The Entropy of a Binary Hidden Markov Process

The entropy of a binary symmetric Hidden Markov Process is calculated as an expansion in the noise parameter epsilon. We map the problem onto a one-dimensional Ising model in a large field of random signs and calculate the expansion coefficients up to second order in epsilon. Using a conjecture we extend the calculation to 11th order and discuss the convergence of the resulting series

Geometric Random Inner Products: A New Family of Tests for Random Number Generators

We present a new computational scheme, GRIP (Geometric Random Inner Products), for testing the quality of random number generators. The GRIP formalism utilizes geometric probability techniques to calculate the average scalar products of random vectors generated in geometric objects, such as circles and spheres. We show that these average scalar products define a family of geometric constants which can be used to evaluate the quality of random number generators. We explicitly apply the GRIP tests to several random number generators frequently used in Monte Carlo simulations, and demonstrate a new statistical property for good random number generators

Isotopic Dependence of the Casimir Force

We calculate the dependence of the Casimir force on the isotopic composition of the interacting objects. This dependence arises from the subtle influence of the nuclear masses on the electronic properties of the bodies. We discuss the relevance of these results to current experiments utilizing the iso-electronic effect to search at very short separations for new weak forces suggested by various unification theories.Comment: 12 pages, Revtex (to appear in Physical Review Letters

Perception and Knowledge Level of Yam Farmers on COVID-19 Pandemic in Taraba State, Nigeria

The main objective of the study was to determine the perception and knowledge of yam farmers on COVID-19 pandemic in Taraba State. A total of 120 respondents were purposively selected from 8 village communities of 4 local government areas of the state. The local government areas were: Wukari, Ibbi, Yorro and Zing. Data were collected on perception of farmers on COVID-19 pandemic, knowledge of yam farmers on COVID-19 disease and farmers source of information on COVID-19 pandemic.  Data collected were presented using frequency and percentages, mean score and standard deviation. The result of the analysis revealed that the respondents perceived that COVID-19 pandemic poses danger to livelihood (=3.79), COVID-19 pandemic exists (=3.54), COVID-19 pandemic is contagious (=3.48) and COVID-19 pandemic brought health complications to farmers (=3.47). Respondents had good knowledge of COVID-19 pandemic as the majority (76.7%) know that maintaining social distance can prevent COVID-19 infection, about 76% were aware that COVID-19 is a contagious disease and 74.2% were knowledgeable that hand washing with soap on a regular basis can help to prevent COVID-19 infection. Respondents had multiple sources of information on COVID-19 pandemic as all (100%) of the farmers cited radio as a source of their information on COVID-19 pandemic, 90.8% rely on family members and 90% rely on friends as a source of their information on COVID-19 pandemic. It was recommended that government should establishing institutional frameworks, policies and procedures for pandemic preparedness and response

Yam Farmers’ Perceived Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Yam Production in Taraba State, Nigeria

The main objective of the study was to determine the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on yam production in Taraba State. A total of 120 respondents were purposively selected from 8 village communities of 4 local government areas of the state. The local government areas were: Wukari, Ibbi, Yorro and Zing. Data were collected on both socio-economic and farm characteristics of the respondents. Other areas include: perceived effect of COVID-19 pandemic on yam production, information needs of the respondents during COVID-19 pandemic, and constraints to adaptation strategies experienced by the respondents during COVID-19 pandemic. Data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentages, mean score, standard deviation and factor analysis. The result of the analysis revealed that the majority (72.5%) of the respondents were males and married (68.3%) and the farmers mean age was 35 years. The mean household size of the respondents was 5 persons. The pandemic had negatively affected yam production in the study area and led to decline in farm income, shortage of input supply, general outbreak of yam beetle disease. Information needs of the respondents includes: access to marketing, access to fertilizer, access to credit. Major constraints encountered by the respondents in adapting to the adverse effect of the pandemic include high cost of labour, communication/ language barrier in getting information about COVID-19 pandemic, and diversion of COVID-19 pandemic palliative meant to cushion the adverse effect of the pandemic. It was recommended that government should strengthen early warning and surveillance systems to detect and monitor emerging infectious diseases

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections among pregnant women in the Asante Akim North Municipality of the Ashanti region, Ghana; a cross sectional study

Background: Viral hepatitis is a serious public health problem affecting billions of people globally with maternal-fetal transmission on the rise.Objectives: This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among pregnant women in the Asante Akim North  Municipality, in the Ashanti region of Ghana.Methods: In this cross-sectional study 168 pregnant women were recruited from the Agogo Presbyterian hospital. Blood samples were collected for the detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and identify the risk factors associated with the two infections.Results: Of the 168 participants studied, 16 (9.5%) tested positive for HBV and 13 (7.7%) tested  positive for HCV representing 9.5% and 7.7% respectively. A participant tested positive for both HBV and HCV co-infection representing 0.6%. Undertaking blood transfusion, tattooing and sharing of needles were associated with hepatitis C infection (P=0.001). HBV was not associated with any of the risk factors  (P>0.05).Conclusion: Our findings suggest a high prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among pregnant  women; blood transfusion, tattooing and sharing of hypodermic needles were associated with hepatitis C infection. Measures to reduce the disease and transmission burden must be introduced.Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, pregnant women, seroprevalence, risk factors, Ghana.

EFFECT OF PROFITABILITY AND FIRM GROWTH ON FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY OF LISTED INDUSTRIAL GOODS FIRMS IN NIGERIA

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of profitability and firm growth on financial reporting quality of listed industrial goods firms in Nigeria. Given the distinctive challenges characterizing the industrial goods sector such as high capital intensity, cyclical demand patterns and exposure to economic fluctuations, it is essential to examine how these factors influence the relationship between firm performance metrics like profitability and growth on financial reporting quality in this sector. A sample of 9 industrial goods firms were selected from the population of 13 firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Data was collected through secondary sources from annual reports of the companies from 2014- 2023. The study adopted the ex-post factor research designs and employed the use of generalized least squares regression as a tool for data analysis. The effect of corporate attributes on financial reporting quality was measured using the residuals from the modified Jones model by Dechow, Sloan and Sweeney (1995). The results showed a positive significant effect of profitability on discretionary accruals proxied by financial reporting quality (FRQ). For firm growth, a negative but significant effect on discretionary accruals was reported. Based on the findings, it is recommended that managers of industrial goods firms may choose to pursue firm growth strategies, through diversifying product lines and strengthening distribution channels, as it has been found empirically to enhance the quality of the firms’ reporting. Regulators such as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) should monitor compliance with firms’ disclosure requirements, and impose strict penalties for violations especially in areas of financial misreporting to deter unethical reporting practices

DeriVille: A Metacognitive Game for Derivatives

In mathematics education, understanding fundamental calculus derivative concepts among mathematically challenged Grade 11 learners is a significant task. Traditional methods often fail to engage these learners, highlighting the need for innovative pedagogy. Research lacks a combined approach using game-based learning and metacognitive strategies for teaching derivatives in calculus. To address this gap, DeriVille, a metacognitive game based on the APOS theory, was introduced. This study focuses on designing and developing DeriVille, integrating real-life derivative applications with metacognitive strategies, aiming to enhance Grade 11 learners\u27 proficiency in Basic Calculus. Validation by master teachers, psychologists, and IT professionals indicates DeriVille\u27s suitability for STEM curricula. The game excels in instructional content, software quality, and metacognitive integration, showing promise in improving derivative comprehension and fostering planning, monitoring, and evaluation skills. Psychologists evaluated DeriVille with a mean score of 4.47 (SD=0.9163), affirming its accuracy, problem-solving support, and effective metacognitive strategies. The game meets requirements for non-print teaching materials and is recommended for public school use with appropriate adjustments. IT professionals assessed DeriVille\u27s software quality using ISO 25010 criteria, yielding an overall mean of 4.58 (SD=0.1463), indicating high reliability, functionality, and usability that align with ISO standards, enhancing learning satisfaction through gaming. DeriVille stands out as an educational tool, offering a unique approach to teaching basic calculus derivatives while equipping students with problem-solving skills and metacognitive insights, advancing mathematics education