Antecedent and Consequence of E-procurement Implementation on Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises: An Institutional Theory Perspective

The purpose of the study is to investigate the antecedents of e-procurement adoption and implementation and its consequence on organizational performance of small and medium enterprises in Ghana. Using the institutional theory as theoretical lens, the study examined the influence of memetic, normative and coercive force on e-procurement implementation. The findings of the study indicate memetic, normative and coercive forces have a positive impact on the adoption and implementation of e-procurement system among SMEs. Consequently, e-procurement implementation on performance of SMEs. The findings of the study have both implication for academic and practice. The findings of this study have significant implications for policy makers, SMEs, and other stakeholders in the procurement process in Ghana. Policymakers can use the study findings to develop policies and regulations that promote e-procurement adoption among SMEs. SMEs, on the other hand, can use the study findings to identify the benefits of e-procurement adoption and make informed decisions on implementing e-procurement systems. Keywords: Institutional Theory, SME performance, Ghana, PLS – SEM, Normative Forces, Memetic Forces, Coercive Forces DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/15-9-02 Publication date:May 31st 202

To Toss a Coin or Shake a Hand: An Overview of Renewable Energy Interventions and Procurement in selected African Countries

Open and competitive bidding process (toss a coin) promotes transparency, efficiency and cost reduction as compared to direct negotiations (shake a hand). This paper provides an overview of renewable energy interventions in Angola, Algeria, Cote Dvoire, Ghana and Nigeria. Further, best practices in Germany and South Africa are discussed. It was discovered that, apart from South Africa, most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa uses direct negotiations and feed-in-tariff which has contributed to high cost of renewables. The study recommends that countries should build tendering capacity, put in place simple but robust tendering process and research to identify their renewable energy potential to procure new renewable energy capacity through open and competitive bidding process

Evaluation of the effects of Corchorus olitorius L. and Carapa procera in the treatment of obesity

Background: The obesity remains a pathology today which expands. It leads in its wake much pathology with very serious consequences. It is therefore necessary to take steps to curb this nutritional pathology. Thus, two plant species including Carapa procera and Corchorus olitorius have been tested to assess their effect on this pathology.Methods: Aqueous extracts of Carapa procera bark and Corchorus olitorius roots were tested on rats and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Besides, a chemical characterization was led.Results: These plant extracts contain bioactive molecules that have a regressive activity on the plasma levels of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol. These bioactive molecules increase the level of HDL-cholesterol. These 2 species are non-toxic on renal, hepatic and pancreatic functions in view of the values of urea, creatinine and blood glucose.Conclusions: Of these 2 extracts, the aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius is more active.

Tri phytochimique et activité antibactérienne des extraits hydroacétoniques de Baphia nitida (Fabaceae) sur Shigella spp et E. coli, deux entérobactéries impliquées dans les diarrhées infantiles à Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction : Dans le but de contribuer à une prise en charge efficiente des diarrhées infantiles et des troubles gastrointestinales, nous avons évalué l’activité antibactérienne des extraits des organes (feuilles tiges et racines) de Baphia nitida, une plante de la pharmacopée ivoirienne. Méthodes : Ainsi, un tri phytochimique des extraits hydroacétoniques d’organes de B. nitida à partir des réactions de précipitations et de colorations suivi des tests de sensibilité antimicrobienne sur Shigella spp et E. coli ATCC 25922 ont été réalisés. Resultats : Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les trois organes de plante étaient riches en polyphénols, flavonoïdes, alcaloïdes et tanins cathéchiques. En plus, les extraits des feuilles de B. nitida ont présenté une plus grande diversité avec d’autres métabolites secondaires qui étaient faiblement représentés. Les extraits de B. nitida se sont revélés bactéricides pour les deux souches testées. Ces actions seraient dose –dépendante avec une inhibition maximale à c = 100 mg/mL. Les extraits des feuilles ont montré une activité antibactérienne plus efficace que les extraits de tiges, eux mêmes plus actifs que les extraits de racines. Conclusion : Les souches d’E. coli testées se sont revelées plus sensibles que celles de Shigella spp pour les trois types d’organes de B. nitida. Les extraits des organes de B. nitida (en particulier les feuilles) pourraient constituer une alternative pour le traitement des diarrhées et une nouvelle source de molécules naturelles antiinfectieuses.   Introduction : In order to contribute to an efficient management of infantile diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders, we evaluated the antibacterial activities of extracts of organs (leaves, stems and roots) of Baphia nitida, a plant of the Ivorian pharmacopoeia. Methods : Thus, a phytochemical screening of hydroacetone extracts of B. nitida organs based on precipitations and staining reactions followed by antimicrobial susceptibility tests on Shigella spp and E. coli ATCC 25922 were performed. Results : The results obtained revealed that the three plant organs were abundant in polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and catechic tannins. In addition, the extracts from the leaves of B. nitida exhibited a greater diversity of other secondary metabolites that were weakly represented. B. nitida extracts were found to be bactericidal for both strains tested. These actions appeared to be dose-dependent with maximum inhibition at c = 100 mg/mL. The leaves extracts showed a more effective antibacterial activity than the stem extracts, which were more effective than the root extracts. Conclusion : The E. coli strains tested were more sensitive than Shigella spp. for all three types of B. nitida organs. The extracts of B. nitida organs (especially the leaves) could be an alternative for the treatment of diarrhoea and a new source of natural antibacterial molecules

Tri Phytochimique et Activités Antimicrobiennes des Extraits Hydroacétoniques de Baphia Nitida (Fabaceae) sur Shigella spp et E. coli, Deux Entérobactéries Impliquées dans les Diarrhées Infantiles à Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction : Dans le but de contribuer à une prise en charge efficiente des diarrhées infantiles et des troubles gastrointestinales, nous avons évaluer les activités antibactériennes des extraits des organes (feuilles tiges et racines) de Baphia nitida, une plante de la pharmacopée ivoirienne.  Méthodes : Ainsi, un tri phytochimique des extraits hydroacétoniques d’organes de B. nitida à partir les réactions de précipitations et de colorations suivi des tests de sensibilité antimicrobienne sur Shigella spp et E. coli ATCC 25922 ont été réalisés. Resultats : Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les trois organes de plante étaient riches en polyphénols, flavonoïdes, alcaloïdes et tanins cathéchiques. En plus, les extraits des feuilles de B. nitida ont présenté une plus grande diversité d’autres métabolites secondaires faiblement représentés. Les extraits de B. nitida se sont revélés bactéricides pour les deux souches testées. Ces actions seraient dose –dépendante avec une inhibition maximale à c =.200 mg/mL. Les extraits des feuilles ont montré une activité antibactérienne plus efficace que les extraits de tiges, eux mêmes plus actifs que les extraits de racines. Conclusion : Les souches d’E. coli testées se sont revelées plus sensibles que celles de Shigella spp pour les trois types d’organes de B. nitida. Les extraits des organes de B. nitida (en particulier les feuilles) pourraient constituer une alternative pour le traitement des diarrhées et une nouvelle source de molécules naturelles antiinfectieuses.   Introduction : In order to contribute to an efficient management of infantile diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders, we evaluated the antibacterial activities of extracts of organs (leaves, stems and roots) of Baphia nitida, a plant of the Ivorian pharmacopoeia. Methods : Thus, a phytochemical screening of hydroacetone extracts of B. nitida organs based on precipitations and staining reactions followed by antimicrobial susceptibility tests on Shigella spp and E. coli ATCC 25922 were performed. Results : The results obtained revealed that the three plant organs were abundant in polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and catechic tannins. In addition, the extracts from the leaves of B. nitida exhibited a greater diversity of other secondary metabolites that were weakly represented. B. nitida extracts were found to be bactericidal for both strains tested. These actions appeared to be dose-dependent with maximum inhibition at c = 200 mg/mL. The leaf extracts showed a more effective antibacterial activity than the stem extracts, which were more effective than the root extracts. Conclusion : The E. coli strains tested were more sensitive than Shigella spp. for all three types of B. nitida organs. The extracts of B. nitida organs (especially the leaves) could be an alternative for the treatment of diarrhoea and a new source of natural antibacterial molecules

Tri Phytochimique et Activités Antimicrobiennes des Extraits Hydroacétoniques de Baphia Nitida (Fabaceae) sur Shigella spp et E. coli, Deux Entérobactéries Impliquées dans les Diarrhées Infantiles à Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction : Dans le but de contribuer à une prise en charge efficiente des diarrhées infantiles et des troubles gastrointestinales, nous avons évaluer les activités antibactériennes des extraits des organes (feuilles tiges et racines) de Baphia nitida, une plante de la pharmacopée ivoirienne.  Méthodes : Ainsi, un tri phytochimique des extraits hydroacétoniques d’organes de B. nitida à partir les réactions de précipitations et de colorations suivi des tests de sensibilité antimicrobienne sur Shigella spp et E. coli ATCC 25922 ont été réalisés. Resultats : Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les trois organes de plante étaient riches en polyphénols, flavonoïdes, alcaloïdes et tanins cathéchiques. En plus, les extraits des feuilles de B. nitida ont présenté une plus grande diversité d’autres métabolites secondaires faiblement représentés. Les extraits de B. nitida se sont revélés bactéricides pour les deux souches testées. Ces actions seraient dose –dépendante avec une inhibition maximale à c =.200 mg/mL. Les extraits des feuilles ont montré une activité antibactérienne plus efficace que les extraits de tiges, eux mêmes plus actifs que les extraits de racines. Conclusion : Les souches d’E. coli testées se sont revelées plus sensibles que celles de Shigella spp pour les trois types d’organes de B. nitida. Les extraits des organes de B. nitida (en particulier les feuilles) pourraient constituer une alternative pour le traitement des diarrhées et une nouvelle source de molécules naturelles antiinfectieuses.   Introduction : In order to contribute to an efficient management of infantile diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders, we evaluated the antibacterial activities of extracts of organs (leaves, stems and roots) of Baphia nitida, a plant of the Ivorian pharmacopoeia. Methods : Thus, a phytochemical screening of hydroacetone extracts of B. nitida organs based on precipitations and staining reactions followed by antimicrobial susceptibility tests on Shigella spp and E. coli ATCC 25922 were performed. Results : The results obtained revealed that the three plant organs were abundant in polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and catechic tannins. In addition, the extracts from the leaves of B. nitida exhibited a greater diversity of other secondary metabolites that were weakly represented. B. nitida extracts were found to be bactericidal for both strains tested. These actions appeared to be dose-dependent with maximum inhibition at c = 200 mg/mL. The leaf extracts showed a more effective antibacterial activity than the stem extracts, which were more effective than the root extracts. Conclusion : The E. coli strains tested were more sensitive than Shigella spp. for all three types of B. nitida organs. The extracts of B. nitida organs (especially the leaves) could be an alternative for the treatment of diarrhoea and a new source of natural antibacterial molecules

Towards an improved dementia care experience in clinical radiography practice: A state-of-the-art review.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing global incidence rate of dementia and associated co/multimorbidity has consequently led to a rise in the number of people with dementia (PwD) requiring clinical radiography care services. This review aims to explore and integrate findings from diverse settings with a focus on the experiences of PwD and stakeholders, towards the development of a holistic approach for dementia care and management within the context of radiography services. METHOD: An electronic search was performed across the following databases: PUBMED, CINAHL, Medline, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect for articles published from January 2009 and June 2023. Articles were included if they fulfilled a predefined criteria mainly focused on experiences of PwD and/or other stakeholders when using the radiography services. Data obtained from the included studies were analysed using a result-based convergent synthesis. RESULT: Eleven studies from diverse settings met the inclusion criteria. A mix of both positive and negative experiences of PwD and stakeholders were reported following visits to radiology and radiotherapy departments were highlighted across settings. The findings were themed around the need for: person-centred care, effective communication, attitudinal changes of staff, specialised and improved clinical environment and inclusion of caregivers for the care of PwD. DISCUSSION: This study emphasise the critical importance of adopting holistic approaches to caring for PwD. This involves adopting a person-centred approach, actively involving caregivers, effective communication, and adequate training for radiographers to provide quality services, all in dementia-friendly environments. CONCLUSION: The experiences of various stakeholders highlight the need for a more holistic approach and strategy for the care and management of PwD within the context of the radiography services. This calls for an urgent need for a comprehensive strategy that includes awareness creation of staff to enhance the quality of care and the overall experience for PwD using the radiography services

Comparison of the microbial composition of African fermented foods using amplicon sequencing

Fermented foods play a major role in the diet of people in Africa, where a wide variety of raw materials are fermented. Understanding the microbial populations of these products would help in the design of specific starter cultures to produce standardized and safer foods. In this study, the bacterial diversity of African fermented foods produced from several raw materials (cereals, milk, cassava, honey, palm sap, and locust beans) under different conditions (household, small commercial producers or laboratory) in 8 African countries was analysed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing during the Workshop “Analysis of the Microbiomes of Naturally Fermented Foods Training Course”. Results show that lactobacilli were less abundant in fermentations performed under laboratory conditions compared to artisanal or commercial fermentations. Excluding the samples produced under laboratory conditions, lactobacilli is one of the dominant groups in all the remaining samples. Genera within the order Lactobacillales dominated dairy, cereal and cassava fermentations. Genera within the order Lactobacillales, and genera Zymomonas and Bacillus were predominant in alcoholic beverages, whereas Bacillus and Lactobacillus were the dominant genera in the locust bean sample. The genus Zymomonas was reported for the first time in dairy, cereal, cassava and locust bean fermentations

Pediatric cochlear implantation: an update

Deafness in pediatric age can adversely impact language acquisition as well as educational and social-emotional development. Once diagnosed, hearing loss should be rehabilitated early; the goal is to provide the child with maximum access to the acoustic features of speech within a listening range that is safe and comfortable. In presence of severe to profound deafness, benefit from auditory amplification cannot be enough to allow a proper language development. Cochlear implants are partially implantable electronic devices designed to provide profoundly deafened patients with hearing sensitivity within the speech range. Since their introduction more than 30 years ago, cochlear implants have improved their performance to the extent that are now considered to be standard of care in the treatment of children with severe to profound deafness. Over the years patient candidacy has been expanded and the criteria for implantation continue to evolve within the paediatric population. The minimum age for implantation has progressively reduced; it has been recognized that implantation at a very early age (12–18 months) provides children with the best outcomes, taking advantage of sensitive periods of auditory development. Bilateral implantation offers a better sound localization, as well as a superior ability to understand speech in noisy environments than unilateral cochlear implant. Deafened children with special clinical situations, including inner ear malformation, cochlear nerve deficiency, cochlear ossification, and additional disabilities can be successfully treated, even thogh they require an individualized candidacy evaluation and a complex post-implantation rehabilitation. Benefits from cochlear implantation include not only better abilities to hear and to develop speech and language skills, but also improved academic attainment, improved quality of life, and better employment status. Cochlear implants permit deaf people to hear, but they have a long way to go before their performance being comparable to that of the intact human ear; researchers are looking for more sophisticated speech processing strategies as well as a more efficient coupling between the electrodes and the cochlear nerve with the goal of dramatically improving the quality of sound of the next generation of implants