bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial Leverage and Firms’ Performance: Empirical Investigation of KSE-100 Index
Authors: Ahmed Farhan , Awais Iqra , Kashif Muhammad 
Published: February 2018

Capital generation to fund everyday operations and long-term expansions is a constant concerning element in the corporate world. This study aims to investigate the optimal level of capital structure that firms can adopt to improve their financial performance given the industry dynamics and economic circumstances of the country. Using Hausman’s specification test, annual data for the period 2005 – 2014 of Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) 100 index listed securities has been collected to analyze the impact of financial leverage on the firms’ performance. Return on assets, return on Equity, and TOBIN’s Q are the proxies of financial performance analyzed against financial leverage for the KSE 100 index listed firms. The finding of the paper indicates that capital structure, leverage, interest cover and sales growth as most significant variables impacting firms’ profitability. DOI: 10.15408/etk.v17i1.6102
Spiritual Values and Spiritual Practices: Interactive Effects on Leadership Effectiveness
Authors: Ali Zakiyulfikri , Zaky Muhammad 
Published: February 2018

The relationship between spirituality and leadership effectiveness has been discussed over decades. These relations have been separated in two big perspective—first, an esoteric realm of intangible ideas and emotions; and second, a practical area and scientific inquiry. This research tries to integrate these two different perspectives. Specifically, this research examines the effects of spiritual values and spiritual practices on leadership effectiveness. The findings indicate that spiritual values and spiritual practices have positive effects on leadership effectiveness. This research also shows that spiritual values and spiritual practices have interactive effects on leadership effectiveness. This result implies that organizations should enhance the spiritual values and practices. Discussion, practical, and theoretical implications for further researches are offered. DOI: 10.15408/etk.v17i1.6497
The Effect of Democratic Zoning System on Nigeria Economy: Evidence of Niger State
Authors: Sakanko Musa Abdullahi , David Joseph 
Published: February 2018

The introduction of the zoning system into Nigeria political space was to aid the smooth rotation of key political positions across the country. This policy is to achieve fairness, peace and equitable distribution of resource. Its adverse effect on the economy is thus something to worry about. Therefore, the study examines the effect of democratic zoning system on the economy of Nigeria, with special reference to Niger state. Employing descriptive statistics and multiple regressions. The results revealed that the elements of democratic zoning vis-à-vis; peace, equity, unity and justice has a positive and significant effect on the growth of the Nigeria economy. The authors thus recommends the government at both levels should focus on providing simultaneous development projects to pave way for peace and unity, zoning system should be incorporated into the Nigeria constitution, unbiased and equitable distribution of resources across the economy.DOI: 10.15408/etk.v17i1.6592
Information Content of Analysts' Report: A Literature Survey
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Mohamad Azhar , Mustaffa Kamil Nazrol Kamil , Duasa Jarita 
Published: February 2018

The objective of this paper is to survey the literature on the information content of analyst report from three essential dimensions, namely, target price, earnings forecast and trading volume. The method employed is following the qualitative approach by reviewing and examining the past literature from the view of theoretical and empirical researchers. The initial result from existing literature, reveals that the research in analyst report mainly focused on empirical research rather than theoretical perspective. Secondly, there no clear consensus on the consistency of results regarding how well the information contents involving target price, earnings forecast and trading volume influencing the stock return. Thus, the views whether analyst report transmitting information to the investors still remain unambiguous when making an investment decision. This study is expected to enrich the existing literature in the area of analyst report and propose several areas for future researchers related to this topic.DOI: 10.15408/etk.v17i1.6669
Austerity in Time of Crisis: A Solution or a Dangerous Idea? Evidence from Algeria
Authors: Boulila Hadjer , Benbouziane Mohamed 
Published: February 2018

Our study is aimed to investigate the effect of austerity measures on the economic growth. Besides that, this research wants to examine whether austerity is the solution of the current oil crisis in Algeria or not. To achieve this aim we have used a Non-Linear Autoregressive Lag Distributed model (NARDL) to illustrate the negative and positive changes in austerity measures and their effects on gross domestic product. The findings of our estimation provides that neither increasing taxes cuts nor reducing expenditures is a solution for the crisis, that what confirms empirically what Keynesian economists approve. Therefore, Algeria’s authorities must quickly find other solution rather than austerity policies.DOI: 10.15408/etk.v17i1.6799
Firearm Storage in Homes With Children With Self-Harm Risk Factors
Authors: Scott John , Azrael Deborah , Miller Matthew 
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVES:
To describe firearm storage practices in homes with children who have versus do not have self-harm risk factors.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative probability-based online survey of US adults conducted in 2015 (n = 3949; response rate 55%). Respondents self-reported whether they lived with children and were a caretaker/health care decision-maker for a child. Household firearm ownership was ascertained for all respondents; how firearms were stored in homes with guns was asked of gun owning respondents only; all respondents were asked whether their child had a history of the following self-harm risk factors: depression, mental health conditions other than depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

RESULTS:
Household firearms were present in 43.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.4–64.7) of homes with children who had a history of self-harm risk factors (n = 52), compared with 42.3% (95% CI: 35.2–49.7) of homes in which no child had self-harm risk factors (n = 411). Among parents or caretakers with firearms, 34.9% (95 % CI: 20.2–53.2) stored all guns locked and unloaded when they had a child with a history self-harm risk factors, compared with 31.8% (95% CI: 25.9–38.3) when none of their children had such a history.

CONCLUSIONS:
Millions of US children live in homes in which firearms are left loaded or unlocked or both. A child’s history of depression, mental health conditions other than depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder does not appear to appreciably influence caretaker decisions about whether to (1) have firearms in the home, or (2) store all household firearms in accordance with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations (ie, locked and unloaded).
Durability and mechanical properties of precast concrete curb containing waste copper slag
Authors: Peirovi Mohamad , Labafzadeh Mohamad Saleh , Dehghani Ayoub , Meftahi Farshad 
Published: February 2018

Copper slag is a by-product which has been widely used in several industries. After being used for abrasive tools, it is discarded in the environment where it can have a harmful impact. The size of copper slag particles ranges up to a diameter of 3 mm, and is of a relatively similar size to fine sand, for which it could therefore be substituted in the production of precast concrete curbing. To this aim, the strength and the durability of curbing were evaluated through a series of tests on six different proportions of waste copper slag ranging from 0 to 100% replacement of fine sand. It is concluded that substituting 40% of fine sand with waste copper slag yields the best mechanical and durability properties. By replacing this proportion, the compressive and bending strength of concrete increased by almost 30% and 14%, respectively. However, a slight effect was found in the total water absorption and abrasive resistance. The freeze–thaw resistance of concrete curbs increased significantly after a 20% replacement by waste copper. This study reveals that it is possible to substitute fine sand with waste copper slag without any negative effect on the properties of the curbing.
Clinical profile of congenital limb anomalies in neonates
Authors: Parikh Yogesh N. , Kalathia Mitul B. , Soodhana Dhanya 
Published: February 2018

Background: Reported birth prevalence of congenital limb defects vary from country to country. Epidemiological studies permit the timely detection of trends in congenital limb anomalies and the associations with other birth defects. The objective of this study was to know the prevalence and the variety of congenital limb anomalies and their association with other anomalies.Methods: A prospective observational study in which all newborns reported to the neonatal department were surveyed to find out the incidence, diversity and association of limb anomalies. Age of the mother, risk factors and other demographic data of the newborns was analyzed. Babies born less than 28 weeks were excluded from the study.Results: The prevalence was 6.34 per thousand live births. The majority of the neonates were term babies and female. 28 % of the babies were born out of consanguineous marriage. The mean age of the mother was 25. Median parity was 1. 9.52 % of the babies had a history of anomaly in the sibling. 4.76 % had a history of still birth. The most common congenital anomaly was congenital talipo equino varus. The other congenital limb anomalies observed were polydactyly, syndactyly, bifid thumb and absence of the radius. There were multiple congenital anomalies in 28.57 % of the babies.Conclusions: The study has given us an insight into the variety of congenital limb malformations and also into the possible etiological factors. A study done on a larger population would probably help us assess the incidence and pattern of occurrence of limb anomalies and help us counsel the parents.
A study of risk factors for catheter associated urinary tract infection
Authors: P. Leelakrishna , Rao B. Karthik 
Published: February 2018

Background: Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common causes of UTIs in postoperative cases. Many risk factors are associated with its incidence. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the related risk factors and to identify the causative agents contributing to the urinary tract infection.Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 210 patients meeting the requirements of inclusion criteria during September 2012 to February 2014. Detailed history of the patients was recorded. Urine culture was done at different time intervals to identify the causative agent suggestive to CAUTI. Univariate analyses of the association of each variable with CAUTI and multivariable logistic regression were done to predict CAUTI outcome.Results: The mean age of study participants was 51.61 years. Among them 141 were males and 69 were female patients. On univariate analysis purpose for urine catheterization, place of catheterization, breach in the closed system of drainage, duration of catheterization, hemoglobin value less than 10, raised renal parameters with serum creatinine more than 1.5 were all significantly associated with development of CAUTI (p value 0.000). Sex of the patient (p value 0.279) and catheter size (p value 0.279) was not found to have a significant correlation with increased risk of CAUTI. On multivariate analysis, age, catheter size, diabetes, duration of catheterization, a breach in the closed system of catheter drainage and sex were found to be the significant risk factors associated with CAUTI (p<0.05).Conclusion: An understanding of the risk factors in development of CAUTI, significantly helps in reducing the additional burden on the health care system. Measures such as shortening the duration of catheterization, strict control of diabetes and sterile precautions in insertion and maintenance of indwelling catheters can help in prevention CAUTI.
Overview English asa Second Language for Young Learners
Authors: Rini Setia 
Published: February 2018

Young learners have special charactheristics hence the teachers of English as a Second language needs special strategy too. It is indicated that the increas of abilities to learn second language is started from the early age. We can imagine when the teachers do not use and apply appropriate teaching methods and strategy in teaching English for young learners. As a result, the students’ achievement does not work well. Thus, except to be successful in teaching English for young learners, it is very necessary for teachers to understand the characteristics of young learners.’ Learning method s will influence how a teacher makes a lesson plan according to young learners’ minds. This article tries to explain some methods of young learners in teaching English as a second language for young learners
Recognition of the Incorrect Values of Measured Parameters at Nuclear Power Plant Operation in Stationary Modes
Authors: Chichikin G.V. , Leskin S.T. , Puzakov A.Y. 
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we consider a variant of solving the problem of recognizing incorrect values of the measured parameters on the power unit of a nuclear power station (NPP) using methods of the theory recognition of images. As initial data, the measured parameters of the primary circuit of a VVER NPP in cold and hot operating conditions are used. The analysis of the data structure and localization of the images of the states of the nuclear island is carried out in the two-dimensional space of the principal components. To classify the input data a decision rule is used . Individual measurements that do not fall into any of the classes are most likely to be attributed to incorrect value.
Pengaruh Temperatur Sintering Terhadap Struktur dan Sifat Magnetik Ni2+- Barium Ferit sebagai Penyerap Gelombang Mikro
Authors: Ramadhan Muhammad Iqbal , Widanarto Wahyu , Sunardi S 
Published: February 2018

Barium ferit yang di doping Ni2+ konsentrasi 0,7 mol dengan variasi temperatur sintering 450ºC (hanya pre-sintering), 600ºC, 700 ºC, dan 800ºC telah dibuat menggunakan metode modified solid state reaction. Sampel dianalisis fasa kristal, ukuran kristal, sifat magnetik dan penyerapan gelombang mikronya. metode modified solid state reaction merupakan perpaduan antara metode sol-gel dan solid state reaction, yang meliputi pembuatan larutan prekusor awal, sol-gel, pemadatan, pre- sintering dan sintering. Sampel yang telah dibuat selanjutnya dikarakterisasi dengan alat X-Ray Diffraction (XRD),Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) dan Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Hasil karakterisasi menunjukkan bahwa semua sampel yang telah disintesis mengandung dua fasa yaitu BaFe2O4 dan NiFe2O4 Kurva histerisis menunjukkan bahwa semua sampel merupakan material superparamagnetik. Material penyerap gelombang mikro yang baik memiliki refleksi hilang yang tinggi dan bandwith yang lebar. Pada temperatur 700ºC menunjukkan hasil terbaik dengan rentang frekuensi penyerapan terbanyak pada frekuensi 8,14 GHz – 8,54 GHz; 9,88 GHz–10,88 GHz; 11,70 GHz – 12,00 GHz dan memiliki penyerapan yang paling tinggi dibandingkan dengan ketiga sampel lainya yakni pada frekuensi 8,30 GHz sebesar -27,30 dB. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh bahwa variasi temperatur sintering telah berpengaruh pada fasa kristal, ukuran kristal, sifat megnetik, dan penyerapan gelombang mikronya. Dengan demikian Ni- Barium Ferit sangat berpotensi sebagai material absorpsi gelombang mikro
The Study of Flow Resulting from Wave on Lhonga Beach, Aceh Besar
Authors: Irham Muhammad , Setiawan Ichsan 
Published: February 2018

Dynamic interaction between waves and topographic generate flow dynamics that affect Lhonga coast, Aceh Besar. To analyze the dynamics, the numerical model of currents induced by wave was developed with the explicit finite difference approach method. The model in this study was tested by verifying the result directly with the field data obtained previously. The model is applied in Lhoknga coast of Aceh Besar district with the aim to study how the dynamics of hydro-oceanography as one of the elements to support the preservation of the marine resources of the area. Based on the simulation, the results obtained that the wave occurred in Lhoknga beach relatively small with the dominant direction to the northwest and the maximum of wave height occurs during the high tide condition. The result also informed that the distribution of longshore currents is generally moving from west to east along the coast. The direction of dominant current occurs in the area of 10-15 meters from the shore with an average depth of 6 meters. Keywords: wave flow, flow dynamics, beach, hydro-oceanography
Rearing of Mud Crab, Scylla tranquebarica Larvae with Different Stocking Densities
Authors: Gunarto Gunarto , Sulaeman Sulaeman 
Published: February 2018

Mud crab (Scylla tranquebarica) is an important aquaculture species, especially in Southeast Asian Countries. However, the larval rearing of this species faces problems resulted in low survival caused not only by intensif canibalism but also by prolonged in larval rearing period. The stocking density during ealy life stages is proposed to influence the crablet production in the larvae rearing tanks. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of stocking densities on larval stage development and crablet production of mud crab, S. tranquebarica. Four different initial stocking densities of larvae were tested using 200 L fibre glass tank, namely: A). 30 ind,/L, B). 45 ind./L, C). 60 ind./L and D). 75 ind./L. Rotifer, Brachionus sp, and Artemia nauplii were fed to the larvae with additional commercial diet. Water exchanged in the rearing tank was performed since 7 days post hatching (dph) to 20 dph at a rate of 10 to 40%. Larvae from each experimental tank was sampled periodically (2 to 4 days interval) in order to calculate larvae population, larvae development index (LDI). Megalopa occurences index (MOI), and crablet production were also monitored. The result showed that the highest of LDI and MOI were obtained from treatment B and D which were significantly different (P<0.05) to the other treatments. Furthermore, the highest of crablet production was obtained from treatment D = 495.3+22.48 ind./tank, which was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to treatment A (48.5+4.94 ind./tank), treatment B (167.5+10.61 ind./tank) and treatment C (218.33+10.41 ind./tank). Therefore, the stocking density of 75 ind./L is optimum for mud crab S. tranquebarica larvae and recommended to be applied for commercial larvae production in hatchery. Keyword: Production, crablet, stocking density, larvae, Scylla tranquebarica
Specific Immune Response Kinetics and Mortality Patterns of Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus on Post-Cocktail Vaccination Period against the Infection of Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Sukenda Sukenda , Sumiati Tuti , Nuryati Sri , Lusiastuti Angela Mariana , Hidayatullah Dendi 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTFish vaccination aims to induce a specific immune response indicated by an increase of antibodies in vaccinated fish. However, in accordance with time the presence of antibodies will continue to decline. The purpose of this study was to determine the kinetics of specifik immune response and trend mortality against Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae on tilapia following vaccination with cocktail vaccine. Fish vaccinated through immersion for 30 minutes in a solution of diluted vaccine. Challenge test was performed for three periods, on day 22, 50, and 78 post-vaccination, fish were challenged with single infection of A. hydrophila 108 cfu. mL-1 and S. agalactiae 104 cfu. mL-1 and co-infection of both bacteria by intraperitoneal. During rearing, the blood fish were taken for determining of serum antibodies, and its measured by ELISA. The results showed that the concentration of specific antibodies vaccinated fish were significantly higher than the control. The basal antibody levels of A. hydrophila before vaccination were higher than S. agalactiae with OD of 0.104 and 0.069 respectively. The maximum antibody response was reached within 70 days of the A. hydrophila OD= 0.264 and 56 days against S. agalactiae OD= 0.188. The mortality rate in the control group was significantly higher than vaccinated on all types and each challenge test period. The trend of mortality due to a single infection of A. hydrophila and co-infections occur more quickly than by S. agalactiae. Lowest mortality occurred in the vaccinated group at 50 day tested challenge.Keywords: kinetics antibody, Aeromnas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae, Oreochromis niloticus
Conventional Primary Central Chondrosarcoma of the Pelvis
Authors: Bus Michaël P.A. , Campanacci Domenico A. , Albergo Jose I. , Leithner Andreas , van de Sande Michiel A.J. , Gaston Czar Louie , Caff Giuseppe , Mettelsiefen Jan , Capanna Rodolfo , Tunn Per-Ulf , Jeys Lee M. , Dijkstra P.D. Sander 
Published: February 2018

Background:
Studies focusing on the oncological outcome after treatment of conventional primary central chondrosarcoma of pelvic bone are lacking. We conducted this retrospective study at 5 referral centers to gain insight in the outcome of treatment for this tumor type and to identify risk factors for impaired oncological outcome.

Methods:
One hundred and sixty-two consecutive patients (118 male patients [73%]) who underwent resection of a conventional primary central chondrosarcoma of pelvic bone from 1985 to 2013 were evaluated. The median age was 51 years (range, 15 to 78 years). The median follow-up was 12.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.4 to 16.9 years). There were 30 grade-I lesions (19%), 93 grade-II lesions (57%), and 39 grade-III lesions (24%).

Results:
Sixty-two patients (38%) experienced local recurrence: 9 grade-I lesions (30%), 31 grade-II lesions (33%), and 22 grade-III lesions (56%). Forty-eight patients (30%) developed metastases. The risk of disease-related death was 3% for grade-I tumors (1 of 30; this patient had a grade-II recurrence and died of metastases), 33% (31 of 93) for grade-II tumors, and 54% (21 of 39) for grade-III tumors. Identified risk factors for impaired disease-specific survival were tumor grade (grade II: hazard ratio [HR], 20.18; p = 0.003; and grade III: HR, 58.94; p < 0.001), resection margins (marginal: HR, 3.21; p = 0.001; and intralesional: HR, 3.56; p < 0.001), and maximal tumor size (HR, 1.08 per cm; p = 0.026). Deep infection (19% [n = 31]) was the predominant complication.

Conclusions:
This study offers a standard for survival rates for conventional primary central chondrosarcoma of the pelvis. The survival for grade-I tumors was excellent. Wide resection margins were associated with a significant survival advantage for higher-grade tumors. Because of the inability to reliably distinguish low-grade and high-grade tumors preoperatively, we conclude that any central pelvic chondrosarcoma should be treated with aggressive primary resection with the aim of obtaining wide resection margins. There may be aggressive biologic features in some tumors for which a surgical procedure alone may not be adequate to improve outcomes.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.