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Évaluation de la qualité de vie dans le Syndrome de Gougerot-Sjögren primitif
Full text linkIntroduction: Le syndrome de Gougerot-Sjögren (SGS) est une épithélite auto-immune caractérisée par une infiltration lymphocytaire TCD4+ prédominante, intéressant essentiellement les glandes salivaires et lacrymales exprimant la xérostomie et la xérophtalmie. Le score ESSPRI (European League Against Rheumatism) dédié aux malades permet d’évaluer l’activité de ces symptômes C’est ainsi que, nous nous sommes fixés comme objectif d’évaluer la qualité de vie dans le SGS primitif avec le questionnaire SF-36. Patients et méthode: Il s’agissait d’une étude cas-témoins, réalisée dans le service de Rhumatologie du CHU Aristide Le Dantec de Dakar entre Avril 2022 et juin 2024. Nous avons inclus des patients atteints de SGS primitif (bras 1) et des sujets sains (bras 2) ayant tous renseigné le questionnaire SF-36. Le diagnostic de la maladie de Sjögren reposait sur la confrontation d’arguments épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques en accord avec les critères de classification de l’ACR-EULAR de 2016. Résultats: Cent cas de SGS primitifs ont été appariés avec 100 témoins sains, dont dans chaque bras, 86 femmes et 14 hommes. L’âge médian était respectivement de 53 ans (extrêmes : 20-85) chez les patients et 52,5 ans (extrêmes : 20-84) chez les témoins. Le syndrome sec oculaire et / ou buccal était constant, Il était associé à une atteinte articulaire (forme arthro-glandulaire) dans 80% des cas. La biopsie des glandes salivaires accessoires retrouvait un grade 3 ou 4 de Chisholm et Mason dans 88% des cas. L'ESPRI (European League Against Rheumatism) conclut à des symptômes non supportables dans 86,76% chez les cas index. Les auto-anticorps anti-SSA étaient positifs dans 17/78 cas (21,80%). Conclusion : Notre étude montre une altération significative de la qualité de vie des patients dans toutes les dimensions du SF-36 par rapport aux témoins sains. Cette altération de la qualité de vie était plus marquée dans les domaines RP (rôle physique) santé perçue limitation due à l’état physique; BP(body pain) douleur physique et GH(général health avec des scores inférieurs à 50 sur 100.
Introduction: Sjögren's syndrome (SGS) is an autoimmune epithelitis characterized by a predominant TCD4+ lymphocyte infiltration, mainly involving the salivary and lacrimal glands expressing xerostomia and xerophthalmia. The ESSPRI (European League Against Rheumatism) score dedicated to patients makes it possible to evaluate the activity of these symptoms. Thus, we have set ourselves the objective of evaluating the quality of life in primary SGS with the SF-36 questionnaire. Patients and method: One hundred cases of primary SGS were matched with 100 healthy controls, including 86 women and 14 men in each arm. The median age was 53 years (range: 20-85) in patients and 52.5 years (range: 20-84) in controls, respectively. The dry ocular and/or oral syndrome was constant, it was associated with joint involvement (arthro-glandular form) in 80% of cases. Biopsy of the accessory salivary glands found a grade 3 or 4 Chisholm and Mason grade in 88% of cases. The ESPRIT (European League Against Rheumatism) concludes that symptoms are unbearable in 86.76% of index cases. Anti-SSA autoantibodies were positive in 17/78 cases (21.80%). Results: One hundred cases of primary SGS were matched with 100 healthy controls, including 86 women and 14 men in each arm. The median age was 53 years (range: 20-85) in patients and 52.5 years (range: 20-84) in controls, respectively. The dry ocular and/or oral syndrome was constant, it was associated with joint involvement (arthro-glandular form) in 80% of cases. Biopsy of the accessory salivary glands found a grade 3 or 4 Chisholm and Mason grade in 88% of cases. The ESPRIT (European League Against Rheumatism) concludes that symptoms are unbearable in 86.76% of index cases. Anti-SSA autoantibodies were positive in 17/78 cases (21.80%). Conclusion: Our study shows a significant impairment in patients' quality of life in all dimensions of SF-36 compared to healthy controls. This alteration in the quality of life was more pronounced in the domains of PR (physical role), perceived health, limitation due to physical condition; BP (body pain) physical pain and GH (general health with scores below 50 out of 100
Statistical Analysis of the Dissemination of Cultural Heritage in Traditional and Social Media in Burundi
Full text linkThe objective of this paper is to determine the place of cultural heritage in newspapers, radio, television broadcasts and online media. Metadata from the Conseil National de la Communication (CNC) and Annuaire du Secteur de la Communication et des Médias (ASCM 2019) were analyzed. These traditional and online radio, as well as television stations, were selected based on their responsibility as state institutions. Thus, 13 radio stations, including 2 public and 11 private dealing with 11,397 subjects in the spoken news, are the subject of the research. A total of 354 radio programs were analyzed. In the online media, 765 articles were posted. The findings show that cultural information is relegated to second place in radio and television news and online media. Only 53 cultural items out of 765, i.e., a rate of 0.6%, are relayed online. Jimbere Magazine took the lead with 39 cultural items out of the 53 broadcasts on the 13 radio stations, at a rate of 73.5%. The political and educational sectors attracted more attention to the public and private media, respectively with 160 and 116 items, a rate of 20% and 15%. Overall, out of 11,397 subjects covered in the news on 13 radio stations broadcasting in Burundi, 11 items related to cultural heritage were broadcast, accounting for 0.43%. This has also been observed with television news at 0.5%, while no television programs related to culture were broadcast on three TV channels, namely RTNB, REMA, and MASHARIKI
Socioemotional Linguistic and Rhetorical Markers of the September 2024 Hostilities in Lebanon: Insights from Academics across Lebanese Universities
Full text linkSeveral theoretical frameworks examine the intricate relationship between language and socioemotional dynamics. Drawing upon Fairclough's tripartite framework of critical discourse analysis, this research case study endeavors to show how linguistic expression encapsulates the socioemotional experiences of displacement, trauma, resilience, and solidarity among university faculty impacted by the airstrikes in Lebanon in 2024. This research's main objective is to scrutinize the use of lexical choices and rhetorical strategies to articulate these emotions while reflecting social and ideological constructs in reaction to the prevailing hostilities. Data were collected from the perspectives of sixty-two instructors and staff members across thirteen Lebanese universities through a twenty-item online survey, which served as the foundation for both statistical and descriptive analysis. Furthermore, as a result, twenty-six online narrative reflection logs provided a linguistically nuanced representation of socioemotional linguistic indicators related to displacement, trauma, resilience, and solidarity, while also invoking rhetorical techniques such as similes, metaphors, hypophoras, epizeuxis, and anaphoras that signified a connection to a collective identity
Challenges of Implementing Agile Methodology in the Jordanian Banking Sector
Full text linkTraditional banking operations must be changed because financial industry dynamics and customer demands have started to transform the market. Financial institutions use Agile methods which were created for software development to increase operational efficiency while boosting customer satisfaction levels. Multiple challenges persist for Jordanian banks when they attempt to implement Agile methodologies. The main obstacle stems from employees who resist change. Regulatory demands together with the intricate nature of system integration prove to be big obstacles for organizations. Several banking institutions across the industry encounter difficulties due to limited Agile proficiency among their staff. The implementation process faces various barriers because of workplace hierarchy structures. This research combines interviews with banking experts and surveys to study Agile implementation in Jordanian banks through a mixed-methods approach. The study identifies important barriers that lead to proposed solutions including professional training for selected positions as well as top-level executive backing and stepwise rollouts. The solutions to these problems will enable Jordanian banks to gain agility and competitiveness as well as innovation potential. The study advances knowledge about Agile adoption in literature while presenting usable recommendations for financial institutions. Survey results show resistance to change was the highest barrier at 75% of Jordanian banking employees, then followed by insufficient training as the highest issue at 50%. Moreover, 45% of the participants struggled to implement Agile with existing banking systems. These remarks highlight formal Agile transformation approaches, including specialized training programs and executive-level sponsorship
Caractérisation physicochimiques et distribution spatiotemporelle des macroinvertébrés benthiques dans 4 étangs piscicoles (Yaoundé1, Yaoundé2, Mbankomo1 et Mbankomo2) dans la région du Centre (Cameroun)
Full text linkCette étude vise à déterminer la diversité macroinvertébrés benthiques en relation avec la qualité physico-chimique dans 4 étangs piscicoles (Yaoundé1, Yaoundé2, Mbankomo1 et Mbankomo2) dans la région du Centre (Cameroun). Les échantillonnages des macroinvertébrés benthiques ont été faits suivant l’approche multihabitat, en utilisant un troubleau de forme carrée muni d’un filet de 400 µm d’ouverture de maille. Les organismes ainsi récoltés ont été fixés au formol 10% contenu dans des piluliers en verre. Au laboratoire, les spécimens ont été lavés à l’eau courante puis conservés dans de l’alcool à 70° avant les opérations d’identification et de comptage. Au cours de cette étude, 9140 individus ont été récoltés appartenant à 3 embranchements (Mollusques, Annélides et Arthropodes), 3 classes,8 ordres et 32 familles. L’embranchements des mollusques correspond 7344 individus soit 80,35% d’abondance relative ; celui des arthropodes 1795 individus soit 19 ,63 % d’abondance relative. La classe des Gastéropodes prédomine avec 7344 individus soit 80,35 % d’abondance relative suivie des Insectes avec 1795 individus soit 19,63 % d’abondance relative puis des Achètes avec 1 individu soit 0,01 % d’abondance relative. La famille des Thiaridae a présenté une abondance relative de 66% parmi toutes les familles représentées. Elle présente des tolérances des niveaux relativement bas d‘oxygène dissous et peut se développer dans les eaux riches en matières organiques en décomposition, ce qui est caractéristique des milieux eutrophes. Les paramètres abiotiques tels que la température, l’oxygène dissous, la transparence, le nitrate et l’orthophosphate marque des eaux eutrophes dans ces étangs. L’analyse de l’indice de diversité de Shannon et d’équitabilité de Piélou présente les mêmes tendances. L’analyse des valeurs de l’Indice de Pollution Organique obtenue à partir des moyennes des classes de qualité, les eaux des étangs piscicoles étudiés sont sujettes à une forte pollution toutefois, seraient de mauvaise qualité écologique.
This study aims to determine the benthic macroinvertebrate diversity in relation to the physicochemical quality in 4 fish ponds (Yaoundé1, Yaoundé 2, Mbankomo1, and Mbankomo2) in the Centre Region (Cameroon). Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling was carried out using a multihabitat approach, with a square hand net with a 400 µm mesh size. The collected organisms were fixed in 10% formalin in glass vials. In the laboratory, the specimens were washed with tap water and then preserved in 70% alcohol before identification and counting. During this study, 9140 individuals were collected, belonging to 3 phyla (Mollusca, Annelida, and Arthropoda), 3 classes, 8 orders, and 32 families. The Mollusca phylum accounted for 7344 individuals, representing 80.35% of the relative abundance; the Arthropoda phylum accounted for 1795 individuals, representing 19.63% of the relative abundance. The Gastropoda class predominated with 7344 individuals, representing 80.35% of the relative abundance, followed by Insecta with 1795 individuals, representing 19.63% of the relative abundance, and then Oligochaeta with 1 individual, representing 0.01% of the relative abundance. The Thiaridae family showed a relative abundance of 66% among all represented families. It exhibits tolerance to relatively low levels of dissolved oxygen and can thrive in waters rich in decaying organic matter, which is characteristic of eutrophic environments. Abiotic parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, transparency, nitrate, and orthophosphate indicate eutrophic waters in these ponds. The analysis of the Shannon diversity index and Pielou's evenness index shows the same trends. The analysis of the Organic Pollution Index values obtained from the averages of the quality classes indicates that the waters of the studied fish ponds are subject to high pollution and would therefore be of poor ecological quality
Evaluating Biological Risks in Biomedical Laboratories of Primary Health Care
Full text linkBiomedical laboratories in primary health care centers play a critical role in disease detection, diagnosis, and management. However, the handling of diagnostic samples presents significant biological risks, particularly when biosafety measures are insufficient. This study focuses on analyzing the biological risks in 35 BSL-2 biomedical laboratories within health facilities in Athens, Greece, by examining compliance with biosafety regulations, personnel safety awareness, and biorisk management practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted combining a customized checklist and a structured health and safety questionnaire, both developed based on the existing literature, including the international biosafety guidelines (BMBL 6th ed., WHO Biosafety Program Management, 2020). On-site evaluations were performed by a certified biorisk management advisor, and 158 laboratory professionals anonymously completed questionnaires on biosafety practices. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively, and where possible, quantitatively, by using SPSS software and p-values from the McNemar test. The results revealed widespread deficiencies in biosafety culture and risk management. Key gaps were identified in all layers of engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency preparedness. Many laboratories failed to meet international biosafety standards set by organizations such as the WHO, CDC, and ECDC, as well as Greek legislation, highlighting the need for urgent improvements. To address these issues and mitigate the observed gaps, the implementation of comprehensive Biorisk Management Systems, enhanced biosafety training, and stricter enforcement of national and European biosafety regulations is strongly recommended. These measures are essential to protect laboratory personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment from lab-acquired infections and other biological threats
Etude diagnostique de la fertilisation du concombre à San Pedro au Sud-Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire
Full text linkIl y a un déficit en fruits et légumes en Côte d’Ivoire selon Bon et al (2018). Il peut être dû à plusieurs raisons. L’objectif de cette étude est de montrer que, la mauvaise combinaison des doses d’engrais organique et inorganique pourrait contraindre l’atteindre du rendement référentiel moyen du concombre qui est 20 tonnes/ha. Dans cette optique, à l’issu d’une préenquête, 30 productrices de concombre du groupement Yobié-Nien de DAFCI de San Pedro ont été interrogés individuellement à travers un questionnaire. Le logiciel R a été utilisé. Le test non paramétrique de comparaison de la moyenne (t) de Mann Whitney a montré que la moyenne de masse d’azote apportée par les productrices de 100,76 ±79,79 kg/ha est significativement inférieure à la valeur référentielle qui est 150 kg/ha. Le même test a présenté un rendement moyen de 5,62 ± 2,98 t/ha significative inférieure à la valeur référentielle qui est 20 t/ha. La corrélation positive faible (0,48) entre la masse d’azote total et le rendement a montré que la masse total d’azote contenue dans la fiente de poulets +sciure et le NPK 12 22 22 n’a pas optimisé le rendement de la majorité des productrices. En perspective, dans le cadre de la recherche, les données de la productrice 1, serviront de bases pour la détermination de la masse d’azote qui permettra de couvrir les besoins du concombre à travers des essais pour atteindre le rendement référentiel de 20 t/ha. Cette démarche pourrait être appliquer à d’autres cultures et pourrait contribuer à résoudre le problème du déficit en fruits et légumes pour une sécurité alimentaire durable en Côte d’Ivoire.
There is a deficit in fruits and vegetables in Ivory Coast, according to Bon et al (2018). It may be due to several reasons. The objective of this study is to show that the poor combination of doses of organic and inorganic fertilizer could constrain the achievement of the average reference yield of cucumber, which is 20 tons/ha. With this in mind, 30 producers who specifically produce cucumber from the Yobié-Nien group of DAFCI of San Pedro were interviewed individually through a questionnaire. R software was used. The non-parametric test for comparison of the mean (t) of Mann-Whitney showed that the average mass of nitrogen provided by the producers of 100.76 ± 79.79 kg/ha is significantly lower than the reference value which is 150 kg/ha. The same test presented an average yield of 5.62 ± 2.98 t/ha, significantly lower than the reference value, which is 20 t/ha. The weak positive correlation (0.48) between the total nitrogen mass and yield showed that the total nitrogen mass contained in chicken manure + sawdust and NPK 12 22 22 did not optimize the yield of the majority of producers. In perspective, in the research framework, the data of producer 1 will serve as a basis for determining the nitrogen mass that will cover the needs of cucumber through trials to achieve the reference yield of 20 t/ha. This approach could be applied to other crops and could contribute to solving the problem of fruit and vegetable deficit for sustainable food security in Côte d'Ivoire
Debt versus Equity in Corporate Financing: Distinction and Resemblance Between Agency Theory and Market Timing Theory in Capital Structure Decisions
Full text linkThis study examines the preference for debt over equity issuance among U.S. companies and analyzes the financial and structural implications of financing decisions by focusing on the interplay between agency theory and market timing theory. The research investigates how these theories explain financing preferences, assesses the impact of key financial ratios on debt levels, and explores the implications for corporate financial strategies. The research employed a quantitative panel data regression analysis, utilized secondary data from 64 U.S. companies over quarterly periods between 2012 and 2017, and sourced from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Analytical techniques include the Mahalanobis Distance for outlier detection, Pearson’s correlation matrix for multicollinearity assessment, and Hausman and Lagrange multiplier tests were used to validate the fixed-effects model.
Findings reveal that companies tend to issue debt to reduce their tax liabilities and increase post-tax cash flow available for dividends. However, a negative relationship is observed between liquidity, measured by the current ratio (CR), and the debt ratio, suggesting that higher liquidity levels lead companies to limited debt, potentially to mitigate agency costs between creditors, management, and owners. Additionally, the negative relationship between company size and debt ratio indicates that larger companies, with higher profitability, tend to maintain lower debt levels. Conversely, asset utilization shows a positive relationship with debt, indicating efficient asset use supports higher borrowing capacity. Notably, share price performance and tangibility were statistically insignificant, implying that market timing has limited influence on debt decisions.
The findings highlight the complex dynamics of capital structure decisions, which emphasize the importance of aligning management incentives to maximize shareholders’ value while minimizing agency costs. This alignment process would be achieved through performance-based compensation, which is tied to liquidity optimization, profitability, growth opportunities and stock price performance. The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of how equity and debt financing preferences impact corporate financial strategies and behaviors. The study highlights the benefits from tax advantages of debt financing, which enhances post-tax cash flow. The research contributes to the broader understanding of corporate financing strategies in developed markets, though further studies could explore cross-market comparisons
Analysis of the determinants influencing the choice of local market garden crops: tomato, chili, onion, krinkrin, and okra in Southern Benin
Full text linkFor over two decades, Benin has experienced a steady rise in market gardening production. However, this growth has not translated into self-sufficiency, as the country continues to rely on imports from neighboring nations during lean seasons. Analyzing the factors influencing the choice of local market garden crops could provide valuable insights for addressing this issue. This study employed a multivariate probit model to identify the determinants influencing the adoption of specific market garden crops, namely tomato, pepper, onion, krinkrin, and okra, on farms in southern Benin. The research was conducted using a randomly selected sample of 474 market gardeners. Findings revealed interdependence and complementarity in the adoption of the various crops studied. Notably, most surveyed producers preferred adopting combinations of either two (27.43%) or four (25.74%) crops at a time. Moreover, key factors influencing crop adoption included the presence of a local market, the farmers’ level of education, access to a telephone network, the nature of the area, particularly its proximity to the water table, and the security of farming sites