Marketing Constraints and Price Perspectives for Onion in Khost Province, Afghanistan

The study was undertaken in the three districts of Yaqubi and Sabari, Mando Zayi and Bak of Khost province, Afghanistan, with the aim of evaluating marketing constraints, marketable surplus, intermediaries, and consumer perceptions regarding the price of onions. Despite its substantial influence on the economy and people\u27s livelihoods, Afghanistan\u27s onion marketing system has gotten insufficient attention. Onion prices in Afghanistan were volatile, which has a huge influence on the economy and people\u27s capacity to buy basic foods. Data was collected from 120 farmers, 120 consumers, 30 wholesalers, and 30 retailers across the province. The study\u27s main constraints faced by farmers in marketing onions included the majority of farmers 71.70 percent agreed that storage facilities were perceived to be expensive. 87.5 percent of respondents strongly agree that the lack of storage facilities was a major issue. Price changes were the biggest issue for customers, as 84.20 percent of respondents agreed. Limited market access was cited as a problem by 71.70 percent of respondents. The main constraint for wholesalers was the absence of facilities for grading onions, with 60.70 Lack of storage facilities was another key obstacle, resulting in 63.30 percent and No organizations (Councils) being available; 86.70 percent was a similar result for retailers too. The average onion production per Jerib of land was found to be 2386.16 kg/Jerib. Only 9.96% of the onion yield was used for domestic consumption, leaving the producers with a marketable surplus of 90.03%. Fluctuations in onion prices throughout different seasons were primarily attributed to the absence of proper storage facilities. The study has indicated that consumers tend to perceive the selling price of onions during the off-season as significantly higher than its on-season average price. The average price of onions during the off-season was 66.33 Afghanis per kilogram, whereas it was 22.16 Afghanis during the on-season. This indicated a significant price difference between the two seasons

Marketing Issues Faced by Potato Growers and Intermediaries in Parwan, Afghanistan

This research paper investigated the marketing challenges faced by potatoes growers and market intermediaries in Parwan province, Afghanistan. The study analysed the field level problems of farmers, consumers, wholesalers, and retailers. The study revealed that farmers encounter various obstacles in potato marketing, with the far-off location of selling markets 40.80 percent , lack of grading facilities 35.80 percent , and transportation issues 35.00 percent strongly agree, and that were being prominent concerns. Additionally, market information gaps 26.70 percent and malpractices by buyers 30.80 percent impact the marketing process. The study also examined consumers\u27 difficulties in purchasing potatoes, indicating issues with timely product availability 18.80 percent strongly agree. Price fluctuations 37.50 percent strongly agree, and inadequate packaging 18.80 percent strongly agreed. Furthermore, consumers expressed concern about potato grading 37.50 percent agreed and quality 37.50 percent strongly agree. Another aspect of the study investigated wholesalers\u27 challenges, identifying the absence of grading facilities 80.00 percent strongly agree. Storage 80.00 percent strongly agreed, and transportation issues 60.00 percent strongly agreed, as key constraints. Wide price fluctuations 70.00 percent strongly agreed, and inaccurate weighing 80.00 percent. Lastly, the research explored retailers\u27 obstacles in potato marketing, highlighted issues with grading facilities 90.00 percent strongly agreed, storage 80.00 percent strongly agreed, and transportation 70.00 percent strongly agreed. Additionally, retailers face challenges with price fluctuations 80.00 percent strongly agree, and selling lower-grade potatoes 70.00 percent strongly agree

Individual and community level response for pulmonary tuberculosis patients in India

Background: Host-related and environment-related factors have been shown to play a role in the development of tuberculosis (TB), but few studies were carried out to identify their respective roles in Central India.Methods: This was a descriptive case control study, which was conducted at tertiary care government hospital. The duration of the study was from January 2011 to September 2013. A total of 822 sputum smear-positive TB patients were included in the study. Cases were newly detected smear positive TB patients. Two controls were recruited for each case, one within the household of the case, and one in the community.Results: Regarding host-related factors, univariate analysis by conditional logistic regression of 687 matched pairs of cases and household controls showed that TB was associated with male sex, family history of TB, smoking, alcohol, anaemia, HIV infection, and history and treatment of worm infection. In a multivariable model based on 601 matched pairs, male sex, family history of TB, smoking, and HIV infection were independent risk factors of TB. The investigation of environmental factors based on the comparison of 816 cases/community control pairs showed that the risk of TB was associated with single marital status, family history of TB and adult crowding.Conclusions: TB is a multifactorial disorder, in which environment interacts with host-related factors. This study provided useful information for the assessment of host and environmental factors of TB for the improvement of TB control activities in developing countries

Empyema thoracic presenting as low back ache

AbstractA 24 years old female was presented with a 2 weeks history of fever (high grade), cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain right side and low back ache. Patient prefers to lie towards right side. CECT thorax reveals empyema thoracic with paravertebral extension. Patient was put on IV antibiotic according to culture and sensitivity. Clinical and Radiological improvement was evident after 1 week

The relationship between C-reactive protein and prognostic factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and prognostic factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: We studied 50 stable COPD patients with: spirometry, 6 minute walk distance, body mass index, GOLD stage (spirometric classification) and smoking status. In these patients hs-CRP values were measured and compared with those of 50 healthy controls. Then the serum hs-CRP was subjected to evaluation for any correlation with the predictors of outcomes in COPD subjects. RESULTS: Hs-CRP levels were higher in COPD patients than in controls (4.82 vs. 0.88 mg/L p < 0.01). Correlation was found between hs-CRP and the following variables: FEV(1) (r= −0.813; p < 0.01), 6MWD (r= −0.876; p < 0.01), body mass index (r= −0.710; p < 0.01), GOLD stage (r= 0.797, p < 0.01) and smoking status (r= 0.796; p < 0.01). Using multivariate analysis, FEV(1) and 6MWD showed the strongest negative association with hs-CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: The circulating levels of the inflammatory marker hs-CRP are significantly elevated in patients with COPD, supporting the view that COPD is in part an inflammatory disorder. Hs-CRP levels in stable COPD patients are best correlated with FEV(1) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). This information should be considered when hs-CRP levels are measured in stable COPD patients

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among individuals screened positive for diabetes in five community based eye camps in northern Karachi Pakistan

Background: Population-based data on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Pakistan are lacking. We determined the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among individuals screened positive for diabetes in five community-based eye camps in northern Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: In summer 2002, five community-based eye camps were set up in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. All individuals aged 30 years or older who visited the camps were requested to participate in the study. Those who agreed were screened for diabetes and those found to have the disease were referred to an eye hospital for diabetic retinopathy screening. Verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants at the examination site. Our main outcome measure was diabetic retinopathy, which was classified as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), severe NPDR, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Our grading was based on clinical examination. Results: A total of 912 subjects were screened for diabetes mellitus. Of these, 160(17.5%) had diabetes- 1.8% had type I diabetes and 15.9% had type II diabetes. One hundred and eight individuals visited the hospital for ophthalmic examination. Of them, 15.7% had diabetic retinopathy. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was higher among individuals with type I diabetes, with greater duration of diabetes, and among women. The commonest form of diabetic retinopathy was non-proliferative (76.5% [mild: 35.3 %, moderate: 29.4 %, and severe: 11.8 %]), followed by maculopathy (17.6 %) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (5.9 %). Conclusion: More systematic and population-based research is needed to estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in Pakista

DALK (MASSAGE): AN EFFECTIVE MODE OF TREATMENT FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

In Unani system of medicine, there are four modes of treatment; Ilaj Bil Ghiza (Dietotherapy), Ilaj Bid Dawa (Pharmacotherapy), Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimenal therapy) and Ilaj Bil Yad (Surgery). Ilaj bit Tadbeer includes a number of regimenal therapies such as Hijāma (cupping), Ta‘līq al-‘Alaq (leeching), Fasd (venesection), Dalk (massage), Natūl (irrigation), Qay’ (Emesis), Idrār-i-Bawl (Diuresis), Tariq (Diaphoresis), Mundij and Mu'shil therapy (Concoction and purgation), Bukhoor (medicated steam), Kaiyy (cauterization), Huqna (enema) etc. It has been extensively used for its preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative purposes since ancient times. It causes elimination of morbid matter out of the body, thus helps in maintaining the equilibrium of humours. It has been advised in management of neurological, psychosomatic and musculoskeletal disorders. Various clinical trials have established its efficacy in musculoskeletal disorders on scientific parameters. This review paper aims to explore the basic concept, classification and its therapeutic importance in musculoskeletal disorders

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF UNANI DRUGS MAJOON MUQAWWI RAHIM IN THE SAYALAN AL RAHIM (SIBYANI) PRE PUBERTAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

The pre-pubertal vulvo vaginal discharge (sayalan al rahimsibyani) is increasing slowly but steadily in young girls has been a well-known disease among young women since ages. Now a day’s almost all Unani physicians at from Hippocrates 360 BC down to Shiekh Abu Ali Sina 910 AD Ibn –ul-Nafees, Ibn e Zuhr and Indian origin physicians like Hakeem Shareef Khan, Hakeem Akbar Arzani, Hakeem Mohd Azam Khan and Hakeem Abdul Aziz have mentioned the disease in there treatise and suggested single as well as compound drugs for internal and external use, The study has been conducted successfully by the Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine Lucknow, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Unani drugs in the treatment of the disease. The pre pubertal vaginal discharge is not a new phenomenon in young girls, but due to the social stigmait is discussed in Indian society. Some studies suggest that various internal and external factors are causing the disease but to the best of over knowledge only a few studies have been conducted in the Indian sub-continent hence the Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine, ministry of AYUSH Govt. of India took upon itself the responsibility and conducted a clinical trial on 22 young girls with consent of their parents and Majoon muqawwi rahim an Unani pharmacopeial formulation was administrated orally in semi solid form and the results are so encouraging that CCRUM may plan a bigger study in large scale and lead the country in the treatment of PPV through herbal Unani formulation and provide relief the suffering young girls

Influence of Natural Zeolite and Mineral additive on Bacterial Self-healing Concrete: A Review

With time, the development of micro-cracks in concrete is a frequently reported problem in the structures due to the ingress of harmful substances, leading to the degradation of its quality and strength, which ultimately declines the construction. The present work is a review paper based on enhancing the self-healing property of concrete by inducing different bacteria alone or incorporating different mineral additives. It has been seen that various rehabilitated methodologies are in queue to surmount concrete’s weaknesses and to increase its strength and durability. The latest methodology includes using non-pathogenic microbes in concrete as Microbial induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICCP). The property of precipitating calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals by their metabolic activities helps repair the cracks in harsh conditions and improve their strength. Ureolytic bacteria like Bacillus pasteurii/Sporosarcina pasteurii, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, etc., have a specific property by which they can excite urea when integrated with a calcium source and help in sealing the cracks by CaCO3 precipitation. Different studies have observed that specimens having a bacterial concentration of 105-107 cells/ml with Natural Zeolite (NZ) replacement (10%) represents better interaction of the microstructure of concrete because of the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel. Further, the reduction in CH bond with reduced pore space has also been observed. NZ alone enhances micro-structural property, but it shows CaCo3 precipitation and more densification of microstructure under bacterial combination. XRD also confirms an increase in the calcite composition when the bacterial concentration of 105-107 cells/ml is used. The overall properties of standard and high-strength bacterial concrete (105-107 cells/ml) with 10% Natural Zeolite replacement can provide a better option for the future of sustained and strong concrete. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-05-015 Full Text: PD