The Journal of Middle East and North Africa Sciences

1-22

Authors: Hussein A. Tarraf; Ale J. Hejase; Hussin J. Hejase

The main purpose of the present study is to investigate the ways students’ instrumentation of Computer Algebra System (CAS) can help promote their algebraic reasoning while solving polynomial inequalities. In addition, the relation between students’ CAS techniques and paper-and-pencil (P&P) techniques are explored, together with the difficulties that students may face as they apply these techniques. Research participants are 33 tenth graders at a private mixed gender school in Mount-Lebanon, distributed among nine homogenous groups, five of which are selected as focus groups. The study is qualitative in nature. Data is collected from pretests, students’ written solutions of four instructional activities, laptop screen recordings, video recordings of whole-class discussions, and audio recorded interviews with students in the focus groups. The findings of the study show that students’ lack of prerequisite knowledge of the topic of functions and their low level of familiarity with GeoGebra software are determinant factors that hinder these students’ instrumentation of CAS and hence their reasoning processes as well as their implementation of the solving techniques. High and middle-achieving students’ solving techniques acquired little epistemic and some pragmatic values, whereas low achieving students’ solving techniques acquired heuristic values.

33-38

Authors: Zurab Mushkudiani; Nana Shonia; Badri Gechbaia

Recent studies clearly show that the number of citizens who travel abroad is growing annually. Naturally, the main interest of tourists is sightseeing. Many tourists are focused on increasing their awareness of an interesting part of the world or going to a resort to relax or to recover for health reasons. With these intentions, tourists rarely think about the negative possibilities, accidents and hazards that can occur during travel (e.g. sudden sickness, fractures, various traumas, loss of documents, loss of luggage prior to issuing a visa. Therefore the importance of travel insurance is revealed. However, some travel problems might be arranged by the tourist agency in terms of giving clear instruction before their leaving, but no one is insured by unexpectedness that might be encountered to any tourist, etc.). Studies concerning insurance reveal that only the insurance company can assist a tourist in an extreme situation. Every developed country should require travel insurance as a basic requirement.

42-44

Authors: Osama Mansour Alateeq; Akrm Ibrahem Alwassel; Muath Salman Almuhaini; Mohammed Khalid Alruzayhi

Ear cleaning and removing the available wax out of them is one of the most widely spread habits among the different populations despite the harmful effect and consequences that could result. Ear wax is useful and protective for the human ears, and in normal cases, it exists in healthy amounts inside the ear canal. The current study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ear care among Saudi community members through studying a sample composed of 200 participants from both rural and urban populations. A self-administered questionnaire composed of 15 items had been administered to the study groups. Findings of the study had shown that there is a lack of knowledge and a high practice of incorrect habits, besides to the low awareness level among the rural population regarding ear care compared to the urban population. The study recommends that there is a need to perform more studies and increase the awareness of the community members towards the correct and healthy way of ear care.

48-54

Authors: Mohammed Khalid Alruzayhi; Muath Salman Almuhaini; Akrm Ibrahem Alwassel; Osama Mansour Alateeq

The current study aims to investigate the effect of smartphones usage on the upper extremity performance among Saudi youth. A goniometer to measure the Range of Motion (ROM), the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), McGill Pain scale and Chattanooga stabilizer were used to perform the current study on a sample of 300 university students from Al-Imam Mohammed bin Saud University. Results had shown that smartphone addiction is negatively correlated to the elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, shoulder abduction, shoulder adduction, and both shoulder internal and external rotation. Furthermore, results had shown that McGill pain scores were positively correlated to elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, shoulder abduction, shoulder adduction, and both shoulder internal and external rotation. The study had concluded that smartphone usage among Saudi youth is negatively affecting the upper extremity and causing a significant increase in the pain intensity. The study had recommended that there is an urgent need for a significant awareness campaign to warn the community regarding the impact of using smartphones for long periods of time.

1-7

Authors: Henrietta O. Uzoeto; Thomas E. Ayogu; Emmanuel A. Nwakaeze; Ifeanyichukwu R. Iroha; Chika Ejikeugwu

Adenia Cissampeloides, a Pesticidal plant has dynamic active ingredients which cause physiological destruction in fishes including Clarias gariepinus. Majority of these Pesticidal plants contain medicinal values. In this study, the in vitro antibacterial activity of A. Cissampeloides plant extracts on bacteria isolated from fishes recovered from Uwana River, Ebonyi State, Nigeria was bacteriologically investigated. The isolation and identification of bacteria from the fishes recovered from Uwana River was carried out using standard microbiology techniques. The phytochemical properties of the plant extracts were studied using phytochemical analysis while the antimicrobial activities of the A. Cissampeloides plant extracts were evaluated using agar well diffusion technique. Results from physicochemical analysis of the water samples and bacterial count established that Uwana River is polluted. Fourteen species of aerobic heterotrophic Gram-positive and Gramnegativebacteria were isolated and identified from the fishes. The Gram-positive bacteria included, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, S. hominis, S. cohnii, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Kocuria varians and Gram-negative bacteria were Raoutella ornithinolytica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia fonticola, and Enterobacter Gergovia. The most frequently isolated organism from the fishes was Raoutella ornithinolytica (19.04% and 31.82%). Phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts shows that it possesses antimicrobial properties. Extract with petroleum ether showed highest inhibition zone diameter (8.2 mm) with Aeromonas veronii, while the least diameter was observed in Staphylococcus cohnii (4 mm). Methanol extracts of the plant on R. ornithinolytica showed (7mm) while on Aeromonas hydrophila it was (5mm). The results of this study show that the plant extracts of A. Cissampeloides had appreciable antimicrobial activity on bacteria isolated from fishes recovered from Uwana River. Conclusively, the tested extracts of A. Cissampeloides plant showed varying spectra of inhibitions and/or antimicrobial activity against the isolated bacteria.

15-31

Authors: Pauline Ghenghesh; Leslie Croxford; Khaled Nagaty; Samar Abdelmageed

E-learning is an important technological tool that is used by higher educational institutions worldwide to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. However, assessing the attitudes and satisfaction of students and teachers of such a system is becoming increasingly important to its success as it presents a new learning environment for them. The aim of this study, therefore, was to try to determine Egyptian student attitudes and satisfaction and Egyptian teachers’ satisfaction and perception of the usefulness of E-learning in the Faculty of Informatics and Computer Science at the British University in Egypt. Data were gathered from two sources: a student questionnaire and a teacher questionnaire. The findings of this study have shown that a) there were no significant differences between male and female students and the different degree years in their attitudes to and use of E-learning; b) the Preparatory Year appear to be less satisfied with the activities and teacher feedback on E-learning in comparison with the other degree years and c) teachers are satisfied with E-learning and regard it as a useful tool as it complements face-to-face teaching and saves them valuable time. The findings of this study will benefit academics and decision-makers involved in developing and implementing E-learning strategies in higher education institutions in the Middle East and North African regions.

1-6

Authors: Aidin Poorabdollahi Sheshgelani, Arash Ketabforoush Badri

One of the economic factors of economic development is achieving positive and stable economic growth and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is one of the factors affecting the stable economic growth. FDI attraction can make the growth and development progress faster in the host countries by positive effects such as gaining wealth, technology transfer, extending the market size and export advantages, introducing new processes, improving management ability, training human resources and accessing foreign markets. Considering the important role of FDI, this study is trying to study the effects of FDI and economic freedom on economic growth in 10 selected developing countries in period of 2000 to 2013 using panel data. The results show that FDI has a positive and meaningful effect on the economic growth of the studied countries so that we can say by increasing FDI there will be an improvement in the economic growth of the countries. Also the index of economic freedom has a positive and meaningful effect on economic growth. It is to be mentioned that the rate of economic openness and the index of producer price also have had positive effect on the economic growth of the studied countries.

15-21

Authors: O. O. Okwari, A. E. Alagwu, C.O. Edoga, S. A. Lelei, G. A. Ekonesi

Background and Objectives: Coffee the source of caffeine is consumed globally. The amount of caffeine in food product varies depending upon the serving size, type product and production method (Elmaadawy et al., 2015). Caffeine, one of the several ingredients in foods is capable of exerting a physiological and pharmacological effect. Nescafe is a brand of instant coffee made by Nestle. It comes in different product forms (Elmaadawy et al., 2015). Nescafe 3 in 1TM Ghana PLC and Cowbell Promasidor Nigeria Limited Coffee are brands of coffee widely consumed in Nigeria. From a public health point of view little seems to be understood about the health benefits. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effect of Nescafe 3 in 1TM and cowbell TM coffees on body weight, serum urea, creatinine, lipid, and enzyme profile in healthy rats. Material and Methods: Thirty healthy male albino rats (150±5.35g) were assigned into five groups of six rats. Group 1 served as control fed with basal diets; groups 2 and 3 Nescafe 3 in 1 high dose, 770mg/kg, and Low dose, 510mg/kg of body weight. Group 4 and 5 cowbell coffee high doses, 620mg/kg and low dose 310mg/kg. All administration was done orally, water and food given ad libitum. The treatment lasted for 30days. At the end of the period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for analysis. Result: Nescafe 3 in 1TM low dose cause significant (p<0.01) increase in body weight while cowbell coffee TM treated groups caused a decrease in body weight. There was an increase in AST, creatinine, HDL, serum urea, K+, HCO3- levels in Nescafe 3 in 1TM while Na+, Cl- were decreased in cowbell coffee TM compared with control. Conclusion: Nescafe 3 in 1TM coffee caused increased body weight although the high dose group was not statistically significant while the consumption of cowbell coffee TM caused a significant decrease. These differences might result from the composition of these coffees especially their coffee content. Further investigation might be necessary on these brand sachet coffees.

30-33

Authors: Umema Zafar, Romana Ayub, Junaid Ahsan, Henna Salman

Aim: To find out the gender differences in pulse pressure (PP) of Type II Diabetics with raised HBA1C. Methods: This is a Cross sectional study carried out in the outpatient departments and wards of all Medicine units of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Its duration is from May 15th to August 3rd, 2017. A total of 70 Diabetic patients above the age of 40 were included in the study. Their height and weight were recorded and BMI calculated. Their Blood pressure (BP) was also measured and the pulse pressure determined. The most recently performed HBA1C test values along with fasting and random blood sugar values were noted. Findings: The mean pulse pressure of males was 61.4 mm Hg, and females was 55.1 mmHg, this difference was not statistically significant, p>0.05. The mean SBP and DBP values were similar between the two genders. The mean HBA1C values were higher in females than males. Conclusion: PP does not differ in the two genders. However, there is a difference in diabetic control between the two.

38-45

Authors: Francisco Javier Güemez Ricalde

Abstract: World production of honey shows significant increases that alter the market conditions also increased exports by 33 percent. The pressure on the international price, coupled with changing climate conditions in the past three years, has deteriorated significantly the production of honey for export in Mexico. The prices recorded have been unable to resolve the economic problem of beekeepers that inflation exceeds the relative value of the prices paid to the producer. So the statistics show projected from a variety of sources statistics in a series of graphs that were trying to prove the real situation of the world market and the National Honey Board. [In Spanish]… Resumen: La producción mundial de miel muestra incrementos significativos que alteran las condiciones de mercado al incrementarse también las exportaciones en un 33 por ciento. La presión sobre el precio internacional, aunado a las condiciones cambiantes del clima en los últimos tres años, ha deteriorado de manera significativa la producción de miel para exportación en México. Los precios registrados han sido incapaces de resolver el problema económico de los apicultores ya que la inflación registrada supera el valor relativo de los precios pagados al productor. Así lo demuestran las estadísticas proyectadas de diversas fuentes estadísticas en una serie de gráficas que intentan demostrar la situación real del mercado mundial y nacional de la miel.

1-7

Authors: Lilian Omondi

Emergency caesarean section poses obstetric, anesthetic and surgical risks to the mother and the unborn baby and exacerbates anxiety which is deleterious. Preoperative nursing care rendered during this period greatly influence patient’s care perception, a concept underpinned in this study. Patients’ pre- and postoperative anxiety levels and demographics informed by literature reviewed were evaluated. Demographics included age, the level of education, mode of hospital bill payment, history of major illness, previous surgeries, current medication, smoking and the condition of the newborn. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in a private and a public hospital among patients undergoing emergency caesarean section. Sixty participants were purposively and systematically sampled from the postnatal ward admission registers using inclusion criteria. A structured questionnaire was used to assess participants’ demographics and care satisfaction. Anxiety levels were evaluated using Form Y-6. Ethical approval was obtained from the respective ethical review boards. Multivariate nonparametric statistical analyses using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 computer software was used to analyze data alongside descriptive statistics. Significant finding observed regarding demographics were on the level of education and mode of hospital hill payment. The highest level of education attained was tertiary 22(73.3%) in private compared to secondary level 14 (46.7%) in the public hospital. The mode of hospital bill payment was through companies’ medical schemes 24(80%) in private hospital and through National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) 22(73.3%) in public. Mann-Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences in only two out of the six anxiety defining statements assessed postoperatively. Participants at the public hospital felt calmer (z=-2.071, p=0.038<0.05) and more relaxed (z=-2.85, p=0.004<0.05) than those at the private hospital. Wilcoxon rank test yielded significant results for only one out of the six care satisfaction defining statements. Participants at the public hospital were more satisfied with the information given by the nurse about what is expected before and after surgery (z=-2.61, p=0.009<0.05) compared to private. This study evidences nurses’ ability to render satisfactory care to patients in emergency situations regardless of socio-patients’ demographic profile and type of hospital. There is need to initiate and sustain such care surveillance for quality auditing.

20-32

Authors: Gylych Jelilov; Raliat Alimi

The aim of the current study is to develop and analyze the contributions of entrepreneurship in the economic development through Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) development in Nigeria. The major findings of this study include the following: SMEs have played and continue to play significant roles in the growth, development, and industrialization of many economies the world over. In the case of Nigeria, SMEs have performed below expectation due to a combination of problems which ranges from attitude and habits of SMEs themselves through environmental related factors, instability of governments and frequent government policy changes etc. Promoters of SMEs should thus ensure the availability or possession of managerial capacity and acumen before pursuing financial resources for the development of the respective enterprise. In total Nigerian entrepreneurship has its own problems and relative solutions was done.

37-39

Authors: Qurat UI Ain Shah; Raza Sayani; Muhammad Anwar Saeed; Muhammad Asif Bilal

Objective: To review role of Trauma Series, established by American college of surgery for patients of multiple trauma, which include lateral cervical spine, AP chest, and anteroposterior pelvis in evaluation of trauma patient in our local set up. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out 10 months in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi. Subject of our study were adult patients with blunt trauma who had undergone trauma series. Results: Total of 600 x-rays of 200 pa66tients were reviewed. The age range from 16 - 65 years (Mean 24.5 +/- 8.5). Trauma series was negative in 162 patients, as they had normal lateral cervical spine, anteroposterior chest, and anteroposterior pelvis x-rays, however it turned out to be positive in 38 patients. These 38 patients were received in Emergency with history of trauma among these most of the patients had the history of RTA. Out of 38 positive cases (total 45 sites of injury), 10 rib fracture, 10 fractures of clavicle,1 pneumothorax, 2 pleural effusion, 4 cervical spine fracture, 1 dislocation of cervical spine, 1 rudimentary intervertebral disc at C6-C7, 7 fracture of femur and 4 fracture of pubic rami,1 ischium fracture,2 iliac fracture, 1 hip dislocation,1 inter-trochanteric region fracture identified. Conclusion: Our review suggests that use of whole trauma series in evaluation of trauma in conscious patient is not necessary when adequate clinical information can be obtained. Instead, a selective approach by using individual component of whole trauma series in conscious patient may be effective.

1-5

Authors: Ahmed Tabbabi; Jaber Daaboub; Ali Lamari; Ibtissem Ben Jha; Hassen Ben Cheikh

This article reports Pirimiphos-methyl resistance status of Culex pipiens populations harvested in four breeding sites in Northern Tunisia. Our results showed the resistance of all samples to Pirimiphos-methyl. The RR50 ranged from 3.3 1 to 62.1. The sample collected from Tazarka had the highest resistance among all studied populations. This status could be explained by its frequency of mortality caused by propoxur (0%) and also by its frequency of detected esterases (85%). Authors confirmed the implications of insensitive acetylcholinesterase and esterases enzymes in the resistance of Culex pipiens populations to Pirimiphos-methyl. It is the first investigation of Pirimiphos-methyl resistance status of Culex pipiens populations from Tunisia and it is very important for the implementation and development of vector control strategies.

10-12

Authors: H. Mehmet Çalışkan; A. Tuğrul Zeytin; Şeyhmus Kaya; M. Burak Sayhan

Shoulder joint dislocations are the most common dislocations seen in emergency services and usually seen in the form of unilateral anterior dislocations. Bilateral shoulder joint dislocations, on the other hand, are very rare and usually occur in the form of posterior dislocation. Bilateral anterior shoulder dislocations are also a very rare form of shoulder dislocations. In this article, the main aim of this manuscript is to discuss a case of bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation, accompanied by an epileptic seizure and reduced with scapular rotation method guided by sedation and analgesia.

22-38

Authors: Hussin J. Hejase; Ali H. Alaeddine

Background: The interest in the topic of academic research has drawn much attention in the last two decades especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; though this region has undergone violence, and many wars that have led to the loss of lives of hundreds of thousands, many within the university age category. However, whenever events calm down, universities become crowded with individuals seeking both quality education and research competencies. This is the case reflected in Lebanon as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), for both have somehow parallel tracks where unrest, wars, and conflicts have left their toll on the population and the youth in specific. Nevertheless, both nations have shown perseverance, self-determination and strong national pride in overcoming the aggressive eco-system surrounding them as they seek continuous progress, improvement, giving special attention to higher education and academic research in particular. Although Iran has been subject to severe sanctions that have affected the full potential of its economy, the strategic agenda to seek world quality higher education and produce research of national benefit has grown exponentially in the last decade. Similarly, Lebanon, which has been subject to tremendous pressures from the surrounding war-zone countries, found its way to improve its performance in higher education and research. Objective: This paper aims at exposing the different factors that may contribute to the fostering of the academic and research relationship between Lebanon and Iran. Methodology: The analysis relies on collected data from secondary sources as well as primary data based on interviews with academics and experts from both countries; therefore, this research is exploratory, explanatory and qualitative. Results: There exists enough evidence to support the collaboration initiative. Interviewees from both countries showed enthusiasm, openness and readiness to move to the second level of cooperation that is, justifying relationships with memos of understanding. Conclusions: The outcomes of the research shed light on the shared interests pertaining to higher education and research collaboration opportunities between the two countries. Moreover, results support the intended policies that aim to regulate the future relationships.