Identification of Key Drivers for Municipal Utility Performance

This report explores the various performance indicators for municipal electric utilities and the greatest impact financial investments can make for improving these indicators. A literature search provided key detail about performing an analysis that would prove useful to utilities. The analysis identifies key performance indicators that allowed for the most prudent of investments. Data mining techniques and statistical analyses were performed on data sets concerning the 51 North Carolina municipal electric utilities to identify several key ratios and performance indicators that have the greatest impact on cost of service, system reliability, and customer satisfaction. Statistical analyses were used to determine which investments optimized these outcomes. No other studies on the statistical significance of municipal electric utility performance indicators were identified in our literature search

Paranasal Sinus Anatomy: What the Surgeon Needs to Know

Performing a smooth and clean sinus surgery goes hand in hand with a perfect understanding of the nasal and paranasal anatomy. Within this chapter, the paranasal and related structures surgical anatomy will be extensively reviewed, with emphasis on the anatomical landmarks and the normal anatomical variations, which have a significant impact on the function, pathology, and surgical procedures of the paranasal sinuses

Development initiatives in programming on privately-owned Arab satellite television and their reception among disadvantaged Saudi women

This study analyses how media initiatives have sought to improve the coverage on private pan-Arab television channels, of poverty, illiteracy, and violence against disadvantaged Arab women. This was achieved by studying how women‘s status has been critiqued on MBC1, an entertainment channel, and on Al Arabiya, a news channel. Programmes on MBC1 that related to poverty, illiteracy and violence were examined through the eyes of young disadvantaged women in a Saudi Arabian village. How Al Arabiya and MBC1 applied media initiatives in their programming to improve women‘s status was also examined through interviews with key players in Queen Rania‘s Media Office and in the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Group. A textual analysis of programmes on MBC1 and Al Arabiya was also undertaken. The study not only contributed to knowledge by covering areas not generally explored in existing research, such as development related programmes about women‘s status on privately-owned pan-Arab satellite television, but it also explores the tug of war between two opposing powers in Saudi society: the reformists and the conservatives. The study used different methods, including ethnographic research, focus groups, and interviews with disadvantaged Saudi women, interviews with key players and decision makers involved in media output and, finally, a textual analysis of programmes dealing with the issues of poverty, illiteracy and violence. It discovers that the ontradictory forces in Saudi society are reflected in the way women‘s status and female empowerment are handled in television programmes. This study underlines the dominant ideology that forms the essence of initiatives aimed at developing women‘s status through media, especially those launched by 'first ladies‘, and the policies made by MBC Group officials in broadcasting development programmes for women. This dominant ideology was also examined in the light of the preconceptions and responses of disadvantaged women

Effects of cryoprotectant concentration and cooling rate on vitrification of aqueous solutions

Vitrification of aqueous cryoprotectant mixtures is essential in cryopreservation of proteins and other biological samples. We report systematic measurements of critical cryoprotective agent (CPA) concentrations required for vitrification during plunge cooling from T=295 K to T=77 K in liquid nitrogen. Measurements on fourteen common CPAs including alcohols (glycerol, methanol, isopropanol), sugars (sucrose, xylitol, dextrose, trehalose), PEGs (ethylene glycol, PEG 200, PEG 2 000, PEG 20 000), glycols (DMSO, MPD), and salt (NaCl) were performed for volumes ranging over four orders of magnitude from ~nL to 20 mkL, and covering the range of interest in protein crystallography. X-ray diffraction measurements on aqueous glycerol mixtures confirm that the polycrystalline-to-vitreous transition occurs within a span of less than 2% w/v in CPA concentration, and that the form of polycrystalline ice (hexagonal or cubic) depends on CPA concentration and cooling rate. For most of the studied cryoprotectants, the critical concentration decreases strongly with volume in the range from ~5 mkL to ~0.1 mkL, typically by a factor of two. By combining measurements of the critical concentration versus volume with cooling time versus volume, we obtain the function of greatest intrinsic physical interest: the critical CPA concentration versus cooling rate during flash cooling. These results provide a basis for more rational design of cryoprotective protocols, and should yield insight into the physics of glass formation in aqueous mixtures.Comment: 8 pages, 6 jpg figure, 2 table

Media students using mobile phones in the Arabian Gulf to improve English writing and video production skills

Purpose: A variety of alternate technology-enhanced teaching approaches are now available to university students to broaden their learning experiences and complement conventional face-to-face teaching. This paper aims to outline a study conducted at an English Medium Instruction (EMI) University in the Arabian Gulf where students were studying media. The study explored an innovative teaching approach that sought to enhance the students’ interaction with mobile phone applications as part of their learning experiences during the course. Design/methodology/approach: The focus of the study was on enhancing the students’ English writing skills such as vocabulary, spelling and grammar and on improving their technical skills such as in video production. The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings: The results indicated that mobile phone applications were helpful in improving students’ journalistic writing skills where they had a good level of proficiency in English, more so than students with poor English who are more dependent on traditional learning methods. Students also benefitted from mobile phone video production workshops that were intensive and creative. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that courses and labs in media courses have skilled technicians that can train students in creative mobile phone video production while faculty members need to be trained and proactively encouraged to use mobile phones for teaching and learning purposes. Originality/value: wBased on the results of this study, it is recommended that courses and labs in media courses have skilled technicians that can train students in creative mobile phone video production while faculty members need to be trained and proactively encouraged to use mobile phones for teaching and learning purposes

Global incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

Background: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), yet the global incidence of NEC has not been systematically evaluated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies reporting the incidence of NEC in infants with Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW). Methods: The databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and grey literature. Eligible studies were cohort or population-based studies of newborns including registry data reporting incidence of NEC. Incidence were pooled using Random Effect Models (REM), in the presence of substantial heterogeneity. Additional, bias adjusted Quality Effect Models (QEM) were used to get sensitivity estimates. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plots as appropriate for ratio measures were used to assess publication bias. Results: A systematic and comprehensive search of databases identified 27 cohort studies reporting the incidence of NEC. The number of neonate included in these studies was 574,692. Of this 39,965 developed NEC. There were substantial heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 100%). The pooled estimate of NEC based on REM was 7.0% (95% CI: 6.0-8.0%). QEM based estimate (6.0%; 95% CI: 4.0-9.0%) were also similar. Funnel plots showed no evidence of publication bias. Although, NEC estimates are similar across various regions, some variation between high and low income countries were noted. Meta regression findings showed a statistically significant increase of NEC over time, quantified by the publication year. Conclusion: Seven out of 100 of all VLBW infants in NICU are likely to develop NEC. However, there were considerable heterogeneity between studies. High quality studies assessing incidence of NEC along with associated risk factors are warranted. Keywords: Incidence; Meta-analysis; Necrotizing Enterocolitis; Systematic review

Socio-Economic Impact of Touristic Development on Surrounding Local Communities- Case Study Delta Egypt

Tourism has become an important economic sector and a primary contributing driver of the economy in many parts of the world. The study area is a secluded area in northern Delta Egypt, directly on the Mediterranean Sea. In this research, we try to investigate how tourist development affects the local community, and how the local community takes advantage of the different opportunities offered by the development. Also, we try to answer the question of what makes some people better use the development than others. It is a qualitative interpretive inductive research based on naturalistic narrative methodology. This is achieved through semi-structured interviews with resort administrators, resort workers, local community members, and development beneficiaries. We monitor and document this change and try to identify the reasons behind the different levels of effect it has on people, and why some of them can take good advantage of the change and some don’t. Whether it is different levels of education, rationality, entrepreneur mentality, social class, social relations, or unequal distribution of chances. The interviews were conducted between August 2021 and September 2022. Throughout the narrative, we get a better understanding of the dynamic between different stakeholders

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CULTURE IN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: FUTURE PRACTICES AND ASPIRATIONS

Purpose of the study: The aim of this research is to show the importance of entrepreneurship culture in education and orientation institutions towards the mentality of entrepreneurship. Methodology: The research followed the analytical method in the analysis of some theoretical frameworks that talked about the mentality and the culture of entrepreneurship in education because of its value in the mentality of innovative composition and contribute to the development of their societies and become entrepreneurs in the future. Main Findings: The implantation of pioneering values, including the values of independence and self-belief, the sense of ownership and belief in the relationship between the returns and the effort exerted, and to develop education from the direction of projects beginning from childhood to post-university education, in addition to developing education from industrial and commercial projects. Applications of this study: The paper presented some of the educational applications to develop a culture of entrepreneurship among students beginning from childhood till graduation such as transform the role of education from focusing on employment to focusing on the principle of job creation, spreading the culture of entrepreneurship among the students, developing leadership and dynamic management skills of the educational institution. Novelty/Originality of this study: There is no research or studies addressed the culture of entrepreneurship in education starting from kindergarten up to the end of university education and then open up a plan of study areas of research linking the culture of entrepreneurship and education

Hyperchloremia in critically Ill patients in ICU: Review Article

Background: Chloride (Cl) is required for the regulation of blood pressure, renal function, gastrointestinal homeostasis and decarboxylation/gas transport. "Dyschloremia" or levels of serum Cl beyond the normal range, is a frequent occurrence in intensive care units and seems to be mostly caused by iatrogenic procedures (i.e. intravenous infusion of fluids rich in Cl). Hypochloremia and hyperchloremia seem to be related to high risk of death in specified intensive care unit (ICU) groups, although the data is inconclusive. Hyperchloremia may be associated with higher hemodynamic unstable changes and need for vasopressors, in addition to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis (e.g., following major surgeries). Nonetheless, the direct or indirect mediation of these effects is still uncertain. Additionally, new research suggests that individuals with advanced hyperchloremia have a higher risk of acute renal damage and require renal replacement treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe significant chloride-related outcomes in critical illness and to evaluate their relevance for everyday clinical practice and therapeutic alternatives. Conclusion: One may conclude that the concern about understanding the impact of chloride disorders on negative outcomes is rising; there seems to be a link between chloride disorders and negative outcomes, particularly death, in the ICU setting; one could theorize the need to rationalize the use of solutions with electrolyte components separate from the physiological solutions; and consider the presence or the development of hyperchloremia as a prognostic factor, without taking into consideration the severity of the critical patien

The role of organizational learning and innovative organizational culture for ambidextrous innovation

Purpose In the era of hyper-competitiveness, firms, especially project-based management structures, have to focus on ideas for both new and existing sets of products and services, i.e. ambidextrous innovation. The ambidextrous innovation can be helpful, but achieving such a level is a problem to be solved. This study aims to yield ambidextrous innovation by using innovative culture and knowledge that has been gained from learning. Design/methodology/approach The present research collected data from Saudi Arabian public-sector firms. The data collected is analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings of the study suggest that a range of factors can be operationalized in project-based firms to establish organizational learning and innovation culture. These factors include agile-based project management, leveraging existing innovative capabilities and growth mindset in case of innovative organizational culture and additional factors of agile-based knowledge management along with others in case of organizational learning. The PLS-SEM further concluded that both organizational learning and innovative organizational culture, in turn, help project-based Saudi Arabian public-sector firms to develop their ambidextrous innovation capability. Originality/value The PLS-SEM further concluded that both the organizational learning and innovative organizational culture, in turn, help project-based Saudi Arabian public-sector firms to develop their ambidextrous innovation capability