bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties and Micro-Mechanism of All-Solid-Waste Alkali Activated Binders Solidified Marine Soft Soil
Authors: Wu Ya Lei , Yang Jun Jie , Li Si Chen , Wang Man
Published: June 2021

Utilizing granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), coal fly ash (FA), and furfural residue incineration ash (FRIA) as pozzolanic materials, then activated with calcium carbide residue (CCR) respectively to prepare all-solid-waste alkali activated binders (ASW binders). The laboratory tests were performed to research the effects of pozzolanic materials with different reactivity on the macro- and micro- characteristics of solidified marine soft soil. Results show that the mechanical properties and alkali-activation process of ASW binders solidified soil was determined mainly by the reactivity of pozzolanic materials, the higher reactivity of the pozzolanic materials in ASW binders couldn’t change the main hydration products, however, it would accelerate the hydrate reaction. The degree of hydrate reaction increased, the microstructure became denser with the increase of the reactivity of the pozzolanic materials in ASW binders solidified soil, on the macro- side, the strength and deformation modulus of the solidified soil increased, meanwhile, the brittleness of the solidified soil will be more obvious during the deformation resistance process. ASW binders (CCR:GBFS=1:1) solidified soil could reach the strength of cemented soil under the same conditions.
Performance Optimization of Cement-Fly Ash Grouting Material Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wang Lin Lin , Xu Xiang Bin , Zhang Qing Song , Li Shi Yi
Published: June 2021

Filling grouting is effective to control the overlying strata movement and surface subsidence in mining and tunnel engineering.Grouting material is used in grouting reinforcement projects. In this experiment,based on the mechanical properties of grouting materials, Expert Design and response surface methodology (RSM) is used to optimize the mix proportion of grout materials. The sand-fly ash ratio ,water reducing agent addition are researched as variables, and the 3D response surface is established between the factors and the performance indicators. Microstructure explains the mechanism of factors affecting performance indicators.The results show the relationship between factors and performance can be well fitted by RSM.The order of significance on compressive strength and solidification ratio is sand-fly ash ratio＞water reducing agent addition and the order of significant on viscosity is water reducing agent addition＞sand-fly ash ratio.Response surface methodology accurately describes the functional relationship between the target value and the design variables.Microstructure shows hydration reaction and the secondary hydration reaction of fly ash will be carried out after cement-fly ash mixed, and the addition of fly ash is especially important for grout material properties.
Research Progress on Carbonation Resistance of Alkali-Activated Slag Cement Concrete
Authors: Zhang Lan Fang , Yang Liu , Fu Bin Hong , Yue Yu
Published: June 2021

The carbonation process in alkali-activated slag cement concrete is more complicated. This paper reviews the research progress of carbonation resistance of alkali-activated slag cement concrete at home and abroad and summarizes the existing research on carbonation. The focus is on the carbonation mechanism, test methods, influencing factors and the effect of carbonation on the performance of alkali-activated slag cement concrete. The problems existing in the current research on the anti-carbonation property of alkali-activated slag cement concrete and the issues for further research are proposed.
Research Progress and Application of Modified Silicon-Based Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ruan Ling Fang , Wang Jia Wei , Ying Shao Ming
Published: June 2021

Silicon-based anode materials have been widely discussed by researchers because of its high theoretical capacity, abundant resources and low working voltage platform,which has been considered to be the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However,there are some problems existing in the silicon-based anode materials greatly limit its wide application: during the process of charge/discharge, the materials are prone to about 300% volume expansion, which will resultin huge stress-strain and crushing or collapse on the anods; in the process of lithium removal, there is some reaction between active material and current collector, which creat an increase in the thickness of the solid phase electrolytic layer(SEI film); during charging and discharging, with the increase of cycle times, cracks will appear on the surface of silicon-based anode materials, which will cause the batteries life to decline. In order to solve these problems, firstly, we summarize the design of porous structure of nanometer sized silicon-based materials and focus on the construction of three-dimensional structural silicon-based materials, which using natural biomass, nanoporous carbon and metal organic framework as structural template. The three-dimensional structure not only increases the channel of lithium-ion intercalation and the rate of ion intercalation, but also makes the structure more stable than one-dimensional or two-dimensional. Secondly, the Si/C composite, SiOx composite and alloying treatment can improve the volume expansion effection, increase the rate of lithium-ion deblocking and optimize the electrochemical performance of the material. The composite materials are usually coated with elastic conductive materials on the surface to reduce the stress, increase the conductivity and improve the electrochemical performance. Finally, the future research direction of silicon-based anode materials is prospected.
Research on the Influence of Water Storage Medium on early Planting Performance of Portland Cement Foamed Concrete
Authors: Li Xiao , Wang Tong
Published: June 2021

Adding sap particle, Portland cement foamed concrete was studied to manufacture a new type of planting material. The pH, porosity, permeable capacity, infiltration rate and water storage were tested for evaluating the performance of foamed concrete. Solid-liquid extraction method and image binaryzation were used to study the pH and porosity of foamed concrete. A kind of self-made permeable device was also used in this paper. It was found that the pH of foamed concrete could be decreased by sap particles absorbed the boric acid solution in 14 d. For the foaming effect of fresh concrete was disturbed by liquid from sap particles, the porosity of foamed concrete was increased and then decreased. Seepage channels could be formed in foamed concrete when sap particles shrunk for releasing liquid and they also would be block for sap particles expanding when water permeated into foamed concrete. The permeable capacity and infiltration rate were decreased with increasing sap particles. The water storage of foamed concrete was fluctuated with sap particles increasing but more than that without sap particles. The optimal dosage of sap particles was 0.3wt% of binder material in this study. At the dosage, the minimal pH of foamed concrete could be obtained and performance of that would be good to plant, such as permeable capacity, infiltration rate and water storage.
Influence of Glass Powder on Rheological Properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete Paste
Authors: Nan Xue Li , Ji Jian Rui , Li Rong Yang , Wang Yi , Chen Hao , Tang Wei Bing
Published: June 2021

Replacing cement and silica fume with glass powder to prepare ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is beneficial to solve the ecological problem in the field of civil engineering, but the technologies of preparation, transportation, pumping, and hardening of UHPC mainly relate to its rheological property. Therefore, this paper studied the influence of glass powder on the rheological properties of UHPC paste by performing the flow and the rheological test. Experimental results showed that when the cement and silica fume partially replaced by glass powder, the UHPC paste appears shear thickening, yield stress, plastic viscosity, and area of hysteresis loop decrease. This means that mixing glass powder can somehow inhibit the problems of segregation and bleeding of UHPC during pumping. In this manner, the dosage of the superplasticizer in UHPC is appropriately reduced, the filling capacity of UHPC during pouring is improved, and the energy required for UHPC in the pumping process is weakened. Compared with replacing cement, replacing silica fume with glass powder significantly increases the shear thickening and fluidity of UHPC paste, and at the same, reduces its yield stress and plastic viscosity. This indicates that the construction performance of UHPC is greatly improved with the replacement of silica fume. The fluidity and yield stress of UHPC paste satisfy the quadratic polynomial function relationship, and the replacement of cement and silica fume with glass powder should be less than 33% and 50%, respectively. Under this condition, the rheological properties of the UHPC paste are greatly improved and result in little negative impact on the mechanical properties of UHPC.
Indian Industry: A Seven-Decade Journey and the Road Ahead
Authors: Majumdar Arnab
Published: June 2021

Industrialisation in its true sense began in India only after her independence in 1947. It has been a long journey since then. Initially, for about four and half decades since 1947, based on the Import-substitution strategy, Indian industry functioned in a highly regulated and protected environment dominated by the public sector. However, a paradigm shift occurred in India’s industrialisation strategy in the early 1990s as a new policy regime aimed at opening up and deregulation of Indian industry was adopted to facilitate the growth of competition. While the Indian industry has been functioning according to this policy regime for the last three decades, new issues have started to emerge. The paper attempts to unravel the cause and consequence of the process of industrialisation that has unfolded in India over the last seven decades and tries to analyse the challenges confronting the Indian industry at present and suggest the policy initiatives that could tackle them.
Lovell, J., Maoism: A Global History
Authors: Amarasuriya Harini
Published: June 2021

No abstract available
Medical Literature on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Scientometric Study with Special Reference to WHO COVID- 19 Database
Authors: Wadasinghe Chandima
Published: June 2021

Since the emergence of the novel Coronavirus disease from Wuhan, China, in early December 2019, scientists every where in the world have focused on this infection to find a way to deal with it. Due to the rapid growth in the literature on this disease, the WHO took the initiative to collate the emerging publications and created "WHO COVID-19 Database". A scientometric study was conducted to better understand the nature of medical literature on COVID-19 included in the WHO COVID- 19 Database, and this article aims to provide an analysis of the coverage of those publications focusing on the twelve months, from December 2019 to November 2020. A total of 35,791 full-text research articles on Coronavirus infections has been published across the world. These publications were originated from 57 countries, indicating the international spread of COVID-19 research. The USA was the largest contributor with 12,989 articles, followed by UK and Netherlands. All the publications mentioned above are written in 15 different languages where English has become the dominant language out of all those languages with 93.25%. According to the findings, the co-authorship network of 3 authors Eric J. Rubin, Lindsey R. Baden and Stephen Morrissey has made the highest contribution with 34 papers published in the New England Journal of Medicine (N Engl J Med). The journal with the highest number of publications on COVID-19 research was the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health - online). The classification of study type reveals that the maximum number of articles are published on risk factors. This study showed that core journals publishing COVID-19 research are scattered among journals, closely conforming to Bradford's Law of scattering. The Lotka's Law on authorship productivity has been tested to confirm the law's applicability to the present dataset. According to the test, there is a variation of author productivity between the observed percentage and expected percentage of authors as in Lotka's Law. This study will help the research community to get the required information for their research. Further, the information in this paper will encourage the researchers in finding more facts on COVID-19.
Role of Farm Animals and Its Contribution to Ecosystems
Authors: Nayananjalie W. A. D.
Published: June 2021

Assurance of food security is vital in addressing many prevailing challenges in the world. Livestock plays a significant role in providing food products and many more services for humans and ecosystems. In this note, the importance of farm animals for better nutrition and for valuable contributions to ecosystem sustainability is discussed. The population of the world is growing at a rate of 2% per year which is the fastest in the history. The application of agricultural innovations and enhanced food production should be ensured to meet the requirement of exploding population. Crop production ensures food security in many instances. Similarly, the role of farm animals in food security is also important. Livestock plays a significant role in the ecosystems and. Livestock transforms feed into nutritious food, and useful products and interacts directly with ecosystems through grazing and the production of dung and urine. Thereby, it maintains the environment by recycling in the mixed farming system. Thus, farm animals actively play a key role in integrated sustainable farming systems, creating an eco-friendly environment. Farm animals contribute to direct food production and to multiple uses such as fertilizer, fuel, capital accumulation and other by-products. Further, farm animals provide economic diversification and risk distribution which reduce income variability and provide renewable energy for agriculture in developing countries. However, ecosystem services provided by livestock species and the consequences of different management practices of livestock farming are yet to be well understood.
Development of Solar Assisted Multi-Crop Dryer
Authors: Galappaththi G. M. A. S. , Weerasooriya G. V. T. V. , Fernando A. J. , Senanayaka D. P.
Published: June 2021

Appropriate technology for the conversion of solar radiation to thermal energy is vital for food dehydration. Solar drying considered an advancement of sun-drying is an efficient solar energy system. A reliable and low-cost multi-crop solar drying technique is required for small scale farmers in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a solar heater assisted multi-crop dryer for small scale farmers. The main components of solar dryer are flat plate solar collector, drying chamber, solar panel with air DC heater, turbo ventilator, exhaust fans, and temperature control system. The performance of the fabricated solar assisted multi-crop dryer with DC air heater was evaluated for drying rate and drying efficiency of three agro-products; bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The drying rates were 0.151 kgh-1 for bitter gourd, 0.145 kgh-1 for jackfruit, and 0.154 kgh-1 for mushroom. The efficiency of solar collector was 25.84%. The drying efficiencies for bitter gourd, jackfruit, and mushroom were 12.85%, 12.35%, and 13.15%, respectively. Further, favorable colour could be achieved by the modified solar assisted multi crop dryer. Therefore, the solar assisted multi-crop dryer designed in the present experiment is an effective method of converting solar radiation to thermal energy and could be recommended for small scale farmers in Sri Lanka for drying agro products. Further improvements are required to increase solar thermal efficiency.
Identifying the Supply Chain Risk Factors in Cinnamon Export Industry in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sugathadasa P. T. R. S. , Perera H. N. , Hewage H. C. , Samarakoon S. P. A. V. S.
Published: June 2021

Although Sri Lanka is one of the leading exporters of cinnamon in the world, the growth of the cinnamon industry is slow due to supply chain risk factors. Thus, the cinnamon supply network connecting the producers and the export market has not been properly optimized and results in inefficiencies. The purpose of this research was to examine the supply chain risk factors in the cinnamon export industry in Sri Lanka, by analyzing them to identify critical risk factors, and formulate the risk mitigation strategies to overcome their adverse impacts. An extensive review of literature, and unstructured interviews with industry personnel were conducted to identify the risk factors. Then, a questionnaire was distributed among the industry personnel to rank the identified risk factors based on a Likert type scale. Risk matrix analysis was employed to assess the risk factors. Five critical risk factors were identified related to quality control, communication, timing of product delivery, inventory, and lack of technology which demands immediate mitigation strategies. The key areas of the mitigation strategies are technological enhancements, research and development, and initiatives to make awareness on industry best practices.
Occurrence and Sustenance of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae in Selected Dry Zone Agricultural Lands in Sri Lanka
Authors: Arachchige L. I. D. , Balasuriya A. , Cseke L. J. , Nathan M. V. , Samarakoon M. C. , Jayaneththi J. P. H. U.
Published: June 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are one of the important symbiotic micro-organisms that provide a primary natural pathway for soil/plant nutrient transfer. The prevalence of AM on Reddish Brown Earth soils in the dry zone was determined under three agronomic management regimes: least-, moderate- and well-managed at Kiralogama, Puliyankulama, and Medawachchiya, respectively, in the Anuradhapura District. Arbuscular mycorrhizae interactions were evaluated with varieties each; sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.), chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and locally-common four weed/non-crop species; akmella (Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn.), balathana (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.), kurakkan (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.), and wal-rubber (Euphorbia heterophylla L.) in pot experiments. Rhizosphere soils at the well-managed Medawachchiya site recorded the highest number of average live (1312) and dead (2637) spores per 100 g of soil retained on 125 μm sieve compared to the lowest live (459) spores at the least-managed site at Kiralogama. At both Kiralogama and Puliyankulama, live spore counts significantly increased with the progress of Maha rainy season. Increases in plant P and Zn concentrations showed strong positive correlations with AM colonisation. Significant differences of both AM colonisation and spore counts were observed in pot experiments depending on the weed/non-crop species and the variety of crops. Akmella (51.2 %), bitter gourd (var. Black - 69.1 %), Sesame (var. Mali - 76.7 %) and wal-rubber (76.8 %) were associated with high levels of AM colonisation as well as soil spore counts.
Effect of Harvesting Damages on Cyanide Levels in Different Tuber Zones of Two Commonly Cultivated Cassava Varieties in Mapalana, Sri Lanka
Authors: Perumpuli P. A. B. N. , Singharathne S. M. S. J. M.
Published: June 2021

Cassava is one of the staple foods consumed in developing countries. However, it contains cyanogenic glucoside which turns into toxic compound hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when damaged to the cells of cassava tubers. HCN levels of damaged and undamaged locally grown cassava varieties (MU 51 and Kirikawadi) were determined during harvesting using the titrimetric method. The results showed that the HCN level of undamaged MU 51 (14.69 ± 1.69 mgkg-1) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the undamaged Kirikawadi (12.46 ± 0.58 mgkg-1) variety. The HCN level of damaged MU 51 (18.18 ± 2.83 mgkg-1) was also significantly higher (p<0.05) than the damaged Kirikawadi variety (15.07 ± 3.26 mgkg-1). Moreover, the HCN levels of both varieties were lower than the recommended safe limit of 50 mg HCN by Codex Alimentarius Commission. Further, it was found that the HCN levels of damaged tubers were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of undamaged tubers of both varieties. The tuber cortex contained higher HCN levels followed by the parenchyma and pith. In addition, the proximal part (close to stem) of the tuber contained higher HCN levels compared to central and distal parts. However, radial HCN levels from cortex to pith showed a sharp negative gradient than the longitudinal HCN level from proximal to distal part of both cassava varieties. Further, HCN levels of damaged sites were found to be high and showed a reducing gradient from the damaged end of both varieties. Therefore, damaged cassava tubers can be consumed after removing peripheral parts at least up to 5 cm from the damaged end.
Does Microcredit Play a Role in Improving the Technical Efficiency of Paddy Farmers? A Case Study in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera S. M. S. D. , Dissanayake S. N. , Rajapaksa D. , Lankapura A. I. Y.
Published: June 2021

This study examines the effect of microcredit on the technical efficiency of paddy production in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka using the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier analysis. The study employed non-probability sampling techniques to select a sample of 60 farmers consisting of both microcredit borrowers and non-borrowers. The results revealed that the average technical efficiency of the considered paddy farmers was 89%, implying that farmers have the potential to increase their paddy productivity by 11%. Farm inputs such as land extent (p<0.05), seed paddy quantity (p<0.05), and agrochemical costs (p<0.1) showed a significant effect on paddy productivity. Agricultural experience (p<0.05), education level, extension services, and use of microcredit (p<0.1) showed a positive impact on paddy farmers' technical efficiency. The majority of selected farmers (85%) obtained small loans of up to LKR 100,000 for their production, with 57% using only formal credit and 40% using only informal credit. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in terms of production efficiency between formal and informal credit access. The results also showed evidence of constant returns to scale. Effective and well-functioning extension services, training to improve the managerial capacity of farmers, and the provision of micro-credit improve the efficiency of paddy production. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of providing agricultural credit facilities to farmers.
Silicon Carbide Junction Field Effect Transistor Compact Model for Extreme Environment Integrated Circuit Design
Authors: Perez S. , Francis A.M. , Holmes J. , Vrotsos T.
Published: June 2021

Presented is a temperature and geometry scalable 800°C Silicon Carbide (SiC) Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) compact device model designed to simulate the small signal effects of the SiC JFET-R process developed by NASA Glenn Research Center. With the JFET-R process pushing the temperature limits of integrated circuits, a high-fidelity device model capable of predicting the performance over temperature and geometry is required to realize the thermal ruggedness this process provides. A high temperature (HT) packaging system was utilized to characterize a SiC JFET device up to 800°C with a dwell time of 9 hours during a single test. Invaluable device characterization data was obtained and utilized to extend the device model presented to simulate SiC JFET performance continuously over 800°C.
Time dependant functional and morphological recovery of the kidney after relief of obstruction in patients with impacted ureteral stones
Authors: Kocatürk Hüseyin , Bedir Fevzi , Turangezli Ömer , Şebin Engin , Altay Mehmet Sefa , Bedir Banu , Sarıca Kemal
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To assess the course of functional and morphological recovery of the kidney following the relief of obstruction with ureteral JJ stent in cases with unilateral impacted stones. Materials and methods: A total of 42 adult patients who were admitted to our clinic with unilateral obstructing impacted ureteral stones requiring JJ stent placement were included in the study. The course of functional recovery was assessed by evaluating the serum creatinine levels, renal resistive index (RRI) values and urinary levels of kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin as well as microalbumin before at 1 day, 1 week and 4 weeks after JJ stent placement. Course of morphologic recovery was evaluated by evaluating the degree of hydronephrosis, kidney size, perirenal straining and ureteral diameter. Results: Our results showed that all relevant parameters began to decrease after 24 hours and continue to normalize during 1 week evaluation; majority of these variables indicating the functional and morphological recovery were in normal range after 4 weeks. Decompression of the obstructed kidneys with JJ stent placement in patients with impacted ureteral stones was found to be effective enough with recovery of normal renal functional and morphological status after a minimum time period of 4 weeks. Morphological recovery of affected kidneys following JJ stenting was obtained with a significant difference between baseline and 1-month evaluation findings (p = 0.001, p < 001, p < 001, respectively). KIM-1 excretion began to decline to normal levels after 4 weeks (3.52 ± 0.99 ng/ml versus 2.84 ± 0.66 ng/ml, p < 0.001). The same findings were observed for the urinary excretion levels of NGAL, which normalized at the 1-month evaluation (604.55 ± 140.28 ng/ml versus 596.87 ± 80.17 ng/ml p = 0.895). Urinary microalbumin excretion levels however remained high even until 1-month follow-up with a statistically significant difference when compared with the normal excretion values (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in RRI values between baseline and 1-month follow-up findings in obstructed kidney (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Elective management of the obstructing impacted ureteral stone(s) will be safer with limited risk of infective complications after functional and morphological normalization in such kidneys following 4 weeks of JJ stent placement.
Phyllanthus niruri and Chrysanthellum americanum in association with potassium and magnesium citrates are able to prevent symptomatic episode in patients affected by recurrent urinary stones: A prospective study
Authors: Cai Tommaso , Tiscione Daniele , Puglisi Marco , Malossini Gianni , Ruggera Lorenzo , Verze Paolo , Arcaniolo Davide , Palmieri Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement containing Phyllanthus niruri and Chrysanthellum americanum in association with potassium and magnesium citrates in the treatment and prophylaxis of urinary stones. Materials and methods: Eighty-two patients (mean age 49.7 ± 11.2) with history of urinary stones received this food supplement, one capsule a day for 6 months. Each administration contained a combination of the following ingredients: 244 mg Potassium citrate, 735 mg Magnesium citrate, Phyllanthus (Phyllantus niruri) herb d.e. 15% mg Tannins 220 mg, Chrysanthellum (Chrysanthellum americanum Vatke) plant d.e. ¼ 55 mg. After 6 months, all patients underwent urologic visit, urinalysis, imaging and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires evaluation. Each patient was also evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scan at baseline and at 6 months. Result: From January 2018 to March 2019, 82 patients (mean age 49.7 ± 11.2) completed the follow-up period and were analyzed. Fifty patients showed lower stone dimensions (60.9%). The average stone size was 0.9 mm, with a significant reduction in comparison with the baseline (-6.7 mm ± 3 mm) (p < 0.001). Forty-nine patients (59.7%) did not show any symptomatic episode with an improving in QoL (+0.4 ± 0.1) (p < 0.001) in comparison with the baseline. At the end of the follow-up period, 27 patients out of 82 were stone-free (32.9%). Moreover, we report a significant reduction of patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) between the baseline and the end of the follow-up evaluation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, this food supplement is able to improve quality of life in patients with urinary stones, reducing symptomatic episodes and the prevalence of ABU.
A new original nutraceutical formulation ameliorates the effect of Tadalafil on clinical score and cGMP accumulation
Authors: Mirone Vincenzo , Napolitano Luigi , D’Emmanuele di Villa Bianca Roberta , Mitidieri Emma , Sorrentino Raffaella , Vanelli Arianna , Vanacore Domenico , Turnaturi Carlotta , La Rocca Roberto , Celentano Giuseppe , Arcaniolo Davide , Cirino Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Objective: To assess the efficacy of the combination of Tadalafil 5 mg and nutritional supplements composed by Panax ginseng, Moringa Oleifera and Rutin on erectile function in men with mild and moderate vasculogenic ED.Methods: we prospectively enrolled 86 patients divided into two groups A (45), B (33) in this multicenter randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial . Drop out was 8 patients (3 patients in group A and 5 in Group B). At screening visit patients underwent clinical examination, blood test (hormonal and metabolic profile) and filled out the IIEF-5 questionnaire and the SEP-2, SEP-3. Patients were randomized by a computergenerated list to receive either Tadalafil 5 mg once daily plus nutritional supplement once daily (group A) or Tadalafil 5 mg plus placebo with the same administration schedule (group B) for 3 months. Blood samples, IIEF-5, SEP-2 and SEP-3 have been collected again after 3 months. cGMP was measured in platelets of 38 patients at baseline and after one months. Results: Mean age was 59.98 ± 6.90 (range 38-69), mean IIEF-5 score at baseline was 13.59 ± 3.90. After three months of treatment, IIEF-5 score significantly improved in both groups compared to baseline (13.18 ± 3.75 vs 20.48 ± 2.24, p < 0.0001; 14.15 ± 4.09 vs 19.06 ± 4.36, p < 0.0001, in group A and group B respectively). Patients treated with Tadalafil plus nutritional supplement showed a significantly higher increase in IIEF-5 score compared to those who received placebo (7.27 ± 2.20 and 4.9 ± 2.79, respectively; p < 0.0001;). No hormonal differences and metabolic effects were found. According cGMP result, nutritional supplements ameliorates and extends the activity of the chronic treatment. Conclusions: IIEF-5 significant increase in group B, can be ascribed to the nutritional supplement properties and antioxidant effects of moringa oleifera, ginseng and rutin and this can enhance the endothelial NO and cGMP production.
Diagnosis, Management, and Return to Sport of a 16-Year-Old Patient With a Chiari I Malformation: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Turk MaKenna L. , Schmidt Kelly , McGrath Melanie L.
Published: June 2021

This case report discusses a 16-year-old female volleyball, basketball, and track and field athlete who was diagnosed with a Chiari I malformation after a concussion. Surgical decompression was recommended and performed 3 months after her initial diagnosis. This patient presented unique challenges due to her age, desire to return to sport, and lack of access to medical care due to living in a rural area. Few evidence-based best-practice recommendations are available for the management and return to sport of patients with Chiari I malformation, particularly for those who have undergone surgical decompression. In this case study, we address the treatment and return-to-sport process for the patient and provide a comprehensive review of the published literature on patients attempting to return to sport after a diagnosis of Chiari I malformation. In addition, we explore the value of an athletic trainer in reconciling various barriers in management and return to sport evident in this case and the reviewed literature.
The epsilon constant conjecture for higher dimensional unramified twists of (1)
Authors: Bley Werner , Cobbe Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Let
$N/K$
be a finite Galois extension of p-adic number fields, and let
$\rho ^{\mathrm {nr}} \colon G_K \longrightarrow \mathrm {Gl}_r({{\mathbb Z}_{p}})$
be an r-dimensional unramified representation of the absolute Galois group
$G_K$
, which is the restriction of an unramified representation
$\rho ^{\mathrm {nr}}_{{{\mathbb Q}}_{p}} \colon G_{{\mathbb Q}_{p}} \longrightarrow \mathrm {Gl}_r({{\mathbb Z}_{p}})$
. In this paper, we consider the
$\mathrm {Gal}(N/K)$
-equivariant local
$\varepsilon $
-conjecture for the p-adic representation
$T = \mathbb Z_p^r(1)(\rho ^{\mathrm {nr}})$
. For example, if A is an abelian variety of dimension r defined over
${{\mathbb Q}_{p}}$
with good ordinary reduction, then the Tate module
$T = T_p\hat A$
associated to the formal group
$\hat A$
of A is a p-adic representation of this form. We prove the conjecture for all tame extensions
$N/K$
and a certain family of weakly and wildly ramified extensions
$N/K$
. This generalizes previous work of Izychev and Venjakob in the tame case and of the authors in the weakly and wildly ramified case.
Maximal regularity for local minimizers of non-autonomous functionals
Authors: Hästö Peter , Ok Jihoon
Published: June 2021

We establish local

C^{1,\alpha}

-regularity for some

\alpha\in(0,1)

and

C^{\alpha}

-regularity for any

\alpha\in\nobreak (0,1)

of local minimizers of the functional

v\ \mapsto\ \int_\Omega \phi(x,|Dv|)\,dx,

where

\phi

satisfies a

(p,q)

-growth condition. Establishing such a regularity theory with sharp, general conditions has been an open problem since the 1980s. In contrast to previous results, we formulate the continuity requirement on

\phi

in terms of a single condition for the map

(x,t)\mapsto \phi(x,t)

, rather than separately in the

x

- and

t

-directions. Thus we can obtain regularity results for functionals without assuming that the gap

q/p

between the upper and lower growth bounds is close to

1

. Moreover, for

\phi(x,t)

with particular structure, including

p

-, Orlicz-,

p(x)

- and double phase-growth, our single condition implies known, essentially optimal, regularity conditions. Hence, we handle regularity theory for the above functional in a universal way.
Endoscopic surgery for malignant sinonasal tumours: an eighteen year experience
Authors: Lund Valerie J. , Wei William I.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Curative resection of malignant tumours of the skull base is increasingly undertaken endoscopically. Hitherto the diverse histology, rarity and long natural history have made it difficult to accrue statistically robust cohorts for comparison with conventional craniofacial resection. It is now possible to make such a comparison in a large personal cohort. Method: Data on all cases of sinonasal malignancy undergoing endoscopic resection with curative intent over an eighteen year period were collected prospectively and analysed for survival and prognostic factors. Results: There were 140 cases, 68 men and 72 women, aged 20-92 years (mean 63 yrs). Follow-up ranged from 6-184 months (mean 60 months). Eighteen different histopathologies were represented with olfactory neuroblastoma (36), malignant melanoma (33) and adenocarcinoma (19) being the commonest. Additional radiotherapy was given in 95 cases and chemotherapy in 49. Overall survival is 84% at 5 years and 69% at 10 years. Overall disease-free survival was 77% at 5 years and 56% at ten. Overall and disease-free survival at 5 (and 10) years is, respectively, 97% and 90% for olfactory neuroblastoma, 79% and 68% for adenocarcinoma and 56% and 39% for malignant melanoma. Conclusion: These results show that endoscopic resection is an alternative to conventional craniofacial resection in selected cases.
Clonidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in spinal anaesthesia for infra-umbilical surgeries in children: a prospective randomized, double-blind trial
Authors: Kamal Geeta , Piplani Raman , Gupta Anju , Sehgal Nidhi
Published: June 2021

Objective: Spinal anaesthesia (SA) is a well-established technique for infra-umbilical surgeries but is underutilized in children. One important reason is the limited duration of action. Clonidine is a useful adjuvant in this regard but has not been studied in a dose of 1.5 μg/kg.Design: a prospective randomized study

Setting: A single centre study conducted at a Super speciality paediatric tertiary care centre.Participants: Sixty children (5-12yrs) scheduled for lower abdominal surgery with duration <90min were included.Interventions: The participants were randomized into two groups to receive 0.4mg/kg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with clonidine 1.5μg/kg (Group-I, n=30) or 0.4mg/kg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with saline(Group-II, n=30) in the subarachnoid block.Main outcome measures: The sensory and motor block duration, time to two-segment regression, time to first rescue analgesic, and the number of rescue doses required were recorded.Results: Mean duration of sensory blockade (147.5±7.28 vs 310.33±10.17min; P<0.001) and motor blockade (132.5±10.06 vs 283.33±11.77min; P < 0.001) and duration of analgesia (172±9.61 vs 364.50±28.75min; P < 0.001) were significantly prolonged in the clonidine group. In the control group, most patients needed three analgesic doses over 24hr while in the clonidine group, the majority needed two doses. Adverse effects were infrequent in both groups.Conclusions: Clonidine as an adjuvant to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia with improved quality of anaesthesia while maintaining safety. We recommend the routine use of clonidine 1.5 μg/kg dose as an adjuvant to 0.5% bupivacaine in paediatric SA.
Attitudes and perceptions of final year medical students on sexual history taking from patients in Ogun state, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: O. Adeko Oluseun , J. Ariba Adekunle , E. Ladele Akindele
Published: June 2021

Background: An important aspect of sexual health is the ability to take a sexual history. Previous studies have shown that most medical students believed that sexual history taking is an important skill for future practice. Still, a majority reported inadequate, inconsistent or no training in this area.Objectives: To assess the attitudes of final year medical students on sexual history taking and perceptions of the training they received in medical schoolDesign: A cross-sectional study using an online surveyParticipants: Consented and conveniently sampled 100 final year medical students.Results: The overall response rate was 74.6%, and the mean age of the respondents was 24.1±2.9 years. The majority (97%) of the students believed it is important for doctors to know how to take a sexual history. Still, only 31% admitted to finding it easy, with 57% of the students admitted to being comfortable taking a sexual history from adult patients. While 70% had exposure on simulated patients, just 54% have observed doctors taking sexual history during clinical rotations, mostly in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (97%) and Urology (60%) postings.Conclusions: Many final year medical students are interested in and appreciated the importance of sexual history taking, but they are not well grounded in many aspects of the topic. Despite the importance of sexual health, many students did not have enough exposure and training on the topic while still in medical schools. There is thus a need for a review of the curriculum of undergraduate medical education in Nigeria.
TURİZM VE DESTİNASYON PAZARLAMASINDA LOGONUN ÖNEMİ
Authors: KAZANCILAR Begüm , DOĞAN Meliha
Published: June 2021

Dünya turizminde her destinasyonun kendine has bir çekim unsuru ve değer özelliği taşıyan güzellikleri bulunmaktadır. Önemli olan bu farklılıkları ve güzellikleri etkili bir şekilde kullanılıp, fırsata dönüştürerek ziyaretçilere sunabilmektir. Destinasyon pazarlamasında, destinasyonun kimliği ve oraya ait olan eşsizliğinin etkin bir logo yardımı ile birlikte açığa çıkartılması bu anlamda önem arz etmektedir. Ancak destinasyonun özelliklerinin iyi bilinmesi ve etkili bir destinasyon pazarlama yönetiminin gerçekleştirilmesinin de gerekliliği gözlerden kaçırılmamalıdır. Nitekim destinasyonlar son yıllarda artan rekabetten dolayı yoğun bir markalaşma çabaları içinde yer almaktadırlar. Bu anlamda şiddetlenen rekabet ortamında destinasyonların fark edilmesi için dikkat çekici ve farklı bir imaj ile ön plana çıkarak pazarlama çalışmalarını markalaşma süreci kapsamında yürütmeleri kaçınılmaz hale gelmektedir. Her destinasyonun sahip olduğu kültürel değer, yerel tarihi, mitolojik unsurları ve tüm bu bütünleşik figürler doğrultusunda ilgili destinasyona ait kullanılan logolar da farklılık ve çekicilik yaratabilmek açısından önemli bir değer taşıyabilmektedir. Dolayısıyla bu çalışmanın ana amacını da turizm ve destinasyon pazarlamasında logonun yeri ve öneminin dünyadan örneklerle ortaya konulması oluşturmaktadır.
Kelayakan Asnaf Fakir Miskin Sebagai Penerima Zakat Berdasarkan Had Kifayah
Authors: Gustani Gustani , Rohmah Siti
Published: June 2021

Had kifayah is the sufficiency limit or basic standard of individual/family needs plus the adequacy of existing dependents as an effort to determine the eligibility of needy mustahik zakat recipients according to regional and local socio-economic conditions. This study aims to calculate the amount of kifayah had in Cirebon, Indramayu, Majalengka, and Kuningan (Ciayumajakuning). The method of calculating had kifayah refers to the had kifayah study issued by the PUSKAS BAZNAS, consisting of 7 dimensions: food, clothing, housing, household facilities, worship, education, and health, and transportation. Sources of data used are primary and secondary data obtained through documentation, interviews, and observations. Based on the calculation results, the average amount of had kifayah in Ciayumajakuning around is IDR 2,977,187 per household per month, and the average amount of kifayah has per capita is IDR 832,853 per month.
Pendayagunaan Wakaf di Tengah Pandemi Covid-19 Dalam Perspektif Maqashid Al-Syariah
Authors: Miftakhuddin M. , Lestari Khofifah Trisnah , Aniroh Aniroh , Adinugraha Hendri Hermawan
Published: June 2021

The use of waqf instruments to overcome social and economic problems should also provide opportunities for handling the Covid-19 pandemic that is currently hitting the world. Handling a pandemic requires clear and strategic objectives, as stated in the maqashid sharia concept. This paper aims to analyze the use of waqf in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and its suitability with the perspective of maqashid sharia. The method used in this research is a qualitative method with an analysis-descriptive approach from a literature study. The results showed that in Indonesia, the use of waqf to overcome the problem of the Covid-19 pandemic is still not optimal, but waqf has great potential in providing hospitals and other health facilities. In the perspective of maqashid sharia, the utilization of waqf is also in accordance with the description of three concepts of needs according to As-Syatibi, namely dharuriyah, hajiyah, and tahsiniyah.
Penerimaan Pajak Daerah Kota Bandar Lampung Sebelum Dan Sesudah Penggunaan Tapping Box
Authors: Raihan Muhammad , Sarumpaet Susi , Sukmasari Dewi
Published: June 2021

The research objectives were to examine the differences between the achievement of tax revenues in Bandar Lampung before and after using the tapping box; moreover, to analyze the implementation, obstacles, and efforts to overcome the obstacles during the use of the tapping box. This research uses mixed methods, namely quantitative and qualitative approaches. This study uses primary and secondary data. Primary data includes interviews with the regional tax and retribution management agency (RTRMA) and restaurant, hotel, entertainment, and parking businesses. Secondary data includes reports on the realization and target of restaurant taxes, hotel taxes, entertainment taxes, and parking taxes every month during the 2017-2019 period, totalling 24 data obtained from the RTRMA of Bandar Lampung. The hypothesis testing was using paired sample t-test. The results showed significant differences in the tax achievement of restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and parking between before and after using the tapping box sequentially. The implementation of the use of tapping box was going well, and it is proven that the tax achievement of restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and parking increases every month. So, the use of the tapping box already provided supervision to taxpayers. So, tax leaks can be minimized and increase the original local government revenue of Bandar Lampung.
Persepsi Pegawai Terhadap Work from Home di Politeknik Penerbangan Makassar
Authors: Wiwik Wahyuningsih Bernadetta
Published: June 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan mendeskripsikan persepsi Pegawai terhadap work from home dalam pandemi COVID-19. Populasi penelitian ini adalah Pegawai yang bekerja pada Politeknik Penerbangan Makassar. Sampel penelitian ini adalah Aparatur Sipil Negara pada Politeknik Penerbangan Makassar. Data diperoleh dengan melalukan survey terhadap 91 responden. Penelitian ini mengindikasikan bahwa ASN Politeknik Penerbangan Makassar siap, merasa nyaman dan produktif selama melaksanakan WFH demi memutus mata rantai penyebaran Covid-19. Setelah pandemic berakhir ASN Politeknik Penerbangan Makassar berharap dapat melakukan aktifitas dikantor kembali dikarenakan terdapat beberapa ASN yang tidak melaksanakan WFH dikarenakan pekerjaan mereka tidak dapat dilaksanakan dari rumah. Jaringan internet menjadi hambatan terbesar dalam melaksanakan WFH dikarenakan selama WFH semua pekerjaan tergantung dengan jaringan internet seperti berkoordinasi, kegiatan belajar mengajar secara daring, rapat-rapat internal maupun dengan pihak eksternal.
“ La Orden de San Juan de Dios entre epidemias y pandemias: 500 años de servicio socio-sanitario a la población más vulnerable” 15-97
Authors: Benavides Vázquez Francisco
Published: June 2021

A lo largo de la historia de la Orden Hospitalaria son muchas las epidemias y pandemias que le ha tocado afrontar con creatividad, entrega y excelencia. En este estudio se realiza un análisis histórico de las diferentes epidemias afrontadas por los Hermanos de San Juan de Dios desde 1580 con la epidemia de “catarro, la llegada de la peste en el siglo XVII, el tifus, la cooperación entre del Hermano Chaparro y el Dr. Balmis contra la viruela, la fiebre amarilla, el cólera y la heroica actuación de los Hermanos liderada por Benito Menni O.H. en la campaña anticolérica a finales del siglo XIX; hasta la propagación de epidemias más recientes como el VIH en la década de los ochenta, la repercusión social con el Ébola en el 2014 y el fallecimiento de numerosos Hermanos y colaboradores en los centros hospitalarios de África, y finalmente, la actual Covid-19 que amenaza nuestra sociedad.

En este artículo, se refleja como los Hermanos y colaboradores se han volcado en el cuidado de los más vulnerables y en la lucha contra las diversas enfermedades que han asolado a millones de poblaciones durante casi 500 años, siguiendo el ejemplo de san Juan de Dios.

En cada una de estas pandemias, la Orden Hospitalaria con determinación y humanización ha sabido afrontar y aplica los principios más fundamentales de la institución en cada uno de los delicados momentos socio-sanitarios que en este estudio se muestran.