bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La costruzione di un thesaurus per la “performance”
Authors: Grillo Manuela
Published: October 2021

Il contributo propone una riflessione sugli aspetti metodologici della redazione di un thesaurus per l’indicizzazione di documenti relativi alle arti performative nella Roma del Sei e Settecento. L’illustrazione delle caratteristiche dei thesauri e degli standard internazionali vigenti in materia è seguita dalla riflessione sulle accortezze metodologiche e tecniche dettate dal dominio disciplinare di riferimento: in primis si riflette sulla gestione di descrittori che rappresentano concetti moderni e descrittori rappresentanti concetti antichi. Per la loro rilevanza nella costruzione dell’albero thesaurale, si considerano poi la poligerarchia (condizione di un termine di avere due termini sovraordinati) e la disambiguazione (tecnica impiegata per distinguere i differenti significati di uno stesso termine). Il contributo entra nel vivo della costruzione di un thesaurus, con un corredo di termini esemplificativi e con la riflessione sulle principali criticità d’uso.
«Un nobilissimo e sottilissimo ingegno»
Authors: De Lucca Valeria
Published: October 2021

I balli teatrali, che costituiscono un elemento fondamentale del dramma per musica dell’età primo moderna a Roma, sono tra le forme più effimere di spettacolo e, ancora oggi, tra le più difficili da ricostruire. Lo studioso che voglia esaminare la performance dei balli, infatti, deve spesso affrontare la difficoltà metodologica costituita non solo dalla quasi totale assenza di tracce di coreografie, ma anche da quella di partiture che trasmettano la musica che le accompagnava, nella maggior parte dei casi andata perduta. Attraverso il raffronto incrociato delle tracce materiali che i balli hanno lasciato nei documenti d’archivio della famiglia Colonna, trattati coevi e libretti d’opera, mi propongo di recuperare e rievocare aspetti considerati persi della performance dei balli delle opere prodotte nel teatro della famiglia romana tra il 1683 e il 1688.
Habilidades Sociais em Crianças com TDAH: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Barbosa Abrahão Anaísa Leal , Dos Santos Elias Luciana Carla
Published: October 2021

O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre habilidades sociais (HS) em crianças com Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade (TDAH), considerando o período de dez anos. Para tanto foram consultadas as bases de dados LILACS, PsycInfo, SciElo, Eric e Pepsic. A metodologia foi de revisão de literatura, baseada no Reporting Items for Systematics Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), com análise temática e de nuvem de palavras com o auxílio do software Iramuteq. Foram consultados na íntegra 34 estudos, divididos em duas categorias: Avaliação das HS de crianças com TDAH e Caracterização HS após intervenção dirigidas às crianças, pais e professores. Os resultados indicaram ausência de regularidade nas publicações; poucos estudos nacionais; predomínio de estudos empíricos, apenas alguns randomizados; tendência do uso de multi-informantes; instrumento SSRS (Social Skills Rating System) utilizado frequentemente e; déficits nas HS de asserção, autocontrole, empatia, cooperação e responsabilidade. A análise de nuvem de palavras evidenciou presença de problemas de comportamento; dificuldades acadêmicas, domésticas e com pares; promoção de repertório comportamental após intervenção; e ausência de intervenções dirigidas à professores. Tendências e limitações foram exploradas, no entanto, indica-se a inserção de outras fontes de dados.
Reflexões sobre ontologias jornalísticas no contexto de desinformação e crises sistêmicas
Authors: Saad Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

O encontro entre desinformação e digitalização informacional/social configura-se no locus ideal para a rápida e incontrolável aceleração de desordens informativas, especialmente em momentos de crise sistêmica, tendo o jornalismo um papel fundamental na produção de informação de qualidade, legitima e credível. Indagamos como a práxis e respectivas ontologias são resilientes em tais cenários, especialmente com relação aos processos redacionais de verificação. Partimos do pressuposto que existem diferenças entre as ontologias da verificação e aquelas emergentes dos processos de fact-checking necessários ao combate da desinformação. Propomos refletir neste ensaio teórico sobre as possibilidades de conciliação dos diferentes preceitos ontológicos. Instrumentalizamos nossas reflexões a partir de um panorama do jornalismo contemporâneo em reconfiguração; apresentamos os conceitos recentes na literatura sobre ontologia do jornalismo; discutimos as diferenças de fazeres entre a verificação redacional cotidiana e a atividade do fact-checking organizada como um sistema paralelo; apresentamos e comentamos sobre ecossistema brasileiro atuando neste cenário. Novos posicionamentos ontológicos diante de ondas de desinformação preservam o jornalismo de qualidade, mas necessitam de processos mais complexos que aquele já consolidado de verificação redacional. O fact-checking parece ser o complemento oportuno para dar conta do cenário e olharmos para o jornalismo como parte de um ritual comunicativo enraizado nas bases da sociedade que atua. 
Palavras-chave: crise sistêmica; ontologias; jornalismo; fact-checking
Fake news e cadeias de referência:
Authors: Lemos André , Oliveira Frederico
Published: October 2021

O Facebook coproduz e distribui conteúdos falsos sendo parte essencial do ecossistema de desinformação sobre a Covid-19. Este artigo analisa 103 checagens sobre a Covid-19 publicadas pelas agências Aos Fatos e Lupa entre 24 de janeiro e 31 de março de 2020. Os 109 conteúdos falsos verificados nesses textos também foram analisados. A partir da ideia de “cadeias de referências”, proposta por Bruno Latour, o artigo relaciona as formas do fazer jornalístico com aquelas do fato científico. O argumento é que as cadeias de desinformação – fake news – buscam simular as cadeias de referência do jornalismo, parecendo verdadeiras (modo REF), mas funcionando sob um modo religioso (modo REL). Conteúdos falsos e checagens distinguem-se especificamente pela forma de adesão a esses modos. No caso das fake news, as características do Facebook – remoção de metadados de imagens, forma de apresentação de compartilhamentos etc. - corroboram argumentos falsos, sendo eficazes na geração de adesão identitária ao conteúdo inverídico.
Palavras-chave: Fake news. Checagem de fatos. Cadeias de referência. Facebook. Covid-19.
Osseous metaplasia in a case of papillary renal cell carcinoma; a case report
Authors: De Silva W. S. L. , Kumara M. G. S. R. , Ambegoda A. L. A. M. C. , Thiranagama P. D. K. , Sosai C. P. , Abeygunasekera A. M.
Published: October 2021

No abstract available
A case series of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma treated in a urology unit of Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumara M. G. S. R. , Vidanapathirana S. , De Silva W. S. , Ambegoda A. L. A. M. C. , Mahadeva S. , Sosai C. P. , Abeygunasekera A. M.
Published: October 2021

No abstract available
Current management of male urethral stricture disease
Authors: Perera N. D.
Published: October 2021

No abstract available
Can we link Vitamin D deficiency to benign prostatic enlargement? An observational case control study
Authors: Kale S. , Rashid T. , Sail D.
Published: October 2021

No abstract available
Severe and delayed-onset acneiform eruptions as an adverse reaction to regorafenib
Authors: Otsuka Haruhiko , Fukumoto Takeshi , Kiyota Naomi , Takemori Chihiro , Jimbo Haruki , Nishigori Chikako
Published: October 2021

Regorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor targeting several tyrosine kinase receptors including BRAF and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and is approved as a third-line treatment for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). While acneiform eruptions have been observed in patients receiving other BRAF and EGFR inhibitors, the commonly reported adverse reactions to regorafenib are fatigue and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia. Herein, we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first case who presented with a severe acneiform eruption 24 months after beginning regorafenib for the treatment of GIST. A 61-year-old woman developed GIST with multiple liver metastases, and she was treated with imatinib and sunitinib. However, these therapies were discontinued, and regorafenib was administered. Twenty-four months after beginning regorafenib, she developed an acneiform eruption on her back. Histopathologic analysis of a skin biopsy from the back revealed neutrophilic suppurative folliculitis. Therefore, she postponed regorafenib administration for 2 months and was treated with topical application of clindamycin phosphate hydrate, which was effective. Consistent with reported evidence that the presence of acneiform eruption and the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors are positively associated, regorafenib had good anticancer activity in our patient. Ultimately, we found that although regorafenib-associated skin toxicities usually appear within 1 month of treatment, patients potentially can present with delayed-onset acneiform eruptions even 24 months later.
Effect of Zirconia Silica Nanofibers on Flexural Strength of Feldspathic Ceramic - An Experimental Study
Authors: Tah Rajdeep , Chidambaranathan Ahila Singaravel , Balasubramanium Muthu Kumar , Sundaram Saravanan Meenakshi
Published: October 2021

Background:

Dental ceramics exhibit good optical and esthetic properties due to their translucency. Feldspathic ceramic is the most widely used veneering ceramic with brittleness, which accounts for most of its failure. Hence, this study was done to evaluate and compare the flexural strength of feldspathic ceramic reinforced with zirconia-silica nanofibers in the ratio of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt% with conventional feldspathic ceramic.

Materials and Methods:

According to ISO 6872, a master die was prepared from which resin bars were fabricated with 4.0 mm in width × 1.2 mm thickness × 25.0 mm length, Zirconia-silica nanofibers were produced by sol-gel electrospinning go around with calcination and blended with feldspathic ceramic through ball milling method. The samples were prepared with 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 wt% nanofibers reinforced ceramic. The flexural strength of the samples was evaluated using three-point bending test.

Results:

The flexural strength values of zirconia-silica nanofibers reinforced ceramic groups were higher than control group. There was a gradual increase in the flexural strength values of felspathic ceramic groups with increase in wt% of nanofibers.

Conclusion:

The flexural strength of feldspathic ceramic samples reinforced with zirconia-silica nanofibers by 5 and 7.5 wt% were statistically significant compared to control, whereas the flexural strength of 2.5 wt% was statistically insignificant compared to the control group.
Injection of Paraquat in the Neck
Authors: Mansouri Vahid , Rostamian Alireza , Bemanalizadeh Maryam
Published: October 2021

Paraquat is a highly toxic compound and a widely used herbicide that causes serious morbidity and mortality. The most well-known route of poisoning is oral ingestion, whereas parenteral injection of paraquat is individually uncommon. We present a case who injected paraquat in his neck in an attempt to commit suicide. His general condition got worsened gradually over 3 days. He received early hemodialysis in 4 h after self-injection and then supportive treatment in intensive care unit. Early hemodialysis helped him survive, but during hospitalization, some rare complications occurred, and unfortunately, he died after 3 months. Despite the high-risk route of poisoning, the patient survived for 3 months. Our patient was protected from renal and hepatic damage may be because of early hemodialysis but suffered from central nervous system and pulmonary damage.
Perceived Stress and Emotional Overeating During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mohapatra Shrusty , Mohapatra Mamta , Kar Sujita Kumar , Tekkalaki Bheemsain
Published: October 2021

Background:

Obesity due to inappropriate eating habits, including overeating, has recently been discussed during this COVID pandemic crisis in the context of stress. Emotional overeating (EOE) is sometimes considered as a strategy for emotion regulation. Considering this fact, this study used a snowball technique to analyze the prevalence of EOE caused due to stress during this pandemic situation.

Methodology:

The present cross-sectional online study of 607 respondents across all regions of India attempts to assess the perceived stress levels during COVID-19, evaluate their tendency to engage in emotional eating, and examine the relationship between perceived stress and emotional eating during COVID-19 situation.

Results:

Stress perception is significantly associated with EOE and such phenomenon is marginally more prominent in females more than males. A negative association of age, though weak (r = −0.34, p< 0.05), has been found with both perceived stress levels and EOE, signifying that the youngsters are more prone to stress and overeating than older persons, during these COVID times. The study also evidenced that people with psychiatric conditions are significantly more affected than others. Similarly, the average EOE scores for such persons were also higher, and they may be more vulnerable to emotional eating.

Conclusion:

EOE is significantly associated with perceived stress; the association is more prominent in females. Younger people and people with mental illness display significantly more emotional eating behavior during stress.
A Pandemic Worser Than a Pandemic – Sexual Violence During COVID-19
Authors: Sasidharan Shibu , Dhillon Harpreet Singh
Published: October 2021

This article underscores the importance of making advance preparations for situations of disaster when anti-sexual violence work becomes more difficult and complex. It also highlights the painful price that disasters can exact, especially when society is ill-equipped or unwilling to respond effectively.
Can COVID-19 Patients Exercise? An Insight
Authors: Naik Sadananda B. , Shetty Kshama Susheel
Published: October 2021

Practice of mild-to-moderate physical exercise could be beneficial to patients recuperating from COVID-19, whereas vigorous physical exercise could result in opposite health effect. Evaluation of pulmonary and cardiac function could show silent functional impairment.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Manifestations of COVID-19
Authors: Nivea B. , Kamath Vasantha , Markanday Kushal , Jacob M. J. , Mohan Dharani
Published: October 2021

Background:

While the name of the virus indicates respiratory disease, and the respiratory spread of COVID-19 has been well documented in the literature, the ongoing pandemic has shown that the virus is not confined to just the lung. Hence, physicians should be aware of the “many faces” that this singular disease can present with, for timely diagnosis and prompt initiation of best treatment options.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 1754 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were admitted at a rural tertiary care center, Karnataka, India. This study is a cross-sectional study done for a period of 6 months from July 2020 to December 2020. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, management, and outcomes were recorded and compared.

Results:

Out of 1754 COVID-19 patients, pulmonary manifestations were seen in 1222 patients, extrapulmonary manifestations in 360 patients, and 172 patients were asymptomatic. Males were affected more than females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. Most common pulmonary manifestation seen was cough in 83.06%, followed by fever in 67.59%. Most common extrapulmonary manifestation seen was neurological followed by gastrointestinal in 60.83% and 35.8% patients, respectively. Fatality in patients with pulmonary manifestations was 5% and extrapulmonary manifestation was 3%. All patients were managed according to standard COVID-19 treatment protocol.

Conclusion:

Early recognition of COVID-19 infections remains a big challenge. COVID-19 can have diverse range of clinical manifestations. Hence, COVID-19 infection should be considered in the differential of any systemic disease during the current pandemic, even in the absence of pulmonary manifestations like fever or cough.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated with COVID-19
Authors: Ravindra T. S. , Yeldo Dilmo , Arjun B. S.
Published: October 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originated in Wuhan, China in the fall of 2019 which has soon become a global pandemic engulfing the entire world, presents with a myriad of symptoms from asymptomatic to severe disease with acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction and severe inflammatory response. New associations and clinical problems keep appearing with the new virus and here, we are reporting a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) presented to us with complaints of progressive proximal muscle weakness and bilateral facial paralysis. The initial nerve conduction study was normal, but clinical examination showed us a picture of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and the patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin to which the patient responded dramatically. Repeat nerve conduction study showed typical features of GBS. Thus, a differential diagnosis of GBS should be kept in mind by all physicians/neurologists who encounter any neurological symptoms (especially muscle weakness) while treating or post-COVID-19 infection.
Placement of Tunneled Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter for Long-Term Chemotherapy in Femoral Vein in a Patient with Major Vessel Thrombosis of Upper Extremity
Authors: Prasad Mantha Srinivasa Shyam , Sai Kaushik P. H. , Nair Abhijit S. , Rayani Basanth Kumar
Published: October 2021

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement can be extremely challenging and difficult in certain situations. In this case report, we have described PICC placement in right femoral vein in a patient who had thrombosis of arm veins and great veins in neck. We have described a unique way of tunneling the catheter in lower abdominal wall so as to use it for long term and avoid infections which is common with groin lines.
Nutritional Status of Children under Five Years of Age and Factors Associated in Rural Areas of Sana'a Governorate, Yemen
Authors: A. Alwabr Gawad M. , A. Alwabr Nwbal M.
Published: October 2021

Background:

The nutritional status of children determines their health, physical development, educational performance, and progress in life. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and associated factors of children under 5 years of age in rural areas in Sana'a Governorate, Yemen.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at five rural health centers of Sana'a Governorate, from March to May 2018. A convenience sampling method was used in the selection of 150 mothers and their children under five. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in data collection. According to WHO standards, the middle-upper arm circumference tool was used to measure the circumference of the upper part of the arm of the study children.

Results:

This study results showed that of all the children, 38.7% had Mild Malnutrition, 34% had Moderate Malnutrition, 6.7% had Severe Malnutrition, and 20.7% were normal. Majority of the participants' mothers (81.3%) were not knowledgeable about malnutrition causes. Place of delivery, mothers' education, fathers' education, age of mothers in the first pregnancy, numbers of all children per household, a child's weight at birth, and age of the child at weaning, were associated with the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Despite the efforts of redressing child malnutrition issues in Yemen, the proportion of malnutrition among children under the age of five still high. Multiple intervention strategies based on risk factors can reduce early malnutrition of the children under the age of five.
Thirty Minutes of Moderate-Intensity Downhill or Level Running Has No Effect on Postprandial Lipemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Tsung-Jen , Chiu Chih-Hui , Wu Ching-Lin , Liao Yu-Sheng , Chang Chen-Kang
Published: October 2021

Elevated postprandial triglyceride (TG) concentrations are linked to a relatively high risk of cardiovascular disease. Eccentric endurance exercise, such as downhill walking and running, can provide metabolic benefits similar to concentric exercise. However, whether eccentric exercise affects postprandial lipemia remains unknown. Nine healthy young men performed level running (trial) or downhill running (DR trial, −15% slope) at 60% VO2max or rest (CON trial) for 30 min in a randomized crossover design. The participants were fed a high-fat meal the next day. Blood and expired gas samples were collected before and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h after the meal. Muscle soreness was measured using a visual analog scale. The DR trial induced mild muscle damage. During the 6-h postprandial period, serum TG concentrations and area under the curve (AUC) were similar across the three trials. The DR trial had a significantly higher AUC of nonesterified fatty acid concentrations and a significantly lower AUC of glucose concentrations than the CON trial. The results suggested that neither moderate-intensity DR nor running a level surface had a significant effect on lipemia after a high-fat meal. However, DR improved the postprandial glycemic response.
Fungal Ball Obstructive Uropathy in an Elderly Female with Nil Comorbidity
Authors: Jha Vijoy Kumar , Mahapatra Debasish
Published: October 2021

Fungal balls in the upper urinary tract are a rare cause of obstructive uropathy. We describe a case of renal fungal ball in an immunocompetent lady with extreme of age and gender as risk factors. The patient presented with recurrent renal colic and complicated urinary tract infection. She had complete resolution of symptoms with spontaneous passage of fungal ball and systemic antifungal therapy.
Fermented Foods as Probiotics
Authors: Soemarie Yulistia Budianti , Milanda Tiana , Barliana Melisa Intan
Published: October 2021

Fermented foods and drinks derived from animals as well as plants play an important role in diets. These foods usually contain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) grown during fermentation, and these naturally contain compounds, including organic acids, ethanol, or antimicrobial compounds with the ability to inhibit spoilage organisms and pathogenic bacteria in fermented foods. Furthermore, these bacteria are able to adapt well to the spontaneous fermentation process and play a role in human as well as animal health, especially in digestive tract, commonly known as probiotics. This study therefore aims to describe the microorganisms produced by fermented foods suitable for development as probiotics to improve human health, as these generally have the ability to improve the immune system against pathogenic bacteria. Several genera are used as probiotics, includingLactobacillus,Bifidobacterium,Bacillus,Pediococcus, and several yeasts. Therefore, LAB produced from fermented foods were concluded to be suitable potential candidates for probiotics, to replace antibiotics in overcoming pathogenic bacteria, and to possess the ability to improve the immune system and strengthen the body against pathogenic bacteria.
Comparative Analysis of the Heavy Metals Content in Selected Colored Cosmetic Products at Saudi Market
Authors: Suliman Rasha Saad , Alghamdi Sahar Saleh , Ahmad Dilshad , Alghamdi Rahaf Ibrahim , Alotaibi Raghad , Alghwainm Munirah , Aljammaz Norah A.
Published: October 2021

Heavy metal impurities in cosmetics are common due to their natural abundance. However, they should be kept to a minimum wherever technically feasible. Although human external contact with a substance rarely results in a significant systemic exposure, local exposure to cosmetics may pose a risk of heavy metal contamination. In this study, we sought to investigate the heavy metal concentration present in various cosmetic products from different brands and qualities that are available in the Saudi Market, also to analyze and compare the determined values relative to the reported permissible levels according to international standards. In this study, we have selected several facial cosmetics from the Saudi market and classified their quality into three main classifications based on their price. This was followed by an analysis and reporting of heavy metal content using an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer. We found that three metals were below the permissible limits (Pb, As, and Cd) for cosmetics according to the Saudi Food and Drug Administration and Canadian Standards, besides (Cr) which was also below the limit of the United States Food and Drug Administration. The level of (Ni) exceeded the recommended range in the three-class classifications. On contrary, Pb, Cr, As, and Cd have all exceeded the acceptable levels based on European standards. Further assessment and careful selection of heavy metals content in cosmetics are urgently needed, as there are fluctuations in values between different international standards which might pose a potential harmful effect to human health from the daily use of cosmetics containing heavy metals impurities.
Investigating nanostructured liquid crystalline particles as prospective ocular delivery vehicle for tobramycin sulfate
Authors: Kaul Shreya , Nagaich Upendra , Verma Navneet
Published: October 2021

Tobramycin remains the anchor drug for bacterial keratitis treatment and management; however, unlike other aminoglycosides, it does not pass through the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the current investigation was to formulate tobramycin-loaded nanostructured liquid crystalline particles as an ophthalmic drug delivery system to ameliorate its preocular residence duration and ophthalmic bioavailability. Tobramycin cubosomes were fabricated by liquid–lipid monoolein, water, and poloxamer 407 as a stabilizer. Corneal penetration studies exhibited that the apparent permeation coefficient of tobramycin cubosomes was nearly 3.6-fold greater than marketed tobramycin eye drops. Ocular in vivo analysis performed in rabbits' eyes manifested that the intensity of bacterial keratitis was reduced on day 3, and on day 5, the manifestations were considerably mitigated with tobramycin cubosomes as compared to marked eye drops. Pharmacokinetic study of rabbit aqueous humor demonstrated that the area under curve and the peak concentration of optimized cubosomes were 3.1-fold and 3.3-fold, respectively, which was significantly higher than marketed eye drops. Moreover, histopathological studies illustrated the existence of normal ocular structures, thus indicating that there was no damage to the corneal epithelium or stromal layer. Consequently, the results acquired demonstrated that tobramycin-loaded cubosomal formulation could be a propitious lipid-based nanodelivery system that would enhance retention time and corneal permeability contrast to commercial eye drops.
A novel formulation of chitosan nanoparticles functionalized with titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Al-Nemrawi Nusaiba , Nimrawi Sukaina
Published: October 2021

Herein, chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were prepared and functionalized chemically with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) to allow on-demand degradation of CS-NPs, using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation as a trigger. This is expected to allow drug release depending on patients' needs or physiological circumstances. Eleven formulations were arranged and their particle size, charge, and polydispersity were determined. The effect of CS-NPs size and the amount of TiO2-NPs, on the system collapse, was studied accordingly. Moreover, the collapse of these systems was examined using a fluorescence microscope after loading CS-NPs with Rhodamine. The formulations showed high monodispersity and had sizes ranged between 170 and 440 nm and charges ranged between +5 and +34 mV. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction proved the chemical deposition of TiO2-NPs on CS-NPs. The dye test showed that there are two factors that oppose each other and affected the deposition of TiO2-NPs on CS-NPs, the size of CS-NPs, and the amount of TiO2-NPs used. In addition, the dye test showed that the deposition of TiO2-NPs is a saturated process that relies on the amount of TiO2-NPs used initially. Finally, the intensity of Rhodamine released from these systems after illumination with UV light was related to the amount of TiO2-NPs deposited on CS-NPs. In conclusion, functionalization of CS-NPs with TiO2-NPs can be controlled and used to rupture CS-NPs on demand by illumination with UV light.
Prevalence, risk assessment, and predictors of osteoporosis among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Bitar Ahmad Naoras , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Ali Irfhan Ali Bin Hyder , Khan Amer Hayat
Published: October 2021

The link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and osteoporosis is unclear and yet to be understood. The study goals were to detect the prevalence of osteoporosis and investigate its predictors among COPD patients. This is a longitudinal study conducted in a tertiary care setting. During the study, patients' bone mineral density was checked, pulmonary parameters were recorded, and a risk assessment tool was validated. Based on T-score, more than 50% of subjects were osteoporotic. Spirometric parameters were significantly lower among osteoporotic patients. For the risk assessment tool, a cutoff point of 34 made the optimum balance between sensitivity and specificity (0.867 and 0.087, respectively) with a generated area under the curve of 0.934. Severe COPD patients were four times at higher risk of getting osteoporosis, forced expiratory volume (FEV) % predicted, and FEV/forced vital capacity was inversely related to the risk of osteoporosis. Patients with severe dyspnea had twice the risk of getting osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was prevalent among COPD patients, and severe COPD patients were at higher risk of getting osteoporosis.
A Pilot Project to Identify Simple Echocardiographic Tools as an Alternative to Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Predict a Reduced Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Mohakud Asish Ranjan , Sivakumar Kothandam , Singh Arvind Sahay , Sagar Pramod
Published: October 2021

Background:

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an important predictor of adverse events after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair. A study comparing echocardiography with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) might provide simple tools for their serial inexpensive assessment.

Methods:

Echocardiographic RV functional parameters including fractional area change (FAC), rate of pressure rise (dP/dt), free wall strain, myocardial performance index (MPI), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and tissue Doppler S' velocity in patients with repaired TOF were correlated with CMR-derived ejection fraction (EF) using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. Bland–Altman plots analyzed agreement between the RV end-diastolic volumes (EDVs), end-systolic volumes (ESVs), and EF derived from three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and CMR.

Results:

Eighteen patients were included. The echocardiographic parameters that showed a good positive correlation with CMR-derived EF were FAC (r = 0.851, P = 0.001), dP/dt (r = 0.730, P = 0.001), and free wall strain (r = −0.660, P = 0.003). ROC curve analysis provided a cutoff value for FAC (<36.6), dP/dt (<370 mmHg/s), free wall strain (<−18.5) and MPI (>0.565) to predict EF <45%. TAPSE and S' velocity had poor correlation. Correlation was strong between 3DE and CMR-derived EDV (r = 0.938, P <0.001), ESV (r = 0.936, P <0.001) and EF (r = 0.916, P <0.001). 3DE underestimated volumes compared to CMR with a mean bias of − 31.78 ± 18.8 ml for EDV and −17.28 ± 11.6 ml for ESV, but EF was not affected (mean bias − 1% ± 3.7%).

Conclusions:

RV free wall strain, FAC and dP/dt were simple tools with good accuracy to predict RV EF <45% in patients with repaired TOF. TAPSE and S' velocity assessed basal longitudinal function without considering the dysfunctional outflow tract and showed poor correlation. EF assessment by 3DE was a good alternative to CMR. Underestimation of volumes by 3DE might restrict its use in timing surgery.
Effect of increasing rate of tricycles on saturation flows at signalized intersections in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Usanga I.N. , Etim R.K.
Published: October 2021

This study involves understanding the effect of tricycles on saturation flow rate at signalized intersections. The goal is to show that intersection dominated by tricycle experience congestion especially at peak periods (morning and evening). This was done by collecting vehicular traffic data, signal timing and geometric data from five (5) signalized intersections at ten (10) cycles. The period covered October, 2015 to June, 2016 for four working days of the week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), between the hours of 7:30 am–9:30 am and 4:30 pm– 6:30 pm. The duration of data collected covered both rainy and dry seasons. Average vehicular departure time during green time was determined and saturation flow obtained through field measurement by the ratio of average vehicular departure time to green time. Highway Capacity Manual method was also used to obtain saturation flow at each study approach. Saturation flow obtained through field measurement and Highway Capacity Manual were compared using independent t-test having t-value of 4.239 and P-value of 0.000 at 20 degree of freedom were obtained. The analysis indicated that P-value is less than 0.05, hence the mean of Highway Capacity Manual 2000 Model (5918.60) was significantly higher than the field measurement (4687.50). The result indicated that the increasing rate of tricycle with non-lane discipline causes congestion at signalized intersection. The findings suggest that the widely used Highway Capacity Manual is not appropriate for determining saturation flow for a mixed traffic with increasing rate of tricycle coupled with non-lane discipline traffic condition. From the analysis, it is recommended that Government should give priority to use of buses as a means of mass transit system so that it can accommodate more commuters than tricycle.
Valuating hydrocarbon pipeline facility service beyond 20–25 year economic life: Accounting for residual value
Authors: Alaneme C.E. , Al-Lajam S.N. , Al-Jaafari A.A. , Al-Otaibi S.B.
Published: October 2021

The 20–25 years economic life for hydrocarbon pipelines in the investment decision model is at wide variance with historical statistical records of more than 90-percent world-wide. Opinions diverge, from service type to the product quality, and materials resilience as basis for this premise. While, financial experts consider time to fully depreciate a capital investment, irrespective of the rate of returns, engineers consider operational availability and reliability duration. The risk is that actual residue values of pipelines worldwide are erroneously omitted in every project’s economics Cash-flow computation, thus eroding the investment decision quality. Statistics showed that more than 60-percent of pipelines worldwide have already exceeded the 25 years economic life, while more than 40-percent have operated more than 30-years and above. This theoretical appraisal identified a gap in the economic model in handling multi-criteria risk management uncertainties like hedging, weighting, etc., and highlighted the exigency to craft and assign numeric residue values for pipelines in the investment Cash-flow models.
Static and dynamic mechanical behavior of doum palm (Hyphaene thebaica) nut reinforced HDPE composites
Authors: Alabi A.A. , Obi A.I. , Kulla D.M. , Tahir S.M.
Published: October 2021

The quest to discover more and to enhance the qualities of agro-residue for use as natural reinforcement of polymers continues to attract the attention of researchers because of the environmental friendliness. Hyphaene thebaica also known as doum palm is a fruit tree native to the Nile in Egypt and found in abundance in many parts of Africa. Doum palm fruit contains probably the hardest and toughest known nut. The doum palm nuts (DPN) are the most under-used hard-nut despite their abundance in nature. This study presents the potential doum palm nut particles (DPNp) as natural reinforcement for high density polyethylene (HDPE). Properties of DPN such as density, hardness and weight loss due to heating were determined. HDPE/DPNp composites were produced by reinforcing HDPE with 30, 35, 40 and 45% DPNp particles of two different sizes. The particle sizes 600 μm and 710 μm led to classifying the composites as X-composite and Y-composite respectively. The static and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites were determined and compared with the those of pure HDPE. Results showed that HDPE and DPNp can be formed into light and attractive components. Loading HPDE with DPNp significantly improve static mechanical properties of HDPE such as tensile strength, hardness, stiffness and resistance to impact failure by 50%, 200%, 800% and 1500% respectively. The HDPE/DPNp composites also had better dynamic mechanical properties. The ability of the composites to maintain load bearing capacity under dynamic conditions was superior to that of HDPE.
Industrial manipulator dynamic parameter estimation using mutating particle swarm optimization (Mupso)
Authors: Umar A. , Shi Z. , Khlil A. , Farouk Z.I.B.
Published: October 2021

This work aims at developing a dynamic model and estimating the unknown parameters of the first three joints (at the arm) of a 6 degree of freedom industrial robot manipulator, a finite Fourier series algorithm was used to design an excitation trajectory, a mutating particle swarm optimization algorithm was used to optimise the parameters of the Fourier series thereby minimizing the condition number of the observation matrix, and a linear least-squares methods was implemented for estimating the unknown dynamic parameters of the manipulator. A mutation function was implemented to break the algorithm out of stagnation. Out of the thirty unknown parameters at the industrial manipulator arm, twenty were identified independently, two were identifiable in linear combinations, and the remaining eight parameters were unidentifiable. The mutating particle swarm optimization algorithm dominated other algorithms and was found suitable for robot dynamic analysis.
Seasonal variation of some atmospheric parameters in fresh water swamp and Sudan Savanna areas of Nigeria
Authors: Aweda F.O. , Agbolade J.O. , Oyewole J.A. , Sanni M.
Published: October 2021

The year in year out variation in atmospheric parameters, solar radiation, and meteorological variables such as ambient temperature, relative humidity RH, wind speed etc, are posies that can be and are used to describe the atmospheric conditions. Ten years of data obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) was analysed. Results showed that solar radiation rises from January to get to its peak in April which is maintained till August before it begins to fall again with the Sudan savanna area (Maiduguri) having a value of (15.70 MJm-2month-1) and freshwater swamp area (Ikeja) having the value of (10.16 MJm-2month-1). The extraterrestrial radiations calculated for the two stations are 333.53 (MJm-2month-1) and 195.53 (MJm-2month-1) respectively. However, the relative humidity of Ikeja (84.54%) is higher as compared to that of Maiduguri (42.23%). The minimum temperature ranges observed for the two stations varies from (22 - 24)0C and (12 - 26)°C, while the maximum temperature was as high as 33°C and 40°C obtained in April for Ikeja and Maiduguri, respectively. Similarly, the average wind speed is higher for Ikeja (4.97m/s) than for Maiduguri (4.62m/s). The result of the statistical correlation reveals that, in Maiduguri, solar radiation was found to have a significant negative relationship with relative humidity (r = -.256, p<0.01) and a significant positive relationship with minimum and maximum temperature (p<0.05). This means that minimum and maximum temperatures increase as solar radiation increases (p<0.05). Relative humidity decreases as solar radiation increases. In Ikeja, solar radiation was found to have a significant negative relationship with relative humidity (r =-.350, p<0.01) and wind speed (r = -146, p<0.05) and significant positive relationship with minimum temperature (r =.410, p<0.05) and maximum temperature (r =.575, p<0.01). In conclusion, the variables like relative humidity, minimum temperature and wind speed are higher in the freshwater swamp area of Nigeria as compared to the Sudan savanna area, while the solar radiation, extraterrestrial radiation and maximum temperature are generally higher in the Sudan savanna area of Nigeria.
Inversion free Iterative Method for Finding Symmetric Solution of the Nonlinear Matrix Equation 𝑿 − 𝑨∗𝑿𝒒𝑨 = 𝑰 (𝒒 ≥ 𝟐)
Authors: Chacha Chacha Stephen
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we propose the inversion free iterative method to find symmetric solution of thenonlinear matrix equation 𝑿 − 𝑨∗𝑿𝒒𝑨 = 𝑰 (𝒒 ≥ 𝟐), where 𝑋 is an unknown symmetricsolution, 𝐴 is a given Hermitian matrix and 𝑞 is a positive integer. The convergence of theproposed method is derived. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed iterative methodis quite efficient and converges well when the initial guess is sufficiently close to the approximatesolution.

Keywords: Symmetric solution, nonlinear matrix equation, inversion free, iterative method
Final Regime of the Value Added Tax in the European Union and the Slovak Republic
Authors: Rakovský Peter
Published: October 2021

In this article we introduce and analyse the main legal actions regarding the value added tax final regime legislation and we try to detect the most important measures to fight against tax frauds. The article tries to identify the individual actions that have already entered into force within the European Union countries (the Slovak Republic including) and actions which are in legislative procedure at this moment.
Towards an Integration of The Legal Norms of the WTO and the EU
Authors: Wróblewska Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

The WTO, which is composed of 164 Member States at different levels of development, currently plays an increasingly important role as a legal regulator on the global level. Simultaneously, the EU (which currently consists of 27 Member States) has introduced law at the regional level. Although these two organizations do have similarities, they also differ significantly from each other and in practice function in isolation. The WTO is an entity /with its own legal norms, whose aim is to support trade liberalization. On the other hand, the EU is notable for guaranteeing peace, promoting shared values and generating wealth for all EU citizens by means of its own norms. As the EU and its Member States are a State Party of the WTO, the legal regulations of the WTO are included in EU sources of law and are binding for all EU Member States. Thus, the relationship between the WTO and the EU is closely related. This contribution deals with the theoretical comparison between the EU and the WTO in the context of axiology, basic principles and human rights protection aspects. I am of the opinion that it is not justified to look at these organizations in a completely separate way but to identify their common features. The main aim of the contribution is to confirm the hypothesis whether the process of integrating their legal regulations is possible. To consider this issue the Author has divided this paper into three parts: an introduction, a study of the WTO, a study of the EU and a conclusion. The following research methods have been used: legal comparison, analytical and descriptive.
Reform of the EU's Own Revenues and Covering ahe Expenditures Incurred by the Corona Crisis
Authors: Neveceralova Nikol
Published: October 2021

This contribution focus on the revenue side of the EU budget, which consists of own resources, divided into traditional resources, income in the form of a share of value-added tax, and gross national income. On 21 July 2020, the European Council agreed on a multiannual financial framework for the period 2021-2027, and in response to the pandemic situation associated with Covid-19, a temporary recovery instrument for the next generation of the EU was agreed. At the same time, from which it was apparent that it is necessary to find new own resources for the EU, and how the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) could be used to the consequences of the corona crisis. The author will focus mainly on issues on the revenue side of the Union budget and the role of the ESM.
Within the ongoing debates when the result was the coronavirus response the question arises of whether it would be appropriate and effective to introduce a common tax for the EU. The main aim of the contribution is to use the descriptive method, the method of analysis and synthesis the revenue side system of the EU budget, and the reform efforts that culminated in the reform of own resources. In the last part of the article, the author using a descriptive method on how the ESM was activated as one of the walls to maintain the stability of the euro area. Including the view of introducing a common European tax as a fiscal instrument to cover the expenditures (debt) incurred related to coronavirus response i.e. recovery instrument Next Generation.
DESEMPREGO TECNOLÓGICO NA INDÚSTRIA: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE O SETOR TÊXTIL NO BRASIL
Authors: Barbosa de Oliveira Guilherme
Published: October 2021

O progresso técnico é estudado desde os primeiros economistas. As discussões sobre o tema afirmam que essa variável é de suma importância para o crescimento econômico, entretanto o trabalho humano empregado na produção é reduzido. Partindo dessa constatação, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar as implicações do progresso técnico no desemprego do setor têxtil brasileiro. É uma pesquisa bibliográfica, descritiva e analítica. Conclui-se que o setor têxtil brasileiro possui desemprego tecnológico, onde progresso técnico gerou aumentos na produção, todavia, desempregou trabalhadores com menos qualificação profissional.
Feasibility Studies on Demolition Recycled Fine Aggregate and Sea Sand as Partial Preplacement to Natural Fine Aggregate in Concrete
Authors: Kumar B. R Kishor , Kumar B. R Kishor , Kumar B. R Kishor , Kumar B. R Kishor
Published: October 2021

In this research work, an attempt is being made to partially replace the natural fine aggregate with sea sand and recycled fine aggregate obtained from demolished concrete waste in varied proportions to concrete mix and subject the specimens to mechanical strength tests for short and long durations of 7, 28, 56 and 90 days curing. The compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength results of 30% mix proportion (15% Sea sand + 15% demolished waste sand) were found to be 58.3 N/mm2, 3.53 N/mm2 and 4.71N/mm2 respectively. All the three strength test results obtained were found to yield 15% higher strength than the control specimens. Finally, it can be concluded that partial replacement of natural fine aggregate by sea sand and demolition recycled fine aggregate in construction industry, not only eliminates the waste management problems and impacts on environment, but also leads to the sustainable development by reducing the consumption of natural resources.