Hybrid lattice Boltzmann model for binary fluid mixtures

A hybrid lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for binary mixtures based on the free-energy approach is proposed. Non-ideal terms of the pressure tensor are included as a body force in the LBM kinetic equations, used to simulate the continuity and Navier-Stokes equations. The convection-diffusion equation is studied by finite difference methods. Differential operators are discretized in order to reduce the magnitude of spurious velocities. The algorithm has been shown to be stable and reproducing the correct equilibrium behavior in simple test configurations and to be Galilean invariant. Spurious velocities can be reduced of about an order of magnitude with respect to standard discretization procedure.Comment: Final version, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Engendering Students’ Positive Attitude to Sustainable Life Style through “Green Biology” Instruction

The study investigated the effect of a” Green Biology” instruction, an environmental and sustainability responsive participatory instructional approach on students’ knowledge and altitude to sustainability life style strategies. Three research questions and one hypothesis were used to guide the study. A quasi-experimental research design was used. The sample of 169 Post Basic year one students formed the experimental and control groups. The pre and post tests were conducted on the two groups using a Sustainability Attitude Questionnaire (SSAQ) and the experimental group treated with “Green Biology” instruction.  Data analysis shows the” Green Biology” group showing significantly higher positive attitude towards sustainable life style strategies. It was recommended that seminars and workshops be organized to expose teachers to the “green” approach to instruction as a strategy for engendering sustainable life style in Nigeria youths. Keywords: sustainable life style, students’ attitude, Green Biology, instructio

The role of healthcare providers in using the knowledge of sickle cell trait to mitigate health problems in African American Clients.

Abstract Background: Sickle cell trait (SCT) for long has been regarded as a benign condition and as such healthcare providers do little to nothing to mitigate adverse health problems associated with sickle cell trait. An effective approach to improving health outcome for those with SCT is to educate providers on SCT, its complications and management. This study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an educational intervention on providers’ knowledge, attitude and practice regarding sickle cell trait. Method: A quasi experiment study was conducted in Jackson Health System on 30 providers belonging to internal medicine team to evaluate their pre and post knowledge, attitude and practice towards SCT. Result: Out of 30 providers recruited for the study, 21 completed both the pretest and posttest questionnaire giving a response rate of 70%. The overall score improved after the educational intervention, however the overall mean score for pretest and posttest was not significantly different (p = 0.223). There was a significant difference (p = 0.045) between the knowledge mean score for pretest and posttest. Attitude scores for pretest and posttest were not significantly different (p= 0.545). A similar finding was obtained for practice score (P-value 0.604). Conclusion: Educational intervention was effective in improving knowledge, attitude and practice of providers regarding sickle cell trait. Therefore this effort must be sustained through continuous education within the institution to increase awareness towards sickle cell trait among healthcare providers especially for new hires. Key Words: Health care providers, African Americans, mitigation, Knowledge, attitude, practice, sickle cell trait, genetic counseling, Rhabdomyolysis, status, screenin

Possibilities of human healing through music: the Igbo experience

There are numerous instabilities in virtually all aspects of human life. In this present era, people suffer from many illnesses that affect man emotionally, physically, mentally and even socially such as mental disorder, autism, hypertension, heart attack among others. Studies have shown that some of these illnesses could be handled with appropriate music type but the problem is that most people are ignorant of the power of music in maintaining good health. Some people in the profession are also ignorant of the power of what they have or how to apply it where necessary. This paper aimed at revealing the possibilities of maintaining good health through music with particular reference to the Igbo people of Nigeria. It centred on the ability of music to improve the mental, physical, emotional, social, aesthetic and spiritual health of patients. It employed a multidimensional approach involving musicological, sociological, historical and anthropological tools which included participant observation, bibliographical disco graphic and interview of informants. This paper revealed that music has always been an indispensable art in human existence. It has many effects on human health. It improves brain function, repairs brain damage, boost immune system, reduce stress levels, and aid stroke recovery. It therefore recommends among others that serious awareness should be created in different institutions, markets, and churches of the power of music in healing. More hospitals should engage the services of music therapists to help their patients to experience fast healing through music. There should be formation of music therapy guild which should incorporate as many musicians as possible who are going to be more engaged in human healing through music. This paper will be beneficial and useful to scholars, hospitals and individuals who come across it. It will be an eye opener for lots of people who are ignorant of the power of music in human healing.Keywords: Human, Healing, Music, Problem, Possibilitie

Waveform Design for Secure SISO Transmissions and Multicasting

Wireless physical-layer security is an emerging field of research aiming at preventing eavesdropping in an open wireless medium. In this paper, we propose a novel waveform design approach to minimize the likelihood that a message transmitted between trusted single-antenna nodes is intercepted by an eavesdropper. In particular, with knowledge first of the eavesdropper's channel state information (CSI), we find the optimum waveform and transmit energy that minimize the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) at the output of the eavesdropper's maximum-SINR linear filter, while at the same time provide the intended receiver with a required pre-specified SINR at the output of its own max-SINR filter. Next, if prior knowledge of the eavesdropper's CSI is unavailable, we design a waveform that maximizes the amount of energy available for generating disturbance to eavesdroppers, termed artificial noise (AN), while the SINR of the intended receiver is maintained at the pre-specified level. The extensions of the secure waveform design problem to multiple intended receivers are also investigated and semidefinite relaxation (SDR) -an approximation technique based on convex optimization- is utilized to solve the arising NP-hard design problems. Extensive simulation studies confirm our analytical performance predictions and illustrate the benefits of the designed waveforms on securing single-input single-output (SISO) transmissions and multicasting

Application of Software Design in Teaching and Learning

The search for solution to the various needs of man and the development of computer technology has resulted in the development of various computer software that provides solutions to these problems. Computer software are designed to address specific challenges. The applications of computer software cuts across the various spheres of life. This paper presents some basic concepts about software design; design pattern, levels and as well discusses some basic application areas of software designs

Factors Influencing the Learning of English Language for Academic Purposes for Foreign Students: A case of Solusi University.

In line with Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-economic Transformation (ZIM ASSET), the Zimbabweans in all sectors of the economy should seize every opportunity at hand. Solusi University, taking the advantage of English as an official language, has opened its doors to foreign students even from non-English speaking countries thereby bringing in revenue and raising Zimbabwe high on the map of Africa. However, the number of foreign students is still low, the assumption being that, it is due to English language handicap. This study therefore investigated the factors that influence the learning of English by foreign students. A self-drafted questionnaire was distributed to 36 foreign students at various levels of study at Solusi University. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Findings revealed technological factors: Technology makes acquiring and developing the English language easy. However, English lecturers rarely used technology during lessons. Social factors: Lecturers in other subject areas hardly concentrate on English Language and the university community hardly helped them in English learning. Academic Factors: Reading and speaking in English in class has helped respondents improve their English skills. Cultural factors: Home culture either supports or deters foreign students in learning English Language. Economic factors: Students from poor non-English speaking countries can hardly manage to learn the English Language because it is expensive. The study recommended the establishment of English laboratories at responsible universities for the betterment of teaching and learning of the English language to foreign students. Again, the responsible universities should charge reasonable fees so that the foreign students can afford

The discovery of 12min X-ray pulsations from 1WGA J1958.2+3232

During a systematic search for periodic signals in a sample of ROSAT PSPC (0.1-2.4 keV) light curves, we discovered 12min large amplitude X-ray pulsations in 1WGA J1958.2+3232, an X-ray source which lies close to the galactic plane. The energy spectrum is well fit by a power law with a photon index of 0.8, corresponding to an X-ray flux of about 10E-12 ergs cmE-2 sE-1. The source is probably a long period, low luminosity X-ray pulsar, similar to X Per, or an intermediate polar.Comment: 5 pages (figures included). Accepted for publication on MNRA

An ultra-massive fast-spinning white dwarf in a peculiar binary system

White dwarfs typically have masses in a narrow range centered at about 0.6 solar masses (Msun). Only a few ultra-massive white dwarfs (M>1.2 Msun) are known. Those in binary systems are of particular interest because a small amount of accreted mass could drive them above the Chandrasekhar limit, beyond which they become gravitationally unstable. Using data from the XMM-Newton satellite, we show that the X-ray pulsator RX J0648.0-4418 is a white dwarf with mass > 1.2 Msun, based only on dynamical measurements. This ultra-massive white dwarf in a post-common envelope binary with a hot subdwarf can reach the Chandrasekhar limit, and possibly explode as a Type Ia supernova, when its helium-rich companion will transfer mass at an increased rate through Roche lobe overflow.Comment: Science article and Supporting Online Material are available at http://www.sciencemag.org/ Submitted 13 May 2009; accepted 23 July 200