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It is essential to reduce coffee yield losses due to coffee wilt disease (CWD) in the country through the development and use of genetically resistant coffee varieties to increase and consistently supply Arabica coffee to the fast growing coffee industry. The soil-borne nature of the pathogen and perennial character of coffee have made management of coffee wilt disease difficult through the conventional control approach of ‘uproot and burn infected trees at the spot’. Therefore, longer-term prospects of successful management of coffee wilt disease depend principally upon employing resistant coffee cultivars. With this objective laboratory and field evaluations were conducted to screen some coffee genotypes against coffee wilt disease. Disease severity or mean percent seedling death ranged from 0.00 to 89.96 %. The result showed in lowest seedling death rate, long incubation period and high field survival rate of most accessions indicating resistant reaction to coffee wilt disease. Thus present experiment implied that the potential of obtaining coffee wilt disease resistant coffee variety from these accessions provided that they have other desirable traits like resistance to major coffee diseases, high yield and improved quality. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents coffee genotypes found in coffee gene pool of Ethiopia may hold key to sustianable survival providing traits needed to cope with new pest outbreak and climate change; this underline the importance of systematic evaluation of coffee accessions and utilization of best performing having high yielding, good quality. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 09-2015 Issue: 3
The Potential of Rural–Urban Linkages for Sustainable Development and Trade
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
Rural–urban linkages play a crucial role in the generation of income, employment and wealth. Yet, for various reasons the importance of such linkages is not recognized and thus ignored in national economic and trade policies. The present paper investigates infrastructure problems, institutional constraints and trade barriers that tend to discourage linkages between rural and urban regions and thus prevent a process of rural empowerment and economic development. The findings of our review indicate that clustering rural and urban areas into regional planning units may create the necessary enabling environment for extended trade networks and knowledge exchange between the city and the countryside. As such, stronger rural–urban linkages could also play a crucial role in poverty reduction in developing countries. Contribution/ Originality
The focus of the study is to examine the effect of a new billing and payment system (prepaid meters) by Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) on the efficiency of revenue mobilization, its impacts on expenditure of several households groups and the behaviour of the consumers. Based on a survey of 384 households from the Ho municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana, our empirical analysis suggest the utility provider experiences a significant increase in its revenue after the introduction of prepaid metering system. However, the study did not find any difference in the expenditure between single and compound households. Furthermore, there was a strong shift by consumers towards energy conserving attitude and behaviour. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by extending the effects of the introduction of prepaid meters on expenditure by comparing its effects on single and compound household and also different types of household sizes. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 1
Finding a reversible cause of pulmonary oedema due to left ventricular dysfunction in intensive care unit is very rare.Here we describe such an event in a young lady who has been diagnosed subsequently as Systemic Lupus Erythromatosus with cardiomyopathy and treated successfully. From ‘Do Not Resuscitate, to ‘doing well’ this is really an encouraging success story. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding a reversible cause in life threatening Manifestation of a more common disease which adds to our knowledge in existing literature. Medical Sciences » Journal of Diagnostics » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 1
Workplace Bullying: Modelling Construct Validity in an Australian Public Sector Workforce
Background: Measuring workplace bullying is a challenge as different workforces have different issues. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the construct validity and reliability of a Workplace Bullying Inventory (WBI) that was originally derived and validated in a nursing workforce in a broader sample of the Australian public sector workforce. Method: A two-stage procedure was employed with a large sample of volunteer public sector workforce union members (n=1,508), randomly split in two halves. The first sample (n=754) was analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the second sample (n=754) through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using MPlus. The WBI consisted of 20 items related to bullying behaviours; 17 of which we had previously validated for use in an Australian nursing workforce. An additional 3 items were included from other workforce bullying scales in order to enhance the generalizability of the scale to a wider workforce. Results: The final model, identified in sample 1 and validated in sample 2 (CFA), best represented workplace bullying as three reliable first-order factors, together loading 13 items; Social Intimidation with 6 items (α = 0.88), Personal Attack with 4 (α = 0.84) and Attack through Work Tasks with 3 items (α= 0.85). Discussion: The modelling demonstrates that workplace bullying is a complex construct, consisting of multiple factors. The original measure derived from the nursing workforce demonstrates broad applicability in different public sector workforce contexts. Differences in the factor structure of the WB construct in this study when compared to the earlier nursing study suggest subtle differences may exist in the nature of bullying across workgroup settings. Future work in theory development should investigate further the complexities of the construct in order to learn how to manage and ultimately prevent WB behaviours. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature on workplace bullying by testing measures of the construct in the broader public sector workforce. It is one of very few studies to have established the construct validity of measures designed for the nursing workforce across a range of workforce settings. Economics » Journal of Empirical Studies » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 1
Assessment of the Impact of Land Use Changes along the Floodplains of River Lamurde, Jalingo Lga, Nigeria
Jalingo town has developed over the years from a simple linear settlement pattern dictated by the nature of its topography to a fast growing urban complex. The rapid growth of the town has necessitated the expansion of settlement and infrastructures to accommodate relative increases in population. River Lamurde and its tributary, River Mayo Gwoi which passes through the town and play very significant roles in the provision of water for domestic and agricultural uses also limits the growth of the town on the southern part for a long time. The construction of new roads and bridges along these rivers has in recent times opened up large areas for the construction of residential houses and intensification of agricultural activities along the river banks. These changes in land uses along the floodplain of the Lamurde river have resulted in large scale transformation of the landscape with telling consequences on the river and aquatic ecosystems. This study examines the causes and impact of land use changes along the floodplains of River Lamurde on the river system and how these impacts could be curtailed to safeguard the health and sustainability of the river system. Questionnaires were used to collect data for the study and were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, particularly frequencies, percentages and ratios. Physical observation of the study area was undertaken to obtain first hand information on various uses along the floodplains of River Lamurde in the study area. The findings of this study shows that land use along the floodplain of river Lamurde has undergone substantial level of change from open fields and fallow lands to intensively cultivated irrigation and residential areas. The dominant land use types in the basins presently are rainfed agriculture and irrigation farming, grazing, development of residential, commercial and institutional buildings as well as indiscriminate waste disposal. The observed land use activities include, excessive water extraction, deforestation for fuel wood and other domestic uses, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and land degradation due to improper agricultural practices. These land use activities have impacted negatively on the river ecosystem. The study conclude that there is need to streamline land use activities, conserve vital ecosystems like watershed areas and maintain buffers along stream channels as a matter of policy to ensure adequate protection of aquatic fauna and sustainable water supply. The town planning authority should enforce restriction of expansion of buildings on the floodplains of the river because of their vulnerability to flood disaster. Given the increasing intensity of irrigation and chemical fertilizer usage, this study recommends the need for further study on the impact of fertilizer and irrigation on the river ecosystem. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the causes and impact of landuse changes along the flood plain of River Lamurde. The findings of the study will held in managing the incidence of flooding in the area. It will also help to conserve the riparian ecosystem. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 1
Comparison of Ultrasound Treatment with Mechanical Shearing for Montmorillonite Exfoliation in Aqueous Solutions
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Journal of Minerals and Materials Research
The exfoliated nanosheet of montmorillonite (MMT) mineral is a superior material applied in many fields especially in strengthening biodegradable polymers. The exfoliation with ultrasound treatment has been studied in this work compared with mechanical shearing through the measurements of laser size analysis, centrifugal classification and AFM. The results have shown that ultrasound treatment allowed a lower energy consumption and higher production in MMT exfoliation than the shearing method. The exfoliated nanosheets were about 1 nm in thickness, indicating that single layer of MMT has been produced. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that the ultrasound treatment was superior to mechanical shearing for the exfoliation of MMT. As a superior material, the exfoliated single layer can be applied in many fields especially in strengthening biodegradable polymers. Chemistry & Materials Sciences » Journal of Minerals and Materials Research » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 1
Dietary Polyamines and Diseases: Reducing Polyamine Intake Can Be Beneficial In Cancer Treatment
Polyamines are most abundant polycationic natural amines and involved in several physiological processes. They can be supplied by the endogenous synthesis inside the cell or by the intake from exogenous sources. The polyamine content of cells is regulated by biosynthesis, degradation, uptake and excretion. The benefits of dietary polyamines can be changed; they may be harmful, neutral or beneficial. For example, increasing the amount of dietary polyamines is suggested during rapid growth, such as during the neonatal period, wound healing and after surgery. However, in cancer patients, reducing polyamine dietary intake has been shown to be beneficial on the quality of life. This review aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary polyamines in health and disease. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by providing a detailed information on the importance of dietary polyamines in health and diseases. This study also highlights the beneficial impact of low polyamine diet on cancer treatment, and helps to increase awareness of daily polyamine intake regarding individual requirements. Medical Sciences » Journal of Nutrients » Month: 06-2015 Issue: 2
The Effect of Regular Hazelnut Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Acceptance in Māori and European
Aims Studies reporting reductions in heart disease risk with regular nut consumption comprise populations largely of European descent. Whether the healthful effects of nuts extend to other ethnic groups is largely unknown. This study compared the effects of consuming 30 g/d of hazelnuts on risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and acceptance amongst Māori and Europeans. Methods Twenty Māori and 19 European participants consumed 30 g/d of hazelnuts for 28 days. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins, apolipoproteins (apo), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), blood pressure, dietary intake, and body weight were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. ‘Desire to consume’ and ‘overall liking’ for hazelnuts were assessed daily. Results There were no significant differences in the changes of any of the outcome measurements between Māori and Europeans (P≥0.145). Further, there were no significant changes among participants overall in biochemical indices, blood pressure, body weight, BMI, or body composition (P≥0.114) aside from systolic blood pressure which decreased by 3% (P=0.031) and hs-CRP which increased by 0.21 mg/dl (P=0.047) during the study. However, the hazelnut-enriched diet significantly increased energy, total fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intake in study participants (all P≤0.006), with no changes for other nutrients (all P≥0.116) or difference between groups (all P≥0.513). ‘Desire to consume’ and ‘overall liking’ remained relatively stable over the 28-day intervention period. Conclusions There was no evidence of difference in effects on CVD risk factors between Māori and European following regular consumption of nuts. It appears both ethnic groups continued to like nuts and wished to consume them daily after consuming nuts for 28-days, suggesting adherence to guidelines to consume nuts regularly is achievable in both populations. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies, which have investigated the effects of nuts on different ethnic groups. Our results suggest that the health benefits and acceptability of nuts seen in predominantly Caucasian populations can be extended to Māori, the indigenous population within New Zealand. Medical Sciences » Journal of Nutrients » Month: 06-2015 Issue: 2
Apoptotic Analysis of Cumulus Cells for the Selection of Competent Oocytes to Be Fertilized by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Oocyte quality is one of the main factors for the success of in vitro fertilization protocols. Apoptosis is known to affect oocyte quality and may impair subsequent embryonic development and implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the apoptosis rate of single and pooled cumulus cells of cumulus cell–oocyte complexes (COCs), as markers of oocyte quality, prior to intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI).We investigated the apoptosis rate by TUNEL assay (DNA fragmentation) and caspase-3 immunoassay of single and pooled cumulus cells of COCs. The results showed that DNA fragmentation in cumulus cells was remarkably lower in patients who achieved a pregnancy than in those who did not. Cumulus cell apoptosis rate could be a marker for the selection of the best oocytes to be fertilized by intracytoplasmatic sperm injection. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the apoptosis rate by TUNEL assay and caspase-3 immunoassay of single and pooled human cumulus cells of COCs. The apoptosis rate could be a marker for the selection of the best oocytes to be fertilized by intracytoplasmatic sperm injection. Medical Sciences » Journal of Cells » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 1
Impaired Immune Phenotype of Circulating Endothelial-Derived Microparticles in None-Diabetic Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Impact on Insulin Resistance
Background: The causality role of different immune phenotype in IR developing among chronic heart failure (CHF) subjects has not determined obviously. The aim of the study was to assess relationship between IR and immune phenotype of circulating endothelial-derived microparticles (EMPs) in patients with CHF. Methods: The study retrospectively involved 300 CHF patients aged 48 to 62 years. All the patients have given written informed consent for participation in the study. Biomarkers were measured at baseline of the study. Results: These were not significant differences between both cohort patients in EMPs labeled as CD144+/CD31+, CD144+/annexin V+, and CD62E+ microparticles. Higher concentrations of CD144+/CD31+/annexin V+ EMPs and CD31+/annexin V+ EMPs were found in IR subjects when compared with none IR patients. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, we found that HOMA-IR (OR = 1.14, 95% CI=1.08-1.21, P = 0.001), NT-proBNP (OR = 1.07, 95% CI=1.04-1.10, P = 0.001), hs-CRP (OR = 1.04, 95% CI=1.02-1.07, P = 0.001), and NYHA class (OR = 1.03, 95% CI=1.01-1.05, P = 0.001) were predictors for increased CD31+/annexin V+ EMPs. Therefore, HOMA-IR (OR = 1.10, 95% CI=1.05-1.17, P = 0.001), NT-proBNP (OR = 1.08, 95% CI=1.04-1.12, P = 0.001), and NYHA class (OR = 1.05, 95% CI=1.02-1.09, P = 0.001) significantly predicted elevation of CD144+/CD31+/annexin V+ EMPs. Conclusion: we found that IR remains statistically significant predictor for increased apoptotic-derived EMPs labelled as CD144+/CD31+/annexin V+ and CD31+/annexin V+ EMPsin none-diabetic patients with CHF patients and that these findings reflect exiting impaired phenotype of circulating EMPs in this patient population. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that insulin resistance may predict being of impaired phenotype of circulating endothelial-derived microparticles among none-diabetic patients with chronic heart failure. Medical Sciences » Journal of Cells » Month: 06-2015 Issue: 2
Re-Irradiation for Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Primary Radical Therapy
Introduction: Loco-regional failures, recurrence or second primary after radiotherapy (RT) is a significant problem in head and neck cancer (HNC) and represent a challenge. Methods: 39 patients were referred to the Radiation Oncology Department, A. C. Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil between 2007 to 2012 to have a second new course of RT (Re-RT) to a previous irradiated area in the head and neck. Results: Median age of patients was 53.8 (range, 31-74) years. Twenty four (61.5%) patients had surgery and Re-RT. The first radiation course dose ranged from 45 Gy to 72 Gy (median 60.0 Gy) and the median interval between the initial and second radiation course was 32 (range, 9-146) months. The median follow-up was 2.6 (range, 0.5-5.9) years. The 2- and 5-year actuarial OS, PFS and LC rates were 76.0%, 38.6%, 83.8%, 75.0%, 27.0% and 14.0%, respectively. Re-RT with IMRT when compared to other techniques showed PFS and LC advantages, p= 0.018 and p=0.019, respectively, confirmed by Cox regression multivariate - HR=6.08 (p= 0.020, 95% CI: 1.331- 27.767). Major toxicity occurred in 14 (35.9%) patients and eye observed no carotid artery blowout in this series. Conclusion: Re-RT should be offered for patients who are not suitable for surgery or for those with marginal resections, with a clear understanding that survival is poor and many of these patients will suffer severe radiation-related insults to their quality of life, during and after treatment. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by analyzing the impact of new technologies in the local control of recurrent head and neck cancer. Medical Sciences » Journal of Diseases » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 1
Differences in Kinetics and Coordination between Walking Barefoot and Walking in Rocker Bottom Shoes
Different types of shoe constructions have been developed with an unstable base including rocker bottom shoes (RBS). RBS were developed to mimic barefoot (BF) walking. Studies have compared walking in RBS with walking in conventional shoes (CS) or running in CS with BF running. The purpose of the current study was to compare RBS with BF walking to describe differences in selected kinetic variables and their timing between the two conditions. Three-dimensional ground reaction force (GRF) and kinematic data for the lower extremities were recorded for 13 college age females during gait at self-selected speed. Similar results were observed between BF walking and walking in RBS. However, several of the observed characteristics of RBS walking were similar to characteristics reported in CS walking. Walking in RBS showed greater vertical GRF (loading response) and anterior-posterior GRF (braking force) than BF walking. Earlier transition from deceleration to acceleration phase was observed in RBS condition, and a shorter time between the peak in ankle plantar flexion moment and the push-of-peak of vertical GRF, and acceleration force in anterior-posterior direction, respectively. Results suggest different strategies between the two conditions to prepare for the swing phase of gait. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by combining the coordinated timing kinematics and ground reaction force (GRF) differences between walking barefoot and walking in rocker bottom shoes (RBS). GRF and transition time differences between barefoot and RBS wear suggests different strategies are used in preparation for the swing phase of gait. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 09-2015 Issue: 3
A General Measure for the Relative Efficiency of Any Two Scoring Systems
Miles (1984) developed a very elegant theory for the relative efficiency of different scoring systems at correctly identifying the better player, assuming points were independent. This earlier work was limited to those situations in which the underlying probability structures of the game being modelled had certain restrictive characteristics. Using those underlying characteristics it was possible to use interpolation methods to derive efficiency measures in a restricted number of practical situations. The major objective of this research was to investigate whether Miles’ work on the efficiency of scoring systems could be extended to more general situations. Games that do not possess the restrictive probability structures noted above have been considered, and it has been shown that an extrapolation method for deriving efficiency measures can be developed and applied. In doing so the efficiency of nested scoring systems has been studied. It turns out that this extrapolation method can be used in any scoring system situation, even where the outcome is win/draw/loss rather than win/loss. It produces exactly the same efficiency formula as that produced by the interpolated method. Thus, the method for measuring efficiency has been extended to a wider range of practical scoring systems situations. Contribution/ Originality
This study shows how the relative efficiency of any two scoring systems can be evaluated, thus considerably extending earlier work in which efficiency could be evaluated only in a limited number of situations. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 09-2015 Issue: 3
The Effect of Combined Resistance and Endurance Training on Some Physical Fitness Factors in Young Men
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an eight-week combined resistance and endurance training program on the body composition (total body water percentage, fat free body mass and body fat percentage) and aerobic power of young men. Fifty young men students with the age mean of 21.18±2.1, height mean of 176.34±4.1 and weight mean of 70.1±5.4 were randomly divided to five combined endurance- resistance (n=10), combined resistance-endurance (n=10), resistance (n=10), endurance (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. In three sessions (week 0, week 4 and week 8), their aerobic power and body composition were measured in order to obtain their maximum oxygen consumption, total body water percentage, fat free body mass and body fat percentage. Then, the training groups performed their training programs for eight weeks, three sessions per week. The training program of the resistance group included circular resistance. The endurance group performed running with 70-80% maximum heart rate for 20-26 min. The program of the combined endurance-resistance group was composed of doing endurance training first and resistance training next and that of the combined resistance-endurance group included performing resistance training first and endurance training next. The control group did not participate in any training program during the research period. The research data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures along with dependent t test considering the Bonferroni’s P correction for within group evaluation and one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) along with Tukey’s post hoc test for between group evaluation (> α0/05). The results showed that eight weeks of endurance training, combined endurance-resistance training and combined resistance-endurance training significantly increased the maximum oxygen consumption (P<0.05). Also, total body water percentage significantly increased after eight weeks of resistance, endurance, combined endurance-resistance and combined resistance-endurance training (P< 0.05). Fat free body mass increased in the combined endurance-resistance, combined resistance-endurance and resistance groups; however, this increase was only significant in the resistance group. Body fat percentage had significant decrease in the four experimental groups but this decrease was more evident in the combined endurance-resistance and combined resistance-endurance groups compared with the resistance and endurance groups (P<0.05).Considering the research findings, people can perform combined resistance-endurance training in order to highly decrease their body fat percentage. In sum, it can be concluded that doing combined resistance-endurance training is more helpful for decreasing fat and controlling weight and this kind of combined training can be recommended to people. Contribution/ Originality
This study was carried out having the purpose of determining the aspect of the mobbing behaviors incurred on the staff working at the youth center directorates of the in Turkey Youth Services and Sports, the Province Directorates. The sample of the study, which was conducted by using a scanning model, was consisted of 253 employees working at the directorate of the youth centers in different regions, who were selected by a random method. The study data were collected by the "Negative Behaviors Questionnaire (NAQ)”. Arithmetic mean, crosstab, t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test were used in the survey. As the result of the survey, it was found out that 44.7% of the staff in the sample was exposed to mobbing behaviors at a lower medium level during the past six months. Additionally, it was also identified that the contractual civil servants of the staff were exposed to mobbing behaviors at a total ratio of 57.5%. It has been identified that the mobbing actions have been incurred downward upon the contractual civil servants by the branch managers (21.5%) and the managers of the youth centers (18.5%), upon the permanent staff by the branch managers (42.9%), and upon the managers of the youth centers by the provincial directors (66.7%). Contribution/ Originality
The relationship between self-report psychological skills and recovery-stress state was investigated. Seventy adolescent state athletes in Malaysia completed the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS), and Recovery-Stress questionnaire (RESTQ-Sport). Correlation analysis was used to determine the significant relationship between the psychological skills and recovery-stress subscales. The results showed that there were significant correlations between the psychological skills and recovery-stress states. For psychological skills during practice, the strongest correlations were observed in attention control and general stress (r = -0.48, p < 0.01), goal setting and total recovery (r = 0.72, p < 0.01), and psychological skills during competition, the strongest correlations were observed in self-talk and general stress (r = -0.55, p < 0.01), goal setting and total recovery (r = 0.57, p < 0.01). The direction (positive or negative) of correlations showed that individuals reporting frequent use of psychological skills also reported lower state of stress and higher state of recovery in their sport during practice and competition. Future researchers should seek to establish the path relationships by investigating whether demographic variables, physical fitness level and other psychological measures that may associated with recovery-stress states and the use of psychological skills for athletes. Contribution/ Originality
The study documents the psychological skills components, inter-correlated with the recovery and stress subscales among a group of adolescent state athletes. Next, this study attempted to identify the relationship between each component or aspect of psychological skills used during practice and competition on athletes’ recovery and stress state. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 12-2015 Issue: 4
The Effect of Selected Financial Ratios on Profitability: An Empirical Analysis of Listed Firms of Cement Sector in Saudi Arabia
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Quarterly Journal of Econometrics Research
The plinth emergence of infrastructures sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cardinally hinges upon the growth and development of the Cement industry. The Saudi cement industry is most cost competitive in the world due to availability of raw material and Fuel at very low prices by the government. This has encouraged the researchers to analyze the relationship between profitability and selected financial ratios of cement industry in Saudi Arabia. The research paper makes an endeavor to determine the profitability of listed cement companies in Saudi Arabia with five years accounting period from 2008 to 2012. The paper encompasses six variables, namely, Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Inventory Turnover Ratio (ITR), Debtors’ Turnover Ratio (DTR), Creditors’ Velocity (CRSV), Total Assets Turnover Ratio (TATR) and Net profit Margin (NPM). Profitability as a dependent variable is exhibited by Net profit Margin (NPM) while the selected ratios DER, ITR, DTR, CRSV, TATR and CRSV are expressed as independent variables. Based on the findings of the study, it is cogently revealed that there is a significant relationship between the three selected ratios and Net Profit Margin (NPM) of cement companies in Saudi Arabia. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies conducted on the relationship among different financial ratios and profitability of the companies in Saudi Arabia. The present research investigated the effect of determinants on profitability of cement sector listed companies in Saudi Arabia. Current study concluded that DER, ITR and CRSV have positive effect on the NPM of cement companies. Economics » Quarterly Journal of Econometrics Research » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 1
Effective Use of Teaching Methodologies in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) Classrooms in Nigeria: A Panacea to Vision 20:2020
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
This paper examines the possibility of Nigeria to be counted among the achievers of the World best 20 in knowledge based economy Vision 20:2020. Focusing on the attainment in Science, Technology and Mathematics education. The paper concerned specifically with the various teaching methodologies employed by teachers in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) classrooms that could be of significant impact on students’ academic performance as a panacea to vision 20:2020. The paper recommends that Nigeria must design a plan that would sustain and protect the nation’s educational reforms processes in STM. And donations received from international donors such as World Bank (WB), United Nation Educational Scientific, Cultural and Organization (UNESCO) and others should be judiciously utilized, valuated and assessed regularly to see if target and goals are being achieved. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature on how to improve classroom instructional delivery in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) subjects. It provides STM teachers with explicit explanations on teaching strategies and forum for selecting appropriate strategies that will match the learning style of their students. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 3
The Potential of E-Learning in Meeting the Needs of Migrant Communities
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
Migrants have a better quality of life if they can speak the language of their new country. Much emphasis has been placed on the acquisition of English language skills, but there are other countries such as Saudi Arabia, where Arabic is needed as a second language. The Saudi government has been investing heavily in e-technology and this paper shows that online learning can effectively be used for foreign language learning. A small component of face to face learning can add further value. This is significant if providing language learning access to migrant communities, as they may not always be able to attend classes on a regular basis, and there are economic reasons on the part of local governments or employers to find viable options for reducing costs. Findings from this study indicate that language learners also appreciated the bonus features that came with the online courses, including an improvement in computer skills and ready access to translation through online dictionaries. Contribution/ Originality
This paper is one of the few studies which have investigated the use of technology for Arabic language learning. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 03-2015 Issue: 3
Abstract