It has been observed from the literature over time that the bulk of recent studies on Nigerian FDI inflows and exports focused on non-oil exports while exports on oil has been ignored. In order to fill this gap, the study examines the relationship between FDI inflows and oil exports in Nigeria over the period of 1990 to 2016. Consequently, various diagnostic tests were carried out with the aid of the standard Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Phillips-Perron (PP) and Johansen Cointegration tests. The authors employed Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) and Granger Causality approach to address the objective of the study. The findings that emerged in this study are as follows; FDI has a significant positive impact on oil exports in Nigeria. This confirms that the majority of foreign capital goes to oil and gas sector in this country. However, FDI and exchange rate have a significant negative relationship in the country. Furthermore, there is an existence of unidirectional causality which runs from FDI inflows to oil exports in Nigeria. Also, a unidirectional feedback flows from oil exports to exchange rate. Therefore, this paper recommends that the policy makers in Nigeria should see foreign capital as the backbone behind the oil exports in the country. And the proceeds from oil exports should be diversified and invested in the non-oil sector of the economy in order to stimulate a favourable exchange rate which can serve as catalyst that can facilitate further inflows of FDI in the country.

Induced labour is one in which pregnancy is terminated artificially, any time after foetal viability is attained, by a method that aims to secure vaginal delivery. At term, upto 15 – 30% of pregnancies in obstetrics practice are induced for labour due to various foetal and maternal indications. Dinoprostone (Prostaglandin E2 or PGE2) has been shown to be the most effective agent achieving for cervical ripening. The present study is conducted with an aim of comparison between the two preparations i.e. dinoprostone vaginal gel vs dinoprostone vaginal pessary administration in a pregnant women with singleton pregnancy with vertex presentation for efficacy and safety in induction of labour. This tertiary level hospital base prospective observational study is done on 100 pregnant women out of which 50 pregnant women were given dinoprostone vaginal gel and 50 pregnant women were given dinoprostone vaginal pessary after obtaining informed consent. Data were collected on number of doses of drug required for delivery (58% required single dose in gel group vs 80% required single dose in pessary group), need of oxytocin augmentation for delivery (56% in gel group vs 30% in pessary group), induction to delivery interval (Mean 20.86 Hrs in gel group vs 16.88 Hrs in pessary group), mode of delivery (Vaginal delivery 46% in gel group vs 80% in pessary group), maternal complication (84% in gel group vs 90% in pessary group with no complication) for maternal outcome and for foetal outcome liquor characteristic (72% in gel group vs 88% in pessary group with clear liquor) and NICU admission (12% in gel group vs 6% in pessary group). Dinoprostone vaginal pessary is more effective for cervical ripening in induction of labour then dinoprostone vaginal gel

MGNREGA is the first government programme which assured legal guarantee for 100 days of work for the needy, in the country. The main objective of the MGNREGA is to ensure livelihood security to rural people with employment. It is expected that the guaranteed employment has to facilitate the rural poor and the unemployed persons. This income has to help to meet the day to today expenditure of the beneficiaries like basic necessities of life and additional income for small land holders, create rural assets and encourage the agriculture sector. Therefore, in this paper an effort has been made to examine whether the MGNREGA programme is successful in fulfilling the set objectives specially in the employment generation in the rural areas. In this direction the researchers have taken the data from 2006-07 to 2016-17 and analysed the same by using Compound Growth Rates and tried to examine the set of objectives of the programme. After the analysis of the data the paper comes out with the conclusion that to some extent the income from MGNREGA facilitates beneficiary Households to take care of their basic needs mainly through employment generation, income and this income has led to increase in consumption expenditure, calories intake and in turn ensured food security of the rural Households.

Thyroid diseases are among the commonest endocrine disorders. Hypothyroidism is an insidious condition in which the thyroid gland does not synthesize enough thyroid hormones to meet metabolic requirement of the body which is associated with subtle and nonspecific symptoms with significant morbidity. Hypothyroidism is the leading cause of several complications the commonest being overweight and obesity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the BMI at the time of diagnosis in hypothyroid patients and compare with that of normal individuals. A comparative study was conducted, 100 cases of hypothyroidism at the time of diagnosis and 100 controls in the age group of 20-40 years, both Males and Females. BMI was calculated, data of T3, T4 & TSH levels were collected & compared between normal and hypothyroid subjects. It was found that hypothyroid subjects had a higher body mass index than the normal individuals. Hence maintenance of thyroid hormones at normal level and regular monitoring of BMI in Hypothyroid patients will help in early detection and prevention of Obesity and its related complications in future.

This paper investigated the retail gasoline market in Spain for asymmetric price adjustment and rent seeking following changes in crude oil price. The paper used nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach and monthly time series data for the period 2005M1 – 2015M12. The results show that the speed of adjustment ranged between 43 – 44 % per month, which is sluggish and typical of markets witnessing lack of competition and prolonged periods of mispricing. In addition the results also show that there is significant evidence of long-run asymmetry even at the 1% level. The estimated coefficients are quite low, suggesting that consumes in this market are somewhat prone to the fluctuations in the crude oil market. Overall, retail gasoline prices respond more swiftly to crude oil cost increases in the long-run than to cost decreases. These results indicate that the market needs continuous monitoring to avoid exploitation of consumers.

Introduction: Fingerprint patterns have been normally used for identification of an individual. The fingerprint design whorl might be winding, oval, roundabout or any assortment of a loop and record for around 30%. Arches are the basic type up till now uncommon (about 5%). As blood group system and dermatoglyphics have genetic inheritance, studies have shown that there is association between finger print pattern and blood group. Material and Methods: This is a prospective and single centre study was conducted among 90 subjects over a period of 6 months at Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Tertiary care Teaching Hospital. Inclusion criteria: Students who were aware of their blood group and whose age ranges between 17-25 years. Exclusion criteria: Individual with any hand deformity like permanent scars on fingers which may be congenital or acquired due to trauma on fingers. Individuals suffering from any chronic skin disease, having worn fingerprints or extra or bandaged fingers. Result: Of the 90 samples, 56 were males and 34 females, which correspond to 62.2% of male and the rest female. In this study, the maximum number of subjects were in the age group of 20-22 years which were 40% (n =36) of total followed by age group 17–19 years having 34.4% (n = 31) in this group and 25.5% were 23-25 years. In our study, the most of subjects had „O‟ Blood Group 43.3% (n =39) and least were AB Blood Group 7.7% (n = 7). It was observed that percentage of whorls was highest in B blood group (43.6%) and lowest in A blood group (37.3%). Also, percentage of arches in A blood group was highest (16.8%) as compared to lowest in O blood group (4.8%). Similarly, percentage of loops was highest in O blood group (51.80%) and lowest in AB blood group (46.0 %). Conclusion: The fingerprint used as a traditional, effective, and unique identification method of an individual, in future it allows researchers to investigate with various diseases other than those are raised with age but also helps to explore different antibodies or reactive process of human body in several diseases. Also, similar study helps to predict the risk of any kind of diseases in early age of an individual.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is a serious disorder of the immune system in which the body’s normal defenses against infection break down, leaving it vulnerable to a host of life-threatening infections. Human immunodeficiency and Treponema pallidum causative organism of syphilis share mode of transmission and risk factors. The study was conducted to assess the extent of seropositivity of syphilis among HIV positive patients at tertiary care hospital in Rajkot from JUNE 2016 to MAY 2017 and evaluate the need of routine screening for this infection among such patients. The samples were tested for HIV as per Strategy III of National AIDS control organization by using different system of testing to establish diagnosis of HIV. Samples were tested for antibodies to Treponema Pallidum by qualitative Rapid Plasma Reagine (RPR); reactive samples were retested with quantitative RPR (to rule out biological false positive samples) and by qualitative Treponema Pallidum heamagglutination test (TPHA) for confirmation of positive samples. Out of total 300 HIV positive patients, 69.67% were male and 30.00% were female. Only one was transgender. Out of 300 samples tested, 7(2.33%) samples were positive for syphilis with 5(2.39%) of male and 2(2.22%) of female patients. Higher prevalence was observed in age group of 21-30yrs 3(4.62%) and in male patients. We believe our data could help health professionals to deal better with HIV infected patients. We also believe our data reinforces the need of prevention programs on HIV transmission, which also lead to reduction in prevalence of Syphilis.

Background: Para-prosthetic leakage (PPL) is a significant complication following mechanical prosthetic mitral valve replacement, potentially impacting patient outcomes. The choice of suturing technique, continuous or interrupted, plays a pivotal role in determining the frequency and severity of PPL. Objective: To compare the frequency of para-prosthetic leakage in patients undergoing mechanical prosthetic mitral valve replacement using continuous versus interrupted suturing techniques. Methods: This observational study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from September 2015 to August 2017. A total of 40 patients requiring mitral valve replacement were included and randomly divided into two groups: Group A (continuous suturing, n=20) and Group B (interrupted suturing, n=20). Baseline demographic and clinical data were recorded. The primary outcome was the incidence of PPL, assessed by transthoracic echocardiography at one month postoperatively. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37.3±11.5 years in Group A and 40.2±11.1 years in Group B. Mild PPL was observed in 15% of patients in Group A and 10% in Group B, a difference that was statistically nonsignificant (p>0.05). PPL jets in both groups were predominantly mild and clinically insignificant. The continuous suturing technique was associated with significantly shorter cross-clamp (57.8±22.4 vs. 77.5±18.6 minutes; p<0.05) and bypass times (105.9±37.3 vs. 134.7±33.2 minutes; p<0.05) compared to the interrupted technique. Conclusion: Both suturing techniques demonstrated comparable rates of para-prosthetic leakage, with a slight, nonsignificant trend toward reduced PPL in the interrupted group. However, the continuous suturing technique provided the advantage of reduced operative times. Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these findings.

This paper investigated the Spanish retail diesel market for evidence of asymmetric price adjustment and rent-seeking following changes in crude oil prices. The study used the nonlinear autoregressive distributed Lag (NARDL) modeling framework and monthly time series data for the period January 2005 to December 2015. The results indicate that Spanish diesel market is fraught with sluggish speed of adjustment, which is typical of markets witnessing uncompetitive pricing and other irregular behaviours by retail firms. The results further indicate that Spanish diesel market is bedeviled by the problem of short-run asymmetric price transmission from crude oil markets, which is consistent with the rockets and fathers effect. Further still, we find that retail firms in the Spanish automotive diesel markets may be exploiting the tax system to conceal rentseeking behaviours. This paper therefore supports policies that will encourage continuous monitoring of the market for irregular behaviors since the observed problems have antitrust and consumer welfare implications.

Background: Colon cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with increasing incidence, particularly in high-risk populations. Early detection through screening, such as the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. FOBT, which detects microscopic blood in stool, is a simple, cost-effective, and non-invasive method. Screening programs using FOBT are especially valuable in high-risk populations, though their effectiveness in different groups remains under study. Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of screening FOBT in the early detection and prevention of colon cancer by analyzing its role in influencing treatment outcomes and adverse effects. Methods: This retrospective observational study, conducted at the Department of (Name), (Name) Medical College and Hospital, Saudi Arabia, included 500 patients aged 40 and older who underwent FOBT screening for colon cancer between March and October 2016. Data were gathered from electronic medical records (EMR), covering demographics, medical history, FOBT results, follow-up procedures, diagnosis, treatment plans, and outcomes. Inclusion criteria were patients with complete records and FOBT screening, while exclusions included those under 40, incomplete records, and those not screened. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with results expressed as means ± SD and frequencies/percentages. Result: The majority of patients are aged between 40 and 69, with a significant portion (30.0%) aged 50-59. Male patients make up 60% of the sample. Notably, 40% have a family history of colon cancer, and 20% have a history of polyps. The FOBT test was positive in 20%, with 10% showing precancerous lesions and 12% diagnosed with cancer. Treatment predominantly involves surgery (9%) and chemotherapy (4%). Most patients (78%) have no disease post-treatment, though complications occur in 10%. Conclusion: According to our study findings Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is effective for early colon cancer detection, identifying precancerous lesions and various cancer stages. With a 20% positivity rate, FOBT led to timely colonoscopies, improving patient outcomes.

Pap smear is a screening procedure to detect precancerous lesions to prevent subsequent invasive cervical cancer. Manual Liquid Based Cytology (MLBC) has been developed as an alternative to Conventional Pap Smear (CPS) as it is said to increase the rate of detection of precancerous lesions as it reduces the screening time, the artefacts, giving a clean background on the smear. In this study, cervical screening was performed in all married women of reproductive age group who visited Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology over a period of one year from February 2017 to January 2018. Out of which 350 cases were randomly selected for comparison between CPS and MLBC. Slides were examined for cytomorphological parameters. CPS showed higher percentage of inflammatory lesion 80% as compared to MLBC with 46.1%, Unsatisfactory smear in CPS was 10% and in MLBC was 49%, Normal smear was reported in 07% cases in CPS and 3.15% in MLBC. Most common cause of unsatisfactory smear in CPS is obscuration by blood and inflammation whereas that in MLBC was scant cellularity. The cellular features are better in MLBC as compared to CPS and also background is more clear in MLBC as there was no obscuration by RBCs or inflammatory cells while in CPS, the background is dirty due to the presence of RBCs, necrosis and inflammation

Background: Maternal body mass index (BMI) is a significant determinant of neonatal outcomes. Both underweight and overweight status before or during pregnancy may lead to adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW), macrosomia, and neonatal complications. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Sibchar Health Complex, Madaripur, from August 2017 to July 2018. A total of 140 pregnant women were enrolled. Maternal BMI was classified based on WHO standards, and birth outcomes including neonatal birth weight and complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, and correlations between maternal BMI and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. Results: In our study, 17.9% of mothers were underweight, 46.4% had normal BMI, 25.0% were overweight, and 10.7% were obese. Low birth weight was most prevalent among underweight mothers (60.0%), whereas macrosomia occurred more frequently in overweight (11.4%) and obese mothers (26.6%). Neonatal complications, including hypoglycemia (22.9% in overweight; 40.0% in obese), respiratory distress, NICU admission, and birth injury were notably higher among neonates born to overweight and obese mothers. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between maternal BMI and neonatal birth weight (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights a strong correlation between maternal BMI and neonatal birth weight and complications. Both low and high maternal BMI are associated with increased neonatal risks. Proper antenatal care and maternal weight management are crucial for improving perinatal outcomes.

This is an empirical paper that investigated public-private partnership as a panacea for infrastructural development in Nigerian Universities using the University of Maiduguri as a case study. The paper had an objective and corresponding research question. Survey research was adopted for the study. A sample of 80 respondents was selected using simple random sampling techniques out of the population of 100. A questionnaire was design by the research and validated by expert. The reliability of the instrument was tested using test- retest and a reliability coefficient of 0.79 was obtained signifying that the instrument was reliable. Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistic of frequency counts, percentage, mean and ranks. The finding of the study was that public private partnership has significantly improve students accommodation/hostels. The study concludes that public private partnership has improved infrastructural development in the University of Maiduguri. The study recommended among others the needs to encourage public private participation.

Background and Aims: Heart Failure (HF) is a multi-faceted and life-threatening syndrome characterized by significant morbidity, mortality, poor functional capacity, poor quality of life and associated high costs. Anemia is a frequently encountered comorbid illness in heart failure. It develops due to the complex interaction of other associated comorbidities like chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, micronutrient deficiency and blood loss disorders. Hence, this study was aimed to find out the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among patients with heart failure at tertial care hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted Department of Cardiology July 2017 August 2018 among consecutively selected 200 patients at BSM Medical University Hospital. Socio-demography, clinical features and laboratory parameters to evaluate anemia were obtained. Ethical clearance was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of institute. Collected data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Frequency, mean, percentage were calculated and chi square test at 0.05% level of significance was used to find the association. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 65%. Out of 200 patients, majority had iron deficiency anemia (40%), followed by anemia of chronic disease (10%). In this study population, majority (98%) of patients were above age more than 40 years of age and the mean age of the study participants was 65.4±12.5 yrs. More 104 (52%) were male. Among the various religion 87% were Muslim, Hindu (12%) and 1 % other ethnicity. Majority of the study population (61%) were illiterate. 60 percent had iron deficiency without anemia. Female patients 144 (72%) and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 60 (30%) had significantly higher prevalence of anemia (p value <0.05). Conclusions: Nearly two third of heart failure patients had anemia among which iron deficiency anemia was the commonest. Female and patients with COPD had higher prevalence of anemia.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections encountered in clinical practice, which cause morbidity in both hospitalized and out patients. Increasing antimicrobial resistance among bacterial uro-pathogens is a significant health concern. Approximately 1 in 3 women will require antimicrobial treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) before age 24, and 40% to 50% of women will have a UTI during their lifetime. UTIs in male patients are considered complicated. Escherichia coli are the most common cause of UTIs. To determine spectrum of microorganisms responsible for UTIs and their antimicrobial sensitive pattern. Clean-Catch midstream urine of the patients was collected. Urine samples received in microbiology laboratory for culture from 881 patients clinically suspected of having urinary tract infection during the study period were processed according to standard protocol. Isolates were identified by conventional phenotypic methods and antibiotic sensitivity determined by standard Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and follow Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. In this study 191 (21.68 %) patients out of 881 were shown to be urine culture positive out of them 122 (63.87%) females and 69 (36.13%) males. The most isolated bacterium was E. coli with frequency rate of 126 (65.97%). The other bacteria were Klebsiella spp. 35(18.32%), Pseudomonas spp. 18 (9.43%), and Acinetobacter spp. 12 (6.28%). It is concluded that Gram-negative bacilli were responsible for UTI infections in our patients. The most common isolated bacteria from urinary tract infections were E. coli followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The most effective antimicrobial agent was Imipenam and the least effective one was cephalexin.