bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Liquidity on Profitability: Evidence from Nepalese Banks
Authors: Bhatt Sahadev , Verghese Dr. Nikhil
Published: February 2019

This study seeks to examine the relationship between the liquidity and the profitability of commercial Banks in Nepal. In this connection, 14 Nepalese commercial banks were selected as study samples and their financial data were gathered from
the annual reports of concerned banks for the period of 2008-2017. In this study, Return on assets and net profit margin were used as indicator of profitability while liquidity ratio, investment ratio and capital ratio were used as a proxy of
liquidity measures. This study used inferential statistics to explain the main features of a collection of data in quantitative terms while correlation and linear regression analysis are used for analyzing the data. Results showed that more than 49
percent bank profitability measured by return on assets and net profit margin is predicted by the liquidity variables. This empirical analysis reveals that there is insignificant positive relationship between liquidity ratio and return on assets.
Similarly, there is insignificant negative relationship between investment ratio and capital ratio with return on assets. It is also found that there is insignificant positive relationship of net profit margin with liquidity ratio and investment
ratio. However the net profit margin is significantly negatively related with capital ratio. Based on the results it is concluded that the liquidity measure are not statistically significant in determining the profitability of commercial banks in
Nepal except the capital ratio.
Comparison of albumin, total protein, globulin and enzyme activity Creatine Phospho Kinase (CPK) in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis before and after treatment
Authors: Rad Ali Banihashem , Saghafi Shade , Hashemi Eshagh , Aghasizadeh Ershad , Ebrahimi Fathollah , Banihashem Ahmad , Rajaei Sara
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by certain microorganisms and leads to progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone with pocket formation or the
recession, or both. Periodontal disease is usually based on clinical parameters diagnosed and recorded. Other advanced diagnostic techniques of periodontal disease is evaluation of host response, which includes the study of specific or non-specific
mediators such as albumin, globulin and creatine phosphokinase enzyme by biochemical methods or immunological response that as part of the individual periodontal infections are known. Methods: The study population consisted of 30 patients. After
observing isolation by cotton rolls, 50 to 100 ml GCF via 30 paper point and wetting with a height of 5 mm of the area with more involvement in terms of standard of patients with moderate periodontitis referred to Periodontics ward of Dental School
in Mashhad pre-treatment phase 1 (scaling and root planning) and 4 weeks after the treatment is provided. Then changes in albumin, total protein, globulin and CPK enzyme activity in the GCF using biochemical kits measured. Result: In our study, mean
CPK in patients with chronic periodontitis before treatment was further after treatment but not significantly different, but the average amount of albumin, total protein and globulin chronic periodontitis patients before treatment lesser than after
treatment but there was no significant difference either. Conclusion: In this study, we showed that albumin, total protein and globulin was significantly increased after treatment of periodontitis patients.
Evaluation of statins (Simvastatin and lovastatin) in reducing periodontal parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Rad Ali Banihashem , Mokhtari Majid Reza , Aghasizadeh Ershad , Far Mojtaba Bakhshande , Banihashem Ahmad , Rajaei Sara
Published: February 2019

Introduction and objective: Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontal disease. Progression of the disease is due to high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Statins are a class of lipid-lowering drugs that used for
cardiovascular disease and stroke. Statins has potential anti-inflammatory effect by blocking intermediate metabolites of the mevalonate pathway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Lovastatin and Simvastatin in improve the
parameters of chronic periodontitis in the population of Khorasan Razavi province. Methods and materials: 40 subjects with chronic periodontitis were selected and informed consent was obtained from participants. Participants were divided into control
and experimental groups and we scaling for patients of both groups, then control group without high blood cholesterol and treatment of patients was done without statin drugs and in case groups, patients with blood cholesterol higher than 240 mg/dl
with Lovastatin 20 mg/day during 3 month treated. Periodontal indices; such as probing pocket depth (PPD), GI, PI, CAL and bleeding on probing in patients with chronic periodontitis were measured by the examiner before and after treatment in the
control group and the experimental group. Also this index were measured 3 months after treatment in both groups by the same person examiner as Blind and dataes were analyzed by statistical software. Results: In this study, Mean ± SD of age was 7.93 ±
43.8 in the control group and the experimental group was 7.72 ± 47.8 and of the 40 patients in the study, 18 were males and 22 were females. Our study showed that the index of GI, CAL, BOP and probing depth were significantly different between the
two groups after the intervention (P less than 0.05) and only after the intervention PI index was not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that statins may improve periodontal index in patient
with periodontal disease. This is probably because that statins increase bone regeneration and reduced inflammatory parameters such as CRP, MMP-9, TNF-α and the intermediate products.
Influence of Career Management on Employee retention in Mobile Telecommunication Companies in Kenya; A Case of Safaricom Public Limited Company (PLC).
Authors: Musambai Mr.Anjia Zeddy , Mukanzi Dr. Clive Malietso
Published: February 2019

his study sought to investigate the influence of Career Management on employee retention in Mobile Telecommunication companies in Kenya. It adopted a descriptive research design. Primary data was collected from a sample of 274 employees of
Safaricom Plc Hypothesized relationships were tested using regression analysis. The results indicate that career management positively and significantly influence employee retention. Therefore it is recommended that mobile telecommunication companies
have to build and nurture strong career management practices as key result areas if they are to retain key talent.
The Moderating Effect of Government Policy on Strategic Leadership and Performance of County Governments in North Rift Region, Kenya.
Authors: B. Alala(PhD) Ondiek , Antony Apalia
Published: February 2019

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 reversed the centralized non - participatory governance paradigm by institutionalizing a devolved governance system. A total of 47 counties were created in the constitution. Each county was to receive funding
from the National government and at the same time generate funds to sustain themselves. Devolution approaches tailored to sub-national, regional and local circumstances were considered better able to address the continuing problems caused by
entrenched territorial inequities in growth, income and employment. These counties are streamlined under government polices where evaluation is done and planned early in the policy development cycle and embedded into all policies. The objectives of
the study were to determine the moderating effect of government policy on strategic leadership and performance of county governments in North Rift region, Kenya. The study adopted mixed research design that targeted 539 county governments’ employees
in the North Rift region. A sample size of 230 employees was determined and selected by use of stratified random sampling technique. The main study instrument was self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. Validity was determined by
population and content validity. Reliability of instruments was tested by use of Cronbach’s alpha. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were adopted. It was noted that government policy has a moderating role because in its presence,
it accounts for 53% of the performance of county government while in its absence, the performance can only be attributed to 49.2%. The study concluded that government policy has a moderating effect with performance in the county government.
Moderating Effect of Dynamic Capabilities on the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Business Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises.
Authors: Bii Joan , Onyango Robert
Published: February 2019

This paper reviewed past literature with the aim of establishing the trends in published literature on dynamic capabilities, entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and business performance of Small and Medium Enterprise’s (SMEs). Based on this
review the relationship between dynamic capabilities, entrepreneurial orientation and business performance of SMEs is hinged on Schumpeter theory of innovations, (Schumpeter, 1942) and dynamic capability theory by Teeceet al (1997). Scholars have a
common view that the association between EO and business performance is too complex hence moderated by variables. Dynamic capabilities (DC) have a moderating role between predictors of competitive advantage and business performance. The literature
reviewed therefore presents the empirical studies globally and locally on moderation of dynamic capabilities on EO and business performance of SMEs. From the review it has been established that there are inconsistent findings in terms of
relationships between DCs, EO and performance of SMEs which is justified by the fact that DCs, EO dimensions vary independently and may not be equally valuable across performance metrics or different stages of development of SMEs, besides different
situations impacts on the relationship between DCs, EO and business performance of SMEs. In addition there is a dearth of literature on the moderating effect of dynamic capabilities on the relationship between EO and business performance thus calling
for further interrogation in the context of developing countries. In conclusion there are mixed results in the linkage between EO and business performance, however effective integration and implementation of EO and DC would help the organization
secure competitive advantage in the face of dynamic business environment to foster high business performance.
Moderating Role of Social Factors on the Effect of Integrated Marketing Communication on Performance of Fast Food Restaurants in Nairobi Central Business District, Kenya.
Authors: Mueni Musyimi Peris , E Ng’ang’a Wambui , Makomere Julie , Onyango Robert
Published: February 2019

Universally Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) plays a pivotal role in providing adequate intrinsic information which impacts on overall performance of fast food restaurants. In this regard the study was designed to assess the
moderating role of social factors on the effect of integrated marketing communications on the performance of fast food restaurants in Nairobi central business district. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine the role of
public relations, social media networks, sales promotion and advertising on the performance of fast food restaurants in Nairobi CBD. To determine the moderating role of social factors on the effect of intergraded marketing and communication on the
performance of fast food restaurants in Nairobi CBD. The study adopted an explanatory research design. The target population was 144 key informants which included 48 managers and 96 heads of departments sampled from all the 48 fast food restaurants
in Nairobi CBD. In this study census sampling technique was adopted to arrive at the sample size which is 144 key informants. Data was collected by use of structured and unstructured questionnaires from the key informants. Collected data analyzed by
use of both inferential and descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20. Result of multiple regressions revealed that social factors moderates the relationship between integrated marketing communication and the performance of fast food restaurants
with F=60.279 at P=.000. Jointly the four constructs namely public relations, social media networks, sales promotion and advertisement with a moderator jointly explained 73.6 % (R2 = 0.736) variation in performance of fast food restaurants. The β
value for public relations (.233), social media networks (.232), sales promotion (.340), advertising (.295), were positive. Correlations between public relations, social media networks, sales promotion, and advertising r=.677** r= . 579** , r
=.693**andr =.411**respectively. They were also positively and significantly related to performance of fast food restaurants where P lesstahn 0.01. All these together led to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This implies that the management of
fast food restaurants should pay high premiums in strategically formulating and implementing IMCs which can effectively galvanize high performance of fast food restaurants.
Effect of Social Correlates on Employee Performance in Public Health Facilities, Turbo Sub County, Kenya
Authors: K’osuri Mercy Adoyo , Kalei Ann , Onyango Robert
Published: February 2019

In this globalized era, organizations certainly require employees who are high achievers. This calls for a high demand for professionals with skills, hence organizations are virtually required to embrace their preferences through socially
innovative practices. Civil service employees in Kenya, who include the Ministry of Health staff performance is below expectations thus service delivery is compromised. In this regard the current study was designed to assess the effect of social
correlates on employees’ performance in the public health sector in Turbo Sub-County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To examine the effect of supervisors support on employee performance and to analyze the effect of
employee participation on employee performance. Conservation of Resources Theory and Social Exchange Theory had the potential to provide a conceptual guide in maximizing employee performance. The study adopted a descriptive survey design based on
samples drawn from across the public health facilities in Turbo Sub-County. The target population was 332. A two-stage sampling technique was adopted where cluster random sampling was used to select the Public health facilities after which simple
random sampling were used to select respondents within the facilities. The study used Krejcie and Morgan table,(1970) to calculate the sample size which was 181 respondents. Data was collected by use of self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis
was done by use of both inferential and descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20. Results of multiple regressions revealed that social correlates jointly and independently influenced employee performance in public health facilities in Turbo
Sub-County, Kenya. Jointly the two constructs namely supervisors support and employee participation contributed 51.4% of the variation in employee performance (Adjusted R Square = 0.514). There was a positive and significant correlation between
supervisors support and employee participation was: r=.660*, r= .450* to employee performance. All these together led to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This implies that the management of public health facilities should pay high premiums in
strategically formulating and implementing social correlates which can effectively galvanize employee motivation and performance. Social correlates should be bundled through mutually consistent policies to enhance their synergy in achieving high
employee performance.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance and Service Delivery in Semi-Autonomous County Government Entities of Kakamega County
Authors: Ashiono Christabell Murila , Egessa Dr.Robert K.W. , Tsuma Ms.Eglay Tuvulla
Published: February 2019

Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. Corporate governance essentially involves balancing the interests of a company's many stakeholders, such as shareholders,
management, customers, suppliers, financiers, government and the community. It has been generally agreeable from many studies in the recent past that companies that have corporate governance systems in place also exhibit good performance which is
actualized by the quality of service provided. This can only be fostered by following legal and regulatory practices by the companies. Thus, good corporate governance practices are increasingly being recognized as an important aspect of
organizational success. This study sought to determine the effect of legal and regulatory compliance on service delivery in Semi-autonomous County Government entities of Kakamega County (SACGA). The study adopted a causal research design to determine
the effect of corporate governance practices on service delivery in Semi-autonomous County Government Agencies. The target population was 478 derived from a sample frame two Semi-autonomous entities in Kakamega County through purposive sampling.
Stratified simple random sampling was used to select respondents. A sample size of 30% drawn from the target population of the two entities was used in the study totaling to 143 producing a response of 128. Both Secondary and Primary data was
collected using structured questionnaire and interview schedules. Validity was achieved through expert discussion while reliability of data was tested using Cronbach’s alpha resulting to Cronbach alpha of 0.756 which was above 0.7 threshold accepted
in social research. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) with the main analysis tools being frequencies, percentages, mean and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and regression equation. Data was
presented with use of tables. The study found out that there was a positive and significant relationship between legal and regulatory compliance (r=.529) on service delivery. The study concluded that legal and regulatory compliance contributes more
to service delivery in SACGA.
Corporate Social Sustainability Relationship Management Practices-A Literature Review
Authors: V N Siddam Rao , Chalam Prof.G.V.
Published: February 2019

Sustainability practices are increasingly prevalent in corporations and their institutional landscape. Over several years, organizations have been seeking for guidelines on sustainability, in terms of economic, environmental and social
perspective. The corporate managements believe that sustainability is important for future success and growth and is interested in blending it with its day-to-day business strategy. Like all other new strategy implementations in an organization,
sustainability implementation needs close monitoring and careful execution and management of sustainability initiatives dealing closely with its stakeholders. This paper aims at tracing sustainability issues in stakeholders’ relationship management
by discussing the theoretical approach is complemented with the sustainability issues by reviewing the earlier studies made so far. Apart from this, it also aims at to identify the research gap to undertake the further empirical research on the
corporate social sustainability relationship management in the Indian context.
Evaluation of the hygienic and sanitary quality of attiéké produced by hand in Burkina Faso: case of "Burkina journalier", a local processing unit in Dedougou.
Authors: Dembélé René , Konaté Ali , Traoré Oumar , Désiré Kaboré W. A. , Sarambé Luc , T. Kaboré Charles Edouard , Bidiga Harouna , Traoré Alfred S. , Barro Nicolas
Published: February 2019

In Burkina Faso, the lack of good hygienic practices (GHP) by producers and the uncontrolled sale of attiéké expose consumers to health risks like the Toxi-Infections Food (TIF). Our study aims to establish the hygienic quality of attiéké
produced at Dédougou (Boucle du Mouhoun) and how to apply good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygiene practices (GHP) improving this attiéké. Two samples of attiéké were collected for analysis of which tasting test by 24 tasters (men and
women) on characteristics such as color, flavor, appearance (fibres), texture, moisture, granulometry and hardness ; measurement of pH, determination of acidity, humidity, ash content, enumeration of bacteria, yeasts and molds were also done
according to the recommanded methods. For both samples, our study showed 3.6, 0.85 and 1.9, 49.13 and 53.5, 0.82 respectively for pH, acidity, moister content and ash content. Humidity levels were 49.13 ± 0.02 and 53.5 ± 0.05 respectively for sample
1 and sample 2. Total aerobic mesophil flora of 3.73.104 cfu/g and 4.52.104 cfu/g, total coliforms rate ≤ 15 cfu/g and yeasts and molds value ranging from 3.1.103 to 4.2.103 cfu/g were observed. Special attention should be given to the following:
transmission of fecal germs; handling of attiéké after cooking and equipments used for serving; and hand washing and environmental hygiene.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of New Antifungal Compounds: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Cabezas Jorge A. , Brenes José A. , Gross Norma , Arias María L.
Published: February 2019

In the present study, we synthesized three 1,3-enynes from their corresponding aldehydes. They exhibited antifungal activity, which was evaluated against Trichophyton rubrum, the most common dermatophyte responsible for nail infection. The
biological activity of these synthetic enynes was compared to terbinafine and ciclopirox olamine, two common antimycotic drugs used to treat nail infections caused by this pathogen. Two of these compounds showed an inhibitory effect similar to
terbinafine and cilopirox olamine, when tested against over eleven different T. rubrum strains, including ATCC 28188 strain and ten different clinical isolates, two already classified as multitreated.
Study the Optical Properties of Polyaniline-PEDOT Nano Composite
Authors: Saleh Maan A. , O.Mousa Abdulazeez , Shinen Mohammed Hadi
Published: February 2019

The study includes the recording the absorption and permeability spectra of a combination of polyaniline compound solution with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT and calculating the absorption factor and other optical constants. These
samples were attended to different concentrations (0.01%,0.02%,0.03%) of PEDOT added to polyaniline. The values of absorbance, the refractive index values of pure polymer and its additives are increasing with the increase of the concentrations of
these polymer,noting that the increment of absorption coefficient values under the influence of addition caused by increasing density of the solutions as a result of the increased concentrations, that led to the increase of light absorbed because the
interaction of the electromagnetic wave and the large molecules of the polymer increases with concentration,the results show that decreasing in the values of transmittance with all concentrations, the values of reflectance are increases with
increasing concentration before and after the doping, the results showed decrease energy gap with increasing ratio of doping.
Influence of Corporate Culture on Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Kwendo Mr. Evans Silver , Omondi Dr.Ondoro Charles , Kirwa Dr. Mise Jairo
Published: February 2019

This study sought to investigate the influence of corporate culture on performance of commercial banks in Kenya. It adopted a quasi-experimental post test only research design. Primary data was collected from a sample of 136 senior managers
at the 38 commercial banks’ head –offices in Nairobi. Hypothesized relationships were tested using regression analysis. The results indicate that corporate culture positively and significantly influence banks performance. Therefore it is recommended
that commercial banks have to build and nurture strong clan culture, adhocracy culture, market culture and hierarchy culture as key result areas.
Patient satisfaction, one of the levers for the health services performance: Contribution to scientific evidence, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Tshamba Henri Mundongo , Kes Adrien Malandj , Kyalubile Nonon Mulubwa , Kashala Mujinga , Tshisand Katshiza , Nyiongonyi Andre Ndala , Kaj Françoise Malonga
Published: February 2019

The study objectives were to determine the level of patient’s satisfaction, to evaluate the health care quality, to identify factors associated with the satisfaction and the impact on the hospital performance. It was conducted between
01-July2016 and 01-July-2017, in Lubumbashi city. This is a cross-sectional study including 423 patients. The interview using a questionnaire with the Likert scale and direct observation allowed the data collection. Analyses were performed using
Excel 2013, EPI INFO 7 and SPSS 21. The Student t test, the Levene test and the Khi square test allowed comparison of means, variances and proportions. The odds ratio was calculated for some variables and the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05 and
95% CI. The analysis of the validity and reliability of the questionnaire made by calculating the Cronbach α coefficient, the number of dimensions of the questionnaire with a principal component analysis (PCA), the correlation coefficient, the
Bartlett test and the measurement accuracy of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin sample were calculated. The study results show that 6% of hospitalized patients were very satisfied and only 47% satisfied. Patients who felt they were well received, were satisfied
overall with 56% and 47% of the patients who judged the reception and the rooms comfort of poor quality at the first contact declared a dissatisfaction. This observation indicates that the first contact is crucial for patients. Moreover, we observed
that more than 70% of the satisfied patients, the organizational aspects the waiting line management reducing the wait time, the communication between patient and heath staff on the therapeutic approach, the patient participation in the care process
and decision, individualization of care were crucial (p = 0.000). In addition, the policy of quality management has led to costs and price increases, but on the other hand, the care demands by patients have remained insensitive to this increase in
costs and the level of satisfaction quite high for patients who have benefited care in these services (p = 0.000). The survey reveals that quality for the patient is a concept related to his satisfaction. Quality management provides a competitive
advantage for healthcare institutions and improves the level of patient satisfaction and services utilization, one of the levers of health service performance.
Patient satisfaction, one of the levers for the health services performance: Contribution to scientific evidence, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Authors: Tshamba Henri Mundongo , Kes Adrien Malandj , Kyalubile Nonon Mulubwa , Kashala Mujinga , Tshisand Katshiza , Nyiongonyi Andre Ndala , Kaj Françoise Malonga
Published: February 2019

The study objectives were to determine the level of patient’s satisfaction, to evaluate the health care quality, to identify factors associated with the satisfaction and the impact on the hospital performance. It was conducted between
01-July2016 and 01-July-2017, in Lubumbashi city. This is a cross-sectional study including 423 patients. The interview using a questionnaire with the Likert scale and direct observation allowed the data collection. Analyses were performed using
Excel 2013, EPI INFO 7 and SPSS 21. The Student t test, the Levene test and the Khi square test allowed comparison of means, variances and proportions. The odds ratio was calculated for some variables and the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05 and
95% CI. The analysis of the validity and reliability of the questionnaire made by calculating the Cronbach α coefficient, the number of dimensions of the questionnaire with a principal component analysis (PCA), the correlation coefficient, the
Bartlett test and the measurement accuracy of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin sample were calculated. The study results show that 6% of hospitalized patients were very satisfied and only 47% satisfied. Patients who felt they were well received, were satisfied
overall with 56% and 47% of the patients who judged the reception and the rooms comfort of poor quality at the first contact declared a dissatisfaction. This observation indicates that the first contact is crucial for patients. Moreover, we observed
that more than 70% of the satisfied patients, the organizational aspects the waiting line management reducing the wait time, the communication between patient and heath staff on the therapeutic approach, the patient participation in the care process
and decision, individualization of care were crucial (p = 0.000). In addition, the policy of quality management has led to costs and price increases, but on the other hand, the care demands by patients have remained insensitive to this increase in
costs and the level of satisfaction quite high for patients who have benefited care in these services (p = 0.000). The survey reveals that quality for the patient is a concept related to his satisfaction. Quality management provides a competitive
advantage for healthcare institutions and improves the level of patient satisfaction and services utilization, one of the levers of health service performance.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Analysis of the Green-Hydrogen Fueled Slow Speed Marine Diesel Engine
Authors: Ammar Nader R.
Published: February 2019

Marine diesel engines are facing challenges to cope with the emission-reduction regulations set by the international maritime organization (IMO). Hydrogen fuel is one of the alternative fuels which can be used to reduce the exhaust gas
emissions from ships. The current paper investigates the effect of using diesel-hydrogen dual fuels on the environmental, energetic and exergetic performance parameters of slow speed marine diesel engine. The investigation is performed using
Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software package. As a case study, slow speed diesel engine has been investigated. The results obtained revealed that the energetic and exergetic parameters are influenced by engine load and hydrogen substitution
percent. The exergy efficiency is increased by 3.65%, 8.20%, 13.99%, and 21.7% for the hydrogen substitution percentages of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively compared with the diesel engine at full load. Environmentally, CO and CO2 emissions are
reduced and NOx emissions are increased as the hydrogen energy content increases. Dual fuel engine with input hydrogen energy fractions of 10% and 20% will comply with the required NOx emission regulations set by IMO after using selective catalytic
reduction (SCR) system. It will comply with the required regulations with relative percentages of 96.4% and 98.4%, respectively.
Art: A Source of Visual Communication
Authors: Khan Farah
Published: February 2019

Art is a fundamental part of human life. The language of art is the most powerful language one can understand beyond the barriers of communication, art provides an open forum for expressiveness. Since pre-historic time it has been observed as
a mechanism of communication with each other. It has been analyzed that people throughout history used it for expressing their thoughts, beliefs, philosophies, fears and spiritual connections. Artists from all regions of the world have documented
their voice through this medium of expression while focusing on the contemporary issues concerning their own time. In the contemporary age, art is observed as the most powerful tool for voicing the inward experiences of the artist. It is also being
utilized for responding back to the society. Artists are free to express what they perceive individually and in what way they want the masses to conceive out of it. They are raising questions and analyzing the political and social scenario in their
own visual idiom. In this manner, Pakistani artists are equally participating in raising their voice in visual form to communicate their experiences and challenges they are facing in the contemporary world. They are also providing answers to the
prevailing chaos (globally and especially in Pakistan).
Female as an icon of exquisiteness in Pakistani Art
Authors: Khan Farah
Published: February 2019

The image of female in art has remained a subject of interest since prehistoric age. Representation of female has left strong mark on the aesthetic sensibility of artists globally. Looking at the history of Pakistani Art, it is observed that
the exquisiteness of female as an icon has influenced the creative practice of the local artists. Female as an image is represented by many artists with diversity of subject matter, medium and technique. This subject of artistic expression has left
unique impact in the development of art which can easily be analyzed looking at the present account of Pakistani art.
Collaborative Filtering: Data Sparsity Challenges
Authors: . Er.Meenakshi , . Dr.Satpal
Published: February 2019

Today internet is a place where the huge amount of data is stored, there is need to sift, which create a problem for the internet user, so recommend system solve the problem. A recommendation system is a system that helps a user found the
products and content by forecast the user’s rating of each item and showing them the items that they would rate highly. Recommendation systems are everywhere. With online shopping, customer has nearly infinite choices. No one has enough time to try
every product for sale. Recommendation systems play an important role to solve the users search the products and content they care about. Recommendation system is a process of filtering the information that deal with information overloaded problems.
Recommendation system is important for both user and service provider. It reduces the cost of transaction and selecting item in an online scenario it also improve the quality of decision making process. It is now an effective means for selling their
product. So over emphasized of user is not good for recommendation system. To solve the problems of recommendation system like data sparsity we use one of best technique that is collaborative filtering technique.
A Translation into English of Khalil I. Al-Fuzai’s1“In the Café”2
Authors: Dohal Gassim H.
Published: February 2019

One of the principles of the Islamic faith is belief in destiny; “that Allah has power over all things and that Allah surrounds all things in (His) knowledge” (Al-Hilali 768). A human being does not have knowledge of his/her predestination,
and thus acts in accordance with a choice and/or a desire from within him. Yet some people in the Saudi Arabian society blame destiny for their idleness as if fate were their problem. They should not attribute their laziness to destiny because Islam
requires people to work, and their fate is unknown to them before it takes place. This story portrays how luck or fate can play an important role in the life of some people. The protagonist goes to the café to spend time and drink some coffee. There
he gets acquainted with his rich uncle, who had left the village. While introducing the story setting, the author uses such words as “routine,” “mechanical,” “dull,” “gloom,” “boring,” etc.— words that reflect the protagonist’s state of mind, and how
he envisions his life; it is a difficult and miserable life. Though he apparently goes to the café for a change of pace from the dull atmosphere at home, boredom follows him everywhere. Yousef is “alone to face the hardships of life....”; even in the
café, he is alienated. So he wishes to marry, because a wife, as a partner, would support him, at least emotionally; but he questions “how can *I+ afford marriage expenses?” in a society where marriage requires wealth. He is no different from other
main characters in this collection who are struggling to earn a living. Like Hassan, the protagonist of “Before the Station,” Yousef in this story assumes his late father’s responsibilities; he should “make a living for his mother and his two littlem
brothers....3 ” The Saudi Arabian society expects the elder son to take care of the family if something bad happens to the father and, at the same time; it rarely provides any support for such families. Hence, Yousef should “become a sailor” who will
face the “tyrannical cruelty” of the sea that delivered the deathblow to his father. He has no idea that his life will end up with such a struggle. It is Um-Kalthoom, a famous Arabian singer, whose songs give him momentum to struggle for survival. To
him, she creates “an immortal melody” about pain and suffering—“a pleasant song chanted by sad people” like him. And as long as she manages to mold pain into “a pleasant song” between her lips, he has a chance to create a good life for his family out
of the hardships he is facing through his daily struggle. Indeed, “a new dawn in *Yousef’s+ life” emerges after a lengthy night, and his fall changes into spring. While he is sitting in the café, a coincidence takes place: an old, rich man appears,
looking for his nephew who, in the end, turns out to be Yousef himself. As is the case in “A Point of Change,” the author depicts in this story difficulties of living, and how chance or fate, as people there call it, may change one’s life.
Undernutrition among children under five (5) years in the municipalities of Natitingou, Boukoumbé and Toucountouna (NBT Zone) in the Department of Atacora in North West Benin
Authors: YESSOUFOU Abdou Ganiou , BOUKO Marius BIO , KOUESSOPA Patrice SANTA , YESSOUFOU Abèbi Karimath , ADEBO Adégnika Amirath , SOUMANOU Mohamed Mansourou , SEZAN Alphonse
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nutritional status of the children under five years of the Municipalities of Natitingou, Boukoumbé, and Toucountouna located in the Department of Atacora in North West Benin. It is a prospective,
descriptive and analytical study in which we collected the anthropometric measurements of 600 children and submitted their mothers to a questionnaire. The results show that the three forms of undernutrition are still present with 53% of stunted
children, 75% of underweight children and 26% of emaciated children. Moreover, the dietary diversity scores recorded in the surveyed households are mostly low. Determinants identified include diseases, dietary diversity, non-compliance with the
principle of exclusive breastfeeding, and poor weaning practices. In sum, the very high level of stunting is indicative of chronic food insecurity. There is therefore an awakening of consciousness of the different actors involved in the fight against
malnutrition for an improvement of the nutritional status of children in this area of study.
Water Quality and Dynamic of Schistosomiasis Intermediate Host Snails in the Lake Areas, District of So-Ava, Southern Benin
Authors: Ibikounlé1 Moudachirou , Onzo-Aboki Ablavi A. , Alabi Elokou , Mahama Samoussou Dine , Mahama Samoussou Dine , Djenontin Armel , Pennetier Cédric , Courtin David
Published: February 2019

Objectives: Urinary schistosomiasis is known to be endemic in the lake Nokoué areas of the District of So-Ava. For the past ten years, the National Control Programme for Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health has been making efforts
to control schistosomiaisis morbidity through mass drug treatment with Praziquantel. This study aimed to assess the diversity and dynamic of potential snails known as schistosomiasis intermediate hosts. Methodology and Results: This study was carried
out for 12 months (from July 2015 to June 2016) and consisted in the periodical analysis of the physical and chemical water parameters (temperature, oxygen concentration, pH, nitrite and nitrate rates. Salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and,
biochemical oxygen demand) in relation with diversity, distribution and relative abundance of freshwater snails (Bulinus forskalii, B. globosus and B. truncatus). To this end, seven harvesting sites on Lake Nokoué were, reasonably selected for
monthly hydrobiological and malacological data monitoring. The results showed a variable correlation between the dynamic of schistosomiasis intermediate host snailsm and several physico-chemical water parameters. Bulinus globosus was negatively
influenced by salinity and nitrate rates while B. forskalii was negatively influenced by pH, Oxygen, TDS, salinity and nitrate rates. The three species of freshwater snails were strongly influenced by the water temperature. Conclusion: The results
suggest a seasonal schistosome transmission induced by the seasonal dynamic of intermediate host snails. Water quality seems appropriate to the development of host snails from December to March and would be the strong period of schistosomiasis
transmission. However, furthermore studies will need for well understanding the dynamic transmission necessary for developing adapted strategy control.
Determination of Iron (II) in some drugs as Vitamins based on Ion-Selective Electrode
Authors: Moltazem Sabah M. , Mohammed Ragda R. , Allqarni Reem M.
Published: February 2019

The present work describes a sensor is composed of incorporated Rofenac D as an electro active material in PVC matrix membrane and dioctylphthalate or dioctylesepacate as solvent mediators. The sensor exhibited fast and stable near Nernstian
cationic response of 29.1 ±0.5 mV Concentration decade of iron (II) in the concentration range of 1.0× 10-7-1.0× 10-2 M. The lower limit of detection was 1.5 × 10-7 ± 0.2. It is to be noted that the sensor based on Rofinac D was used throughout this
investigation in the pH range 3- 8.5. The sensor displayed a good selectivity for iron ion respect to a number of common foreign inorganic and organic species spatially some drugs which contains iron. The results obtained with this procedure were
compared with those from atomic absorption and spectrophotometry.
Diagnostic usefulness of Hyaluronan and Hyaluronan Synthases-A Review
Authors: .S Dr.Swaminathan , Edward.T King David , .M.J Abirami , Senthilraj Dr. Oviya
Published: February 2019

The first isolation of HA was in the year 1934, but research on HA and its clinical significance in health and disease started only in the year 1970. Both HA and HASs play a significant role in many physiological and pathological processes.
The cellular HA synthesis are coordinated collectively by HASs. HA has wide range of applications in clinical practice. HAS1 is expressed in malignancies like bladder and prostate cancers as well as in myeloma and malignantmesothelioma. Studies have
predicted the involvement of HA in endothelial cell proliferation migration, new vessels formation and leucocytes recruitment. HA was found to influence stroma cell recruitment, tumor angiogenesis and epithelial –mesenchymal transition. Measurement
of HASs may help to find out tumor aggressiveness towards targeting appropriate therapies. Measurement of both HA and CD44 will be very useful in the evaluation of breast cancer. Many different assays based on ELISA and PCR are now available for
reliable quantification of HA. It also play a key role in bone metabolism and its latest application is for breast cancer screening and prognostic evaluation. It has also therapeutic value in multidrug resistance. Assays for HA and HASs have also
been discussed in this review article. The contents of this review article will be very useful for future researchers to evaluate a simple, reliable and cost saving methods for measuring HA and HASs in human blood and to include them as metabolites
for cancer screening.
Effet hypotenseur de l’extrait aqueux de la recette à base de Brillantaisia patula T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) et de Desmodium velutinum (Willd) D.C (Fabaceae) chez lerat
Authors: E. Ngolo , A.W. Etou Ossibi , C. Epa , C.A. C. Loubanou , A.S.F. Samba Ndossi , J.M. Ouamba , A.A. Abena
Published: February 2019

L’objectif de ce travail était d’étudier les effets hypotenseurs et le mécanisme d’action de l’extrait aqueux de la recette à base de B.patula et de D.velutinum sur la pression artérielle et la fréquence cardiaque chez le rat normotendu
anesthésié à l’uréthane à 15% à raison de 1,5 g/kg, i.p. L’extrait aqueux de la recette aux doses de 5, 20, 40 et 80 mg/kg provoque une baisse significative de la PAS et de la FC. L’effet hypotenseur est inhibé partiellement par l’atropine (1mg/kg,
i.v) à 41,96 % et l’étude comparée des effets de la recette à 20 mg/kg avec l’acétylcholine (10 µg/kg) montre des similitudes de la baisse de la PAS ; ce qui suggère que cet extrait agit via les récepteurs muscariniques. Par ailleurs,
l’administration de l’adrénaline (50 µg/kg) chez les rats normotendus (n = 5) provoque une augmentation de la pression artérielle à 140,79 ± 35,15 %. Cependant, l’administration de l’extrait aqueux de la recette (20 mg/kg) s’oppose à cette
augmentation de la pression artérielle. Cet extrait s’oppose aussi à l’augmentation de la pression artérielle induite par le L-NAME. L’administration de l’extrait à la même dose après la bivagotomie ne provoque pas une baisse de la pression
artérielle ; après la bi occlusion carotidienne, cet extrait empêche l’augmentation significative de la pression artérielle. Ces résultats montrent que l’effet hypotenseur de l’extrait ne passe pas seulement par l’inhibition du système nerveux
sympathique mais implique aussi partiellement la stimulation du système nerveux parasympathique. En conclusion, ces résultats justifient, au moins en partie, l’utilisation de l’extrait aqueux de la recette à base de B.patula et D.velutinum dans le
traitement de l’hypertension artérielle.
Synthesis of Polymer Inclusion Membranes based on Cellulose Triacetate for Recovery of Lanthanum(III) from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Makowka Adam , Pospiech Beata
Published: February 2019

Polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) containing cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a polymer matrix and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) as a plasticizer was developed. This membrane also contained di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) as the carriers of metal ions. The facilitated transport of lanthanum(III) from aqueous nitrate(V) solutions across PIM was studied. It was observed that metal ions were transported from the source phase into 2M H2SO4 as the receiving phase. The transport through PIM with D2EHPA as the ion carrier was found as the more effective method of lanthanum(III) removal from the aqueous solution than transport through PIM with TBP as the ion carrier.
Architektur und Ethik
Authors: Friesen Hans
Published: February 2019

The architect who plans and designs our living environment in town and country can neither think exclusively technologically nor act completely independently. Rather, his designs and actions are always in moral relation to the environment, i. e. to nature and landscape as well as to the city/town or the people who live daily with and within the built space and thus have a kind of effective group affiliation. But to what extent does architecture – in the sense of Hegel’s phrase the “sensuous in the meaningful” – already possess ethical implications?