bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La recherche-action : insurrection utopique ou résurrection réaliste de la participation ?
Authors: Bernfeld Dan
Published: March 2016

L’auteur tente de constituer une théorie de la participation dans les champs social et politique. Il s’agit d’identifier un nombre d’expériences autonomes dont la somme permette la préfiguration de l’émergence d’un type nouveau de mouvements : peu structurés, opposés aux modèles de type institutionnel, largement solidaires.

Trois grandes catégories de participation (conservation, survie, changement) permettent de classifier le matériel recueilli. On s’interroge sur le caractère démocratique des mouvements de participation. Divers projets de recherche en cours sont évoqués.
Petites histoires et « petites gens » pour grande radio
Authors: Glineur Monica
Published: March 2016

L’auteur travaille à la Radio belge (R.T.B.) dans le cadre d’une émission visant à raconter l’histoire de la Belgique à travers des témoignages populaires. Elle fait part de son expérience de travail, de ses difficiles rapports avec les historiens qui prétendent détenir l’interprétation finale des séquences de vie dont témoignent les acteurs, de la fonction des prémontages des entrevues et de leur inévitable effet de censure...
Médias et lieux de formation : quelques enjeux
Authors: Milliard Guy , Zoller P.-H.
Published: March 2016

Les deux auteurs sont, l’un, cinéaste et l’autre réalisateur de télévision. Ils enseignent à Genève dans le domaine des médias et de la communication. À ce titre, ils comparent ici l’itinéraire personnel qui les a amenés à investir l’enseignement des médias. Dans le cadre de deux lieux de formation, et à partir d’expériences initiales différentes, des convergences de thèmes et de préoccupations pédagogiques leur apparaissent significatives. « Les interrogations sont multiples, tout comme les champs de savoirs spécialisés susceptibles d’y répondre. Dès lors quelle est la marge de manoeuvre laissée à ceux qui, tout en ne se prétendant pas savants en la matière, s’efforcent de ne pas être dupes ?  »
Les maisons de femmes battues : du groupe autonome à la prise en charge par l’État
Authors: Beaudry Micheline
Published: March 2016

Les « maisons de femmes » sont nées des besoins des femmes de sortir de leur isolement, de créer une solidarité à l’intérieur de leur condition. Le principal objectif des maisons est de développer l’autonomie des femmes.

Au cours de la dernière décade au Québec, plusieurs maisons de femmes se sont vite transformées en refuge pour les femmes victimes de violence. L’étonnement des femmes elles-mêmes et des gouvernements devant l’ampleur de ce problème a été suivi d’une période d’organisation en vue d’intégrer ces maisons à l’ensemble des services officiels déjà existants.

L’articulation à l’État de ces « maisons » se fera à la faveur d’une gestion douce et efficace principalement par le moyen des subventions accordées. Mais du même coup on observe un glissement de la problématique féministe vers une problématique de services qui tend à institutionnaliser le mouvement.
Ressources universitaires et travailleurs syndiqués : l’expérience d’un programme conjoint université-syndicats
Authors: Lizée Michel
Published: March 2016

L’article décrit un programme de formation et de recherche mené conjointement par l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), la Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) et la Fédération des travailleurs du Québec (FTQ). Après avoir expliqué les origines du projet, l’auteur décrit les principales caractéristiques de ce programme, lequel repose sur une adaptation des ressources universitaires aux besoins de recherche ou de formation du mouvement syndical, dans le cadre de démarches initiées et contrôlées par lui. Par la suite, l’auteur analyse certains acquis et difficultés de ce programme : des activités de formation qui respectent la démarche syndicale mais un problème pédagogique d’adaptation des ressources universitaires, des activités de recherche orientée originales et utiles mais dont la diffusion dans certains cas demeure insuffisante, la reconnaissance graduelle mais lente de la nécessité, de la légitimité et de la spécificité de l’intervention universitaire en promotion collective.
Pédagogie militante : un regard sur deux démarches en éducation populaire
Authors: Ouellette Monique
Published: March 2016

Sur la base de son expérience et d’observations faites dans le cadre de sessions de formation syndicales et de groupes populaires, l’auteur constate que beaucoup de formateurs — de formation universitaire surtout — voient certes clairement l’aspect politique du contenu de l’éducation qu’ils font, mais sont plus rarement critiques pour ce qui est de l’aspect politique de leur pédagogie. Pourtant la relation de pouvoir qui existe entre un formateur et des participants est une relation politique et traduit dans le concret une vision des rapports sociaux qui peut être cohérente ou non avec les objectifs et le contenu du travail d’éducation.

À partir de cette constatation, l’auteur distingue deux grands types de démarche éducative. La première est « verticale », fondant une relation d’autorité entre le formateur et les formés; la seconde est « horizontale », essentiellement collective, et les participants sont les acteurs de leur propre formation. Les implications pédagogiques et politiques de chacune de ces démarches sont analysées ici.
Travail social : champ des contraintes et possiblités d'action
Authors: Bouche Madeleine , Dewael Anne , Frere Jean-Pol , Lamesch Bernadette , Mennicken Jacqueline , Michel Marie-Madeleine , Van Herstraeten Claire
Published: March 2016

Sept travailleurs sociaux et deux enseignants communiquent leurs réflexions à partir d’expériences de travail dans différents secteurs sociaux.

Ils cherchent les natures et les causes des contraintes qui pèsent sur le travail social, évaluent les conséquences négatives et positives de ces contraintes.

Dans une seconde partie ils évaluent le changement dont sont capables les organisations, et le rôle des travailleurs sociaux dans cette transformation.
Travail social : la dialectique équipements-personnels spécialisés
Authors: Tachon Michel
Published: March 2016

Le travail social en France est organisé autour de deux grandes fonctions : une fonction d’assistance et de protection et une fonction d’éducation spécialisée et de réadaptation.

Cette dernière est assurée par les éducateurs spécialisés, les moniteurs éducateurs, les aides médico-pédagogiques (175 000 postes environ) et les grands domaines d’intervention sont les « handicapés mentaux et sociaux ».

L’auteur retrace l’histoire sociale de la constitution de la profession d’éducateur spécialisé, structurée par la dialectique équipements-personnels spécialisés et acculée à devoir proposer une autre image d’elle-même pour garantir son existence sociale et assurer son avenir.
Chronique du Comité d’action des transports urbains
Authors: Dustin Jo
Published: March 2016

Ce texte est une chronique rapide des actions menées par un comité bruxellois qui veut rendre la ville aux piétons et aux cyclistes.

Né en 1972, le C.A.T.U. a entrepris diverses démarches de sensibilisation par le moyen d’un mensuel, d’un montage audiovisuel, d’une randonnée cycliste à travers Bruxelles rassemblant plus de 2,000 usagers, etc.

Le C.A.T.U. sert de coordonnateur entre les formations syndicales, des comités de quartier, des partis progressistes, des mouvements de jeunes. Il s’est opposé en 1978 à une augmentation des tarifs des Transports urbains. Certains groupements se réclamant de la « nouvelle gauche » pratiquèrent des auto-réductions dans les bus, les trams, le métro. En 1980, nouvelle augmentation, nouvelle opération « Train gratuit » en Wallonie et dans certaines gares de Bruxelles.
La mobilisation des locataires au Comité de logement Rosemont
Authors: Patenaude Jules
Published: March 2016

Le Comité de Logement Rosemont regroupe des locataires et des militants dans un quartier de travailleurs au nord-est du centre-ville de Montréal. L’article présente les principales activités du comité, sa participation au Regroupement pour le Gel des Loyers qui est une coalition d’organisations populaires sur le logement menant une lutte commune contre les augmentations de loyer depuis 1978 ainsi que son mode d’organisation et de fonctionnement.

De plus l’article vise à cerner les problèmes de mobilisation auxquels doivent faire face les militants en ce qui a trait plus particulièrement à la participation des locataires au comité. Finalement l’auteur propose quelques jalons qui devraient permettre aux militants du comité de poursuivre un bilan collectif.
Un Centre local de services communautaires intervient sur le logement
Authors: Dion Robert , Leroux Francine
Published: March 2016

Les Centres Locaux de Services Communautaires (C.L.S.C.) ont été mis sur pied par le Gouvernement du Québec dans le cadre d’une réforme d’ensemble des services de santé et des services sociaux. Plusieurs C.L.S.C. interviennent sur les problèmes reliés à l’aménagement et au logement. C’est ainsi que le C.L.S.C. Norman Bethune a été impliqué dans quelques mouvements revendicatifs et ses organisateurs communautaires ont été appelés à collaborer avec des organisations de lutte.

L’article présente une analyse du rôle du C.L.S.C. et de ses intervenants à partir de deux exemples. Le premier met principalement en cause la Société centrale d’hypothèque et de logement (gouvernement fédéral) et la compagnie propriétaire des immeubles. Cet affrontement coïncide avec les débats du C.L.S.C. en 1975. Le second exemple concerne la vente des immeubles que géraient la S.C.H.L. en 1977 entraînant des hausses de loyer pour les locataires.
La pratique d’organisation communautaire à la Maison de quartier de Pointe Saint-Charles (1973-1978)
Authors: Couillard Robert , Mayer Robert
Published: March 2016

Au début des années 70, dans quelques quartiers de Montréal, on retrouvait des Maisons de quartier qui intervenaient principalement sur les questions d’aménagement.

L’exemple abordé ici est celui de la Maison de quartier de Pointe St-Charles qui, à divers moments de son évolution, a été traversée par une série d’affrontements concernant l’action communautaire.

L’article expose d’abord le contexte dans lequel est intervenue la Maison de quartier pour ensuite discuter des pratiques et de leurs projets socio-politiques sous-jacents.

Les auteurs examinent également les contradictions avec lesquelles étaient aux prises les militants et les permanents pour mieux situer et évaluer les bilans qui ont marqué la ré-orientation des modes d’intervention de la Maison de quartier.
Luttes urbaines : leurs acteurs et les chercheurs
Authors: Wieviorka Michel
Published: March 2016

Même si les luttes urbaines se déploient en dehors de la production pour se situer dans le champ de la vie hors travail, de la consommation collective, de la reproduction, elles ont le plus souvent été vécues et traitées, au début des années 70, dans les catégories du mouvement ouvrier et de la lutte anticapitaliste.

À travers l’histoire récente des luttes urbaines en France, que synthétise brièvement l’article, se dessine un nouvel axe de ces luttes qui ne se réfère plus à une problématique marxiste. Ceux qui manifestent à vélo contre l’automobile en ville, ceux qui mettent en cause des projets d’autoroute, des plans d’urbanisme, etc. ne le font guère en termes anticapitalistes. L’action tire son sens d’elle-même, elle n’est pas interprétée comme étant celle du mouvement ouvrier. Elle articule des revendications précises à une contestation générale de la croissance et de ses conséquences. Elle mêle ainsi la défense d’intérêts particuliers, une critique culturelle et une critique démocratique du mode de gestion étatique de l’urbain. Cet axe récent des luttes urbaines pose de nombreux problèmes à l’analyse. L’auteur esquisse à leur sujet une série d’hypothèses.
L’expérience récente des Comités de quartier à Saint-Étienne
Authors: Ion Jacques , Micoud André
Published: March 2016

Développés dans le double contexte, national, d’un discours consensuel sur le nécessaire renouveau de la démocratie locale et régional, d’une victoire d’une liste de gauche aux élections municipales, l’expérience des comités de quartier permet de tester, sur le cas de la ville de Saint-Étienne, le contenu et le rôle de ces nouvelles formes de groupement établis sur une base résidentielle. L’étude distingue trois types de comités définis principalement par les modes de rapport à la population qu’ils sont censés représenter ainsi que par leurs codes implicites de fonctionnement.

En conclusion, les auteurs s’interrogent sur les modifications réelles introduites par l’existence de ces comités dans le système traditionnel de gestion-représentation des populations locales.
Construction de la masculinité : de jeunes Franco-manitobains s’expriment
Authors: Delaquis Stéfan
Published: March 2016

Cet article s’intéresse à la construction de la masculinité des garçons en contexte scolaire. Plus particulièrement, il vise des garçons francophones du Manitoba de la onzième et de la douzième année et veut mieux cerner le phénomène de la construction de la masculinité des garçons à travers leur participation à des groupes sociaux et à des communautés de pratique à l’école. Les garçons négocient et présentent diverses versions de la masculinité dans différentes situations sociales et chaque contexte social a un impact considérable sur l’élaboration de leur masculinité, ce qui engendre des effets sur leur vécu scolaire. La présente étude est qualitative de type ethnographique et les données ont été analysées à partir de la théorie sociale du genre de Connell (1987; 1995; 2002) en portant un regard particulier sur la masculinité hégémonique, ainsi que de celle des communautés de pratique développée par Wenger (2005). Les résultats indiquent que la masculinité présente dans ce milieu semble être fondée sur un modèle traditionnel et comprend une adhésion à une construction de la masculinité hégémonique. Enfin, l’image de la masculinité ne semble pas permettre aux garçons de contempler d’autres types de masculinité.
A Metamaterial Backed Dipole Antenna for High Gain Directional Communications
Authors: Sarin V. P. , Jayakrishnan M. P. , Aanandan C. K. , Pezholil M. , Kesavath V.
Published: March 2016

The enhanced radiation performance of a dipole antenna backed by the split ring resonator-continuous wire pair array working in the H┴ excitation scenario is presented in this paper.  The H┴ excitation scenario of the metamaterial is used to get zero reflection phase resulting in enhanced gain performance. The two layer meta-structure along with the dipole is fabricated on a low cost substrate of dielectric constant 4.4 and height 1mm. The reflection properties of the metamaterial structure and its effect on the radiation performance of the dipole antenna are presented in this paper.
Updating movement estimates for American black ducks (Anas rubripes)
Authors: Robinson Orin J. , McGowan Conor P. , Devers Patrick K.
Published: March 2016

Understanding migratory connectivity for species of concern is of great importance if we are to implement management aimed at conserving them. New methods are improving our understanding of migration; however, banding (ringing) data is by far the most widely available and accessible movement data for researchers. Here, we use band recovery data for American black ducks (Anas rubripes) from 1951–2011 and analyze their movement among seven management regions using a hierarchical Bayesian framework. We showed that black ducks generally exhibit flyway fidelity, and that many black ducks, regardless of breeding region, stopover or overwinter on the Atlantic coast of the United States. We also show that a non-trivial portion of the continental black duck population either does not move at all or moves to the north during the fall migration (they typically move to the south). The results of this analysis will be used in a projection modeling context to evaluate how habitat or harvest management actions in one region would propagate throughout the continental population of black ducks. This analysis may provide a guide for future research and help inform management efforts for black ducks as well as other migratory species.
Occurrence patterns of coral-dwelling gall crabs (Cryptochiridae) over depth intervals in the Caribbean
Authors: van Tienderen Kaj M. , van der Meij Sancia E.T.
Published: March 2016

Coral-associated invertebrates form a major part of the diversity on reefs, but their distribution and occurrence patterns are virtually unstudied. For associated taxa data are lacking on their distribution across shelves and environmental gradients, but also over various depths. Off Curaçao we studied the prevalence and density of coral-dwelling gall crabs (Cryptochiridae), obligate symbionts of stony corals. Belt transects (10 × 0.5m2) were laid out at 6, 12 and 18 m depth intervals at 27 localities. Twenty-one known host coral species were surveyed, measured, and the number of crab dwellings was recorded to study the influence of host occurrence, depth distribution, and colony size on the occurrence rates of three Atlantic gall crab species:Opecarcinus hypostegus,Troglocarcinus corallicolaandKroppcarcinus siderastreicola. The overall gall crab prevalence rate was 20.3% across all available host corals at all depths. The agariciid-associated speciesO. hyposteguswas found to mostly inhabitAgaricia lamarckiand its prevalence was highest at deeper depths, following the depth distribution of its host.Kroppcarcinus siderastreicola,associated withSiderastreaandStephanocoenia,inhabited shallower depths despite higher host availability at deeper depths. The generalist speciesT. corallicolashowed no clear host or depth specialisation. These results show that the primary factors affecting the distribution and occurrence rates over depth intervals differed between each of the three Atlantic cryptochirid species, which in turn influences their vulnerability to reef degradation.
Within-person variability in men’s facial width-to-height ratio
Authors: Kramer Robin S.S.
Published: March 2016

Background.In recent years, researchers have investigated the relationship between facial width-to-height ratio (FWHR) and a variety of threat and dominance behaviours. The majority of methods involved measuring FWHR from 2D photographs of faces. However, individuals can vary dramatically in their appearance across images, which poses an obvious problem for reliable FWHR measurement.

Methods.I compared the effect sizes due to the differences between images taken with unconstrained camera parameters (Studies 1 and 2) or varied facial expressions (Study 3) to the effect size due to identity, i.e., the differences between people. In Study 1, images of Hollywood actors were collected from film screenshots, providing the least amount of experimental control. In Study 2, controlled photographs, which only varied in focal length and distance to camera, were analysed. In Study 3, images of different facial expressions, taken in controlled conditions, were measured.

Results.Analyses revealed that simply varying the focal length and distance between the camera and face had a relatively small effect on FWHR, and therefore may prove less of a problem if uncontrolled in study designs. In contrast, when all camera parameters (including the camera itself) are allowed to vary, the effect size due to identity was greater than the effect of image selection, but the ranking of the identities was significantly altered by the particular image used. Finally, I found significant changes to FWHR when people posed with four of seven emotional expressions in comparison with neutral, and the effect size due to expression was larger than differences due to identity.

Discussion.The results of these three studies demonstrate that even when head pose is limited to forward facing, changes to the camera parameters and a person’s facial expression have sizable effects on FWHR measurement. Therefore, analysing images that fail to constrain some of these variables can lead to noisy and unreliable results, but also relationships caused by previously unconsidered confounds.
Empreendedorismo feminino e os desafios enfrentados pelas empreendedoras para conciliar os conflitos trabalho e família: estudo de casos múltiplos em agências de viagens
Authors: Teixeira Rivanda Meira , Bomfim Lea Cristina Silva
Published: March 2016

As mulheres vêm conquistando cada vez mais espaço em diversas áreas profissionais e essa evolução também ocorre no campo do empreendedorismo. No Brasil o GEM 2013 identificou que, pela primeira vez, o número de novos empreendedoras foi superior ao de empreendedores. No entanto, é reconhecido que as empreendedoras enfrentam muitas dificuldades ao tentar conciliar as suas empresas com a família. O objetivo central dessa pesquisa é analisar os desafios enfrentados pelas mulheres empreendedoras de agências de viagens para conciliar os conflitos entre o trabalho e a família. Esse estudo adotou a estratégia de pesquisa de casos múltiplos e foram selecionadas sete mulheres criadoras e gestoras de agências de viagens nos municípios de Aracaju e Barra dos Coqueiros, no estado de Sergipe. Na tentativa de conciliar bem os múltiplos papéis, essas mulheres muitas vezes se deparam com a frustração e sentimento de culpa. Nesse momento é evidenciado a importância do aporte emocional do marido e filhos. É percebido que a busca pelo ponto de equilíbrio entre as demandas conflitantes geram desgaste emocional e/ou físico.
Arquitetura hoteleira sob a ótica da sustentabilidade e da hospitalidade do espaço: um estudo sobre a aplicação dos conceitos de sustentabilidade e hospitalidade do espaço em projetos de hotéis
Authors: Oliveira Josildete Pereira , Tricárico Luciano Torres , Varella Bruna Gorski , Velasquez Guilherme Garcia
Published: March 2016

Este estudo procura discutir os conceitos de sustentabilidade e hospitalidade do espaço no contexto da arquitetura da cidade contemporânea que, de alguma maneira foram reinterpretados ou questionados no que se refere ao conceito de  sustentabilidade  ambiental. Neste sentido, o objetivo principal da pesquisa foi analisar dois projetos de hotéis em Santa Catarina, um de pequeno porte e outro de grande porte, onde essas condições se manifestaram de forma estanques ou não sistematizadas em alguns exemplares da arquitetura hoteleira, como referência conceitual da arquitetura sustentável e hospitaleira. A metodologia caracterizada por um levantamento bibliográfico inicial, pesquisa documental, seguida de um estudo de campo caracterizado por uma observação direta intensiva, sistemática e em equipe, com práticas de observação e aplicação de entrevista (Marconi e Lakatos, 2006) procurou resgatar a história da arquitetura hoteleira para identificar conteúdos de sustentabilidade ambiental e de hospitalidade do espaço construído, para em seguida analisar os exemplares da arquitetura hoteleira selecionados, que manifestam estas  condições. Percebeu-se com o estudo que dentro de suas realidades e tamanhos, ambos os empreendimentos estudados contam com ações e elementos que podem ser considerados sustentáveis, bem como ações ambientalmente amigáveis, o que, inevitavelmente podem ser considerados como ações propiciadoras da hospitalidade. Da mesma forma, contam com potencialidades a serem desenvolvidas
Scalable Noninvasive Organic Fiber Lithography for Large‐Area Optoelectronics
Authors: Cho Himchan , Jeong Su‐Hun , Min Sung‐Yong , Han Tae‐Hee , Park Min‐Ho , Kim Young‐Hoon , Xu Wentao , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: March 2016

The development of precise, chemical‐free, and low‐cost pixel patterning with high resolution and throughput instead of conventional photolithography is very important for large‐area flexible organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays or solid‐state lightings with high aperture ratio. Here, a novel scalable and noninvasive lithography is reported as a pixel patterning method for OLEDs using highly aligned printed organic fiber arrays in large area. Use of electrohydrodynamic organic nanowire printing (ONP) enables high‐speed large‐area fabrication and precise positioning of poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) fiber pixel separator arrays without chemical damage. Due to circular cross‐section of PVK fibers, clear and effective separation of organic and metal cathode layers by PVK fibers is achieved. Easy control of interfiber separation in ONP also enables the demonstration of green OLED subpixels with different pixel widths (400, 200, 100 μm), which shows almost the same current efficiency and luminance as OLEDs without PVK fibers; i.e., PVK fiber pixel separators in OLEDs do not degrade OLED characteristics because the devices maintain almost the same electroluminescent area. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that individually well‐aligned organic fibers are useful for pixel patterning of large‐area, flexible OLEDs by fabricating a large‐area (3 cm × 3 cm) white OLED and a flexible dot–matrix‐display‐type OLED.
Copper‐Catalyzed Reaction Cascade of Thiophenol Hydroxylation and S‐Arylation through Disulfide‐Directed C−H Activation
Authors: Wang Dawei , Yu Xin , Yao Wei , Hu Wenkang , Ge Chenyang , Shi Xiaodong
Published: March 2016

Copper‐catalyzed thiophenol C−H activation is described. Through an initial attempt to conduct C‐arylation with arylboronic acid, a rather surprising sequential C−H activation and S‐arylation was discovered. Mechanistic investigation revealed the disulfide intermediate as the key component in directing C−H oxidation. The overall reaction proceeded under mild conditions with molecular oxygen as the oxidant. Discovery of disulfide as the directing group provides a potential new direction for catalytic C−H functionalization under mild conditions.
Microstructure and magnetocaloric effect in as‐quenched GdGeSi alloys with addition of Ni and Ce
Authors: Hasiak Mariusz
Published: March 2016

Microstructure as well as AC and DC thermomagnetic properties were studied for the as‐quenched Gd80Ge15Si5, Gd75Ge15Si5Ni5 and Gd75Ge15Si5Ce5 (wt.%) alloys in a wide range of magnetic fields. The structural investigations performed by X‐ray diffractometry show the presence of Gd‐based phases in the investigated alloys. These results were also confirmed by structure investigations as temperature dependence of specific heat capacity. Besides the crystalline phases discovered in the samples the regions with different atom concentration were observed in Ni and Ce‐containing alloys. The Curie temperature for the Gd80Ge15Si5, Gd75Ge15Si5Ni5 and Gd75Ge15Si5Ce5 alloys is 272, 235, and 284 K, respectively. The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) calculated as magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM) depends on magnetizing field and for the Gd80Ge15Si5 and Gd75Ge15Si5Ni5 alloys reaches almost the same maximum value of 12 J kg−1 K−1. Ce‐containing sample shows about 2.4 times lower MCE than the master alloy.

Magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM) versus temperature for the Gd80Ge15Si5, Gd75Ge15Si5Ni5, and Gd75Ge15Si5Ce5 alloys calculated for the maximum magnetizing field of 3 T.
The Merits of a Two‐Day Evidence‐Based Medicine Course for Surgical Residents
Authors: Ubbink Dirk T. , Legemate Dink A. , Koelemay Mark J.
Published: March 2016

Background

Over 10 years ago, we introduced a two‐day, evidence‐based surgery course for surgical residents. During the last 4 years, we evaluated its effect on the participants’ evidence‐based medicine (EBM) knowledge and skills.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2015, six courses were organised for residents of various surgical specialties of allied hospitals in the Amsterdam educational district. The courses covered the literature search, critical appraisal of surgical papers, and how to communicate and weigh the benefits and harms of surgical interventions. Proficiency regarding interpreting evidence was tested before and directly after the course using a modified Berlin questionnaire.

Results

One hundred participants attended the courses, comprising residents in surgery (61 %), orthopaedics (16 %), urology (7 %), plastic surgery (7 %), and surgical PhD students (9 %), most of whom had already been taught EBM during their medical curriculum. Pre‐course score levels were already fairly high (6.19 out of 10), but scores after the course were significantly higher (7.04); mean difference 0.85 (95 % confidence interval 0.4–1.3). No significant differences were observed among the surgical specialties. Attendees highly appreciated the course.

Conclusions

A two‐day, evidence‐based surgery course improved EBM aptitude of surgical residents. Hence, the course appears useful to refresh the EBM paradigm among future Dutch surgeons.
Improving freeze-tolerance of baker’s yeast through seamless gene deletion of NTH1 and PUT1
Authors: Dong Jian , Chen Didi , Wang Guanglu , Zhang Cuiying , Du Liping , Liu Shanshan , Zhao Yu , Xiao Dongguang
Published: March 2016

Baker’s yeast strains with freeze-tolerance are highly desirable to maintain high leavening ability after freezing. Enhanced intracellular concentration of trehalose and proline in yeast is linked with freeze-tolerance. In this study, we constructed baker’s yeast with enhanced freeze-tolerance by simultaneous deletion of the neutral trehalase-encoded gene NTH1 and the proline oxidase-encoded gene PUT1. We first used the two-step integration-based seamless gene deletion method to separately delete NTH1 and PUT1 in haploid yeast. Subsequently, through two rounds of hybridization and sporulation-based allelic exchange and colony PCR-mediated tetrad analysis, we obtained strains with restored URA3 and deletion of NTH1 and/or PUT1. The resulting strain showed higher cell survival and dough-leavening ability after freezing compared to the wild-type strain due to enhanced accumulation of trehalose and/or proline. Moreover, mutant with simultaneous deletion of NTH1 and PUT1 exhibits the highest relative dough-leavening ability after freezing compared to mutants with single-gene deletion perhaps due to elevated levels of both trehalose and proline. These results verified that it is applicable to construct frozen dough baker’s yeast using the method proposed in this paper.
On the phenotypic spectrum of serine biosynthesis defects
Authors: El‐Hattab Ayman W. , Shaheen Ranad , Hertecant Jozef , Galadari Hassan I. , Albaqawi Badi S. , Nabil Amira , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: March 2016

L‐serine is a non‐essential amino acid that is de novo synthesized via the enzymes phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH), phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT), and phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP). Besides its role in protein synthesis, L‐serine is a precursor of a number of important compounds. Serine biosynthesis defects result from deficiencies in PGDH, PSAT, or PSP and have a broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from Neu‐Laxova syndrome, a lethal multiple congenital anomaly disease at the severe end to a childhood disease with intellectual disability at the mild end, with infantile growth deficiency, and severe neurological manifestations as an intermediate phenotype. In this report, we present three subjects with serine biosynthesis effects. The first was a stillbirth with Neu‐Laxova syndrome and a homozygous mutation in PHGDH. The second was a neonate with growth deficiency, microcephaly, ichthyotic skin lesions, seizures, contractures, hypertonia, distinctive facial features, and a homozygous mutation in PSAT1. The third subject was an infant with growth deficiency, microcephaly, ichthyotic skin lesions, anemia, hypertonia, distinctive facial features, low serine and glycine in plasma and CSF, and a novel homozygous mutation in PHGDH gene. Herein, we also review previous reports of serine biosynthesis defects and mutations in the PHGDH, PSAT1, and PSPH genes, discuss the variability in the phenotypes associated with serine biosynthesis defects, and elaborate on the vital roles of serine and the potential consequences of its deficiency.
Roost characteristics as indicators for heterothermic behavior of forest‐dwelling bats
Authors: Otto Matthias S. , Becker Nina I. , Encarnação Jorge A.
Published: March 2016

Many forest‐dwelling bats spend their diurnal inactivity period in tree cavities. During this time bats can save energy through heterothermy. A heterothermic response (torpor) is characterized by a lowered body temperature, reduced metabolic rate, and reduction of other physiological processes, and can be influenced by the microclimatic conditions of roost cavities. The thermal and physical characteristics of roosts used by the sympatric, ecologically, and morphologically similar bat species Myotis bechsteinii, M. nattereri, and Plecotus auritus were compared. These three species differ in their heterothermic behavior, with the lowest skin temperatures observed for P. auritus. Therefore, we hypothesized that roosts occupied by the three species should differ in roost characteristics and microclimatic conditions, whereby P. auritus should select colder and thermally less stable roosts. The results showed that horizontal depth of the cavity, diameter of the roost tree, and microclimatic conditions within roosts differed among species. Roosts of P. auritus had the lowest horizontal depth, lowest thermal stability, and lowest mean minimum roost temperatures. Height of the roost, diameter of the roost tree, and vertical depth were also shown to influence microclimatic conditions. With increasing diameter of the tree and increasing horizontal depth, mean minimum roost temperature increased and thermal stability improved. Furthermore, with ascending height above ground insulation and mean roost temperatures increased. Our results imply that species such as P. auritus, which use pronounced torpor as a primary energy saving strategy, prefer colder cavities that support their heterothermic strategy.
FGF‐2 deficiency causes dysregulation of Arhgef6 and downstream targets in the cerebral cortex accompanied by altered neurite outgrowth and dendritic spine morphology
Authors: Baum Philip , Vogt Miriam A. , Gass Peter , Unsicker Klaus , von Bohlen und Halbach Oliver
Published: March 2016

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) is an abundant growth factor in the brain and exerts multiple functions on neural cells ranging from cell division, cell fate determination to differentiation. However, many details of the molecular mechanisms underlying the diverse functions of FGF‐2 are poorly understood. In a comparative microarray analysis of motor sensory cortex (MSC) tissue of adult knockout (FGF‐2−/−) and control (FGF‐2+/+) mice, we found a substantial number of regulated genes, which are implicated in cytoskeletal machinery dynamics. Specifically, we found a prominent downregulation of Arhgef6. Arhgef6 mRNA was significantly reduced in the FGF‐2−/− cortex, and Arhgef6 protein virtually absent, while RhoA protein levels were massively increased and Cdc42 protein levels were reduced. Since Arhgef6 is localized to dendritic spines, we next analyzed dendritic spines of adult FGF2−/− and control mouse cortices. Spine densities were significantly increased, whereas mean length of spines on dendrites of layer V of MSC neurons in adult FGF‐2−/− mice was significantly decreased as compared to respective controls. Furthermore, neurite length in dissociated cortical cultures from E18 FGF‐2−/− mice was significantly reduced at DIV7 as compared to wildtype neurons. Despite the fact that altered neuronal morphology and alterations in dendritic spines were observed, FGF‐2−/− mice behave relatively unsuspicious in several behavioral tasks. However, FGF‐2−/− mice exhibited decreased thermal pain sensitivity in the hotplate‐test.
Effect of chronic undernutrition on body mass and mechanical bone quality under normoxic and altitude hypoxic conditions
Authors: Lezon Christian , Bozzini Clarisa , Agûero Romero Alan , Pinto Patricia , Champin Graciela , Alippi Rosa M. , Boyer Patricia , Bozzini Carlos E.
Published: March 2016

Both undernutrition and hypoxia exert a negative influence on both growth pattern and bone mechanical properties in developing rats. The present study explored the effects of chronic food restriction on both variables in growing rats exposed to simulated high-altitude hypoxia. Male rats (n 80) aged 28 d were divided into normoxic (Nx) and hypoxic (Hx) groups. Hx rats were exposed to hypobaric air (380 mmHg) in decompression chambers. At T0, Nx and Hx rats were subdivided into four equal subgroups: normoxic control and hypoxic controls, and normoxic growth-restricted and hypoxic growth-restricted received 80 % of the amount of food consumed freely by their respective controls for a 4-week period. Half of these animals were studied at the end of this period (T4). The remaining rats in each group continued under the same environmental conditions, but food was offered ad libitum to explore the type of catch-up growth during 8 weeks. Structural bone properties (strength and stiffness) were evaluated in the right femur midshaft by the mechanical three-point bending test; geometric properties (length, cross-sectional area, cortical mass, bending cross-sectional moment of inertia) and intrinsic properties of the bone tissue (elastic modulus) were measured or derived from appropriate equations. Bone mineralisation was assessed by ash measurement of the left femur. These data indicate that the growth-retarded effects of diminished food intake, induced either by food restriction or hypoxia-related inhibition of appetite, generated the formation of corresponding smaller bones in which subnormal structural and geometric properties were observed. However, they seemed to be appropriate to the body mass of the animals and suggest, therefore, that the bones were not osteopenic. When food restriction was imposed in Hx rats, the combined effects of both variables were additive, inducing a further reduction of bone mass and bone load-carrying capacity. In all cases, the mechanical properties of the mineralised tissue were unaffected. This and the capacity of the treated bones to undergone complete catch-up growth with full restoration of the biomechanical properties suggest that undernutrition, under either Nx or Hx conditions, does not affect bone behaviour because it remains appropriate to its mechanical functions.
Islamic Numismatics
Authors: Bates Michael L.
Published: March 2016

Since Islamic coins characteristically bear no images, they have ample room for inscriptions; a typical coin of the Classical Period bears 50 to 100 words in a total area (obverse plus reverse) of about 10 cm2. Each coin is thus a small document bearing several explicit messages which its makers intended to convey. But inscriptions, like other features of a coin, also carry implicit information unconsciously provided by the makers. Analysis of orthography, grammatical constructions, phraseology, and epigraphical style can illuminate the evolution of the Arabic language and script; the comparative study of titulature brings out changes in the self-image and philosophy of government of rulers; religious inscriptions on coins show what their issuers regarded as fundamental, as opposed to the beliefs attributed to them by hostile or later writers. Such topics must, of course, be studied in the context of the evidence from literature and monumental inscriptions. Coins have the advantage that their evidence is usually firmly dated and placed—and undoubtedly official—although one must beware of the strongly conservative tendency of coin design: inscriptions and designs may reflect traditional practice rather than current attitudes.
Project on Law and Social Structure
Authors: Butterworth Charles E.
Published: March 2016

The Joint Committee on the Near and Middle East of the American Council of Learned Societies and the Social Science Research Council was appointed in 1959 to advance humanistic and social science research in and on the Near and Middle East. Over the years, in addition to offering fellowships and grants, it has held workshops and conferences to investigate topics which would allow humanists and social scientists to understand this vital area better. When appropriate, the papers from the conferences have been published as scholarly volumes.
The Study of Arabic Philosophy Today
Authors: Butterworth Charles E.
Published: March 2016

It is a good omen that an essay on the current study of Arabic philosophy is appropriate. In the first place, it is a sign that the field is flourishing. Indeed, there are now so many who pursue this kind of inquiry, and those hail from such far-flung locales, that hardly any single scholar is acquainted with all of his fellows or even with all of their research. Names of new scholars, announcements of long forgotten manuscripts, and novel interpretations of well-known works spring forth at each learned conference as well as in each issue of scholarly journals. What is more, it is a sign of the extent to which the field of Arabic studies in general has now become populous and diversified. No longer can an individual scholar aspire to keep up with all of the research being pursued in all of the various sub-disciplines of the field. Finally, it is a sign that even in the midst of such burgeoning activity and specialization there is an abiding interest in the field as a whole. It is the latter, above all, that warrants this general account of what is happening with respect to the study of Arabic philosophy.
Presidential Address—MESA 1983: Our Rôles as Scholars and Citizens
Authors: Antoun Richard T.
Published: March 2016

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves

Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

I wish to speak to you tonight about common dilemmas we face as scholars, citizens, and human beings. Each of these rôles involves distinctive obligations and at the same time casts a shadow on the others. Let me begin by discussing a subject that has enthralled or distracted (depending on your point of view) many members of our association over the last few years, the subject of religious resurgence. I shall confine my remarks to Islamic resurgence, since my own research in Jordan and Iran makes me somewhat more familiar with the phenomenon as it works in local contexts there, although the questions raised may quite possibly apply to the phenomena of Jewish and Christian resurgence.
Arabic Papyrology and Middle Eastern Studies
Authors: Frantz-Murphy Gladys
Published: March 2016

Arabic Papyrology is relevant to more than the first three hundred years of Islamic Egypt. In its larger sense, papyrology is the use of documentary sources for the study of civilization. To limit the definition of Arabic papyrology by the medium on which documents are written would be to ignore the possibility of millenia-long historical investigation. Analysis of time-series of like documents—for example, marriage or sales contracts—without regard to the change from papyrus to paper, will permit the unprecedented study of a particular institution over time, as well as understanding of variations in language and formulary. Arabic papyrology, hence, presents us with the possibility of in-depth cross-cultural studies of institutions which lie at the very foundations of Middle Eastern civilization.
The American University in Cairo Resumes Activities
Authors: Stegeman Richard
Published: March 2016

The American University in Cairo has resumed a broad range of activities in research, education, and public service. Adjustments in staffing and scheduling have been necessary, but the University’s overall operations this fall are close to normal, and it is expected that all programs will be restored and the full faculty will be back in Cairo by February.

After hostilities began in June non-Egyptian members of the University staff were required to leave Egypt. The University was sequestrated and its property inventoried and safeguarded by the government of the United Arab Republic. An administrator, Dr. Hussein Said, was appointed to manage the University during the period of sequestration. Dr. Said, one of the U.A.R.’s most respected educators, has served as Minister of Higher Education and vice President of Cairo University.
The French Foreign Office Records on North Africa and the Middle East in Nantes
Authors: Kupferschmidt Uri M.
Published: March 2016

An Important Collection of French historical documents has recently become accessible in Nantes. While it was known that large collections of French Foreign Office records—many still untouched since they were “repatriated”—were kept in a former army storehouse in Nantes, the Ministère des Relations Extérieurs opened a proper reading room there in the summer of 1987. The archives are located at 19, rue de Casterneau (tel. 40.49.73.29) and are open to the public from Wednesday to Friday between 9.00 A.M. and 6.30 P.M.. With rising interest by researchers the opening days may be increased, but even now a “deroguement” may be granted to work in the reading room during the first days of the week as well. The archives are professionally managed by Mr. Pascal Even (Conservateur et Responsable), Mrs. Elisabeth Caude (Conservateur), and Mrs. Béatrice Thoby (Documentalist). Rules and procedures for admission and on the availability of documents are the same as those applying at the reading room of the Quai d’Orsay in Paris, with the exception that more than three pieces a day can be produced. Xerox copies and microfilms can also be ordered under the rules which are in force in Paris.
The Arab Gulf States Folklore Centre: A Resource for the Study of Folklore and Traditional Culture
Authors: Varisco Daniel Martin
Published: March 2016

While the literature on folklore and traditional culture of the Middle East is quite extensive overall, relatively little has appeared on the Arabian Gulf. Unfortunately, this region has undergone rapid socioeconomic change stimulated by the impact of oil wealth. Much of the traditional way of life in the Gulf, as in the case of pearl diving, has disappeared except in the memories of the older generation. In late 1983 an institution was formed as an initiative of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) to document and preserve the folklore of the region. This is the Arab Gulf States Folklore Centre (Markaz al-Turāth al-Sha‘bī li-Duwal al-Khalīj al-Arabīya), located in Doha, Qatar. The center is housed in a complex of five buildings with facilities in support of research projects, documentation, and archives, and a library on the folklore of the region. Several major conferences and a number of small workshops have been sponsored here on issues related to the collection of folklore in the Gulf. The center publishes books in Arabic and English, as well as a quarterly journal, Al-Ma’thūrāt al-Sha‘bīya (MS). This article provides an introduction to the AGSFC as the primary resource for research on the folklore of the Arabian Gulf.
Presidential Address 1990 Middle East Area Studies: Current Concerns and Future Directions
Authors: Haddad Yvonne Y.
Published: March 2016

Several MESA Members met in October to organize a two-week summer institute for high school teachers on the general subject of teaching about Islam and the Arab world. Having determined the overall topics to be addressed, we decided to leave one session open to deal with whatever might be “The Crisis of the Day.” Someone asked, “But what if there isn’t a crisis?” Such a possibility seemed quite unthinkable to most of us. “I’m sure there will be something,” said one person. And another, for good measure, added, “And if there isn’t, we can make one up.”

This rather cynical view of the importance of conflict in the overall reality of the Middle East may remind some of us of the distorted joke about the scorpion and the frog crossing the river, often repeated by speakers with the clincher, “This is the Middle East.” In reality, however, it may reflect a deeper concern that many of us have. What is this Middle East to the study of which we have devoted our lives? Have we somehow created an entity for our own needs and purposes that may not correspond to reality?