Joint Head Selection and Airtime Allocation for Data Dissemination in Mobile Social Networks

Mobile social networks (MSNs) enable people with similar interests to interact without Internet access. By forming a temporary group, users can disseminate their data to other interested users in proximity with short-range communication technologies. However, due to user mobility, airtime available for users in the same group to disseminate data is limited. In addition, for practical consideration, a star network topology among users in the group is expected. For the former, unfair airtime allocation among the users will undermine their willingness to participate in MSNs. For the latter, a group head is required to connect other users. These two problems have to be properly addressed to enable real implementation and adoption of MSNs. To this aim, we propose a Nash bargaining-based joint head selection and airtime allocation scheme for data dissemination within the group. Specifically, the bargaining game of joint head selection and airtime allocation is first formulated. Then, Nash bargaining solution (NBS) based optimization problems are proposed for a homogeneous case and a more general heterogeneous case. For both cases, the existence of solution to the optimization problem is proved, which guarantees Pareto optimality and proportional fairness. Next, an algorithm, allowing distributed implementation, for join head selection and airtime allocation is introduced. Finally, numerical results are presented to evaluate the performance, validate intuitions and derive insights of the proposed scheme

Modelling environmental factors correlated with podoconiosis: a geospatial study of non-filarial elephantiasis

Introduction The precise trigger of podoconiosis — endemic non-filarial elephantiasis of the lower legs — is unknown. Epidemiological and ecological studies have linked the disease with barefoot exposure to red clay soils of volcanic origin. Histopathology investigations have demonstrated that silicon, aluminium, magnesium and iron are present in the lower limb lymph node macrophages of both patients and non-patients living barefoot on these clays. We studied the spatial variation (variations across an area) in podoconiosis prevalence and the associated environmental factors with a goal to better understanding the pathogenesis of podoconiosis. Methods Fieldwork was conducted from June 2011 to February 2013 in 12 kebeles (administrative units) in northern Ethiopia. Geo-located prevalence data and soil samples were collected and analysed along with secondary geological, topographic, meteorological and elevation data. Soil data were analysed for chemical composition, mineralogy and particle size, and were interpolated to provide spatially continuous information. Exploratory, spatial, univariate and multivariate regression analyses of podoconiosis prevalence were conducted in relation to primary (soil) and secondary (elevation, precipitation, and geology) covariates. Results Podoconiosis distribution showed spatial correlation with variation in elevation and precipitation. Exploratory analysis identified that phyllosilicate minerals, particularly clay (smectite and kaolinite) and mica groups, quartz (crystalline silica), iron oxide, and zirconium were associated with podoconiosis prevalence. The final multivariate model showed that the quantities of smectite (RR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.35, 5.73; p = 0.007), quartz (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.26; p = 0.001) and mica (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.13; p < 0.001) in the soil had positive associations with podoconiosis prevalence. Conclusions More quantities of smectite, mica and quartz within the soil were associated with podoconiosis prevalence. Together with previous work indicating that these minerals may influence water absorption, potentiate infection and be toxic to human cells, the present findings suggest that these particles may play a role in the pathogenesis of podoconiosis and acute adenolymphangitis, a common cause of morbidity in podoconiosis patients

The Challenges LGBT+ Asylum-Seekers and Refugees Face in the United States

The discussion surrounding LGBT+ asylum-seekers and refugees is becoming more prominent as advocacy for LGBT+ rights increases around the world. LGBT+ asylum-seekers and refugees encounter unique challenges due to their identities that shape their journey to find sanctuary, such as history of discrimination, requirement to validate one’s LGBT+ identity, and detrimental issues of mental health. Other problems regarding LGBT+ asylum-seekers and refugees involve mental health and active global legislation prohibiting homosexuality. These problems are analyzed throughout this research paper in order to provide solutions to improve the current resettlement process for LGBT+ refugees. Resolutions that assist LGBT+ asylum-seekers and refugees include LGBT+ training for employees of refugee agencies and informative handouts

Measuring Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Market Performance in Zambia

Given the role of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in developing economies in terms of job creation, poverty reduction, production and distribution of goods and services,  and foreign exchange earning, it is important to understand the determinants of firm performance. Business firm performance is usually measured by revenue, profitability, employment, stock price, production efficiency. This paper considers profitability as a major indicator of firm market performance. By conducting an empirical study using 187 micro and small sized firms from Lusaka and Central  provinces of Zambia, the paper analyzed the determinants of firm performance by considering profitability as a proxy variable. This study seeks to look at the role of firm-specific factors in profitability of MSEs by employing a quantitative method from qualitative responses collected on the performance of enterprises. The analysis is done by using both Descriptive statistics and a Ordered Probit Regression Model. Explanatory variables, to explain changes in profit across time by a business firm, included are sales/revenue, cost, market coverage, competition, training, and owning more than one business. The Ordered Probit Regression result showed that increase in sales and expansion in market coverage over time are the significant variables that explain variations in firm’s profitability. Keywords: Firm Performance, Profitability, Ordered Probit Model, Zambia

Haemolytic activity of soil from areas of varying podoconiosis endemicity in Ethiopia

Background: Podoconiosis, non-filarial elephantiasis, is a non-infectious disease found in tropical regions such as Ethiopia, localized in highland areas with volcanic soils cultivated by barefoot subsistence farmers. It is thought that soil particles can pass through the soles of the feet and taken up by the lymphatic system, leading to the characteristic chronic oedema of the lower legs that becomes disfiguring and disabling over time. Methods: The close association of the disease with volcanic soils led us to investigate the characteristics of soil samples in an endemic area in Ethiopia to identify the potential causal constituents. We used the in vitro haemolysis assay and compared haemolytic activity (HA) with soil samples collected in a non-endemic region of the same area in Ethiopia. We included soil samples that had been previously characterized, in addition we present other data describing the characteristics of the soil and include pure phase mineral standards as comparisons. Results: The bulk chemical composition of the soils were statistically significantly different between the podoconiosis-endemic and non-endemic areas, with the exception of CaO and Cr. Likewise, the soil mineralogy was statistically significant for iron oxide, feldspars, mica and chlorite. Smectite and kaolinite clays were widely present and elicited a strong HA, as did quartz, in comparison to other mineral phases tested, although no strong difference was found in HA between soils from the two areas. The relationship was further investigated with principle component analysis (PCA), which showed that a combination of an increase in Y, Zr and Al2O3, and a concurrent increase Fe2O3, TiO2, MnO and Ba in the soils increased HA. Conclusion: The mineralogy and chemistry of the soils influenced the HA, although the interplay between the components is complex. Further research should consider the variable biopersistance, hygroscopicity and hardness of the minerals and further characterize the nano-scale particles

The Collision of the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health

The unpredictable and uncertain COVID-19 incidence has the potential of adversely upsetting the psychological wellbeing on individual and community level. At present all efforts are listening carefully on the understanding of epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and prognosis, means of transmission, frustrate the spread of the virus, and challenges of worldwide physical condition, while crucially significant mental wellbeing has been unnoticed in this attempt. COVID-19 is leading to severe psychosocial panics and comprising mental health marking a secondary health concern all about the globe. Internationally implementing preventive and controlling measures, and humanizing coping and resilience are demanding factors; modified lifestyle; conspiracy theories, propaganda and disinformation about the origin, symptoms, transmission, prevention and treatment; international socioeconomic catastrophe; travel restrictions; workplace risk manage; postponement and annulment of religious, cultural and entertainment events, and overwhelmed health centers/institutes. Psychological intervention can be conducted in different ways to improve psychological hurting and pick up the treatment effect. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, Psychological Wellbeing, Mental Health DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-15-01 Publication date:August 31st 202

Geographic information system for improving maternal and newborn health: recommendations for policy and programs

This correspondence argues and offers recommendations for how Geographic Information System (GIS) applied to maternal and newborn health data could potentially be used as part of the broader efforts for ending preventable maternal and newborn mortality. These recommendations were generated from a technical consultation on reporting and mapping maternal deaths that was held in Washington, DC from January 12 to 13, 2015 and hosted by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) global Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP). Approximately 72 participants from over 25 global health organizations, government agencies, donors, universities, and other groups participated in the meeting.The meeting placed emphases on how improved use of mapping could contribute to the post-2015 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agenda in general and to contribute to better maternal and neonatal health outcomes in particular. Researchers and policy makers have been calling for more equitable improvement in Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH), specifically addressing hard-to-reach populations at sub-national levels. Data visualization using mapping and geospatial analyses play a significant role in addressing the emerging need for improved spatial investigation at subnational scale. This correspondence identifies key challenges and recommendations so GIS may be better applied to maternal health programs in resource poor settings. The challenges and recommendations are broadly grouped into three categories: ancillary geospatial and MNH data sources, technical and human resources needs and community participation

The Effect of Labor Exploitation on Children’s Psychological Wellbeing in Woldia Town Primary Schools: Implication for Intervention

The main objective of the study aimed at assessing the effect of child exploitation on children psychological well-being Woldia town seven primary schools.  Qualitative and quantitative are employed. That is, descriptive survey used to the study. The study used questionnaire and interview as data gathering instruments. Hence, data gathered through questionnaire from students and teachers that are selected through comprehensive sampling. The data analyzed through percentage and one-sample t-test. Then, the finding of the study revealed that the major labor activities in which children are engaged in Woldia town  include shoe shining, selling lottery tickets, selling food/drinks/ kollo, and assisting taxi drivers (woyala). Most of the child labor exploitation in the study came from regions to look for job, due to conflicts at home, early marriage and divorce, Poverty, death of one or both parents, child trafficking, high repetition rates, drop out from school and lack of awareness about the consequence of being engaged in labor exploitation are key factors that push children to be involved in different work. The major problems that have been faced by children engaged in labor exploitation include among others: frustration, low self-esteem, self-perception, learning participation, attitude of the community and intimacy on parents. Lobbying and advocacy for the drafting and enactment of laws and policies for the prevention of child labor. Keywords: Child exploitation; Consequence; Psychological well-being; Intervetion; primary schools DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-15-02 Publication date:August 31st 202

Podoconiosis in East and West Gojam Zones, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Podoconiosis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that is prevalent in red clay soil-covered highlands of tropical Africa, Central and South America, and northern India. It is estimated that up to one million cases exist in Ethiopia. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of podoconiosis in East and West Gojam Zones of Amhara Region in northern Ethiopia. Methodology/Principal Findings: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Debre Eliyas and Dembecha woredas (districts) in East and West Gojam Zones, respectively. The survey covered all 17,553 households in 20 kebeles (administrative subunits) randomly selected from the two woredas. A detailed structured interview was conducted on 1,704 cases of podoconiosis identified in the survey. Results: The prevalence of podoconiosis in the population aged 15 years and above was found to be 3.3% (95% CI, 3.2% to 3.6%). 87% of cases were in the economically active age group (15–64 years). On average, patients sought treatment five years after the start of the leg swelling. Most subjects had second (42.7%) or third (36.1%) clinical stage disease, 97.9% had mossy lesions, and 53% had open wounds. On average, patients had five episodes of acute adenolymphangitis (ALA) per year and spent a total of 90 days per year with ALA. The median age of first use of shoes and socks were 22 and 23 years, respectively. More men than women owned more than one pair of shoes (61.1% vs. 50.5%; x2 = 11.6 p = 0.001). At the time of interview, 23.6% of the respondents were barefoot, of whom about two-thirds were women. Conclusions: This study showed high prevalence of podoconiosis and associated morbidities such as ALA, mossy lesions and open wounds in northern Ethiopia. Predominance of cases at early clinical stage of podoconiosis indicates the potential for reversing the swelling and calls for disease prevention interventions