bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Lanternfly genus Pyrops in Vietnam: A new species from Central Vietnam, taxonomic changes, checklist, identification key (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae)
Authors: Constant Jérôme , Pham Hong Thai
Published: April 2022

A new species of the genus Pyrops Spinola, 1839 (Fulgoridae), P. buomvoi sp. nov., is described from Ca Na, Ninh Thuan Province in Central Vietnam. It is attributed to the candelaria group and compared with the other species of the genus. Pyrops lathburii (Kirby, 1818) is proposed as a senior synonym of P. astarte (Distant, 1914), transferred back to the candelaria group from the pyrrhorhynchus group, and recorded from Laos for the first time. The candelaria and pyrorhynchus groups are defined and commented on. Intraspecific variation in the colour of the hind wings is recorded for the first time in Pyrops condorinus (Lallemand, 1960). A checklist of the 12 Vietnamese species of Pyrops and an illustrated key which can also be used for Laos, Cambodia and Southern Continental China, are given. Pyrops buomvoi sp. nov. is the first new species of Pyrops discovered in Indochina for more than 50 years. Intraspecific colour variation in the species of Pyrops is briefly discussed.
NEW PRINCIPLES OF RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION IN THE EU AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE COUNTRIES OF THE BALTIC REGION
Authors: Entin Mark L. , Entina Ekaterina G. , Voynikov Vadim V.
Published: April 2022

The Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021—2027 was adopted during the severe crisis caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In the face of a rapidly deteriorating economic situation, EU countries took unprecedented steps radically changing the principles of resource allocation in the Union. These included the recovery plan for Europe, making the EU budget conditional on respect for the rule of law and the new EU resources system. This article seeks to identify the essential characteristics of the decisions made within the Multiannual Financial Framework and define their significance for advancing integration. The study attempts to answer two questions: do these decisions mark the transition to a new stage of integration and to what extent do they comply with the law of the Union. Several EU initiatives related to debt redistribution are analysed, along with the impact of these initiatives on Eastern European countries, particularly those of the Baltic Sea region. The research explores the decisions from the standpoint of legal and political science. In particular, it is stressed that, when reaching a compromise on making the budget conditional on respect for the rule of law, the EU and its member states had to use a mechanism for postponing the execution of an act of the Union, which contradicts the basic principles of EU law. From a political point of view, the adoption of a package of legislative acts within the Multiannual Financial Framework means growing dependence of the member states and an increase in solidarity and loyalty within the Union.
Development trends of the Textile industry of the Republic of Serbia in labyrinths neoliberal growth model
Authors: Gligorijević Živorad , Ćorović Enes
Published: April 2022

The textile industry of the Republic of Serbia, for a long time, has been one of the key drivers of economic growth, the mainstay of exports, demographic change and the bearers of social policy. However, in the period from 2000 to 2008, that is, in the period of application of the neoliberal model of growth, it was treated by the creators of economic policy as a relic of the past and the socialist model of growth and continuously recorded negative production results. In accordance with the above, the main goal of the research in this paper is to analyze the key macroeconomic indicators to consider the development trends of this industry in this period. The analysis used the method of induction, while the analysis of competitiveness of the textile industry of Serbia used the following indicators: market share analysis and RCA index (revealed competitive advantage index). The results of the research clearly indicate the disastrous consequences of the application: first, shock therapy in the liberalization of trade flows, second, the wrong model of privatization and third, inadequate economic policy measures, but also the fact that the textile industry has maintained a significant share in exports Republic of Serbia.
Effects of financial inclusion to GDP growth: The case of North Macedonia
Authors: Eftimovska Natasha , Laurent Sandra
Published: April 2022

Achieving higher financial inclusion is a target for each government today, committed to build an economy where everyone has easily accessible financial services, leading to higher economic growth. The aim of this paper is examining the relationship between financial inclusion, measured through a selected set of quantitative indicators (encompassing the penetration, availability and usage dimensions) as independent variables, and the economic growth, measured through the GDP per capita, as dependent variable. The research model applied was the multivariate regression model performed through the Ordinary least squares (OLS) method. The data sample consists of several financial inclusion indicators for North Macedonia and GDP per capita for the period 2007-2019. Findings revealed valuable information for the future strategies, institutional arrangements and measures to strengthen national capacities in function of improving the indicators having significant contribution to GDP growth and achieving higher financial inclusion. Also, findings provided theoretical contribution to the current research database for the specific case of North Macedonia.
Application of the principle of conservatism against the application of the fair value concept: An example of the Serbian capital market
Authors: Arsenijević Aleksandra
Published: April 2022

The characteristic of striving towards the application of the new valuation concept, as opposed to the application of traditional accounting principles, modern financial reporting prompted the authors of this paper to address the importance of the application of traditional accounting principles, especially the principle of prudence (conservatism), and the concept of fair value for the accounting information relevance. The most important business decisions in the entity are made on the basis of information produced by the accounting information system, based on which we see how important it is for this information to be up to date. The relevance of the information of the accounting system of first-class importance is the basis of evaluation, which is the subject of research in this paper. More precisely, the paper examines the methods of measurement after initial recognition of fixed assets on the example of a group of business entities operating on the Serbian capital market. The results of empirical research are of a twofold nature. Namely, for measurement after initial recognition of intangible assets, plant and equipment, as well as other property, plant and equipment, the concept of historical cost and the traditional accounting principles immanent to it are primarily used. For measurement after initial recognition of buildings, land, investment property and biological assets, the concept of fair value is more often used. In other words, using a practical example, we have shown that the combined basis of financial reporting is the dominant feature of modern financial reporting of entities operating in the Serbian capital market.
A legal basis for operation of security services in Republic of Serbia
Authors: Lazić Radojica , Kulić Mirko
Published: April 2022

During the past twenty years there was executed a thorough reorganization of the whole security in Republic of Serbia. Many strategic documents and regulations have been adopted, which have, in a transparent way, organized the national security system. Security services, as parts of the system, play a very important role in preserving the vital values of the state and society as a whole. Their role in protection of national interests has been defined through the adoption of certain legal acts. This paper, apart from the historic perspective, analyses the legal acts of a special importance for the reform of the security-intelligence system in Republic of Serbia.
The origin of the civil law codification in Europe
Authors: Maksimović Sanja , Despotović Danijela
Published: April 2022

Codification represents the regulation of a certain field (branch) of law by a comprehensive law called the Code (the Civil Code, Criminal Code, etc.). The success of codification depends on two very important conditions: the first one refers to the existence of a dedicated authority, and the second one concerns its implementation in a great country. For the purpose of research, there will be selected the national legislations in order to demonstrate, through various legal systems, how civil codes regulating the field of civil law were originated. Within the scope of this paper, in more detail, we are going to analyze the selected national legislations of France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
The influence of Artificial intelligence on the right to freedom of expression
Authors: Kolarević Emina
Published: April 2022

The right to freedom of thought and expression represents one of the fundamental principles of a democratic and civilized society. The Internet has become the most important communication medium through which the individuals exercise their right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of any kind, regardless of any frontiers. Various technologies have been used to enable an online communication, while today artificial intelligence systems are deployed in every corner of the Internet, providing information dissemination and communication. The application of the artificial intelligence systems is based on generating, collecting, and processing a large quantity of personal data with the aim of profiling users and predicting their future behaviour. This can have serious consequences for the right to freedom of expression. Through the content personalization on online platforms, particularly on social networks and search engines, the artificial intelligence systems choose the content that users can see and the order in which they see it, leaving them in the so-called 'filter bubbles'. Artificial intelligence systems also moderate the content, removing the one which does not comply with the rules of the online platforms, and, temporarily or permanently, blocking the users who violate the community rules, raising thus the issues of legality, legitimacy and proportionality of the decisions made by artificial intelligence.
Analysis of the economic performance and competitiveness of the European Union countries
Authors: Marčeta Milja , Bojnec Štefan
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of this study is to identify the dynamics of economic performance and competitiveness in the European Union (EU-28) countries and their convergences over the two periods, 2008-2015 and 2015-2019. The comparative analysis is used to answer the research question with applied the hierarchical cluster analysis, Ward's method, and t-test to test the set hypothesis. Eurostat and World Economic Forum data were used for the period 2008-2019. The empirical results confirmed our hypothesis that there are convergences in the key indicators of trade openness, exports as % of gross domestic product (GDP), market shares as % in world trade, GDP per capita, and global competitiveness index. The study contributes to the empirical analysis on the existence of convergences in a group of indicators of economic performance, trade openness, and global competitiveness of the EU-28 countries. The common clusters were formed, and the set hypothesis was tested regarding the convergences of the EU-28 countries by means of a hierarchical cluster analysis. Trade openness and export market shares in world trade, and competitiveness of EU28 countries are important for trade policies improving global competitiveness and improving convergences in the heterogeneity among the EU countries.
The innovative posture of SMEs depending on the usage of marketing tools
Authors: Ključnikov Aleksandr , Civelek Mehmet , Chovanová-Supeková Soňa
Published: April 2022

Although SMEs have quick adaptions to new trends, most of them suffer from having lack of financial and human resources. This fact has made those businesses disadvantaged in the usage of traditional marketing tools compared to their larger rivals. Information and communication technologies and the developments in technology-based platforms have also provided less costly but more innovative marketing options for SMEs to compete with their larger counterparts. In this regard, this research purposes of examining the impacts of the usage of traditional and technology-enabled marketing tools by SMEs on their innovativeness. In parallel with this selected purpose, the researchers have gained data from 812 SMEs in Slovakia by employing an online internet-mediated questionnaire. The researchers also apply Binary Logistic Regression Test to analyze the impacts of traditional and technology-enabled marketing tools on the innovativeness of SMEs. The results show that while usage of technology-enabled marketing channels positively affects the innovativeness of firms, the usage of traditional marketing channels by SMEs does not affect their innovativeness. Environmental, resource-related, and personal factors might be the reasons of these results.
Digitalization of business processes in adaptation of catering industry to new realities: Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Mitrofanova Inna , Chernova Olga , Batmanova Victoria
Published: April 2022

The limitation of business and social activity during the crisis caused by the coronavirus in Russia and in the whole world led to the need to adapt the business processes of public catering enterprises to new realities. The goal of research is to study the trends of digital transformations of business processes of public catering enterprises of southern Russia, due to the need to adapt to the factors caused by the pandemic, as well as to assess their "viability" in terms of their use after the end of the coronavirus crisis. To conduct the study, the authors chose content analysis of scientific sources presented in the databases Scopus and Web of Science, which described the cases of development of public catering enterprises during the crisis caused by the coronavirus. As a result of the analysis of Russian and international experience, it was revealed that the set of solutions dealing with digitalization of business processes was focused on the use of technologies that ensure a decrease in perceived health risks, and was expressed both in changing the services provided and in changing the process of their provision. The study identified the following main trends in the digitalization of business processes in the food service industry of Russia. The characteristics of these trends are given from the point of view of their "viability" in the long term. Common problems associated with the use of digital technologies and tools in businesses are identified. The authors came to the conclusion that the digitalization of business processes in Russia will continue after the return to traditional forms of service, since modern consumers tend towards a variety of technological innovations due to their speed and relative ease of use, and the increased availability of mobile technologies that provide search, payment, and other functions also they make it possible to reduce health risks.
Small and medium enterprises' business sustainability based on the industry 4.0 internet of things adoption: A malaysian bumiputera case study
Authors: Shukor Rijal , Mooi Wah , Ahmad Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Companies of all sizes, including Small and Medium Enterprises, have been left with few choices for preparing for and implementing changes. This research gathered information to provide the theoretical framework on the determinants that Malaysian Bumiputera SMEs are relying on for their decision to adopt or not to adopt IoT in their business operations. Bumiputera refers to the indigenous people of Malaysia. The study utilised a cross-disciplinary study design. The data was obtained from company proprietors in Malaysia that operate in the category of Bumiputera SMEs and was statistically analysed using IBM's SPSS and AMOS software. According to the initial findings, it can be seen that respondents are very excited about the benefits of IoT, but lack the imagination to pioneer the arrangement. Furthermore, even though respondents are unconcerned about IoT, it gives the appearance of being unsure, leading them to think further on whether to trust it or not. It was also shown that top organizations have an increasingly good intuition of IoT, but also a progressively negative intuition of it. It is recommended that SMEs holistically, especially Bumiputera SMEs, acquire more knowledge and be prepared to expand the grasp of productive factors of IoT in Malaysia.
Industry 4.0 and the small business something behind the technology: A literature review
Authors: Dias Lopes
Published: April 2022

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are especially vulnerable to technology issues, often because they lack the financial resources or the skills to properly exploit new technologies.This paper presents the results of a study that explores the link between Industry 4.0 and SMEs through a systematic literature review. The results show that this link is dominated by themes that can be grouped into the following categories: "Industrial revolutions", "Technology", "Management", "Operations Management/ Industrial Engineering", "Social issues/ Sustainability", and "Methodology". The study shows the relevance of the topics Management, Social Issues, and Sustainability, which is not then reflected in publications of articles on Industry 4.0 in journals in these areas. Eventually, the establishment of partnerships between research teams in these areas of knowledge and the teams studying Industry 4.0 could mitigate this insufficiency. The themes Social Issues and Sustainability are underrepresented and therefore an effort is needed to develop research on the impacts of these themes on Industry 4.0 and vice versa.
Conscious or Indifferent: Concerns on digitalisation and sustainability among smes in Industry 4.0
Authors: Tick Andrea , Saáry Réka , Kárpáti-Daróczi Judit
Published: April 2022

The positive benefits of digitalisation are nowadays generally recognised and acknowledged by companies and are typically seen as essential in a rapidly and constantly changing business environment. Yet the level of digitalisation is still below expectations, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises. Several factors are behind it, ranging from high-cost concerns and management styles to a lack of knowledge etc. The present study reviews one of these aspects, the contradictory relationship between digitalisation and sustainability, with the aim of exploring the potential of digitalisation in the future and outlining new development strategies for small organisations. This research explores the perceived impact of digitalisation on sustainability based on the opinions of SME owners and managers in the V4 countries, Bulgaria and Serbia, using a quantitative method through a questionnaire survey. Based on their perception on the topic, the surveyed organisations can be divided into two groups (Concerned Inspired, Indifferent Conservatives) and accordingly can achieve a state of balanced digitainability, where both sustainability and digitalisation performance are outstanding with different strategic steps.
Industry 4.0: Limitation or benefit for success?
Authors: Milošević Isidora , Arsić Sanela , Glogovac Maja , Rakić Ana , Ruso Jelena
Published: April 2022

The fourth industrial revolution is a significant driving force framing companies' digital, social, and economic needs. This concept considerably influences the outcomes of businesses by increasing cost-effectiveness, quality, and effectiveness. However, studies on performance outcomes of Industry 4.0 in Serbia are still scarce. The available literature mainly deals with papers that observe Industry 4.0 from only one point of view, most often positive or negative effects on business success. A literature gap was observed that would fulfil the observed Industry 4.0 from two opposite aspects, positive or negative. To overcome the literature gap, this paper aims to observe if Industry 4.0 is perceived as facilitating or limiting for business success. The study provides a more objective approach to observing and decision-making in Industry 4.0 acceptance. To support this contribution, the paper provide a deeper analysis of the factors that impact the financial, operational, and strategic performance outcomes associated with Industry 4.0. Considered factors are attitude toward digitalization, limitations of digitalization, and expected benefits of digitalization. The results gathered through 134 valid questionnaires are evaluated using Structural Equation Model. These results show that all relationships and impacts are confirmed except the influence of internal limitations on performance outcomes. These findings are encouraging for companies wanting to transfer to Industry 4.0.
Influence of Heat input on geometry of GMAW fillet welds of unalloyed steel
Authors: Tasić Petar , Hajro Ismar
Published: April 2022

Abstract This paper describes influences of heat input on geometry of GMAW fillet welds of unalloyed steel with thicknesses of 8 mm. Welding current and speed are varied, as parameters influencing heat input, while weld size, reinforcement, penetration, dilution and weld asymmetry are considered as geometry properties. All of them are obtained through measurements on macro-sections. Influence of heat input on geometry is presented through the model based on regression analysis.
Influence of welding parameters on joint properties and possibility of post-weld cold-rolling of Friction stir welded aluminum alloy 5083
Authors: Mladenović Maja , Mandić Jovana , Glišić Dragomir , Radisavljević Igor , Ilić Nada
Published: April 2022

In this paper the structure and mechanical properties of similar AA5083-FSW joints were investigated, as well as the effects of post-weld cold-rolling of FSW joints. Two joints were formed using different welding parameters, in order to investigate the influence of parameters on joint properties. The welded joints were tested using non-destructive methods (visual and X-ray inspection, electrical conductivity variation) and destructive methods (tensile and hardness testing, metallographic analysis of macro- and microstructure). The joints were also cold-rolled. It was found that the joint welded using parameters Vrot/Vtr = 750/73 rpm/mm can be successfully processed by cold rolling; it also has better mechanical properties than the joint welded using parameters Vrot/Vtr = 750/150 rpm/mm, and had a more uniform hardness distribution. It was concluded that using parameters 750/73 results in a AA5083 weld of satisfactory quality was obtained.
Assessment of the integrity and life of welded panel using local stresses
Authors: Grbović Aleksandar , Sedmak Aleksandar , Sghayer Abdulgasem , Čolić Katarina
Published: April 2022

Relevant local characteristics of fatigue loading are the largest stress amplitudes in the related mean stress values. They should be determined for the whole components. The relevant material properties are then compared with the stresses to assess integrity and life of a panel, made of Al allow, with welded stringers. To determine the maximum stresses the Finite Element Method was used.
Hideous or hilarious? The fine line between disgust and humour
Authors: Jajszczok Justyna
Published: April 2022

The article compares disgust as defined by the Parasite Avoidance Theory and humour explained through the Benign Violation Theory in order to analyse whether their affinity could be explained by analogous evolutionary conditioning. Both disgust and humour can be seen as specific, involuntary reactions toward particular triggers, and both may be connected with certain types of violations, particularly violations of body and violations of social norms. Moreover, disgust-sensitivity and humour-sensitivity are assumed to be largely dependent on personal circumstances and thus very difficult to predict before exposure to triggers. According to these theories, the fundamental difference between disgust and humour is that while the success of the latter is predicated on its benignness, the former must necessarily appear malignant enough to elicit the desired effect. The final part of the article is a case study of a “disgusting” joke by British comedian Jimmy Carr, in which various violations recognised by PAT and BVT are analysed.
Lexico-semantic means of pun creation in Spanish jokes about La Gomera by Caco Santacruz
Authors: Bobchynets Lyubov
Published: April 2022

The research note deals with the analysis of lexico-semantic means used in the creation of the pun, such as homonymy, polysemy, and also morphological and syntactical means including re-grouping of syllables inside the phrase. Research material comprises puns by the Spanish author Caco Santacruz about the inhabitants of La Gomera Island.
The aim of the article is to reveal lexico-semantic ways of creation of the author’s jokes based on the use of the pun. Therefore, the definition of the pun in multilingual resources has been analysed. To reveal the ambiguity, the context in which the pun is used is needed, which we define as a communicative situation of ambiguity created by the author to reach the humorous effect.
Most of the analysed jokes contain a dialogue of two people who understand the meaning of the phrase in their own way, creating imaginary misunderstanding based on polysemy or homonymy. The regrouping of syllables and polysemic grammatical meaning of prepositions are among the morphological and syntactical means of pun creation. The means of making a pun used by Santacruz includes pseudo-words, based on the creation of new words on the analogy of word-formation to reach the humorous effect.
Future studies of the use of the pun as a source of humour may be focused on the analysis of linguistic means of pun creation on the material of other European languages in order to reveal the common patterns of pun creation and differences, conditioned by linguistic peculiarities of the correspondent language systems. The term ‘pun context’ may be applied to further studies of ambiguity created by the author.
Stereotyping Arab women in jokes circulated on social media during the coronavirus crisis
Authors: Haider Ahmad S. , Al-Abbas Linda S.
Published: April 2022

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in late 2019, fear and panic dominated the content of online news. Simultaneously, there was a prevalence of jokes and satire on the different social media sites. During the crisis, most Arab countries went through a nationwide lockdown for weeks that people found themselves trapped in their homes and resorted to social media to express their frustrations about the prevailing happenings. They began exchanging jokes and parodies on social media that indirectly reflected stereotypes about them. 1424 jokes were collected from Facebook and WhatsApp messages during a period of three months and were categorized based on the themes they covered. Gender-related jokes ranked the highest, and were predominantly targeting women. Hence, this study is an attempt to explore how Arab Women were stereotyped in Jokes circulated on social media during the Coronavirus crisis. The 508 gender-related jokes were analysed in light of the General Theory of Verbal Humor (GTVH). The analysis generated 4 main themes, namely 'marital relations' (33%), 'habits and attributes' (26%), 'beauty and makeup' (23%) and 'violence' (18%). Women were stereotyped as being ugly and less feminine without makeup, talkative, shopaholic, despising and annoying wives, and violent and harmful partners in their private sphere. The study concludes that such negative stereotypes might be unintentionally produced and reinforced through laughter-eliciting humor that circulates fast in the virtual world.
Humour of religious satire and linguistic dexterity of Nigerian stand-up comedy
Authors: Adekunle Idowu James
Published: April 2022

Stand-up comedy, as a humorous performance, is a quintessential narrative that chronicles sociological realities of human endeavours. Its humour, as a new subgenre of comedy, fused the roles of performers and their audiences in a scintillating way that provokes laughter and, at the same time, gives great excitement. The performers and their audiences are major stakeholders in the performativity of stand-up comedy. Existing scholars have largely examined its realities as a product of entertainment and laughter to the neglect of its deeper sociological realities of religious satire and linguistic dexterity. Therefore, this paper investigates how stand-up humour serves as a tool for critiquing societal foibles of religious gullibility and bewitchment within the Nigerian socio-political space. Besides, the paper examines the linguistic techniques employed by the selected stand-up comedians. This is in a bid to show how stand-up comedians serve as gatekeepers, watchdogs, and social critics of their societies through their humour. Schechner’s Performance, Freudian, and Jungian psychoanalytic theories were used to analyse the embodied behaviours of the stand-up comedians. Three digital discs of live performance recordings were purposively selected. They were: Halleluyan Volume 1 and Ward 2 Comedy Klinic by Godwin Komone Gordons and A Nite of a Thousand Laughs Vol. 13 by Francis Agoda (I Go Dye). The selected live recordings were based on informing religious realities, choice of satiric humour, and performative styles of the performers. Data were subjected to performance and literary analyses.
“Happy wives” and “sad husbands”
Authors: Uwen God'sgift Ogban , Oko Ushie Godwin
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic (a global health emergency) following its ravaging spread and increasing death toll that led to the unprecedented multi-sectoral crisis and collateral damage.  These, and the non-discovery of reliable therapeutic medicines combined to generate rising fears and tension across the globe. To cope with these realities, discourse participants devised humorous expressions to create laughter, ease tension and melt fears.  The paper seeks to examine the contextual usage of such humorous expressions used in Nigeria, particularly in Calabar, that denote the sociolinguistic milieu, and shared knowledge and experience of the interactants.  The study adopts Relief and Encryption Theories of Humour because the theories account for the situational appropriateness of the humorous expressions as “coping devices” in coherence with the cognitive, linguistic, situational and social contexts. Data were generated by means of participant observation in on-site and virtual interactions in social media platforms. Findings show that COVID-19 pandemic has exerted irresistible pressure on language resources that stimulated the creation of humorous expressions as coping needs for the consequential circumstance. Specifically, the humorous expressions such as “happy wives”, “sad husbands”, “side chicks are hungry” among others were regularly and contextually deployed for comic reliefs and cognitive recreations to stimulate laughter in crisis.  Linguistically, the expressions are devised English structures and other constructs with codemixed elements derived from the registers of several discourse domains that reflect the Nigerian sociolinguistic environment. The constructs are therefore modelled to demystify the pandemic and unify interactants in order to ease tension and cope with the realities of the preventive and survival protocols.
use of humour in medical education: students’ perspective
Authors: Taleb Rim , Itani Hadi , Itani Sanaa , Salameh Rayane , Ramadan Aya , Sidani Khaled
Published: April 2022

In early 20th century, Sir William Osler supported the use of humour as an efficacious tool in medical education, which continues to be used today. Despite the abundance of literature delineating this important role, it is often overlooked among medical students. A descriptive cross-sectional study was planned where a total of 295 medical students from the pre-clerkship and clerkship phases at Beirut Arab University Faculty of Medicine were included in the study. A questionnaire was distributed among the participants assessing their perception on the use of humour in medical education. Data were collected, entered, and analysed on SPSS software version 23.1. Results with p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The majority of participants agreed to the implementation of humour in medical education. They supported different forms of humour to be used, and considered mockery, sarcasm, the instructor appearing as a performer, and humour that is irrelevant to the course as inappropriate. Inappropriate humour distracts attention and disrupts the formal atmosphere. Our findings suggest that medical students’ opinions on using humour in medical education are supportive. The findings of this study might be of benefit to assist teachers in using humour to improve the attendance and interest of the students in the class and create an environment conducive to optimal student learning.
pyVHR: a Python framework for remote photoplethysmography
Authors: Boccignone Giuseppe , Conte Donatello , Cuculo Vittorio , D’Amelio Alessandro , Grossi Giuliano , Lanzarotti Raffaella , Mortara Edoardo
Published: April 2022

Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) aspires to automatically estimate heart rate (HR) variability from videos in realistic environments. A number of effective methods relying on data-driven, model-based and statistical approaches have emerged in the past two decades. They exhibit increasing ability to estimate the blood volume pulse (BVP) signal upon which BPMs (Beats per Minute) can be estimated. Furthermore, learning-based rPPG methods have been recently proposed. The present pyVHR framework represents a multi-stage pipeline covering the whole process for extracting and analyzing HR fluctuations. It is designed for both theoretical studies and practical applications in contexts where wearable sensors are inconvenient to use. Namely, pyVHR supports either the development, assessment and statistical analysis of novel rPPG methods, either traditional or learning-based, or simply the sound comparison of well-established methods on multiple datasets. It is built up on accelerated Python libraries for video and signal processing as well as equipped with parallel/accelerated ad-hoc procedures paving the way to online processing on a GPU. The whole accelerated process can be safely run in real-time for 30 fps HD videos with an average speedup of around 5. This paper is shaped in the form of a gentle tutorial presentation of the framework.
Genetic diversity and population structure of muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) from Nigeria
Authors: Adeola Adeniyi C. , Sola-Ojo Foluke E. , Opeyemi Yusuf A. , Oguntunji Abel O. , Nneji Lotanna Micah , Ewuola Muslim K. , Bello Semiu F. , Olaniyi Wasiu A. , Adesoji Adeosun T. , Karuno Alex P. , Sanke Oscar J. , Daniel Ebiakpo Lucky
Published: April 2022

The domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) provide unique genetic resources patterned by both tropical environmental conditions and human activities, the evaluation of their genetic diversity and population structure will shade light on the mechanism of their remarkable adaptive capacities. We therefore analyzed the variation in mtDNA cytochrome b and nuclear DNA CYP2U1 sequences of 378 Nigerian Muscovy ducks (comprising of 287 de novo and 91 downloaded) plus 80 published sequences of Muscovy ducks from India. The results showed high haplotype diversity (0.800 ± 0.023) among Nigerian Muscovy duck populations with 91 distinct haplotypes for the nuclear DNA CYP2U1 gene but low (0.266 ± 0.033) for cytochrome b with 31 haplotypes. The median-joining networks of both markers grouped Nigerian Muscovy ducks into two; the first group consisting of only Nigerian Muscovy duck populations, and the second group Nigerian with Indian populations. Neutrality test results indicated that Nigerian populations experienced recent population expansion and/or genetic hitchhiking. A geographic signal was absent in line with previously studied poultry species in Nigeria. The most prominent haplotype dominated across all regions in Nigeria, which may be due to extensive genetic intermixing except for the Indian population (FST = 0.02550, P = 0.01075). This indicated low genetic differentiation between and within Nigerian Muscovy duck as revealed by the suitability of the nuclear DNA CYP2U1 gene.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Mediastinal Masses- A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Sreenivasan Mangalanandan , Vijayan Meera K , Benjamin Geena
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The introduction of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) has revolutionised clinical practice. Mediastinal lesions represent challenging problems faced by the radiologist and often a chest radiograph is inadequate for answering the queries of clinicians. MDCT is employed to diagnose various causes of mediastinal widening and often correct diagnosis is obtained using CT alone, thus obviating invasive diagnostic procedures. Aim: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in mediastinal mass lesions compared to histopathology. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study comprised of 52 patients who underwent MDCT examination for evaluation of mediastinal masses. All these patients subsequently underwent histopathological examination either by CT-guided biopsy, transthoracic needle aspiration, endoscopic biopsy or by surgical resection. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of each type of lesion was calculated and tabulated. Results: The study population comprised of 52 patients out of whom 43 cases (83%) were predicted correctly by CT when compared with histopathology diagnosis. The sensitivity of detecting malignancy was 100% and specificity was 92.6%. The present study had accuracy of 96.2% in differentiating malignant mediastinal masses from benign lesions. Conclusion: MDCT is useful in evaluating the distribution of mediastinal masses and their relationship to adjacent structures and differentiating between malignant mediastinal masses from benign lesions.
Demonstration of Normal Development of Corpus Callosum in Infancy by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Tandur Roopa , Chaudhary Manish , Saima Aiman
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Corpus Callosum (CC) is the major anatomical and functional commissure which transmits information across two cerebral hemispheres. It is assessed by looking at its morphology on midsagittal sequence of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Physiological variations and diseases alter the structure of CC. It undergoes structural changes throughout the infancy which should be taken into account for better evaluation. Hence, the normal reference biometric data of CC on MRI in infants is needed. There are very limited data of normal reference range of thickness of CC especially in infants. Aim: To establish the normal standards for the CC in first year of life using MRI. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective observational study conducted in the year 2019-2020 in which the MRI images of 100 patients aged 4 days to 12 months with seizures and trauma were reviewed to evaluate CC. Children with abnormalities on MRI were excluded from the study. The thickness of subregions of the CC (genu, body, splenium) and the length were measured. Age related changes in the size of the subregions of the CC was assessed. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel sheet and statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: In the age group of less than two months, the width of genu, body, isthmus and splenium was 5 mm, 2 mm, 1.52 and 3.45 mm, respectively. The length of CC was 47.24 mm. As the age of children increased, there was increase in width of genu, body, splenium, isthmus and length of CC. At the age group of 11-12 months the width of genu, body, isthmus and splenium was 9.10 mm, 4.90 mm, 2.29 mm and 8.64 mm respectively. The length of CC was 60.57 mm. The study reveals that there is a progressive change in dimension of CC with advancement of age. Conclusion: There is a considerable change in the appearance of CC during infancy, knowledge of which is useful in differentiating between normal and abnormal brain.
Youth and Patriotism in Zambia: is Voting the Only Way to Show Patriotism?
Authors: Oliver Magasu , Lackson Lungu , Lucy Kamboni , Lubbungu Jive , Bwalya Chilfya, Lewis
Published: April 2022

This study sought to establish the level of patriotism among youths in Zambia and to establish whether voting was the only way to show patriotism among the youths. This study employed a qualitative approach to generate data because the views and opinions of the youths in Zambia were sought. A descriptive research design was used. The target population were all youths in Zambia. The sample consisted of 50 youths and 5 senior citizens who were purposively selected. 20 youths and 5 senior citizens were subjected to interviews and 30 youths were subjected to Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), thus 5 FGDs comprising of 6 members were used to gather data. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Key findings were that youth were able to define patriotism though this appeared rhetoric. Voting was not the only way to show patriotism but just one of the ways patriotism may be expressed. Patriotism had to do with the emotional attachment to a nation. The spirit of patriotism should be rooted in the ideas that gave birth to a nation. Based on the findings, this study recommends to the government through the Ministry of Education to strengthen patriotic values in schools and this should begin at kindergarten. Civil Society Organizations in Zambia should come up with awareness programmes targeted at the youths on patriotism.
Active and Passive Soil Organic Carbon Pools as Affected by Different Land Use Patterns in Red Soils of Vikarabad District, Telangana, India
Authors: Apoorva M. R. , Padmaja G. , Sharma S. Harish Kumar , Triveni S. , Rekha K. Bhanu
Published: April 2022

A survey was conducted in the years (2019-20 and 2020-21) in red soils of Vikarabad district covering eight mandals and soil samples were collected from four predominant land use patterns at two depths (0-15 and 15-30cm). Land use patterns studied included cultivated land with different cropping intensity i.e., 100% cropping intensity (redgram-fallow), 200% cropping intensity (rice-rice) and two from natural conditions i.e., forest land and fallow land to assess the impact of these land uses on various pools of SOC viz., total organic carbon (TOC), oxidizable organic carbon and its pools. The SOC content of forest land recorded the highest mean value (7.30 g kg-1) and that of fallow land recorded the lowest value (2.24 g kg-1).The mean SOC stock was highest in forest land (13.92 Mg Cha-1) and that of fallow land was the lowest (5.64 Mg C =ha-1). The highest accumulation of mean TOC was observed in forest (26.28 Mg ha-1). The per cent contribution active carbon pools to TOC was highest forest land (54.33 %) followed by redgram-fallow 53.16 %, suggesting that the accumulated carbon could be easily lost following the land use change. Contrarily, the per cent distribution of TOC to passive carbon pool was highest under fallow land (54.96 %) and rice-rice cropping system (52.00%) indicating more stable nature of the accumulated organic matter.
Raising of Farm Friendly Mat Nursery for Machine Transplanting of Rice
Authors: Spandana Bhatt P. , Ramana M. V. , Raghu Rami Reddy P. , Varma N. R. G. , Krishna . , Mohan Y. C.
Published: April 2022

Mechanized rice cultivation can play a vital role in transforming rice production. In the context of labour shortage and growing commercialization of agriculture, mechanization is very important for ensuring timeliness and precision of operation. Mechanized transplanting is a key link to the entire mechanization of paddy cultivation. However, lack of farmer adoptable mat nursery production technologies appears to be one of the major hurdles against the appropriate exploitation of transplanting machineries. The present study entitled “Raising of farm friendly mat nursery for machine transplanting of Rice” was carried out during 2018 at Rice Research Centre, Hyderabad with the objectives of standardization of production technology of mat nursery raising on sheet for mechanical transplanting and evaluation of efficiency of nursery technique under field condition. The nursery raising on polythene sheet with puddled soil is farmer adoptable, suitable for machine transplanting and its cost is cheaper compared to tray method.
Seasonal Incidence of Jasmine Leaf Webworm, Palpita unionalis (Pyralidae: U. T. of Puducherry)
Authors: Chaitanya T. Krishna , Kumar K.
Published: April 2022

The seasonal incidence of P. unionalis was studied under in situ and in light trap collections. Under in situ, the seasonal incidence of jasmine leaf webworm, P. unionalis was recorded at weekly intervals based on per cent leaf and bud damage respectively from February 2012 to January 2013. The damage by P. unionalis was higher during January 2013 (18.08%) and lower per cent damage was recorded during May 2012 (1.13%). The multiple regression coefficient of weather parameters under in situ against the incidence of leaf webworm, P. unionalis in terms of per cent leaf damage showed a positive correlation with morning relative humidity, bright sunshine hours and a negative correlation with the maximum and minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and rainfall. In the light trap collections of leaf webworm, P. unionalis moths, a positive correlation was observed with the evening relative humidity, bright sunshine hours and a negative correlation with the weather parameters viz., maximum and minimum temperature, morning relative humidity and rainfall.
Effect of Foliar Application of GA3, on Biochemical Changes of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.] under Sodic Soil
Authors: Saini Pradip Kumar , Yadav R. K. , Bhati Jitender
Published: April 2022

The investigation on effect of foliar application of GA3, on biochemical changes of Indian mustard under sodic soil, was conducted during the rabi season, at the Main Experiment Station Farm of   ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229 (UP) in randomized block design with 8th treatments, three replications & variety Narendra rai (NDR-8501). Different concentrations of GA3 (15ppm, 30ppm, 45ppm, 60ppm, 75ppm, 90ppm, 125ppm) were taken along with Distilled water  control. Foliar spray was done at 30 Days after sowing. Observations to be recorded at 40, 60, 80 days after sowing of biochemical parameters like chlorophyll content, nitrate reductase, peroxidase, and catalase activities in green leaves were taken. Sprayed of different concentrations of GA3 increased all characters of the crop. All the parameters viz.  To the studies of biochemical parameters were high recorded with foliar spray of GA3 125ppm followed by foliar spray with GA3 90ppm over rest of the treatments together with control, during the analysis.