Inflammatory response is a form of immune response which could be caused by infectious agents and toxic chemicals. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract contains phytonutrients such as protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron; and is also a rich source of antioxidants which could be attributed to the traditional and scientific claims in the treatment of anaemia. This work was designed to determine possible pro and anti-inflammatory responses in the traditional application of raw liquid extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf (iyana ipaja-chaya) in the treatment of anaemia. Twenty three (23) out of Thirty one (31)anaemic patients aged 12-32 years (including 2 females aged 12/15 years and 21 males aged 17 – 32 years) with PCV ≤ 20% receiving treatment at 5 traditional homes in Saki-west Local Government of Oyo State-Nigeria. Age matched 50 apparently healthy volunteers (Female-25; Male-25) with a PCV of 42±3.0% were recruited as control subjects. Thirty one anaemic patients initially volunteered themselves for the work but only 23 were successfully monitored. The patients were recruited before the commencement of the treatment. Each of the test and control subjects was subjected to stool microscopy for intestinal parasite, Giemsa thick staining procedure for plasmodium and Serological test for anti HIV, anti-HCV and HBsAg. All subjects who were negative to the aforementioned laboratory procedures were selected as subjects. Freshly prepared sixty milliliters (60ml) of the liquid was administered to each of the 23 anaemic patients and the 50 normal control volunteers 3 times on daily basis for 14 days when the PCV was found to have increased appreciably. Plasma ALT, IL-4, IL-6 , TNF-α (before and after the administration of the extract), HIV-1 p24 Antigen ELISA, anti-HCV, HBsAg were determined in all subjects by ELISA technique while whole blood was used to determine PCV by microhaematocrit and the identification of Plasmodium infection using Geimsa thick staining techniques.

This paper seeks the complex issues between the oral/ethnographic narration and historical narration of the past. The oral history often collected by ethnographers directly from the people may have huge differences with the supposed authentic written account of history. For instance, the people in Tibet still believe, and they have tales and songs which say that Mao Zedong came to Tibet for the Communist Long March through China in the 1930s but the written records of the long march and Zedong‟s personal history reject this claim. However, the written history can‟t reject the paradoxical existence of oral tradition and vice versa. Both oral and written history has cultural significance and hence exists beyond the truth. In this context, it is difficult to pass judgment whether ethnography or history is the truth; rather it demands anthropological concerns to understand the reason behind the disjuncture. The social and cultural feature which creates disjuncture or paradox between the oral and written forms of historic accounts is more important to understand the truth. Anthropologist Carole Mcgranahan argued, “This situation demands to consider the social truth, cultural logic and political claim embedded in history as examples of the productive excesses inherent in and generated by this conceptual disjuncture.” This paper also emphasizes the concepts like social truth, cultural logic, and political claims to solve the complex issues between the ethnography and written history.

Gluconeogenesis involves formation of glucose from the breakdown of protein to form glycogenic amino acid and lipid such as triglyceride to generate glycerol which is further utilized for the formation of glucose. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) leaf has some non-scientific but traditional health benefit claims such as in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. This work was designed to determine the evidence of Gluconeogenesis in rabbits given ypung cashew leaf extract using Plasma Value of Cortisol, Glycerol, Cortisol Binding Globulin Glucose, Total Triglyceride and Total Bile Acid. Materials and Methods: 10 rabbits of the same sex weighing 1.0-1.2Kg grouped into A1 (5 rabbits fed with normal meal and water only for 7 days), A2 (A1 rabbits given 500mg/KgBW of ethanolic extract for another seven days) and B1 (5 rabbits fed with normal meal and water only for 7 days), B2 (A1 rabbits given 500mg/KgBW of aqueous extract for another seven days). Plasma cortisol, glycerol, cortisol binding globulin, glucose, total triglyceride and total bile acid were measured biochemically using auto-analysis, ELISA and colorimetric techniques. The result obtained showed a significantly higher plasma value of cortisol, Glycerol and a significantly lower mean plasma value of Glucose and Total Triglyceride in rabbits (A2 and B2) given 500mg/KgBW of ethanolic or aqueous extract for seven days compared with the values of these parameters obtained in the same rabbits when they were fed with normal meal and water only for 7 days (A1 and B1) with p<0.05. This work reviled possible evidence of gluconeogenesis as indicated by the significant biochemical alterations the plasma values of cortisol, glycerol, glucose and total triglyceride with respect to changes in their plasma level before and after the supplementation of the extract of young cashew (Anacardium occidentale) leaf

Metaphors are an ambiguous and complex genre in Kiswahili Literature which slips into the forms of other literary genres and figurative language. This is potrayed in their definitions and manner of classification. Although metaphors are classified as a genre of sayings in Kiswahili oral literature their use goes above and below the saying. Kyallo Waddi Wamitila is one of the scholars of literature who besides having classified metaphors has also written literary works including plays. In his plays, words have been used to convey information metaphorically in context. This article shows the application of the conceptual metaphor theory in the analysis of word metaphors in Wamitilas plays. Though there are also other types of metaphors based on genre and use of figurative language such as play metaphors, narrative metaphors, poetic metaphors, songs, conversational metaphors, proverbial metaphors, simile metaphors, metonymy and quibbles.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Indian population which has a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to find the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25-OH-D) level with Carotid artery Intima Media Thickness(CIMT)-a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, in type-2 diabetics, a high risk group for cardiovascular disease. Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients attending to OPD of PGIMER & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi, were enrolled in the study. Winter serum 25-OH-D levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay using IDS 25-OH-D EIA kit. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-OH-D level less than 50 nmol/L.CIMT was measured by B-mode ultrasonography, on Philips HD 11 machine with transducer L12-3 MHz. CIMT >0.8 mm was considered abnormal. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of increased CIMT.100 patients were studied (55 men and 45 women)with mean age 52.9 ± 11.1 years and mean duration of diabetes 9.2 ± 6.2 years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 71% in study group. Increased CIMT was seen in 25% patients. Serum 25-OH-D level was associated inversely with CIMT on univariate regression analysis (r2=0.61, p-value<0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, low serum 25-OH-D level was found to be independent predictor of increased CIMT (p-value<0.001) even after adjustment for risk factors showing association with CIMT on univariate analysis (p value<0.005,relaxed upto p value<0.2) which included serum 25-OH-D level, sex, smoking, HbA1c and HDL cholesterol. This regression model accounted for 65%(r2=0.65) of total variance in CIMT. Serum 25-OH-D level has an independent inverse association with Carotid Intima Media Thickness-a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis

In Less Economically advanced nations, more than half of their populations live in rural areas and majority depend on agriculture for survival. Post- harvest food loss in Africa represents a multi-faceted challenge that reduces the income of approximately 470 million farmers. Agriculture plays a key role in the overall economic performance of Jakiri Sub Division, in terms of its contribution to food, source of livelihood and in providing employment. Using secondary and primary data, participatory approaches through field observation, questionnaires and interviews, this study investigates post-harvest options of farmers in Jakiri Sub-Division. Results revealed that agricultural production techniques have evolved and improved over the years, however very little has been done to improve post-harvest management. Findings equally showed that Postharvest options of farmers are inadequate due to a complexity of reasons such as the absence of sufficient technologies/infrastructures, inadequate capital and technical knowhow and above all refusal to adopt appropriate techniques. Consequently this results in large quantities of harvested food produce being lost thereby representing a waste of time, effort and resources. Overcoming these socioeconomic constraints through the development of infrastructures, increased training and sensitization of the local population is an important step in achieving food security and also it would go a long way to increase the efficiency of resources used in food production.

Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common endocrine disorder and its outcomes are social, psychological and medical burden to the world. This study is designed to determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunctions and its association with different factors. In this hospital based cross-sectional study 809 women were enrolled (resident of Rupandehi District) during a period of August 2015 to September 2016. BMI was determined by measuring the height and weight to know the status of obesity and blood pressure was measured using sphygmomanometer. Other relevant information like age, sex and smoking habits were recorded by trained laboratory personnel through a comprehensive baseline questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and subjected for thyroid function test (TSH, fT3 and fT4). The studied population was categorized as euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism on the basis of the level of thyroid hormones. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of thyroid disorders is nearly one third of the total studied population. The number of participants was higher in the subclinical hypothyroidism (17.18%) followed by the hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and the least in subclinical hyperthyroidism (7.96%). Study revealed higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. The screening of thyroid function test is recommended for high risk population in Nepal which will be helpful for the prompt diagnosis of the disease and the policy makers to formulate the national policies in order to minimize the disease burden and its consequences

Over the years, Poverty alleviation programs and policies have evolved, including a succession of policies and plans by Government, Non-Governmental Organizations and International Donor Agencies. The Nigerian Government at different times introduced policies and plans with a view to addressing the problem of poverty but the problem still persists. In spite of these various efforts as intensified by both internal and external systems, of poverty has become not only more complicated but almost impossible due largely to a number of challenges notable among which are both individual and institutional. This amplifies that the efforts have proven too inadequate to reduce poverty, hence persistence of the scourge in the country. Using poverty indicators such as literacy level, access to safe water, nutrition, infant and maternal mortality, and the number of people living on less than $1 a day, Nigeria is found to rank among the 25 poorest nations in the world below Kenya, Ghana and Zambia. It is obvious that from 1960 till date, all Nigerian governments, be it military or civilian, have come up with one form of poverty reduction or alleviation programme or another, meant to reduce the level of poverty, give hope and succor to the poor and, or move towards some sort of wealth creation. Strategies, policies and plans have been formulated and executed over these years. These programmes have been judged by scholars not to be satisfactory. Inspite of all such previous government efforts at alleviating poverty in Nigeria, the incidence and severity of poverty has continued to pose formidable threats to the welfare of Nigerians and sustainable development of the country. To this end, a myriad of problems have been identified as constraints on poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria. Despite the relevance of religion in solving developmental problems of Nigeria little is done to explore in the development literature Islamic strategies of alleviating poverty. Against this backdrop, the paper seeks to explore the Islamic strategies of alleviating poverty.

The voluntary religious undertaking of fasting has attracted scientific, religious and popular interest due to its supposed health benefits. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of intermittent fasting on such parameters as body weight, blood glucose, uric acid and blood lipid profile among healthy volunteers.Seventy-five consenting Muslim medical students resident in the medical students’ hostel of the College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria were recruited during the month of Ramadan 1428AH corresponding to September 2007. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical indices including plasma glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and uric acid were evaluated a week before, three weeks into and a month after Ramadan.BMI showed significant difference in all subjects during and after Ramadan fasting, however the body weight and BMI parameters were insignificant in gender analysis. We also recorded no overall changes in total cholesterol, TG and LDL during Ramadan. However, significant increase in HDL and a slight increase in plasma glucose levels were noted during Ramadan. Further, there weresignificant increases in TG level during Ramadan and in both TG and total cholesterol after Ramadan in females. However, the atherogenic index decreased in males. BMI, total cholesterol, LDL, uric acid and atherogenic index were all decreased in overweight subjects.Females demonstrated increases in TG before Ramadan and in both TG and total cholesterol after Ramadan. Differences in the levels of physical activity, eating pattern and the fact that not all females completed the Ramadan fasting may be responsible for this observation

This study aims to analyze the influence of corporate culture on corporate performance either directly or indirectly through work motivation. Quantitative research method, Unit of analysis of this research is 2,844 employees residing in 6 retail company spread all over Indonesia. This research uses path analysis technique (path analysis), SPSS 23.00 analysis tool. The results of this study indicate that corporate culture can directly affect the company's performance and can also affect indirectly from corporate culture advocate to work motivation (as intervening variable) and then to the company's performance. The stronger the existing culture in a company, it will be able to increase employee motivation and impact on company performance optimally.

Nerve conduction study (NCS) measures how quickly electrical signals move through peripheral nerve. It is used to assess peripheral nerve dysfunction thus diagnose the types of neuropathy, and nerve damage. The purpose of this study was to observe the significance of recording nerve conduction parameters (NCP) of common peroneal nerve (CPN) from tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in neuropathic subjects. This study included 153 subjects which were grouped, on the basis of clinical and routine NCS in to normal healthy subjects and neuropathic patients; axonal and demyelinating types. Nerve conduction parameters were recorded and analyzed by using Digital EMG machine. After categorizing the subjects, the recordings of NCP were also obtained from TA muscle on stimulation of CPN, above and below the head of fibula. Study was performed at recommended temperature (32-340C). For statistics, the data was analyzed using MS Excel 2010 and Graph pad Prism6. A t-test was applied to see the significance of NCP recorded from TA and compared it with the NCP obtained from extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle in different categories of selected subjects. P-values < 0.5 were considered significant. The comparison of most NCP between TA and EDB was highly significant in these categories of selected subjects. In neuropathic patients, more than 40% were non responsive to EDB stimulation while recording from TA was comparatively convincing. Findings of the study showed that the recording of nerve conduction parameters from TA is very useful in severe neuropathic condition, therefore, should be performed routinely in nerve conduction study

This study aims to determine the narcissism and positive thinking scores of athletes engaged in different team branches. Multidimensional Sportsperson ship Orientation Scale and Narcissistic Personality Inventory were used as a collection tool in the study. Portable IBM SPSS Statistics v20 software package was also used to analyze the data. For analyses of the data, descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis were applied in the analysis of the data. As a result of the correlation analysis carried out, it was determined that there is a statistically significant relationship the narcissism and positive thinking scores of athletes.

This study aims to examine and analyze the influence of Institutional Image, Price, and Service Quality on Decision Choosing Futsal Young Indonesian School either partially or simultaneously. Research data from survey in the form of questionnaire. Sampling method used in this research is purposive sampling method, as many as 85 respondents selected to this sample by using Slovin formula. Quantitative analysis method using multiple linear regression analysis, followed by determination analysis (R Square), partial hypothesis testing (t test) and simultaneous (F test) with alpha 5 percent (0,05), before further analyzed first data quality test and classical assumption test were performed. Analyze tool using SPSS version 23 for windows. The results showed that the institutional image, price, and quality of service partially have a positive and significant influence on the decision to choose School Futsal Young Indonesian. Institutional Image, Price, and Service Quality have positive and significant influence on Decision Choosing School Futsal Young Indonesian either partially or simultaneously. Price has a very dominant influence on the decision to choose School Futsal Young Indonesian. There are still many other factors that influence the decision to choose school futsal that is equal to 38 percent which is still needed further research.

The paper examines the use of social media among speakers of English in Morocco and the extent to which it has empowered users in various struggles against political and social injustices. More importantly, it explores whether these media have helped students and enhanced their capacity to challenge and speak out against human rights abuses. In so doing, the thesis addresses some key polemical issues and questions germane to the topic, mainly the dialectic between technological and social determinism, the role of social media, mainly Facebook, in shaping democratic change among students. The thesis uses a combination of methodological approaches to explore the structural, textual and contextual dimensions of social media’s implications and impact on the promotion and protection of students in Morocco. Through analysing students’ writings, the research draws on rich data derived from in-depth qualitative research design conducted with Moroccan students. It offers insights into the embeddedness of social media as a technological medium and also into the interplay between students’ perceptions, practices and their political participation. Moreover, the study examines the complex and multi-layered interconnections between Facebook in particular and the various social, political and cultural processes shaping its appropriation and its potential, and enhancing democracy. The study concludes that social media play a significant role in enhancing Moroccan social and collective action capabilities by favouring different forms of mobilization, and facilitating linkages between dispersed constituencies and national public spheres with a view to promoting human rights practices among students in Morocco. The paper argues, however, that the medium does not affect in any radical way the dominant political and social orders inasmuch as its implications and potential remain considerably limited by the various digital divides, and are mediated through the power relations characterizing society in terms of the degree of literacy and political involvement.

Poisoning due to deliberate self-harm (DSH) with the seeds of yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) results in significant morbidity and mortality each year in South Asia. Yellow oleander seeds contain highly toxic cardiac glycosides including thevetins A and B and neriifolin. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, SriLanka among all DSH to see the prevalence of yellow oleander poisoning. Out of 121 DSH patients, 33(31.4%), 9 (27.3%) male and 24 (72.7%) female had seeds of yellow oleander poisoning. Among them, 3 (9.1%) patients got 1st-degree heart block while 2 (6.1%) got 2nd- degree heart block and 1(3%) patient got 3rd-degree heart block. Unfortunately, 2 (6.1%) patients have died. Though the numbers of suicide are already quite high, it is estimated that the real figures may be even higher in Sri Lanka. The under‐reporting is due to deaths not being recorded or being misclassified for different reasons such as stigma, legal harassment or insurance benefits. The main reasons for the oleander poisoning were a confrontation with their parents and siblings.