bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electronic Banking and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Mutisya Maria Mueni , Atheru Gerald 
Published: July 2019

Information technology has changed the traditional ways of doing business to a digital and electronic way that has led to globalization. The banking industry has been forced by the wave of electronic payment system in the business environment to change from its traditional ways such as: long queues as customers waited to be served, delay in the clearing house as representatives of different banks waited to settle their dues and manual work that resulted to errors. The main purpose of the study was to determine the effect of electronic banking on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the extend of internet, mobile, automated teller machine and debit/credit card banking adoption and its effect on financial performance. The study covered a period of five years that is from the year 2011 to the year 2015 and adopted descriptive research design. The data collected was analyzed by the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics procedures. Primary and secondary data was collected from the 34 commercial banks that responded leading to a respond rate of 79.04% out of the 43 commercial banks. The trade analysis showed that internet banking was recognized and accepted by the Kenyan commercial banks and the Kenyans as a way of transacting. Electronic banking was found to be positive and significantly related to the financial performance of the commercial banks in Kenya. This was attributed by an R Square of 0.688 for Return On Assets, 0.63 for Net Profit and 0.277 for Return On Equity indicating that the independent variables in the study were able to give information of up to 68.8%, 63% and 27.7% respectively while the remaining 31.2%, 27% and 72.3% could not be explained in the study but could be explained using other variables outside the study. All the independent variables were (internet banking, Mobile banking, Automated Teller Machine banking and Debit/Credit banking) found to be positively and significantly related to the Return On Assets while only mobile banking and internet banking were found to be positively and significantly related to Net Profit since their p Values were less 0.05. Automated Teller Machine banking showed a positive relation that was insignificant with the Return On Equity.The study recommends that, electronic banking should be employed by commercial banks through proper management policies since it has shown improved efficiency and financial performance. For further studies, areas of crime technology, quality of banking services, electronic fund transfer and performing loans should be looked at.
This is an open-access article published and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License of United States unless otherwise stated. Access, citation and distribution of this article is allowed with full recognition of the authors and the source.
Service Delivery and Performance of Kenya Commercial Bank Limited: A Critical Review of Literature
Authors: Chesaina Francis , Gitonga Esther 
Published: July 2019

The overall goal of any business entity is to have the needs of customers satisfied. In the business world customers are the source of profit and revenue for the service organizations and improvements in service delivery leads to customer loyalty. Rapid developments in the business environment such as globalization have made organizations to adopt a spirit of completion and innovation so as to be able to meet the equally changing customer needs and expectations. In order to compete effectively, it has become essential for businesses to constantly improve on the quality of their products and services by marketing, product differentiation and cost reduction. The changes in the environment is forcing organizations to move from a retail model that emphasizes transaction processing and operational capabilities to one that focuses more effectively on the needs of customers, recognizing that they often vary across segments. In a move to optimize services and diminish costs, banks are regularly migrating towards a twenty four hour service where clients are enjoying the superior sense of independence that this creates. This study seeks to establish the effect of service delivery on performance of Kenya Commercial Bank Limited, Kenya. The review is based on SERVQUAL model Systems, Modelling Theory, Gaps Model of Service Quality and Theory of Performance. The literature reviewed indicates that service delivery by Kenya Commercial Bank improves organization performance. However, the specific service delivery channels and tools are noted to differ from one organization to the next. The level of service delivery will also be different and expected to influence organization performance. This is in line with SERVQUAL that requires assessing level and type of service delivery would lead to higher customer satisfaction and thus organization performance. The level of service quality in term of reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy and responsiveness are crucial to be studied. This review therefore recommends for an empirical study to assess how service delivery affects performance at KCB. KCB management is also recommended to put in place mechanisms of ensuring sustained service delivery and thus maintain above competition organization performance.
This is an open-access article published and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License of United States unless otherwise stated. Access, citation and distribution of this article is allowed with full recognition of the authors and the source.
Employee Relations Strategies and Performance of Water and Sewerage Service Provider in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Authors: Wangila Rose Naliaka , Kiiru David 
Published: July 2019

Employee relations is one of the key fundamental elements of organizational performance, prosperity and sustainability. Since good employee relations results in a highly committed, motivated and loyal employees there is need for organizations to develop strategies that will improve performance. Employee relations strategy involves decisions and actions made by the management affecting the way in which the organization relates with its employees. The general objective of this study was to establish the effect of employee relations strategies on the performance of Water and Sewerage service providers in Nairobi Kenya. The Water and Sewerage service provider under study was Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company, Kenya owing to the fact that it is the largest service provider both in Nairobi and Kenya based on customer base and revenue turnover hence the findings were generalized to the entire population. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine the effect of employee welfare, communication, employee participation and grievance resolution mechanism on the performance of Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company, Kenya. The study was anchored on four theories; unitarist, pluralist, system and process theories. The study employed a descriptive design. The target respondents were 3534 staff cutting across all cadres. Stratified random sampling was applied to select 10% of respondent from each stratum of; senior managers, middle level managers, supervisors and support staff thus sample population was 354.Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the results presented in tables. The study found that employee welfare, communication, employee participation and grievance resolution as components of employee relations strategies significantly influence organizational performance at Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, Kenya and therefore various strategies to strengthen these components of employee relations strategies should be explored and put in place. The multiple regression analysis results indicated that variations in employee relations strategies discussed that is; employee welfare, communication, employee participation and grievance resolution explains 54.8% of the variations on organization performance at Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Kenya meaning the other employee relations strategies for training, recruitment among others that influence performance of Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company. The study recommended that a similar study should be carried out in various organizations in other sectors of the economy to complement the findings.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Access, citation and distribution of this article is allowed with full recognition of the authors and the source.
The Characterization of Secondary Interstellar Neutral Oxygen beyond the Heliopause: A Detailed Analysis of the IBEX-Lo Oxygen Observations
Authors: Park Jeewoo , Kucharek Harald , Paschalidis Nikolaos , Szabo Adam , Heirtzler David , Möbius Eberhard , Schwadron Nathan A. , Fuselier Stephen A. , McComas David J. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
In this study, we analyze the directional distribution of the secondary interstellar neutral (ISN) O population observed by the IBEX-Lo neutral atom camera on the Interstellar Boundary EXplorer (IBEX) via the comparison with simulated ISN O intensity maps produced by an analytical model. In the analytical model, we assume that there are primary and secondary ISN populations at the heliopause. We further assume that each population is represented by a Maxwellian velocity distribution function with its own flow parameters. For the viewing directions of IBEX-Lo, we compute the incoming atom speeds at the heliopause with a Keplerian equation of motion in the solar gravity field. Then, we calculate analytically the distribution function to obtain the ISN intensities at Earth’s orbit. We compare the simulated O intensity maps with the IBEX-Lo O sky map to determine the most likely flow parameters of the secondary ISN O population. Using this method, we find the most likely flow parameters of the secondary ISN O population:

km s−1,

,

, and

K. The results indicate that the secondary ISN O flow direction is deflected toward lower ecliptic longitude and higher negative ecliptic latitude from the ISN gas flow direction at the heliopause. The secondary ISN O flow direction is more deflected from the ISN gas flow direction than the secondary ISN He flow direction.
A New Analysis Procedure for Detecting Periodicities within Complex Solar Coronal Arcades
Authors: Allian Farhad , Jain Rekha , Hindman B. W. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
We study intensity variations, as measured by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory, in a solar coronal arcade using a newly developed analysis procedure that employs spatio-temporal autocorrelations. We test our new procedure by studying large-amplitude oscillations excited by nearby flaring activity within a complex arcade and detect a dominant periodicity of 12.31 minutes. We compute this period in two ways: from the traditional time–distance fitting method and using our new autocorrelation procedure. The two analyses yield consistent results. The autocorrelation procedure is then implemented on time series for which the traditional method would fail due to the complexity of overlapping loops and a poor contrast between the loops and the background. Using this new procedure, we discover the presence of small-amplitude oscillations within the same arcade with 9.13 and 9.81 minute periods prior and subsequent to the large-amplitude oscillations, respectively. Consequently, we identify these as “decayless” oscillations that have only been previously observed in nonflaring loop systems.
A Wide and Deep Exploration of Radio Galaxies with Subaru HSC (WERGS). II. Physical Properties Derived from the SED Fitting with Optical, Infrared, and Radio Data
Authors: Toba Yoshiki , Yamashita Takuji , Nagao Tohru , Wang Wei-Hao , Ueda Yoshihiro , Ichikawa Kohei , Kawaguchi Toshihiro , Akiyama Masayuki , Hsieh Bau-Ching , Kajisawa Masaru , Lee Chien-Hsiu , Matsuoka Yoshiki , Noboriguchi Akatoki , Onoue Masafusa , Schramm Malte , Tanaka Masayuki , Komiyama Yutaka 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
We present physical properties of radio galaxies (RGs) with f
1.4 GHz > 1 mJy discovered by Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) and Very Large Array Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-Centimeters (FIRST) survey. For 1056 FIRST RGs at 0 < z ≤ 1.7 with HSC counterparts in about 100 deg2, we compiled multi-wavelength data of optical, near-infrared (IR), mid-IR, far-IR, and radio (150 MHz). We derived their color excess (E(B − V)*), stellar mass, star formation rate (SFR), IR luminosity, the ratio of IR and radio luminosity (q
IR), and radio spectral index (α
radio) that are derived from the spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting with CIGALE. We also estimated Eddington ratio based on stellar mass and integration of the best-fit SEDs of active galactic nucleus (AGN) component. We found that E(B − V)*, SFR, and IR luminosity clearly depend on redshift while stellar mass, q
IR, and α
radio do not significantly depend on redshift. Since optically faint (i
AB ≥ 21.3) RGs that are newly discovered by our RG survey tend to be high redshift, they tend to not only have a large dust extinction and low stellar mass but also have high SFR and AGN luminosity, high IR luminosity, and high Eddington ratio compared with optically bright ones. The physical properties of a fraction of RGs in our sample seem to differ from a classical view of RGs with massive stellar mass, low SFR, and low Eddington ratio, demonstrating that our RG survey with HSC and FIRST provides us curious RGs among entire RG population.
Landscape-level Biodiversity Assessment in Plantation Forests of Northern Portugal with the Fuzzy-logic Approach
Authors: Cosovic Marija , Biber Peter , Bugalho Miguel , Botequim Brigite , Borges Jose 
Published: July 2019

Motivation and objective: Because biodiversity conservation in forest management planning is necessary for ensuring regular ecosystem functioning, resilience and sustainability, the specific objective of this research was to quantify biodiversity at the landscape level in a forest plantation.
Case study: Vale de Sousa, Forest Intervention Zone (ZIF), is located in the North of Portugal. ZIFs were formed all over the county with the objective to prevent forest fires, desertification and the abandonment of rural areas. The total case study area is 14.773 ha, mainly covered by plantation forests. The predominant forest species are maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) either as pure or mixed stands.
Methods:Fuzzy-logic system can serve as a platform for bundling expert knowledge on estimating ecosystem services provision and examining the consequences of contradictory expert views. The method was used to evaluate biodiversity as was recently proposed and demonstrated by Biber et al. (2018) in the context of the European Union (EU) project ALTERFOR (Alternative models and robust decision-making for future forest management - https://www.alterfor-project.eu/key-facts.html). In this study, we applied a fuzzy-logic approach for testing three biodiversity indicators: resident birds, heterogeneity of tree species diameter, and tree and shrub species richness. This approach generates scores for the rotation period of each plantation species between 0 (very low) and 1 (very high) for biodiversity categories. It also allows qualitative value rules regarding the above indicators. Scores are established according to stakeholder’s knowledge and validated by experts. Initially, the scores for each indicator are expressed as coloured matrices, but a final fuzzy output of biodiversity is expressed as a score between 0 and 1.
Results: Our fuzzy outputs demonstrated low scores for biodiversity in monoculture stands, but medium scores in mixed stands. Tree and shrub species richness and diameter heterogeneity have low scores in analysed plantations but need to be tested in other forest types. However, the score for resident birds had medium values in monoculture forests, but due to the low score of the other biodiversity indicators, the overall biodiversity score is low.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that monocultures have the lowest score for biodiversity due to the zero level of all biodiversity indicators after the clear cut. Mixed stands have different periods of clear cut and this contributes to a higher score for biodiversity in general (fuzzy output). The fuzzy-logic approach is a very useful tool that may contribute to include biodiversity conservation in forest management decisions. This approach can be potentially used for the assessment of other biodiversity indicators (e.g. deadwood, large trees) in other forest types (including semi-natural and natural forests).
Abstract of a study to measure the possible differences in the perception of pain and temperature in hemiplegic patients
Authors: Hale L. A. 
Published: July 2019

Introduction: The peripheral sensations of pain and temperature are so closely linked anatomically1 that often only one is assessed during the physiotherapy examination of a neurologically impaired patient. The assumption is made that they would either both be affected or both be normal. Usually pain perception is evaluated as it is the quicker and easier of the two tests. However, could it be possible that pain sensibility be normal, yet temperature abnormal? This scenario could have dire consequences for the patient, as the therapist would neglect to warn the patient or his/her care giver of the possibility of burning themselves, for instance, when climbing into too hot a bath, or sitting too close to a heater. A pilot study investigated the validity of this assumption in subjects having sustained a cerebral vascular accident (CVA).Procedure: The pain and temperature perceptions of twenty-two acute (less than three months prior) CVA patients were assessed. Pain was assessed using the pin prick method, and temperature, using hot and cold test-tubes on both sides of the body in thirteen different areas2,3.Results :There were fifteen female and seven male subjects tested, nine of whom had right CVA's, while thirteen had sustained left CVA's. Eight of the subjects had normal sensation, and ten had both pain and temperature decreased. Four of the subjects (all left CVA's) reported a normal perception to pain, but this was decreased as compared to temperature, especially to heat.Discussion: The results were in keeping with those of Samuelsson et al4. However, the study requires more stringent inclusion criteria, for example a smaller age range as the appreciation of sensation may decrease with age, and a larger sample in order to determine the difference between left and right CVA's. Only middle cerebral artery territory strokes should be included. Unfortunately the nature of the assessment of sensation requires that the subject be able to understand the test and be able to communicate their reply, thus aphasic subjects, both receptive and expressive would have to be excluded. Follow-up studies may have to be included, as sensation perception may improve with time following a CVA1.Conclusion: Although there was not conclusive evidence these two sensations may be affected by a CVA, there were examples of when it did occur. perhaps it is incumbent on physiotherapists to warn all their clients of the possibility and consequences of a loss of temperature sensation, even if pain perception appears normal.
Removal of Angiofibroma with Maxillary and Mandibular Swing: A Clinical Report
Authors: Deo Ravi P , Thorat Raghuji D , Devane Snigdha D , Ghorpade Chetan V 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTJuvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is vascular tumor found in adolescent males. With development of endoscopic fraternity, tumor can be addressed successfully with endoscopic approach; but one needs maximum exposure for large angiofibroma with local infiltration around. Maxillary and mandibular swing technique for removal of the tumor gives excellent exposure and good control on vascularity of the tumor.Postoperative follow-up for 1 year has shown minimal visible scar, cosmetic deformity in the patient.
Cephalometric and Audiological Assessment of Eustachian Tube in Down Syndrome and Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Khanna Sunali , Rangasayee R 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT

Objective
Cephalometric assessment of Eustachian tube (ET) parameters and audiological evaluation in Down syndrome (DS) and Chronic Otitis Media (COM) and comparison with controls. The ET length, Total Cranial Base (TCB), Posterior Upper Facial Height (PUFH), Maxillary Depth (MD), s-ba (sella-basion) to Palatal Line (PL) and s-ba to ET length were considered.

Materials and methods
The study comprised of 75 subjects of both sexes in the age range of 7 to 20 years. Digital lateral cephalometry was performed for DS, COM and controls (n = 25). Pure tone audiometry (PTA) and immittance audiometry (IA) was performed to assess audiological status.

Results
ET length, PUFH, TCB and MD was found to be significantly reduced in DS and COM. s-ba to PL and s-ba to ET was significantly reduced in DS and COM. The s-ba to PL and s-ba to ET length angle in moderate and severe CHL (Conductive Hearing Loss) was decreased significantly. The s-ba to ET length was significantly decreased in patients with B and C tympanogram.

Conclusion
Aberration in the dimension of the region of the ET can be considered as a predisposing factor for otitis media and conductive hearing loss in DS.
Auricular Schwannoma: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Sharma Satish Kumar , Raina Rashmi , Gupta Vikas Deep 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTSchwannoma is an extremely rare tumor of auricle. We are presenting a rare case of auricular schwannoma, perhaps the fifth in world literature, with traumatic etiology. Twenty-five years old female presented with swelling left pinna since 6 years following ear piercing. She desires surgery for cosmetic reasons only. Swelling was excised under local anesthesia and sent for histopathological examination. HPE report was suggestive of nerve sheath tumor. No recurrence has reported so far in followup of 9 months period.
Scrofula Mimicking Cutaneous Malignancy: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Garg MK , Garg Uma , Batra Ritika , Salaria Neha 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT
Since a long time scrofuloderma (SCF) was thought to be a common disease of childhood and was attributable to Myco_ bacterium tuberculosis. In 1951, a new entity nontuberculous scrofuloderma was described and it is caused by atypical mycobacteria namely Mycobacterium scrofulaceum. The clinical picture closely mimics tuberculous scrofuloderma but diagnosis should be established through culture isolation and identification, because drug susceptibility may be different in these cases.
In this article, we report a case of a 22-year-old pregnant female patient who presented to us with scrofulaceous lesion on the right side of neck.
Preauricular Sinus as Recurrent Postaural Abscess: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Malipatil Sharanabasappa Rudragouda 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTPreauricular sinus (PAS) is not uncommon congenital anomaly. It is usually asymptomatic and does not require any treatment. Patient presenting with discharge, recurrent infections and preauricular abscess will require management with antibiotics and surgical extirpation of the sinus tract. Here, it is a rare case report of PAS presenting as a recurrent postaural abscess.