Archives-June...  

The relationship between stock market and various macroeconomic variables has always been divisive. Studies indicate that stock market is influenced by changes in macroeconomic variables. Some of which affect the stock market returns and index positively while others have an adverse impact on stock market returns and index. This article examines the impact of four macroeconomic variables i.e. GDP per capita, gross domestic savings, inflation and discount rate on KSE index of Pakistan. It covers a period of 20 years from 1991 to 2010. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is used to test the multiple regression model. Analysis results indicate that GDP per capital and gross domestic savings have a significant and positive impact on KSE Index. On the other hand, discount rate and inflation (being measured through CPI) posses a significant but negative impact on KSE Index. Explanatory variables under study accounted for 98% variation in KSE Index. Therefore, it is suggested that government should take remedial measures to control inflation. Also it should work on maintaining appropriate discount rate. There should be a balance between excessive high and low discount rate. It will boost investments in stock market and consequently stock returns and index.

India abounds in wealth of complex and diverse biodiversity, exhibiting a great deal of variation however, its documentation is necessary for its proper record and management. India with its vast geographical area of about 329 m ha ranks seventh largest in the world (Venu, 1998). Present studies were conducted on the foot hill, slope (middle hill) and top of the protected and unprotected hills of Jhalana at Jaipur (26? 49’ N, 75 48’ E, 436 m.s.i.). Land is always in a constant flux of continual change due to transformation, resulting either from natural processes or due to human activities. Large portions of land transformation have been witnessed in and around major cities of India e.g. Kolkata, Bangalore, Chandigarh etc. Some of these are dynamic and fast, particularly in the urban tassel. The main factors affecting the urban area and land transformation are growth of industrial, commercial and institutional activities. Secondly due to urbanization and increasing trend, migration towards urban areas for employment and other developmental opportunities.

Peace education is about empowering and equipping students with knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to positive social change. West Pokot County in Kenya is a highly volatile region and is characterized by regular conflict between its inhabitants and communities in neighbouring counties and northern Uganda region. The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of school plans and regulations and its effect on implementation of peace education in public secondary schools in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study objective was to determine how school plans and policies affect provision of peace education in public secondary schools in West Pokot county. The study adopted a pragmatist research paradigm and a descriptive survey research design. The sample size of 30% of principals and teachers constituted 24 and 198 respectively from a total population of 81 principals and 661 teachers in the County. Based on Yamane formula for sample size calculation, 385 students were sampled from a total of 10,035 students in West Pokot County. The schools were selected using stratified random sampling technique and purposive sampling. Simple random sampling was used to select students and teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square test while Qualitative data was analyzed thematically based on the emerging themes. The study established that schools had put in place measures within their plans and regulations to promote the implementation of peace education in the county. It is recommended that there should be enhancement of: parental involvement in the formulation of school plans and regulations within the county.

The Sustainable development goals are contained in paragraph 54 of the UN resolution A/RES/70/1 of September 2015. They were achieved through a collaborative process of 194 countries, civil society and other interested parties. They succeed the Millennium Development Goals. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were formulated following the principles agreed upon under resolution A/RES/66/288 which is also known as The Future We Want. The passing of the Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was a long process involving deliberations and consultative meetings starting from Rio+20 Conference in 2012. Kenya made a commitment to actualize the 17 SDGs. However, Kenya runs the risk of failing to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals and their 169 targets if the challenges that led to the failure to achieve MDGs are not addressed. The most notable challenge was the failure to anchor the policy goals within the legal framework. This paper examines the legislative and policy gaps in the implementation of SDGs in Kenya. It will also explore the challenges that Kenya is facing in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and propose possible solutions to those problems.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder that impairs glucose homeostasis. Hyperglycemia is the defining characteristic of diabetes mellitus. Chronic hyperglycemia is associated with damage to many of the body’s systems. Diabetes cases in the world are estimated to increase by 122% between 1995 and 2025. As diabetes prevalence increases so does the need for new and more effective therapies. Studies have indicated some herbal extracts have antidiabetic effects. However, rational prescription of effective medicinal plants for diabetes cure, requires precise information of action mechanism of these plants. Ziziphus jujuba, a member of the family Rhamnaceae has been used as a traditional medicinal herb and considered for thousands of years to affect various physiological functions in the body In present study, diabetes induced in rats, and then hypoglycemic effect of Ziziphus jujuba leaves hydroalcoholic extract was evaluated. Then results compared with glibenclamide effect.

Remote sensing data is used for mapping on regional scale and to delineate the structure of various tectonic belts, lineaments and fracture patterns. Lineaments and their intersections and contacts are favourable sites for localization of Kimberlite bodies, which are the main host rocks of Diamonds. The Eastern Dharwar Craton(EDC) is known for its Kimberilte pipes around Wajrakarur, Raichur, Maddur, Narayanpet etc. An IRS LISS-III image covering an area of 1440 sq.km west of Mahabubnagar town, which is located south east of Narayanpet Kimberlite field was processed and interpreted to bring out possible emplacement of Kimberlites. Kimberlite of Narayanpet is associated with ENE-WSW and E-W lineaments. By analyzing structure, geomorphology, drainage patterns derived from satellite imageries, structural zones favourable zones for Kimberlite rocks are demarcated.

Critical care units require special space and equipment considerations for safe and effective patient care, staff functions, and family participation. Families and visitors to critical care units often wait for long periods, including overnight, under highly stressful situations. They tend to congregate at unit entries to be readily accessible to staff interaction. Not every hospital will provide all types of critical care. Some hospitals may have asmall combined unit; others may have separate, sophisticated units for highly specialized treatments. Critical care units shall comply in size, number, and type with these standards and with the functional program. Design shall address such issues as privacy, atmosphere, and aesthetics for all involved in the care, comfort of patients and fire protection in critical care units.

This study sought to test Robinson’s (1995a; 2003b) cognitive hypothesis by investigating the effect of task complexity on L2 narrative oral production. In order to homogenize the participants, Cambridge Placement was taken from among 74 students of the Iran Language Institute and 44 of them were chosen. Independent sample T-tests were used for between group comparisons. According to the hypotheses, Pre-task planning time allowed second language speakers to activate words and apply a series of problem-solving mechanisms prior to task performance and may take stress away from L2 speakers so that they can meet task demands and hopefully, stretch their interlanguage. The data can shed some lights on how production is affected by different degrees of cognitive complexity and also in pedagogic contexts can be easily manipulated to promote fluency and accuracy if planning time is provided.

Cancer of the cervix is a major cause of death in developing nations with low levels of screening uptake in Kenya. A descriptive study using interview administered questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge level on cervical cancer among 100 HIV/AIDS positive patients seeking care services at comprehensive care clinic (CCC) in Makueni county referral hospital. 97% of the respondents had heard about cancer of the cervix while barely 7% had been screened by papanicolaou (pap) smear. About 38% knew risk factors for cancer of the cervix with none mentioning HPV. 58% correctly mentioned ways of preventing it. Average knowledge level about cervical cancer was evident even though the HIV/AIDS positive women as risk population should be more informed.

Table of contents for the month of August 2019