Since the publication of Red Sorghum: A Novel of China translated by Howard Goldblatt, a great number of long and elaborate theses has sprung up. Theoretically, many theoretical viewpoints have been employed to analyze this novel, but in a cumbersome jumble. On the aspect of the selection of linguistic data, superficially distinctive linguistic units tend to be selected more frequently as the research subjects, while those representing the unique style of the original text are less likely to be comprehensively researched. Methodologically, subjective text analysis method takes the upper hand, while only a few scholars employ the objective and exhaustive methods.

High alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of liver disease. Several markers have been studied for alcohol consumption such as carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT), gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST). An elevated serum AST in relation to serum ALT (alanine transaminase) has been proposed as an indicator that alcohol has induced organ damage. Thus when AST:ALT ratio is greater than 2, this is considered as highly suggestive that alcohol is the cause of the patient’s liver injury. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of AST:ALT ratio in alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease. This study involved 148 subjects, out of which 74 were diagnosed cases of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and remaining 74 were age and sex matched diagnosed cases of nonalcoholic liver disease(NALD). Blood samples were collected and plasma AST and ALT activity were determined in both groups(ALD & NALD) by colorimetric method using standard curve . Then the ratio of AST:ALT was calculated and compared in both groups. The plasma activity of AST and ALT was high in both alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease patients. Plasma AST, ALT activity and their ratio (AST:ALT ratio) were found to be significantly different in both groups(p < 0.05). AST:ALT ratio less than 2 was found in 95.94% and 29.72% of non-alcoholic liver disease and alcoholic liver disease respectively. The ratio was more than 2 in 4.05% of nonalcoholic liver disease and 70.27% of alcoholic liver disease cases. The ratio of AST:ALT was significantly increased in alcoholic liver disease as compared to nonalcoholic liver disease. Hence, the ratio of AST:ALT can be used as a parameter for the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease and for the differentiation of alcoholic liver disease from nonalcoholic liver disease

Bangladesh, a standout amongst the most crowded regions of Asia is at present experiencing Major energy emergency. Years of unconsciousness, absence of potential assets, labor, innovation and investment have taken the circumstance to an emergency level. Commercial energy consumption depends on natural gas (around 70%) trailed by coal, oil and hydropower. At present there is a huge difference between demand and generation of electricity. A step of building a nuclear power plant named Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is taken by Government to fulfill this crying need. Bangladesh has planned to establish two Russian nuclear power reactors in operation (Rooppur-1 & Rooppur-2). The power plant will be built at Rooppur, 200 km north-west of Dhaka, at Paksey union on the bank of the Padma in the Ishwardi subdistrict of Pabna District, in the northwest of the nation. This paper discusses the prospect of green power generation using RNPP and evaluates different parameters whether it is a proper decision or not and also provides some necessary recommendations regarding the implementation of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

Methanol-to-Gasoline Process involves the chemical transformation of Natural gas into usable gasoline range products. The objective of this work was to conduct a techno-economic analysis of Methanol-to-Gasoline Process, identifying heat integration, recycle and cost saving opportunities in the Process, and determining the Present-day Profitability of the Process. Aspen Hysys v8.6 was used in the model simulation, with an Auto-thermal Reformer being Used in modelling Synthesis Gas Manufacture, and a Plug Flow Tubular Reactor used in the methanol synthesis, with kinetic data similar to that of the commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst. The Gasoline synthesis reactor was modelled as a conversion reactor, with 94% conversion based on the CuO/ZnO/HZSM-5 zeolite conversion yield. It was also discovered, that starting with 10.02MMscfD of natural gas, we obtained 1462 Barrels/day of Gasoline, 82 Barrels/day of Methanol and 147 Barrels/day of Di-Methyl Ether. The total Capital Cost came to $172,360,500, the Operating Cost of $21,808,945 annually, and Gross annual revenue came to $26,575,626, with annual savings of $4,766,681. After Heat Integration and product recycle, a savings of $7,303,009 was realized (74% reduction). The simple payback period of 36.2 years and a Net-present value of -$94million after 20 years, indicating that the MTG process is not viable under the present economic situation. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that the MTG process will be profitable within the 1st 20 years when the price of natural gas falls $500/MMscf or is completely free, or when the interest rate falls 5% or when the inflation rate rises above 20%. The reason for its non-profitability was discovered to be its water to hydrocarbon volume distribution, with water being 53.32% and Gasoline was 46.68%.

Weirs are the most extensively used hydraulic structures in the different fields of hydraulics, environmental, irrigation, and chemical engineering, as flow measuring and flow control devices in open Channels. The object of the present paper is to study the effect of the geometry of crump weir on the coefficient of discharge (Cd) under different flow conditions. The experimental work was conducted in rectangular laboratory flume; fifteen physical models were used with five upstream angles (17o, 22o, 27o, 32o and 37o) and three different crest heights (10, 15 and 20) cm under free flow conditions. The results show that Cd value will increase with the decrease of crest height as well as with increasing flow rate; it is also directly proportional to the upstream slope and inversely to the downstream slope. Computational fluid dynamic (FLOW 3D) were used to conduct new experiments.An empirical relation was obtained to estimate the coefficient of discharge Cd under different height and upstream slopes crump weirs.

The aim of this study is to assess the state of plant biodiversity in the natural rangelands of transhumant cattle herds in the Classified Forest of Upper Alibori (CFUA), Northern Benin. Forty-five (45) phytosociological plots were carried out using the Braun-Blanquet method. The phytosociological data were submitted to Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) under the software R.3.3.2 with a package vegan. The results revealed that the natural rangelands of the CFUA have 178 species belonging to 45 families of which the most abundant and dominant are the Poaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae and Rubiaceae. Three (3) types of pasture were highlighted: Detarium microcarpum and Pennisetum polystachion ; Isoberlinia doka and Brachiaria stigmatisata; Prosopis africana and Pennisetum pedicellatum. The most abundant and dominant biological types on these natural rangelands are phanerophytes followed by therophytes. However, Sudanese species are the most abundant and dominant. This shows that pastures in this protected area are relatively undisturbed. The unsweetened and invasive species such as Senna obtusifolia, Hyptis suaveolens, Loudetia togoensis, etc. were also observed in this natural rangeland. It follows from this study that the natural rangelands of CFUA are degraded due to the strong agropastoral pressure.

Abstract: Tax non-compliance reduces tax collection and the tax performance within a country. The Kenyan government has implemented various strategies to bring businesses in the informal sector into the tax bracket. However, available data shows that tax collections from the informal sector are above average but on a declining trend. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of tax compliance in the informal sector in Nyeri Town. Specifically the study aimed to assess how tax rates, attitudes towards government spending, complexity of tax returns and tax enforcement strategies influence tax compliance. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and targeted 715 informal businesses in Nyeri Town. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 143 informal businesses to participate. Researcher-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive methods such as frequency distribution, percentages, mean, were used to summarize and organize data. Chi-square tests and correlation analysis were employed to establish relationships between study variables. Findings were presented using tables of frequencies and percentages. Majority (66%) agreed that there was too much corruption in the government. Attitudes towards government spending (p=0.001) had a significant relationship with tax compliance at 95% confidence level. The study concluded that, attitudes towards government spending, is important predictor of tax compliance in the informal sector. It was recommended that the government should seek to end corruption in all sectors to enhance tax compliance.

Abstract: In the present paper, we introduce the notion of generalized (σ, τ)-i-nderivation in near-ring N and investigate a property involving generalized (σ, τ)-i-n-derivation of a prime near-ring N, which forces N to be a commutative ring. Additive commutativity of a prime near-ring N satisfying certain identities involving generalized (σ, τ)-i-n-derivation has also been obtained.

Abstract: Haematological malignancies represent approximately 7% of all malignant diseases. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive and fatal disease. AML treatment basically remained unimproved in the last 20 years, and depends upon induction of cytotoxic chemotherapy. An average less than 30% of AML patients survive for long-term. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently being investigated for an ever-expanding number of clinical indications based on their tissue-regenerative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects.The aim of the present work is to detect the effect of human umbilical cord blood-derivedmesenchymal stem cells (HUCB-MSCs) on the expression of the leukaemic inhibitory factor gene (LIF) and on interleukin-10 (IL-10) in AML-patients.The MSCs were separated from HUCB, and co-cultured with samples collected from peripheral blood (PB) of AML-insulted adults prior to chemotherapy. The expression of LIFgene and the IL-10levelwere measured using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, respectively before and after the co-culture in order to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the MSCs. The present study revealed that the group of AML cells co-cultured with HUCB-MSCsshowed a significant increase in the expression level of LIF gene compared with the untreated group. The group of AML cells co-cultured with MSCs showed a significant decrease in the IL-10 concentration compared to that of the untreated group.Our data demonstrated thatco-culture of AML with MSCs represents a simple approach to inhibit leukaemic cells in vitro.

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to discuss the types of ethnic stereotypes and their role in fuelling ethnic conflicts at Langas estate in Eldoret Township. Ethnographically inspired qualitative research design was adopted for the study. The Relevance theory propagated by Daniel Sperber and Deidre Wilson (1986/95) was used in this study. The following research instruments: structured and semi-structured questionnaires, open-ended questionnaires, oral face-to-face interviews and observation schedules were used for data generation. There was a purposive sample of five clusters of ethnic group concentrations from which a random sample of twenty respondents, four from each group were chosen from a diverse population of the majority and minority communities living at Langas estate in Eldoret Township. The population is estimated to be one hundred and five thousand, one hundred and twenty five (105, 125) people – comprising the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo and Kisii communities. Each cohort of respondents was be randomly drawn from the local secondary schools, churches, local leadership, hospitals, administration, Jua Kali industry, hawkers, idlers and public transport. This study’s findings showed that there are three main types of stereotypes by one community against another community in Eldoret Township, namely; tribal, gender and cultural stereotypes. It is hoped that the results of this study will benefit; researchers in applied linguistics, social psychologists, political scientists, policy makers and the public.

Abstract: Necrotizing fasciitis infection (NFE) is a disease characterized by the rapid spread of necrosis of soft tissues and fascias and can be mortal if not properly treated. Predisposing factors include immunosuppressive factors such as diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, chronic renal failure and malignancy. Necrotizing fasciitis is rarely localized in the head and neck region. In this study; we presented a case of necrotizing fasciitis in neck region, which we had followed in our clinic with predisposing factors of diabetes and chronic renal failure.

Abstract: The present study describes the ten attested signs of the Cretan Protolinear script which render disyllabic phonetic values, unlike the monosyllabic ones of the Consonant-Vowel type, which is the common phonetic pattern for the rest of the signs. The Cretan Protolinear script has been proposed as the script that all the Aegean scripts of Bronze Age evolved from. The linguistic affinity of these disyllabic signs to the Sumerian language is demonstrated, in terms of lexicographic reference, phonetic correspondence and pictographic resemblance. In addition, the description of these signs’ phonetic features is accompanied by valuable cultural information, wherever available.

Abstract: Regular blood donation has been reported to lower coronary heart disease risk by improving lipid profiles in past studies. Traditionally, lipid profile estimation assesses an individual’s risk of developing coronary heart disease. This study sought to determine coronary heart disease risk profiles in blood donors, using lipids and to compare risk profiles of first time donors and active donors. Eighty-eight participants were enrolled into the study, 37 (42%) were regular blood donors. Regular blood donors were generally older than first time donors and there was significant difference in LDL levels between the two groups. Differences in both mean age and mean LDL levels of regular blood donors and first time donors could increase risk of coronary heart disease in regular blood donors. Surprisingly, this study was in contrast to earlier studies which reported a decrease in coronary heart disease risk in blood donors and this requires further inquiry.

Abstract: Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) have been shown to increase appreciably during pregnancy to meet maternal and fetal metabolic demands. However, this may expose the body to dangers of atherosclerotic plaques. The current study was a transversal study of 99 healthy pregnant women attending the Parirenyatwa Antenatal Clinic and Labour Ward in Zimbabwe and 24 age-matched, healthy, non-pregnant women as controls. Serum samples were collected for estimation of lipids: TC, LDL and HDL were measured and TC/HDL ratio was calculated. According to this Zimbabwean study, normal pregnant women were found to have significant increase in TC, LDL and HDL when compared with normal non-pregnant control group (P<0.001). TC/HDL changed with age of gestation but remained within the normal range. The study concludes that normal pregnancy does not predispose pregnant women to atherogenic lipid profiles most likely due to corresponding increase in HDL that appreciatively lowered TC/HDL ratio during gestation in our setting.

Abstract: This paper highlights the pragmabehavioral errors in English used by Kimeru L1 secondary school students. The study proceeded on the premise that pragmatic competence of Kimeru L1 learners of L2 English was previously unknown prior to this study because of lack of in-depth research in this area. Using a descriptive research design and a sample of ninety respondents the researchers isolated errors in apology as well as request and permission making and documented the seriousness of these errors. The main objectives of the study were to examine pragmabehavioral errors, their effects and causes and possible areas of intervention. The study was guided mainly by Murcia’s [1] Model of pragmatic competence. The sample was drawn from three selected CDF secondary schools in Meru Central Sub-county, Meru County. The main instruments of data collection were: a discourse completion test, a classroom debate, observation schedule, and a teacher questionnaire. Results indicate that kinesics, proxemics and voice modulation errors are grave among the subjects. These results are hoped to immensely benefit second language pedagogy, education policy makers, teachers and learners of English.