bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vliv judikatury Evropského soudu pro lidská práva na systém vojenského soudnictví Spojeného království Velké Británie a Severního Irska
Authors: Stypa Ondřej
Published: October 2021

Článek pojednává o vlivu Evropského soudu pro lidská práva na podobu vojenského soudnictví Velké Británie a jeho vývoj. Popisuje historický i současný systém vojenského soudnictví Velké Británie. Oba tyto systémy srovnává a zjišťuje, čím se od sebe liší. Následně zkoumá, zda za původce zjištěných změn lze považovat Evropský soud pro lidská práva. Článek za tímto účelem analyzuje relevantní judikaturu ESLP, ale zabývá se též dalšími možnými příčinami těchto změn.
Role Ústavního soudu za pandemie v nouzovém stavu: aktivní hráč, nebo pasivní přihlížející?
Authors: Kovalčík Michal
Published: October 2021

Článek se zaměřuje na český Ústavní soud a jeho roli v politickém systému během pandemie covidu-19, zejména pak během nouzového stavu, a odpovídá na otázku, jakou roli by měl Ústavní soud za takové situace v systému dělby moci hrát. Normativně-analytický článek na základě obecných tezí pozitivního konstitucionalismu a dosavadních teorií nouzových stavů představuje pět možných přístupů Ústavního soudu při pandemické situaci, z nichž následně vybírá ten dle autora nejvhodnější a přináší negativní i pozitivní důvody pro akceptaci Ústavního soudu jakožto důležitého aktéra politického systému při zvládání pandemie.˝
Five new and five known species of the genus Tylencholaimus de Man, 1876 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida: Tylencholaimoidea) from Western Ghats of India
Authors: Islam Md Niraul , Ahmad Wasim
Published: October 2021

Five new and five known species of the genus Tylencholaimus de Man, 1876 are described from the Western Ghats of India. Tylencholaimus macroamphidius sp. nov. has a 0.61–0.85 mm long body, angular lips, large amphid, 8.0–9.0 μm long odontostyle, odontophore with asymmetrical basal knobs, pharyngeal bulb expanding gradually, female genital system mono-prodelphic, and a rounded to conoid tail. Tylencholaimus shamimi sp. nov. has a 0.57–0.71 mm long body, 6.0–7.0 μm long odontostyle, odontophore with basal thickening, pharyngeal bulb expanding gradually, female genital system amphidelphic and a convex-conoid tail. Tylencholaimus southindicus sp. nov. has a 0.44–0.55 mm long body, lip region with distinct labial disc, 4.5–5.5 μm long odontostyle, odontophore with minute basal knobs, pharyngeal expansion abrupt, female genital system mono-prodelphic, and a rounded-conoid to rounded tail. Tylencholaimus striatus sp. nov. has a 0.30–0.34 mm long body with distinctly striated cuticle, 5.0–5.5 μm long odontostyle, odontophore with minute basal knobs, pharyngeal bulb expanding abruptly, female genital system mono-prodelphic, and a conoid tail with bluntly rounded terminus. Tylencholaimus tamiliensis sp. nov. has 0.51–0.58 mm long body, 5.5–6.0 μm long odontostyle, odontophore with minute basal knobs, pharyngeal bulb expanding gradually, female genital system mono-prodelphic and tail rounded to conoid with sunken terminus. Five known species of the genus Tylencholaimus viz. T. mirabilis, T. teres, T. micronanus, T. ibericus and T. cosmos also recorded from the region and redescribed/illustrated.
GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS IN THE AGE OF UNCERTAINTY: ADVANTAGES, VULNERABILITIES, AND WAYS FOR ENHANCING RESILIENCE
Authors: Smorodinskaya Nataliya V. , Katukov Daniel D. , Malygin Viacheslav E.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we seek to explain the fundamental vulnerability of global value chains (GVCs) to sudden shocks, as revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and outline ways for enhancing their adaptability to the increased uncertainty at both conceptual and policy levels. We consider the concept and a typical multi-structural model of GVCs, highlighting the network complexity of the system of distributed production and trade in value added. Not only does this system bring competitive advantages to GVC partner countries, but also it entails risks of cascading production disruptions. We examine these risks by analysing the ripple effect of supply disruptions in GVCs when a sudden local shock can propagate globally through inter-firm supplier links, generating growing output losses across industries and economies. From this perspective, we describe the pandemic-induced breakdown in the global just-in-time supply system in spring 2020 and its role in the escalating global recession. In analysing the mechanisms of post-pandemic GVC adaptation to uncertainty, we look at the concept of economic resilience and properties of resilient systems (robustness, flexibility, redundancy, and dynamic sustainability). We scrutinise the supply chain resilience model used by leading MNEs (GVC organisers) in their disruption risk management at pre-disruption and post-disruption stages. We classify resilience strategies devised by MNEs after 2020 into three interrelated categories: namely, multi-structural GVC optimisation (diversification and relocation of suppliers), operational optimisation (building redundancy and production flexibility), and GVC digitalisation. We conclude by outlining windows of opportunity to improve international specialisation and growth patterns, which may open in the 2020s for developing economies, including Russia, due to the ongoing restructuring of GVCs and their global supplier networks.
Baudelairean Empathy and the Limits of Transcendence
Authors: Scott Maria
Published: October 2021

Inscriptions of empathy for other human beings, in Baudelaire's poetry, communicate an affective experience that has long outlived both the poet and its originator. His poems, which often give thematic prominence to the idea of an afterlife, tend therefore to have their own afterlife,
even as they gesture towards both the possibility and the impossibility of the transcendence of physical limitations. The article, which begins with a brief discussion of both the history and meaning of empathy, will suggest that Baudelaire can be understood not only as an early theorist of
empathy, but also as a very early theorist of an ethical, because unsettling, form of empathy. The poet anticipated the thinking of the first empathy theorists insofar as, like them, he conceived of an at least partial imaginary merging of self and object. However, he also went beyond these
thinkers to the extent that at least some of his poetry describes a disquieting recognition of kinship with other human beings that anticipates far more recent thinking about empathy. The article considers the inscription of empathy in a number of poems that focus on non-human objects before
giving more sustained attention to how empathy expresses itself in poems that foreground virtual, real, or imagined human beings. It is argued that Baudelaire's most dramatic evocations of empathy with other human beings foreground the idea of human mortality and the limits of human knowledge
even as they hint at the possibility of the magical removal of limitations. While the notion of an ideal communication of souls is certainly present in Les Fleurs du mal, representations of interpersonal empathy in the verse poems tend to involve a recognition of both the possibility
and the impossibility of human transcendence of physical limitations.
Baudelaire's Two Cosmopolitanisms
Authors: Schwartz Stephen Adam
Published: October 2021

In his text on the ‘Exposition Universelle 1855’, Baudelaire upholds what he calls ‘cosmopolitisme’ as the antidote to the constraining influence of universalizing principles of taste that are meant to define beauty for all times and places. Baudelaire’s
view is that such aesthetic systems close off the possibility of beauty, which, he maintains must contain an element of novelty. Accordingly, the proper attitude for the viewer (or reader or spectator) to take before a work of art is one that remains always open to novelty and to the ‘universal
vitality’ out of which it springs. This attitude is the cosmopolitan one. Yet Baudelaire characterizes this attitude in ways that seem fundamentally incompatible if not diametrically opposed. On the one hand, cosmopolitanism as described in this text seems to involve the slow, lived
apprenticeship in the values, ways of life, and criteria of judgement of those in other places, the better to be able to appreciate the beauty of the objects produced in them. On the other, he speaks of the appropriate attitude toward an aesthetic object — indeed toward any object that
presents itself to our senses — as one resulting solely from the spectator’s exertions on his or her own mind and will, exertions by which the spectator refrains from imposing criteria of judgement upon the putative aesthetic object in order, instead, to derive one’s criteria
from it. While the text on the ‘Exposition’ provides the reader with no way of resolving this contradiction, Baudelaire’s remarks on fashion in ‘Le Peintre de la vie moderne’ (1863) provide a dialectical resolution.
Studies of Be, Si doping regulated GaAs nanowires for phase transition and optical properties
Authors: Kang Yu-Bin , Tang Ji-Long , Li Ke-Xue , Li Xiang , Hou Xiao-Bing , Chu Xue-Ying , Lin Feng-Yuan , Wang Xiao-Hua , Wei Zhi-Peng ,   State Key Laboratory of High Power Semiconductor Laser, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China,   School of Science, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
Published: October 2021

GaAs-based semiconductor doping technology, in which impurity energy levels are introduced into the band gap, can give rise to a decisive effect on its electrical and optical properties. When GaAs material is reduced to one-dimensional nanoscale, due to the increase of specific surface area, wurtzite- zinc blende coexisting structure is prone to appearing. GaAs nanowire doping can not only adjust its electro-optical properties, but also have a significant regulatory effect on its structural phase transition. The effects of beryllium (Be) and silicon (Si) doping on crystal structure and optical properties of gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanowires (NWs) are studied in this paper. Primitive, Si-doped and Be-doped GaAs NWs are grown on Si(111) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy in virtue of the self-catalyzed growth mechanism. The Raman spectra of primitive, Si-doped and Be-doped GaAs NWs are measured. The E2 mode peak unique to the WZ structure of primitive GaAs NWs is found in the Raman spectrum, and the E2 mode peak in the Raman spectrum of Si-doped GaAs NWs weakens or even disappears. Moreover, The E2 mode peak is not found in the Raman spectrum of Be-doped GaAs NWs. Furthermore, the structural changes of GaAs NWs are observed more intuitively by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The PL spectra show that the wurtzite (WZ)-zinc blende (ZB) mixed phase II-type luminescence exists in primitive GaAs NWs, then the luminescence disappears due to Si or Be doping and turns into impurity defect related luminescence.
Large area and flexible CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cell fabricated by all ink jet printing
Authors: Gao Bo-Wen , Meng Jing ,   School of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Taishan University, Tai’an 271021, China,   Institute of Building Integrated Photovoltaic, Taishan University, Tai’an 271021, China
Published: October 2021

At present, there are many reports on the preparation of large area CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells based on ink-jet printing. These researches focus mainly on the ink-jet printing and electrode printing of perovskite active layer films. The hole transport layer, electron transport layer and other modified layers in the cell structure are still completed by spin coating or coating. In this work, we successfully realize large area CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells based on full ink-jet printing, including pen/Ag NWs bottom electrode, agnws top electrode, PEDOT: PSS hole transport layer, etc. It is found that the full inkjet printing can greatly reduce the material cost and simplify the production process, and obtain PC61BM layer, PEDOT: PSS layer, PEI layer and CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite thin film with high density and good uniformity. On this basis, we prepare the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells with areas of 60, 80 and 100 cm2, respectively. The results show that when the concentration of perovskite ink is 1 mol/L, the printing speed is 30 mm/s and the substrate temperature is 50 ℃, the surface of perovskite film is smooth and the grain size is in a range of 500–600 nm. The surface roughness of the film is only 10 nm, so high-quality perovskite film can be obtained. The power conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cell with an effective area of 60 cm2 is as high as 14.25% (VOC = 1.03 V, JSC = 19.21 mA/cm2, FF = 72%), which is the highest efficiency of perovskite solar cell prepared by full ink-jet printing method reported so far. In addition, when the device is placed in the air for 12 months without packaging, the photoelectric conversion efficiency is reduced to 80% of the initial value. However, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of FTPU package is reduced only by 5%, demonstrating good device stability.
Response to 14 MeV neutrons for single-crystal diamond detectors
Authors: Huang Guang-Wei , Wu Kun , Chen Ye , Li Lin-Xiang , Zhang Si-Yuan , Wang Zun-Gang , Zhu Hong-Ying , Zhou Chun-Zhi , Zhang Yi-Yun , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Yi Xiao-Yan , Li Jin-Min ,   State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China,   Research and Development Center for Solid State Lighting, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China,   Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Published: October 2021

Single-crystal diamond (SCD) detectors promise to have applications in neutron spectrometers and fusion neutron monitoring under high flux deuterium plasma. The response to 14 MeV neutrons for the SCD detector is studied in this paper. A high-performance SCD neutron detector is developed by processing cleaning wafer, depositing metal electrodes, annealing and wire-bonding. A fast-neutrons monitoring system containing the detector, preamplifier and digital multichannel analyzer is constructed, and the response to 14 MeV neutrons for the detector is measured on the K-400 neutron generator supported by China Academy of Engineering Physics. In addition, computational simulations of the energy deposition and detection efficiency of 14 MeV neutron through diamond are performed via Geant4 toolkit based on evaluated nuclear data libraries of ENDF-VIII.0, JEFF-3.3, BROND-3.1, JENDL-4.0u and CENDL-3.1. The methods of widening the simulation spectrum and calibration of measuring spectrum are presented in order that simulation results are in reasonable agreement with measured values. The results indicate that the energy deposition of 14 MeV neutrons incident on the 12C can be more accurately calculated with CENDL-3.1 than with other data libraries. The elastic scattering and reaction of 12C(n, 3α) are described more accurately with the CENDL-3.1, and the characteristic peaks of 12C(n, α)9Be matched well the calibrated testing spectrum and the after-widening simulation spectrum, with a difference between the simulated detection efficiency and measuring results being as low as 0.61%. The outcome measures are described as the standardized mean difference, with a detection efficiency of (3.31 × 10–4 ± 0.11 × 10–4) counts/n, an energy resolution of 4.02% ± 0.09%, and a peaking channel of 1797.24 ± 0.80, which suggest that the detector keeps stable well under a high neutron flux of 2 × 1010 n/s for as long as 2 h. The results demonstrate that the SCD detector can be a promising candidate for monitoring 14 MeV D-T neutrons.
Phytoremediation Potentials of Cynodon dactylon on Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils from Challawa Industrial Estate, Kano-Nigeria
Authors: Shuaibu L. , Abdullahi U. , Yaradua A. I. , Bungudu J. I.
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the phytoremediation potentials of Cynodon dactylon in heavy metal contaminated soils of Challawa Industrial Estate, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 100 samples comprising of 50 soils and 50 plant parts of C. dactylon were evaluated for the presence of heavy metals by the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) method. Extent of heavy metal soil contamination and phytoremediation potentials of the study plant were assessed by the use of metal contamination factor (Cf) for soil; Bioaccumulation and translocation factors for the plant sample respectively. From the results, levels (mg/kg) of the metals in the C. dactylon from contaminated and control sites were found to be in the sequence of Fe (442.60) > Cu (138.35) > Zn (133.53) > Cd (61.50) > Pb (42.47) > Mn (28.40) > Ni (18.40) > Cr (17.73) and Fe (88.60) > Zn (38.18) > Cu (33.60) > Ni (13.70) > Mn (12.67) > Pb (6.07) > Cd (5.60) > Cr (5.03) respectively. The contamination factor values Cf, (mg/kg) of all the metals in the soils were found to be in the sequence of Cd (10.73) > Cu (5.64) > Cr (3.07) > Pb (2.98) > Ni (2.17) > Zn (2.09) > Mn (2.00) > Fe (1.72). The results showed that the soils are highly contaminated with Cd, considerably contaminated with Cu and Cr, and moderately contaminated with Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Pb. The bioaccumulation and translocation factor values (BAF>1 and TF<1) for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn suggest accumulation in roots and qualify the plant as good candidate for phytostabilization. Moreover, the bioaccumulation and translocation factor values (BAF and TF>1) for the plant species were greater than 1 for Fe suggesting efficient accumulation in the shoot. However, C. dactylon could be recommended as good candidate for phytoextraction of Fe and phytostabilization of the study investigated metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in multi-metal contaminated soils.
Awareness on Soil Health Management Scheme by Farmers of Tumakuru District in Karnataka
Authors: Darshan M. E. , Lakshminarayan M. T. , Banuprakash K. G.
Published: October 2021

The present study was carried out in 23 Raitha Samparka Kendras  inGubbi ,Kunigal, Madhugiri  and Tumakuru taluks of Tumakuru district in Karnataka state to know the extent of awareness of farmers regarding Soil Health Management Scheme (SHMS). Thirty beneficiary farmers of SHMS were randomly selected from 12 RSKs for the study. A pre-tested schedule was used to collect relevant data from the respondents. The results revealed that half of the beneficiary farmers (50.00%) had more awareness about SHMS, whereas one-third (33.33%) and 16.67 per cent of the beneficiary farmers were awareness and less awareness regarding the SHMS, respectively. A vast majority of the farmers were aware of the objectives, interventions, mode of operation, selection criteria of beneficiaries and subsidy on various agricultural inputs pertaining to SHMS.A simple majority of the farmers (53.33%) had contacted Assistant Agricultural Officer for obtaining information on SHMS, while half of the farmers (50.00% each) had contacted Agricultural Officer and Agricultural Assistant for obtaining information regarding SHMS. The results of path analysis revealed that extension agency contact of farmers had direct and indirect effect on the extent of awareness on SHMS. The first, second and third largest indirect effect channelled through is extension agency contact (X9) in the case of five variables, mass media participation (X8)  in the case of five variables and education (X1) in the case of three variables, respectively.
Motivating Class VIII Students to Read Books
Authors: Singye .
Published: October 2021

This research shows how to encourage students to inculcate reading habits beyond the classroom through various interventions like Reading Aloud, maintaining a reading portfolio, and Book Talk. Reading makes men perfect in speaking and writing. It is very important to motivate our students constantly and reinforce them. Reading is not only meant for students but everyone because it helps to improve language both in speaking and writing. This research was conducted to examine how to encourage students to be active readers in the classroom as well as anywhere they required. Students were given various platforms to practice their reading inside the classroom and maintaining records of their readings too. My research was carried out with class VIII students of Chali Lower Secondary School. Data was mainly gathered through mixed methods, that is qualitative and quantitative questionnaires. Students were observed during the usual class hour. The observations were made by recording their reading using criteria. They were observed without informing to get authentic observable responses. In the end, the result was known, why the students usually neglect reading. It helped to understand why students lack reading and what are strategies teachers need to apply to overcome these challenges?
Family Resource Management and COVID-19 in Nigeria: Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Authors: Mercy A. H. China,
Published: October 2021

The outbreak of the coronavirus has had severe implications on the availability and management of family resources. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the management of family resources in Nigeria and also provide new approaches and alternatives that can be used to cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The descriptive survey design was used for the research. The population consisted of all households in Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of 150 households from the study. Data were obtained using questionnaire that was developed using Google docs as the research instrument. The instrument was validated by three experts with a reliability coefficient of 0.61. The data were statistically analyzed using mean and standard deviation and findings presented on tables. One sample t-test was used to analyze the data. The participants from the study agreed that the Covid-19 outbreak has had an impact on family resource management causing reductions in the availability of family resources, quality of family life and size of family income. The result also showed that the impact of Covid-19 on family resource management is significantly (p<0.05) high. Therefore, to cope with the current changing times and the challenges posed by Covid-19, families should focus on acquiring skills such as digital and entrepreneurial skills, arranging their order of activities in order to meet family needs and reducing wastage of resources through proper management and recycling.
Antidepressant-like Effects of Polygonatum humile Fisch via Serotonergic System in Mouse Model: Involvement of the Serotonin Subunit 6 Receptor
Authors: Oh Dool-Ri , Kim Yujin , Oh Kyo-Nyeo , Kim Yonguk , Bae Donghyuck
Published: October 2021

Polygonatum humile Fisch is commonly called Sookjuk in Korea. The roots of P. humile are typically used in traditional medicine as an anti-rheumatic, demulcent, and sedative agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the P. humile extracts to treat depression. Mice were administered P. humile water extract (PH) and were subjected to the forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open-field test (OFT). The levels of brain monoamines including serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine, and dopamine were evaluated. In addition, the PH antidepressant-like effects were studied based on the regulation of 5-HT-mediated Ca2+ and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in human 1321N1 cells stably expressing the 5-HT subunit 6 receptor (5-HT6). In FST and TST, PH (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time without changing the locomotor activity in mice. In addition, PH enhanced the level of 5-HT in the mice brain. The results further indicated an inhibitory activity of PH on both   the 5-HT6 receptor expression level and the 5-HT6 receptor dependent downstream signal   pathway ERK1/2.These findings indicated antidepressant-like effects of PH  as evidenced by decreased immobility time in mice through a 5-HT6 receptor antagonistic mechanism.
Determination of Lignin Modifying Enzymes from Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus
Authors: Chuku S. B. , Nwachukwu E. O. , Agbagwa I. O. , Stanley H. O.
Published: October 2021

Fungi play vital roles as decomposers. White rot fungi are an eco-physiological group that degrades wood by the secretion of specialized extracellular enzymes including lignin-modifying enzymes. There is growing interest in the use of extracellular enzymes for bioremediation. This study determined the Lignin Modifying Enzymes (LMEs) associated with two species of mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus. The qualitative study was conducted using agar medium substituted with chromogenic substances to determine the production of LMEs by the species. The appearance of colour change and clearance due to reaction with chromogenic substrates were used to determine LMEs production by the fungi. The results showed that Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus tested positive by the appearance of light brown colouration, reddish-brown colouration and discolouration of media for overall polyphenol oxidase, Laccase and Peroxidase activity, respectively. The study showed that the species studied are candidates for large scale production of LMEs that can be utilized as an eco-friendly solution for bioremediation of contaminated sites.
Occurrence, Distribution and Identification of Viruses Infecting Some Cucurbits Across Major Cucurbit-Growing Areas in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Eyong O. I. , Ekpiken E. E. , Iso O. A.
Published: October 2021

Cucurbits are group of plants which belonged in the Cucurbitaceae family and constitute one of the most important vegetables for human consumption throughout the world. A survey conducted between January to March 2021 across major cucurbit-growing area in Cross River State revealed wide spread virus infection of these crops, surveyed plants showed mosaic, mottle and leaf deformation symptoms. This research was aimed at identifying viruses infecting some cucurbits in the study areas. Twenty four samples showing virus like symptoms were collected and tested against ACP-ELISA and RT-PCR. Result obtained from ACP-ELISA showed that 20 out of 24 samples collected tested positive to universal potyvirus antisera, the gene sequence analysis revealed that samples were predominantly infected with Algerian watermelon mosaic virus representing 40% of total viruses detected followed by Morroccan watermelon mosaic virus representing 15% of total viruses detected followed by Papaya ringspot virus, Zucchini tigre mosaic virus, Watermelon mosaic virus and Soybean mosaic virus representing 10% each for total viruses detected and finally Potato virus Y representing 5% of total virus detected. This survey is an accurate and timely detection and will form the basis for mitigating yield losses resulting from virus infection on cucurbits. This is the first report of wide scale detection of viruses infecting cucurbits in Nigeria.
Ions and Organic Solutes as Implicated in the Ameliorative Effect of Exogenous Application of Calcium on Salt Stressed Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Plants
Authors: Henry Eunice E. Y. , Sossa Elvire , Noumavo Agossou P. , Amadji Guillaume , Baba-Moussa Lamine , Gandonou Christophe B.
Published: October 2021

Aims: This study evaluated the role of sodium, potassium, proline and soluble sugars accumulation in the ameliorative effect of an exogenous application of calcium on the detrimental effect of salinity on tomato plants.

Study Design: The experiment was implemented as a Completely Randomized Design (RCD) with four treatments and three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was realized in a green house of the Faculty of Agronomical Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin Republic from June to July 2020. Methodology: Three weeks old plants of the tomato cultivar “Padma” was submitted in pots to four treatments comprising the control (without NaCl); salt stress (120 mM NaCl) and a combination of 120 mM NaCl and exogenous application of 40 mM CaSO4 or Ca (NO3)2 by irrigation every two days. Plants growth, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) as well as proline and soluble sugars contents of leaves and roots were determined after two weeks.

Results: Salt effect reduced significantly plant growth at P =.05, root K content at P =.05 and leaf K/Na ratio at P =.01 whereas it increased significantly leaf Na at P =.05 and root soluble sugars content at P =.05. The application of exogenous calcium (Ca) induced a significant amelioration of plant growth at P =.01 more marked with CaSO4 than with Ca (NO3)2. This treatment induced a significant decrease at P =.01 in leaf and root Na content and a significant increase at P =.05 in root K content only for CaSO4, a significant increase at P =.01 in leaf K/Na ratio and a significant increase at P =.01 in leaf and root proline content only for Ca(NO3)2.

Conclusion: The ameliorative effect of both forms of calcium was due mainly to sodium (Na) exclusion from leaves and potassium (K) accumulation associated to a maintain of high K/Na ratio mainly in leaves. The importance of proline accumulation as an indicator of this ameliorative effect was associated only to Ca(NO3)2.
The Flexural Behavior of Ferrocement Composite Hollow-Cored Sections
Authors: Shaheen Yousry B. I. , Etman Zeinab A. , Elrefy Aya M.
Published: October 2021

This study will study the influence of several types of metal and non-metal mesh reinforcement materials on the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete hollow-cored sections as a viable alternative to traditional reinforced concrete sections. Compared with the traditional reinforced concrete part, the weight of the test part is lighter. In order to strengthen these hollow-cored sections, three types of steel mesh, Welded wire mesh, expanded steel wire mesh and tenax mesh with various layers are used. An intensive experiment plan was carried out on the test samples. Ten slabs with dimensions of 500 mm*2000 mm*120 mm were cast and tested until they failed under flexural load. Record and observe the deformation characteristics and cracking behavior of each sample during the loading process. According to the results, high ultimate load and serviceability load, crack resistance control, high ductility and strong energy absorption characteristics have been obtained. This has the chance to be a true construction benefit to developed and poor countries. The use of double-layer of expanded steel mesh as the additional reinforcement of the main steel can achieve the best performance of the reinforced concrete hollow-cored section.
Behavior of Self Compacted Concrete Ferrocement Beams
Authors: M. Erfan Abeer , H. K. Elafandy Tamer , M. Mahran Mahmoud , Said Mohamed
Published: October 2021

Many researchers have been conducted on the ferrocement as a low cost construction material and a flexible structural system. This experimental investigation on the behavior of ferrocement beams after exposed to different type of ferrocement and different of ferrocement layer are presented in this paper. The experimental program consisted of seven simply supported beams tested up to failure under four-point load. The dimensions of 150mm×250mm×2000mm. Each beam was reinforced using steel 2 f 12 in top and 2 f10 in bottom and the stirrups was 10 f 10/m. In addition to six of them contains ferrocement different steel wire meshes and different of ferrocement layer. The test specimens are divided in three groups and the results of each one compared with the control specimen. The first group (A) which used the welded wire mesh. The second group (B) which used the expanded wire mesh. But the third group (C) which reinforced using woven wire mesh. The mid span deflection, cracks, reinforcement and concrete strains of the tested beams were recorded and compared. The performance of the test beams in terms of ultimate flexure load cracking behavior and energy absorption were investigated. The experimental results emphasized that high ultimate loads, better crack resistance control, high ductility, and good energy absorption properties could be achieved by using the proposed ferrocement beams. The cracks propagation decreased and its number and width decreased by using woven, expanded and welded wire mesh especially in specimens with two layers of wire mesh. Theoretical calculation was carried out to compare the oplained results with the theoretical ones, which show good agreement.
Maintenance Techniques for Cracks in Asphalt Layers
Authors: Eisa M. S. , Abdelhaleem F. S. , Khater V. A.
Published: October 2021

Treating cracks in asphalt pavements is a major stage of each maintenance work for engineers. The goal of any crack cure is to limit the water intrusion into underlying pavement structure layers. Such water infiltrates in to base layers of the pavement and may cause damage to the pavement structure. The previous studies focused on crack repairing materials and methods but not the bonding at the interface joint. In this study, the influence of the repairing materials and depth on the bonding at the interface joint using two repairing materials. Slabs were cast to simulate surface of road. Unlikely, slabs contain cracks in the middle of slab with different depths (35 mm, 50 mm, 70 mm). Consequently, these cracks were repaired with two methods; firstly, repairing them with RC+Sand and secondly, with Sika flex®-1a. The slabs were tested after being repaired to know the best method and depth. It has been concluded that slabs having cracks that have been repaired with RC+Sand increase failure load compared with empty cracks and cracks that have been repaired with Sika flex®-1a. Also, cracks with small depth that have been repaired with Sika flex®-1a increase failure load compared with empty cracks.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oils from Three Moroccan Species (Lavandula mairei Humbert, Lavandula dentata L. and, Lavandula stoechas L.)
Authors: Ghanimi Ridwane , Ouhammou Ahmed , Atki Yassine El , Cherkaoui Mohamed
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of the essential oils from three Moroccan species of the genus Lavandula (Lavandula dentata L., Lavandula mairei Humbert and, Lavandula stoechas L.). The antibacterial activities were evaluated by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the disc diffusion method, against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter koseri) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The antioxidant potential was evaluated using free radical Scavenging against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH), ferric reducing activity power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The antibacterial activity of the essential oils showed higher activity against tested nosocomial bacteria especially against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter koseri, and Staphylococcus aureus. The essential oil of Lavandula stoechas L. revealed the higher antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH (IC50 = 3,11 ± 0,13 mg/ml), FRAP (EC50 = 6,88 ± 0,8 mg/ml) and TAC (443,2 ± 38 mg AAE/g EO) assays. The essential oil of Moroccan Lavandula stoechas L. could have potential as antimicrobial compounds for the treatment of many infectious bacterial diseases, including multi-resistant bacterial strains of nosocomial origin.
Evaluating the Effect of Optical Coupler in a 1.5KVA PWM Inverter
Authors: Onyeka Anthony Ikenga , Joshua C. Ejeka , Oliver O. Anyanor
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 1.5KVA inverter system. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the effect of optocoupling technology on inverter system. The developed circuit compares the output load with the input voltage when 4N35 opto coupler is used and in the absence of it. Two different inverter systems were designed and the voltages at the output pins of Sg3524 were measured. It was observed that there seems to be fluctuation in the output voltage of the system without optocoupling and the voltage of the inverter keeps dropping till the system shuts down. The basic principle of the operation of the inverter is a simple conversion of 12V DC at a frequency of 50Hz to 230V AC. The result shows that optocoupling technique is essential part of an inverter system to achieve a good efficiency.
Successful Retrocecal Hernia Diagnosis and Treatment: A Case Report
Authors: Shida Masaaki , Tanaka Masayuki , Tanaka Toshiya , Kitajima Yoshihiko , Sato Seiji
Published: October 2021

Introduction

A retrocecal hernia is a rare type of internal hernia that occasionally causes small bowel obstruction and strangulation ileus. We report a case of retrocecal hernia that was preoperatively diagnosed using multidetector raw computed tomography and successfully treated by emergency surgery.

Case Presentation

A 97-year-old woman presented at another hospital with abdominal distension and nausea. She was diagnosed with ileus and was conservatively treated with long intestinal tube placement. However, the symptoms had not improved after 7 days in the hospital. The patient was then referred to our hospital, where a pericecal hernia was diagnosed using multidetector raw computed tomography. We performed emergency surgery and intraoperatively confirmed the presence of a retrocecal hernia. A 30-cm nonviable section of small intestine was resected, and the hernia orifice was closed routinely. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Conclusions

Patients with pericecal hernia usually require surgical treatment. Multidetector raw computed tomography is useful for precise diagnosis of this type of hernia. Precise diagnosis is necessary to select prompt operative intervention for internal hernia.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Preoperative Conventional MRI for Patients With Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Onuma Toshimichi , Tajima Kimihisa , Sato Kumiko , Hattori Katsushige , Fukuda Shin , Tsuji Takahiro , Yoshida Yoshio
Published: October 2021

Objective

To assess the utility of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of tubal pregnancy.

Summary of background data

Most cases of ectopic pregnancy are tubal pregnancies. Preoperative accurate diagnosis including the location of the tubal pregnancy is important.

Method

We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study evaluating patients who underwent surgery for ectopic pregnancy from April 2004 to March 2016 and who underwent preoperative MRI. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. Chorion confirmed at the tubal pregnancy site detected by MRI was defined as a correct diagnosis.

Results

Mean estimated gestational age at the time of MRI according to the last menstrual period was 7 weeks (median: 5 weeks; range: 3–10 weeks). Ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed by MRI in 57 cases, and all cases were either left or right tubal pregnancy. In 52 cases, the actual position matched the MRI findings. In 5 cases, the location of tubal ectopic pregnancy was different from that diagnosed by MRI, or no tubal pregnancy was observed intraoperatively. In 2 cases, no ectopic pregnancy site was observed on MRI, but tubal pregnancy was confirmed by surgery. In one case, an ectopic pregnancy site was not found, and the tube showed normal findings on MRI. The sensitivity of MRI diagnosis was 96.2%, specificity was 16.7%, positive predictive value was 91.1%, and negative predictive value was 33.3%.

Conclusion

In cases of ectopic pregnancy treated surgically, the sensitivity of MRI diagnosis, including identification of the location of ectopic pregnancy, is high.
The Relationship Between Waiting Time for Elective Cholecystectomy and Emergency Admission in KFMMC: Single Centre Experience
Authors: AL-Osail Emad M. , Bshait Mohammed Bu , Alyami Hassan , Zakarnah Eman , Alaklabi Mohammed A. , Taha M. Yassin
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis may undergo cholecystectomy, as an emergency or elective, in the outpatient clinic after discharge from the emergency department (ED). Increasing waiting times for elective cholecystectomy may lead to multiple ED visits for pain management or admission for emergency cholecystectomy. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between waiting time for elective cholecystectomy and emergency admission.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study was designed and conducted at a single institution. The medical records of 239 patients with gallstone diseases who underwent emergency or elective cholecystectomy between January 2013 to November 2017 were obtained from the clinic.

Result

Approximately 76% (182/239) of the study participants underwent elective cholecystectomy and ∼24% (57/239) visited the ED during their waiting period, of which 42% (24/57) proceeded with emergency cholecystectomy during the waiting time for elective cholecystectomy and the remaining 58% (33/57) were managed in the ED and eventually underwent elective cholecystectomy. A waiting period of 60 days or more increased the risk of emergency cholecystectomy 5.21 times compared to a waiting period of less than 60 days. A waiting period of 31 to 180 days and above increased the chances of emergency cholecystectomy 4.13 (risk ratio) times and 25.5 (risk ratio) times, respectively, compared to a waiting period of 30 days or less.

Conclusion

Waiting time for elective cholecystectomy should be less than 30 days to reduce the risk of emergency cholecystectomy and multiple ED visits.
A Study of Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh Repair Using Barbed Sutures for Abdominal Incisional Hernia
Authors: Takashima Junpei , Taniguchi Keizo , Yasui Toshiaki , Yamane Masahiro , Hattori Yutaka , Ito Ayaka , Hikawa Takumi , Shigehara Fumi , Kawamura Sachiyo , Yamazaki Kenji , Miura Fumihiko , Kobayashi Hirotoshi
Published: October 2021

Objective

We investigated the validity of our intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) Plus technique with barbed sutures.

Background

Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair has become a proven method for treating abdominal incisional hernias in recent years. There have been a few reports on the utility of IPOM Plus, which is IPOM + celiorrhaphy, although this method has not been widely discussed. We adopted the IPOM Plus technique with barbed sutures at our hospital and investigated the validity of this technique.

Methods

We included 7 patients who underwent IPOM Plus repair from 2015 to 2017 at our hospital. We excluded patients with a hernia hilum <2 cm or ≥10 cm, age < 20 years old, PS3 or more, and uncontrolled comorbidity. The hernial orifice was closed laparoscopically using barbed sutures and subsequently secured by tacking on an onlay mesh.

Results

The median hernial orifice size of the 7 patients was 45 mm (25 to 55 mm). Hernia onset occurred after laparotomy in all cases. In one case, an abdominal incisional hernia recurred after IPOM used to treat the condition 15 years earlier. The mean duration of surgery was 80.5 minutes (53 to 126 minutes), and the median pain scale score was 3 points (0 to 3 points), indicating little pain. None of the patients reported persistent postoperative pain. The mean duration of the postoperative hospital stay was a median of 3.5 days (2 to 5 days). Both short- and long-term outcomes indicated that no recurrence or complications, such as bulging or seroma, occurred.

Conclusions

IPOM Plus with intracavitary abdominal suturing using barbed suture for abdominal scar hernia repair may be a valid surgical procedure.
Strategy to Avoid Anastomotic Leakage in Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection Using the Indocyanine Green Fluorescence System
Authors: Higashijima Jun , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Eto Shohei , Kashihara Hideya , Takasu Chie , Nishi Masaaki , Tokunaga Takuya , Yoshikawa Kozo , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Anastomotic leakage (AL) in colorectal resections is often caused by insufficient blood flow to the stump. Injecting indocyanine green can help detect blood flow intraoperatively. In this study, we evaluated our original strategy using an indocyanine green fluorescence system to avoid AL.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 79 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection for colon cancer using a double-stapling technique. Blood flow in oral stumps was evaluated by measuring indocyanine green fluorescence time (FT). We investigated AL cases in detail and analyzed correlations between FT and risk factors for AL.

Results

Of the 79 patients, 7 (8.9%) developed AL. We divided patients by FTs: >60 seconds, 50 to 60 seconds, and <50 seconds. The AL rates were FT >60 seconds, 60%; FT 50 to 60 seconds, 10.3%; and FT <50 seconds, 2.2%. The AL rate of high-risk cases (with more than 2 risk factors) were calculated and we made our original strategy to avoid AL as the following. Further resection or diverting stomas were needed by the FT >60 seconds group, and by members of the FT 50 to 60 seconds group with ≥3 risk factors. The FT <60 seconds group needed no additional management.

Conclusions

Patients with delayed FT (>60 seconds, or 50–60 seconds with ≥3 risk factors) may need revision of the anastomosis (diverting stoma or additional resection) to avoid AL. Our original strategy may contribute to reduce AL in colorectal operations.
Does Intracorporeal Anastomosis Decrease the Rate of Surgical Site Infection in Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Surgery?
Authors: Ju Yeon Wook , Ji Woong Bae , Kim Jung Sik , Hong Kwang Dae , Um Jun Won
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study aimed to compare the surgical site infection (SSI) rates between intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) and extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA).

Summary of background data

Laparoscopic surgery is recommended for colonic malignancies because of its superior clinical outcomes and comparable oncologic results. Laparoscopic colectomy with ICA has the advantages of incision length and free extraction site choice. However, ICA may be associated with a risk of SSI due to enterotomy inside the abdominal cavity.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with colon cancer who underwent radical surgery at Korea University Ansan Hospital between January 2017 and June 2020. We compared the SSI rates and other clinical variables between the ICA and ECA groups.

Results

Of the 502 patients who underwent radical surgery for colorectal cancer during the study period, 234 were eligible for inclusion. ECA and ICA were performed in 62.4% and 37.6% of patients, respectively. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in clinicopathologic variables. The overall SSI rate did not differ between the groups (P = 0.801), but organ/space SSIs were more common in the ICA group than in the ECA group (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in overall SSI or anastomotic leakage (AL) rates between the ICA and ECA groups, but the organ/space SSI rate was higher in the ICA group when AL cases were excluded. Further high-quality studies are needed to assess the risk of organ/space SSIs in the ICA after colon cancer surgery.
MÍSTICA E PSICANÁLISE: UMA INTRODUÇÃO, DE FREUD A LACAN
Authors: Albuquerque Bruno
Published: October 2021

ARAÚJO, Ricardo. Experiência mística e psicanálise. São Paulo: Loyola, 2015.