Spontaneous Abortions in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Research and Analysis of Factors Associated at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala

Introduction: Spontaneous abortion of the second trimester is an interruption of pregnancy with complete expulsion or not of the product of conception between 15 and 28 weeks of pregnancy without any maneuvers. The objective of our study was to determine the factors associated with second trimester spontaneous abortions at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. Methodology for this purpose: We conducted a case-control study from January to May 2019 on pregnant women who may or may not have had spontaneous second trimester abortions. Results: In total we recorded 1609 pregnancies and recruited 184 patients, including 46 cases and 138 controls;which gave a frequency of spontaneous abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy of 2.85%. A correlative analysis showed that spontaneous abortions in the second trimester were associated with housewife status (OR = 2.89;CI = 1.21 - 6.79;p = 0.010), gestation > 5 (OR = 4.09;CI = 1.02 - 17.66;p = 0.040), multiparity (OR = 3.81;CI = 1.59 - 9.16;p = 0.002), history of endouterine maneuvers (OR = 5.64;CI = 2.43 - 13 .03;p = 0.000), malaria in pregnancy (OR = 3.99;CI = 1.1 - 14.76;p = 0.030), incompleteness on the second trimester ultrasound (OR = 2.37;CI = 1.18 - 4.70;p = 0.010), jolts when traveling (OR = 46.04;CI = 17.29 - 123.66;p = 0.000), long car journeys (OR = 7.05;CI = 1.99 - 27.77;p = 0.000). After logistic regression eliminating the confounding factors, only the following were associated with abortions: Multiparity (OR = 13.90;CI = 2.96 - 65.18;p = 0.000), endo uterine maneuvers (OR = 3.69;CI = 1. 01 - 13.44;p = 0.047), jolts when traveling (OR = 72.63;CI = 19.47 - 270.96;p = 0.000), long car journeys (OR = 15.41;CI = 2.7 - 85, 95;p = 0.000). Conclusion: Our study reveals that a set of factors contribute to the occurrence of spontaneous abortions in the second trimester of pregnancy in our context.

Validity of Different Methods to Prenatal Screening for Down’s Syndrom During First and Second Trimester Pregnancy of Chinese Women

Objective To identify and determine the optimal method to screening for fetal Down＇s syndrome （DS）. Methods Three large cohorts with 17 118, 39 903, 16 646 subjects were enrolled for the first trimester double marker （pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and free [B-human chorionic gonadotropin） screening （FTDMS）, second trimester double marker （c{-fetoprotein and free B-human chorionic gonadotropin） screening （STDMS）, and second trimester triple marker （a-fetoprotein, free 13-human chorionic gonadotropin and unconjugated estriol 3） screening （STTMS）, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate （FPR）, false negative rate （FNR） and the areas under ROC curves （AUCs） were estimated in order to determine the optimal screening method in women under or above 35 years old. Results For women under 35 years old, STTMS was the best method with a detection rate of 68.8% and FPR of 4.3% followed by the STDMS with a detection rate （sensitivity） of 66.7% and FPR of 4.9%. The FTDMS had a lower detection rate of 61.1% and FPR of 6.3%. For women above 35 years old, the detection rate of all the methods was similar, but STTMS method had a lowest FPR of 15.9%. For women under 35 years old AUCs were 0.77 （95% CI, 0.64 to 0.91）, 0.81 （95% CI, 0.71 to 0.91）, and 0.82 （95% CI, 0.69 to 0.96） for FTDMS, STDMS, and STTMS methods, respectively; for those above 35 years old, AUCs were 0.70 （95% CI, 0.56 to 0.83）, 0.70 （95% CI, 0.59 to 0.82）, 0.78 （95% Cl, 0.58 to 0.97） for FTDMS, STDMS and SITMS, respectively. Conclusion Findings from our study revealed that STDMS is optimal for the detection of fetal DS in pregnant women aged under 35. For individual women, if economic condition permits, STFMS is the best choice, while for women aged above 35, STTMS is the best choice in this regard.

Assessment of fetus during second trimester ultrasonography using HDlive software:What is its real application in the obstetrics clinical practice?

AIM To show imaging results from application of fourdimensional(4D) ultrasound lightening technique(HDlive^(TM)) in clinical obstetrics practice. METHODS Normal and abnormal fetuses at second and third trimester of pregnancy undergoing routine scan with 4D HDlive^(TM)(5DUS) in the rendering mode are described. Realistic features of fetal structures were provided by 5DUS in the rendering mode. Normal anatomy as well as pathology like cleft lip, hypoplastic face, micrognathia, low-set ears, corpus callosum, arthrogryposis, aortic arch, left congenital diaphragmatic hernia are highlighted in this study. Anatomical details of the fetuses were provided by 5DUS with higher quality imaging modality compared to those obtained using conventional 2D/3D ultrasound. RESULTS Realistic views of fetal anatomy details were displayed by means of 5DUS in the rendering mode, with high image quality obtained either in low-risk or in high-risk obstetrics population. Corpus callosum, esophagus, and aortic arch were obtained in normal fetuses. Cleft lip, cleft lip and palate, micrognathia, hypoplastic face, lowset ears, arthrogryposis, left congenital diaphragmatic hernia, exomphalos, and clitoris hypertrophy were clearly rendered by 5DUS application.CONCLUSION The use of 5DUS in the rendering mode, when clinical available, was diagnostic in a variety of congenital anomalies, aided understanding of the parents-tobe and improved prenatal counseling and perinatal management.

Plasma motilin concentration in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum

Plasma motilin concentrations were measured in 135 women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and 3～5 d after delivery and the results were compared with those of 20 healthy nonpregnant women.The mean plasma motilin concentration (323.96± 125.10 ng/L) in women during the second trimester of pregnancy was lower than in healthy nonpregnant women (366.12±96.23 ng/L) (P<0.05),but that was significantly higher than in women during the third trimester of pregnancy (121.04±27.00 ng/L) (P<0.01);the plasma motilin concentration in women during 3～5d after delivery (443.05±140.79 ng/L) was significantly higher than that in pregnant women (P<0.01).The results showed that pregnancy appears to have a profound inhibitory effect on plasma motilin,and this may partly be responsible for the gastrointestinal hypomotility associated with pregnancy.

Value of α-fetoprotein,β-HCG, inhibin A, and UE3 at second trimester for earlyscreening of preeclampsia

Objective: To study the value ofα-fetoprotein (α-FP),β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), inhibin A, and uncojugated estriol (UE3) at the second trimester for early screening of preeclampsia. Methods: This cohort study was performed on 1713 consecutive pregnant women with gestational age from 15 to 18 weeks. We measured the serum levels ofα-FP, β-HCG, inhibin A, and UE3 and they were followed-up for 48 h after delivery. Results: A total of 1713 women were recruited and through the study 151 women (8.8%) were diagnosed with preeclampsia (n=123, 21.5% in the pregnant women with high risk, n=28, 2.5% in the pregnant women with low risk;P<0.0001). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated to be 2.39 MOM forα-FP, 2.84 MOM forβ-HCG, 1.92 MOM for inhibin A, and 0.77 MOM for UE3. The best cutoff value was specifically considered for each marker that was determined a positive predictive value ranged 19.60% forα-FP, 17.62% for β-HCG, 18.33% for inhibin A and 14.88% for UE3, a negative predictive value ranged 95.63% for α-FP, 93.89% for β-HCG, 94.28% for inhibin A and 93.57% for UE3, and an area under receiver operating characteristic curve ranged 0.70 forα-FP, 0.63 forβ-HCG, 0.65 for inhibin A and 0.61 for UE3. Conclusions: This study reveals that the new cutoff values are more valuable in screening preeclampsia. Although these markers have a low positive predictive value, they present a high negative predictive value. Also, the combination ofα-FP,β-HCG and inhibin A and the combination ofα-FP and inhibin A have the highest value in screening preeclampsia.

The AL-SENSE Test is Reliable for Detection of Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid

Objective: To validate the reliability and stability of the AL-SENSE panty-liner for detection of amniotic fluid in the second trimester. Study design: Amniotic fluid drawn during amniocentesis between 16 to 23 weeks of gestation was used for the study.100 μl and 400 μl of amniotic fluid, were dripped onto two panty liners, respectively. After 5 minutes the indicator strip was removed from the AL-SENSE, dried and examined. The color was recorded at time 0 and 5 minutes, and then every 10 minutes for the first 30 minutes, then at 1, 2, 6 and 12 hours. Results: 50 women were enrolled and 49 completed the study. 100% of both volume samples changed color from yellow to blue during the first 5 minutes and remained stable after twelve hours of follow-up. In the 100 μl subgroup, seven of the 49 samples (14.3%) had a delayed color change and in the 400 μl subgroup one of 49 (2.04%) had a delay in change of color. Conclusion: Amniotic fluid drawn during amniocentesis at weeks 16 - 23 of gestation have a positive, stable staining effect on the AL-SENSE panty liner. Hence, AL-SENSE may be reliable for detection of amniotic fluid leakage during the second trimester.

Placenta Percreta Causing Rupture of Uterus in Second Trimester of Pregnancy in Non Scarred Uterus with an Unusual Presentation: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Placenta percreta causing second trimester, spontaneous uterine rupture in non high risk women is less frequent and fewer cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of uterine rupture in second trimester of pregnancy due to placenta percreta with non specific symptoms in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy without any high risk factors. This case report describes the case of young woman presenting second gravid with 21 weeks pregnancy with complaints of whole abdomen pain and dysuria. Ultrasonography shows single intrauterine dead fetus;placenta was fundoposterior in upper segment, a hypoechoic area seen below the placenta suggestive of abruption placentae or placenta accreta. Suddenly patient deteriorated in two hours of hospital stay, frank hemoperitoneum detected, emergency laparotomy done, per operatively whole fundal area of uterus became papery thin and cystic on touch, a small rent seen on fundal surface of uterus. The placenta was densely adhered to the fundoposterior aspect of the uterus. Patient had emergency subtotal hysterectomy. This case highlights that placenta percreta is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy which may present in early pregnancy without any associated high risk factors for placenta percreta with unusual symptoms.

Quality Control of Second Trimester Ultrasound Examinations in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo (UTH-YO) of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Objective: To evaluate the quality of second trimester ultrasound examinations in patients consulting in the gynecology and obstetrics department at the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo (UTH-YO) of Ouagadougou. Method: Our study took place from January 1st to March 31st 2017, in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou. This was a descriptive study on the records of the second trimester ultrasound of pregnancy, with analysis of the iconography. We used the criteria of the Technical Committee of Fetal Echography (TCFE) of France to analyse all the ultrasound reports brought by the patients. Results: Three hundred ultrasound reports were collected over three months. It revealed that, in terms of patient identification, 100% of the reports bore the surname and first name of the pregnant woman;88% and 94.67% of the ultrasound scans bore the surname and first name of the ultrasound specialist respectively. Only 2% presented the brand and type of ultrasound scanner. The study of the quality of the appointment showed that 52% of the ultrasounds had been performed at the right time, between 20 Gestational Age (GA) and 25 GA. For the quality of the iconography, referring to the recommendations of the Technical Committee of Fetal Echography (TCFE) of France and taking into account the data confirmed by the literature, we found that the quality was slightly acceptable either respectively for biometric and morphological sections. Conclusion: The quality of the ultrasound reports of the second trimester ultrasounds in patients consulting in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the University Hospital Yalgado OUEDRAOGO was not totally satisfactory.

Iron versus Iron and Vitamin B6 Supplementation in Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia during Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Quasi Experimental Trial

Background: Anemia is one of the most prevalent complications during pregnancy. It is commonly considered a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes and can result in complications that threaten the life of both mother and fetus, such as preterm birth, and low birth weight. There is clear evidence to support prompt treatment in all patients with iron deficiency anemia because it is known that treatment improves quality of life and physical condition as well as alleviates fatigue and cognitive deficits. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of addition of vitamin B6 to iron in treatment of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women during the second trimester. Patients and Methods: The study was done by giving anemia pregnant women iron therapy and vitamin B6 which represent group A and iron therapy alone which represents group B. For each pregnant woman, age, parity and gestational history were taken before treatment. All pregnant women took their allocated treatment regularly for three weeks after diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia with complete blood picture and followed up after three weeks. Results: Results of the study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of therapy according to the hemoglobin level before treatment (p-value = 0.734), statistically significant higher mean value in after treatment than before treatment (p-value = 0.048), there was a significant difference in the rate of change of hemoglobin (p-value = 0.011) and body mass index (p-value 0.001). Conclusion: Iron and vitamin B6 seems to increase hemoglobin level more than iron only. Thus, in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia iron plus vitamin B6 may be considered as a more effective alternative treatment than iron only.

Methods of Abortion in First and Second Trimester

Background: Medical and surgical methods are available for abortions in both the first and second trimester. Aim: To review the evidence base and current recommendations for available methods of abortions in first and second trimesters. Methods: Extensive literature search and review of available guidelines?were?done. Results: In the first trimester, medical methods are recommended below 7 weeks gestation while vacuum aspiration is an appropriate method between 7 to 12 weeks gestation. In the second trimester, the three methods of abortion available are dilatation and evacuation, intrauterine instillation of abortifacients and administration of systemic abortifacients. Conclusion: The choice of techniques depends on many factors including uterine volume, operator experience, patient preference, medical history and indication for abortion.

Comparative Study of Sublingual and Vaginal Misoprostol in Second Trimester Induced Abortion

Background: To identify an effective misoprostol-only regime for the termination of second trimester pregnancy. Objectives: To compare the efficacy, safety and acceptability of sublingual and vaginal misoprostol for second trimester pregnancy termination. Methods: In a prospective randomized comparative study, over 138 pregnant women at 13 - 20 weeks (91 - 140 days) of gestation requiring medical abortion were randomly assigned to the sublingual or vaginal route for misoprostol administration with dose schedule of 400 mcg every 3 hours up to 5 doses within 24 hours. The course of misoprostol was repeated if the woman did not abort within 24 hours. Primary outcome was the efficacy of the treatment to terminate pregnancy completely at 24 and 48 hours. Secondary outcomes measured were induction-abortion interval, side effects, failure rate, and women’s perception to these treatments. Results: At 24 h, the complete abortion rate was?87.88% in the vaginal administration group and 79.41% in sublingual group (difference 8.5%, 95%?CI: 3.8 to 13.2). No significant difference in the complete abortion rates was observed at 48 h(90.91% versus 88.24% difference: 2.7%, 95% CI: ?0.04 to 5.4) when vaginal and sublingual?groups were compared. Mean induction-abortion interval in sublingual and vaginal groups was 12.28 h (95% CI of mean 11.019 - 13.541 h) and 13.11 h (95% CI of mean 12.0301 - 14.1899 h) respectively;p = 0.485. The rates of side effects were similar in both groups except for fever, which was more common in vaginal group. Significantly more women in the sublingual group preferred the route as compared to vaginal administration (RR 1.618. 95% CI: 1.277 - 2.050;p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Both sublingual and vaginal routes of misoprostol are equally effective in medical termination of pregnancy in second trimester but sublingual route was preferred by the women.

A perspective study and financial analysis of different protocols of second trimester maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome

Objective:To compare the efficiency and related financial parameters of the double- and triple-marker test for the second-trimester maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome. Methods:The serum samples were collected from the 2^(nd) trimester pregnant women in this hospital and were examined for three biomedical markers[alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),freeβ-human chorionic gonadotropin(freeβ-hCG) and unconjugated estriol(uE_3)]by TR-FIA.The pregnancy outcomes were followed up and screening efficiency calculated for double-marker(AFP+freeβ-hCG) and triple-marker(AFP+ freeβ-hCG+uE_3) test. Results:(1)A total of 4,707 serum samples of 2^(nd) trimester pregnancy were collected in this study,of which 4,245 pregnancy outcomes got followed up by May 30,2009,with 462 cases lost to follow-up.The follow-up rate was 90.2%.3 cases of Down's syndrome,4 cases of other chromosome abnormalities and 1 case of neural tube defect (NTD) were found.There was no medically induced miscarriage by invasive tests.(2) Detection rate and false positive rate of triple marker test for Down's syndrome screening were 66.7%and 5.26%,respectively,while those in double marker test were 33.3%and 4.01%,respectively.The detection rate of all chromosome abnormalities was 75%in triple marker test and 37.5%in double marker test.The detection rate of NTD was 100%either in double or triple marker test.(3) It costs 499,375 RMB to avoid one Down's syndrome birth by using triple marker test and 781,200 RMB by using double marker test. Conclusion:Triple-marker test is superior to double marker test in 2nd trimester maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome,and costs less to avoid a Down's syndrome birth.

基于Tv-SECOND的自动驾驶场景下的3D目标检测

针对自动驾驶场景中复杂环境下的3D目标检测任务,特别是远距离和遮挡条件下,为提高模型的检测准确率,在SECOND的基础上提出了Tv-SECOND两阶段算法。该算法提出一种基于Transformer架构的提案框特征提取模块,并在传统体素特征编码基础上提出可变形的体素特征编码模块。在KITTI数据集上进行测试,结果显示,所提出的算法相比SECOND在远距离和遮挡严重的情况下分别提高了7.49%、9.72%。同时与其他先进的两阶段方法相比,检测精度有不同程度的提升,证明了Tv-SECOND算法的有效性。新算法能够建立特征之间的依赖关系,聚合周边广域的上下文信息,增强模型的学习推理能力,有效提升了模型在远距离和遮挡的情况下的检测性能。

Predictive Value of the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) to Predict the Development of Preeclampsia and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension at 1st Trimester

Introduction: Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy affects 4 to 6 percent of all pregnancies and carries risks for the both baby and the mother. Only a few groups of women who are at high-risk pregnancies are received prophylaxis Aspirin, more than 15 percent of women develop pre-eclampsia with a single minor risk factor. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the 1st trimester NLR value of normotensive, pregnancy induced hypertensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant women. The study was conducted with a sample of 416, antenatal patients who were admitted to ward 25, at Colombo North Teaching Hospital Ragama. Data was collected as separated three groups. NLR value was calculated separately and ANOVA test was used to analyze the 3 categorical data. Post HOC test was done to assess the multiple comparison. Results: The prevalence rates of pregnancy induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia among the pregnant women were 8.6% and 5.7%. The mean NLR values of normotensive group was 2.708, pregnancy induced hypertensive group was 2.650 and pre eclamptic group was 3.789. There was a significant difference in NLR value between pre eclamptic group and other two groups with P value of Conclusion: The 1st trimester NLR value of pre eclamptic patients significantly increased compared to normotensive women.

Understanding the catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of second-promoter doped Pt/WO_(χ)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3) catalysts in the glycerol hydrogenolysis for selective and cleaner production of 1,3-propanediol

The selective aqueous-phase glycerol hydrogenolysis is a promising reaction to produce commercially useful 1,3-propanediol(1,3-PDO).The Pt-WOx bifunctional catalyst can catalyse the glycerol hydrogenol-ysis but the catalyst deactivation via sintering,metal leaching,and coking can predominantly occur in the aqueous phase reaction.In this work,the effect of reaction temperature,pressure and second promoter(Cu,Fe,Rh,Mn,Re,Ru,Ir,Sn,B,and P)on catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of Pt/WOx/-Al2O3 was investigated.When doped with Rh,Mn,Re,Ru,Ir,B,and P,the second promoter boosts catalytic activity by promoting great dispersion of Pt on support and increasing Pt surface area.The increased Bronsted acid sites lead to selective synthesis of 1,3-PDO than 1,2-propanediol(1,2-PDO).The characterization studies of fresh and spent catalysts reveal that the main cause of catalyst deactivation is the Pt sintering,as interpreted based on XRD,CO chemisorption,and TEM analyses.The Pt sintering is affected depending on the second promoter that can either or reduce the interaction between Pt,WO_(χ)/γ and Al_(2)O_(3).As an electron acceptor of Pt in Pt/WO_(χ)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3),Re and Mn as second promoters resulted in increased Pt^(2+) on the catalytic surface,which strengthens the contact between Pt andγ-Al_(2)O_(3) and WO_(χ),resulting in a decrease in Pt sintering.The metal leaching and coking are not affected by the presence of second promoter.The catalyst modified with a second promoter possesses improved catalytic activity and 1,3-PDO production,however the stability continues to remain a challenge.The present work unrav-elled the determining parameters of catalytic activity and deactivation,thus providing a promising pro-tocol toward effective catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis.

Acquired methemoglobinemia in a third trimester puerpera and her premature infant with sodium nitrite poisoning:A case report

BACKGROUND The common cause of sodium nitrite poisoning has shifted from previous accidental intoxication by exposure or ingestion of contaminated water and food to recent alarming intentional intoxication as an employed method of suicide/exit.The subsequent formation of methemoglobin(MetHb)restricts oxygen transport and utilization in the body,resulting in functional hypoxia at the tissue level.In clinical practice,a mismatch of cyanotic appearance and oxygen partial pressure usually contributes to the identification of methemoglobinemia.Prompt recognition of characteristic mismatch and accurate diagnosis of sodium nitrite poisoning are prerequisites for the implementation of standardized systemic interventions.CASE SUMMARY A pregnant woman was admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University due to consciousness disorders and drowsiness 2 h before admission.Subsequently,she developed vomiting and cyanotic skin.The woman underwent orotracheal intubation,invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV),and correction of internal environment disturbance in the ICU.Her premature infant was born with a higher-than-normal MetHb level of 3.3%,and received detoxification with methylene blue and vitamin C,supplemental vitamin K1,an infusion of fresh frozen plasma,as well as respiratory support via orotracheal intubation and IMV.On day 3 after admission,the puerpera regained consciousness,evacuated the IMV,and resumed enteral nutrition.She was then transferred to the maternity ward 24 h later.On day 7 after admission,the woman recovered and was discharged without any sequelae.CONCLUSION MetHb can cross through the placental barrier.Level of MetHb both reflects severity of the sodium nitrite poisoning and serves as feedback on therapeutic effectiveness.

Effect of Six Bacterial Strains on the Activity of Second Instar Larvae and Egg Hatching of Meloidogyne incognita

[Objectives]The paper was to screen effective biocontrol strains against Meloidogyne incognita.[Methods]The effect of six bacterial strains sourced from the research group s strain library on the activity of second instar larvae of M.incognita,as well as on egg hatching,was evaluated.[Results]The treatment of fermentation supernatant derived from the X-2 strain exhibited a pronounced lethal effect on M.incognita,with a corrected mortality rate reaching 97%within 72 h.Additionally,this treatment significantly inhibited egg hatching,achieving an inhibition rate of 94.69%at a 20-fold dilution.The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis,belonging to the genus Bacillus,and was designated as RKN1111.[Conclusions]This study presents alternative strains and a theoretical framework for the biological control of M.incognita.

Researching Creativity in Second Language Acquisition:Book Review

In the realm of psychology and language acquisition,the exploration of“individual differences”-encompassing attributes such as personality traits,motivation,and language aptitude-has long been a focal point of scholarly investigation.Within this sphere,the book“Researching Creativity in Second Language Acquisition”by Ashleigh Pipes offers a fresh perspective on the role of creativity as a significant individual difference in Second Language Acquisition(SLA).Positioned against the backdrop of extensive empirical research on individual differences,this book stands out by focusing on the often overlooked aspect of creativity,which Pipes argues,holds paramount importance in SLA.

Solution of the Matrix Second Semi-Tensor Product Equation A ∘ l X ∘ l B=C

In this paper, the solution of the matrix second semi-tensor product equation A∘lX∘lB=Cis studied. Firstly, the solvability of the matrix-vector second semi-tensor product equation is investigated. At the same time, the compatibility conditions, the sufficient and necessary conditions and the specific solution methods for the matrix solution are given. Secondly, we further consider the solvability of the second semi-tensor product equation of the matrix. For each part, several examples are given to illustrate the validity of the results.

Review and Analysis: Evaluation of the Impacts and Consequences of Using Agricultural Herbicides as Military Chemical Weapons in Second Indochina War

The legacy of the human misery caused by the application of the herbicides including Agent Purple and Agent Orange contaminated with unknown amounts of dioxin TCDD and Agent Blue, the arsenic-based herbicide, sprayed over the jungles, rice fields, and hamlets of Vietnam is still haunting us today. Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? Was it necessary United States military strategy? Was it an intentional decision to inflict this blight on the enemy soldiers and the Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian civilians, to poison their land and cause generations of harm? Alternatively, was it an unpreventable accident in the march of military history? What patterns in the U.S. government’s thought process could be identified as the cause, which led to the decision to use these herbicides as tactical chemical weapons? If the introduction of herbicide (chemical) weapons had not been made, would the outcome of the Vietnam War and the Secret Wars in Laos and Cambodia have been any different? The objective of this treatise is to outline the role of world events and backgrounds and the role of the leaders, U.S. military, CIA, USDA, U.S. State Department, the U.S. President appointed Ambassadors to Vietnam and Laos, chemical companies, and President Diệm’s Republic of Vietnam (RVN) government and military. Their collective advice led to the decision to use herbicides as military and environmental chemical weapons in the Second Indochina War. Were the National interests achieved by U.S. military strategy in the RVN using herbicide weapons worth the long-term environmental and human health consequences in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos? Did it impact the outcome of the Second Indochina War?