bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is restricting mobile communication a solution to overcrowding? A test from Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando Prithiviraj , Janaka H. K. , De Silva M. K. Channa R. , Pastorini Jennifer
Published: May 2024

The Yala National Park is the premier protected area in Sri Lanka. Overcrowding has been an issue in Yala for over a decade. Information sharing by mobile communication was thought to result in safari jeeps flocking to favoured sightings, causing overcrowding and reckless driving. We assessed visitor satisfaction and the impact of switching off mobile communication towers providing park coverage, by conducting a questionnaire survey, checking signal strength and assessing vehicle speed. We found that visitor satisfaction was related to sightings of the ‘big three’, elephants, leopards and sloth bears, but not to overcrowding at sightings. Reckless driving impacted visitor satisfaction both negatively and positively. High speed driving was mostly due to trying to exit the park before the park-closure time. Switching off mobile communication towers reduced signal strength and accessibility but did not eliminate it. Reduced mobile coverage lessened overcrowding at sightings but also decreased sightings, resulting in an overall reduction of visitor satisfaction. We conclude that reducing or eliminating mobile communication is not a viable solution to overcrowding.
Intention to Adopt Cycling using the Modified Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Jayasena M. D. P. I. , Samarasekara G. N.
Published: May 2024

The popularity of cycling in Sri Lanka has been declining over the years, while its popularity as a form of micro-mobility is increasing in some countries. Efforts to encourage cycling should be based on a proper understanding of factors affecting the intention to cycle. This research uses modified Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explore the extent to which four sociopsychological constructs, namely, attitude, perceived behaviour control (PBC), subjective norm (SN) and environmental perception influence the intention to cycle. Using a modified TPB-based questionnaire survey, data related to the intention to adopt cycling and four TPB constructs were collected and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis. PBC showed a strong positive effect while attitude and SN did not have a significant influence on the intention to cycle. Cycling supportive infrastructure availability in Sri Lanka is less and, hence, individuals’ perception on the environment was found to have a significant negative effect on the intention to adopt cycling. The findings of this research can inform policymakers and transport professionals in prioritizing strategies to enhance cycling in Sri Lanka in terms of improvements to cycling education, better cycling infrastructure and other programs of intervention.
Feasibility of Using Lightweight Load-Bearing Panel Systems in Duplex Apartments of Tall Buildings
Authors: Mahaarachchi T. N. , Wanigaratne N. S. A. , Jayasinghe M. T. R.
Published: May 2024

As an inevitable result of the growing population in recent times, the requirements of housing facilities, land scarcity, and overexploitation of natural resources have created many problems. One solution for the lack of land is to have multi-storey apartment buildings. Hence, over the last few decades, the number of tall buildings has seen an exponential increase. The apartment spread over two floors, is considered upmarket due to the larger floor area. However, one factor that has been a huge obstruction to promoting duplex apartments is the higher cost. In this study, a novel concept is introduced where a proper load-bearing floor is needed only once on two floors. The duplex is double-height, using lightweight concrete panels supporting lightweight concrete floors. Recycled expanded polystyrene (REPS) based light-weight panels are used as the load-bearing walls, and the NERD slab system is introduced for the intermediate floor. The structural performance was assessed using the comparison of two finite element models for duplex and conventional concepts. It was observed that the duplex concept is structurally feasible in comparison with the conventional concept. The study emphasises that an approximately 30% dead load reduction in typical floor levels has occurred due to the lightweight beam slab system in between floors.
Financial Implications of Rooftop Solar Penetration in Sri Lanka from Utility Point of View
Authors: Kodikara J. J. , Wijayapala W. D. A. S. , Wijekoon H. M. , Wimalasena N. K. R. Y.
Published: May 2024

Solar is one of the fast growing and economical renewable power generation sources. The intention of development of solar power generation is to promote clean energy while addressing the basic requirement of uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply.The Sri Lankan government decided to adopt a policy that would use subsidies to encourage the growth of solar PV-based electricity. As a result, the market developed with a large number of customers eager to install solar rooftop systems, and they received strong assistance from solar power service providers. Hence, the utility is required to absorb the solar energy produced and this study focuses on the impact of solar penetration to the utility.System dispatch data for year 2019 and rooftop solar generation data for a period of 6 months of year 2019 were considered for the analysis in this paper. The model compares the financials of two scenarios to estimate the impact to the utility. The base case scenario, which is business as usual with the already installed solar generation in the system and No solar scenario which assumes that there is no solar in the system and therefore the demand is met by other available generation capacities in the system.This paper examines the two scenarios with careful calculations of how the system can still run without solar in the system. Daily demand patterns were also analysed and then expanded to months and summarized for the year. This research focuses the financial impact of solar electricity penetration to the national grid and how everyone can still be benefitted.
Effects of Geological and Geotechnical Characteristics on Cut-Slope Stability of Residual Formations in the Hilly Terrain of Sri Lanka A Case Study from Central Expressway (Section 3)
Authors: Sanjeewa K. W. D. , Nawagamuwa Udeni P. , Abeysinghe A. M. K. B.
Published: May 2024

Residual formations consist of residual soils and parent rocks of different levels of weathering due to physical, chemical and biological processes. Existence of residual soils on the hilly slope surface and weathering of parent rocks of the residual formations can cause slope instability problems. Cutting on the hilly slopes during development projects have aggravated the problems. Sri Lankan residual soil formations are formed by weathering of the metamorphic rock and have inherited significant abrupt variations in engineering characteristics. Basic characteristics of these residual formations such as unsaturated shear strength (geotechnical) and variation of geological features (geological) are essential parameters in slope stability analyses. Therefore, a study for effects of geological and geotechnical characteristics on cut slope stability of residual formation was done by selecting major cutting sections on hilly terrain in Central Expressway Project (CEP 03) trace where degree of weathering of the parent rock units, their petrography, physical, mechanical properties and various structural features as well as series of index properties, engineering properties and strength tests on residual soils were performed.This paper highlights the need for detailed experimental studies and presents preliminary studies that have been conducted to establish the geological and geotechnical characteristics of unsaturated Sri Lankan residual formation. The results indicate that the variation in geotechnical as well as geological characteristics of the residual formation are related to cut slope stability in hilly terrain.
Retrofitting Shear Critical Beams using Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC)
Authors: Bandara S. , Wijesundara K. K.
Published: May 2024

Ultra High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) is a cementitious composite that exhibits superior mechanical properties, durability, fire resistance, abrasion resistance, and chloride penetration. The enhanced performance of UHPFRC is attributed to the presence of highstrength steel fibers. Therefore, UHPFRC is widely used in structural retrofitting and rehabilitation works to improve the load carrying capacity of deteriorated structural members. This paper investigates the behaviour of UHPFRC retrofitted shear critical reinforced concrete beams. Numerical models were developed to simulate how the load-carrying capacity of UHPFRC retrofitted shear critical beams is influenced by factors such as jacket configuration, jacket thickness, and jacket length along the beam. Numerical models were validated using pre-existing experimental results. A modified Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model was employed to simulate the material behaviour of UHPFRC. The validated numerical model was employed to perform parametric studies to examine the behaviour of UHPFRC retrofitted beams. It was observed that the modified CDP model effectively predicted the UHPFRC behaviour. Further, the results indicated that the application of UHPFRC retrofitting converted the brittle shear failure of shear-critical reinforced concrete beams into flexure failure. Moreover, the load carrying capacity of retrofitted beams increased with the retrofitted UHPFRC jacket thickness.
Downscaling Future Precipitation over Mi Oya River Basin using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Koswaththa H. M. S. A. , Ranasinghe S. K. , Ekanayake Imesh , Herath Damayanthi , Neluwala N. G. P. B.
Published: May 2024

Studying future precipitation behaviour in river basins is essential for proper water resources and land-use planning within them, as this will help to reduce the risk and mitigate disasters that can occur in the future. General Circulation Models (GCMs) are used to study future precipitation fluctuations, which simulate large-scale climate variations under the effect of greenhouse gas changes. The GCM runs at a coarse spatial resolution which cannot be directly used for climate impact studies. Therefore, downscaling is required to extract the sub-grid and local scale information. This study examines the use of the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network for climate downscaling to the Mi-Oya river basin in Sri Lanka using CNRM-CM5 and HadCM3 GCMs and observed annual data for 35 years. The precipitation data were extracted to cover Sri Lanka. Current downscaling models mostly use Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to downscale GCMs. Out of 42 GCMs, two appropriate GCMs were chosen using the data analysis tool Data Integration and Analysis System (DIAS). The best predictor variables were chosen using the LASSO regression method. In this research, Machine Learning models were implemented using the Google TensorFlow platform. The Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient, and root-mean-square error performance indices were used to evaluate the performances of different downscaling models. Statistical downscaling was performed on the data at RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 using a LSTM. Subsequently, the changes that would take place by the year 2100 were analysed. The results show that precipitation will be reduced in the 2nd and 3rd decades of the 21st century, and precipitation will increase toward the 22nd century.
Application of GIS & RS in Rainwater Harvesting for an Arid Region
Authors: Sadushan S. , Neluwala N. G. P. B.
Published: May 2024

In dry areas with variable rainfall, water shortages severely affect the livelihoods of local populations. Rainwater harvesting from land sites and roof-tops is a readily available solution to this problem. This study presents a GIS & RS-based methodology to identify potential land sites and roof-top rainwater harvesting potential using easily obtainable and freely available data. Slope, land cover, soil, and drainage maps were used to identify suitable rainwater harvesting land sites, which were further analyzed for surface runoff using the curve number method. This research also incorporated obtainable socio-economic factors in identifying the suitable locations of dams considering the implementation stage. Based on the proposed criteria, 44 suitable locations for dams were identified and validated using a validation map and Google Earth images. CROPWAT model analysis revealed that paddy water demand in Batticaloa would increase threefold if all available land for paddy cultivation was utilized. Therefore, abandoned lands can be utilized by erecting dams at those identified locations. Analysis of Google Earth images also revealed that roof rainwater harvesting would be sufficient to meet the basic water demand in the area. This study demonstrates that rainwater harvesting can be an effective strategy for addressing water scarcity in dry areas.
How Causal Dimensions of Product Harm Crisis Shape Consumer Moral Reputation towards the Crisis Company and Brand Crisis: The Moderating Role of Perceived Societal Damage
Authors: Samaraweera G. C. , Lakmali M. G. T.
Published: May 2024

Irrespective of many management strategies, product harm crises, discrete, well-publicized occurrences in which products are found to be defective and dangerous, are increasing at an accelerating rate throughout the globe with negative consequences for companies and brands. It alarms the importance of scrutinizing this worst nightmare from a new empirical angle while focusing on the ethical eye of consumers. Therefore, the present study attempts to explore how causal dimensions of product harm crisis related to two Attributional grounds (company accused and consumer accused) shape consumer moral reputation towards the crisis company and crisis brand in product harm crises. A self-administrated, questionnaire was used to examine how Sri Lankan (n= 492) and Chinese (n=492) young consumers see company and brand through their ethical eye that reflects their moral reputation. Results revealed that consumer morally views company and brand in an entirely different way under the two Attributional grounds that ultimately affects brand equity and purchase intention of the crisis brand. There exist significant negative and positive links between consumer moral reputations towards the crisis company and crisis brand respectively, under consumer accused crisis. Subsequently, consumer moral reputation towards the crisis company has a significant negative link with consumer brand equity, while consumer moral reputation toward the crisis brand has a positive link with consumer based brand equity under consumer-accused crisis. This study provides new insights for the companies to manage such crises, while safekeeping the brand equity in midst of product harm crisis.
Impact of Employees’ Perceptions of Organizational Downsizing Practices on Their Commitment
Authors: Erandika M. D. K. , Ranasinghe V. R.
Published: May 2024

Sri Lanka is presently facing with its most severe financial crisis in decades, with the building and construction sector being significantly affected. This study aims to investigate whether employees’ perceptions of organizational downsizing practices influence their commitment. It was conducted as a cross-sectional study among a sample of 204 employees from three downsized construction firms in the Colombo District. The sample was selected using a simple random sampling technique, and data were collected through the distribution of an online standard questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, and simple regression. The analysis revealed that employees’ perceptions of their organizations’ downsizing practices have a significant positive impact on their levels of affective, continuance, and normative commitment. Effective communication throughout the downsizing process, including before, during, and after, is recommended as a means to mitigate the adverse effects of downsizing on employee commitment.
An Analysis of the Obstructive Factors that Impact the Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasooriya D. N. P. , Premarathna S. P. , Rajadurei S.
Published: May 2024

The sector of small and medium enterprises is considered an encouraging platform for the economic empowerment of women through participating in economic development as entrepreneurs. The lower productivity exhibited by these SMEs in Sri Lanka was identified as a result of the high participation rate of female entrepreneurs in the informal economy. An unfavourable environment has been created obstructing the transition of women entrepreneurs towards the upper echelon of the business world through diverse impediments. Thus, the research focused on exploring the barriers that hinder the business growth of women entrepreneurs in small and medium-scale enterprises. Accordingly, the research was conducted as secondary research: a literature survey. In Sri Lanka, a minor percentage of female participation in small and medium enterprises occurs due to limited access to financial resources, lack of financial literacy, social prejudices, social and cultural restrictions, and limited opportunities for networking and communicating with external resources. Thus, closing the gender gap in education, giving access to capital through a concerted policy action and providing women entrepreneurs with opportunities to improve their financial literacy and educational level were highlighted as the major recommendations in the study to empower women entrepreneurs to climb the value chain. Women entrepreneurs in small and medium-scale enterprises need to be facilitated with greater access to the domestic, regional and international markets in order to enable them to expand their businesses with productivity and innovation. Thus, vital policy measures should be taken to mitigate the barriers involved in formalizing the business mechanisms while focusing on increasing the benefits that women entrepreneurs can gain through that standardizing process.
Google Classroom as a Pedagogical Tool for Research Supervision: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions and Experiences
Authors: Chathuranga M. M. N.
Published: May 2024

This study explores the perceptions and experiences of students in a blended research supervision context facilitated through Google Classroom. The Constructive Learning Theory is incorporated as a theoretical lens in this study. This empirical study takes the subjective stance often amalgamated into qualitative inquiry. Data collection was done through a structured questionnaire which includes open-ended questions urging to write descriptive answers. Those written responses were collected from seventeen respondents. Thematic analysis was incorporated as the method of data analysis. The study exposes that Google Classroom and face-to-face sessions for research supervision support the research students’ active learning role. While the student is at the heart of the learning process, the research supervisor supports constructivism by acting as a facilitator and advisor. Further, collaborative and cooperative learning is improved in a blended environment, which is acknowledged as a crucial component of constructive learning. In the end, the students see Google Classroom as a practical, helpful, and efficient way to learn. Consequently, blended supervision is identified as a constructive mode of research supervision. Overall, this study will highlight how crucial it is to use e-platforms to create a constructive blended learning environment to improve student satisfaction and quality of learning.
Effect of Product Evaluation on Purchase Intention toward White Goods: Mediating Role of Country of Origin
Authors: Chacko P. S.
Published: May 2024

In the era of globalization, the significance of a product's Country of Origin (COO) in consumer behavior studies has gained prominence. COO serves as an intangible cue influencing consumers' purchasing decisions and product evaluations. Amidst the escalating trends of global trade and competition, COO emerges as a powerful determinant impacting the competitive positioning and business success of brands. Given this context, this study aims to elucidate the influence of COO on the purchasing behaviors of young Indian consumers in the context of white goods. Additionally, the study delves into the intricate interplay among COO, product evaluation, and purchase intention within the home appliances industry in India. Utilizing mediation analysis, the study reveals that product evaluation significantly mediates the relationship between COO and consumers' purchase intentions regarding white goods.
Audit Quality and Earnings Management: Evidence from Sri Lanka: Food & Beverage and Hotel Sectors
Authors: Randenigala C. J. , Wijesinghe M. R. P.
Published: May 2024

The company's earnings are crucial for investors' decision-making since they provide emblems about value-creating ability. However, with the possibility of manipulating earnings, the whole purpose of financial reporting becomes valueless. External independent auditing can be identified as a control mechanism that minimises earnings management. This study examines the impact of audit quality on earnings management in the food and beverage sector and hotel companies in the Colombo Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2019. The real earnings management approach and total accruals are used to measure the earnings quality, while audit firm size, presence of the audit committee, frequency of the audit committee meetings and audit timeliness are the audit quality proxies. The study used regression analysis as the main analysis tool, and the findings reveal the existence of earnings management in the food and beverage and hotel sectors. Fascinatingly, audit quality does not significantly impact earnings management in the food and beverage sector, while it exists in the hotel sector. Moreover, companies' size and leverage significantly impact earnings management in both sectors. These findings suggest that effective regulation and monitoring are necessary to improve audit quality for both sectors, especially in the hotel sector companies in Sri Lanka. Hence, enhancing audit quality would minimise earnings management and improve earnings quality, which is instrumental to the decision-makers, especially investors and creditors. Henceforth, we suggest improving the audit quality in the food and beverage and hotel sectors and enhancing disclosure requirements such as research and development expenses, audit time, and non-audit services.
Pushed or Pulled? Becoming Gig Workers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ramamoorthy V. , Adikaram A. R.
Published: May 2024

The gig economy is expanding with more workers joining digital labour platforms globally. Gig work has become popular in Sri Lanka as well, especially during the recent past. Since the gig economy is still a relatively new concept in Sri Lanka, the area is understudied. Hence, the objective of this research is to examine what motivates Sri Lankans to become digital workers. We use push-pull theory as the theoretical lens of the study. Based on qualitative research methodology under the interpretive research paradigm, 22 digital workers from various backgrounds were interviewed in person to identify their motives and experiences with web- based digital labour platforms. This study found four important reasons for Sri Lankans to choose digital work, 1) pursuit of passion 2) pursuit of money (earning in foreign currency, gaining financial independence and an additional source of income), 3) pursuit of agency and 4) pursuit of developmental opportunities. While the motivation for participants to join gig work was mainly identified as pull motivation, in some instances it was identified that the participants were also pushed to join gig work.
Green marketing and its impact on consumer buying behavior in city of Muntinlupa, Philippines. Part II.
Authors: Costales Maria
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive literature review of green marketing, eco-friendly products, and green consumers aims to give information about the effect of green marketing on customers purchasing behaviors. First of all, environment and environmental problems, one of the reasons why green marketing emerged, are mentioned, and then the concepts of green marketing and green consumer are explained. These days, green marketing businesses are significantly helping our environment in a competition with the other products in terms of producing eco-friendly products. Being eco-friendly comes up with how you will sell it in the market nowadays. The problem seeks to understand green marketing and its impact on consumers buying behavior in city of Muntinlupa. The researcher came up with a solution to easily attain objectives by gathering enough data through quantitative research, which allows the study to collect information from prospects through a set of Questions via an online survey that was a self-made validated questionnaire. For the sampling technique and size, researcher also used the quota sampling method to complete the 65 out of 100 participants which are based on G*Power analysis from ages 18-45 years’ old who are residents in city of Muntinlupa. According to the results of the research analysis, the environmental awareness, green product features, green promotion activities and green price affect green purchasing behaviors of the consumers conclusively. The demographic characteristics have an average effect on the representation, that brand strategies like product, price, and promotion have a significant relationship with consumers buying behaviors in city of Muntinlupa.
Interaction between cognitive process and social dynamics in shaping individual analyzing of online reviews. Part I.
Authors: Boumesbah Nabil , Chenini Moussa
Published: May 2024

While internal factors like review and reviewer characteristics have been extensively studied, the influence of external, particularly social factors, on online review processing remains relatively unexplored. This research bridges this gap by investigating how social pressures: social conformity, social validation, affects how individuals analyze online reviews. By combining the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and the Social Influence Theory (SIT), we propose a comprehensive framework to examine two key dimensions: Online review processing and the influence of social factors on this process. We conduct a study among skincare product consumers, revealing that social conformity, significantly influence reliance on peripheral cues (ratings, source credibility), however social validation does not exhibit a significant effect. Furthermore, by introducing expertise as a moderator, we observe that the direct impact of social factors becomes attenuated. This suggests that individuals with strong subject knowledge are less susceptible to the persuasive power of social cues when evaluating online review.
On the finite generation of valuation semigroups on toric surfaces
Authors: Altmann Klaus , Haase Christian , Küronya Alex , Schaller Karin , Walter Lena
Published: May 2024

We provide a combinatorial criterion for the finite generation of a valuation semigroup associated with an ample divisor on a smooth toric surface and a non-toric valuation of maximal rank. As an application, we construct a lattice polytope such that none of the valuation semigroups of the associated polarized toric variety coming from one-parameter subgroups and centered at a non-toric point are finitely generated.

Comment: 22 pages, 13 figures
SICAK HAVA DALGALARI VE ISI ADA ETKİSİ İLE MÜCADELEDE İDARENİN SORUMLULUĞU
Authors: Çağlayan Müge , Kayaer Mesut
Published: May 2024

İklim değişikliğinin olumsuz sonuçlarından birisi olan sıcak hava dalgaları ve ısı ada etkisi hem ulusal hem de yerel yönetimler için yeni bir sorun alanı olmuştur. Küresel bir sorun olsa da yıkıcı yerel etkileri de olan iklim değişikliği ve yol açtığı afetler yeni yönetsel kararlar ve politikalar oluşturmayı zorunlu kılmıştır. Sıcak hava dalgası ve ısı ada etkisi son yıllarda artarak bir dizi farklı sorunun doğmasına neden olmaya başlamıştır. Yangınlar, kuraklık, su kıtlığı, hastalıklar, iklim göçleri ve çatışmalar bu sorun alanlarından öne çıkanlar olmuştur. Türkiye, özellikle bulunduğu coğrafi konum sebebi ile, sıcak hava dalgalarını yoğun ve ağır geçirmektedir. Zira nüfusunun %82,7’sinin kent merkezlerinde yaşıyor olması ısı ada etkisinin de sert yaşanmasına yol açarken vatandaşların yoğun risk altında olduğunu göstermektedir. Çalışmada, yeni bir sorun alanı olan sıcak hava dalgaları ve kent ısı ada etkisini azaltma ve uyum sağlama konusunda merkezi hükümetin ve yerel yönetimlerin sorumlulukları ve mevcut politikaları araştırılmıştır. Çalışmada ilk olarak iklim değişikliğinin nedenlerine, sonuçlarına ve üzerinde ittifak edilmiş bir tanımı olmasa da sıcak hava dalgası tanımlamalarına değinilmiştir. Ardından merkezi hükümet tarafından iklim değişikliğine dair hazırlanmış politika belgelerindeki ‘sıcak hava dalgaları’ ve ‘ısı ada etkisine’ dair tespitler ve planlar açıklanmıştır. İklim değişikliği ile mücadelede yerel bir güç olan belediyeler ve hazırladıkları iklim eylem planları incelenerek sıcak hava dalgaları ile mücadeledeki projeler aktarılmıştır. Sonuç bölümünde ise merkezi ve yerel idare için sıcak hava dalgaları ve ısı ada etkine uyum ve azaltım konusunda öneriler sıralanmıştır. Çalışmada yerli ve yabancı literatür taraması yapılmıştır. Bu çerçevede IPCC, WHO, Dünya Bankası ve BM gibi uluslararası kuruluşlar tarafından yayımlanan raporlar da incelenmiştir.
Modelling the co-infection of malaria and zika virus disease
Authors: Duru Emmanuel Chidiebere , Mbah Godwin Christopher Ezike , Anyanwu Michael Chimezie , Nnamani Nicholas Topman
Published: May 2024

In this work, a new model for the co-infection of malaria and zika virus disease incorporating vaccination, treatment and vector control using sterile-insect technology (SIT) is formulated. The importance of this study is to highlight the possibility of the co-infection of humans with malaria and zika virus disease in any environment where both diseases co-circulate. Also, to suggest a new and comprehensive method for controlling the individual diseases and their co-infection. Through stability analysis, we showed that the disease-free equilibrium, (DFE) point of the co-infection model is locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction numbers, Rmz is less than one, and unstable otherwise. But, the DFE failed to be globally stable when Rmz < 1 which is an indication of existence of backward bifurcation in the model. This shows that bringing down the reproduction number, Rmz to less than one is not enough to eradicate the co-infection of the two diseases. Furthermore, it is shown that the two diseases have positive impact on the spread of each other, which could be attributed to misdiagnoses of one disease as the other. We also showed that effective treatment of infectious humans, increasing the rate of vaccination and employing sterile-insect technique to control the vectors significantly helped to control the individual diseases as well as the co-infection. From the results obtained in the study, it can be concluded that effective control of malaria and zika virus disease requires measures that will control their spread in both human and mosquito populations.
Deep convolutional neural network based synthetic minority over sampling technique: a forfending model for fraudulent credit card transactions in financial institution
Authors: Salaudeen L. G. , GABI D. , Garba M. , Suru H. U.
Published: May 2024

Fraudulent credit card transactions are committed by unauthorized individuals and organizations employing methods such as phishing and social engineering fraud tactics. Researchers propose several Machine Learning (ML) techniques to deter the challenges of credit card fraud. However, the ML approaches are endorsed with some challenges, which makes the detection of credit card fraud extremely difficult. This study proposes a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) with Synthetic Minority Oversampling Techniques (SMOTE) as an ideal solution. Kaggle datasets with 284,807 records and 31 features were exploited. Implementation was performed on the Google Colab cloud-based platform, embedding a Jupyter notebook setting with Graphical Processing Units (GPUs). Two experiments were conducted; the first was probed to determine suitable models among baseline models: Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Isolation Forest, and a single Deep Learning (DL) model of Multiple Layer Perceptron (MLP). The baseline models yielded an overfitting accuracy score, with recall, specificity, precision, and F1-score all presenting 1.00% respectively. This outcome is not sufficient in establishing findings on imbalanced data distribution as it's biased. This led to the construction of a new ML model incorporating Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM), with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the proposed DCNN+SMOTE for the second experimental phase alongside baseline models. Experimental results via simulation show the proposed DCNN+SMOTE yielded awesome superclass performance across the board, displaying 1.00% results respectively. Its Error Rate (ER) and Null Error Rate (NER) are 0.00% distinctly. Meanwhile, the False Positive Rate (FPR) yields a 0.001% result, lesser and better than the baseline models.
Identification of factors causing stunting in Lamper Tengah primary healthcare centre, Semarang City
Authors: Fauzia Firdha , Achmad Gusti Noorrizka Veronika , Yuda Ana
Published: May 2024

Background: Stunting is a form of growth failure due to the accumulation of nutritional deficiencies characterised by height-for-age below the applicable standard. The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia in 2021 is 24.4%. In Semarang, the prevalence of stunting fluctuates. 2015, it was 14.4% and increased to 21% in 2017. Until 2021, the stunting rate in Semarang is 21.3%. The Semarang government has made various efforts, but the stunting rate has remained unchanged.    
Objective: This study aims to discover more about the factors that cause stunting in Semarang.    
Method: This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The data obtained in this study was from observation and interviews with mothers who have stunted children.    
Result:  A total of 15 informants were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The analysis method used is a descriptive method with inductive analysis.     
Conclusion: The result showed maternal factors were inadequate nutrition intake, genetic factors, stress during pregnancy, and poverty. In comparison, the factors in children are low birth weight, repeated infections, children's difficulty eating, and micronutrient deficiency. The environmental factors are the home environment polluted with cigarette smoke and unhealthy home conditions, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water, leading to repeated infections.
Competency analysis of health workers: Interprofessional collaboration practices in a tertiary referral hospital in Surabaya
Authors: Tsabitalya Hanum Firda , Herawati Fauna , Jaya Halim Priyahau , Yulia Rika , Setiasih
Published: May 2024

Background: There is a rising need for high-quality, efficient healthcare. Implementing interprofessional cooperation (IPC) between healthcare professionals is one of the initiatives that has raised the standard of treatment in hospitals. The disparity in competence amongst health professionals is one of several elements that affect the requirements for the successful implementation of cooperation.   
Objective: To examine the attitudes, abilities, teamwork, and positive roles implemented by health workers in interprofessional collaboration practices.    
Method: Cross-sectional research methodology was used in this observational study. The Chiba Interprofessional Competency Scale (CICS29) instrument, which has 29 verified items, was used to evaluate the proficiency of health workers. The value of five (always) until one (never) was used to distinguish between the various categories.    
Result: A very good Cronbach alpha score of 0.921 was used to verify the questionnaire. Exactly 109 health professionals, including 21 physicians, 34 pharmacists, 50 nurses, and four nutritionists, participated in the study as respondents.   
Conclusion: Based on the study's findings, it was determined that health professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and nutritionists, possess a high level of competence or capacity regarding interprofessional collaboration in hospitals.
Use of anticoagulant drugs for hospitalised patients: A multicentre study
Authors: Annisa Lily , Kartikawati Nurfina Dian , Ningrum Vitarani Dwi Ananda
Published: May 2024

Background: Anticoagulants are indicated for several types of diseases with progression related to coagulation. Patients administered this drug need to be evaluated by the pharmacist regarding its effectiveness and possible side effects.    
Objective: This research aimed to analyse the profile use of anticoagulants among patients at Yogyakarta Hospital.    
Method: This research was a multicentre study conducted retrospectively using the medical records of inpatients who received anticoagulants.    
Result:  Among a total of 486 respondents, the majority were male (63.58%), and the adult age category (18-59 years) was 55.76%. Most anticoagulants were used in cases of cardiovascular disease, diagnosed with NSTEMI as much as 20.21%. The most used anticoagulant drug was heparin (48.9%), followed by fondaparinux (34.3%) and enoxaparin (16.8%). The most duration of anticoagulant use was one to four days (73.02%) with the dose range being 200-1000 units/day.    
Conclusion: Heparin was the anticoagulant widely used in patients with NSTEMI. Although the elderly were the group most at risk of ADR due to anticoagulants, most of these drugs were precisely taken by adults, who also required serious attention. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive approach to anticoagulant therapy.
Evaluation of the four mg warfarin initiation dose in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Kundiman Eunice Marlene Sicilia , Ramadhanty Zahrah Tatta , Suprapti Budi , Alsagaff Mochamad Yusuf , Zulkarnain Bambang Subakti , Nilamsari Wenny Putri
Published: May 2024

Background: Warfarin is the most widely used oral anticoagulant for the prevention of stroke in patients with cardiovascular disease. In Indonesia, validation of the initiation dose of warfarin has never been carried out.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 4 mg warfarin initiation dose in achieving therapeutic targets.
Methods: It was a prospective observational study involving hospitalised and ambulatory patients administered a 4 mg warfarin initiation dose between days one and three. On day four, the INR was measured for three to seven days. Subsequently, the initiation dose was adjusted to the therapeutic INR. The INR level was measured every seven days until patients achieved therapeutic INR twice.
Results: A total of 14 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 62 years. The most common indication for using warfarin was non-valvular atrial fibrillation (85.7%), with a CHA2DS2-VASc score between one and three and a HAS-BLED score ranging from zero to two. The median time to achieve therapeutic INR was 22.2 days, and the predictive value of the day four INR for determining the maintenance dose had an r2= 0.77.
Conclusions: The initiation dose of 4 mg warfarin effectively achieved therapeutic INR within an acceptable time.
Correlation between knowledge and characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in controlling blood glucose
Authors: Ulfa Ninik Mas , Suharjono  , Hermansyah Andi
Published: May 2024

Background: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a non-communicable disease, with an estimated prevalence based on the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) to increase by 46%. Community knowledge about T2DM is relatively low. Improving this level of knowledge is essential to reduce the prevalence of this disease.
Objective: To determine the correlation between patients' knowledge and characteristics of T2DM.
Method: Knowledge was measured using the Indonesian translation of the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire 24 (DKQ-24), which was distributed to 300 patients who met the inclusion criteria. This study used the cross-sectional method.
Result: The results showed that the level of knowledge obtained high knowledge with a score of ≥ 12 in 151 patients (53%), while a low level of knowledge with a score of < 12 was in 149 patients (47%). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and education, work, and blood glucose parameters. Furthermore, a high knowledge level was associated with better blood glucose control.
Conclusion: This study concluded that knowledge and education determined the patient's glycemic control.
GATA genotype and FY*B(-67T>C) polymorphism as a cheap and reliable tool to evaluate ethnicity in Brazilian patients submitted to autologous transplantation
Authors: Tucunduva Luciana , Dinardo Carla Luana , Otuyama Leonardo Jun , Chinoca Ziza Karen , Arrais Rodrigues Celso , Novis Yana , Figueiredo Costa Silvia , Rocha Vanderson
Published: May 2024

Abstract
 
Collecting high quality data on race and ethnicity is crucial for clinical research, notably in genetic association studies, to avoid confounding by different ethnic background among patients, a bias referred to as population stratification. In Brazil, to describe race we commonly use the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) classification, so-called “self-declared color”, but it is acknowledged that defining ancestry by phenotypic characteristics, especially in countries with highly mixed population like Brazil, can be misleading. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the GATA FY*B(-67T>C) polymorphism and self-declared race in Brazilian patients undergoing autologous transplantation and verify the feasibility of using this test as a more reliable tool to evaluate ethnicity in this population. Methods: We conducted a study to evaluate the association of candidate-gene polymorphisms and toxicities after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in adult patients with lymphoma or myeloma from 2015 to 2021 in two Brazilian transplant centers. All patients with available DNA to study genetic polymorphisms were included. In this analysis we evaluate the association between GATA polymorphism and self-declared color in this cohort. Results: A total of 217 patients were included in this analysis. Median age at transplantation was 56 years (21-79) and 130 patients (59.9%) were male. Most patients were self-declared white (n=175, 80.6%) and the most common genotype was GATA67T/T (wild type/wild type) (n=142, 65.4%). Among the self-declared white patients, 73.1% were genotyped as GATA67T/T and 4.0% as GATA-67C/C, while among the non-white patients 21.4% were genotyped as GATA-67C/C (p<.001). The allele FY*B(-67T>C) frequency was 0.22 in the whole population; it was identified in 26.9% of the self-declared white patients and in 66.6% of the non-white (p<.001). Twelve-month overall survival was 86.6% (95% CI 79.9 - 91.2%), with no difference according to self-declared race (86.8% vs 85.5% for white and non-white patients, respectively, p=0.81) or the presence of the allele FY*B(-67T>C) (85.2% vs 89.9% for non-mutated and mutated patients, respectively, p=0.27). Conclusion: GATA FY*B(-67T>C) polymorphism is associated to self-declared race in Brazilian patients submitted to ASCT. Given the importance of correctly evaluating ancestry in genetic association studies in transplantation, GATA FY*B(-67T>C) polymorphism can be used as a more accurate tool in populations with mixed ethnic/racial background.
MODELS OF HLA-DPB1 PERMISSIVENESS AND UNRELATED DONOR HEMATOPOIETIC CELL TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Brotto Nágila , MARTINS LIMA ALBERTO CARDOSO , SALES BONFIM CARMEM MARIA
Published: May 2024

In current allo-HCT practice, a fully HLA-matched sibling donor is the best donor associated with improved transplant outcomes. When a matched sibling donor is unavailable, the second best available donor option is a matched unrelated donor (MUD), either HLA 8/8 or HLA 10/10. One notable characteristic in the MUD setting is that HLA-DPB1 mismatches are present in around 80/85% of unrelated donor/recipient pairs. This unique feature has an additional layer of complexity as these HLA-DPB1 incompatibilities may be further divided into permissive and non-permissive mismatches by two biological-driven permissiveness models, namely T-cell epitope (TCE) and DP expression. In the current review article, we described the basics of T-cell allorecognition, the unique HLA-DPB1 immunogenetics, the early conflicting results regarding HLA-DPB1 mismatching in allo-HCT, the development and the clinical impact of T-cell epitope and Expression models, the new indirect allorecognition algorithm of HLA-DPB1 permissiveness (PIRCHE model), the role of HLA-DPB1 in nonmalignant disease setting, and future perspectives on HLA-DPB1 permissiveness.
Keywords: HLA-DPB1, Permissive mismatch, Unrelated donor
Overall survival in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with protocol CALGB 9511 at a tertiary hospital in the state of Ceará.
Authors: Mariano de Alencar Paulo Henrique , Barroso Duarte Fernando , Andrade Gurgel Lívia , Facundo de Alencar Araripe Lara , Mota Segundo Hércules Amorim , Magalhães Chaves Ana Vitoria
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common neoplasm in childhood and has high survival rates. In adults, due to the biological characteristics of the disease and chemotherapy-related toxicity, survival is lower. CALGB 9511 is a chemotherapy protocol based on pediatric regimens with high remission rates after induction. Objectives: To evaluate the survival of patients with ALL undergoing the CALGB 9511 protocol at Walter Cantídio University Hospital (HUWC); to describe the impact of risk factors: presence of measurable residual disease, BCR-ABL fusion gene status, and allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) on the survival of this group. Methodology: Retrospective evaluation of medical records of patients with ALL treated with this protocol between 2011 and 2022. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate survival probability. Results: 79 patients were eligible; 19% were BCR-ABL positive; the mean 2-year overall survival was 44%; The 2-year survival rate for patients undergoing HSCT was approximately 78%.. Conclusion: The survival curves of the study conducted at HUWC are similar to those described in the literature and corroborate the severity of the disease. Accessibility to new therapeutic modalities is a strategy that can improve the survival of these patients.
The role of a Hematology outpatient clinic in improving access to bone marrow transplantation in low-middle-income countries.
Authors: Barroso Duarte Fernando , Garcia Yhasmine Delles Oliveira Garcia , Cristiny Remigio Pitombeira Rafaela , Duarte Cordeiro Barroso Missielle , Da Nobrega de Alencar Rafael , Wilson Linhares Junior6 José , Freire Castelo Lucas , Stela Gomes de Souza Pitombeira Araújo Beatriz , Paulo de Vasconcelos Leitão João , Andrade Gurgel Lívia , Sampaio Nunes Barroso Karine , Araujo Durate Beatrice , Da Silva Pitombeira Maria
Published: May 2024

Discutir a elegibilidade precocemente no Transplante de Medula Óssea (TMO) reduz o tempo de espera, a busca de doadores e acelera o acesso aos cuidados pré-transplante. O estudo descreve a otimização do acesso ao TMO por meio de um ambulatório para avaliação de pacientes pré-transplante. Estudo retrospectivo, 2021-2023 no Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio. Dados analisados ​​no SPSS. Mostra 226 transplantes de 3.646 consultas. A clínica encaminhou 45 pacientes, contribuindo com 19,1%, 11,7% e 22,1% dos transplantes em 2021, 2022 e 2023, respectivamente, em comparação com <5% nos anos anteriores. Este aumento destaca a importância do acesso rápido aos cuidados pré-transplante, resultando num maior número de pacientes elegíveis para transplante.