bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Epidemiological Data on Community Acquired Pneumonia in Children After Improvements in the Health System and Socioeconomic Changes in Turkiye
Authors: Bolat Ahmet , Arslan Melike , Balamtekin Necati , Zeybek Cengiz , Aydoğmuş Yüksel Hakan , Ünay Bülent
Published: September 2022

In this study, it was investigated that current epidemiological situation and risk factors of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in pediatric patients in Türkiye, after socioeconomic changes and health system improvements in the past two decades. In total 1,488 children treated with a diagnosis of pneumonia in Gulhane Training and Research Hospital (Ankara) Pediatrics Department between 2016 to 2021 were included in the present study. The patients’ demographic data, personal and family histories, and socioeconomic status were recorded. Of the 1,488 pediatric patients (mean age; 43.20±41.04 months and 46.8% girls); 108 were aged 0-6 months (7.3%), 672 were aged >6-24 months (45.2%), 444 were aged >24-60 months (29.8%), and 264 were aged >60 months (17.7%). In total, 98.4% of patients underwent routine vaccination and the rate of seasonal influenza vaccination was 5.6%. Additionally, 444 patients (29.8%) had chronic disease; asthma and cerebral palsy were the most common chronic diseases, 276 and 84 patients respectively. A family history of asthma in first-degree relatives was present in 396 patients (26.6%). There have been substantial changes in the epidemiology of CAP in Türkiye, due to socioeconomic changes, increasing urbanization, and health system improvements and the current effects of these changes are presented in our study with comprehensive data that can be used in further comparative studies.
Functional and Pasting Characteristics of Flour Blend from Wheat, Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and Unripe Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Flour
Authors: Ajala Folusho O. , Ogunlakin Grace O. , Babarinde Grace O. , Adeyanju James A.
Published: September 2022

The functionality of blended samples is likely to be affected by incorporating other flour into wheat flour for baked goods, meanwhile this has not been fully researched. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to ascertain the functional and pasting qualities. of flour from wheat, mushroom and unripe plantain so as to maximize its potentials in baking industry. Using response surface methodology (optimal mixture design), different formulations were created from wheat, mushroom, and unripe plantain flour mixes. The ranges of values for bulk density (BD), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling capacity (SC), solubility index (SI), dispersibility and least gelation concentration of the blends were 0.74-0.80 g/cm3, 76.15-94.63%, 478.45-574.01%, 8.10-13.72%, 73.30-77.50% and 15.60-20.70%, respectively. The ranges of values for pasting properties: peak, trough, break-down, final-viscosity, setback, peak time and pasting temperature were 842-1727, 473-926, 368- 806, 1190-1875, 716 -989 RUV, 5.46- 5.87 min and 80.90 -91.85 °C, respectively. The flour blend formulation, 80:10:10 (wheat : mushroom : unripe plantain) gave best functional properties in terms of bulk density, water absorption capacity and swelling capacity and comparable well with 100% wheat flour. The result therefore showed that quality flour blend obtained from wheat, mushroom and unripe plantain has improved functionality than the individual wheat flour. This will be a valuable element in the formulation of foods such thick dough, soups, and baked goods.
A Novel Model for the Semantic Enrichment of an Ontology Alignment System
Authors: Abdullahi Muhammad D. , Aliyu Salisu , Kana Donfack A. F
Published: September 2022

In many applications, ontology alignment is a difficult challenge, and it is a major concern for interoperability and domain specialists in information systems. Although there are various methods for ontology alignment, most of them ignore ontological links such as subsumption and aggregation. Furthermore, traditional alignment methods provide little or no information about the underlying structure of the correspondences between ideas that they identify, limiting them to basic links between matched concepts. However, many actions, such as ontology mergers, ontology evolution, or data conversion, require more detailed information, such as the actual relationship type of correspondences matches or information about the cardinality of a correspondence (one-to-one or one-to-many). We employed an enrichment technique to build an upgrade to the present ontology alignment tool (Falcon AO++) that recognizes and adds more semantic information to a created ontology mapping in this study. The improved mapping now supports equal, is-a, inverse is-a, part-of, has-a, and related semantic connection types. To enable semi-automated mapping to correct and detect more sorts of correspondences, the enrichment technique leverages a variety of linguistic, structural, and background knowledge. As an outcome, more expressive mappings may be created. In terms of precision, recall, and f-measure, Falcon-AO++ and eFalcon-AO perform better by 18.1 percent, 20.2 percent, and 18.6 percent, respectively.
Design and Implementation of Intelligent Traffic Control System using Programmable Logic Controller
Authors: Okoh Christopher O. , Oluwole Ayodele S. , Akinsanya Olusola A.
Published: September 2022

Generally, traffic light systems are regarded as open loop control systems, that is, they are in continuous operation without any form of feedback that can help the system take a decision based on certain conditions. And so, this is specifically part of the reason why there exist high vehicular densities at roundabouts. Having considered in providing a solution to this problem, this project integrated a 4I/O Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) into the traffic light system circuitry which provided feedback based on signals received from the input sensors connected to the PLC. When these sensors get energized due to the presence of a vehicle, it sends an ON-bit signal to the PLC through the input port terminating the sensor and the PLC. This signal in turn triggers the output port mapped in the microprocessor so that it energizes the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). During simulation, two forms of control were used: Primary (default) and Secondary control systems. On the secondary control, the PLC receives signal from the ultrasonic sensor on road tracks A and B then allows long queued vehicles to pass while it stops vehicular movement on road track C and D and vice versa. It is identified that this method of traffic light control has helped to ensure orderliness and evenly distributed vehicular flow at case study roundabout.
Performance Evaluation of Selected Adaptive Filters for Acoustic Echo Cancelation over Voice over Internet Protocol
Authors: Oyetunji Ibrahim O. , Amusa Kamoli A. , Adejumobi Isaiah A. , Mustapha Amidu O.
Published: September 2022

Advancement of technology has increased the value of the telecommunications industry. One of the services with the rapid growth is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). However, echo is a common disturbing effect in VoIP calls. Instead of suppressing the presence of echo in the VoIP communication channel, echo cancellation works better in full-duplex mode. This paper compares performances of some selected adaptive filters for cancelation of acoustic echo in VoIP channel. The framework for adaptive echo cancellation is built around finite impulse response and fourth-order infinite impulse response Chebyshev type II filters for the modeling of echo and acoustic environment, respectively. Selected adaptive algorithms for analysis are least mean square, recursive least square and frequency domain adaptive filter. The analysis is carried out in MATLAB 2018a environment. Echo return loss enhancement, error estimate and convergence rate are the performance indices employed for performance comparison of selected adaptive algorithms. It was found that the FDAF algorithm performed best based on computed error return loss enhancement and error estimate figures. In addition, FDAF converges faster than LMS and RLS with average time of 0.026431 s over 2048 filter lengths. Thus, FDAF shows a better promise over the two variants of time domain adaptive algorithm (LMS and RLS) analyzed in this paper.
Development and Performance Evaluation of Locally Fabricated Thermal Conductivity Apparatus
Authors: Anyaegbuna Benjamin E. , Olayemi Olalekan A. , Adegun Isaac K. , Onokwai Anthony O. , Anyaegbuna Ikechukwu D.
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the design and construction of a Guarded Hot Plate (GHP) apparatus for the accurate assessment of thermal conductivities of some Nigerian local building materials. The GHP apparatus is a steady-state measurement device. This apparatus is designed to measure the thermal conductivities of masonry building materials of different compositions. The design features included hot and cold plates fabricated with aluminum plates of 6 mm thickness and varying dimensions; the guard plates also made of aluminum, but of 6.35 mm thickness, forms a rigid enclosure for the specimen all encased in a mild steel housing. The operating measuring temperature range is from -20 for varying specimen thickness up to 60mm. Results are presented for concrete, laterite, and a mixture of cement with laterite, clay, and sand respectively, and it covers a range of thermal conductivities of 0.77W/mK to 1.80 W/mK. Moisture effect on concrete was recorded for the lightweight concrete as the thermal conductivity value reduced from 1.80W/m.K to 1.32W/m.K for the oven-dried concrete sample over a 1.5% (by weight) reduction in water content. The performance evaluation of the locally fabricated GHP apparatus showed a 3.03% percentage difference over ASHRAE’s published data on oven-baked concrete thermal conductivities
The Implementation of the EU Strategy for Free Trade Through the Conclusion of Bilateral Agreements with its Major Partners the Latest Developments
Authors: Spiliopoulos Odysseas G. , Petropoulos Dimitrios
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The need to achieve greater opening of international markets in more areas of
economic activity has prompted the EU since the mid-2000s, specifically from 2006
onwards, to launch a process of negotiating new bilateral economic agreements. The
purpose was not to conclude agreements that would be limited to regulating the
traditional aspects of trade with its economic partners, but agreements whose scope
would include all economic relations between the contracting parties. The key
element of these new generation agreements is their global content given that,
regardless of their title, their object is to regulate both trade in goods and services
and trade-related areas such as investment status, public procurement, competition
issues, protection of intellectual property rights. Their basic aim is to liberalize and
facilitate trade in goods and services between the parties. The present study seeks
to examine the objectives as well as the fundamental rules set out in these EU
agreements.

JEL classification numbers: K33, F02, F21.
Keywords: European Union, International Agreements, Free Trade.
Termodinâmica e cinética de formação de complexos supramoleculares sintetizados a partir da interação entre compostos bioativos e biopolímeros
Authors:   , Rosa Lívia Neves Santa
Published: September 2022

A incorporação de compostos bioativos em formulações alimentares tem ganhado destaque na indústria devido às diversas funções que são capazes de desempenhar. Em geral, estes ativos são antioxidantes, antimicrobianos, anticancerígenos, pigmentam os alimentos ou são moléculas necessárias ao organismo humano. Dentre estes compostos de interesse se destacam a cafeína (CAF), a luteína (LUT) e o β- caroteno (BCR). Porém, apesar de seus inúmeros benefícios tecnológicos e na saúde humana, o uso destas moléculas é limitado na indústria de alimentos pois são moléculas de baixa solubilidade em meio aquoso ou sensíveis a degradação pela luz, calor e oxigênio como no caso da LUT e do BCR. Para que seja possível a veiculação destes ativos em alimentos, é necessário o uso de estratégias como a formação de complexos. Um complexo é formado por uma molécula de carreadora, que pode ser uma proteína como a β-lactoglobulina (BLG) ou um carboidrato como a β-ciclodextrina (BCD), e a molécula de interesse. Assim, uma abordagem interessante para o estudo destes complexos é a elucidação parâmetros cinéticos e termodinâmicos da formação de complexos. Neste trabalho a formação do complexo BLG-CAF foi elucidada pelas técnicas de espectroscopia de fluorescência (FS), calorimetria de titulação isotérmica (ITC) e docking molecular (MD). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o complexo foi formado e que as diferenças entre as técnicas FS e ITC geram uma diferença na estequiometria do complexo (FS - 1:1, ITC - 1:3), enquanto que os modelos obtidos pelo docking molecular demonstram que o melhor modelo 𝛥𝐺° 𝑀𝐷 = (−20.38 kJ.mol-¹) está em concordância com a FS, mas que os dados obtidos pelo ITC também são válidos. Os resultados obtidos pela FS mostram ainda que a conformação da BLG altera a termodinâmica de interação com a CAF Já a formação dos complexos BCD- BCR e BCD-LT foi avaliada pela técnica de ressonância plasmônica de superfície (SPR), em que foi verificada a formação de um complexo termodinamicamente estável entre o BCD e os carotenoides BCR e LT, com predominância da forma complexada sobre as formas livres (𝛥𝐺° 𝑆𝑃𝑅< 0). A taxa de associação para BCD-BCR foi mais rápida do que o complexo BCD-LT. Além disso, a formação do complexo BCD-BCR foi entropicamente dirigida sugerindo que a interação ocorre por forças hidrofóbicas enquanto a formação do complexo BCD-LT foi conduzida entalpicamente principalmente devido à formação de ligações de hidrogênio. Um complexo intermediário é formado pela associação de ligantes livres ou dissociação do complexo estável para ambos os complexos. A partir dos resultados obtidos, nota-se que os complexos estudados podem ser utilizados para a incorporação destes compostos bioativos em matrizes de interesse e parâmetros cinéticos e termodinâmicos apresentados neste estudo podem contribuir para otimizar estas aplicações. Palavras-chave: Nanocarreador. Compostos bioativos. Carotenoides. Cafeína. Proteína. Interação intermolecular.
Metallic elements in plants: bioaccumulation, phytoremediation potential and physiological responses
Authors:   , Coelho Daniel Gomes
Published: September 2022

Pollution caused by metallic elements in the environment is becoming increasingly problematic worldwide. In the current work, several aspects of the metallic elements in plants were investigated, including the accumulation in species affected by an environmental disaster involving the disruption of a mining tailing dam; the physiological responses and phytoremediation potential of the aquatic macrophyte water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) subjected to excess iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), and combinations of Fe, Mn, and arsenic (As); and, finally, the in vivo monitoring of As-induced responses in Arabidopsis thaliana plants. We found a concerning enrichment of metal accumulation, especially for Fe and Mn, in the plant species evaluated in affected areas by mining tailings. Considering the spreading potential of contamination in aquatic environments, water lettuce plants, which are often used in phytoremediation studies, were tested for removal of excess Fe and Mn, along with the association with As. The plants displayed a great accumulation of Fe, mainly trapped in roots, whereas Mn was hyperaccumulated in shoots and roots. Accumulation of Mn was observed especially in the apoplast, avoiding major impairments of physiological processes. In presence of As, the plants displayed root loss as an acclimation response, followed by re-emission of the organs. Nonetheless, the specimens were able to maintain a high accumulation of the pollutants, supplied isolated or in association, demonstrating phytoremediation potential in multi- contaminated environments. Furthermore, the in vivo measurements using genetically-encoded biosensors showed intriguing stability of Mg-ATP 2− levels upon short-term arsenate (AsV) exposure. We also observed that the depletion of the GSH pool is the most likely cause of glutathione redox potential (E GSH ) oxidation. The findings presented here emphasize the importance of continuing to monitor metal-contaminated areas, as well as exposing alternatives for phytoremediation of aquatic environments and providing new insights into plant metabolism in response to pollutants. Keywords: Aquatic plants – Pollution effect. Aquatic plants – Heavy metal effects. Pistia stratiotes. Heavy metals. Aquatic plants – Metabolism.
INDIA’S SOYABEAN EXPORT: TRENDS, DIRECTIONS AND WAY FORWARD
Authors: Singh Jaspal , Noor Amrin , Akhter Rubeenah
Published: September 2022

The key objective of this paper is to analyze the trends of India’s soyabean, exports and its directions and way forward. This research work highlighted the post-independence performance of soyabean productivity and changing pattern of crops that pave the way for promoting soyabean cultivation. The present study revealed that India is seventh largest country by area, the second most populous country after China. This work investigates the trend in area production and yield of soyabean in India from 1980-1981 to 2019-2020. The results indicate that expansion of area was continued during whole study period. However, the expansion is higher in soyabean area than that of yield of soyabean. The finding exhibits that the exports of soyabean was highly volatile but increased during given time period. The composition changed from traditional tropical to horticulture and sea foods. The present study has been focused on analyzing demand, supply and export of soyabean in India. This study revealed that United States of America turned out to be India’s biggest soyabean buyers followed by Canada, Belgium. According to data China termed as top importer of soyabean but India’s exports were nominal to China. The analysis also covered the comparative price difference in Indian export verses imports of China during 2020. This paper contributes by providing significant suggestions for improving the market structure for acquiring higher market share. In addition to that this study also provides suggestion regarding, how to create significant opportunities to increase the exports which strengthen the balance of payments position.
EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN: ORDERED LOGIT ESTIMATION OF READING ABILITY AND MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Authors: Lakshmanasamy T.
Published: September 2022

The prevalence of poor educational performance and wide inequality in the academic achievement of children in primary education between social and economic groups in India challenges the objective of a leaned Indian society. This paper analyses the academic achievement gap in the reading ability and mathematical skills of children in primary education using the IHDS-II data applying the ordered logit method of estimation. The results show substantial differences in reading and arithmetic skills among children from different socioeconomic, demographic and religious backgrounds. The backward community children are not much disadvantaged relative to the upper community children. The scheduled caste, scheduled tribe and Muslim children are the most disadvantaged groups in achieving academic ability. Children studying in public schools and non-English medium instruction schools have less chance of being in the higher categories of educational performance. Children from urban residences and with higher educated adults tend to perform better than the child from rural areas with lower educated adults in the household. The asset holding of the household has a positive impact on the educational performance of a child. Much of the disadvantages of the learning ability and skill acquisition of children in primary education stems from the poor socio-economic background of the family and lower parental education.
BURDEN OF DEBT ON PEASANTRY: A CASE STUDY OF PUNJAB
Authors: Singh Amarjeet , Kohli Shaveta
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the issue of debt on Punjab farmers. We have conducted survey of two districts of Punjab to examine the debt scenario. A composite development index has been generated to rank all the districts of Punjab then district with the highest index value and with the least has been chosen for the survey. As observed that 66.7 per cent farmers were under debt in sampled households. Marginal and Small farmers per acre intensity is much higher compared to the upper category. Nevertheless, the amount of debt was increased with land holding size. The higher rate of interest charged by noninstitutional is pushing the farmers into debt trap.
Románia biztonsági kihívásai 2022 őszén
Authors: Barabás T. János
Published: September 2022

Térségünk népei körében 2022 őszén már nyilvánvaló, hogy új és veszélyesebb biztonsági környezetben élünk. A fő kihívás az ukrajnai háború, azonban emellett a nagyhatalmak destabilizálódása is az új biztonsági környezet része. Az ukrajnai háború inkább csak felerősítette a Covid-járvány óta létező válságfolyamatokat, így egy esetleges békekötés vagy tűzszünet sem állítja meg a hatalmi tömbök destabilizálódását, például nem oldja meg Európa energiagondjait. Román politológusok szerint Oroszország célja nemcsak a kijevi rezsim megbuktatása, hanem a NATO kelet-európai befolyásának hatékony csökkentése is. Szerintük, ha az orosz csapatok elfoglalják Odesszát és a szomszédos fekete-tengeri partvidéket, Ukrajna és Moldova egyfajta kiszolgáltatott vazallusállammá válna. Fontos lenne tehát, hogy hazánk, szövetségi rendszereink és nem utolsó sorban szomszédaink cselekvési tervvel, stratégiával rendelkezzenek a halmozott válság leküzdésére. A biztonsági kihívásokra adott válasz annak felismerésén alapszik, hogy Románia az Oroszország és Ukrajna közötti, egyre véresebbé váló konfliktus egyik frontállama. Bukaresti felfogásban a Fekete-tenger térsége jobban megszenvedte a háborút, mint a balti térség. Régiónk államainak természetesen nem érdeke egymás biztonságának gyengítése, sőt kisebb hangsúlyeltolódással a problémák is közösek. A NATO katonai képességeit harmonikusan, az interoperabilitás és a munkamegosztás elvének megfelelően építi régiónkban, de a kormányszintű politikai akarat sokat javíthatna még ezen a jó együttműködésen.
Financial Sector Liberalisation and Capital Market Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Ademola Adeyefa Felix
Published: September 2022

The study examined financial sector liberalisation and capital market growth in Nigeria from 1985 to 2021 with secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. The two formulated hypotheses were tested with the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and error correction mechanism. Findings from the study revealed that broad money supply and credit to private sector have a positive and significant effect on both market capitalisation and volume of transactions. Also, cash reserve requirements and exchange rate have negative and significant effects on both market capitalisation and volume of transactions. Interest rates have significant and positive effects on market capitalisation and significant negative effects on volume of stock transactions. Foreign direct investment has a positive and insignificant effect on market capitalisation and volume of transactions. The study recommended that the monetary authority in Nigeria must continually improve the monetary policy to control the money supply in the economy and reduce the interest rate to enhance capital market expansion. Also, the Nigerian government should encourage more exports to create a positive relationship between exchange rate and stock prices. This will make local currency depreciate and local firms will become more competitive, leading to an increase in stock prices.
Результаты экспериментальных исследований механизма швейной машины с амортизирующей рейкой для перемещения материала
Authors: Джураев А. , Мансурова М. А. , Турсунова Г.
Published: September 2022

В статье приведены результаты экспериментального исследования механизма швейной машины для проталкивания материала с рекомендуемой амортизирующей планкой. Целью проведения эксперимента являлось создание качественных строчек и повышение производительности в результате применения в швейной машине рекомендуемого механизма проталкивания материала с кинематическими парами с гибкими элементами. В работе определены и решены задачи, обеспечивающие достижение поставленной цели.  Представлена методика проведения экспериментальных исследований. Получены нагрузки на главный вал, на валы коромысел проталкивающего механизма, законы сдвига составной реечной зубчатой гарнитуры по вертикальным и горизонтальным осям. На основании выполненного анализа были рекомендованы оптимальные значения параметров.
ULUSAL ALEGORİ TARTIŞMASI BAĞLAMINDA DEVLET ANA’DA ALEGORİK YAPI
Authors: Ünser Halil İbrahim
Published: September 2022

Türk siyasetinde devletin algılanma biçimi ideolojik kutuplaşmanın önemli bir unsuru olagelmiştir. Özellikle milliyetçi ideolojide ve aynı zamanda muhafazakârlıkta, geçmişten günümüze kadar sirayet eden kutsallık atfedilecek derecede devlete olumlu bir bakışın varlığı göze çarpmaktadır. Buna karşılık Türk sosyalizminde, Marksist teoride devletin mücadele edilerek aşılması gereken bir tarihsellik olmasının da etkisiyle devlet, bir nevi zulüm kaynağı ve aparatı olarak görülmüştür. Söz konusu kutuplaşma Türk edebiyatına da yansımış olup Kemal Tahir’in Devlet Ana isimli romanı bu noktada önemli bir kırılma olmuştur. Kendisini Türk sosyalizmi içerisinde konumlandırmış olan Kemal Tahir, romanında Osmanlı mirasını olumlayacak şekilde bir tarihsel kurguyu işlemiş ve bunu alegorik bir yapı kapsamında gerçekleştirmiştir. Türk solunu Türkiye tarihiyle uzlaştırma girişimi olarak değerlendirilebilecek olan bu girişimde, Asya Tipi Üretim Tarzı (ATÜT) yaklaşımının bir uzantısı olacak şekilde Osmanlı’da feodalizmin ve dolayısıyla sınıfsal bir yapının olmadığı, bunun yerine kerim devlet anlayışının esas olduğu düşüncesi işlenmiştir. Yazarın sosyalist mücadelenin Batı’nın tarihsel gelişimini ve toplum biçimi ile düşünce sistemini zorunluluk olarak kabul etmeden Türkiye’nin özgün tarihsel mirası ve toplum yapısı uyarınca yürütülmesi gerektiği düşüncesini içeren çabasının temelinde, Doğu-Batı çatışmasına dair bir konumlanış yer almaktadır. Alegorik bir anlatım ile inşa edilmiş olan bu konumlanış, Fredric Jameson’ın başlatmış olduğu, sömürgecilik geçmişi ile sabitlenen üçüncü dünya edebiyatının zorunlu olarak alegorik olacağı şeklindeki tartışma açısından da verimli bir örneğe karşılık gelmektedir. Bu çalışmada alegorik anlatım ile sömürge geçmişinin de üçüncü dünya olarak tarif edilen edebiyatın bir zorunluluk ilişkisi ile birbirine bağlanamayacağı görüşü, Doğu’daki alegorik anlatımın temelinde eski Türk, Arap, Fars ve Hint edebiyatlarının bulunduğu düşüncesiyle savunulmaktadır.
Low-grade papillary adenoma from endolymphatic sac – a case report
Authors: Piatková Aneta , Obtulovičová Katarína , Kališ Adrian , Sičák Marián
Published: September 2022

The authors present a case report of a 38-year-old female patient admitted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Ružomberok with an 18-month history of vertigo, right-sided tinnitus, sensorineural hearing loss and facial nerve paresis. The patient was dia gnosed with an 8 mm temporal bone tumor, located in the area of the lateral posterior semicircular canal and vestibule, which was intraoperatively identified as an extremely rare aggressive low-grade adenocarcinoma of the endolymphatic sac. In the case report, the authors discuss the anatomy, dia gnosis, CT and MRI images, the chosen surgical procedure and the subsequent dispensarization of the patient as well as an overview of the relevant literature. Keywords papillary adenocarcinoma – Heff ner’s tumor – saccus endolymphaticus
Isolated sphenoid fungal sinusitis – a case report
Authors: Debnárová Monika , Mičaník Jakub , Masárová Michaela , Plášek Marek , Matoušek Petr , Komínek Pavel
Published: September 2022

Isolated sphenoid fungal sinusitis is a relatively rare disease with non-specifi c symptoms. The most common symptom is headache and the typical symptoms of sinusitis may be completely absent. A CT examination with specifi c radiological signs plays an important role in the diagnostic process but the defi nitive dia gnosis is determined by a histological examination. Due to the location of the sphenoid sinus, in some cases, the delayed dia gnosis may cause serious consequences. The article presents a case report of a patient with isolated mycotic infl ammation of the sphenoid sinus. The aim of the article is to point out the non-specifi c symptoms of the disease and the typical radiological signs that can help us in the dia gnostics. Key words mycotic infl ammation – sphenoid sinus – headache
CONTINGÊNCIAS E RUPTURAS NAS CADEIAS AGROALIMENTARES BRASILEIRAS NO CONTEXTO PANDÊMICO DA COVID-19
Authors: Lara Ana Claudia , Brustolin Péricles Luiz , Julkovski Dulcimar José , Sehnem Simone
Published: September 2022

A pandemia (COVID-19) tem gerado impactos, rupturas e desafios para os setores da economia e da sociedade. Enfrentar as contingências impostas pela pandemia pode resultar em melhores resultados e reduzir os níveis de incerteza. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as rupturas oriundas da pandemia gerada pela COVID-19 e propor encaminhamentos para superação/transição focados na ascensão/progresso organizacional em determinados elos da cadeia produtiva do agronegócio. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se um estudo de caso único, com unidades focais vinculadas ao agronegócio brasileiro, com abrangência regional, estadual e nacional. Nesse sentido, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com representantes de doze associações/entidades representativas. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que: contingências oriundas da pandemia Covid-19, afetam as organizações tanto direta quanto indiretamente, de forma não uniforme, gerando significativos impactos e rupturas. Em contraponto, foram constatadas ações positivas que se perpetuarão no pós-pandemia, decorrentes das lições aprendidas, tendo o trabalho remoto constituído um grande diferencial de resposta Como contribuições práticas deste estudo, oferecem-se aos gestores insights e evidências, possibilitando-lhes readequação com o intuito de manter o desempenho e possibilitar a manutenção de suas atividades econômicas mesmo que reduzida, assim como aos tomadores de decisões políticas de forma sincronizada e sem politização. O estudo gerou, ainda, contribuições teóricas para a Teoria da Contingência, provando, empiricamente, que os fatores organizacionais podem interferir no processo de tomada de decisão das empresas, assim como para a literatura sobre a Covid-19. Além disso, gerou base para futuros estudos voltados a formulações de políticas que promovam ações concretas de cunho prático, visando minimizar as externalidades negativas originadas da pandemia, além de encaminhamentos para superação.
COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN SOYBEAN CROPS IN THE MIDWEST REGION OF BRAZIL
Authors: Wochner Denise , Gimenes Régio Márcio Toesca , Grigolli José Fernando Jurca , Farinha Maycon Ulisses Saraiva , Bernardo Luciana Virgínia Mário , Ruviaro Clandio Favarini
Published: September 2022

Soybean is the most traded agricultural commodity in the world and the main agricultural product exported by Brazil. The study was conducted in Midwest region of Brazil, during the 2018/2019 harvest. The conventional pest management carried out by the rural producer and the integrated pest management with biological control carried out by the MS Foundation were compared. After data collection, operational costs were calculated for both managements and subsequently an environmental cost and a cost-benefit analysis of the application of chemical pesticides were performed. An adapted model of environmental cost and cost-benefit analysis was used. The results show the economic viability of adopting biological control in one of the tested areas. This was due to the greater amount of pesticide applications by the farmer in conventional management, showing the importance of analyzing the environmental cost of the pesticides and avoiding products that have a high impact on non-target individuals.
Hydroponics: a Significant Method for Phytoremediation- A Concise Review
Authors: Kirti Pandya  , Sanjukta Rajhans  , Himanshu Pandya
Published: September 2022

The greatest available resource for the growth of plant is soil. In addition to anchorage, soil provides nutrients to plants. There are several limiting factors like disease-causing microorganisms, decrease in the soil fertility, erosion of top soil, lack of proper drainage of soil etc. which causes hindrance in the growth of plants. Other factors such as requirement of water facilities in abundance, bigger area for cultivation practices and adequate labour creates difficulties for growing crops in the fields. The situation gets tougher in the urban areas where there is limited area for cultivation. The variation in different geographic and topographic factors also lead in creation of unavailable land area for cultivation. Due to all these reasons soil less cultivation has emerged as the ray of hope.In this paper we have discussed about the advantages of hydroponics and how it can be one of the best alternative methods for phytoremediation.
Is Levetiracetam Monotherapy Effective And Safe In Children With Epilepsy
Authors: Ekici Arzu , Yimenicioglu Sevgi , Kaya Havva
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Levetiracetam a second-generation antiepileptic drug with a broad spectrum and a wide safety margin, is used in both focal and generalized seizure treatment. In this study, we decided determine efficacy, side effects and safety of levetiracetam monotherapy in children with epilepsy.
Methods: The medical records of consecutive 102 patients who were treated with levetiracetam monotherapy were evaluated retrospectively.
Results: Total of 102 patients on levetiracetam monotherapy, 50 (49%) girls and 52 (51%) boys, were evaluated. Median age of the patients is 121.5 (62.25-178.5) months. Majority of the patients (95.1%) had generalized epilepsy. Twenty-seven (26.5%) patients had concomitant neurological problems. Dosing of levetiracetam was 20-80 mg/kg/day. Twenty eight (27.5%) patients had adverse reactions. The most common side effects were nervousness (10.8%) and enuresis nocturna (3.9%). Nervousness (4.9%), enuresis nocturna (1%) and headache (1%) were the reason for discontinuation. Twenty four (51.1%) of abnormal pre-treatment EEG had recovered and 74 (72.5%) of patients were seizure free after levetiracetam treatment. There was a statistically significant difference between levetiracetam treatment pre- and post-EEG abnormality (p=0.001). All over 10 (9.8%) patients were discontinued the treatment due to adverse effects (n:7, 6.9%) and inefficacy (n:3, 3%) at the 12 month of the treatment. The retention rate was 90.2%.
Conclusion: This study suggests that levetiracetam monotherapy had high percentage of seizure reduction, low rates of serious adverse events and inefficacy, significant difference on pre-treatment EEG recovery in children.
A prática da pesquisa em educação no quadriênio 2013-2016: a produção na pós-graduação no Brasil
Authors: De Carvalho Moura Aline , Da Costa Lima Joyce , Fernando da Silva Reis Jonatan , De Oliveira dos Santos Fabiana
Published: September 2022

Este artigo tem como objeto de análise a pesquisa em educação e problematiza como a produção bibliográfica publicada em periódicos A1, no quadriênio 2013-2016, tem contribuído para pensar a prática da pesquisa em educação. Para responder ao problema proposto, o trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a produção de pesquisas educacionais a partir de três elementos constituintes da pesquisa: objeto ou tema, metodologia ou procedimento de trabalho e embasamento teórico. Pautado em uma perspectiva sócio-histórica, o trabalho foi desenvolvido a partir da identificação e da análise dos elementos da pesquisa com base nos resumos das unidades bibliográficas publicadas no quadriênio 2013-2016, desenvolvidas em programas de pós-graduação em educação com notas 7, nesse mesmo período, considerando apenas os artigos de periódicos apresentados nos documentos de avaliação divulgados pela Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). A atividade de identificação dos elementos pretendidos na análise dos resumos foi realizada a partir da construção de um formulário, cujo preenchimento foi realizado por quatro pesquisadores. Posteriormente, foram verificadas as indicações dos elementos no texto do resumo, descrevendo, exatamente, o que fora apresentado pelos autores de cada artigo, referentes aos elementos aqui pesquisados. Após a análise de 223 artigos, compreendemos que existe certa falta de cuidado ao apresentar informações importantes para a apresentação do texto os resumos. Além disso, consideramos que a falta de rigor teórico-metodológico pode provocar certas fragilidades na produção de conhecimento em educação, uma vez que o campo tem se afastado dos critérios de cientificidade próprios às produções acadêmico-científicas.
Integration of Speed and Quality in Measuring Graphomotor Skills: The Zurich Graphomotor Test
Authors: Knaier Elisa , Chaouch Aziz , Caflisch Jon A. , Rousson Valentin , Kakebeeke Tanja H. , Jenni Oskar G.
Published: September 2022

Importance: In educational settings, children are under pressure to finish their work successfully within required time frames. Existing tools for assessing graphomotor skills measure either quality or speed of performance, and the speed–accuracy trade-off (SAT) in such tools has never been investigated.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate a newly developed tool for measuring graphomotor skills, the Zurich Graphomotor Test (ZGT), that assesses both speed and quality of performance. We also explored whether graphomotor tests are affected by the SAT and, if so, the effects it has on graphomotor test results.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Educational institutions in Switzerland.

Participants: Children, adolescents, and young adults (N = 547) ages 4–22 yr (50.3% female).

Outcomes and Measures: Graphomotor performance was measured with the ZGT and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception, Second Edition (DVTP–2). Standard deviation scores were used to quantify performance. We combined ZGT speed and quality measurements into a performance score adjusted for age and sex.

Results: ZGT results indicated a marked developmental trend in graphomotor performance; older children were faster than younger children. Girls showed higher overall performance than boys. The pattern of making more mistakes when being faster and making fewer mistakes when being slower was observed for both graphomotor tests, regardless of time pressure, indicating that the SAT affected the children’s scores on both tests.

Conclusions and Relevance: SAT is influential in graphomotor assessment. The ZGT captures this trade-off by combining accuracy and speed measurements into one score that provides a realistic assessment of graphomotor skills.

What This Article Adds: The newly developed ZGT provides occupational therapy practitioners with more precise information on graphomotor skills in children, adolescents, and young adults than currently available tools.
Natural Law
Authors: Achenwall Gottfried
Published: September 2022

As the first translation into any modern language of Achenwall’s Ius naturae, from the 1763 edition used by Immanuel Kant, this is an essential work for students and Kant scholars. For over twenty years, Kant used this book as the basis for his lectures on natural law. It has influenced his legal and political philosophy, as well as his ethics, and is indispensable for understanding Kant’s Feyerabend Lectures on Natural Law and his Metaphysics of Morals.

Achenwall’s Ius naturae focuses on the fundamental principles of legal and political philosophy. It first discusses the natural rights and obligations pertaining to the relations of humans independently of their membership in particular communities, and then discusses those pertaining to the family, the state, and international relations.

Articulating his theory with clear definitions, precise distinctions, and instructive comparisons with the work of Grotius, Hobbes, Pufendorf, Wolff, and others, Achenwall offers a lucid account that fits squarely in the natural law tradition. His handbook is of interest to scholars of natural law, social contract theory, and the history of political theory more generally.

This is a complete English translation of both volumes of the 1763 edition. The volume also includes an Introduction by eminent Kant scholar Paul Guyer, comparing Achenwall’s theory to the legal and political philosophy of Kant’s Doctrine of Right. Moreover, the volume features a concordance correlating the Ius naturae to Kant’s Feyerabend Lectures on Natural Law.
Exercise intervention as a protective modulator of dyslipidemia in men cigarette smokers
Authors: Ismail Samah M. , Fathy Karim A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Tobacco smoking is a major avoidable cause of morbidity. Smoking is one of the important factors which can alter normal lipid profile and it is among the major risk factors in the genesis of coronary atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of high-intensity interval training on blood lipids and serum cotinine in Egyptian male smokers.

Methods

Overall, 30 sedentary male smokers with dyslipidaemia, with mean age of 30.16 ± 3.22 years, were enrolled in a high-intensity interval training program calculated as 85–95% of their individualized maximum heart rate. The training program was applied for 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Serum cotinine, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels were measured before and after the intervention.

Results

After the training program, a significant improvement (decrease) was observed in cotinine, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol (by 39.94%, 7.13%, 5.09%, and 4.72%, respectively). Also, there was a significant improvement (increase) in high-density lipoprotein (by 17.07%).

Conclusions

It is recommended for smokers to participate in high-intensity interval training to improve their lipid profile and decrease cotinine. These factors can play a role in reducing the risk for atherosclerosis.
Exploring corporate governance practices on state entities : a case study of Umgungundlovu District Municipality
Authors:   , Nyalungu Jey Difference
Published: September 2022

Municipalities across the country continue to face growing criticisms due to lack of performance and providing services to communities. In South Africa, the district and local municipalities are no exception to the lack of performance. The perception to establish a working climate within the structures of the South African municipalities call for the municipal authorities to do more to increase the level of performance across the existing structures. Given this backdrop, this empirical study explored corporate governance practices of state entities with specific reference to three selected local municipalities in the uMgungundlovu district municipality. This empirical study aims to understand corporate governance practices towards performance in selected municipalities. Empirical datasets were sourced during semi-structured interviews aided by FGDs. The researcher applied semi-structured interviews to gather primary data from 106 participants and three FGDs to triangulate the research findings. Interview schedule and questionnaire were employed to collect quantitative and qualitative datasets. Quantitative data was analysed through the Social Package for the Social Science (SPSS) with several techniques including t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi-square as well as regression. These tools were used to test the null and alternate hypotheses. In terms of qualitative data, thematic analysis was employed to conduct the analysis for interpretations. Empirical data was supported by outcomes based on secondary datasets. The findings revealed lack of corporate governance knowledge that makes it impossible for municipalities to perform to their optimum. One of the key findings that emerged was that “fairness” contributes to the overall municipalities’ performances. Based on all the seven principles of corporate “fairness” was the only concept that needs serious applications in the municipalities to stimulate performance, this empirical study recommends the need to provide adequate education and training to all employees of the municipalities with information on corporate knowledge. More knowledge regarding the practical applications of the corporate governance principles to increase performance in municipalities. Furthermore, education is required to explain the governance practices with the municipalities. Municipal authorities such as the ward councillors and Municipal managers must be advised to pay regular visits to communities to ascertain the needs of community members. The researcher suggests ongoing educational and training programs to provide employees with knowledge in corporate governance.
Управління кліматоорієнтованим землекористуванням
Authors: Budziak Olha , Budziak Vasyl , Drebot Oksana
Published: September 2022

Мета. Мета статті – дослідити взаємовплив між сучасними змінами клімату і використанням земель для правильного розуміння наслідків та прийняття управлінських рішень з урахуванням усіх ризиків і можливостей щодо забезпечення невиснажливого використання та довгострокового збереження земельних ресурсів для майбутніх поколінь.
Методологія / методика / підхід. Методичний підхід передбачає вивчення практики управління землекористуванням шляхом аналізу інтегральних індикаторів: вразливості землекористування до кліматичних змін (реагування для запобігання впливу змін клімату) та оцінки впливу змін клімату на використання земель (адаптація до кліматичних змін), основою для розрахунку яких стали кількісні та якісні показники за період 2000–2020 рр.
Результати. Установлено, що наявна в Україні система управління землею відповідно до політики міжнародних організацій та Порядку денного сталого розвитку на період до 2030 р. потребує врахування нових технологій і практик у частині боротьби зі зміною клімату та її наслідками з урахуванням національних умов і пріоритетів. Дослідження результативності управлінських заходів у сфері землекористування показали, що в період 2000–2009 рр. заходи реагування для запобігання впливу змін клімату були здебільшого точковими, а в період 2010–2020 рр. набули ознак системності, тоді як за весь  досліджуваний період результативність адаптаційних заходів зазнала незначних змін. Водночас, маючи позитивну динаміку, але різні тренди в період з 2012 до 2014 рр., заходи реагування на кліматичні виклики та адаптації до них за результативністю зрівнялися. Виявлено, що після 2014 р. більше зусиль, фінансових ресурсів та засобів витрачали на боротьбу з наслідками, ніж на заходи з адаптації до змін клімату. Як наслідок, нинішня система управління землекористуванням потребує негайної трансформації. Адже не можна допускати, щоб будь-які екстремальні явища ставили під загрозу продовольче забезпечення держави. Результативність управлінської діяльності повинна полягати не лише у вчасному реагуванні, а перш за все в намаганні працювати на випередження, знижуючи вразливість та підвищуючи стійкість землекористування до кліматичних змін. 
Оригінальність / наукова новизна. Уперше проведено порівняльний аналіз результативності управлінських заходів у сфері землекористування щодо взаємовпливу сучасних змін клімату та використання земель за індикаторами в динаміці та обґрунтовано необхідність підвищення адаптаційних можливостей з метою зменшення потенційних збитків у сфері землекористування в майбутньому.
Практична цінність / значущість. Результати дослідження можуть служити основою для модернізації наявних проектів землекористування та вдосконалення способів управління ними на засадах низьковуглецевого розвитку для забезпечення продовольчої безпеки населення України в умовах кліматичних змін.