bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gray matter networks and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rimkus Carolina M , Schoonheim Menno M , Steenwijk Martijn D , Vrenken Hugo , Eijlers Anand JC , Killestein Joep , Wattjes Mike P , Leite Claudia C , Barkhof Frederik , Tijms Betty M
Published: January 2018

Background:

Coordinated patterns of gray matter morphology can be represented as networks, and network disruptions may explain cognitive dysfunction related to multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To investigate whether single-subject gray matter network properties are related to impaired cognition in MS.

Methods:

We studied 148 MS patients (99 female) and 33 healthy controls (HC, 21 female). Seven network parameters were computed and compared within MS between cognitively normal and impaired subjects, and associated with performance on neuropsychological tests in six cognitive domains with regression models. Analyses were controlled for age, gender, whole-brain gray matter volumes, and education level.

Results:

Compared to MS subjects with normal cognition, MS subjects with cognitive impairment showed a more random network organization as indicated by lower lambda values (all p < 0.05). Worse average cognition and executive function were associated with lower lambda values. Impaired information processing speed, working memory, and attention were associated with lower clustering values.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate that MS subjects with a more randomly organized gray matter network show worse cognitive functioning, suggesting that single-subject gray matter graphs may capture neurological dysfunction due to MS.
The industry avengers: An analysis of contemporary comic book publishers in the Philippines
Authors: Sagun Karryl Kim Abella , Luyt Brendan
Published: January 2018

This article provides a new perspective on comics publishing in the Philippines, particularly when compared to the cheap, mass-market image it used to carry. It also opens discussions on electronic publishing, piracy, exploring untapped markets both locally and internationally, among others. In-depth interviews were conducted in order to investigate the firsthand experiences of contemporary comic book publishers in the Philippines. We limited our study to independent publishers, noting that their experiences are also testament to the end of the monopoly of big, commercial presses in comics publishing. Findings reveal that comics publishers in the Philippines (1) belong to a close-knit community of creatives and academics; (2) benefit from comic conventions and cult followings; (3) manage to operate with insufficient support from local bookstores; and (4) use various coping strategies in the form of novel roles, products, and distribution systems.
Venous hemodynamics assessed with air plethysmography in legs with lymphedema
Authors: Suehiro Kotaro , Morikage Noriyasu , Ueda Koshiro , Samura Makoto , Takeuchi Yuriko , Nagase Takashi , Mizoguchi Takahiro , Nakamura Kaori , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: January 2018

This study was conducted to identify specific abnormalities using the results from air plethysmography in legs with lymphedema. A routine air plethysmography exercise protocol was performed in 31 patients with unilateral leg lymphedema, and the results were compared with those of 53 patients with unilateral great saphenous vein reflux and 15 normal subjects. The venous filling index in legs with lymphedema (2.1 ± 1.2 mL/sec) was smaller than in legs with great saphenous vein reflux (6.4 ± 4.1 mL/sec, p < 0.05), but was not different from that in normal legs (1.9 ± 1.2 mL/sec). The ejection fraction was similar in all groups. The residual volume fraction in legs with lymphedema (35 ± 32%) was larger than that in normal subjects (13 ± 23%, p < 0.05), but was not significantly different from that in the contralateral leg of the lymphedema patients (32 ± 27%). In conclusion, we found no specific air plethysmography findings in uncomplicated lymphedema.
Liberal alcohol policy in mundane reasoning
Authors: Törrönen Jukka
Published: January 2018

The study looks at the changing relationships between the citizen and the state in the context of two case studies, concerned with the dismantling of restrictive alcohol policy in Finland.

The first is based on a reception research in which key persons interpret two editorials on alcohol policy, one in defence of a (neo)liberal alcohol policy, the second in favour of a regulated welfare-state alcohol policy. The recipients were selected from three occupational fields in the city of Lahti in southern Finland representing politics, the mass media, and trade union branches.

The second is based on focus group interviews among influentials in Helsinki and Tallinn. In both cities the groups were chosen from three fields: mass media, economy, and public administration (the article deals only with the Finnish part of the material). The key persons' argumentation is interpreted as identity speech dealing with the spatial, temporal, and positional aspects of ‘reference group’ values.

The study shows that liberal alcohol policy predominates, not as a homogeneous ideal of freedom shared by all but as manifold forms of liberalism. Three strains of liberalism are identified: utopian, expressive, and cynical. All of them adopt a negative attitude towards the state, believe in the markets, have an aspiration for freedom, and interpret individuality as an obligation.
The Norwegian state alcohol monopoly. Between teetotalism and moderation
Authors: Horverak Øyvind
Published: January 2018

The article first gives a review of the way wine and spirits have been sold from the time of Norway's first municipal spirits monopoly in 1871 to the time of today's state-owned retail wine and spirits monopoly. A main observation is that Norwegian alcohol policy primarily has been concerned with spirits, and that restrictions on sales of wine have often been the consequence of restrictions imposed on spirits. Today, the number of sales outlets for wine is the same as for spirits, even though the sales figures for wine are five times those for liquor. Now we face a situation where the availability of wine has to be increased. The last part discusses how this may be achieved while at the same time trying to limit the damage caused by the use of alcoholic beverages.
Problems with alcohol, drugs and violence in the restaurant sector: experiences from Bergen
Authors: Virtanen Marianne , Pernanen Kai
Published: January 2018

This study describes staff experiences of problems associated with the serving of alcohol in Bergen, Norway. The aim is to find out how licensed premises deal with the various adverse consequences of alcohol use, particularly violence. It also addresses the question of how these problems could be countered.

A questionnaire was mailed to all 250 licensed premises in Bergen. The response rate was 70 per cent. In addition, data were collected in interviews with 18 managers.

The themes addressed in the study include the profile of the licensed premises, security systems, the serving of alcohol, restrictions applied, and violence. Data were additionally obtained on attitudes to the prevailing situation and on proposals regarding ways of countering current problems.

Data interpretation and analysis is based primarily on a classification of the total sample of licensed premises into different categories (restaurants, cafés, bars/pubs, discos and dance halls, social clubs). In some cases the analysis is based on data regarding the mean age of the clientele.

The different types of licensed premises vary widely in terms of their security systems and safety. The results show that a large proportion of staff in these premises have personal experiences of violent episodes in the workplace. Four in ten personnel in pubs and bars indicated they had been threatened by customers during the past 12 months. At the same time almost half of all respondents and nine in ten employees in discos and dance halls have seen violence or aggressive episodes. One in four have experienced such situations during the past three months. One-quarter of the respondents indicated they had had to call in the police in connection with violent incidents; this was most common in the case of discos and dance halls.

During the past 12 months every other respondent had once or more often suspected clients of drug use. Dividing the licensed premises into categories by the mean age of their clientele, these suspicions were three times more common in places frequented by younger clients (under 24 years) than in those frequented by older clients (over 35 years).

According to the results there is considerable interest among restaurant employees in further training in this field. Over half of them would be interested in training courses that have to do with legislation, dealing with customers, intoxicating substances, and conflict resolution. Almost half of the respondents have their own ideas and suggestions as to how aggressive or other undesirable behaviour could be reduced.
Effects of economic factors on alcohol consumption in 14 European countries
Authors: Leppänen Kalervo , Sullström Risto , Suoniemi Ilpo
Published: January 2018

Kalervo Leppänen & Risto Sullström & Ilpo Suoniemi: Effects of economic factors on alcohol consumption in 14 European countries

This paper analyses time series data on alcohol consumption in 14 European countries. Flexible models of alcohol consumption using quantity index data and absolute alcohol in litres per adult have been specified to find similarities in consumer preferences. The SURE method and Wald test were used to estimate and test for common parameters across the countries and to obtain the corresponding restricted estimates. We also constructed comparable price indices for alcoholic beverages and total expenditure variables in order to capture differences between the countries in price levels and the consumers' purchasing power.

The hypothesis of common preferences was clearly rejected by the data. Total expenditure affects the demand for alcohol equally across the countries and the price parameters are equal within the three groups, i.e. the monopoly countries, wine producers and other countries with the exception of the Netherlands. The common estimate of the expenditure parameter suggests that alcoholic beverages are considered to be normal goods rather than luxuries. The demand for alcoholic beverages is more easily controllable by excise taxes in the monopoly countries than elsewhere. In the wine-producing countries demand is relatively price inelastic. The value of the price elasticity indicates that taxes have not been set at their revenue-maximizing levels in the monopoly countries.

Analysis of absolute alcohol consumption revealed that the country-specific level constants were the major factor in explaining the difference among the countries. Economic variables, the price of alcohol and total expenditure played a subsidiary yet important role.
Article
Authors: Abrahamson Maria
Published: January 2018

Maria Abrahamson: Mundane reasoning about youth and alcohol

In a Swedish study on mundane reasoning about alcohol use, based on group discussions with people in different occupational categories, the youth question was considered the most serious alcohol problem by the participants. This article analyses the argumentation around the youth question. An analytical aspect is how the interviewees identify themselves with various so-called subject positions, as consumers, as parents, children or young persons or as monitors-social reformists.

The four groups described in this article were people working with music, theatre, art or museums, journalists, social democratic politicians and business people. There were differences between the groups with regard to how they perceived the youth alcohol problem and where they placed the responsibility for its solution. People in the cultural field regarded young people's drinking as a social problem, but placed the responsibility on the individual and private level. The journalists looked upon young people's drinking as a private problem belonging to the family sphere that should be solved on the individual level. The politicans clearly stressed that youth drinking is a social problem. The responsibility for solving it was located with external authorities through mechanisms such as legislation and extensive educational campaigns. The business people moved between different ways of describing the problem and different levels where the solutions could be found. At first they spoke as consumers and emphasised the individual responsibility. In the course of the discussion they gradually stressed more and more that young people's drinking is both a family and a social problem, and they put the responsibility for solutions on external authorities.
Article
Authors: Pedersen Mads Uffe
Published: January 2018

Mads Uffe Pedersen: In-patient treatment of drug abusers. A gender perspective on treatment course and treatment effects

The aim of this article is to discuss whether there are gender differences among drug abusers in treatment when it comes to networking and emotional relations, and how these differences should be taken into account in treatment programmes. The article builds on results from a large-scale investigation into residential treatment of drug addicts in Denmark. 750 drug addicts, referred to 7 different institutions between June 1996 and January 1998, participated in the study; data on 323 of them were collected through interviews or data systems from 6 to 18 months after their finishing the treatment.

Substance-abusing women do better than substance-abusing men after finishing drug-free residential treatment. Twice as many women as men stay drug-free without relapse one year after finishing residential treatment. Women establish a different kind of network and create closer and more intimate relations with other people than do men. Earlier investigations have shown that men have more friends than women. This investigation shows that men in drug abuse treatment may know a lot of people, but women know more people with whom they can talk about their problems.

Women in this Danish study more frequently carry through a drug-free residential treatment programme at centres where there are no clear-cut physical or rule-based divisions between women and men. Their motive for staying in the treatment is more often than that of men consideration for their close network. However, these two residential treatment variables have only a limited connection with the women's abuse pattern after discharge from the centre.

Not least for the female abusers it seems important to allow for close, expressive and verbal relations, not only between women, but in mixed groups. One model could be institutional treatment with possibilities both for single-sex and mixed-sex groups and treatment.
Alcohol policy: Why and roughly how?
Authors: Skog Ole-Jørgen
Published: January 2018

Ole-Jørgen Skog: Alcohol policy: Why and roughly how?

The paper addresses two basic questions: Firstly, are there good reasons for having alcohol control policies – reasons that would be acceptable even from a libertarian point of view? Secondly, if so, at what and whom should these policies be targeted? In the first section, three arguments for restriction on individual freedom with respect to addictive and potentially harmful drugs are briefly discussed. The second section asks how a meaningful policy should be designed – with particular reference to alcohol. Should a preventive policy focus on drunkenness and long-term heavy drinkers, or on drinking in general and the drinking culture as a whole? In the subsequent sections, the second question is pursued. Two main issues are discussed, namely, the ‘preventive paradox’ and the interdependence of individual drinking (i.e., the collectivity of drinking cultures). It is concluded that an efficient prevention policy will inevitably affect the ‘ordinary’ drinkers as well as the ‘abusers’.
Draining the ocean to prevent shark attacks?: The empirical foundation of alcohol policy
Authors: Rehm Jürgen
Published: January 2018

Jürgen Rehm: Draining the ocean to prevent shark attacks? The empirical foundation of alcohol policy

The line of reasoning behind current alcohol policy is examined and related to empirical research on the consequences of alcohol consumption. It is found that current alcohol policy places too much emphasis on both aggregate consumption and chronic disease as the main problems, and availability and access to alcohol as the most important instruments in reducing alcohol-related harm. There is empirical evidence, however, that other forms of harm are equally if not more important in many cases, and that the empirical links between availability and consumption, and between consumption and harm, are not always as important as predicted. Some consequences for alternative alcohol policy strategies for the future are discussed.
Remuneration in the United States and Mexico: Assessing the level of influence on potential clinical research participants about their decision to participate in a clinical trial and the risk of fraud
Authors: Flores-Figueroa Jose , Badillo Ingrid , Botello Gilberto , Pacheco Ursus , Paredes-Paredes Mercedes , McGovern Suzan
Published: January 2018

Monetary compensation given to study subjects in a clinical trial is an effective tool to increase overall study enrolment, nonetheless it may stimulate some participants to commit fraud and lie about their medical history.

A survey-study in 684 Hispanic prospective subjects in Mexico and USA was conducted to evaluate if a high monetary compensation would encourage them to lie about their medical history. Almost half of the subjects considered participating in a clinical trial with no compensation. Younger male individuals were more likely to consider committing fraud in order to receive a relatively high compensation. On the other hand, individuals with either low or high educational backgrounds, as those with higher income, were less likely to consider committing fraud.
“It Was Kind of a Dream Come True”: Undocumented College Students’ Testimonios of Cultural Wealth in the College Choice Process
Authors: Romo Enrique , Ozuna-Allen Taryn , Martinez Melissa A.
Published: January 2018

Using community cultural wealth as a theoretical framework, this qualitative study examined the college choice process of eight undocumented Mexican college graduates. Through interviews, participants shared their testimonios revealing the development of their college aspirations and challenges encountered related to their undocumented status. They described the processes, resources, and networks they utilized to overcome obstacles and access a research university. Recommendations for practice and future research are offered.
Biomechanical Analysis of Capsular Repair Versus Arthrex TFCC Ulnar Tunnel Repair for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears
Authors: Johnson Jayson C. , Pfeiffer Ferris M. , Jouret Jill E. , Brogan David M.
Published: January 2018

Background: This study compares the effectiveness of a peripheral capsular repair with a knotless arthroscopic transosseous ulnar tunnel repair (TR) in restoring distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability and stiffness in the setting of a massive triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear. Methods: Eight matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric forearms were tested. Each forearm was tested in supination and pronation using 3-dimensional (3D) optical tracking devices prior to any intervention. Each specimen then underwent a diagnostic wrist arthroscopy and sectioning of the TFCC’s deep and superficial fibers. All specimens were then retested to assess instability secondary to the tear. The TFCC was repaired with either a peripheral capsular repair (CR) using three 2-0 polydioxanone sutures or a transosseous ulnar TR using a 2-0 FiberWire, and then retested (statistical significance; P < .05). Results: After TFCC arthroscopic sectioning, all specimens were unstable with a significant increase in translation and a significant decrease in stiffness. TFCC repair with TR resulted in displacement and stiffness similar to the native tissue. CR specimens were found to have significantly greater displacement and significantly decreased stiffness compared with the intact state. Conclusions: Arthroscopic sectioning of the TFCC resulted in DRUJ instability, as measured by stiffness and ulnar translation. TR effectively restored DRUJ stability and demonstrated no significant difference in postoperative stiffness or maximal displacement when compared with the intact specimen in pronation and supination. This study provides biomechanical evidence that an arthroscopic ulnar tunnel technique can restore stability to the DRUJ after a massive TFCC tear.
Guidelines for treatment of Susac syndrome – An update
Authors: Rennebohm Robert M , Asdaghi Negar , Srivastava Sunil , Gertner Elie
Published: January 2018

Susac syndrome is an immune-mediated, pauci-inflammatory, ischemia-producing, occlusive microvascular endotheliopathy/basement membranopathy that affects the brain, retina, and inner ear. Treatment of Susac syndrome is particularly challenging. The organs involved can easily become irreversibly damaged, and the window of opportunity to protect them is often short. Optimal outcome requires rapid and complete disease suppression. Adding to the challenge is the absence of objective biomarkers of disease activity and the great variability in presentation, timing and extent of peak severity, duration of peak severity, and natural disease course. There have been no randomized controlled trials or prospective treatment studies. We offer treatment guidelines based on cumulative clinical experience and a large cohort of patients followed longitudinally in a comprehensive database project. These guidelines state our preferences but do allow flexibility and discuss other options. The guidelines also serve as an initial step in the planning of prospective treatment studies, future consensus-based recommendations, and future randomized controlled trials.
Training duration may not be a predisposing factor in potential maladaptations in talent development programmes that promote early specialisation in elite youth soccer
Authors: Brownlee Thomas E , O’Boyle Andy , Morgans Ryland , Morton James P , Erskine Robert M , Drust Barry
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To determine whether training duration is a predisposing factor in potential maladaptations in talent development programmes that promote early specialisation in elite youth soccer.

Methods

Training times and type of 184 elite soccer players, from the under-9 to under-21 age groups (age 9.4 to 18.4 yrs; stature 1.38 to 1.82 m; body mass 32.2 to 76.2 kg) were recorded.

Results

Total training time progressively increased between the under-9 (268 ± 25 min/week) and under-14 (477 ± 19 min/week) groups with the majority of training time (96.5 ± 3.9%) consisting of soccer training and matches. Total training time then subsequently reduced from under-14 to under-15 (266 ± 77 min/week) groups, with no differences in training time between under-15 and under-21. Only under-15 to under-21 players completed resistance training; this inclusion coincided with a reduction in soccer training and match play when compared to time spent in these activities for younger groups (73.8 ± 3.2% of total training).

Conclusion

Data suggest that although the majority of training is focused on technical development, the training duration as a whole is unlikely to contribute to potential maladaptations in talent development programmes in elite youth soccer.
Managing aggression in epilepsy
Authors: Elnazer Hesham Y. , Agrawal Niruj
Published: January 2018

Behavioural changes associated with epilepsy can be challenging for patients and clinicians. Evidence suggests an association between aggression and epilepsy that involves various neurophysiological and neurochemical disturbances. Anti-epileptics have variable effects on behaviour and cognition that need consideration. Early detection and careful consideration of history, symptomatology and possible common comorbid psychiatric disorders is essential. Appropriate investigations should be considered to aid diagnosis, including electroencephalogram (EEG), video EEG telemetry and brain imaging. Optimising treatment of epilepsy, treatment of psychiatric comorbidities and behavioural management can have a major positive effect on patients' recovery and well-being.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the epidemiology of aggression in epilepsy

• Comprehend the link between anti-epileptics and aggression, including the important role of pharmacodynamics

• Be aware of the pharmacological treatments available for managing aggressive behaviour in epilepsy
Integrating religious faith into patient care
Authors: Koenig Harold G. , Al Zaben Faten
Published: January 2018

We examine Foreman's assertion that assessing, addressing and utilising a patient's faith is warranted. After a brief background, we examine when faith-integrated therapy is indicated, the need for training, an example of such a therapy, and what to do when the faith of the therapist conflicts with that of the patient. Also emphasised is the need for a clear definition of terms.
Antipsychotic prescribing of consultant forensic psychiatrists working in different levels of secure care with patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Machin Anna , McCarthy Lucy
Published: January 2018

Aims and method

To detect any differences in the antipsychotic prescribing practices of consultant forensic psychiatrists working in different levels of secure care with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, and to identify potential reasons for any differences. Prescribing data were collected from four secure hospitals within one National Health Service trust. A questionnaire was sent to consultant forensic psychiatrists working at those hospitals as well as those working in the trust's community forensic services.

Results

Consultants working in high security prescribed more oral antipsychotics than consultants working in medium and low security, who prescribed more depot antipsychotics, as established via the prescribing data. The questionnaire provided insight regarding the reasons for these preferences.

Clinical implications

There were differences in the antipsychotic prescribing practices of consultant forensic psychiatrists working in different levels of secure care, and, overall, the rate of depot antipsychotic prescribing was lower than might be expected. Although it was positive that the rate of polypharmacy was low when compared with earlier studies, the lower-than-expected rate of depot antipsychotic prescribing has clinical implications.
Chinese Anesthesiologists Have High Burnout and Low Job Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Li Hange , Zuo Mingzhang , Gelb Adrian W. , Zhang Biao , Zhao Xiaohui , Yao Dongdong , Xia Di , Huang Yuguang
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

The Chinese health care system must meet the needs of 19% of the world’s population. Despite recent economic growth, health care resources are unevenly distributed. This creates the potential for job stress and burnout. We therefore conducted a survey among anesthesiologists in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region focusing on job satisfaction and burnout to determine the incidence and associated factors.

METHODS:

A large cross-sectional study was performed in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region of China. The anonymous questionnaire was designed to collect and analyze the following information: (1) demographic characteristics and employer information; (2) job satisfaction assessed by Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire; (3) burnout assessed by Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey; and (4) sleep pattern and physician–patient communication.

RESULTS:

Surveys were completed and returned from 211 hospitals (response rate 74%) and 2873 anesthesiologists (response rate 70%) during the period of June to August 2015. The overall job satisfaction score of Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire was 65.3 ± 11.5. Among the participants, 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67%–71%) met the criteria for burnout. The prevalence of high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment was 57% (95% CI, 55%–59%), 49% (95% CI, 47%–51%), and 57% (95% CI, 55%–58%), respectively. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that age, hospital category, working hours per week, caseload per day, frequency of perceived challenging cases, income, and sleep quality were independent variables associated with burnout. Anesthesiologists with a high level of depersonalization tended to engage in shorter preoperative conversations with patients, provide less information about pain or the procedure, and to have less empathy with them.

CONCLUSIONS:

The anesthesiologists in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region of China expressed a below-average level of job satisfaction, and suffered a significant degree of burnout. Improvement in job satisfaction and burnout might create a positive work climate that could benefit both the quality of patient care and the profession of anesthesiology in China.
Ο ρόλος των παρατηρητών στα επεισόδια σχολικού εκφοβισμού - Προτάσεις παρέμβασης
Authors: Ζαχαρίου Ελένη - Σπυριδούλα , Αντωνίου Αλέξανδρος - Σταμάτιο�
Published: January 2018

Ο σχολικός εκφοβισμός αποτελεί ένα κοινωνικό φαινόμενο που έχει λάβει ανησυχητικές διαστάσεις, κυρίως τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο. Τα εκφοβιστικά επεισόδια εκδηλώνονται μέσα από κάθε μορφή, άμεση ή έμμεση, σωματικής και λεκτικής βίας. Κατά βάση, στα επεισόδια εκφοβισμού είναι παρόντες οι θύτες που ασκούν εκφοβισμό, τα θύματα που τον δέχονται και οι παρατηρητές ως μάρτυρες των εκφοβιστικών επεισοδίων. Στo παρόν κεφάλαιο θα διερευνηθεί ο ρόλος που διαδραματίζουν οι παρατηρητές στα εκφοβιστικά επεισόδια. Οι παρατηρητές ως μάρτυρες, συχνά, ενισχύουν τη συμπεριφορά του θύτη, άλλες φορές υπερασπίζονται το θύμα ή παρακολουθούν με αδιαφορία. Διεθνείς έρευνες έχουν δείξει ότι, σε κάθε περίπτωση, οι παρατηρητές μπορούν να επηρεάσουν την έκβαση του επεισοδίου εκφοβισμού. Η ψυχική, κοινωνικοσυναισθηματική και κοινωνικογνωστική κατάσταση των παρατηρητών επηρεάζει το χαρακτήρα των αντιδράσεών τους όταν καθίστανται μάρτυρες τέτοιων επεισοδίων. Συχνά, τα αρνητικά συναισθήματα που βιώνουν οι παρατηρητές κατά τη διάρκεια ενός εκφοβιστικού συμβάντος αλλά και μετά από αυτό, τους οδηγούν σε υιοθέτηση ρόλου υπερασπιστών των θυτών ή παθητικών αποδεκτών του περιστατικού εκφοβισμού. Ωστόσο, σε αρκετές περιπτώσεις, οι παρατηρητές λειτουργούν ως ασπίδα προστασίας του αδύναμου και απροστάτευτου θύματος. Η οικογένεια, το προσωπικό των σχολικών μονάδων, καθώς και το εξειδικευμένο επιστημονικό προσωπικό που έχει πρόσβαση σε αυτές και τη δυνατότητα συνεργασίας με τους εκπαιδευτικούς, μπορεί να παρέχει πλήρη και συνεχή ενημέρωση στους μαθητές και να επηρεάσει τις αντιλήψεις και την παρεμβατική συμπεριφορά των μαθητών-παρατηρητών.
Informed by the Goddess: Explicating a processual methodology
Authors: Bacon Jane
Published: January 2018

This is a self-reflexive approach to practice as research in dance and performance that draws on what Jungian Scholar and feminist Susan Rowland calls a ‘Jungian goddess feminism’ which is a kind of ‘experiment in the imagination’. This methodological and feminist approach is based on previous research into ‘authentic movement’. The article sets out a methodological approach and style of writing for practice as research that embraces and reconfigures ‘the Goddess myth’ by embracing subjectivity for its value that is comparable to and yet different from rationality. There are personal reflections, exercises for the reader and a theoretical frame braided throughout the article. Through this Bacon reflects on her doctoral studies to question why the emerging ‘spiritual’ aspects apparent in herself through her engagement with her fieldsite were not explored more deeply. A post-Jungian feminist frame of reference enables both a reconfiguring of essentialist readings of ‘Goddess’ and a theoretical space where spirituality is named, embraced and from which new understandings for practice as research in dance and performance can emerge.
Until the Lions: Amba’s story
Authors: Stevens Jayne
Published: January 2018

Amba is a relatively minor character in the Sanskit epic the Mahābhārata. Her story is of a woman, spurned by men, who seeks justice and retribution by engaging in extreme spiritual practices that lead to the intervention of the Hindu deities and her re-birth as a male warrior capable of exacting revenge. In 2016 Amba’s story was re-imagined in poetry by Karthika Nair and in a dance performance by Akram Khan. The title of both works, Until the Lions, is taken from an Igbo proverb, ‘until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter’ and encapsulates both artists’ interest in alternative, especially female, perspectives. This article demonstrates how Khan’s Until the Lions embodies tensions and ambiguities at the heart of which is a profound concern with spirituality and gender. In particular it argues that Until the Lions explores the impact of śakti (divine feminine energy) on female/male relationships and on the environment.
Transcendence and glimpses of conversion: In/through the dancing diaspora body
Authors: Daniel Yvonne
Published: January 2018

This article examines the persuasion processes that flow within the splendour of the Diaspora dancing body as it accommodates a shift from the material to the spiritual world during public ceremonies within African Diaspora ritual communities. Embodied spiritual practices penetrate believers and render them converted adepts over time. In presenting the analysis of two dances, one for a female divinity of Cuba (Yemayá) and the other for a male divinity of Cuba, Brazil, Haiti (Ogún, Ogúm and Ogou), this essay tracks the dynamic processes of intensification and transformation that generate transcendence and contribute to conversion.
A comparative study of bulk leach extractable gold (BLEG) and fire assay methods on the Wassa deposit at Golden Star Limited, Wassa mine
Authors: Tawiah Christain , Manu Johnson , Nunoo Samuel , Hayford Ebenezer
Published: January 2018

Golden Star Resources Limited conducts Bulk Leach Extractable Gold (BLEG) and Fire Assay methods on samples from its exploration program. Additionally, for mining control and as part of the sampling and analytical protocol, residues of samples whose assay values are greater than 10 g/t are subjected to fire assay to determine the quantity of gold. However, there is gold retained in the tails or residue after leaching and to verify the suitability and efficiency of the analytical method, drill samples (RC and DD) with control samples were analysed using BLEG method based on the accelerated cyanide leach extraction and Fire Assay method on the tails.Percentages of the prepared samples were subjected to BLEG orientation study to investigate the leachability and efficiency of the BLEG method on the ore samples. Fire Assay analysis was also carried out on the selected tailing samples to find out the assay reproducibility of the samples. The analytical analyses carried out on the samples revealed that the ore samples were leachable with gold recovery levels ranging between 96% and 100% when there is total pulverization of samples to make BLEG method possible and that this procedure is also cheaper than the conventional Fire Assay.
Auxetic polyurethane foams – method for determining a softening point
Authors: Lisiecki Janusz
Published: January 2018

The article described selected methods for determining a softening point of plastics (polymers). The way of determining a softening point of polyurethane foams was suggested. Moreover, the influence of annealing temperature of an auxetic polyurethane foam on its volume was presented.
Infinitely many solutions for a class of fourth-order impulsive differential equations
Authors: Shokooh Saeid , Afrouzi Ghasem A.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, by employing a critical point theorem, we establish the existence of infinitely many solutions for fourth-order impulsive differential equations depending on two real parameters.
Elastic-Plastic Calculation of a Dilatation Compensation Component
Authors: Atanasiu Costică , Iliescu Nicolae , Sorohan Ștefan
Published: January 2018

Compensators are elastic structures that have the role of taking over the axial displacements that occur in the junction areas of the technological equipment (pipelines or containers) through which the fluids circulate at pressures and high temperatures. These elastic structures, realized in a very wide range of shapes and sizes, are sujected by the inner pressure and an axial force produced by dilatation of structures in which they are mounted. The calculation of the expansion compensators raises many problems caused by the working regimes of the technological equipments they belong to. Following previous studies, undertaken by calculus and experimental, by the authors of this paper, it was found that in operation the state of stress in these elastic structures exceeds the flow limit of the material from which they are manufacturated. For this reason, in the present paper, the authors present the results of a calculus study, by FEM, on the stress and strain state, in the elasto-plastic regime of a leticular compensator. The calculation was made for two loading modes, separately applied and superimposed. The nonlinear mechanical behavior of this compensator is analyzed and discussed comparatively to the results of previous studies performed in elastic regime on the same type of compensator.
Experimental Method for Determining Forces at Bending of Perforated Plates
Authors: Pascu Adrian , Oleksik Mihaela , Avrigean Eugen
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the method of calculating the forces which appear at the bending of perforated plates with holes of different shapes and placed in different patterns, by means of a dynamometric table which uses resistive tensometric transducers (strain gauges). It also describes an instrument for the recording of data from the dynamometric table, a tool created with the aid of the “TestPoint” software which, beneath the data recording, ensures the filtering and statistic processing of data. The obtained results are displayed in comparative graphs for six types of perforated plates, as well as for an unperforated plate.
Appreciation of Triaxiality Influence in Plastic Deformation Accompanying Ductile Rupture
Authors: Coseru Ancuta-Ioana , Zichil Valentin , Lupascu Stefan
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the authors propose a studying method for the deformation that appears before crack of ductile materials using the Lode parameter determined by the numerical calculation applied on simple models, verified in previous studies. In order to highlight the influence of the Lode parameter, the tests were performed at simple but also at compound tests. The necessity of these studies lies in the fact that the acknowledged models (the use of the integral J, the critical stress intensity factor Kc or the CPCD method) do not fully explain the phenomenon of deformation before breaking the elasto-plastic materials. The tests were imagined under the form of sets. Each set of tests was performed on smooth specimens and on specimens with a notch radius of 0.5, 2, 4 and 10 mm. Also, each set of tests was performed for pure tensile and combined tensile-torque test.
Dynamic Light Scattering Signal Conditioning for Data Processing
Authors: Rei Silviu , Chicea Dan , Ilie Beriliu , Olaru Sorin
Published: January 2018

When performing data acquisition for a Dynamic Light Scattering experiment, one of the most important aspect is the filtering and conditioning of the electrical signal. The signal is amplified first and then fed as input for the analog digital convertor. As a result a digital time series is obtained. The frequency spectrum is computed by the logical unit offering the basis for further Dynamic Light Scattering analysis methods. This paper presents a simple setup that can accomplish the signal conditioning and conversion to a digital time series.
Wars of Attrition with Endogenously Determined Budget Constraints
Authors: Foster Joshua
Published: January 2018

This paper models a war of attrition where participants first choose contest investment levels that act as a constraint for how long they can compete. To include a measure of the resource’s transferability to other uses (e.g. other contests), expenditures are a convex combination of investment decisions and their ‘bid’ in the contest. It is shown in the symmetric equilibrium that participants use a mixed strategy for their resource investments and plan to exhaust those resources in the contest. Implications of an investment constraint on equilibrium strategies in a structured, tournament-style sequence of contests are also explored, where it is shown that increasing the number of contests in the tournament does not necessarily increase participants’ investments in expectation. These modifications to the standard model allow for important insights into a variety of pre-calculated and budgeted all-pay contests.
Detection of EGFR, KRAS and BRAF mutations in metastatic cells from cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Frankel Diane , Nanni-Metellus Isabelle , Robaglia-Schlupp Andrée , Tomasini Pascale , Guinde Julien , Barlesi Fabrice , Astoul Philippe , Ouafik L’Houcine , Amatore Florent , Secq Véronique , Kaspi Elise , Roll Patrice
Published: January 2018

Background:

In lung adenocarcinoma, molecular profiling of actionable genes has become essential to set up targeted therapies. However, the feasibility and the relevance of molecular profiling from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the context of meningeal metastasis have been poorly assessed.

Methods:

We selected patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma harbouring metastatic cells in the CSF after cytological analysis. Seven samples from six patients were eligible for molecular testing of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS), v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutations using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) high-resolution melting curve analysis and Sanger sequencing after DNA extraction from the cell pellets of the CSF.

Results:

Five patients showed mutations in one or two actionable genes, two harboured anEGFRmutation (exons 19 and 21), one only aKRASmutation, one bothEGFRandKRASmutations and one aBRAFmutation. In all cases, the results of mutation testing provided new major information for patient management, leading to therapeutic adaptation. CSF molecular analysis identified mutations not detected in other neoplastic sites for two patients. In one case, the EGFR p.Thr790Met was identified. CSF was also the only sample available for genetic testing for almost all patients at the time of disease progression.

Conclusions:

When cancer cells are present in the CSF, the molecular profiling from the cell pellets is relevant, as it can detect supplemental or different mutations compared to a previous analysis of the primitive tumour or plasma cell-free DNA and allows the adaptation of the treatment strategy.
LC-MSMS assays of urinary cortisol, a comparison between four in-house assays
Authors: Brossaud Julie , Leban Monique , Corcuff Jean-Benoit , Boux de Casson Florence , Leloupp Anne-Gaëlle , Masson Damien , Moal Valérie , Bach-Ngohou Kalyane
Published: January 2018

Background:

Twenty-four hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) determination can be used for screening and follow-up of Cushing syndrome (CS). As immunoassay methods lack specificity for UFC measurement, the use of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (LC-MSMS) is recommended. The aim of our study was to compare UFC results using four LC-MSMS methods performed in four independent laboratories in order to evaluate interlaboratory agreement.

Methods:

Frozen aliquots of 24-h urine samples (78 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with CS) were sent to four different laboratories for analysis. Following liquid-liquid or solid-liquid extraction, UFC were determined using four different LC-MSMS assay.

Results:

UFC intra- and interassays variation coefficients were lower than 10% for each centre. External quality control results were not significantly different. UFC normal ranges (established from healthy volunteers) were 17–126, 15–134, 12–118 and 27–157 nmol/day, respectively. Classification of UFC from healthy volunteers and patients with CS using a 95th percentile threshold was similar. However, for extreme UFC values (<50 or >270 nmol/day), negative or positive bias was noted.

Conclusions:

Even for highly specific methods such as LC-MSMS, variations of results can be found depending on analytical process. Validation of LC-MSMS methods including determination of the reference range is essential.
Verb-argument constructions in advanced L2 English learner production: Insights from corpora and verbal fluency tasks
Authors: Römer Ute , Skalicky Stephen C. , Ellis Nick C.
Published: January 2018

This paper draws on data from learner and native-speaker corpora as well as psycholinguistic data to gain insights into second language speaker knowledge of English verb-argument constructions (VACs). For each of 34 VACs, L1 German and L1 Spanish advanced English learners’ and English native speakers’ dominant verb–VAC associations are examined based on data retrieved from the International Corpus of Learner English (ICLE), the Louvain International Database of Spoken English Interlanguage (LINDSEI), their respective Native Speaker (NS) reference corpora, and data collected in verbal fluency tasks in which participants complete VAC frames, such as, ‘she _______ with the…’ with verbs that come to mind. We compare findings from the different data sets and consider the strengths and limitations of each in relation to questions in usage-based second language acquisition and Construction Grammar.
Corporate environmental information system data storage development and management (Environmental Information System)
Authors: Lyazat Naizabayeva , Chingiz Nurzhanov , Zhassulan Orazbekov , Gulnara Tleuberdiyeva
Published: January 2018

In this article a software implementation of the environmental monitoring is developed and presented, which is responsible for receive, store, process and analysis of data. For logical database design system Computer- Aided Software Engineering (CASE) technology, the AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler was selected. To develop corporate Oracle database management system used. The database contains a set of objects, which store all the primary and additional service information, as well as a set of software modules of business logic. The developed information system makes it possible to find optimal solutions for clean and disposal of the contaminated areas. There are advantages of created databases on the areas to be remediated, such as the analysis of remediation made by using plants.
Self-Extinguishing and Non-Drip Flame Retardant Polyamide 6 Nanocomposite: Mechanical, Thermal, and Combustion Behavior
Authors: Wu Hao , Ortiz Rogelio , Correa Renan De Azevedo , Krifa Mourad , Koo Joseph H.
Published: January 2018

Incorporation of flame-retardant (FR) additives and nanoclay fillers into thermoplastic polymers effectively suppresses materials flammability and melt dripping behavior. However, it largely affects other properties, such as toughness and ductility. In order to recover the lost toughness and ductility of flame retardant polyamide 6, various loadings of maleic anhydride modified SEBS elastomer were added and processed by twin screw extrusion. TEM images showed exfoliated nanoclay platelets and reveals that the clay platelets well dispersed in the polymer matrix. By balancing the ratio of flame retardants, nanoclay and elastomers, formulation with elongation at break as high as 76% was achieved. Combining conventional intumescent FR and nanoclay, UL-94 V-0 rating and the LOI value as high as 32.2 were achieved. In conclusion, effective self-extinguishing and non-drip polyamide 6 nanocomposite formulations with significant improvement in toughness and ductility were achieved.