bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Land of the Dawning Sun - Italian gazes out to Albania from the beginning of 1900 to present day
Authors: Calore AnnaMaria
Published: July 2019

Over the first forty years of the last century the Italian View of Albania has changed in different ways, but always maintaining strong interest. Both the surprised and sometimes the astonished gaze of travelers and the one of those attracted by possible trade exchanges or the gaze on the soldiers convinced of having the task to Italianize Albania in 1939 “the land of dawning sun” separate frontally by a narrow stretch of the sea, symbolized hopes and promises. In the text of the country across the water that borders with itself the story the specific view (from francone wardon) to stand guard inevitably changed in to watch (from Sanskrit) that means to observe and know.
On the Globalization of Political Power and the Added Relevance of Institutions in Contexts of Multifaceted Populism
Authors: Alves Ribeiro Correia Pedro Miguel
Published: July 2019

This paper is an essay on the problematic of the globalization of political power and on the increased relevance of institutions in contexts of multifaceted populism. A case study of the Portuguese justice system was used to illustrate the arguments presented. First, the Troika intervention in Portugal is offered as an instance of globalization of political power. Secondly, a model of argumentation analysis of political parties is used to contend that the media coverage of the discourse about austerity during the period of external intervention constituted what can be called multifaceted populism. Finally, the Directorate-General for Justice Policy is presented as an example of the decisive and increased role that institutions can play in times of crisis by presenting a factual and dispassionate vision of the results obtained at the level of public policies.
The importance of online payment on Travel and Tourism incomes - A Cross-Country Panel Data Study
Authors: Lorente Bayona Laura , Ruiz Rua Aurora
Published: July 2019

Digital facilities are changing the way companies market to consumers. The use of smartphones and what we called Internet of Things (IoT) are changing the way citizens consume. In this article we perform a cross-country panel data study to analyze how the implementation of business Internet use for buying/selling goods and services, and for interaction with customers influences, for example, the international travel and tourism incomes. Our results show that the use of electronic commerce attracts international tourism and increases tourism revenue, as well as decreases the degree of tourism specialization in the country’s export structure, the relative capability of tourism in generating foreign revenues decrease compare with the other sectors that become more powerful. Besides, we present one of the main political and governmental inhibitor that in this issue the companies must deal with in an international context, the currency exchange control, not yet greatly studied in previous literature.
10 Years of Academicus International Scientific Journal - The story of contribution in the research in 20 Issues.
Authors: Macioti Maria Immacolata
Published: July 2019

A delightful scientific journal which, since its birth in Albania, has quickly learned the ways of the world, bringing Balkan matters and issues abroad, to the East as well as to the West, but also conversely, making known in the Land of Eagles which were the main topics of reflection and study, such as the problems of distant countries and other cultures.
İlkokul Öğrencilerinin Serbest Yazma Etkinliklerindeki Konu Eğilimlerinin İncelenmesi / Investigation of Subject Trends in Primary School Students’ Free Writing Activities
Authors: Batur Zekerya , Tufan Bitir
Published: July 2019

Absract

The aim of this study is to determine the tendencies of the students in the free writing activities of primary school (2nd, 3rd and 4th grade) students and place, class level, parents' education status, daily internet usage status, monthly book number of books to determine the number of page variables. The mixed method was used in the study. The paper used in the students' free writing studies was examined by document analysis method and the trends were determined. In addition, the data obtained from the forms that the students stated their demographic characteristics were processed in SPSS 25.0 package program and interpreted with cross-comparison tables and Chi-Square test. The study group consisted of 900 students from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades selected from the primary, district and village schools in the 2017-2018 academic year by using the maximum diversity method. In the study, subject trends in the free writing activities of primary school students were determined. According to the data obtained, it was found that the subject trends of the students differ according to the place of residence, class levels, mother and father education status, daily internet usage status and number of book pages they read monthly.

Öz

Bu çalışmanın amacı, ilkokul (2, 3 ve 4. sınıf) öğrencilerinin serbest yazma etkinliklerindeki konu eğilimlerini belirlemek ve yaşanılan yer, sınıf düzeyi, anne ve baba eğitim durumları, günlük internet kullanım durumları, aylık okudukları kitap sayfa sayıları değişkenleri açısından tespit etmektir. Çalışmada karma yöntem kullanılmıştır. Öğrencilerin serbest yazma çalışmalarında kullandıkları kâğıtlar doküman analizi yöntemiyle incelenerek konu eğilimleri tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca öğrencilerin demografik özelliklerini belirttikleri formlardan elde edilen veriler SPSS 25.0 paket programına işlenerek çapraz karşılaştırma tabloları ve Ki-Kare testi ile yorumlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, 2017-2018 eğitim-öğretim yılında Aydın il merkezi, ilçe ve köy okullarından amaçlı örnekleme çeşitlerinden maksimum çeşitlilik yöntemi ile seçilen 2, 3 ve 4. sınıftan toplam 900 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada, ilkokul öğrencilerinin serbest yazma etkinliklerindeki konu eğilimleri tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler doğrultusunda, öğrencilerin konu eğilimlerinin yaşanılan yere, sınıf düzeylerine, anne ve baba eğitim durumlarına, günlük internet kullanım durumlarına ve aylık okudukları kitap sayfa sayılarına göre farklılaştığı saptanmış ve bu farklılığın anlamlı olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Öğretmenlerin Mesleki Deneyimlerinin İncelenmesi: Öğretmen Olmanın Anlamına İlişkin Fenomenolojik Bir Çalışma / Phenomenological Research on the Meaning of Being a Teacher
Authors: Koşar Didem
Published: July 2019

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze how teachers make sense of being a teacher depending on their professional experiences. This research was designed in descriptive phenomenological design under the qualitative research method that focuses on determining how teachers make sense of teaching experiences. Criterion sampling and maximum variation sampling under purposeful sampling methods were conducted to select the participant of the present study. The data of the study were gathered through a semi-structured interview form including open-ended questions developed by the researcher. A systematic process composed of the steps entitled bracketing, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation and synthesizing of meanings and essences was conducted to analyze the data. Results revealed that being a teacher was composed of six interrelated components entitled touching the lives of the others, being versatile, self-renewal, guiding, providing new perspectives and struggling with difficulties. The results of the research were discussed in line with the related literature.

Öz

Bu araştırmanın amacı, öğretmenlerin mesleki deneyimlerine dayalı olarak öğretmenliğe nasıl anlam yüklediklerini incelemektir. Araştırma, nitel araştırma yöntemi ve betimsel fenomenolojik desende yürütülmüştür. Çalışma grubunun belirlenmesinde amaçlı örnekleme yöntemlerinden ölçüt örnekleme ve maksimum çeşitlilik örneklemesi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada verilerin toplanması amacıyla araştırmacı tarafından geliştirilen ve açık uçlu sorulardan oluşan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verilerinin analizinde parantezleme, fenomenolojik redüksiyon, imgesel çeşitleme ve anlam ve özlerin sentezlenmesi basamaklarından oluşan bir süreç takip edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları öğretmenlerin deneyimlerinden hareketle öğretmenliğin hayata dokunma, çok yönlü olma, kendini yenileme, yol gösterme, ufuk açma, zorluklarla mücadele edebilme olmak üzere altı temel bileşenden oluştuğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Araştırma sonuçları, ilgili alan yazın doğrultusunda tartışılmıştır.
Kanser Hastası Bulunan Ailelerde Hastalık Deneyimi ve Fertlerin Yaşam Bütünlüğünün Bozulmasına Etkisi / Illness Experience in the Families with Cancer Patients and its Effects on Biographical Disruption of Individuals
Authors: Yadigaroğlu Hüseyin
Published: July 2019

Abstract

While health scientists define diseases as a biological disorder or loss of function, social scientists define it as a cultural phenomenon constructed through interaction between people. This research discusses the illness experiences of the families with cancer patients and the way such experience affects the biographical disruption of the family members. In this study, experiences of the relatives of cancer patients have been problematized. This problematization has been made through the concept of biographical disruption. The research was carried out by using semi-structured interview technique with the relatives of the cancer patients treated at the Karadeniz Technical University Farabi Hospital. The sample consists of 24 relatives of patients. The data obtained were interpreted by using descriptive analysis technique. As a result of the research, it was determined that the first-degree relatives of patients (eg. spouse, child) experienced more biographical disruption than the other patient relatives (eg. uncle). In addition, it has been found that factors such as treatment method, occupation, gender and status shape the illness experience.

Öz

Sağlık bilimcileri hastalığı biyolojik bir rahatsızlık veya işlev kaybı olarak tanımlarken sosyal bilimciler hastalığı insanlar arası etkileşimle inşa edilen kültürel bir olgu olarak tanımlamaktadır. Araştırma kanser hastası bulunan ailelerin deneyimleri ve aile fertlerinin yaşam bütünlüğünün bu deneyimden nasıl etkilendiğini konu edinmektedir. Araştırmada, kanser hastalarının yakınlarının deneyimleri sorunsallaştırılmıştır. Söz konusu sorunsallaştırma yaşam bütünlüğünün bozulması (biographical disruption) kavramı üzerinden yapılmıştır. Araştırma Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Farabi Hastanesi’nde tedavi gören kanser hastalarının yakınlarıyla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği kullanılarak yapılmıştır.

Çalışma grubu 24 hasta yakınını kapsamaktadır. Elde edilen veriler betimsel analiz tekniği kullanılarak yorumlanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda birinci dereceden hasta yakınlarının (örneğin eş, çocuk) yaşam bütünlüğünün bozulmasını diğer hasta yakınlarından (örneğin amca) daha fazla deneyimledikleri tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca tedavi şekli, meslek, cinsiyet ve statü gibi unsurların hastalık deneyimini biçimlendirdiği verisine ulaşılmıştır.
A Comparison between Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Estimation Methods for a Shape Parameter of the Weibull-Exponential Distribution
Authors: G. Ieren Terna , E. Oguntunde Pelumi
Published: July 2019

We considered the Bayesian analysis of a shape parameter of the Weibull-Exponential distribution in this paper. We assumed a class of non-informative priors in deriving the corresponding posterior distributions. In particular, the Bayes estimators and associated risks were calculated under three different loss functions. The performance of the Bayes estimators was evaluated and compared to the method of maximum likelihood under a comprehensive simulation study. It was discovered that for the said parameters to be estimated, the quadratic loss function under both uniform and Jeffrey’s priors should be used for decreasing parameter values while the use of precautionary loss function can be preferred for increasing parameter values irrespective of the variations in sample size.
Modeling Count Data from Dependent Clusters with Poisson Mixed Models
Authors: A. N. K. Karunarathna K. , Wijekoon Pushpakanthie
Published: July 2019

Responses collected from dependent clusters are affected by the dependence among clusters and it should be taken into account in modeling such responses. In this study, a new approach was evaluated to incorporate cluster dependence in generalized linear Poisson mixed models for count responses from dependent clusters. Performance of this approach was evaluated by using a simulation process under three different designs and different covariates. The Marginal Generalized Quasi-likelihood (GQL) method was used for estimation of parameters with the cluster dependence. Monte Carlo likelihood (MCL) and Penalized Quasi-likelihood (PQL) estimates also were obtained for the purpose of comparison.  Proposed approach was tested with a real data set also.

The proposed approach, with the incorporation of cluster dependence, gives better estimates for both fixed effects and variance of random effects with low standard errors with compared to the estimates obtained by ignoring the cluster dependence. Therefore, the proposed approach can be used for modeling count responses from a dependent cluster set up.
Efficiency of Bayesian Approaches in Quantile Regression with Small Sample Size
Authors: Sayed-Ahmed Neveen
Published: July 2019

Quantile regression is a statistical technique intended to estimate, and conduct inference about the conditional quantile functions. Just as the classical linear regression methods estimate model for the conditional mean function, quantile regression offers a mechanism for estimating models for the conditional median function, and the full range of other conditional quantile functions. In the Bayesian approach to variable selection prior distributions representing the subjective beliefs about the parameters are assigned to the regression coeﬃcients. The estimation of parameters and the selection of the best subset of variables is accomplished by using adaptive lasso quantile regression. In this paper we describe, compare, and apply the two suggested Bayesian approaches. The two suggested Bayesian suggested approaches are used to select the best subset of variables and estimate the parameters of the quantile regression equation when small sample sizes are used.  Simulations show that the proposed approaches are very competitive in terms of variable selection, estimation accuracy and efficient when small sample sizes are used.
The Kumaraswamy Exponentiated U-Quadratic Distribution: Properties and Application
Authors: Muhammad Mustapha , Muhammad Isyaku , Muhammad Yaya Aisha
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a new lifetime model called Kumaraswamy exponentiated U-quadratic (KwEUq) distribution is proposed. Several mathematical and statistical properties are derived and studied such as the explicit form of the quantile function, moments, moment generating function, order statistics, probability weighted moments, Shannon entropy and Renyi entropy. We also found that the usual maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) fail to hold for the KwEUq distribution. Two alternative methods are suggested for the parameter estimation of the KwEUq, the alternative maximum likelihood estimation (AMLE) and modified maximum likelihood estimation (MMLE). Simulation studies were conducted to assess the finite sample behavior of the AMLEs and MMLEs. Finally, we provide application of the KwEUq for illustration purposes.
Establishing the Rainfall Trend over Bungoma Region in Kenya, During the Short and Long Rain Seasons
Authors: Mwenda Marangu Davis , W. Wanyonyi Samson
Published: July 2019

This paper is aimed at presenting the temporal and spatial variability of rainfall over Bungoma region between 2000 and 2015. Rainfall data was obtained for 5 stations in the region. The data was subjected to analyses by use of Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The results from analysis of the data showed that the March, April, and May (MAM) and October, November, and December (OND) rainfall totals showed a general increasing trend in all the stations. The MAM season was found to have the most reliable rainfall in all stations while the OND season was reliable in some of the stations in the study region. Kanduyi region is seen to receive the highest amount of rainfall all through the years, and Tongaren the Least amount of Rainfall. The significance of these findings is that it could be used by various policymakers and development partners for planning purposes.
Bayesian Analysis of a Shape Parameter of the Weibull-Frechet Distribution
Authors: Godfrey Ieren Terna , Unna Chukwu Angela
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we estimate a shape parameter of the Weibull-Frechet distribution by considering the Bayesian approach under two non-informative priors using three different loss functions. We derive the corresponding posterior distributions for the shape parameter of the Weibull-Frechet distribution assuming that the other three parameters are known. The Bayes estimators and associated posterior               risks have also been derived using the three different loss functions. The performance of the Bayes estimators are evaluated and compared using a comprehensive simulation study and a real life application to find out the combination of a loss function and a prior having the minimum Bayes risk and hence producing the best results. In conclusion, this study reveals that in order to estimate the parameter in question, we should use quadratic loss function under either of the two non-informative priors used in this study.
Socioeconomic Impact of Establishment of University of Embu on Small Scale Farmers in Nthambo Sub-Location, Kenya
Authors: Jacqueline Akelo Gogo , Gitonga Ngari Cyrus
Published: July 2019

The University of Embu is one of the fast developing and recently chartered University in Kenya. It is located in Nthambo sub-location, which is an agricultural potential area. Universities establishment have considerable influence on the activities of community that stays around it. Despite the fact that several studies have been conducted on the socioeconomic impact of establishment of different Universities to the community they reside in, a research on the socioeconomic impact of establishment of University of Embu on small scale farmers in their agricultural activities have never been done. Given that the University of Embu has been established on the agricultural potential area, this study sought to investigate the impact of the establishment of University of Embu on agricultural resources and productivity, describe the community diversity and living standards of the community. Methodology used in this research was descriptive survey design and stratified random sampling technique obtaining a sample of 100 households which was proportionate to the population. Using SPSS software for cross-tabulation, the results indicated that: the rate of both livestock and crop production have been declining with supporting evidence of (60.2%) and (66%) of the households respectively, the community was diverse (87.2%) with majority being university students (68.1%), most of the small scale farmers had access to electricity connection (78.1%), even though  farming activity remains main economic activity of  community within the area, it has been declining from (95.3%) to (53.2%), business activities have increased from (3.5%) to (41.5%), most of the households (54.3%) have constructed rental houses majorly to earn more money (70.2%). The researchers recommend that Embu County government should adopt a policy such that the communities surrounding University of Embu must develop, implement and enforce mechanisms for effective preservation of productive agricultural land (i.e. Urban growth boundaries, purchase of development rights, exclusive agricultural zoning among others).
A New Generalized Transmuted Inverse Exponential Distribution: Properties and Application
Authors: U. Uwadi Uchenna , E. Nwaezza Elebe
Published: July 2019

In this study, we proposed a new generalised transmuted inverse exponential distribution with three parameters and have transmuted inverse exponential and inverse exponential distributions as sub models. The hazard function of the distribution is nonmonotonic, unimodal and inverted bathtub shaped making it suitable for modelling lifetime data. We derived the moment, moment generating function, quantile function, maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters, Renyi entropy and order statistics of the distribution. A real life data set is used to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed model.
Assessing the Potential of Using Satellite Data on Radiation in the Analysis of Earth’s Climate System to Complement the Scarce Radiation Data Measured from the Ground Stations
Authors: Onyaga Collins Ochieng , Wanyonyi Samson W. , Stern Roger
Published: July 2019

High quality solar radiation data is required for the appropriate monitoring and analysis of the Earth’s climate system as well as efficient planning and operation of solar energy systems. However, well maintained radiation measurements are rare in many regions of the world. Therefore, satellite-derived radiation estimates are an alternative to these scarce solar radiation measurements from the weather stations. Satellite estimates of solar radiation have an advantage over solar radiation measurements from weather stations because of their high spatial and temporal resolutions. These satellite radiation estimates at approximately 5-6 Km resolution derived from geostationary Meteosat satellites are available through the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facilities (SAFs). CM-SAF (SAF on Climate Monitoring) provides consistent dataset of hourly, daily and monthly solar radiation from 1983 to 2013. In this study, we examined the potential of using satellite estimates of solar radiation to fill in the data gaps in records from the weather stations as well as the areas where radiation data is not available. The analysis carried out showed that the satellite data had fewer missing values than the ground data, and that they are both similar in distribution. The average correlation between the two data sets was found to be 0.71 for both monthly and daily analysis. However, the month of September showed a very low correlation of 0.21. Mean percentage error, mean bias error and mean absolute deviation were found to be 2.46, 18.84, 50.32 and 3.08, 559.87, 1135.93 for daily and monthly analysis, respectively.

The solar radiation distribution in Dodoma was found to follow Weibull distribution throughout the year.
Methods for Determining the Tetrachoric Correlation Coefficient for Binary Variables
Authors: El-Hashash E. F. , El-Absy K. M.
Published: July 2019

The tetrachoric correlation coefficient (rt) is a special case of the statistical covariation between two variables measured on a dichotomous scale, but assuming an underlying bivariate normal distribution. Our goal was to provide an analysis of seven different methods used to calculate rt. The rt approximation was then used to derive its standard error and its associated confidence interval. Computation of rt is not straightforward and is usually not available in standard statistical packages. This paper introduces seven methods for computing the rt value and three methods used to provide the standard error estimation {SE(rt)}. These methods were illustrated using data from questionnaires that were used to evaluate public awareness regarding Electronic Waste hazards. The different algorithmic/mathematical methods used to estimate rt and SE(rt) yielded values that were equal to (or very close to) each other and the estimates obtained from SAS statistical analysis software. Method 6 and Method 1 used to estimate rt and SE(rt) work very well, the equations are easy to understand, are computationally simple and are ideally suited for use. Additionally, the width of the confidence intervals for these methods are equal to (or closely approximates) the widths calculated by the SAS statistical analysis computer program.
Analysis of Household Electricity Consumption in Nonresident Rent Halls Using Linear Regression Analysis Model
Authors: Odhiambo Omondi S. , Wanyonyi Samson W. , Marangu Davis Mwenda , Nguli Irine Jemutai , Mwiti Mbuba Morris
Published: July 2019

This paper is based on electricity consumption pattern in rental houses around Kibabii University (KU) situated in Western region of Kenya. Because of unexpected blackout faced by nonresident students at the time they need electricity most for their studies, this work intends to find out the directive measure to curb this crisis. Since the usage of electricity showed high relationship to the number of households sharing a common meter, Regression analysis prove to be the most effective method to model a solution to this problem. SPSS was used to analyze the data obtained. The results showed the consistency in linear trend of usage of electrical power on a monthly basis among students, it is observed also that the rate of consumption of power among nonresident students of KU is affected by the number of households sharing the meter. The consequence of this study is that with the correct data in place one is able to know the amount of power in kilowatt-hours needed for consumption throughout the semester and plan effectively so that power loss is not experienced. The results will be so useful to the KPLC (Kenya Power and Lighting Company) and KU fraternity for planning purposes.
Clustering Analysis of the Survey for Mobility Reasons in the US 1999-2017
Authors: Xie Liming
Published: July 2019

This paper is to estimate the survey for 98000 addresses from 1999-2017 in United States bureau of Census by using cluster analysis. The analysis is mainly applied by Approximate Covariance Estimation for CLUSTING (ACECLUS), and procedure variables for CLUSTING (VARCLUS) to test some important parameters such as average linkage, two-stage density linkage, Cubic Clustering Criterions (CCC), R-Square, Ward’s minimum variance techniques, as well as Tree procedure for deeper exploring the clusters or variables. After the overall analysis, the results show that there is existence of strong covariate correlation for variables X8 and X15 with respond variable Y (Mobility periods). Hence, Reason “Retired” from survey data is most important impact on mobility other than the reasons “Wanted better neighborhood or less crimes” and “Wanted cheaper housing” that are popular and highly frequent.
Recovering a Random Variable from Conditional Expectations Using Reconstruction Algorithms for the Gauss Radon Transform
Authors: Becnel Jeremy , Riser-Espinoza Daniel
Published: July 2019

The Radon transform maps a function on n-dimensional Euclidean space onto its integral over a hyperplane. The fields of modern computerized tomography and medical imaging are fundamentally based on the Radon transform and the computer implementation of the inversion, or reconstruction, techniques of the Radon transform. In this work we use the Radon transform with a Gaussian measure to recover random variables from their conditional expectations. We derive reconstruction algorithms for random variables of unbounded support from samples of conditional expectations and discuss the error inherent in each algorithm.
Central Limit Theorem and Its Applications in Determining Shoe Sizes of University Students
Authors: Mwiti Mbuba Morris , Wanyonyi Samson W. , Marangu Davis Mwenda
Published: July 2019

The Central limit theorem is a very powerful tool in statistical inference and Mathematics in general, since it has numerous applications such as in topology and many other areas. For the case of probability theory, it states that, “given certain conditions, the sample mean of a sufficiently large number or iterates of independent random variables, each with a well-defined mean and well-defined variance, will be approximately normally distributed”. In the research paper, three different statements of our theorem (CLT) are given. This research paper has data regarding the shoe size and the gender of the of the university students. The paper is aimed at finding if the shoe sizes converges to a normal distribution as well as find the modal shoe size of university students and to apply the results of the central limit theorem to test the hypothesis if most university students put on shoe size seven. The Shoe sizes are typically treated as discretely distributed random variables, allowing the calculation of mean value and the standard deviation of the shoe sizes. The sample data which is used in this research paper belonged to different areas of Kibabii University which was divided into five strata. From two strata, a sample size of 74 respondents was drawn and from the remaining three strata, a sample of 73 students per stratum was drawn at random which totaled to a sample size of 367 respondents. By analyzing the data, using SPSS and Microsoft Excel, it was vivid that the shoe sizes are normally distributed with a well-defined mean and standard deviation. We also proved that most university students put on shoe size seven by testing our hypothesis using the p-value. The modal shoe size for university students was found to be seven since it had the highest frequency (97/367). This research was aimed at enlightening shoe investors, whose main market is the university students, on the shoe sizes that are on high demand among university students.
A Transmuted Lomax-Exponential Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Kuje S. , Lasisi K. E.
Published: July 2019

In this article, the Quadratic rank transmutation map proposed and studied by Shaw and Buckley [1] is used to construct and study a new distribution called the transmuted Lomax-Exponential distribution (TLED) as an extension of the Lomax-Exponential distribution recently proposed by Ieren and Kuhe [2]. Using the transmutation map, we defined the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the transmuted Lomax-Exponential distribution. Some properties of the new distribution such as moments, moment generating function, characteristics function, quantile function, survival function, hazard function and order statistics are also studied. The estimation of the distributions’ parameters has been done using the method of maximum likelihood estimation. The performance of the proposed probability distribution is being tested in comparison with some other generalizations of Exponential distribution using a real life dataset. The results obtained show that the TLED performs better than the other probability distributions.
Fitting Probability Distribution Function to Malaria Incidence Data
Authors: Mbete Drinold , Nyongesa Kennedy , Rotich Joseph
Published: July 2019

Abstract: Malaria remains a major infectious disease that affects millions of people. Once infected with Plasmodium parasites, a host can develop a broad range of clinical presentations, which result from complex interactions between factors derived from the host, the parasite and the environment. Malaria has historically been a very serious health problem and currently poses the most significant threat to the health of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology students, data shows that more than 70% percent of pediatric cases are due to malaria.

Methodology: Hence, the study aimed to fit malaria incidences dataset for the period 1st January, 2013 to 31st December, 2015. Data on monthly malaria incidence was obtained from the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology health service. Gamma, Weibull and Lognormal Distributions were employed to fit the malaria incidence dataset using R-software.

Results: High malaria incidences were observed in the months of August, September and November. AIC values results showed that lognormal distribution had the lowest AIC value of 185.9875 followed by the Gamma distribution with a value of 187.8815 and then the Weibull distribution with a value of 188.7271. This confirmed the lognormal distribution to be the best fitting distribution for the malaria incidence dataset

Conclusion: The Poisson regression model did not accurately fit the data on malaria incidences due to over dispersion in the data but lognormal distribution was a better fit compared to gamma and Weibull distribution.
On Properties and Applications of Lomax-Gompertz Distribution
Authors: Omale A. , Asiribo O. E. , Yahaya A.
Published: July 2019

This article introduces a new distribution called the Lomax-Gompertz distribution developed through a Lomax Generator proposed in an earlier study. Some statistical properties of the proposed distribution comprising moments, moment generating function, characteristics function, quantile function and the distribution of order statistics were derived. The plots of the probability density function revealed that it is positively skewed. The model parameters have been estimated using the method of maximum likelihood. The plot the of survival function indicates that the Lomax-Gompertz distribution could be used to model time or age-dependent data, where probability of survival is believed to be  decreasing  with time or age. The performance of the Lomax-Gompertz distribution has been compared to other generalizations of the Gompertz distribution using three real-life datasets used in earlier researches.
Maximum Vanishing Moment of Compactly Supported B-spline Wavelets
Authors: Gupta Kanchan Lata , Kunwar B. , Singh V. K.
Published: July 2019

Spline function is of very great interest in field of wavelets due to its compactness and smoothness property. As splines have specific formulae in both time and frequency domain, it greatly facilitates their manipulation. We have given a simple procedure to generate compactly supported orthogonal scaling function for higher order B-splines in our previous work. Here we determine the maximum vanishing moments of the formed spline wavelet as established by the new refinable function using sum rule order method.
Comparison of Models Used to Predict Flight Delays at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Authors: Gachoki P. K. , Muraya M. M.
Published: July 2019

Delays in flights have negative socio-economics effects on passengers, airlines and airports, resulting to huge economic loses. Therefore, their prediction is crucial during the decision-making process for all players of aviation industry for proper management. The development of accurate prediction models for flight delays depend on the complexity of air transport system and airport infrastructure, hence may be country specific. However, there exists no prediction models tailored to Kenyan aviation industry. Hence there is need to develop prediction models amenable to Kenya aviation conditions. The objective of this study was to compare the prediction power of the developed models. Secondary data from Jomo Kenya International Airport (JKIA) was used in this study. The data collected included the day of the flight (Monday to Sunday), the month (January to December), the airline, the flight class (domestic or international), season (summer or winter), capacity of the aircraft, flight ID (tail number) and whether the flight had flown at night or during the day. The analysis of the data was done using R- software. Three models, Logistic model, Support Vector Machine model and Random Forest model, were fitted. The strength and utility of the models was determined using bias-variance learning curves. The study revealed that the models predicted delays with different accuracies. The Random Forest model had a prediction accuracy of 68.99% while the Support Vector Machine model (SVM) had an accuracy of 68.62% and the Logistic Regression model had an accuracy of 66.18%. The Random Forest model outperformed the SVM and Logistic Regression with accuracies of 0.37% and 2.71% respectively. The SVM and Random Forest do not assume probability distribution of the response under investigation, probably indicating why they performed better than the logistic regression. The study recommends application of Random Forest model to predict flight delays at JKIA.
Determining the End Points of the Score Confidence Interval Using Computer Program
Authors: Subedi Rishi Raj , Issos James
Published: July 2019

For interval estimation of a proportion the Score Interval is quite accurate. It has good reviews in the Statistics literature. But the problem is that it is not used enough. A reason is that many consider it is complicated. In this paper, we suggest a program and other things that we hope will make the Score Interval more suitable to use in the field of statistics.
Molecular Basis and Genetics of Stem Rust Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Nawaz Rida , Hussain Raza , Khalid M. Waleed , Siddique M. Shahid
Published: July 2019

Wheat is the staple food for many countries, therefore, it needs more attention as compared to other cultivated crops. Stem rust is one of the major wheat diseases. Fungus spores fall on the plant surface and starts to grow inside the plant tissues. Two groups of resistant genes(R & Avr) have been identified conferring host-specific and non-host specific resistance respectively. Resistance is either achieved through thickening of the cell wall or through the programmed cell death (hypersensitivity) type of response. Every pathogen has specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns PAMPs which are recognized by the receptor protein. i.e. pattern recognition receptors PRRs. Plants can activate separate defence pathways depending on the type of the pathogen encountered. Jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene-dependent responses seem to be initiated by necrotrophs, whereas salicylic acid (SA) dependent response activated by biotrophic pathogens.
Adolescents’ Coping Strategies Influence Their Psychosocial Well-Being
Authors: Zammuner Vanda L.
Published: July 2019

Aims: Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by many physical, psychological and social transformations, eliciting experiences of emotional arousal that might increase psychopathology risk (e.g. affective and behavioral disorders). The study tested adolescents' use of coping strategies and their psychosocial well-being.

Methods: Participants (N 1060) were Italian students, 14 to 21 years old, attending senior high school or first years of university, who completed a survey. Psychosocial well-being, and its relation to coping strategy use, was assessed by measuring subjective health perception, life satisfaction, positive and negative felt affect, emotional and social loneliness.

Results: Adolescents were found to use the healthier strategies of Seeking social support, Problem Orientation, and Positive attitude more than the less functional strategy of Avoidance; a Transcending Orientation was also not much reported. Preferences for strategy type formed a coherent pattern - e.g., Problem Orientation was positively associated with Positive attitude. Preferences for strategy type were significantly associated to well-being levels in the expected direction. Avoidance was found to be the most important coping strategy, negatively associated with most well-being indicators, e.g. predicting greater Emotional loneliness, and lower perceived Health; vice versa, Seeking social support and Problem solving were associated with lesser Social loneliness and higher levels of Positive affect and Life satisfaction. Although result patterns were quite similar across age groups and sex, some differences were observed.

Conclusion: Preferences for more or less functional coping strategies impact on well-being, suggesting that a better understanding of these processes in adolescence and early adulthood may help us understand individual differences in mental health and adjustment.
Effects of Fermentation on the Nutritional Composition of Banana and Groundnut Flour Blends
Authors: Ojokoh Anthony Okhonlaye , Omojokun Ayomide Olubunmi
Published: July 2019

The study was carried out to determine the effect of fermentation on the nutritional composition of banana and groundnut flour blends. Four blends of banana and groundnut flour was composed (50:50, 60:40, 100:0 and 0:100 (banana:groundnut )). Each blend was fermented naturally at room temperature for 72 hours. The pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) were monitored at 24 hour interval during fermentation. Mineral and antinutrient composition was also assessed using standard techniques. The pH of the fermenting samples decreased as fermentation progressed while total titratable acidity increased. Total microbial load of the samples decreased during fermentation. Antinutrients decreased while minerals increased after fermentation. From the research, it was observed that fermentation reduced the antinutrient contents of the samples while the minerals were enhanced, therefore food products from legume and carbohydrate blends should be fermented in order to increase the nutritional composition.
The Cocycle for the Non-autonomous Stochastic Damped Wave Equations with White Noises
Authors: Li Hongyan
Published: July 2019

This paper is devoted to the cocycle of solutions of the non-autonomous stochastic damped wave equations with multiplicative white noises defined on unbounded domains. And we obtain the existence of a pullback absorbing set of the cocycle in a certain parameter region.
Modal Analysis and Optimization of Typical Parts of 2K-V Reducer
Authors: Han Linshan , Cao Chenxu , Jiao Wenhua , Wei Zheng
Published: July 2019

As a new type of high-precision gear transmission mechanism, the transmission accuracy of the 2K-V reducer will be greatly affected by vibration. With the RV110E reducer as the research object, a three-dimensional model of the needle wheel is established. Using the finite element analysis software, the natural frequency and mode shape of the needle wheel are calculated, when it’s under the output condition, then compared with the calculated gear meshing frequency. It is found when the needle wheel is used as an output, the vibration frequency is within the gear meshing frequency range, which is easy to cause resonance, thereby affects the transmission precision of the whole machine. The part of the outer shell of the needle wheel and the oil seal of the skeleton is the weakest and prone to deformation. By adding 6 reinforcing ribs between the needle wheel flange and the outer casing, increasing the flange outer diameter at the same time, the natural frequency can be increased, the deformation concentrated region can be transferred to the outer casing and the reinforcing rib. The connected parts avoid resonance and increase the service life of the needle wheel.
Determination of Tolerance Potentials of Some Bacteria Species to Heavy Metals Isolated from Contaminated Gold Mining Soil in Abare, Zamfara State
Authors: Hauwa H. , Whong C. M. Z. , Ado S. A. , Nuhu Abdulmumin, A.
Published: July 2019

This aim of this research was to determine the tolerance ability of Bacillus lentus, Bacillus firmus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The soil sample was analysed for it heavy metal content lead was found to be in abundance beyond tolerable limit followed by cupper. Several bacterial specie were also isolated and identified from the sample and some selected species were tested for their tolerance ability in different heavy metal concentration, It was recorded that pseudomonas aeruginosa was tolerant to lead (Pb) at 800 mgl-1 Bacillus lentus to cupper at 860 mgl -1 and Bacillus firmus to chromium at 1000mgl-1. It was concluded that despite the toxicity of some heavy metals some bacterial specie were still able to withstand the environment.
Degradation kinetics of α‐conotoxin TxID
Authors: Xu Pan , Xiong Yang , Liu Yiqiao , Yu Shurun , Zhangsun Dongting , Wu Yong , Luo Sulan
Published: July 2019

α‐Conotoxin (CTx) TxID is a potent α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist that has been suggested as a potential drug candidate to treat addiction and small cell lung cancer. The function and structure of TxID have been well‐studied, but analyses of its stability have not previously been reported. The purpose of this study was to analyze the stability and forced degradation of TxID under various conditions: acid, alkali, water hydrolysis, oxidation, light, thiols, temperature, ionic strength and buffer pH. Different degradation products were formed under various conditions, and the degradation patterns of TxID showed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. TxID degraded slowest at pH 3 within a pH range of 2–8. The major degradation products were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and the activity of the main product with α3β4 nAChR was analyzed using electrophysiological methods. Our analysis of TxID stability may aid the selection of appropriate conditions for peptide production, packaging and storage.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties for Curved Dumbbell‐Shaped Specimen at Different Orientation Angles of Ring Hoop Tension Test
Authors: EL-Bagory Tarek M. A. A. , Alarifi Ibrahim M. , Younan Maher Y. A.
Published: July 2019

Manufacturing processes of polymeric plastic pipes play an important role and effect on their mechanical behavior. These processes cause a significant difference in the mechanical behavior between traditional tensile test specimens from the basic materials and final product of plastic pipes. The present study is focused on the mechanical behavior of ring specimens cut from pipes in the circumferential direction to obtain accurate materials design data during checking the quality of the final product for the plastic pipes. The experimental work is conducted at different crosshead speeds (VC.H = 10–1000 mm min−1) and different loading angles relative to the location of the dumbbell shaped (DBS) (α = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) to study the mechanical properties of the ring hoop tension test (RHTT) specimens. The effect of loading angle of RHTT specimen is investigated at constant crosshead speed equal 50 mm min−1. The tensile test results show that the engineering hoop yield strength is maximized at loading angle, 90° for both single and double configurations compared with all loading angles at crosshead speed 50 mm min−1. The experimental results predict the yield point on the curved surface of DBS configuration based on the vertical displacement of the movable head for tensile testing machine.
Electrowetting‐Assisted Selective Printing of Liquid Metal
Authors: Watson Alexander M. , Cook Alexander B. , Tabor Christopher E.
Published: July 2019

The use of electrowetting‐on‐dielectric to enhance liquid metal extrusion printing is reported. Electrowetting facilitates the controlled deposition of gallium alloys on any substrate, specifically those relevant to radio‐frequency (RF) electronics and other “non‐stick” surfaces. To enhance adhesion on these surfaces, electric fields are applied between liquid metal and an underlying substrate electrode during extrusion. This process, termed as electrowetting‐assisted selective printing (EWASP), allows digital control of the printing process by toggling the voltage, as well as analog control by tuning the amplitude of the applied voltage. EWASP improves the control of the printing process by increasing both the range and selectivity of trace widths, allowing printing on omni‐phobic surfaces, vertically oriented features, and printing liquid metal directly into a prepolymer matrix. Gallium‐based liquid metals such as eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) form an oxide shell which structurally secures the printed metal's shape once voltage is removed. EWASP enables the pattern definition of stable‐printed liquid metal features defined by an underlying electrode and the subsequent transfer to another substrate or encapsulation within elastomers. Pattern transfer is demonstrated by both serial extrusion over electrode features and by a parallel dip‐coating process where the substrate is immersed in liquid metal and extracted with voltage applied, replicating the electrode features in liquid metal.