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The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Insurance Segment Of The Warsaw Stock Exchange, Tadeusz Winkler-Drews

Studia i Materiały Wydział Zarządzania Uniwersytet Warszawski

Purpose: The article aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the insurance sector of the Warsaw Stock Exchange S.A. in 2019–2021.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Quarterly financial reports were used to conduct the study. The economic condition was examined using elements of financial analysis, and the valuation was based on the analysis of market rates of return.

Findings: The results allowed us to conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic harmed the insurance sector of WSE. Due to the differences in the parameters of the size of capitalization, the scope of services provided, the territory of operation and the …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings In Kenyans And South Africans With Active Convulsive Epilepsy: An Observational Study, Symon M. Kariuki, Ryan Wagner, Roxana Gunny, Felice D'Arco, Martha Kombe, Anthony Ngugi, Steven White, Rachel Odhiambo, Helen Cross, Josemir Sander

Population Health, East Africa

Objective: Focal epilepsy is common in low- and middle-income countries. The frequency and nature of possible underlying structural brain abnormalities have, however, not been fully assessed.

Methods: We evaluated the possible structural causes of epilepsy in 331 people with epilepsy (240 from Kenya and 91 from South Africa) identified from community surveys of active convulsive epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired on 1.5-Tesla scanners to determine the frequency and nature of any underlying lesions. We estimated the prevalence of these abnormalities using Bayesian priors (from an earlier pilot study) and observed data (from this study). We used a …

A Novel Hyperparameter Search Approach For Accuracy And Simplicity In Disease Prediction Risk Scoring, Yajun Lu, Thanh Duong, Zhuqi Miao, Thanh Thieu, Jivan Lamichhane, Abdulaziz Ahmed, Durdun Delen

Research, Publications & Creative Work

Objective: Develop a novel technique to identify an optimal number of regression units corresponding to a single risk point, while creating risk scoring systems from logistic regression-based disease predictive models. The optimal value of this hyperparameter balances simplicity and accuracy, yielding risk scores of small scale and high accuracy for patient risk stratification.

Materials and Methods: The proposed technique applies an adapted line search across all potential hyperparameter values. Additionally, DeLong test is integrated to ensure the selected value produces an accuracy insignificantly different from the best achievable risk score accuracy. We assessed the approach through two case studies predicting …

The Purpose And Importance Of Words Of Knowledge When Praying For The Sick, Bruce L. Bauer

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Seventh-day Adventists are not usually known for taking authority over sickness or taking a person by the hand and saying, “In the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise and walk.” And rightly so, for Adventists have been counseled that when praying for the sick “our prayers must take the form, not of command, but of intercession” (White 1942:230, 1915:218). Why, because only God knows what is right and best (White 1948:148, 149). In addition, Ellen White warns against prayers that insist on God doing what people think needs to happen (1948:148) and suggests that God’s people should only pray for …

Evil, Ontology, And Scripture: A Diachronic Analysis Of Augustine Of Hippo's Privatio Boni Concept, Jamie G. Boucher

Dissertations

Augustine of Hippo’s Privatio Boni concept—the idea that evil is not a substance, but the privation of good in a substance—is the most influential early systematic theodical attempt within Christianity to exculpate a good God from responsibility for evil. By approaching Privatio Boni as the intricate interplay of Augustine’s views on evil, ontology, and Scripture, this dissertation aims to clarify misunderstandings surrounding the concept and determine if there is biblical warrant for it. Chapter 1 addresses issues of background, problem, purpose, and justification before introducing a delimited three-staged methodology of establishing context, engaging in diachronic analysis, and conducting a comparative …

Perceptions Towards Integrating A Gender Perspective Into Education: A Study Of Muslim Preservice Teachers In The Philippines, Veronico N. Tarrayo, Ma. Annie Susaya, Delma A. Yuarata

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

: To date, studies exploring Muslim preservice teachers’ views on gender matters in education remain scant. We conducted a qualitative-quantitative survey with 45 Filipino Muslim preservice teachers, ten of whom participated in follow-up email interviews, to explore their perceptions towards integrating a gender perspective into education. The results indicate the participants’ progressive views on fluid gender norms, although they also share conflicting perspectives on gender roles that tend to reinforce gender stereotypes. The preservice teachers also report positive perceptions concerning their institutions’ commitment to gender sensitivity and gender mainstreaming in teacher-education curricula. However, they seem to have unrealistic views on …

Optimizing Biomass Briquette Drying: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach With A Case Study In Mozambique, Fauzia Argentina Guibunda, Sebastian Waita, Francis Wanjala Nyongesa, G Jeffrey Snyder, Jimmy Chaciga

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Biomass fuels remain the primary cooking energy source in many developing regions, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Briquettes made from waste biomass are a sustainable alternative; however, their production is hindered by inefficient drying methods, such as open sun drying, which can take 5 to 7 days. This study evaluates the thermal and airflow performance of a solar tunnel dryer (STD) designed to accelerate drying times for charcoal briquettes under Mozambique's climatic conditions. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, temperature and airflow distributions were analyzed to optimize dryer performance. Moisture and temperature profiles of hexagonal briquettes …

Review On Sizing And Management Of Stand-Alone Pv/Wind Systems With Storage, Guétinsom Jean Kafando, Daniel Yamegueu, Etienne Tchoffo Houdji

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Extending the public electricity grid to rural or peri-urban areas is sometimes very costly and unprofitable due to their remoteness, low population density and sometimes difficult accessibility. In view of this, and in the concern of a sustainable development, the autonomous PV and/or wind power systems is increasingly used. However, these fluctuating source systems remain unreliable due especially to their intermittent nature, what justifies the integration of battery storage systems to them. They are also still expensive, particularly in the African context, limiting their access to the greatest number of the population. In addition to these problems of cost and …

Determinants Of Market Outlet Choices By Smallholder Mango Farmers In Aleta Chuko District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia: A Multivariate Probit Approach, Tibebu Legesse, Aneteneh Ashebir, Zerhun Ganewo, Abera Alemu, Andachew Samuel

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Selecting appropriate market outlets offer the opportunity for farmers to capture a bigger share of the price paid by final consumers. However, smallholder farmers in developing countries are still confronted with myriad challenges regarding selecting profitable market outlets. Thus, the main objective of this study was to analyze determi-nants of market outlet choices by smallholder mango farmers in Aleta Chuko District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia. The study’s representative 391 sample mango producers were selected using a multi-stage sample selection technique and a cross-sectional research approach. Descriptive statistics and the multivariate probit model were used to analyze the data. The result of …

Genomic Epidemiology Of Rift Valley Fever Virus Involved In The 2018 And 2022 Outbreaks In Livestock In Rwanda, Isidore Nsengimana, John Juma, Kristina Roesel, Methode N. Gasana, Fabrice Ndayisenga, Claude M. Muvunyi, Emmanuel Hakizimana, Jean N. Hakizimana, Gillian Eastwood, Augustino A. Chengula, Bernard Bett, Christopher J. Kasanga, Samuel O. Oyola

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Rift Valley fever (RVF), a mosquito-borne transboundary zoonosis, was first confirmed in Rwanda’s livestock in 2012 and since then sporadic cases have been reported almost every year. In 2018, the country experienced its first large outbreak, which was followed by a second one in 2022. To determine the circulating virus lineages and their ancestral origin, two genome sequences from the 2018 outbreak, and thirty-six, forty-one, and thirty-eight sequences of small (S), medium (M), and large (L) genome segments, respectively, from the 2022 outbreak were generated. All of the samples from the 2022 outbreak were collected from slaughterhouses. Both maximum likelihood …

Desalination Performance In Versatile Capacitive/Battery Deionization Configurations Using A Cation Intercalating Electrode, Bethwel Kipchirchir Tarus, Zahid Ullah, Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande, Karoli Nicholas Njau, Jeehye Byun, Moon Son

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an alternative desalination technique for low-to-moderate salinity feeds. Despite significant advances in electrode material design, CDI's thermodynamic energy efficiency (TEE) remains low and has become important in assessing feasibility for real-world applications. Innovative cell configurations are key to improving TEE; however, their performance trends need to be contextualized, given the scattered information that can be challenging to compare. This study evaluates various desalination cells, including conventional CDI, single- and multi-channel asymmetric CDI, and multi-channel battery deionization (BDI). Using MoS₂ as a representative intercalating material, the position of active sites on composite electrodes …

Music And Perceived Stress: An Investigation Into The Effects Of Music On Chemistry Students' Perceived Stress Levels, Alice Young, Eric Malina

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Music has long been a prevalent intervention when trying to lower stress in certain populations (Thoma et al., 2013). This study aimed to explore the possible usefulness of music as an intervention for students experiencing stress in the chemistry laboratory setting. Students in general chemistry laboratories were surveyed regarding their stress at the ends of periods in which music was or was not played in their laboratory classes. While the results were not statistically significant, mean stress scores did lower in those groups where music was played. Further research into this topic should focus on type of music, the effects …

Theorizing Cultural Appropriation: Complications Of Globalization And Power In Hybrid K-Pop, David C. Oh

Media Studies - All Scholarship

The purpose of this paper is to theorize cultural appropriation using a critical perspective that centers structural inequity and uneven global power by examining the case of South Korean media. This paper argues that cultural appropriation is a particular form of intercultural borrowing that relies on structural inequities of power, whereby a more powerful culture takes from a less powerful culture in such a way that it causes structural and representational harm to the borrowed culture. To clarify cultural appropriation as a particular form of cultural borrowing, I provide a typology of different forms of cultural borrowing before positing six …

Immersive Storytelling As A Technology, A Practice, And An Experience, Nick Bowman, Lyndsay Gratch, Dan Pacheco, Tamara Makana Chock

Media Studies - All Scholarship

This thematic issue explores the transformative potential and challenges of immersive storytelling through extended technologies. While these technologies have been hailed as potential “empathy machines” that will encourage perspective-taking and understanding of others, they have also been critiqued for being distracting or engaging in identity tourism. Essays in this collection further demonstrated the complexities of extended reality storytelling. Collectively, these essays reflect ongoing dialogues about the efficacy of extended reality in conveying meaningful narratives, urging a nuanced understanding of technology’s role in storytelling. This collection serves as a catalyst for future explorations into where and how to craft immersive narratives …

Route Competition In Hong Kong's Aviation Industry, Yizhang Qiu, Sinchit Lai

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

Open sky policies have been implemented for decades, giving birth to many airline newcomers from diverse backgrounds lifting off into liberalized skies. EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Southwest Airlines are examples of independent budget airlines, branding the outcome of aviation liberalization and contributing to interoute competition through their networks. However, Hong Kong International Airport, which aspires to be a better and greater air hub, is crowded with local carriers, and the airport flight timetables rarely show the presence of non-local budget airlines or competing routes. This Article examines the importance of interoute competition and the role that budget airlines play …

Front Matter

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

No abstract provided.

Treaties Establishing Icao And Imo – A Comparative Study, Ruwantissa Indranath Abeyratne

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

The comparison between air law and maritime law reveals both similarities and distinctions rooted in the unique frameworks of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and The International Maritime Organization (IMO). While both entities were established through separate treaties, the Chicago Convention birthed ICAO, emphasizing the organization’s Assembly, Council, and auxiliary bodies. In contrast, the IMO Convention, also known as the Convention on the International Maritime Organization, forms the basis for IMO’s structure and functions as outlined in its preamble. The core objectives of IMO revolve around fostering collaboration among governments to enhance regulatory frameworks for international maritime trade. This …

Front Matter

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

No abstract provided.

Inventory Management System For Medical Stores In A Primary Health Care Centre In Jada, Adamawa State, Nigeria, Daniel Dzarma Ezra, G Delga, N Nyor, K. T Dagba, M. A Samuel

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Efficient inventory management is crucial for the success of any organization or establishment. Hence, the objective of this paper was to focus on the inventory management system by developing an optimal inventory policy for Medical Stores in a Primary Health Care Centre in Jada, Adamawa State, Nigeria using a multiitem inventory model with the assistance of Excel spreadsheets. Results obtain revealed that the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) for the Primary Health Care centre under investigation is optimal at 0.0086. This EOQ aligns with the storage capacity of 10,287 square meters, which closely meets the original storage capacity requirement of 10,288 …

Enhancing Identification Of Meteorological And Biological Targets Using The Depolarization Ratio For Weather Radar: A Case Study Of Faw Outbreak In Rwanda, Fidele Maniraguha, Anthony Vodacek, Kwang Soo Kim, Emmanuel Ndashimye, Gerard Rushingabigwi

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Leveraging weather radar technology for environmental monitoring, particularly the detection of biometeors like birds, bats, and insects, presents a significant challenge due to the dynamic nature of their behavior. Unlike hydrometeor targets, biometeor targets exhibit arbitrary changes in direction and position, which significantly alter radar wave polarization upon scattering. This study addresses this challenge by introducing a novel methodology utilizing Rwanda’s C-Band Polarization Radar. Our approach exploits the capabilities of dual-polarization radar by analyzing parameters such as differential reflectivity (ZDR) and correlation coefficient (RHOHV) to derive the Depolarization Ratio (DR). While existing radar metrics offer valuable insights, they have limitations …

Hybridization Of Learning Techniques And Quantum Mechanism For Iiot Security: Applications, Challenges, And Prospects, Ismaeel Abiodun Sikiru, Ahmed Dooguy Kora, Eugène C. Ezin, Agbotiname Lucky Imoize, Chun-Ta Li

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

his article describes our point of view regarding the security capabilities of classical learning algorithms (CLAs) and quantum mechanisms (QM) in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) ecosystem. The heterogeneity of the IIoT ecosystem and the inevitability of the security paradigm necessitate a systematic review of the contributions of the research community toward IIoT security (IIoTsec). Thus, we obtained relevant contributions from five digital repositories between the period of 2015 and 2024 inclusively, in line with the established systematic literature review procedure. In the main part, we analyze a variety of security loopholes in the IIoT and categorize them into …

Enhanced Neonatal Screening For Sickle Cell Disease: Human-Guided Deep Learning With Cnn On Isoelectric Focusing Images, Kpangni Alex Jérémie Koua, Cheikh Talibouya Diop, Lamine Diop, Mamadou Diop

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Accurate detection of abnormal hemoglobin variations is paramount for early diagnosis of sickle cell disease (SCD) in newborns. Traditional methods using isoelectric focusing (IEF) with agarose gels are technician-dependent and face limitations like inconsistent image quality and interpretation challenges. This study proposes a groundbreaking solution using deep learning (DL) and artificial intelligence (AI) while ensuring human guidance throughout the process. The system analyzes IEF gel images with convolutional neural networks (CNNs), achieving over 98% accuracy in identifying various SCD profiles, far surpassing the limitations of traditional methods. Furthermore, the system addresses ambiguities by incorporating an “Unconfirmed” category for unclear cases …

Using Wavelet Transform And Hybrid Cnn – Lstm Models On Voc & Ultrasound Iot Sensor Data For Non-Visual Maize Disease Detection, Theofrida Maginga, Emmanuel Masabo, Pierre Bakunzibake, Kwang-Soo Kim, Jimmy Nsenga

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Early detection of plant diseases is crucial for safeguarding crop yield, especially in regions vulnerable to food insecurity, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. One of the significant contributors to maize crop yield loss is the Northern Leaf Blight (NLB), which traditionally takes 14–21 days to visually manifest on maize. This study introduces a novel approach for detecting NLB as early as 4–5 days using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, which can identify the disease before any visual symptoms appear. Utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) models, nonvisual measurements of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and ultrasound …

An Android-Based Internet Of Medical Things Adaptive User Authentication And Authorization Model For The Elderly, Prudence Munyaradzi Mavhemwa, Marco Zennaro, Philibert Nsengiyumva, Frederic Nzanywayingoma

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Globally, 77% of the elderly aged 65 and above suffer from multiple chronic ailments, according to recent research. However, several barriers within the healthcare system in the developing world hinder the adoption of home-based patient management, hence the need for the IoMT, whose application raises security concerns, particularly in authentication. Several authentication techniques have been proposed; however, they lack a balance of security and usability. This paper proposes a Naive Bayes based adaptive user authentication app that calculates the risk associated with a login attempt on an Android device for elderly users, using their health conditions, risk score, and available …

Advances In Silicon–Carbon Composites Anodes Derived From Agro Wastes For Applications In Lithium-Ion Battery: A Review, Victoria Adetomilola Fafure, Daniel Barasa Bem, Stanley Wambugu Kahuthu, Michael Oluwatosin Bodunrin, Abosede Adefunke Fabuyide, Christianah Ajanaku

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Recently, the growing demand for high-performing batteries and different environmental challenges (such include global warming and climate change) have increased the requirement and demand for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in advanced technologies (i.e., electric cars and many others). To meet this increasing demand, there is an urgent need for more advanced technologies and materials. In the pursuit of developing anode materials, silicon has emerged as the utmost favourable choice for the next generation of LIBs, aiming to substitute the commonly used graphite. Carbon is commonly used to render silicon (Si) suitable for use since Si cannot be used directly as …

Control Systems In Renewable Energy: A Review Of Applications In Canada, Usa, And Africa. World Journal Of Advanced Engineering Technology And Sciences, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Cosmas Dominic Daudu, Valentine Ikenna Illojianya, Victoria Adetomilola Fafure, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe, Bright Ngozichukwu

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

This research explores the applications of control systems in renewable energy across Canada, the United States, and Africa. It underscores their pivotal role in optimizing efficiency and reliability by examining supervisory, predictive, and adaptive control strategies. The literature review delves into global and regional renewable energy landscapes, emphasizing unique challenges and opportunities. Technological innovations, including advanced monitoring, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, are investigated, highlighting their transformative impact. The paper anticipates prospects such as quantum computing, decentralized systems, and heightened cybersecurity measures. The findings contribute to understanding the nuanced interplay between control systems and renewable energy, offering insights for policymakers, researchers, …

Advancements In Energy Storage Technologies: A Review Across Canada, Usa, And Africa, Bright Ngozichukwu, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe, Victoria Adetomilola Fafure, Cosmas Dominic Daudu, Valentine Ikenna Illojianya

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

This research explores recent advancements in energy storage technologies across Canada, the United States, and Africa, assessing their economic and environmental impacts. In Canada, the focus is on optimizing renewable integration and grid resilience. The United States witnesses growth in utility-scale projects, influencing grid reliability and fostering economic development. In Africa, off-grid and decentralized solutions address energy access challenges. The financial implications include job creation, industry growth, and cost savings, while environmental benefits range from reduced emissions to improved air quality. Future trends highlight technological advancements, integration with electric vehicles, and regulatory support. Collaborative efforts are essential for navigating these …

Integration Of Renewable Energy In Industrial Operations: Experiences From Canada, Usa, And Africa, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Adetomilola Victoria Fafure, Valentine Ikenna I Illojianya, Bright Ngozichukwu, Cosmas Dominic Daudu, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

This research paper explores integrating renewable energy into industrial operations, drawing insights from experiences in Canada, the United States, and various African nations. Against a global imperative to transition towards sustainable energy sources, the study delves into this transformative process's economic, environmental, and technological dimensions. The economic implications encompass a detailed analysis of upfront capital costs, return on investment, and broader considerations such as job creation and market competitiveness. Environmental impacts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air and water quality, underscore the transformative potential of renewable energy integration. The technological landscape, marked by innovations in renewable energy technologies …

Green Data Centers: Sustainable Practices For Energy-Efficient It Infrastructure, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Peter Efosa Ohenhen, Aniekan Akpan Umoh, Bright Ngozichukwu, Victoria Adetomilola Fafure, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

The digital age has led to a surge in connectivity, innovation, and information exchange, but it has also led to escalating energy consumption by data centers. Green data centers have emerged as a transformative solution, embodying a commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge technologies. Key principles of green data centers include energyefficient hardware, renewable energy integration, advanced cooling systems, and resource optimization strategies. Energy-efficient hardware involves replacing outdated servers, storage systems, and network equipment with energy-efficient alternatives, such as virtualization technologies. This reduces power consumption and sets the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced data center …

Sustainable Cooling Solutions For Electronics: A Comprehensive Review: Investigating The Latest Techniques And Materials, Their Effectiveness In Mechanical Applications, And Associated Environmental Benefits, Peter Efosa Ohenhen, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Aniekan Akpan Umoh, Bright Ngozichukwu, Adetomilola Victoria Fafure, Valentine Ikenna Ilojianya, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

This study presents a comprehensive review of the latest techniques and materials in sustainable cooling solutions for electronic systems, focusing on their effectiveness in mechanical applications and associated environmental benefits. The primary aim is to assess the current state and future prospects of sustainable cooling technologies, highlighting their role in addressing thermal management challenges while minimizing environmental impacts. The methodology adopted is a systematic literature review, drawing data from peer-reviewed academic journals, conference proceedings, and industry reports. The search strategy involved keyword searches, database filtering, and reference tracking, with a focus on recent advancements in cooling technologies and their environmental …