bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Life Risk Factors for Incident Atrial Fibrillation in the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Johnson Linda S. B. , Salonen Minna , Kajantie Eero , Conen David , Healey Jeff S. , Osmond Clive , Eriksson Johan G.
Published: June 2017

Background

Early life risk factors are associated with cardiometabolic disease, but have not been fully studied in atrial fibrillation (
AF
). There are discordant results from existing studies of birth weight and
AF
, and the impact of maternal body size, gestational age, placental size, and birth length is unknown.

Methods and Results

The Helsinki Birth Cohort Study includes 13 345 people born as singletons in Helsinki in the years 1934–1944. Follow‐up was through national registries, and ended on December 31, 2013, with 907 incident cases. Cox regression analyses stratified on year of birth were constructed for perinatal variables and incident
AF
, adjusting for offspring sex, gestational age, and socioeconomic status at birth. There was a significant U‐shaped association between birth weight and
AF
(
P
for quadratic term=0.01). The lowest risk of
AF
was found among those with a birth weight of 3.4 kg (3.8 kg for women [85th percentile] and 3.0 kg for men [17th percentile]). High maternal body mass index (≥30 kg/m
2
) predicted offspring
AF
; hazard ratio 1.36 (95%
CI
1.07–1.74,
P
=0.01) compared with normal body mass index (<25 kg/m
2
). Maternal height was associated with early‐onset
AF
(<65.3 years), hazard ratio 1.47 (95%
CI
1.24–1.74,
P
<0.0001), but not with later onset
AF
. Results were independent of incident coronary artery disease, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

High maternal body mass index during pregnancy and maternal height are previously undescribed predictors of offspring
AF
. Efforts to prevent maternal obesity might reduce later
AF
in offspring. Birth weight has a U‐shaped relation to incident
AF
independent of other perinatal variables.
“The animals are all I have”
Authors: Tiplady C.M. , Walsh D.B. , Phillips C.J.C.
Published: June 2017

This article describes a study of thirteen women who had lived with companion animals during a domestic violence relationship. The women were interviewed in order to investigate how animals were affected by the violence, as well as how veterinarians were involved. Most women reported that companion animals had been abused or neglected by their partners, and they had delayed leaving due to concerns for animals left in the home. Affected animals most commonly demonstrated protection of the woman, and avoidance or aggression towards the partner. Only one woman confided to a veterinarian that she and her animals were living with domestic violence, and in four cases women’s partners had prevented them from accessing veterinary care. It is recommended that veterinarians are educated on issues regarding animal guardianship during domestic violence to enhance their ability to provide knowledgeable and compassionate support when confronted with these cases in practice.
Unlocking Morality from Criminal Law
Authors: Brooks Thom
Published: June 2017

This review article critically examines R. A. Duff and Stuart P. Green’s wide-ranging Philosophical Foundations of Criminal Law. The book captures well a crucial debate at the heart of its topic: is morality a key for understanding criminal law? I first consider legal moralism arguments answering this question in the affirmative and argue they should be rejected. I next consider alternatives to argue that philosophers of criminal law should look beyond legal moralism for more compelling theories about criminal law.
Dynamics of Cloud-Top Generating Cells in Winter Cyclones. Part III: Shear and Convective Organization
Authors: Keeler Jason M. , Rauber Robert M. , Jewett Brian F. , McFarquhar Greg M. , Rasmussen Roy M. , Xue Lulin , Liu Changhai , Thompson Gregory
Published: June 2017

Cloud-top generating cells (GCs) are a common feature atop stratiform clouds within the comma head of winter cyclones. The dynamics of cloud-top GCs are investigated using very high-resolution idealized WRF Model simulations to examine the role of shear in modulating the structure and intensity of GCs. Simulations were run for the same combinations of radiative forcing and instability as in Part II of this series, but with six different shear profiles ranging from 0 to 10 m s−1 km−1 within the layer encompassing the GCs.

The primary role of shear was to modulate the organization of GCs, which organized as closed convective cells in simulations with radiative forcing and no shear. In simulations with shear and radiative forcing, GCs organized in linear streets parallel to the wind. No GCs developed in the initially stable simulations with no radiative forcing. In the initially unstable and neutral simulations with no radiative forcing or shear, GCs were exceptionally weak, with no clear organization. In moderate-shear (Δu/Δz = 2, 4 m s−1 km−1) simulations with no radiative forcing, linear organization of the weak cells was apparent, but this organization was less coherent in simulations with high shear (Δu/Δz = 6, 8, 10 m s−1 km−1). The intensity of the updrafts was primarily related to the mode of radiative forcing but was modulated by shear. The more intense GCs in nighttime simulations were either associated with no shear (closed convective cells) or strong shear (linear streets). Updrafts within GCs under conditions with radiative forcing were typically ~1–2 m s−1 with maximum values < 4 m s−1.
Detecting Abnormal Word Utterances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Nakai Yasushi , Takiguchi Tetsuya , Matsui Gakuyo , Yamaoka Noriko , Takada Satoshi
Published: June 2017

Abnormal prosody is often evident in the voice intonations of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. We compared a machine-learning-based voice analysis with human hearing judgments made by 10 speech therapists for classifying children with autism spectrum disorders ( n = 30) and typical development ( n = 51). Using stimuli limited to single-word utterances, machine-learning-based voice analysis was superior to speech therapist judgments. There was a significantly higher true-positive than false-negative rate for machine-learning-based voice analysis but not for speech therapists. Results are discussed in terms of some artificiality of clinician judgments based on single-word utterances, and the objectivity machine-learning-based voice analysis adds to judging abnormal prosody.
Consideration of the fringe effects of capacitors in micro accelerometer design
Authors: Zhou Wu , Lan Hongfang , Yu Huijun , Lai Liushan , Peng Bei , He Xiaoping
Published: June 2017

Capacitive micro accelerometer, as one of promising micro devices, utilizes the parallel-plate capacitor arrays to covert input acceleration into differential capacitance, so its characteristics highly depend on an accurate capacitance evaluation. The traditional capacitance formula used in macro-scale systems design could not meet the requirement of micro-scale field because the fringe effects of capacitors have great contribution to the total measured capacitance under a few millimeters of separation distance. In this paper, the theoretical equation of capacitance with fringe effects is utilized to design the sensitivity and nonlinearity of a capacitive micro accelerometer. The proposed analytical method provides a quantitative evaluation of sensing capacitance of micro accelerometers. Experimental results indicate that the theoretical design with fringe effects has a better agreement with experiments than ideal parallel-plate capacitor principle.
Multi-dimensional dynamic measurement uncertainty analysis for the six-axis force sensor used in docking system
Authors: Lin Sheng , Zhang Lingxuan , Zhou Shijun , Zhang Chongfeng
Published: June 2017

The tough space environment has a great influence on the reliability of the measurement results owing to the rapidly aging sensor. Also, the measurement uncertainty caused by the random factors seriously affects the accuracy of the sensor. Aiming at the multidimensional dynamic uncertainty problem of the six-axis force measurement, a six-axis force sensor for docking system is presented based on the piezoelectric force sensing element. The decoupling algorithm of the six-axis force sensor is proposed. Grey prediction model is employed to establish the dynamic uncertainty model in single channel. Residual test, correlation test and posterior error test are conducted to verify the reliability of the prediction model. The multidimensional dynamic uncertainty model of the six-axis force sensor is derived by combination of the decoupling algorithm and the dynamic uncertainty in single channel. The multidimensional dynamic uncertainty model of the six-axis force sensor can avoid the error signals for the force feedback control in the space environment, and the model can also be employed for the measurement of six-axis force in any other harsh conditions.
Pattern recognition of rolling bearing fault under multiple conditions based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition and singular value decomposition
Authors: Tong Shuiguang , Zhang Yidong , Xu Jian , Cong Feiyun
Published: June 2017

In rotating machinery, the malfunctions of rolling bearings are one of the most common faults. To prevent machine breakdown, the pattern recognition of rolling bearing faults has been a pivotal issue for fault identification and classification. This study proposes a new feature extraction method based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and singular value decomposition (SVD) for fault classification. The proposed E–S method (EEMD combined with SVD using feature parameters) intends to enhance the faults identification capability in different working conditions, including various fault types (FT), fault severities (FS), and fault loads (FL). In this study, the E–S method is adopted to analyze the simulated signals. And the experiment further discusses three cases of different FT, FS, and FL separately under six different classifiers. The experimental results show that different fault classes can be effectively distinguished by the proposed E–S in comparison with other traditional feature extraction methods. Hence, the proposed method is verified to have an effective and excellent performance in bearing fault classification.
A statistical approach for three-dimensional tolerance redesign of mechanical assemblies
Authors: Peng Heping , Wang Bin
Published: June 2017

The unified Jacobian–Torsor model has been developed for performing three-dimensional tolerance analysis in both deterministic and statistical situations. The aim of this paper is to develop a statistical approach for three-dimensional tolerance redesign of mechanical assemblies by integrating the unified Jacobian–Torsor model and Monte Carlo simulation to guide the designer to choose tolerances more economically. To implement the proposed approach, a unified Jacobian–Torsor model is created based on the assembly functional requirement and assigned initial tolerance values. The Monte Carlo simulation is employed to iteratively evaluate the model using sets of random numbers as inputs so as to make this deterministic model become a stochastic one. The simulation is stopped as the number of iterations increases to the pre-specified number of iterations, the statistical results of functional requirement are obtained as well as corresponding contribution percentage of each functional element to the total functional requirement is calculated. The results are verified by comparing the statistical results of functional requirement with the specified design specification, while the contribution percentage chart can help the designer determine which tolerance should tighten or loosen. After several iterations, once the statistical result of functional requirement is sufficiently close to the design specification, the final result of tolerance values can be obtained and three-dimensional tolerance redesign of mechanical assembly is achieved. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the application of the proposed method, and the comparison with the deterministic tolerance redesign method exhibits that the proposed method has better economic effect.
Environmental Marketplace Advocacy: Influences and Implications of U.S. Public Response
Authors: Gaither Barbara Miller , Sinclair Janas
Published: June 2017

Environmental marketplace advocacy represents a form of corporate issue advocacy and a significant source of environmental communication for the U.S. public. This study tested a model of environmental marketplace advocacy, conceptually grounded in the persuasion knowledge model, with a national U.S. audience. The model predicted 78% of variance in attitudes toward the advertiser and its environmental impact. Contrary to expectations, participants’ environmental concern was positively associated with persuasion; this effect was reversed among those with a graduate degree, a background in science, or membership in an environmental organization. Important implications for both corporate and environmental advocacy are discussed.
Choline Transporter Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kapur Raj P , Raess Philipp W , Hwang Samuel , Winter Conrad
Published: June 2017

Acetylcholinesterase enzymatic histochemistry (AChE EHC), which highlights abnormal cholinergic nerves in the mucosa of aganglionic bowel, has been used for decades to evaluate rectal biopsies for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). While useful diagnostically, AChE EHC is not compatible with conventional formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and is not widely available. The choline transporter (ChT) is a putative alternative marker of cholinergic nerves. ChT immunohistochemistry (IHC) was investigated using FFPE biopsies and resections from patients with confirmed HSCR, as well as appropriate non-HSCR controls. ChT immunostaining was effective at identifying cases with HSCR and qualitatively similar to AChE EHC on frozen section. Among 3 pathologists, the diagnostic positive and negative predictive values based on ChT IHC ranged from 0.84–0.94 and 0.85–0.89, respectively, with good inter-observer agreement (Cohen kappa = 0.70–0.90). ChT IHC was useful in unusual scenarios in which calretinin (CR) IHC failed to correctly identify patients with HSCR. In 10 cases of short-segment HSCR, abnormal ChT+ mucosal innervation was present through the entire aganglionic segment and into portions of the TZ with submucosal nerve hypertrophy. In contrast, mucosal CR IHC was retained in the TZ and adjacent aganglionic bowel, which could lead to misinterpretation of a biopsy as ganglionic bowel. Indeed, 6 such patients were identified with paradoxical CR-positive mucosal innervation in their diagnostic biopsies. ChT IHC was interpreted as unequivocal HSCR in these cases, and HSCR was confirmed on resection. In summary, ChT IHC in FFPE tissue demonstrates high positive and negative predictive values for HSCR, is superior to CR IHC in a subset of cases, and can be incorporated into routine practice without the need for specialized techniques.
Non-menopausal endocrine and non-endocrine causes of flushing and sweating
Authors: Lal Vikram , Mamoojee Yaasir H. , Quinton Richard
Published: June 2017

Hot flushes and generalised sweating are relatively common presenting complaints, with hypogonadism an important differential diagnosis in both sexes and menopause being the most typical cause in females of climacteric age. However, a variety of other conditions do need to be carefully considered in respect of eugonadal individuals and also for those hypogonadal ones where properly dosed sex steroid replacement has failed to control flushing and sweating, or where the presentation is atypical. Alternative aetiologies may be immediately obvious from the history and physical examination, but more unusual conditions may require deeper scrutiny. This clinical review elaborates on the non-menopausal endocrine and non-endocrine causes of flushing and sweating, including both common and rarer conditions.
Nivolumab for the Treatment of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Cooper Maryann R. , Almalki Bassem , Willett Kristine C.
Published: June 2017

Objective: To review nivolumab for the treatment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Data Sources: Literature searches were conducted in Medline (1946 to May week 3 2017), EMBASE (1974 to 2017 week 22), and Google Scholar using the terms Hodgkin lymphoma AND nivolumab. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Two clinical trials (phase I and phase II) were identified. Data Synthesis: Nivolumab inhibits programmed death receptor-1 allowing for increased T-cell mediated immune surveillance of tumors. Nivolumab was evaluated in cHL patients after failure of autologous stem cell transplantation and brentuximab vedotin consolidation. Patients received nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. In the phase I trial, the objective response rate was 87% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 66-97) and the rate of progression-free survival (PFS) at 24 weeks was 86% (95% CI = 62-95). The most common adverse events (AE) included rash (22%) and decreased platelet count (17%). Following extended follow-up at a median of 86 weeks, 50% of the initial responders maintained a durable response. In the phase II clinical trial, 53 patients (66.3%, 95% CI = 54.8-76.4) achieved an objective response and PFS at 6 months was 76.9% (95% CI = 64.9-85.3). The common AE were fatigue (25%), infusion-related reactions (20%), and rash (16%). After further follow-up at a median of 15.4 months, 12-month overall survival was 94.9% (median overall survival not reached). Conclusions: Nivolumab is an effective option in treating patients with relapsed/refractory cHL with an acceptable safety profile. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of nivolumab for the treatment of cHL.
2017 ISCB Overton Prize: Christoph Bock
Authors: Fogg Christiana N. , Kovats Diane E. , Berger Bonnie
Published: June 2017

The International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) each year recognizes the achievements of an early to mid-career scientist with the Overton Prize. This prize honors the untimely death of Dr. G. Christian Overton, an admired computational biologist and founding ISCB Board member. Winners of the Overton Prize are independent investigators who are in the early to middle phases of their careers and are selected because of their significant contributions to computational biology through research, teaching, and service.

ISCB is pleased to recognize Dr. Christoph Bock, Principal Investigator at the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, Austria, as the 2017 winner of the Overton Prize. Bock will be presenting a keynote presentation at the 2017 International Conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology/European Conference on Computational Biology (ISMB/ECCB) in Prague, Czech Republic being held during July 21-25, 2017.
БИНАРНАЯ ОППОЗИЦИЯ «ПРОЗРАЧНОСТЬ-ПЛОТНОСТЬ» В РОМАНЕ Л.М. ЛЕОНОВА «ПИРАМИДА»
Authors: Zadorina Alеna Olegovna
Published: June 2017

Цель. Статья посвящена анализу бинарной оппозиции «прозрачность – плотность», благодаря чему уточняется содержание категории святости в романе Л.М. Леонова «Пирамида».Методология. В качестве теоретической базы используются методы структурно-типологического и мотивного анализа, позволяющие оценить семантическую валентность мотивов.Результаты. В романе мотив прозрачности связан с богопроникновенностью персонажа, а противоположный ему мотив плотности – с греховной жизнью героя. На примере ангела Дымкова показано, как осуществляется переход между двумя полюсами оппозиции, обеспечивая развитие сюжетной интриги. Мотивы прозрачности и плотности взаимодействуют с такими библейскими мотивами, как чудо и дар. Прозрачность бытия позволяет трансцендентным героям творить в нем чудеса и предвидеть будущее, в то время как для профанных героев все происходящее имеет исключительно прагматическую ценность. Соответственно, по мере движения богопроникновенных героев внутри оппозиции от прозрачности к плотности, они утрачивают свои сверхнатуральные способности и приближаются к типу профанных персонажей.Заключение. Особенности функционирования бинарной оппозиции прозрачность – плотность в неореалистическом романе позволяют говорить об эклектическом соединении богословской, классической и антиутопической традиций в ее воплощении, что обусловливает современное, переосмысленное звучание и категории святости в романе-предупреждении.
РАЗРАБОТКА ЗАКОНОВ О ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ МОЛОДЕЖНОЙ ПОЛИТИКЕ ВО ВТОРОЙ ПОЛОВИНЕ 1980-Х – 2010-Х ГОДАХ: ОСНОВНЫЕ РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ И ЗНАЧЕНИЕ
Authors: Tkachenko Victor Viktorovich
Published: June 2017

Реформирование социально-экономического развития страны во второй половине 1980-х годов вызвало необходимость повышения роли молодого поколения в решении хозяйственных, социально-культурных задач, управлении государственными и общественными делами. Молодежная политика оформляется в самостоятельную сферу деятельности государства. Формируется нормативная правовая база сферы молодежной политики.Цель. Проанализировать процесс разработки и принятия законов о государственной молодежной политике в исследуемый период, определить их значение в развитии сферы молодежной политики.Метод или методология проведения работы. Автор использует исторический, сравнительно-исторический, проблемно-хронологический и сравнительно-правовой методы.Результаты. Автором показана роль комсомола в условиях происходящих социально-экономических преобразований в стране в решении вопроса о разработке и принятии Закона о молодежи, ставшего отправным документом в развитии государственной молодежной политики в СССР и Российской Федерации. Рассмотрен процесс разработки и принятия законов о молодежной политике в Российской Федерации. Выявлены проблемы, повлиявшие на законотворческую деятельность в исследуемый период.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы педагогическими и научно-педагогическими работниками, государственными служащими в сфере молодежной политики при разработке нормативных и методических документов, регулирующих данную сферу.
О ГРАММАТИЧЕСКИХ ОСОБЕННОСТЯХ ХУДОЖЕСТВЕННОГО ДИСКУРСА (НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ ЛАТИНОАМЕРИКАНСКОЙ ПРОЗЫ ХХ ВЕКА)
Authors: Litvinenko Tatiana Evgenievna
Published: June 2017

Статья посвящена актуальной для современной лингвистики проблеме установления категориальных признаков различных типов дискурса, определения их языковой специфики и связи средств их вербальной кодификации с онтологизируемой картиной мира.Цель. Исследование направлено на выявление особых грамматических конструкций, присущих художественному дискурсу, в том числе его латиноамериканскому варианту как национально-специфическому виду коммуникации.Метод и методология проведения работы. В ходе исследования языкового материала был использован метод дискурсивного анализа, направленный на описание и интерпретацию грамматических, просодических и контекстуальных параметров дискурса.Результаты. Анализ корпуса латиноамериканских художественных текстов позволил выделить двухкомпонентную систему единиц, объединяющую грамматические элементы, построенные по принципу ритмико-синтаксического подобия, и элементы с синтаксической и просодической инверсией. Представлена классификация грамматических единиц, реализующих особую дискурсообразующую функцию.Область применения результатов. Результаты и выводы исследования могут быть использованы при проведении анализа дискурсов иных типов, включая описание их семиотических моделей, идиоэтнического и культурного своеобразия, стратегий и механизмов речевого воздействия.
Desarrollo de las competencias para el emprendimiento orientado a la sostenibilidad en la educación superior: una revisión bibliográfica de los métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje
Authors: Mindt Lisa , Rieckmann Marco
Published: June 2017

La transformación de los sistemas económicos actuales hacia el desarrollo sostenible requiere de empresas innovadoras orientadas a la sostenibilidad con propietarios, administradores y miembros del personal competentes. Estas personas deben ver el desarrollo sostenible como valor principal y como una oportunidad para la renovación estratégica de su empresa, así como de la sociedad en general. La educación superior para el emprendimiento orientado a la sostenibilidad apunta a desarrollar las competencias individuales que se requieren en este contexto. Para la creación de entornos de aprendizaje en los que se puedan desarrollar estas competencias se necesitan enfoques y métodos particulares de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Hasta la fecha, no existe una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva que trate de los enfoques y los métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje en la educación superior para el emprendimiento orientado a la sostenibilidad. En este contexto, se ha llevado a cabo una revisión bibliográfica sistemática para examinar el estado del arte en torno a los enfoques y métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje para el emprendimiento orientado a la sostenibilidad en la educación superior. Los resultados constituyen una base para seguir estructurando el debate sobre los enfoques y métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje relacionados con la educación superior para el emprendimiento orientado a la sostenibilidad y para identificar futuras necesidades de investigación en este ámbito.
Educación para la sostenibilidad y educación en derechos humanos: dos campos que deben vincularse
Authors: Gil Pérez Daniel , Vilches Amparo
Published: June 2017

En el campo de la educación nos encontramos actualmente con dos importantes requerimientos, sólidamente fundamentados, para introducir la Educación para la Sostenibilidad y la Educación en Derechos Humanos. Se trata, en efecto, de dos áreas educativas prioritarias, a las que UNESCO ha dedicado sendos decenios. Es preciso reconocer, sin embargo, la escasa conexión entre ambas, así como su insuficiente presencia en el sistema educativo, muy particularmente en el nivel universitario. Nuestro propósito en este trabajo es, precisamente, mostrar que, contrariamente a lo que, en general, se ha venido considerando, ambos campos de conocimiento y actividad social están estrechamente vinculados y deben ser abordados conjuntamente para favorecer su mutua potenciación y contribuir a su mayor efectividad. Una Educación para la Sostenibilidad y Derechos Humanos puede convertirse así en un factor clave para la necesaria transición a sociedades sostenibles y un elemento esencial de la nueva Ciencia de la Sostenibilidad.
MiRNA-143 mediates the proliferative signaling pathway of FSH and regulates estradiol production
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang XiaoXin , Zhang Xuejing , Lu Yu , Li Lei , Cui Sheng
Published: June 2017

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) play important regulatory roles in many cellular processes. MiR-143 is highly enriched in the mouse ovary, but its roles and underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In the current study, we show that miR-143 is located in granulosa cells of primary, secondary and antral follicles. To explore the specific functions of miR-143, we transfected miR-143 inhibitor into primary cultured granulosa cells to study the loss of function of miR-143 and the results showed that miR-143 silencing significantly increased estradiol production and steroidogenesis-related gene expression. Moreover, our in vivo and in vitro studies showed that follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) significantly decreased miR-143 expression. This function of miR-143 is accomplished by its binding to the 3’-UTR of KRAS mRNA. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that miR-143 acts as a negative regulating molecule mediating the signaling pathway of FSH and affecting estradiol production by targeting KRAS. MiR-143 also negatively acts in regulating granulosa cells proliferation and cell cycle-related genes expression. These findings indicate that miR-143 plays vital roles in FSH-induced estradiol production and granulosa cell proliferation, providing a novel mechanism that involves miRNA in regulating granulosa cell functions.
La paradiplomacia desde cinco perspectivas: reflexiones teóricas para la construcción de una comunidad epistémica en América Latina
Authors: Oddone Nahuel
Published: June 2017

Los procesos de transformación experimentados en el escenario internacional han conllevado a otorgar mayor importancia a los asuntos transnacionales, así como un mayor reconocimiento a actores no estatales en lo que respecta a su influencia sobre la política mundial. Estos procesos, para cambiar el escenario internacional, inicialmente se originan dentro de un Estado-Nación, desde el componente subnacional y subestatal. A partir de esto, se introduce el concepto de paradiplomacia, el cual involucra la participación de los gobiernos no centrales en el ámbito de las relaciones internacionales, con el objetivo de impulsar diversas dimensiones que vayan más allá de la política constitucional interna, como en lo económico, cultural, etc. De esta manera, la paradiplomacia presenta ser una pieza importante para cada país en el sistema internacional, capaz de modificar relaciones intergubernamentales, relaciones transnacionales, políticas exteriores y estructuras de integración. Por su relevancia, la paradiplomacia se analiza desde cinco perspectivas teóricas: 1) actor internacional; 2) política exterior y procesos de toma de decisiones; 3) desarrollo territorial; 4) integración regional y 5) gobernanza.
Variation in Formula Supplementation of Breastfed Newborn Infants in New York Hospitals
Authors: Nguyen Trang , Dennison Barbara A. , Fan Wei , Xu Changning , Birkhead Guthrie S.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVES:

We examined the variation between 126 New York hospitals in formula supplementation among breastfed infants after adjusting for socioeconomic, maternal, and infant factors and stratifying by level of perinatal care.

METHODS:

We used 2014 birth certificate data for 160 911 breastfed infants to calculate hospital-specific formula supplementation percentages by using multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models.

RESULTS:

Formula supplementation percentages varied widely among hospitals, from 2.3% to 98.3%, and was lower among level 1 hospitals (18.2%) than higher-level hospitals (50.6%–57.0%). Significant disparities in supplementation were noted for race and ethnicity (adjusted odds ratios [aORs] were 1.54–2.05 for African Americans, 1.85–2.74 for Asian Americans, and 1.25–2.16 for Hispanics, compared with whites), maternal education (aORs were 2.01–2.95 for ≤12th grade, 1.74–1.85 for high school or general education development, and 1.18–1.28 for some college or a college degree, compared with a Master’s degree), and insurance coverage (aOR was 1.27–1.60 for Medicaid insurance versus other). Formula supplementation was higher among mothers who smoked, had a cesarean delivery, or diabetes. At all 4 levels of perinatal care, there were exemplar hospitals that met the HealthyPeople 2020 supplementation goal of ≤14.2%. After adjusting for individual risk factors, the hospital-specific, risk-adjusted supplemental formula percentages still revealed a wide variation.

CONCLUSIONS:

A better understanding of the exemplar hospitals could inform future efforts to improve maternity care practices and breastfeeding support to reduce unnecessary formula supplementation, reduce disparities, increase exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration, and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Ethnoagroforestry management and soil fertility in the semiarid Tehuacán Valley, México
Authors: García-Licona José Bernardo , Maldonado-Torres Ranferi , Moreno-Calles Ana Isabel , Alvaréz-Sanchéz María Edna , García-Chávez Juan , Casas Fernandez Alejandro
Published: June 2017

Ethnoagroforestry practices and their relationship with soil fertility were studied in the semiarid Tehuacán Valley. Such practices involve management of manure, vegetation patches, wild and cultivated plants, soil, and water. This study aimed to: i) describe agroforestry management practices that influence soil fertility in maize multicultural system (milpa)-cacti forest (chichipera) AFS; ii) analyze the status of soil fertility in cultivated areas of these AFS; and iii) analyze the influence of agroforestry practices on soil nutrimental parameters of cultivated areas.In depth interviews were conducted, along with participatory tours with peasants and soil sampling in the agroforestry plots. Ethnoagroforestry practices favor adequate levels of macronutrients and organic matter in the milpa-chichipera AFS, despite Fe, Cu, and Zn deficiencies. The supply of organic matter is fundamental because it preserves soil fertility and moisture in all the plots studied. Smallholders (43%) use manure, but in irregular and insufficient way. Only 27% of interviewed people leave the land fallow for 1-2 after periods of 2-4 years of use, which does not allow the soil to reestablish fertility. Smallholders practice wild vegetation management, enabling 90% of plots to reach a high level of vegetation cover (>25%), furthermore 33% of agroforestry plots depend exclusively on this management to reestablish soil fertility. Labor force, economic conditions and plots characteristics influence agroforestry management. The amount of manure and the interaction between the agroforestry practices (vegetation cover, type of agroforestry practices, amount of manure, and fallow years) are related to the presence of N, K, Cu and B in the soil. To maintain and improve soil fertility in the milpa-chichipera AFS is important to consider local practices, biophysical conditions, and socio-economic factors.
Viewing the proposed South African Business Rescuie Provisions from an Australian Perspective
Authors: Anderson Colin
Published: June 2017

This article makes some comparisons between the Australian corporate rescue provisions and those proposed to be adopted in South Africa in the Companies Bill 2007. By so doing it may assist in the debate in South Africa over how the legislation is framed as the experience in Australia may be useful as an indicator of issues to be considered. One of the findings of the comparison is that the aims of the Australian legislation and that proposed in South Africa are almost identical. The article identifies a clear concern in the South African proposals with the position of employees which is not apparent in Australia. On the other hand there appears to be less concern in South Africa with the position of secured creditors than is evident in the Australian provisions. The article also notes that the South African proposals do not divide the procedure clearly into a decision-making stage and the period whilst the company is operating under the rescue plan. The Australian provisions provide for a clear break between a period where the creditors have yet to make a choice about the company’s future and the period once a plan (or deed of company arrangement) has been adopted. The article also finds that the South African model of rescue as proposed does cover many similar areas as identified in the Australian legislation. It therefore argues that there are sufficient similarities to suggest that much will be common in the experience if they are adopted into the legislation.
The protection of fundamental rights in the Netherlands and South Africa compared: can the many differences be justified?
Authors: Van der Schyff Gerhard
Published: June 2017

This contribution considers the protection of fundamental rights in the Netherlands and South Africa. Both countries strive to be constitutional democracies that respect basic rights. But both countries go about this aim in very different ways. These different paths to constitutionalism are compared, as well as the reasons for these differences and whether it can be said that these differences are justifiable. This is done by comparing the character of the rights guaranteed in the Dutch and South African legal orders, the sources of these rights and the locus or centre of protection in both systems. The conclusion is reached that no single or perfect route to attaining the desired protection of fundamental rights exists, but that one should always enquire as to the state of individual freedom and the right to make free political choices in measuring the worth of a system's protection of rights.
Public participation, Good Environmental Governance and fulfilment of Environmental rights
Authors: Du Plessis Ané
Published: June 2017

This article succinctly, albeit critically, assesses with reference to some international developments the role that public participation is expected to play in state governments’ fulfilment of citizens’ environmental rights.  Based on a survey of literature and jurisprudence, the article considers substantive environmental rights as human rights and the notion of public participation generally. It also puts forward some ideas on the relation between public participation and the fulfilment of environmental rights and how this may feed into good environmental governance. The article does not aim to contribute to the discourse on good governance or good environmental governance per se.  Instead, it introduces the presumed role of public participation processes in an environmental rights context what may be but a facet of good governance and/or good environmental governance.  Where applicable, the South African context is employed to illustrate and reinforce the observations and/or viewpoints maintained.
Editorial
Authors: Venter Francois
Published: June 2017

All contributions in this issue are focused on the notion of good governance.  Prof Stephen de la Harpe and Ms Rolien Roos of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) and Dr Conny Rijken of Tilburg University have produced the issue as guest editors.  Their introduction provides a concise overview of the exciting contributions on this highly topical subject.
The world trade organisation and Human Rights: The role of principles of Good Governance
Authors: Denkers Jeroen , Jägers Nicola
Published: June 2017

The present article attempts to determine the role of principles of good governance in the discussion regarding the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and its human rights accountability. It shows that the WTO as an organisation cannot be compared to other international organisations that are more autonomous such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank. This does not mean, however, that the WTO has no autonomous powers at all. This contribution attempts to make clear what these activities are and how they may affect the protection of human rights. The implementation of good governance principles in international organisations can be considered a sine qua non for the realisation of human rights. Therefore, it will be examined what role the principles of good governance plays within the WTO. More specifically, the focus will be on how the good governance principles of transparency and participation can contribute to sensitising the organisation for human rights considerations.
The Establishment of Kingdoms and the Identification of Kings and Queens in terms of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 41 of 2003
Authors: Bekker JC
Published: June 2017

The Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 41 of 2003 provides, amongst others matters, for the recognition of kings and queens and the establishment of a Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims to decide on disputes and claims relating to traditional leadership, including kings and queens.

 

The author examines the criteria and procedure for the creation of kingdoms and for identifying the rightful incumbents. During the apartheid years the traditional leadership was manipulated for political purposes. The Act goes a long way towards restoring it to conform to precepts of customary law and custom. The author argues, in essence, that this is easier said than done. It would, he submits, be difficult to dismantle the apartheid structures. It would likewise be difficult to identify the rightful incumbents and to resolve new claims. He suggests that the relevant provisions of the Act be revised to provide more clarity on fundamental principles.
Reflections on the Biowatch Dispute – Reviewing the fundamental rules on costs In the light of the needs of constitutional and/or public interest litigation
Authors: Humby Tracy-Lynn
Published: June 2017

Using as a case study the recent decision on costs in the Biowatch matter, this article critically examines the traditional fundamental rules on costs in the light of the needs of constitutional and a fortiori public interest litigation. The fundamental rules on costs are taken to include the two traditional principles (that costs are a matter of judicial discretion and that to a successful party should be awarded his costs), the requirement that the discretion be exercised judicially, the test for interference in costs orders in a court of appeal, and the characterisation of costs orders as requiring the exercise of only a narrow discretion on appeal. In the light of the decisions in the Biowatch matter it is argued that the current rules do not meet the new needs of constitutional and/or public interest litigation as regards access to justice, equal protection and benefit of the law, proportionality, and the accountability of the judiciary. Suggestions are made for possible reform.
Keuringspanele ("Screening Panels") as Gepaste Geskilbeslegtingsmetode ter Oplossing van Mediese Wanpraktyks-geskille.
Authors: Crous AJ
Published: June 2017

A right only has any value if there is a remedy providing for the acknowledgement and enforcement thereof. An increase in medical malpractice claims can be expected in South Africa in view of the fact that the public is becoming more and more aware of its rights in respect of health services and health care. The public opinion calls for development of dispute resolution proceedings. The fact that the law is not accessible to everyone in South Africa is a matter of concern. High litigation costs, coupled with the time consuming protracted, formal and complicated process, call for a transformation towards an alternative, non-judicial process that is suitable for a particular dispute and apposite to the parties involved. Selection panels, the medical ombudsperson and arbitration clauses incorporated in doctor/patient agreements, are ADR mechanisms that have been proved by American law as suitable for resolution of medical malpractice claims. In this particular article attention is paid to screening panels as pre-trial mechanism with the exclusive purpose to select malpractice disputes, discourage unfounded disputes and to encourage an early settlement in case of a prima facie case.Several objections have been raised by critics in this regard, for instance, a screening panel infringes on: the right of equal protection/the right of access to the courts/the right to a jury trial/the right to a due process as well as on the trias politica doctrine. These so-called infringements are attended to and eventually a positive conclusion regarding screening panels is made: medical screening panels (consisting generally of a medical doctor, a lawyer and a member of public), based on the American experience, is indeed an appropriate dispute resolution method.
The Constitutional Validity of Search and Seizure Powers in South African Criminal Procedure
Authors: Basdeo Vinesh
Published: June 2017

An important part of crime investigation is the obtaining of evidence through the search and seizure of persons and things. The South African Constitution[1] recognises that state authorities should not be permitted untrammelled access to search and seize. It is a necessary incident to democracy that citizens must be protected from unjustified intrusions of privacy and property by agents of the state. Otherwise, arbitrary state actions could severely affect the personal freedom and associated fundamental rights that are intended to be a predominant feature of democratic society. In this article I consider whether or not certain provisions contained in the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995 (hereafter the Criminal Procedure Act and the South African Police Service Act respectively) are in conflict with the Constitution. The provisions deal with search and seizure. I will also turn to the laws of foreign jurisdictions, specifically of the United States and Canada, for guidance and comparison.

 

At the outset it should be pointed out that this article does not argue for the abolition of the search and seizure provisions contained in the Criminal Procedure Act and the South African Police Service Act. It is acknowledged albeit reluctantly, that there may still be a need for some of them. It is the investigative and enforcement measures provided for by these provisions, rather than the objectives, which are in issue here. It is submitted that there are search and seizure provisions contained in the Criminal Procedure Act and the South African Police Service Act, which are inconsistent with the spirit, purport and object of the Constitution.
The Bench and Academia
Authors: Harms Louis TC
Published: June 2017

I am touched, Chair, by the invitation to deliver the keynote address at your meeting. A keynote address is supposed to set the key for the occasion. It should be filled with wisdom and jurisprudential philosophy. However, I imagine that most of you would prefer an address that sounds more like background music – allowing you to ignore it and to enjoy your wining and dining. Therefore, if what you are about to hear is not set in the A Major key but rather in F Minor, consider that I am not only hard of hearing, I am also tone deaf.
A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF AN INTERPROFESSIONALISM ASSESSMENT SCALE APPLIED TO HEALTH SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Authors: Pedroza de Carvalho Garcia Carolina , Menezes Marta Silva , Villa Nova Aguiar Carolina , Menezes Gusmão Marilia , Vilas Boas Ligia , Lins Liliane
Published: June 2017

Introduction: The search for initiatives that stimulate interprofessionalism should incorporate activities developed by educational institutions. The Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health (EBMSP) runs a project, approved by the Government Program of Education for Work in Health - PET-Saúde, which promotes interprofessional practice. Objective: Evaluate the psychometric properties of the IEPS when applied to Brazilian students. Method: We conducted Exploratory Factorial Analyses and took into account the eigenvalues and the theoretical model in order to estimate the number of factors.  The Cronbach alpha coefficient was also calculated. Results: A three-dimensional factorial solution was tested. These three factors jointly explain 66.5% of variance in interprofessionalism. Three items were excluded, due to empirical weaknesses. The Cronbach alphas obtained for each dimension were 0.84, 0.70 and 0.16. Conclusion: The study attained its objective, gathering initial evidence regarding the validity of this measure in a Brazilian context.
Protocol from "Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among prison inmates: a cross-sectional survey at the Correctional and Detention Facility of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire" v1
Authors: Séri Benjamin , Ange Koffi not provided , Christine Danel not provided , Timothée Ouassa not provided , Marcel-Angora Blehoue not provided , Eric Ouattara not provided , Jeanne-d’Arc Assemien not provided , Jean-Marie Masumbuko not provided , Patrick Coffie not provided , Nathalie Cartier not provided , Arnaud Laurent not provided , Gilles Raguin not provided , Denis Malvy not provided , Thérèse N’Dri-Yoman not provided , Serge P. Eholié not provided , Serge K. Domoua not provided , Xavier Anglaret not provided , Marie-Catherine Receveur not provided
Published: June 2017

Step 1: Enrolment of inmates eligible for study participation Step 2: Study implementation 1st day of study: Inclusion of participants and questionnaire administration 2nd day of study: Preparing the list of participants for the 1st sputum sample collection and chest X-ray 3rd day of study: Collecting the 1st sputum sample and performing the chest X-ray 4th day of study: Transport of sputum samples to CeDRes and collection of chest X-ray and laboratory test results 5th day of study: Collecting the 2nd sputum sample, performing the HIV test and preparing the samples to be sent to CeDRes