bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic stability for solutions of a coupled system of quasi-linear viscoelastic Kirchhoff plate equations
Authors: Hajjej Zayd
Published: April 2023

In this manuscript, we study the asymptotic stability of solutions of two coupled quasi-linear viscoelastic Kirchhoff plate equations involving free boundary conditions, and accounting for rotational forces

   \begin{document}$ \begin{eqnarray*} &&\vert y_t\vert^{\rho}y_{tt}-\Delta y_{tt}+\Delta^{2}y- \int_0^t h_1(t-s)\Delta^2 y(s)\;ds+f_1(y, z) = 0,\\\\ &&\vert z_t\vert^{\rho}z_{tt}-\Delta z_{tt}+\Delta^{2}z- \int_0^t h_2(t-s)\Delta^2 z(s)\;ds+f_2(y, z) = 0. \end{eqnarray*} $\end{document}

The system under study in this contribution could be seen as a model for two stacked plates. This work is motivated by previous works about coupled quasi-linear wave equations or concerning single quasi-linear Kirchhoff plate. The existence of local weak solutions is established by the Faedo-Galerkin approach. By using the perturbed energy method, we prove a general decay rate of the energy for a wide class of relaxation functions.
Sentence opinion mining model for fusing target entities in official government documents
Authors: Ma Xiao , Yang Teng , Bai Feng , Shi Yunmei
Published: April 2023

When drafting official government documents, it is necessary to firmly grasp the main idea and ensure that any positions stated within the text are consistent with those in previous documents. In combination with the field's demands, By taking advantage of suitable text-mining techniques to harvest opinions from sentences in official government documents, the efficiency of official government document writers can be significantly increased. Most existing opinion mining approaches employ text classification methods to directly mine the sentential text of official government documents while disregarding the influence of the objects described within the documents (i.e., the target entities) on the sentence opinion categories. To address these issues, this study proposes a sentence opinion mining model that fuses the target entities within documents. Based on the Bi-directional long short-term (BiLSTM) and attention mechanisms, the model fully considers the attention given by a official government document's target entity to different words within the corresponding sentence text, as well as the dependency between words of the sentence. The model subsequently fuses two by using feature vector fusion to obtain the final semantic representation of the text, which is then classified using a fully connected network and softmax function. Experimental results based on a dataset of official government documents show that the model significantly outperforms baseline models such as Text-convolutional neural network (TextCNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), and BiLSTM.
Novel algorithms to approximate the solution of nonlinear integro-differential equations of Volterra-Fredholm integro type
Authors: HamaRashid Hawsar , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Hama Mudhafar , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Almusawa Musawa Yahya , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: April 2023

This study is devoted to examine the existence and uniqueness behavior of a nonlinear integro-differential equation of Volterra-Fredholm integral type in continues space. Then, we examine its solution by modification of Adomian and homotopy analysis methods numerically. Initially, the proposed model is reformulated into an abstract space, and the existence and uniqueness of solution is constructed by employing Arzela-Ascoli and Krasnoselskii fixed point theorems. Furthermore, suitable conditions are developed to prove the proposed model's continues behavior which reflects the stable generation. At last, three test examples are presented to verify the established theoretical concepts.
Delay-dependent anti-disturbance control of electric vehicle based on collective observers
Authors: Kang Zigui , Li Tao , Fan Xiaofei
Published: April 2023

An improved anti-disturbance strategy is proposed to guarantee lateral stability for electric vehicles with external disturbance and input time delay. Firstly, the T-S fuzzy model is applied to describe active front wheel steering system (AFS). Based on the obtained model, a new collective observers including disturbance observer and state observer are structured to estimate disturbance and state simultaneously. Then, a compound control is designed by using the estimation values of collective observers. During the design process, a novel path-independent fuzzy Lyapunov-Krasovskii function (FLKF) and slack variable matrices are introduced to reduce conservatism. Finally, two simulation cases are implemented on Matlab/Simulink-Carsim to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Modelling the optical characteristics of cylindrical and rough nanowires with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Havryliuk Oleksandr , Tkachuk Olha , Terebinska Mariia , Semchuk Oleksandr , Biliuk Anatolii
Published: April 2023

The optical spectra of structures with Ag nanoparticles between rough and cylindrical nanowires are calculated. The simulation was carried out using the finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD). As a source of radiation, a plane wave with the range of wavelengths 300–1000 nm is used. It is shown that with an increase in the root mean square (RMS) roughness of rough nanowires, the absorption coefficient decreases in the range of 500–750 nm due to an increase in the reflection effect. When silver nanoparticles are added, peaks appear at the wavelength of 840 nm (for cylindrical nanowires) and 900 nm (for rough nanowires), which indicates the manifestation of the surface plasmon resonance effect. It is shown that the electric field strength in a system with rough nanowires is higher than in a system with cylindrical nanowires.
Li+ intercalation current generation in amorphous and crystalline MoS2: Experiment and theory
Authors: Balaban Oksana , Izhyk Oleh , Zaichenko Alexander , Mitina Natalia , Grygorchak Ivan , Harhay Khrystyna
Published: April 2023

In this work, crystalline and amorphous nano-MoS2 materials for effective Li+-intercalation current generation have been synthesized. The effect of disordering on the structural and electrochemical properties of nano-MoS2 has been systematically investigated by multiple characterizations: transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction method and electrochemical measurements. Thermodynamic and kinetic peculiarities of intercalation processes have been studied. Dependences of the change in Gibbs’ free energy of the intercalation reaction on the extent of ‘guest’ lithium loading are analyzed. The distinctive feature of disordered structures is their ability to show colossal lithium ‘guest’ load, which ensures the specific capacity of the material in cathode processes up to ~2500 mAh·g-1 under the discharge not less than 2.6 V relative to lithium. The diffusion coefficient of lithium cations in the structure of disordered nano-MoS2 is two orders of magnitude higher than that in the crystalline MoS2. A quantum-mechanical model of the observed phenomena is suggested.
Research on the Relationship Between Teacher Support and Learning Engagement in Chinese High School Information Technology Courses
Authors: Liu Bing , Xu Liping , Luo Xiaobing , Lu Shui-lin
Published: April 2023

Exploring the relationship between teacher support and students' learning engagement in high school information technology courses can help improve students' learning ability. The researchers took 246 high school students from a city in China as the research subjects and used structural equation modeling to explore the relationship between teacher support and learning engagement in high school information technology courses from the perspective of computer self-efficacy. The results show that teacher support, computer self-efficacy, and learning engagement are positively correlated. Teacher support has a positive effect on information technology learning engagement, and computer self-efficacy plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between teacher support and information technology learning engagement.
Method of Fault Self-Healing in Distribution Network and Deep Learning Under Cloud Edge Architecture
Authors: Lin Zhenxing , Huang Liangjun , Yu Boyang , Qi Chenhao , Pan Linbo , Wang Yu , Ge Chengyu , Shan Rongrong
Published: April 2023

At present, the distribution network fault self-healing method based on deep learning in smart grid work often has problems such as low accuracy and insufficient feature extraction ability. To overcome this, the authors propose a method of fault self-healing in a distribution network based on robot patrol and deep learning in a cloud edge architecture. Firstly, the data collected by the robot fault collection system is preprocessed by using one-hot coding and normalization methods to prevent data flooding. Secondly, they propose an improved bi-directional short-term memory (BiLSTM) fault location method which combines the advantages of both BiLSTM and attention mechanism, adjusts attention weight, filters, or weakens redundant information. Finally, the I-BiLSTM network and the U-BiLSTM network are trained, respectively, and the fault section can be accurately located based on the data of each node of the robot fault collection system topology. Experimental results show that this method has achieved accuracy scores of 0.928, 0.933, 0.948, and 0.942, respectively, in four fault types, namely single-phase grounding, two-phase grounding, phase-to-phase short circuit, and three-phase short circuit, which outperform those in previous literature. The proposed method is well suited for applications in smart grid work because of its desirable fault self-healing ability.
A Benchmark for Performance Evaluation of a Multi-Model Database vs. Polyglot Persistence
Authors: Ye Feng , Sheng Xinjun , Nedjah Nadia , Sun Jun , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2023

As the need for handling data from various sources becomes crucial for making optimal decisions, managing multi-model data has become a key area of research. Currently, it is challenging to strike a balance between two methods: polyglot persistence and multi-model databases. Moreover, existing studies suggest that current benchmarks are not completely suitable for comparing these two methods, whether in terms of test datasets, workloads, or metrics. To address this issue, the authors introduce MDBench, an end-to-end benchmark tool. Based on the multi-model dataset and proposed workloads, the experiments reveal that ArangoDB is superior at insertion operations of graph data, while the polyglot persistence instance is better at handling the deletion operations of document data. When it comes to multi-thread and associated queries to multiple tables, the polyglot persistence outperforms ArangoDB in both execution time and resource usage. However, ArangoDB has the edge over MongoDB and Neo4j regarding reliability and availability.
PLA/MWCNT Nanocomposite: Improved Electrical, Thermal and Antibacterial Properties for Fused Deposition Modelling Additive Manufacturing Applications
Authors: de Yro Persia Ada N. , Cochon Kaela Nichole M. , Rueda Jocel Bianca P. , Quiachon Gerald Mari O. , Ebarvia Madelaine L. , Basilia Blessie A.
Published: April 2023

Incorporation of nanoparticles in Polylactic Acid (PLA) for additive manufacturing is explored to alter the material property to suit its intended application. In this study, PLA is reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) using two-roll mill for fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing. The chemical composition, thermal behavior, electrical, and antibacterial properties of the PLA/MWCNT nanocomposite were investigated. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed the physical interaction of MWCNT to the PLA matrix. The x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) data showed that increasing the MWCNT percentage increases the amorphous region and intensity, indicating the nucleating effect of MWCNT on PLA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed a decrease in the glass transition and melting temperatures compared to pure PLA by up to 9.36°C and 23.25°C, respectively, while introducing cold crystallization with the addition of MWCNT. The two point-probe resistance measurement showed a decreasing trend in the resistance of the composite which indicates an increase in conductivity as the the amount of MWCNT is increased. The analysis of disk diffusion test concluded that no bacterial growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus happened underneath the sample. Furthermore, the nanocomposite was successfuly extruded into a filament and test samples were 3D printed using FDM. The PLA/MWCNT produced are suitable for the production of a multifunctional filament with improved electrical, thermal and antimicrobial properties for different fused deposition modelling (FDM) additive manufacturing increasing the probable applications and competitiveness of this promising market niche.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties and Failure Behavior of Nano-Alumina Reinforced Poly(Lactic) Acid Composite for Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing via Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Tolentino Marvin S. , Almeria Krystal Ysavel , Basilia Blessie A.
Published: April 2023

Mechanical properties and failure behavior of 3D printed poly (lactic) acid (PLA) reinforced with varying loadings of nano-alumina (Al2O3) (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 wt.%) were investigated through simulation using a finite element analysis (FEA)-based software. Tensile test specimens were 3D printed via fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique and underwent actual testing. The mechanical properties determined were then used as parameters for the FEA simulation to achieve prediction accuracy. Specifically, this study utilized MSC Patran and Nastran software to simulate the tensile test on the modeled test specimen with tetrahedron mesh. The finite element model was verified by comparing the simulated values with the results of actual experimental testing. Upon calculation, the average percentage differences for the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and displacement were 5.86%, 12.07%, and 10.57%, respectively. Although percentage differences were obtained, using FEA as an initial analysis for the prediction of mechanical properties and failure behavior could serve as a solution for better design and materials optimization.
Effects of Wood Flour Reinforcement on the Warpage and Compressive Strength of 3D Printed HDPEs
Authors: Agbayani Mark Anthony R. , Paglicawan Marissa A. , Margarito Marianito T. , Basilia Blessie A.
Published: April 2023

The study involves the use of high density polyethylene (HDPE) as a filament for 3D printing. Considering the warpage and adhesion problem of HDPE on the build plate during 3D printing, this was addressed through the incorporation of wood flour compatibilized with styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS-gMAH). The composite wood-HDPE (cHDPE) was studied to observe warpage changes. Using different SEBS, heat bed parameters and identification of the suitable print heat beds for HDPE was conducted. Results from the mechanical testing show that the compressive strength and elastic force of virgin HDPE (vHDPE) increases with infill percentage, while the same properties for cHDPE increases up to 50% infill density/percentage then decreases as it approaches 100% infill percentage. Digital microscopy imaging shows that poor layer adhesion initiated the poor compressive performance of cHDPE. Warp studies reveal that wood flour significantly decreases warping of HDPE by 42.88% at 50% infill density. While different SEBS brands show similar effectiveness as heat beds in reducing warping of HDPE during printing.
Experimental Study of Magnetic Materials Obtained via Fusing with Laser Radiation
Authors: Kulchin Y.N. , Yatsko D.S. , Pivovarov D.S. , Nikiforov Pavel A. , Stebliy Maxim E.
Published: April 2023

The article presents the results of studying the magnetic materials obtained via fusing metallic powder with laser radiation in static magnetic field. The powder to be fused was prepared with milling the alloy containing rare-earth and transition metals. Austenitic stainless steel was used as a substrate material for obtaining samples. The structure of the magnets obtained was studied by means of SEM. EDS was used to estimate the distribution of elements in the samples. The study of magnetic properties showed the decrease of residual magnetization and coercivity in the magnets obtained with laser fusing as compared to raw material.
Anomaly Detection in Initial Climb Segments for Helicopter Operations
Authors:   Georgia Institute of Technology, Chin Hsiang-Jui ,   Federal Aviation Administration, Johnson Charles , Mavris Dimitri , Payan Alexia
Published: April 2023

Helicopters are used in a variety of operations and recent studies show that the number of accidents associated with helicopters is stagnating, if not increasing. Flight data monitoring (FDM) is a useful tool to review the data retrospectively for risk mitigation. Exceedance analyses are typically used in FDM for anomaly detection. However, they typically rely on pre-defined thresholds which might vary depending on the type of operations or vehicles considered. With recent advancements in data mining techniques, many efforts have been put into anomaly detection in the commercial fixed-wing aviation and this provides a new perspective beyond traditional methods. In this research, a sequential approach is proposed to detect anomalies in initial climb segments for helicopter operations. The stepwise methodology contains three elements: trajectory pattern mining, time series length analysis, and shape analysis for identifying different levels of anomalies. To ensure the effectiveness of the methods selected, synthetic and simulated data are used for testing before applying candidate methods to the actual initial climb segments. A specific group of initial climb segments is used to demonstrate the validity of the methods chosen in this study. Our tests show that functional principal component analysis and a convolutional variational autoencoder along with DBSCAN are capable of identifying shape anomalies in flight parameters. Although the detected anomalies might not directly be associated with hazardous events, it is useful to assist helicopter operators in discovering patterns not conforming to the norms.
Exploring effective strategies to revamp the student enrolments in private tertiary institutions: A case of Rwanda
Authors: Sikubwabo Cyprien , Muhirwa André , Ntawiha Philothère
Published: April 2023

Different reports by the Ministry of Education in Rwanda have confirmed a decrease in student enrolments in Rwandan private universities since 2014, such that there is a need for effective strategies to address this issue. This study was undertaken to explore effective strategies to revamp student enrolments in six selected private tertiary institutions in Rwanda. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and used a sample of 382 participants out of 13914 subjects. The study employed a structured questionnaire for data collection. The data was analysed by means of percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviation. The findings revealed that the effective institution-based strategies to improve student enrolments in private universities in Rwanda are notably: motivate new applicants by helping the alumni to get jobs, reduce the costs and bring flexibility in fee payment, offer more flexible and marketable programs, improve quality in teaching and provide adequate instructional facilities. It was also found that the effective Government-based strategies are notably: promote graduate employability in Rwanda, provide study loan to private university students, promote more technical programmes than general ones, provide financial support to private universities by the Rwandan government to build their capacity. The study recommended that there should be partnership between the managers of private tertiary institutions and the government of Rwanda in putting in place the suggested effective strategies to revamp the student enrolments of the institutions.
Transparency in local government finance and service delivery: The case of Mwanza City and Moshi District Councils in Tanzania
Authors: Kessy Ambrose T.
Published: April 2023

Transparency is an essential tool of local governance which enables the local citizens to hold local institutions accountable for their performance, to foster trust in government, minimize corruption and improve local service delivery. Accountability and transparency have been on the top of agendas in all the local government reforms in Tanzania. For transparency to work properly, it needs effective structures of implementation. Within the local government system in Tanzania, the structures of transparency are present but appear to be not working as they should do. This paper seeks to assess the extent to which the problems of transparency have persisted under the new phase of local government reforms and how they are likely to impact on local service delivery in Tanzania. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to examine the extent to which fiscal transparency in local governments in Tanzania is practised and how this has played a greater role in service delivery. The study used a case study of purposively selected local councils in Tanzania to examine the dynamics of fiscal transparency and service delivery. The findings show that there is little flow of information from higher levels of local governments to the lower levels in relation to resources available and results achieved. The information received from the councils is sometimes opaque or fuzzy in the sense that it does not reveal all about what their leaders do or what important decisions have been made about their councils. The study concludes that the importance of accountability and transparency attached to service delivery in any country is essential for good practice in local governance. Hence, instruments for accountability and transparency at the local levels must be enhanced to enable public institutions and public officials to be responsive to the citizens.
Lawyers’ antics and nonverbal impoliteness in Nigerian court documents: An example of Mosojo versus Oyetayo
Authors: Ayansola Abayomi O. , Ugoala Bibian
Published: April 2023

Unlike the inquisitorial court system, the adversarial court requires that counsels willfully resort to face-aggravating impolite non/verbal acts through the instrumentation of relevant court papers as well as the use of professional privileges at the cross-examination phase to the detriment of the opposition, thereby elevating the quest for victory above fact-finding and the dispensation of justice. The study evaluates counsels’ impolite nonverbal communicative behaviour and professional antics which are complementary to verbal impoliteness. Anchored on Watts’ (2003) theory of relational works and Culpeper’s (1996) impoliteness super-strategies, the study drew fifteen (15) purposively selected examples, with preponderance of underlying nonverbal face-aggravating behaviour by professional courtroom participants, from archived pretrial documents and transcripts of proceedings in Mosojo versus Oyetayo (2012). Against the existence of inquisitorial and fact-finding alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, the disputants chose the adversarial Western-like court system, with a penchant for impolite non/verbal behaviour, for the resolution of the Obasinkin chieftaincy dispute in a Nigerian community. Findings revealed that counsels’ antics and nonverbal impolite behaviour are not only embedded in some legal documents, but also manifested in the form of time-wasting, willful absence from court and embedded presupposing boobytrap arguments that were meant to frustrate the opposition and influence the course of justice. Litigants are advised to explore the ADR alternative while judges should regulate the courtroom use of language to prevent the miscarriage of justice.
Exploring the preference for indigenous medicinal plant medicine in Buliisa District, Western Uganda
Authors: Elizabeth Kyazike
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the preference for indigenous medicinal plant medicine in Buliisa district, situated in the Albertine Graben. Despite attempts to improve access to conventional health services, there seems to be a preference for alternative medicine from medicinal plants. The specific objectives included examining the forms of indigenous herbal medicine, how they are administered and passed on from generation to generation, preservation challenges and mitigation measures. The study utilises a multidisciplinary approach by using archaeological transect walks, oral interviews with 50 herbalists, observation of the administration of herbal medicine, focus group discussions, and documentary review to collect data. Four hundred and seventy-seven medicinal plant sites were marked using a hand-held Global Positioning System at 80 locations. The results revealed that all plant parts are used for treatment as either independent parts or combined and often with other plant types. The most commonly used medicinal plant parts are the leaves. Buliisa medicinal plants cure various diseases, but the most common ones are sterility, sexually transmitted infections, high blood pressure, back pain, eye diseases, external body injuries, poisoning, and nose bleeding. In addition, treatment for aspects such as luck and spiritually related ailments are also handled. Though the harvesting poses a key conservation challenge, the secrecy embedded in the transmission of indigenous knowledge, education, Christianity and oil exploration is each equally a threat. The study recommends that since most herbal medicines have no overdose, there is a need to undertake more research to document the dosage and side-effects of using medicinal plants and compile a red list of the endangered species. The study has implications for the knowledge and development of herbal indigenous medicinal plants.
Role of Yoga as an Adjunct in the Management of Migraine Headache-Current Status and Future Indications
Authors: Nayar D , Mahapatro M , Nayar P
Published: April 2023

Migraine headache is a painful, disabling condition afflicting 7% of the population. The long-term effort of coping with a chronic headache disorder predisposes the individual to other psychiatric illnesses, ischemic cerebrovascular disease as well as medicine overuse headache. The use of nonpharmacological methods to reduce the stress and pain associated with headache can improve the overall quality of life and reduce the burden of the disease. To examine the utility of yoga as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment of migraine headache. The review article is based on the secondary literature collected through the Google Scholar database between the years 2010 and 2020. Several themes were identified regarding the burden of migraine/headache and the need for the integration of yoga into the existing healthcare system. Despite the limitations and the need for greater scientific rigor, there have been consistent reports of the beneficial effects of yoga in the reduction of stress, anxiety, depression, and an enhanced quality of life, as well as better pain management in chronic diseases. Studies on the role of yoga in the treatment of migraine have been few in number. They have consistently shown that yoga can be a valuable adjunct to the existing pharmacological interventions in the management of migraine headache. In recent years, the Indian government has made enormous strides in establishing yoga outreach programs throughout the country. The need of the hour is to integrate evidence-based yoga with the wellness centers and noncommunicable diseases treatment plan. It can help to reduce the burden on the existing health care resources.
Magnet-Retained Closed Bulb Hollow Obturator and Orbital Prosthesis for Patient with Maxillectomy and Orbital Exenteration Following COVID-Associated Mucormycosis
Authors: Rathee Manu , Divakar S. , Jain Prachi , Chahal Sujata , Singh Sandeep
Published: April 2023

The rehabilitation of facial deformities is a challenging endeavour that necessitates customising the procedure for each patient. Significant physical and psychological impacts might arise as a result of the deformity in the orofacial region. Post-COVID rhino-orbital mucormycosis has led to rise in extraoral and intraoral defects since 2020. To avoid further surgery, an economical maxillofacial prosthesis is an excellent choice as it is aesthetic, durable, long-lasting and retentive. This case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of the patient with post-COVID mucormycosis maxillectomy and orbital exenteration using a magnet-retained closed bulb hollow acrylic obturator and room-temperature vulcanising silicone orbital prosthesis. To enhance retention, a spectacle and medical-grade adhesive were also used.
Mean Quality of Life of Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients: A Comparative Study of Patients in Secondary and Tertiary Health Facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyefabi Adegboyega Moses , Oyefabi Blessing Omotejohwo , Ejembi Clara , Onajole A T , Ogunsina Modupe Arinola , Nwankwo Bilkisu
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Hypertension and diabetes have become major non-communicable diseases of public health importance globally, considering the magnitude of the diseases, the propensity to worsen the patients’ quality of life and the associated mortality. This study compared the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of hypertensive and diabetic patients in both tertiary and secondary health facilities in Kaduna State, north-western Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This was a descriptive comparative cross-sectional study amongst 325 patients, of which 93 (28.6%) were from the tertiary and 232 (71.4%) were from the secondary facilities. All eligible respondents participated in this study. Data were analysed with SPSS version 25 and STATA SE 12, t-test for comparison of two means, Chi-square and multivariate analyses were performed with P < 0.05.

Results:

The mean age was 55.72 ± 13 years. Two-thirds, 197 (60.6%), were hypertensive only, 60 (18.5%) were diabetic only (18.5%) and 68 (20.9%) were hypertensive diabetic. For the hypertensive only at the tertiary facility, the mean scores for vitality (VT) (68.0 ± 5.97, P = 0.01), emotional well-being (EW) (77.33 ± 4.52, P = 0.0007) and bodily pain (BP), (74.17 ± 5.94, P = 0.05) were significantly higher for tertiary compared with those at secondary facilities. The mean HRQOL for the people with diabetes only at the tertiary facilities also showed statistically significant higher scores for VT (72.2 ± 61, P = 0.01), social functioning (72.2 ± 8.4, P = 0.02), EW (75.44 ± 4.9, P = 0.001) and BP (85.56 ± 7.7, P = 0.01) when compared with the secondary facilities.

Conclusion:

Patients managed by specialists at the tertiary health facility had better HRQOL than those managed at the secondary health facilities. Continued medical education and the use of standard operating procedures are recommended for improved HRQOL.
Gouvernance et performance bancaire, quelles relations ? Application au secteur bancaire Algérien
Authors: Talhaoui Fares , Azzaoui Khaled
Published: April 2023

Ce travail de recherche porte sur l’étude de l’impact des mécanismes internes et externes de gouvernance sur la performance bancaire. À partir d’un échantillon composé de 12 banques commerciales algériennes (6 banques publiques et 6 banques privées) sur une période de 13 années (2007 à 2019), nous analysons à l’aide de l’économétrie des données de panel, la relation qui pourrait exister entre les différentes variables de gouvernance, à savoir : les caractéristiques du conseil d’administration (CA), la concentration du capital et la réglementation des fonds propres sur la performance bancaire. Nos résultats indiquent que la plupart des mécanismes de gouvernance ont un impact significatif sur la performance bancaire.

This research work focuses on the study of the impact of internal and external governance mechanisms on banking performance. From a sample made up of 12 Algerian commercial banks (6 public banks and 6 private banks) over a period of 13 years (2007 to 2019), we analyze using panel data econometrics the relationship could exist between the different governance variables, namely: the characteristics of the board of directors (CA), the concentration of capital and the regulation of capital on bank performance. Our results indicate that most governance mechanisms have a significant impact on banking performance.
The impact of international capital flows on the economic growth in Algeria during the period 1990-20
Authors: Djalab Zohra , Said Ali Naas
Published: April 2023

This study examined the effect of international capital flows on economic growth in Algeria for the period, 1990 to 2018. This study relied on four core channels of international capital flows which includes foreign direct investment (FDI), official development assistance (ODA), personal remittances (REM), and external debt stock (EXTDS) into Algeria. We found that all channels of international capital flows were not statistically significant in the short and long-run except the foreign direct investment.We result from this study that Algeria needs deep reforms in order to attract more foreign capital, especially creating an appropriate environment In order for these flows to contribute substantially to economic growth.

L'étude a examiné l'effet des entrées de capitaux internationaux sur la croissance économique de l'Algérie pour les périodes 1990 à 2018. L'étude a utilisé quatre principaux canaux d'entrées de capitaux internationaux, qui comprennent l'investissement direct étranger (IDE), l'aide publique au développement (APD), les envois de fonds personnels (REM) et le stock de dette extérieure (EXTDS) en Algérie.Nous avons constaté que tous les résultats n'étaient pas statistiquement significatifs à court et à long terme, à l'exception de l'investissement étranger direct.Nous avons appris de cette étude que l'Algérie a besoin de réformes profondes afin d'attirer plus de capitaux étrangers, en particulier en créant un environnement approprié pour que ces flux contribuent de manière substantielle à la croissance économique.
Increasing returns to GNI per capita and the human development index (HDI)
Authors: Saha Jean Claude
Published: April 2023

Since 1990, UNDP has considered GNI per capita as a microeconomic variable that yields decreasing marginal material welfare in the calculation of HDI. Consequently, international inequality of development is significantly and unrealistically reduced. In this paper we support that GNI per capita is a macroeconomic variable with increasing marginal material welfare at the national level. We then propose an alternative method of transforming GDP per capita into material welfare. We use this formula on HDI data of the year 2016. We obtained a new HDI_2016 for all UN countries; this new HDI_2016 is associated with a new ranking of countries and with a significant and realistic increase in international inequality of development measure.

Depuis 1990, le PNUD considère le PNB par tête, dans le calcul de l’IDH, comme une variable microéconomique dont l’utilité marginale est décroissante. Ceci a pour conséquence de réduire anormalement l’inégalité de niveaux de développement perçu entre nations. Dans cet article, nous soutenons que le PIB par tête est un agrégat macroéconomique dont l’utilité marginale pour les citoyens d’un pays est plutôt croissante. Nous proposons alors une formule alternative de calcul de la composante bien-être matériel de l’IDH. Une application sur les données de l’IDH de l’année 2016 nous donne un nouvel IDH_2016 pour tous les pays considérés par le PNUD. Ce nouveau IDH_2016 modifie significativement le classement des pays et ramène l’inégalité internationale de niveau de développement à un niveau plus réaliste.
Télétravail en période de crise sanitaire : Etat des lieux de quelques entreprises Algériennes
Authors: Mebarki Naceur M
Published: April 2023

En termes d’organisation du travail, la crise sanitaire (Covid-19) a eu des effets et implications sur les méthodes de travail. A cet effet, beaucoup d’entreprises ont lancé le télétravail. Dans notre travail, nous nous proposons d’analyser la réaction de certaines entreprises algériennes à cette nouvelle situation. Notre étude pointe de nombreux bénéfices du télétravail et les nécessaires axes d’amélioration pour sa mise en oeuvre dans les entreprises n’ayant pas encore initié cette démarche. De plus, elle soulève l’existence de quelques difficultés qui limitent le développement du télétravail en Algérie ; certaines sont d’ordre technique et d’autres sont liées au manque d’un cadre réglementaire qui gère les relations de travail de ce mode de travail.

In terms of work organization, the health crisis (Covid-19) has had effects and implications on working methods. To this end, many companies have launched telework. Our work proposes to analyze the reaction of some Algerian companies to this new situation. Our study points to many benefits of telework and the necessary areas for improvement for its implementation in companies that have not yet initiated this approach. In addition, it raises the existence of some difficulties that limit the development of teleworking in Algeria, some are technical and others are related to a lack of a regulatory framework that manages the labor relations of this mode of job.
Performance Evaluation of Home-developed Four-row Animal Drawn Precision Maize Planter using a Pair of Bull to Plant SAMMAZ 17 Maize Variety in Samaru-Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed K. , Saleh A. , Kalu G. , Musa A. D. , Amonye M. C.
Published: April 2023

Realization of optimum yield per hectare in maize production has always been a challenge especially when using home-developed equipment. The objectives of this research was to evaluate the effect of ground speed, hopper seed quantity and planting depth on plant spacing, germination count, and seed delivery rate of a home-developed four-row animal drawn precision maize planter using a pair of bull to plant SAMMAZ 17 maize variety on a harrowed field. It was drawn by a pair of bull in a 3×3×2 randomized complete block experimental design. The treatment factors were three levels of hopper seed quantity (25%, 50% and 100%), three levels of ground speed (2.16, 2.88, and 3.6 km/h) and two levels of planting depth (15 and 25 mm). The results showed that the effects of planting speed, seed quantity and planting depth were highly significant on the planting performance of the machine. The optimum mean seed spacing, germination counts, field efficiency and seed delivery rate of 23.52 cm, 100 %, 86.9% and 20.3 kg/ha respectively were obtained. The study show that optimum seed stand could be achieved with home-developed planted for optimum yield when ground speed, hopper seed quantity and planting depth were varied appropriately.
Impact of Global Change on Oceanic Dissolved Carbon Chemistry and Acidification: A Review
Authors: Shajedul M. I.
Published: April 2023

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature, decrease marine pH and rising dissolved organic carbon (DOC), causing extensive shifts in ocean water carbon chemistry with forecasts of long-term ecosystem impacts. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review and try to find out the actual chemistry, spatial variation at a global scale, future prediction of these natural and human-induced changes, and how this situation impacts the marine ecosystem and green economy. Literature proved that Antarctica and southern shallow polar ocean and any seaside area are particularly vulnerable to marine acidification and disturbed DOC cycle. Based on over a hundred investigations, the study observed that (a) marine acidification and DOC cycle are basically difficult-to-understand phenomena, (b) these two realities are consistent with each other and with climate change, (c) the potency of these threats is very altitudinal, periodic, and stratified (d) the mood of global change stressors on these two facts in the future ocean is unpredictable. It was found that over the past half-century, the acidity of the surface ocean has even now increased by almost 30%, and by 2100 it will increase to 150. Such a major change in ocean chemistry will have and is already having widespread consequences for marine organisms.
Evaluation of Phytochemical Constituents of Fresh Roots Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of the Medicinal Plants of Uvaria chamae, Anthocleista djalonensis and Euadenia eminens
Authors: Okereke A. , Sanni O. , Mbonu J. , Onuoha O. , Tiamiyu O. A. , Adewole A. R. , Okpuzor J.
Published: April 2023

Phytochemicals are bioactive plant chemicals nutrients typically found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant foods which may provide desirable health benefits beyond basic nutrition and can help reduce risks of major chronic diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of fresh roots ethanolic and aqueous extracts of medicinal plants of Uvaria chamae, Anthocleista djalonensis and Euadenia eminens using standard methods of phytochemical screening and Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed a diverse array of phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, isoprenoids, steroids, phlobatanins and cardiac glycosides. The results of GC-MS analysis of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of U. chamae revealed the presence of four and fourteen compounds respectively. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. djalonensis had ten and seventeen compounds respectively while the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of E. eminens was found to have six and twenty compounds respectively.  These results indicate U. chamae, A. djalonensis and E. eminens possess phytochemicals which have potential antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory activity amongst others and as such, can be recommended as plants of phytopharmaceutical importance.
2D and 3D Geoelectrical investigation of Hydrocarbon impacted sites in Erhoike Community, Ethiope East local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Marere O. S. , Aigbogun C. , Bunonyo T. Y.
Published: April 2023

Hydrocarbon contamination occurs as a result of corrosion of buried pipelines, sabotage of oil and gas facilities and spills during petroleum product transportation. This study was undertaken to characterize hydrocarbon impacted sites in Erhoike community, Ethiope East local government area, Delta State, Nigeria using ten (10) transects were established in grid format to attain geoelectric data that were inverted to yield 2D resistivity structure and 3D depth slices respectively. The 2D results show that the hydrocarbon impacted zones are marked by very high resistivity values ranging from 637 ohm-m to more than 17000 ohm-m from the surface to a depth in excess of 31.9 m in places within the study area. In the same vein, the 3D result indicated that bulk of the contaminant has progressively moved to deeper depth with most of the plume found at between 25.0 – 33.7 m. The data obtained show that the site has been impacted by hydrocarbon contaminant.  It also shows that the hydrocarbon moved downwardly at greater depth into the subsurface, through a porous medium - sandy layer. Finally, the study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the adopted geophysical techniques in delineating hydrocarbon contamination.
Production and Optimization of Briquettes from Sugarcane Bagasse using Blends of Waste Paper and Clay as Binders
Authors: Inuma F. M. , Mohammed J. , Bawa M. A.
Published: April 2023

Demand for green environments has stimulated research on the migration from conventional to renewable energy sources. In the case of combustible energy for domestic applications, briquettes produced from biomass have proven to be a good replacement for wood fuel. In this study, investigation on the performance analysis and optimization of mix ratio of briquettes produced from sugarcane bagasse using composite binders (waste paper and clay) was carried out. Box-Behnken Design feature of the Design Expert software was employed for the optimization of the briquettes mix ratio. Briquettes were produced from sugarcane bagasse based on the optimum conditions of 9.12% clay, 12.57% waste paper, 78.31% proportion of sugarcane bagasse and 5 KN compaction pressure. The produced briquette was found to have a compressive strength of 6.4715 MPa and 0.857 g/min burning rate. The results of the study shows that the experimental values were close to the predicted values with a percentage error of 3.11% for compressive strength and1.79% for burning rate which confirms the validity and adequacy of the predicted models.
Seasonal Variation and Pollution Assessment of Some Physicochemical Parameters of the Surface Water of Mahin Lagoon and Its Adjoining creeks, South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Loto O. O. , Samuel O. B. , Chukwu L. O.
Published: April 2023

Indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastes from into the aquatic ecosystem may result in deterioration of water quality, as well as poses a great threat to the balance of aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study investigated the seasonal variation in physicochemical characteristics and assessed the pollution status of Mahin Lagoon and its adjoining creeks using standard method. Results of physico-chemical parameters varied significantly (p<0.05) across seasons and stations, with the following mean values: Temperature (27.79±0.96oC), salinity (7.65±0.99‰), conductivity (15.23±17.63µS/cm), pH (7.74±6.57), DO (7.65±0.99 mg/L), BOD (7.74±6.57mg/L), nitrate (8.00±3.67mg/L), sulphate (8.60±5.01mg/L), phosphate (3.88±1.55mg/L). Heavy metals were with the following mean values: Zn (7.15±6.31mg/L), Pb (0.04±0.21mg/L), Fe (10.63±6.02mg/L), Cu (1.16±1.72mg/L), Cr (0.02±0.00mg/L), Cd (0.01±0.08mg/L), Ni (0.28±0.45mg/L) and Co (0.26±0.44mg/L). The physic-chemical parameters were within the permissible limits recommended by International Organizations for lotic ecosystem. However, the single-factor pollution index (PI) classified pH, DO, BOD, Cu and Zn within the ‘medium pollution’ category while nitrate and phosphate indicated heavy pollution status. The PI also revealed that Cu, Fe and Ni were at serious pollution level while Co and Cr were at non-pollution level. The comprehensive pollution index revealed that the water was severely polluted (CPI < 2). The Hazard Quotients of heavy metals in the surface water were less than 1 (HQ < 1) indicating there was no risk to human health through ingestion or dermal contact. Therefore, the water from the Mahin lagoon and its adjoining creeks may still be suitable for domestic use and conducive for survival of aquatic life.