ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
A Hybrid Model of DANP and INRM for Logistics Companies’ Performance Evaluation and Improvement
Chiun-Sin Lin, Hsin-Yi Lin
Page no 630-641 |
10.21276/sjhss.2018.3.5.8
New challenges about how to measure the performance of organizations have
arisen since big data can be found everywhere. In order to make proper decisions,
management needs to have strong insight into what is important to the firm and how to
improve it. This study looks into logistics companies that rely heavily upon labor as the
examples. While transportation and distribution are very important processes for
logistics companies to meet customers‟ requirements, the process of creating appropriate
measures is difficult due to the complexity of these activities. The aim of this research is
to evaluate the relationship among these key performance indicators and find out the
possible direction and coverage of improvement for such companies using hybrid
DANP1 cause-effect and Influential Network Relation Map models. We collected data
through expert questionnaires with questions based on discussions with experts
(including managers and scholars). The research results help support managers‟ decision
making for improvements in their firm and also can be applied in employee reward
systems.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Dynamic Effects of Exchange Rates and Foreign Price Inflation: Evidence from Thai
David Iheke Okorie, Andrew Akweny, Abraham Simon Otim Emuron
Page no 424-435 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i05.007
In an attempt to maintain a stable exchange rate and price level in Thailand given shocks from the United States, China, Euro Area, and Japan; the top five trading partners of Thailand, this study employs the system equations of VAR model techniques. Results show that the interest rates, demand shocks, and foreign prices affect the stability of the Thailand exchange rates and price levels. More so, empirical evidences validate the existence of unidirectional causality between Thailand exchange rate and domestic (as well as foreign) price inflation.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Valuation the Fishery Economic Value Limboto Lake Gorontalo
Hasim, Herwin Mopangga
Page no 443-446 |
10.21276/haya.2018.3.5.5
This study aims to calculate the fishery economic value of Limboto Lake
including aquaculture, catch, and bibilo fishery. The research was conducted in
Limboto Lake area and using survey method that based on questionnaire in collecting
data. Respondents were 100 people who determined randomly. The productivity
method is an estimate of the ecosystem economic value for a product or service that
contributes to the commercial goods production in the market. The results showed that
the fishery economic value of Limboto Lake is 51.474.000. 000 IDR / year. More than
50% of the value is contributed by aquaculture fishery.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Hand Washing Practices in Kieni East Sub-County, Nyeri, Kenya
Mwamburi Cosmas Mwashumbe, Otieno George Ochieng, Munene Kennedy Muriithi, Muriu Nelson Mwangi
Page no 470-474 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i05.012
Hand washing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the majority of child deaths. Routine Surveillance data shows increased morbidity from diseases of poor hygiene and environmental health in Kieni East sub-County, Nyeri County of Kenya. The objectives of the study were to assess hand hygiene, evaluate prevalence of diarrhea, find out relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and state of sanitation and evaluate relationship between hand washing practices and diarrhea diseases. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 household selected randomly between October and November 2017. Additional data was obtained from key informant interviews with facility in-charges and community resource persons. It was found that majority (78%) of the respondents washed their hands after visiting the toilet while 20% washed their hands before preparing food. Whereas toilet facilities had a high coverage (97%), coverage of hand washing facilities was lower (60%). Coverage of hand washing facilities with soap was very low (27%). There was a significant relationship between level of education (p=0.025) and availability of hand washing facilities with soap. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between occupation (p=0.019) and availability of hand washing facilities with soap. There was a significant relationship between households with hand washing facilities with soap (p=0.00) and diarrhea cases reported in the previous 4 weeks. The study concluded that there is poor hand hygiene among residents of Kieni East sub-County. Although majority of respondents recognized the importance of hand hygiene, hand washing was not frequently observed. A sensitization program is urgently required in Kieni East sub-County on hand washing and hand hygiene.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
The Difference of Concentration Calcium on Human Breast Milk between Good Nutrition Status and Chronic Energy Loss Postpartum Mothers
St. Surya Indah Nurdin, Andi Wardihan Sinrang, Nasrudin AM
Page no 447-453 |
10.21276/haya.2018.3.5.6
The research aimed to find out the difference in calcium concentration in
breast milk between the good nutritional status and Chronic Energy deficiency in
postpartum mothers. The research was the Cross Sectional design research type. The
samples are 40 people who were chosen using the purposive sampling technique, and
who met inclusive criteria. The samples were collected. Fourteen days after giving the
researcher, they came to the respondent's house to measure BB, LILA and 24 hours
foodrecall and milked 3 cc, done by the researcher, and will check their breast milk
through laboratory test using Colorimetric Assay. The data with not normal distributed
were tested using the statistical shapiro-wilk test with the resultof α> 0,05. The
analytical test used Mann Whitney and Chi-Square test.The research indicated that
there was a very significant difference of calcium concentration between postpartum
the mothers with good nutrition status and the mother chronic energy deficiency with
p value = 0.025 (p <0.05). The research also revealed thet postpartum mothers who
experienced the decrease of low concentration (median 166.7 mg/L) 7.0 times more
risk to experience the deficiency of cronic energy compared to the mother with
postpartum good nutrition status.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Review of Organic Pollutants in Wastewater along the Course of River Gwagwarwa and River Rafin Malam in Kano State – Nigeria
Ambrose E. Ekevwe, Aloba Isaac, Grace Bartholomew, Augustina O. Aroh
Page no 436-439 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i05.008
Water samples of River Gwagwarwa and River Rafin Malam were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed for organic pollutants. The organic parameters were determined using the standard methods of America Public health Agency (APHA) and was extracted and analyzed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Ten different organic compounds were detected at different percentage values at River Gwagwarwa while only seven different compounds were detected in River Rafin Malam. The compounds fall within five classes of organic compounds, which include carboxylic acid, acid chloride, ester, aldehyde and acid anhydride. The distribution pattern of the organic pollutants at the two sampling stations depict the pattern; River Gwagwarwa > River Rafin Malam. The study shows that organochlorine was the predominant organic pollutant present in River Gwagwarwa sample which is a hazardous pollutant while River Rafin Malam has no toxic pollutant which is attributed to lack of activity of the River.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Habitat Selection by Spiny-Tailed Lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) in Hengam Island, Iran
Shirin Aghanajafizadeh, Asghar Mobaraki
Page no 414-419 |
10.21276/haya.2018.3.5.1
A population of spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) exists in Hengam
Island in the Persian Gulf. The field work was carried out over a period of 10 days by
the use of a four-member group work in May 2015 through 10 random transects in the
whole Island by the use of motorcycle. Once the animal’s cavity was found, some
plots with dimensions of 10 by 10 meters were established over the center hole of the
spiny-tailed lizard and habitat variables such as the region slope, geographical
direction, type of the soil texture, percentage and number of plant cover according to
species, distance to the nearest water source, road, and vegetation patches were
measured. The habitat factors measured in the control points where there were no
signs of the animal’s holes were also measured and compared with the present points.
Ultimately, 28 holes of the spiny-tailed lizard in 7colony that had far from each other,
were considered in the region. The results showed that the spiny-tailed lizard of the
regions with a mean slope of 10% facing towards the north preferred rather semi hard
soils (contain gravel and silt) (p<0.05). To protect the population of this species in the
region, paying attention to some effective parameters such as the percentage cover of
plant species, region slope and Acacia tree are of the most important factors for the
use of the habitat of this species.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Institutional Adaptation to Saline-water Intrusion: A Case Study of The Gambia
M’koumfida Bagbohouna
Page no 382-388 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i05.001
Climate change is one of the environmental challenges that threatens any single aspect of development. Therefore, climate change poses both environmental and development problems. Salinization of freshwater and soil as a result of climate-induced sea-level rise in The Gambia is a growing concern for agriculture and ecosystems. This paper shed light on adaptation strategy response at the institutional level to saline-water intrusion in River Gambia and tributaries well-known for its ecological and livelihood delivery services such as rice cultivation in the lowlands. The study used stakeholder participation approach to gather data through a workshop in which 100 experts from four (04) different institutions intervening in saline-water intrusion adaptation were involved to discuss five themes relevant for institutional adaptation to saline-water intrusion in the country. Microsoft Excel 2013 was used to process and analyse the data at the end of the workshop. Results revealed that saline-water intrusion adaptation at the institutional level is poor performing in terms of capacity building, financial resources allocation for saline-water intrusion adaptation, available technology as well as collaboration among institutions. The study recommends an increase in budget allocation for saline-water intrusion adaptation in the targeted various institutions, capacity enhancement of staff in the monitoring of water salinity and provision of sophisticated equipment and technology to effectively address salinity in River Gambia and tributaries in the country.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Biodiversity Conservation of Plant Taxa Used For Oral and Dental Health Management among the Ethnic Ijaws of Bayelsa State Nigeria
Ihinmikaiye SO, Kayode J, Arowosegbe S, Oyedeji AA
Page no 420-428 |
10.21276/haya.2018.3.5.2
Diversity and conservation status of plant species used for oral and dental
management by the inhabitants of Bayelsa State, Nigeria were assessed. Information
on the indigenous knowledge of the plant species use was obtained via semi-structured
questionnaire guide, and field trip involved key informants. Species used for oral and
dental care were identified, and their relative abundant status determined. The study
revealed that different kinds of plant with varied growth habits were used for orodental
care; however some of the plants are becoming rare due to unprecedented
deforestation. Fidelity level (FL), and Respondents Consensus Factor (RCF) revealed
the relative importance and level of respondents’ reliance on the plants. The study
further showed that leaves, roots and plant inflorescence played significant role in oral
treatment either singly or in combination of other plant parts steeped in ogogoro, a
local gin. Many of the plants assessed were obtained from the wild, forest being their
primary source. Thus, with the increasing level of deforestation in the State and the
unsustainable collection pattern, combined with blasé attitude, the consequence of
erosion of culture: it becomes pertinent to document information of plant species used
for oral and dental management in the State.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Causality Relationship among the Changes of Stock Price, Exchange Rate, Crude Oil Price, and Gold Price: Evidence from Malaysian Market
Aye Aye Khin, Ooi Chee Keong, Lau Yeng Wai
Page no 408-415 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i05.005
Gold is a safe haven asset especially in times of uncertainties and can provide long-term capital gain. The objective of this study is to investigate the causality relationship among the changes of the Malaysia stock price index (KLCI), US stock price index (DOJ), Malaysian currency exchange rate (EXR) and crude oil price (COP) on the gold price (POG) in the Malaysian Market. This study employs vector error correction method with co-integration analysis, Granger causality test, and model evaluation. Based on the findings, COP and the lagged of the gold price (POG) only have a significant short-term relationship, however, the KLCI, DOJ, EXR and COP has also a significant long-term relationship with the gold price. Moreover, POG granger causes KLCI and COP also granger causes POG, both are uni-directional causality. Furthermore, EXR granger causes POG with bi-directional causality. Evidently, EXR and COP changes are importantly affecting the gold price changes. Otherwise, the gold price changes are affecting also the changes of KLCI and EXR in the study. These findings are important for investors who are opportunities for investment in gold in Malaysia.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Availability, Preference and Constraints to Use of Information Sources among Crop Farmers in Abak Agricultural Zone of Akwa Ibom State
Jemimah Timothy Ekanem, Emem Bassey Inyang
Page no 429-436 |
10.21276/haya.2018.3.5.3
The study investigated information sourcing situation surrounding crop
farmers in Abak agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, effective
and responsive media sources were mapped in terms of availability, preference and
Constraints to use among crop farmers in the study area. A multi-stage sampling
technique was used in the selection of respondents. Preferred Sources of Information
Questionnaire (PSIQ) with reliability index of 0.84 was administered on 90 Crop
farmers in the study area. Data were analysed through the use of descriptive statistics.
Findings revealed that the dominant age bracket constituted 64.5% of the sampled
population. About 81.1% of the respondents were male and 55.6 % were married.
15.5% attended higher institution and 57.7% acquired SSC. Majority (52.22%) had
between 3-10 years of farming experience while 66.67 % took crop farming as their
primary occupation. 95.6% of the respondents identified mobile phones as their major
available source of information while 92.2% identified both television and radio as
their available sources of information. Other major available sources of information
were internet (91.1%), co-farmers (90%), and extension agent (82.2%). Crop farmers
association and posters (50%) each were considered the least available sources of
information. Television and mobile phones with a mean value of 1.8 each were the
most preferred sources of information utilized by crop farmers in the study area,
followed by extension agents (1.6), internet (1.6) and co farmers (1.5). The results
across all the constraints portrayed that almost all the identified constraints (16 out of
19) had influence on the utilization of available sources of information by the
respondents. Adequate training centers, access to ICTs centers and increased extension
agent ratio should be put in place to ameliorate the severity of the constraints faced by
the respondents in utilizing the available sources of information in the study area.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Efficiency of Anti-Epileptic Drug Topiramate in Treatment of Glioblastoma: An In Vitro Perception
Sharma Arpana, Kartha Anitha, Singh Rana Pratap, Mishra J.P.N
Page no 440-449 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i05.009
Brain tumors account for 85% to 90% of CNS tumors. In 20-40% of the patients suffering from brain tumor (BT), seizures are common during the commencement of the disease. The relationship between the onset of seizures and brain tumor is poorly understood. These patients show a complex therapeutic profile making selection of the drugs very tough. The quality of life of the patient is highly compromised due to brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) as it is drug-resistant and poses the challenging risk factor for everlasting disability. Hence, there arise the need of unique and multidisciplinary approach of proper selection of medications with minimum side effects. Glioblastoma Multiforme is a grade IV highly malignant tumor attacking the glia, which provides nourishment and assist in signal transmission. Glioma cells secrete glutamate and choose neurotransmitter receptors for their invasive growth. Glutamate binds to ionotropic receptors, activate calcium release mediating excitatory neurotransmission. The alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors are the major mediators of glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission and are critical for spread of epileptic activity. Glutamate is the main culprit for both the occurrence of seizures and glioma metastases. Hence there lies an opportunity to use the anti-epileptic drugs which targets calcium permeable AMPA receptors for the treatment of glioblastoma as well as BTRE. Topiramate (TPM), a derivative of D-fructose is a novel broad spectrum anti-epileptic drug which shows antagonistic effect on AMPA receptor. When treated with TPM a dose-dependent decrease in live cell number, increase in the number of apoptotic cells, decrease in the calcium influx, reduction in phosphorylation of Akt, Erk1/2 expression were observed. Also phosphorylation of AMPA receptor in presence of EGF was observed. The data suggests that topiramate lead to decrease in proliferation and survival by decreasing calcium influx and inhibiting mitogenic and survival signalling in U87MG cells.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
Antihyperglycemic and Antilipidemic Activity of Solanum torvum Roots
Jitendra Debata, H.K Sundeep Kumar
Page no 437-442 |
10.21276/haya.2018.3.5.4
Ethanolic root extract of Solanum torvum Sw (Family: Solanaceae) was
evaluated for its antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic activity in streptozotocin
induced diabetic rats. The extract was given orally in two different doses (200 and 400
mg/kg) for 28 days. Metformin (2.5 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug for activity
comparison. Various parameters studied were blood glucose concentration, serum
lipids, glycosylated haemoglobin and liver glycogen. The extract showed significant
antihyperglycemic activity in dose dependent manner. Further, the extract was
favourably and significantly corrected the alterations in the values of the lipid
parameters, organ weights, liver glycogen and glycosylated haemoglobin content in
diabetic rats. Therefore, it may be suggested that the ethanolic root extract of Solanum
torvum has potential ability to prevent the secondary complications of diabetes
mellitus like atherosclerosis.
CASE REPORT | May 30, 2018
Primary Tuberculosis of the Temporalis Muscle: A Case Report
Adil Arrob, Abdeljalil abouchadi
Page no 571-574 |
10.36348/sjmps.2018.v04i05.014
Tuberculosis of the temporalis muscle is a rare clinical entity. Diagnosis is difficult because there are no specific clinical, radiological or biological signs of the disease. Only bacteriological and histopathological findings can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is based on anti-tuberculous drugs and allows usually a favourable evolution. The aim of this paper is to report a case of primary tuberculosis of the temporalis muscle in a 67-year-old female, and to stress the corresponding diagnostic pitfalls.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 30, 2018
The Effect of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Prolactin Levels in Child-bearing Females at El-Ingaz Medical Center, Khartoum State-Sudan
Ahmed O. Abd Algader Ahmed, Abubakr H. Ataalmolaa, Albadawi A. Talha, Yousif A.Elhameed, Mohammed M.Saeed, Mosab N.M Hamad
Page no 88-93 |
10.21276/sjbr.2018.3.3.1
H pylori infection is well known to be the most common human infection
worldwide on the basis of the fact that approximately 50% of the worldwide
populations are infected and that human beings are the main reservoir. Infection is
more prevalent in developing countries, and incidence is decreasing in Western
countries. Moreover, it has been proved to be associated to endocrine system
regulation of various hormones in the body, prolactin (PRL) is one of the reproductive
hormones, which is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. The biological actions of
prolactin hormone are Lactotrophic effects, metabolic effects influence to action of
other hormones, osmoregulatory effects, and Influence of prolactin on the
immunological system. This study was conducted in Khartoum State at the period
from December 2015 to May 2016, and aimed to determine the possible effect of H.
pylori infection on serum prolactin levels in Child-bearing females age (15 – 45).
Sample size was 50 females infected with H. pylori and 50 uninfected females as
control group. Stool Samples were taken from the entire study subject (100) samples
to confirm the results of H. pylori Ab ICT in serum. The stool samples were analyzed
by using H.pylori stool Ags detections ICT. Serum prolactin level was measured by
using Cobas e411chemistry analyzer, the results showed that Prolactin concentration
was higher in the patients compared with controls. In this study hyperprolactinemia
due to H.pylori infection was reported in 52% of the patients. Statistical analysis
showed that there was significant difference in the mean of prolactin concentration
between infected and uninfected females group (P= 0.000). Regarding correlation
between prolactin concentration and subject’s age, H. pylori infection duration or
recurrence of infection, no significant was found to be observed.