∆3+K2∆+K3. Where K1, K2 and K3 are coefficients of amplitude equation and ∆ is the deflection coefficient (factor). Newton-Raphson method was used to evaluate the deflection coefficient. Values of ∆ from Timoshenko and that from present study were compared with an aspect ratios ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 with an increment of 0.1. From results obtained, the average percentage difference for the pervious and present studies is 3.7646%, The percentage difference for the plate was within acceptable limit of 0.05 or 5% level of significance in statistics. It is shown from the comparison that good agreement exists between the present and previous works and that this approach provides simply, direct, straightforward and highly accurate solutions for this family of problems.

This study this study therefore examines guessing parameters and 2016 and 2017 NECO Mathematics multiple choice test items in Calabar education zone. The research objectives specifically compared the guessing parameter of the 2016 and 2017 NECO Mathematics multiple-choice test items; and also, compared the measurement theories and year of examination on reliability coefficient of 2016 and 2017 NECO Mathematics multiple-choice test items in Calabar education zone, Cross River State. To guide the study two research questions and hypotheses were further formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The instrumentation research design was adopted for the study. One thousand three hundred and fifty-one (1,351) students were selected using the stratified random sampling procedure. Two instruments, namely the 2016 and 2017 NECO mathematics multiple choice tests were used for data collection. Using ANOVA and correlated t-test to analyze data collected from the field, the result reveals that guessing parameter and reliability indices of the 2016 and 2017 NECO mathematics multiple choice tests were significantly different. It was concluded that guessing parameters differed significantly with the years of study and also, there was a significant influence of measurement theory and year of test on item reliability on NECO mathematics examination papers significant difference exists between psychometric properties using the different measurement theories. Based on these findings, it was recommended that NECO should use the item response theory (IRT) in assessment for its relative merit over the CTT.

This research work presents Nonlinear Analysis of Isotropic Thin Rectangular Plates using Energy Principle (Ritz method). Isotropic thin Rectangular plate having different twelve boundary conditions were analyzed and these boundary conditions were formed by combination of three major supports – Clamp, C; Simply supported, S; and Free, F.; General expressions for displacement and stress functions for large deflection of isotropic thin rectangular plate under uniformly distributed transverse loading were obtained by direct integration of Von karman’s non-linear governing differential compatibility and equilibrium equations. Polynomial function instead of trigonometry function as was with previous researchers was used on the decoupled Von Karman’s equations to obtain particular stress and displacement functions respectively. Non-linear total potential Energy was formulated using Von Karman equilibrium equation and Ritz method was deployed in this formulation. This equation was fully converted to potential energy by multiplying all the terms in it with displacement, w and the formed total potential energy, π consists of potential energy of internal forces and potential energy of external forces. This formulated total potential energy π, could give an accurate approximation of displacement field if the parameters were properly chosen. However, we assumed deflection, w to be ∆H1, and stress function, ɸ to be ∆2H2 and substituted into the formulated potential energy. H1 and H2 are profiles of the deflection and stress function respectively, and ∆ is deflection coefficient factor of the plate. Potential energy formulated contains deflection coefficient factor to the power of four. This potential energy was minimized by differentiating it partially with respect to coefficient factor reducing to cubic form.