New challenges about how to measure the performance of organizations have arisen since big data can be found everywhere. In order to make proper decisions, management needs to have strong insight into what is important to the firm and how to improve it. This study looks into logistics companies that rely heavily upon labor as the examples. While transportation and distribution are very important processes for logistics companies to meet customers‟ requirements, the process of creating appropriate measures is difficult due to the complexity of these activities. The aim of this research is to evaluate the relationship among these key performance indicators and find out the possible direction and coverage of improvement for such companies using hybrid DANP1 cause-effect and Influential Network Relation Map models. We collected data through expert questionnaires with questions based on discussions with experts (including managers and scholars). The research results help support managers‟ decision making for improvements in their firm and also can be applied in employee reward systems.

In an attempt to maintain a stable exchange rate and price level in Thailand given shocks from the United States, China, Euro Area, and Japan; the top five trading partners of Thailand, this study employs the system equations of VAR model techniques. Results show that the interest rates, demand shocks, and foreign prices affect the stability of the Thailand exchange rates and price levels. More so, empirical evidences validate the existence of unidirectional causality between Thailand exchange rate and domestic (as well as foreign) price inflation.

This study aims to calculate the fishery economic value of Limboto Lake including aquaculture, catch, and bibilo fishery. The research was conducted in Limboto Lake area and using survey method that based on questionnaire in collecting data. Respondents were 100 people who determined randomly. The productivity method is an estimate of the ecosystem economic value for a product or service that contributes to the commercial goods production in the market. The results showed that the fishery economic value of Limboto Lake is 51.474.000. 000 IDR / year. More than 50% of the value is contributed by aquaculture fishery.

Hand washing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the majority of child deaths. Routine Surveillance data shows increased morbidity from diseases of poor hygiene and environmental health in Kieni East sub-County, Nyeri County of Kenya. The objectives of the study were to assess hand hygiene, evaluate prevalence of diarrhea, find out relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and state of sanitation and evaluate relationship between hand washing practices and diarrhea diseases. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 household selected randomly between October and November 2017. Additional data was obtained from key informant interviews with facility in-charges and community resource persons. It was found that majority (78%) of the respondents washed their hands after visiting the toilet while 20% washed their hands before preparing food. Whereas toilet facilities had a high coverage (97%), coverage of hand washing facilities was lower (60%). Coverage of hand washing facilities with soap was very low (27%). There was a significant relationship between level of education (p=0.025) and availability of hand washing facilities with soap. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between occupation (p=0.019) and availability of hand washing facilities with soap. There was a significant relationship between households with hand washing facilities with soap (p=0.00) and diarrhea cases reported in the previous 4 weeks. The study concluded that there is poor hand hygiene among residents of Kieni East sub-County. Although majority of respondents recognized the importance of hand hygiene, hand washing was not frequently observed. A sensitization program is urgently required in Kieni East sub-County on hand washing and hand hygiene.

The research aimed to find out the difference in calcium concentration in breast milk between the good nutritional status and Chronic Energy deficiency in postpartum mothers. The research was the Cross Sectional design research type. The samples are 40 people who were chosen using the purposive sampling technique, and who met inclusive criteria. The samples were collected. Fourteen days after giving the researcher, they came to the respondent's house to measure BB, LILA and 24 hours foodrecall and milked 3 cc, done by the researcher, and will check their breast milk through laboratory test using Colorimetric Assay. The data with not normal distributed were tested using the statistical shapiro-wilk test with the resultof α> 0,05. The analytical test used Mann Whitney and Chi-Square test.The research indicated that there was a very significant difference of calcium concentration between postpartum the mothers with good nutrition status and the mother chronic energy deficiency with p value = 0.025 (p <0.05). The research also revealed thet postpartum mothers who experienced the decrease of low concentration (median 166.7 mg/L) 7.0 times more risk to experience the deficiency of cronic energy compared to the mother with postpartum good nutrition status.

Water samples of River Gwagwarwa and River Rafin Malam were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed for organic pollutants. The organic parameters were determined using the standard methods of America Public health Agency (APHA) and was extracted and analyzed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Ten different organic compounds were detected at different percentage values at River Gwagwarwa while only seven different compounds were detected in River Rafin Malam. The compounds fall within five classes of organic compounds, which include carboxylic acid, acid chloride, ester, aldehyde and acid anhydride. The distribution pattern of the organic pollutants at the two sampling stations depict the pattern; River Gwagwarwa > River Rafin Malam. The study shows that organochlorine was the predominant organic pollutant present in River Gwagwarwa sample which is a hazardous pollutant while River Rafin Malam has no toxic pollutant which is attributed to lack of activity of the River.

A population of spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) exists in Hengam Island in the Persian Gulf. The field work was carried out over a period of 10 days by the use of a four-member group work in May 2015 through 10 random transects in the whole Island by the use of motorcycle. Once the animal’s cavity was found, some plots with dimensions of 10 by 10 meters were established over the center hole of the spiny-tailed lizard and habitat variables such as the region slope, geographical direction, type of the soil texture, percentage and number of plant cover according to species, distance to the nearest water source, road, and vegetation patches were measured. The habitat factors measured in the control points where there were no signs of the animal’s holes were also measured and compared with the present points. Ultimately, 28 holes of the spiny-tailed lizard in 7colony that had far from each other, were considered in the region. The results showed that the spiny-tailed lizard of the regions with a mean slope of 10% facing towards the north preferred rather semi hard soils (contain gravel and silt) (p<0.05). To protect the population of this species in the region, paying attention to some effective parameters such as the percentage cover of plant species, region slope and Acacia tree are of the most important factors for the use of the habitat of this species.

Climate change is one of the environmental challenges that threatens any single aspect of development. Therefore, climate change poses both environmental and development problems. Salinization of freshwater and soil as a result of climate-induced sea-level rise in The Gambia is a growing concern for agriculture and ecosystems. This paper shed light on adaptation strategy response at the institutional level to saline-water intrusion in River Gambia and tributaries well-known for its ecological and livelihood delivery services such as rice cultivation in the lowlands. The study used stakeholder participation approach to gather data through a workshop in which 100 experts from four (04) different institutions intervening in saline-water intrusion adaptation were involved to discuss five themes relevant for institutional adaptation to saline-water intrusion in the country. Microsoft Excel 2013 was used to process and analyse the data at the end of the workshop. Results revealed that saline-water intrusion adaptation at the institutional level is poor performing in terms of capacity building, financial resources allocation for saline-water intrusion adaptation, available technology as well as collaboration among institutions. The study recommends an increase in budget allocation for saline-water intrusion adaptation in the targeted various institutions, capacity enhancement of staff in the monitoring of water salinity and provision of sophisticated equipment and technology to effectively address salinity in River Gambia and tributaries in the country.

Diversity and conservation status of plant species used for oral and dental management by the inhabitants of Bayelsa State, Nigeria were assessed. Information on the indigenous knowledge of the plant species use was obtained via semi-structured questionnaire guide, and field trip involved key informants. Species used for oral and dental care were identified, and their relative abundant status determined. The study revealed that different kinds of plant with varied growth habits were used for orodental care; however some of the plants are becoming rare due to unprecedented deforestation. Fidelity level (FL), and Respondents Consensus Factor (RCF) revealed the relative importance and level of respondents’ reliance on the plants. The study further showed that leaves, roots and plant inflorescence played significant role in oral treatment either singly or in combination of other plant parts steeped in ogogoro, a local gin. Many of the plants assessed were obtained from the wild, forest being their primary source. Thus, with the increasing level of deforestation in the State and the unsustainable collection pattern, combined with blasé attitude, the consequence of erosion of culture: it becomes pertinent to document information of plant species used for oral and dental management in the State.

Gold is a safe haven asset especially in times of uncertainties and can provide long-term capital gain. The objective of this study is to investigate the causality relationship among the changes of the Malaysia stock price index (KLCI), US stock price index (DOJ), Malaysian currency exchange rate (EXR) and crude oil price (COP) on the gold price (POG) in the Malaysian Market. This study employs vector error correction method with co-integration analysis, Granger causality test, and model evaluation. Based on the findings, COP and the lagged of the gold price (POG) only have a significant short-term relationship, however, the KLCI, DOJ, EXR and COP has also a significant long-term relationship with the gold price. Moreover, POG granger causes KLCI and COP also granger causes POG, both are uni-directional causality. Furthermore, EXR granger causes POG with bi-directional causality. Evidently, EXR and COP changes are importantly affecting the gold price changes. Otherwise, the gold price changes are affecting also the changes of KLCI and EXR in the study. These findings are important for investors who are opportunities for investment in gold in Malaysia.

The study investigated information sourcing situation surrounding crop farmers in Abak agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, effective and responsive media sources were mapped in terms of availability, preference and Constraints to use among crop farmers in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of respondents. Preferred Sources of Information Questionnaire (PSIQ) with reliability index of 0.84 was administered on 90 Crop farmers in the study area. Data were analysed through the use of descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the dominant age bracket constituted 64.5% of the sampled population. About 81.1% of the respondents were male and 55.6 % were married. 15.5% attended higher institution and 57.7% acquired SSC. Majority (52.22%) had between 3-10 years of farming experience while 66.67 % took crop farming as their primary occupation. 95.6% of the respondents identified mobile phones as their major available source of information while 92.2% identified both television and radio as their available sources of information. Other major available sources of information were internet (91.1%), co-farmers (90%), and extension agent (82.2%). Crop farmers association and posters (50%) each were considered the least available sources of information. Television and mobile phones with a mean value of 1.8 each were the most preferred sources of information utilized by crop farmers in the study area, followed by extension agents (1.6), internet (1.6) and co farmers (1.5). The results across all the constraints portrayed that almost all the identified constraints (16 out of 19) had influence on the utilization of available sources of information by the respondents. Adequate training centers, access to ICTs centers and increased extension agent ratio should be put in place to ameliorate the severity of the constraints faced by the respondents in utilizing the available sources of information in the study area.

Brain tumors account for 85% to 90% of CNS tumors. In 20-40% of the patients suffering from brain tumor (BT), seizures are common during the commencement of the disease. The relationship between the onset of seizures and brain tumor is poorly understood. These patients show a complex therapeutic profile making selection of the drugs very tough. The quality of life of the patient is highly compromised due to brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) as it is drug-resistant and poses the challenging risk factor for everlasting disability. Hence, there arise the need of unique and multidisciplinary approach of proper selection of medications with minimum side effects. Glioblastoma Multiforme is a grade IV highly malignant tumor attacking the glia, which provides nourishment and assist in signal transmission. Glioma cells secrete glutamate and choose neurotransmitter receptors for their invasive growth. Glutamate binds to ionotropic receptors, activate calcium release mediating excitatory neurotransmission. The alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors are the major mediators of glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission and are critical for spread of epileptic activity. Glutamate is the main culprit for both the occurrence of seizures and glioma metastases. Hence there lies an opportunity to use the anti-epileptic drugs which targets calcium permeable AMPA receptors for the treatment of glioblastoma as well as BTRE. Topiramate (TPM), a derivative of D-fructose is a novel broad spectrum anti-epileptic drug which shows antagonistic effect on AMPA receptor. When treated with TPM a dose-dependent decrease in live cell number, increase in the number of apoptotic cells, decrease in the calcium influx, reduction in phosphorylation of Akt, Erk1/2 expression were observed. Also phosphorylation of AMPA receptor in presence of EGF was observed. The data suggests that topiramate lead to decrease in proliferation and survival by decreasing calcium influx and inhibiting mitogenic and survival signalling in U87MG cells.

Ethanolic root extract of Solanum torvum Sw (Family: Solanaceae) was evaluated for its antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The extract was given orally in two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 28 days. Metformin (2.5 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug for activity comparison. Various parameters studied were blood glucose concentration, serum lipids, glycosylated haemoglobin and liver glycogen. The extract showed significant antihyperglycemic activity in dose dependent manner. Further, the extract was favourably and significantly corrected the alterations in the values of the lipid parameters, organ weights, liver glycogen and glycosylated haemoglobin content in diabetic rats. Therefore, it may be suggested that the ethanolic root extract of Solanum torvum has potential ability to prevent the secondary complications of diabetes mellitus like atherosclerosis.

Tuberculosis of the temporalis muscle is a rare clinical entity. Diagnosis is difficult because there are no specific clinical, radiological or biological signs of the disease. Only bacteriological and histopathological findings can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is based on anti-tuberculous drugs and allows usually a favourable evolution. The aim of this paper is to report a case of primary tuberculosis of the temporalis muscle in a 67-year-old female, and to stress the corresponding diagnostic pitfalls.

H pylori infection is well known to be the most common human infection worldwide on the basis of the fact that approximately 50% of the worldwide populations are infected and that human beings are the main reservoir. Infection is more prevalent in developing countries, and incidence is decreasing in Western countries. Moreover, it has been proved to be associated to endocrine system regulation of various hormones in the body, prolactin (PRL) is one of the reproductive hormones, which is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. The biological actions of prolactin hormone are Lactotrophic effects, metabolic effects influence to action of other hormones, osmoregulatory effects, and Influence of prolactin on the immunological system. This study was conducted in Khartoum State at the period from December 2015 to May 2016, and aimed to determine the possible effect of H. pylori infection on serum prolactin levels in Child-bearing females age (15 – 45). Sample size was 50 females infected with H. pylori and 50 uninfected females as control group. Stool Samples were taken from the entire study subject (100) samples to confirm the results of H. pylori Ab ICT in serum. The stool samples were analyzed by using H.pylori stool Ags detections ICT. Serum prolactin level was measured by using Cobas e411chemistry analyzer, the results showed that Prolactin concentration was higher in the patients compared with controls. In this study hyperprolactinemia due to H.pylori infection was reported in 52% of the patients. Statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference in the mean of prolactin concentration between infected and uninfected females group (P= 0.000). Regarding correlation between prolactin concentration and subject’s age, H. pylori infection duration or recurrence of infection, no significant was found to be observed.