bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the mediating effects of external integration on manufactury firms operational performance
Authors: Dzogbewu Thywill Cephas , Fianko Samuel Korateng , Afrifa Jnr Sampson , Amoah Nathaniel
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the direct effect of supply chain integration on operational performance and the mediating effects of external integration on the relationship between internal integration and operational performance among manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative survey research design was adopted. A total of thirty (30) manufacturing firms were sampled using cluster sampling. The data was collected using questionnaires from 317 employees in the procurement, account and administration units of the 30 manufacturing firms. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the direct and mediation relationships.Findings:  The results showed that the relationship between internal integration and operational performance was significantly mediated by external integration. It was established that operational performance could only be achieved when manufacturing firms’ managers pay critical attention to internal and external integration. A Significant positive relationship also exists between supplier integration and operational performance as well as customer integration and operational performance.Originality/value: The unique contribution of the current study is the assessment of the mediating effect of external integration constructs (customer integration and supplier integration) as the mediating variable on internal integration and operational performance.
Global nuclear energy: an uncertain future
Authors: Moriarty Patrick ,   Department of Design, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Published: September 2021

Nuclear energy currently accounts for a declining share of global electricity, but it is possible that rising concerns about global climate change and China's ambitious nuclear program could reverse this trend. This review attempts to assess the global future of nuclear power, showing how the optimistic forecasts in the early days of nuclear power have been replaced by far more modest forecasts. The review first discusses the controversies surrounding nuclear power. It then briefly examines the prospects for three proposed reactors of the future: Small Modular Reactors; Generation IV breeder reactors; fusion reactors. It finally discusses the social and political context for nuclear power, both today and in the future.
Multiple solutions for a class of boundary value problems of fractional differential equations with generalized Caputo derivatives
Authors: Li Yating ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China, Liu Yansheng
Published: September 2021

This paper is mainly concerned with the existence of multiple solutions for the following boundary value problems of fractional differential equations with generalized Caputo derivatives:

   \begin{document}$ \hskip 3mm \left\{ \begin{array}{lll} ^{C}_{0}D^{\alpha}_{g}x(t)+f(t, x) = 0, \ 0<t<1;\\ x(0) = 0, \ ^{C}_{0}D^{1}_{g}x(0) = 0, \ ^{C}_{0}D^{\nu}_{g}x(1) = \int_{0}^{1}h(t)^{C}_{0}D^{\nu}_{g}x(t)g'(t)dt, \end{array}\right. $\end{document}

where $ 2 < \alpha < 3 $, $ 1 < \nu < 2 $, $ \alpha-\nu-1 > 0 $, $ f\in C([0, 1]\times \mathbb{R}^{+}, \mathbb{R}^{+}) $, $ g' > 0 $, $ h\in C([0, 1], \mathbb{R}^{+}) $, $ \mathbb{R}^{+} = [0, +\infty) $. Applying the fixed point theorem on cone, the existence of multiple solutions for considered system is obtained. The results generalize and improve existing conclusions. Meanwhile, the Ulam stability for considered system is also considered. Finally, three examples are worked out to illustrate the main results.
A high order numerical method for solving Caputo nonlinear fractional ordinary differential equations
Authors: Zhang Xumei ,   School of Data Science and Information Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, 550025 Guiyang, China, Cao Junying
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we construct a high order numerical scheme for Caputo nonlinear fractional ordinary differential equations. Firstly, we use the piecewise Quadratic Lagrange interpolation method to construct a high order numerical scheme for Caputo nonlinear fractional ordinary differential equations, and then analyze the local truncation error of the high order numerical scheme. Secondly, based on the local truncation error, the convergence order of $ 3-\theta $ order is obtained. And the convergence are strictly analyzed. Finally, the numerical simulation of the high order numerical scheme is carried out. Through the calculation of typical problems, the effectiveness of the numerical algorithm and the correctness of theoretical analysis are verified.
Thermal and chemical characterization of fractions from Syagrus romanzoffiana kernel oil
Authors: Tavares T.S. , Magalhães K.T. , Lorenzo N.D. , Nunes C.A.
Published: September 2021

The Jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) kernel oil (JKO) has a pleasant coconut-like smell, with about 33% lauric acid and 28% oleic acid. The oil also contains bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, and tocopherols. JKO has a solid consistency at low temperatures, but has a low melting point and low solid content at room temperature. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the thermal properties related to crystallization and fusion, as well as the chemical and oxidative characteristics of JKO fractions, olein and stearin, obtained from dry and solvent fractionation. In general, stearins had higher crystallization and melting temperatures, and higher solid fat content, unlike oleins, which may be associated with the concentration of high melting triglycerides in the stearins. No statistically significant difference was found for fatty acid profile or oxidative stability of the fractions. The type of fractionation influenced the chemical and thermal properties of JKO fractions. The solvent process promoted the most relevant differentiation of fractions. An olein was obtained with 7% less solid fat at 25 °C which remained visually liquid at 2 °C below the oil, as well as a stearin with 17% more solid fat at 25 °C which remained visually solid at 3 °C above the oil.
La “Notre Dame” española. La reconstrucción de la Catedral de Sigüenza tras la Guerra Civil
Authors: Maira-Vidal Rocío
Published: September 2021

El año pasado el mundo observó incrédulo cómo las llamas devoraban en pocas horas una de las catedrales más relevantes de la Edad Media, Notre Dame de París. Sus bóvedas, una de las tipologías más interesantes y controvertidas del gótico primitivo, fueron el modelo a seguir en monasterios y catedrales de toda Europa. En España, la Catedral de Sigüenza es el único edificio que se construyó siguiendo el modelo exacto de los abovedamientos de la Catedral de París. Mientras que las bóvedas parisinas han sufrido importantes derrumbes en el incendio, las seguntinas fueron destruidas parcialmente en los bombardeos de la Guerra Civil. Este artículo analiza los procesos constructivos y los medios utilizados para llevar a cabo esta difícil reconstrucción en plena postguerra, delatando importantes diferencias respecto de las bóvedas originales, consecuencia de la falta de estudios previos. Además, se han conseguido determinar partes originales que hasta ahora se consideraban reconstruidas.
Art, économie et créativité chez John Maynard Keynes
Authors: Arena Richard
Published: September 2021

L’article porte sur la place occupée par la notion de créativité dans l’œuvre et la vie intellectuelles de John Maynard Keynes. Tout d’abord un réexamen du concept de choix rationnel chez Keynes fait apparaître un point de vue très critique chez cet auteur selon lequel un rôle considérable est accordé à la psychologie dans l’analyse des prises de décision des agents économiques. L’article analyse aussi la conception que se fait Keynes des activités artistiques et de la créativité au sein de l’économie mais aussi de la civilisation en général. Le texte accorde également une importance forte à la place accordée par Keynes à sa propre vision de la créativité et des financements des activités artistiques. La dernière partie de l’article propose enfin de réfléchir à l’héritage contemporain des réflexions de Keynes à propos de la notion de créativité.Classification JEL : A11, A12, A13, A31, B00, B3, D80, D91, H5, L2, L38, P1, Z11.
Strategies in the cultural and creative industries: static but flexible vs dynamic and liquid. The emergence of a new model in the digital age
Authors: Benghozi Pierre-Jean , Salvador Elisa , Simon Jean-Paul
Published: September 2021

The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) were among the first to be disrupted by the digital revolution. General lessons can thus be learned from the strategies they adopted in the digital age. Alongside a reversal model and a differentiation policy, CCI companies now face a new alternative between two main strategies, which cannot easily be classified using traditional theories. The first model is a static but flexible strategy whereby the organization equips itself with skills and tries to be sufficiently flexible and ambidextrous to absorb the shocks of changing environments. This strategy aims at overcoming organizational inertia through slow and cautious steps, even if they are not always in line with the rapidity of changes in the digital age. The second model, the liquid one, consists of a proactive and agile strategy where the organization moves quickly, adapts hastily, and changes constantly to be in tune with the new configurations that are emerging around it.JEL classification: L22, L82, O32, Z10.
Enhancing Antigen Presentation and Inducing Antigen-Specific Immune Tolerance with Amphiphilic Peptides
Authors: Li Meng , Itoh Arata , Xi Jingchao , Yu Chunsong , Wu Yuehong , Ridgway William M , Liu Haipeng
Published: September 2021

Ag-specific immunotherapy to restore immune tolerance to self-antigens, without global immune suppression, is a long-standing goal in the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, vaccination with autoantigens such as insulin or glutamic acid decarboxylase have largely failed in human T1D trials. Induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance by vaccination requires efficient autoantigen presentation by APCs. In this study, we show that a lipophilic modification at the N-terminal end of CD4+ epitopes (lipo-peptides) dramatically improves peptide Ag presentation. We designed amphiphilic lipo-peptides to efficiently target APCs in the lymph nodes by binding and trafficking with endogenous albumin. Additionally, we show that lipophilic modification anchors the peptide into the membranes of APCs, enabling a bivalent cell-surface Ag presentation. The s.c. injected lipo-peptide accumulates in the APCs in the lymph node, enhances the potency and duration of peptide Ag presentation by APCs, and induces Ag-specific immune tolerance that controls both T cell– and B cell–mediated immunity. Immunization with an amphiphilic insulin B chain 9–23 peptide, an immunodominant CD4+ T cell epitope in NOD mice, significantly suppresses the activation of T cells, increases inhibitory cytokine production, induces regulatory T cells, and delays the onset and lowers the incidence of T1D. Importantly, treatment with a lipophilic β-cell peptide mixture delays progression to end-stage diabetes in acutely diabetic NOD mice, whereas the same doses of standard soluble peptides were not effective. Amphiphilic modification effectively enhances Ag presentation for peptide-based immune regulation of autoimmune diseases.
Decidual Inflammation Drives Chemokine-Mediated Immune Infiltration Contributing to Term Labor
Authors: Shynlova Oksana , Boros-Rausch Adam , Farine Tali , Adams Waldorf Kristina M , Dunk Caroline , Lye Stephen J
Published: September 2021

Infiltration of maternal peripheral leukocytes into the uterine tissues is a critical event occurring before, during, and after term labor (TL). In this article, we investigate the contribution of uterine smooth muscle (myometrium) and pregnant endometrium (decidua) to the inflammatory process during human TL. We hypothesize that labor-related physiological inflammation is orchestrated by uterine-secreted cytokines, which dually activate the uterine vascular endothelium and maternal leukocytes to promote their adhesion and infiltration into the uterus. Using Luminex and ELISA assays, we examine a full range of cytokines (45 proteins) in media conditioned by primary decidual and myometrial cells from TL and term not in labor (TNL) women. The effect of conditioned media on the activation of human uterine microvascular endothelial cells was measured by qPCR and on peripheral leukocytes by flow cytometry. Transendothelial migration of calcein-labeled primary leukocytes toward media was assessed by fluorometry. Stromal decidual cells secrete significantly higher levels of multiple cytokines compared with myometrial cells (p < 0.05) and significantly more cytokines during TL than TNL. These cytokines activate uterine microvascular endothelial cells through the upregulation of cell adhesion molecule VCAM-1 and peripheral leukocytes by upregulation of CD11b. Furthermore, multiple cytokines secreted from the TL decidua and myometrium significantly increase migration of granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes compared with TNL (p < 0.05), which was blocked by a broad-spectrum chemokine inhibitor (FX125L). These data reveal the critical role for decidual- and myometrial-secreted cytokines in the activation of inflammatory pathways leading to labor. We suggest that these pathways represent targets for therapeutic intervention during preterm labor.
Non-painful severe variant form of eruptive lingual papillitis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Halwani Manal Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Eruptive lingual papillitis is a common benign disorder manifested by inflammation of fungiform papillae on the dorsolateral surface of the tongue. Several variants of lingual papillitis have been reported since 1997, most or all of them with painful erythematous papules. Here we report a case of 6 years old girl child with non-painful severe variant form of eruptive lingual papillitis presented to the emergency department. The entire dorsal surface of the tongue was surfaced by 2-3mm by multiple erythematous papules and some with a white or yellowish colour. The papules were excessively inflamed, pigmented, aggregated, and crusted. The cause was idiopathic which resolved within ten days. The parent and patient were reassured with advice to practice oral hygiene. This is a rare case report describing non-painful lingual papillitis without a history of any prior episodes.
Unusual presentation of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia treated with intralesional and topic corticosteroid combination therapy
Authors: Granieri Giammarco , Oranges Teresa , Panduri Salvatore , Loggini Barbara , Janowska Agata , Dini Valentina , Romanelli Marco
Published: September 2021

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is an uncommon angioproliferative benign disorder. A 24- year-old Caucasian female patient presented with multiple itchy reddish pearly nodule.
Giant pulmonary hydatid cyst in children
Authors: Khalfallah Ikbel , Hajjej Sabri , Ferchichi Meriem , Boussetta Abir , Affes Meriam , Louhaichi Sabrine , Hamdi Besma , Ammar Jamel , Hamzaoui Agnès
Published: September 2021

Hydatid disease is still endemic in Tunisia. It is mostly seen in young people less than 40 years and children are affected in one third of cases. The lungs are the predominant location in children. Our study aims to define the particularities of children PHC's (pulmonary hydatic cyst) management, the characteristics of giant cyst and to study predictive factors of complications. We included retrospectively 105 children with PHC followed between 1999 and 2019. Patients were aged less than 16 years with surgically confirmed diagnosis of PHC. Two groups of cysts were defined: giant cysts which were 10 cm across or more, and no giant cysts.The sex-ratio was 1,38 with a mean age of 10.5±3 years. The symptomatology was dominated by cough (59%), thoracic pain (51%) and hemoptysis (46%). Giant cysts were observed in 24 (22.9%) patients. Dyspnea (29% vs 5% p<0.001) and thoracic pain (88% vs .41% p<0.001) were significantly more frequently reported in giant cysts. Eighty-six patients had a single cyst (83%) and 19 had multiple cysts (17%). Giant cysts accounted for 22,9% (24 cases). Thoracic ultrasonography was diagnostic in 77.4%. The thoracic CT scan was performed in 27 children with inaccessible cysts in thoracic ultrasonography or in diagnostic doubt.Patients were all treated surgically. Surgical procedures consisted of cystectomy (59%), pericystectomy (18%) and pulmonary resection when parenchyma was destroyed (23%). Parenchymal resection was more often performed in complicated cysts (27% vs 20% p>0.05) and in giant cysts (41% vs 18% p<0.05). A two-stage thoracotomy was performed in the 4 patients with bilateral cysts. Thirteen patients presented immediate post-operative complications which occurred more frequently in complicated and giant cysts. Hospital stay was longer in complicated cysts (16±9 days vs 7±3 days; p<0.001) and in giant cysts (14±9 days vs 11±8 days; p>0.05). In endemic regions, the diagnosis of PHC in children should be based on the combination of thoracic radiography and ultrasonography which are effective, not costly, safe and accessible. Complicated and giant PHC cause lung damage leading to extensive parenchymal resection. They are more associated with post-operative complications prolonging hospital stay and increasing expenses.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Male Patient Taking Megestrol Acetate and Rivaroxaban: A Case Report
Authors: Boylan Paul M. , Santibañez Melissa
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE: This report describes the case of a 76-year-old male who developed an upper gastrointestinal bleed shortly after beginning megestrol acetate (MGA) to treat geriatric failure to thrive (GFTT). He was also taking rivaroxaban for stroke prevention because of atrial fibrillation
but had a low risk of bleeding. This article aims to provide the reader with an overview of MGA's impact on hemostasis, as well as a review of therapeutics on appetite stimulants and important transitions of care considerations for GFTT.
 SETTING: The primary setting was a
community teaching hospital in Florida. The patient had many transitions of care, including hospital-to-skilled nursing facility and then a hospital readmission for the primary problem reported here. A skilled nursing facility medication administration record and outpatient community pharmacy
were the primary sources of the patient's admission and discharge medication histories.
 PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS: MGA's published labeling supports a prothrombotic mechanism; however, its pharmacology may also confer anticoagulant properties. This may lead to potential drug-drug
interactions in patients on concomitant anticoagulant therapy. There is weak evidence supporting appetite stimulants in GFTT, and transitions of care in this population is especially important because of these patients' frequent care continuum contact.
 CONCLUSIONS: MGA, a
synthetic derivative of endogenous progesterone used to treat GFTT, may exert either prothrombotic or anticoagulant effects, and as such potential for drug interactions with anticoagulants must be considered. Patients taking MGA should be closely monitored for coagulation changes throughout
transitions of care.
Extended-Duration Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants to Prevent VTE in Acutely III Medical Patients
Authors: Skelley Jessica W. , Thomason Angela R. , Hammond Lauren N.
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate current clinical evidence for the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for extended-duration thromboprophylaxis in the acutely ill medical population for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding events.
 DATA SOURCES: Were obtained
through a MEDLINE/PubMed search for clinical trials conducted from March 2008 to 2018 using relevant key words. Limitations of English and human subjects were applied to search results.
 STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Forty-one articles were identified, and abstracts
reviewed by the authors for inclusion of the study population (acutely ill medical patients) and VTE outcomes. Clinical studies evaluating the use of DOACs for extended duration of VTE prevention in acutely ill medical patients were included in the review, resulting in three clinical trials
and two subgroup analyses. The participants enrolled had an overall mean age of 71.4 years.
 DATA SYNTHESIS: The DOAC trials collectively demonstrated a positive outcome in composite endpoints of VTE prevention with extended-duration thromboprophylaxis in acutely ill medical
patients compared with enoxaparin. As for safety, rivaroxaban and apixaban trials reported more major bleeding events compared with enoxaparin. The betrixaban trial demonstrated no difference in bleeding compared with enoxaparin.
 CONCLUSION: DOACs reduced the number of VTE
events in acutely ill medical patients on extended-duration thromboprophylaxis, but with an overall increased bleeding risk. An individualized patient approach based on risk factors should be utilized for treatment with extended-duration DOAC in the older adult population with recent hospitalization.
FIRST OCCURRENCE AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF Cryptontsira parva (MUESEBECK, 1941) (HYMENOPTERA, BRACONIDAE) PARASITIZING Lyctus brunneus (STEPHENS, 1830) (COLEOPTERA, BOSTRICHIDAE) IN SOUTH AMERICA
Authors:   Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Trevisan Henrique , Souza Thiago Sampaio de , Penteado-Dias Angélica Maria ,   Universidade Federal de São Carlos
Published: September 2021

The current study describes the first record in South America and the sexual behavior of Cryptontsira parva (Muesebeck, 1941) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Doryctinae) parasitizing Lyctus brunneus (Stephens, 1830) (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae, Lyctinae). We also include a brief report of the ethological reproductive aspects the C. parva under laboratory conditions by providing information to support research on biological control of L. brunneus.
Determination of Quantile Range of Optimal Hyperparameters Using Bayesian Estimation
Authors: Adewole Ayoade I. , Fasoranbaku Olusoga A.
Published: September 2021

Bayesian estimations have the advantages of taking into account the uncertainty of all parameter estimates which allows virtually the use of vague priors. This study focused on determining the quantile range at which optimal hyperparameter of normally distributed data with vague information could be obtained in Bayesian estimation of linear regression models. A Monte Carlo simulation approach was used to generate a sample size of 200 data-set. Observation precisions and posterior precisions were estimated from the regression output to determine the posterior means estimate for each model to derive the new dependent variables. The variances were divided into 10 equal parts to obtain the hyperparameters of the prior distribution. Average absolute deviation for model selection was used to validate the adequacy of each model. The study revealed the optimal hyperparameters located at 5th and 7th deciles. The research simplified the process of selecting the hyperparameters of prior distribution from the data with vague information in empirical Bayesian inferences.

Keywords: Optimal Hyperparameters; Quantile Ranges; Bayesian Estimation; Vague prior
E-optimal Experimental Designs for Poisson Regression Models in Two and Three Variables
Authors: Olamide Emmanuel I , Fasoranbaku Olusoga A , Adebola Femi B
Published: September 2021

In the context of generalized linear models, most of the recent studies were on logistic regression models and many of them focussed on optimal experimental designs with concentration on D-optimality. In this research, two- and three-variable Poisson regression models were considered for E-optimization on restricted design space [0, 1]. The two-variable Poisson regression model was not optimal at 3-design points, but was found to be E-optimal at 4-design points (1, 1), (0, 0), (0, 1) and (1, 0) with equal design weights of 0.25. The three-variable Poisson regression model was E-optimal at 4-design points (0, 0, 1), (0, 1, 0), (1, 1, 1) and (1, 0, 0) with each design point having design weights of 0.25. The prediction error variance (PEV) for the two-variable Poisson regression model is 0.35 and that of the three-variable Poisson regression model is 0.68. From this research, the two-variable Poisson regression model is preferred to the three-variable Poisson regression model because of smaller PEV.

Keywords: E-optimality; Fisher Information Matrix; Poisson Regression Model; Prediction Error Variance
Antimicrobial Activities of Endophytic Fungal Crude Extracts Isolated from Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale)
Authors: Amiri Nana , Tibuhwa Donatha D
Published: September 2021

This study presents the antimicrobial activities of endophytic fungal crude extracts isolated from leaves, stems and roots of cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) which showed disease symptoms and those resistant from Fusarium wilt in Mtwara region. Sections of the cashew trees were made and cultured to isolate endophytes. Eight endophytes were isolated and characterized by using morphological and molecular markers. Neopestalotiopsis, Penicillium, Lasidioplodia and Daldinia sp isolated from resistant tree and Auxarthron and Aspergillus sp from diseased tree. Antimicrobial activities of the isolated endophytic fungal crude extracts were done against pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum and three human pathogens namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida tropicalis. Results showed that all endophytic fungal crude extracts isolated from resistant plants and one from diseased plants exhibited positive antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungus Candida tropicalis but they had no antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum.  This study could contribute to the discovery and innovation of therapeutics. This study also implied that the resistance against Fusarium wilt disease might be caused by other unknown factors. More research work is recommended for establishing other possible factors including endophytic bacteria, biotic and abiotic factors that could contribute to resistance of cashew plants to Fusarium oxysporum.

Keywords: Antifungal; Phytopathology; Endophyte; Cashew nut disease
Maintenance Automation Architecture and Electrical Equipment Fault Prediction Method in Tanzania Secondary Distribution Networks
Authors: Mbembati Hadija , Ibwe Kwame , Maiseli Baraka
Published: September 2021

Distribution networks remain the most maintenance-intensive parts of power systems. The implementation of maintenance automation and prediction of equipment fault can enhance system reliability while reducing the overall costs. In Tanzania, however, maintenance automation has not been deployed in secondary distribution networks (SDNs). Instead, traditional methods are used for condition prediction and fault identification of power assets (transformers and power lines). These (manual) methods are costly and time-consuming, and may introduce human-related errors. Motivated by these challenges, this work introduces maintenance automation into the network architecture by implementing effective maintenance and fault identification methods. The proposed method adopts machine learning techniques to develop a novel system architecture for maintenance automation in the SDN. Experimental results showed that different transformer prediction methods, namely support vector machine, kernel support vector machine, and multi-layer artificial neural network, give performance values of  96.72%, 97.50%, and 97.53%, respectively. Furthermore, oil based performance analysis was done to compare the existing methods with the proposed method. Simulation results showed that the proposed method can accurately identify up to ten transformer abnormalities. These results suggest that the proposed system may be integrated into a maintenance scheduling platform to reduce unplanned maintenance outages and human maintenance-related errors.

Keywords: Predictive maintenance; fault identification; fault prediction; maintenance automation; secondary electrical distribution network
On the Convergence of Orbits in Sequence Space l^2
Authors: Mpimbo Marco
Published: September 2021

This paper discusses the convergence of orbits for diagonal operators defined on . In particular, the basis elements of  are obtained using the linear combinations of the elements of the orbit. Furthermore, via the classical result of the determinant of the Vandermonde matrix, it is shown that, the more the elements of the orbit are used, the faster the convergence of the orbit to the basis elements of .

Keywords: Diagonal operators; Convergence of Orbits of operators; Vandermonde matrix; Norm topology
Prunus africanus Herbal Extracts Reverse and Ameliorate the Histological and Histomorphometric Changes in Testosterone-induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Rat Models
Authors: William Felix P. , Russa Denis A.
Published: September 2021

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign proliferative disease among men during aging. The herbal extract of P. africanus has been used for the treatment of BPH since time immemorial. However microstructural changes of this extract to the prostate of animal or human models are still elusive. Therefore, histological and histomorphometric changes in rats with testosterone-induced BPH due to P. africanus herbal extracts were investigated. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (200 ± 50 g) were divided into four groups each with 7 rats. Group 1 (Negative control) was given 2 ml/day of olive oil subcutaneously and 2 ml/day of normal saline intragastrically for 28 days. Three groups were induced with BPH by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate 3 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 days. Thereafter Group 2 (BPH) was sacrificed, while Group 3 (Positive control) and Group 4 (Treatment group) were administered with finasteride 5 mg/kg/day and P. africanus extract 400 mg/kg/day intragastrically for 28 days, respectively. BPH group revealed thickening and hyperplasia of tubular epithelium with involutions with the stroma showing large spaces and dilated blood vessels. These features were restored with P. africanus extract administration. High epithelial height, large stromal area and lower luminal area observed in the BPH were greatly reversed with P. africanus extract comparable to negative controls. Generally, P. africanus extract restored and ameliorated histological and histomorphometrical changes of the BPH-induced rat’s prostates.

Keywords: Benign prostate hyperplasia; Prunus africanus; finasteride; testosterone
Physicochemical and Bacteriological Water Quality Parameters in Relation to Land-use Practices at a Rural Catchment, Mbinga District, Tanzania
Authors: Hellar-Kihampa Harieth Hellar-Kihampa , Ndunguru Patrick Isdory
Published: September 2021

Data on physicochemical water quality parameters and contamination levels is crucial for protection and sustainable utilization of water resources. This study assessed the physicochemical water quality parameters, faecal coliform bacteria and nutrient loads in water at a catchment used for municipal supply in Mbinga District, Tanzania. Samples were seasonally collected from three areas characterized by distinct geographical features, settlement patterns and land-use practices, and analyzed using standard analytical protocols. Data were subjected to paired-sampled t-test and cluster analysis. The parameters varied as follows: pH (4.75–6.83); temperature (16.4–26.2 ºC); electrical conductivity (14.6–121.1 µS/cm); total dissolved solids (7.0–23.2 mg/L); total suspended solids (BDL–35.5 mg/L); dissolved oxygen (8.6–23.8 mg/L); turbidity (0.1–68.1 NTU); faecal coliform (<1–76 FC/100 mL); nitrite (BDL–0.09 mg/L); nitrate and sulphate were not detected. Spatial variations were associated with land-use disparities. Comparison to risk-based regulatory thresholds for drinking water revealed the levels to be within the acceptable limits, with a few exceptions. Observed seasonal trends indicated an overall decrease in water quality during the wet season. Generally, results showed that water quality at the catchments satisfies requirements for domestic uses. However, the potential contamination risks from human activities call for regular monitoring.

Keywords:   Physicochemical parameters; faecal contamination; water quality; surface water; Mbinga District
Zamknięte stolice imperium prawa. Znaczenie jawności postępowań sądowych dla społecznej legitymizacji władzy sądowniczej
Authors: Kaleta Krzysztof J.
Published: September 2021

Closed capitals of the empire of law. The importance of openness of judicial proceedings for social legitimacy of judicial authority The article focuses on the openness of judicial proceedings, in particular the openness of the trial, considered as an important element of the constitutional right to a trial, the requirement of procedural fairness and the condition for maintaining the social legitimacy of the judiciary. The immediate context for the considerations is determined by the changes introduced by the Act of May 28, 2021 amending the Act – the Polish Code of Civil Procedure and certain other acts, making it possible to limit the openness of court proceedings in relation to the occurrence of an epidemiological emergency. The author draws the attention to transformations in the constitutional position and ways of perceiving the legitimacy of courts in modern constitutional democracies. The increasing role of courts in settling major political disputes, resolving social conflicts, controlling governmental authorities and enabling citizens to hold representatives of the authorities accountable for their decisions renders participation in judicial proceedings one of the fundamental democratic activities nowadays. The author also indicates that the trial (as a fundamental form of communication between judges and citizens and a special phase of proceedings allowing the court to deeply examine the facts of the case and to learn the prevailing understanding among citizens of the values and principles on which the legal order is based) is a key measure to achieve the principles of procedural justice during the course of specific proceedings and to establish trust in the third power before the public. Openness of judicial proceedings, especially the trial, is a condition for the courts to maintain a reflexive attitude in the process of ruling and thus to deepen the social legitimacy of the judiciary based on trust.
Odpowiedzialność karna urzędnika za szkodę wyrządzoną przez drzewo lub krzew wskutek niedopełnienia obowiązków służbowych
Authors: Vachev Valeri
Published: September 2021

Criminal liability of an administrative official for damages caused by a tree or a bush as a result of professional negligence

The article focuses on the analysis of the dogmatic grounds of criminal liability of administrative officials that manage urban green areas for damages caused by the fall of a tree or a bush. The main focus of the discussion revolves around criminal liability for the failure to remove a plant as a result of the unintentional professional negligence by public officials (Article 231 § 3 of the Polish Penal Code). Particular attention is directed toward the issue of compliance of the crime of professional negligence with the constitutional standard of definiteness (nullum crimen sine lege certa). The text also discusses the possibility of incurring criminal liability for the aforementioned actions on the basis of certain types of common crimes and considers cases of potential concurrence of regulations and crimes.
Odpowiedzialność odszkodowawcza za szkody wyrządzone przez drzewa i krzewy
Authors: Sieczych-Drzewiecka Alicja
Published: September 2021

Liability for damages caused by trees and bushes

The following article outlines the administrative-legal aspects of the proceedings for the logging of trees or cutting down bushes. This presentation is a starting point for further civil law considerations on the liability for damages caused by trees and bushes. The analysis examines instances of omissions or abuses by the entity authorized to log trees, examples of such activities and their potential consequences. The issue of the liability of administrative officials for erroneous administrative decisions regarding logging is also addressed. The concluding part of the article focuses on civil law claims (non-tort ones or not necessarily tort ones) related to the presence of trees and bushes – and involves the analysis of examples of factual status which were the subjects of common courts’ decisions.
Wymogi formalne i merytoryczne udziału biegłego w postępowaniu karnym i w postępowaniu cywilnym
Authors: Sobecki Tomasz
Published: September 2021

Formal and substantive requirements for the participation of a court-appointed expert in criminal and civil proceedings

The purpose of this article is to present the institution of a court-appointed expert in criminal and in civil proceedings in terms of their similarities and differences. Often the same people, institutes or institutions are involved in both types of proceedings. However, criminal and civil proceedings impose various formal and substantive requirements in relation to these entities. Obtaining the status of a court-appointed expert and performing this role in the proceedings may differ significantly depending on the type of proceedings. This fact produces two conclusions. First: the parties to the proceedings (and especially their professional legal representatives) should be aware of when and in what circumstances they can use an opinion of a court-appointed expert. Second: court-appointed experts themselves (or persons and entities who aspire to such a role) should have a clear understanding of their role in the proceedings.
Informacja handlowa i marketing bezpośredni bez uprzedniej wyraźnej zgody – wybrane zagadnienia
Authors: Kantorowski Piotr
Published: September 2021

Commercial information and direct marketing without prior and explicit consent – selected issues

The aim of the article is to examine legal regulations in the context of answering the question whether – and if so, then under which circumstances – marketing activities performed via means of electronic communication are legal when the party conducting these activities does not have the prior and explicit consent to perform them. In particular, the article will analyze the provisions of Article 10 of the Act on provision of services by electronic means and Article 172 of the Act – telecommunication law, which are the key legislative provisions to resolve this issue. To answer the question posed in the article, the subject and object scopes of both legal norms in particular will be compared. Such a comparison is necessary to determine whether – and if so, then what kind of – marketing communication can be made without prior and explicit consent. On the other hand, the author will not discuss more broadly the issues concerning the processing of personal data, although he will draw attention to the conditions that must occur in order for the personal data held by the controller to be used for the purposes identified above.
Problematyka wybranych zagadnień jednolitej ochrony patentowej
Authors: Orfin Tomasz
Published: September 2021

Problems related to selected issues of unitary patent protection

Unitary patent protection is one of the key challenges for the European Union. The current initiatives, which – despite being just a short step away from full implementation due to legal and formal issues, such as the complex legal structure or non-legal claims concerning their negative impact on the economy and competitiveness of enterprises – still raise doubts and uncertainties. The aim of this article is to illustrate the problem of unitary patent protection on selected issues concerning the European patent with unitary effect and the Unified Patent Court. The obstacles that prevent the implementation of the Unified Patent Court are presented. Critical voices assessing the proposed model of unitary patent protection are also presented and discussed.
Glosa do wyroku NSA z 14 lutego 2019 r., II OSK 626/17 (aprobująca)
Authors: Rokicka-Murszewska Karolina
Published: September 2021

Gloss to the Supreme Administrative Court of Poland judgment of February 14, 2019 – case file no. II OSK 626/17

The author analyzes crucial problems identified by the Supreme Administrative Court of Poland in the judgment of February 14, 2019 – case file no. II OSK 626/17 concerning the application in practice of the principle of good neighborhood, referred to in Article 61(1)(1) of the Act on Spatial Planning and Development. It should be noted that although the existing buildings determine the manner in which the conditions of a new investment are specified (due to the necessity of existence of “at least one neighboring plot”), various functions may co-exist within the framework of the existing and future developments, provided that they can be mutually reconciled. The purpose of the gloss is to demonstrate the appropriateness of the decision of the Court, which concluded that the existing housing development will have a negative impact on the residents of the new single-family housing estate due to the conflicting functions of the sites. In this respect, the reviewed judgment constitutes a certain attempt to prevent the so-called single-unit urbanism.
Przegląd orzecznictwa Sądu Najwyższego
Authors: Milkowski Kacper
Published: September 2021

Overview of the decisions of the Polish Supreme Court Pursuant to the resolution of the panel of seven judges of the Polish Supreme Court of May 7, 2021, case file no. III CZP 6/21, which became a legal principle, an illegal contract term (Article 3851 § 1 of the Polish Civil Code) is from the beginning, by virtue of the law itself, ineffective for the benefit of the consumer who may give free and informed consent to this provision and thus restore its retroactive effect. If the loan agreement cannot be binding without an ineffective provision, the consumer and the lender are entitled to separate claims for the reimbursement of cash benefits provided in the performance of the agreement (Article 410 § 1 in conjunction with Article 405 of the Polish Civil Code). The lender may request the return of the benefit from the moment the loan agreement becomes permanently ineffective. The resolution of the Polish Supreme Court of May 28, 2021, case file no. III CZP 27/20, is of exceptional importance, as according to it the right to live in a clean environment is not a personal good. Protection of personal rights (Article 23 of the Polish Civil Code in conjunction with Article 24 of the Polish Civil Code and Article 448 of the Polish Civil Code) covers health, freedom, privacy, which may be breached (threatened) by an inadequate air quality, which does not meet the standards specified in legal provisions. However, according to the resolution of the Polish Supreme Court of March 31, 2021, case file no. I KZP 7/20 – a violent crime within the meaning of Art. 41a § 1 of the Polish Criminal Code is any crime that was actually committed with the use of violence, and the word “violence” used in this legal provision includes both physical and mental violence.
Preparation and Characterization of Magnetite – Silica Core – Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Vakhneev S. N. , Sha Minggong
Published: September 2021

In this study, two types of ligands were introduced onto the surface of magnetite nanoparticles by hydrolysis and condensation of organosilicon reagents: organosilane-tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and aminoorganosilane - aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). It is shown that coatings based on SiO2 solve a double problem: first, they prevent the aggregation of nanoparticles and the oxidation of magnetite; secondly, they allow the surface to be modified with various specific ligands for biomedical applications due to terminal groups. It was shown, that after the modification of TEOS and APTES (in argon and in air), the Fe3O4 content decreases to 66, 42, and 36%, respectively. The formation of a silicon framework on the magnetite surface due to Fe-O-Si and Si-O-Si bonds was determined by IR spectroscopy. The identification of surface amino groups is complicated due to the superposition of absorption bands of NH2- and OH-groups. This opens new prospective for creation of tailored nanocomposites containing magnetite nanoparticles. These materials can be further used as sorbents for various applications.
Panorama de la formación y enseñanza de los entrenadores de rugby en Santiago de Cali
Authors: Isaza Gómez Germán Darío , Parra Hinojosa Sandra , Díaz Millán Sebastián
Published: September 2021

El rugby es un deporte relativamente nuevo en la ciudad de Santiago de Cali. Sus procesos de enseñanza están influenciados por la experiencia como jugadores y la trayectoria deportiva de sus entrenadores. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el nivel de formación, experiencia y los estilos de enseñanza utilizados por los entrenadores de rugby en la ciudad Santiago de Cali. El estudio es del tipo de estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal; los instrumentos utilizados fueron una entrevista estructurada y una encuesta tipo Likert basada en el cuestionario de Portilho y Banas sobre los estilos de enseñanza, compuesta por 40 preguntas y 4 dimensiones. Participaron en el estudio los entrenadores de los clubes de rugby reconocidos por la Liga Vallecaucana de Rugby. El promedio de edad de los entrenadores fue de 32,9 (±4,5) años. A pesar del esfuerzo que realizan los formadores por su permanente actualización, el estudio demuestra la poca formación profesional en el campo del deporte y áreas afines, evidenciando un alto empirismo en sus procesos de enseñanza. Los estilos que más utilizan los entrenadores de rugby fueron el sistemático y el dinámico, mientras que el menos utilizado fue el analítico.
El 'triatlón' de Barcelona de 1914, primero de España
Authors: Torrebadella Flix Xavier , Arrechea Rivas Fernando
Published: September 2021

El pujante desarrollo del deporte en la Barcelona de principios del siglo XX facilitó una infinidad de iniciativas o ensayos deportivos y algunos de ellos, aunque no tuvieron repercusión alguna, podrían considerarse entre las efemérides del nacimiento de algunos de los actuales deportes. De aquí que el objetivo de este artículo se centre en el triatlón como una de estas originarias prácticas que quedaron olvidadas, y que hoy pueden rescatarse a través de la prensa histórica digitalizada de Barcelona. Obviamente, el relato de corte histórico y de revisión documental que se presenta interpela para que se considere a Barcelona como la ciudad pionera en España en este deporte olímpico.