bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LOS PARADIGMAS POÉTICOS DE REPÚBLICA A LA LUZ DE LAS TÉCNICAS MIMÉTICAS DEL SOFISTA
Authors: SOARES LUCAS
Published: April 2016

Of all the themes running through the Sophist, in this paper I am interested in focusing on the definitions, particularly on the seventh of these, as in its attempt to hunt the sophist and distinguish his own particular activity, Plato may therein make important references to the "technique of producing images" (eidolopoiike techne). It is in the context of this seventh definition of the sophist as a 'wizard' (goes) and 'imitator' (mimetes), belonging to the "genre of the illusionists" who perform illusions in their discourses, where Plato mentions the examination of such a productive human technique of an imitative nature (mimetike) and, what interests me, the explanation of its potential divisions (eikastike and phantastike) in order to include the sophist in one of these. The drama of the original and the image that the Sophist stages, and whose inclusion leads to a new reworking in the domain of mimetics, will allow us, in making it extensive in the specific case of poetic mimesis, to corroborate from another perspective the counterpoint between poetic paradigms (traditional and platonic) which can be deduced from books II, III and X of The Republic.
DIVISION, DIALECTIQUE ET DÈFINITION CHEZ PLATON ET ARISTOTE
Authors: DELCOMMINETTE SYLVAIN
Published: April 2016

In this article, I examine the way Aristotle makes use of the methods Plato labelled as "dialectic". After suggesting a unified interpretation of Plato’s dialectic, I show that Aristotle makes room for them not inside the context of demonstrative science, but at the level of the investigation concerning the principles of such a science. These principles are, for the most part, definitions; and Plato’s dialectical methods are designed to search for and obtain definitions. Although Aristotle, contrary to Plato, seems to distinguish between dialectic and philosophy, he relates both to the same capacity, and he suggests that their methods are identical up to a certain point. Moreover, the cognitive state corresponding to dialectic is, for Aristotle as for Plato, intelligence (nous). Nevertheless, there remain important differences between Plato and Aristotle on this issue: while the dialogical dimension of dialectic is for Plato constitutive of philosophy and implies that the philosophical thought is a perpetual motion, it is according to Aristotle what distinguishes dialectic from philosophy, which must for its part come to a rest; and while philosophy presupposes a rupture with sensation according to Plato, Aristotle envisages it in continuity with sensible experience.
Description of eleven new species of the goblin spider genus Neoxyphinus Birabén, 1953 (Araneae, Oonopidae)
Authors: MOSS DANIELLA F. , FEITOSA NÍTHOMAS M. , BONALDO ALEXANDRE B. , RUIZ GUSTAVO R. S.
Published: April 2016

The spiders of the genus Neoxyphinus Birabén differ from those of other oonopid genera by the male endites with an api-cal, retrolateral excavation bearing a subapical tooth-like apophysis and, in females, by the ellipsoid genital atrium, with angular lateral margins. In this paper, eleven new species of the genus are described, mainly from northern South America: N. amazonicus Moss & Feitosa, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Colombia and Brazil; N. macuna Moss & Ruiz, sp. nov. (♂♀), N. tuparro Moss & Ruiz, sp. nov. (♂) and N. pure Moss & Bonaldo, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Colombia; N. yekuana Moss & Feitosa, sp. nov. (♂♀), N. trujillo Moss & Bonaldo, sp. nov. (♂♀), N. yacambu Moss & Feitosa, sp. nov. (♂) and N. saarineni Moss & Bonaldo, sp. nov. (♂) from Venezuela; N. inca Moss & Ruiz, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Peru; N. beni Moss & Feitosa, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Bolivia; and N. coca Moss & Feitosa, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Ecuador.
Review of the grass-feeding leafhopper genera Miradeltaphus Dash & Viraktamath and Yuanamia Zhang & Duan (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Deltocephalini)
Authors: DUAN YANI , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: April 2016

Miradeltaphus Dash & Viraktamath and Yuanamia Zhang & Duan are revised, one new species M. sanogae sp. n. is described and Parayuanamia Xing & Li is considered a junior synonym of Yuanamia Zhang & Duan syn. n. Both genera are newly recorded from Thailand. A revised key to the Palearctic and Oriental genera of Deltocephalini is provided.
The Great Basin Derecho of 31 May 1994
Authors: Corfidi Stephen F. , Johns Robert H. , Darrow Mark A.
Published: April 2016

A significant, convectively induced windstorm known as a derecho occurred over parts of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Colorado on 31 May 1994. The event was unusual in that it occurred not only in an environment of relatively limited moisture, but also one with a thermodynamic profile favorable for dry microbursts in the presence of moderate midtropospheric flow. The development and evolution of the severe wind-producing convective system is described, with emphasis on the synoptic and mesoscale features that may have contributed to its strength and maintenance. A very similar derecho that affected much the same region on 1 June 2002 is more briefly introduced. Questions are raised regarding the unique nature of these events and their potential utility in achieving an increased understanding of the mechanics of derecho-producing convective systems in more moisture-rich environments.
Suitability of Transportable EDXRF for the On-site Assessment of Ancient Silver Coins and Other Silver Artifacts
Authors: Gore Damian B. , Davis Gillan
Published: April 2016

Transportable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers allow the elemental composition of coins to be measured at collections, enhancing security while maximizing access to historically important material. We assessed 10 silver coins, using five XRF spectrometers. We found no systematic differences between analyses using Mo- and Rh-anode tubes, and no substantial advantage using He flush over air for elements heavier than Ti. Higher voltage X-ray tubes enhanced analytical precision. Understanding patina composition made a numerical correction possible, allowing an approximation of the underlying coin metal with good results for metals including Cu, Ag, Au, Pb, and Bi.
On-Chip Micro–Electro–Mechanical System Fourier Transform Infrared (MEMS FT-IR) Spectrometer-Based Gas Sensing
Authors: Erfan Mazen , Sabry Yasser M , Sakr Mohammad , Mortada Bassem , Medhat Mostafa , Khalil Diaa
Published: April 2016

In this work, we study the detection of acetylene (C2H2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) gases in the near-infrared (NIR) range using an on-chip silicon micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer in the wavelength range 1300–2500 nm (4000–7692 cm−1). The spectrometer core engine is a scanning Michelson interferometer micro-fabricated using a deep-etching technology producing self-aligned components. The light is free-space propagating in-plane with respect to the silicon chip substrate. The moving mirror of the interferometer is driven by a relatively large stroke electrostatic comb-drive actuator corresponding to about 30 cm−1 resolution. Multi-mode optical fibers are used to connect light between the wideband light source, the interferometer, the 10 cm gas cell, and the optical detector. A wide dynamic range of gas concentration down to 2000 parts per million (ppm) in only 10 cm length gas cell is demonstrated. Extending the wavelength range to the mid-infrared (MIR) range up to 4200 nm (2380 cm−1) is also experimentally demonstrated, for the first time, using a bulk micro-machined on-chip MEMS FT-IR spectrometer. The obtained results open the door for an on-chip optical gas sensor for many applications including environmental sensing and industrial process control in the NIR/MIR spectral ranges.
Implementing Recommendations From Web Accessibility Guidelines
Authors: Schmutz Sven , Sonderegger Andreas , Sauer Juergen
Published: April 2016

Objective:

We examined the consequences of implementing Web accessibility guidelines for nondisabled users.

Background:

Although there are Web accessibility guidelines for people with disabilities available, they are rarely used in practice, partly due to the fact that practitioners believe that such guidelines provide no benefits, or even have negative consequences, for nondisabled people, who represent the main user group of Web sites. Despite these concerns, there is a lack of empirical research on the effects of current Web accessibility guidelines on nondisabled users.

Method:

Sixty-one nondisabled participants used one of three Web sites differing in levels of accessibility (high, low, and very low). Accessibility levels were determined by following established Web accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.0). A broad methodological approach was used, including performance measures (e.g., task completion time) and user ratings (e.g., perceived usability).

Results:

A high level of Web accessibility led to better performance (i.e., task completion time and task completion rate) than low or very low accessibility. Likewise, high Web accessibility improved user ratings (i.e., perceived usability, aesthetics, workload, and trustworthiness) compared to low or very low Web accessibility. There was no difference between the very low and low Web accessibility conditions for any of the outcome measures.

Conclusion:

Contrary to some concerns in the literature and among practitioners, high conformance with Web accessibility guidelines may provide benefits to users without disabilities.

Application:

The findings may encourage more practitioners to implement WCAG 2.0 for the benefit of users with disabilities and nondisabled users.
Beyond Morgan’s eight metaphors: Adding to and developing organization theory
Authors: Örtenblad Anders , Putnam Linda L , Trehan Kiran
Published: April 2016

This introduction examines the contributions of articles in this special issue to organization theory, especially efforts to rethink or add to Morgan’s metaphors and to generate new organizational images. In general, the articles in this issue offer new metaphors and sub-metaphors and enrich specifications for two of Morgan’s images. Moreover, they address ways of rethinking Morgan’s images through developing meta-metaphors and comparing his images with other sets of metaphors. In addition, the contributors to this special issue rely on a number of ways to generate new metaphors, namely through evaluation and critique, empirical and experiential observations, fantasy, and conceptual development. This introduction concludes with an appeal for scholars to increase their knowledge of Morgan’s metaphors, especially what they are and what they entail.
Commentary: Beyond Morgan’s eight metaphors
Authors: Morgan Gareth
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on the interplay between metaphor and metonymy in the construction of organization theory. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the use of metaphor as a way of thinking and a way of being, and the specific metaphors that are produced through this process. It suggests that too much emphasis is often placed on metaphors as abstracted epistemological constructs rather than on understanding the more dynamic and changing role they play in the interactive modes of engagement through which people seek to grasp, concretize and act on their world. Developing the approach and ideas first presented in Images of Organization, this article suggests that a flexible use of metaphor can help us engage and understand the multidimensional and paradoxical nature of organizational life and help us to deal with the emerging issues shaping the contemporary socio-political–technological–organizational landscape. The article suggests that because most current approaches in social science are overly-focused on the study of abstracted metonymical constructs, they will have difficulty dealing with the multidimensional complexity we now face.
How Do Hospital Nurse Staffing Strategies Affect Patient Satisfaction?
Authors: Hockenberry Jason M. , Becker Edmund R.
Published: April 2016

In this article, the authors evaluate the role of the nurse staffing mix on hospital patient satisfaction. Using three years (2009 to 2011) of hospital patient satisfaction data linked to data on the productive staffing hours of registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses, nurse’s aides, and contract nurses for 311 California hospitals, the authors analyze how nurse staffing levels affect 10 dimensions of patient satisfaction. The findings indicate that a higher level of RNs per bed appears to increase overall patient satisfaction. Conversely, hospitals with a higher proportion of nursing hours provided by contract nurses have significantly lower levels of patient satisfaction on scores related to overall patient satisfaction and nurses’ communication with the patient. The results have implications for RN staffing strategies and inform the broader literature on worker-skill mix and employment arrangements.
Female Genital Mutilation in the UK Population
Authors: Cook Kate
Published: April 2016

This article considers the definition of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the context of United Nations work which aims to end this practice. The piece focuses on the prevalence of FGM in the UK and on legal provisions outlawing cutting in England and Wales. It argues that FGM is now relatively commonplace in the UK and ends with a call for greater public education about FGM and better support for survivors of mutilation. The article begins by looking at international ideas about FGM, drawing on knowledge from UNICEF and considering the realities of the practices carried out on young girls. It is acknowledged that there is a risk of alienating traditions that value cutting, inherent in the western view of FGM as child abuse. Nevertheless, the article argues that FGM must be eradicated. A review of information on the prevalence of FGM in UK populations follows, showing that there are many thousands of women and girl survivors now resident in Britain. FGM has been a criminal offence in England and Wales since the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. However this legislation proved impractical and it has now been replaced by a Female Genital Mutilation Act in 2003 and that, in turn, is now amended by the Serious Crime Act 2015. An outline of the newer legislations suggests that there are signs of usefulness within the latest amendments. However the article ends with some warnings about the risks of criminalisation without appropriate levels of support and public discussion.
Why has the Concept of Consent Proven So Difficult to Clarify?
Authors: Simpson Bethany
Published: April 2016

The concept of consent is a fundamental element within various crimes of different natures. It plays a particularly important role in the crime of rape under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and non-fatal offences under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. It is within this former Act that consent was given its first statutory definition under ss. 74, 75 and 76, respectively. This article explores the history of consent within sexual offences, the issues surrounding its definition and application, and the lack of consistency in criminal law as a whole. It will be submitted that each of these factors have subsequently led to the consensus that significant clarity has neither been embraced nor achieved by the integration of a statutory definition.
The Shamanic Renaissance: What Is Going On?
Authors: Kowalewski David
Published: April 2016

A surprising development over the past half-century has been the revival of the ancient tradition of shamanism. Evidence for the renaissance is everywhere. But what is going on? I offer a structural view, suggesting that a global–historical conjuncture is responsible. The most important structures of civilization—governments, religions, sciences—have all suffered from popular alienation, most recently failing to adequately address global crises, prompting many in developed and developing countries, facilitated by global infrastructure, to reach back to their ancient spiritual roots. At the same time, in response to popular alienation, currents within these very structures have converged to buoy the movement. Traditional shamans, for their part, in spite of criticism at home for teaching modern peoples, say that the spirits have played a key role in rekindling shamanic practices.
Black Lives Matter and the Paradoxes of U.S. Black Politics
Authors: Hooker Juliet
Published: April 2016

This essay seeks to understand the complex response to the current Black Lives Matter protests against police violence, which pose deeper questions about the forms of politics that black citizens—who are experiencing a defining moment of racial terror in the United States in the twenty-first century—can and should pursue. When other citizens and state institutions betray a lack of care and concern for black suffering, which in turn makes it impossible for those wrongs to be redressed, is it fair to ask blacks to enact “appropriate” democratic politics? These questions are explored via a reading of Danielle Allen and Ralph Ellison’s meditations on the problem of democratic loss and Hannah Arendt’s critique of school desegregation battles in the 1960s. I suggest that there is a conceptual trap in romantic historical narratives of black activism (especially the civil rights movement) that recast peaceful acquiescence to loss as a form of democratic exemplarity.
Diagnosing church health across cultures: A case study of Turkish Roma (Millet) churches in Bulgaria
Authors: Hibbert Richard Yates , Hibbert Evelyn Catherine
Published: April 2016

Much missionary work is focused on helping churches become healthy and mature. In doing so, missionaries face the challenge of contextualization. The local people’s ideals and images of church usually reflect different emphases than those of the missionary’s home culture. Indicators that have been used to assess whether a church is doing well in the missionary’s home country may not be the best measures of maturity or health in the host culture. This article describes the application of an approach to contextualization—Paul Hiebert’s “missional theology”—to the diagnosis of church health and maturity in Turkish-speaking Roma (Millet) churches in Bulgaria. In the process, the limitations of using indicators of church health developed in another cultural context without adaptation are discussed, Millet ideals of healthy churches are analyzed, and biblical and Millet ideals are brought into dialogue with each other to produce a contextualized portrayal of a healthy Millet church.
Story Appraisal Theory: From Story Kernel Appraisals to Implications and Impact
Authors: Berger Charles R. , Ha Yerheen , Chen Meng
Published: April 2016

Story Appraisal Theory posits that reduced memory representations of stories, or story kernels, are appraised in a three-dimensional story appraisal space. Stories deemed to have a point (pointedness), to be plausible (plausibility), and to be generalizable to society (probative value) are more likely to provoke implications than stories found wanting on one or more of these appraisal parameters. Story kernel–prompted implications, in turn, produce attitudinal and behavioral effects. Stories may have implications for the self, others (family and friends), and society. Four experiments found general support for the proposition that favorable appraisals promote implication generation. Experiments 2 to 4 revealed that implications partially mediate between the story appraisal dimensions and estimates of behavior change in response to the stories.
The Social Aspects of Hand Washing in American Restaurants: An Administrative Approach to Reducing Public and Private Health Care Costs
Authors: Oldfield Kenneth
Published: April 2016

Proper hand sanitation prevents spreading of many types of illness and infection, thereby lowering the quantitative and qualitative costs of public and private health care. Research shows that thinking or knowing someone is watching you wash your hands in a public lavatory appreciably improves the odds of you doing so. Nevertheless, most restaurants place their hand washing facilities inside the bathroom, beyond public view. Reformers from the public and private sectors should work cooperatively to incentivize restaurant owners voluntarily to place their hand washing facilities in public spaces. If this uncompelled approach proves unsuccessful, reformers should seek to impose laws requiring that all public eateries place their bathroom washbasins in conspicuous locations. The discussion closes by suggesting ancillary improvements to test in pursuit of further improving hand washing rates and practices in public spaces.
Disagreeableness as a Cause and Consequence of Ostracism
Authors: Hales Andrew H. , Kassner Matthew P. , Williams Kipling D. , Graziano William G.
Published: April 2016

Ostracism’s negative consequences have been widely documented, but research has yet to explore the personality characteristics of its targets that precipitate ostracism. Based on theories of the functions of ostracism, we found that people are more willing to ostracize disagreeable targets than more agreeable targets (Studies 2 and 3). This outcome was mediated by participants’ interpersonal trust toward the target, and was especially strong for people who highly endorse fairness as a foundation for morality (Study 4). Ironically, the experience of ostracism induced a state of disagreeableness: the very characteristic that elicits ostracism from others (Study 5). This relationship was mediated by feelings of anger (Study 6). Findings indicate disagreeableness is a particularly negative outcome of ostracism, because it leads to further ostracism.
Assessment and interpretation of internal doses: uncertainty and variability
Authors: Paquet F. , Bailey M.R. , Leggett R.W. , Harrison J.D.
Published: April 2016

Internal doses are calculated on the basis of knowledge of intakes and/or measurements of activity in bioassay samples, typically using reference biokinetic and dosimetric models recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). These models describe the behaviour of the radionuclides after ingestion, inhalation, and absorption to the blood, and the absorption of the energy resulting from their nuclear transformations. They are intended to be used mainly for the purpose of radiological protection: that is, optimisation and demonstration of compliance with dose limits. These models and parameter values are fixed by convention and are not subject to uncertainty. Over the past few years, ICRP has devoted a considerable amount of effort to the revision and improvement of models to make them more physiologically realistic. ICRP models are now sufficiently sophisticated for calculating organ and tissue absorbed doses for scientific purposes, and in many other areas, including toxicology, pharmacology and medicine. In these specific cases, uncertainties in parameters and variability between individuals need to be taken into account.
Strength-based interventions
Authors: Proyer René T , Gander Fabian , Tandler Nancy
Published: April 2016

Positive psychology has revived psychology’s abandoned interest in the study of morally positively valued traits (the so-called character strengths) and virtues. We review literature generated on strength-based approaches and focus on applications in the so-called positive psychology interventions. There seems to be great potential in this approach for research in the field of giftedness and, of course, also when practically working with gifted children and adolescents. We highlight some ideas for future research directions.
Human resource practices, employee attitudes and small firm performance
Authors: Lai Yanqing , Saridakis George , Johnstone Stewart
Published: April 2016

This article uses the matched employee–employer dataset from the Workplace Employment Relations Study of 2011 (WERS2011) in Britain to empirically examine the direct relationship between human resource management (HRM) practices and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) performance in the United Kingdom, as well as the potential moderating effect of organisational commitment/job satisfaction on the HRM-performance linkage. We find a positive and direct relationship between the use of certain formalised human resource (HR) practices and SME performance, measured by financial performance and labour productivity. More importantly, we find that the positive relationship between HR practices and financial performance varies between SMEs with high job satisfaction and low job satisfaction, and that the relationship is weakened in SMEs with high job satisfaction. The results suggest that certain HR policies and practices may improve small firm performance, especially within firms with low levels of commitment and satisfaction.
Effects of Design Features of Explicit Values Clarification Methods
Authors: Witteman Holly O. , Gavaruzzi Teresa , Scherer Laura D. , Pieterse Arwen H. , Fuhrel-Forbis Andrea , Chipenda Dansokho Selma , Exe Nicole , Kahn Valerie C. , Feldman-Stewart Deb , Col Nananda F. , Turgeon Alexis F. , Fagerlin Angela
Published: April 2016

Background. Diverse values clarification methods exist. It is important to understand which, if any, of their design features help people clarify values relevant to a health decision. Purpose. To explore the effects of design features of explicit values clarification methods on outcomes including decisional conflict, values congruence, and decisional regret. Data Sources. MEDLINE, all EBM Reviews, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, manual search of reference lists, and expert contacts. Study Selection. Articles were included if they described the evaluation of 1 or more explicit values clarification methods. Data Extraction. We extracted details about the evaluation, whether it was conducted in the context of actual or hypothetical decisions, and the results of the evaluation. We combined these data with data from a previous review about each values clarification method’s design features. Data Synthesis. We identified 20 evaluations of values clarification methods within 19 articles. Reported outcomes were heterogeneous. Few studies reported values congruence or postdecision outcomes. The most promising design feature identified was explicitly showing people the implications of their values, for example, by displaying the extent to which each of their decision options aligns with what matters to them. Limitations. Because of the heterogeneity of outcomes, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. Results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions. Few values clarification methods have been evaluated experimentally. More research is needed to determine effects of different design features of values clarification methods and to establish best practices in values clarification. When feasible, evaluations should assess values congruence and postdecision measures of longer-term outcomes.
How the Brain Understands
Authors: Brooks Eugene M.
Published: April 2016

Understanding and consciousness are two of the most fundamental functions of the mind. While understanding is semantically different from consciousness, the two functions are explicated as being very much the same physiologically. Their physiologies are elucidated. Genetic research is cited which clearly demonstrates that both functions are physical and indicates the role of qualitative neurons or qualitative proteins as instantiations of both functions. The roles of synecdoche and semi-independent memory item are reviewed. In addition, reasons are presented for the historical unfathomability of consciousness and understanding and the applicability of the concept of a “fact of nature” is explained.
The effect of harmonization on cortical magnetic responses evoked by music of rapidly changing tonalities
Authors: Wen Ya-Chien , Tsai Chen-Gia
Published: April 2016

The act of shifting from one key to another is termed tonal modulation, which has been used to articulate emotion expressions and formal structures in Western music. The present study recorded cortical activity to examine how the auditory-evoked magnetic fields are affected by harmonizing music of rapidly changing tonalities. Participants were asked to covertly sing the pitch names of well-learned modulating melodies along with the harmonized or unharmonized melodies. In our musical stimuli, three flats were added to the key signature for every four beats. Such a rapid modulation is achieved by a chromatic inflection of the submediant tone between the third and fourth beats. Tonal modulations with such chromatic progressions are termed chromatic modulations. A major finding was that the amplitude of N1m (neuromagnetic response at approximately 110 ms after the onset of a stimulus) was significantly reduced by harmonization only when a modulation occurred. We also observed that harmonization enhanced the P2m (neuromagnetic response at approximately 200 ms after the onset of a stimulus) amplitude. The results provide evidence of the impacts of harmonization on attention efforts and pitch categorization.
Asymmetric flows, critical zones, and zero-carbon citizens
Authors: Ritchie Craig , Knight Anthony
Published: April 2016

In 2000, a short scientific paper by Crutzen and Stoermer suggested the Holocene epoch had been supplanted by a new age, the anthropocene, in which human activities had come to rival the great forces of nature in shaping geological and earth system processes. Out of this, a new transdisciplinary research area has emerged, drawing together social and natural scientists, historians, philosophers, and artists, amongst others. In November 2015, as part of a parallel series of events associated with the COP21 United Nations climate change meetings in Paris, the Collège de France, under the auspices of anthropologist Philippe Descola, hosted a two-day conference, ‘How to think the anthropocene? Anthropologists, philosophers, and sociologists facing climate change’. This article summarises some of the main presentations and ideas, including relational aspects between speakers.
Surgical Trends in the Treatment of Meniscal Tears
Authors: Parker Benjamin R. , Hurwitz Shepard , Spang Jeffrey , Creighton Robert , Kamath Ganesh
Published: April 2016

Background:

The indications and criteria for meniscal repair are expanding in parallel with new understanding in biomechanics, joint pathophysiology, and increased physician education.

Purpose:

To describe the practice patterns of arthroscopic meniscal treatment in recent years, compare the trends of arthroscopic meniscal repair versus arthroscopic meniscectomy, and compare sports fellowship–trained versus non–sports fellowship–trained surgeons in terms of arthroscopic meniscal treatment techniques among American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) candidates from 2004 to 2012.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

The ABOS database was used to identify cases of meniscal repair, partial meniscectomy, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction from 2004 to 2012. The number of surgeons contributing cases for each calendar year was also recorded, along with the number who had sports fellowship training. Rates were calculated as the number of procedures per surgeon per year. Trends were analyzed using Poisson regression analysis to model the rate of each procedure over time.

Results:

The rate of all meniscal procedures per surgeon decreased 12% from 18.4 cases per surgeon in 2004 to 16.2 cases per surgeon in 2012. There was a smaller decrease for sports fellowship–trained surgeons (7%) than for non–sports fellowship–trained surgeons (32%). The rate of meniscal repair cases per surgeon increased 37% from 1.6 to 2.2 cases per surgeon. The rate of meniscectomy cases decreased 17% from 16.8 to 14.0 cases per surgeon. When comparing fellowship-trained surgeons to non–fellowship-trained surgeons, there was no significant difference in meniscal repair rates over time. There was a decrease of 35% in rates of meniscectomy among non–fellowship-trained surgeons compared with 11% among fellowship-trained surgeons.

Conclusion:

This study provides insight into the current practice trends of recent orthopaedic training graduates in the treatment of meniscal tears. The results suggest that reported meniscal procedures have decreased overall among ABOS candidates but that meniscal repair cases have increased. The findings support the recent shift toward evidence-based medicine, with changing practice patterns that may reflect the dissemination of recent findings from large, high-quality research studies in this field.
A Study of the Administrative Posts during the Sena Period in the Kingdom of Makawanpur
Authors: Das Basudevlal
Published: April 2016

The rulers of the Sena dynasty claim to belong to the lunar race. They were settled in Bengal as a ruling dynasty. With the attack of Muhammad ibn Bakhtyar Khilji in AD 1202, the rule of King Lakshmanasena, the last ruler of Bengal of this dynasty, ended. The rulers of Sena dynasty, after their decline in Bengal in AD 1205, appeared in the land of Nepal and established the kingdom of Makawanpur during the thirteenth or fourteenth century. The kingdom of Makawanpur was subjugated by the then rising political power of Gorkhalis in AD 1762. In the Senas’ rule, the nature of administration was centralised, though there were judicial, district and local administrative units. Besides, the influence of Mughal administration is clearly seen in the administration during the Senas’ rule. It is said that the historical study of administrative posts during the Sena period is essential to understand the present-day administration of Nepal.
Effects of Learning Styles and Interest on Concentration and Achievement of Students in Mobile Learning
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Yang Xianmin
Published: April 2016

Learning concentration deserves in-depth investigation in the field of mobile learning. Therefore, this study examined the interaction effects of learning styles and interest on the learning concentration and academic achievement of students who were asked to learn conceptual knowledge via their mobile phones in a classroom setting. A total of 92 Chinese college students majoring in education participated in the study. With the application of correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (i.e., one, two, and three way), four main findings were obtained: (a) Interest is significantly correlated with concentration. The same case applies to concentration and posttests as well as to immediate and delayed posttests; (b) learning styles have no significant effect both on concentration and achievement; (c) learning styles and interest do not yield interaction effects on the learning concentration of students, but interest alone significantly affects the latter; and (d) learning styles, interest, and concentration do not yield interaction effects on the academic achievement of students. Overall, these findings imply that low interest always leads to lower learning concentration. Thus, appropriate mobile learning materials should be developed and used to educate students on the basis of their respective concentration, interest, and learning styles. The implications, limitations, and future research plans are presented in this article.
Relationship Between Iodine Concentration in Maternal Colostrum and Neurobehavioral Development of Infants in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wu Meiqin , Wu Deqing , Wu Wei , Li Hui , Cao Lulu , Xu Jian , Yu Xiaodan , Bian Xiaoyan , Yan Chonghuai , Wang Weiye
Published: April 2016

It is well known that iodine plays an important role in the process of early growth and development of most organs, especially the brain. However, iodine concentration in the colostrum and its association with the neurobehavioral development of infants remains unclear. Colostrums from 150 women were collected, and their iodine concentrations were measured. The median colostrum iodine level was 187.8 μg/L. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development–III test was performed when the infants were about 18 months. The mean cognitive, language, and motor composite scores were 105.3 ± 9.8, 105.2 ± 11.1, and 104.6 ± 6.7, respectively. And the mean scores of the 5 subtests were 11.1 ± 2.0, 9.3 ± 2.0, 12.4 ± 2.3, 11.1 ± 1.2, and 10.4 ± 1.2, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in the cognition, language, or motor development of infants across different levels of colostrum iodine. After adjusting for a range of confounding factors, colostrum iodine concentration was a predictor of motor development, specifically gross motor development.
Examining the Role of Substance Abuse in Elder Mistreatment: Results From Mistreatment Investigations
Authors: Conrad Kendon J. , Liu Pi-Ju , Iris Madelyn
Published: April 2016

Substance abuse has long been identified as a risk factor for elder mistreatment, yet research on the topic remains sparse. This study tested hypotheses whether perpetrator and victim substance use problems were associated with financial exploitation, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect versus no abuse. Cross-sectional data were collected on 948 cases with yes/no substantiation decisions where 357 cases had no abuse in elder mistreatment investigations. Hypotheses were tested using odds ratios, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analyses including a control for victim vulnerability. Of 948 alleged victims, 42 (4.4%) exhibited signs of substance use problems. Among the 323 alleged perpetrators, 87 (26.9%) were reported to have substance use problems. Substance use problems by alleged perpetrators were associated ( p < .01) with financial exploitation, physical abuse, and emotional abuse but not neglect. Substance use problems by alleged victims were associated with neglect, but not the other types. Alleged perpetrators with substance use problems tended to commit multiple forms of abuse, were male and not caregivers. Except for the findings on neglect, the associations with elder mistreatment were stronger for alleged perpetrators with substance use problems, than for alleged victims. Clarification of the role of perpetrator risk factors such as substance abuse should improve risk identification and subsequent intervention.
Design and testing of a novel XYZ nanopositioning stage with hybrid structure
Authors: Liu Qiang , Qu Zhengkun , Zhou Xiaoqin , Liu Zhiwei , Lv Kai
Published: April 2016

In this article, a novel XYZ nanopositioning stage with hybrid structure configuration is developed to obtain translation motions along the x, y and z directions with high working bandwidth. A novel Z-shaped flexural guidance unit with self-amplification is adopted to generate motions along the x and the z directions by means of differential motion principle. Simultaneously, a right circular-based guidance unit is embedded to generate the motion along the y direction independently. The corresponding working principles in the three directions are detailed in this article. In addition, the statics and dynamics performances of the developed mechanism are investigated by experiments. The workspace of the XYZ stage can reach up to 20.8 µm × 12.2 µm × 23.1 µm with a practical working bandwidth larger than 250 Hz.
Fast and robust adaptation of lookup tables in internal combustion engines: feedback and feedforward controllers designed independently
Authors: Zurbriggen Florian , Ott Tobias , Onder Christopher H
Published: April 2016

Adaptive feedforward control is a common approach for handling uncertainties and time-varying effects in automotive control applications. The adaptation of the feedforward controller, usually formed by a lookup table, is often combined with a linear feedback controller. The feedforward controller is used to overcome the nonlinearities that are due to variations of the operating point. The feedback controller is used to deal with fast disturbances. If the system behavior is changing, for example due to varying fuel qualities or aging effects, the feedforward controller has to be adapted. A common problem is the fact that the bandwidths of the feedback controller and the adaptation of the feedforward controller have to be separated, i.e. the adaptation of the feedforward controller has to be slower than the feedback controller. Otherwise, the coupling effects lead to an unexpected behavior of the control system, which may also lead to instability. This paper presents an analysis of this effect using a linear representation of the adaptation of the feedforward controller. Based on the results of this analysis, the paper presents a method to decouple the feedback controller and the adaptation of the feedforward controller, which allows a fast adaptation of the feedforward controller. Ideally, the adaptation is as fast as the feedback controller. The system is then able to adapt during operating point transients without the need to stay at some operating points for longer periods. The proposed method does not depend on the structure of the feedforward controller, nor does it depend on the method of the adaptation. Experiments on a natural gas–diesel dual-fuel engine are used to validate the proposed method.
Influences of the electromagnetic regenerative dampers on the vehicle suspension performance
Authors: Li Peng , Zuo Lei
Published: April 2016

Conventional vehicle suspensions suppress vehicle vibrations by dissipating the vibration energy into unrecyclable heat with hydraulic dampers. This can be a considerable amount of energy which is worthy of attention for energy recovery. Electromagnetic regenerative dampers, or shock absorbers, are proposed to harvest this dissipated energy and to improve the fuel efficiency. The suspension dynamics with these regenerative dampers can be significantly different from the suspension dynamics with conventional dampers. First, different from conventional hydraulic dampers, the electromagnetic regenerative dampers have a significantly higher inertia, which is introduced by the electromagnetic generator. This has an important impact on the suspension dynamics. Second, the damping coefficient of electromagnetic dampers is related to the electric load connected to the output of the generator and can be controllable. Although various concepts have been proposed, the influences of these types of regenerative damper on the vehicle dynamics have not yet been thoroughly investigated. This paper models two types of rotational electromagnetic regenerative damper, with and without a mechanical motion rectifier, and analyzes their influences on the vehicle suspension performance in comparison with those of the conventional damper. The modeling in this paper also considers the case when the tires lose contact with the ground. Simulations were carried out with step road profile excitations and road profile excitations defined by the International Standardization Organization in order to evaluate the influences of the equivalent inertia mass and the equivalent damping coefficient. The results showed that, with an optimized equivalent inertia mass, both types of electromagnetic damper can achieve better ride comfort performances than a constant damper does. In addition, the mechanical motion rectifier mechanism can significantly improve the ride comfort and the road-handling performance of electromagnetic regenerative dampers by reducing the negative effect of the amplified generator inertia. In addition, the energy-harvesting potential of the presented dampers under road profile excitations defined by the International Standardization Organization was evaluated.
Automated multimodal segmentation of an abnormal breast mass in mammogram
Authors: Kirubha Angeline SP , Rachel Minnita , Anburajan Micheal
Published: April 2016

A lot of computer-aided diagnosis systems have been attempted to segment automatically breast mass from a mammogram and to classify the mass as benign and malignant quantitatively. This study aimed to develop an automated computer-aided diagnosis system to evaluate the disease with high accuracy using the proposed multimodal segmentation algorithm when compared to an abnormal breast mass region outlined in mammogram by radiologists of American College of Radiology as “standard.” In this study, a total number of 150 mammograms were downloaded from the DDSM database for screening mammography. Based on the available diagnostic report, the studied data were classified as follows: (1) Group I: normal ( n = 50, mean ± SD age = 55 ± 8 years), (2) Group II: benign breast cancer ( n = 50, mean ± SD age = 58 ± 11 years), and (3) Group III: malignant breast cancer ( n = 50, mean ± SD age = 58±9 years). It was found that the proposed multimodal segmentation algorithm processed all the mammograms of different mass types, density, shapes, size, margin, calcification type, and distortion successfully, and it segmented the mass automatically with high accuracy. In this study, a computer-aided diagnosis system was developed to segment the breast mass automatically in a mammogram with high accuracy of 96%. The sensitivity and specificity of the system were found to be 94% and 97%, respectively, when compared to abnormal region outlined in mammogram by radiologists of American College of Radiology as standard.
Standards and standpoints: Why and how standards, and studying them, imply critique
Authors: Nissen Morten
Published: April 2016

This article argues that critique is a necessary component in any study of standards, just as it is implied in the concept of standard itself. From this follows the relevance of reflexively situating our research in relation to the cultural-historical development of standards and standardization. The argument takes off from two different conceptualizations of standards in the literature. On the one hand, standards as immanent to practices (the “Neo-Aristotelian” approach), and on the other hand, standards as imposed to regulate practices (the “neo-pragmatist” and “governmentality” approaches). It is suggested that this opposition can be superseded by articulating the former alternative, not as an essentialism of “practice,” but as the reflexive assumption of standpoint. Some intricacies of the articulation of standpoint are then discussed, concluding in a proposed dialectics of standard and standpoint.
Standards and (self)implosion: How the circulation of affects accelerates the spread of standards and intensifies the embodiment of colliding, temporal ontologies
Authors: Brøgger Katja , Staunæs Dorthe
Published: April 2016

Standards constitute an interesting phenomenon in discussions on emotional circulation and subjectivities. Because standards travel. And they are usually on a mission: to standardize policies or products and consequently also those who are administered by them or consume them. Literature on the spread of standards often tends to conceptualize the traveling of standards as contagious processes resulting in epidemic spreads. In this article, the metaphor of epidemic spread is replaced by an analytical configuration of a new mode of educational governance in which orchestrating webs of incentives and anticipations is a major driver. International standards are propelled by material–affective infrastructures and the embodied interpretations that educational agents and organizations make of them. The article displays how standards make organizations and selves implode and how the impact of standardizing processes and colliding temporal ontologies is embodied in mid-level managers’ collapse between anticipatory and nauseating affects.