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Design And Optimization Of Eco-Friendly Biocomposite Films For Packaging Applications Using Response Surface Methodology, Ba Omoike, Fe Okieimen, C Imoisi

Tanzania Journal of Science

The use of synthetic polymers as packaging materials constitutes environmental pollution due to the accumulation of plastic waste after they are discarded. This study aimed at preparing and optimizing an environmental-friendly carboxymethyl starch/PVA/kaolin composite film using response surface methodology to develop potential solutions for replacing synthetic packaging and optimize the formulation of the biocomposite films. The biocomposite films were prepared by solution casting method. The interactive effect of carboxymethyl starch (CMS) (2.0-5.0 g), poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) (0.0-3.0 g) and kaolin (0.00-0.22 g) on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), percentage elongation at break (%EB) and water vapour permeability (WVP) were determined. The …

Analysis Of Unsteady Convective Boundary Layer Flow With Magnetic Fields, Chemical Reaction, Thermal Radiation And Variable Fluid Properties, Jonas A. James, Makungu J. Ng’Oga, Augustino I. Msigwa, Ali A. Omary

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study extends the previous work by Kitengeso et al. (2018) by investigating unsteady convective boundary layer flow, incorporating magnetic fields, chemical reactions, radiation, and variable fluid properties over the inclined plate. The boundary layer and Boussinesq approximations are used to derive the magnetohydrodynamic flow equations. Thereafter, the equations are transformed into similarity form using similarity variables and then solved using the 4th order Runge - Kutta method. The key parameters such as the magnetic parameter, chemical reaction rate, variable fluid properties, unsteadiness, convection, and radiation parameter significantly affect flow behavior over an inclined plane. It was found that increasing …

Mathematical Modelling And Analysis For The Co-Infection Of Viral And Bacterial Diseases: A Systematic Review Protocol, Timothy Kiprono Yano, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Julia Collins, Ute Mueller, Steven Richardson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Breaking the chain of transmission of an infectious disease pathogen is a major public health priority. The challenges of understanding, describing and predicting the transmission dynamics of infections have led to a wide range of mathematical, statistical and biological research problems. Advances in diagnostic laboratory procedures with the ability to test multiple pathogens simultaneously mean that co-infections are increasingly being detected, yet little is known about the impact of co-infections in shaping the course of an infection, infectivity, and pathogen replication rate. This is particularly true of the apparent synergistic effects of viral and bacterial co-infections, which present the …

2024 - Tennessee Annual Climate Summary, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Monthly Reports

No abstract provided.

Catalyzing Meteorological Insights With A Cost-Effective Weather Monitoring System, Ariful Alam, Sidratula Muntaha, Poonam Munshi, Israt Khan, Rakibul Islam, Jamil Bhuian, Md.Yasir Arafat, Md. Ridwanul Hasan

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest alarming phenomena of this decade is the tremendous fluctuations in the weather and climate. Therefore, different types of surveys, investigations, and research are required in this regard in every region. A low-cost weather monitoring system can be implemented in every educational and research institute to collect and analyze different types of weather-related data. This study establishes the method of developing such a system and analyzing data in a simplified way which the data gathered during thunderstorms and cyclonic activity in Bangladesh. The system was designed with Proteus 8 professional software and developed by using a …

Assessing The Environmental Impact Of Municipal Solid Waste, Ojo Oluwayinka Florence, Olaniyan Olatunji Sunday, Akolade Adebola Saheed, Alabi Oluwaseyi Omotayo, Olaomotito Precious Adesope, Adebayo Kehinde John

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management presents significant environmental challenges, especially with increasing urbanization and population growth. This study assesses the environmental impacts of MSW, focusing on waste composition, management practices, and their effects on air, water, and soil quality. The primary objective is to evaluate how MSW contributes to environmental degradation and to explore strategies for mitigating these impacts. A hypothesis was developed that optimizing waste composition through proper sorting and treatment can reduce the environmental footprint of MSW management by at least 10% in terms of leachate production and greenhouse gas emissions. Samples were collected using a randomized sampling …

Assessing Potential Energy Sustainability Of Micro-Hydropower System Through A Sustainable Indicator Approach, Icmi Alif Safitri, Muhammad Sulaiman, Rachmawan Budiarto

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

The development of micro-scale renewable energy power generation systems, such as micro-hydropower (MHP), often needs more consideration for sustainability during the planning stages. Many small-scale renewable energy systems have shorter-than-expected lifespans, jeopardizing Indonesia's Net Zero Emission Target for 2060 or earlier. Despite this, only some studies have examined the long-term viability of installed renewable energy generation projects, particularly MHP plants not managed by state-owned companies or PLN (Pembangkit Listrik Negara). The primary objectives of this research are to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting and assess the potential sustainability of a decommissioned MHP in Banjarnegara, Central Java. A cash flow analysis …

Determining The De-Dieselisation Priorities Of Distributed Diesel Generators In An Electricity Company, Kresna Nurdianto, Ratih Dyah Kusumastuti

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

The Indonesian Electricity Company (PLN) is one of the main players in the energy transition in Indonesia, and the company plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. One way to do this is by implementing the de-dieselisation program, i.e. reducing the use of diesel power plants (PLTD) with new energy and renewable power plants. The Indonesian electricity supply business plan (RUPTL) 2021-2030 targets the reduction of electricity supply from PLTD by 87% by 2030. The program requires a method to determine the order of priorities of PLTDs to be de-dieselised. This research uses multicriteria decision making, namely, analytical hierarchy …

Impact Of Urban Development On Uv Exposure: A Clustering And Machine Learning Assessment, Taufik Roni Sahroni Mr., Verdi Yasin, Lulut Alfaris, Reza Ariefka, Ruben Cornelius Siagian, Mohammad Alfin Karim, Nana Rahdiana, Ade Suhara

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

The relocation of Indonesia's capital city is anticipated to promote inclusive economic growth while embracing cultural diversity. However, this transition may affect ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure patterns. The study investigated variations in UV exposure in the IKN region, focusing on urban development factors such as land use and population density that affect public health, sun protection, and skin cancer prevention. The research hypothesized that UV radiation is significantly correlated with these factors. UV Index data from 2010-2023, a hierarchical clustering method, identifies complex data patterns without determining the number of clusters. XGBoost, a machine learning model, was used for handling …

Sustainable Practices And Green Marketing In Healthcare Sector: Visual Trends And Future Insight, Muhammad Alfarizi, Lissa Rosdiana Noer

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

The healthcare sector faces critical challenges, including climate change, rising healthcare demands, and resource inefficiencies, making sustainability a priority. This study investigates the integration of sustainable practices and green marketing within the healthcare sector using a bibliometric analysis of 194 journal articles published from 2015 to 2024. Key research questions explore evolving trends, thematic areas, and gaps in the literature to address sustainability issues. The study employs a rigorous five-phase bibliometric methodology, utilizing Scopus database data and tools like Bibliometrix and VOSViewer to identify key themes and relationships. The research demonstrates an annual growth rate of 56.24%, reflecting the rising …

Modelling The Effects Of Antiretroviral Therapy On Kidney Diseases Among Hiv Infected Individuals In Tanzania, Janeth Pancras Mchwampaka, Eunice Mureithi, Nyimvua Shaban Mbare

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study examined the role of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the dynamics of kidney diseases among HIV-infected individuals. A deterministic model was formulated for the dynamics of kidney disease in HIV-infected people with HAART as treatment in the model. Numerical simulations showed that though HAART reduces HIV progression to the AIDS stage, there is an increase in HIV-related kidney diseases. Also, the result obtained in this study showed that reducing the effective contact rate of HIV and improving the effectiveness of HAART by 99% in preventing the progression from HIV without symptoms group to HIV-related kidney diseases can …

Mathematical Analysis Of Monkeypox Transmission Dynamics With Control Strategie, Singo Juma Singo, Furaha Michael Chuma, Zubeda Seif Mussa

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study develops a mathematical model to analyze the transmission dynamics of Monkeypox and evaluate the effectiveness of control strategies. The model is formulated as a system of nonlinear differential equations, capturing key factors such as human-to-human transmission, zoonotic reservoirs, and control measures like vaccination, culling, personal hygiene and treatment. The model's equilibrium points, including the disease-free and endemic equilibria, are determined and analyzed for stability using the effective reproduction number, Re. Conditions under which Re<1 ensure the elimination of Monkeypox, while Re>1 indicates sustained transmission. A sensitivity analysis is performed to identify parameters that significantly influence Re​, such as the contact rate, effectiveness of control …

A Retrospective Analysis Of The Effects Of Pneumonia And Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease On Patient Mortality In Southwest Missouri, Cameron Smith, Monika Ziogaite, Lindsay Doolan-Mattice, Heather Vonhegel, Mariam Akhtar, Nova Beyersdorfer, Kerry Johnson, John Paulson

Student Publications

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of COPD and pneumonia on the mortality rates among patients admitted to the Freeman Health System in Southwest Missouri, to provide a better idea of whether there is a correlation between the two and whether the presence of both adds to the mortality rates. Patient data were extracted from electronic medical records, focusing on patients with or without COPD and pneumonia diagnoses. Analyses revealed a statistical difference, with a p-value of <0.0001, in mortality rates between COPD patients with (P1) and without (P3) pneumonia, indicating that pneumonia did have an impact on COPD patients. However, pneumonia patients without COPD (P2) had a higher, but non-statistical difference in mortality rates compared to COPD patients with pneumonia (P1), with a p-value of 0.0806. These findings emphasize the severe influence of pneumonia in both COPD and non-COPD populations in the area, warranting further investigation and emphasizing the importance of timely and appropriate treatment. These results provide insights into the interplay between COPD and pneumonia in the geographic area, which may provide guidance in treatment decisions that may improve patient outcomes.

2024 Scholarly Productivity Report, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Scholarly Productivity Reports

No abstract provided.

Ai-Assisted Academia: Unveiling Doctoral Students' Perspectives On Dissertation In Practice Innovation, Jennifer J. Lesh, Jévaughn J. Lancaster

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This action research study explores 73 doctoral students' perceptions of using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) throughout their research journey in one educational doctorate (Ed.D) program. The first phase employed surveys, while the second incorporated semi-structured focus group interviews based on the survey data from a diverse sample of students across educational disciplines currently enrolled in the university's educational leadership doctoral program. In the study's first phase, the survey quantified educators' familiarity with, attitudes towards, perceived challenges, ethical considerations, and benefits of using GAI in doctoral research. The exploration of GAI in this practitioner-inspired doctoral program has uncovered essential insights into …

Art Inquiries, Xix:1, Full Issue, Mysoon Rizk

Art Inquiries

No abstract provided.

Surveying The Role Of Visual Analytics In Human-Machine Teaming, Naga Datha Saikiran Battula

Theses

Humans and machines both possess their unique capabilities and have their strengths and weaknesses, which can be complementary to one another and allow them to achieve a common goal. Teaming in the modern era involves text prompts, voice commands, gesture recognition, touch interfaces, and the latest visualization techniques that allow parties/agents to interact. Communication through visualization plays a vital role in allowing robust insights to be gained through a glance. Using visualization as a medium between humans and machines can increase the communication bandwidth. Human-machine teaming has witnessed much progress, with many theories and practical examples emerging. In the report, …

Automated Segmentation Of The Ulnar Nerve In Mri Using Deep Learning Techniques, Akhil Nagulapalli

Theses

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS), a condition caused by compression of the ulnar nerve, results in numbness, tingling, pain, and even muscle atrophy, affecting fine motor skills and diminishing patient quality of life. Accurate diagnosis of CuTS is challenging, as current diagnostic methods—including clinical exams, nerve conduction studies, and unaided MRI—often lack the precision to reliably identify the nerve and detect compression in its early stages. Deep learning-based segmentation offers a promising solution, enabling precise and automated identification of nerve structures in MRI images, which could significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and support timely intervention.

A novel deep learning model for segmenting …

Adopting Association Rule Learning For Detecting And Ranking Influential Users On Hashtags, Layal Abu Daher, Islam Elkabani, Rashed Zantout

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Social Media platforms are networks of relationships in which users are considered as nodes in a graph and relationships between users are considered edges. These graphs symbolize online groups or communities. It has been a challenge for researchers to study the evolution of such communities due to their rapid and dynamic development. The contribution of our work is twofold: (i) studying the effectiveness of a set of Direct and Indirect Influence Measures that identify the factors that urges users to participate in certain communities; (ii) proposing an Association Rule Mining technique to identify influential users on a dataset of a …

Cropsync: Ai-Powered Sustainable Crop Management, Ziad Doughan, Ibrahim Mneimneh, Zouheir Nakouzi, Noor Al Khaib, Samer Damaj, Jamal Chaaban, Hamza Mrad, Sari Itani

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

CropSync is a smart agriculture system that uses AI and IoT technologies to enable sustain- able crop management and precision farming. The system aims to address the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, such as increasing food production to meet global population demands while minimizing environmental impact. CropSync integrates sensors, cameras, and cloud-based analytics to provide farmers with real-time insights and recommendations for optimizing crop cul- tivation. The system upholds engineering professional and ethical standards, considering broader social, environmental, and economic implications. From a social perspective, CropSync improves food security and enhances farmers’ livelihoods through increased productivity and efficient re- …

Designed For Limb Loss: An Artificial Intelligence-Based Bionic Prosthetic Arm Transition From Simulation To Reality, Amira J. Zaylaa Dr., Imane Haidar, Ziad Doughan, Mohammad Moumnieh, Hamza Mrad, Ali M. Haidar

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Limb or organ loss of human remains challenging especially in the world of incessant reliance on touch-based screens and tasks. Thereby, patients can barely withstand and cope with the augmenting restrictions that they encounter due to this loss. Modern means and technologies, such as advanced and artificial parts reduced restrictions on patients with disabilities or a lost limb or organ. Hand prostheses, for instance, provided a powerful tool for improving the functional capabilities of human limbs, thereby improving the quality of life of the user. However, patients using prosthetic arms are still encountering numerous problems, such as, suffering from intact …

The Faithfulness Of An Extension Of Lawrence-Krammer-Bigelow Representation On The Group Of Conjugating Automorphisms $C_N$ In The Cases $N=3$ And $N=4$, Mohamad Nasser

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Let $C_n$ be the group of conjugating automorphisms. V. Bardakov defined a representation $\rho$ of $C_n$, which is an extension of Lawrence-Krammer-Bigelow representation of the braid group $B_n$. Bardakov proved that the representation $\rho$ is unfaithful for $n \geq 5$. The cases $n=3,4$ remain open. M. N. Nasser and M. N. Abdulrahim made attempts towards the faithfulness of $\rho$ in the case $n=3$. In this work, we prove that $\rho$ is unfaithful in the both cases $n=3$ and $n=4$.

A Novel Format For Math Circles: Circles With No Center, Frederick A. Peck, Ian P. Renga, Nick Grener, David R. Erickson, Matt B. Roscoe, Ke Wu

Journal of Math Circles

This paper shares a novel format for Math Circles, which we call “circles with no center.” Circles with no center do not have a traditional facilitator. The problem or activity is novel to everyone in the room. All members engage in mathematical inquiry, and everyone takes responsibility for running the gathering. The “no center” format has benefits for participants and organizers. For participants, the format offers more freedom and more responsibility. For organizers, the format is easier to organize, more fun, and involves less pressure. Our assessment of a 3-day retreat for teachers suggests participants may prefer a circle with …

Navigating Wound Closure Strategies: Primary Closure Vs. Delayed Primary Closure In Digestive Surgery—A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis On Surgical Site Infections, Lam Sihardo, Arnetta Nl Lalisang, Afid B. Putra, Bagus A. Suryawiditya

The New Ropanasuri Journal of Surgery

Introduction. Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant concern following digestive surgery, with varying incidence rates based on wound contamination levels. The choice between Primary Closure (PC) and Delayed Primary Closure (DPC) impacts SSI occurrence, making it essential to evaluate their comparative effectiveness. DPC is hypothesized superior to PC to prevent SSI or wound infection after a contaminated abdominal surgery.

Methods. This systematic review study was carried out through PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane (CENTRAL). Quality was assessed using Risk of Bias (ROB-2) tool. All results were summarized, and quantitative analysis was performed using a random-effect model. This study …

Quantitative Analysis Of Machine Learning Model Performance And The Need To Consider Explainability, Vishnu S. Pendyala

Open Educational Resources

This presentation, titled "Quantitative analysis of Machine Learning model performance and the need to consider explainability," delves into various metrics used for evaluating machine learning models. It thoroughly examines fundamental classification metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F-score, while also discussing more advanced measures such as the Kappa Statistic and Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), particularly highlighting their relevance in scenarios with imbalanced datasets. The presentation underscores the importance of model accuracy in real-world applications and briefly introduces regression metrics like R-squared and F-statistic. Additionally, it addresses challenges related to data imbalance and fairness in ML models, stressing the critical need …

Identifying The Types Of Collective Engagement Structures That Manifest In Middle Grade Mathematics Classrooms, Tye G. Campbell, Michael A. Lawson, Erin Rich, Sheunghyun Yeo, W. Boden Robertson

Teacher Education and Leadership Faculty Publications

While the potential of collaborative problem solving in mathematics is well known, facilitating effective group work is often challenging. One reason for this persistent difficulty educators face with collaborative problem solving can be traced to research and practice models that are not well-equipped to attend to the complexity of group work. The emerging construct of “collective engagement structures” represents one novel framework designed to attend to the complexity and variation of individual and group experience in collaborative problem solving. This study extends initial theorizing on collective engagement by offering descriptive accounts of the different types of collective engagement structures that …

Multidisciplinary Collaboration For The Integration Of Ai In Slavic Languages And Literatures: The Learning Lab Model, Anna Ivanov

Russian Language Journal

The Learning Lab at Harvard University's Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning employs graduate students as Media and Design Fellows (MDFs) to support innovative pedagogy in their departments. Over the last few years and in its Summer of AI, the Learning Lab has explored AI and its applications and implications in education. As such, the Lab, its staff, and its MDFs have developed and run well-structured, intellectually rigorous learning opportunities for many departments. For the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, the Learning Lab used AI in language and literature workshops. This paper presents a few case studies of …

Ang Tanawing Pangwika Bilang Pook-Lunan Ng Mga Usaping Pangwika Sa Pilipinas, Ian Mark P. Nibalvos

Malay Journal

Ang negatibong pagtingin ng mga Pilipino sa kanilang mga sarili ay mababakas sa sitwasyon ng wikang Filipino at ng mga lokal at dayuhang wika sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagtingin at pag-usisa sa ating kapaligiran partikular ang wikang makikita rito na tinatawag na tanawing pangwika o linguistic landscape (LL). Ito ang sitwasyong nais suriin ng papel na ito, partikular ang ipinahihiwatig ng mga pag-aaral kaugnay sa tanawing pangwika sa iba’t ibang pook sa bansa na may tuon sa tinatawag na “top-down signs” o mga karatula o signages na ginawa o nagmula sa pamahalaan o mga ahensiyang pampamahalaan. Partikular na nais …

The Challenges Of Teaching Fine Arts In Federal Government Colleges In Adamawa State, Nigeria, Muhammad Sani Yahaya, Mohammadu Yahaya Waziri, Nasruddeen Abubakar

Jurnal Sosial Humaniora Terapan

This paper was a survey carried out to identify the challenges of teaching Fine Arts in Federal Government Colleges in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The hypothesis is HO₁: There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of teachers and students on the challenges of teaching Fine Arts in these colleges. The research instrument was made up of a questionnaire which was divided into two sections with parts I to III. The Colleges studied were Federal Government College-Ganye, Federal Government Technical College- Michika and Federal Government Girls’ College- Yola. Eighteen Fine Arts’ teachers and ninety students were purposively sampled. …

Impact Of Chia Seed Ingestion And Physical Activity On Insulin Resistance And Triglyceride Levels In Men And Women, Ali Abdulraheem Jabbar, Maysaa Jalal Majeed, Muataz Fawzi Hussein

Modern Sport

The Chia seeds are a herbaceous plant native to southern Mexico and Guatemala. They have many nutritional and medicinal uses because they contain fibers, minerals and vitamins. These components have a significant impact on insulin resistance, which is considered a source of risk for many diseases, most notably type 2 diabetes. High levels of triglycerides. It is considered a source of danger for many diseases, the most important of which is heart disease. This study aims to evaluate the effect of consuming chia seeds on parameters of insulin resistance and triglyceride levels in individuals who suffer from insulin resistance. The …