bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling a Weak Foundation in Interaction with Reinforced Sand Piles under a Low-Rise Building
Authors: Maltseva Tatiana
Published: January 2022

One of the ways to increase the bearing capacity and stability of a water-saturated base by introducing a sand pile vertically reinforced along the contour with geosynthetic material (geogrid SSP 30 / 30-2.5) is experimentally substantiated. This constructive solution is used in low-rise construction. For the theoretical substantiation of the suggested method, it is proposed to model the interaction of a weak foundation and a reinforced sand pile on the basis of the linear theory of viscoelasticity. Calculation of vertical displacements of the pile and comparison with the results of in situ experiments is presented.
Physical-Chemical Studies of the Process of Condensation of a Clinker-Free Binder
Authors: Badalyan Maria , Karapetyan Amalya , Hoveyan Hovsep
Published: January 2022

The possibility of using a clinker-free binder as an alternative to expensive and energy-intensive Portland cement is being considered. The pozzolanizing effect of volcanic rocks is presented, where along with the binding of calcium hydroxide by silica to hydrosilicates, the binding of calcium hydroxide by “free” alumina to hydroaluminates also takes place. In the process of hardening of the clinker-free binder, the phase mineralogical composition of the formed new formations differs from the new formations that are synthesized during hardening of traditional Portland cement, which explains the difference in their properties. The new formations that are formed during the hardening process of clinker-free cements are mainly low-basic hydrosilicates, and alkaline aluminosilicates give the cast-in-place stone water resistance, frost resistance, waterproofing, etc., in a word, durability. Physical and chemical studies of the hardening process of clinker-free lime-igneous cements have been carried out, which indicates the possibility of replacing the energy-intensive Portland cement with cheaper clinker-free cement.
Development of Porous Films Based on Polyanionic Cellulose to Form Functional Coatings
Authors: Antonova Natalia
Published: January 2022

New porous films based on polyanionic cellulose with AlOOH nanoparticles have been developed. The morphology of the films has been studied by electron microscopy: the size of the formed pores is 1000-500 microns; the total surface porosity of the films is 30%. Using infrared microscopy, it was shown that during the formation of porous films, their chemical composition remains unchanged. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the threshold for thermal destruction of porous films: 306 С. The possibility of using the obtained materials as antifriction coatings when filling the pores with solid lubricant MoS2 is considered. It is shown that for a steel sample protected by a porous coating with MoS2, the friction coefficient decreases by 50% compared to the friction coefficient for a steel surface under a load of up to 450 MPa.
Reinforcement of Protective Coatings Based on Powder Paints with Alumina Nanofibers
Authors: Simunin Mikhail M. , Chirkov D.Yu. , Zaloga A.N. , Kuular A.A. , Fadeev Yury V. , Voronin A. , Chizhova V.V.
Published: January 2022

The paper deals with the production and study of nanocomposite powder paints based on alumina nanofibers. For nanodispersed fillers, the nature of the surface states on the filler particles is important. The problem of introducing nanomaterials into a polymer matrix cannot provide an effective solution without matching the surface states of the nanomaterial filler and the polymer matrix for the resulting composite materials. The consistency of the surface states of the nanomaterial filler and the polymer matrix determines the quality of transfer of the necessary properties to the resulting polymer composite. In order to increase the affinity of alumina nanofibers with a matrix of powder paint, the nanofibers were treated with 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GLYMO) in toluene. It is shown in the work that the addition of alumina nanofibers leads to a hardening of the coating, an increase in its elasticity, and an increase in corrosion resistance. Finishing of alumina nanofibers in a solution of silane in toluene leads to its functionalization, which is sufficient for the distribution of nanofibers in the polymer matrix of the paint and improvement of its operational properties.
Crystallizing Metal Shrinkage: Automation of High-Pressure Crystallization Control
Authors: Korostelev Vladimir F. , Denisov M.S.
Published: January 2022

The properties of bulk metal products are formed when molten metal transforms from an unstructured liquid into a solid crystal state. We suggest a new approach to the automation of the control over crystallized metal shrinkage compensation based on controlling the law of change in pressure applied to crystallizing metal through a program taking into account the transition process in the hydraulic system of the production equipment. We observed the increase in rigidity, durability, and pliability of В95-alloy samples as compared to cast aluminum alloys. The metal utilization rate can be increased up to 0.90 of the liquid metal volume.
System Analysis and Simulation of the Process of Destructive Hydrogenization of Deasphaltisate of Heavy Oil
Authors: Ataullaev Sherzod , Mavlanov Bobokhon , Fozilov Sadriddin , Bobokulov Farkhod , Fozilov Hasan
Published: January 2022

The article presents a systematic analysis and simulation of the process of destructive hydrogenation of deasphalted oil. The process of thermoregeneration of spent zeolite and the surface - acid properties of CaA zeolite catalysts are also studied. It has been established that such patterns that allow predicting their influence and to regulate the quality of the hydrogenation obtained on one or another form of the catalyst obtained from the studied factors and catalysts. In addition, the obtained data can be used in the search for the optimal process modes of the process under consideration on the specific form of the catalyst.
Finite Element Calculation of the Polymer Stamp Material Redistribution under Restrictions on Fatigue Life
Authors: Andrianov Ivan
Published: January 2022

The numerical method of stamp topological optimization taking into account fatigue strength is presented in the work. It is proposed to take into account the restrictions on the stress state in accordance with the curve of the dependence of the maximum stresses on the number of loading cycles in the ESO topological optimization method. An approach to the selection of the evolutionary coefficient with a step-by-step increase in the rejection coefficient is proposed when constructing an iterative scheme for the rejection of elements by the method of topological optimization. The calculation of the stamp optimal topology with a decrease in volume due to the removal and redistribution of material was carried out in the study. The new geometric model of the optimal topology stamp is based on the predicted distribution of elements with a minimum stress level. The verification calculation of the stress state of the stamp of optimal topology with an assessment of fatigue strength was carried out in the work. The numerical calculation was carried out using the finite element method in the Ansys software package. The minimized stamp volume decreased by 35% according to the calculation results. The results of the study can be further applied in the development of topological optimization methods and in the design of stamping tools of optimal topology.
Chemical and Mineralogical Compositions of Mortar Mixes of Architectural Monuments of Uzbekistan of the IX-XII Centuries
Authors: Tojiev Inomjon
Published: January 2022

The article covers the research of the chemical and mineralogical compositions of mortars used in the construction of architectural monuments of Uzbekistan in the 9th-12th centuries, which is based on the study of chemical composition, X-ray and differential thermal analyzes. Comprehensive study of the building materials used in mentioned monuments will allow development of identical modified solutions to preserve the value of architectural monuments.
Electron Microscope Studies of the 01Cr17Ni13Mo3 Austenitic Steel Structure after Cold Rolling Combined with Hydrogen Alloying with Varying Degrees of Deformation
Authors: Kozlova Tatiana
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we consider the effect of cold rolling and hydrogen alloying on the formation of twin boundaries of the corrosion resistance of austenitic steel 01Cr17Ni13Mo3. Using the method of transmission electronic microscopy, microdiffraction patterns were obtained. The analysis of microdiffraction patterns indicates the formation of a developed grain-subgrain structure with small-angle and large-angle misorientation. The structure has a high dislocation density, deformation twins and localized shift bands. It was established that plastic deformation by flat rolling to ε = 90 % at room temperature does not contribute to the appearance of a noticeable amount of α' and ε-martensite. At the temperature of liquid nitrogen, the samples were found to form a small fraction of the α'-martensite phase. Such a small amount of martensite can contribute to steel strengthening, and a decrease in the rolling temperature will lead to an increase in the strength properties of steel. It was detected that the density of twin boundaries under the decrease in the rolling temperature but with the same intensity of hydrogen saturation is significantly higher. A noticeable reduction in the width of the twin lamellas was revealed.
Study of the Possibilities of Obtaining Powder Materials by Rotational Turning with Multi-Faceted Cutters
Authors: Binchurov Aleksandr S. , Gordeev Yuri , Kuleshov Vladimir , Dvoryansky Andrew , Gribanov Alexei , Kuleshova O. V.
Published: January 2022

Composite materials obtained through powder metallurgy methods are increasingly applied in various industries, particularly in aviation and rocket and space equipment which use their high specific strength, resistance to high temperatures and other properties. Producers of composite materials use various metallic and non-metallic materials (fibres and powders) as fillers [1-2]. For example, the high plasticity (moldability) of aluminium powders allows utilizing them as a matrix material in moulding of composites using various methods of rolling, extrusion, and intense plastic deformation [3-5]. However, the widespread use of chip as a raw material for the production of composites is hampered by the complexities in obtaining powders with granules of the necessary shape and size.
Impact of Financial Literacy Levels among Sri Lankan Investors on Investment Choices
Authors: Tennekoon S. T. M. S. , Liyanage C.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of financial literacy among Sri Lankan investors and its impact on investment choices. Design/methodology/approach: The population of this study consisted of the individual investors of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, a sample of 352 responses were obtained through a survey which was conducted using structured self-administered questionnaire. The independent variable of the research is financial literacy with the dependent variable being the investment choice. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test the hypothesis. Findings: The results of the study revealed that the majority of investors in Sri Lanka are having low objective and subjective financial literacy. Further, the results revealed that financial literacy has a statistically significant impact on the current and future choice of different investment products as the main source of investment. Originality: Financial literacy level of individual investors was assessed by using the mean value of the financial literacy score, which has not been commonly used in the Sri Lankan context. This study further contributed to the local body of literature by analyzing the investors’ current main and secondary holdings of seven different investment products and their future investment preference towards these products.
Factors Influencing Millennials' Adoption on Internet Banking, Propositions Through Refined UTAUT2
Authors: Thilina D. K. , Bandara B. S. S. U.
Published: January 2022

This concept paper aims to conceptualize internet banking adoption in the Sri Lankan context with special reference to Undergraduates. Even though the rapid spread of technology has made the internet the best channel to provide banking services, it is explored in many studies that the internet adoption rate in Sri Lanka is at an inadequate level. This paper primarily focusses on millennial internet banking consumption, which is intended to study through a sample of Undergraduates in Sri Lanka. Although there are numerous studies carried out by different researchers on the internet banking context, the attention given to millennial internet banking behavior is insufficient. The review is based on the theoretical rationale based on the extension to Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), which mainly incorporates purchasing determinants (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, habit, and facility conditions) and supportive empirical findings. A descriptive statistical review shows why Sri Lanka is considered a context to be examined while empirical evidence supports the arguments. The paper concludes with research propositions to examine factors that influence the adoption of internet banking.
Ethical Marketing in Global Value Chain for Developing Human Resources
Authors: Ekanayake E. M. T. D. , Eranda B. A. N.
Published: January 2022

Business organizations are increasingly engaged with global value chains in reaching the global marketplace. Ethical marketing practices are also initiated in the form of fair trade within these global value chains by capturing the modern market dynamics emerged with the behavioral changes of global consumers. This trading arrangement has highlighted the human resource development as a benefit mainly for the developing countries. Therefore, this paper aims to uncover how the human resource development is taken place through ethical marketing reside in the global value chain. The qualitative research method is used with a single case study approach in this research. The case study selected for this study is the one and only fair trade certified handicrafts manufacturing company in Sri Lanka. Data collection is completed through conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with organizational representatives and rural suppliers. The data was analyzed using the generic strategy including coding, sorting and synthesizing steps. The findings revealed that human resource development is taken place through ethical marketing under three themes. These are namely sharing business and procedural knowledge, sharpening skills of stakeholders and inculcating positive attitudes towards the business. The knowledge sharing for production, quality improvements and minimizing errors were the categories generated under the theme of sharing business and procedural knowledge. The sharpening skills of stakeholder’s theme was backed by the categories of business development skills, employee skills and supplier creativity. The theme of inculcating positive attitudes of people towards the business comprised of motivations of suppliers and sharpening their positive attitudes. Hence, this study explains the avenues for human resource development through ethical marketing while admitting the necessity of moving towards the stakeholder approach for marketing. Finally, the implications conveyed creating resilience towards capturing global opportunities, crafting purpose driven business ecosystems and reimagining the scholarly research to create a greater impact on local community.
The Value Creation Determinants of the Global Software Engineering Industry
Authors: Manamendra M. A. S. C. , Herath H. M. R. P.
Published: January 2022

Every requirement in the software application does not add value to the end users equally where the stakeholders are benefited through them. Majority of the current software engineering practices are formed and done in a value neutral way. With the recent demand for the global software engineering, many organizations have decided to either initiate their own technology centers in the low-cost countries or to partner with outsourced companies to get the benefits of it. However, the practitioners tried applying the traditional software development processes without a proper customization of them to best suit for the distributed teams. Due to the nature of this industry, those traditional processes have further eroded the value with unnecessary checkpoints and gates. This research therefore was carried out to identify the value creation dimensions and their influence creating value with special reference the global software engineering industry. For that, a systematic literature review was carried out and findings were categorized to five areas based on the research questions. They are benefit realization in the delivery process, eliciting and reconciling the requirements for stakeholder value proposition, business case analysis against the business processes, assessment of the value, risk, and opportunity through the frameworks and finally value based monitoring and control through the software development methodology. Mapping the development processes against these areas can change the value addition on the global software engineering industry.
An Investigation on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka: Applicability of the CAMEL Model
Authors: Kumarasinghe Shanika Lakmali , Jahfer Athambawa
Published: January 2022

This investigation was carried out to extensively examine the financial performance of Sri Lankan licensed Commercial banks for the period 2010- 2019. This includes both state owned and private owned banks. The CAMEL approach was used in measuring banking performance and used capital adequacy, asset quality, management quality, earnings ability and liquidity position as independent variables and return on assets for measuring financial performance as the dependent variable. Data were collected among 12 licensed commercial banks for the period from 2010 to 2019 and the CAMEL model was tested. The results reveal that capital adequacy and liquidity position are positively related to the financial performance of commercial banks in Sri Lanka, while others were not supported under the period of study. This is mostly useful for Sri Lankan banks and other policy makers in enhancing the financial performance of banks.
e-WOM & Purchase Intention towards Mobile Data Packages among Facebook users: The Mediating Effect of Brand Image
Authors: Wijeyakulasuriya Christopher , Wanninayake W. M. C. B. , Kumari D. A. T.
Published: January 2022

Facebook is undoubtedly the leading social networking service in Sri Lanka, which comprises approximately 7.9 million users by creating a massive platform to advertise and brand engagement. Therefore, it has become an essential tool for eWOM, which is crucial for Marketers to understand to leverage on social media. The Mobile Telecommunication industry is a competitive and technologically advanced sector in Sri Lanka, sized at 30.41Mn mobile connections rapidly ignite Social Networking Sites based interactions; hence, eWOM behaviour is pivotal to examine as a digital communicational tool and a reality. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of eWOM on Purchase Intention as millions of consumers are now exposed to digital platforms and how impactful amidst the brand image among the Facebook users of Sri Lanka. Even though many scholars studied this issue in different contexts and very little research was done in Sri Lanka. The significance of this research instrumentalized to fill this gap and open a scholarly discussion. A survey conducted for data collection was instrumentalized via a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire among 267 respondents. The findings revealed a positive relationship between eWOM and Purchase Intention for Mobile data packages in the context of Sri Lankan Facebook users & it was positively strengthened by Brand Image. Furthermore, this outcome could be used as base research to study eWOM on other platforms and give new knowledge to the academic & business world.
MONGOLIA: ECONOMIC SLUMP, DEMOCRATIC ACKSLIDING AND PRESSURE FROM THE NEIGHBOURS
Authors: Berkofsky Axel
Published: January 2022

Non disponibile.
POPULISMO, NAZIONALISMO E RELIGIONE TRA I POLITICI CRISTIANI LIBANESI DAL 2005 AL 2019
Authors: Mazzucotelli Francesco
Published: January 2022

in questo articolo intendo evidenziare alcuni fenomeni che attingono ai registri del populismo e del nazionalismo nel campo politico cristiano libanese. l’arco temporale che prendo in considerazione va dalla primavera del 2005, quando il rientro nell’arena politica di Michel aoun e Samir Ja’ja’ segna un superamento della fase di frustrazione e disincanto (iḥbāṭ) che aveva fatto seguito all’accordo di al-Ta’if e all’imposizione della pax syriana1, fino ai postumi delle elezioni parlamentari del 2018, soffermandomi in particolare sulla composizione delle liste elettorali e sui risultati nei collegi Monte libano 1, beirut 1, nord libano 3, Monte libano 2 e beqaa 1, ossia nei collegi con una maggioranza demografica cristiana2.
IL FEDERALISMO È UN’IDEOLOGIA POLITICA?
Authors: Moro Domenico
Published: January 2022

È un fatto noto e consolidato, nelle organizzazioni federaliste e al di fuori di queste, il contributo fondamentale di Altiero Spinelli al processo di unificazione europea. Norberto Bobbio ha messo bene in luce il significato della svolta che ha avuto luogo con la stesura del Manifesto di Ventotene3. Con quest’ultimo, l’obiettivo della federazione europea non era più materia esclusiva di pensatori illuminati, ma diventava oggetto di una lotta politica. Il palazzo del Parlamento europeo dedicato ad Altiero Spinelli è il più evidente riconoscimento alla sua figura da parte delle istituzioni europee.
I GUARDIANI DEI DIRITTI DELLA NATURA E DELLE SUE ENTITÀ
Authors: Perra Livio
Published: January 2022

Non disponibile.
Una nuova Germania per l’Europa? L’economia e l’animo tedesco
Authors: Nardozzi Giangiacomo
Published: January 2022

Non disponibile.
Antioxidant and antifungal activities in vitro of essential oils and extracts of twelve Algerian species of Thymus against some mycotoxigenic Aspergillus genera
Authors: Ben Miri Yamina , Taoudiat Aldjia , Mahdid Mohamed
Published: January 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the phenolic and flavonoid content of Essential Oils (EOs), chloroform and ethanolic extracts of 12 Algerian Thymus species and evaluate their antioxidant and antifungal activities. EOs (1.73±0.30– 15.00±1.24μg/mg), chloroform extracts (33.8±2.42– 160.93±3.88μg/mg) and ethanol extracts (27.01±3.56 – 148.46±4.40μg/mg) showed considerable phenolic content. Flavonoids values of chloroform extracts ranged between 3.39±0.17 and 20.27±0.29μg/mL while ethanolic extracts values ranged between 2.81±0.11 and 26.64±0.18μg/mg. Results of DPPH showed that EOs, chloroform and ethanolic extracts exhibited strong radical scavenging activity (IC50=21.75±6.54– 338.22±2.99μg/mL, 22.91±5.59–90.93±1.36μg/mL, and 33.51±5.72–103.80±4.54μg/m, respectively). Inhibition of β-carotene bleaching was potentially performed by all EOs (66.48±2.41–94.06±2.68%), chloroform extracts (68.98±1.58– 95.30±1.99%), and ethanolic extracts (62.15±2.51–92.36±1.15%). The antifungal activity of EOs and extracts was tested using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). The EOs (0.1±0.00mg/mL– 1.06±0.46mg/mL), chloroform (0.1±0.00 mg/mL– 1.06±0.46mg/mL) and ethanol (0.1±0.00mg/mL–1.6±0.00 mg/mL) showed remarkable antifungal activity against mycotoxigenic Aspergillus genera. The MFC of EOs (1.0±0.34mg/mL and >4.8mg/mL), chloroform (0.26±0.11mg/mL and >1.6 mg/mL) and ethanol (0.2±0.00mg/mL and >1.6 mg/mL) were fungicidal in nature higher than MICs. The findings of the study indicated that Thymus spp. EOs and extracts could be used as natural alternatives for food industry
Efficiency of Barbed Polydioxanone Threads for Neck Lifting Using the Tight Neck Fontana Protocol
Authors: Fontana Ana Laura , Lessing Gustavo , Albergaria-Barbosa Jose Ricardo , Rizzatti-Barbosa Celia Marisa
Published: January 2022

The aim of these clinical cases descriptions was to describe the clinical results of barbed polydioxanone (PDO) threads in neck lifting using the Tight Neck Fontana Protocol (TNFP). Three-barbed PDO threads (19G or 18G and 150 mm in length) were implanted bilaterally in six female adult patients with an indication for neck lifting. Two threads were inserted in the sub-dermis of the neck through the diagonal vectors from the angle of the mandible toward the midline and fixed with a knot. The third thread was implanted in parallel and just below the first vector. The post-operative results were evaluated by the occurrence of adverse events, scores attributed on a Visual Numerical Scale, questionnaire inquiring the satisfaction patient about the treatment (QSP), and evaluation of photographic records. The results were quite satisfactory on the procedures performed, suggesting the indication of the TNFP using barbed PDO threads for the neck lifting.
Psycho-Social Correlates of Dental Anxiety and its Association with Caries Experience In 12-16-Year-Old School Going Children in Southern India
Authors: Singh Sweta , Acharya Shashidhar , Bhat Meghashyam , Chakravarthy P Kalyan , Kariya Pratik
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Dental anxiety causes a decrease in population addressability to the dentist with antagonistic consequences for long-term oral health. Assessment of behavioural factors that correlate with dental anxiety is important for the accurate evaluation of dental fear. Its diagnosis in childhood is important for establishing therapeutic management strategies to reduce anxiety and promote oral health.

Materials and Methods:

A sample of 289 children of ninth and tenth grades from two public and two private schools of Udupi town was drawn. Two-stage sampling was used for the enrolment of students. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used for the collection of data on psychological aspects, socioeconomic background and health behaviours. Dental anxiety was assessed using a translated version of the modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS). Oral examination was done for the assessment of dental caries using the decayed, missing, filled teeth index.

Results:

Students from public schools showed a significantly high prevalence of dental anxiety and also higher scores. Dental phobia was significantly more in children from public schools. Female gender, lesser brushing frequency, fewer previous dental visits and lower socioeconomic status were significantly associated with higher dental anxiety levels. In addition, the caries experience was significantly higher in children from public schools.

Conclusion:

Socioeconomic background and social environment in the school play an important role in overcoming dental anxiety and practising healthy behaviour and therefore should be considered to break the vicious cycle of dental anxiety and poor dental health.
Pelvic Lipoblastoma with Extension into Ischiorectal Fossa and Abdominal Lipoblastoma - Complete Excision by Laparoscopy in Children - A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Lingegowda Anilkumar Pura , Chandrayya Ramachandra
Published: January 2022

Lipoblastoma is a relatively rare tumor that occurs in infancy and early childhood which arises from embryonic fat. It occurs mostly in trunk and extremities, but abdomen and pelvic lipoblastomas are rare. It presents as a mass with or without mass effect. Computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen with pelvis is the investigation of choice. We present two cases of pelvic lipoblastoma with extension in ischiorectal fossa and the intra-abdominal lipoblastoma which were excised completely by laparoscopy. We are reporting these cases because of rarity of the disease and feasibility of complete laparoscopic excision.
A Fix for a Scalp Varix! A Rare Case of Cirsoid Aneurysm in a Child
Authors: Janapareddy Khyati Kiran , Peters Nitin James , Samujh Ram , Kumar Ajay , Malik Muneer Abas , Chabbra Ashish
Published: January 2022

Cirsoid aneurysm (CA) is a rare arteriovenous fistula of the scalp. There exists scant literature on the incidence and approach to CA in children. We describe a case of CA in a 7-year-old boy which was diagnosed by angiography and managed with angiographic embolization followed by surgical excision.
Congenital Pouch Colon in Girls
Authors: Gupta Amit , Kumar Amit , Chadha Rajiv , Yadav Partap Singh , Khanna Vikram , Choudhury Subhasis Roy
Published: January 2022

Aim:

The aim of the study was o define the preoperative diagnostic clinical and radiological features in girls with congenital pouch colon (CPC).

Materials and Methods:

Records of 47 girls with CPC, managed from 1996 to 2018, were reviewed. There were two age groups: Group A (newborn to 12 months; n = 26) and Group B (>12 months to 20 years; n = 21). The important clinical and radiologic features to help in a preoperative diagnosis were noted.

Results:

The most common subtype was Type II (57.4%), followed by Type I (23.4%) and Type III (12.8%). The features common to both the groups were abdominal distension (A = 53.8%; B = 9.52%), severe perineal excoriation (A = 19.2%; B = 23/8%), and urinary incontinence (A = 30.7%; B = 85.7%). In addition, in Group B, fecaloma on abdominal palpation was noted in 28.6% of patients. The characteristic appearance of the perineum including external genitalia and findings on plain abdominal X-ray (AXR) were 100% accurate and hence diagnostic. These unique features helped us formulate an algorithm for preoperative diagnosis of this uncommon form of anorectal malformation in girls seen in North India.

Conclusions:

The characteristic features on clinical examination should alert one to the presence of CPC in the outpatient clinic. The AXR was diagnostic in 100% of cases and is mandatory. If any doubt persists, examination of the genitalia under anesthesia with more retraction of the labial folds and endoscopy can be performed for confirmation. These measures should enable a clinician to make an accurate preoperative diagnosis in every girl with CPC.
Utility of Urinary Biomarkers Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 as a Marker for Diagnosing the Presence of Renal Scar in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
Authors: Naik Prathibha B. , Jindal Bibekanand , Kumaravel S. , Halanaik Dhanapathi , Rajappa Medha , Naredi Bikash Kumar , Govindarajan KK
Published: January 2022

Aim:

To explore the possibility of using urinary biomarkers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) to assess the presence of renal scars in children with Vesicoureteric Reflux (VUR).

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 94 children aged 0–16 years diagnosed with VUR in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, JIPMER. Urinary biomarkers were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, normalized with urinary creatinine (Cr) and compared with severity of VUR (low grade [I and II] and high grade [III, IV, and V]), presence or absence of renal scar in VUR patients and severity of renal scar. Independent Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and analysis of variance Kruskal–Wallis test were used for comparison, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for predicting the accuracy of biomarkers in detecting the presence of renal scars.

Results:

The median urinary NGAL (uNGAL) value was higher in children with renal scar (1.49 ng/mL) than those without renal scar (0.58 ng/mL) and was statistically significant (<0.001). Whereas median uNGAL/Cr was higher in children with renal scar (0.07) than those without renal scar (0.03) but was not statistically significant (P = 0.06). Urinary KIM-1 and urinary KIM-1/urinary Cr (uKIM-1/Cr) was not found to be a significant predictor of renal scar. The difference of uNGAL/Cr was comparable between the grades of renal scar but was not statistically significant. On ROC curve analysis, uNGAL had area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.769 with 71% of both specificity and sensitivity, whereas uNGAL/Cr was found to be a poor predictor of renal scar with AUC of 0.611, 60% sensitivity, and 61.2% specificity.

Conclusion:

uNGAL can serve as a noninvasive marker for diagnosing the presence of renal scar in children with VUR and a multicentric more extensive cohort study may be needed to strengthen or negate its role.
Capitonnage method selection in pulmonary hydatidosis with purse-string or interrupted suture
Authors: Aydogmus U , Ugurlu E
Published: January 2022

Background:

Disfigurements in the lung parenchyma due to capitonnage methods may lead to long-term atelectasis. The aim of the present study was to examine whether there are any complication differences between the capitonnage applied via interrupted suture or purse-string suture.

Method:

Of the total of 120 cases that underwent hydatid cyst surgery during 2007 and 2020, those that were subject to capitonnage were included in the study. The preoperative and postoperative findings were analyzed for 76 cases subject to purse-string capitonnage (Group I) and 24 interrupted capitonnage (Group II).

Results:

While the number of cases with complication in Group I was 16 (21.1%), there were only 2 (8.3%) complications in Group II; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.23). Bronchopleural fistula (n = 1) and prolonged air leak (n = 2) were observed in Group I, there was no bronchopleural fistula or prolonged air leak in Group II. Atelectasis was the most frequently observed complication observed in 12 (15.8%) cases in Group I and 2 (8.3%) cases in Group II (P = 0.53). The duration of hospitalization was lower for the patients in Group II. The number of days was 7.3 ± 2.7 for Group I and 5.3 ± 2.1 for Group II (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

This study is the first to compare whether there are any complication differences between the capitonnage methods via interrupted suture or purse-string suture. The results of the study put forth that the duration of hospitalization is lower in the interrupted capitonnage group. Parenchymal anatomy may be preserved better in interrupted capitonnage method.
A novel technique in septal perforation
Authors: Hanci D , Gurpinar B , Sari H , Uyar Y
Published: January 2022

Background:

Nasal septum perforation (NSP) is an anatomical defect of the mucosa, cartilage/bone of nasal septum and septoplasty is the most common cause of it. A perforated septum rarely heals on its own, it is more likely to get worse. The success for large perforations is approximately 78%, it is harder to be successful in vertically larger perforations. We introduce a new technique to close large perforations by the fascia lata and costal cartilage sandwich graft (FLSG). The main advantage of this technique is that the fascia lata eliminates the opening between the septal mucosal flaps in case the septal mucosal flaps may not meet each other.

Patients and Methods:

16 cases presenting with nasal septum perforation were repaired with the FLSG technique. Grafts were harvested, the perforation was accessed through open rhinoplasty approach, FLSG is inserted and sutured.

Results:

16 cases consisting of 9 males (56.25%) and 7 females (43.75%) were operated. The age range was between 20 and 43 years (mean 32.6 ± 6.94). 3 cases (18.75%) had medium and 13 cases (81.25%) had large NSP. 8 cases (50%) were smokers. Nine month postoperatively, all medium NSP were closed. During this period, 14 NSP (87.5%) medium size NSP achieved complete closure, while the remaining two NSP that were yet to close had large defects (>2 cm) and smokers.

Conclusion:

FLSG is an effective, easy, and novel technique in NSP repair and the postoperative controls have proven a high success rate even in large NSP.
Spontaneous space closure following the extraction of the first permanent mandibular molar
Authors: Çiftçi V , Güney AU , Deveci C , Sanri IY , Salimow F , Tuncer AH
Published: January 2022

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors, such as the developmental stage of second permanent molar (SPM), the angulation of SPM, and presence/absence of the third molar associated with the spontaneous space closure after the mandibular first permanent molars (FPM) extraction.

Material and Methods:

A total of 177 mandibular SPMs were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The prognostic factors determining successful space closure such as SPM developmental stage, SPM angulation, and presence/absence of the third molar were evaluated.

Results:

The mean age of the patients at the time of extraction of SPM was 9.4 years and post-extraction assessment at the time of the study was 12.7 years. Of the total 177 mandibular SPMs, 36 SPMs (20.3%) were at Demirjian stage D, 63 (35.6%) at stage E, 60 (34%) at stage F, 18 (10.1%) at stage G. 18 SPMs (10.1%) had distal angulation, 23 SPMs (13.0%) had mesial angulation and 136 SPMs (76.9%) had upright angulation. At the time of radiographic assessment, 79.1% of the mandibular quadrants showed evidence of third molar formation. Of the 177 mandibular SPMs, 93 (52.5%) exhibited successful space closure in the mandibular arch.

Conclusions:

There is no statistical significance between the chronological age and the developmental stage of the mandibular SPM with regard to the successful spontaneous space closure at the time of the dental extraction of FPMs. The presence of the mandibular third molar may be a consideration for spontaneous space closure in the mandibular arch.
Knowledge and attitude regarding bisphosphonates and related osteonecrosis among Turkish dentist
Authors: Özkan E , Bereket MC , Özkan N
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims:

Bisphosphonates (BPs), the antiresorptive drugs, can cause osteonecrosis of the jaws. Having adequate knowledge about BPs and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is very important to prevent complications. In this study, we aimed to determine the level of knowledge of dentists about BPs and BRONJ in Turkey and also aimed to share the results with health authorities to plan new education strategies.

Materials and Methods:

A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions and two parts was used to determine the knowledge level, attitude, and training needs of the dentists. Answers to all questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and using Pearson Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 620 general and specialist dentists working in three different sectors and four different cities agreed to participate in the study. Statistically, more knowledge about BPs and BRONJ was observed in dentists who have less than 10 years of experience than those who have over 10 years, specialist dentists than general dentists, and those who working in university hospitals than in other sectors. In general, the rate of those who know BPs is 16.8%, the rate of those who know BRONJ is 20.2%.

Conclusions:

Although the use of BPs increases day by day, the awareness of BPs and BRONJ among the dentists is insufficient. However, periodically organizing postgraduate training programs on this subject will increase the awareness and level of knowledge.
Impact of COVID -19 Pandemic on Plastic Surgery Practices in a Tertiary Care Set Up in Southern India
Authors: Chellamuthu Abiramie , Kumar J Sathish , Ramesh BA
Published: January 2022

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has modified the way, plastic surgeons treat their patients. This article depicts how we as a plastic surgery department in a tertiary care setup handled the pandemic with an emphasis on infection control policy.

Methods:

Data was collected from hospital records and quality assurance cell from March 21, 2020 to June 19, 2020 in terms of patient triaging, consultations, perioperative protocols, duty rosters, and academic activities. The changes on these with the impact of COVID-19 were studied with the same period of previous year.

Results:

Outpatient clinics were closed and emergency consultations were reduced. Number of consultations reduced from 2591 to 75 and surgeries from 320 to 46 during the same period in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Though tele-consultations were helpful, the overall benefits were subpar. Emergency services continued with the guidelines of institute's infection control committee, such as area specific personal protective equipment, allotment of operating rooms, minimizing the crowd in operating room. There was some compromise in using accessories for microsurgical procedures. Duty rosters were designed to maintain uninterrupted services. Academic activities were continued with virtual platforms.

Conclusion:

Adequate preparation of health care setup and nation-wide lockdown has helped to handle emergency cases and in reduction of trauma-surgeries respectively. Though there were obstacles for some patients in accessing health care, our institutional response made us to render maximum possible care. Advancements in virtual platform helped in consultations and academics. Delayed conservative approach was used in most cases at the expense of cosmetic compromise.
Design and Implementation of Digital Beam Former Architecture for Phased Array Radar
Authors: Rao D. Govind , Murthy N. S. , Vengadarajan A.
Published: January 2022

This paper deals with the design and implementation of a digital beam former architecture which is developed for 4/8/12/16 element phased array radar. This technique employs a very high performance FPGA to handle large no of parallel complex arithmetic operations including digital down conversion and filtering. A 3MHz echo signal riding on an IF carrier of 60 MHz is under sampled at 50 MHz and down converted digitally to bring the spectrum to echo signal baseband. After suitable decimation filtering, the I and Q channels are multiplied with Recursive Least Squares based optimized complex weights to form partial beams. The prototype architecture employs techniques of pipelining and parallelism to generate multiple beams simultaneously from a 16 element array within 1 μsec. This can be extended to several number of arrays. The critical components employed in this design are eight 16 bit 125 MS/s ADCs and a very high performance state of the art Xilinx FPGA device Virtex-5 FX 130T having several on-chip resources and 150 MHz clock generators.
ERP System Implementation: Benefits and Economic Effectiveness
Authors: Tambovcevs Andrejs , Tambovceva Tatjana
Published: January 2022

The enterprise information system offers the service platform to improve the efficiency of enterprise work. Information systems are widely used in different areas and improve the efficiency of enterprise activities. The main purpose of this paper is to present the ERP systems implementation challenges together with identifying the benefits from the implementation and economic effectiveness of ERP systems.
Management of digital records for knowledge preservation in academic institutions for a sustainable development in education sector
Authors:   University of  Liverpool, Ujoumunna Justice Chinonso
Published: January 2022

Building and managing digital collections or information resources for knowledge perseveration in academic institutions, especially tertiary institutions, has increasingly become more needful than ever before as many believe it remains the way out for sustainable academic teaching and learning in the 21st century. This belief stems from the fact that the 21st-century teaching and learning activities, as well as research, has already moved to a digital base, especially as the new normal, having witnessed the sudden emergence of coronavirus 19 with physical restrictions to buildings where physical collections are housed such as the library and other information centres. From the data collection stage to the research data analysis to the publication stage, knowledge preservation has fully embraced digital processes where Google forms, Survey Hearts and Monkeys are now used for building data. Questionnaires, interviews, and so many other instruments are now done through digital processes and mediums, thereby building the collection of knowledge in the digital format. The issue may not really be the processes of building the collections in the digital format, however, but the management of these digital collections in the digital format to preserve the knowledge for posterity via different databases and digital preservation processes. Therefore, this opinion paper is designed to explore different kinds of literature on this subject area of digital collections management to close the gap in this area of digital collections for a 21st-century academic institution and to proffer some recommendations with a special interest in institutional repositories moving fully into automated version. Therefore, the opinion of this paper is to review relevant literature to argue whether digital collections in academic institutions is the way out for sustainable development in the knowledge management aspect.
Práctica del fútbol en España: inmigración e integración social
Authors: Cheddadi Zakariae
Published: January 2022

Tras un breve descenso de los flujos migratorios desde la crisis del 2008, la inmigración ha recobrado protagonismo, retornando a los datos previos a la crisis económica. En este contexto aparece el debate sobre la integración social de las personas inmigradas extranjeras, en un contexto en el que las tradicionales instituciones sociales de integración social, tales como el mercado laboral o el sistema educativo, parecen estar en crisis. Con el objetivo de reflexionar sobre la integración social de esta población, se propone este artículo analizar la práctica futbolística como posible mecanismo alternativo de integración social. En este sentido, se concluye que la práctica futbolística, tanto para menores como para adultos inmigrados, puede ser una potencial estrategia alternativa de integración social, en cuanto que pueda favorecer la adquisición de capital social y una formación intercultural. Sin embrago, la práctica futbolística es, también, ambivalente y limitada, tanto por los conflictos, problemas y procesos de exclusión social que se dan en el propio deporte, como por la incapacidad de esta institución de totalizar el complejo y multidimensional proceso de integración social.
La infrarrepresentación de los medios de comunicación hacia el deporte femenino llega a las redes sociales. Estudio de casos en Instagram
Authors: Galván Cárdenas Álvaro
Published: January 2022

El deporte femenino ha ido ganando terreno con el paso de los años; sin embargo, en el ámbito de los medios de comunicación, todavía queda un largo camino por recorrer, incluidas aquí las redes sociales de las que los profesionales de la información se valen para la difusión de contenidos. Tomando como objeto de estudio los diarios Marca, As, Mundo Deportivo y Sport (los cuatro con mayor audiencia en España) se indaga durante un periodo de año y medio (enero de 2020 – junio de 2021) las publicaciones de sus cuentas de Instagram que involucran a mujeres y al deporte practicado por ellas, observando diversos parámetros que las envuelven para determinar la calidad de estos contenidos, además de cuantificarlos con respecto al total de publicaciones. Con este trabajo se pretende ilustrar que las deportistas continúan estando infrarrepresentadas en el ámbito de las redes sociales propiedad de los medios de comunicación, añadiendo ante ello una serie de recomendaciones, ante todo, aumentar el número de investigaciones de este tipo en favor de la visibilización y la igualdad en el deporte.