Accessibility and utilization of healthcare services among diabetic patients:Is diabetes a poor man’s ailment?

Diabetes is a non-communicable ailment that has adverse effects on the individual’s overall well-being and productivity in society.The main objective of this study was to examine the empirical literature concerning the association between diabetes and poverty and the accessibility and utilization of medical care services among diabetic patients.The diabetes literature was explored using a literature review approach.This review revealed that diabetes is an ailment that affects all individuals irrespective of socioeconomic status;however,its prevalence is high in low-income countries.Hence,despite the higher prevalence of diabetes in developing countries compared with developed countries,diabetes is not a poor man’s ailment because it affects individuals of all incomes.While the number of diabetic patients that access and utilize diabetes medical care services has increased over the years,some personal and institutional factors still limit patients’access to the use of diabetes care.Also,there is a lacuna in the diabetes literature concerning the extent of utilization of available healthcare services by diabetic patients.

Unveiling the Predictive Capabilities of Machine Learning in Air Quality Data Analysis: A Comparative Evaluation of Different Regression Models

Air quality is a critical concern for public health and environmental regulation. The Air Quality Index (AQI), a widely adopted index by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), serves as a crucial metric for reporting site-specific air pollution levels. Accurately predicting air quality, as measured by the AQI, is essential for effective air pollution management. In this study, we aim to identify the most reliable regression model among linear discriminant analysis (LDA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), logistic regression, and K-nearest neighbors (KNN). We conducted four different regression analyses using a machine learning approach to determine the model with the best performance. By employing the confusion matrix and error percentages, we selected the best-performing model, which yielded prediction error rates of 22%, 23%, 20%, and 27%, respectively, for LDA, QDA, logistic regression, and KNN models. The logistic regression model outperformed the other three statistical models in predicting AQI. Understanding these models' performance can help address an existing gap in air quality research and contribute to the integration of regression techniques in AQI studies, ultimately benefiting stakeholders like environmental regulators, healthcare professionals, urban planners, and researchers.

Analysis of Simple Additive Weighting Method(SAW)as a MultiAttribute Decision-Making Technique:A Step-by-Step Guide

The simple additive weighting(SAW)method is one of the oldest and most widely used decision-making methods.It has a simple process that can be utilized in different subject areas such as engineering,environmental sciences,and energy.The main concepts of the SAW method are introduced in this paper and then a step-by-step guide to using SAW technique for decision-making and ranking purposes in multi-attribute cases is presented.

The Impact of Leadership on the Growth of ICT Companies

Nowadays,one of the major purposes of any company is to survive in the competitive business markets.This purpose would be achievable through improving and developing growth in most cases.Prior studies suggest that leadership is a vitally important factor in achieving growth in any company.Some researchers studied leadership topics as one of the significant motivations for developing and improving the growth of a company and agreed that understanding the role of leadership and its effect on the growth of the company is influential.In all countries,Information Communication Technology(ICT)companies are recognized as significant growth drivers by leaving considerable impacts on that.According to the literature,growth is a determining factor for the productivity of any company.Based on the literature of the ICTs,weak and insufficient leadership skills are considered as the main factors that cause failure in achieving the planned growth and development of ICT.Consequently,the goal of this study is to clarify how leadership affects the development of ICT enterprises.

Photoluminescence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes excited at different wavelengths

In this paper the multiwalled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） were synthesized by a chemical vapour deposition and the SEM graph shows that the sample has good construction. The micro-Raman spectrum shows the characteristic line of the MWNTs and an additional line produced by the defects on the outer surface of MWNTs. The photoluminescence （PL） spectra observed experimentally are variable under different excitation wavelengths and the strong excitation wavelength dependence of luminescence indicates a distribution of emitters which include electron π in excited states and the Van Hove singularities. The absorption spectra confirm the transition channels which are consistent with the PL emission.

An ab initio investigation of vibrational, thermodynamic, and optical properties of Sc_2AlC MAX compound

The structural vibrational, thermodynamical, and optical properties of potentially technologically important, weakly coupled MAX compound, Sc2 Al C are calculated using density functional theory(DFT). The structural properties of ScAlC are compared with the results reported earlier. The vibrational, thermodynamical, and optical properties are theoretically estimated for the first time. The phonon dispersion curve is calculated and the dynamical stability of this compound is investigated. The optical and acoustic modes are observed clearly. We calculate the Helmholtz free energy(F), internal energy(E), entropy(S), and specific heat capacity(Cv) from the phonon density of states. Various optical parameters are also calculated. The reflectance spectrum shows that this compound has the potential to be used as an efficient solar reflector.

Impact of spiritual beliefs and faith-based interventions on diabetes management

Management of diabetes constitutes significant social and economic burdens worldwide.There is a shortage of empirical studies on the management of diabetes and the associated mental health issues through spiritual beliefs and faith-based interventions(FBIs).It is not also clear how spiritual beliefs and FBIs account for the effective management of diabetic conditions.This article discusses the impact of spiritual beliefs and FBIs in the management of diabetes,from relationship and efficacy studies that report outcomes from experimental procedures of related interventions.The majority of the relationship studies showed positive relationships,while efficacy studies showed a high efficacy of interventions in faith-based approaches.However,none of the studies clearly reported the mechanisms of change or modality of operation in a FBI that can serve as a model across culture and context.Possible mechanisms of change were discussed for further development of a standard faith-based model,and finally,suggestions for future research were also highlighted by the authors.

Finite Element Analysis of Magnetohydrodynamic Mixed Convection in a Lid-Driven Trapezoidal Enclosure Having Heated Triangular Block

A numerical research on magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection flow in a lid-driven trapezoidal enclosure at non-uniform heating of bottom wall has been studied numerically. The enclosure consists of insulated top wall and cold side walls, too. It also contains a heated triangular block (Rot = 0° - 90°) located somewhere inside the enclosure. The boundary top wall of the enclosure is moving through uniform speed U0. The geometry of the model has been represented mathematically by coupled governing equations in accordance with proper boundary conditions and then a two-dimensional Galerkin finite element based numerical approach has been adopted to solve this paper. The numerical computations have been carried out for the wide range of parameters Prandtl number (0.5 ≤ Pr ≤ 2), Reynolds number (60 ≤ Re ≤ 120), Rayleigh number (Ra = 103) and Hartmann number (Ha = 20) taking with different rotations of heated triangular block. The results have been shown in the form of streamlines, temperature patterns or isotherms, average Nusselt number and average bulk temperature of the fluid in the enclosure at non-uniform heating of bottom wall. It is also indicated that both the streamlines, isotherm patterns strongly depend on the aforesaid governing parameters and location of the triangular block but the thermal conductivity of the triangular block has a noteworthy role on the isotherm pattern lines. Moreover, the variation of Nuav of hot bottom wall and θav in the enclosure is demonstrated here to show the characteristics of heat transfer in the enclosure.

Magnetic Hysteresis and Complex Initial Permeability of Cr³⁺Substituted Mn-Zn Ferrites

The impact of Cr3+ ion on the magnetic properties of Mn0.50Zn0.50CrxFe2-xO4 (with x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) has been studied. Ferrite samples were synthesized by combustion method and sintered at various temperatures (1250°C, 1300°C and 1350°C). The structural properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction patterns and indicated that the samples possess single phase cubic spinel structure. The lattice parameter decreases with the increase in Cr3+ content, as the ionic radius of Cr3+ ion is smaller than that of Fe3+. The average grain size (D), bulk density (ρB) and initial permeability (μi’ )decreases with increase in Cr3+ content whereas porosity follows its opposite trend. The ρB was found to increase with increase in Cr3+ content as the sintering temperature (Ts) is increased from 1250°C to 1350°C. The Ts affects the densification, grain growth and (μi’ ) of the samples. The (μi’ ) strongly depends on average grain size, density and intragranular porosity. The B-H loops of the compositions were measured at room temperature. The saturation magnetization (Ms), coercivity (Hc) and hysteresis losses were studied as a function of Cr3+ content. The Ms was found to decrease with the increase of Cr3+ content, which is attributed to the dilution of A-B interaction.

A Comparative Study of Scarlett and Bai Liusu from a Feminist Perspective

Scarlett and Bai Liusu,the protagonists of American literary classic Gone with the Wind and Chinese modern literary work Love in a Fallen City,are two distinct women images in the history of world literature.Their female consciousness can be discovered throughout both works.This paper attempts to make a comparative study between the two heroines,by analyzing their female consciousness which is primarily expressed in the pursuit of love,money and independence,as well as their personalities and destiny.The study discovers that although Scarlett and Bai Liusu experience similar awakening process,their endings are different.The democratic Western culture allows Scarlett to grow up into a rebellious new woman;by contrast,thousands of years of Chinese feudal society decide that Bai Liusu’s female consciousness is not thorough enough.

Susceptibility of Aedes flavopictus miyarai and Aedes galloisi mosquito species in Japan to dengue type 2 virus

Objective: To evaluate the potential of local mosquitoes to act as vectors for dengue transmission in Japan.Methods: Serotype 2 Th NH28/93 was used to test the dengue susceptibility profiles of Aedes flavopictus miyarai(Ae. f. miyarai), Aedes galloisi(Ae. galloisi) and Aedes albopictus(Ae.albopictus), which were collected in Japan. We used Aedes aegypti from Thailand as a positive control. The mosquitoes were infected with the virus intrathoracically or orally. At 10 or 14 days post infection, the mosquitoes were dissected and total RNA was extracted from their abdomens, thoraxes, heads and legs. Mosquito susceptibility to dengue virus was evaluated using RT-PCR with dengue virus-specific primers. Differences in the infection and mortality rates of the different mosquito species were tested using Fisher's exact probability test.Results: The infection rates for dengue virus administered intrathoracically to Ae. f. miyarai,Ae. galloisi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were identical by RT-PCR on Day 10 post infection.All of the body parts we tested were RT-PCR-positive for dengue virus. For the orally administered virus, the infection rates in the different body parts of the Ae. f. miyarai mosquitoes were slightly higher than those of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes, but were similar to the control mosquitoes(P > 0.05). The mortality rates for Ae. f. miyarai and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were similar(P = 0.19). Our data indicated that dengue virus was able to replicate and disseminate to secondary infection sites in all of the four mosquito species(Japanese and Thai).Conclusions: Ae. albopictus is a well-known candidate for dengue transmission in Japan. However, our data suggest that Ae. f. miyarai from Ishigaki Island(near Okinawa Island) and Ae. galloisi from Hokkaido(Northern Japan) should also be regarded as potential vectors for dengue transmission in these regions. Further studies on these mosquitoes should be conducted.

Potential influences of religiosity and religious coping strategies on people with diabetes

Diabetes is a significant health issue that threatens patients’overall wellbeing and quality of life.Critical public health concerns center on creating the best approach for diabetes management.Patients and caregivers have different approaches to diabetes management;however,this and the associated physiological,physical and mental health issues remain challenging.This review explores the potential influences of religiosity and religious coping strategies on people with diabetes.This study used a literature review approach to investigate how religiosity and religious coping strategies can influence the effective management of diabetes among patients.Based on the literature search,the researchers were able to identify and cite published papers that were analyzed using the descriptivenarrative analysis.An important goal of the descriptive-narrative analysis was to provide descriptions of the selected literature and take implications from the literature.The results of studies reviewed show some religious coping strategies for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes.The studies did establish a relationship between religiosity and diabetes management and suggest that religious coping strategies could positively impact the management of diabetes;however,they reported some adverse effects.Hence,we propose a pathway for the development of religion-oriented interventions and support framework for the management of diabetes.

Assisting individuals with diabetes in the COVID-19 pandemic period:Examining the role of religious factors and faith communities

With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,diabetes management has become more challenging than it has ever been.Studies on the management of diabetes during this time are required.Unfortunately,the lack of information on the potential role of religious factors and faith communities in diabetes management during the COVID-19 era prevents us from fully understanding the issue of diabetes management during the COVID-19 pandemic period.People with chronic conditions such as diabetes may benefit from some form of religious support from faith communities and their ability to cope could be fostered by some religious factors.It is unclear how religious factors and faith communities contribute to diabetes management.In this article,the authors examine how people with diabetes can be aided in the COVID-19 pandemic period from the perspective of religious factors and faith communities.Based on the studies identified,it appears that religious factors and faith communities play an important role in managing diabetes among patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ESL pre-service teachers＇ views of Teaching Practice supervision and assessment in Nigeria

This paper suggests that English as a Second Language （ESL） pre-service teachers＇ views and opinions about Teaching Practices be used by faculty to make TP more effective and interesting for the professional development of teachers. The main objective was to study the motivational dimensions of Teaching Practice （TP）, analyze trainees perception of the strength of their content courses （knowledge base） and pedagogy programme （psychology, teaching methods）, and investigate the quality of TP orientation program supervision and assessment by faculty （teacher trainers）. A survey was carried out to determine procedures and processes for minimizing anxieties and fears concerning TP and the relationship between faculty and trainees, mentoring and monitoring procedures, the giving of feedback and utilization of the views of students. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on the content courses or subjects which students found difficult, irrelevant or not adequately taught, what faculty should do to make TP experience better and rewarding to make them become professional teachers. Participants in the study found pedagogy courses relevant to their training and quite enjoyable. They also acknowledge that the courses help them to develop learner centered instructional skills and competence in classroom management. On the contrary, participants confessed they were weak in grammar and spoken English because these were not adequately taught, they also limited exposure to reading and writing. Focused group discussion with students revealed that TP Orientation Programs were too crowded and ill-organized to meet their needs and reduce their anxiety. The points of focus of the orientation-dress code, comportment in schools-were not as crucial as some issues-mentoring, relationship between faculty and students-which were left out. Respondents rated TP supervision and assessment very low because of inadequacies in the number of visits, lack of feedback and low level interaction with their trainers. Some of the students used peer interaction, self-development and self-study skills to improve their skills and cope with TP. The results suggest that knowledge base of students in ESL courses need to be strengthened and enriched. Orientation program should be geared towards trainee＇s needs. Also supervision and assessment require a lot of improvement while faculty should give prompt feedback and utilize trainees＇ opinions and views for meeting students＇ needs and improving TP.

Effect of Gas Flaring on Soil and Cassava Productivity in Ebedei, Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

The threat to human, fauna and flora life posed by pollution due to gas flaring cannot be over-emphasized. Gas flared often resulted in some environmental degradation, one of such influence is soil pollution and poor crop yield. This study examined the effect of gas flaring on soil and cassava productivity in Ebedei, Ukwuani LGA, Delta State. For the purpose of data collection, five (5) experimental sites were systematically selected around the flare site in Ebedei and a control site at Obiaruku. Soil samples were collected at surface 0 - 10 cm and 10 - 20 cm at distance of 50 m, 100 m, 150 m, 200 m and 250 m apart respectively away from the bund wall of the flare. The data generated were analysed using multiple regression and paired t-test analyses. The study revealed that the soils found in Ebedei have high composition of sand and soil temperature and are acidic. The soil electrical conductivity, Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Potassium and Sodium were very low. More so, the yield of cassava increases with a corresponding increase in distances from flare site. The first hypothesis revealed that there is significant variation in soil nutrients as distance increases from gas flare sites. This is evident from F value of 234.99 which is greater than the critical table value of 4.39. Furthermore, as flare distance increases, so also the organic carbon, electrical conductivity and Nitrogen increase. The second hypothesis revealed that there is a significant difference in cassava yield at gas-flared area and the non-flared area which is evident at t (6.032) is greater than the critical table (1.895) at P 0.05. It is therefore recommended that Government and FEPA should enact environmental Policies and revisit and review existing environmental and oil drilling laws in Nigeria with a view of updating them to international and environmental friendly standards.

Mathematical Analysis of the Transmission Dynamics of Tuberculosis

We develop a dynamical model to understand the underlying dynamics of TUBERCULOSIS infection at population level. The model, which integrates the treatment of individuals, the infections of latent and recovery individuals, is rigorously analyzed to acquire insight into its dynamical features. The phenomenon resulted due to the exogenous infection of TUBERCULOSIS disease. The mathematical analysis reveals that the model exhibits a backward bifurcation when TB treatment remains of infected class. It is shown that, in the absence of treatment, the model has a disease-free equilibrium (DEF) which is globally asymptotically stable (GAS) and the associated reproduction threshold is less than unity. Further, the model has a unique endemic equilibrium (EEP), for a special case, whenever the associated reproduction threshold quantity exceeds unity. For a special case, the EEP is GAS using the central manifold theorem of Castillo-Chavez.

Research on the Applications of Big Data on Artistic Designing and Its Infl uences on the Design Behavior

In this paper, we conduct research on the applications of big data on artistic designing and its infl uences on the design behavior. Modern art design enhance the grade of the product, increase the added value of products, promote the development of the economy, make the product of the aesthetic value and economic value of the perfect unity. In today’s society due to the value of the product are much more than the product itself contains the value of performance, usage, etc. is more of a product in gradually improve the aesthetic value, sometimes even more than the use of the product value and exchange value, therefore the product has become the dominant value. Under this basis, we propose the new idea on the design pattern that will be meaningful.

Characteristics of Body Composition and Relationship between Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength among Elderly Women in Different Age Groups

Age-related changes in the body composition of older adults differ among age groups. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the characteristics of body compositions in young (age, 65 - 74 years;yE group) and old (age, ≥75 years;oE group) elderly women, and compare the relationship between muscle mass and strength in elderly women with that in young women for preventing motor function loss in older adults. A total of 30 elderly and 45 young women aged ≥ 65 and 19 - 22 years, respectively, participated in this study. The participants underwent body composition measurement via bioelectrical impedance analysis and examinations of handgrip and leg muscle strength. The age-related body composition changes varied among age groups. Compared with young women, fat-free mass (FFM) in the yE group did not decrease significantly;however, fat mass (FM) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were significantly greater. Compared with the yE group, decreases in FFM, FM, and WHR in the oE group were significant;furthermore, the decrease in FM measurements was attributed to the loss of FM in the trunk and limbs (upper and lower). The measurement results suggested that the greater FM decrease in the oE group was characterized by decreases in both visceral and subcutaneous fat. In the yE group, the muscle mass was comparable to that in young women;however, there was a remarkable reduction in the lower-limb muscle mass (9% - 10%). In the oE group, muscle mass was reduced in all body parts, including upper and lower limbs and trunk. In young women, significant positive correlations between muscle mass and muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs were observed. No such correlations in the lower limbs were found in elderly women, indicating that muscle mass is not proportionally reflected in muscle strength. In conclusion, for improving and maintaining the health of elderly women, especially those above the age of 75 years, it is important to maintain muscle mass, including muscle strength, and prevent the loss of muscle quality.

Analysis on the Fusion and Sustainable Developmental of Landscape Sculpture

Landscape sculpture, as part of landscape environment, features fusion that is not possessed by other art forms. Therefore, it will lose its existence value and meaning once it is without fusion. Along with the development of the times, landscape sculpture can attain a sustainable development, and this is a highlight in the development of the modem landscape sculpture design.

Numerical Study on Single and Multi-Dimensional Boundary Value Problems by the Method of Weighted Residual

The Galerkin method of weighted residual (MWR) for computing natural frequencies of some physical problems such as the Helmholtz equation and some second-order boundary value problems has been revised in this article. The use of one and two-dimensional characteristic Bernstein polynomials as the basis functions have been presented by the Galerkin MWR. The vibration of non-homogeneous membranes with Dirichlet type boundary conditions is also studied here. The useful properties of Bernstein polynomials, its derivatives and function approximations have also been illustrated. Besides, the efficiency and applicability of the proposed technique have been demonstrated through some numerical experiments.