The Journal of Middle East and North Africa Sciences

1-8

Authors: Kabiru Mohammed Badau; Aminu Ahmed Chiroma

Learning environment is a fundamental tool for child protection even under emergency situations. The purpose of this study was to determine the planning of learning environment, education personnel, learning and education policy in emergency education programmes for boko haram internally displaced persons in damare refugee camp of Adamawa State. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study comprise of sixty (60) male and female humanitarian workers in damare refugee camp. All the sixty (60) humanitarian workers were utilized for the study. Data was collected using planning emergency education programmes for boko haram internally displaced persons questionnaire (PEEPBHIDPQ) consisting of twenty (20) items on a five-point Likert response scale of strongly agree, agree, no opinion, disagree and strongly disagree. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used for answering the research questions and z-test was also utilized for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that learning environment inclusion, education personnel provision, learning activities promotion and education policy coordination strengthening were not applied in planning emergency education programmes in boko haram internally displaced persons in damare refugee camp of Adamawa State. The study concluded that the four domains in planning emergency education programmes were not applied for boko haram internally displaced persons in damare refugee camp. Recommendations of the study included that Federal, State and local governments, NGOS, donor and international aid agencies should include all the domains in planning emergency education programmes for boko haram internally displaced persons in damare refugee camp of Adamawa State.

16-20

Authors: Khandaker D. Islam; Piyawat Khangkhan; Panitchdate Thongwaroj

This research looks into the performance of a heat pump used in washing machine without heating technology of its own. Analysis of a washing machine found in the market was also studied in the research. Then the comparison is done in order to understand how either of the two systems can be an ideal for a small family. During the experiment time, there are a couple of parameters to be considered, so the final unknown parameters can be estimated. This is how the behaviour of a system can be explained and understood. The experiment stands on the data collected at the period of two hours with each sample foreseen at every minute. The behaviour and performance of heat pumps has been analyzed in this paper. During the trial, the ambient temperature was between 26.5 - 27.9 ºC by setting the highest temperature the heat pumps to be at 55 ºC. Washing machine which can be bought from the market has also been analyzed to check the performance in terms of consumption of electric power. And finally the comparison of this two systems has been taken place.

45-49

Authors: M. Ashraful Kabir

Out of 492 rock pigeons the highest percentage were shown in blue bar (74.59) then blue checker (10.77). Other types are pied (5.89), black (2.64), white (2.24) and mealy bar (1.22). In Sylhet Shah Jalal Majar though there lot of pigeons but for mixing with other breeds especially tumbler and domestic breeds now this pure breeds are facing its purity and found only 57 pure rock pigeons. In Kushtia town (observed pigeons 150) in some old building and roadside wooden chambers which are provided by pigeon lovers are keeping this pigeons. Poradaha town and its Railway Station observed total pigeons were 97 and these pigeons take water adjacent from a pond. Some illegal and hawker of the platform captured the squab of rock-pigeon and take as meat in Ishwardi railway station (total pigeons 188). Highest pigeons, male and female were found in Ishwardi and lowest in Sylhet of Bangladesh. Observed adult rock pigeons there were some juveniles but those were not counted in sex ratio. All pigeons take food on the platform and when public gathers they go outside. With the wild rock pigeons, some domestic and tumbler breeds are mixed and living well for a long time. In Sylhet this study was performed on 27 December 2014, in Kushtia 29 May, Poradaha 30 May and Ishwardi 31 May in the year 2015.

61-69

Authors: Ekram M. Abdel Khalek; Hala R. Yousef; Doaa’ M. Ahmed

Background: Incentives play an important role in organizations as it influences a variety of work-related behavior, as well as the motivation of employees. Aims of the study: The present study was conducted in the main Assiut University Hospital to assess nurse’s awareness and satisfaction regarding the incentives system. Subjects and Methods: This study included 271 nurses who randomly selected from all units at the main Assiut University Hospital. The study included both quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection. Results: High percent of the participants reported that the most important incentives are fair remuneration, bounces, appropriate working hours, and different services (health/ education) (69.7%, 60.9%, 60.5, % 60.5%, respectively). The promotion, appreciation of work efforts, good relations with colleagues and superior encouragement were the most important morale incentives reported by (77.1 %, 71.2 %, 66.8 %, 64.6%) respectively. This is confirmed by the results of Focus group discussions as about half of the participants especially female nurses considered the morale incentives are more important than the financial one especially the good dealing and the respect from the physicians. Conclusion and Recommendations: In conclusion, this study indicates that nurses know what they want from incentives. Attention to priorities and flexible incentives system may help to create the cohesive work environment that nurses seek. Determine the objectives are the most important factors to increase the effectiveness of the incentive system.

1-15

Authors: Noha Emara

The recent political up-rise in the Middle East and North African (MENA) economies sparks the light on evaluating the so called structural reforms that aimed at achieving economic freedom. This paper examines the impact of liberal policies on output per worker in 139 countries with a case study on MENA economies. Using panel least square estimation with fixed effects for a sample of 139 countries over the period 1970-2008, the study estimates the impact of different aspects of economic freedom on output per worker and its components; physical capital, human capital, and productivity. The economic freedom measure encompasses different areas including the size of the government, the protection of property rights and enforcement of contracts, the access to sound money, the freedom to access international markets, and the laxness of regulation of credit, labor, and business. In line with the results of Alexandrakis and Livanis (2013), the study finds a non-uniform impact of different areas of economic freedom on output per worker, capital intensity, human capital per worker, or total factor productivity. For instance, while trade freedom, fiscal freedom, monetary freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom, and freedom from corruption enhances output per worker, through the increase in human capital per worker, it does worsen it through a negative impact on capital intensity and total factor productivity. Furthermore, the study finds a significant reverse causality that runs from enhancing either output per worker or its three components on the economic freedom measure. While increasing output per worker or human capital per worker is reflected in an improvement in economic freedom measures, the opposite is found for the increase in capital intensity or total factor productivity. An important policy implication in this respect suggests that liberal economic policies in MENA countries might not be a pre-requisite for their enhanced future productivity.

16-24

Authors: M.S. Ali Eltoum

At the present work Nickel-Phosphorous- tungsten alloy was electroless plaiting on copper substrate, different parameters which affect the electroless plaiting of this alloy were studied and the obtained coatings were characterized using different analytical techniques such as EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron microscope), Potentiodynamic polarization curve (corrosion resistance), incorporation of tungsten on Ni-P matrix changed the crystallography and microstructure details of Ni-P ally and enhancement in corrosion and hardness were observed.

34-47

Authors: Raji Amin; Sami A. Hakim; Hala L. Fayed; Alaa Khalifa; Fouad Khalil; Mahmoud Khedr; Mohamed Alshafee

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body cells and tissues, resulting in a state of chronic inflammation and tissue damage. SLE is characterized by unpredictable course, with periods of flares alternating with remissions. It can affect any part or body tissues, including heart, joints, skin, lungs, liver, nervous system, blood vessels, but still the kidney affection is one of the most commonly involved visceral organs in SLE. Although only approximately 50% of patients with SLE develop clinically evident renal disease, biopsy studies demonstrate some degree of renal involvement in most patients. Acute or chronic renal impairment may develop with lupus nephritis leading to acute or end stage renal disease. Early recognition and management of these cases can reduce the percentage of development of end stage renal disease among these patients to less than 5% of cases. Nephron is the functioning unit of the kidney, whose function is always effected as an early response to inflammation; this function can be evaluated through the estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (secretory function) as well as its excretory function. So searching for a more sensitive and specific indicator for early detection of disease flare or activity depends on the estimation of the nephron function. Aims of the study: The aims of the study are: to evaluate the most sensitive and accurate diagnostic tool to assess glomerular function and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in lupus nephritis patients, in relation to clinical manifestations and laboratory indices, as a trial for early detection of lupus nephritis, to investigate whether dynamic renal 99mTechnetium Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid (99mTc-DTPA) Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a more sensitive indicator of the degree of renal involvement in lupus nephritis patients than laboratory measurement of serum creatinine level and creatinine clearance (CrCl) through estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) formulae, and to assess renal morphology by static renal 99mTechnetium Di-Mercapto Succinic Acid (99mTc-DMSA), as well as split function of both kidneys in view of renal ultrasonography (U/S). Patients & Methods: Twenty-eight patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis selected according to WHO classification for renal staging. The disease activity was recorded using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) to detect active disease requiring increased treatment for activity. Immunological profiles, including ANA, anti-dsDNA, complement levels (C3, C4) were assessed. Kidney function tests, including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine clearance (CrCl), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using Cockcroft–Gault (CG),the 4-variable abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Formula (CKD-EPI) method, urinalysis with microscopy, 24 hours urinary proteins, as well as total serum proteins and serum albumin were measured. Dynamic 99mTechnetium labeled with Diehtylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid (99mTc-DTPA) radioisotope renal scan was done for all patients as a part of assessment of renal GFR in all patients in the study group. Another static study was done using 99mTechnetium Di-Mercapto Succinic Acid (99mTc DMSA) to assess the morphological status as well as the split function of both kidneys in view of renal ultrasonography. Results: This study was carried out on 28 patients: 9 males (32.1%) and 19 females (67.9%).Their age ranged from (16 - 44 years) with a mean age (23.57± 9.57 years). Their height ranged from (147 - 169cm) with a mean height (155.14±7.97) and weight ranged from (37- 84.5 kg) with a mean weight (59.66±16.69). As regards the renal histopathology results, 4 patients (14.28%) had mesangial glomerulonephritis, 15 patients (53.57%) had focal proliferative glomerulonephritis, 6 patients (21.42%) had diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis, and 3 patients (10.71%) had membranous glomerulonephritis. In patients with impaired renal function the 99mTc-DTPA GFR values and C-G estimated GFR values was decreased significantly with P value <0.05, however, that GFR values obtained by the C-G estimated formula showed a total bias (– 15 ml/min/1.73m2) and relative bias (-21%). Whereas, the estimated GFR obtained by MDRD, and CKD-EPI equations are still markedly underestimating the GFR values, among the same group of patients with total bias (-28 & -26 ml/min/1.73m2) and relative bias (-40% & - 37%) respectively. MDRD as well as CKD-EPI equations for estimation of GFR tend to underestimate the GFR value among patients with impaired renal functions. In the patients group with preserved (normal or near normal renal function) the measured GFR by 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy showed a comparable results to that obtained from the C-G equations total bias (-5 ml/min/1.73m2) and relative bias (-5%), whereas, the GFR values are much higher in equations of MDRD, and CKD-EPI with a total bias (+5 & + 10 ml/min/1.73m2) and a relative bias (+5% & +10%) respectively. MDRD as well as CKD-EPI equations for estimation of GFR tend to overestimate the GFR value among patients with normal or near normal renal functions. There was a significant decrease in the 99mTc-DTPA measured GFR value among patients with stage III and stage IV glomerulonephritis, with a P value < 0.05, Whereas, the GFR values obtained by the C-G formula showed significant decrease only among patients with stage IV glomerulonephritis (P value = 0.016). On the other hand, (MDRD & CKD-EPI formulae) showed insignificant decreased GFR values among patients with stage III & stage IV glomerulonephritis, but they showed significantly increased GFR values among patients with stage II & stage V glomerulonephritis. Conclusion: 99mTc-DTPA as a glomerular agent provides a sensitive, physiological, reliable, accurate and reproducible method for assessment of renal function throughout different disease stages in patients with confirmed diagnosis of lupus nephritis (LN), when compared to other methods evaluating renal function in these patients. It provided a proper evaluation of the nephron function, including renal blood flow condition, the secretory function of the nephrons, as well as nephron's excretory function before and after intravenous diuretics injection. Besides, 99mTc-DMSA as a tubular agent provides a sensitive morphological image of the kidney that can help in estimation of the split function of both kidneys as well as evaluation of the disease course, compared to the traditional morphological imaging modalities (renal ultrasonography).

56-63

Authors: Tarek Y. Bayoumi; A. A. Abdullah

The potential of remote sensing as a tool to identify Powdery mildew disease in an early infection stage and to accurately quantify the severity of infection is crucial in plant disease assessment and management. Powdery mildew is one of the most harmful disease causing great losses in wheat yield. Remote sensing data were obtained in the thermal infrared spectral ranges. A greenhouse study was conducted to assess changes in leaf temperature of wheat plants during infection by powdery mildew to evaluate leaf reflectance measurements. Thermal images of plant disease under different environmental conditions in the field are a cutting-edge research. The variations in temperature between infected and healthy leaves of wheat and the variation between air and leaf-surface temperatures under greenhouse conditions were sensed for early detection of disease. Results revealed that infection with powdery mildew pathogen induced changes in leaf temperature from 0.37 ◦C (after one hour from the infection) to 0.78 ◦C at (21 days after infection with the pathogen) and metabolism, contributing to a distinct thermal signature characterizing the early and late phases of the infection. These changes in leaf temperature during Powdery mildew development resulted in a considerable heterogeneity in temperature distribution of infected leaves. The maximum temperature difference within a thermogram of wheat leaves allowed the discrimination between healthy and infected leaves before visible symptoms appeared.

1-2

Authors: Ahmed Tabbabi; Jaber Daaboub; Ali Laamari; Hassen Ben Cheikh

In Tunisia, the mosquito Culex pipiens shows various organophosphate resistance alleles at Ester locus. Resistance to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos was investigated in one population of Culex pipiens collected in northwestern Tunisia. High resistance to chlorpyrifos was observed and new esterases were detected. These results must be considered in future mosquito control programs since detected esterases can lead to high resistance to several organophosphorus insecticides.

8-12

Authors: Egbal O. Ahmed; Abd-Alrhman M. Ahmed; Sheham J. Ebrahim; Heba H. Adm

The proximate and mineral composition of the flesh of six commercially important fish species (Lates niloticus, Bagrus bayad, Oreochromis niloticus, Synodontis schall, Labeo niloticus and Hydrocynus froskalii) from Jebl Awlia reservoir, which represent different grades of preference to the Sudanese consumers, were studied to assess their nutritional values in order to gain the knowledge of the risk and benefits associated with the indiscriminate consumption of these fish species. Protein content was in the range (71.46% -89.13 %) in the fish samples, crude fat was (6.34 % - 9.66 %) while moisture and ash were (75.33% -79.33 %) and (3.83 % -7.07 %) respectively. Minerals included potassium (200.0-774.0ppm), calcium (195.0-246.0ppm), sodium (184.0-211.0ppm), magnesium (144.0-105.0ppm) and phosphorus (90.0- 240.0ppm) while iron and zinc were present in trace amounts. Levels of mineral elements in fish species were within WHO recommended limit. The data showed that the fishes are of high nutritional value and a good source of proteins and minerals.

1-11

Authors: Hassaan Tohid, M. Zeeshan Siddiqui, Daniyal Aleem, Ateeq Mubarik, Syed Talha Idrees, Waqas A Burney • Zaidan Shuja Raza, Taha Khan, Samiya Khan, Kamran Mansha Kayani, Saad Hameed, James Bourgeois

Objective: To study the association between the mirror neuron system and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in various databases including popular neurology and neuropsychiatry journals. In total 800 articles were reviewed with 682 excluded due to the inclusion-exclusion criteria. Results: Creutzfeldt-Jakob can lead to a number of different pathology including dementia, depression, personality changes, cognitive inadequacy, incoherent speech, sleep issues, motor deficit and other movement disorders. When studied independently each of these symptoms characteristically activated certain parts of the brain, visualized in neuroimaging. Coincidentally, the same brain areas were found to be independently affected by the mirror neuron system, indicating that these symptoms could be associated with mirror neuron dysfunction. It can, therefore, be hypothesized that a connection between mirror neurons and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease exists. Conclusions: Many of the symptoms and complications involved in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are found to be associated with the mirror neuron system.

1

Authors: Zhong Jia; Zhi-Tian Li; Kai W

Up to date, all of us have to face a common challenge that the discomfort of bulging in patients after groin hernia repair happened frequently despite there are no any specific findings from ultrasound examination in its early stage. In fact, the majority of people prefer to choose a high-quality Herniorrhaphy rather than a low-cost mesh (Löfgren et al., 2016). Herein, Authors would like to introduce a novel groin hernia repair named as “Hernia Sac Top (HST) pathway”. The method can tie hernia sac, mesh, and loophole-closing into an entire unit with suture (Zhong et al., 2015; Wang et al., 2016), and promise a high-degree supportive power exist in the groin area. The unique technique appears to be very interesting but really does matter to reduce the discomfort of bulging after surgery. Authors get the truth and learn more from our practical experiences. Obviously, HST could maintain the integrity of groin area as the most extent as possible. Authors just walk on Bassini's footprint, who emphasizes to close the hole exist in transversalis fascia with purse string suture and high ligation. HST pins the hole and hernia sac on the mesh simultaneously. All joint dedication to reconstruct a stronger and firm groin area will make a hernia go further as time marches on.

10-21

Authors: Hana A. Nemer; Ale J. Hejase; Hussin J. Hejase; Mahmoud Othman; Mona Chawraba; Mohammad Ali Trad

Background: In 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Colorectal Cancer (CRC) as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths (694,000 deaths) after lung (1.59 million deaths), liver (745,000 deaths) and stomach (723,000 deaths) cancers. Thus, CRC awareness is needed in order to promote CRC screening which is widely recommended but remains underused, especially among poor populations. Objective: The study assessed the current understanding of CRC among the Lebanese population in order to propose recommendations that may contribute to increasing the screening rates where it is widely known that the survival rate increases significantly with early interventions. Materials and Methods: The study surveyed 1140 participants that were approached in public places, universities, entrances of the hospitals or places of work as well as following a snowball tactic by giving some potential participants few surveys to complete within their own social circles. The survey included questions related to risk factors, symptoms, and methods of screening. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 software. Results: The results of this study underline the lack of knowledge on CRC where the percentage of respondents that has never heard about it exceeds 59%; likewise, the study underlines the lack of knowledge on CRC screening where the percentage of respondents that have heard about it while claiming that they are familiar with CRC does not exceed 57.17%. Similarly, the results revealed poor knowledge in what relates to CRC risk factors and symptoms. Conclusions: Lack of awareness on CRC and its common risks and symptoms terminology is a barrier to CRC screening; accordingly, effective awareness campaigns are needed to highlight these issues.