Open Science Journal (OSJ)
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On the essence and ontology of systems
Get PDFIn the first part of this research, publications were reviewed from 1968 to 2019, with the aim of observing how the definition of system has evolved, since it was established by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy. From this review it is concluded that this definition has not changed in essence, all the researchers consulted use concepts similar to those of Bertalanffy, when they propose a definition of system. However, according to the specific field of work, the authors add their own characteristics.Bertalanffy's definition and all that have been derived from it postulate that a system is a conglomerate of interacting components. But after a brief reasoning it is concluded that everything in our universe meets that definition. A system is an atom, a cell, a chair, a galaxy, or the universe as a whole. So systems theory would be the theory of everything, which is too broad and imprecise.Vagueness and imprecision have been eliminated when the concept of system has been applied to specific fields of knowledge and human activity and in each of them characteristics have been added that define more specifically the systems that are relevant to certain technical or scientific specialties. However, this has caused that many concepts developed in one field cannot be extended or used in others.In this work, a system definition is established that allows us to clearly and precisely describe what these entities are and distinguish them from other concepts and entities. In this way it has been possible to characterize what a system is, using concepts that are applicable to any of the types of systems that can be found in our known world: natural systems, man-made systems and social systems
The criteria for self determination and recognition as a sovereign state: Case of Kosovo
Get PDFSelf-determination is a controversial issue in public international relations as well as in international law. The rise of groups of people in different geographical locations of the world, seeking alienation and recognition, as independent sovereign state cannot therefore continued to be ignored. The protection of the inviolable right of state sovereignty as provided for under the preamble of the United Nations Charter cannot be shoved under the carpet. It is now a public debate on whether state sovereignty has to be protected at all costs including ignoring pressure from proponents of self-determination. What then are the characteristics or criteria that qualifies a group to be entitled to secession? The aim of this article is to look at the brief history of self-determination and assess the criteria considered for declaration of sovereignty. The case of Kosovo will be considered extensively. The author seeks to fill the gap in existing literature on whether recognition automatically confers upon meeting the laid down requirements or political decisions also hold water. The methodology used is theoretical It is clear from the results that the subject of graduation from self-determination to state sovereignty is an issue not so much of legality but political recognition by the international community. This research will positively contribute to the debate surrounding self-determination and sovereignty. It will at least demystify the fog surrounding this highly contested principle. The research will help in widening the criteria for state sovereignty to include political recognition. The author proposes more studies in the area of whether political recognition is legal when making international law decisions
Risk and return analysis of listed financial companies in Ghana (a study of Cal Bank, Ecobank GH Ltd, Ghana Commercial Bank ( GCB) and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB))
Get PDFABSTRACTGlobally, Investors as well as business men and women are very optimistic about the future and therefore defer current use of resources for use at a later period with a higher expected rate of return. This is not so different in the case of Ghana. The main objective of the study is to analyse the risk and return of listed financial companies in Ghana. A sample of four financial companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (Cal Bank Limited, Ecobank Ghana Limited, GCB Bank Limited and Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited) were selected and financial ratio (return on equity, return on asset, current ratio, quick ratio and financial leverage) computed using excel and analyzed using STATA. The study fitted a Pooled Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Least Square Dummy Variable (LSDV) regression model with fixed effect model since fixed effect was tested to be statistically significant in the model. Empirical analysis of the data revealed that Banks with high risk levels proved to have a higher profitability as compared to the other banks under study. Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited and Ecobank Ghana Limited showed the highest levels of profitability, with Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited topping the charts in most years. However, on average, Cal Bank Ghana recorded the lowest rates of profitability.Also, a positive relationship existed between profitability (return on equity) and current ratio and financial leverage whilst an inverse relationship between return on equity and quick ratio. Overall model for both the Pooled OLS and the LSDV regression model tested to be statistically significant and a greater percentage (99.99%) of the total variability in return on equity was explained by the independent variables (return on asset, current ratio, quick ratio and financial leverage).Key words: Risk, Return, Pooled OLS regression model, LSDV regression model
Environmentally sustainable governance model to improve the ewaste management in Mexico City
Get PDFIn this age of technology, where the use of this is excessive and its exponential growth has given rise to a series of challenges and opportunities caused by the accumulation of waste electrical and electronic equipment in Mexico City. For its treatment, more practical approaches have been necessary, taking into account proper management and long-term well-being as a main element of sustainability. The objective of this work is to propose sustainable initiatives based on social, economic and environmental dimensions, based on the challenges faced by waste management of electrical and electronic equipment as one of the fields that contribute to the transition towards a sustainable society. Data from each dimension were analyzed to extract the most relevant challenges by reviewing the literature and identifying sources that relate them to the life cycle of electrical and electronic waste. As a result, a governance model for waste electronic and electronic devices was obtained to support environmental sustainability that identifies lines of action for the effective treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment highlighting awareness, education, knowledge and regulations as well as processes environmental. From this it is concluded that the governance of waste electrical and electronic equipment is mandatory for the integration of economic, social and environmental factors to efficiently leverage efforts on environmental care
A systematic review of contract farming, and its impact on broiler producers in Lebanon
Get PDFThis Thesis has been realized within the agribusiness sector and experiments the Transaction Cost Theory a branch of the New Institutional Economy which explain market failure caused by many factors. Transaction costs are associated with carrying a transaction between buyers and sellers. This study has been conducted between 2014 and 2017; and has collected data from 11 broiler producers in Jezzine, Lebanon, about: Production costs, capital investment, revenues, land tenure, access to infrastructure, and information about the contract. The propensity score matching method is used to compare the effect of participating in contract farming and to solve the hypotheses, which say: There is a positive relationship between contract farming and the economic benefits of broiler producers and the development of the broiler sector in Jezzine District. Findings from farmer’s interviews indicated that sustainability, guaranteed price, risk reduction, credit facilities and technical aids are the main reasons for signing a contract. In contrast, Farmers have expressed problems concerning the contractors’ responsibilities such as delay in payment and delivery. Also, when prices are high, it was argued that farmers were selling the products in the open market
Recommender system for modelling subject combination in Ugandan senior secondary schools
Get PDFSubject combinations at A-level in Ugandan Senior Secondary Schools have made or marred the future career of many prospective students, many students have ended up doing courses they had not planned to do because they made wrong choices at their A-level. This recommender system offers the decision-making process for students based on their subject performance coupled with interest, passion, skills and talents to enable them make right choices. It is person-centred and there are three (3) main actors: the student (who are interested in making appropriate career choice), the documents (which contains available information about interest and passion, skills and talents and subject performances) and access metrics (which aids the student of A-level in extracting knowledge from available resources). A hybrid matrix factorization model using ANFIS and R were used to represents students and subjects as linear combinations derived from their characteristics and interactions, this is combined with rule-based model to offer a unified approach of presenting any student with a list of subjects that will lead to prospective career choices. This offer higher predictive accuracy in career choice matchmaking and overcoming challenges of parental influence, peer influence and others while expanding opportunities of career guidance in Uganda.
Necrotizing fasciitis - a case series
No full textNecrotizing Fasciitis is a rapidly progressing soft tissue infection primarily involving the superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue.In this case series, we reviewed the clinical presentation of the Necrotising fasciitis cases, the critical role of early diagnosis, to assess the important predictor of mortality and importance of LRINEC scores in proven cases. The data was collected prospectively and retrospectively for 16 consecutive patients who were admitted at our institution with Necrotising Fascitis between January 2010 and April 2018. Patients were subdivided in to two sub groups, survived (n= 12) and deceased (n=4).The both groups were assessed in terms of age, gender, predisposing factors and the difference between the LRINEC score.Age ranged from 30 to 77 years (average age 54.6). The most common associated comorbidity was DM in 6, followed by IVDU in 3 patients.We noted mean LRINEC score 9.5 in those patients who survived and 9.75 with mortality group.Group statistics revealed the age is an important factor for predicting high mortality and diabetes mellitus being the most common comorbid condition. We noted that streptococci and staphylococci remain the virulent and commonest organism.We noted that LRINEC score is an important to predict the morbidity and mortality as the mean score was 9.5 (range 6-12), but no significant difference in the LRINEC score noted in the deceased vs survived group. We strongly recommend the high clinical suspicion, prompt investigations and resuscitation with appropriate antimicrobial therapy followed by expedited surgical debridement to reduce the morbidity and mortality
Main erythrocyte antigens involved in the alloimmunization process
Get PDFErythrocyte alloimmunization occurs when an individual produces antibodies to antigens on the donor's red blood cell, which the immune system identifies as a foreign element to the organism. It represents one of the greatest risks faced by patients undergoing transfusion therapy, reducing the possibility of finding compatible red blood cells in future transfusions. The immune system of the human being has the ability to recognize what is proper to its genome from what is not proper, being able to stimulate an immune reaction against foreign substances. Upon contact with different antigens present in the donor red blood cell, the recipient of the blood may trigger an immune response by generating antibodies against nonself antigens due to sensitization, such as post-pregnancy or primary transfusion, which may trigger lysis of transfused red blood cells. Exposure to large numbers of nonself antigens may lead to the formation of alloantibodies causing intra- or extravascular haemolytic transfusion reaction. Polytransfused patients are more likely to develop alloantibodies, approximately 1% for each transfused unit. This percentage may be higher in sickle cell patients (36%), thalassemia patients (10%) and people with myelo and lymphoproliferative diseases (9%)
Analytical View on the Impact of Foreign Aid on the Palestinian Local Development within the Framework of the Local Government Sector - Under the State Building Phase -
No full textThis paper trying to assess the impact of foreign aid on the Palestinian local development by focusing on the role of PLGS and monitoring the readiness of the Palestinian local development plans to face and manage the future in case foreign aid is cut off permanently from the State of Palestine. The paper poses main question: Is foreign aid “within the framework of the PLGS” being channeled within the proper course of local development? Taking into account the exceptional circumstances of building a State under colonialism and under a centralized system of government. Main results were presented via SWOT analysis which based on deep literature review, interviewing local officials, and identification of performance indicators which used in the assessment. Findings of this study pointed out that despite the fragility of the Palestinian local governance sector which has many internal problems and external challenges; there are many opportunities that must be invested within the available potentials in order to achieve sustainable local development. Besides, reducing the value of foreign aid until do without it is the proper course toward sustainable local development through changing the mentality of consuming into investing. The study presented many valuable recommendations to correct the path of local development in the state of Palestine and how to activate the positive aspects that related to obtaining foreign aid. Developing countries can rely on the results of this study as they are similar in the fragility of their administrative systems
Laparoscopic approach for huge benign ovarian cyst in woman with history of previous 5 laparotomies (including 4 cesarean section)
Get PDFAn adnexal mass (mass of the ovary, fallopian tube, or surrounding connective tissues) is a common gynecologic problem. In the United States, it is estimated that there is a 5 to 10% lifetime risk for women undergoing surgery for a suspected ovarian neoplasm. Adnexal masses may be found in females of all ages, from fetuses to older adults, and there are a wide variety of types of masses. Today, the surgical treatment has become more conservative and less invasive; hence, a laparoscopic approach in the presence of benign cysts has become a golden standard. In the past, patients with previous abdominal surgery were discouraged from undergoing laparoscopic surgery because of its increased risk of bowel injury caused by needle and trocar insertion. Complications occur two times more frequently in patients with previous laparotomy in a study of long series. The potential risk for injury of organs adherent to the abdominal wall during veress needle or trocar insertion as well as the necessity for adhesiolysis and its attendant complications are the two major specific problems constraining surgeons from performing laparoscopic cystectomy/ oophorectomy for patients with previous abdominal surgery. Herein, we report a case of a 32-year-old woman P4 + 2 with history of previous four cesarean section and a following laparotomy for interval sterilization presented to our clinic with abdominal mass, discovered by ultrasound scan, managed by a laparoscopic approach.Keywords: Benign ovarian cyst, laparoscopy, ovary, previous cesarean section, previous laparotom