Validating the mediating effect of negotiation style between problem-solving strategies and communication style on marital satisfaction among Nigerian

This study validating the mediating effect of negotiation style between problem solving strategies and Communication style on Marital Satisfaction among Nigerian. To achieve the purpose a cross-sectional survey design was adopted with a sample of 385 married couples in Kwara state Nigeria. The instruments used tagged 'Problem-Solving Strategies, Communication and Negotiation styles on Marital Satisfaction Scales' contained 80 items spread among the 16 sub-constructs, 4 Likert's type was adopted throughout the scale. The data collected were entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS 20 for data cleaning and were filtered to the SmartPLS 3. The data was check for normality using two indicators of Skewness and Kurtosis. The data analysis was conducted using Partial least square structural equation modeling approaches with SmartPLS 3 software. The measurement construct was evaluated by items loading, composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE). The results revealed that the measurement construct assessed in this study showed acceptability with validity and reliability test results presented in the preceding sections. The indicator reliability, convergent validity examined through the factor loadings. Thus with the effect of all the measurement requirements, it can be concluded that the mediating effect of negotiation style between Problem-Solving Strategies and Communication style on Marital Satisfaction can be used to the resolved marital problem among the couples as an alternative option for marital counselor ministry of social welfare and the religious leaders

Development of a novel locomotion algorithm for snake robot

A novel algorithm for snake robot locomotion is developed and analyzed in this paper. Serpentine is one of the renowned locomotion for snake robot in disaster recovery mission to overcome narrow space navigation. Several locomotion for snake navigation, such as concertina or rectilinear may be suitable for narrow spaces, but is highly inefficient if the same type of locomotion is used even in open spaces resulting friction reduction which make difficulties for snake movement. A novel locomotion algorithm has been proposed based on the modification of the multi-link snake robot, the modifications include alterations to the snake segments as well elements that mimic scales on the underside of the snake body. Snake robot can be able to navigate in the narrow space using this developed locomotion algorithm. The developed algorithm surmount the others locomotion limitation in narrow space navigation

Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Transformasional Terhadap Produktivitas Kerja Karyawan Pada PT Pegadaian (Persero) Cabang Purwotomo Surakarta

This study aims to determine the effect of transformational leadership which consists of: (1) charisma, (2) inspirational motivation, (3) intellectual stimulus, and (4) individualized consideration to employee productivity at PT Pegadaian (PERSERO) Purwotomo Surakarta branch. This type of research is quantitative research with the data collection method using a questionnaire. The method used for sampling is non-probability sampling with a saturated sample technique. Respondents for this study were all employees of PT Pegadaian (PERSERO) Purwotomo Surakarta branch. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression to test between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The results showed that there was a significant and positive effect on employee work productivity partially or simultaneously

Snake robot: current state of the art and future trend

This paper discusses the current state of the art of research and future trend of research activity towards achieving mechanisms and technology for useful implementation of efficient snake robots. Snake robot is meant to mimic motion of a natural snake, which does not possess any limb. Natural snakes can undergo wide range of motion and are able to move over rough terrains without the danger of entanglement. Slender structure of the snake body help a snake to go inside narrow holes. Thus a snake robot able to mimic these features of a natural snake will be of extreme use in handling search and rescue operations, minimal invasive surgery and inspection of pipeline defects in petochemical industries. Snake robots, though seem to be a promising solution to wheel less locomotion, and hyper redundant robot mechanism in locating difficult to reach location, could not receive scientists? interest due to the involvement of multiple disciplines that require integration under some common umbrella. Due to the evolution of Mechatronics as an Engineering discipline during the last two decades, promising solutions to snake robot design are gradually coming out

Trichoderma virens mitigates the root-knot disease progression in the chickpea plant

This study was planned to investigate the efficacy of various concentrations of Trichoderma virens against Meloidogyne incognita in vitro. The five concentrations viz., S, S/2, S/ 10, S/25, S/50 were prepared and planned for in vitro study to test the potential of T. virens against hatching and mortality of second-staged juveniles of M. incognita. It was observed a reduction in second-staged juveniles hatching within all tested aqueous concentrations of T. virens. The second-stage juvenile mortality was also recorded in the above-given concentrations of T. virens. The maximum decrease in second-stage juveniles hatching was found in standard aqueous fungal concentration (S). Moreover, in the same T. virens concentration (S), mortality of juveniles was also recorded as highest, and was followed by S/2, S/10, S/25 and S/50. Additionally, the application of T. virens as an individual, simultaneous, and sequential order with M. incognita was also investigated in pot-grown chickpea plants and found that its use was significantly effective in suppressing root-galling disease and improved the plants\u27 growth and physiological attributes. According to the correlation coefficient analysis, the root-knot index correlated significantly with the per cent reduction of the plants\u27 growth and physiological attributes

Advances in the meta-analysis of heterogeneous clinical trials I: the inverse variance heterogeneity model

This article examines an improved alternative to the random effects (RE) model for meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies. It is shown that the known issues of underestimation of the statistical error and spuriously overconfident estimates with the RE model can be resolved by the use of an estimator under the fixed effect model assumption with a quasi-likelihood based variance structure — the IVhet model. Extensive simulations confirm that this estimator retains a correct coverage probability and a lower observed variance than the RE model estimator, regardless of heterogeneity. When the proposed IVhet method is applied to the controversial meta-analysis of intravenous magnesium for the prevention of mortality after myocardial infarction, the pooled OR is 1.01 (95% CI 0.71–1.46) which not only favors the larger studies but also indicates more uncertainty around the point estimate. In comparison, under the RE model the pooled OR is 0.71 (95% CI 0.57–0.89) which, given the simulation results, reflects underestimation of the statistical error. Given the compelling evidence generated, we recommend that the IVhet model replace both the FE and RE models. To facilitate this, it has been implemented into free meta-analysis software called MetaXL which can be downloaded from www.epigear.com

A Review Of Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion For Sustainable Commercial Shipping: Latest Developments And Future Stakes

With the current global warming crisis and contemporary concerns for sustainability, the transport industry is developing and implementing novel solutions to reduce greenhouse gases. With close to 90% of the world’s goods relying on maritime transportation, responsible for 3% of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2019, there is a vital emphasis on reducing emissions. The latest legislation from the International Maritime Organisation has imposed even tougher sulphur oxide targets. On the other hand, emission intensity for CO2 will need to be decreased by 70% in 2050, compared to 2008 figures. While operating measures and fuel alternatives are suitable in the short-term to meet these novel regulatory constraints, as the use of fossil fuels tapers off, the long-terms solution appears to reside in wind-assisted ships. Consequently, this study aims to identify viable solutions that could reduce emissions, focusing on three prominent technologies, namely sails, rotors and kites. Furthermore, this review provides guidance on the benefits and risks associated with each technology and recommends guidelines for performance prediction and associated constraints. Ultimately, future stakes in wind-assisted propulsion are highlighted, including the need for full-scale validation, the challenge in assessing environmental and economic impact, and the structural issues associated with wind-assisted propulsion systems

Improved Nonparametric Control Chart Based on Ranked Set Sampling with Application of Chemical Data Modelling

e statistical performance of parametric control charts is questionable when the underlying process does not follow any speci ed probability distribution. Nonparametric control charts are the best substitute for this situation. On the other hand, the ranked set sampling technique is preferred over the simple random sampling technique because it reduces the variability of process parameters and improves the control chart’s performance. is study aims to o er a nonparametric double homogeneously weighted moving average control chart under Wilcoxon signed-rank test considering the ranked set sampling technique (regarded as NPDHWMARSS), to further enhance the process location monitoring. e proposed chart’s run-length performance is compared with competing control charts, such as DEWMA-X, NPDEWMA-SR, NPRDEWMA-SR, DHWMA, and NPHWMARSS control charts. e comparison revealed that the proposed NPDHWMARSS control chart outperformed the other competing control charts, particularly for small to moderate shifts in process location. Finally, a real-life application is also o ered for quality practitioners to show the strength of the proposed control chartScopu

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe