bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Botswana's HIV/AIDS response and treatment policy changes: Insights from a cascade of mathematical models
Authors: Kaisara Tefa , Nyabadza Farai
Published: October 2022

The management of HIV/AIDS has evolved ever since advent of the disease in the past three decades. Many countries have had to revise their policies as new information on the virus, and its transmission dynamics emerged. In this paper, we track the changes in Botswana's HIV/AIDS response and treatment policies using a piece-wise system of differential equations. The policy changes are easily tracked in three epochs. Models for each era are formulated from a "grand model" that can be linked to all the epochs. The grand model's steady states are determined and analysed in terms of the model reproduction number, $ R_{0}. $ The model exhibits a backward bifurcation, where a stable disease-free equilibrium coexists with a stable endemic equilibrium when $ R_{0} < 1. $ The stability of the models for the other epochs can be derived from that of the grand model by setting some parameters to zero. The models are fitted to HIV/AIDS prevalence data from Botswana for the past three decades. The changes in the populations in each compartment are tracked as the response to the disease and treatment policy changed over time. Finally, projections are made to determine the possible trajectory of HIV/AIDS in Botswana. The implications of the policy changes are easily seen, and a discussion on how these changes impacted the epidemic are articulated. The results presented have crucial impact on how policy changes affected and continue to influence the trajectory of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana.
Towards wireless data transmission with compact all-electronic THz source and detector system
Authors: Cesiul Albert , Ikamas Kęstutis , But Dmytro B. , Morkūnaitė Ieva , Lisauskas Tautvydas , Lisauskas Alvydas
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a fully-electronic wireless link operating at the 250 GHz frequency. The key elements of the developed system are the voltage-controlled harmonic oscillator implemented in 65 nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology (CMOS) and a quasi-optical detector with a resonantantenna- coupled field-effect transistor completed in 90 nm CMOS. The source is optimized for the third harmonic emission at 252 GHz with radiated power reaching up to –11 dBm (decibels with reference to one milliwatt) level. The detector has a resonance maximum of 254 GHz with a bandwidth of 25% and a minimal optical noise equivalent power of 22 pW/√Hz . We employ an on-off keying technique for data coding and demonstrate digital signal transmission from 0.4 to 18 m distances. At 0.4 m distance and modulation frequency of 32 MHz, we achieve a 15.9 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The channel capacity of assembled communication link reaches 266 Mbit/s. However, it is limited by external electronic components – the amplifier and the modulator bandwidths. Implementing state-of-the-art high-frequency circuits should allow directly scaling the throughput to 10 Gbit/s.
Generation-recombination noise and other features of doped silicon in a wide temperature range
Authors: Palenskis Vilius , Glemža Justinas , Matukas Jonas
Published: October 2022

The characteristics of the generation-recombination (g-r) process in silicon are investigated in a temperature range from 25 to 360 K. In the case of shallow donors, it is shown that the free electron density strongly depends on temperature: only 20% of donors are ionized at shallow donor densities of about 1017 cm-3 at liquid nitrogen temperature. The maximum of the variance of generation-recombination noise due to the free electron density fluctuations for a silicon sample with shallow donors strongly increases with donor density and shifts with temperature. It is demonstrated that the relative variance of free electron number fluctuations is always equal to 0.5 at low temperatures. The normalized generation-recombination noise spectra are depicted in a very wide frequency range. There is also a detailed investigation of the generation-recombination noise characteristics of an acceptor-partially compensated silicon sample with two donor levels. In this work, the main focus is on the characteristics of silicon doped by shallow donors as it is extremely widely used.
Library Digitization
Authors: Chigbundu Michael Chinweike , Kehinde Bukunmi Wuraola , Oyetunji Oyeronke
Published: October 2022

Digitization is the process of converting a non-digital document to a digital document that can be accessed, processed, and used on a computer. Digitization plays valuable roles in libraries. It helps with preserving library documents, enhancing wider access to library documents, helps with curbing plagiarism, helps with promoting global visibility of the parent's institution, and helps with reducing cost of purchasing library books. Despite these benefits, there exist some universities that are yet to embark on library digitization. This chapter discusses the values of library digitization and some challenges that intending libraries might face when embarking on library digitization. The chapter in addition discusses digitization workflow and gave some recommendations on library digitization best practices.
The BIM Model as an Opportunity Area for Sustainable Processes in Green Library Buildings
Authors: Martínez-Camacho Humberto , Saavedra-Alamillas César , Ortega-Martínez Eugenia de los Ángeles
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature on green buildings and the BIM model to see in which aspects of the sustainable library this technology can be implemented in to identify areas of opportunity to introduce the BIM model in green libraries. It is important to note that a search in major databases such as Scopus and Web of Science has identified a considerable number of academic papers that talk about green libraries, green buildings, BIM model, and BIM model in green buildings; however, there is still no literature on green libraries using green BIM. In this sense, the chapter offers the current view on green buildings, green libraries, and BIM model and the possible future implications of the use of technology and BIM model in libraries to increase processes, reduce margins of error in construction, costs, and waste of resources. The present research opens a wide range of possibilities for information exchange and opportunities for green library construction and remodeling, especially in developing countries.
Academic Libraries in Africa and Funding
Authors: Ahmed Adamu Abu , Isah Yahaya Abdullahi , Stephen Adekunle Ajayi
Published: October 2022

This chapter discusses academic libraries and how they've been funded. It shows that funding has been a major problem facing the development of academic libraries in Africa. However, the study found that inadequately skilled librarians, poor image of librarians, and inadequate infrastructure are some of the challenges facing the financing of academic libraries. Since the government is the major source of funding for academic libraries, and its funding is inadequate for the smooth operation of libraries, the need to source alternative sources of financing cannot be over-emphasized. Alternative sources of funding like funding raising through social media, provision of consultancy services, and endowment funds, among others were found to be important in ensuring proper financing of academic libraries in Africa. This study recommends that appointment to the Headship of the library should be based on how the librarian can provide a clear, detailed, and achievable blueprint on how to generate funds for the library.
λHive
Authors: Teragni Matias , Pons Claudia
Published: October 2022

Edge computing is a paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed to improve response times and save bandwidth. It applies virtualization technology that makes it easier to deploy and run a wider range of applications on the edge servers and take advantage of largely unused computational resources. This article describes the design and formalization of Hive, a distributed shared memory model that can be transparently integrated with JavaScript using a standard out of the box runtime. To define such a model, a formal definition of the JavaScript language was used and extended to include modern capabilities and custom semantics. This extended model is used to prove that the distributed shared memory can operate on top of existing and unmodified web browsers, allowing the use of any computer and smartphone as a part of the distributed system. The proposed model guarantees the eventual synchronization of data across all the system and provides the possibility to have a stricter consistency using standard http operations.
Low Power Trellis Coded Modulation (TCM) Decoder by Using Modified Resource Sharing Method for IoT Enabler
Authors: Thune Neeta Nitin , Haridas Sanjay
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a new pre-computation approach based on the auxiliary trellis of the TCM decoder's ACSU (add compare select unit). The suggested method is based on pre-computation of path metrics and resource sharing of the ACSU unit. The Viterbi decoder itself is a power-consuming module of the communication system that comprises the TMU (transition metric unit) and ACSU (add compare select unit). By applying the suggested method, the authors would be able to achieve low dynamic power. The TCM decoder designed accordingly shows better SER/ BER results in comparison to the existing techniques. The 4D 8 PSK TCM encoder and decoder were implemented as per the design specifications given by consultative committee for space data system (CCSDS) for satellite applications. The simulations results are observed on 100 Mbps data for 8PSK modulation and the ¾ code rate of the TCM encoder. The results based on the new method show improved power-speed ratio with improved SER and BER.
Speech Signal Analysis With a Refined Iterative Adaptive Method
Authors: Tabet Youcef
Published: October 2022

A new speech signal analysis method referred to as a refined iterative adaptive method (RIAM) is introduced in this paper. Based on time-varying adaptive sinusoidal modeling, the RIAM method tries to determine in an iterative adaptive manner the instantaneous components of time-varying quasi-periodic multi-component signals such as voiced speech. The proposed method can adjust the current analysis parameters to the time-varying characteristics of the speech signal. This is done using a refined iterative sinusoidal parameter estimation algorithm based on a frequency correction mechanism combined with an adaptive scheme. The experiments on voiced speech demonstrate that the proposed RIAM algorithm outperforms some well-known state-of-the-art approaches. The RIAM algorithm provides a higher signal to reconstruction error ratio (SRER) of 42.267 dB with an improvement of 19.752 dB, 5.054 dB, and 2.552 dB compared to the conventional sinusoidal model (SM), adaptive harmonic model (aHM), and extended adaptive quasi harmonic model (eaQHM), respectively.
Engagement and Players' Intended Behaviors in a Cybersecurity Serious Game
Authors: Salameh Rana , Loh Christian Sebastian
Published: October 2022

Serious games have been shown to be effective in engaging end-users for various types of training. However, the research in cybersecurity awareness training with serious games is scarce. The authors are interested in (1) the engagement factors that could predict users' intended behavior after learning and (2) whether or not playing a game repeatedly can affect engagement. They assessed players' coping and threat appraisal and measured their multidimensional (i.e., cognitive, affective, behavioral) engagement in cybersecurity awareness. The participants (N=122) in this experiment were randomly assigned to either three or five rounds of gameplay of a commercial cybersecurity awareness serious game. The findings revealed that users' engagement levels were significantly better sustained through five sessions of gameplay with cognitive (but not affective or behavioral) engagement. Serious game developers should include more activities in the cognitive dimension, rather than the affective or behavioral dimensions to assure high engagement and influence the intended cybersecurity awareness behaviors.
A Study on Factors Affecting the User Experience of Metaverse Service
Authors: Choi Youngkeun
Published: October 2022

This study focuses on how metabus engages users and encourages them to purchase. By proposing the concepts of immersion as different ways to provide deep and meaningful user engagement, this study develops a model that explores the motivation factors of immersion and its role in explaining a user to use metabus. This study surveys 352 users using metabus in Korea and analyzes the data using AMOS 24. First, enjoyment, facilitating conditions, and self-efficacy increase users' immersion. Second, users' immersion increases their continuous use intention. Third, facilitating conditions and self-efficacy among the motivation factors of immersion increase users' continuous use intention through their immersion. Finally, affect intensity moderates the relationship between motivation factors and immersion. The findings contribute to research on metabus by paying scholarly attention to meaningful engagement characterized by immersion.
Long-Term-Oriented Cultural Value
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan
Published: October 2022

Based on the long-term-oriented cultural value in Hofstede's cultural model, this study established a model of influencing factors of citizens' continuous use of digital government services. Through the multi-group analysis of the structural equation model, this paper finds that the concept of long-term development affects the continuous use of digital government services by Korean citizens. The government must pay attention to citizens' continuous use of digital government, establish citizens' long-term development concept, and provide citizens with fair and sustainable digital government services so as to realize the sustainable development of digital government. In addition, the Korean government should also pay attention to the aging construction of digital government and the education of teenagers' network information literacy so as to lay a good foundation for the sustainable development of digital government.
Impact of Cryptographic Key on Scalable Computing
Authors: Pradhan Padma Lochan
Published: October 2022

The research has contributed to the development of the cryptographic control on the proposed RTS that aims to determine the high-performance computing at optimal cost and time to be invested into dynamic cryptographic control that decides on the major components of real-time operating system resources. Furthermore, the mechanism optimizes the cost, and resources are supposed to optimize the operating system risks. We have to optimize the technology and resource cost and maximizes the productivity and business (throughput) while improving the high performance of the operating system as per business requirement for the multiple locations. This proposed cryptographic control on the real-time system provides high computational services around the clock. The objective should be defined in such a way that the processor, memory, and encryption key are always utilized at minimal cost with high availability of data and services as per business and resource management.
Changes in and driving factors of the lake area of Huri Chagannao’er Lake in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Danyang Danyang , Li Chenhao , Pu Lijie , Hugejiletu Hugejiletu , Suo Xiaojing , Zhu Ming , Zhang Yalu , Wang Xiaoqing , He Gaili , Chen Dejing
Published: October 2022

Inland lakes are an important component of the terrestrial water cycle in Inner Mongolia's typical steppe region, and their variations have far-reaching implications for the sustainable development of water resources in this region. Huri Chagannao'er Lake, one of Inner Mongolia's four major freshwater lakes and the second largest inland lake in the typical steppe region, was chosen as the research object. In this study, the spatiotemporal changes in the area of Huri Chagannao’er Lake over the last 30 years were analyzed using the modified normalized difference water index method and Landsat data. Then, we used regression analysis, correlation analysis, gray relational analysis, and Geodetector to investigate the potential causes of lake area changes. Changes in the lake's water balance, meteorological and climatic changes near the lake, and changes in land use and land cover in the drainage basin are all possible driving factors. Finally, the main driving factors of the lake area change are discussed in conjunction with the literature and field investigation, and measures and suggestions for the lake's sustainable utilization and protection are proposed. The findings revealed that i) from 1988 to 2017, the lake shrank from 98.99 km2 to 29.81 km2, with year 2000 marking the start of the dramatic changes in lake areas; ii) the lake shrinkage was primarily concentrated in the western part of the lake, while the eastern part of the lake remained stable; iii) human activities, such as water interception and storage, as well as excessive exploitation of water resources, were the most significant causes of the dramatic fluctuation in the area of the lake's western part; iv) climate change also had some influence on the lake area changes. The regional climate became warmer and drier, reducing the amount of water entering the drainage basin. The findings of this study highlight the dominant role of human activity intensity in lake area changes and provide a theoretical foundation and technical support for the study of inland lakes in Inner Mongolia's typical steppe region.
Human Aspects of System Change Part II
Authors: Duffy Neill
Published: October 2022

In die vorige artikel het die skrywer die meer teoretiese elemente van menslike aspekte van sisteemverandering bespreek. Dié  gedeelte het die omgewing, die organisasie, die groep en die individu in oënskou geneem.In hierdie artikel word gedragsaspekte bespreek soos hulle die veranderingsagent, die politiek van die organisasie, weerstand teen verandering en die beplanning en implementering van 'n veranderingsprogram raak.Daar word gepoog om insig te kry en voorstelle te maak oor menslike probleme wat baie bestuurders en sisteemontleders in hierdie omstandighede teengekom het.
Innovasie in die Europese Ekonomiese Gemeenskapsmark: Hoe vergelyk Suid-Afrika?
Authors: De Lange P. W.
Published: October 2022

The European Common Market is at present engaged in extensive longterm planning of industrial development. There are several aspects of this planning programme of which South Africa should take note. The writer discusses the stimulating of innovation together with evaluation of research and development. A survey is given of what South Africa has already achieved in industrial development.
Strategie en groei in 'n veranderende omgewing
Authors: Roos P. P.
Published: October 2022

No abstract available.
Soft Heart Soft Head: With acknowledgements to "Management Today"
Authors: Gellerman Saul
Published: October 2022

Managers often have trouble in deciding between the kind and the hard-hearted course. Financial figures often impose a cruel-seeming imperative: but ignoring that imperative may be cruel to all those involved - as shown here by Saul Gellerman.
Beplanning en die Veranderende Rol van die Vrou in die Samelewing
Authors: Theron Magriet
Published: October 2022

No abstract available.
Die Onbalans in Korporatiewe Ondernemingsbeplanning
Authors: Smit J. P.
Published: October 2022

No abstract available.
Organisasies – Quo Vadis?
Authors: Van Veijeren Chris F.
Published: October 2022

No abstract available.
U.P. se Bestuurskool na 25 jaar
Authors: Pistorius C. W.I.
Published: October 2022

No abstract available.
Histopathology of Vasculitis
Authors: Mysore Venkataram , Jindal Anuradha
Published: October 2022

Vasculitis comprises a diverse group of disorders with varying clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescence findings arising due to an array of underlying pathogenic mechanisms. These varying reactions are primarily a reflection of complex interplay of different cells, vessels, and stroma. There are several controversies and differences of opinions in the diagnostic criteria, classifications, and terminologies. This article deals with different concepts and controversies in the subject, and also attempts to provide an algorithmic approach for the histopathological diagnosis.
Precise Recommendation Algorithm for Online Sports Video Teaching Resources
Authors: Zhu Xu , Zhang Zhaofa
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: With the development of the epidemic, online teaching has gradually become a hot topic. However, unlike traditional teaching programs, there are many types of physical education resources, and the recommendation of related content has always been a difficulty in online teaching.
OBJECTIVES: Therefore, this paper designs an accurate recommendation algorithm for online video teaching resources of sports to meet the personalized needs of online learning of sports majors. The data layer of the entire recommendation algorithm stores the video in the database and transmits it to the service processing layer after receiving the data.
METHODS: This study was conducted using techniques from social network analysis. After receiving the data, the data layer of the recommendation algorithm stores the video in the database and transmits it to the business processing layer at the same time. The business processing layer uses the designed collaborative filtering resource recommendation algorithm to formulate recommendation results for different users, and push the recommended results to the user display interface of the user layer.
RESULTS: The test results of the algorithm show that the designed system has a high recommendation success rate, and the system can still maintain stable running performance when the concurrent users are 500. The average precision of resource recommendation of this method is 98.21%, the average recall rate is 98.35%, and the average F1 value is 95.37%.
CONCLUSION: The proposed resource recommendation algorithm realizes accurate recommendation of sports online video teaching resources through efficient recommendation algorithms.
Channel modeling based on multilayer artificial neural network in metro tunnel environments
Authors: Qian Jingyuan , Saleem Asad , Zheng Guoxin
Published: October 2022

Traditional deterministic channel modeling is accurate in prediction, but due to its complexity, improving computational efficiency remains a challenge. In an alternative approach, we investigated a multilayer artificial neural network (ANN) to predict large‐scale and small‐scale channel characteristics in metro tunnels. Simulated high‐precision training datasets were obtained by combining measurement campaign with a ray tracing (RT) method in a metro tunnel. Performance on the training data was used to determine the number of hidden layers and neurons of the multilayer ANN. The proposed multilayer ANN performed efficiently (10 s for training; 0.19 ms for prediction), and accurately, with better approximation of the RT data than the single‐layer ANN. The root mean square errors (RMSE) of path loss (2.82 dB), root mean square delay spread (0.61 ns), azimuth angle spread (3.06°), and elevation angle spread (1.22°) were impressive. These results demonstrate the superior computing efficiency and model complexity of ANNs.
A novel MobileNet with selective depth multiplier to compromise complexity and accuracy
Authors: Kim Chan Yung , Um Kwi Seob , Heo Seo Weon
Published: October 2022

In the last few years, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have demonstrated good performance while solving various computer vision problems. However, since CNNs exhibit high computational complexity, signal processing is performed on the server side. To reduce the computational complexity of CNNs for edge computing, a lightweight algorithm, such as a MobileNet, is proposed. Although MobileNet is lighter than other CNN models, it commonly achieves lower classification accuracy. Hence, to find a balance between complexity and accuracy, additional hyperparameters for adjusting the size of the model have recently been proposed. However, significantly increasing the number of parameters makes models dense and unsuitable for devices with limited computational resources. In this study, we propose a novel MobileNet architecture, in which the number of parameters is adaptively increased according to the importance of feature maps. We show that our proposed network achieves better classification accuracy with fewer parameters than the conventional MobileNet.
Cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia in acute bacterial meningitis as a red herring for subarachnoid haemorrhage: A case report
Authors: Adesokan M.A. , Akbari A.R.
Published: October 2022

This article presents a case that highlights the importance of excluding underlying intracranial pathology in a patient presenting with severe headache and positive xanthochromia. This case report demonstrated that false-positive xanthochromia without subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is possible in acute bacterial meningitis when there is a combination of traumatic lumbar puncture and either hyperbilirubinaemia or raised cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) protein.

Cet article présente un cas qui met en évidence l'importance d'exclure une pathologie intracrânienne sous-jacente chez un patient présentant une céphalée sévère et une xanthochromie positive. Ce rapport de cas a démontré qu'une xanthochromie faussement positive sans hémorragie sous-arachnoïdienne (HSA) est possible dans la méningite bactérienne aiguë lorsqu'il existe une combinaison de ponction lombaire traumatique et d'hyperbilirubinémie ou d'augmentation de la protéine du liquide céphalo-rachidien (LCR).
Examining drivers of technical, allocative and economic efficiencies in cocoa farming: empirical evidence from Ghana.
Authors: Inkoom Emmanuel W. , Acquah Henry D. , Dadzie Samuel K. N.
Published: October 2022

In Ghana, cocoa production is a major economic activity among rural farmers. Its production contributes significantly to the GDP and further, livelihood security enhancement among rural folks. However, recent development has unveiled a situation of persistent low farm-level productivity among cocoa farmers which threatens their livelihood security. In view of this, we estimated the economic, technical, and allocative efficiencies among cocoa farmers and their determinants to help proffer relevant policy strategies to arrest the situation of low farm-level productivity. Using a multistage sampling procedure, we collected data from 750 cocoa farmers across the cocoa-growing regions of Ghana. To estimate the farm-level efficiency scores, we employed the stochastic frontier analysis and our results show that cocoa farmers generally exhibited significant levels of technical, allocative, and economic inefficiencies. We estimated the average technical, allocative, and economic efficiencies scores among the cocoa farmers to be 67%, 69%, and 51% respectively. The analysis of the determinants of technical, allocative, and economic inefficiencies revealed that farmer and farm-specific variables such as sex, household size, educational level, years of farming experience, frequency of extension contact, quality of extension received, use of climate smart adaptation technologies, farm size, farm labour and access to credit facilities significantly explain cocoa farm level efficiencies. Accordingly, we recommend that extension service providers and COCOBOD develop strategies to improve upon the quality of extension service delivery as well as incorporate the promotion and adoption of climate smart adaptation technologies into its productivity enhancement programmes for farmers.
Population growth in the Tamale Metropolis: a blessing or a curse to housing
Authors: Yahaya Abdul-Kadri
Published: October 2022

In recent times the effects of population growth on housing is globally underscored. This calls for attention on how housing needs are met by populations in developing countries due to limited individual and state resources. This study, therefore, examines the effects of population growth on housing in the Tamale Metropolis by resorting to mixed methods research design. The study relied on methods such as questionnaire administration and key informant interviews for primary data collection in addition to the secondary data. The sample size of the study was 100 respondents apportioned to the sampled study communities (Sakasaka, Target, Lamashegu, Aboabo, and Zogbeli) on the bases of their populations. Quantitative data analysis was done by using the descriptive statistics component of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and presented with tables while qualitative data analysis was done by resorting to content analysis and presented using quotations. As part of the findings, the study disclosed that the population of Tamale Metropolis has been galloping due to factors such as high fertility, positive net migration, and low mortality emanating from improvement in healthcare delivery in the metropolis. The study recommends for intensification of public-private partnerships in housing provision.
Remittances and domestic investment in Africa: do banking sector development and quality governance matter?
Authors: Nyeadi Joseph Dery , Adams Abdulai , Musah Mohammed
Published: October 2022

Migrant remittances to home countries have seen a significant increase over the years, especially in developing countries where due to a lack of jobs or unfavourable working conditions, citizens move to advanced countries to better their economic conditions and their dependents in home countries. This has been facilitated by globalisation in modern times. Whereas most previous studies have delved more into remittances and their impact on economic growth, less studies have examined the link between remittances and domestic investment. This study examined the impact of remittances on domestic investment in Africa using a system GMM econometric estimator. Our study departs from the few studies that examined this link by further investigating the moderating role of banking sector development and quality governance on the link between remittances and domestic investment. Using data from 41 African countries from 2004 to 2018, the study discovered that migrant remittances have a direct negative impact on domestic investment in home countries. The study, however, found that both banking sector development and quality governance significantly positively impact domestic investment in Africa. Thus, when we interacted banking sector development and good governance separately with remittances, each interactive term had a significant positive impact on domestic investment. This means that for remittances to influence domestic investment, banking sector and good governance will need to be improved.
Migrant chiefs in urban Ghana: an exploratory study of some selected Dagomba Chiefs in Accra
Authors: Anamzoya Alhassan Sulemana , Zakaria Alhassan Baba
Published: October 2022

Studies on migration have largely neglected the emergence of migrant chiefs in Africa’s urban centers. Chieftaincy analysis has also not been adequately extended to those who are migrants and how they are selected and installed as chiefs in the cities. Through deliberately-provoked conversations with Dagomba migrant chiefs and their elders, the paper undoubtedly extends the frontiers of both chieftaincy and migration studies bringing to the fore dynamics of Dagomba migrant chiefs and their changing roles in Ghana’s city of Accra. Reworking Blundo’s administrative brokers, this paper reveals how migrant chiefs in urban settings liaise with state institutions to help solve certain problems migrants encounter in the city. The paper concludes that other actors in the urban space, such as youth leaders around Members of Parliament coming from migrants’ home regions, could gradually take up the brokerage role in the city.
Tomographie électrique et estimation des réser ves de Granite pour une exploitation de carrière à Brofodoume, Sud-Est de la Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Djroh Simon Pierre , Aka Ehui Beh Jean Constantin , Ouattara Yacouba , Gnoleba Serge P. Dégine , Ahade Yaba Mariana Aimée , Kouame Loukou Nicolas
Published: October 2022

La quantification de matériaux granitiques est primordiale pour une exploitation rationnelle de carrière afin de fournir les granulats nécessaires  pour les travaux d’infrastructure pour l’expansion de la ville d’Abidjan. Cette étude, réalisée à Brofodoumé, présente une autre approche dans  l’évaluation du potentiel granitique par la tomographie électrique 2D. Cette technique consiste à explorer le sous-sol par la mesure des contrastes  de résistivité électrique avec la configuration poly-pôles à pas multiples. Les résultats obtenus sont des sections images 2D dont l’analyse montre  que la profondeur du toit granitique serait comprise entre 0,2 et 60 mètres. Ils relèvent également la présence de quelques fractures notamment  des discontinuités NW-SE à ~ 20 m de profondeur, qui pourraient limiter son exploitation. Le modèle tridimensionnel (3D) expose un granite de  forme irrégulière, sub-affleurent sur la bordure occidentale du prospect et estime son potentiel exploitable à ~ 7 millions de tonnes.

 

Quantification of granitic materials is essential for rational quarrying to provide the aggregates needed for infrastructure works for the expansion of  the city of Abidjan. This study, carried out in Brofodoumé, presents an alternative approach to the evaluation of the economic potential of a  granitic (felsic) pluton using 2D electrical tomography. This technique consists of exploring the subsurface by measuring electrical resistivity  contrasts with the multi-step poly-pole configuration. The results obtained are 2D image sections whose analysis shows that the depth of the  granitic roof is between 0.2 and 60 metres. They also show the presence of some fractures notably a NW—SE discontinuity at ~ 20 m depth with  hydrogeological potential that could limit its exploitation. The three-dimensional (3D) model shows an irregularly shaped granite, sub-flush on the  western edge of the prospect and estimates its exploitable potential at ~ 7 million tonnes.
İlkokul Öğrencilerinin Öz Disiplin, Bireysel Sorumluluk Düzeyleri ve Akademik Başarılarının Gerçeklik Terapisi Kapsamında Öğretmen Görüşleri Çerçevesinde İncelenmesi
Authors: ERZURUMLU CEYLAN Esra , ERDEM Ahmet
Published: October 2022

Bu araştırma ilkokul öğrencilerinin öz disiplin, bireysel sorumluluk, akademik başarıları arasındaki ilişkinin gerçeklik terapisi çerçevesinde öğretmen görüşleri ile değerlendirilmesi amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu; Amasya ilinde öğrenim gören amaçlı örneklem kapsamında aşırı ve aykırı durum örneklemesi yoluyla belirlenen akademik başarısı yüksek ve düşük yirmi öğrencinin sınıf öğretmenlerioluşturmaktadır. İlkokul öğrencilerinin öz disiplin, bireysel sorumluluk, akademik başarıları arasındaki ilişkinin öğretmen görüşleri düzeyinde gerçeklik terapisi kapsamında değerlendirilmesi amacıyla yürütülen bu çalışmada nitel araştırma desenlerinden olgu bilim kullanılmıştır. Öğretmenlerden görüşme yöntemi ile toplanan veriler içerik analizi ile çözümlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda öz disiplin, bireysel sorumluluk ve akademik başarının birbiriyle yüksek düzeyde ilişkili oldukları, birbirlerini tamamlayıp destekledikleri ve araştırma bulgularının gerçeklik terapisinin temel felsefesi ve temel kavramlarıyla ilişki içerisinde olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
A MODIFIED CLASS OF DUAL TO RATIO-TYPE ESTIMATORS FOR ESTIMATING THE POPULATION VARIANCE UNDER SIMPLE RANDOM SAMPLING SCHEME AND ITS APPLICATION TO REAL DATA
Authors: RIYAZ SABA , JAN RAFIA , MAQBOOL SHOWKAT , RATHER KHALID UL ISLAM , JAN T. R.
Published: October 2022

This work is an extension to the work of [1] on ratio estimators of variance, by modification using dual to ratio method. The consistency conditions, bias, mean square error, optimum mean square error and efficiency have been derived and its performance is illustrated using natural populations. It is observed that the proposed class of estimators is most efficient at its optimum value, due to highest percent relative efficiency generated by it, when compared to the usual unbiased estimator for variance.
COMPUTATIONAL SOLUTION OF FRACTIONAL REACTION DIFFUSION EQUATIONS VIA AN ANALYTICAL METHOD
Authors: NOOR KANZA , AHMAD JAMSHAD
Published: October 2022

In science and technology, the phenomena of transportation are crucial. Advection and diffusion can occur in a wide range of applications. Distinct types of decay rates are feasible for different non-equilibrium systems over lengthy periods of time when it comes to diffusion. In engineering, biology, and ecology, the problems under study are used to represent spatial impacts. The fast Adomian decomposition method (FADM) is used to solve time fractional reaction diffusion equations, which are models of physical phenomena, in the current study. Caputo fractional derivative meaning applies to the specified time derivative. The results are in series form and correspond to the proposed fractional order problem. These models have a strong physical foundation, and their numerical treatments have significant theoretical and practical applications. The leaning of the rapid convergence of method-formulated sequences towards the appropriate solution is also graphically depicted. With less computational cost, this solution quickly converged to the exact solution.
A VARIANT OF RADON’S INEQUALITY FOR SEMINORMS
Authors: CIURDARIU LOREDANA
Published: October 2022

In this paper some new Radon type inequalities for some seminorms on pseudo-Hilbert spaces and norms in Hilbert spaces are presented. Then several consequences and applications are given
UNIT BURR-HATKE DISTRIBUTION WITH A NEW QUANTILE REGRESSION MODEL
Authors: SAĞLAM ŞULE , KARAKAYA KADİR
Published: October 2022

In this study, a new distribution is introduced. The Burr-Hatke distribution is considered the baseline distribution. Since the baseline distribution has one parameter, the new unit distribution also has one parameter. Some distributional properties such as moments, coefficients of skewness and kurtosis, stochastic ordering, etc. of the new distribution are studied. Five estimators such as maximum likelihood, least squares, weighted least squares, Anderson-Darling, and Cramer-von Mises are examined to estimate the unknown parameter of the new model. The performances of the estimators are analyzed according to the bias and mean square error criteria calculated by Monte Carlo simulation. Two numerical data analyses are performed. A new quantile regression model is also introduced based on the new distribution as an alternative to beta and Kumaraswamy regression. A Monte Carlo simulation is also conducted for the new regression model.
Review of environmental noise policies and actions in 2017-2021
Authors: Schwela Dietrich
Published: October 2022

This report provides a continuation of the review of environmental noise policies and economics in 2014-2016, presented at ICBEN 2017 and published in a previous issue of the South Florida Journal of Health. The report addresses the international progress on noise mitigation policies and strategies, best practices, and guidelines for environmental noise management. It focuses on developments in evidence and policy by international bodies and in selected countries. There is a considerable amount of new relevant documents on these topics in international organizations and in some countries since the last ICBEN Congress in 2017. Much of this progress was made in the European Union, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Developing countries in Latin America, especially Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paraguay, and Perú are increasingly committed to improve environmental noise policies. Also, China has continued to approach sustainable development goals with respect to noise challenges. Kazakhstan has started to address the noise problem by developing a code to mitigate noise-related impacts.
Functional Outcomes of Cancer Patients in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting
Authors: Tay San San , Ng Yee Sien , Lim Peter AC
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Cancer is the leading cause of death and the second most common cause of hospitalisation in Singapore. Significant functional gains are achievable with cancer rehabilitation yet there are no formal cancer rehabilitation programmes in Singapore. This study aims to describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, complications and functional outcomes of cancer patients undergoing comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation at our unit and compare these with non-cancer patients. It also seeks to compare these data within sub-groups of the cancer cohort. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine database was reviewed for the period between 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2006. One thousand seven hundred and fifty patients had complete records, of which 58 are cancer patients. The primary outcome measures were the discharge total Functional Independence Measure (FIM), FIM gain and FIM efficiency. Other outcome measures included the length of rehabilitation stay, discharge destination, complication rates, rate of transfer back to the referring unit, the length of survival of the cancer patients upon discharge and the durability of the functional improvement made. Results: The mean age of the cancer patients was 57.4 ± 16.1 years and 62% were male. The mean admission total FIM was 70.9 ± 18.0 and the total discharge FIM was 86.2 ± 18.3. The average FIM gain was 15.3 ± 11.6 and the mean efficiency was 0.867 ± 0.806. This improvement is highly significant, and there is no statistical difference in FIM gain or efficiency between the cancer and non-cancer cohort, or between the cancer sub- groups. The length of stay was similar in cancer and non-cancer cohorts but cancer patients with spinal metastasis and those who underwent concomitant radiotherapy stayed longer. There were good rates of discharge home, transfer back, survivorship and durability in functional gains. Conclusion: Cancer patients benefit as much as non-cancer patients in undergoing a rehabilitation programme. More patients should be admitted to such programmes and these programmes should be better structured and refined. Key words: Complications, Durability, Efficiency, Radiotherapy
Global Air Monitoring Study: A Multi-country Comparison of Levels of Indoor Air Pollution in Different Workplaces
Authors: Koong Heng-Nung , Khoo Deborah , Higbee Cheryl , Travers Mark , Hyland Andrew , Cummings K. Michael , Dresler Carolyn
Published: October 2022

Introduction: A local study completed in Singapore, which was part of an international multi- country study that aims to develop a global assessment of exposure to second-hand smoke in indoor workplaces, gathered data regarding the indoor air quality of public areas. It was hypothesised that air would be less polluted in non-smoking venues compared to places where smoking occurred.

Materials and Methods: A TSI SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor was used to sample and record the levels of respirable suspended particles (RSP) in the air. A broad range of venues were sampled in Singapore. The primary goal of data analysis was to assess the difference in the average levels of RSP in smoke-free and non smoke-free venues. Data was assessed at 3 levels: (a) the mean RSP across all venues sampled compared with the mean levels of smoke-free and non smoke-free venues, (b) levels in venues where smoking occurred compared with similar venues in Ireland, and (c) comparison between smoke-free and non smoke-free areas according to the type of venue. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U- test. Results: The level of indoor air pollution was 96% lower in smoke-free venues compared to non smoke-free venues. Averaged across each type of venue, the lowest levels of indoor air pollution were found in restaurants (17 μg/m3) and the highest in bars (622 μg/m3); both well above the US EPA Air Quality Index hazardous level of 251 ug/m3.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that workers and patrons are exposed to harmful levels of a known carcinogen and toxin. Policies that prohibit smoking in public areas dramatically reduce exposure and improve worker and patron health.

Key words: Hospitality, PM, Second-hand smoke, Smoke-free
An Outbreak of Salmonella Gastrointestinal Illness in a Military Camp
Authors: Lee Vernon J , Ong Alan ES , Auw Matthew
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Non-typhoidal Salmonellae are important causes of bacterial food-borne infection, especially in institutional settings. An outbreak of gastrointestinal infection occurred in a military camp in January 2007, and an epidemiological outbreak investigation was conducted.

Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted on soldiers in the camp on their clinical symptoms, and recent meals consumed. After determining the affected meal, a subsequent survey was conducted on those who had eaten the meal. A case-control study was then performed to determine the outbreak’s likely food source. Laboratory tests were also conducted to determine the bacteriological cause.

Results: Of the 94 responders, 55 (58.5%) met our case definition of gastrointestinal illness. The dinner on 9 January was the most likely affected meal, with the onset of symptoms occurring within 6 to 36 hours. The mashed potato was the most likely food source with an attack rate of 80.7% for those who consumed it versus 32.7% for those who did not (P
<0.01). From the multivariate analysis, the mashed potato remained the only food item indepen- dently and significantly associated with infection, with a relative risk of infection 9.49 times those who did not consume it (95% CI, 2.73-32.97). Salmonella group E was cultured from 4 individuals. Although no specific contamination was identified, the mashed potato was stored for more than 5 hours before the last serving.

Conclusion: Risk during preparation of large quantities of food should be identified a priori, and measures taken to reduce them, to prevent outbreaks.

Key words: Case-control study, Epidemiological investigation
Drug-induced Kidney Disease – Pathology and Current Concepts
Authors: Loh Alwin HL , Cohen Arthur H
Published: October 2022

The kidneys can be damaged by a large number of therapeutic agents. The aim of this article is to discuss the pathological features of drug-induced renal disease as diagnosed by kidney biopsy. The literature is reviewed and cases seen by the authors that have a known drug association are analysed. Mechanisms of injury are varied and all renal structures may be affected. The tubulointerstitial compartment is most frequently involved, but glomerular and vascular lesions are seen in a significant proportion of cases.

Key words: Drug, Kidney, Nephrotoxicity, Pathology
Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas: Current Diagnostic Modalities and Management
Authors: Ng Dennis ZW , Goh Brian KP , Tham Elizabeth HW , Young Stephanie M , Ooi London Lucien PJ
Published: October 2022

Cystic neoplasm of the pancreas is a relatively uncommon condition covering a wide spectrum of pathology. The increasing incidence as a result of routine imaging tests in asymptomatic patients presents a diagnostic and therapeutic problem to the clinician. This paper discusses the role of the various investigative modalities in the management of cystic neoplasia of the pancreas.

Key words: Frantz tumour, Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, Mucinous cystadenoma, Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas, Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm