bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilience of imperilled headwater stream fish to an unpredictable high-magnitude flood
Authors: Ellender Bruce R. , Weyl Olaf L.F.
Published: May 2015

Headwater stream fish communities are increasingly becoming isolated in headwater refugia that are often cut off from other metapopulations within a river network as a result of nonnative fish invasions, pollution, water abstraction and habitat degradation downstream. This range restriction and isolation therefore makes them vulnerable to extinction. Understanding threats to isolated fish populations is consequently important for their conservation. Following a base-flow survey, a high-magnitude flood (peak flow of 1245 m-3s-1) provided an opportunity to investigate the response of endangered Eastern Cape redfin Pseudobarbus afer populations to a natural disturbance in the Waterkloof and Fernkloof streams, two relatively pristine headwater tributaries of the Swartkops River system within the Groendal Wilderness Area, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Pseudobarbus afer had limited distributions, occupying 3 km in both the Fernkloof and Waterkloof streams. Fish population assessments before and after the flood event indicated that there were no longitudinal trends in P. afer abundance before or after the flood, but overall abundance post-flooding in the Fernkloof stream was higher. There were no noticeable changes in P. afer size structure pre- and post-flood. Pseudobarbus afer showed resilience to a major flooding event most likely related to evolution in river systems characterised by environmental stochasticity.Conservation implications: This research provides insight into the population level responses of native headwater stream fishes to unpredictable natural disturbance. Of particular relevance is information on their ability to withstand natural disturbances, which provides novel information essential for their conservation and management especially as these fishes are already impacted by multiple anthropogenic stressors.
An investigation into the English reading comprehension of Grade 10 English first additional language learners at a senior secondary school
Authors: Chaka Chaka , Booi-Ncetani Nada N.
Published: May 2015

Poor levels of English first additional language (EFAL) reading comprehension amongst school learners at most public schools in South Africa are a great concern. In fact, for learning to be successful and effective, learners need to be able to read well in EFAL. This is more so as EFAL serves as a language of learning and teaching (LOLT) for most learning areas in South Africa’s public schools. Against this background, this study set out in 2012 to investigate the English reading comprehension of Grade 10 EFAL learners at a senior secondary school. Using purposive and voluntary sampling techniques, the study had 17 EFAL learners(M = 10, F–7) as its participants. It employed three reading measures, a recall task, a summary and a comprehension test, which were based on three English extracts, to assess participants’ reading comprehension. It then assessed and scored participants’ responses to the three tasks by using an oral reading rubric and two prepared marking memoranda. One of the findings of this study was that, of the three reading tasks administered, participants did slightly above average in the comprehension test, but performed below average in the two other tasks – the recall and summary tasks.
Pitfall of Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography in assessing Metastasis in a Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Agarwal Jai Prakash , Joshi Poonam , Kane Shubhada
Published: May 2015

Advanced and recurrent head and neck cancers often present with distant metastasis. The most common sites include lung, liver and bones. The propensity for metastasis depends upon the site of the primary disease as well. Cancers of hypopharynx and nasopharynx both have high propensity for distant meta stasis. Positron emission tomographycomputed tomography is done in many of these situations to assess distant metastasis, especially in locally advanced and recurrent cases.

The positive predictive value of PET-CT in predicting distant metastasis in recurrent head and neck cancers is 60%. This low positive predictive value is attributed to inflammation, infections, and post RT changes. The present case report highlights that PET positive lesions should be interpreted with caution as they can be false positive and can be mistaken for metastasis and, hence, a potentially curative patient can be treated as one with palliative intent.

How to cite this article

Joshi P, Chaturvedi P, Agarwal JP, Kane S. Pitfall of Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography in assessing Metastasis in a Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(1):14-16.
Synovial Sarcoma Parotid Gland: Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Jain Vikas , Ganeshan Arun Prabhu , Rajmohan Bennet , Amarnath G
Published: May 2015

Synovial sarcoma is a deep soft-tissue mesenchymal tumor, primarily arising in extremities. Rarely, does it present as a head and neck tumor, out of them very few reported cases are from parotid gland origin.

We report a case of synovial sarcoma of parotid gland in 20-year-old female progressing in short duration. A review of literature is undertaken considering most of discretely reported cases in English literature and elaborates the pathological features that help to reach in diagnosis.

Review of literature suggests that synovial sarcoma of rare origins like parotid produces a diagnostic dilemma. Histological diagnosis is generally a late postoperative finding. Due to the rarity of this entity, few cases have been described in the literature and treatment is still not well codified. Clinical suspicion with molecular studies help to reach the accurate diagnosis which is mandatory for proper management as the treatment strategy is different from routine parotid tumors.

How to cite this article

Ganeshan AP, Rajmohan B, Amarnath G, Jain V. Synovial Sarcoma Parotid Gland: Diagnostic Dilemma. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(1):29-31.
Unusual Presentation of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Bhat Vadisha Srinivas , Saldanha Marina , Biniyam K , Permi Harish S
Published: May 2015

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has the highest incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis among thyroid malignancies. Lateral neck swelling as the only manifestation of PTC in the absence of palpable thyroid lesion is not common. Here, we report a case of an adult female who presented with right cervical mass and excision biopsy revealed metastatic papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Total thyroidectomy with central compartment neck dissection was performed, and histopathology showed multifocal PTC.

How to cite this article

Saldanha M, Biniyam K, Permi HS, Bhat VS. Unusual Presentation of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(1):32-34.
Human Mesiodistal Tooth Width Measurements and Comparison with Dental Cast in a Bangladeshi Population
Authors: Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Shahid Fazal , Purmal Kathiravan , Sikder MA , Saifuddin Mohammed
Published: May 2015

Aim

This analysis was aimed to determine the mesiodistal tooth width of human teeth and to compare with the measurements on plaster model in a Bangladeshi population.

Materials and methods

The samples of 2,892 teeth of Bangladeshi subjects were collected for this purpose. This article presents mesiodistal tooth width measurements made on all types of teeth and compares with the mesiodistal tooth width measurements of dental cast collected from Bangladeshi subjects between the ages of 18 and 24 years. The mesiodistal dimension was recorded, involving the maximum mesiodistal dimension of each tooth when measurement was rendered parallel to the occlusal and labial surfaces. Descriptive and comparative statistics were applied.

Results

The mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval of mesiodistal tooth width measurements were determined and have been with the mesiodistal tooth width measurements of dental cast. Significant differences have been observed between mesiodistal tooth size of direct measurement on tooth (DMT) and measurement on plaster model (MPM) for the maxillary first molar (p < 0.001) and mandibular incisors to first premolar (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These data should prove to be helpful to the practitioner for performing successful orthodontic treatment in Bangladeshi population.

Clinical significance

Direct measurement of mesiodistal tooth width and individual variation of maxillary and mandibular permanent central incisor to first molar of the Bangladeshi individuals showed some distinguishable features, which will certainly help an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment plan of an orthodontic case.

How to cite this article

Alam MK, Shahid F, Purmal K, Sikder MA, Saifuddin M. Human Mesiodistal Tooth Width Measurements and Comparison with Dental Cast in a Bangladeshi Population. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(4):299-303.
Precipitation effects of giant cloud condensation nuclei artificially introduced into stratocumulus clouds
Authors: Jung E. , Albrecht B. A. , Jonsson H. H. , Chen Y.-C. , Seinfeld J. H. , Sorooshian A. , Metcalf A. R. , Song S. , Fang M. , Russell L. M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. To study the effect of giant cloud condensation nuclei (GCCN) on precipitation processes in stratocumulus clouds, 1–10 μm diameter salt particles (salt powder) were released from an aircraft while flying near the cloud top on 3 August 2011 off the central coast of California. The seeded area was subsequently sampled from the aircraft that was equipped with aerosol, cloud, and precipitation probes and an upward-facing cloud radar. During post-seeding sampling, made 30–60 min after seeding, the mean cloud droplet size increased, the droplet number concentration decreased, and large drop (e.g., diameter larger than 10 μm) concentration increased. Average drizzle rates increased from about 0.05 to 0.20 mm h−1, and the liquid water path decreased from about 52 to 43 g m−2. Strong radar returns associated with drizzle were observed on the post-seeding cloud-base level-leg flights and were accompanied by a substantial depletion of the cloud liquid water content. The changes were large enough to suggest that the salt particles with concentrations estimated to be 10−2 to 10-4 cm−3 resulted in a four-fold increase in the cloud-base rainfall rate and depletion of the cloud water due to rainout. In contrast, a case is shown where the cloud was already precipitating (on 10 August) and the effect of adding GCCN to the cloud was insignificant.
Organic aerosol evolution and transport observed at Mt. Cimone (2165 m a.s.l.), Italy, during the PEGASOS campaign
Authors: Rinaldi M. , Gilardoni S. , Paglione M. , Decesari S. , Sandrini S. , Fuzzi S. , Massoli P. , Bonasoni P. , Cristofanelli P. , Marinoni A. , Poluzzi V. , C. Facchini M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. High resolution aerosol mass spectrometer measurements have been performed, for the first time, at the Mt. Cimone Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) station between June and July 2012, within the EU project PEGASOS and the ARPA–Emilia Romagna project SUPERSITO. Sub-micron aerosol was dominated by organics (63%) with sulphate, ammonium and nitrate contributing for the remaining 20, 9 and 7%, respectively. Organic aerosol (OA) was in general highly oxygenated, consistent with the remote character of the site; our observations suggest that oxidation and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation processes occurred during aerosol transport to high altitudes. All of the aerosol component concentrations as well as the OA elemental ratios showed a clear daily trend, driven by the evolution of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and by the mountain wind regime. Higher loadings and lower OA oxidation levels were observed during the day, when the site was within the PBL, and therefore affected by relatively fresh aerosol transported from lower altitudes. Conversely, lower loadings and higher OA oxidation levels were observed at night, when the top of Mt. Cimone resided in the free troposphere although affected by the transport of residual layers on several days of the campaign. Analysis of the elemental ratios in a Van Krevelen space shows that OA oxidation follows a slope comprised between −0.5 and −1, consistent with addition of carboxylic groups, with or without fragmentation of the parent molecules. The increase of carboxylic groups during OA ageing is confirmed by the increased contribution of organic fragments containing more than one oxygen atom in the free troposphere night-time mass spectra. Finally, positive matrix factorization was able to deconvolve the contributions of relatively fresh OA (OOAa) originating from the PBL, more aged OA (OOAb) present at high altitudes during periods of atmospheric stagnation, and very aged aerosols (OOAc) transported over long distances in the free troposphere.
Quality-based generation of weather radar Cartesian products
Authors: Ośródka K. , Szturc J.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Weather radar data volumes are commonly processed to obtain various 2-D Cartesian products based on the transfer from polar to Cartesian representations through a certain interpolation method. In this research an algorithm of the spatial interpolation of polar reflectivity data employing quality index data is applied to find the Cartesian reflectivity as plan position indicator products. On this basis, quality-based versions of standard algorithms for the generation of the following products have been developed: ETOP (echo top), MAX (maximum of reflectivity), and VIL (vertically integrated liquid water). Moreover, as an example of a higher-level product, a CONVECTION (detection of convection) has been defined as a specific combination of the above-listed standard products. A corresponding quality field is determined for each generated product, taking into account the quality of the pixels from which a given product was determined and how large a fraction of the investigated heights was scanned. Examples of such quality-based products are presented in the paper.
Tree water relations trigger monoterpene emissions from Scots pine stem during spring recovery
Authors: Vanhatalo A. , Chan T. , Aalto J. , Korhonen J. F. , Kolari P. , Hölttä T. , Nikinmaa E. , Bäck J.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Tree canopies are known to emit large amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as monoterpenes to the surrounding air. The main source for these is considered to be the green biomass, i.e. foliage, but emissions from the woody compartments have not been quantified. A VOC emission anomaly has been observed during transition from winter to summer activity. We analyzed if non-foliar components could partially explain the anomaly. We measured the VOC emissions from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stems and shoots during the dehardening phase of trees in field conditions in two consecutive springs. We observed a large, transient monoterpene burst from stems, while the shoot monoterpene emissions and transpiration remained low. The burst lasted about 12 h. Simultaneously, an unusual night-time sap flow and an anomalous diurnal pattern of tree diameter were detected. Hence, we suggest that the monoterpene burst was a consequence of the recovery of the stem from winter-time. This indicates that the dominant processes and environmental drivers triggering the monoterpene emissions are different between stems and foliage.
Assessing the simple dynamical systems approach in a Mediterranean context: application to the Ardèche catchment (France)
Authors: Adamovic M. , Braud I. , Branger F. , Kirchner J. W.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. This study explores how catchment heterogeneity and variability can be summarized in simplified models, representing the dominant hydrological processes. It focuses on Mediterranean catchments, characterized by heterogeneous geology, pedology and land use, as well as steep topography and a rainfall regime in which summer droughts contrast with high-rainfall periods in autumn. The Ardèche catchment (Southeast France), typical of this environment, is chosen to explore the following questions: (1) can such a Mediterranean catchment be adequately characterized by a simple dynamical systems approach and what are the limits of the method under such conditions? (2) what information about dominant predictors of hydrological variability can be retrieved from this analysis in such catchments? In this work we apply the data-driven approach of Kirchner (2009) to estimate discharge sensitivity functions that summarize the behaviour of four sub-catchments of the Ardèche, using low-vegetation periods (November–March) from 9 years of measurements (2000–2008) from operational networks. The relevance of the inferred sensitivity function is assessed through hydrograph simulations, and through estimating precipitation rates from discharge fluctuations. We find that the discharge sensitivity function is downward-curving in double-logarithmic space, thus allowing further simulation of discharge and non-divergence of the model, only during low-vegetation periods. The analysis is complemented by a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis showing how the parameters summarizing the discharge sensitivity function impact the simulated hydrographs. The resulting discharge simulation results are good for granite catchments, which are likely to be characterized by shallow subsurface flow at the interface between soil and bedrock. The simple dynamical system hypothesis works especially well in wet conditions (peaks and recessions are well modelled). On the other hand, poor model performance is associated with summer and dry periods when evapotranspiration is high and low-flow discharge observations are inaccurate. In the Ardèche catchment, inferred precipitation rates agree well in timing and amount with observed gauging stations and SAFRAN climatic data reanalysis during the low-vegetation periods. The model should further be improved to include a more accurate representation of actual evapotranspiration, but provides a satisfying summary of the catchment functioning during wet and winter periods.
Evaporation in a Mediterranean environment by energy budget and Penman methods, Lake Baratz, Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Giadrossich F. , Niedda M. , Cohen D. , Pirastru M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. In Mediterranean environments, evaporation is a key component of lake water budgets. This applies to Lake Baratz in Sardinia, Italy, a closed lake that almost dried up in 2008 after a succession of years with low seasonal rainfall. We used the energy budget method and Penman's equation to estimate evaporation over Lake Baratz. We measured, using a raft station, water temperature at the surface, at 1, 2, 4, 6 m depth and at the bottom of the lake, as well as air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and net radiation over a period of 3 years. We also compared Penman's equation and the energy budget method in two other climatic zones using published data. Our results indicate that mean yearly evaporation over Lake Baratz was 950 mm. On an annual scale, evaporation estimated by Penman's method omitting heat storage as is usually done was 18% higher than by the energy budget method that included heat storage, with monthly differences ranging between −38 and +60%. Including the heat storage term in Penman's equation changed the monthly values but did not change the yearly value significantly. Solar radiation and heat storage were found to be the most important energy fluxes to and from the lake and had the greatest effect on evaporation rates for the energy budget method. The bias between the two methods has a seasonal cycle due to the storage and release of energy from the lake. Energy advected to and from the lake by precipitation, surface water and ground water had minor effect on evaporation rates. Lake Baratz, like other lakes in a Mediterranean environment, is particularly sensitive to the summer hot and dry climate. In contrast, we found that rates of evaporation estimated from Penman and the energy budget methods over tropical African lakes were nearly constant over the entire year and the difference between the two methods smaller. Difference between the two methods for North American lakes is also smaller probably owing to the ice-cover season and to lower radiation and lower temperatures during summer.
The effect of uncertainty in earthquake fault parameters on the maximum wave height from a tsunami propagation model
Authors: Burbidge D. , Mueller C. , Power W.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Over the last decade tsunami propagation models have been used extensively for both tsunami forecasting and hazard and risk assessment. However, the effect of uncertainty in the earthquake source parameters on the results of the tsunami model has not always been examined in great detail. Here we have undertaken a systematic study of the uncertainty in the maximum wave height of a tsunami (hmax) as a function of the uncertainty in the rupture parameters of the earthquake that generates it (specifically the strike, dip, rake, depth and magnitude). We have shown that even for the simple case of a tsunami propagating over flat bathymetry, the Coefficient of Variation (CoV) and skewness of the distribution of hmax was a complex function of the choice of rupture parameter, distance and azimuth. The relationships became even more complex as the bathymetry used became more realistic. This has major potential implications for both how warning centres operate in the future and how the uncertainty in parameters describing the source should be incorporated into future probabilistic tsunami hazard assessments.
Can an early warning system help minimize the impacts of coastal storms? A case study of the 2012 Halloween storm, Northern Italy
Authors: Harley M. D. , Valentini A. , Armaroli C. , Perini L. , Calabrese L. , Ciavola P.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. The Emilia-Romagna Early Warning System (ER-EWS) is a state-of-the-art coastal forecasting system that comprises a series of numerical models (COSMO, ROMS, SWAN and XBeach) to obtain a daily three-day forecast of coastal storm hazard at eight key sites along the Emilia-Romagna coastline (Northern Italy). On the night of 31 October 2012, a major storm event occurred that resulted in elevated water levels (equivalent to a 1-in-20 to 1-in-50-year event) and widespread erosion and flooding. Since this storm happened just one month prior to the roll-out of the ER-EWS, the forecast performance related to this event is unknown. The aim of this study was to therefore reanalyse the ER-EWS as if it had been operating a day before the event and determine to what extent the forecasts may have helped reduce storm impacts. Three different reanalysis modes were undertaken: (1) a default forecast (DF) mode based on three-day wave and water-level forecasts and default XBeach parameters, (2) a "perfect" offshore (PO) forecast mode using measured offshore values and default XBeach parameters; and (3) a calibrated XBeach (CX) mode using measured offshore values and an optimized parameter set obtained through an extensive calibration process. The results indicate that while a "code red" alert would have been issued for the DF mode, an underprediction of the extreme water levels of this event limited high-hazard forecasts to only two of the eight ER-EWS sites. Forecasts based on measured offshore conditions (the PO mode) more-accurately indicate high hazard conditions for all eight sites. Further considerable improvements are observed using an optimized XBeach parameter set (the CX mode) compared to default parameters. A series of what-if scenarios at one of the sites show that artificial dunes, which are a common management strategy along this coastline, could have hypothetically been constructed as an emergency procedure to potentially reduce storm impacts.
Review Article: Explosive cyclogenesis over the south-east of Romania 2–3 December 2012
Authors: Bratu M. , Nichita C.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. This paper is devoted to the study of the synoptic-dynamical conditions that contributed to the development of a rare explosive cyclogenesis event that occurred at the beginning of the winter from 2012 to 2013 in south-eastern Romania, more precisely between 2 and 3 December 2012. The minimum sea level pressure observed was 980.2 hPa, the lowest ever observed record for the surface of the Sulina weather station, and also over the western side of the Black Sea during the of period 1961–2000 and 1965–2004. It was found that the cyclone was not a regular one, but a real "meteorological bomb" one, where the central pressure at sea level recorded an extraordinary decrease at about 32.3 hPa in 24 h, equivalent with 1.7 B (Bergeron unit). Compared to the 20th century storms named Lothar and Martin (level 2 and 1 on the hurricane scale) which devastated western and central Europe in December 1999, this case of explosive cyclogenesis can be considered one of the most extreme for our area, from both a meteorological view as well as its effects.
Constraints on the δ2H diffusion rate in firn from field measurements at Summit, Greenland
Authors: van der Wel L. G. , Been H. A. , van de Wal R. S. W. , Smeets C. J. P. P. , Meijer H. A. J.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. We performed detailed 2H isotope diffusion measurements in the upper 3 m of firn at Summit, Greenland. Using a small snow gun, a thin snow layer was formed from 2H-enriched water over a 6 × 6 m2 area. We followed the diffusion process, quantified as the increase of the δ2H diffusion length, over a 4-year period, by retrieving the layer once per year by drilling a firn core and slicing it into 1 cm layers and measuring the δ2H signal of these layers. We compared our experimental findings to calculations based on the model by Johnsen et al. (2000) and found substantial differences. The diffusion length in our experiments increased much less over the years than in the model. We discuss the possible causes for this discrepancy and conclude that several aspects of the diffusion process in firn are still poorly constrained, in particular the tortuosity.
Tokens of trauma: The ageing experience of Shoah survivors in a Jewish support centre.
Authors: Kasstan Ben
Published: May 2015

This paper explores the traumatic memories of ageing Shoah survivors who attend a Jewish social and therapeutic support facility in London (UK). The study investigates the perceived differences in trauma within a diverse group of members who partake in the day centre. The difference in Shoah experience contextualises how survivors of ghettos and concentration camps possess a salient relationship with food, notably bread which acts as an enduring symbol of catastrophe for participants. The meanings that underlie death amongst camp survivors are evaluated, where decisions regarding the end of life stage can be interpreted as a shared experience with those who perished during the Shoah. Results exemplify how religious and cultural elements of Judaism mediate the trauma that has become thoroughly embodied for participants. survival is steeped in intersubjective acts of remembrance, offering a novel contribution to the anthropological study of genocide.
Grand Performances: Building Self and Social Ties through Theatrical Performance
Authors: De Montigny Stephanie May
Published: May 2015

The stories that individuals tell about their experiences on stage and behind-the-scenes at the Grand Opera House of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, contribute to their knowledge of self and social ties.
Yield and Iron Toxicity Response of Rice Cultivars to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application Rates in Lowland Ecology of Moist Savanna of Northern Nigeria
Authors: Aderibigbe Sunday Gbenga , Sakariyawo Olalekan Suleiman , Okeleye Kehinde Adebayo , Oikeh Sylvester O , Nwilene Francis E , Ajayi Olupomi , Okonji Christopher John , Oyekanmi Akeem A
Published: May 2015

Evaluation of ameliorative effect of nitrogen and phosphorus rates on iron toxicity of lowland rice was examined. Trials were conducted in the Research Farm of National Cereal Research Institute, 2006 and 2007 wet season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split-split-plot arrangement replicated three times. The main blocked consisted of three levels of phosphorus (0, 30 and 60 P205 kg ha-1); the sub-block four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60 and 120 N kg ha-1)and the sub-sub-block ten rice varieties (five lowland NERICAs (NERICA L-19, 20, 41, 42 and 60), four improved sativa (FKR 19, TOX 4004, BW 348-1and WITA 4) and one local variety (Ebagichi). Significant interactions (P <0.05) of phosphorus × nitrogen × variety at 42 and 63 DAT were observed on iron toxicity score with significant depression at 30 kg P205 ha-1 of lower nitrogen rates in all varieties except NERICA L-60. Increasing application rates of nitrogen resulted in increase in grain yield, while maximum grain yield was observed at 30 kg P205 ha-1. WITA 4 at lower N application rates and 30 kg P205 ha-1 remained the most promising in terms of grain yield and iron toxicity tolerance in the moist Savanna of northern Nigeria.
“Narrative Readings of the Images She Sees”
Authors: Youngkin Molly
Published: May 2015

This article examines how George Eliot negotiated the nineteenth-century debate regarding connections and divergences between literature and the visual arts. It traces her knowledge of narrative art in her early career and indicates how her travel journals provided a site to develop a narrative way of seeing. Her early fiction, especially the story “Janet's Repentance” in Scenes of Clerical Life, shows how Eliot integrated this way of seeing into her fiction by creating narrative-oriented character portraits, a technique she perfected in her most famous novel, Middlemarch. Still, after the publication of Middlemarch, Eliot found ways to expand this technique in her last novel, Daniel Deronda, by drawing on Pre-Raphaelite paintings to provide more socially oriented narrative portraits. By expanding this technique to include socially oriented portraits, Eliot made a significant contribution to the debate over the relationship between literature and the visual arts, showing that the two mediums could be fused.
Ferox or Fortis:
Authors: Gold Rachelle , Pearce Jim
Published: May 2015

Between the publication of Montaigne's Essais (1588–1595) and Hobbes's Leviathan (1651) rhetors became increasingly anxious about arguing in utramque partem. Paradiastolic discourse, fundamental to Montaigne's early essays, is anxiously though expertly deployed in Leviathan. Paradiastole fuses the ability to see and speak about an issue from antithetical perspectives with the ambivalence such power arouses in. Beyond their skepticism, Montaigne and Hobbes share a concern for how phenomena can be interpreted and represented through language. Despite Hobbes's desire for a method that would ensure constant and determinate linguistic acts that would render rhetoric supererogatory, Leviathan demonstrates his unremarkable affinities with mainline Renaissance humanists alongside his uneasy affinities with the Sophists. Both the humanist and the Sophist used the trope to probe and to persuade, though both were anxious about the reversibility of such rhetorical redescriptions. Paradiastolic discourses, we argue, integrate the cognitive procedures of philosophy with the judicative procedures of rhetoric. The trope operates through exploiting the reciprocity between similar qualities, as exemplified by the influential paradiastolic pairing of ferox and fortis.
Parrhēsia, Biopolitics, and Occupy
Authors: Happe Kelly E.
Published: May 2015

This article considers Michel Foucault's theories of ethical speech and militant life in the context of Occupy Wall Street's encampments in Zuccotti Park. Focusing on the encampments and the production and circulation of resources to meet bodily needs, the article concludes that occupation was a self-inflicted form of precarity as well as an extension of an already existing vulnerability, a living that is at once a form of social death. I read the occupations as a mode of militant life, which is to say, that which enacts precarity while at the same time transforming it into the object of radical speech.
Guide to strategic planning in critical care medicine
Authors: Kyeremanteng Kwadwo , D’Egidio Gianni
Published: May 2015

Strategic planning is increasing in value. More organizations are implementing such strategies to help achieve their corporate goals. Strategic planning can help improve morale and satisfaction amongst staff, managers and stakeholders. It can help improve efficiency within the organization and ideally the quality of care as well. Most importantly, it helps an organization to focus and prioritize its goals therefore increasing its chances for success. Critical care medicine is a unique branch of medicine because of the high costs associated with care. It is reasonable to perceive that these costs will go up in the future. Our population is aging and our abilities to sustain life are constantly improving. ICU is also unique because it is associated with high stress for the patients, families, nurses, physicians and allied health professionals. Care is often associated with post-traumatic stress and burnout. For these reasons strategic planning is essential for critical care to thrive, provide good care for patients and to allow for efficient use of resources. There are several approaches to strategic planning. This article will look at the 10-step method described in Bryson’s Strategic Planning for Public and Non-Profit Organizations and how it can apply to critical care medicine.
Acoustic Performance of 3D Printed Nanocomposite Earmuff
Authors: Ahmadi Saeid , Nassiri Parvin , Ghasemi Ismaeil , Monazzam Ep Mohammad R.
Published: May 2015

INTRODUCTION: Hearing protection devices are one of the primary noise reduction tools in developing countries. This study is intended to produce and apply acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/clay nanocomposites to fabricate a laboratory single cup earmuffs and then compare it with double cup and single cup pure ABS earmuffs in terms of noise attenuation performance and comfort. In addition, the noise attenuation performance of single cup pure ABS earmuffs is compared with double cup pure ABS earmuffs. METHODS: ABS/nanoclay filament was fabricated using a twin screw extruder. A three dimensional (3D) printing machine and a 3D model of earcup, designed by solid work software, were applied to print single and double cup earmuffs using ABS/nanoclay composite and pure ABS filaments. Finally, using an acoustic test fixture, objective noise attenuation test was performed on three different types of earmuffs, including with and without nano material and a secondary cup. Moreover, earmuffs weight was measured as a comfort component. RESULTS: Insertion loss and calculated noise reduction rating (NRR) of single cup ABS/nanoclay earmuffs (NRR=19.4 dB) and double cup pure ABS earmuffs (NRR=18.93 dB) were improved in comparison with single cup pure ABS earmuffs (NRR=15.7 dB). Additionally, both single cup earmuffs were significantly lighter than double cup earmuffs. Although single cup nano and double cup earmuffs had nearly the same attenuation performance, single cup nano earmuffs were 74 gr lighter than double cup earmuffs, so with reference to comfort, single cup nano earmuffs will probably be more acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: From this survey it might be concluded that, even though single cup ABS/nanoclay earmuffs was lighter than double cup pure ABS earmuffs, it had approximately more attenuation performance in comparison with double cup pure ABS earmuffs. Consequently, users are probably more prone to wear light- weight single cup ABS/nanoclay earmuffs as a result of improved comfort. In short, ABS/nanoclay composite can be considered a good choice in products with the necessity of high acoustic performance and low weight.CallSend SMSAdd to SkypeYou'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype
Epidemiology and Trend of Head and Neck Cancers in Iran
Authors: Mirzaei Maryam , Hosseini Seyedeh Akram , Ghoncheh Mahshid , Soheilipour Fahimeh , Soltani Shahin , Soheilipour Fatemeh , Salehiniya Hamid
Published: May 2015

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck cancers are the sixth common cancer worldwide. It is necessary to inform the trend of incidence for health planning. This study aimed to investigate the trend of head and neck cancers in Iran.

METHODS: This study was carried out based on national report on cancer registry in Iran. The crude incidence rate was calculated as per 100,000 people, and Age Standardized incidence Rate (ASR) was estimated using direct standardization and the standard population of World Health Organization (W.H.O). Data was analyzed using the Cochran - Armitage test for linear trend and software of WinPepi 2.1.

RESULTS: A total of 25,952 cases of cancers of the head and neck have been registered between 2003 and 2009. The age-standardized incidence rate reached from 4.8 cases per 100,000 in 2003 to 8.5 and 7.4 in 2008 and 2009, respectively, which revealed significantly increasing trends.

CONCLUSIONS: According to increasing trend age-standardized rate of head and neck cancer in Iran, it is recommended to identify risk factors and vulnerable groups in order to reduce the burden of this type of cancers.
“I rarely read the label”: Factors that Influence Thai Consumer Responses to Nutrition Labels
Authors: Rimpeekool Wimalin , Banwell Cathy , Seubsman Sam-ang , Kirk Martyn , Yiengprugsawan Vasoontara , Sleigh Adrian
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study employed the Knowledge-Attitude-Behaviour (KAB) model and Health Belief Model (HBM) to investigate factors influencing Thai consumer decision making about use of nutrition labels. Labels include both Nutrition Information Panels (1998-) and Guideline Daily Amounts labels (2011-).

METHOD: In-depth interviews were conducted with 34 participants representing two socio-demographic extremes in Thailand – “urban Bangkok” (university educated consumers) and “provincial Ranong” (non-university educated consumers). An integrated KAB-HBM model was used to devise in-depth interviews for a qualitative study using 20 open-ended questions and samples of food package labels. Additional questions arose from the interviews and they lasted 30-45 minutes and were video recorded. The analysis identified recurring themes using Atlas.ti software.

RESULTS: Most participants (n=25) were aware of nutrition labels but a much smaller number (n=10) used and derived any benefit from them. Nutrition label users were classified into 4 groups: A) competent user; B) confused user; C) aware non-user; D) unaware non-user. Better educated participants were better at understanding nutrition labels but not more likely to use labels. Belief that nutrition influences health increased likelihood of using nutrition labels to make decisions about food. Being well-educated and motivated by health concerns increased likelihood of attention to nutrition labels.

CONCLUSION: Results are discussed with a view to increasing the use of nutrition labels by Thai consumers. Our findings, drawing on a combination of the KAB and HBM models, can contribute to strategies motivating consumers to use nutrition labels and can provide useful insights for developing promotional strategies.
Structured Walking and Chronic Institutionalized Schizophrenia Inmates: A pilot RCT Study on Quality of Life
Authors: Loh Siew Yim , Abdullah Amalina , Abu Bakar Abdul Kadir , Thambu Maniam , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle moderate-intensity physical activity can lower the risk of over twenty chronic health conditions, whilst inactivity reduces daily functioning and physical health of individuals living with schizophrenia. This study conducted in 2014 examines the effect of structured walking participation on QOL, psychosocial functioning and symptoms in Hospital Permai, one of the largest psychiatry institution in Asia

METHOD: Chronic patients with schizophrenia (n=104) who met inclusion criteria were randomised to either a 3-month structured walking intervention or a treatment-as-usual arm. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), global functioning (PSP) and QOL (SF-36) were measured at baseline and after the 3-month interval.

RESULTS: At 3 month follow-up, there were significant within group differences in QOL (SF-36), psychiatric symptoms (PANSS), and personal and social performance (PSP). There were statistically significant increase in the median SF-36 scores, with increases shown in physical functioning (p<.001), physical role limitations (p<.05), social functioning (p<.01) in the intervention group compared to treatment-as-usual group. Statistically significant reduction of median PANSS score of the intervention group were noted in positive (p<0.001) and negative (p<0.01) symptom, and general psychopathology (p<0.01) scales. Statistically significant increase in the median PSP score (p<0.01) was found in the intervention group compared with the treatment-as-usual group. Between-group differences at post intervention (favouring Intervention) were significant for PANSS positive and SF36 Physical

CONCLUSION: In long stayed chronic inmates, a simple but consistent, organized walking intervention has the potential to bring improvement in functioning, reduction in psychiatric symptoms and quality of Life. The emphasis of rehabilitation should target at lifestyle redesign intervention.
The Impact of Anxiety and Depression on the Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Vasilopoulou Chrysoula , Bourtsi Eirini , Giaple Sophia , Koutelekos Ioannis , Theofilou Paraskevi , Polikandrioti Maria
Published: May 2015

PURPOSE: This study was to explore the impact of anxiety and depression on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

MATERIAL & METHODS: The sample studied consisted of 395 hemodialysis patients. Data was collected by the completion of a specially designed questionnaire for the needs of the present study which apart from socio-demographic and clinical, it also included HADS scale to assess the level of anxiety and depression as well as the scale Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index (MVQOLI) to assess patients’ quality of life.

RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 47.8% had high anxiety levels and 38.2% had high levels of depression. The average total score of quality of life was found to be 17.14. It was also shown that the total score of quality of life presented statistically significant association with family status (p=0.007), educational level (p<0.001), the number of children (p=0.001), patients’ adherence to doctors' orders (p=0.003) and proposed diet (p=0.002) and the relations of patients with healthcare professionals and the other patients (p<0.001). The multiple linear regression showed that the overall quality of life score was statistically associated with the levels of depression after adjusted for possible confounders. More specifically, it was found that total score of quality of life was 2.5 and 4.4 points lower for patients with moderate and high levels of depression, respectively, compared to patients with low levels of depression (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of anxiety and depression in conjunction with quality of life in hemodialysis patients should be an integral part of the therapeutic regimen.
Het Europees ‘Betaalpakket’ – Gevolgen voor de interne markt en het betalingsverkeer in Nederland
Authors: Mathis J.D.
Published: May 2015

Het Europees ‘Betaalpakket’ – Gevolgen voor de interne markt en het betalingsverkeer in Nederland

Het ‘Betaalpakket’ zal de nodige harmonisatie en rechtszekerheid bieden voor de verwezenlijking van een ware ‘interne betaalmarkt’ voor girale transacties binnen de EU. Door de invoering van ‘caps’ van 0,2 procent en 0,3 procent op interbancaire vergoedingen voor debit- en creditcardtransacties zullen de kosten van acceptatie op Europees niveau dalen. Deze ‘caps’ en aanvullende maatregelen in de herziene Betaaldienstenrichtlijn zullen op Europees niveau onder andere een gelijk speelveld creëren voor betaaldienstaanbieders en de toetreding van nieuwe spelers bevorderen. Naar verwachting zal de efficiëntie van het Europees betalingsverkeer als gevolg daarvan toenemen ten voordele van de consument en de handel.

Voorstel voor een verordening van de Europese Commissie van 24 juli 2013 betreffende interbancaire vergoedingen voor op kaarten gebaseerde betalingstransacties, COM(2013)550 final (2013/0265 COD) (IV Verordening)

Voorstel voor een richtlijn van het Europees Parlement en de Raad van 24 juli 2013 betreffende betalingsdiensten in de interne markt, houdende wijziging van de Richtlijnen 2002/65/EG, 2013/36/EU en 2009/110/EG en houdende intrekking van Richtlijn 2007/64/EG, COM(2013)547 final (2013/0264 COD) (Betaaldienstenrichtlijn)
Exceptie van de mededingingsbepalingen voor (schijn)zelfstandigen: de zaak FNV Kiem
Authors: Pennings F.J.L.
Published: May 2015

Exceptie van de mededingingsbepalingen voor (schijn)zelfstandigen: de zaak FNV Kiem

Volgens het Albany-arrest zijn cao-bepalingen die op werknemers betrekking hebben onder bepaalde voorwaarden uitgesloten van de werking van de mededingingsbepalingen van het VWEU (art. 101). In het arrest FNV Kiem is de vraag aan de orde of een bepaling die in een cao is opgenomen reeds om die reden buiten de mededingingsbepalingen valt. Als het antwoord hierop ontkennend is dan is de vraag of de omstandigheid dat de bepaling betrekking heeft op zelfstandigen, maar (ook) bedoeld is ter verbetering van arbeidsvoorwaarden of werkgelegenheid van werknemers tot gevolg heeft dat de mededingingsbepalingen dergelijke cao-bepalingen niet verbieden. Het Hof van Justitie antwoordde dat bepalingen die betrekking hebben op zelfstandigen niet buiten de werkingssfeer van artikel 101 VWEU vallen. Dit is echter anders wanneer het om schijnzelfstandigen gaat. Vervolgens gaf het Hof van Justitie een ruime definitie van ‘schijnzelfstandigen’, zodat het arrest meer mogelijkheden geeft om cao-bepalingen die betrekking hebben op ‘zelfstandigen’ te maken dan op het eerste gezicht lijkt.

HvJ 4 december 2014, zaak C-413/13, FNV Kiem, ECLI:EU:C:2014:2411
Eventech: Hoe busbanen leiden tot een leerstuk van ‘inherent voordeel’ in het staatssteunrecht
Authors: Dekker C.T.
Published: May 2015

Eventech: Hoe busbanen leiden tot een leerstuk van ‘inherent voordeel’ in het staatssteunrecht

In deze zaak staat centraal de vraag of het feit dat de klassieke zwarte taxi’s in Londen niet behoeven te betalen voor het gebruik van busbanen in Londen terwijl vooraf geboekte zogenoemde HMC’s beboet worden als zij van die banen gebruikmaken, een steunmaatregel vormt. Het Hof van Justitie gaat bij de beantwoording van de hierover gestelde prejudiciële vragen in op de criteria ‘bekostiging met staatsmiddelen’, ‘voordeel’ en ‘beïnvloeding van de tussenstaatse handel’ uit het begrip ‘steunmaatregel’ van artikel 107 lid 1 VWEU. In dat kader introduceert het Hof van Justitie een ‘inherent voordeel’ doctrine die de effects based doctrine doorkruist of in elk geval nuanceert.

HvJ 14 januari 2015, zaak C-518/13, Eventech Ltd/Parking Adjudicator, ECLI:EU:C:2015:9