bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of ground water quality in tap and hand pump water of Tonk city, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Soni Shyam , Singh R.K.
Published: March 2018

Water is basic need of life for all living organism at the earth. To study the drinking water pollution in Tonk city of Rajasthan (India), a total of five water samples were collected from tap and hand pump of various area of tonk city. The various physical chemical parameters such as pH, chloride, total alkalinity, total dissolved solid and total hardness were analyzed in the water samples to characterize the ground water quality and suitability for drinking purpose. All the water samples were compared with Indian standard of drinking water prescribed by bureau of Indian standard BIS 10500:2012. The physical chemical analysis of water samples of Tonk city showed that pH value ranged from 7.00 to 7.60 and chloride ranged from 2750.24 to 595.96 mg/l. The total alkalinity varied from 185.90 to 452.25 mg/l. The total dissolved solid ranged from 270 to 2550 mg/l and total hardness from 146 to 162 .14 mg/l. mg/l. The result of physical chemical analysis of water samples of Tonk city indicated that tap water of Jawahar Bazaar Tonk (S1) and Taj colony Tonk (S2) were suitable for drinking purpose and hand pump water of Takhata (S3), Mehandi bagh (S4), Civil line Tonk (S5) were unsuitable for drinking purpose. This study thus concludes that hand pump water in study area is chemically unsuitable for drinking. It is recommended to carry out a proper and continuous water quality program and development of effective management practices for utilization of water resources.
Land Regularization and Community Development Nexus in Cities of Sub Saharan Africa: A Critical Review with Urban Growth and Development Perspectives
Authors: Zakayo Edmund , Mhache Emmanuel Patroba , Wakuru Magigi
Published: March 2018

Land regularization is an emerging urban planning tool which is directly linked to community development, particularly when one want to acquire title deed in unplanned settlements in cities of Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper contributes knowledge base critically with a view on land regularization and community development reviews in cities growth and development processes perspectives. Different urban planning approaches and modes have been discussed to provide a base for critical analysis and understanding in the context of land regularization and community development nexus, interlinkages and their impacts in Sub-Saharan Cities for learning and replications.
Saúde mental e internações compulsórias na perspectiva da bioética e dos direitos humanos e fundamentais: uma investigação crítica do caso da “Cracolândia” na cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Sarlet Ingo Wolfgang , Bezerra Sales Sarlet Gabrielle
Published: March 2018

Trata-se de investigação bilbiográfica e qualitativa, jurídica e bioética, sobre a evolução do tratamento aplicado às pessoas acometidas por transtornos psíquicos, notadamente os dependentes químicos, visando compreender as práticas de internação compulsória e oferecer alternativas ao estigma e à exclusão com base no princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana, consistindo em análise crítica da proteção assegurada aos deficientes psíquicos no Brasil e das políticas públicas de enfrentamento da drogadição para refletir sobre a polêmica intervenção na “cracolândia” da cidade de São Paulo e os seus desdobramentos mediante análise jurídico-constitucional da legitimidade de tais intervenções e das internações compulsórias.
Autonomia, autodeterminação e incapacidade civil: uma análise sob a perspectiva da bioética e dos direitos humanos
Authors: Alves Rainer Grigolo de Oliveira , Fernandes Marcia Santana , Goldim José Roberto
Published: March 2018

O objetivo é estudar, com base na Bioética, nos Direitos Humanos e nas Garantias Fundamentais, a teoria da capacidade civil e sua relação com a autonomia e autodeterminação, na perspectiva da CDPD e do EPD. O método é o qualitativo, de análise de conteúdo, em artigos científicos - originados da Filosofia, Psicologia e Psiquiatria - textos de doutrina jurídica e a legislação nacional e internacional pertinente. Concluindo, os sistemas jurídicos que exponham a pessoa com deficiência a riscos demasiados ou possam afetar que a sua integralidade devem prever salvaguardas em conformidade com Direitos Humanos e com Direitos e Garantias Fundamentais.
A dignidade da pessoa humana e o direito à vida do nascituro: fundamentos biológicos, filosóficos e jurídicos
Authors: Ribeiro Mario Da Silva , Pinheiro Victor Sales
Published: March 2018

Explicando o sentido da dignidade da pessoa humana e o alcance do direito à vida do nascituro, demonstra por que o aborto voluntário carece de fundamentação racional. Para tanto, no âmbito da interdisciplinaridade, relaciona Biologia, Filosofia e Direito em três partes: (1) considerações biológicas sobre quando e como uma realidade individual humana surge; (2) as dimensões antropológica e ética do ser humano à luz da Filosofia de Tomás de Aquino; e (3) a tutela jurídica dada ao nascituro no Código Penal brasileiro e na ADPF nº 54. Com isso, contribui para a elucidação de um tema complexo da bioética contemporânea.
Cross-Generational Investment Behavior and the Impact on Personal Finance
Authors: Zureck Alexander , Reiter Julius , Svoboda Martin
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to investigate socio-economic development condition and convergence evaluation in the EU-28 states in the context of the EU policy goals. The aim of this research is to estimate socioeconomic disparities and convergence problems in the European states by applying real valuations of well-being situations and economic development challenges in the EU member states. The research methodology is based on the European Commission legitimate documents application and socio-economic strategies, on the convergence theory and convergence scenario calculations along with socioeconomic forecasts analysis in the EU states. This research presents information about different socioeconomic indicators, indexes, and scheme of information`s flows for convergence level estimation. This study contains objectives and general outlines of period 2014-2020 in the framework of Europe as a whole, as well its impact on the EU member states economies and living conditions. Changes in the main socioeconomic concepts impact on EU convergence policy and rapidity of convergence depends on the initial discrepancy of the development level in the EU states. The efficiency of European convergence policy can also be improved by significant economic growth and by a clever choice of the country-specific social activities. This research investigates above information for social situations estimations in EU states as well as GDP growth, unemployment, population’s income level and different welfare indicators. The main results reflect the overall economic situation valuation in the EU countries and present European convergence policy’s impact on social development in the European states. The conclusions contain socio-economic situations appreciation in the context of European strategy goals and social inequality problems clarification in the EU states.
Jamii: A Virtual Incubation Platform for Entrepreneurs
Authors: Armitage Howard , Bischoff Catherine , Schmidlin Karin , Sparkes Douglas
Published: March 2018

This paper discusses the design and pilot testing of a virtual incubation platform, Jamii. It provides a user-centric experience, specifically developed to support entrepreneurship, which integrates concepts such as “just-in-time’ learning and supporting social networks. An underlying concept of Jamii is an Event-Gate process, providing feedback to strengthen the business concepts and assist entrepreneurs in moving their ideas forward. Several pilot programs have been undertaken using this approach. The collaboration with University of Strathmore in Kenya will be discussed further.
Tres ingredientes para re-pensar la escuela: docentes, formadores y gestión institucional
Authors: Vaillant Denise
Published: March 2018

Hoy resulta imposible para las administraciones públicas soslayar el debate sobre las razones que fundamentan el papel central de la gestión institucional y docente en el mejoramiento de los sistemas educativos. ¿Qué impacto tienen las recientes transformaciones del contexto social en los escenarios educativos y en los modelos de gestión institucional? ¿Cómo imaginamos el trabajo del docente y del formador en estas nuevas circunstancias?¿Qué nuevos escenarios educativos son posibles y deseables?Un rápido vistazo a la estadística prospectiva alcanza para comprender la magnitud del desafío que se avecina. Quienes nacen en estos días, se incorporarán a la vida productiva dentro de 20 a 25 años y ejercerán sus labores a lo largo del siglo XXI. ¿Qué mundo encontrarán, en qué condiciones trabajarán, cómo se comunicarán, qué tecnologías usarán, cuáles serán sus expectativas de vida, ingreso y consumo?Lo nuevo, lo específico del siglo XXI, es el papel fundamental que están jugando cada vez más la información y el conocimiento. La producción y distribución de conocimiento pasarán a ocupar un lugar central. Recordemos que el conocimiento acumulado se duplica actualmente cada cinco años1. La Universidad de Harvard demoró 275 años en completar su primer millón de volúmenes pero reunió el último en sólo cinco años. Las revistas científicas han pasado de 10 mil en 1900 a más de 100 mil a inicios de los años 90. A la luz de estos cambios, ¿podrá mantenerse inalterado el rol tradicional de la escuela y el profesor? ¿Qué métodos pedagógicos será necesario adoptar y desarrollar?Una sociedad basada en el conocimiento será más o menos democrática según como defina la distribución de la educación. Si pretendemos garantizar una sociedad con equidad social, con niveles de cohesión, es fundamental que todos reciban una educación de buena calidad porque ésa es la única garantía de que nadie quede marginado en una economía intensiva en conocimiento. En este proceso surgen dos temas de particular importancia: la gestión institucional y los docentes y sus formadores.
Perplejidades, casos y aprendizaje: elaborando un saber sobre las instituciones
Authors: Southwell Myriam
Published: March 2018

Este artículo explora algunas tensiones de la educación como problema y su formato institucional escolar. Asimismo, se aborda aquí el impacto de la utilización de la metodología de casos como modo de abordaje de las complejas situaciones institucionales de las escuelas. Así, se hace referencia a un recorrido realizado recientemente en el Diploma en Planificación y Gestión Educativa con relación a la metodología de análisis de casos. La construcción de casos ha sido un modo de interpretar la entrada de lo nuevo en nuestros centros, de modo que nos posibilite ubicarnos en esa zona entre lo conocido y lo "por descubrir". Allí, en la implicación de búsqueda que esa metodología conlleva, el uso de las escenas no intenta plasmar imágenes precisas, sino movimientos hacia aquello por descubrir. En este sentido, los elementos componentes de la descripción son epifenómenos que nos permiten indagar la presencia y profundidad de aspectos individuales y sociales, y su puesta en acto en los ámbitos institucionales que constituyen nuestra preocupación.
Redes para el Desarrollo: las instituciones educativas desde una perspectiva comunitaria
Authors: Tejera Andrea
Published: March 2018

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar a la organización educativa desde el enfoque de redes, subrayando los aspectos de interacción hacia lo interno y lo externo, en lo que respecta a todos los lazos comunitarios y desde una perspectiva de desarrollo local. Los invitamos a pensar la institución educativa en su contexto particular, donde comparte un territorio con determinadas características, con otros grupos formales e informales con los que interactúa en diferente medida. Al pensar de una manera diferente la propia organización interna de la institución educativa, más allá de la estructura formal, también vamos a encontrar un sinnúmero de relaciones que escapan al organigrama formal o explícito.
Las trampas de lo audiovisual en la enseñanza
Authors: Roig Hebe Irene
Published: March 2018

En el presente artículo se presentan resultados de investigación sobre el uso de lo audiovisual en contextos de enseñanza de las Ciencias Sociales en el nivel superior. Lo audiovisual, culturalmente situado en las formas cotidianas de comunicación, convoca lecturas del sentido común que tienden trampas al desarrollo de una enseñanza orientada al pensamiento complejo y crítico. A partir de la observación de clases, entrevistas a docentes y entrevistas y encuestas a alumnos, analizamos algunas implicaciones de la mediación docente sobre las lecturas que los estudiantes hacen de lo audiovisual. Contrariamente a la creencia del sentido común de muchos docentes y alumnos, el trabajo con lo audiovisual en clase no es “fácil”. Para que esta actividad sea una herramienta poderosa en el ejercicio del pensamiento complejo se han de sortear algunas trampas que nos tienden las lecturas espontáneas de lo audiovisual ya que ellas ponen en juego la necesidad del pasaje de las concepciones ingenuas al pensamiento disciplinar.
La tecnología en la educación: un caso de uso en el ambiente universitario y su impacto en las prácticas de alumnos y docentes
Authors: Méndez Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Este artículo sintetiza y reflexiona sobre dos trabajos de investigación orientados a la descripción e interpretación de las formas de uso e impacto de las nuevas tecnologías en una experiencia del ámbito universitario. Concretamente el objeto de estudio se centra en las modalidades de uso de un entorno de aprendizaje virtual y su incidencia en las prácticas de docentes y alumnos. Para ello se ha realizado el análisis documental del material publicado, las interacciones y el comportamiento de acceso de usuarios; entrevistas en profundidad a docentes y alumnos, y encuestas a alumnos. Esta estrategia ha permitido generar una visión integral de la experiencia mediante la identificación de categorías de uso y el acercamiento a la comprensión de su impacto. Marcadas diferencias en los procesos de incorporación y normalización de uso de la tecnología señalan “distintos estadios de adhesión y aprovechamiento” entre los dos actores centrales. La dificultad de los docentes para establecer significatividad y reflexión sobre la recomposición de la práctica de enseñanza a la luz de la innovación, contrasta con la identificación y la adopción intuitiva y natural de los beneficios reconocidos, valorados y reclamados por los estudiantes.
La hipertextualidad y los materiales para la enseñanza. Una visión contemporánea de la didáctica para la formación superior
Authors: Perosi María Verónica
Published: March 2018

Este artículo presenta aproximaciones al estudio de algunas propuestas de enseñanza desarrolladas en entornos virtuales para la educación superior en la Argentina, estudio que ameritó reconstruir la importancia de las dimensiones de análisis didáctico de estos nuevos escenarios simbólicos, aun cuando reconocimos que los mismos son fuertemente significados a partir de sus implicancias tecnológicas y comunicacionales. Por tanto, las configuraciones didácticas hipertextuales, las propuestas didácticas para la interactividad y las narrativas hipertextuales de conocimiento plantean constructos posibles, que tienden hacia una interpretación didáctica de estas propuestas tecnológicas, desde una perspectiva que apuesta a la construcción de nuevos sentidos para el análisis de las tecnologías y la enseñanza.
¿Qué lugar ocupan la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de las ciencias experimentales en la formación de grado de maestros?
Authors: Pintos Ganón Reina
Published: March 2018

Este artículo constituye una síntesis de la investigación realizada, sobre la finalidad de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de las ciencias en la formación de maestros, a partir de su presencia en el currículo prescripto y en el imaginario de algunos actores institucionales: los docentes y los estudiantes. Se trabajaron tres ejes principales: el currículo; los actores institucionales; las enseñanzas y los aprendizajes. A partir de observaciones de clase, entrevistas a docentes, estudiantes y ayudantes de laboratorio, así como del análisis documental de la propuesta curricular oficial y de las planificaciones del curso por parte de los docentes, se pudieron construir algunas de las representaciones presentes. Algunas de éstas se refieren al empobrecimiento de contenidos y al poco peso en carga horaria de las ciencias experimentales en lo curricular, la elevada dispersión conceptual de los docentes del área de formación en temas medulares, la baja expectativa que sobre los estudiantes tienen los docentes, la prevalencia de la didáctica sobre los contenidos disciplinares de ciencias experimentales y la consideración del conjunto de asignaturas del área de Ciencias experimentales como culturales, accesorias.
El desempeño de los docentes novatos: los practicantes de la modalidad Ce.R.P. en la ciudad de Rivera
Authors: Nossar Karina
Published: March 2018

En el presente artículo se exponen los principales resultados de una investigación en la que se buscaron identificar los elementos caracterizadores de los practicantes en esta modalidad de formación docente innovadora, que difiere de los otros modelos existentes en el Uruguay. Se trata de un centro cuyos estudiantes de profesorado realizan la práctica docente en un liceo de práctica, creado a tales efectos, en el que permanecen durante todo un turno, participando de múltiples actividades además de las clases teóricas de Ciencias de la Educación. Se pretende que la práctica docente no quede reducida al espacio del aula sino que abarque la complejidad del centro educativo. Tres de las conclusiones a las que se arribó tienen que ver con las características del modelo de formación, a saber: la mimesis cegadora, que identifica el comportamiento mimético de los practicantes respecto de sus tutores; la saturación atencional de la que son objeto en virtud de la intensa carga horaria y las múltiples responsabilidades que asumen; y la apertura del aula, por cuanto están habituados al trabajo en equipo y a ser observados por colegas y docentes a diario en sus clases. Finalmente, se describe el discurso interrogativo de los novatos y las distintas formas que éste asume, con la peculiaridad de que se relacionan lingüísticamente con sus estudiantes a través de un formato interrogativo que no necesariamente implica que se estén formulando preguntas.
Does Portfolio Diversification Affect Performance of Balanced Mutual Funds in Kenya?
Authors: Iraya Cyrus , Wafula Fernandes Juma
Published: March 2018

Literature provides conflicting results on the effect of diversification on performance of mutual funds with some studies showing a positive relationship (Markowitz, 1952; Muriithi, 2005; Kagunga, 2010), others negative (Chang & Elyasiani, 2008; Fiegenbaum & Thomas, 1998) and still others showing that there is no relationship between the two variables (Loeb, 1950). It is with this background that this study sought to establish the effect of diversification on performance of mutual funds in Kenya. The study took a descriptive research design approach on weekly performance of a sample of 7 balanced mutual funds for the year 2013.The study used secondary data sources available at the Capital Market Authority offices and from each mutual funds. The portfolio return was determined by computing the changes in prices of the balanced fund as traded at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) while diversification was determined from the level of Unsystematic Risk in the Performance. The study used the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple linear regression equation. Control variables of the size and age of the fund were introduced in the regression model. The results indicated the existence of a positive relationship between the Unsystematic Risk and Performance of balanced mutual funds with a beta coefficient of 0.069 (t=4.971, p < 0.5. This implies that the lower the diversification the higher the performance of mutual funds.
Estudio Sobre La Relación Entre Mobbing Y La Satisfacción Laboral En Docentes De Instituciones De Educación Superior En México
Authors: Chávez Juana Patricia Muñoz , López-Chau Asdrúbal , Pérez Manuel González
Published: March 2018

Currently, the technological and administrative modernity has revolutionized the dynamics of work in organizations. In recent years, the existence of mobbing has been pointed out, which represents an obstacle to the integral development of workers; therefore, job satisfaction plays a fundamental role in the quality of life of people. In the present work a quantitative research was carried out, a transversal-correlational design was used, to determine if there is a statistically significant relationship between the mobbing variables and job satisfaction of the teachers of the Higher Education Institutions (HEI). The sample consisted of 248 teachers from four HEI in central Mexico. The hypotheses were evaluated through the chi-square statistical test. The results reveal the dependence between the dimensions of the variables analyzed.
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and the Value Relevance of Annual Reports for Listed Banks in Kenya
Authors: J. Gitahi , T. Nasieku , F. Memba
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure and value relevance of annual reports for listed banks in Kenya. To do so, the study used content analysis and financial analysts’ perception to quantify corporate social responsibility disclosure, included by banks in their annual reports. The sample comprised of the annual reports of ten banks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) over the entire period from year 2010 to year 2015. The study focused on banks due to additional regulation by the Central Bank of Kenya, (CBK). A survey research design was adopted. The study used both primary data and secondary data. Primary data was obtained through survey questionnaires administered on respondents who were financial analysts at a total of sixty one Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) licensed firms (investment banks, stock brokers, fund managers and investment advisers) as at 30 April 2016. Secondary data was obtained from the corporate action register and handbook by the Nairobi Securities Exchange, the daily market statistics from the NSE data and annual reports released by the banks. Content analysis program ATLAS.ti 8, OneLook dictionary and Ms Excel 2007 were used for content analysis. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20 and Stata 13. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The results revealed that corporate social responsibility disclosure had a positive and significant relationship with value relevance of annual reports which was measured by the average market price per share, (MPS). This study therefore concluded that corporate social responsibility disclosure in annual reports of listed banks in Kenya affect the value relevance of the annual reports. The study recommends an expanded role of the auditor in reviewing the corporate social responsibility disclosure and other accounting narratives. Currently in accounting reporting, the auditor is not obligated to formally audit accounting narratives. Instead, an auditor reviews the accounting narratives to ascertain if the narratives are consistent with the financial statements. The study also recommends more guidelines and regulations in relation to non-financial disclosures to ensure that firms put clearer information in the hand of investors.
Le Management Des Connaissances Au Niveau Des Etablissements D’enseignement Superieur : Cas Des Universites Publiques Marocaines
Authors: Elkharraz Abdelilah , El Kharraz Ouail , Chafik Khalid
Published: March 2018

This study aims to answer questions on the place, the role and the impact of the knowledge management to improve and develop the Moroccan university. The research is mainly based on an empirical study carried out on the implementation status of the knowledge management in eight Moroccan universities. The obtained answers show important results not only theoretically but also, and especially, empirically. The conducted study is based on a qualitative approach characterized by a descriptive analysis of the current state by referring to the technique of semistructured interviews with different officials at the presidency level in these universities. Despite the absence of a strategy formalised by the knowledge management within these universities, the analysis of the data collected shows that these practices have a positive effect on improving the quality of learning and, when making decisions, factors like the dominant culture, the socio-technical state and the decentralisation play a crucial role in adopting strategies based on the knowledge management
Complex Effects of Hot and Cold Procedures on Skin Elasticity in Spa & Wellness
Authors: Panovska Nevenka , Dimitrova Antoaneta
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the complex effects of the hot and cold procedures, practiced in modern Spa & Wellness, on skin elasticity, as that indicator is an integral factor defining the aesthetic vision of the skin. Material and Methods: The present study tracked 60 women aged 35 to 65 years. The methods included an aesthetic skin rejuvenation program that contained a complex of 12 Spa and Wellness rituals conducted in a period of one month, three times per week. Each treatment was а temperature contrast procedure through a Parafango body thermo-application and a face cryo-gel application. The facial skin condition was assessed by an A-ONE apparatus - an automatic skin diagnostic analyzer. Results: A significant improvement in the skin elasticity in the three studied age groups was observed after the procedures. This indicator increased 3.75 units (9.93%) in the 35-44 age group, 3.5 units (11.36%) in the 45-54 age-group and 1.80 units (8.22 %) in the observed individuals from 55-65 age-group. At the end of a treatment, the increase in all three age groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Skin elasticity assessment was significantly lower for all three age-groups before the procedures, compared to the established standards. After the applied procedures, the skin elasticity was approaching the established standard (the first age group exceeded the standard, the second approached the standard and the third was slightly below the standard). Conclusion: The study reveals that the complex effects of hot and cold procedures result in improved skin elasticity.
The Effect of Hollow Sphered Structure on Stress Shielding Reduction
Authors: Yazdifar Mohammadreza , Esat Ibrahim , Yazdifar Mahshid
Published: March 2018

Bone mechanics and traditional implant materials cause a frequent problem for patients of total hip arthroplasty (THA): the bone becomes shielded from the loading. This will result in loosening of the implant, pain, and therefore revision surgery will take place to correct the issue. The current study, a methodology is developed for creating an innovative structural design that extracts volume in the shape of spheres from the samples, in order to focus solely on expected behaviour within the samples and bone. The design decreases extreme stresses carried by samples and pass them onto the remaining bone. Finite element analysis was applied to various models with different complex internal structures that contain hollow spheres close to surface. Moreover, compression test was applied to solid sample and the experimental case containing hollow spheres. This approach was to investigate the effects of spherical hollow structure near the side surface and its bonesample interface. The models containing hollow spheres have smaller young modulus and strength in comparison to the solid sample. The hollow spherical structures reduce the stress shielding and they transfer more stress onto the bone compared to the solid model. This approach also re-structures a hard material such as stainless steel to enhance osseointegration. The reduction of the young modulus and stress directly depends on the volume of the spheres in the models. However, there is a range defined for the volume that could be extracted from solid structure to achieve the most effective outcome.
Effects of Storage on Physicochemical Properties and Microbiological Qualities of African Breadfruit-Corn Yoghurt
Authors: Ifediba D.I. , Ozoh C.N.
Published: March 2018

African breadfruit-corn milk was obtained from blend of extracts of African breadfruit (Treculia africana var africana) and sweet corn (Golden cob F1) on 60:40 proportions. The breadfruit-corn milk was fermented to give a yoghurt-like product using inoculums from activated batch of dried starter culture and previously made breadfruit-corn milk. The breadfruit-corn yoghurt was stored in the refrigerator for four weeks, during which changes in physicochemical properties and microbiological qualities were examined weekly against commercial dairy yoghurt. It was found that changes in total solids, pH, titratable acidity, apparent viscosity, syneresis, water holding capacity followed similar trends, except for the whey drainage of the commercial dairy yoghurt which was constant at 0.00. The two yoghurt samples also exhibited similar microbiological changes during the period of study. Thus suggesting that non-dairy yoghurt from African breadfruit-corn milk shared common keeping characteristics with the dairy yoghurt.
Prise En Charge Infirmière De La Douleur Chez L’adulte Au CHU-Kara (Togo)
Authors: Prénam Houzou , Kodjo Kakpovi , Komi Amanga , Essodjêlina Amana , S. Dake Kodjo , Arafat Dodja , Salifou Ibrahime , Kantame Sandante , Eyram Fianyo , ES. Koffi-Tessio Viwalé , Owonayo Oniankitan , Moustafa Mijiyawa
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Pain is a frequent reason for consultation in health facilities. Thus, nurses are in the forefront in the fight against pain. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the nurse in the management of the painful adult patient. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in 11 departments of Kara teaching hospital during two weeks. Nurses who had managed a painful adult in the past seven days were included in the study. Results: Thirty nurses participated in the study. They were made of 24 men (76.67%) and six women (23.33%). The average age of nurses was 35 years (extremes: 23 years old and 50 years old) and 43.33% of them had less than five years of work experience. The main etiologies of pain managed were: trauma (22%), headache (18%) and abdominal pain (14%). Pain assessment tools were almost non-existent. Fifty percent of nurses did not know pain assessment tools. The evaluation of pain was performed with conventional tools by 16% of nurses. The analogical visual scale was the most used (three out of five nurses). Nursing intervention was dominated by counseling (43%) and thermal stimulation (22%). The use of analgesics was carried out in 83.33% of cases. Conclusion: This study shows that few nurses evaluated the pain during its management in adults. Therefore, it is necessary to initiate medical training for Togolese nurses on the management of the painful patient in order to make them more effective.
Prevalence De L’insuffisance Cardiaque Au Cours De La Grossesse Et Dans Les Suites De Couches En Milieu Hospitalier A Parakou En 2015
Authors: Houétondji Codjo Léopold , Mahougnon Adjagba Philippe , Arnaud Sonou Jijoho , Murielle Hounkponou , Fanny Hounkponou , Mahougnon Dohou Serge Hugues , Ingrid Djoh Khadidja , Adébayo Alassani , Séraphin Ahoui , Martin Houénassi Dèdonougbo
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Heart failure is one of peripartum complications which contribute to maternal mortality. But the epidemiological features of this disease are not well known in Benin. This paper aims at studying the prevalence and associated factors of heart failure during pregnancy and the postpartum in Parakou in 2015. Methods: It was a descriptive and analytic cross sectional study scheduled from March to July 2015. We recruited systematically all pregnant or parturient women, met in Parakou’s hospitals. The inclusion criteria were the presence of at least one cardiovascular symptom. Diagnosis of heart failure was made by using the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and of the American Society of Echocardiography. Results: During the survey, 2503 pregnant or parturient women were admitted and 25 (0,99%) were diagnosed with heart failure. Dyspnea was the main symptom (96%). Heart failure was caused by peripartum cardiomyopathy(84%), hypertensive cardiomyopathy (12%) and rheumatic heart disease (4%). Heart failure was more prevalent in patients with the following conditions: age≥30years (p=0,001), low socioeconomic level (p=0,02), multigestational status (p=0,002) and multiparity (p<0,001). The management of heart failure was classic. The main difficulty noted was financial problems with 36% of patients unable to afford the treatment. No case of death was counted during the study. Conclusion: In Parakou, heart failure occurs mostly during the post partum period. Dyspnea was the main symptom. The main etiology was peripartum cardiomyopathy. The associated conditions were age≥30years, low socioeconomic level, multigestational status and multiparity.
Hématomes Extraduraux Chez L’adulte Au Togo
Authors: Beketi Katanga Anthony , James Edem Yaovi , Gnadi-Piou Faré , Kpelao Essossinam , Tagba Pazimassouwé , Moumouni Abdel-kader , Ahanogbé K. M Hobli , Walla Atchi , Dossim Assang Michel
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to evaluate our neurosurgical practice about extradural hematoma and to describe their prognosis in our context. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study of patients treated for extradural hematoma at Sylvanus Olympio university teaching hospital, which houses the only neurosurgery unit in Togo between April 2008 and August 2014. We included in our study, the files of patients of both sexes, aged over 15 years, with extradural hematoma isolated or not at the cerebral scanner, treated during the study period. Thus, 62 patients were taken into account. There was a male predominance (sex ratio of 19.7). The average age was 29.8 years with extremes of 02 and 70 years of which 41.9% of patients were between 20 and 29 years old. The surgical technique was the making of a burr hole or a cranial flap. We examined the parameters related to surgical treatment and the evolutionary mode. Results: In this study, 34 patients (54.8%) underwent surgery: cranial section (27 cases), widened hole craniotomy (07 cases). The average time between trauma and surgery was 09 days with extremes of 01 to 30 days. Twenty-four patients were operated more than 48 hours after diagnosis and the average postoperative follow-up time was 11.1 days with extremes of 07 and 18 days. Twenty-eight patients (45.2%) were not operated on. Among them, 20 patients presented with a HED blade (thickness of less than 10mm) and the eight (08) others for lack of financial means. The average hospital follow-up time for non-operated patients was 15.4 days with extremes of 08 and 60 days. The evolution was evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale over three months. Fifty-five patients or 88.7% recovered without sequel. We obtained 3 cases (4.8%) of deaths including 2 cases that were not operated due to lack of financial means. Conclusion: We have observed that a low Glasgow admission score, long treatment delays, and associated lesions are factors that appear to reduce the prognosis in the treatment of extradural hematoma in Togo. These prognostic factors must be better documented in our future studies to identify them in order to act on them in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality that these extra-mural hematoma cause in our environments.
Contamination Des Eaux De Puits Par Les Salmonelles Et Les Vibrions non-O1/non-O139 Dans Les Quartiers Précaires Du Sixième Arrondissement De Cotonou (Sud-Bénin)
Authors: E.O. Hounsounou , L. Ayi-Fanou , A.C. Ayéna , Tchibozo M. Agassounon Djikpo , D. Mama
Published: March 2018

The well waters are solicited for several uses in the households in the sixth district of Cotonou. In order to assess the contamination of these wells waters by some pathogenic germs, one hundred and twenty (120) samples were collected for four (4) seasonal campaigns (two rainy and two dry) at the rate of thirty (30) samples per season. The study has focused on the research of Salmonella and choleraic vibrios by using the referenced methods. The analysis results indicate the presence of salmonella sp. in 73.33 % (high rainy season) ; 56.67 % (high dry season) ; 43.33 % (small rainy season) and 40 % (small dry season) of well water samples. The strains of vibrios isolated do not agglutinate with serum anti-O1 and anti-O139. The burden in these nonO1/non-O139 vibrios in the waters varies from <1 to 10 CFU/100 ml. This pathogenic germ is identified in most of the well water (46.67 %) during the small dry season. These two pathogenic bacteria that are found out of standards in the water of the wells analyzed can cause minor or severe infections to the riparian population consumers.
Wind Power Generation Utilizing a Special Buildings Layout Design to Enhance the Wind Speed
Authors: Al-Juboori Salloom A. , Alrawashdeh Rasha
Published: March 2018

There is a high growing interest for the use of wind power utilizing the building's layout design. The main objective of this work is to accelerate the wind speed before reaching the turbines by using spatial design of twin's buildings; this will generate more electric power. The variables which are affecting the wind speed directed to turbines are the angle between the twin buildings, the height and the length of buildings. The results have shown that the wind speed was accelerated in the intervening space between the buildings irrespective of the distance between the walls of adjacent buildings. Nine wind turbines were installed in three rows and three columns on the wall between the two buildings to generate the electricity. These turbines were located at the top of the wall to face higher wind speed because wind speed depends on height. Also the results showed that the wind speed was accelerated by about five times for the building layout design of the present study; while the generated power was about 125 times in comparison with the buildings do not have a spatial layout design (i.e. they do not enclose an angle between them). Finally the average power generated for the present work buildings dimensions with normal consumption of electricity will cover about 13% of the total normal consumption demand of the buildings (the power generated of the present work buildings layout design is about 0.23 GWh/year).
Prevalence of Coronary Artery Lesion(S) in Pati ents Aged 40-50 Years Undergoing Rheumatic Valvular Surgery
Authors: Elameen Sameh , Salem Alsayed , Abdelgawad Ahmed , El shemy Ahmed , Taha Saber , Abdelsalam Islam
Published: March 2018

Objective: To determine the prevalence of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing valve surgery for rheumatic heart disease between age 40-50 years, usefulness, and indication of pre-operative coronary angiography. Methods: This is an observational prospective study that took place in 2 hospitals (National Heart Institute and Nasser Institute) within the period starting from January 2013 to January 2015. We included 454 rheumatic patients that were admitted for elective primary mitral, aortic or double valve surgery, and that had a coronary angiogram in their regular preoperative workup. All coronary angiographies were performed by injecting right and left coronaries by using 80-100 ml of iodinated contrast to obtain the standard views of both right and left coronaries using Philips or Siemens machines in both hospitals. Coronary artery disease (CAD) of 50% is considered to be a positive finding. Results: There was no correlation between rheumatic heart disease in this age group and CAD as only 1.76% had the significant stenosis. Male gender, family history of CAD, age above 45yrs, hypertension, and smoking showed significant correlation with the CAD in this study. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the overall prevalence of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing rheumatic valve surgery in our population is not comparable with the prevalence reported in international data. So, multicenter studies are needed in developing countries to set their own guidelines. Therefore, our study can be the nucleus for these guidelines in our country.
Determination of Gestational Age: A Perspective With the Bangladeshi Ethnicity
Authors: Rahman M. Lutfor , Sultana Aysha , Das Kalyan
Published: March 2018

Determination of gestational age (GA) with precision is vital to the proper care of pregnant mothers. Our present study aimed at determining the gestational ages by the ultrasonic measurements of four standard fetal parameters namely biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) specifically focusing on the Bangladeshi ethnic population. The current study is cross-sectional but data were collected in a prospective nature. There were 229 Bangladeshi women who had usual singleton fetuses with the evidence of menstrual dates by sonography before 14 weeks. Fetal anatomical structures have been scanned and measured at the time of sonographic inspection. Multiple linear regression models of GA by the date of last menstrual period (LMP) and GA by ultrasonographic measures have been fitted on four fetal parameters for our analysis. In the present analysis, we have found that all the response variables i.e. gestational age by LMP and gestational age by ultrasonography (USG) clearly depend on the fetal parameters. The best subsets regression analysis shows that BPD, AC, and FL are the best predictors of GA by LMP (adj R 2 = 96.54). In terms of Mallow’s Cp and adj R 2 , it is found that all the fetal parameters BPD, AC, HC and FL are important predictors for GA by USG. It has been observed that multiple fetal parameters measured by ultrasonography can be useful to predict gestational age during second and third trimesters. Precise estimation of gestational age by this method is helpful to reduce pregnancy-related complicacy and maternal death in the developing countries including Bangladesh.
Evaluation of Two "in vitro" Digestibility Tests with the "in vivo" Test of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Feeding
Authors: S. López , H. Guevara , N. Duchi , G. Moreno
Published: March 2018

The purpose of the present study was to compare two types of "in vitro" digestibility assays by using commercial enzymes and guinea pig cecalliquor with the in vivo assay, to identify the assay that most resembles the in vivo response. The alfalfa was used in two cutting times of 30 and 45 days. The "in vivo" digestibility of alfalfa was analyzed, obtaining that after 30 days of cutting the digestibility was 53.64% and at 45 days it was 47.72%, while for the digestibility "in vitro", the DaisyII®-Ankom Technology with cecal liquor and commercial pepsin; for the cecal liquor a value of 55.46% and 49.90% was obtained, for the alfalfa in the two cutting times, while the digestibility with enzymes was 71.01% and 66.34% respectively. It was determined that the method with more relation to the in vivo test corresponds to the trial with cecal liquor, because it presents a lower statistical difference (p <0.05) for both cut-off times. At the same time, it is identified that the protein is the nutrient that has a higher digestibility coefficient, becoming an indicator of the nutritional quality of the food.
Appraisal of Nigeria’s Obligation on Adolescents’ Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care
Authors: Savage-Oyekunle Oluremi A.
Published: March 2018

The positive obligations on states parties to ensure covenant rights will only be fully discharged if individuals are protected by the state, not just against violations of covenant rights by its agents, but also against acts committed by private persons or entities that would impair the enjoyment of covenant rights…. (Paragraph 8 General Comment 31 Human Rights Committee) This article explores the responsibility of the Nigerian state towards ensuring female adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care information and services especially contraceptive information and services. It thereafter, considers the stance of the treaty monitoring bodies to state parties’ obligations on the right to access SRH care information and services. The article concludes by declaring the need for judicial activism and stricter monitoring of the government’s activities in other to ensure that adolescents enjoy actual access to SRH care information and services.
Sail Modules for Use with “Space Tugs”
Authors: Dalla Vedova Florio , Morin Pierre , Roux Thibault , Brombin Roberta , Piccinini Alberto , Ramsden Nigel
Published: March 2018

The paper introduces and describes the recent and still ongoing development activities performed in Luxembourg for In-Orbit Attach Mechanisms for (Drag) Sails Modules to be operated from Space Tugs. After some preparatory work aiming at understanding the possible operational aspects, three designs have been completed for their 3D (Metal and Plastic) Printing. The Plastic-printed prototype underwent a series of automated tests where a robotic arm, equipped with an advanced force sensor, replicated four docking scenarii in ideal and degraded modes. The observation of the forces and torques behaviors at and after impact allowed to characterize the typical patterns for the various contacts but also, to identify a type of impact potentially dramatic for the safety of the docking and its equipment: in case of off-axis approach, “point” contacts shall be avoided as they instantaneously transfer the total kinetic energy in a small area that could break.
Time Variation of Insertion Cu On TiO2 Nanoparticles Layer Through The Electroplating Method In Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)
Authors: Obina Wilfrida M , Supriyanto Agus , Cari C , Sumardiasih Sri , Septiawan Trio Y.
Published: March 2018

Copper (Cu) is a conductive metal. Insertion of copper on a TiO2 active layer is the right choice in the effort to improve Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) performance. Electroplating methods were used in this study to insert copper in the TiO2 layer. The device of DSSC used in this study is natural dye Moringa Oleifera, TiO2-Cu electrode, the counter electrode of Pt and electrolyte from NaI. The peak absorbance of dye is at wavelength 415 nm and maximum efficiency is 0,093% from the time variation electroplating of 25 s. There is increase efficiency from TiO2 to TiO2-Cu electrode with time variation of electroplating. It is shown that insertion of copper in the TiO2 nanoparticles layer improves the performance of DSSC.