bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IS THERE ANY ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ORAL HYGIENE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF TONSILLITIS OR TONSILLAR HYPERPLASIA
Authors: Adetayo Adekunle , MA Akinola , SM Oladeji , TA Oyedele , MO Adetayo , AE Ladele
Published: April 2020

Background: The number of recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hyperplasia requiring tonsillectomies, annually is huge. Poor oral hygiene has been linked with the occurrence of these tonsillar diseases. 

Objective: To determine the association between poor oral hygiene and tonsillitis and/or tonsillar hyperplasia.

Methodology: This was a study of association between oral hygiene and tonsillitis and/or tonsillar enlargement determined by correlating the Oral hygiene index scores (OHIS) and Decay Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) of  subjects with complaint of sore throat with development of tonsillitis or tonsillar hyperplasia. A corresponding number of subjects with no symptoms of sore throat were used as control.

Results:  A total of 80 subjects with sore throat were recruited into the study, comprising 49(61.3%) females and 31(38.7%) males with age ranging from 16 to 32 years. The control group comprised 45(56.3%) females and 35(43.7%) males with age ranging from 16 to 48 years.. OHIS of the test group was poorer than that of the control. Erythema (redness) of the tonsil was significantly correlated with OHIS in the test group but not in the control.

Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene seems to have an association with tonsillar infection and so the, otolaryngologists managing tonsillar infection should consider inter-disciplinary approach in the management of tonsillar diseases.
Recent trends in exports of computer software and information technology enabled services from India
Authors: Sindhu Dr. M.
Published: April 2020

Software industry occupies an important place in Indian economy. This sector has a significant role in term of contribution to GDP, employment, export earning etc. The present paper examined the performance of software service exports from India. The software service exports comprises of computer services and information technology enabled serices (ITES). The recent trends in the software export shows that the export earning has increased. The growth rate of export of this sector is 13 per cent during 2008-2019 period. ITES service exports shows a higher growth rate than the computer service exports during 2008-19 period. Though the public limited company was the major contributor of exports, in the last two years the private sector occupies the position. Major destination of software exports are USA and Canada. Majority of the software service exports are through the cross border supply, ie through Mode-1.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Intentions & Actions on Environmental Sustainability: The Case of SMEs in Cameroon.
Authors: Ndi Isoh Alain Vilard , Cheyenne Fongum Ongia , Michael Cho Nkam
Published: April 2020

The importance of corporate social responsibility is shaping investment decisions and entrepreneurial actions in diverse perspectives. The rapid growth of SMEs has tremendous impacts on the environment. Nonetheless, the economic emergence plan of Cameroon has prompted government support of SMEs through diverse projects. This saw economic growth increased to 3.8% and unemployment dropped to 4.3% caused by the expansion of private sector investments. The dilemma that necessitated this study is the response strategy of SMEs operators towards environmental sustainability. This study, thus seeks to examine the effects of entrepreneurial intentions and actions on environmental sustainability. The research is a conclusive case study design supported by the philosophical underpins of objectivism ontology and positivism epistemology. Data was sourced from four hundred (400) SMEs operators purposively sampled from the Centre and Littoral regions of Cameroon using structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling technique with the aid of statistical packages including: SPSS 24 and AMOS 23.  The study revealed that entrepreneurial action has weak positive statistical significant impacts on environmental sustainability; whereas entrepreneurial intention has strong positive statistical significant effects on environmental sustainability. Entrepreneurial intention comprised of self-efficacy and perceived control whereas, entrepreneurial actions involved entrepreneurial alertness and uncertainty. This study concludes that entrepreneurs in Cameroon have sustainable intentions to protect the environment but; the current actions taken are inadequate. This research recommends that entrepreneurs should enhance efforts toward attaining the state of genuine sustainability.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial Intention, Entrepreneurial Actions, Cameroon, Genuine sustainability
Brand Image and Value on the Purchasing Decision of Coffee Drinks At the Outlet of Janji Jiwa Royal Plaza Surabaya
Authors: Kusumaningtyas Menur , Lestari Sri , Prasetyo Hendra Dwi , Wahyudi Tri , Putranto Johni Harius
Published: April 2020

In order to maintain the existence of the business, it always creates and implements various marketing strategies to maintain and maintain business operations in the midst of fierce business competition. All businesses have competition so this makes the company must have a strategy to be able to excel in competition. Companies must be able to know how to retain their customers so as not to turn to competitors. Especially in the field of coffee drinks business which is currently being rife in Surabaya. This research uses a Quantitative Approach is a research approach that uses data in the form of figures from survey answers distributed to research samples and analyzed using statistical analysis techniques. The partial regression results (t-test) showed the results of the brand image proved to have a significant effect on the decision to purchase coffee drinks at Janji Jiwa Royal Plaza Surabaya. Value is proven to have a significant effect on coffee beverage purchase decisions at Janji Jiwa Royal Surabaya. Simultaneous regression analysis (F-test) proved to have a significant effect on brand image and value on coffee beverage purchase decisions at Janji Jiwa Royal Surabaya.
Relationship between accounting benefits and ERP user satisfaction in the context of the fourth industrial revolution
Authors: NguyenThanh Hung , Thanh Do Minh , Trong Vu Quang
Published: April 2020

In the context of 4th Industrial Revolution, the application of information technology to optimize business processes is more popular. Resource planning system (ERP) is applied by enterprises as an efficient solution to save costs and manage resources effectively. Besides, the application of ERP creates accounting benefits for end users. We conduct this study to determine the accounting benefits of ERP application. At the same time, we explore the relationship between these accounting benefit and user satisfaction. To achieve the aims of this research, the study employed empirical techniques like the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Multiple Linear Regression. Research results show that a number of accounting benefits derived from the application of ERP that focus on the following four dimensions: operational, information technology, organizational, and management. The study provided evidence of the relationship between accounting benefits in terms of ERP application and user satisfaction as accountants.The study contributed to encourage Vietnamese enterprises to apply ERP to increase the value of accounting benefits. From there, these benefits contribute to providing timely and flexible information for management levels.
Deriving Wealth from the Dry Matter of Some Under-Utilised Plant Parts
Authors: J. E.* Otoide , S. O. Ihinmikaiye, , T. F. Otoide,
Published: April 2020

The possibility of creating wealth in pulp and paper industry from the underutilized dry matters of the leaf sheaths of the pseudostem (Musa paradisiaca and M. sapientum), leaf stalk (Carica papaya) and stems (Panicum maximum and Andropogon tectorum) have been established from the anatomical parameters and indexes (fibre lengths and diameters, lumen width, cell wall thickness, Runkels ratio, flexibility coefficient (%) and slenderness ratio) of the fibres using standard procedures. Results obtained revealed that the Runkels ratio of the fibres in the five dry matters were 0.60, 0.44, 0.40, 0.87 and 0.93 for Musa sapientum, M. paradisiaca, Carica papaya, Panicum maximum and Andropogon tectorum respectively. These values, each been less than 1 (˂ 1) recommends each of the dry matters as suitable alternative source of raw materials for pulp and paper production industry. It was recommended that these dry plant materials be henceforth harnessed as alternative sources of raw materials for pulp and paper production industry as another means of wealth creation instead of allowing them to waste and cause environmental nuisance.
The Run Off and Erosion on Eucalyptus Plantation Pt. Toba Pulp Lestari Aek Nauli Sector Simalungun District
Authors: Purba Tioner , . Sutrisno
Published: April 2020

This study aims to determine the amount of surface flow and the amount of erosion on vacant land and stands of Eucalyptus ages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years in HTI PT. Toba Pulp Lestari, Aek Nauli sector. Observations dilakukan runoff and erosion measurements using runoff and erosion at each rain event system by observation of small plots measuring 22 x 4 m2 installed on each land cover  circumstances. The state of each plot research is in the area of ​​vacant land, stands of age class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, with 9% slope. The number of plots a total of 6 plots. And surface flow measurement is done by measuring the volume of water in the drum. Observations magnitude of runoff and sedimentation performed every 2 months during rain events.

The results showed that the surface flow field measurement results showed variation and change in vacant land and a variety of ages eucalyptus. Lowest runoff occurs in the plot of land cover Eucalyptus age 1 year and highest in plots of land cover Eucalyptus age 2 years. The highest erosion rates occurred in plots of vacant land and is followed by a decrease in the Age of Eucalyptus 1,2,3,4 and 5 years.
The Tolerance of Several Hybrid Corn (Zea mays L.) Varieties Type on Cob Rot in the Plateau of Simalungun Regency
Authors: Girsang Warlinson , Girsang Rosmaria
Published: April 2020

The research was carried out in Dolog Masagal Subdistrict, Simalungun Regency, altitude ± 1.100 m above sea level. The research was conducted from January to May 2019. The purpose of this study was to determine the tolerance level of several hybrid corn varieties to cob rot disease.

Methods for conducting the research used randomized block design (RBD) with 1 factor. Types of hybrid corn varieties tested were: Pioneer 29 (V1), NK 99 (V2), Pioneer 12 (V3), NK 22 (V4), Pioneer 4 (V5), Nusantara I (V6), Asia 1 (V7).The parameters observed were: plant height, cob diameter, cob length containing seeds, number of seed rows per cob, number of seeds per row, number of seeds per cob,  husk cover in cob, cob rot intensity, the amount of dry production per plot, and the weight of 1.000 seeds.

Based on the research results, different types of hybrid corn varieties produce different tolerances of cob rot resistance in the Simalungun highlands. The most tolerant variety of cob rot disease is Pioneer 29 (mild damage scale = 0 - 10%). Different types of varieties planted also affect various components of growth and production, among others: plant height, number of seeds per row, number of seed rows per cob, husk cover on cob, dry production per plot, and weight of 100 grains. As for the parameters of cob diameter, cob length containing seeds and the number of seed rows per cob, the difference in varieties did not significantly affect.
Faecal Contamination in Ground Water Resources of Urban Areas of Ujjain
Authors: Parmar Vikas , Purohit Madhubala
Published: April 2020

Ground water is one of the most important natural resource next to air being essential for life. Quality of ground water depends upon natural process, such as wet/dry condition, salts, many geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Among all contamination ground water is more susceptible to microbial contamination. According to WHO report about 80% of all diseases in human being are caused due to drinking water contaminated by bacteria of faecal origin. Various water born diseases are prevalent in Ujjain like typhoid, dysentery, jaundice, amebeosis, colitis etc. Purpose of the study was to assess the bacterial contamination of faecal origin in ground water resources of urban area of Ujjain. For this ground water samples (well, bore well and hand pump) were collected from 6 sub areas of Ujjain city. For the assessment of bacterial contamination of faecal origin H2S strip test of Manja,et.al.(1982) was used. Results clearly indicated that bore well water was found to be safe for drinking, domestic and other purposes.
A Fast Strategy for Model Predictive Control
Authors: Dundar Baris , Cihanbegendi Ozge
Published: April 2020

This article proposes a method to speed the slow response issues (rise time, settling time and prediction) of the existing MPC algorithms up due to the computation load of online optimization without reducing computation load. In the method, original MPC strategy is warped using an integer time scaling factor in time domain. The aim is to speed this strategy up by exploiting the speeds of fast microprocessors. For this aim, an integer time scaling factor is selected according to the limit of the used microprocessor. The solution of the plant is contracted and sampled by this scaling factor. Standard MPC problem is based on this modification of the plant. First elements of fast computed control law vectors are dilated until original online optimization sampling period is reached again and applied to plant at each sampling period. Modified MPC strategy, which is called Upsampled MPC (UMPC), settles faster to desired output than original MPC strategy and also satisfies faster prediction at each sampling period. Since the method is more compatible with fast microprocessor and speed of the UMPC results from microprocessor, slow operation issue of MPC algorithms is solved for different time scaling factors by this method. Therefore, control energy of UMPC is lower. There also exists free times between online optimization sampling periods of original MPC and UMPC strategies. These free times can be used for improvement of existing MPC algorithms.
Numerical analysis on the performance of Dual Rotor wind turbine
Authors: Abdel Karim Hazem Ali , El-Baz Ahmed Reda , Aziz Mahmoud Nabil Abdel , Hamed Ashraf Mostafa
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of wind turbines aiming to maximize the power extracted from the wind. The study is focusing on the effect of introducing a second rotor to the main rotor of the wind turbine in what is called a dual rotor wind turbine (DRWT).  The numerical study took place on the performance of small-scale model of wind turbine of 0.9 m diameter using S826 airfoil.

Both the Co-rotating and Counter rotating configurations were investigated at different tip speed ratios (TSR) and compared with the performance of the single rotor wind turbine (SRWT). Many parameters were studied for dual rotor turbines. These include the spacing between the two rotors, the pitch angle of the rear rotor and the rotational speed of ratio rear to front rotor. Three-dimensional simulations performed and employed using CFD simulations with Multi Reference Frame (MRF) technique.

The Co Rotating Wind Turbine (CWT) and Counter Rotating Wind Turbine (CRWT) found to have better performance compared to that of the SRWT with an increase ranging from 12 to 14% in peak power coefficient. Moreover, the effect of changing the pitch angle of the rear rotor on the overall performance found to be of a negligible effect between angles 0⁰ until 2⁰ degrees tilting toward the front rotor. On the other hand, the ratio of rotational speed of the rear rotor to the front rotor found to cause a further increase in the peak performance of the CWT and CRWT ranging from 3 to 5%.
The relationship between Parental Level of Education and Learners Performance in Public Pre -Primary schools in Nandi County, Kenya.
Authors: Chemagosi Mary Jebii
Published: April 2020

AbstractFactors related with parental involvement on their childrens education continues to be a pertinent issue. Some school going children in Kenya post detrimental results amid claims that parents are not supportive. This study sought to establish influence of Parental Level of Education on Pre-PrimaryLearners performance in curriculum activities in Nandi County, Kenya. Epsteins Theory and descriptive survey design was used for the study. Purposive sampling technique, stratified random technique and simple random technique were used to select the sample of the study. The sample for the study was 50 head teachers 100 teachers and 100 parents in pre-Primary schools from a population of 500 head teachers, 1000 teachers and 10000 parents. Questionnaire, interview guides and focused group discussions were used to collect data. A pilot study was conducted in two schools to determine the validity and reliability of instruments. Both content and face validity were ensured while split half technique was used to determine the instrument’s reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive such as frequencies and percentages and presented in form of tables while inferential statistics used simple linear regression. Qualitative data was analyzed and presented in narrative form.
Teacher Preparedness in Implementing Inclusive Education for Pupils with Hearing Impairments in Mombasa County, Kenya
Authors: Luvanga Mr. Hassan , Mwangi Dr. Sarah W. , Maneno Dr. Robert J.
Published: April 2020

Inclusion is a philosophy that focuses on the process of adjusting the home, school and the larger society to accommodate persons with special needs. The success of provision of inclusive practices is contingent upon the quality of teaching in an inclusive setting. This study was conducted in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study investigated teacher preparedness in the implementation of special needs inclusive education in primary schools with pupils with hearing impairments. The study focused on teachers’ academic qualifications, professional qualifications, teaching experience and whether the teachers had undertaken pre- service or in-service special education training. The prospective study was carried out between 2018- 2019 including 60 teachers and 20 head teachers. The findings revealed that although most teachers had the necessary academic qualifications to teach pupils in primary schools, they lacked adequate special education training to effectively teach pupils with hearing impairment and majority of the teachers had not undertaken any pre-service or in-service special education training to prepare them to effectively teach pupils with hearing impairments. Recommendations suggested that teachers should be adequately prepared during their pre-service education programme to effectively teach pupils with hearing impairments within the mainstream classroom setting. Recommendation was that teachers should enhance their special education skills through in-service special education training.
A Review of Dried Fruits and Vegetables Consumed In Northern Nigeria
Authors: Okaiyeto S. A. , S. I. Ogijo , Unguwanrimi Y. A. , Jonga B. J. , Sada A. M.
Published: April 2020

Fresh fruits and vegetables are important foods both from economic and nutritional point of view. Fruits and vegetable of all types are valuable part of our diet, however, many vegetables are highly seasonal in nature, they are available in abundance at a particular season and sometimes result in market glut, while at off-season they become very scarce and expensive. Large quantities of these vegetables are lost during or shortly after harvest due to their perishable nature.  Drying of vegetables as a means of reducing post-harvest losses and improve storability has been practiced for many centuries. As compared to fresh vegetables which can be kept for few days, dry products can be stored for months or even years without substantial loss of nutrients. This paper reviews some commonly dried fruits and vegetables consumed in northern Nigeria, which includes; Tomato, Okra, Baobab leaves, Sweet potato, Cassava, Moringa, Sorrel and Jute. A comprehensive review of preservation methods, price variation with season, storage and duration of these fruits and vegetables is presented and recommendations are made for further studies.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are important foods both from economic and nutritional point of view. Fruits and vegetable of all types are valuable part of our diet, however, many vegetables are highly seasonal in nature, they are available in abundance at a particular season and sometimes result in market glut, while at off-season they become very scarce and expensive. Large quantities of these vegetables are lost during or shortly after harvest due to their perishable nature.  Drying of vegetables as a means of reducing post-harvest losses and improve storability has been practiced for many centuries. As compared to fresh vegetables which can be kept for few days, dry products can be stored for months or even years without substantial loss of nutrients. This paper reviews some commonly dried fruits and vegetables consumed in northern Nigeria, which includes; Tomato, Okra, Baobab leaves, Sweet potato, Cassava, Moringa, Sorrel and Jute. A comprehensive review of preservation methods, price variation with season, storage and duration of these fruits and vegetables is presented and recommendations are made for further studies.
The British Southern Cameroons Health Services as an Appendage to Nigerian Health Sector, 1922-1961
Authors: Ngwa Canute A. , Asongwe Christian
Published: April 2020

The incidence of disease on the colonial agenda triggered the development of healthcare services by colonial administrations in Africa. In Southern Cameroons, the British administration fashioned a medical policy whose implementation spanned from 1922 to 1930. Informed by the colonial imperative, administrative and medical officers developed medical infrastructure, trained and engaged personnel, conducted research, and made efforts to roll back the incidence of various diseases. This took curative and preventive forms in a context of conflicting agendas, colonial arrogance, cultural ignorance, and defective infrastructure and personnel.  The outcomes were beneficial to the colonial enterprise and detrimental to the economic wellbeing of the local population, the incidental benefits notwithstanding.
The Effect of Integrity, And Discipline on Quality of Work Life (Qwl) Government Internal Supervision Officers Republic of Indonesia Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Authors: Martanto Joko , Tippe Syarifuddin , Santoso Budi
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this research is to describe and analyze the influence of integrity and discipline of quality of work life (QWL). This research used a quantitative approach with survey methods. The samples of this research is the whole 132 government internal supervision officers Republic of Indonesia Ministry of Law and Human Rights which was performed randomly simple. The results showed that; (1) There is a direct positive influence integrity of the quality of work life (QWL); (2) There is no direct positive influence discipline of the quality of work life (QWL); (4) There is no direct positive influence transformational leadership of the discipline; (3) There is a direct positive influence integrity of the discipline; and (4) There is no indirect positive influence integrity of the quality of work life (QWL) through discipline. To improve the quality of work life (QWL), need to improve the integrity and discipline.
Corona Virus – The Dental Outlook
Authors: Pravallika Dr. Thorikonda Sai , Akula Dr. Sheetal , Balaji Dr. Kurnool , Jyothi Dr. Maddela , Reddy Dr. Jaidupally Ramvilas
Published: April 2020

AIM: This review provides an overview of the corona virus and to determine the precautionary recommendations to be taken by the Dental Professionals.

BACKGROUND: Corona virus (COVID-19) in no time has captured the world’s attention and is declared as a pandemic by WHO.

REVIEW RESULTS: Dental care settings inevitably carry the risk of infection due to the specificity of the procedures and effective preventive measures can help the spread of the infection.

CONCLUSION: The outbreak of corona virus had already lead to huge number of deaths and its risk continues to remain high. Infection control measures are necessary to help control the situation.

KEYWORDS: Corona virus, Pandemic, Dental considerations
Effect of Project Complexity on Elemental Cost Analysis Accuracy: A Case of Residential Construction Projects within Nairobi City County
Authors: M. W. Muthoga
Published: April 2020

The construction industry, in common with all industries, continually strives for progression and development. In view of the growing complexity in architectural designs, Quantity Surveyors have over years formulated and employed different cost estimating methods with a view to increase both accuracy and efficiency. However, very often these techniques are inaccurate and unstructured and are solely based on Quantity Surveyors’ own experiences and general purpose procedures. It remains unexplored in both international and Kenyan literature how the growing diversity in project complexity affects elemental cost analysis accuracy. Against this backdrop, the present study sought to determine the effect of project complexity on elemental cost analysis accuracy with reference to residential projects within Nairobi City County. The study used primary data which was quantitative in nature, collected by use of structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. Findings reveal that site conditions are a significant determinant of elemental cost analysis accuracy among residential projects within Nairobi City County. The study also deduces that project size is a significant determinant of elemental cost analysis accuracy among residential projects within Nairobi City County. The level of technology used is also a significant determinant of elemental cost analysis accuracy among residential projects within Nairobi City County.
Inclusive Education: The Forms of Violation of Children’s Rights and School Dropouts in the Kadey Division: East Region of Cameroon
Authors: Ndjouma Wedjou Maurice
Published: April 2020

Article 8 of the African Aspirations for 2063 stipulates that the African people are confident that their countries have the ability and competence to realize or accomplish their full potential in development, culture, and peace.  The vast majority of countries in Africa have worked toward establishing flourishing, inclusive, successful and prosperous societies by eradicating any forms of violation of children’s rights (African Union Commission, 2015). Nevertheless, violation of children’s rights remains present in most developing countries including the country of Cameroon. This research aims to explore the forms of violation of children’s rights having a dramatic incident in school attendance in the Kadey Division of Cameroon, East Region of Cameroon. This research work is inductive, values bias and uses the grounded theory of the qualitative method approach. 15 participants have been selected from 3 major focused groups of different stakeholders in the Kadey Division, East Region of Cameroon. The theoretical saturation code was used to explain the relevance of the sample size.   Data were examined using the open, axial, and selective coding processes. The results were tested for internal and external validity based on credibility, dependability, conformability, and transferability consideration. The philosophical focused on subjectivism ontology and interpretivism perspective. The study is an investigative case study model. The study showed that the forms of violation of children’s rights in the Kadey division include the recruitment and use of children, the denial of humanitarian access, the sexual violence against children and the killing and hurting of children. This study encourages school leaders in the Kadey Division to acknowledge that schools are not meant to function apart from the local community. Promoting strong collaborative work ethics between the major educational stakeholders may help prevent and reduce violence against children within and outside the school milieu and therefore duplicate school attendance.  (UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, 2016).
Using Cooperative Learning Model to Enhance Academic Performance of Teacher Trainees in Some Selected Topics in Integrated Science at Saint Monica’s College Of Education
Authors: Amoako Stephen Kwame , Baah Kennedy Ameyaw , Kamaayi Fidelis , Dapaah Samuel Sylvester , Agyei Charles Amoah
Published: April 2020

The study sought to investigate the effects of using cooperative learning on female teacher trainees of the Colleges of Education in learning some selected topics in Integrated Science. The investigation also sought to determine whether the Cooperative Learning Approach enhances the attitude and motivation of the trainees towards learning of Integrated Science. The study was carried out at the St. Monica’s College of Education in the Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region. In all, 80 teacher trainees consisting of 40 each from control and experimental groups were purposively sampled to participate in the study. The teacher trainees in the experimental group were exposed to the Cooperative Learning Approach and the trainees in the control group were lectured during the period of the study. The results of the study showed that the cooperative learning strategy was very relevant and beneficial in helping the teacher trainees of the St. Monica’s College of Education to improve on their performance in, and attitudes towards, the teaching and learning of Integrated Science. It was therefore recommended among other things that the science teachers should endeavour to integrate cooperative learning into their routine methods of instruction in the teaching and learning of Integrated Science.

Keywords: cooperative learning approach, purposive sampling, experimental group, college of education, motivation
Teachers’ Workload and Class Size as Correlate of Students’ Academic Performance in Selected Secondary Schools in Singida Urban
Authors: Tarimo Valentine Mathias , Bahati David , Labito Ramadhani Abedi
Published: April 2020

The study sought to establish the relationship between teachers’ workload, class size and students’ academic performance from five selected secondary schools in Singida urban. The study was guided by  three objectives and three research hypotheses. The study employed correlational cross-sectional design. A sample size of two hundred nighty four respondents was randomly chosen from five secondary schools. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents. The collected data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) using Karl Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression Analysis to assess the correlation between teachers’ workload and class size and students’ academic performance. The study results indicated that, there was no significant relationship between teachers’ workload and students’ academic performance in surveying secondary schools in Singida Urban at the five percent level of significance. Further, the findings show that class size was positively correlated with  students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Singida urban. Also,  there is a significant difference between teachers’ work load and class size in relation to students of academic performance in selected secondary schools in Singida urban.  Based on the study findings, it is recommended  that, emphasis should be directed at improving class size if teachers and education stakeholders in Singida urban have to increase students’ academic performance. The study concluded class size is found to be the best predictor of students’ academic performance in the surveyed secondary schools in Singida Urban.
Takaful Retirement Annuity Plan in Malaysia: An Investigation on Consumers’ Perceived Value and Knowledge Mediated by Attitude
Authors: Morshed Mohammad Niaz , Kabir Sardar Md Humayun , Asuhaimi Fadhilah Abdullah , Muhibbullah Md
Published: April 2020

Annuities are being treated as a backup financial strategy throughout the age of retirement and a way of reducing the long-term risk of a person’s old age. Takaful markets in Malaysia have wanted to advance an annuity plan backed by Islamic Shari’ah and similar to the purpose pursued by an insurance company, but failed to do so after initiation in early 1999. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship among consumers’ decision to take Takaful retirement annuity plan and their perceived value, knowledge mediated by attitude. Quantitative research has been conducted by a structured questionnaire survey on participants’ attitude, perceived value and knowledge of Takaful retirement annuity plan. The sample (n=121) for this study consisted of the employees working in different functional units of the International Islamic University Malaysia located in the metropolitan capital (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor) area of Malaysia. The findings from this study unveiled that the attitude and perceived value of the participants had a significant positive relationship with their decisions to take Takaful retirement annuity plan. But no direct connection has been found between knowledge and choices on Takaful retirement annuity plan. The significant practical implication of this study will be the Takaful operators, their customers, and researchers.
Institutions and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan African Countries: The Effect of Investment Climate Quality
Authors: Degourmond Nyemb Pagbe Rémi
Published: April 2020

This paper assesses the impact of investment climate quality on economic growth for a sample of 21 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), over the period 1996-2014. The investment climate is measured simultaneously by individual components and composite indices, in order to capture both its global and specific effects, with a view to possibly identifying the most determining factors in the economic growth of SSA countries. In addition, in order to verify the robustness of our results, two composite indices of investment climate were constructed using the Principal Component Analysis method, with variables from two main databases (the World Governance Indicators database of World Bank and the International Country Risk Guide database).By using fixed and random effects models based on Hausman test results, we generally find that investment climate is a major determinant of economic growth in the countries of the SSA of the study sample. This result is valid regardless of the composite index or the individual component considered. Fight against corruption, protection of private property rights, efficiency of government, the quality of bureaucracy and regulation appear to be the most decisive components in accelerating economic growth for the sample of country considered.
Critical Care Nurses Competency Level on the Administration of Microinfusion Medication at Critical Care Unit Kenyatta National Hospital
Authors: Onwongá Isaac Nyabuto , Inyama Hannah , Rajula Eve Risper
Published: April 2020

Background of the study: Most drugs given as Microinfusion require infusion pumps to administer. They are very potent with very narrow therapeutic index and any small changes on the process results in enormous effects to patients. The nursing profession has a duty to advocate for patients rights as well as do no harm. One of the core goals of nurses is medication administration; this puts nurses in the last line of defence against medication administration errors (MAEs). This study aimed to look into the roles played by nurse that hamper the efforts to reduce the Microinfusion MAEs on which minimal studies have been done.

Objective: This study determined the competency level influencing the administration of Microinfusion medication by critical care nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital’s (KNH) Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Significance of study: Local data in the area of Microinfusion MAEs is not available, specifically KNH’s ICU. This study therefore sought to breech this gap and hopes to influence policy on management of critical patients, patient safety, environment, and curriculum development so as to reduce Microinfusion MAEs.

Methodology: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design, simple random sampling was used to pick 64 participants. Quantitative data was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistics, which included regression analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented by use of the mean, percentages and standard deviation. Chi-square was used to determine statistical significance of the differences in proportions and logistic regression was used to identify factors that lead to Medication administration errors. Necessary ethical approval was sought.

Results: The prevalence of MAEs was at 64.1% in the last six months, 65.6% 0f the respondents reported lack of supportive supervision, 37.5% of the respondents reported not to know mechanisms in place for reporting Microinfusion medication errors. This prevalence was of statistical significance when cross tabulated with critical care nurses competency level (p<0.05) on aspects such as; having prescription checks [95%CI= 0.000-17.9; p=0.008], working experience, type of medication error, checking weight of patients [p=0.019], reporting of the errors [95%CI = 0.1-0.8; p=0.019], documenting drug errors and monitoring patients after drug administration.

Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of Microinfusion administration errors in KNH-ICU is high. There is need to ensure that nurses are always equipped with adequate knowledge and experience in drug administration through trainings and mentorship programs as this will reduce  medication errors and increase  safety of patient  in health facilities.
Laproscopic Management of Large Ovarian Cyst with Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Darji Ankit
Published: April 2020

Background: Before a pregnant woman's baby birth, the incidence of cyst is the most common. Due to availability of quality antenatal ultrasound, ovarian cysts in the pregnant woman are diagnosed more frequently. The large (>5 cm) and complex cysts are symptomatic and it required to be managed by surgical intervention. Cyst might rupture, twist, or even cause problems during childbirth.

Aims and objective: To bring relief to a primigravida with 16 weeks pregnancy after spontaneous conception, presented with complain of hugely distended abdomen with marked discomfort and to preserve her pregnancy.

Case Report:

Materials and Methods: A 26 year old pregnant woman with ovarian cyst was enrolled and treated through laparoscopic management.

Results: After the laparoscopic removal of cyst the post-operative period of the pregnant woman was found uneventful. The pregnancy of the woman was progressed smoothly and there was no any complications during the pregnancy. Full term normal delivery (FTNVD) was occurred and the baby was healthy with weight of approximately 2.55 Kgs.

Conclusion: Large ovarian cyst can be managed without disturbing the pregnancy and a complicated case can be transformed into a normal ante natal check-ups (ANC).
The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Exam Anxiety Level in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yalçın ümit
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Anxiety, depression and other mental problems are one of the important health problems on university campuses. The anxiety created by the exams in the students negatively affects the students' attitude and success towards the lessons. The studies carried out, the understanding the relationship between exercise, depression and anxiety, and positive results obtained were satisfying and also increased the value given to this issue. In our study, we examined the relationship between university students' physical activity level and exam anxiety.

Material-Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 175 volunteer university students who did and did not do sports. The International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ) Long Form was used to measure the level of physical activity and the Exam Anxiety Inventory to determine the level of anxiety.

Results: The rate of female patients was significantly higher in the inactive group than the minimally active and active group (p ˂ 0.05). In the inactive group, the test anxiety score was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) than the minimally active and active group.

Conclusion: As a result, our research revealed that the physical activity levels of university students are quite low, especially in female students, and there is a relationship between the level of physical activity and anxiety.
New Trends Towards Using Social Networks As Teaching Electronic Portfolio
Authors: Albloly Amir Mohammed
Published: April 2020

This paper was basically conducted to explore the potential for Social Network: Facebook use as new trends towards teaching electronic portfolio in teaching English at the university level. The researcher adopted the quantitative and analytical methods using the test and the questionnaire as the main tools for collecting the data. The participants included (50) English language teachers from various Sudanese universities along with (25) students majoring English in different levels at the University of Kassala. They have Facebook accounts and they were taught within an online group. According to the results, it was evident that there were practical and effective use for Facebook to be applied as a teaching electronic portfolio for academic and educational purposes especially at university levels. In these respects, learners’ performance can easily be monitored and assessed through social network, teachers and students can collaborate in a secure, closed environment on Facebook group, teachers can maintain a personal content library and share content with students and finally, students can instantly access their files through their e-based ‘Library’.
Role of Media in Policy Making: Special reference to Afghanistan
Authors: Mangal Farooq Jan
Published: April 2020

Mass media (Radio, TV, print…) plays a crucial and vital role in information distribution and thus in the political market and public policy making. Theory predicts that information provided by mass media reflects the media’s incentives to provide news to different types of groups in society, and affects these groups’ influence in policy-making. The study emphasize on the role of mass media in political markets and its effect on public policy-making. It attempts to develop a theoretical relationship between mass media and public policy. The empirical studies have tried to assess the effect of media on policy outcomes.

     Analysing various cases in Afghanistan, media influences policy makers and higher authorities to act in accordance of the suggestion and recommendations of media workers and institutions. In recent decades, policy makers have considered on media’s soft and proper demands based on their suggestions and recommendations, even many articles in Afghanistan’s constitution would be amended.

     According to our findings, ‘Access to Information Law’, passed by president Ashraf Ghani, was a combine demand of policy makers, lawyers and media workers, who believed that legal information except the information that can harm national security should be accessible by locals and media workers through law. Similarly, Afghan Journalist safety committee developed a comprehensive policy against women Sexual harassment that will be discussed in the paper as a ‘Case Study’. Hence, the policy has been accepted by Government of Afghanistan and is implemented since then
Eco-friendly Synthesis of Quinoxaline Derivatives Using Mineral Fertilizers as Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: MALEK Badr , BAHAMMOU İmane , ZIMOU Omar , EL HALLAOUI Achraf , GHAILANE Rachida , BOUKHRİS Said , SOUIZI Abdelaziz
Published: April 2020

The synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives were heterogeneously catalyzed by phosphate-based catalyst fertilizers, MAP, DAP, or TSP. The reaction affords the desired products in excellent yields at ambient temperature. A series of studies were conducted to investigate the effect of solvent reaction, its volume, and catalyst amount. A study of the recyclability of catalysts removed from the reaction mixture by simple filtration was also carried out to find that the three phosphate-based catalysts retain their catalytic activities up to six cycles.
IDENTIFICACIÓN CUALITATIVA DE METABOLITOS SECUNDARIOS Y DETERMINACIÓN DE LA CITOTOXICIDAD DE EXTRACTOS DE TEMPISQUE (Sideroxylum capiri PITTIER)/ QUALITATIVE IDENTIFICATION OF SECONDARY METABOLITES AND CYTOTOXICITY DETERMINATION OF TEMPISQUE EXTRACTS (Sid
Authors: Robles-García Miguel Angel , Aguilar Antonio J. , Gutiérrez-Lomelí Melesio , Rodríguez-Félix Francisco , Morales- Del-Río Juan Alfredo , Guerrero-Medina Pedro Javier , Madrigal-Pulido Jaime Alberto , Del-Toro-Sánchez Carmen Lizette
Published: April 2020

Sideroxylon capiri (Tempisque) es un árbol cuyas hojas y frutos son comestibles usándose también como condimento en alimentos y para algunas enfermedades del riñón. Sin embargo, es una planta que no tiene un perfil de metabolitos secundarios reportado y se desconoce su citotoxicidad, siendo esto el objetivo de la presente investigación. A partir del extracto metanólico de S. capiri obtenido por percolación, se determinaron los metabolitos secundarios por pruebas cualitativas, así como su citotoxicidad utilizando Artemia salina. Dentro de los resultados obtenidos, se lograron identificar en los extractos de hoja de S. capiri, fenoles, flavonoides, esteroides y taninos. Sin embargo, no se encontraron saponinas, cumarinas y alcaloides. Además, según el ensayo realizado con A. salina, este extracto es prácticamente no tóxico. ABSTRACTSideroxylon capiri (Tempisque) is a tree which leaves and fruits are edible being used as a food condiment and to treat some kidney diseases. However, this plant does not have a secondary metabolites profile nor cytotoxicity reports, hence, this is the objective of the present research. From the S. capiri methanol extract obtained by percolation, secondary metabolites were determined by qualitative tests as well as cytotoxicity using Artemia salina. According to the results obtained from S. capiri leaves extract, phenols, flavonoids, steroids and tannins were present. However, saponins, cumarins and alkaloids were absent. Furthermore, this extract is practically nontoxic according to the A. salina test.
CINÉTICA DE CRECIMIENTO DE LA MICROALGA Chaetoceros muelleri EN UN FOTOBIORREACTOR
Authors: Nevarez Alvarez Luis Fernando , Carrillo Pérez Esther , López Elías José Antonio , Vargas López Juan Manuel , Noriega Rodríguez Juan Antonio
Published: April 2020

Mientras que la creación de una cepa de microalga de calidad puede obtenerse únicamente mediante la manipulación genética de cepas existentes, la optimización de los parámetros de diseño y operación de los procesos industriales puede llevarse a cabo aplicando técnicas adecuadas de ingeniería, como lo es el modelaje matemático. En este trabajo se realizó el estudio de la cinética de crecimiento del cultivo de la microalga Chaetoceros muelleri a diferentes concentraciones de CO2. La velocidad específica de crecimiento, el tiempo de doblado y la producción de biomasa máxima, fueron obtenidos por medio de un ajuste de los datos experimentales a una aproximación de la ecuación logística integrada. Los resultados mostraron que existe una concentración de CO2 óptima donde se obtuvo la velocidad específica máxima con menor tiempo de doblado. Sin embargo, el rendimiento en la producción celular disminuye al aumentar la concentración de CO2. Los parámetros cinéticos determinados permiten establecer las bases para el diseño de fotobiorreactores (FBR) y para el escalamiento del proceso a nivel industrial.