bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A machine learning approach to identify distinct subgroups of veterans at risk for hospitalization or death using administrative and electronic health record data
Authors: Parikh Ravi B. , Linn Kristin A. , Yan Jiali , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Rosland Ann-Marie , Volpp Kevin G. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Navathe Amol S.
Published: February 2021

Background

Identifying individuals at risk for future hospitalization or death has been a major priority of population health management strategies. High-risk individuals are a heterogeneous group, and existing studies describing heterogeneity in high-risk individuals have been limited by data focused on clinical comorbidities and not socioeconomic or behavioral factors. We used machine learning clustering methods and linked comorbidity-based, sociodemographic, and psychobehavioral data to identify subgroups of high-risk Veterans and study long-term outcomes, hypothesizing that factors other than comorbidities would characterize several subgroups.

Methods and findings

In this cross-sectional study, we used data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse, a national repository of VA administrative claims and electronic health data. To identify high-risk Veterans, we used the Care Assessment Needs (CAN) score, a routinely-used VA model that predicts a patient’s percentile risk of hospitalization or death at one year. Our study population consisted of 110,000 Veterans who were randomly sampled from 1,920,436 Veterans with a CAN score≥75th percentile in 2014. We categorized patient-level data into 119 independent variables based on demographics, comorbidities, pharmacy, vital signs, laboratories, and prior utilization. We used a previously validated density-based clustering algorithm to identify 30 subgroups of high-risk Veterans ranging in size from 50 to 2,446 patients. Mean CAN score ranged from 72.4 to 90.3 among subgroups. Two-year mortality ranged from 0.9% to 45.6% and was highest in the home-based care and metastatic cancer subgroups. Mean inpatient days ranged from 1.4 to 30.5 and were highest in the post-surgery and blood loss anemia subgroups. Mean emergency room visits ranged from 1.0 to 4.3 and were highest in the chronic sedative use and polysubstance use with amphetamine predominance subgroups. Five subgroups were distinguished by psychobehavioral factors and four subgroups were distinguished by sociodemographic factors.

Conclusions

High-risk Veterans are a heterogeneous population consisting of multiple distinct subgroups–many of which are not defined by clinical comorbidities–with distinct utilization and outcome patterns. To our knowledge, this represents the largest application of ML clustering methods to subgroup a high-risk population. Further study is needed to determine whether distinct subgroups may benefit from individualized interventions.
A control theory approach to optimal pandemic mitigation
Authors: Godara Prakhar , Herminghaus Stephan , Heidemann Knut M.
Published: February 2021

In the framework of homogeneous susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) models, we use a control theory approach to identify optimal pandemic mitigation strategies. We derive rather general conditions for reaching herd immunity while minimizing the costs incurred by the introduction of societal control measures (such as closing schools, social distancing, lockdowns, etc.), under the constraint that the infected fraction of the population does never exceed a certain maximum corresponding to public health system capacity. Optimality is derived and verified by variational and numerical methods for a number of model cost functions. The effects of immune response decay after recovery are taken into account and discussed in terms of the feasibility of strategies based on herd immunity.
Valorando la política de cooperación sur-sur. El caso de Chile hasta 2019
Authors: Huitrón Analilia
Published: February 2021

Uno de los principales retos que afronta la cooperación Sur-Sur (CSS) es la escasa información acerca de su funcionamiento, resultados y efectos que tiene en el desarrollo. Este documento tiene el propósito de contribuir a la literatura con una aproximación al respecto, a partir del análisis de la política de cooperación Sur-Sur de Chile, teniendo en cuenta los elementos propios de esta modalidad para conformar un primer juicio de la consistencia teórica en la práctica, así como de los resultados que se obtienen de su ejecución.
La ciudadela (1938) de King Vidor: luces y sombras en el ejercicio de la profesionalidad
Authors: Hernández-Yépez Palmer José
Published: February 2021

La ciudadela (1938) de King Vidor, es una película que narra la vida profesional del doctor Andrew Manson, desde su entusiasmado inicio como médico recién graduado en un pueblo minero en Gales, donde labora apasionadamente en diferentes casos sin importar las circunstancias, hasta su llegada a Londres donde ve distorsionado su propósito al adentrarse en la élite de la ciudad. Con la ayuda de su esposa Christine, tratará de recobrar el significado de la medicina. A través del filme se exhibe la ligera línea que divide el buen ejercicio de la profesionalidad. Por ello, en el presente trabajo se reflexiona sobre la medicina como profesión, su relación con la sociedad y se destaca la importancia de la educación en humanidades para el fortalecimiento del discernimiento ético en los futuros profesionales en salud
Cinema and Psychiatry’s relationship through time and its role in current medical education
Authors: Arenas-Rojas Adriana Marcela
Published: February 2021

Cinema has been a source of entertainment and recreation for decades, and usually the themes depicted in films have roots in society itself. Films featuring psychiatrists and the mentally ill abound. Most early interpretations tended to be negative contributing to the stigmatization of mental illness, or overly positive furthering misinformation among the general public. Fortunately, nowadays there is an increasing number of films able to provide realistic depictions of psychopathologic disorders, being reasonably accurate and therefore suitable for psychiatric teaching purposes. Over the last three decades, psychiatry trainers have attempted to use films as an educational tool for teaching medical students and psychiatry residents for a number of mental health conditions. Films can be used to engage students’ attention, emphasize learning points in lectures and illustrate symptoms of a disorder. Cinema constitutes not only an important source of entertainment, but also an educational tool and a significant influence on people’s attitude towards mental illness
What We Learn From Innovation Failure A Review of Clean Water Postpaid Service in Remote Island Indonesia Using Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Technology
Authors: Febrianda Rendi , Laili Nur
Published: February 2021

Every project from government, should be or must be delivering a great mission, especially for undeveloped areas. But the fact is, there were plenty of them failed to sustain then became out of order. This article uncovers the reason behind one of central government project supplying clean water to remote area that has a big tendency of failing to sustain its service. Using formulated factors of achieving the sustainability of clean water service as the framework, and social innovation approach as the tool of analysis, the result indicates that the service started to maintain its effective demand onerously due to dealing with the sociocultural of the users. What was missing from the system of the project for delivering the service and what solution must be taken will be discussed on this article.
Keywords: sustainability, clean water service, social innovation, sociocultural
Policy Role in Innovation Network: Case of Indonesian food processing firms
Authors: Aminullah Erman , Hermawati Wati , Fizzanty Trina , Laili Nur
Published: February 2021

The objective of the study is to reveal factors that are internal and external to firms that affect the use of network relations for innovation, with a focus on mapping the policy role in innovation networks. The study was undertaken through case analysis in four different firms. The study found that the number of actors in network relations affects upgrading of value of a good or service. The upgrading is activated by learning events, which are related to organizational changes, namely, refocusing on the core business, restructuring the internal organization, undertaking management change, and applying responsive management practices. The specific policy role in stimulating the network effect for innovation are: (i) government facilities for the ease of doing business by continuing to reduce bureaucratic processes to regulate standard requirements, (ii) strengthening government agencies–industry relations by establishing promotion of representatives of Indonesian food products overseas, (iii) government brokerage and matching services for global trading by arranging trade fairs, business seminars, or supporting modern information technologies, and (iv) government relaxation on import restriction to maintain a stable supply of raw materials for food processing. The substantive contribution of this scientific study is the provision of the concept of policy role in innovation networks viewed from the sectoral system of innovation.

 

Keywords: innovation network, policy role, organizational change, upgrading, sectoral system of innovation
Analysis of IP Valuation on Technology Food Processing as Strategy Business in New Product Development
Authors: Nasution Syukri Yusuf , Isnasari Yovita
Published: February 2021

Valuation IP of IDS000001555 analysed the economic impact and to measure the financial benefits of the asset if implemented in a business. This patent is about technology that used to produce of Mangosteen peel nano-tea. This technology is to product nano particle with ball-mill method. This research used qualitative and quantitative methods with description analysis. By using the qualitative method, this research focused on scoring of the IP in a several aspects, while the quantitative method conducted by income approach used the Discounted Cash Flow method. The qualitative method showed the technology  IDS000001555 had a high opportunity and low risk value. This patent also has the best marketing strategy by a licensing agreement. However, the quantitative method showed the technology IDS000001555 had 6.1% for royalty rate with value of NPV (Net Present Value) Rp 605,227,434. It was estimated that this patent will generate the turnover of about Rp 617,000,000 for 10 years of useful economic life.

Keywords: valuation IP, economic impact, qualitative and quantitative methods, royalty rate, turnover
Changing Stages of System Innovation at The Ombilin’s Coal Mines of Sawahlunto: From Ghost Town To World Heritage
Authors: Erman Erwiza
Published: February 2021

This paper is about system innovation, a transition from one socio-technical system to another by transforming the historical and cultural area into a world heritage city. The objective of this study is to reconstruct the changing stages of system innovation in achieving the status World heritage at the Ombilin coal mines site of Sawahlunto. The stages of transforming the historical and cultural area into a world heritage for tourism space involved multi-dimensional changes, namely: i. transformation of government sector, ii. economic development trajectory, iii. social-political transformation of society. The success key factors  for Ombilin as World Heritage city are: first, the key to the success cannot be separated from the leadership,  second, the heritage asset factor that articulated by leadership success in integrating various interests of actors to revitalize heritage assets. This study of system innovation will contribute to: I  enrich the  understanding on system innovation from historical perspective, and: ii.  new approach in social history through study of achieving the status as a city of World Heritage.

 

Key words: system innovation, World heritage,  coal mining, historical reconstruction, transformation.
The Gap Between Program Planning and Implementation: The Case of R&D Program in Indonesian RPJMN
Authors: Triyono Budi , Hardiyati Ria , Pradana Aditya Wisnu
Published: February 2021

This article attempts to analyze various obstacles related to the minimal contribution of Indonesian R&D Program in supporting the economic sector and national competitiveness. This was done through a review of the implementation of the document of the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) in the S&T Sector for 2015‒2019 periode. The analysis was carried out using the Grindle policy implementation model. The study shows that there are four main factors that hinder the implementation of the R&D program, such as 1) the lack of integration of R&D execution between LPNK and technical ministries, 2) R&D program planning which tends to be technology supply-push, 3) the absence of an appropriate evaluation mechanism to measure the achievement research in support of the economic sector, and 4) limited on research budget resources and its diffusion.
Study of Platelet Indices and Their Interpretation in Thrombocytopenia in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Mittal Vani , Munesh Munesh , Bali Irbinder Kour , Arora Sunil , Singh Jyoti , Dadu Mohit
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia may either be due to increased destruction or impaired production of platelets. Platelet count alone is not enough to determine the mechanism of low platelets. Platelet indices like mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) and platelet crit (PCT) can help determine the cause and we aimed at finding their role and function in cases of thrombocytopenia. METHODS An observational cross-sectional study of 155 patients with thrombocytopenia and 71 controls was done for a period of six months in SGT Hospital, Gurugram, to determine the mechanism behind the low platelet count with the help of these indices. RESULTS The mean values of the platelet indices (PDW, P-LCR and PCT) were found to be higher in accelerated destruction group (P < 0.05) in comparison to hypoproductive group, whereas, mean MPV values were higher in the former, but was not statistically significant. On comparison with the controls, both the groups of thrombocytopenia showed a statistically significant difference with P < 0.005 in all the four indices. Mean PCT values showed a highly significant difference between the two groups as well as with controls (P < 0.001) and also the relationship of PCT with severity of thrombocytopenia showed a direct relationship which was also significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In distinguishing between the cause of thrombocytopenia i.e., hypoproductive or hyper destruction, platelet parameters play an important role. These platelet indices are easily available with the help of automated haematology analysers and can reduce the need for costly and invasive tests for evaluation of thrombocytopenia. KEY WORDS Mean Platelet Volume, Platelet crit, Platelet Distribution Width, Platelet Large Cell Ratio, Thrombocytopenia
A projektek és a változtatások szerepelméleteinek összehasonlítása (Comparison of role concepts of projects and changes)
Authors: Sebestyén Zoltán , Pádár Katalin , Pataki Béla
Published: February 2021

A szerzők jelen cikkükben a projektmenedzsment és a változásmenedzsment szakirodalmában olvasható szerepelméleteket hasonlítják össze. A hasonlóságok szembeötlőek, de nem nyilvánvaló, hogy az egyes definíciók pontosan miben egyeznek vagy térnek el egymástól. A két szakterület irodalmában nem találtak ilyen összehasonlító elemzést. Először összehasonlítják a projekt, az elsőfokú (morfostatikus) és a másodfokú (morfogenetikus) változás közkeletű definícióit, hogy körülhatárolhassák a közöttük lévő átfedéseket, ahol egyáltalán van értelme összevetniük a különböző szerepmeghatározásokat. Találnak közöttük átfedést, ahol a különböző szerepdefiníciók egyaránt érvényesek, így összehasonlíthatók egymással. A két szakterület szerepmeghatározásainak tartalmát elemezve teljes egyezések, részleges hasonlóságok és különbségek is találhatók. Legfontosabb megállapításuk az, hogy a tartalmi átfedések és kapcsolódások miatt mindkét szakterület oktatói, kutatói és gyakorlati művelői komoly haszonnal forgathatják a másik terület szerepelméleti szakirodalmát is. ________ This paper compares the role concepts which are in current use in project management and change management literature. The similarities are noticeable at first sight but it is not clear where the domains of the different definitions of the two management disciplines overlap and where they vary from each other significantly. The authors have not found such an interdisciplinary comparison in the literature of the two fields. At first, they compared the widely used definitions of project, first order (or morphostatic) and second order (or morphogenetic) changes to find the overlapping areas where it is reasonable to compare the different role definitions at all. They found an overlapping area where the different role definitions are all valid and the role theories can be compared. The typical project stakeholders are: project sponsor, project manager, project management team, project team, influencers, customer/user, performing organization etc. The typical change roles are: sponsor (initiating and sustaining), agent, target, advocate, facilitator etc. The authors found samenesses, similarities and differences alike between the two sets of roles. The most important conclusion is that the findings enable participants working on these types of activities to rely on both bodies of knowledge properly.
Stratégiavezérelt teljesítmény? (Strategy-driven performance?)
Authors: Fekete Hajnalka
Published: February 2021

Napjainkban a szervezetekre ható legmeghatározóbb folyamat a globalizáció és a piaci verseny élesebbé válása, aminek következtében a vállalatok egyre nehezebben javítják, illetve őrzik meg versenyképességüket, egyre nehezebb a talpon maradás. A kihívásokra adott válaszok vállalatonként különbözőek. A vállalat teljesítményét számos tényező befolyásolja, ezek lehetnek külső, a vállalkozás által nagyrészt befolyásolhatatlan tényezők, de lehetnek belső, a vállalkozás által jelentősen befolyásolható tényezők. A kihívásokra adott egyedi, szervezetenként eltérő válaszok a vállalatok eltérő stratégiáiban, szervezeti felépítéseiben és szervezeti kultúráiban – mint a vállalat által befolyásolható tényezőkben – fejeződnek ki. A szerző dolgozatában egy empirikus kutatás eredményeinek egy részét mutatja be, amely az említett tényezők és a vállalati teljesítmény összefüggéseit vizsgálja. A tanulmány a vállalati teljesítmény és a vállalati stratégia közti kapcsolatot elemzi, és kutatja, hogy melyek lehetnek azok a stratégiai jellemzők, amelyek elősegíthetik a vállalati teljesítmény növelését. _____ Organizational culture determines the fundamental values,presuppositions, interpretations and approaches that are typical of the organization. The great variety of definitions proves that organizational culture is the manifestation of all that makes the organization unique. The unique and organization-specific answers to challenges manifest in different company strategies, structural features and organizational cultures – factors susceptible to the company. In this paper, the author presents some of the results of an empirical research designed to examine the correspondences of company performance and the above factors. This study endeavors to examine the relationships between company performance and organizational culture, typifies the cultural characteristics that may contribute to the improvement of company performance.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of active psoriatic arthritis treatment with ixekizumab in adult patients in Russian Federation health care system
Authors: Pyadushkina E. A. , Derkach E. V. , Frolov M. Yu. , Rogov V. A. , Salasyuk A. S.
Published: February 2021

Objective: to evaluate the economic impact of the use of various biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) from the group of inhibitors of interleukins (iIL) 12/23 and iIL17 in adult patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with insufficient response to therapy with TNFα inhibitors (TNFα inhibitors).

Patients and methods. A Microsoft Excel model has been developed, it allows to calculate the average cost of treatment of 1 patient with PsA who needs a second-line bDMARD from the iIL12/23 or iIL17 group. Only direct medical costs (drug costs) were considered. Cost minimization analysis and budget impact analysis were carried out.

Results and discussion. The results of a network meta-analysis demonstrate no statistically significant differences in efficacy and safety between ixekizumab (IXE) and secukinumab (SEC) and superiority SEC over ustekinumab when used in adult patients with active PsA with insufficient response to or intolerance of previous therapy with synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or TNFα inhibitors. The analysis of cost minimization showed that the total cost of 1 patient managing for 1 year using IXE is 26% lower than treatment with SEC: on a 2 year horizon, the difference is 27%. Analysis of the impact on the budget revealed that on the horizon of 1 year the simulated distribution will lead to budget savings of 16,796,131 rubles, which will allow additional treatment of 17 patients with IXE, after 2 years the budget savings will amount to 39,289,373 rubles, which will allow to treat additionally 52 patients. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the study results.

Conclusion. Thus, in adult patients with PsA requiring second-line bDMARDs, the use of IXE is more effective than the use of SEC and provides reduction in direct medical costs. The use of IXE will not have a significant impact on costs under the State Guarantee Program, but it can increase the availability of bDMARDs in patients with active PsA who have not responded to the previous therapy, without increasing the budget.
Prospects for use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Maglevaniy S. V. , Naryshkin E. A. , Chetina E. V. , Makarov M. A.
Published: February 2021

The paper reviews the data available in the literature on the mechanisms of action of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the experience of its use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It defines the place of PRP in the systemic and local therapy of RA. The chemical composition of PRP and the structure of the platelet organelles included in it are described. An estimate is made for procedures to prepare platelet-rich plasma containing different concentrations of key growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor α (TGFα), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The variants of PRP classifications, which take into account differences in the composition and levels of the growth factors, are considered. The experience with intra-articular injections of autologous plasma products in patients with RA and synovitis is analyzed. These findings lead to the conclusion that PRP therapy can be an effective tool to relieve inflammation and to stimulate local reparative processes in damaged joint tissues in patients with RA. Further study of the possibilities of using this method of therapy and the formation of a PRPtherapy protocol for patients with rheumatoid arthritis will provide effective personalized care to these patients.
Mathematical study of the small oscillations of a finite cylindrical column liquid-gas under zero gravity
Authors: Essaouini Hilal , Capodanno Pierre
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with the mathematical study of the small motions of a system formed by a cylindrical liquid column bounded by two parallel circular rings and an internal cylindrical column constituted by a barotropic gas under zero gravity. From the equations of motion, the authors deduce a variational equation. Then, the study of the small oscillations depends on the coerciveness of a hermitian form that appears in this equation. It is proved that this last problem is reduced to an auxiliary eigenvalues problem. The discussion shows that, under a simple geometric condition, the problem is a classical vibration problem.Â Â
New algorithm method for solving the variational inequality problem in Hilbert space
Authors: Hussein Maibed Zena
Published: February 2021

Theipurpose of,thisipaper,is toiintroduce,aiconcept of generalizedinon_spreading,and define a new algorithm,for infinite,families of generalizedinon_spreading,and finite families of resolvent,mappings. Also, We study,the existence,solution of variational inequality,to a commonifixedipoint in Hilbertispaces. The main,results in this paper extendiand generalized,of many knowniresults initheiliterature.Â Â
Presentations of a numerical semigroup
Authors: Ã–zer Belgin , Kanbay Sibel
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we mainly study the minimal presentations of numerical semigroups. Moreover, we examine the concept of gluing, complete intersection, catenary degree, elasticity of some numerical semigroups.Â Â
Effects of different post-harvest treatments on bio-chemical characters and diseases of litchi in storage
Authors: Uddin Talukder Fakhar , Sohanur Rahman Md. , Kamrul Hassan Md.
Published: February 2021

Objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of different post-harvest treatments on bio-chemical characters and diseases of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn, var. Bombai). The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: Temperature viz. T1: Ambient temperature, T2: 4ÂºC temperature; Factor B: PP bags (Polypropylene bag) viz. P1: Control (unwrapped), P2: 50 micro meter (Âµm) PP bag, P3: 75Âµmm PP bag, P4: 100Âµm PP bag. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Significant variation was observed in total soluble solid, PH of fruit pulp, vitamin c content, percent disease incidence and disease severity during the storage period. TSS contents increased up to the 6th day of storage and there after declined. pH values were maximum (4.14) in the fruits kept in 100Âµ polypropylene bag at ambient temperature. Vitamin C continent decreased with the increase of storage period. Disease incidence and severity progress with the storage period. Among the treated and untreated fruits, 75Âµm pp bag at low temperature (4ÂºC) treatment exhibited better storage performance. More research should be conducted by using other litchi cultivar like Bedana, China-3 etc. Various technologies have been devised to minimize the post-harvest losses of litchi, one of such technologies is the use of PP bag & low temperature.Â Â
Stochastic reservoir modelling for prospect mapping: a case study of ''bright'' field, Niger delta
Authors: Sunday Abe James , Taiwo Olowokere Mary , Adekunle Enikanselu Pius
Published: February 2021

Deterministic reservoir modeling using geostatistical approach is inherently ambiguous because of the uncertainties contained in the generated reservoir models. Stochastic reservoir modelling using sequential gaussian simulation algorithm can resolve this problem by generating various realizations of petrophysical property models in order to map this uncertainties caused by subsurface heterogeneity. Suites of well logs for four wells with seismic data in SEG-Y format were used for this analysis. The wells were correlated and a reservoir was mapped across them in other to map their lateral extent, synthetic seismogram was generated in other to match the event on the seismic with that of the synthetic after carrying out a shift of -12ms. Seismic to well tie was done to ensure that the horizons were mapped accurately. The structural maps generated and the wells were input that goes into the stochastic modelling process. Five realizations each of facies(lithology), effective porosity, total porosity, net to gross, volume of shale and one realization for permeability and water saturation were generated. The facies models showed the distribution of sand and shale with sand at the existing well locations and the effective porosity, total porosity, net to gross, volume of shale models showed excellent values around the well location. Permeability and water saturation models showed that the existing wells were drilled at the flank of the anticlinal structure. Two drillable points (prospects) were proposed by considering all the initial petrophysical property models and the parameters of the two points named P1 and P2 showed that they contain hydrocarbon in commercial quantity. Stochastic reservoir modelling has proved effective in mapping uncertainties and detecting bypassed hydrocarbons.Â Â
Geomechanical characterization of mechanical properties and in-situ stresses for predicting wellbore stability of ATG-field, A case study: Niger delta petroleum province, Nigeria
Authors: Abraham Sunu Sebastian , Sunday Oniku Adetola , Chukwudi Meludu Osita , Patrick Abbey Chukwuemeka
Published: February 2021

Well logs from ATG- field wells ATG-10 and ATG-11 were calibrated to develop Mechanical Earth Model (MEM) based on elastic parameter, failure parameters, in-situ stresses, pore pressure using well logs to predict wellbore failure. Poissonâ€™s ratio derived from compressional and shear velocities interval transit time and density logs (RHOB), showed that the values ranges from 0.17 to 0.48 and 0.09 to 0.49, and the dynamic Young's Modulus derived from the Compressional and Shear velocity Logs, ranges from 6.0 GPa to 7.8 GPa and 3.6 GPa to 6.6 GPa, the dynamic shear modulus derived from dynamic youngâ€™s modulus and Poissonâ€™s ratio which ranges from 3.8 GPa to 5.1 GPa and 2.1 GPa to 5.4 GPa, while the dynamic Bulk modulus ranges from 0.25 GPa to 1.67 GPa and 0.43 GPa to 1.18 GPa for wells ATG-10 and ATG-11 respectively. The calibrated failure parameters or rock strengths derived from compressional velocity logs include: the internal friction angle (Ï•) from Plumbâ€™s correlation, these ranges from 20.869o to 65.5o and 20.869o to 45.61o, Unaxial compressive (UCS) strength ranges from 757.837 psi to 2505.836 psi and 4577.099 psi to 10512.876 psi, cohesion Strength (C) ranges from 205.697 psi to 355.308 psi and 70.652 psi to 390.32 psi and Tensile strength (To) varies from 17.141 psi to 29.609 psi and 5.885 psi to 32.527 psi for well ATG-10 and ATG-11 respectively. The elastic and rock strengths properties vary in a similar trend to the sonic logs as they are derived based on these values. These properties show increasing values with increasing depth, as a result of larger overburden stress, hence lower porosity or high compressional velocity of the formations. However, the elastic properties and formation strength may vary in different formations.Â Â
Compressive strength and water absorption of cement stabilized earth brick mixed with locust bean pod extract
Authors: P.P Duru , J.M Kaura , O.O Akin , I.B Raymond
Published: February 2021

This study presents the experimental investigation carried out on the compressive strength and water absorption properties of lateritic blocks stabilized with cement and locust bean pod extract. Tests were carried out in which different sample batches of cement blocks (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5kg) were moulded and different sample batches of locust bean pod extract blocks (50, 100, 133, 150 and 200g/litre) were moulded and with both cement and locust bean pod moulded too. The compressive strength of the lateritic block samples were tested at 28 days. The results indicated that the cement with locust bean pod extract significantly increase the compressive strength of the lateritic block samples. This compressive strength increases as the amount of cement and locust bean pod extract was increased. This is a validation of the high possibilities of both cement locust bean pod extract being utilized as a binder in the production of blocks for low housing construction in developing areas of Nigeria.Â
Lithological attributes of hd-001 well, shallow offshore, Niger delta basin, Nigeria
Authors: A. Olatunji Olubusayo , A. Okosun Edward , S. Onoduku Usman , B. Alkali Yahya
Published: February 2021

Lithological analysis was carried out on 96 ditch cuttings samples from HD-001 well located within the shallow offshore Niger delta basin, Nigeria. Three lithofacies sequences were delineated by the integration of wireline logs textural/lithologic attritudes and the distribution of index accessory minerals. They are transitional paralic, paralic and marine paralic sequences. The lithologic, textural and wireline log data indicate that the entire interval studied in the HD-001 well belongs to the Agbada Formation. The Formation is made up of alternating sand and shale units which suggests rapid shoreline progradation. The grain size increases from essentially fine to medium-grained at the basal part of the well to dominantly coarser grain at the upper part. The index accessories recognize shallow marine to coastal deltaic settings environment of deposition. Sand bodies which represent sub-environments within those settings are deposited in sequences. Each sequence begins with a transgressive phase followed by significant regressions.Â Â Â
Piecewise Analytic Method (PAM) is a New Step in the Evolution of Solving Nonlinear Differential Equation
Authors: Abassy Tamer
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a new method is introduced for engineers and scientists which can be used for solving highly nonlinear differential equations. The method is called Piecewise Analytic Method (PAM). PAM is used to solve problems which other methods can't solve. The paper also shows how the accuracy and error can be controlled according to the needs.
Global stability for a discrete SIR epidemic model with delay in the general incidence function
Authors: Aboudramane Guiro , Ouedraogo Dramane , Ouedraogo Harouna
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we construct a backward difference scheme for a class of general SIR epidemic model with general incidence function f. We use the step size h > 0, for the discretization. The dynamical properties are investigated (positivity and the boundedness of solution). By constructing the Lyapunov function, under the conditions that function f satisfies some assumptions. The global stabilities of equilibria are obtained. If the basic reproduction number R0<1, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. If R0>1, the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable.
New robust-ridge estimators for partially linear model
Authors: M. Elgohary Mervat , R. Abonazel Mohamed , M. Helmy Nahed , R. Azazy Abeer
Published: February 2021

This paper considers the partially linear model when the explanatory variables are highly correlated as well as the dataset contains outliers. We propose new robust biased estimators for this model under these conditions. The proposed estimators combine least trimmed squares and ridge estimations, based on the spline partial residuals technique. The performance of the proposed estimators and the Speckman-spline estimator has been examined by a Monte Carlo simulation study. The results indicated that the proposed estimators are more efficient and reliable than the Speckman-spline estimator.Â Â
Voting method based on approval voting and arithmetic mean
Authors: Savadogo ZoÃ¯nabo , SomÃ© Blaise
Published: February 2021

Voting plays a vital role in any society. Indeed the votes involve decision making especially and the more in the decision of group. Thanks to the opinions expressed by a group of people, an opinion representing the preference of the group is determined. But most often some voting methods seem to distance the result from a vote of the general opinion. The study of voting methods is based on the theory of social choice. For several years, in the literature on the theory of social choice, many theorists have contributed trying to find a representative voting method.It seems that there is no totally satisfactory way of voting.Thus we have tried, through this article, to design a voting method based on approval voting and the arithmetic mean that leads to goodcompromise results.In contrast to the other methods, the new method takes into account the choice of each voter and allows to obtain a result which represents the choice of the majority of the voters.
Uniqueness of approximate solutions to the Gelfand Levitan equation
Authors: A. Kincanon Eric
Published: February 2021

This brief paper considers a potential issue of using iterative solutions for the Gelfand-Levitan equation. Iterative solutions require approx-imation methods and this could lead to a loss of uniqueness of solutions. The calculations in this paper demonstrate that this is not the case and that uniqueness is preserved.Â Â
Fractional modeling for prey and predator problem by using optimal homotopy asymptotic method
Authors: Biazar Jafar , Safaei Saghi , Tango Martin
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a fractional-ordered prey and predator population model is introduced and applied to obtain an approximate solution with help of optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM). Some plots for populations of the prey and the predator versus time are presented to show the efficiency and the accuracy of the method and confirm that the method is straightforward as well. The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense.Â
Studies on diarrhea prevalence in selected communities in greater Monrovia, Liberia
Authors: McClain James , Boima Kiazolu J. , Saah Humphrey Peter , Diana Paye Plenseh
Published: February 2021

Diarrhea is an epidemic that threatens the livelihood of children less than five years in developing countries. Control and mitigation pose a severe challenge in these countries. The subjective of the study is to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with diarrhea among families in Greater Monrovia. The study recruited 257 families from three communities and geographically and randomly assigned to the two groups (A & B). Socio-demographic survey and knowledge and behavior questionnaires on diarrhea prevalence were used to collect data. Reports from the study indicate that family in Group A (93%) and Group B (83.6%) have significant knowledge associating contaminated drinking water and contaminated food with diarrhea; X2 =11.2, p = 0.001. The family behavior shows that Group A (33%) and Group B (51%) do not treat their drinking water before consumption. The findings from this study recommend an education and awareness intervention on diarrheal and related illnesses to increase family knowledge and improvement of the behavior community public health improvement process.Â
X-ray fluorescence spectrometric determination of heavy metals in selected rice samples sold on the Liberian market: a case study conducted in Paynesville City, Greater Monrovia
Authors: James McClain , Plenseh Diana PAYE , Kokolo Nâ€™debewillie , Sampson K. P. CHEA , J. Boima Kiazolu
Published: February 2021

Background: Environmental pollution with toxic heavy metals can be lead to the possible contamination of rice. Rice is a staple food widely consumed in the urban and rural parts of Liberia daily. Rice is cultivated in approximately 113 countries and a fundamental source for energy and protein. Objective: The study assesses selected heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Se, and Cr) concentration in selected imported rice and traditionally grown rice and bulgur wheat in Liberia. Methods: Six grade of imported rice, Bulgar wheat, and traditionally grown rice were purchased from the Duport Road and Red-Light markets in Greater Monrovia and analyze using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. All data were analyzed using XLSTAT, and data was used to calculate the risk factor of each rice sample. Results: The mean concentration of heavy metal found in the rice as follow: As, 1.31ppm; Cd, 9.42ppm; Cr. 12.3ppm; Se, 5.73ppm; and Pb, 1.75ppm. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) were calculated in combination with the rice consumption data. The mean intakes of As, Cd, Cr, Se, and Pb through rice were estimated to be 1.32, 9.42. 12.4. 5.74, and 1.75 mg/kg BW/day. Chromium has the average estimated daily intake. The combined hazard index for the heavy metals in each sample and the total cancer risk for each sample contributed most significantly to a cancer risk of rice consumption during adult life expectancy.Conclusion: The selected heavy metal concentration from the rice sample was above the FAO/WHO reference Standard but was within the range of the contaminant level except for chromium, which is above the accepted range. However, the hazard index and the total cancer risk indicate a potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk.Â Â
The ethnomedicine of the Batak Karo people of Merdeka sub-district, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Purba Endang , - Nisyawati , Silalahi Marina
Published: February 2021

Background: Ethnomedicine can serve as a platform for studying specific relationships between indigenous cultures and using medicinal plants, thus to identify new chemical compounds used as drugs.Objective: To document the medicinal plants and traditional medicines used by Batak Karo people and to provide information on the pharmacological properties of the most commonly used plants in the preparation to treat of various ailments especially preventive healthcare.Methods: The ethnobotanical study was conducted in Merdeka sub-district, Karo regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. An intensive field survey was conducted to collect information on medicinal plants used by the people. Data was collected applying semi-structured interviews (individual and group discussions) and questionnaires.Results: A total of 124 plants species have been documented to treat various diseases. Zingiberaceae is the highest number of species being used as traditional medicines especially concoction of preventive healthcare. The study revealed that fever is treated using the highest number of different medicinal species (23 species).Conclusion: Batak Karo people in Merdeka sub-district have a rich local knowledge about medicinal plants. It is a need to extend the documentation of medicinal plants in the area and evaluation its biological activity as a basis for developing future medicines.
Shiga toxin (STX) gene analysis and verotoxigenic potentials of Escherichia coli isolated from â€˜boboziâ€™- an indigenous Nigerian ready to eat fermented cassava chip
Authors: Enabulele Stephen , Daniel Ebakota
Published: February 2021

Many strains of E. coli have been identified as food borne pathogens inducing serious gastrointestinal diseases and even causing death in humans. Amongst these are those referred to as Shiga or Vero toxin producing E. coli. Bobozi is an Indigenous Nigerian ready to eat snack food made from cassava and is widely consumed in most parts of the country. The objective of this study was to Isolate and Identify E. coli from Bobozi, analyze their Shiga toxin (stx) gene profile and thereafter determine their verotoxin capabilities. A total of 248 samples of Bobozi were purchased from hawkers in the metropolis of Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Isolation and Identification was done using standard microbiological methods. Analysis for the presence of Shiga toxin (stx1 and stx2) genes was done using PCR technique and for their verotoxigenic potentials using tissue culture assay on Vero cells. Result of the investigation reveals that of the total 248 samples collected, 107(43.15%) had E. coli isolated from them. Total number of E. coli isolated from the 107 samples was 386.Shiga toxin gene analysis of the isolates reveal that 169(43.78%) had stx1 gene alone, 112 (29.02%) had stx2 gene alone, 3(0.78%) had both stx 1 and stx 2 genes while 102 (26.42%) had none of the two genes. Tissue culture assay on Vero cells indicate that there is a strong relationship between the presence of stx genes and their degree of cytotoxic effect on vero cells as over 80% isolates without the genes exhibited weak cytotoxic effect whereas over 80% of those with the genes exhibited more than strong cytotoxic effect.
Elemental composition of wild colisa lalia in relation to body size and condition factor from Pakistan
Authors: Fatima Summera , Naeem Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Twenty three samples of wild fish Colisa lalia were collected from Nala Daik, a stream in Sialkot. The concentration of Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni) in the whole fish were determined by Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer to estimate the water contamination and health risk of human consumption in Sialkot region which is a popular industrial area. The detected cobalt in twenty two samples and nickel in eight samples exceeds the permitted limits for fish set by IAEA-407 (Wyse et al. 2003).While the concentration of Cadmium, Iron and Manganese in all samples were below permitted level set by European and other International Organizations. The concentration of Cd, Co, Fe, Mn and Ni was ranging from 0.20-1.71, 0.84-55.38, 82.82-137.63, 1.61-22.73, 2.23-5.98 having mean value as 0.67, 39.31, 139.09, 13.26 and 0.56 (ug/g wet weight) respectively. Regressions analysis was performed for both size and condition factor with metal concentrations. As far as correlation with total length and weight was concerned, a decreasing trend was shown by Cd and Ni while Co, Fe and Mn showed an increasing trend and these correlations were found significant for all these elements. No effect of condition factor was observed in the study on Colisa lalia. Inter-elemental regression showed significant correlations among metals.
Population dynamics of Indian sarus crane, Grus antigone antigone (Linnaeus, 1758) in and around alwara lake of Kaushambi district (Uttar Pradesh), India
Authors: Verma Ashok Kumar , Prakash Shri
Published: February 2021

Sarus crane is the only resident breeding crane in India. They prefer open habitat like marsh areas, irrigated paddy fields, grass land and river banks. These areas suit them for foraging, roosting and nesting. These cranes are omnivorous birds, feeding aquatic plants, seeds, roots, tubers, crustaceans, insects, molluscs, fishes, frogs, reptiles and avian eggs. These are not only involved in maintaining the food chain and food web but also providing strength to wetland ecosystem. Ecological and environmental condition of this lake is nicely supporting the survival of vulnerable Indian sarus crane, Grus antigone antigone. In general, the population of sarus crane is decreasing at global level but the authors recorded its increasing trends during their exploration from 2011 to 2014 in and around the Alwara lake of Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh (India).
Effect of pesticides 2, 4-on hematological parameters of channa punctatus
Authors: Kumar Pravesh , Kumar Gupta Yogesh , Pandey Devendra
Published: February 2021

Pesticides are chemicals used for pest control in the agricultural fields. Modern agricultural pesticides result in indiscriminate use of various pesticides. Which usually enter into the aquatic environment? They finally reach the surrounding water bodies through surface runoff affecting the aquatic fauna. 2, 4-D is frequently used pesticides due to its effectiveness and rapid breakdown into environmentally safe products. A 96hr static sub-lethal concentration toxicity test was carried out to determine the LC50 value of 2, 4-D on the snake head fish channa punctatus. The fish were exposed to 5 different concentrations of 2, 4-D (40, 45, 50, 55 & 60ppm) for toxicity. Control (0.0ppm) was also carried out. The data were subjected to Finneyâ€™s Probit analysis and processed with Trimmed Spearman-Karber statistical software. The LC50 values for 2, 4-D for 24, 48, 72 and 96hr were 4.87, 3.12, 2.69 and 1.92 mgl-1 respectively. At higher concentration of 2, 4-D (3.25 mgl-1 and above) the fish showed uncoordinated behavior such as erratic and jerky swimming, attempt to jump out of water, frequent surfacing and effected the allover of body.