European Scientific Journal, ESJ
Not a member yet
14433 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessment of Knowledge on Glaucomatous Disease in People with Glaucoma and Healthy Patients
Get PDFBackground: Glaucoma is a chronic, irreversible optic nerve neuropathy characterized by loss of visual field, which can evolve to irreversible vision loss if not treated properly. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge about glaucoma between a group of diagnosed patients and a control group. Methods: 50 individuals with glaucoma (group A) of the Ophthalmology service of Centro Universitário FMABC were required to answer a validated questionnaire. 50 patients without diagnosed glaucoma (Group B) answered the same questionnaire. Sociodemographic data were recorded, a source of information on the disease of 50 patients in Group A and 50 in Group B and, in Group A, it was also asked for how long they had been diagnosed. Results: In the glaucoma group, 52% were female and 48% were male. In the control group, 66% were women and 34% were men. The mean age of group A was 66.4 years and that of group B was 55.7 years. All individuals with glaucoma reported being aware of the disease, while 23% of Group B lacked awareness of the disease. 54% of Group A patients were not aware that vision loss in glaucoma is slow and 46% of them reported that the disease is mostly associated with ocular discomfort. The mean score of the questions in Group A and Group B was 12.08 and 10.66, respectively (p=0.0098). Conclusion: Patients with glaucoma demonstrate greater awareness of the disease than participants without glaucoma but appear to lack awareness of the complications of this disease. This study suggests the need to improve the population's knowledge about the disease and the prevention of irreversible vision loss
Post-Burn Popliteal Fossa Flexion Contracture: Our Experience with a Case in N’Djamena (Chad)
Get PDFIntroduction: The functional sequels of burns, including knee contracture, are common in children in southern countries due to very limited access to specialized care structures. The treatment is surgical, accompanied by physiotherapy to improve the functional result. Case report: We report the case of an 11-year-old female patient, admitted to the surgery department after three years. She suffered from sequelae of thermal flame burn of the trunk and lower limbs. She was treated in a rural hospital, and the evolution was complicated by a contracture of the left popliteal fossa and incomplete healing of the wound. The treatment of the wound was done for thirty days, allowing for an optimal local condition. This was until the suppuration completely stopped (after thirty days). Complete healing was not achieved, but the wound was clean, and the C-Reactive Protein was normal. Surgery to release the flange was possible after two months. A plasty to release the flange was carried out eight weeks later by a “chevron” lengthening tenotomy of the hamstring muscles and transversal fascial incisions (to discharge the gastrocnemius muscles). Conclusion: Domestic thermal burns are common among children. The articular localization causes more functional consequences. They require early consultation at a specialized center to minimize the consequences
Évaluation de la conformité des prescriptions de corticoïdes dans les infections cérébro-méningées au CHU Ibn Rochd de Casablanca
Get PDFIntroduction : Les corticoïdes sont prescrits comme adjuvants dans certaines infections cérébro-méningées pour réduire la réponse inflammatoire. Les recommandations internationales précisent la molécule, la posologie et la durée du traitement selon l’étiologie. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer la conformité des prescriptions de corticoïdes aux recommandations internationales dans le service des maladies infectieuses du CHU IBN Rochd de Casablanca. Matériel et méthodes : Il s’agit d’une étude transversale descriptive monocentrique sur un an (du 1er janvier au 31 décembre 2023). Ont été inclus tous les patients hospitalisés pour une infection cérébrale et/ou méningée ayant reçu une corticothérapie. Les dossiers incomplets ont été exclus. Les variables recueillies comprenaient données sociodémographiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques (molécule utilisée, voie d’administration, schéma posologique, durée, protocole d’arrêt et traitements adjuvants). La conformité de la corticothérapie a été évaluée par rapport aux recommandations IDSA, SPILF et OMS. Les données ont été traitées avec SPSS v.23. Résultats : Trente-neuf patients ont été inclus. L’âge moyen de nos patients était de 39,87±15,85 ans avec une prédominance masculine. Vingt-cinq patients, soit 64,1%, ne présentaient aucun antécédent pathologique. Vingt-cinq patients (64,1%) avaient reçu une corticothérapie parentérale et orale ; 25,64% une corticothérapie parentérale seule et 10,25% une corticothérapie orale seule. Méthylprednisolone est prescrite dans la quasi-totalité des cas (87,17%). Les schémas posologiques étaient hétérogènes et souvent prolongés. Une dégression de la corticothérapie a été effectuée chez 75,86% des patients. Une supplémentation en potassium et calcium a été prescrite chez 76,9% des patients et les IPP dans une proportion de 38,46% des cas. Au regard des recommandations, aucune prescription de corticothérapie ne remplissait l’intégralité des critères de conformité définis. Conclusion : Cette étude met en lumière des écarts considérables entre la prescription des corticoïdes et les recommandations internationales en termes de choix de la molécule, de la posologie, de la durée et du traitement adjuvants. Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité d’une actualisation des protocoles thérapeutiques et d’une formation continue des prescripteurs pour un meilleur usage des corticoïdes à l’hôpital.
Introduction: Corticosteroids are prescribed as adjunctive therapy in certain cerebrospinal fluid infections to reduce the inflammatory response. International guidelines specify the molecule, dosage, and duration of treatment according to the etiology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the conformity of corticosteroid prescriptions to international recommendations in the infectious diseases department of the IBN Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca. Material and methods: This was a single-center, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted over one year (January 1 to December 31, 2023). All patients hospitalized for cerebral and/or meningeal infection who received corticosteroid therapy were included. Incomplete records were excluded. Data collected included sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic information (drug used, route of administration, dosage regimen, duration, discontinuation protocol, and adjuvant treatments). Adherence to corticosteroid therapy was assessed against IDSA, FIDS, and WHO guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.23. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included. The mean age of our patients was 39.87 ± 15.85 years, with a male predominance. Twenty-five patients (64.1%) had no prior medical history. Twenty-five patients (64.1%) received parenteral and oral corticosteroid therapy; 25.64% received parenteral corticosteroid therapy alone, and 10.25% received oral corticosteroid therapy alone. Methylprednisolone was prescribed in almost all cases (87.17%). Dosage regimens were heterogeneous and often prolonged. Corticosteroid therapy was tapered in 75.86% of patients. Potassium and calcium supplementation were prescribed in 76.9% of patients, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in 38.46% of cases. According to the guidelines, no corticosteroid prescription met all the defined compliance criteria. Conclusion: This study highlighted significant deviation between corticosteroid prescriptions and international recommendations regarding the choice of molecule, dosage, duration, and adjuvant treatment. These findings emphasize the need for updated local protocols and continuous prescriber training to ensure rational corticosteroid use in hospital settings
Leveraging Dynamic Capabilities to Overcome Financing Barriers and Drive Sustainability of Solar Social Enterprises in Kenya
Get PDFThis study examined how financing and dynamic capabilities affect the sustainability of solar social enterprises (SSEs) in Nairobi County, Kenya. Against the backdrop of persistent energy access challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, the research aimed to find out how SSEs navigate financing barriers and leverage dynamic capabilities to achieve sustainable growth. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the study draws on in-depth interviews with SSE founders and managers. These were triangulated with business documents and sectoral reports. Key findings reveal that SSEs face significant obstacles in accessing finance, including perceived bias, banks’ risk aversion, and rigorous due diligence requirements. These challenges disproportionately affect locally owned enterprises. The study found entrepreneurial alertness, strategic agility, and resource orchestration as the entrepreneurial dynamic capabilities enabling SSEs to mobilize resources and adapt to market shifts. The study concludes that adapting financing models to local contexts and supporting the development of entrepreneurial dynamic capabilities are vital for the long-term growth of SSEs. Interventions fostering inclusive investment and capacity-building are recommended to advance sustainable growth in Kenya’s dynamic solar sector
Apports de la géoinformatique pour l’évaluation des zones à risque d’inondation dans le bassin versant Bendougou
Get PDFDepuis plus de cinquante ans, les inondations sont récurrentes dans le sud du Mali, en particulier dans le bassin versant du Bendougou, où se trouve la ville de Bla. Ces inondations, considérées comme dangereuses, suscitent une attention croissante de la part du public et de la communauté scientifique. Cette étude utilise la géo-informatique pour évaluer les zones à risque d'inondation à l'aide d'une approche multicritères basée sur les systèmes d'information géographique (SIG). Les données utilisées comprennent un modèle numérique d'élévation (MNE) provenant d'ALOS PALSAR (2014, résolution de 12,5 m), 30 ans de données cumulées sur les précipitations, des données démographiques provenant de WORLDPOP et des images satellite Landsat 8 OLI de 2023 (résolution de 30 m). Le MNT a été utilisé pour caractériser le terrain en termes de pente, d'altitude et de densité de drainage. Les images Landsat ont été analysées pour cartographier l'utilisation et la couverture des sols.
Le processus analytique hiérarchique (PAH) a été utilisé pour attribuer des pondérations à chaque facteur en fonction de son importance relative. La carte finale des risques d'inondation a été générée à partir d'une combinaison linéaire pondérée de la carte des aléas, de la densité de population et des données sur l'utilisation des sols. Les résultats indiquent que 40 % de la superficie du bassin versant (soit 260 505 hectares) est classée comme présentant un risque faible, 33 % un risque modéré, 23 % un risque très faible et seulement 4 % un risque élevé à très élevé. Les zones les plus vulnérables sont principalement situées dans les environs urbains de Bla. Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité urgente de renforcer les efforts de prévention et de gestion des inondations dans cette localité en rapide urbanisation.
For over fifty years, flooding in southern Mali has been recurrent, particularly within the Bendougou watershed, where the city of Bla is located. These floods, regarded as dangerous, have attracted growing attention from the public as well as the scientific community. This study employs geoinformatics to evaluate flood risk zones using a multi-criteria approach based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The data used include a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from ALOS PALSAR (2014, 12.5 m resolution), 30 years of cumulative rainfall data, demographic data from WORLDPOP, and Landsat 8 OLI satellite imagery from 2023 (30 m resolution). The DEM was used to characterize the terrain in terms of slope, elevation, and drainage density. Landsat imagery was analyzed to map land use and land cover. Flood hazard was estimated by integrating topographic, rainfall, and land use data. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to assign weights to each factor according to its relative importance. The final flood risk map was generated through a weighted linear combination of the hazard map, population density, and land use data. The results indicate that 40% of the watershed area (equivalent to 260,505 hectares) is classified as low risk, 33% as moderate risk, 23% as very low risk, and only 4% as high to very high risk. The most vulnerable areas are predominantly located in the urban vicinity of Bla. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen flood prevention and management efforts in this rapidly urbanizing locality
Sectoral Interconnectedness: insights from five sectors in ‘smart’ urban planning (Energy, Transport, Waste Management, Buildings, and Cities)
Get PDF‘Smart’ urban planning has become essential for addressing contemporary urban challenges, with sectoral interconnectedness at its core for achieving sustainable, efficient, and resilient cities. Yet it remains unknown to what extent the elements of smart are interlinked across the sectors. Therefore, this paper examines the degree of interconnectedness across five smart sectors: Energy, Transport, Waste management, Buildings, and Smart cities, covering site to city-wide scale. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative thematic coding and quantitative correlation analysis using NVivo's suite of cluster analysis tools. Strong interconnectedness was identified between the Energy and Transport sectors, driven by digital transformation and data-driven decision-making. In contrast, weak interconnectedness was observed between transformative cross-sectoral (CS) goals such as climate adaptation and sustainability. Smart Cities was the most interconnected sector, acting as a central platform where CS goals like sustainability, digital transformation, and real-time data utilization converge. Nevertheless, sectoral silos and inconsistent interoperability threaten the realization of holistic smart urban outcomes. This highlights the urgent need for cohesive frameworks that systematically align CS goals across sectors, ensuring that technological innovations contribute meaningfully to long-term environmental and social objectives. The paper’s insights can help policymakers and practitioners strengthen cross-sector collaboration, optimize urban systems, and promote integrated, adaptive, and sustainable smart urban planning
Debt versus Equity in Corporate Financing: Distinction and Resemblance Between Agency Theory and Market Timing Theory in Capital Structure Decisions
Get PDFThis 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
Get PDFFor 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
Awareness of Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies Among Secondary School Students in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigated the awareness of climate change and adaptation strategies among secondary school students in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Two research questions guided, and two null hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The researchers employed a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of 8,564 JSS and SS students from the 9 public secondary schools in the area. The sample size consisted of 170 students from the four schools sampled for the study using a simple random sampling technique (balloting). Data was collected using the 40-item climate change awareness and adaptation strategies questionnaire (CCASSQ) developed by the researchers and validated by experts. An estimate of the stability of the instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.88 using Cronbach’s Alpha statistic. Mean and standard deviation were used as descriptive statistics, while the independent samples t-test was adopted as an inferential statistic. The findings revealed a high level of awareness of climate change by the JSS and SS students. It also indicated a high level of awareness of climate change adaptation strategies by JSS and SS students in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the government should strengthen educational infrastructure, such as wind vanes and rain gauges, that could enable the teachers to meet the demands of this era of climate change