Simulation Of Distribution Research Articles

Effect of Operating Cash Flow on Stock Return of Firms Listed In Nairobi Security Exchange

The main aim of the paper was to establish the effect of operating cash flow on stock return of firms listed in NSE. The study was informed by Free Cash Flow (FCF) theory. Census survey was adapted to review financial statements for 29 listed non-financial firms at NSE that had consistent data for all the study variables. Secondary data was extracted for 12 years from 2007-2019 with the aid of a data collection sheet. Explanatory research design which is panel in nature was followed by this study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. Panel data regression was used to make inferences and test research hypothesis. Fixed and Random effects methods were used to analyze the balanced panel data using STATA statistical package and Hausman test established that Random effect model was the most ideal method to analyze data in this study. The findings indicated that operating cash flow positively and significantly influenced the stock returns for firms listed at NSE. The study concludes that operating cash flow information affects stock returns. Therefore, the study advocates for firms to increase their levels of operating cash flows through prudent utilization of cash resources since it enhances the stock returns.

Sustainable films containing AIE-active berberine-based nanoparticles: A promising antibacterial food packaging

Plastic pollution and food spoilage have drawn public attention, which may cause a great threat to the global environment and human health. Therefore, natural antimicrobial packaging has a pivotal share in solving these problems. In this study, biodegradable and antibacterial packaging films were successfully prepared via incorporating self-assembled berberine-cinnamic acid nanoparticles (BC NPs) into the film matrixes. With the addition of BC NPs, the UV-shielding property, hydrophobicity, and thermal stability of packaging were apparently improved. Meanwhile, the films also held considerable mechanical property and good biocompatibility, where the migrations of films in two food simulants were all far less than the permitted limits. Furthermore, nanocomposite films (NFs) exhibited strong antibacterial ability against both E. coli and S. aureus. By measuring the fluorescence spectrum and ROS production of films, we certificated NFs were AIE-active, and the antimicrobial activity of NFs was significantly enhanced under white light. Finally, the packaging test further indicated NFs could inhibit microbial growth of chicken samples well. The sustainable NFs will be ideal candidate materials to replace plastics and extend the shelf life of food products.

Replication package for Effective Blackbox Testing with Failure Feedback

Replication package for Effective Blackbox Testing with Failure Feedback

Replication package for Effective Blackbox Testing with Failure Feedback

Replication package for Effective Blackbox Testing with Failure Feedback

(초)소형위성의 New Space 대응 및 산업화 전략

In this paper, the New Space characteristics and response of micro & small satellite, and space industrialization strategy using domestic technologies are described. Recently, micro & small satellites are developed worldwide, including Starlink, having the characteristics of low-cost, light-weight and satellite constellation. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for the constellation operation by considering the use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts, satellite weight, shape and mass production. In particular, it is necessary to develop Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) technology in consideration of the frequency interference during constellation operation, and to prepare and make efforts to secure frequencies in the government. Among the commercial-grade memories of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the space-grade memory field using radiation tolerant memory and the high reliable packaging and space environment test technology has potential as a space industrialization strategy.

Self-assembled all-polysaccharide hydrogel film for versatile paper-based food packaging

Paper-based packaging generally has poor performances in the gas/oil barriers. This work reports a paper-based packaging material prepared via the modification of conventional papers with TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN)/cationic guar gum (CGG) hydrogel film. Specifically, the hydrogel film modification was realized through a layer-by-layer deposition on paper. The hydrogel film modification significantly improved the mechanical and barrier properties of the paper. Specifically, the 4-layer hydrogel film modified paper showed a tensile strength of 34.03 MPa and a burst strength of 510 kPa, respectively. In contrast, the unmodified paper exhibited a tensile strength of 26.78 MPa and a bursting strength of 388 kPa. The packaging performance of this TOCN/CGG hydrogel film modified paper was demonstrated via the fresh mooncake packaging test. Such hydrogel film not only provided the oil resistance, but also maintained the mooncake's freshness. This material can serve as a green and sustainable food packaging.

EFFICACY OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY ON REDUCING MALADAPTIVE BEHAVIOUR AMONG STUDENTS ENROLLED IN COUNSELLING, PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION (EPSE)

Purpose: The study investigated the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in the reduction of on maladaptive behaviour of undergraduate students. The purpose for the study came as a result of the increasing rate of maladaptive behaviour to which the researchers sought to find solutions. Pre-test-post-test randomized control trial experimental design was adopted by the researchers for the study.
 Methodology: Sixty-four (64) maladaptive undergraduate students who were drawn through proportionate stratified random sampling technique constituted the sample for the study. The maladaptive students were randomly assigned to experimental (34) and control (30) groups. Maladaptive Assessment Scale for Students (MASS) and Maladaptive Behaviour Scale (MBS) were used for data collection. MASS and MBS were properly validated by experts in test development and the internal consistency reliability indices of the items estimated as 0.79 and 0.81 respectively using cronbach alpha method. Before the commencement of the testing and treatment package, the researchers assured the participants of confidentiality of interactions and personal information as they work together in self-disclosure. Thereafter, pre-treatment assessment (pre-test) was conducted using the MASS and MBS in order to collect baseline data (Time 1). After that, the experimental group was exposed to 90 minutes of the CBT programme twice a week for a period of 6 weeks. The treatment took place between September and November 2019. Post-test (Time 2) assessment was conducted 1 week after the last treatment (Time 3). Data collected were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.
 Results: The findings of the study revealed that the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy on reducing the maladaptive behaviour of undergraduate students was significant at post-test and follow-up measures. One of the contributions of the findings is that if undergraduate students are not properly counselled, their maladaptive behaviours will continue to increase.
 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Federal Government or relevant education authorities should provide enough guidance counsellors in the various institutions of higher learning who will assist in the counselling of the students on the dangers of maladaptive behaviours using CBT. It is also recommended that counselors, psychologists among others should adopt cognitive behavioural therapy for handling maladaptive behaviour.

Cost-Effective Test Screening Method on 40-nm Embedded SRAMs for Low-Power MCUs

Embedded static random access memories (SRAMs) with cost-effective test screening circuitry are demonstrated for low-power microcontroller units (MCUs). The probing test step at the low temperature (LT) of -40 °C is obviated by imitating pseudo-LT (PLT) conditions in the package test, where a sample is measured at room temperature (RT). Monte Carlo simulation is carried out considering local V <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">t</sub> variations as well as contact soft open failure (high resistance), confirming good minimum operating voltage ( V <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">min</sub> ) correlation between LT and PLT conditions. Test chips with two types of 4-Mbit single-port SRAM macros and 1-Mbit dual-port SRAM macro are designed and fabricated using low-power 40-nm CMOS technology. Measurement results demonstrate that the proposed test method reproduces LT conditions and screens out LT failures with less overscreening. The proposed test method eliminates 1/3 or more of the test costs.

Structural model for formation of packages of clinical and diagnostic tests to organize personalized medical care for patients with malignant tumors of the prostate gland

BACKGROUND: Prostate carcinoma is a serious social and economic problem; it ranks second among the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide and it ranks sixth in the structure of causes of death from cancer in men. The correct organization of prevention and screening as well as the use of the latest methods of clinical instrumental and molecular analysis at all stages of treatment and diagnostic process can fundamentally improve the outcomes of the disease.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to analyze of the best international experience in the development of basic clinical and instrumental test packages that determine the personalized choice of medical prescriptions for the treatment and diagnostic process of prostate cancer.&#x0D; METHODS: The study included papers published after January 1, 2008, with an emphasis on the analysis of results posted in the last 2 years in the PubMed/Medline electronic database as reliable sources of information.&#x0D; RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This study explored the basic structural model of the formation of clinical and diagnostic packages at the implementation of a personalized treatment and diagnostic process in prostate cancer. The main biomarkers of prostate cancer used in clinical practice have been identified, and the informative value of the newest biomarker tests has been established. Diagnostic tools that are ready for wider implementation in oncological practice are predictive models, such as the 4K algorithm, Score, SelectMDx, Stockholm-3 model, justifying the need to perform a prostate biopsy in a particular patient. Some promising biomarker characteristics of prostate cancer, assessed at the nonclinical, experimental stage, have been demonstrated.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: This study found that (1) Revision of the algorithms for personalized treatment is becoming an important element in the provision of patient-oriented cancer care. (2) Periodic reassessment of the individual portrait of the tumor process is necessary for the correct organization of treatment and diagnostic measures in a particular patient. (3) Finally, for the implementation of the whole range of possibilities of individual treatment, close interaction with the representatives of various medical specialties in the framework of the implementation of translational medicine programs in oncologyis important.

Development of Active Packaging to Extend the Shelf Life of Agaricus bisporus by Using Plasma Technology.

In this study, a preservation package that can extend the shelf life of Agaricus bisporus was developed using plasma modification combined with low-density polyethylene (LDPE), collagen (COL), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Out results showed that the selectivity of LDPE to gas can be controlled by plasma modification combined with coating of different concentrations of CMC and COL. Packaging test results applied to A. bisporus showed that 3% and 5% of CMC and COL did not significantly inhibit polyphenol oxidase and β-1,3-glucanase, indicating no significant effect on structural integrity and oxidative browning. The use of 0.5% and 1.0% CMC and COL can effectively inhibit the polyphenol oxidase and β-1,3-glucanase activity of A. bisporus, leading to improved effects in browning inhibition and structural integrity maintenance. P-1.0COL can effectively maintain gas composition in the package (carbon dioxide: 10–15% and oxygen: 8–15%) and catalase activity during storage, thereby reducing the oxidative damage caused by respiration of A. bisporus. The current study confirmed that the use of plasma modification technology combined with 1.0% COL can be used in preservation packaging by regulating the respiration of A. bisporus, thus extending its shelf life from 7 to 21 days.

Community-based HIV testing in The Netherlands: experiences of lay providers and end users at a rapid HIV test checkpoint

BackgroundThe AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF-Checkpoint) in The Netherlands offers rapid HIV testing for key populations by lay providers. We explored the experiences and needs of lay providers and end users of HIV testing at AHF-Checkpoint, taking into account the WHO 5C-(consent, confidentiality, counselling, correct-results, connection-to-care) criteria for HIV test services.MethodsQualitative evaluation with 15 semi-structured interviews conducted during 2020 with ten lay providers and five gay or bisexual end users. Recorded interviews were thematically analysed, taking data triangulation into account.ResultsFour domains were identified: (1) accessibility of HIV testing, (2) quality of test procedures, (3) bridging (transitional care), and (4) future strategies for service delivery. AHF-Checkpoint fills a gap for key populations including LGBTQ and refugees, who experience HIV testing barriers at sexual health centres or general practices. The level of trust between lay providers and end users was highly valued by end users. They appreciated the low threshold to test at no costs, and the absence of waiting lists or triaging. Needs expressed by lay providers included more preparedness for emotionally charged situations, and extra training to improve STI knowledge. End users expressed a need for a full STI test package. Of the 5Cs, consent, counselling, and correct results were realised but confidentiality was sometimes difficult to achieve at pop-up locations, and referral barriers for confirmation testing (connection-to-care) were occasionally experienced by lay providers during weekends.ConclusionAHF-Checkpoint was described as a convenient and easily accessible service by end users and lay providers. Of the WHO 5Cs, connection-to-care could be optimised to ensure HIV confirmation and STI testing through a liaison approach with professionals from the regular healthcare sector.

Partnership Management Between Vocational Schools with the World of Business and Industry to Improve the Quality of Graduates Who Are Ready to Work

The management of the partnership between State Vocational High Schools (SMKN) and the World of Business and Industry (DUDI) has not been running optimally in its implementation, so that many partnership programs have not been realized properly. If there is no solution, it is feared that partnership activities will not work. This research aims to: To determine the planning, organization, implementation, assessment of problems and partnership solutions. The philosophical foundation of this research is progressivism philosophy, while the theoretical basis used is management theory, partnership theory and graduate quality theory. The research approach used is a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out through: documentation study, observation and interviews, triangulation. The results showed that: (a) The planning was made together with the school committee, the principal of the vocational school, the wakasek in the field of public relations / industry, the head of light vehicle engineering, and the teacher sat with the DUDI in this case PT Teja Berlian Mitsubshi and PT Suzuki Putra Damai Bahagia, so that cooperation program agreement with DUDI; (b) Organizing by forming a team in charge of relations with DUDI and having its own main duties and functions. (c) Implementation requires cooperation with PT Teja Berlian Mitshubisi and PT Suzuki Putra Damai Bahagia, in order to improve the quality of graduates, as expected by DUDI. The implementation of the partnership program consists of: internship, production unit, competency test, teacher internship, (d) assessment of learning outcomes, internship, competency package testing and competency certification. and skills aspects (e). The problems in the partnership are: human resources managing the partnership, budget, infrastructure, the number of DUDI that is not comparable with SMK graduates and the demands of the industrial world; (f) Partnership solutions with innovation and changes in human resource management, budgets and infrastructure, the government's efforts to develop a teaching factory curriculum through partnerships, and schools to prepare students to have superior competencies, be creative, innovative, understand the digital world (IPTEK). Conclusion; There is a common goal of the partnership between SMK and DUDI, namely; improving quality according to market needs, synchronizing curriculum and synergizing school programs, increasing the absorption and placement of school graduates into the world of work. Collaboration between SMK and DUDI has an impact on improving the quality of SMK graduates, both in terms of input, process, output and outcome. Recommendations: (1) For SMK it can be used as a basis for cooperating partnerships with DUDI; (2) For DUDI it can be used as a basis for collaborating with SMKs; (3) For students it is used as a basis for increasing their competence; (4) For Researchers , can be used as a basis for further research on the Management of SMK partnerships with DUDI, to improve the quality of graduates who are ready to work in Indramayu Regency.

Low-value medical care in the pandemic—is this what the doctor ordered?

Low-value medical care in the pandemic—is this what the doctor ordered?

Development of a Drone’s Vibration, Shock, and Atmospheric Profiles

Technological advances in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have made it possible to employ drone deliveries for packaged products, but currently no standards of practice are available to qualify packaged products traveling through this distribution channel. This research proposes a methodology to collect field data from a UAV to develop simulation techniques for use with package testing equipment. This project utilized data recorders to measure the vibration, shock, and atmospheric field data on two models of the DJI drones. The root mean square G value (Grms), the power spectral density (PSD), maximum G-values and shock response spectrum, and atmospheric data were reported in this study. The study found that the general shape of the PSD profile of the drones differed from the PSD air profiles of the aircraft. The overall recorded Grms levels of the drones were also significantly higher than those of the published air profile of the aircraft. Moreover, the study found that the drone’s in-flight vibration intensities in the horizontal level were consistently higher than those in the vertical direction. The major sources of vibration and shock in both drones’ models originated from the two-propeller rotations. Shocks recorded during the flight reached 14 G, took place in the horizontal plane with the drone accelerating as opposed to the vertical plane where the drone is landing.

Assessment of Dietary Intake and Food and Nutrition Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Collegiate Athletes

ObjectivesProper nutrition is essential to athletic performance, yet many collegiate athletes fail to obtain adequate energy and nutrients to meet recommendations. Additionally, athletes’ healthy eating intentions do not always align with their actual dietary behaviors. The objective of this study is to assess the dietary intakes and the food and nutrition related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of collegiate athletes at the University of [blinded]. MethodsFor this cross-sectional analysis, athletes will be recruited via email (goal sample size of n = 40) to complete a web-based survey consisting of demographic information, food and nutrition related KAB, and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ will be modified from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Food Questionnaire and ask about foods, beverages, and supplements consumed in the last 30 days. The KAB questions will focus on food and nutrition related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The knowledge portion will consist of the validated Abridged Nutrition for Sport Questionnaire. The attitude and behavior sections will consist of questions created by a Dietetics and Nutrition (DN) graduate student, assessed by current DN faculty for content validity, and pilot-tested in a sub-sample of collegiate athletes at another institution. Survey respondents will have the option to receive a $5 discount code for use at the [blinded] Campus Store and/or be entered to win one of three test packages from the Human Performance Lab (HPL) at [blinded]. The test package will include one BOD POD test and one VO2max test. Data will be analyzed to assess the dietary intakes and the food and nutrition related KAB. ResultsN/A (study protocol). ConclusionsAssessing the dietary intakes and the food and nutrition related KAB of collegiate athletes at [blinded] will help to inform the development of future nutrition education materials and programs. We also hope to strengthen interprofessional ties between the DN Department and [binded] Athletics and to establish a partnership for future opportunities for collaboration that will contribute to student and athlete success. Funding SourcesRound 2, FY20 [blinded] Faculty Development Grant.

Spatial analysis of child labour in India

Purpose This study on spatial analysis of child labour in India is a macro level analysis on child labour using the census data, 2011 of Government of India. The population census which is conducted once in 10 years only provides district level data on work-force distribution. The study has spatial analysis of child labour in the age group of 5–14 years in India. To assess the magnitude of the children in the labour force, district level data of Census 2011 has been used in the study. The study has made an attempt to identify the districts where there is high level of children in the labour force. This paper aims to estimate the magnitude and trends of children’s workforce participation using the census data as it is the only data base, which is available at the district level since 1961 onwards. The study has made an attempt to identify the clustering of child labour across districts in India and how child labour is clustered by different background characteristics. Design/methodology/approach The study has used ArcGIS software package, GeoDa software and local indicator of spatial association test. Findings The findings of study reveal that the proportion of rural, total fertility rate (TFR) and poverty headcount ratio is positively associated, whereas female literacy and the pupil-teacher ratio are negatively associated with child labour. It suggests that in the hot-spot areas and areas where there is a high prevalence of child labour, there is need to increase the teacher's number at the school level to improve the teacher-pupil ratio and also suggested to promote the female education, promote family planning practices to reduce TFR in those areas for reducing the incidences of child labour. Research limitations/implications The study also recommends that the incidences of child labour can be controlled by a comprehensive holistic action plan with the active participation of social workers. Practical implications The promulgation of effective legislation, active involvement of judiciary and police, political will, effective poverty alleviation and income generation programmes, sensitisation of parents, corporates and media can play effective role in mitigating the incidences of child labour in India. To achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015 to eradicate child labour in all its forms by 2025. Social implications The study aims to achieve the SDGs adopted by world leaders in 2015 to eradicate child labour in all its forms by 2025. Originality/value The study is purely original and there are no such studies in Indian context by using the latest software.

Social network distribution of syphilis self-testing among men who have sex with men in China: study protocol for a cluster randomized control trial

BackgroundSyphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Increasing syphilis testing is important to syphilis control. However, in low- and middle-income countries like China, syphilis testing rates remain low among MSM. We describe a randomized controlled trial protocol to examine the effectiveness of social network distribution approaches of syphilis self-testing among MSM in China.MethodsWe will recruit index and alter MSM. Indexes will be eligible if they: are born biologically male; aged 18 years or above; ever had sex with another man; are willing to distribute syphilis testing packages or referral links to their alters; and willing to provide personal contact information for future follow-up. Three hundred MSM will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio into three arms: standard of care (control arm); standard syphilis self-testing (SST) delivery arm; and referral link SST delivery arm. Indexes will distribute SST packages or referral links to encourage alters to receive syphilis testing. All indexes will complete a baseline survey and a 3-month follow-up survey. Syphilis self-test results will be determined by photo verification via a digital platform. The primary outcome is the mean number of alters who returned verified syphilis testing results per index in each arm.DiscussionThe trial findings will provide practical implications in strengthening syphilis self-testing distribution and increasing syphilis testing uptake among MSM in China. This study also empowers MSM community in expanding syphilis testing by using their own social network.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000036988. Registered 26 August 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

Hierarchical Attention-Based Machine Learning Model for Radiation Prediction of WB-BGA Package

Rapid increase in operating frequency of integrated chips and intricacy of electronic packages outpaces the ability of conventional methods in coping with the growing complexity of electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues. To address it, several machine learning (ML) methods––deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network, support vector regression, <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">K</i> -nearest neighbor, and linear regression are constructed to acquire the best ML model to accurately and rapidly predict the maximum 3-m radiated electric field of a wire-bond ball grid array package. The key hyperparameters of different ML models are tuned respectively to attain the least prediction error for each model. Among the optimized ML models, the prediction accuracy of the DNN model is the highest. In this article, a hierarchical attention-based DNN model is proposed and discussed in depth to reduce the number of training datasets, and identify the structural parameters with large contributions to radiation prediction. These structural parameters with contributions can guide the packaging design. The DNN model with attention-weight input requires fewer training datasets than the original DNN model. Furthermore, the experimental measurement for EMI radiation of a test package board is implemented, and the far-field results show the effectiveness and feasibility of the DNN model.

Pandemic Priorities: The Impact of South Korea’s COVID-19 Policies on Vulnerable Populations

ABSTRACT The South Korean government’s COVID-19 policies prioritized effective and efficient containment of the virus, which can accompany the risk of marginalizing vulnerable populations. Using a single-site case study, this research focuses on three main policy approaches by the South Korean government, which were widely cited as relatively successful in containing the COVID-19 outbreak: 1) preventive policies; 2) contact tracing; and 3) testing and relief packages. This study aims to leverage the unique situation of the pandemic to provide new insights into practices in disaster governance, examining how they disproportionally impact vulnerable groups.

SIEA: Secure Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Chaotic Systems Optimization Algorithms and PUFs

One of the general problems in modern digital society is undoubtedly the information security topic. It is critical to ensure the security of information transferred, processed, and stored throughout digital channels. Among this information, digital images draw attention in terms of frequency of use in digital channels. In this study, a new image encryption algorithm is proposed to address the security problems of digital images. The aspect that differentiates the proposed algorithm from thousands of image encryption algorithms in the literature is that it is designed within the framework of the provable security design principle. The provable security design approach has ensured that the proposed algorithm is theoretically secure with mathematical proof techniques. In addition to addressing the proposed architecture security concerns, the hybrid random number generator used as the key generator constitutes another unique aspect. This generator, which was designed using chaotic systems, physical unclonable functions, and optimization algorithms, stands out as the innovative aspect of the study. The statistical randomness properties of the proposed random number generator were tested using the NIST SP 800-22 Statistical Test Suite. Successful results were obtained for 15 tests in the test package. In addition, the success of these outputs was tested on a new image encryption algorithm. The security of the proposed algorithm was tested from different angles using various experimental analyzes and a 12-step provable security analysis roadmap. Successful analysis results and performance measurements indicate that the proposed cryptographic components can be used in many information security applications and many future designs.