bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-Hospicare System
Authors: Apeksha Dhone  , Kunal Khode  , Anju Kaware  , Sonal Pawar
Published: May 2022

This project E-Hospicare system includes registration of patients, storing their details into the system, and also computerized billing in the pharmacy, and labs. The software has the facility to give a unique id for every patient and stores the clinical details of every patient and hospital tests done automatically. It includes a search facility to know the current status of each patient. User can search details of a patient using the id. The E-Hospicare system can be entered using a username and password. It is accessible either by an administrator or receptionist. Only they can add data into the database. The data can be retrieved easily. The interface is very user-friendly. The data are well protected for personal use and makes the data processing very fast.
Privacy Preservation for Encrypted Data in Cloud Computing
Authors: Akash Bhairavkar  , Mayuri Shinde  , Pratiksha Bhosale  , Prof. C. S. Wagh
Published: May 2022

Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular and promises to revolutionize the future of IT service delivery. However, security and privacy concerns continue to hinder cloud adoption. Some of the challenges and open issues associated with privacy preserving concern in cloud computing are also discussed. The distributed computing is another figuring model which originates from lattice processing, disseminated registering, parallel processing virtualization innovation, utility figuring and other PC advancements. The security issue of distributed computing is essential and it can keep the fast improvement of distributed computing. In this paper, the proposed technique is utilized for information stockpiling and recovers in secure way. FHE plot is utilized to scramble the information and furthermore give indication to store the information in distributed storage.
Finite Element Simulation and Comparison of Piezoelectric Vibration-Based Energy Harvesters with Advanced Electric Circuits
Authors: Hegendörfer Andreas , Mergheim Julia
Published: May 2022

A system simulation method based on the Finite-Element Method (FEM) is applied to simulate a bimorph piezoelectric vibration-based energy harvester (PVEH) with different electric circuits: The standard circuit, the synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (SSHI) circuit and the synchronized electric charge extraction (SECE) circuit are considered. Moreover, nonlinear elasticity of the piezoelectric material is taken into account and different magnitudes of base excitations are applied. The holistic FEM-based system simulation approach allows the detailed evaluation of the influences of the considered electric circuits on the vibrational behavior of the PVEH. Furthermore, the harvested energy of the different applied electric circuits with respect to the magnitude of base excitation is compared and results from literature regarding the efficiency of electric circuits are confirmed.
Numerical investigation on a block preconditioning strategy to improve the computational efficiency of DFN models
Authors: Gazzola Laura , Ferronato Massimiliano , Berrone Stefano , Pieraccini Sandra , Scialò Stefano
Published: May 2022

Simulation of fluid flow dynamics in fractured porous media is an important issue in several subsurface models. The intricate network generated by hundreds of fractures produces complex multi-scale geometries that can be modelled in different ways. In contrast to homogenization-based techniques, discrete fracture network (DFN) models explicitly represent the fracture planes and their properties, prescribing continuity constraints for the fluid flow along the linear intersections. We focus on the formulation of the DFN model as a PDE-constrained optimization problem as originally proposed in [1].  This approach uses a non-conforming mesh and decouples the global problem in local ones, thus being suitable for an effective parallel implementation [2]. Imposing the flow continuity by a Lagrange-multiplier technique gives rise to a linearized algebraic problem where the global matrix K has a symmetric saddle-point structure with a rank-deficient leading block. In this work, we focus on accelerating the iterative solution of the system with matrix K by introducing effective block preconditioning techniques. First, an appropriate permutation of K is performed, in order to avoid a singular leading block though losing the global symmetry. Then, we restrict K to the coarse space of the fracture traces and solve inexactly the projected matrix by either an explicit or a matrix-free approach. The granular properties and the structure of K blocks are properly exploited in order to guarantee an efficient parallel implementation. The proposed algorithm is tested in applications of increasing size to verify its robustness and effectiveness in the acceleration of the iterative linear solver.[1]      S. Berrone, S. Pieraccini, S. Scialò. A PDE-constrained optimization formulation for Discrete Fracture Network flows, SIAM J. Sci. Comput., Vol. 35, pp. B487-B510, (2013) [2]      S. Berrone, S. Scialò, F. Vicini. Parallel meshing, discretization and computation of flow in massive Discrete Fracture Networks, SIAM J. Sci. Comput., Vol. 41, pp. C317-C338, (2019)
Sea ice strength development from freezing to melting in the Antarctic marginal ice zone
Authors: Paul Felix , Mielke T. , Audh R. , Lupascu D.C.
Published: May 2022

Sea ice growth in the Marginal Ice Zone of the Antarctic is one of the largest annual changes on earth with a huge impact on the global climate and ecology system. The principles of sea ice growth and melting in the MIZ of the Antarctic is yet not as well researched as its polar counterpart in the north.For this study, pancake ice, consolidated ice and floe ice were analyzed with a compression test in July, October and November 2019 in the marginal ice zone of the Antarctic. Newly formed pancake ice in July showed the highest compressive strength in the bottom layer (3 MPa), whereas consolidated ice was strongest at the top (5 MPa). Consolidated ice in October and November had the highest compressive strength in a middle layer with up to 13.5 MPa, the maximum strength at the top was 3 MPa. Floe ice, consisting of destroyed pack ice, did not show a clear strength development over sea ice depth.
An adaptive discrete Newton method for regularization-free Bingham model
Authors: Fatima Arooj , Turek Stefan , Ouazzi Abderrahim , Afaq Muhammad Aaqib
Published: May 2022

Developing a numerical and algorithmic tool which correctly identifies unyielded region in the yield stress fluid flow is a challenging task. Two approaches are commonly used to handle the singular behaviour at the yield surface, i.e. Augmented Lagrangian approach and the regularization approach, respectively. Generally in the regularization approach, solvers do not perform efficiently when the regularization parameter gets very small. In this work, we use a formulation introducing a new auxiliary stress [1]. The three field formulation of yield stress fluid corresponds to a regularization-free Bingham formulation. The resulting set of equations arising from the three field formulation is solved efficiently and accurately by a monolithic finite element method. The velocity and pressure are discretized by higher order stable FEM pair $Q_2/P^{\text{disc}}_1$ and the auxiliary stress is discretized by $Q_2$ element.Furthermore, this problem is highly nonlinear and presents a big challenge to any nonlinear solver. We developed a new adaptive discrete Newton's method, which evaluates the Jacobian with the directional divided difference approach [2]. The step length in this process is an important key: We relate this length to the rate of the actual nonlinear reduction for achieving a robust adaptive Newton's method. The resulting linear sub problems are solved using the geometrical multigrid solver. We analyse the solvability of the problem along with the adaptive Newton method for Bingham fluids by doing numerical studies for two different prototypical configurations, i.e. "Viscoplastic fluid flow in a channel" and "Lid Driven Cavity", respectively [2].REFERENCES[1] Aposporidis, A., Haber, E., Olshanskii, M. A. and Veneziani, A. A mixed formulation of the Bingham fluid flow problem: Analysis and numerical solution. Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg, Vol. 200, pp. 2434–2446, (2011).[2] Fatima, A., Turek, S., Ouazzi, A. and Afaq, M. A. An adaptive discrete Newton method for regularization-free Bingham model. Ergebnisberichte des Instituts fuer Angewandte Mathematik Nummer 635, Fakultaet fuer Mathematik, TU Dortmund University, 635, 2021.
Intrinsically Selective Mass Scaling with Hierarchic Structural Element Formulations
Authors: Oesterle Bastian , Trippmacher Jan , Tkachuk Anton , Bischoff Manfred
Published: May 2022

Hierarchic shear deformable Reissner-Mindlin shell formulations possess the advantage of being intrinsically free from transverse shear locking [1], [2]. Transverse shear locking is avoided a priori through reparametrization of the kinematic variables. This reparametrization yields beam, plate and shell formulations with distinct transverse shear degrees of freedom.The efficiency of explicit dynamic analyses of thin-walled structures is limited by the critical time step size, which depends on the highest frequency of the discretized system. If Reissner-Mindlin type shell elements are used for discretization of a thin structure, the highest transverse shear frequencies limit the critical time step in explicit dynamic analyses, while being relatively unimportant for the structural response of the system. The basic idea of selective mass scaling is to scale down the highest frequencies in order to increase the critical time step size, while keeping the low frequency modes unaffected, see for instance [3]. In most concepts, this comes at the cost of non-diagonal mass matrices.In this contribution, we present recent investigations on selective mass scaling with hierarchic formulations. Since hierarchic formulations possess distinct transverse shear degrees of freedom, they offer the intrinsic ability for selective mass scaling of the shear frequency modes, while keeping the bending dominated modes mostly unaffected and retaining the diagonal structure of a lumped mass matrix. We discuss the effects of transverse shear parametrization, locking and mass lumping on the accuracy of results and a feasible time step.REFERENCES[1] R. Echter, B. Oesterle and M. Bischoff, A hierarchic family of isogeometric shell finite elements. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol. 254. pp. 170-180, 2013.[2] B. Oesterle, E. Ramm and M. Bischoff, A shear deformable, rotation-free isogeometric shell formulation. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol. 307, pp. 235-255, 2016.[3] G. Cocchetti, M. Pagani and U. Perego, Selective mass scaling and critical time-step estimate for explicit dynamics analyses with solid-shell elements. Computers and Structures, Vol. 27, pp. 39-52, 2013.
Reducing computational time for FEM postprocessing through the use of feedforward neural networks
Authors: Zlatić Martin , Čanađija Marko
Published: May 2022

With the recent surge in neural network usage, machine learning libraries have become more convenient to use and implement. In this paper we investigate the possibility of using neural networks in order to faster process displacements obtained from finite element calculation and replace existing post-processing procedures. The method is implemented on 2D finite elements for their relative ease of usage and manipulation. A speed up is observed in comparison to traditional methods of post-processing. Possible further applications of this method are also presented in this paper.
Multilevel matrix-free preconditioner to solve linear systems associated with a the time-dependent SPN equations
Authors: Carreño Amanda , Vidal-Ferràndiz Antoni , Ginestar Damián , Verdú Gumersindo
Published: May 2022

Inside a nuclear reactor core, the neutronic power distribution can be approximated by means of the multigroup time-dependent  simplified spherical harmonics equations. In particular, this work uses a formulation where the time derivatives of the even spherical harmonics moments are assumed equal to zero. This treatment yields to diffusive equations of order two that only depend on the position and time.For the spatial discretization of the equations, a continuous Galerkin high order finite element method is applied. In the time discretization, two sets of equations appear: one related to the neutron moments and the other related to the delayed neutron precursor concentrations. Moreover, these time differential equations are usually stiff. Thus, a semi-implicit time scheme must be proposed that needs to solve several linear systems in each time-step. And generally, these systems must be preconditioned.The main aim of this work is to speed up the convergence of the linear systems solver with a multilevel preconditioner that uses different levels of energy, spherical moments and degrees in the finite element method. Furthermore, the matrices that appear in this type of system are large and sparse. A matrix-free implementation is used to avoid the full assembly of the matrices. Therefore, the multilevel preconditioner must be applied by matrix-vector products.Different benchmark transients test these techniques. Numerical results show, in the comparison with classical methodologies, an improvement in terms of memory requested and time needed to obtain the solution.
A mixed isogeometric plane stress and plane strain formulation with different continuities for the alleviation of locking
Authors: Stammen Lisa , Dornisch Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

Isogeometric analysis was founded by Hughes et al. and tries to unify computer aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA) by using the same model for geometry representation and analysis. Therefore, non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) and other kinds of splines are used as shape functions of the finite elements. Due to the exact representation of the geometry, analysis results can be improved. Furthermore, many fast and numerically stable algorithms have been developed that exhibit favourable mathematical properties.In mixed formulations stresses and/or strains or pressures are approximated independently and in addition to the usual displacement approximation. Using such methods is more robust and offers more accurate results. Hence, mixed formulations are employed to solve incompressible elasticity problems for instance.Recent investigations have already combined isogeometric analysis and mixed formulations in order to benefit from the advantages of both methods.In this contribution, a mixed isogeometric method is proposed in order to improve the analysis results and to counteract locking. Therefore, spline basis functions are used and the displacement shape functions of a two-dimensional isogeometric plane stress and plane strain element are supplemented by independent stress shape functions. These additional stress shape functions are chosen to be of one order lower compared to the displacement shape functions, but with adapted continuity.Evaluating the error norms for several examples, it is shown that the proposed mixed method leads to an improved accuracy of results compared to a standard isogeometric formulation and is able to counteract locking. Furthermore, the influence of the continuity of the stress shape functions is shown.
Solution of heat transfer inverse problem in thin film irradiated by laser
Authors: Korczak Anna , Mucha Waldemar
Published: May 2022

The presented article deals with inverse problems in nanoscale heat transfer identification problems [1]. Heat flow in solids can be modelled using various models. When dealing with objects of small dimensions, of the order of nanometres, and with fast heating processes, comparable to relaxation times, then it is reasonable to use molecular dynamics or the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) [2]. The presented coupled system of Boltzmann transport equations has the advantage over molecular dynamics that it has a less complicated mathematical apparatus and calculations proceed faster. A thin film irradiated by ultrashort laser pulse is modeled using BTE. Heat transfer parameters of the model are identified using evolutionary algorithm – an optimization algorithm inspired on biological evolution of species. Multicriterial identification is characterized as an optimization problem where the difference between obtained and expected results is minimized.
Model-order reduction for nonlinear dynamics including nonlinearities induced by damage
Authors: Daby-Seesaram Alexandre , Fau Amélie , Charbonnel Pierre Étienne , Néron David
Published: May 2022

Fragility curves are one of the main tools used to characterize the resistance to seismic hazard ofcivil engineering structures, such as nuclear facilities. These curves describe the probability thatthe response of a structure exceeds a given criterion, called failure criterion, as a function of theexpected seismic loading level. The numerical construction of these curves leads to many queriesto CPU intensive nonlinear computations. Indeed, a large number of loading scenarios must betreated, but also the uncertainties inherent to the structure must be taken into account through areliability study.The objective of this work is to implement a strategy based on model-order reduction for a calcu-lation generally enabling very important computational time savings. Among the diffeerent possible approaches, the Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD) coupled with the LATIN method [1] is particularly well suited for solving parametrized problems in nonlinear mechanics in order to buildnumerical charts [2]. The LATIN-PGD method is an iterative approach that seeks the solution of a given problem by building in a greedy way a dedicated reduced-order basis. This basis can bereused and enriched to solve parametrized problems, allowing a very good numerical effciency. It has been applied to solve a wide range of problems in mechanics and more recently for earthquake-engineering applications [3] and provides a particularly good framework for the computation ofnumerical charts.In this contribution, a strategy will be proposed to evaluate the damage state of piping components,characteristic of the primary circuits of pressurized water reactors, subjected to seismic loading consecutive to a preliminary design thermal loading. The developed methodology, using a damageableelasto-plastic material, integrates the initial state of damage prior to the seismic event, which isone of the uncertain parameters of the problem.REFERENCES[1] P. Ladevèze. Nonlinear computational structural mechanics: new approaches and non-incremental methods of calculation. Mechanical engineering series. Springer, New York, 1999.[2] D. Néron, P.-A. Boucard, and N. Relun. Timespace PGD for the rapid solution of 3d nonlinearparametrized problems in the manyquery context. International Journal for Numerical Methodsin Engineering, 103(4):275{292, 2015.[3] S. Rodriguez, D. Néron, P.-E. Charbonnel, P. Ladevéze, and G. Nahas. Non incremental LATIN-PGD solver for nonlinear vibratoric dynamics problems. In 14ème Colloque National en Calculdes Structures, CSMA 2019, Presqu'^Ile de Giens, France, May 2019.
Augmented fluid-structure interaction systems for viscoelastic pipelines and blood vessels
Authors: Bertaglia Giulia
Published: May 2022

Mathematical models and numerical methods are a powerful resource for better understanding phenomena and processes throughout the fluid dynamics field, allowing significant reductions in the costs, which would otherwise be required to perform laboratory experiments, and even allowing to obtain useful data that could not be gathered through measurements.The correct characterization of the interactions that occur between the fluid and the wall that surrounds it is a fundamental aspect in all contexts involving deformable ducts, which requires the utmost attention at every stage of both the development of the computational method and the interpretation of the results and their application to cases of practical interest.In this work, innovative mathematical models able to predict the behavior of the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) mechanism that underlies the dynamics of flows in different compliant ducts is presented. Starting from the purely civil engineering sector, with the study of plastic water pipelines, the final application of the proposed tool is linked to the medical research field, to reproduce the mechanics of blood flow in both arteries and veins. With this aim, various linear viscoelastic models, from the simplest to the more sophisticated, have been applied and extended to obtain augmented FSI systems in which the constitutive equation of the material is directly embedded into the system as partial differential equation [1]. These systems are solved recurring to second-order Finite Volume Methods that take into account the recent evolution in the computational literature of hyperbolic balance laws systems [2]. To avoid the loss of accuracy in the stiff regimes of the proposed systems, asymptotic-preserving IMEX Runge-Kutta schemes are considered for the time discretization, which are able to maintain the consistency and the accuracy in the diffusive limit, without restrictions due to the scaling parameters [3]. The models have been extensively validated through different types of test cases, highlighting the advantages of using the augmented formulation of the system of equations. Furthermore, comparisons with experimental data have been considered both for the water pipelines scenario and the blood flow modeling, recurring to in-vivo measurements for the latter.REFERENCES[1] Bertaglia, G., Caleffi, V. and Valiani, A. Modeling blood flow in viscoelastic vessels: the 1D augmented fluid-structure interaction system. Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., 360(C):112772 (2020).[2] Bertaglia, G., Ioriatti, M., Valiani, A., Dumbser, M. and Caleffi, V. Numerical methods for hydraulic transients in visco-elastic pipes. J. Fluids Struct., 81:230-254 (2018).[3] Pareschi, L. and Russo, G. Implicit-explicit Runge-Kutta schemes and applications to hyperbolic systems with relaxation. J. Sci. Comput., 25:129-155 (2005).
Does E-payment influence Procurement Performance? A case of Geothermal Development Company in Kenya.
Authors: Richard Wachira Gichuhi.
Published: May 2022

This study sought to determine the influence of e-payment on procurement performance in Geothermal Development Company in Kenya. The theory adopted by the study was Business to Business model. A descriptive research design was adopted in this study. Target population included the total number of employees working in procurement and logistics departments in GDC Nakuru region. There are a total of 170 procurement as well as logistics employees in GDC. Multi-stage sampling method was used where 97 respondents were selected as the study respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The instrument was tested for validity and reliability where Cronbach's alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument. The alpha values for all the variables were above 0.8 well above the recommended threshold of 0.7. Thus the instruments were deemed reliable for data collection in the study. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings were presented in form of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics and presented in tables accompanied with relevant discussion. This study concluded that e-payment has a significant relationship with procurement performance. The study recommends that it is important for the company to adopt e-payment as a means of boosting procurement performance in the long run. E-payment was shown to be strongly correlated with procurement performance. Further, e-payment was shown to significantly influence the variation in procurement performance unlike the other variables.
Aspects of Continuity and Change in Leatherwork Indigenous Industry among the Tugen of Baringo County in 1895-1963 in Kenya.
Authors: Dr Paul Opondo; Prof John Changach. Sarah J. Kiptala;
Published: May 2022

The study examined the approaches that were employed by the Tugen in their knowledge, skills and attitudes acquisition before and during the colonial period of Kenya. The study examined two distinctive epochs from which the understanding of how leatherwork in Tugen land was conducted. The work relied on oral traditions as a primary source. Secondary sources were utilised, such as unpublished works like articles, books, and thesis. Archival sources from Kenya National Archives were extensively used to supplement the sources from primary and secondary. The study described the distribution, methods, techniques, and procedures used in leatherwork. It further assessed the types and uses of leather products. This study established the forces that led to the dismantling of the industry during the early periods of colonial rules, such as taxation, forced labour, settler farming, and western education. Leatherwork in the 1930s underwent re-organisations in the form of labour innovativeness, cultural transformation, marketing strategies etc. These were analysed to ascertain the forces behind the persistence of the industry. The Tugen devised ways of survival to compete favourably with the British colonisers, which led to the Tugen transformation of the leather industry from 1945. The main problem that this study advanced is that Tugenland, like other African societies, is regarded by some people as having not had any form of industry or organisation before the arrival of the colonialists. This paper raised an argument against this position. The study has recorded the Tugen leather industry for posterity purposes.
The Influence of Social Economic Background on Academic Performance of Secondary School Student Council Officials in Kenya.
Authors: Ferdinand C. Wekesa Rosemary Wahu Mbogo;
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the influence of socio-economic background on the academic performance of student council officials in secondary schools. The study was conducted in public secondary schools in Kajiado North, Sub-County, Kajiado County. A sample size of seven (7) principals, ten (10) deputy principals and ninety-four (94) student council officials was used in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires, after which analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics were done for data analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science software program (SPSS). The measure of associations was determined using Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient (r) between variables which enabled the authors to determine whether the relationship between variables was positive or negative (-1.0 to +1.0). The study findings established that the high social-economic background of student council officials significantly influenced their academic performances (r=.025; p<.05). The findings further indicated that the availability of funds enables student council officials to have access to more academic resources; availability of funds motivates student council officials to perform better in examinations, and that student council officials from high socio-economic status were competent to pursue good grades in examinations. However, the study hypothesis was partially rejected. The authors recommend that public secondary schools should try to reduce the gap between students from the high social, economic background and low backgrounds.
Effect of Leadership Roles on Academic Performance: A Reflection on Student Council Officials in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya.
Authors: Rosemary Wahu Mbogo. Ferdinand Chemwende Wekesa;
Published: May 2022

This study aimed at investigating the effect of leadership roles on the academic performance of student council officials in public secondary schools in Kajiado North Sub-county in Kenya. The study was descriptive in nature, adopting a descriptive survey design with a quantitative approach. Kajiado North Sub-County was purposefully selected for the study. Ten public secondary schools were, however, considered for the study in Kajiado North sub-County. A random selection of three (3) boys boarding schools, three (3) girls boarding, two (2) mixed day and boarding as well as two (2) mixed days were done. This study targeted the student council officials (prefects) in positions of leadership. Based on the twenty-nine public schools consisting of twelve (12) boarding schools and seventeen (17) day schools Principals and deputy principals were purposefully selected. The study used questionnaires with both open-ended questions and closed-ended questions ranked on a Likert scale. Data analysis was done using the SPSS program, applying both descriptive and inferential statistics. The authors found out that the roles student council officials play in school affect their character, which significantly raises their academic performance as depicted by (r=.023; p<.05). The study concluded that a significant relationship between the roles student council officials play and academic performance was statistical.  In addition, roles played by student council officials enhance their commitment to academic performance (r=.014; p<.05).
The dead never die: An African traditional religious perspective
Authors: Osore Omufulukhani Esilaba Caleb
Published: May 2022

This paper, therefore, analyses the concept of death, its meaning and significance, philosophy, cultural, and social aspects from an African perspective. The study applied narrative theory in order to make sense to the readers. For this matter, the object of study is the story itself. It focuses on how people or groups make logic of events and actions in their lives. This narrative theory addresses the vagueness, complexity and dynamism of a people, group or individuals. In the African Traditional Religion worldview, the narrative theory is used to tell the story of a particular group or culture.  The author establishes that Africans still value death and life after it in the sphere of ancestry and that there is a close association between the living and the dead; hence the concept of ‘the dead never die’. Further, it was found that the African social and communal being has affected the relationship between the living and the ‘living dead’. Notably, death is treated with a lot of seriousness because Africans ‘never die’; instead, the living connects with the living dead for as long as they remember him. The living dead thus become a source of blessing or curse to the family according to how he lived and how he was buried.
Relevance of the reformed church polity principles: An analysis of the constitution of the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA)
Authors: Ekitala Luka Ariko
Published: May 2022

This paper drawing to the foundations of both Presbyterian and Reformed church polity principles, evaluates the constitution of the Reformed Church in East Africa providing a proposed church order for the future of RCEA. The distinctiveness of church law is that it must also derive from the Bible what entails Christ’s will for His church and then implement it for contemporary times (Coertzen, 1998, p. 7). In Church and Order, A Reformed Perspective the principles of Reformed Church law and church government are exclusively and extensively treated as well as the historical development of Reformed church government and the practice of the subject as part of the theological curriculum.Presbyterianism negates that all church power vests in the clergy: that the apostolic office is perpetual, and that each individual Christian congregation is independent. It is upon this principle that RCEA was born having adopted the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) in 1963 prompted by the government’s requirement to be registered as an organization. However, whether the Reformed Church in East Africa (RCEA) is Reformed or Presbyterian in its government is a question to be discerned.
Determining the inculturation of baptism in African perspective
Authors: Njeru Eston Kinyua , Nkonge Dickson K
Published: May 2022

The study sought to investigate the inculturation of Baptism in African Perspective. The study is theoretically informed by inculturation theory that is well propounded by John Mbiti and Kwame Bediako. The researcher used qualitative methods of data presentation, descriptive and analytical research. Random and cluster selection design was used to sample hundred women of different age groups. He also targeted 50 men of the age between 30-60 years. The study also targeted 50 clergy of the two genders. Extensive reading of relevant literature was done to investigate efficacy of infant baptism. Interview and questionnaire was the method of data collection used in the study, prominent Church leaders and theologians were interviewed. The researcher then examined all data obtained from questionnaires and interview guides. It was coded appropriately and organised for analysis. Various correction tests were run using the SPSS (statistical packages for social sciences). The data was converted into mean, frequencies and percentages. The study established that the contestations regarding paedobaptism will remain until they are addressed from an African theological perspective, and in particular, through the motif of inculturation. The study recommended that it is worthwhile also to note that the theory of inculturation, a phenomenon where Gospel and culture are in dialogue of purpose, cannot be ignored in our theological discourses in Africa. Indeed, addressing paedobaptism from the framework of inculturation will unveil the contestations thereof.
The impact of training ministry coordinators and facilitators on their performance: An analysis of the training of theological education by extension
Authors: Kariuki Janeviolet W , Muhoho John
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the study was to determine how the level of training of theological education by extension (TEE) coordinators/facilitators affect its performance in the Anglican church of Kenya. The study adopted 360- degree feedback by Ward (1995), social learning theory by Albert Bandura (1977) and the theory by Maslow’s (1954). A survey was done and inferential statistics were obtained using SPSP. The respondents were 4 people from the sampled 10 dioceses out of the 32 dioceses in the A.C.K. The researcher adopted stratified simple random sampling technique which was most appropriate for the intended purpose of the research. The study conclude that it was evident from the respondents that, although training has a great impact on the performance of the T.E.E department and the organization as a whole, most of the T.E.E coordinators are not trained on T.E.E delivery skills, Majority of the respondents asserted that there is an assumption that the theological training attained by coordinators is adequate for them to coordinate T.E.E.  The study recommended that the A.C.K should consider organizing training programme on TE.E delivery skills for the T.E.E coordinators. The purpose of training is basically to improve knowledge and skills and change attitudes at work as the coordinators run the T.E.E programme.
Doing Act Of Kindness To Enhance Subjective Happiness: Correlates Of Academic Success
Authors: E. Roldan Amalia , B. Pastrana Nimfa
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of doing act of kindness as intervention program to enhance subjective happiness as correlates of student’s academic success for college freshmen. The subjective happiness of the respondents were assessed twice before and after the intervention program. The respondents’ academic achievement in their Psychology class was correlated to their academic achievement. Using the One – Group Pre-test and Post-test design the effectiveness of the intervention program was determined. The results of the pre-assessment (degree of their subjective happiness before the intervention program) and post-assessment (degree of their subjective happiness after the intervention program) was compared and analyzed using the t-test for dependent means. The study concluded that the respondents’ perceived degree of subjective happiness had increased after the conduct of the intervention program. The difference on the subjective happiness of the respondents before and after the intervention program is significant. Thus the intervention program is effective. There is significant relationship between the respondents’ subjective happiness and academic achievement in Psychology class. Results depict that happiness is a correlates of students’ academic success
Extent Of Compliance To Standard Precautions Among Healthcare Workers In Accredited Birthing Facilities In San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines
Authors: Asuncion Cheryl , Pastrana Nimfa , Salvador Marciel
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to determine the extent of compliance of health care professionals employed in birthing facilities in the municipality of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Specifically, it sought to determine the demographic data of the respondents as to age, educational attainment and years of experience; investigate their level of compliance to standard precautions and examine if there exists a significant relationship between the demographic variables of the respondents and their level of compliance to standard precautions. There were 23 health workers who participated in the study. The main instrument used in the study is the CSPS, a standardized checklist for measuring compliance to SP. Results showed that health workers in birthing facilities in the municipality are young, graduates of bachelor’s degree and are new in the service. They are also highly compliant with SP. It was also found that age and experience are significantly related with compliance to SP. The researchers recommend that this study be replicated using other health professionals as respondents such as doctors since they are the ones who are most exposed to health hazards. It is also suggested that further studies be conducted considering other variables which are not covered in this study.
ESTUDO DE CASO SOBRE GESTÃO DE PESSOAS
Authors: Marchioro de Oliveira Laura , Fátima Schabat Maristela , Lúcio Batista Cazarotti Mauro , lves Epifânio Bruna A , Nogueira de Oliveira Rodrigo Nogueira de Oliveira
Published: May 2022

Este artigo trata de um estudo de caso realizado na empresa Liquigás Tavares, empresa atuante no comércio de distribuição de gás de cozinha, localizada em Santa Maria – RS. Para o presente trabalho buscou-se desenvolver uma pesquisa relacionada a qualidade da administração de recursos humanos e seus benefícios, que se caracteriza em foco do treinamento proporcionado ao colaborador da empresa. No referencial teórico foram abordados importantes conceitos da gestão de recursos humanos e sua importância, como treinamento, recrutamento. Já para a metodologia foi utilizada uma pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa, descritiva, o método utilizado nesse trabalho foi indutivo. Em relação os meios de investigação, este estudo se caracterizou por estudo de caso e uma pesquisa bibliográfica. Por meio da análise dos resultados foi possível identificar possíveis melhorias a serem realizadas na empresa, podendo assim proporcionar aos seus clientes maior qualidade nos serviços e aos seus colabores melhores treinamento para seu desenvolvimento, e consequentemente um aumento na satisfação.
Unexpected high frequency of nocturnal surface ozone enhancement events over China: Characteristics and mechanisms
Authors: He Cheng , Lu Xiao , Wang Haolin , Wang Haichao , Li Yan , He Guowen , He Yuanping , Wang Yurun , Zhang Youlang , Liu Yiming , Fan Qi , Fan Shaojia
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Surface ozone concentrations typically peak in daytime driven by active photochemical production and decrease gradually after sunset by chemical destruction and dry deposition. Here, we report that nocturnal ozone enhancement (NOE, defined as ozone increase by at least 5 ppbv hour-1 in one of any two adjacent hours in 20:00–06:00 local time) events are observed at multiple monitoring sites in China at a high frequency that has not been recognized in previous studies. We present an overview of the general characteristics of NOE events in China and explore the possible mechanisms based on six-year observations from the national monitoring network. We find that the annual mean frequency of NOE events is 41±10 % averaged over all 814 Chinese sites in 2014–2019, which is 46 % larger than those over Europe and US. The NOE event frequency is higher in industrialized city clusters (>50 %) than regions with lighter ozone pollution, and is higher in the warm (46 %) than cold season (36 %), consistent with the spatiotemporal evolution of ozone levels. The mean ozone peak during NOE events reaches 37±6 ppbv in the warm season. The ozone enhancements are within 5–15 ppbv hour-1 in 85 % of the NOE events, but in about 10 % of the cases the ozone increases can exceed 20 ppbv hour-1. We propose that the high photochemistry-induced ozone in the daytime provides rich ozone source in the nighttime residual layer, determining the overall high frequency of NOE events in China, and then the enhanced atmospheric mixing triggers NOE events by allowing the ozone-rich air in the residual layer to mix into the nighttime boundary layer. This is supported by our analyses that 70 % (65 %) of the NOE events are associated with increases in friction velocity (planetary boundary layer height), indicative of enhanced atmospheric mixing, and also supported by the observed sharp decreases in surface NO2 and CO concentrations with ozone increases in NOE events, a typical signal of mixing with air in the residual layer. Three case studies in Beijing and Guangzhou shows that synoptic processes such as convective storms and low-level jets can lead to the NOE event by aggravating vertical mixing. Horizontal transport of ozone-rich plumes may also be a supplementary driver of NOE event. Our results summarize for the first time the characteristics and mechanism of the NOE events in China based on nationwide and long-term observations, and call for more direct measurements and modeling studies on the nighttime ozone evolution from surface to the residual layer.
Impact of cooking style and oil on semi-volatile and intermediate volatility organic compound emissions from Chinese domestic cooking
Authors: Song Kai , Guo Song , Gong Yuanzheng , Lv Daqi , Zhang Yuan , Wan Zichao , Li Tianyu , Zhu Wenfei , Wang Hui , Yu Ying , Tan Rui , Shen Ruizhe , Lu Sihua , Li Shuangde , Chen Yunfa , Hu Min
Published: May 2022

Abstract. To elucidate the molecular chemical compositions, volatility-polarity distributions, as well as influencing factors of Chinese cooking emissions, a comprehensive cooking emission experiment was conducted. Semi-volatile and intermediate volatility organic compounds (S/IVOCs) from cooking fumes were analyzed by a thermal desorption comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometer (TD-GC×GC-qMS). Emissions from four typical Chinese dishes, i.e., fried chicken, Kung Pao chicken, pan-fried tofu, and stir-fried cabbage were investigated to illustrate the impact of cooking style and material. Fumes of chicken fried with corn, peanut, soybean, and sunflower oils were investigated to demonstrate the influence of cooking oil. A total of 201 chemicals were quantified. Dishes cooked by stir-frying or deep-frying cooking styles emit much more pollutants than relatively mild cooking methods. Aromatics and oxygenated compounds were extensively detected among meat-related cooking fumes, while a vegetable-related profile was observed in the emissions of stir-fried cabbage. The volatility-polarity distributions of the four dish emissions were quite similar, yet the distributions diverged when different types of oils were utilized. Ozone formation potential (OFP) was dominated by chemicals in the VOC range. 10.2 % - 32.0 % of the SOA estimation could be explained by S/IVOCs. Pixel-based partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) were utilized for sample classification and key components identification. The results indicated that the oil factor explained more variance of chemical compositions than the cooking style factor. MPCA results emphasize the importance of the unsaturated fatty acid-alkadienal-volatile products mechanism (oil autooxidation) accelerated by the cooking and heating procedure.
Estimation of mechanistic parameters in the gas-phase reactions of ozone with alkenes for use in automated mechanism construction
Authors: Newland Mike J. , Mouchel-Vallon Camille , Valorso Richard , Aumont Bernard , Vereecken Luc , Jenkin Michael E. , Rickard Andrew R.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Reaction with ozone is an important atmospheric removal process for alkenes. The ozonolysis reaction produces carbonyls and carbonyl oxides (Criegee intermediates, CI), which can rapidly decompose to yield a range of closed shell and radical products, including OH radicals. Consequently,
it is essential to accurately represent the complex chemistry of Criegee intermediates in atmospheric models in order to fully understand the impact
of alkene ozonolysis on atmospheric composition. A mechanism construction protocol is presented which is suitable for use in automatic mechanism
generation. The protocol defines the critical parameters for describing the chemistry following the initial reaction, namely the primary carbonyl/CI yields from the primary ozonide fragmentation, the amount of stabilisation of the excited CI, the unimolecular decomposition pathways, rates and products of the CI, and the bimolecular rates and products of atmospherically important reactions of the stabilised CI (SCI). This analysis
implicitly predicts the yield of OH from the alkene–ozone reaction. A comprehensive database of experimental OH, SCI and carbonyl yields has been collated using reported values in the literature and used to assess the reliability of the protocol. The protocol provides estimates of OH, SCI and carbonyl yields with root mean square errors of 0.13 and 0.12 and 0.14, respectively. Areas where new experimental and theoretical data would improve the protocol and its assessment are identified and discussed.
Evaluation of gradient boosting and random forest methods to model subdaily variability of the atmosphere–forest CO2 exchange
Authors: Kämäräinen Matti , Lintunen Anna , Kulmala Markku , Tuovinen Juha-Pekka , Mammarella Ivan , Aalto Juha , Vekuri Henriikka , Lohila Annalea
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Accurate estimates of the net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) would improve the understanding of the natural carbon sources and sinks and their role in the regulation of the global atmospheric carbon. In this work, we use and compare the random forest (RF) and the gradient boosting (GB) machine learning (ML) methods for predicting the year-round 6 hourly NEE over 1996–2018 in a pine-dominated boreal forest in southern Finland and analyze the predictability of the NEE. Additionally, aggregation to weekly NEE values was applied to get information about longer term behavior of the method. The meteorological ERA5 reanalysis variables were used as predictors. Spatial and temporal neighborhood (predictor lagging) was used to provide the models more data to learn from, which was found to improve the accuracy compared to using only the nearest grid cell and time step. Both ML methods can explain the temporal variability of the NEE in the observational site of this study with the meteorological predictors, but the GB method was more accurate. It was more effective in separating the important predictors from non-important ones, showing no signs of overfitting despite many redundant variables. The accuracy of the GB (RF), here measured mainly using cross-validated Pearson correlation coefficient between the model result and the observed NEE, was high (good), reaching a best estimate value of 0.96 (0.94) and the root mean square value of 1.18 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (1.35 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹). We recommend using GB instead of RF for modeling the CO2 fluxes of the ecosystems due to its better performance.