bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractional order COVID-19 model with transmission rout infected through environment
Authors: Yao Shao-Wen ,   School of Mathematics and Information Science, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China, Farman Muhammad , Amin Maryam , Inc Mustafa , Akgül Ali , Ahmad Aqeel ,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Lahore, Lahore-54590, Pakistan,   Department of Computer Engineering, Biruni University, 34025 Istanbul, Turkey,   Department of Mathematics, Science Faculty, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey,   Department of Medical Research, China Medical University, 40402 Taichung, Taiwan,   Art and Science Faculty, Department of Mathematics, Siirt University, 56100 Siirt, Turkey
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we study a fractional order COVID-19 model using different techniques and analysis. The sumudu transform is applied with the environment as a route of infection in society to the proposed fractional-order model. It plays a significant part in issues of medical and engineering as well as its analysis in community. Initially, we present the model formation and its sensitivity analysis. Further, the uniqueness and stability analysis has been made for COVID-19 also used the iterative scheme with fixed point theorem. After using the Adams-Moulton rule to support our results, we examine some results using the fractal fractional operator. Demonstrate the numerical simulations to prove the efficiency of the given techniques. We illustrate the visual depiction of sensitive parameters that reveal the decrease and triumph over the virus within the network. We can reduce the virus by the appropriate recognition of the individuals in community of Saudi Arabia.
« Circulez, y’a rien à voir ! »… ou quand le discours institutionnel se fige dans une relation de soin pathogène
Authors: Boucherat-Hue Valérie , Hulin Adeline
Published: January 2022

Ariane, âgée de 45 ans, est en foyer d’hébergement depuis 7 ans. Sa vie est marquée par des relations complexes et parfois étranges. L’équipe éducative rencontre des difficultés de communication et des moments d’errance diagnostique face au « cas clinique » d’Ariane. Écartelée entre une étiquette diagnostique de déficit intellectuel et une représentation psychanalytique d’hystérie, l’équipe éducative est perplexe, d’autant plus qu’au décès de sa grand-mère, Ariane entre dans un deuil pathologique qui s’associe à l’apparition de symptômes somatiques. De même, les discours entre les institutions – d’hébergement et de soins – et les équipes – éducatives et médicales – débouchent sur des paradoxes qui entravent la pensée et des clivages de fonctionnement générant une communication difficile entre eux. Cependant, suite à un travail mené par la psychologue du service sur le déni institutionnel concernant la pathologie d’Ariane, une circulation des émotions puis une amorce de réflexion commune fera de nouveau surface en retissant des liens. La parole apparaît ici comme opérateur de changements, où un nouvel accompagnement est proposé à Ariane par les équipes, permettant à cette dernière d’amorcer un travail sur sa souffrance psychique.
Emprunts de mots, écriture de soi
Authors: Cabot Florence , Gribos Aurore
Published: January 2022

Dans le contexte carcéral, la demande de soins psychiques faite par les personnes détenues issues de l’étranger est avant tout celle d’un soutien. Comment accueillir et penser la prise en charge de ces personnes isolées ? Comment dépasser la barrière de la langue sans nier la singularité de chacun ? Quel travail thérapeutique est possible ?L’expérience présentée a consisté à mettre en place un groupe d’écriture constitué de personnes détenues originaires de pays de l’est de l’Europe. La proposition a émergé de l’hypothèse que, malgré les différences culturelles et les antagonismes potentiels entre les membres pressentis, les processus groupaux pourraient favoriser la réduction de l’écart entre le sentiment d’isolement et le sentiment d’appartenance à un collectif pour réanimer la vie psychique individuelle. L’écriture a été envisagée comme médiatrice, c’est-à-dire comme un tiers proposant les ressources nécessaires pour créer une circulation entre le groupal et le subjectif, faire émerger et mettre au travail la question de l’attachement.
L’annonce d’une mauvaise nouvelle à un patient : méthodologie de l’analyse multimodale d’un corpus de formation
Authors: Saubesty Jorane , Tellier Marion , Francon Daniel
Published: January 2022

À travers notre étude, nous proposons une analyse linguistique des interactions patient/médecin en situation de formation à l’annonce d’événement indésirable grave (EIG). Nous nous plaçons dans le cadre de la linguistique interactionnelle, laquelle a pour objectif d’étudier les structures et les usages de la langue, en interaction et dans son environnement naturel (Selting et Couper-Kuhlen, 2001 : 1). Nous adoptons également une perspective multimodale, à savoir que nous considérons la parole comme un tout composé de vocalisations, de gesticulations, d’expressions faciales, etc. (McNeill, 1992). Partant du constat de Lausberg et Sloetjes (2009) selon lequel la méthodologie employée pour la catégorisation gestuelle, notamment, n’est souvent pas clairement définie et reste opaque, nous souhaitons exposer le schéma d’annotation utilisé dans notre étude de façon claire et précise. Ce schéma s’articule autour de deux notions interactionnelles que sont les séquences de réparation et les feedbacks et des différentes modalités langagières.
Démêler les souvenirs du patient en consultation Alzheimer
Authors: Ortiz Caria Alexandra
Published: January 2022

En consultation Alzheimer, le médecin évalue le patient notamment par sa capacité à (se) rappeler l’actualité notable ou récente, référence supposée partagée. Dans la perspective de l’Analyse de Conversation nous décrivons le travail collaboratif et continu de choix lexicaux et de sélections thématiques accompli. Si le patient reconnait l’existence d’événements, il présente des difficultés à les dire et donc à produire la « bonne » réponse. Quand démêler des souvenirs sur un thème affecte le patient, privilégiant ses besoins socio-émotionnels, le médecin interrompt le test sinon il persévère dans son agenda clinique à-toutes-fins-diagnostiques. Il propose alors une amorce, puis des relances thématiques simplifiées jusqu’à la tentative référentielle indiquant par un dispositif de reconnaissance le thème attendu. Ces réparations prolongent la temporalité du test tout en en complexifiant l’organisation et donne un éclairage du travail d’ajustement mutuel réalisé.
The Communist party and informal groups in ukraine during perestroika (1985-1989): An unambiguous relationship?
Authors: Merlo Simona
Published: January 2022

The essay, mainly based on first-hand documents from the Central Committee of the Communist party of Ukraine, strives to offer a new reading of the relationships between “informal groups” and Soviet power in Ukraine during perestroika, paying attention to the different regional contexts. Its aim is not only to look at how the leadership of the Communist party of Ukraine viewed a phenomenon that could destabilize the system’s equilibrium. It also wants to show how the party itself proved permeable to the changes triggered by the emergence of informal groups. This fact explains why the party feared not only the destabilizing potential represented by the appearance of such a new element, but above all the attraction it generated inside some circles of the party itself. In this phase of perestroika – between the end of 1985 and March 1989 – the importance of neformaly did not lie in the fact that they represented an organized opposition, but rather in that they shed light on the political crisis in institutions, organizations and personalities that were a fundamental part of the Soviet system.
Spécificités des entreprises de défense et processus d’innovation : une approche empirique par les références scientifiques contenues dans les brevets
Authors: Fauconnet Cécile
Published: January 2022

Cet article questionne le processus d’innovation des entreprises de défense sous l’angle spécifique de l’intégration de connaissances scientifiques. Alors que les analyses de la contribution de la science à l’innovation technologique se concentrent majoritairement sur les industries des biotechnologies, de la pharmacie et des semi-conducteurs, notre article propose une approche originale en traitant des entreprises participant au marché de défense. En mobilisant les données de brevets de non-patent literature de 1 722 entreprises innovantes entre 2010 et 2016, cet article montre que l’activité de défense influence négativement l’intégration de connaissances scientifiques dans les innovations technologiques des entreprises.Classification JEL : L64, 033, L16.
Effets des réseaux de télémédecine sur la durée de séjour et l’intensité des transferts des patients : application au réseau Périn@t à l’aide d’un modèle de durée à population séparée à effet aléatoire
Authors: Nassiri Nabil , Nassiri Abdelhak
Published: January 2022

Cette étude met en évidence les effets des réseaux de télémédecine sur la durée de séjour et la fréquence de transfert des patients. Nous retenons l’expérience naturelle du réseau Périn@t en obstétrique et appliquons trois modèles économétriques aux données de six maternités bretonnes en 2004 : les modèles Logit, de Cox et de durée à population séparée à effet aléatoire. Les résultats montrent que la coopération dans ce réseau permet de réduire la fréquence des transferts et de décider les transferts rapidement dès les premiers jours d’admission. Nous remarquons aussi que les maternités pratiquent bien les stratégies de surdiagnostic de l’état de sévérité des parturientes pour augmenter la fréquence des transferts.L’inflation des transferts est un effet contre-productif du financement à l’acte. Aucun système de financement ne permet une gestion efficace ni une pratique optimale des transferts. Nos résultats empiriques montrent que les réseaux de télémédecine constituent un mécanisme pertinent.Classification JEL : C34, C51, I11, I18.
Importance-Performance Analysis of Tourism Destination Attractiveness
Authors: do Rosário João Ferreira , Calisto Maria de Lurdes , Machado Ana Teresa , Gustavo Nuno
Published: January 2022

This chapter presents an importance-performance analysis to evaluate the ability of a destination's attributes to attract tourists through tourism stakeholder perceptions. In this case, one of Europe's larger destination cities, Lisbon, was considered. It departs from the proposition that tourists are not the most knowledgeable about a destination while the evaluation of a destination's competitiveness from the supply side perspective is scarce. This stakeholder feedback approach to identifying a destination's attributes to attract tourists showed that only 7 of the 40 attributes (five of them related to accessibility and technological infrastructures as municipality responsibility) fall in the IPA grid Concentrate Here quadrant, results that are consistent with the recently received Best City Destination and Best City Break World Travel Awards. This research shows the relevance of multiple stakeholders' feedback to evaluate a city's attributes, including the feedback about the city's need to improve its technological offer through an integrated digital strategy.
The Hierarchization of Product Attributes
Authors: Alves Inês Guerra
Published: January 2022

This study aims to investigate which hotels' attributes are most valued by the guests of the main markets of Porto. The guests' knowledge, preferences, and needs are crucial data that impact customer satisfaction. As a people-to-people industry, the hotel industry must consider the heterogeneity of its markets and invest in improving its services, considering the aspects they value. However, is the heterogeneity pronounced that much? Or are there any similarities between markets? Guests do not have similar satisfaction levels, so to guarantee the best experience for the most significant number of customers, these should be studied by market segments, once individual study would be impracticable. Through the comments made on the Booking.com, following the assumption that guests comment on what they value, the attributes that guests of different nationalities refer to Porto hotels have been collected. From the analysis of all the collected data, it can be concluded that all the main markets' value attributes and the fundamental differences are based on the hierarchy of these attributes.
A Multi-Objective Differential Evolutionary Optimization Method for Performance Optimization of Cloud Application
Authors: Du Xin , Ni Youcong , Ye Peng , Xiao Ruliang
Published: January 2022

Due to the limited search space in the existing performance optimization ap-proaches at software architectures of cloud applications (SAoCA) level, it is difficult for these methods to obtain the cloud resource usage scheme with optimal cost-performance ratio. Aiming at this problem, this paper firstly de-fines a performance optimization model called CAPOM that can enlarge the search space effectively. Secondly, an efficient differential evolutionary op-timization algorithm named MODE4CA is proposed to solve the CAPOM model by defining evolutionary operators with strategy pool and repair mechanism. Further, a method for optimizing performance at SAoCA level, called POM4CA is derived. Finally, two problem instances with different sizes are taken to conduct the experiments for comparing POM4CA with the current representative method under the light and heavy workload. The ex-perimental results show that POM4CA method can obtain better response time and spend less cost of cloud resources.
Efficient Traffic Sign Recognition Using CLAHE-Based Image Enhancement and ResNet CNN Architectures
Authors: Dubey Utkarsh , Chaurasiya Rahul Kumar
Published: January 2022

Recognition and classification of traffic signs and other numerous displays on the road are very crucial for autonomous driving, navigation, and safety systems on roads. Machine learning or deep learning methods are generally employed to develop a traffic sign recognition (TSR) system. This paper proposes a novel two-step TSR approach consisting of contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE)-based image enhancement and convolutional neural network (CNN) as multiclass classifier. Three CNN architectures viz. LeNet, VggNet, and ResNet were employed for classification. All the methods were tested for classification of German traffic sign recognition benchmark (GTSRB) dataset. The experimental results presented in the paper endorse the capability of the proposed work. Based on experimental results, it has also been illustrated that the proposed novel architecture consisting of CLAHE-based image enhancement & ResNet-based classifier has helped to obtain better classification accuracy as compared to other similar approaches.
Large Torsion Deformation: Centrosymmetric Reentrant Honeycomb
Authors: Xu Bo Hao , Wang Shuai , Zhou Kai Fa , Ma Wen Yi , Sun Nan
Published: January 2022

There exist some problems in the crash box and anti-collision beam sandwich structure, such as monotone deformation pattern and uneconomical energy absorption performance. In order to raise the deformation capacity and energy absorption performance of sandwich structure, centrosymmetric reentrant honeycomb (CRH) and hexagonal centrosymmetric reentrant honeycomb (HCRH) are proposed based on auxetic reentrant honeycomb (ARH) in this work. Based on HCRH, four kinds of transverse combination structures and two kinds of longitudinal combination structures are obtained. The results of specific energy absorption show that the energy absorption capacity of the angular contact homodromous combination structure (ACOC) is about 3 times that of the other three transverse combination structures. Compared with longitudinal heterodromous combination structure (LHEC), the energy absorption capacity of longitudinal homodromous combination structure (LHOC) is improved by 72.7%.
Research on the Denoising Method of Intelligent Ultrasonic Fuel Consumption Testing in Automobiles
Authors: Fu Bai Xue , Wang Wei , Cheng Zi Yuan , Bao Yu
Published: January 2022

Using ultrasonic time difference method to test automobile fuel consumption, the test accuracy mainly depends on the testing system timing accuracy and ultrasonic flow sensor output signal-to-noise ratio. At present, the timing accuracy of the single-chip can reach the level of picosecond, and the noise mixed in the output signal of the ultrasonic converter is the main factor affecting the accuracy of fuel consumption testing. When the receiving signal contains noise, it will cause the signal amplitude to fluctuate, making the measurement time error. The analysis of same-frequency noise, circuit noise and colored noise is carried out, and the feasible measures to eliminate noise are put forward to provide reference for accurate calculation of sound and development of high-precision automobile fuel consumption test instruments.
Preparation and Characterization of Starch Active Interface Calcium Carbonate for Biodegration
Authors: Han Xiao , Lao Yong Hua , Lan Jun , Tan Si Qi , Song Jian Hui , Cen Ren Jing , Huang Yue Shan
Published: January 2022

Calcium carbonate is so hard to be further developed in polymer applications because it is difficult to combine with other materials. Starch-coated calcium carbonate was prepared by using starch as the main modifier and sodium stearate and sodium hexametaphosphate as the auxiliary modifiers. Optimal modification conditions were tested by single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment optimization. Manifestation was evaluated with the help of Fourier infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and laser particle size analyzer and other test instruments. Results showed that a starch film was successfully coated on the surface of calcium carbonate, and the edges and corners of the modified coated calcium carbonate were passivated, and the particles were rounded. The active interface calcium carbonate has a broad application prospect in the field of degradable biomaterials.
Investigation on the Microstructure Hardness for the Hot Compressed Duplex Steel
Authors: Zhang Shu Lan , Zhang Xiao Dan , Xu Hai Feng , Wang Chang
Published: January 2022

Effect of microstructure size and type on the hardness for the duplex steel were disclosed by using of optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nanoindenter for the samples hot compressed under different temperature with reduction of 10%, 30%, 50% and 70%. OM and SEM were used to measure the average martensite lamellar width, space and indenter morphology. nanoindenter test characterized the microstructure hardness for the samples under different process. Experiment results show that martensite hardness for the sample hot compressed at 950°C has larger diversity than that of sample hot compressed at 1200°C. The martensite hardness fluctuation range for the sample compressed at 950°C is almost from about 7GPa to 12GPa, while, for the sample compressed at 1200°C, the fluctuation range is basically from about 9GPa to 12GPa. However, the average hardness for the samples hot compressed at 950°C is comparably smaller, which is related with lower quench temperature. The larger martensite hardness fluctuation is mainly related with induced ferrite formation and finer martensite lamellar width. For the ferrite phase, the hardness fluctuation range is lower.
Effect of Two-Stage Aging on Microstructure and Properties of Al-Mg-Si Alloys
Authors: Wang Li , Zheng Ya Ya , Hu Shi Hu
Published: January 2022

The effects of two-stage aging on the microstructures, tensile properties and intergranular corrosion (IGC) sensitivity of Al-Mg-Si alloys were studied by tensile testing and IGC experiments and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that the two-stage aging (180°C, 2h+160°C, 120h) can reduce the IGC sensitivity without decrease the tensile properties. The grain is distributed with high-density β′′ phases, and the grain boundary phases are spherical and intermittently distributed. The formation of the microstructure characteristic is due to the lower re-aging temperature, which results in a decline differences in the diffusion rate between the matrix and grain boundaries. As a result, the pre-precipitated phase can maintain a better strengthening effects due to the slower growth rate. The pre-precipitated phase of the grain boundary presents a spherical and intermittent distribution due to the fast coarsening speed.
Structural Behaviour of Green Geopolymer Concrete Beams and Columns Made with Waste Wood Ash a Partial Substitution Binder
Authors: Arun K. Kumar , Muthukannan M. , Abinaya R. Raja , Suresh A. Kumar
Published: January 2022

On the demand of reducing the global warming due to cement production which is used as main constituent in the production of concrete and minimizing the environmental impact caused by the waste and its disposal methods, this study was aimed. This study looked in to detail insight view on effective utilization of waste wood ash in the production of geopolymer concrete beams and columns to alternate the conventional reinforced concrete elements in construction industry. Waste wood ash is a waste by product produced in the nearby hotel and factories by burning the waste wood collected from timber industries and the ash are thrown in to land which creates a major environmental pollution. Geopolymer is a novel inorganic eco-friendly binding agent derived from alkaline solution that stimulates aluminosilicate source material (such as metakaolin, fly ash and GGBS). In this research, behaviour of beams in deflection, ductility factor, flexural strength and toughness index and columns in load carrying ability, stress strain behaviour and load-deflection behaviours were examined for three types of concretes (30% WWA – 70% Fly ash Geo-polymer concrete, Fly ash Geo-polymer concrete and Reinforced Cement Concrete). The results showed that inclusion of waste wood ash in geopolymer concrete helped in enhancing the load carrying capacity of beam and column by 42% and 28%. Further, the behaviour of structural elements in stiffness, ductility and toughness were also improved with the replacement of waste wood ash.
A Comparative Investigation on Normal and High Strength Concrete Beams under Torsion
Authors: Mohammed Ihtesham Hussain , Aamri Ahmed Majid Salim Al , Javed Shakila , Shamsi Yahya Ubaid Al
Published: January 2022

In this study, an experimental investigation was done to study the behaviour of Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) and High Strength Concrete (HSC) Plain beams under torsion with the concrete mix of M40 and M100. No mineral admixtures are used to obtain the required strength of concrete. Eight NSC beams and eight HSC beams whose width was varying with 75 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm; depth varying as 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm and 200 mm; and span of the beams varying 600 mm, 800 mm and 1200 mm were casted and cured to stud the effect of torsion. The principle aim of this study was to understand the torsional behaviour of the NSC and HSC beams for rotation, cracking, size effect and torsional strength. A standard torsional loading method was used for conducting the testing of beams. The results obtained were compared with different theories and code equations. It was observed that the torsional strength of the beam increases with the increase in strength of concrete. HSC beams have higher torsional strength than the NSC beams which has the same amount of reinforcement.
Effective Utilization of Industrial and Agricultural Waste for Developing Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Riyana M.S. , Sathyan Dhanya , Haridharan M.K.
Published: January 2022

SCC (Self compacting concrete) can fill formwork and encloses reinforcing bars under gravity and maintains homogeneity without vibration. SCC shortens the period of construction, guarantees compaction in confined zones, moreover terminates noise due to vibration. The wide spread application of SCC is restricted because of the high cost for the production of SCC with high cement content and chemical admixtures. In order to make the production of SCC economical, and to reduce the high cement content the Ordinary Portland Cement in SCC can be blended with pozzolanic materials like rice husk ash and supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash. In this paper the fresh state properties and mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of SCC with ternary blends of rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA) were studied. For this purpose, different mixes were prepared by replacing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of rice husk ash (RHA) and the percentage of addition of fly ash (FA) is fixed as 15% for all these mixes. It was observed that the specimen incorporating 10% of rice husk ash (RHA) and 15% of fly ash (FA) as ternary blend exhibits better mechanical properties such as: Compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths at 28 days of age as compared to traditional mix of SCC without RHA (Rice Husk Ash) and FA (Fly Ash). This research demonstrates that the ideal percentage for a mixture of rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash as ternary blend is 10% and 15% respectively.
Pomelo (Citrus grandis L.) Essential Oil Extraction: A Comparison between Hydrodistillation and Microwave Assisted Hydrodistillation
Authors: Ngan Tran Thi Kim , Hien Tran Thien , Phat Dao Tan , Minh Ly Thi Ngoc , Long Huynh Bao , Le Xuan Tien
Published: January 2022

Hydrodistillation (HD) is a traditional technique used in most extraction processes. On the other hand, microwave-assisted hydrogen distillation (MAHD), an advanced method using microwaves in the extraction process, has recently emerged. The chemical ingredients of essential oils obtained from pomelo (Citrus grandis L.) peels obtained by MAHD and by hydrodistillation (HD) were analyzed and compared gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results show that there is no significant difference between the two methods in terms of extraction efficiency, at around 4.45 to 4.7%. The main components of essential oils were Limonene, α-pinene, β-Myrcene and Sabinene. The content of those compounds showed no clear quantitative and qualitative difference between HD and MAHD. Experimental results show that the MAHD method provides a good alternative to extracting essential oils from grapefruit, saving time, operating costs and achieving more optimal levels. Keywords: Comparison, Pomelo (Citrus grandis L.), Essential oil, Hydrodistillation, Microwave assist hydrodistillation,
New generation of agriculture systems models for sustainability and policy implementation
Authors: Karunaratne P. M. Asha S.
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Properties of rice husk ash silica filled natural rubber and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Wijesinghe H. G. I. M. , Etampawala T. N. B. , Edirisinghe D. G. , Gamlath G. R. V. S. , Wadugodapitiya R. R. W. M. U. G. K. , Bandara T. A. R. W. M. M. C. G.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Rice husk is burnt and discarded without effective use; however, it is a reliable resource that can be used to extract silica from its ash (RHAS) and can be incorporated in rubber blends as filler. The effect of Natural rubber (NR) and Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) ratio of NR/NBR blends filled with RHAS on physico-mechanical, and swelling percentage in specific oils (brake oil, hydraulic oil, engine oil) and toluene were studied since these blends have potential applications like fluid sealing. Method: RHAS was extracted via sol-gel method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analyses. NR/NBR blends with different NR to NBR ratios (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, 0:100) were prepared by incorporating 25 parts per hundred parts of rubber and curing characteristics, physico-mechanical and swelling properties were evaluated. Findings: The XRD, FTIR, and SEM analyses confirmed that the RHAS contains silica with a combination of nanoparticles and large agglomerates. The blends showed preferable curing characteristics while the hardness, compression set, and tear strength of blends ranged from 60-70 International Rubber Hardness Degrees, 0.5-6%, and 10-20 N/mm, respectively. Although the tensile properties (before ageing) were low, the retention of tensile strength after ageing was better in NR/NBR blends. Blends with high NBR proportion showed tolerable swelling against toluene, hydraulic oil, and engine oil while blends with low NBR proportion showed better swelling resistance to brake oil. Limitation: Time was limited to evaluate the properties of blends with different loading levels of RHAS.  Value: There is a potential to use these NR/NBR blends in applications like fluid seals which require oil resistance and toluene resistance, where 0.5-6% and about 60-100% swellings are tolerable, respectively, compromising the physico-mechanical properties meanwhile replacing carbon black in respective applications.
Ameliorative role of potassium on water relations, antioxidative enzymes and yield of sweet corn genotypes under water deficit
Authors: Rao S. , Singh S. , Singh N.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: In recent years, it has been revealed that potassium delivers drought stress tolerance in many crops. This nutrient is not yet tested for sweetcorn. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of drought and soil applied potassium on water relations, antioxidant enzymes and yield attributes of two sweet corn genotypes in India. Research Method: The factorial experiment was set-up with 5 replications in complete randomized block design. Factor one comprised of two genotypes (Sugar-75 and NSC 901B), factor two had six different water treatments and factor three with two different potassium levels. This investigation was designed with two genotypes of sweet corn to study the interaction between various water deficit conditions and soil applied potassium. Findings: Drought stress significantly decreased the water potential, osmotic potentialand relative water content and caused osmotic stress in sweet corn plants. Antioxidant enzymes activities were found to be up-regulated under drought stress while yield attributes were adversely affected by water deficit. Application of potassium increased the adaptation to water deficit stress by positively modulating the tested parameters. Results procured from this study suggested that exogenously applied potassium mitigated the drought mediated constrains on sweet corn and enhanced drought tolerance. Research limitation: The experiments were carried out in polythene pots to provide a uniform soil condition which was the main limitation when compared to field trials. Originality/value: Results of this experiment revealed that exogenous application of potassium can alleviate the damaging effect of drought stress on sweet corn. However, more research on other crops is needed to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Obituary of Prof. Michele Baccarani
Authors: Abruzzese Elisabetta
Published: January 2022

Obituary of Prof. Baccarany
Trans-Sellar trans-sphenoidal herniation of third ventricle with cleft palate and microophthalmia: Report of a case and review of literature
Authors: Bhaisora Kamlesh , Das Kuntal , Jamdar Janmejay , Behari Sanjay , Mehrotra Anant , Sardhara Jayesh , Srivastava Arun , Jaiswal Awadhesh , Sahu Rabi
Published: January 2022

Trans -sellar trans-sphenoidal encephalocele is an extremely rare entity. We present the case of an 18-month old boy who presented with a trans-sellar, trans-sphenoidal encephalocele associated with cleft lip, cleft palate and microphthalmia. This patient was treated successfully by a trans-cranial extra-dural route. In this paper, we discuss the clinico-radiological findings as well as various surgical options in managing these rare lesions and briefly review the literature.
Hemifacial spasm caused by a vein: A case report
Authors: Eun Jin , Choi Jin-gyu , Son Byung-chul
Published: January 2022

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) caused by a venous offender is rare, and its clinical course and optimal surgical strategy are unclear. A case of 57-year-old male who had an HFS caused by a venous offender is described in this report. Frontalis, orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, and mentalis muscles were involved while his platysma muscle showed no spasm. He was treated successfully with microvascular decompression using Teflon felt and 12 months outcome was excellent without any complications. Lateral spread response was not observed in the facial electromyography during the whole operation. Adequate visualization of the facial nerve root exit zone and meticulous exploration for offenders are necessary to avoid surgical failure and reoperation.
Delayed paraplegia in an adult patient with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality of dorsal spine: A lesson learned
Authors: Dubey Amitesh , Tomar Sachin , Gupta Ashok , Khandelwal Dinesh
Published: January 2022

Noncompressive myelopathy of lower dorsal spine secondary to trauma is a rare event. We report a case of delayed paraplegia in a patient with a history of road traffic accident. The X-ray of dorsolumbar spine did not show any abnormality. Magnetic resonance imaging of dorsolumbar spine was performed which showed the presence of central T2-weighted hyperintensities from D10–D11 to D12–L1 level. No associated bony injury was documented, and the integrity of the spinal canal was maintained. The patient was managed conservatively with bed rest, and steroids were given. However, the patient did not show any signs of improvement after 1 month of follow-up.
Persistent primitive trigeminal artery associated with anterior communicating artery aneurysm and hypoplastic vertebral artery
Authors: Zenteno Marco , Rafael Moscote-Salazar , Lee Ángel
Published: January 2022

The persistent trigeminal artery is one of the presegmental arteries in the embryonic period; in some rare cases, it is associated with cerebral aneurysm but as a cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has not been described in the literature. We report a patient who presented a Fisher IV SAH associated with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. The performed cerebral angiography demonstrated the presence of aneurysm in the anterior communicating artery associated to hypoplastic vertebral artery on the same side. We considered those finding coincidental. The coexistence of saccular aneurysm with anatomical variations in the intracranial vasculature is briefly discussed. It was managed by endovascular embolization. The patient returned to normal activities.
Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in semen of 36 males with symptomatic, asymptomatic, and convalescent infection during the first and second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Pavone Carlo , Giammanco Giovanni M , Cascino Andrea Pio , Baiamonte Davide , Pinelli Mirko , Cangelosi Enrico , Filizzolo Chiara , Sciortino Giuseppa , Grazia Simona De , Bonura Floriana
Published: January 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), has been identified in the human testis, but the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through sexual intercourse still needs to be defined. The goal of our study was to determine if SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the semen of patients suffering or recovering from coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), still testing positive at nasopharyngeal swabs but showing mild or no symptoms at the time of sampling. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen was performed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR targeting open reading frame (ORF) 1ab. Medical history of the enrolled patients was taken, including COVID-19-correlated symptoms, both at the time of diagnosis and at the time of interview. Results of real-time RT-PCR and nested PCR in semen showed no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the 36 patients suffering or recovering from COVID-19 but still positive in a nasopharyngeal swab, from over 116 patients enrolled in the study. SARS-CoV-2 detection and persistence in semen would have an impact on both clinical practice and public health strategies, but our results would suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is not present in the semen of men recovering from COVID-19.
Subdural hematoma as a consequence of labor epidural analgesia
Authors: De Lipsis Luca , Belmonte Rossella , Cusano Maria , Giannetti Maria , Muccio Carmine , Mancinelli Mauro
Published: January 2022

Subdural hematoma (SDH) following labor epidural analgesia is a rare neurological complication. SDH is a late complication of this procedure; it is caused by a leak of cerebrospinal fluid that may damage the vascular structures of the brain. Persistent headache in the days after labor epidural analgesia is a nonspecific clinical symptom caused by hematoma. Preexisting vascular malformations can be a concomitant cause of headache. Clinical cases have been reported even after epidural anesthesia. The differential diagnosis includes unspecified headache, sinusitis headache, drug-induced headache, cortical vein thrombosis, fistula of the dura mater, and bacterial, viral, and aseptic meningitis.
Burr holes revascularization in three pediatric cases of moyamoya syndrome: Easy choice or insidious trap? Case series and review
Authors: Pacetti Mattia , Tortora Domenico , Fiaschi Pietro , Consales Alessandro , Piatelli Gianluca , Ravegnani Marcello , Cama Armando , Pavanello Marco
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Moyamoya disease is a steno-occlusive cerebrovascular disease of unknown etiology involving the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery and the proximal portions of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries with associated collateral vascular network. When the vascular pattern is associated with a particular condition (e.g., Type 1 neurofibromatosis, Down syndrome), it is defined as moyamoya syndrome (MMS) (or quasi-moyamoya). Among different indirect bypass techniques used to prevent ischemic injury by increasing collateral blood flow to hypoperfused areas of the cortex, multiple burr holes technique is an easy and diffuse indirect revascularization approach in the treatment of moyamoya. Discussion: While the effectiveness in patients with moyamoya disease was demonstrated, its role in MMS remains uncertain. In this study, we describe surgical and diagnostic implications in three pediatric cases of moyamoya sydrome unsuccessfully treated with multiple cranial burr hole technique. A critical review of the literature about the use of the surgical indirect revascularization techniques in pediatric patients was also reported.
Occipital interhemispheric approach for surgical removal of the middle third falx meningioma: Two case reports
Authors: Otani Naoki , Wada Kojiro , Toyooka Terushige , Mori Kentaro
Published: January 2022

Obtaining adequate working space is difficult for complete and safe resection of meningioma located in the middle third of the falx, because of the risk of damage to the bridging veins that flow into the superior sagittal sinus and the location near the eloquent area. Consequently, surgical resection of the meningioma in the middle third of the falx tends to result in neurological disorders caused by retraction of the brain and injury of the bridging vein. Two patients underwent tumor removal of the falx meningiomas located in the middle third of the falx through the occipital interhemispheric approach (OIA) in the lateral semiprone position with the affected side down. Tumor resection was achieved safely and less invasively. Both patients suffered numbness and motor weakness, but these neurological dysfunctions improved and clinical courses were uneventful. Postoperative computed tomography showed neither brain swelling nor contusion in both cases. The OIA can remove tumor in the middle third of the falx, because the approach avoids the bridging veins, and provides working space without excessive mechanical cerebral retraction.
Technique of posterior clinoidectomy and its applications
Authors: Cherian Iype , Kasper Ekkehard , Agarwal Amit
Published: January 2022

An understanding of the microsurgical anatomy of posterior clinoid process (PCP) is extremely important to where the removal of PCP is required to access the interpeduncular and prepontine cisterns and upper basilar artery region to manage the aneurysms located in this region. In the present article, we describe our experience with a technique that is safe and provides ample space to look into these regions. The key to safe drilling is that the drilling of the posterior clinoid needs to be performed in a “touch and back” manner (rather than clockwise or counterclockwise motion) to break the cortex.
Heterotrophic ossification of the flexor retinaculum in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Ilik Mustafa
Published: January 2022

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy. This syndrome has various etiologies of which heterotopic ossification of the flexor retinaculum is a rare cause. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic, progressive inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that mainly affects the axial skeleton and rarely causes peripheral neurological symptoms. A 48-year-old woman presented with numbness and pain in her right hand. Ten years earlier, she was diagnosed with AS. Electrodiagnostic evaluation revealed severe median nerve compression at the right wrist. The patient underwent surgery for severe CTS. During the operation, the flexor retinaculum could not be incised due to marked stiffness. Ossification of the flexor retinaculum was seen, and the retinaculum was partially excised with an osteotome and Kerrison rongeur. The patient's complaints resolved almost totally after the operation. AS is a common systemic inflammatory disease that can produce heterotopic ossification of the flexor retinaculum. Preoperative wrist computed tomography should be obtained in patients with CTS and AS.
Spontaneous transformation of vestibular schwannoma into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
Authors: Belyaev Artem , Usachev Dmitry , Shimansky Vadim , Odamanov Dzhemil , Shishkina Lyudmila , Ryzhova Marina , Golanov Andrey
Published: January 2022

Although radiosurgery-induced transformation of vestibular schwannoma (VS) into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is being widely discussed, little attention is paid to the spontaneous transition of these tumors. Although the pathogenesis of this phenomenon remains uncertain, growing number of reported cases might call to notice them. We present a case of a 29-year-old woman who suffered right-sided hearing loss which remained untreated for 4.5 years. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right cerebellopontine tumor and the patient underwent tumor removal through retrosigmoid approach. Pathologically, the tumor was benign acoustic schwannoma with increased Ki-67 8%–10%. The tumor relapsed only 6 months later and was removed again-this time it was malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor MPNST. The patient was treated with stereotactic radiotherapy, but despite that tumor growth was observed again and she underwent the third operation. Later on, tumor progression was noted with multiple intraaxial metastases and patient died 17 months after the diagnosis of MPNST had been confirmed. This is a seventh documented case of spontaneous transformation of VS into MPNST, which is clinically important for recording.
Radical resection of craniopharyngioma: Discussions based on long-term clinical course and histopathology of the dissection plane
Authors: Okada Tomu , Fujitsu Kazuhiko , Ichikawa Teruo , Miyahara Kousuke , Tanino Shin , Uriu Yasuhiro , Tanaka Yuusuke , Niino Hitosi , Yagishita Saburou
Published: January 2022

Objective: Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor. However, sometimes, this tumor may recur repeatedly even after apparent total resection. This study investigated the requirements for ideal radical treatment, based on a discussion of the long-term clinical course and pathological findings in surgical patients. Methods: We performed 81 surgical procedures for 67 patients with craniopharyngioma between February 1990 and December 2015. We classified patients into Groups I–III according to emphasis of surgery in chronological order, so we investigated the tumor recurrence rate and the necessity for postoperative hormonal replacement. Results: Multiple comparison of results from the three groups found significant differences in recurrence rate between Groups I and II (P = 0.0111) and Groups I and III (P = 0.0056). Although there were no differences in recurrence rate between Groups II and III, mortality rate of Group III was lower than that of Group II. No significant difference was seen between any group in terms of hormonal replacement. Conclusions: These results strongly suggest that the radical resection used to treat patients in Group III should be given priority as the procedure for removing craniopharyngioma.
Major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder treated with deep brain stimulation of bilateral nucleus accumbens: The first case of Turkey
Authors: Aydın Sabri , Canaz Huseyin , Topcular Barıs , Benackova Zuzana
Published: January 2022

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a new alternative treatment for treatment-resistant major depression (MD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Various DBS targets were defined for MD and OCD. Nucleus accumbens (NAcc) comes out among the other targets in patients with MD and comorbid OCD when physiopathology and limited side effects are taken into account. We report a 27-year-old male with MD and OCD who was treated by bilateral NAcc-DBS. The aim of this study is to discuss NAcc as a DBS target in patients with MD and OCD and to report the first case of a psychiatric disorder treated with DBS in Turkey.
Methotrexate-induced leukoencephalopathy without typical restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging and the utility of magnetic resonance spectroscopy to support the diagnosis
Authors: Doan Ninh , Patel Mohit , Nguyen Ha , Doan Hayley , Shabani Saman , Gelsomino Michael , Mountoure Andrew , Janich Karl , Chitambar Christopher
Published: January 2022

Methotrexate (MTX) is a common antimetabolite agent that is widely used today in treating leukemia, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma. Its use has been associated with leukoencephalopathy causing seizures, paralysis, and even coma. To achieve the best possible outcome, it is important to be able to make a prompt diagnosis. Studies reported restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) which is a reliable early sign of acute MTX-induced leukoencephalopathy. However, we report here the first case of MTX-induced leukoencephalopathy without typical restricted diffusion on DWI and the utility magnetic resonance spectroscopy to support this diagnosis in the difficult case such as the one being presented here.