REVIEW ARTICLE | Oct. 30, 2017
Assessing Students’ Perceptions towards the Use of Facebook in the Promotion of Human Rights in Morocco
Mustapha Zanzoun
Page no 962-973 |
10.21276/sjhss.2017.2.10.15
The paper examines the use of social media among speakers of English
in Morocco and the extent to which it has empowered users in various struggles
against political and social injustices. More importantly, it explores whether these
media have helped students and enhanced their capacity to challenge and speak out
against human rights abuses. In so doing, the thesis addresses some key polemical
issues and questions germane to the topic, mainly the dialectic between
technological and social determinism, the role of social media, mainly Facebook, in
shaping democratic change among students. The thesis uses a combination of
methodological approaches to explore the structural, textual and contextual
dimensions of social media’s implications and impact on the promotion and
protection of students in Morocco. Through analysing students’ writings, the
research draws on rich data derived from in-depth qualitative research design
conducted with Moroccan students. It offers insights into the embeddedness of
social media as a technological medium and also into the interplay between
students’ perceptions, practices and their political participation. Moreover, the
study examines the complex and multi-layered interconnections between Facebook
in particular and the various social, political and cultural processes shaping its
appropriation and its potential, and enhancing democracy. The study concludes that
social media play a significant role in enhancing Moroccan social and collective
action capabilities by favouring different forms of mobilization, and facilitating
linkages between dispersed constituencies and national public spheres with a view
to promoting human rights practices among students in Morocco. The paper
argues, however, that the medium does not affect in any radical way the dominant
political and social orders inasmuch as its implications and potential remain
considerably limited by the various digital divides, and are mediated through the
power relations characterizing society in terms of the degree of literacy and
political involvement.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 30, 2017
Review on Translation Studies of Red Sorghum
Leyang Wang
Page no 939-945 |
10.21276/sjhss.2017.2.10.12
Since the publication of Red Sorghum: A Novel of China translated by
Howard Goldblatt, a great number of long and elaborate theses has sprung up.
Theoretically, many theoretical viewpoints have been employed to analyze this
novel, but in a cumbersome jumble. On the aspect of the selection of linguistic
data, superficially distinctive linguistic units tend to be selected more frequently as
the research subjects, while those representing the unique style of the original text
are less likely to be comprehensively researched. Methodologically, subjective text
analysis method takes the upper hand, while only a few scholars employ the
objective and exhaustive methods.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 30, 2017
Prospect of Green Power Generation Using Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh
Md. Arman Arefin, Avijit Mallik, Md. Alif Khan
Page no 364-372 |
10.21276/sjeat.2017.2.10.2
Bangladesh, a standout amongst the most crowded regions of Asia is at
present experiencing Major energy emergency. Years of unconsciousness, absence of
potential assets, labor, innovation and investment have taken the circumstance to an
emergency level. Commercial energy consumption depends on natural gas (around
70%) trailed by coal, oil and hydropower. At present there is a huge difference
between demand and generation of electricity. A step of building a nuclear power
plant named Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is taken by Government to fulfill
this crying need. Bangladesh has planned to establish two Russian nuclear power
reactors in operation (Rooppur-1 & Rooppur-2). The power plant will be built at
Rooppur, 200 km north-west of Dhaka, at Paksey union on the bank of the Padma in
the Ishwardi subdistrict of Pabna District, in the northwest of the nation. This paper
discusses the prospect of green power generation using RNPP and evaluates different
parameters whether it is a proper decision or not and also provides some necessary
recommendations regarding the implementation of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 30, 2017
Study of the Viability of a Methanol-To-Gasoline Process for the Monetization of Stranded Natural Gas
D. Appah, B.O Evbuomwan, E.P. Uhunmwangho
Page no 358-363 |
10.21276/sjeat.2017.2.10.1
Methanol-to-Gasoline Process involves the chemical transformation of
Natural gas into usable gasoline range products. The objective of this work was to
conduct a techno-economic analysis of Methanol-to-Gasoline Process, identifying
heat integration, recycle and cost saving opportunities in the Process, and determining
the Present-day Profitability of the Process. Aspen Hysys v8.6 was used in the model
simulation, with an Auto-thermal Reformer being Used in modelling Synthesis Gas
Manufacture, and a Plug Flow Tubular Reactor used in the methanol synthesis, with
kinetic data similar to that of the commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst. The Gasoline
synthesis reactor was modelled as a conversion reactor, with 94% conversion based
on the CuO/ZnO/HZSM-5 zeolite conversion yield. It was also discovered, that
starting with 10.02MMscfD of natural gas, we obtained 1462 Barrels/day of
Gasoline, 82 Barrels/day of Methanol and 147 Barrels/day of Di-Methyl Ether. The
total Capital Cost came to $172,360,500, the Operating Cost of $21,808,945
annually, and Gross annual revenue came to $26,575,626, with annual savings of
$4,766,681. After Heat Integration and product recycle, a savings of $7,303,009 was
realized (74% reduction). The simple payback period of 36.2 years and a Net-present
value of -$94million after 20 years, indicating that the MTG process is not viable
under the present economic situation. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that
the MTG process will be profitable within the 1st 20 years when the price of natural
gas falls $500/MMscf or is completely free, or when the interest rate falls 5% or
when the inflation rate rises above 20%. The reason for its non-profitability was
discovered to be its water to hydrocarbon volume distribution, with water being
53.32% and Gasoline was 46.68%.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 25, 2017
The Effect of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the expression of Leukaemic Inhibitory Factor (LIF) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
Monir A. El-Ganzuri, Olfat G. Shaker, Neemat M. Kassem, Luca L. Nazmi
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 500-508 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.11
Abstract: Haematological malignancies represent approximately 7% of all malignant diseases. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive and fatal disease. AML treatment basically remained unimproved in the last 20 years, and depends upon induction of cytotoxic chemotherapy. An average less than 30% of AML patients survive for long-term. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently being investigated for an ever-expanding number of clinical indications based on their tissue-regenerative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects.The aim of the present work is to detect the effect of human umbilical cord blood-derivedmesenchymal stem cells (HUCB-MSCs) on the expression of the leukaemic inhibitory factor gene (LIF) and on interleukin-10 (IL-10) in AML-patients.The MSCs were separated from HUCB, and co-cultured with samples collected from peripheral blood (PB) of AML-insulted adults prior to chemotherapy. The expression of LIFgene and the IL-10levelwere measured using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, respectively before and after the co-culture in order to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the MSCs. The present study revealed that the group of AML cells co-cultured with HUCB-MSCsshowed a significant increase in the expression level of LIF gene compared with the untreated group. The group of AML cells co-cultured with MSCs showed a significant decrease in the IL-10 concentration compared to that of the untreated group.Our data demonstrated thatco-culture of AML with MSCs represents a simple approach to inhibit leukaemic cells in vitro.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 25, 2017
Influence of Government Spending on Tax Compliance in the Informal Sector in Kenya: Survey of Nyeri Town
Elizabeth Ndichu Gitonga, Dr. Teresiah Kyalo, Dr. Lucy Maina
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 514-516 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.13
Abstract: Tax non-compliance reduces tax collection and the tax performance within a country. The Kenyan government has implemented various strategies to bring businesses in the informal sector into the tax bracket. However, available data shows that tax collections from the informal sector are above average but on a declining trend. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of tax compliance in the informal sector in Nyeri Town. Specifically the study aimed to assess how tax rates, attitudes towards government spending, complexity of tax returns and tax enforcement strategies influence tax compliance. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and targeted 715 informal businesses in Nyeri Town. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 143 informal businesses to participate. Researcher-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive methods such as frequency distribution, percentages, mean, were used to summarize and organize data. Chi-square tests and correlation analysis were employed to establish relationships between study variables. Findings were presented using tables of frequencies and percentages. Majority (66%) agreed that there was too much corruption in the government. Attitudes towards government spending (p=0.001) had a significant relationship with tax compliance at 95% confidence level. The study concluded that, attitudes towards government spending, is important predictor of tax compliance in the informal sector. It was recommended that the government should seek to end corruption in all sectors to enhance tax compliance.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 25, 2017
On Generalized (σ, τ)-i-n-Derivations in Near-Rings
Mohammad Aslam Siddeeque
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 509-513 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.12
Abstract: In the present paper, we introduce the notion of generalized (σ, τ)-i-nderivation in near-ring N and investigate a property involving generalized (σ, τ)-i-n-derivation of a prime near-ring N, which forces N to be a commutative ring. Additive commutativity of a prime near-ring N satisfying certain identities involving generalized (σ, τ)-i-n-derivation has also been obtained.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 20, 2017
Ethnic Stereotypes among Major Ethnic Communities in Eldoret Township, Kenya
Martin Situma, Kirigia Eliud Kiruji, Mahero Evelyn Ondisa
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 481-488 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.8
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to discuss the types of ethnic stereotypes and their role in fuelling ethnic conflicts at Langas estate in Eldoret Township. Ethnographically inspired qualitative research design was adopted for the study. The Relevance theory propagated by Daniel Sperber and Deidre Wilson (1986/95) was used in this study. The following research instruments: structured and semi-structured questionnaires, open-ended questionnaires, oral face-to-face interviews and observation schedules were used for data generation. There was a purposive sample of five clusters of ethnic group concentrations from which a random sample of twenty respondents, four from each group were chosen from a diverse population of the majority and minority communities living at Langas estate in Eldoret Township. The population is estimated to be one hundred and five thousand, one hundred and twenty five (105, 125) people – comprising the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo and Kisii communities. Each cohort of respondents was be randomly drawn from the local secondary schools, churches, local leadership, hospitals, administration, Jua Kali industry, hawkers, idlers and public transport. This study’s findings showed that there are three main types of stereotypes by one community against another community in Eldoret Township, namely; tribal, gender and cultural stereotypes. It is hoped that the results of this study will benefit; researchers in applied linguistics, social psychologists, political scientists, policy makers and the public.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 20, 2017
A Fatal Manifestation of Infection- Necrotizing Fasciitis of Neck
Erhan Bozkurt M.D
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 497-499 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.10
Abstract: Necrotizing fasciitis infection (NFE) is a disease characterized by the rapid spread of necrosis of soft tissues and fascias and can be mortal if not properly treated. Predisposing factors include immunosuppressive factors such as diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, chronic renal failure and malignancy. Necrotizing fasciitis is rarely localized in the head and neck region. In this study; we presented a case of necrotizing fasciitis in neck region, which we had followed in our clinic with predisposing factors of diabetes and chronic renal failure.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 20, 2017
Linguistic and Cultural Aspects of Disyllabic Signs in the Cretan Protolinear Script
Ioannis K. Kenanidis, Evangelos C. Papakitsos
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 489-496 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.9
Abstract: The present study describes the ten attested signs of the Cretan Protolinear script which render disyllabic phonetic values, unlike the monosyllabic ones of the Consonant-Vowel type, which is the common phonetic pattern for the rest of the signs. The Cretan Protolinear script has been proposed as the script that all the Aegean scripts of Bronze Age evolved from. The linguistic affinity of these disyllabic signs to the Sumerian language is demonstrated, in terms of lexicographic reference, phonetic correspondence and pictographic resemblance. In addition, the description of these signs’ phonetic features is accompanied by valuable cultural information, wherever available.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 15, 2017
Aspects of Pragmabehavioral Errors in the Acquisition of a Second Language: A case study of Kimeru L1 Learners of L2 English
Caroline K. Kinuu, Eliud K Kirigia, Albert M. Rutere
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 472-480 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.7
Abstract: This paper highlights the pragmabehavioral errors in English used by Kimeru L1 secondary school students. The study proceeded on the premise that pragmatic competence of Kimeru L1 learners of L2 English was previously unknown prior to this study because of lack of in-depth research in this area. Using a descriptive research design and a sample of ninety respondents the researchers isolated errors in apology as well as request and permission making and documented the seriousness of these errors. The main objectives of the study were to examine pragmabehavioral errors, their effects and causes and possible areas of intervention. The study was guided mainly by Murcia’s [1] Model of pragmatic competence. The sample was drawn from three selected CDF secondary schools in Meru Central Sub-county, Meru County. The main instruments of data collection were: a discourse completion test, a classroom debate, observation schedule, and a teacher questionnaire. Results indicate that kinesics, proxemics and voice modulation errors are grave among the subjects. These results are hoped to immensely benefit second language pedagogy, education policy makers, teachers and learners of English.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 15, 2017
Coronary Heart Disease Risk Profiles in Blood Donors at the National Blood Services, Zimbabwe
Tinashe J Masuka, Rudo Muswe, Princess Marange, Danai Tavonga Zhou
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 469-471 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.6
Abstract: Regular blood donation has been reported to lower coronary heart disease risk by improving lipid profiles in past studies. Traditionally, lipid profile estimation assesses an individual’s risk of developing coronary heart disease. This study sought to determine coronary heart disease risk profiles in blood donors, using lipids and to compare risk profiles of first time donors and active donors. Eighty-eight participants were enrolled into the study, 37 (42%) were regular blood donors. Regular blood donors were generally older than first time donors and there was significant difference in LDL levels between the two groups. Differences in both mean age and mean LDL levels of regular blood donors and first time donors could increase risk of coronary heart disease in regular blood donors. Surprisingly, this study was in contrast to earlier studies which reported a decrease in coronary heart disease risk in blood donors and this requires further inquiry.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 15, 2017
Lipid Levels of Pregnant Women at Parirenyatwa Antenatal Clinic and Labour Ward, Zimbabwe
Simbarashe Lovemore Kadzere, Rudo Muswe, Danai Tavonga Zhou
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 464-468 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.5
Abstract: Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) have been shown to increase appreciably during pregnancy to meet maternal and fetal metabolic demands. However, this may expose the body to dangers of atherosclerotic plaques. The current study was a transversal study of 99 healthy pregnant women attending the Parirenyatwa Antenatal Clinic and Labour Ward in Zimbabwe and 24 age-matched, healthy, non-pregnant women as controls. Serum samples were collected for estimation of lipids: TC, LDL and HDL were measured and TC/HDL ratio was calculated. According to this Zimbabwean study, normal pregnant women were found to have significant increase in TC, LDL and HDL when compared with normal non-pregnant control group (P<0.001). TC/HDL changed with age of gestation but remained within the normal range. The study concludes that normal pregnancy does not predispose pregnant women to atherogenic lipid profiles most likely due to corresponding increase in HDL that appreciatively lowered TC/HDL ratio during gestation in our setting.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 12, 2017
Sultan Abdülhamid II’s Leadership in Caring for the Eldery and Mission of the Darülaceze He Founded
Şerif Esendemir
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 459-463 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.4
Abstract: The organization of social services for the older adults needs a strong leadership and great societal responsibility. One can readily see both of them while looking the building of our civilization throughout the history. In particular, we see how Sultan Abdülhamid II provided social services to older adults in this area without delay even in the falling period of the Ottoman Empire. For instance, he showed how we were not behind the West in this field by building the Darülaceze Institution which is still active in 1895. That is why the leadership of Sultan Abdülhamid II is an important area to study the organization of social services. In this study, the parameters of leadership of Sultan Abdülhamid II are going to be examined in addition to looking how his gracious sensibility was developed historically. We all know he is a leader in realizing a vision, solving aging issue, having supernatural merits/skills and ability of critical-analytical thinking. For instance, the building of Darülaceze Institution’s model is a result of all of them. That is because he was able to show himself as a mission man by making all his subjects build a consensus on his vision.
RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 12, 2017
Northern Nigerian Colonial Enterprise as a Praxis of the Concept of Colonialism in the Qur'an
Dr. Yakubu Tahir Maigari
Page no Sch. Bull.; 2017, 3(10): 450-458 |
10.21276/sb.2017.3.10.3
Abstract: The term colonialism although oriental in origin but upon deeper reflection it would be discovered that it has profound hermeneutic connotation. This may afford a researcher the opportunity of delving into the vast ocean of Qur’anic dictum with a view to obtaining the divine notion of this phenomenon. The Qur’an has declared that nothing has been neglected in the Qur’an and that mankind is being bestowed with only a very meagre amount of knowledge. Obviously, all knowledge resides with Allah Al-Mighty Who according to Qur’anic attestation is the One who encompasses everything in knowledge. He Al-Mighty has exquisitely depicted this matter in an abstract but remote sense. In the Qur’anic account the Al-Mighty wishes to inform His servants through the words of “Bilqees” the highest princes of Sheba who was having an altercation with the chiefs of her formidable army, she admitted that the convention of the earthly kings was that when they come across a thriving nation they would devastate it, suppress and trample upon the noble folk of that community, and then appoint the plebeians as leaders thereby creating a perennial consternation in that society. This is their grand scheme so that they would be reaping the benefit of disharmony, hence this would create a fertile ground for them to maintain that community as their colony, even though what is propagated to the world is that colonialism has for long been abolished.