bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of fibrin glue in seroma reduction after modified radical mastectomy
Authors: Fawzy Ahmed , Gaber Ahmed , Farid Abd Al Monem
Published: June 2017

Background: Seroma is one of the most common morbidity occurring post modified radical mastectomy (MRM). It can delay post-operative initiation of adjuvant therapy. This study was designed to determine the role of fibrin glue spray in reduction of seroma volume and duration after breast surgeries.Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study over forty female patients who underwent (MRM) was done. The study cohort was randomized into control group where only conventional drain placement was used and experimental group where double dose of fibrin glue has been sprayed to the axillary and mammary beds plus conventional drain placement. Data regarding the amount of drained fluid in the first post-operative day, hospital stay, length of drain placement, amount and duration of post-operative seroma, number of excised lymph nodes (L. Ns) and pathological results were recorded.Results: No difference in mean age, number of excised L. Ns and rate of post-operative infection between both groups was detected. There was significant reduction in hospital stay time favouring fibrin glue group (p=0.006). Fibrin glue group had a significant reduction in the length of drain placement (p=0.001). The amount of post-operative serous fluid was reduced and the incidence of occurrence of post-operative seroma was (7/20) 35% in control group compared to (1/20) 5% in fibrin glue group giving significant reduction in incidence and amount.Conclusions: Use of fibrin glue sealant during MRM resulted in noticeable and significant decrease of post-operative rate of seroma formation, its amount and the length of drain placement.
Evaluation of modified Alvarado scoring system in acute appendicitis at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Authors: Rithin Punjala Sai , Agarwal Aman , Budigi Bhavana
Published: June 2017

Background: Despite of much advancement in modern diagnostic technology, decision making in patients with acute appendicitis is still a challenge worldwide. Many diagnostic scoring systems have been developed. Of them modified Alvarado scoring system (MASS) has been reported to be a cheap and quick diagnostic tool which minimizes negative appendectomy rate. The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MASS in diagnosing acute appendicitis and correlating the same with histopathological results.Methods: This prospective cohort study conducted from November 2012 to April 2014, over a period of 18 months at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore. 100 patients with symptoms of acute appendicitis were enrolled in the study. They were diagnosed using MASS. Patients with a score of 7 to 10 were taken up for surgery. Patients with a score below 7, but with high suspicion of acute appendicitis by the surgeon were taken up for surgery. Following surgery all appendix specimens were sent for histopathologic examination.Results: A total number of 100 patients were participated in the study. Of them patients under the age group of 21-30 years were more affected with acute appendicitis (51%). Male predominance was observed in the study (74%). The common symptom observed in all patients (100%) was tenderness in right Iliac fossa (RIF). Out of 100 patients, 79% of the patients were presented with a modified Alvarado score of ≥7 and 21% presented with a score of <7. The sensitivity and specificity of the MASS in this study was 89.66% and 92.31% in both males and females respectively. The positive predictive value was 98.73%, negative predictive value was 57.41% and the NAR was 6.75% and 30.76% in male and female patients respectively.Conclusions: The observations of the study confirm that use of MASS in patients suspected to have acute appendicitis provides a high degree of diagnostic accuracy and subsequently reduces the negative appendicectomy and complication rates.
To study the bone mineral density and vitamin D in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis irrespective of duration in comparison to age and sex-matched controls who were not having any musculoskeletal disorder
Authors: Bhimwal Raj Kumar , Makwana Mohan , Sanawadiya Harish , Bhati Ratan Lal
Published: June 2017

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of synovial tissue of joints of unknown etiology marked by a symmetric, peripheral, polyarthritis. Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disease characterised by reduced bone mass/density and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. Osteoporosis is more common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than an age and sex-matched population. Chronic use of glucocorticoids and disability-related immobility also contributes to osteoporosis.Methods: The present study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, India. Case control study was conducted to determine bone mineral densities (BMD) and vitamin D levels among patients with rheumatoid arthritis attending the medicine OPD and IPD, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 25 age and sex-matched controls were studied. All known cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis attending Medicine outdoor and patients who are admitted indoor. Patients with co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and pre-existing osteoporosis.Results: Mean age of the study population was 49.68±8.4 yrs; most of the subjects were females. Vitamin D levels were found to be comparatively lower in females. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent of in urban population. As the age increased the levels of vitamin D and BMD decreased. Inadequacy in vitamin D levels was more prevalent in Rheumatoid arthritis patients, 74.99% females had low BMD values. Correlation of low BMD with RA was statistically significant. The duration of Rheumatoid arthritis was related to vitamin D levels significantly (p<0.013). The longer the duration of disease more number of RA patients had vitamin D deficiency. All patients with RA for more than 4 years had osteoporosis. The duration of Rheumatoid arthritis was related to low BMD significantly (p<0.025). The correlation of HAQ (health assessment questionnaire) with BMD is statistically significant; the correlation of DAS score with RA duration is statistically significant. The correlation of DAS score with BMD is statistically significant. The lesser the BMD more number of RA patients had moderate or severe scores.Conclusions: Vitamin D levels were found to be comparatively lower in females especially in urban areas. Vitamin D deficiency and low BMD is more prevalent in Patients of rheumatoid arthritis in comparison to controls. High index of suspicion is required during follow-up of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
To study the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in type 2 diabetes patients in Western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Bhimwal Raj Kumar , Makwana Mohan , Jangid Ravindra , Bhati Ratan Lal
Published: June 2017

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) has been too common yet under diagnosed clinical entity. It is associated with the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardio-metabolic parameters including central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Obesity predisposes to both OSA and disorders in glucose metabolism. There is growing evidence that OSA confers an independent risk of adverse glucose metabolism.Methods: The present study conducted in the Department of Medicine at MDM Hospital attached to Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Participants after understanding the study protocol and procedure, asked to give their written consent for the study. It was a cross sectional hospital based study in patients, screened at Diabetic clinic and those referred from the periphery. Berlin questionnaires and Epworth score are tools to screen for OSA attending the Medicine OPD and IPD, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur. 50 patients with type 2 DM and 20 age and sex-matched controls were studied. Randomly selected T2DM subjects of age 20 to 75 years both sex with obesity, BMI>25 kg/m2, clinical history suggestive of OSA, Epworth score>6, Positive Berlin questionnaires were included in the study. Acute and unstable medical condition e.g. CHF, CRF, COPD, Recent stroke, Acute ACS, Pregnant women were excluded.Results: In the study OSA was prevalent in the diabetic population (54%), Mean age of the study population was 54.96±9.35 years. OSA was found to be increased with increasing age with maximum prevalence in ≥60 year’s age group. OSA was more prevalent in the male population (64.29%), in urban population. Snoring, observed sleep apnoea, restless sleep/insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and non-refreshing sleep were significantly associated with OSA. (P<0.001). Prevalence of OSA was more in high BMI group (≥35 kg/m2), OSA increased with increase in neck circumference. OSA was more in subjects with uncontrolled diabetes (blood sugar>200 mg/dl), smokers and alcoholics.Conclusions: This study shows that OSA has a high prevalence in subjects with T2DM and identify several factors that may be associated with its presence in the diabetic population. OSA can be usefully and easily assessed in an outpatient setting by using a portable device such as Apnea Link. Clinicians should increase patients' awareness of the signs and symptoms of OSA and refer for sleep studies when appropriate. Once diagnosed, patients should be encouraged to adhere to CPAP treatment in order to halt progression and prevent complications.
Prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus and its associated sociodemographic risk factors found in Nachanwel and Pishor revenue circle of Aurangabad district
Authors: Naval Sameer S. , Mahajan Swati M. , Yadav Vallabh B.
Published: June 2017

Background: This particular study was conducted in rural area of deep interiors of Marathwada with the objective to find prevalence of type ii diabetes mellitus and to understand the interrelationship of diabetes mellitus and the other associated risk factors in the area with the particular focus on people staying in the area.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in selected rural area of revenue circle Pishor and Nachanwel of selected Kannad tehesil covering 6 Villages with approximate households of 5000. The study was done in adults greater than 20 years of age. Only one member from each household was included for the study, using simple random sampling by lottery method from each of the family till we cover 20% of the households as a sample from each of the village to get a total of 1000 which is more than calculated sample size i.e. 900. Results: The prevalence of diabetes in the study area was 11.2% while that of pre diabetes was 6.6%. Prevalence in males was 12.8% while that in females was 9.02%. The risk Factors associated with diabetes in this study on univariate analysis were gender (male), age (increasing age), type of occupation, education, higher socioeconomic class, family H/O Diabetes, whereas on multivariate analysis age, occupation, socioeconomic class, were found to be significantly associated. Conclusions: Prevalence of 11.2% is large; it does give a warning signal of upcoming epidemic of diabetes all over India. High risk strategies should be adopted for screening of diabetes at the level of primary health centre to detect people with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance at earliest possible time. ‘Primary Health Care’ approach with focus on the common risk factors is needed even in remote rural areas.
A study of occurrence of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss after middle ear surgeries
Authors: Mazhar Md. Shafiuddin , B. H. Shrikrishna
Published: June 2017

Background: Chronic otitis media is the most common middle ear disease that is encountered in our hospital. There are various surgical procedures that are performed in cases of COM and other similar conditions of the middle ear. Any type of otosurgical procedure involves the risk of inner ear damage. As middle ear surgery is also performed for functional reasons this risk should be taken into consideration. There have been some studies mentioning many insults to the cochlea during middle ear surgeries. Some studies claim that sensorineural hearing loss post-surgery is not significant at all. In view of these contradictory studies, further study is essential on this subject.

Methods: All patients undergoing middle ear surgeries are subjected to pure tone audiometry pre-operatively and tenth day, one month and three months postoperatively. Hearing assessment done with pure tone audiometer. The hearing threshold for pure tone audiometer was determined in a sound treated room at frequencies ranging from 125-8000 Hz for air conduction and 250-4000 Hz for bone conduction.  

Results: Sensorineural hearing loss was not found in any of the patients postoperatively on 10th day 1st month and 3rd month.

Conclusions: There was no significant variation between preoperative and postoperative bone conduction levels.  Therefore middle ear surgeries have not resulted in any SNHL. Duration of ear discharge, duration of surgery, type of surgery had no bearing on postoperative sensory neural hearing levels.
A clinicoepidemiological study of sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men from a tertiary care centre in South India
Authors: Binesh V. G. , Sarin A. , Ambooken Betsy , Suprakasan S. , Rakesh T. P.
Published: June 2017

Background: The prevalence of men who have sex with men (MSM) is showing an increasing trend in general population. MSM being a high risk population are more prone to develop sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Methods: With the help of Sevana, a nongovernmental organization (NGO), we were able to mobilize 81 MSM for detailed evaluation. All  MSM, after an informed consent were given a behavioural questionnaire, followed by detailed history taking, clinical examination, pre-test counselling and specimen collection.

Results: All of them were clinically asymptomatic. Of the total 81 MSM in our study, 27(33.3%) had STIs as evidenced by laboratory investigations. Out of these, 3 (3.7%) had multiple STIs. The most common STI in our study group was asymptomatic herpes gentalis (12.4%), followed by latent syphilis (9.9%) and non gonococcal urethritis (8.6%).

Conclusions: The high incidence of asymptomatic STIs among MSMs in our study points to the need for strengthening targeted intervention including condom usage and a compulsory medical check-up and serological screening at least once in six months for early detection and treatment of STIs. This in turn would help us in preventing the transmission of STIs including HIV.
Mathematical models of squeeze film dampers in rotor dynamics of gas turbine engines
Authors: Kutakov M. N. , Degtiarev S. A. , Leontiev M. K.
Published: June 2017

The paper focuses on the choice of mathematical models of squeeze film dampers and methods of their numerical implementations for gas turbine engine rotor dynamics problems. The present contribution is aimed at establishing criteria for the application of mathematical models of a squeeze film damper depending on the damper characteristics and operating conditions. The models are grouped by the dimension of the considered physical space, i.e. three-dimensional, two-dimensional and one-dimensional modeling patterns. The work presents principles of setting boundary conditions for mechanical seals to be adequately simulated. Criteria of assessing the necessity of taking into account such physical phenomena as turbulence, fluid inertia, and cavitation are presented. The proposed mathematical models are primarily developed for the computation of integral characteristics of squeeze film dampers, such as reaction forces and dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients required for solving rotor dynamics problems.
Evaluation of low cycle fatigue based on the use of Coffin-Manson dependence under zero-to-“soft” loading cycle
Authors: Pavlov V. F. , Kirpichyov V. A. , Kocherova E. E. , Zlobin A. S.
Published: June 2017

To calculate the durability of gas turbine engine parts damaged by low-cycle fatigue (LCF), according to the Structural codes of turbine engine strength it is necessary to test specimens cut from respective parts (or test coupons) under hard loading. Hard here means there is a fixed strain cycle. The tests are conducted with different asymmetry coefficients of the strain cycle and with different exposure time at the maximum cycle strain (to take into account the effect of creep at high temperatures). The tests carried out are to provide sufficient statistics to ensure the reliability of the calculation. We suggest a method of assessing the durability of gas turbine engine parts based on testing standard specimens at zero-to-soft loading cycle using modified Manson-Coffins equation. The results of the work confirm the possibility of achieving the required adequacy of assessing the durability of parts damaged by the LCF mechanism with the use of a modified Manson-Coffin equation. Some recommendations concerning its application are given.
Safety front shock damper (shock absorber) to protect containers in emergency falling
Authors: Samokhin P. A. , Bakhareva E. A. , Potanin D. V.
Published: June 2017

The article presents a front shock damper (shock absorber) for protecting containers with flying machines against fractures in case of emergency falling in the process of transportation and operation. Two numerical methods are proposed to calculate the stress-strain state and acceleration braking of a shock absorber in case of a vertical fall and impact with a stationary concrete surface. The methods are based on the use of ANSYS Workbench 16.1. The first technique consists in determining the stress-strain state on the assumption of quasi-static loads. The second, dynamical, method makes it possible to determine the reaction of a shock absorber to its impact with the concrete surface depending on time. What makes our technique special is that we take into account plastic properties of a material and actual contacts between the damper components. The methods proposed are validated by the analytical solution of the differential equation of container motion with the shock absorber in the elastic strain range. The methods are illustrated by an example of calculating a given damper. The results obtained by three methods show quite good agreement taking into account the calculation error. It is established that the energy of the shock absorber plastic-elastic strain upon an impact is more than half of the kinetic energy of the shock absorber in motion. The dependence of the shock-absorber braking acceleration both on the size of the crumpled area and on the time is determined.
Dynamics of the hydromechanical system of a production machine with an adaptive tool-feeding drive
Authors: Sidorenko V. S. , Poleshkin M. S. , Rakulenko S. V.
Published: June 2017

The article investigates a hydro-mechanical system of regular feed and principal movement of a production machine (as illustrated by a mobile drilling rig).We study the behavior of a dynamic hydro-mechanical system under varying external processes of well drilling. The task of maintaining the optimal drilling process is solved by using an original design (multivariate sensor, additional hydraulic lines linking the principal movement and the tool-feeding movement). Travel time characteristics and dynamic behavior of the regular feed are provided with one power plant. A dual-mass mathematical model of a dynamic multi-mass hydro-mechanical system (MHS) is proposed in Matlab Simulink software environment. The model contains an analytical description of mechanical, hydraulic and control subsystems and is implemented by subsequent complications of the basic model starting from a single-mass linear model to a nonlinear dual- mass one with active submodels of all subsystems. The application of the model makes it possible to study the duty cycle of a multi-branch MHS, while maintaining the consistency of the results of solutions that are getting increasingly complicated.
Improvement of gas turbine engines due to isothermal expansion in the turbine
Authors: Muraeva M. A. , Gorjunov I. M.
Published: June 2017

The article presents the results of the study of application of isothermal expansion in the turbine of gas turbine engines as a way of improving the thermodynamic cycle. We present equations of work and ideal cycle efficiency of a gas turbine engine with isothermal expansion in the turbine. We performed a comparative analysis of the cycle under consideration and the traditional cycle of a gas turbine engine with adiabatic expansion on the basis of the equations mentioned above. In order to carry out a thermodynamic study of real isothermal expansion in the turbine of a gas turbine engine on the basis of 3D numerical simulation we examined the turbine characteristics and determined corrections of an adiabatic- expansion turbine characteristics for isothermal expansion. By using the obtained correction data and characteristics, on the basis of the method formed, we investigated the use of isothermal expansion in gas turbine engines of various schemes based on thermodynamic calculation at a set point and calculation of altitude-speed performance. The studies prove the efficiency of using isothermal expansion as a way of improving the thermodynamic cycle of turbojet engines and turbofan engines with a low-bypass ratio, in particular with reference to supersonic military and civil aircraft.
Kemenangan Faksi Militan; Jejak Kelam Elit Nahdlatul Ulama’ akhir September-Oktober 1965
Authors: Anshari Aan
Published: June 2017

Tulisan ini mencoba memaparkan pergumulan faksi militan dan moderat di tubuh elit Nahdlatul ‘Ulama (NU) Jakarta menjelang dan awal Peristiwa G30S. Peristiwa 65 merupakan lorong paling gelap dalam sejarah Indonesia modern yang menempatkan NU sebagai salah satu aktor dominan, terutama di Jawa. Keterlibatan NU secara institusi tidak bisa dipisahkan dari aktifnya beberapa elit NU yang berlatar belakang militer, ditambah peran akseleratif sosok seperti Subchan ZE. Dengan dukungan penuh militer saat itu, mereka membangun konsolidasi dengan partai politik maupun organisasi masyarakat sipil yang antiPKI. Di internal NU, bisa dikatakan mem-bypass kiai-kiai senior yang memang selama ini menjadi pendukung Soekarno dan moderat terhadap PKI. Kemenangan faksi militan ini menyebabkan proses penghancuran PKI di Pulau Jawa berjalan sangat massif dengan restu otoritas militer setempat
MASYARAKAT IDEAL DALAM AL-QUR’AN (Pergulatan Pemikiran Ideologi Negara dalam Islam antara Formalistik dan Substansialistik)
Authors: Kurdi Sulaiman
Published: June 2017

Ada perbedaan pandangan (tentang mewujudkan cita-cita profetik dalam masyarakat ideal) antar generasi dalam melihat teks-teks al-Qur’an seperti: “baldatun thayyibatun wa rabbun ghafur” dan “amar ma'ruf nahi munkar”. Hal ini menimbulkan pengelompokan yangsatu menghendaki hubungan lslam danNegara bersifat formalistik dan legalistik, hal inimenjadikan Islam sebagai dasar ideologi negara dan yang kedua bcrorientasi pada nilai-nilai yang bersifatsubstansialistik yang bersifat inklusif', integratif' dan diversifikatif bagi bangsaIndonesia yang sangat majemuk baik suku, agama, ras tentunya pemikirankelompok keduanya lebih cocok untuk diterapkan di tanah air tercinta ini,
Charakterystyka turystów kulturowych zainteresowanych dziedzictwem żydowskim w miastach na przykładzie odwiedzających synagogę Pod Białym Bocianem we Wrocławiu
Authors: Duda-Seifert Magdalena
Published: June 2017

W związku z przywróceniem świetności synagodze Pod Białym Bocianem we Wrocławiu i jej udostępnieniem dla odwiedzających, a z drugiej strony promowaniem tzw. Dzielnicy Czterech Świątyń przez władze miejskie Wrocławia można założyć, że są to atrakcje turystyczne miasta wzmacniające jego wizerunek jako ośrodka wielokulturowości. Celem autorki była charakterystyka demograficzno-społeczna turystów odwiedzających synagogę, co miało pozwolić na wskazanie cech turystyki kulturowej związanej z dziedzictwem żydowskim w miastach. W wyniku przeprowadzonych badań sondażowych, uzupełnionych metodami wywiadu i obserwacji, zdefiniowano silnie zabarwiony emocjonalnie motyw poznawczy jako dominujący w tak określonym segmencie turystyki, jego międzynarodowy charakter oraz specyficzną strukturę wieku i wykształcenia. Uznano, że cechy szczególne pozwalają wyróżnić odwiedzających miejsca dziedzictwa żydowskiego jako potencjalną grupę zainteresowaną rozszerzaniem tego typu oferty, głównie w dużych miastach.
Assessment of Relationship Between Inflation, Growth and Fiscal Deficit in Albania-An Econometric Approach
Authors: Andoni Mira , Osmani Myslym
Published: June 2017

The relationship between variables growth, inflation and fiscal deficit is largely debated in economic theory; it is studied also empirically. Both theory and ground research suggest negative relationship between growth and inflation, and between inflation and budget deficit, while there is a controversy about relationship between budget deficit and growth. Based on that, IMF suggests programs of macroeconomic stabilization for countries in course of development like Albania. The IMF expertise and support has been available in Albania through bilateral cooperation programs for more than 20 years beginning in 1991. Support of IMF to Albania has been qualified as success. In our research we study the relationship between the three variables, based on Albanian time series data on these variables. We used classical time series regression and stationary time series models, as well ARDL, threshold and switching regression models to investigate these relationships. Our results support the negative relationship between inflation and growth, a positive relationship between inflation and deficit, but we didn’t discover any relationship between fiscal deficit and growth. A threshold nonlinear relationship best describes dependence between growth and inflation.
System Dynamics and KPI’s Definition in the Automotive Sector
Authors: Nevarez Omar Villa , Molina Maria Guadalupe Lopez , Gamino Juan Alfredo Lino
Published: June 2017

In Mexico, the Automotive Industry is one of the most important sectors, based on the amount of sales, as well as for the number of people employed. The level of competition facing firms to win OEM programs requires having a very strict control over the whole company’s operation. System Dynamics is presented as a very powerful methodology for modeling the current and future situation of a company and combined with the Balanced scorecard concept, both provide a deep insight into the dynamics of the company. Based on this case of study a new methodology is proposed which provides a deeper insight on how the system works in such a way that the development of the company’s strategy has greater impact. Through the simulation of 24 months into the future it is possible to understand the system´s behavior in terms of the interrelation of the most critical variables which were defined as the main KPI´s.
Exploitations Familiales de Production Agricole des Cercles de Niono et de Banamba (Mali): Caractérisation et Stratégies de Prise en Charge des Besoins en Rapport Avec L’intervention Pour le Développement Agricole et Rural
Authors: Ndiaye Amadou , Sangaré Yacouba
Published: June 2017

The development of family farming is an important strategic option to support the food needs of the rural and urban populations. This is the reason it has been the subject of several studies which is based on characterization and typology to better orientate agricultural and rural development interventions. This study was conducted to characterize family farm in Mali and to determine the strategies to satisfy the country’s needs in rapport with the implementation of rural development. In doing this, field data were first collected in the family farms at Niono County (Niger River valley) and the Banamba County. After data collection, it was then analyzed in a systemic way. This analysis helps to characterize the family farm of Mali as a “Traditional peasant farm”. In Niono County, ‘peasant family farm’ which ensures its food self-sufficiency is centered on the production unit with an option of diversification. In Banamba County, “peasant family farm’ centered on unity of consumption develops food security strategy through pluri-activity. Thus, despite the intensity of government intervention, particularly in the area of Niger River Valley, malian “peasant family farmg” did not turn into “Modern family farm business”. In doing this, intervention for agricultural and rural development should move based on its strategies and practices from a sectorial approach to a systemic approach. This passage from the deterministic and holistic paradigm to the systemic and interactionist paradigm, should better redefine agricultural education and agricultural subsidy in relation with the structure of production.
Performances Économiques Comparées Des Unités De Pêche En Lagune Et Des Alternatives Agricoles Et Aquacoles À Grand-Lahou (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Romaric Balle Ségbé Guy , Allassane Ouattara , Ferdinand Vanga Adja , Germain Gourene
Published: June 2017

The lagoons are high biological and economic potential areas exploited by thousands of fishermen. Otherwise, the persistent use of pesticides in fisheries may be perceived as a response of fishermen to lower yields and, consequently, to reduced income from fishing activities. In this context, the hypothesis of a lack of profitability concerning the activity of professional fishermen was therefore raised. To reach this goal, a market survey, investments and fish landings were carried out in order to analyze the profitability and economic performance of this activity. It recorded 5227 catch exits from a sample of 35 fixed fishermen in 7 villages. These were followed 15 times a month for 12 months whenever possible. In practice, approximately 60% of the suspected activity of professional fishermen has been observed. After elaborating the annual operating accounts and calculating the performance ratios, it appears that the lagoon fishing activity of Grand-Lahou is profitable and competitive compared to the alternative economic activities of the study area. However, performance is not homogeneous between villages. This suggests a fishing-related effect on fishers' performance. In addition, it is the Liza falcipinnis and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus species that significantly influence the value of production and hence income.
Universities' Role in Addressing Terrorism in Light of Students' Awareness to its Definition, Causes, and Types
Authors: Al Zou'bi Reem
Published: June 2017

The study aims to explore the degree of awareness of Jordanian education college students to terrorism's definition, type and causes, and the universities' roles in addressing terrorism. A five- scale questionnaire was designed by the author and administrated to 130 students studying at the faculty of education, Al-al Bayt University. The external reliability coefficient for the total questionnaire domains was 0.84, and the internal reliability coefficient (Cronbach Alpha) for the total questionnaire domains was 0.88. This indicates that the questionnaire was reliable and suitable for a sample administration. The results indicated that students were aware of the concept and types of terrorism, but they have a misconception of its main causes. These, however, were relevant from the perspectives of economical and social causes. Students' misconception can be interpreted by students' social alienation, and their refusal based on economic and social circumstances. The author suggested that universities must hold intense rehabilitating programs for the youths. This is in addition to holding international conferences on human security as it could raise students' awareness of terrorism and help them in addressing it eventually.
Students’ Accommodation and Academic Performance: The Case of Ho Technical University, Ghana
Authors: Zotorvie Justice Stephen Tetteh
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the critical factors that influenced students’ choice of residential accommodation facilities as well as the effect of accommodation type on academic performance in Ho Technical University, Ghana. Data for the study was collected through a questionnaire survey from purposively selected 200 respondents. The IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics were employed to determine the critical factors that influenced students’ choice of residential accommodation facilities and Chi-Square Test was used to address the research hypothesis. The study revealed that proximity to lecture halls, spacious and well ventilated rooms; calm and peaceful environment, availability of study area, accommodation fee, and availability of electricity and water were the critical factors that influenced the students’ choice of residential accommodation. The chi-square test revealed that there was no significant effect of accommodation type on the academic performance of students.
Les Clubs D’environnement Dans Les Établissements Scolaires Au Maroc: Une Voie Prometteuse Pour L’ancrage De L’éducation À L’environnement
Authors: Cherai Bouamama , El Hnot Hasnae , Idrissi Bouhsine El Fellah , Akkaoui El Ghazi
Published: June 2017

This article aims to diagnose the factors of activing and creating environment clubs as unavoidable educational structures helping to anchor environmental education in the Moroccan schools. In order to achieve this objective, questionnaires were distributed to 40 teachers practicing in fifteen schools distributed in three provincial directorates belonging to the regional academy of education and training of Tanger – Tetouan – Al Hoceima. According to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results of these questionnaires, environmental clubs constitute important educational structures able to ensure the development of the environmental culture in the educational practices within schools. However, many constraints to the activation of these clubs were reported by the interviewed teachers, in particular those related to the hourly load and the overload of the school curricula, the lack of supervision and the training of teachers and the absence of the teaching and learning materials necessary for environmental education activities. The key element of activating the environmental clubs in schools appears to be initial and continuous training of teachers. This training should focus on the techniques of the integration of the environmental dimension which includes educational projects and innovative activities with attractive scientific, ethical and civic purposes involving all actors and partners.
Effects of Underwriting and Claims Management on Performance of Property and Casualty Insurance Companies in East Africa
Authors: Angima Caren B. , Mwangi Mirie
Published: June 2017

The insurance sector plays an important role in service economy of any country by underwriting of risks inherent in most sectors thus providing a sense of peace to most economic entities. Performance of general insurance companies is expected to be related to various factors, including optimal underwriting and prompt and efficient claims management functions. This study investigated the effect of underwriting and claims management practices on the performance of general insurance firms in East Africa. The study employed multiple linear regression analysis using primary and secondary data collected from 82 general insurers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The findings show that there is a significant positive relationship between underwriting and claims management practices employed by the firms and non-financial performance, but the relationship with financial performance was insignificant. The implication is that a profit oriented insurance firm should embrace a claims function that is closely related with the underwriting and pricing of the firm’s portfolio for meaningful results. It is recommended that general insurance companies focus on other important factors besides underwriting and claims management order to improve overall financial performance.
Trade Impacts of EU-ESA EPA Transitional Period On Malawi Sugar Exports
Authors: Nyirenda Yalenga , Edriss Abdi-Khalil , Phiri Horace
Published: June 2017

The renunciation of the Sugar Protocol between European Union (EU) and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries in 2007 initiated a gradual reform process that will culminate into a reciprocal Duty Free Quota Free non-preferential access for all sugar producers in 2017. This paper analyzes how the reforms implemented this far have affected Malawi sugar exports. Since expansion of regional trade is seen as one of the adaptation measures for affected sugar industries. The study also analyzed the effect of regional integration areas. The results show that the EU sugar price reforms and elimination of country specific quotas had a positive influence of exports. Malawi being a low cost producer, it was not affected by falling prices and benefited to expanded access granted by a group safeguard. However, the production quotas for EU producers and high tariffs nonpreferred producers meant that Malawi was still shielded from competition that will prevail when the EU market is fully liberalized.
Exploring Teachers’ Perceptions on Organizational Climate in Urban and Rural Schools
Authors: Lezha Edit
Published: June 2017

The aim of this research was to understand how teachers who work at urban and rural high schools perceive their school climate in terms of their professional development. A qualitative research design was carried out to collect data with a group of 24 teachers who were selected based on their participation in postgraduate degree courses for professional development offered by the faculty of Educational Sciences at University of Shkoder. Many studies on school effectiveness emphasize the importance of organizational climate in which effective teaching and learning occur. Several factors have a crucial role in defining a successful school climate but three organizational climate factors were chosen for this study; collegial support, teachers‘ autonomy and principal role. Also, this paper attempted to offer some kind of an alternative for assessing the school climate in order to review teacher’s training plan for professional development.
Effect of Organizational Ownership and Culture on Employee Performance Among Selected Banks in Kenya
Authors: Langat Emmy , Lagat Charles
Published: June 2017

The role of organizational culture on employee performance hasbeen a subject of interest. The purpose of the study was to establish theeffects of organizational ownership and culture on employee performance.The study was guided by Social cognitive theory. Explanatory researchdesign was used. The target population comprised of 403 employees drawnfrom 12 Commercial Banks in Kenya. Stratified and random samplingtechniques were used to obtain sample size of 141 employees. The studyused questionnaires as a tool for data collection. In order to test thereliability of the instrument, Crobanch alpha test was used. The studyadopted both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Pearsoncorrelation and multiple regression analysis were employed to estimate thecausal relationships between organization culture and performance, andother chosen variables. Findings indicate that involvement culture (β1 =0.230, p-value<0.05) and consistency culture (β2 = 0.286, p< 0.05) has apositive and significant effect on employee performance. Ownership thushas positive and significant moderating effect of bank ownership on therelationship between involvement culture and employee performance (β =0.26, ρ<0.05) and (β= -0.2, ρ<0.05) respectively hence concluding thatconsistency culture and involvement culture improves employeeperformance. The study recommends that organizations that aim atimproving employee performance need to ensure that employees haveinputs into issues that affect both their work and the organization in general.Moreover, information needs to be widely shared so that each and everyemployee can get the information they require to make the appropriatedecisions.
The Link Between Industry Value Added and Electricity Consumption
Authors: Tapsın Gulcin
Published: June 2017

This study aims to analyse the link between industry value added and electricity consumption in Turkey for the years between 1970 and 2015. The sectoral distribution of net electricity consumption has been obtained from Turkey Electricity Distribution and Consumption Statistics on GWh basis while industry value added data have been obtained from World Development Indicators’ data bases on dollar basis with the fixed prices of the year 2012. The correlations between the variables have been examined by means of Johansen cointegration test and error correction model. According to the results of the study, it has been seen that there exists bidirectional relationship between the electricity consumption and value added variable in the long term. On the other hand, in terms of the Error Correction Model used for a short-term relationship, no short-term relationship has been identified between the variables.
La Profesionalización De La Docencia Universitaria Y Su Influencia En El Desarrollo De Las Competencias Pedagógicas En La Formación De Docentes En El Instituto Superior De Ciencias De La Educación (ISCED) De Benguela, Angola
Authors: Alonso-García Santiago , Sánchez-Vega Elena , Inocêncio Ernesto
Published: June 2017

The presentation of the results of the present study was used to fundamentally analyze the influence of professionalism of university teaching in the development of the pedagogical competences of students in teacher training at the Higher Institute of Educational Sciences (ISCED) in Benguela. This study was carried out on the theme based on reference. The research carried out is of the descriptive type, whose data collection was quantitative and qualitative, from the determined sample. It is made up of teachers, students, and school board members. This, however, is a quantitative and qualitative study. Based on the data collected, the paper concludes on the lack of planning in pairs of the teaching work, the lack of a specific team for the supervision of the teaching work, and the fact that there is no specific criterion in the entrance periphery of teaching candidates.
Modelo De Gestión: Una Alternativa De Cambio Para La Producción Y Comercialización.Estudio De Caso: Mora En La Parroquia El Altar, Ecuador
Authors: Romero Gabriela Natalí Fonseca , Vizuete Danny Daniel Castillo , Yépez Carlos Benjamín Ricaurte , Báez Luis Alberto Quevedo
Published: June 2017

In Ecuador, agriculture has an important role to play in its economic development. This, however, is closely related to the change in the production system and consequently its production chains. This fact has made agriculture one of the main sources of income for rural populations in the country. The Altar is a rural parish of Ecuador which belongs to the Penipe canton of the province of Chimborazo due to its geographical location. It has several climates that facilitate the development of agriculture, and a big part of its population is dedicated to the cultivation of Blackberry. Thus, based on the current territorial model, created from a production approach, a proposal for a management model was designed. This proposal aims to improve agricultural production, generate added value, and introduce new agricultural products into the Markets for marketing. In conclusion, the proposed management model is a tool that can be applied to the producers and marketers of the Altar parish, with the purpose of generating greater economic income.
Les Déterminants Idiosyncratiques De La Performance Bancaire Au Maroc : Analyse Sur Données De Panel
Authors: Bahyaoui Salwa
Published: June 2017

If the financial crisis of 2008 raised the interest in analyzing the impact of the financial system, particularly the banking one, on the real economy ; studies were focused on macroeconomic variables given the crisis fallout. However, in spite of its propagation to the international scale, the financial crisis has impacted more severely some developed economies. Rightly, the Moroccan banking system was slightly affected. This suggests a specificity of the Moroccan context. The aim of this study is, therefore, to apprehend the banking performance in Morocco from a microeconomic point of view. To do so, a panel data analysis relative to eight banks was conducted over the period 2004-2015. The results allowed to identify the determinants of banking performance in the Moroccan context while confirming certain specificities of the banking system in Morocco.
Características Del Buen Profesor De Modalidad Presencial Y Virtual Desde La Perspectiva De Los Estudiantes
Authors: Castillo Mirsha Alicia Sotelo , García Javier José Vales , López Ramona Imelda García , Hernández Laura Fernanda Barrera
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the study was to identify the characteristics associated to the good teacher who teaches presential and virtual mode. A total of 713 students participated, distributed in two groups (493 and 220), from different academic programs of a Mexican institution of higher education participated. For data collection, the technique of semantic networks was used, they were presented as stimulus phrase "good presential teacher" and "good virtual teacher". Two semantic networks were obtained, one for presential teacher, generating 269 definers and a network core of 39. The other semantic network was for the virtual teacher, where 118 words and a network nucleus of 37 were generated. The three words that resulted in greater semantic weight were: responsible, respectful and comprehensive for the presential, accessible and available for the virtual. This study concludes that the definition the students do of the good teacher, regardless of the modality, is determined by personal values.
El Uso De Tecnología Ppm Mejora La Gestión Estratégica De Los Proyectos De La Estafeta Docente. Estudio De Caso: Facultad De Recursos Naturales, Escuela Superior Politécnica De Chimborazo, Ecuador
Authors: Santillán Carlos Arturo Jara , Merino Christiam Paúl Aguirre , Rodríguez Patricio Lozano , Guadalupe Carla Sofía Arguello , Zambrano Ginno Sidney Jarrín , Izurieta Johanna Elizabeth Ayala
Published: June 2017

A study of PPM methodologies, strategic management, and teaching baton of Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH) for implementing a software solution in managing projects of the Faculty of Natural Resources was performed. Through research, it was determined that there is a close relationship between the use of PPM and reducing the problems and performance improvement projects. This is in addition to the portfolio management project which has differences of tracking, time, resources, and the scope of traditional project management. It provides a global view thereof that strategic management must involve all levels of the organization. This will anticipate a correct decision. Also, with respect to projects in the Faculty of Natural Resources, 98% of teachers and the total authorities considered the urgent need to implement a software for strategic management of projects in the faculty. This is because 83% of them were conducted, while 80% performed linkage. A set of tools for application development under the cascade methodology for the monitoring and evaluation of projects entitled SIMEP was determined. By implementing SIMEP based on the use of PPM, the Faculty of Natural Resources provided information management project based on its submission, approval, execution, completion and delivery of results, and reporting activities, thereby enabling timely decision making.