Microfinance Impact on Microbusiness Development in Africa

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Yahaya Alhassan ◽  
Samuel Salia ◽  
Uzoechi Nwagbara

This chapter applies the control group experiment to study whether microfinance improved microbusiness growth in Ghana. According to this approach, statistically significant difference in the outcome between treatment and control groups is an indication of impact of the microcredit on microbusiness development. Thus, this chapter compares the mean monthly sales, number of employees, business assets, and capital stock of microbusinesses that received microfinance (the treatment group) and the mean monthly sales, number of employees, business assets, and capital stock of microbusinesses that did not receive microfinance (the non-treatment group) in seven municipalities identified by various non-governmental organisations as areas of financial exclusion in the Northern Region of Ghana using survey data. Results indicate that microfinance impacted positively on microbusiness development. These findings have policy implications for the government of Ghana and agencies that are interested in using microfinance as a catalyst for economic growth in deprived communities in other countries.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. p73
Author(s):  
Abolfazl Shirban Sasi

PLS is a newly developed language teaching method which predominantly applies imaginative and random usage of pictures. The present paper explains and reports the application of a PLS technique in teaching English vocabulary with Greek or Latin roots to Iranian EFL learners. A pretest-posttest control-group design was used to investigate the effects of this sequential structures technique. Participants were intermediate level EFL students in two branches of the same language institute in Tehran (N = 94, p ? 0.05). The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups of treatment and control. The experiment lasted for seven one-hour lessons held in successive sessions in three weeks during which 35 Greek and Latin roots were taught with at least three English word examples. For the research instrument, the students were administered a 35-item multiple-choice vocabulary exam for the pre and post tests prior to and immediately after the teaching phase. Consequently, an independent sample T-test was used to examine the outcome of the experiment. At p = .009, the statistical test revealed a significant difference in the gain scores between the two groups. Also, the mean vocabulary gain score of 7.23 for the treatment group as opposed to the mean of 5.35 for the control group illustrated the relative more L2 vocabulary intake for the treatment group.


2020 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2020-000657
Author(s):  
Rebecca Singer ◽  
Grace Leo ◽  
Tessa Davis ◽  
Ben Lawton ◽  
Henry Goldstein ◽  
...  

Previous research has examined the utilisation of musical cues to improve the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) delivered in training environments. We postulated a musical cue that is both contemporary and transcends cultures may improve CPR performance. Our aim was to establish whether chest compressions are performed with improved rate and depth if a song of a fixed beat (PinkFong’s ‘Baby Shark’ with a tempo of 115 beats per minute (bpm) and 15 beats in each verse) is played to a healthcare professional immediately before undertaking CPR compared to whale noises (a non-metronomic rhythm). 58 Participants of a paediatric conference (majority doctors) were randomly assigned to listen to a minute of Baby Shark (28) or whale song (30) and then undertake a minute of CPR. There was no significant difference in the mean compression rate between the Baby Shark and control groups, with the groups achieving 121 and 125 bpm, respectively (p=0.18). In relation to compression depth within the target zone, the Baby Shark group had more compressions completed within the target zone (55%) than the control group (39%) although this difference was not significant (p=0.08). Listening to Baby Shark prior to undertaking simulated CPR does not improve overall performance, but there is a potential tendency to improve adequate compression depth which may be beneficial in training exercises.


2010 ◽  
Vol 92 (6) ◽  
pp. 463-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
James McDaid ◽  
Claire Reichl ◽  
Ihsan Hamzah ◽  
Samantha Fitter ◽  
Laura Harbach ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION We observed that a number of patients presenting to our clinic with diverticular fistulation were taking nicorandil for angna. Recognised side effects of nicorandil include gastrointestinal and genital ulceration. The aim of our study was to determine whether nicorandil is an aetiological agent in diverticular fistulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a case-control study of patients with diverticular disease related enteric fistulae. Two patient groups were identified: a study group of patients with diverticular fistulae, and a control group with uncomplicated diverticular disease. The proportion of patients who had ever used nicorandil was compared between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 153 case notes were analysed, 69 patients with fistulae and 84 control patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease. Female to male ratio in both groups was 2:1. The mean age was 71 years in the fistula group and 69 years in the control diverticular disease group (P = ns). Of those with colonic fistulae, 16% were taking nicorandil compared with 2% of the control group (odds ratio 7.8; 95% confidence interval 1.5–39.1; P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in rates of ischaemic heart disease between fistula and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Nicorandil is associated with fistula formation in diverticular disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Bahruddin Thalib ◽  
Edy Machmud ◽  
Mochammad Dharmautama ◽  
Ervina Sari Surya ◽  
Asmawati Asmawati ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: The success of a dental dental implant treatment focuses on a phenomenon called osseointegration. Evaluation of Bone Area (BA) and Bone-Dental implant Contact (BIC) through histomorphometric analysis is the most widely used parameter to measure osseointegration. The aim of this study was to see post-placement Bone Dental implant Contact (BIC) value of dental implant coated and not coated with PRP.MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was an experimental laboratory conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Faculty, Hasanuddin University. The sample was baby buck rabbit, aged 4-8 months old, weight 1500–2000 gram, divided into 2 groups each group consist of 12 rabbit, control group not coated with PRP and treatment group coated with PRP. Data analysis using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the mean BIC values and the 20% increase in BIC values in LP1, LP2 and LP3 between treatment and control group on day 0, 3, 7, and 14.CONCLUSIONS: There was a difference in the average of post-placement BIC value of dental implant coated and not coated with PRP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-172
Author(s):  
Khilyatul Baroroh ◽  
Suradi Suradi ◽  
Ade Rima

Background: Amplification of inflammation in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the airways, pulmonary and systemic circulation that are characterized by increased plasma level of IL-6 and MDA, resulting in worsening of clinical symptoms. Xanthones in mangosteen pericarp have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially as an adjuntive therapy in acute exacerbations of COPD. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mangosteen pericarp extract to clinical improvements, plasma level of IL-6 and MDA of acute exacerbation COPD patients. A clinical trial of experimental with pretest and posttest was conducted on 34 acute exacerbation of COPD patients in Dr. Moewardi Hospital Surakarta and Dr. Ario Wirawan Lung Hospital Salatiga from April until May 2016. The sample was taken by consecutive sampling. Subjects were divided by randomized double blind technique into the treatment group (n=17) received mangosteen pericarp extract 2x1100mg/day and control group (n = 17) received placebo. Clinical improvements were measured in CAT score and length of stay. CAT score, plasma level of IL-6 and MDA were measured on admission and at discharge. Length of stay based on the number of days of care in hospitals. Results: There was significant difference (p=0,011) towards decreased of IL-6 plasma level between treatment group (-2,17 ± 3,46 pg/ mL) and control group (+1,67 ± 6,81 pg/mL). There were no significant difference towards decreased of length of stay (p=0,34) between treatment group (4,12 ± 1,54 days) and control group (5,24 ± 2,49 days), towards decreased of CAT score (p=0,252) between treatment group (-19,18 ± 3,96) and control group (-18,24 ± 2,75), and towards decreased of MDA plasma level (p=0,986) between treatment group (+0,03 ± 0,36μmol/L) and control group (+0,35 ± 1,58). Conclusions: The addition of mangosteen pericarp extract 2x1100mg/day during hospitalization was significantly lowered plasma levels of IL-6, but were not significant in lowering the CAT score, shortening the length of stay, and reducing the increase in plasma level of MDA.


Author(s):  
Hasan Hasan ◽  
Andi Sadapotto ◽  
Muhammad Hanafi ◽  
Usman Usman

This quasi-experimental study involves the experimental and control group which consist of 60 students in first year of SMA Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang   2019/2020 academic year.  The reading test is used to collect data to find out do the students can achieve significant result in reading test using Text-based Character. Based on the result the mean score of the experimental group pre-test was 72.67 and classified into good classification, while the control group was 69.63 classified into good. The mean score of the post-test after treatment for the experimental group was 82.43 (very good) while the control group was 76.53, (good) classification still.  The researcher found that the T-table is higher than the t-test (α) (1.659<2.021). It means that there is a significant difference in the pre-test of the control and experimental group, while in post-test of an experimental and control group, the researcher finds that the T-test is higher than the alpha and previous score in the the pre-test (α) (3.089>2.021). The degree of freedom is 58. This study reveals that the alternative hypothesis (H1) was accepted, and the null hypothesis (H0) was rejected. This is means that the use of Text-based Characters can improves students' reading skills in significant way.


Author(s):  
Salim Ahmed Saif Al-rashdi

    The present study aimed at uncovering the effectiveness of employing the enrichment activities for mental thinking on the development of mathematical thinking and achievement among Grade 7 students. To achieve the research objectives, the researcher used the semi experimental design known as the design of the control group with the tribal and remote tests. In light of the experimental design, the average Grade 7 students tested the sample of the study in the second semester of 30 students who were divided into 15 students for the experimental group and 15 students for the control group after checking the validity and stability of the tools. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference at (0.05) between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups in the cognitive achievement test related to the unit of Engineering in the second semester and the mathematical thinking test for the average of the experimental group. The results also showed a statistically significant difference) between the average scores of the experimental group students in the tribal and remote applications in the cognitive achievement test and the mathematical thinking test, and in favor of the average post-implementation. In the light of these results, the study presented a number of recommendations and suggestions.   ، ، ، ،


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 470-477
Author(s):  
Anjar Astuti ◽  
Suryono Suryono ◽  
Melyana Nurul Widyawati ◽  
Ari Suwondo ◽  
Mardiyono Mardiyono

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Audio therapy is considered as one of the complementary therapies to improve the behavior of children with autism.Objective: This study was to analysis the effectiveness of the Al-Qur'an murrotal audio therapy on behavioral development in children with autism.Methods: This study was a true-experimental research using pretest and posttest approach with control group. This research was conducted on November 2016 in the Autism Foundation of Semarang City. There were 30 samples were selected using simple random sampling, with 15 samples assigned in the experiment and control group. Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon tests were used for data analysis in this study.Results: Results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean of behavioral development after given intervention between the experiment group and control group with p-value 0.034 (<0.05). The mean of behavioral development in the experiment group (4.53) was higher than the mean in the control group (3.47).Conclusion: The Al-Qur'an murrotal audio therapy is effective to develop behavior of children with autism. Therefore, it is expected that this audio therapy can be applied an alternative therapy for children with autism.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Soviyah Soviyah ◽  
Yunia Purwaningtias

Pictures use in an educational setting fits the idiom: old but gold. There have been plenty of studies revealing how good the use of pictures in the classrooms is. Pictures have been long known to have the ability to help motivate, demonstrate, and instruct the students during a learning process. This study is a sort of complement to the phenomenon as it focuses on researching the use of pictures in a classroom. Specifically, it aims at finding out the effectiveness of the use of picture cues in teaching writing.The study belongs to experimental research involving two groups of experiment and control. The eighth-grade students of a private junior high school in Central Java Indonesia are chosen as the subject of the research during 2017/2018 academic year. Employing a sample population technique, the study involves a total number of 56 students who are equally divided into 28 students as the experimental group and 28 students as the control group. The experimental group is taught using picture cues while the control group is taught without picture cues. Pre-test and post-test are used as techniques to collect the data. As for the data analysis technique, it’s done quantitatively applying both descriptive and inferential statistics.The result of the research shows that there is a significant difference in the students’ writing ability between those taught using picture cues and those who are not. This can be seen from the difference in the mean score between them. The result of the pre-test shows that at the beginning, both experimental and control groups have slightly different ability in writing with the mean scores 51.32 and 47.86 respectively. Meanwhile, the result of the post-test indicates an obvious difference between them in which the experimental group gains 65.75 as its mean score and the control group gets 59.14. Furthermore, the application of Independent t-test calculation results in a score of 0.000, which is lower than 0.05. This means that the use of picture cues is effective. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the use of picture cues is effective to teach writing to students.


Author(s):  
Mustafa Can ◽  
Muhammet Kocabaş ◽  
Melia Karakose ◽  
Hatice Caliskan Burgucu ◽  
Zeliha Yarar ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: In our study, we aimed to determine the frequency of thyroid nodules in patients with acromegaly according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification and its relationship with acromegaly disease activity. Methods: A total of 56 patients with acromegaly and age, sex, and body mass index matched with 56 healthy control subjects were included in our study. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody levels of patients and control subjects were measured. In addition, patients and healthy controls were evaluated by ultrasonography to determine thyroid structure, thyroid volume, and thyroid nodules and to make ACR TI-RADS classification. Results: Thyroid nodules were present in 31 (55.4%) of 56 patients in the acromegaly group and 20 (35.7%) of 56 subjects in the control group, and the frequency of thyroid nodules was significantly higher in the acromegaly group (p=0.038). The mean number of nodules in the acromegaly group and control group was 1.27±1.43 and 0.48±0.73, respectively, and the mean number of nodules was significantly higher in the acromegaly group (p=0.003). The number of patients with TI-RADS 1, TI-RADS 2, and TI-RADS 4 nodules in the acromegaly group was higher than the control group (p=0.026, p=0.049, p=0.007, respectively). No difference was found in terms of cytological findings between those who have undergone FNAB in the acromegaly group and control group. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the frequency of thyroid nodules, the number of thyroid nodules, and the number of TI-RADS 1, TI-RADS 2, and TI-RADS 4 nodules increased in patients with acromegaly. There was no significant difference between acromegaly disease activity and thyroid nodule frequency, number of thyroid nodules, and TI-RADS classifications.


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