bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FPU Mooring Footprint Reduction in Buzios Field: Key Driver to its Successful Subsea Layout
Authors: Cabral Gabriel Rodrigues , da Silva Helvio Ferreira , Oshiro Anderson Takehiro , Trovoado Leandro Cerqueira , Hernalsteens Thierry , Britto Joao Francisco Fleck Heck , Pinto Leandro De Assis
Published: August 2021

Buzios field development has the potential to implement several production systems due to large reservoir volumes. Considering the oil specification, the drive to use standard solutions already in place in Pre-salt area, associated with the high production indexes of the wells, Petrobras decided to tie back all production wells in satellite configuration. These facts, together with geological hazards in the area, lead to a potentially congested seabed scenario. Hence, FPU positioning has been challenging and demanding innovative engineering solutions to optimize FPU mooring as to overcome these challenges and enable FPU positioning close to wells. This optimization gave birth to new issues, such as risk of clashing between mooring lines and lazy-wave flexible risers. Integrated riser and mooring lines dynamic analysis, together with subsea layout assessment were performed to ensure technical and economic feasibility. Furthermore, due to the Buzios reservoir, well design requirements and subsea layout specificities, all FPU were located on the edge of the reservoir and flexible risers were tied back mainly from only one board of each FPU. Hence, enhancing clearance between bow and stern mooring clusters and the optimization of the risers’ configuration were of paramount importance for enabling most of the risers’ connections on the desirable board. FPU mooring optimization led to up to 30% of mooring lines’ radius reduction (horizontal projection), and an average of up to 500m per flowline reduction, saving CAPEX, OPEX and increasing the return on investment.
Detecting Interesting and Anomalous Patterns In Multivariate Time-Series Data in an Offshore Platform Using Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Figueirêdo Ilan Sousa , Carvalho Tássio Farias , Silva Wenisten José Dantas , Guarieiro Lílian Lefol Nani , Nascimento Erick Giovani Sperandio
Published: August 2021

Detection of anomalous events in practical operation of oil and gas (O&G) wells and lines can help to avoid production losses, environmental disasters, and human fatalities, besides decreasing maintenance costs. Supervised machine learning algorithms have been successful to detect, diagnose, and forecast anomalous events in O&G industry. Nevertheless, these algorithms need a large quantity of annotated dataset and labelling data in real world scenarios is typically unfeasible because of exhaustive work of experts. Therefore, as unsupervised machine learning does not require an annotated dataset, this paper intends to perform a comparative evaluation performance of unsupervised learning algorithms to support experts for anomaly detection and pattern recognition in multivariate time-series data. So, the goal is to allow experts to analyze a small set of patterns and label them, instead of analyzing large datasets. This paper used the public 3W database of three offshore naturally flowing wells. The experiment used real data of production of O&G from underground reservoirs with the following anomalous events: (i) spurious closure of Downhole Safety Valve (DHSV) and (ii) quick restriction in Production Choke (PCK). Six unsupervised machine learning algorithms were assessed: Cluster-based Algorithm for Anomaly Detection in Time Series Using Mahalanobis Distance (C-AMDATS), Luminol Bitmap, SAX-REPEAT, k-NN, Bootstrap, and Robust Random Cut Forest (RRCF). The comparison evaluation of unsupervised learning algorithms was performed using a set of metrics: accuracy (ACC), precision (PR), recall (REC), specificity (SP), F1-Score (F1), Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC), and Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AUC-PRC). The experiments only used the data labels for assessment purposes. The results revealed that unsupervised learning successfully detected the patterns of interest in multivariate data without prior annotation, with emphasis on the C-AMDATS algorithm. Thus, unsupervised learning can leverage supervised models through the support given to data annotation.
Development of a Computationally Intelligent Model to Estimate Oil Formation Volume Factor
Authors: Khan Mohammad Rasheed , Kalam Shams , Khan Rizwan Ahmed
Published: August 2021

This investigation presents a powerful predictive model to determine crude oil formation volume factor (FVF) using state-of-the-art computational intelligence (CI) techniques. FVF is a vital pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) parameter used to characterize hydrocarbon systems and is pivotal to reserve evaluation studies and reservoir engineering calculations. Ideally, FVF is measured at the laboratory scale; however, prognostic tools to evaluate this parameter can aid in optimizing time and cost estimates. The database utilized in this study is obtained from open literature and covers statistics of crude oils of Pakistan, Iran, UAE, and Malaysia. Resultantly, this allows to move step forward towards the creation of a generalized model.

Multiple CI algorithms are considered, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Artificial Neural Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS). Models for CI are developed utilizing an optimization strategy for various parameters/hyper-parameters of the respective algorithms. Unique permutations and combinations for the number of perceptron and their resident layers is investigated to reach a solution that provides the most optimum output. These intelligent models are produced as a function of the parameters intrinsically affecting FVF; reservoir temperature, solution GOR, gas specific gravity, and crude oil API gravity. Comparative analysis of various CI models is performed using visualization/statistical analysis and the best model pointed out. Finally, the mathematical equation extraction to determine FVF is accomplished with the respective weights and bias for the model presented.

Graphical analysis using scatter plots with a coefficient of determination (R2) illustrates that ANN equation produces the most accurate predictions for oil FVF with R2 in excess of 0.96. Moreover, during this study an error metric is developed comprising of multiple analysis parameters; Average Absolute Error (AAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (R). All models investigated are tested on an unseen dataset to prevent the development of a biased model. Performance of the established CI models are gauged based on this error metric, which demonstrates that ANN outperforms the other models with error within 2% of the measured PVT values. A computationally derived intelligent model proves to provide the strongest predictive capabilities as it maps complex non-linear interactions between various input parameters leading to FVF.
Structural Digital Twin of FPSO for Monitoring the Hull and Topsides Based on Inspection Data and Load Measurement
Authors: Bhat Shankar , Nadathur Varadarajan , Knezevic David , Aalberts Pieter , Kolsters Hans , Amuda Daniel , Atebe Orobome , Pasala Dharma , Hoang Tuyen , Luong Trong , Huynh Phuong , Righetti Riccardo , Hageman Remco , Yu Jim
Published: August 2021

A high-fidelity FPSO Structural Digital Twin (SDT) based on Reduced Basis Finite Element Analysis (RB-FEA) coupled with inspection data and physical sensor measurements (advisory hull monitoring system) is presented to demonstrate a complete FPSO "digital thread" that combines operational data feeds, detailed structural analysis based on as-is asset condition, and automated structural integrity reporting. This lays the groundwork for a philosophical shift for asset lifecycle management by enabling the use of "as-measured" conditions in lieu of assumed "design-conditions" for a more accurate, and robust understanding of asset health. We demonstrate the deployment of this methodology for the Bonga FPSO and discuss the value that it brings during day-to-day operations.
Evaluation of firework mortars
Authors: Contestabile E , Augsten R A , Vandebeek R R , Craig T R , Wilson D , Nagy E
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of firework mortars by causing shells to explode in them. Tests were performed at nominal temperatures of 20°C and -20°C for both star and report shells. Events were recorded via video, still
and high speed photography. The results do not indicate serious faults with any particular mortar material.
The study reports the results of approximately 280 mortar bursts and attempts to relate the data to several concerns. The requirement for a maintenance-free mortar, one that can withstand repeated use and, in case of a failure, a 'fail-safe' mortar. Thus, when it comes to use, an operator must
always make a judgement as to whether a paper mortar can take another firing. Steel mortars have always been relied upon to take many firings yet everyone realizes the degree of danger if one was to burst.
The results indicate that all mortars, except the Schedule-40 steel which burst only at very low temperatures, ruptured and produced fragments under most conditions. However, when one considers the consequences of an accidental burst, the mass and distance to which fragments were thrown can be used
as safety criteria. The fragments from the fibre reinforced epoxy mortars had a range of approximately 30 m, the paper 70 m, the plastics 70 m and the metal mortars 120 m. The lethality of these fragments are not considered here but will be the topic of a future report.
A special oropharyngeal oxygenation device to facilitate apneic oxygenation in comparison to high flow oxygenation devices
Authors: Wetsch Wolfgang A. , Schroeder Daniel C. , Finke Simon-Richard , Sander David , Ecker Hannes , Böttiger Bernd W. , Herff Holger
Published: August 2021

Oxygen application and apneic oxygenation may reduce the risk of hypoxemia due to apnea during awake fiberoptic intubation or failed endotracheal intubation. High flow devices are recommended, but their effect compared to moderate deep oropharyngeal oxygen application is unknown. Designed as an experimental manikin trial, we made a comparison between oxygen application via nasal prongs at 10 L/min (control group), applying oxygen via oropharyngeal oxygenation device (at 10 L/min), oxygen application via high flow nasal oxygen with 20 L/min and 90% oxygen (20 L/90% group), oxygen application via high flow nasal oxygen with 60 L/min and 45% oxygen (60 L/45% group), and oxygen application via sealed face mask with a special adapter to allow for fiberoptic entering of the airway. We preoxygenated the lung of a manikin and measured the decrease in oxygen level during the following 20 minutes for each way of oxygen application. Oxygen levels fell from 97 ± 1% at baseline to 75 ± 1% in control group, and to 86 ± 1% in oropharyngeal oxygenation device group. In the high flow nasal oxygen group, oxygen level dropped to 72 ± 1% in the 20 L/90% group and to 44 ± 1% in the 60 L/45% group. Oxygen level remained at 98 ± 0% in the face mask group. In conclusion, in this manikin simulation study of apneic oxygenation, oxygen insufflation using a sealed face mask kept oxygen levels in the test lung at 98% over 20 minutes, oral oxygenation device led to oxygen levels at 86%, whereas all other methods resulted in the decrease of oxygen levels below 75%.
Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia in an Adolescent Boy
Authors: Arun Babu Thirunavukkarasu , Balakrishnan Padmapriya
Published: August 2021

Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder due to defects in structures derived from ectoderm. It occurs due to mutation in genes that encode proteins involved in the development of ectodermal structures. Males show full expression of the disorder, whereas females show minimal signs of disorder because of the usual X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance. Common defects include hypodontia, onychodysplasia, hypotrichosis, and reduced or absence of sweat glands. The incidence of ectodermal dysplasia is seven in 10,000 live births. It is important to prevent hyperpyrexia, a life-threatening complication in hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia patients. Here, we are reporting a rare case of anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia in a 16-year-old male patient with a positive family history of the same condition.
Difficult Retrieval of a Bronchial Foreign Body in a Patient with Maxillofacial Trauma
Authors: Arikrishnan Thirumurugan , Chakravarthy Deepak , Vinayagam Stalin
Published: August 2021

Maxillofacial trauma is often associated with avulsion of the tooth and an attendant risk of aspiration of the tooth. Delay in diagnosis and intervention can pose a serious threat to life if the central airway is obstructed. Bronchoscopy-guided retrieval of the aspirated tooth in patients with maxillofacial trauma poses a significant challenge to anaesthesiologists in maintaining the airway without compromising oxygenation and ventilation. We report a case of delayed yet difficult bronchoscopic retrieval of a tooth in the right bronchus in a patient with maxillofacial trauma.
Awake Nasal Intubation Using a Videolaryngoscope
Authors: Saoulidou Eleftheria , Argyriou Orestis , Douma Amalia , Dimakopoulou Antonia
Published: August 2021

We present a case of extremely difficult airway management in a 56-year-old patient presenting for an elective repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia. He was a diagnosed case of severe ankylosing spondylitis resulting in limited cervical spine mobility and restricted mouth opening. Airway management was achieved with awake nasal intubation and the procedure was completed uneventfully.
A Magical Journey into Knowledge Creation in Emergency Difficult Airway Access - Sample Size Calculation and Choosing Statistical Tests with the ‘Research Genie’
Authors: Ramesh Arumugam
Published: August 2021

This article is the third of a four-article series intended to ignite the minds of readers and empower them to create new knowledge in the context of 'emergency difficult airway access'. This article describes sample size calculation, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics in simple and lucid language without using any formulae. The reader should have followed the steps of knowledge creation as described in the first two articles and framed objectives for a given challenging healthcare situation. The study design and variables to operationalise the objective should have been defined. With this information in the background, the article empowers the reader to calculate sample size for a given objective. The pathway to access this information on the 'Research Genie (RG)' app is described for every objective in all the nine relevant domains of healthcare, i.e. description, laboratory range estimation, incidence/prevalence estimation, evaluating therapies, measuring costs in healthcare, critically evaluating new tests, measuring risk, correlating variables and describing experiences, perceptions and beliefs. Mathematical and statistical jargon are deliberately kept at bay. This is followed by describing summary measures and tests of significance for each objective. The pathway to access this on RG is described. On reading and assimilating this article, healthcare personnel can communicate meaningfully with the biostatistician while explaining the data required to calculate the sample size for a given objective. The researcher learns to list the possible summary measures and tests of significance for a particular objective. With an intention to demystify all these complicated concepts, I may have erred on the side of oversimplification. I pray for forgiveness from the biostatisticians and sincerely recommend all these are discussed with the biostatistician and approval sought before putting them in print.
A Comparative Study of the Course and Outcome in Hypoxic COVID-19 Patients with and Without Comorbidities
Authors: Wajekar Shreyas Deepak , Kurundkar Gajanan Balaji , Shah Pushkar P. , Kadam Dileep B. , Bhat Shreepad M.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Severe acute respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been a health emergency of great concern in the year 2020. This study was undertaken to identify characteristics of hospitalized patients with Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) and hypoxia in the form of disease course and outcome with special reference to the presence or absence of comorbidities.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital recognized as Dedicated COVID Hospital during the period of June 2020 to September 2020. The study included a total of 249 patients of COVID-19 with hypoxia who required oxygen or noninvasive ventilation/invasive ventilation. Patients were divided into two groups as per the presence or absence of comorbidity (175 and 74 patients, respectively). Their clinical and laboratory findings, course in the hospital, and outcomes were noted. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results:

Among all the study patients, more patients from comorbidity group presented with a N:L ratio >3.5 and raised inflammatory markers (like serum ferritin) than patients in the no comorbidity group. In patients with comorbidities, 47.43% required noninvasive or invasive ventilation as against 18.92% in those without any comorbidities. Development of deranged renal function was noted in 32.57% of patients in the comorbidity group and only 9.46% in the noncomorbid group. All except one death during the study period were in the patients with comorbidities.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 patients with hypoxia and the presence of comorbidities in this study had more complications and a worse outcome.
Intelligent Prescription-Generating Models of Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Shi Qing-Yang , Tan Li-Zi , Seng Lim Lian , Wang Hui-Jun
Published: August 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to construct an intelligent prescription-generating (IPG) model based on deep-learning natural language processing (NLP) technology for multiple prescriptions in Chinese medicine.

Materials and Methods:

We selected the Treatise on Febrile Diseases and the Synopsis of Golden Chamber as basic datasets with EDA data augmentation, and the Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine, the Classic of the Miraculous Pivot, and the Classic on Medical Problems as supplementary datasets for fine-tuning. We selected the word-embedding model based on the Imperial Collection of Four, the bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) model based on the Chinese Wikipedia, and the robustly optimized BERT approach (RoBERTa) model based on the Chinese Wikipedia and a general database. In addition, the BERT model was fine-tuned using the supplementary datasets to generate a Traditional Chinese Medicine-BERT model. Multiple IPG models were constructed based on the pretraining strategy and experiments were performed. Metrics of precision, recall, and F1-score were used to assess the model performance. Based on the trained models, we extracted and visualized the semantic features of some typical texts from treatise on febrile diseases and investigated the patterns.

Results:

Among all the trained models, the RoBERTa-large model performed the best, with a test set precision of 92.22%, recall of 86.71%, and F1-score of 89.38% and 10-fold cross-validation precision of 94.5% ± 2.5%, recall of 90.47% ± 4.1%, and F1-score of 92.38% ± 2.8%. The semantic feature extraction results based on this model showed that the model was intelligently stratified based on different meanings such that the within-layer's patterns showed the associations of symptom–symptoms, disease–symptoms, and symptom–punctuations, while the between-layer's patterns showed a progressive or dynamic symptom and disease transformation.

Conclusions:

Deep-learning-based NLP technology significantly improves the performance of IPG model. In addition, NLP-based semantic feature extraction may be vital to further investigate the ancient Chinese medicine texts.
Epidemiology of Rickettsial Infection in the Municipality of Uramita, Colombia
Authors: Quintero-Vélez Juan C. , Cienfuegos-Gallet Astrid V. , Quintero Lisardo Osorio , Úsuga Andrés F. , Cifuentes Sebastian , Solari Sergio , Rodas Juan D. , Diaz Francisco J. , Rojas Carlos A.
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to analyze epidemiological indicators related to seroprevalent and seroincident cases of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) and to identify housing conditions related to tick infestation. A prospective study (2016–2018) was conducted to examine rickettsial seropositivity in humans, domestic animals, and wild mammals in the municipality of Uramita, Antioquia, Colombia, where a previous Rickettsia rickettsii outbreak was reported from 2014 to 2015. The seroprevalence and its associated factors were estimated at baseline, and the seroincidence and its risk factors for humans were estimated 20 months later. A cross-sectional analysis was performed to evaluate the housing conditions linked to tick infestation. The SFGR seroprevalence was 26.70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.79–31.37), and the factors associated with SFGR seropositivity were male sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [PRa], 1.67; 95% CI, 1.19–2.32), age (evaluated in 5-year increments) (PRa, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.09), and household proximity (PRascattered vs. very near=3.87; 95% CI, 1.12–8.66). The overall seroincidence was 7.40% (95% CI, 4.71–11.06), and the factors associated with SFGR seroincident cases were the presence of wild animals (adjusted relative risk [RRa], 2.46; 95% CI, 1.06–4.72) and the presence of trees in the peri-domiciliary area (RRa, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23–0.94). The prevalence of house tick infestation was 27.81% (95% CI, 21.93–34.80), and the factors associated with infestation were dirt floors (PRa, 5.88; 95% CI, 2.28–10.31), fiber cement roofs (PRa, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.07–2.83), and the presence of canines in peri-domiciliary or intra-domiciliary areas (PRa, 5.05; 95% CI, 3.31–7.19). Seropositivity rates for canines and opossums were 35.62% (26/73) and 100% (6/6), respectively. Identification of these factors will help to implement efficient surveillance programs in Colombia.
Mixed Plasmodium malariae Infections Were Underdetected in a Malaria Endemic Area in the Amazon Region, Brazil
Authors: Cunha Maristela G. , Santos Camille S. , Raiol Milene , Costa Sheyla Patrícia T. , Ventura Ana Maria R. , Póvoa Marinete M. , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea
Published: August 2021

Plasmodium malariae infections are often asymptomatic and long-lasting. Mixed infections are often underdetected in areas where P. malariae, P. vivax, and P. falciparum are coendemic. In this study, we described the occurrence of these species circulating as single or mixed infections in Pará state, Brazil, in the Amazon region, with the purpose of clarifying the impact of misidentification of parasite species based only on morphological description using thick blood smear. By using real-time polymerase chain reaction based on the amplification of the mitochondrial DNA, we detected a prevalence of 46% (58/126) mixed infections with 33.3% P. malariae/P. vivax which were read as P. vivax monoinfections by microscopy detection. Our findings confirmed the high circulation of P. malariae in a malaria endemic area in the Brazilian Amazon region.
Review on the distribution of microplastics in the oceans and its impacts: Need for modeling-based approach to investigate the transport and risk of microplastic pollution
Authors: Sheela A. Merline , Manimekalai B. , Dhinagaran G.
Published: August 2021

Many studies have proven that microplastics are transported from the terrestrial ecosystem to the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, it has been established that a significant quantity is added to the marine ecosystem through river transport and atmospheric deposition. Though several methods exist to estimate the concentration of microplastics in the marine ecosystem, it is very difficult to precisely quantify the pollutants and determine the amount transported from the land to the ocean. The data on the extent of microplastic pollution are influenced by the sampling methods and the time of sampling. An examination of the literature reveals that only limited studies have been conducted to examine the interaction of microplastics and their additives with the marine organisms. Hence, more such studies are warranted to shed light on these interactions. Few modeling studies have been conducted to estimate the future addition of plastics to the marine ecosystem. To obtain better output, appropriate models that consider the current scenario need to be developed. Models help us to understand the sources, transport, sinks, and risks of microplastic pollution. This will enable us to develop appropriate strategies and, measures to reduce plastic littering in the environment, thus marine plastic pollution is minimized in the future.
On implicit variables in optimization theory
Authors: Benko Matúš , Mehlitz Patrick
Published: August 2021

Implicit variables of a mathematical program are variables which do not need
to be optimized but are used to model feasibility conditions. They frequently
appear in several different problem classes of optimization theory comprising
bilevel programming, evaluated multiobjective optimization, or nonlinear
optimization problems with slack variables. In order to deal with implicit
variables, they are often interpreted as explicit ones. Here, we first point
out that this is a light-headed approach which induces artificial locally
optimal solutions. Afterwards, we derive various Mordukhovich-stationarity-type
necessary optimality conditions which correspond to treating the implicit
variables as explicit ones on the one hand, or using them only implicitly to
model the constraints on the other. A detailed comparison of the obtained
stationarity conditions as well as the associated underlying constraint
qualifications will be provided. Overall, we proceed in a fairly general
setting relying on modern tools of variational analysis. Finally, we apply our
findings to different well-known problem classes of mathematical optimization
in order to visualize the obtained theory.
SISTEM INFORMASI PENDATAAN BARANG MASUK DAN KELUAR PADA PT. SHAMROK MANUFACTURING CORPORA
Authors: Tajrin Tajrin
Published: August 2021

Abstrak— PT. Shamrok Manufacturing Corpora merupakan perusaan yang bergerak di bidang sarung tangan, saat ini perusahaan masih menggunakan proses manual untuk melakukan proses pendataan barang masuk dan keluar. Tentunya hal tersebut akan memakan waktu yang cukup lama untuk melakukan proses terhadap data sehingga tidak efisien kemungkinan lainnya yang dapat terjadi yaitu data yang dicatat pada lembaran kertas tersebut kotor, rusak, maupun hilang. Untuk mengatasi kekurangan tersebut maka di bangun sebuah sistem informasi pendataan barang masuk dan keluar untuk dapat mempermudah dalam proses pendataan surat masuk dan keluarKata Kunci— Sistem Informasi, barang masuk dan barang keluar. Abstract— PT. Shamrok Manufacturing Corporation is a company engaged in the field of gloves, currently the company is still using a manual process to collect data in and out of goods. Of course this will take a long time to process the data so that it is not efficient that other possibilities that can occur are the data recorded on the sheet of paper is dirty, damaged, or lost. To overcome these deficiencies, an information system for data collection of goods in and out was built to be able to facilitate the data collection process for incoming and outgoing mailsKeywords - Information System, incoming and outgoing goods
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE GROWTH OF INVESTMENT – A STUDY ON THE LIBYAN MARKET
Authors: Ali Alhaj Abdulbaset , Awn Abdullah Mohammed , Alaswed Al Taher Khalifa Abdusalam
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between Financial instruments and growth of investment. Design/Methodology/Approach: The distributed questionnaires include 300 clients from banks and companies represented in Tripoli. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS- SEM. Results: The obtained results showed that indicated that, despite the modest progress made in a very short time regarding all indicators which the paper calculated, however, it can be said that Libyan stock market remain largely underdeveloped, small and relatively ineﬃcient. Its market capitalization to GDP is very low and investors have no access to long-term capital. In addition, the market still has very low liquidity and investors still have a limited choice of ﬁnancial instruments and face liquidity problems. Originality/Value: This study contributes significantly to the importance of diversity in the use of financial instruments that help in the growth of investment. The study added a new discussion, which is the disclosure that financial instruments affect the growth of domestic investment, especially by easing financing restrictions, which allows companies to increase investment in response to increased demand for production. The main finding is that the structure of the financial system does not have an independent effect on investment growth, in the sense that it does not enhance the response of investment to changes in production, whereas financial development makes investment more responsive to output growth. Thus, instead of promoting a specific type of financial instrument, countries should implement policies that reduce transaction costs in financial intermediation and enforce the rights of creditors and investors. This will facilitate the development of banks and stock markets, which will stimulate the growth of domestic investment.

JEL: D53; G14; O16
IMPACT OF AFRICAN FREE TRADE POLICY (AGREEMENT) ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA
Authors: Imoagwu Chika P. , Ozoh Joan N. , Madueke Chinwe M. , Mbah Chidinma C.
Published: August 2021

The signing of the agreement that established the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the year 2019 is believed to be an African-based growth strategy that is self-reliant and is expected to be the world’s largest free trade area after the World Trade Organization (WTO). The agreement is an attestation to the fact that African countries cannot continue to rely solely on the global trading system and global economy of the world economic powers, probably because they are increasingly becoming unpredictable. However, there is an assumption that the aggregate consumer and business spending on the continent could rise if AfCFTA is implemented successfully. This assumption therefore calls for a research like this to evaluate the likely economic impacts of the free trade agreement on different African countries particularly Nigeria which is the giant of Africa and the focus of this study. To achieve the objectives of the study, descriptive statistical approach was utilized to examine how the AfCFTA could contribute particularly on poverty reduction and Nigeria has been struggling for many decades to reduce poverty. These variables were considered: household income, illiteracy level, unemployment level and access to health care. The results of the analyses revealed that the AfCFTA could be slightly beneficial to Nigeria as it would improve the efficiency of the factors of production and product markets thereby enhancing household income generation, reducing the level of illiteracy, unemployment and increasing access to good health, efficient resource allocation and improved industry competitiveness which was expected to help Nigeria record significant reduction in poverty level and increase in economic development. In the light of these findings, the study recommends that government should then design proactive strategies that would reap the full benefits of AfCFTA such as engaging the private sector in identifying receptive and risk surrounding their sectors and paying more attention to the development of the service sector etc. The study has potential limitations such as unavailability of recent data. To tackle this limitation, the study adopted the 2019 survey data on pillars of measuring human development index by World Bank to address the quality of the findings, and research question.

JEL: F10, H13, O10

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BUSINESS CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND POTENTIAL STRATEGIES OF SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA MARITIME SECTOR
Authors: Amuka Ikenna , Uzochukwu Ozumba , Anyachebelu Nnamdi Chijoke
Published: August 2021

Maritime transport is the foundation of global supply chain connections and economic development with shipping and ports estimated to manage more than 80 per cent of world merchandise trade by volume and over 90 per cent by value, according to United Nation Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2020. Consequently, when severed covid-19 pandemic occur, there are absolute disruption of transport networks and supply chain which hugely undermined international trade and economic activity. The covid-19 pandemic activates health and economic crisis with extensive consequences for maritime transport and trade. Restrictions imposed in response to the covid-19 pandemic have triggered disruptions affecting economic activity and trade in maritime sector which includes ports operations, shipping and supply chains. The strategic measures taken to control the spread of the corona virus disease and slowdown of economic activity and trade have significantly affect the maritime sector both locally and globally. Thus, the study assesses the impacts of covid-19 pandemic in business operations of Nigeria maritime sector. Hence, this study analyzes the sustainable response to get back to business fully in Nigeria maritime trade. This study was performed by reviewing the available published literatures, case studies, and various government and non-government agencies/organizations from reports and official websites, served as the frameworks of the study. From huge compilation of relevant studies, presentation of data and information which is vital to maritime business challenges of covid-19 pandemic and potential strategies of sustainability and meet study objectives.

JEL: R40; R42; L20

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THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRONIC MARKETING STRATEGIES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF EQUITY BANK LIMITED IN KENYA
Authors: Ndegwa Rose
Published: August 2021

The evolution and direction of any marketing strategy in local and international environments has forced firms to adopt electronic marketing strategies to gain competitive edge and viability in the market arena (Bui & Jones, 2006). Fast development of technologies, economic globalization and many other external circumstances stimulate changes in marketing environment. For the company to gain competitive edge in today's market, especially in the electronic market, it must have a good knowledge of the external environment, especially in technological environment that affects business operations. It is important for the company to know and predict environmental conditions that influence marketing activities. Some of the external factors that influence marketing activities of modern companies include; political, economic, social-cultural, and technological factors (Adam, Mulye,Deans & Palihawadana, 2002). The study used descriptive cross sectional census survey. The design is appropriate since all the units of interest were investigated. Comparative analysis amongst all the units was done and the phenomenon under the study described as they appear to be satisfactory. From the findings, it was established that the performance of commercial banks is affected by the electronic marketing strategies selected by the bank. There is a rapid development in technology and hence banks are not being left behind in the adoption of new technology, due to either pressure from customers, stiff competition or change in technology. The banks performance is affected by electronic marketing strategies selected. The banks which have adopted the electronic marketing strategies, the performance is improved, banks which have not yet adopted the electronic marketing strategies are struggling in the performance. The banking sector should embrace electronic marketing strategy in order to survive in the rapidly changing markets.

JEL: G21; D20; D83

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FROM LITERARY NARRATIVE TO FILM ADAPTATION: “SLEEPING BEAUTY” AND “MALEFICENT” – A STUDY IN COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
Authors: Cardoso Luis , Fonseca Ana
Published: August 2021

This article aims to develop a comparative analysis between the literary narrative Sleeping Beauty of the Grimm Brothers, published in 1812, and the film adaptation Maleficent, by Robert Stromberg, released in 2014. In this sense, we will highlight the most relevant similarities and differences between the two narratives, with regard to the role of Maleficent, the attitudes of the female character (Aurora), the desire for revenge, the kiss of salvation and the main symbolic elements of each narrative. The results in the analysis show that adaptation is a very complex process, which reveals the goals and interpretations of the director, the context of the time and its characteristics, resulting in an aesthetic product with marks of literary origin but with many innovations.

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THE DAVIDIC COVENANT IN EZEKIEL 37:15–28 AND 2 SAMUEL 7:11–16: AN INTERTEXTUAL READING / L’ALLIANCE DAVIDIQUE DANS EZECHIEL 37:15–28 ET 2 SAMUEL 7:11–16: UNE RELECTURE INTERTEXTUELLE
Authors: Budha Victor Lonu
Published: August 2021

Reading Ezekiel 37:15–28 and 2 Samuel 7:1–16 from an intertextual perspective establishes that the text of Samuel 7:1–16, which is prior to that of Ezekiel, might have a certain influence. The first part of Ezekiel 37 (verses 1 to 14) describes the miserable condition of the Jewish people in the Babylonian exile. The text indicates that only YHWH is able to restore the people. In the second part (verse 15 to 28) the text presents the promise of God to fully restore his people and put them under a new leadership based on the Davidic Covenant that appears for the first time 2 Samuel 7:1–16. The two texts have many connections. The emphasis in the text of Ezekiel is on the promise of restoration that will come to realization under the leadership of the future Davidic Prince. The connections between Ezekiel 37:15–28 and 2 Samuel 7:1–16 are clear to the point that, cumulatively, we might suggest that the text of 2 Samuel 7:1–16 had influence on the text of Ezekiel 34:15–28.

La relecture d’Ézéchiel 37:15-28 et 2 Samuel 7:1-16 d’un point de vue intertextuel établit que le texte de 2 Samuel 7:1-16, qui est antérieur à celui d’Ézéchiel, pourrait avoir une certaine influence sur celui d’Ézéchiel. La première partie d’Ézéchiel 37 (versets 1 à 14) décrit la condition misérable du peuple juif dans l’exil babylonien. Le texte indique que seul YHWH est capable de restaurer son peuple. Dans la deuxième partie (verset 15 à 28), le texte présente la promesse de Dieu de restaurer pleinement son peuple et de le mettre sous un nouveau leadership basé sur l’Alliance Davidique qui apparaît pour la première fois dans 2 Samuel 7:1-16. Les deux textes ont de nombreuses connexions et similarités. Dans le texte d’Ézéchiel l’accent est placé sur la promesse d’une restauration qui se réalisera sous la direction du futur Prince Davidique. Les connexions entre Ézéchiel 37:15-28 et 2 Samuel 7:1-16 sont claires au point que, cumulativement, nous pourrions suggérer que le texte de 2 Samuel 7:1-16 a eu une influence sur le texte d’Ézéchiel 34:15-28.

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EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGH AND LOW INTENSITY REHABILITATION PROGRAMME IN CHRONIC PHASE OF GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME PATIENTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL
Authors: Kumar Gourav , Arora Lalit , Arora Reena
Published: August 2021

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to conduct a randomized control trial to compare the effectiveness of high and low intensity rehabilitation programme in chronic phase of GBS patient. Methodology: 20 Patients were included in the study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. A written informed consent was signed by the subjects in their native language. The subjects were divided into two groups by simple random sampling. Group (A) Experimental Group (N=10): got treatment with High intensity rehabilitation exercises and Group (B) Control Group (N=10): got treatment with Low intensity rehabilitation exercises. Total rehabilitation program was for 12 months. The outcome measures for the both groups were Functional Independence Measure (FIM), World health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), Perceived Impact of Problem Profile (PIPP). Results: Intention to treat analysis of data from 20 patients (experimental n=10, control n=10) showed reduced disability in the treatment group in post-treatment FIM domains (self- care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion; all p<0.001) and WHOQOL-BREF domains (quality of life; all p<0.001) and PIPP domains (self-care, mobility; all p<0.001). The treatment group compared with control group showed significant improvement in function (FIM scores): 72% vs. 50%. Conclusion: High intensity rehabilitation programme compared with Low intensity low intensity rehabilitation programme is effective in reducing motor disability (mobility, self-care, continence) in chronic phase of GBS patients.

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THE PHENOMENON OF CYBERCRIME: FROM THE TRANSNATIONAL CONNOTATION TO THE NEED FOR GLOBALIZATION OF JUSTICE
Authors: Greco Gianpiero , Montinaro Nicola
Published: August 2021

Information technology has brought about epochal changes in every area of society, offering opportunities for development on a social, cultural, and economic level, but also a fertile ground for activities with criminal purposes that take place in cyberspace. The threat present in the intangible world of cyberspace is extremely concrete and is one of the major sources of concern and investment by States, given that the Internet is considered the critical infrastructure for excellence. Cybercrime, characterized by a transnational connotation of borderless or aspatial crime, provides a position of advantage to the cybercriminal compared to the traditional criminal. The development of information technologies has led to the digitization of organized crime which thus succeeds in maximizing profits by exploiting the opportunities offered by new communication technologies and minimizing the risk of being identified, arrested, convicted and of suffering the seizure of the proceeds of criminal activities. Considering the contradictory and inhomogeneous international legal framework due to the transnational scope of cybercrime, the identification of the locus commissi delicti is difficult and the legal prosecution of cybercrimes is complex; therefore, cybercriminals could operate without an adequate response from some states in terms of prevention, sanction, containment and contrast. The sovereignty of States, in the context of cybercrime repression, is identified as an insurmountable obstacle in the creation of a supranational union of law. Therefore, to put legal operators in the real conditions to suppress transnational cybercrime, globalization of justice is needed.

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LIFE OF WORKERS AT INDUSTRIAL PARKS AND EXPORT PROCESSING ZONES IN VIETNAM – CURRENT SITUATION AND SOLUTIONS
Authors: Kien Pham Thi
Published: August 2021

After decades of renovation, the rapid development of our country's industry has resulted in a rapid increase in the number of workers working at industrial parks and export processing zones. In addition to advantages, such as skill level, sense of style, discipline, income, etc. of workers have increased, there are also many problems, namely accommodation, learning opportunity, mental and recreational life of workers are not guaranteed. At the same time, the existing risk of a generation of workers who "prematurely retire" and become a burden of unemployment of society is posing itself as a problem that is yet solved. Obviously, this problem required the attention of workers, business owners and state management agencies alike; however, it cannot be dealt with after one night. The fact that a considerably large number of workers who are just rushing to work for money, satisfied with a barely enough living conditions and accept that these difficulties drag on will persist unless the government and the entire society soon have appropriate solutions.

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EXAMINATION OF BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR SINGLE MOTHERS ON THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
Authors: Bochere Moturi Ruthline , Gechiko Bernard , Kyalo Paul
Published: August 2021

The study was about an Assessment of the Challenges facing Single Mothers on their Spiritual Growth in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The objective was to establish the biblical and theological foundations for single mothers on their spiritual growth in the Seventh Dy Adventist Church. The Marxist Theory of Feminism was used. The study was conducted in Kisii County which is in Western Kenya. The target population in the study included 5 Churches within the Nyanchwa Station, South Kenya Conference. The researcher employed a census sampling method from the 5 churches with a sample population of 105 participants. The main instruments of data collection for the study were questionnaires, focused group discussions, and oral interviews. The study established the biblical and theological foundations for single mothers by referencing single mothers in the Bible. The study recommended that all aspects of inclusivity, acceptance and being welcome need to be accorded to all Christians, regardless of their marital status; The Church in Africa could borrow a leaf from the Church in the West in practicing the doctrine and social teaching of the church, about accepting members as they come; and Pastoral Councils and Christians in leadership need to be on the front line in practicing inclusiveness and acceptance of every Christian.

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Review and Taxonomy of MOOCs and the Significance of Digital Transformation of Learning in Higher Education Institutions: Prospects and Opportunities
Authors:   RIME Team - LRIE Laboratory (EMI), Mohammed V University, Rabat-Morocco Faculty of Sciences and Technologies (FSTT), Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Tangier-Morocco, HAMAL Oussama
Published: August 2021

This paper principally seeks to examine the genesis and development of MOOCs. Recent research and ICT development efforts have strived to engineer technologies that aim at effectively facilitating and improving the quality of learning anywhere and anytie independently in a stress-free environment. It must be noted that research in open learning environments is still making baby steps and researchers have solely made preliminary initiatives to fathom out the nature and incessant chaniging dynamics of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) as a topic of investigation. This interest is fuled by the fact that learning has nearly completely become digital worldwide as it were, and there for eperpetual research efforts to understand the underlying principles of MOOCs is a genuine necessity. More importantly, it has been proven in research that when computer science and education are mixed together, they seem to yield impeccable learning results. Given this, we will both chart a roadmap for the creation of a MOOC and incrementally work towards its implementation.