bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Statutes Relating to Civil Procedure in South Africa in Light of the Changes in Technology
Authors: Nombulelo Queen Mabeka  , Rushiella Songca
Published: March 2021

E-technology has fast become an acceptable and convenient method of communication and a prerequisite of business transactions globally. South Africa is no exception to the trend. While technological progress has facilitated rapid change in the way humans communicate and transact, South African law has not kept abreast of the swift transformation and growth in this sector. This lacuna is especially evident in the South African law of civil procedure, which regulates the civil process in South African courts. Although subject to regular amendment, it appears prima facie not to embrace advances in e-technology and their effect – or potential effect – on the legal process.Moreover, the existing corpus of legislation governing civil process appears to have disregarded the provisions of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) to the extent that it already provides mechanisms for the use of e-technology. In South Africa, the law of civil procedure is regulated by statutes such as the Rules Board for Courts of Law Act, the Superior Courts Act, the Magistrates’ Courts Act, the Sheriffs Act, the National Credit Act, the Small Claims Court Act, and the Divorce Act, which inter alia regulate court process and ensure the fair administration of justice. The submission made here explores this indicated gap within selected legislation pertinent to civil procedure and postulates the effect of e-technology in the context of the abovementioned legislation.As an example, section 35 of the Superior Courts Act indicates that parties and witnesses must make a physical appearance in the court of issue. This provision, however, does not expressly allow for the use of video conferencing, which would enable witnesses to give evidence via e-technology, and thus allow parties to investigate and re-examine witnesses situated in any geographical location outside of court. Further, section 74Q of the Magistrates’ Courts Act makes it mandatory for garnishee orders to be served personally or by registered mail. This provision is not in line with developments in e-technology. Email, Facebook, or other digital means of service could facilitate the service of garnishee orders issued by magistrates’ courts more effectively and remove delays posed by slow postal delivery, and also inhibit the prohibitive cost of personal service. With this contribution, select statutory provisions are compared to ECTA provisions and specific e-technology laws so as to determine the extent of the gap in the implementation of e-technology within the sphere of civil process. The authors then provide insights into how the current civil law statutes could be amended in line with selected e-technology legislation discussed here.
A Comparative Exposition of the Law of Husband and Wife in terms of Islamic Law, South African Law and the Law of England and Wales
Authors: Razaana Denson
Published: March 2021

The primary concern of this article is a comparative analysis of marriage law in three legal systems – namely, Islamic law, South African law and English law. The similarities and differences between these legal systems are highlighted. The comparative analysis demonstrates that although there are similarities in the three legal systems, the differences outweigh the similarities. This begs the question whether Islamic law (Muslim personal law in general and family law in particular) can be recognised and accommodated and implemented in the South African and English legal systems (both constitutional democracies) without compromising the principles of Islamic law, while at the same time upholding the rights contained in the Bill of Rights. To this end, a comparative analysis is undertaken of the law of marriage that entails a discussion, inter alia, of betrothal (engagement), the legal requirements for a marriage, as well as the personal and proprietary consequences of a marriage as applicable in Islamic law, South African law and English law.
Predatory Pricing: Single-Firm Dominance Exclusionary Abuse and Predatory Prices (Part 1)
Authors: Jan Louis Van Tonder
Published: March 2021

Important pronouncements of legal principle were recently made by the Competition Appeal Court and Constitutional Court on the determination of predatory pricing under section 8 of the Competition Act 89 of 1998. These pronouncements must now be seen in the context of the subsequent commencement of certain provisions of the Competition Amendment Act 18 of 2018, which affect predatory pricing cases under section 8 of the Act. In light of these developments, the main aim of this series of three articles is to evaluate the law relating to the economic concept of predatory pricing under the Competition Act. In this context, the main constituent elements of a predatory pricing case – namely, dominance, identifying an exclusionary abuse and predatory prices – are discussed in three parts. Part One critically evaluates the law on the determination of single-firm dominance under section 7 of the Competition Act. Part Two starts to focus on abuse analysis and discusses the basic forms of abuse, the meaning of abuse, tests that have been developed to identify exclusionary abuse, criticism of the traditional theory of predatory pricing, the main strategic economic theories of predatory pricing and non-pricing theories of predation. Part Three then specifically deals with the law of predatory prices under section 8(c) and 8(d)(iv) of the Competition Act. Pursuant to section 1(3) of the Competition Act, appropriate foreign and international law may be considered when interpreting or applying the Competition Act. This is complementary to section 1(2)(a), which directs that the Competition Act must be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution and that gives effect to the purposes set out in section 2. In light hereof, where appropriate, the South African position is compared, mainly with the position in the European Union and the United States.
The Compliance of the South African Social Security System with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Authors: Yvette Basson
Published: March 2021

The ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by South Africa has resulted in the provisions thereof becoming binding on the South African legislature. The right to social security is entrenched in the ICESCR, which provides for the elements of a social security system that must be complied with by states. This article sets out what is required of states in terms of the right to social security in the ICESCR by way of crystallising the elements of a social security system. Thereafter, the South Africa social security system is compared to these elements to determine whether there is compliance with the right to social security in the ICESCR.
The Law and an Ancestral Request For Exhumation
Authors: Magda Slabbert
Published: March 2021

Exhumation is the removal of the remains of a dead body from its initial resting place – in other words, when a corpse is removed from a coffin, either to be re-buried at another place, or to dispose of the remains in a different manner as in cremation. A corpse could be the remains of a deceased person or a stillborn child or a fetus. An exhumation may also be undertaken to ascertain the cause of death or to ascertain the identity of the deceased. A court or the immediate family of the deceased may request an exhumation for any of the mentioned reasons. If the family is asked by the ancestors to exhume a grave, certain legal questions may come to the fore. It is the purpose of this note to discuss the legal requirements for exhumations and briefly to address the traditional African cultural belief in which ancestors play a part in life on earth. It is not a complete analysis or an opinion on African culture or beliefs. Ancestral beliefs simply form the background to the real legal questions surrounding exhumations in South Africa.
Judicial Guidance on the Application of Section 49 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 – Van Wyk t/a Skydive Mossel Bay v UPS SCS South Africa (Pty) Ltd [2020] 1 All SA 857 (WCC)
Authors: Mark Tait
Published: March 2021

In South Africa, the legislature’s response to the negative consequences resulting from the pervasive use of disclaimers by suppliers has been to regulate the use of these terms through the enactment of a number of provisions in the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA), including sections 48, 49 and 51. A number of publications have considered the meaning of these provisions and the impact they may have on the use of disclaimers in consumer contracts. As a consequence of the widespread use of disclaimers and the adverse consequences they may hold for consumers, any judicial pronouncement on the impact of the CPA on these clauses is significant. In Van Wyk t/a Skydive Mossel Bay v UPS SCS South Africa ([2020] 1 All SA 857 (WCC) (Skydive v UPS)), the Western Cape High Court was afforded the opportunity to consider the impact of aspects of section 49 specifically on the use of a clause in a consumer agreement excluding the risk or liability of suppliers (referred to as an “exemption clause” in this note).Section 49 of the CPA applies to four distinct types of clause enumerated in section 49(1) – namely, clauses limiting the risk or liability of suppliers in respect of any other person; clauses constituting an assumption of risk or liability by the consumer; clauses imposing an obligation on the consumer to indemnify the supplier for any cause; and clauses requiring a consumer to acknowledge a particular fact. As indicated, in Skydive v UPS, the contentious clause was one excluding the risk or liability of the supplier. The focus of this note then is on the interpretation and application by the court in Skydive v UPS of the relevant provisions of section 49 of the CPA to an exemption clause.
Thoughts on the Decriminalisation of the Use or Possession of Cannabis Within Private Settings – Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince 2019 (1) SACR 14 (CC)
Authors: Philip Stevens
Published: March 2021

The use or possession of drugs has been a phenomenon since time immemorial. In South Africa, the essential offences pertaining to drugs are provided for in the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992 (the Act). The two most important crimes provided for in the Act are “dealing in drugs” and the “use or possession of drugs”. The Act divides drugs into three general categories – namely, dependence-producing substances; dangerous dependence-producing substances; and undesirable dependence-producing substances. The specific drugs resorting in each of these categories are listed in Schedule 2 of the Act. The punishment prescribed for the possession, use or dealing in dangerous dependence-producing substances and undesirable dependence-producing substances is harsher than that for possession, use or dealing in dependence-producing substances. It is interesting, and topical for purposes of the current discussion, that cannabis or dagga is classified in terms of Schedule 2 as an undesirable dependence-producing substance.The case under discussion (Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince 2019 (1) SACR 14 (CC)) is of particular importance as the use or possession of cannabis within private settings was addressed from a constitutional perspective and, more pertinently, on a question as to the constitutionality of the criminalisation thereof. Upon first glance, it seems as though the issues addressed in this case correspond with the disputes addressed in the earlier case of Prince v The President, Cape Law Society (2002 (2) SA 794 (CC) (Prince (2)). As is indicated in this contribution, the issues in these two judgments are distinct and differ in many instances.A critical analysis of the decision under discussion reveals that although the use or possession of cannabis within private settings has, by virtue of the case, been decriminalised against a constitutional backdrop, it also opens the door to critical debate pertaining to various substantive and procedural issues.
Integration of Information Systems in the Control of Heart Rate in the Process of Physical Education
Authors: Koryahin Victor , Mykytyuk Zinoviy , Turchyn Yaryna , Blavt Oksana , Prystynskyi Volodymyr , Stadnyk Volodymyr
Published: March 2021

The study objective. Substantiation and implementation of the heart rate monitoring tool, developed on the basis of information systems for the rapid registration of cardiac rhythm during exercise. 
Material and Methods. The study was implemented at the theoretical and empirical level. The basis of the study is the use of a set of theoretical methods: scientific analysis and synthesis, comparison, systematization, induction and deduction, generalization. The following methods of empirical research were used: description, empirical comparison, technical modeling, sphygmographic method of registration of pulsograms. 
Results. According to the results of the search activity, a device designed to monitor heart rate in real time was presented. To implement the new electronic method and heart rate monitor of the functional state of the cardiovascular system, an optical block that eliminates the subjective determination of control results associated with the probability of errors was created. The use of an optical unit provides a fast dynamic picture of heart rate measurement, since the unit uses an optical sensor. Spectral characteristics of blood, which change under the influence of physical activity, were used for heart rate registration. Positive characteristics that ensure the quality of real-time HR monitoring procedures using the developed device in addition to high technical parameters are: high level of sensitivity, wide dynamic range, harmonized frequency response, linearity of conversion, note also non-invasiveness, security in application, low energy consumption signal, and transformations that do not affect or distort the control results. 
Conclusions. The use of information systems in heart rate control ensures the accuracy of the measurement information and the correspondence between the degree of scientific reliability and practical value of the obtained results.
Secular Trends in Anthropometric Characteristics and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Macedonian Children: the Makfit Studies
Authors: Elezi Abdulla , Elezi Gresa , Gontarev Seryozha , Georgiev Georgi
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the secular trends in anthropometric characteristics and health-related physical fitness (i.e., flexibility, muscular strength and speed/agility) in Macedonian children between 2012 and 2019.

Materials and methods. We analyzed the secular trends in anthropometric characteristics and health-related physical fitness in Macedonian children between 2012 and 2019. Two representative population studies were conducted 7 years apart in children (6-10 years) from Skopje (Mаcedonia). Both studies used the same anthropometric measures and tests to assess physical fitness: height, weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage, sit and reach, handgrip strength, standing long jump, 30 sec sit ups, and 4 × 10 m shuttle run. 

Result. The boys and girls measured in 2019 had significantly better performance in the sit and reach (Cohen’s d ~0.4 and ~0.5, respectively), 30 sec sit ups (Cohen’s d ~0.3 and ~0.2, respectively), and 4 × 10 m shuttle run (Cohen’s d ~0.7 and ~0.8, respectively) tests compared to those measured in 2012–2013. Levels of the standing long jump were significantly lower in 2019 in boys and girls (Cohen’s d ~0.6 for both). 

Conclusions. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that Macedonian children measured in 2019 have higher levels of flexibility, abdominal muscle strength and coordination, speed and agility, but lower levels of explosive force of the lower limbs than their counterparts measured. 7 years ago, no statistically significant differences were found in anthropometric measures and measures of body weight.
Impact of postural variation on hand measurements: three-dimensional anatomical analysis (Laboratory Protocol) v1
Authors: Kwan Mei-ying , Lun Yick Kit , Chow Lung , Yu Annie , Ng Sun-pui , Yip Joanne
Published: March 2021

The impact of postural variations on hand anthropometry and distribution of skin strain ratios are important for the improvement of gloves fit, comfort, performance and functionality. This protocol helps to obtain the detailed hand dimension measurement at 3 different hand postures by 3D scanning method. 57 measurements, including 17 circumferential dimensions, 30 length dimensions, 8 angular dimensions and 2 surface area dimensions can be obtained.
Histopathological spectrum of Cervical Lesion”– two and half Year prospective Study in Tertiary Care Center of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors:   Professor, Department of Pathology, BRLSABVM Government Medical College, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India, Kujur Dr. Pratima , Indoria Dr. Chandrashekhar ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, BRLSABVM Government Medical College, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India, Bagde Dr. S. ,   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, BRLSABVM Government Medical College, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India, Tiwari Dr. A. ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, BRLSABVM Government Medical College, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Cervical lesions are the leading cause of morbidity in Indian women and cervicalcancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide next to breast cancer. Objectives:To study the age distribution, the relative frequency of various cervical lesions and histopathologicalfeatures of cervical lesions. Materials and Methods: This is a two & half years retrospective studyof all cervical biopsies and hysterectomy specimens received from September 2017 to March 2020 inthe department of pathology. Result: In a total of 485 cases studied 359 (74.1%) cases were non-neoplastic, 107(22%) were preinvasive and 19 (3.9%) cases were malignant. Cervicitis was themost common non-neoplastic lesion and squamous cell carcinoma was the most common cancer.Conclusion: Our study highlights a vast spectrum of cervical lesions and therefore early detectionand management of certain lesions can help in reducing morbidity.
Ictiofauna demersal profunda del Parque Nacional Natural Corales de Profundidad, Caribe Colombiano: primera aproximación a su biodiversidad
Authors: García Ramírez Camilo Bernardo
Published: March 2021

Con base en registros geo-referenciados se compone, por primera vez, una lista de especies de peces demersales profundos (> 200 m) del Parque Nacional Natural Corales de Profundidad (Caribe colombiano). Se explora la completitud del inventario de especies y se propone un primer esquema de ensamblajes ícticos profundos demersales dentro del parque. Se registraron 105 especies distribuidas en 427 ocurrencias georreferenciadas. El inventario de especies está lejos de ser completo, con apenas el 32,6 % del área profunda del parque visitada, a la escala espacial del estudio. Se resalta el potencial de encontrar ensamblajes de peces dentro del área del parque con relevancia para su manejo.
An architecture for power substations communication networks based on SDN and virtualization paradigms
Authors: Botero Vega Juan Felipe , Leal Piedrahita Alexander
Published: March 2021

The deployment of infrastructures related to the Smart Grid concept introduces data communication networks in the grid operation systems (control, communication, and monitoring). The implementation of data communication networks facilitates and improves the efficiency of the tasks related to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy. In turn, network management is being permeated by new technologies such as Software Defined Networking (SDN) and network virtualization, that promote automation and innovation of communication networks aiming to overcome the lack of flexibility and the difficulties to evolve that are present in current communication networks. In this context, this paper proposes a reconceptualization of the power substations communications network architecture based on the IEC 61850 standard. Here, we present a complete view of the Smart Solution for Substation Networks (S3N) architecture, which allows modeling the future power substations communication networks taking advantage of the benefits introduced by SDN and virtualization technologies. In addition, in order to provide a better understanding of the challenges arising in this area, and to generate new research interest in this field, a review of several studies oriented to determine the feasibility of incorporating SDN as a key element to improve the management and operation of the power substations communication networks is presented.
LENR as a manifestation of weak nuclear interactions. New approach to creating LENR reactors
Authors:   R&D laboratory K.I.T., Parkhomov Alexander G. , Karabanov Roman V. ,   Research center SYNTHESTECH
Published: March 2021

Hypothesis is suggested about the generation of neutrino-antineutrino pairs in collisions of particles of matter at temperatures of several thousand degrees. Particularly intense generation should occur in metals and dense plasma. Resulting neutrinos and antineutrinos can excite exothermic nuclear reactions in the surrounding matter. A number of experiments were carried out that confirmed the energy release predicted by the hypothesis in a substance near a metal heated to a high temperature. The source of the neutrino-antineutrino (hot metal or dense plasma) can be separated from the "fuel " - the substance where nuclear transformations occur. This opens up the possibility for designing highly efficient LENR reactors. Several reactors based on this approach have been tested. In all reactors, at a sufficiently high temperature of the metal core, heat was detected in excess of the electricity consumed. A number of experiments indicate that the participation of hydrogen in nuclear transmutations is optional.
Piroptozise Biyokimyasal Yaklaşım ve Kanserdeki Rolü
Authors: KARTLAŞMIŞ Kezban , DİKMEN Nurten
Published: March 2021

Hücre çoğalması, farklılaşması ve ölümü arasındaki dinamik denge çok hücreli organizmalarda homeostazı ve patolojik süreçleri düzenlemektedir. Hücre ölümünün temel olarak apoptozis (programlı hücre ölümü) ve nekrozis olmak üzere 2 tür olduğu düşünülüyordu fakat son yıllarda bir hücrenin çok daha farklı yollarla ölebileceğini gösteren hücre ölüm türleri tanımlanmıştır. Bu hücre ölüm tiplerinden yeni keşfedilen piroptozis, inflamatuvar ve immün sistem tepkisi ile birlikte gasdermin ailesinin aracılık ettiği bir süreçten meydana gelmektedir. Piroptozisin kanser üzerindeki etkileri karmaşıktır ve genetik yapı ile değişiklik gösterebilir. Bir yandan piroptozis tümör oluşumunu ve gelişmesini inhibe ederken diğer yandan tömür oluşumu için uygun mikroçevreyi destekleyebilir. Ayrıca tümör hücrelerinde piroptozisin manipülasyonlarının kanser tedavisine alternatif sağlayabileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu derlemenin amacı piroptoziste sinyal iletim sistemleri, klasik (kanonik) ve klasik olmayan yolaklar, Gasdermin protein ailesi, bu ailenin hücre zarında gözenek oluşturma mekanizması, kanserlerle ilişkisi ve tedavide piroptozis manipülasyonları ile ilgili mevcut bilgiler değerlendirilerek genel bir bakış sağlamaktır.
A Review of Veterinary Antibiotic Pollution in the Agro-Environment of Pakistan: Alarm Bells Are Ringing
Authors: Sardar Muhammad Fahad
Published: March 2021

Veterinary antibiotics (VAs) are widely used in Pakistan for growth enhancement, production, and in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in the livestock and poultry industry. Their emergence into the agro-environment began during the resource utilization of farmyard and poultry manure. However, these bioactive organic pollutants are non-degradable in the natural environment and can be uptaken by plants, eventually ending up in the human food chain. Despite the danger these antibiotics pose, unfortunately, it is an issue that still remains underreported, especially in Pakistan. As such, this review critically summarizes the current consumption, exposure pathways, strategies for controlling dissemination, and serious environmental concerns associated with VAs. Additionally, the fate of antibiotics in the dry arid climate of Pakistan is thoroughly explained along with the lack of monitoring and strict legislation in developing countries. It is reported that antibiotic consumption negatively impacts raw manure, hence suggestions such as limiting the consumption of antibiotics from the source, proper disposal of farmyard manure with effective technologies, and remediation techniques are introduced. Finally, the authors highlight the importance of farmer's education and awareness campaigns in the pollution control of antibiotics, as the problem can only be properly addressed with the cooperation of government agencies, companies, and involved stakeholders. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Plasmodiophora brassicae in Yunnan and its Resistant Sources in Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Han Xueyu
Published: March 2021

The Williams differential system was employed for pathotype identification of 34 Plasmodiophora brassicaeroot samples collected from Yunnan Province and pathotypes 1, 2, 4, 10 and 14 were detected. Pathotype 4 was dominant with 70.59% of all the samples in Yunnan. The distribution of the P. brassicae pathotypes was mapped. Resistance to P. brassicae (clubroot disease) was investigated in 22 Chinese cabbage cultivars and it was found that the cultivar Shangpin had multiple resistances and was immune while Shangpin CR527 and Shangpin CR523 were resistant to P. brassicae. These cultivars can be used by farmers as sources of resistance to P. brassicae, to aid them in reducing disease in their crops. Seven known clubroot-resistant genes were detected in the 22 Chinese cabbage cultivars. CRa and CRb were found to be the most resistant to P. brassicae pathotype 4. Beisheng CR12 was resistant to pathotypes 1, 4, 10 and 14, but did not carry any known resistance genes, which indicated that unknown resistant genes were present. This study will lay the foundation for the control of clubroot disease and promote disease-resistant breeding of Chinese cabbage. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Molecular Cloning, Characterization and Expression of SUPPRESSOR of OVEREXPRESSION of CONSTANS 1 (NnSOC1) and NnSOC1-like in Nelumbo nucifera
Authors: Dong Chen
Published: March 2021

For the aim of unveiling the molecular mechanism of flowering, the MADS-box genes of SUPPRESSOR of OVEREXPRESSION of CONSTANS 1 (NnSOC1) and NnSOC1-like were isolated in Nelumbo nucifera. Seven introns splicing of NnSOC1 and NnSOC1-like strictly followed the GT-AG rule, consisting of all the characteristic motifs of SOC1 family. NnSOC1 and NnSOC1-like were widely distributed in reproductive and vegetative tissues of N. nucifera, exhibiting the highest expression in leaves and the lowest level in embryo. Additionally, both genes were expressed in the whole flowering stage, with the highest mRNA level observed in the initiation stage of flowering and the lowest expression in fruit set. Ectopic expression of NnSOC1 and NnSOC1-like advanced the flowering time of transgenic Arabidopsis, and decreased the rosetta leaves production. These results suggested that NnSOC1 and NnSOC1-like were involved in initiation of flowering, which are likely to serve as fundamental research for studying molecular mechanism of flowering in aquatic plants. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Watermelon Chlorotic Stunt Virus is Associated with Cucumber Yellow Mosaic Symptoms in Oman
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Shafiq
Published: March 2021

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus; family Cucurbitaceae) plants exhibiting begomovirus-like symptoms such as yellowing, mosaics and stunting were studied using cloning, sequencing, Species Demarcation Tool followed by phylogenetic clustering. The complete genome of DNA-A showed maximum sequence identity of 98.7% with the corresponding DNA-A of an isolate from “Iran” strain of Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV). The DNA-B displayed 97.5% nt identity with the component of DNA-B of WmCSV from Iran, too. Our results confirmed that yellowing and mosaic symptoms of cucumber are associated with a bipartite begomovirus (WmCSV). This study is the first characterization of WmCSV in association with described symptoms in cucumber from Oman. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Mechanism of Action of Potato Glycoalkaloids against Fusarium solani
Authors: He Jing
Published: March 2021

The antifungal mechanism of potato glycoalkaloids was studied using a sensitive species, Fusarium solani. The effects of potato glycoalkaloids extract on the ultrastructure, membrane permeability, contents of reducing sugar, soluble sugar, soluble protein and mycelial fat of Fusarium solani were determined. Potato glycoalkaloids significantly affected F. solani mycelial morphology, resulting in bubbly mycelial cell walls, incomplete outer layer, discontinuous cell membrane, disorganized structures of mitochondria and other organelles, and visible leakage of cell contents. Investigation of material metabolism indicated that potato glycoalkaloids disrupted selective permeability of mycelial cell membranes; In the treatment group, the soluble protein content increased from 66.50 g mL-1to 169.51 g mL-1for 0–6 h, the soluble sugar content in extracellular fluid increased from 117.4 g mL-1to 132.5 g mL-1for 0–24 h, which were much higher than that of the control group, hindered hydrolysis of reducing sugar, affected nutrient absorption and utilization and inhibited decomposition metabolism of mycelia. Thus, potato glycoalkaloids altered the morphology of fungal mycelia, destroyed cell membrane structure, increased mycelial cell membrane permeability, and caused cell contents leakage, resulting in effective inhibition of growth and metabolism of plant pathogenic fungus and so could decrease the occurrence of plant disease.© 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Heterogeneous Expression of Cymbidium longibracteatum Magnesium Protoporphyrin IX Methyltransferase (ClChlM) Activates Chlorophyll Biosynthesis in Transgenic Tobacco
Authors: Jiang Yu
Published: March 2021

Magnesium protoporphyrin IX methyltransferase (ChlM) plays an important role in the regulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development. In the present study, we isolated a ChlM gene, designated ClChlM, from Cymbidium [Cymbidium longibracteatum (Wu & Chen) Chen & Liu]. The open reading frame (ORF) sequence of ClChlM was 945 bp and encoded a putative protein of 314 amino acids. The deduced ClChlM contained the conserved SAM/SAH binding pocket and substrate binding sites. Subcellular localization analysis of ClChlM revealed that the protein was localized in the chloroplast. Ectopic overexpression of ClChlM in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana Domin) increased ALA-synthesizing capacity and chlorophyll content and widely upregulated the expression level of photosynthesis-related genes, such as ClHemA, ClGSA, ClLhcb, ClCHLI, and ClCHLH. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that ClChlM plays a crucial role in the regulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis in C. longibracteatum and will help in breeding for leaf colour variance in the future. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
O artigo na toponimia galega: aspectos da estandarización
Authors: Boullón Agrelo Ana Isabel
Published: March 2021

Neste traballo analízanse os problemas que presenta a estandarización dos topónimos con artigo: a súa presenza ou non na forma oficial, as contraccións coas preposicións e o feito de algunhas formas presentaren un uso flutuante do artigo, debido a que o artigo moderno non procede do demostrativo latino que orixinou o artigo (ILLE, -A, -UD), senón da deglutinación dun O- ou A- iniciais que formaba parte orixinariamente da palabra a que hoxe anteceden. Establecerase a historia interna de cada voz, tendo en conta a etimoloxía e as documentacións antigas, confrontándoa cos criterios propostos pola Comisión de Toponimia. Ademais, atenderase á situación sociolingüística a que se viron expostos os topónimos así formados, no que toca á castelanización, desde o séc. XVI en diante, e as consecuencias que deste proceso aínda se derivan nos nosos días, especialmente no que toca ao tratamento da toponimia galega como exonimia desde o español.
Apuntes para a investigación en lírica profana galego-portuguesa: a figura de Roi Gomez, o Freire, e as súas cantigas
Authors: Fernández Guiadanes Antonio , Meléndez Cabo Marina
Published: March 2021

Neste artigo lévase a cabo o establecemento crítico das dúas cantigas de Roi Gomez, o Freire (B 49 e B 50). Ademais de estudar as particularidades que presenta a rúbrica atributiva que antecede a primeira das súas cantigas, téntase, volvendo ás fontes orixinais documentais, atinar un pouco máis na biografía do autor ligado á primeira xeración trobadoresca.
A cessão do mosteiro de Armeses à condessa Dª Sancha Fernandes (1222). Intersecções escriturais no primeiro documento romance da Galiza
Authors: Souto Cabo José António
Published: March 2021

O Bullarium Ordinis Militiae de Alcantara (1759) e a Crónica de la Orden de Alcántara (1763) transmitiram-nos o texto de um documento (perdido) datado em 1222 pelo qual os mestres das ordens militares de Alcântara e Calatrava cediam o usufruto do mosteiro de Armeses (c. Maside, Ourense) à condessa Sancha Fernandes. A escritura apresenta, do ponto de vista idiomático, uma configuração compósita já que nela se amalgamam a expressão galego-portuguesa e a castelhana. O uso do romance como veículo linguístico desta carta constitui um fenómeno insólito nessa altura na Galiza e só pode ser entendido como resultado do acompanhamento fortuito das práticas scripto-linguísticas vigentes no território de Castela.
Recensión: Xosé Ramón Freixeiro Mato, Lingua de calidade
Authors: Vázquez Laiño Mónica
Published: March 2021

Recensión: Xosé Ramón Freixeiro Mato, Lingua de calidade, Vigo, Xerais, 2009.
Aproximación á toponimia das freguesías de Arante, Cedofeita, Couxela, Covelas, A Devesa e Ove do concello de Ribadeo: núcleos habitados
Authors: Dourado Fernández Rocío
Published: March 2021

Este traballo trata unha serie de topónimos maiores procedentes de seis das doce freguesías do concello de Ribadeo (Lugo). O obxectivo é realizar un estudo etimolóxico-lingüístico do material reunido (108 topónimos) co fin de ofrecer unha explicación das estruturas toponímicas aplicadas na denominación da realidade física circundante.
À volta dos livros: o que revelam as cintas
Authors: Ribeiro Ana
Published: March 2021

Desenvolvida com a imprensa, a perigrafia foi conhecendo diversas formas ao longo dos tempos. Uma das mais recentes foi a cinta colocada à volta do livro. Após a contextualização e a caracterização desta prática, analisam-se neste trabalho várias cintas de obras literárias, com o objetivo de identificar os argumentos a que elas mais recorrem para promover a venda de livros e relacionar estas indicações com o funcionamento do campo literário.
A TRANSFER LEARNING APPROACH BY USING 2-D CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK FEATURES TO DETECT UNSEEN ARRHYTHMIA CLASSES
Authors: CİMEN Emre
Published: March 2021

Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat and can be diagnosed via electrocardiography (ECG). Since arrhythmia can be a fatal health problem, developing automatic detection and diagnosis systems is vital. Although there are accurate machine learning models in the literature to solve this problem, most models assume all arrhythmia types present in training. However, some arrhythmia types are not seen frequently, and there are not enough heartbeat samples from these rare arrhythmia classes to use them for training a classifier. In this study, the arrhythmia classification problem is defined as an anomaly detection problem. We use ECG signals as inputs of the model and represent them with 2-D images. Then, by using a transfer learning approach, we extract deep image features from a Convolutional Neural Network model (VGG16). In this way, it is aimed to get benefit from a pre-trained deep learning model. Then, we train a ν-Support Vector Machines model with only normal heartbeats and predict if a test sample is normal or arrhythmic. The test performance on rare arrhythmia classes is presented in comparison with binary SVM trained with normal and frequent arrhythmia classes. The proposed model outperforms the binary classification with 90.42 % accuracy.
Non-Mutually Exclusive Trade-off and Pecking Order Theories: A Study in Indonesia
Authors: Pamungkas Wihandaru Sotya , Surwanti Arni
Published: March 2021

Research aim: This study aimed to strengthen empirical evidence that the trade-off (TOT) and pecking order (POT) theories in Indonesia are non-mutually exclusive.Design/methodology/approach: This study employed a sample of 636 manufacturing companies from 2014 to 2018.Research finding: The results revealed that companies in Indonesia used a Capital Structure consistent (CS) with the TOT and POT, or in other words, the TOT and POT theories are non-mutually exclusive.Theoretical contribution/originality: This study is different from previous research on data analysis strengthened by separating underleveraged and overleveraged companies.Practitioner/Policy implication: CS in Indonesia is following the TOT if it is underleveraged and according to POT if it is overleveraged.Research limitation/implication: This study has the limitation of only using a sample of manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Subsequent research can provide comprehensive results by increasing the sample of all companies excludes the financial sector.
Quality of health services during the pandemic COVID-19 (Descriptive study at the Pontap community health center in Palopo City)
Authors: Badwi Adam , Ba'ru Periyenti
Published: March 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world including the Indonesia since March 2020, it may not reduce the quality of public health services at the Community Health Center for visiting people on the one hand, however, on the other hand, it is still necessary to prioritize the safety of patients and health workers. Health services at the Community Health Center during the Covid-19 Pandemic will be very different from the situation before COVID-19.Methods: The research was conducted using quantitative research with a descriptive approach which was carried out at the Pontap Community Health Center, Palopo City for 3 months, namely September to November 2020.The population in this study were all patients who visited the Pontap Community Health Center in Palopo City at the time of the study with a sample of 130 people who were determined using purposive sampling technique.Results: The results of the study showed the reliability of health workers in the good category was 93.8%, the health worker assurance in the good category was 90.0%, tangibles displayed by health workers was more in the good category, namely 88.5%, empathy for health workers was 93.8%, good responsiveness of 90.0%.Conclusions: So it is concluded to provide recommendations, namely for health workers to maintain professionalism at work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and increase their attention to patients in terms of building good communication between health workers and the public.
Assessment of lung function and pulmonary disorders among women involved in palm kernel oil processing in Cape Coast, Ghana
Authors: Acquah Daniel , Djankpa Francis T. , Afful Josephine , Opoku Oscar A. , Anyanful Akwasi
Published: March 2021

Background: Does exposure to methods employed during local palm kernel oil processing affect lung function and increase pulmonary disorders in the women processors? Fifty test participants from palm kernel processing sites constantly exposed to processing hazards and fifty unexposed women from the general population in Cape Coast, Ghana were used for the study.Methods: Participants after filling questionnaires were subject to clinical chest examination, anthropometry and spirometry. Data were analyzed descriptively using percentages, means, standard deviation and inferentially using independent sample t-test and chi-square test.Results: Exposed participants complained of respiratory symptoms such as chest pain, phlegm production, burning and tearing of eyes and skin irritations. Chest examination also revealed significant reduced air entry and increase in bronchial and bronchovesicular sounds. Spirometry showed significant decreases in Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), with increase in restrictive lung disorders in the exposed participants (p<0.05). Chi-square analysis further showed association between length of exposure to emissions from processing and increased lung disorder.Conclusions: Our study shows that the methods employed in palm kernel processing sites coupled with lack of hazardous knowledge and use of protective equipment exposes the women extractors to pollutants which results in increased respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function and significant presence of lung disorders.
Effectiveness of using staircase as a lifestyle modification among sedentary workers of a municipal corporation in improving fitness level- an interventional study
Authors: S. Vinothkumar , Priya K. Caroline , Vijayakumar M. , T. Manivannan
Published: March 2021

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases which is the leading cause of death globally. Workplace initiatives like promotion of staircase use are one among many simple measures to overcome the harmful effect of a sedentary workplace. Hence this study was conducted to assess effectiveness of ‘using staircase’ as a lifestyle modification among sedentary workers of a municipal corporation in improving fitness level.Methods: An interventional study was conducted over a period of 8 weeks among workers of a municipal corporation office. A semi structured questionnaire including socio demographic and morbidity details was administered. sitting-rising test (SRT) was administered before and after 8 weeks staircase use intervention to assess fitness levels among study participants.Results: The mean SRT score of 172 study population at baseline was 8.79 and 115 (67%) recorded above it. 3.5-5. Younger age was associated with higher SRT score and those with history of smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and higher BMI had lower SRT scores than their counterparts. Mean value of SRT significantly improved to 9.015 following intervention.Conclusions: Fitness level assessed using SRT score among office staff showed that people with higher age and higher BMI have low SRT score than their counterparts. This study has shown that staircase usage can be prescribed as effective method to improve fitness level at sedentary workplace.
A cross-sectional study on non-communicable morbidity among bank employees of Davangere City
Authors: Dhar Ruchi , Kashyap Ritu
Published: March 2021

Background: Bank employees are an occupational group of people, experiencing both sedentary life-style and high level of stress in terms of handling financial aspects in their workplace. Thus, making bank employees vulnerable to develop non- communicable diseases. So far, very few studies have been done on bank employees to highlight the magnitude of Non-communicable morbidity and its risk factors. Hence, this study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of non-communicable morbidity among the bank employees of Davangere city.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 bank employees of Davangere city. All the study subjects were selected by using probability proportionate to size technique. Data was collected by using pre-tested, semi-structure questionnaire. Height, weight, hip circumference, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured and recorded. Data was analyzed by using MS Excel and Open-Epi Info software version 2.2. Statistical test employed was chi-square and weightage of risk factors was calculated by mean.Results: The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity was 30.3%, 2.1% and 31.8% respectively.Conclusions: This study highlights the burden of non-communicable morbidity among bank employees.
Effectiveness of water, sanitation and hygiene-based programme on toilet etiquette and sanitation targeted at primary school children of Mumbai
Authors: Taware Sachin Arun , Thakur Harshad
Published: March 2021

Background: As per the WHO-UNICEF monitoring report 2012, around 626 million people, or half of the population of India defecate in the open; this explains the high burden of communicable diseases in developing countries like India. In this context present study attempts to assess the effectiveness of school-based awareness programme on toilette etiquettes and sanitation in primary school-going children (mean age 9.27 years.) of Mumbai city. Methods: This is a comparative, before and after study between the interventional group and the comparison group. The study was carried out between July 2016 to March 2017, end line survey was carried out approximate 3 months after programme intervention for both the groups. Stratified random sampling was used to select 3737 students in baseline and 3230 students in end line from 130 primary schools run by municipal corporation of greater Mumbai (MCGM).Results: Knowledge and attitude significantly improved in the end line than the baseline survey exorbitantly for the interventional group than the comparison group. Although the comparison group also exhibited some improvement but there was a marked difference as when compared to the interventional group.Conclusions: An innovative education cum entertainment intervention programmes on basic health and hygiene habits focused on toilette etiquettes and sanitation was conducted. This has influenced the KAP among primary school children of Mumbai city. Though individual behaviour is difficult to mould, short to medium term effects of innovative programmes like WASH are encouraging.
Perception of undergraduate nursing students regarding e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic in West Bengal
Authors: Sasmal Suvashri , Roy Moitreyee
Published: March 2021

Background: The education system has faced severe trouble worldwide in COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning of 2020. In this context every educational institute including nursing colleges has adopted E-learning for smooth continuation of teaching learning process. Keeping this in mind this descriptive survey study aimed to identify the perception of the undergraduate nursing students towards E-learning during COVID 19 phase.Methods: A cross sectional web-based survey has been conducted through Google form with in west Bengal. By using snowball sampling, 327 sample were selected as study participants and they were received the structured questionnaire and submitted after giving their responses. Data were extracted and analysed with the help of different descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, mean, median, standard deviation and inferential statistics in terms of chi-square by using SPSS 20.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20.0).Results: In this article 327 participants were enrolled among them 70.95% had indifferent perception, whereas only 14.07% possessed unfavourable perception towards E-learning. Compared with the indifferent percentage the participants with favourable perception was very less i.e. only 14.98%. We also found perception of E learning has no association with demographic variables but significant association is there between gadgets used to attend E learning.Conclusions: Nursing faculties need to address the student’s perception towards e-learning so that efforts can be directed towards improving their learning experience.