Nutritional background of low-income pulmonary tuberculosis patients on anti-tuberculosis therapy at infectious disease hospital, calabar, nigeria: a case-control study

Background: Poverty and malnutrition are associated with the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). Nutritional reintegration with anti-TB therapy may improve treatment success rate. Aim: To investigate the nutritional status of low-income pulmonary TB patients in relation to the different anti-TB treatment phases. Methods: Forty five pulmonary TB patients and 40 controls aged 19-54 years, receiving treatment at Infectious Disease Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria, between September 2018 and July 2019 were studied. Serum total protein, albumin, iron and vitamin A were determined by colorimetric and HPLC methods respectively. Height and weight were measured and BMI computed, and data analysed using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation at P<0 P=0.001).>0.05) respectively. Albumin and iron were significantly lower in CPAT-HIV compared with CPAT patients. Albumin correlated positively and significantly with iron (r=0.405, p=0.006) in TB patients. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is associated with decreased BMI, albumin, iron and vitamin A, and higher total protein, and globulin, suggesting that malnutrition may be associated with TB risk, poor treatment compliance and outcomes

Eworo Raymond Eworo raymond

Pembelajaran edutainment dalam penanaman karakter cinta tanah air pada anak usia dini di sekolah dasar

Konsep edutainment mencoba memadukan antara pendidikan dan hiburan, yang didalam konsep edutainment tersebut terdapat beberapa pendekatan yang lebih kita kenal sebagai SAVI (Somatik, Auditori, Visual dan Intelektual). Metode penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian Library research, yaitu jenis penelitian yang dilakukan dan difokuskan pada penelaahan, pengkajian dan pembahasan literature-literatur, baik klasik maupun modern. Literature berbahsa arab, inggris, Indonesia dan sebagainya yang ada kaitannya dengan persoalan ini. Penelitian ini bersifat analisis deskriptif. Sumber data penelitian ini yaitu: Sumber primer dari pemikiran Beby De Poter. Sumber skunder meliputi: buku, artikel atau esai yang membahas konsep edutainment, dan buku yang berkenaan dengan konsep psikologi belajar anak, serta buku pendidikan karakter, terutama karakter cinta tanah air. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan: (1) Pembelajaran Edutainment Dalam Penanaman Karakter Cinta Tanah Air Bagi Anak Usia Dini Di Sekolah Dasar, yaitu: menumbuhkan karakter cinta tanah air, memunculkan emosi minat anak seperti rasa senang dan gembira dalam pembelajaran, guru dalam menyampaikan pembelajaran di kelas harus menunjukkan sikap kepedulian terhadap peserta didik. (2) Proses Penanaman Karakter Cinta Tanah Air Bagi Anak Usia Dini Di Sekolah Dasar, yaitu: proses pembelajaran interaksi antara siswa dan guru terbangun suasana menyenangkan, fleksibiltas guru dalam menyampaikan materi menyesuaikan dengan emosi peserta didik, hubungan keakraban dan persahabatan sebagaimana teman sendiri, dan guru memberikan kebabasan berexspresi kepada perserta didik pada saat proses pembelajaran.

EDUCARE: Journal of Primary Education Educare: journal of primary education

A lightweight deep learning framework using resource-efficient batch normalization for sarcasm detection

Communication is not always direct; it often involves nuanced elements like humor, irony, and sarcasm. This study introduces a novel two-level approach for sarcasm detection, leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are crucial for many deep learning applications, yet their deployment on IoT devices is challenged by resource constraints and the need for low latency, particularly in on-device training. Traditional methods of deploying large CNN models on these devices often lead to suboptimal performance and increased energy consumption. To address this, our paper proposes an energy-efficient CNN design by optimising batch normalisation operations. Batch normalisation is vital for deep learning, aiding in faster convergence and stabilising gradient flow, but there has been limited research on creating energy-efficient and lightweight CNNs with optimised batch normalisation. This study proposes a 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) optimisation technique for batch normalization. This technique introduces an energy-efficient CNN architecture. We investigate the use of batch normalization optimization to streamline memory usage and computational complexity, aiming to uphold or improve model performance on CPU-based systems. Additionally, we evaluate its effectiveness across diverse datasets, focusing on energy efficiency and adaptability in different settings. Furthermore, we analyze how batch normalization influences the performance and effectiveness of activation functions and pooling layers in neural network designs. Our results highlight batch normalization's ability to enhance computational efficiency, particularly on devices with limited resources.

Jiby Mariya Jose Jiby mariya jose

Impact of preoperative baseline serum urea and creatinine levels among patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease in lafia, north central nigeria

Background: Perforation is the most serious surgical complication of peptic ulcer disease due to its attendant high morbidity and mortality. Hypovolemia, a consequence of gastro-duodenal perforation, is considered to be a cause of renal hypo perfusion with accompanied decreased clearance of urea and creatinine. The aim of this study was to determine the preoperative baseline serum urea and creatinine profile among patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease and the relationship of serum urea and creatinine with the outcome of care. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who had operation for perforated peptic ulcer disease over a 5-year period at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, lafia, North-central Nigeria was conducted. Results: Sixty-four patients were studied with a mean age of 36.6 ± 12.3 years. Majority of the patients were males, 59 (92.2%). While 38 (59.3%) patients had elevated preoperative baseline urea levels, 37 (57.8%) patients had elevated creatinine levels. Out of 29 patients who had surgical site infection, 16 (55.2%) had elevated serum urea (p = 0.535) while 19 (65.2 %) had elevated serum creatinine (p = 0.579). An overall in-hospital mortality rate of 14.1% was recorded. There was statistically significant relationship between elevated serum urea and inhospital mortality (p = 0.007). Conclusion: This result showed that preoperative baseline serum urea and creatinine levels were elevated in majority of the patients. In addition, the result of this study suggests that elevated baseline serum urea level has considerable relationship with in-hospital mortality

Karishma Karishma

Protective effect of solanum macrocarpon leaves extracts on adenine-induced acute nephrotoxicity in male wistar rat

Adenine causes damage to kidney structure and functions; thus, it affects its excretory functions and metabolism. Solanum macrocarpon is a vegetable commonly eaten in Nigeria. This study was designed to examine the potential anti- nephrotoxicity effects of Solanum macrocarpon leaves extract on adenine-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats. A total of thirty (30) rats were obtained from the Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, and were divided into six (6) groups with five (5) animals in each group. The animals were fed with standard feed and drinking water, and treated as follows:, Group 1: distilled water, Group 2: 1000 mg/kg of Adenine only, Group 3: Adenine + 1050 mg/kg ethanol extract of Solanum macrocarpon, Group 4: Adenine + 1050 mg/kg diethyl ether extract of Solanum macrocarpon, Group 5: 1050mg/kg ethanol extract of Solanum macrocarpon and Group 6: 1050 mg/kg diethyl ether extract of Solanum macrocarpon. Biochemical parameters such as creatine, urea, uric acid, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, bicarbonate, and superoxide dismutase were determined in the plasma using a Spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using one–way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test, with P < 0.05 considered significant. The results indicated a significant increase (P ˂ 0.0) in SOD, creatinine, potassium, sodium, phosphorus urea and uric acid in the group treated with adenine alone, with a significant decrease of 33.3% in bicarbonate when compared with the control. Histopathological examination showed nephritis, through congestion, hypertrophied glomeruli, vacuolization of the endothelial cells lining the glomerular tuft, and interstitial nephritis by adenine treatment. The elevated creatine, SOD, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, urea and uric acid were significantly improved. In the groups treated with Solanum macrocarpon alcoholic extracts. In conclusion, Solanum macrocarpon extracts mitigated the nephrotoxicity caused by adenine.

OGUNBODEDE ADEDEJI DAVID Ogunbodede adedeji david

Glossary of globally used herbs and animals for urolithiasis: historical background, mechanism of action, therapeutic spectrum, formulations with doses

Natural products, the most significant source for pharmaceutical development, have been investigated and utilized to alleviate diseases since early human history. The currently accepted modern medicine from different natural products has gradually developed over the years and is God's gift in the sense of traditional knowledge. Trustful humanity believes that drugs can cure every ill of natural origin. Natural medicines, prevalent in holy books, folklores, Materia medica and other historical literature, have become an essential domain of modern pharmaceutical sciences. Natural compounds from terrestrial and marine organisms have been extensively used to treat many diseases in their natural form or as a template for synthetic modification. Several of these natural products have shown biological and pharmacological activities and serve as the starting point in the development of modern medicines. Screening of crude plant extracts opens the door to the discovery of novel bioactive compounds, and elucidation of their structures leads towards new synthetic preparations, which can be administered in reproducible, accurate doses for particular therapeutic purposes. However, what is needed are rapid screening techniques, structure-based design, bioactivity-safety evaluation, extraction and isolation, and clinical trials for drug development under innovations, which will share the profit of products derived from natural origin. The government sector, industries, and academic institutions also play an essential role in developing biological drugs for human health enhancement. This book comprises four chapters. The first chapter is related to urolithiasis. In this chapter, the types of urinary stone formation in humans, their mechanism, current antiurolithiatic strategies and their complications are discussed precisely and comprehensively. Chapter two declares urinary stone treatment in early civilisation. The third chapter is about globally used antiurolithiatic plants. This chapter is a treasure trove of information covering the importance of plants in combating urolithiasis, their diverse pharmacology, and a comprehensive list of 888 antiurolithiatic plants from 144 families used in 55 countries. The tabular format provides a clear understanding of their historical background, mechanism of action, therapeutic spectrum, and formulations with doses. Hopefully, this book will not only be helpful for the general public but also attract the scientific world to antiurolithiatic drug discovery. This valuable ethnopharmacological information will provide opportunities for the future research and development of new natural antiurolithiatic compounds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers, colleagues, and institutions whose unwavering support and encouragement made this book possible. We reserve a special thanks for the acquisition Editor of LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany, whose inspiration and support were invaluable.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Risk of pulmonary-reproductive dysfunctions, inflammation and oxidative dna damage in exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in cigarette smokers

Background: Exposure to cigarette smoke has been associated with pulmonary and reproductive dysfunctions; inflammatory response, oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in cigarette smoke have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these disorders. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), a biomarker of inflammation and oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)), reproductive hormones (testosterone (TST), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)) cotinine and urinary PAH metabolite (1- hydroxypyrene (1-HOP)) were estimated in male active smokers. Methods: One hundred men aged 20-47 years, comprising 50 active male smokers and 50 non-smokers, were randomly recruited into this comparative cross-sectional study. The PEFR was measured using a peak flow meter, serum levels of cotinine, FSH, LH, TST, TNF-α, and urine 8-OHdG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 1-HOP by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data analysis was done using a t-test and correlation analysis at p≤0.05. Results: Smokers had significantly higher cotinine (49.73±31.76 versus 0.51±0.69 ng/ml, p≤0.001), 8-OHdG (16.34±12.10 versus 5.79±2.14 ng/ml, p≤0.001) and lower PEFR (309.20±56.05 versus 452.80±45.76 L/min, p≤0.001) and LH (5.75±2.06 versus 6.97±2.79 mIU/ml, p=0.015) compared to non-smokers. Duration of exposure to cigarette smoke correlated positively with cotinine (r=0.937, p≤0.001) and 1-HOP (r=0.813, p≤0.001) while cotinine correlated positively with 1-HOP (r=0.863, p≤0.001) only in smokers. Conclusion: Reduced lung function and luteinizing hormone and concurrent increase in oxidative DNA damage associated with exposure to cigarette smoke may suggest the involvement of PAH-induced DNA damage in the development of pulmonary and reproductive impairment in smokers.

Eworo Raymond Eworo raymond

Bioassay of new chemistry insecticides against pod borer, helicoverpa armigera on chickpea

Toxicity of different insecticides was evaluated against 2nd and 3rd instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera under laboratory conditions by leaf dipping method. The insecticides viz., thiodicarb 75WP, novaluron 10EC, spinetroam 11.7EC, indoxacarb 15.8EC, quinalphos 25EC, rynaxypyr 18.5SC, emamectin benzoate 5SG and cypermethrin 25EC were tested. Spinetoram was found most effective in managing the 2nd instar larvae of H. armigera and it was followed by novaluron 10EC and indoxacarb 15.8EC as compared to cypermethrin 25EC. Emamectin benzoate 5SG @ 1 x 10-7 to 1 x 10-9 per cent concentrations recorded 100% mortality against 2nd instar larvae and LC50 values for 3rd instar larvae was 0.00000000045%. Insecticides novaluron 10EC, spinetoram 11.7EC and cypermethrin 25EC did not show promising and consistent results against 3rd instar larvae of H. armigera at 24 hrs. The LT50 of novaluron 10EC at 0.00005% concentration was 19.861 hrs and it was 28.144 hrs at 0.000001% against 2nd instar larvae of H. armigera

DR. BABU LAL JAT Dr. babu lal jat

Variation in fruit morphological traits of jatropha curcas at stand and tree level

Nine fruit morphological traits were studied in ten stands of Jatropha curcas spread in eight forest divisions of Uttarakhand. Variation was examined at stand level as well as at tree level. Significant differences were found among stands for fruit length, fruit diameter, pericarp weight per fruit, seed: fruit weight ratio, kernel: fruit weight ratio and pericarp: fruit weight ratio traits while all morphological traits showed significant differences among trees within stands. The estimation of the variance components, however, revealed that the fruit traits, especially weight traits viz. fruit weight, total seed weight per fruit and total kernel weight per fruit have negligible contribution from stands and small contribution from trees. Maximum variation was found among fruits within trees (i.e. at fruit level or error). Pericarp weight per fruit and fruit ratio traits (i.e. seed: fruit weight ratio, kernel: fruit weight ratio and pericarp: fruit weight ratio) were affected to small extent by stand per se. The repeatability of all fruit traits at tree level were also low to moderate (0.105 to 0.278)

Kshitij malhotra

Glp-1ra for glycaemic control and obesity as add-on therapy for type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex and chronic illness requiring continuous medical care. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is commonly associated with obesity, hypertension, and a tendency to develop thrombosis, and an increase risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Diabesity is a term used to indicate the coexistence of obesity and DM. Diabesity increases as obesity is an emerging epidemic in modern societies, the co-incidence with DM is also rising, so a joint plan of anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemia for the management approaches. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on body weight and glycemic response in obese Libyan patients with T2D at the National Diabetes Centre in Tripoli, between July 2013 and May 2022. This prospective study included obese adults with T2D who were newly prescribed GLP-1RA therapy for six months with dulaglutide once weekly or liraglutide once daily. The study included 170 diabetic patients who were started on GLP1-RA as add on therapy to their treatment, with a regular follow-up with dietitian and their physicians to adjust their glucose-lowering medications, then comparing the effect of these agents on body weight and the level of glycated hemoglobin before and after 24 weeks of treatment. Most of the patients (n = 99, 58.23%) were in the age period from 54 to 74 years old and 101 of whom were female subjects (59.4%), with a mean duration of DM equal to 8.8 ± 7.3 years. The patients were divided randomly into two groups, the first group included 110 patients who received liraglutide pens showed a significant reduction in HbA1c from 9.6% (± 1.54) to 7.4% (± 1.03) by p < 0.001 and a significant weight loss from 88.3 kg (± 10.68) to 80.8 kg (± 11.83) by p < 0.001. The reported adverse events were in 23 cases of minor hypoglycemia due to gastrointestinal upset. The other group included 60 patients for dulaglutide pens and showed significant decrease in HbA1c = 9.6% (± 1.54) to 7.1% (± 1.2) by p < 0.05 and a significant reduction of bodyweight from 88.3 kg (± 10.68) to 83.8 kg (± 16.3) by p < 0.05. The reported adverse events were mild transient gastrointestinal distress for the initial week of a start and then subside with regular intake. Whereas, 115 patients (67.6%) with HbA1c above 10.0% before starting therapy, no patient with HbA1c above 10.0% after six months of both GLP-RA agents therapy. Thus, the uses of GLP-RA as add-on therapy for obese patients with T2D significantly improved glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemia, accordingly, reduce insulin requirement for blood glucose control and loss in body weight. It can thus be concluded that GLP-1RA therapy is an effective treatment option when used in obese patients with DM.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Technology and isolation in the information period

Technology and Isolation in the Information Period explores the social, political, and legal implications of the group and use of personal information in computer databases. In the Information Period, our lives are documented in digital case books maintained by hundreds (perhaps thousands) of businesses and government agencies. These case books are composed of bits of our personal information, which when assembled together begin to paint a portrait of our personalities. Technology has changed our working practices and now allows us to be connected 24/7. We have the power to Skype clients around the world and email or Tweet work colleagues at weekends, but is there a danger that having connectivity so readily available hinders our efforts to gain a better work/life balance? We often read articles about the correct way to manage technology and how to achieve a happy balance of relaxing away from work and being ‘Always On’ and ‘Always available’. For instance, many people choose a job that allows them to detach from the workplace on evenings and weekends, yet technology makes it difficult for others to switch off. Now, we are huge believers in the ability to use the internet, email, Facebook, Twitter, texting and to pick up the phone and talk to people, but because of technology more people are becoming distracted and losing focus. They can’t escape from the workplace and feel that the office follows them around via their Smartphone which demands attention 24/7. It wasn’t so long ago that when we took a holiday, we would plan ahead, make sure everything was order, inform clients of our absence and brief our teams so we could disappear off to distant shores and happily sit in the sun for a relaxing fortnight, avoiding drinking the local water, eating strange local delicacies and fending of mosquitoes. But I digress … Having technology at hand means that we still have an element of control at our workplace and the ability to deal with issues if they occur. The downside to this is managing that work/life balance again. On one hand the internet is a lifeline, but it can also become a ball and chain if we don’t take the time to unplug from it. Technology allows us to be in two places at once, but when employees struggle to find the right balance between their work and personal lives there is a chance that stress levels can increase leading to a potential loss of productivity and happiness in general. In a recent survey 70% of workers said that technology brings the stress of work into their personal lives. Many Researchers have recommended drawing a line between work communications and home. This not only benefits your well being, but benefits your employer too, as you will be coming back to work refreshed and recharged.

Sunita Singh Sunita singh

A study of influence of demographic factors on consumer impulse buying behavior.

The main purpose of the paper is to determine the correlation of consumers' demographic factors on the impulse buying behavior with respect to a number of single impulsivity indicators and one collective indicator. The paper consists of theoretical and research aspects. The first part encompasses theoretical insights into the secondary research regarding impulse buying while the practical part presents the methodology and primary research results. With respect to the subject matter, research goals as well as previous findings and primary research results, corresponding hypotheses were set and mainly confirmed. Inter variable correlation and regression analysis has been performed to test the hypothesis. The results showed that demographic factors, such as the disposable income and age, are related to most impulse buying indicators and to the impulsivity collective indicator. However, educational qualification and gender produced marginal association with impulsive buying behavior. The paper also summarizes research limitations as well as the work contribution and future research guidelines.

Abu Bashar Abu bashar

Application of hofstede’s model to study the role of indian culture for sustenance during covid-19”

The COVID-19 crisis has impacted all dimensions of our lives say it as the public health, the labour system, the social interaction, the political debate, the use of public spaces, the economy, the environment, and last but not the least it has proved to be a major contributor to the cultural value system of the individual living in society. This research paper is to analyse and understand the changes enforced by this pandemic on Indian culture and individual of the society. It also analyses the context of COVID-19 scenario with special reference to Indian culture and Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimension. This research paper is an attempt to emphasize the changes in culture and value system during the COVID-19 pandemic faced by India. India is enriched enough in cultural dimensions to combat COVID-19. The Hofstede’s model analysed in depth also leads to this finding that it also fits well in the present context. Thus, it is hereby summed up that as India is enriched in its cultural values it has posed itself as a fighter for this pandemic

mamta gaur Mamta gaur

Dr.ismath shameem

Background and objectives: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is the most common clinical presentation of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The objective designed for the study was to evaluate the effect of a Unani formulation in HMB (Kaṭhrat-i-Tamṭh). Methods: An open observational single arm clinical study was carried out at the Department of Ilmul Qabalat wa Amraze Niswan, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Hospital, Bengaluru. Diagnosed cases (n=30) of HMB with pelvic pathology were included in the study. Unani formulation comprises of Khurma (Phoenix dactylifera Linn), Rasaut (Berberis aristata), Talmakhana (Asteracantha longifolia Linn), Lodh pathani (SymplocosracemosaRoxb) was administered orally in powder form in a dose of 3g with 2g sugar, twice daily for seven days/cycle for three consecutive cycles.Main outcome measures were clinical response of 30-50% in menstrual blood loss (MBL) assessed with pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) and duration of bleeding (DOB). Improvement in Hb% and quality of life (QOL) assessed with menorrhagia impact questionnaire (MIQ). Data were analyzed using paired Student ‘t’ test, Results: Clinical response of 30-50% in MBL and DOB was achieved in 86.7% (p< 0.001**) and 56.7% (p< 0.001**) patients respectively and improvement in Hb% and QOL was achieved in 16.7% (p=0.228) and 100% (p< 0.001**) patients respectively. Conclusion:Unani formulation had a significant effect in controlling the bleeding by reduction in MBL and DOB with improvement in QOL

Dr ismath shameem

Antiurolithiatic effects of pentacyclic triterpenes: the distance traveled from therapeutic aspects

Globally, approximately 12% of the population is inflicted by various types of urolithiasis. Standard treatments are available to avert and treat urolithiasis, but with significant adverse side effects. Pentacyclic triterpenes represent a group of naturally occurring compounds with immense potential as treatments for kidney stones. This review aims to provide an integrative description of how pentacyclic triterpenes can effectively treat calcium oxalate urolithiasis through various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition mechanisms. Some pentacylic triterpenes showing promising activities include lupeol, oleanolic acid, betulin, and taraxasterol. Moreover, future perspectives on developing pentacyclic triterpenes in formulations/drugs for urinary stone prevention are highlighted. It is anticipated that compiled information would serve as a scientific baseline to advocate further investigations on the potential of pentacyclic triterpenes in urolithiasis remediation.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Comparative analysis of boiler efficiency between commercial sawdust briquettes and biomass briquettes

During this research work, a theoretical study was done to compare the boiler efficiency by using two different fuels, i.e. commercial sawdust briquette and biomass briquette prepared using 850 μ coconut leaves, with sawdust as the binder. For preparing the biomass briquettes to leave of coconut were gathered, dried, milled, and sieved and sizes of 850μ were selected. The sized coconut leaves were then mixed in the company of sawdust that worked as a binder in 1:2 ratios, and compressed by means of a piston-type briquette machine, which was fabricated for the same. Ultimate and proximate analyses were carried out on the biomass briquette to determine their various compositions. Results from analysis were used to calculate the boiler efficiency by the indirect method using Indian Standard Boiler Efficiency IS 8753. Results from the analysis showed that boiler efficiency by indirect method for commercial sawdust briquette is 68.80% and boiler efficiency by indirect method for coconut leaves of 850μ, with sawdust as a binder is 61.17%. The reason for higher boiler efficiency for commercial sawdust briquette is due to its higher calorific value (4451.37KCal/gm) when compared to that coconut leaves briquette made from 850μ size with sawdust as a binder (3672.45KCal/gm). From proximate and ultimate analysis, the results showed a reduction in ash content percentage, moisture content, and rise in volatile matter percentage, when the comparison was along with the marketable sawdust briquette, which is of considerable significance. Additional properties akin to the percentage of hydrogen, fixed carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen were roughly the same as that of the commercially available sawdust briquettes. After calculating the boiler efficiency of the two biomass briquettes, coconut leaves with sawdust as binder exhibited the most optimistic trait and as it is more easily and readily available, thus making it more economically viable.

Dr.deepak kb

Anti-emetic activity of four species of genus cassia in chicks

The anti-emetic activity of the leaves methanolic extracts of Cassia angustifolia Vahl., Cassia holosericea Fresen., Cassia italica Miller. Lam. ex F.W. Ander and Cassia purpurea Roxb., was evaluated in young chicks. Emesis was induced by copper sulfate (50 mg/kg), and the extracts were tested orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg. All the extracts significantly decreased the number of retching (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) compared with standard chlorpromazine.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Business sustainability: the trend of human resource disclosure based on malaysian evidence

This paper aims to investigate the trend of human resource disclosure (HRD) quality based on publicly disclosed annual reports of 235 Malaysian listed companies. The data was collected through content analysis method using HRD index. The results reveal that there is an increasing trend of HRD quality from 2010 to 2014. However the significant increase is only between 2012 and 2013. This study provides empirical support for Institutional theory’s coercive isomorphism, through its findings on quality of HRD. This is because, the related disclosure regulations and the Malaysian government policy through Malaysia Plan may have significantly influenced firms to increase HRD quality in their annual reports.

Asyraf Afthanorhan Asyraf afthanorhan

Chemical characterizations and anti-sickling potential of methanol extract of justicia carnea (flamingo plant)

Justicia carnea, a plant rich in bioactive compounds, has traditionally been used as a haemoglobin booster by herbal practitioners in rural areas of Edo State of Nigeria. In this study, the methanol leaves extract of Justicia carnea was investigated for its antisickling potential in hemoglobin SS (HbSS) in-vitro by sodium metabisulphite assay and characterized by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, phenolics, flavonoids and alkaloids were present except tannins. Photomicrograph examinations revealed a reduction of sickle cells with a percentage decrease from 37.50%, and 22.22% down to 3.85% with 100 mg/mL crude extract of Justicia carnea at three durations, respectively. Detected compounds from Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry included hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (Retention time (Rt): 21.46, 05.99%) and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (Rt: 23.567, 02.59%) while the major constituent was phytol (Rt: 23.741, 67.28%). While kaempferol (Rt: 17.23, 16.72%) was the major component from High-Performance Liquid Chromatography quantification among resveratrol (Rt: 3.7, 13.85%), gallic acid (Rt: 5.88, 3.55%), Justicinol (Rt: 11.85, 01.34%) and phytic acid (Rt 5.06, 01.43 %). These compounds have been cited as physiological agents that reduce inflammation, and oxidative stress and potentially prolong the lifespan of cells across species. The antisickling results from this study corroborate and support the traditional use of the plant in treating patients with sickle cell anemia.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Antiemetic and anti-inflammatory activity of leaves and flower extracts of luffa cylindrica (l.) roem

Ethanol and hexane extracts of the leaves and male flowers of Luffa cylindrica were evaluated for antiemetic and anti-inflammatory effects using chick emesis model and carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The antiemetic effect was observed at 150 mg/kg body weight, whereas the anti-inflammatory effect was observed at doses of 500,750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight orally. Chlorpromazine 150 mg/kg and indomethacin 10mg/kg orally were used as standard antiemetic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The antiemetic effect was determined by calculating the mean decrease in the number of retching compared to the control group after 10 minutes of copper sulfate (50 mg/kg orally) administration. The degree of paw oedema of all the groups was measured using a plethysmometer at the 5th hour of carrageenan (1% w/v) administration. All extracts except hexane extract of leaves exhibited statistically significant (P<0.001) antiemetic and except hexane extract of flower, all extracts exhibited statistically significant (P<0.05) anti-inflammatory effects.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

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