bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Affect
Authors: Weitzel Michelle D.
Published: November 2019

Affect was an essential component of the Arab uprisings, and it remains an important medium for shaping everyday politics in the Middle East and beyond. Yet while affect is beginning to be conceived as integral to studies of social movements, endeavors to control individual and collective affect in the praxis of statecraft remain understudied—despite robust evidence that affect and emotion are intimately entwined with political behavior and decision-making on a wide range of issues spanning voter preference to foreign policy. This article examines how such control takes effect, situating the sensory body as a bridge and key site of interaction and contestation for diverse projects that seek to influence behavioral outcomes via the manipulation of public space. From among the bodily senses, it singles out the auditory realm as a particularly potent generator of affect and examines the entanglement of sound, hearing, and power to foreground ways the sensory body is routinely engaged in state projects. Drawing on examples from the protests that ricocheted across the Middle East from 2010–2012, and framing these with historical antecedents from original archival work, this article bridges phenomenological experience and political outcomes to reveal how sensory inputs such as sound, wielded by elite and subaltern actors alike, are engineered for political effect. In so doing, I argue that a necessary prerequisite for grasping the role of affect and emotion in politics is a better understanding of technologies and modalities of control that go into the structuring of the sensory environment.
From the Fragments Up: Municipal Margins of Maneuver in Syria and Tunisia
Authors: Salman Lana , Baird-Zars Bernadette
Published: November 2019

Most studies of the Arab uprisings and their aftermaths focus on national-level political processes, neglecting changes at the municipal level. The few studies of municipalities that do exist tend to treat municipalities either as corruption-prone institutions exploited by local elites, or else as areas in need of intervention to make them function properly. We argue that municipalities are an overlooked site of political change—both spatially and temporally—that began prior to the uprisings but accelerated in their aftermath. Drawing on original empirical material from Tunisia and Syria between 2007 and 2014, we highlight two changing dimensions of municipal governance: how municipalities have sought to expand their power by stretching into new areas; and how, since the uprisings, municipalities have taken up new regulatory and enforcement roles in the wake of central state retreat.

To support this analysis, we utilize on-the-ground interviews and fieldwork in Tunisia and off-site interviews and aerial analyses of urban growth in northern Syria. We find that, first, city governments are moving into the spaces where national actors are absent, transforming municipalities into spaces for meaningful political engagement (Tunisia) and the allocation of resources (Syria). Second, municipalities have gained greater autonomy in the arenas of service delivery and planning. This increase in municipal power does not represent a break from pre-uprising practices, but rather a continuation and perhaps acceleration of the politicization and expansion of municipal authority that began pre-2011.
Word families, allofams, and the comparative method
Authors: FELLNER Hannes A. , HILL Nathan W.
Published: November 2019

Linguists researching the Trans-Himalayan family do not have a self-perception as working outside the mainstream of historical linguistics, but ‘word families’ and ‘allofams’ are important elements in their thinking despite the absence of these terms in the wider discipline. A close examination of the practice of historical linguistics in Indo-European and Trans-Himalayan leads to the conclusion that those phenomena treated as word families admit superior analyses in more traditional terms.
On the event structure of Chinese resultative compounds
Authors: BASCIANO Bianca
Published: November 2019

It has been observed that Chinese resultative compounds display varied aspectual behaviors. Yong (1997) distinguishes between simple change resultatives, i.e. resultatives expressing instantaneous change, but allowing a process preliminary to the final change, and complex change resultatives, i.e. those allowing a gradual development of action. Starting from this distinction, this paper aims at providing a structural account of these resultative compounds, based on the constructionist framework put forth by Ramchand (2008), arguing that only simple change resultatives are characterized by having a result layer in their eventive structure. Complex change resultatives, in contrast, are characterized by having the result element in the complement position of the process projection, providing a scalar path. This allows a gradual change of state, and telicity emerges when the path is bounded. The paper also discusses the relation between complex change resultatives and degree achievements.
A brief response to Fellner and Hill’s “Word families, allofams, and the comparative method”
Authors: HANDEL Zev
Published: November 2019

In a recent article, Fellner & Hill (this volume) level a strong critique against what they view as the misguided prevailing methodology of historical-comparative reconstruction in the Sino-Tibetan (aka Trans-Himalayan) language family. The central focus of their criticism is the assembling of “word families” and the reconstruction of ST proto-forms exhibiting variation to account for those word families. In this response, I argue that the methodology is basically sound and is appropriate to the current state of our knowledge. At the same time, I dispute some of the assertions made by Fellner & Hill, which I believe are mischaracterizations of the methods and assumptions underlying the work of Sino-Tibetan scholars.
Comments on Fellner and Hill: “Word families, allofams, and the comparative method”
Authors: SCHUESSLER Axel
Published: November 2019

This response to Fellner and Hill defends the concept of word family and allofam.
The differing status of reconstruction in Trans-Himalayan and Indo-European
Authors: FELLNER Hannes A. , HILL Nathan W.
Published: November 2019

The replies to Fellner and Hill (this volume) present the practice of historical linguistics in the study of the Trans-Himalayan family as on the trail our Indo-European forbears blazed. The replies further present “word families” and “allofams” as beacons that light this path; we disagree. Our respondents overlook the different status of reconstructions in the two families. Research at the subgroup level that they point to as Neogrammarian implements a formalist approach to reconstruction, which, fine as far as it goes, lacks the sophistication of reconstructions in more mature disciplines. Not appreciating the different status of reconstruction in the two families, our respondents exaggerate the extent to which Indo-European evinces “word family”-like phenomena and present allofams as more synchronically plausible than they are.
A review of Fellner and Hill’s “Word families, allofams, and the comparative method”
Authors: THURGOOD Graham
Published: November 2019

Fellner and Hill (this volume) argue that the recourse to the notion of word families has prevented scholars specializing in Sino-Tibetan comparative linguistics from working out regular sound correspondences. This paper disputes this evaluation of the state of the art in the field, and suggests that F&H’s appraisal is due to severe misunderstandings.
Regenerating Life: The Power of Reproducing People in Desert Turkmenistan
Authors: Kerven Cara
Published: November 2019

In Turkmenistan, Islamic charitable alms (sadaka) are a central part of daily life in the desert villages surrounding Gökdepe town, about five hours drive from the capital, Aşgabat. Adults give sadaka for reasons of religious merit, in order to pay respects to deceased family members and prior to major life-cycle events such as weddings. This article links Turkmen sadaka to other life-cycle ceremonies noted in the surrounding Central Asian countries. Life-cycle ceremonies have been theorised in two broadly different ways, as either concerned with prestige and status or as ethical projects. I bring these two approaches into conversation through the notion of social reproduction. Using long-term ethnographic research, I argue that Turkmen sadaka reveals how the economics of daily life and social reproduction are directly dependent on divine gifts. It is an ethical project for those participating that, at the same time, has recognised social consequences in terms of status and prestige.
Shaping Historical and Cultural Heritage in Uyghur Children: A Case Study on the Book Series Bilqut Balilar Shexs Hëkayiliri
Authors: Cabras Giulia
Published: November 2019

In the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (People’s Republic of China), history is taught according to Chinese nationalistic guidelines and the history of ethnic groups is built around their relationships with the Han majority. In this context of historical hegemony, the paper examines a series of books for Uyghur children on famous historical characters in order to understand how young generations’ ethnic consciousness can be shaped. The analysis identifies some trends of the Uyghur ethnic discourse transmitted to children (connections with the history of Central Asia and the Middle East, the focus on elements of identification such as Islam and muqams), as well as the presence of a Chinese paradigm that supports progress, secular education, and the standardization of folklore. Furthermore, the article aims to identify how much leeway is given to the development of a counter-discourse, particularly in the transmission of historical and cultural heritage to the younger generations.
Carried by Migrants– Frictions of Migration and Mobility Patterns in the Conflicting Assemblage of the Russian Private Transport Sector
Authors: Weicker Tonio
Published: November 2019

It is well known that labor migrants from different countries all over the Eurasian Union are the backbone of crucial economy sectors in the Russian Federation as, inter alia, construction, agriculture or trade. This article deals with another less mentioned but similarly significant labor market, which substantially changed its assemblage during the last couple of years, namely commercial urban transport services. In the last two decades, the marshrutka sector underwent major reforms and formalization processes that, on the one hand, brought operators back into the tax net and ensured a certain extension of control to the local transportation departments but, on the other hand, worsened the labor conditions of the transportation workers. Drawing from the empirical evidence of my fieldwork in southern Russia, I describe currently problematized mobility assemblages and embed the actor’s articulations in broader conflicts within the marshrutka business and transportation regulation policy. I further analyze how labor migrants have been forced to accept unfavorable working conditions in the enterprises as a direct result of politically triggered reforms in the marshrutka business. The paper provides insights into the social arena of the marshrutka, which serves as a societal encounter of urban conflicts and transformation mirroring (un-)intended effects of the local transportation reformation attempts.
Early Sino-Vietnamese Lexical Data and the Relative Chronology of Tonogenesis in Chinese and Vietnamese
Authors: Alves Mark J.
Published: November 2019

Vietnamese has numerous early-era Chinese loanwords with ngang and huyền tones, which in Middle Chinese loanwords correspond to the pingsheng level tone category, for words that should have sắc or nặng tones, corresponding to the Middle Chinese non-level qusheng departing tone category.
1
It is proposed that this layer of Early Sino-Vietnamese represents borrowing of Chinese words in the period after which Old Chinese had lost final *-s and prior to tonogenesis in Viet-Muong, thus leading to words with the level-tone category when tones emerged in Viet-Muong. This paper provides 60 items of Early Sino-Vietnamese that exemplify this phenomenon of ngang/huyền tones in qusheng words, but also 120 items exemplifying the previously noted reversal of sắc/nặng and hỏi/ngã tones between Early Sino-Vietnamese and later Sino-Vietnamese (the formalized readings of Chinese characters). Altogether, this allows for an overall relative chronology of the development of tones in both Sinitic and Vietic.
Studies in Pyu Phonology, ii: Rhymes
Authors: Miyake Marc
Published: November 2019

The extinct Pyu language was spoken during the first millennium CE and the early centuries of the second millennium CE in what is now Upper Burma. Pyu appears to be Sino-Tibetan on the basis of its basic vocabulary. It survives in inscriptions in an Indic script. This study reconstructs Pyu rhymes on the basis of spellings in those inscriptions and concludes that Pyu was an atonal language with 7 vowels and 18 final consonants. Some previous scholars have interpreted the subscript dots of the Pyu script as tone markers, but this study argues that they indicate fricative initials.
On Tán/Tán Distinction in Modern Xiang Dialects and the Reconstruction in Proto Xiang
Authors: Wu Rui-wen
Published: November 2019

According to Qièyùn, Tán (覃) and Tán (談) are two distinct rhymes, i.e. double rhyme, in Xián Shè Grade I. From the historical Chinese phonology perspective, the Northern people who spoke the Northern dialect started merging Tán / Tán distinction at early Tang Dynasty but, relatively, the Southern people retained it. In other words, Tán / Tán distinction is an important phonological feature to divide the early Chinese dialects into Northern group and Southern group. Recent researches shows that Tán / Tán distinction still obtain in modern Chinese dialects, such as Wú, Mĭn and Gàn dialects. However, the question ‘if Tán / Tán distinction obtains in modern Xiang dialect’ is under debate until now. This article would like to examine 12 modern Xiang dialects and explore the phenomena and phonological contrast in Xiang dialects. Furthermore, this article also tried to reconstruction the proto forms for Tán / Tán rhymes. This article not only focused on the phonological contrast provided by Qièyùn framework but also noticed the colloquial lexicons, which retained the early distinction. The main conclusions are as follows:

1.

From the viewpoint of phonological contrast, only one kind of Xiang dialect subcategories, i.e. Lóu-Shào Piàn, obtains Tán / Tán distinction. The distinction has been dropped in Cháng Yì Piàn and Xù Pŭ Piàn.

2.

From the viewpoint of colloquial lexicon, there are still four lexicons with Tán / Tán distinction. Those lexicons are distributed in modern Xiang dialects more or less. 3. From the viewpoint of historical linguistics, the Tán (覃) rhyme after velar initials could be reconstructed as *-oN and *-oʔ and the Tán (談) rhyme as *ɑN and *ɑʔ after the same initial environment. It shows that Tán / Tán distinction is partially remained in Xiang dialects. The main vowel *-o in *oN and *-oɁ finals tends to vowel breaking and so the reflections of *oN and *oʔ in modern Xiang dialects include -uẽ, -uɛ̃, -ua and -ue etc.
Contingent teaching through low-tech audience response systems
Authors: Lowe M. Sara , Macy Katharine , Stone Sean
Published: December 2019

For one-shot instruction sessions, formative assessment is the most feasible method for gathering data to aid contingent teaching, the practice of adapting to learners’ needs. Various technologies aid in the quick and efficient gathering of data on student learning in the classroom that can be used for formative assessment. Outside of a library teaching space or computer classroom, it is difficult to know what technology is available, what technology students can access, and how best to aid data collection that engages students, provides meaningful data to allow for contingent teaching, and is not dependent on student technology ownership. A low-tech audience response system has provided an opportunity to collect data on student learning and enable contingent teaching. This project report contributes to the field of information literacy research describing how a low-tech audience response system supports contingent teaching and innovates practice in different classroom situations.
Screening and Characterization of Ethanol-Producing Yeasts from Sewage Sludge, Soil and Rotten Fruits
Authors: Wang Chunming , Chen Xiaobing , Lao Jialang
Published: December 2019

Food waste recycling attracts people's attention recently. Fiber such as vegetable stem vegetable is main ingredient of food waste. How to use this resource becomes an important topic. In this manuscript, six ethanol-producing yeasts were isolated from sewage sludge, soil and rotten
fruits, then examined using PDA medium, TTC screening, and Duchenne tube fermentation experiments. After screeing on D-xylose medium, an ethanol-producing yeast Y9, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was isolated. Ethanol production over time by strain Y9 indicated that 12 days is the screened
strain's optimal fermentation time. The screened strain's specific growth rate is 0.12 h–1, and its ethanol productivity is higher than that of store-bought Angel Yeast or its co-culture, which indicated inhibition existing among the strains. Moreover, the ethanol productivity
in shaken samples was higher than that in static samples, indicating that slight oxygen conditions benefited the screened strain's ethanol production. The results may have implications in ethanol production and the treatment of sewage sludge and food waste.
What Is the Maximum Entropy Principle? Comments on “Statistical Theory on the Functional Form of Cloud Particle Size Distributions”
Authors: Yano Jun-Ichi
Published: December 2019

The basic idea of the maximum entropy principle is presented in a succinct, self-contained manner. The presentation points out some misunderstandings on this principle by Wu and McFarquhar. Namely, the principle does not suffer from the problem of a lack of invariance by change of the dependent variable; thus, it does not lead to a need to introduce the relative entropy as suggested by Wu and McFarquhar. The principle is valid only with a proper choice of a dependent variable, called a restriction variable, for a distribution. Although different results may be obtained with the other variables obtained by transforming the restriction variable, these results are simply meaningless. A relative entropy may be used instead of a standard entropy. However, the former does not lead to any new results unobtainable by the latter.
The Psychological Correlates of Decreased Death Anxiety After a Near-Death Experience: The Role of Self-Esteem, Mindfulness, and Death Representations
Authors: Bianco Simone , Testoni Ines , Palmieri Arianna , Solomon Sheldon , Hart Joshua
Published: December 2019

Near-death experiences (NDE) are intense events that can have profound psychological consequences. Although decreased fear of death after an NDE is a well-documented phenomenon, it is unclear what psychological factors are associated with reduced death anxiety. In this study, grounded in terror management theory, we compared 102 people who had an NDE with 104 individuals who did not. Participants completed measures of death anxiety, self-esteem, mindfulness, and death representation. Results indicated that people who had an NDE had lower fear of death, higher self-esteem, greater mindfulness, and viewed death more as a transition rather than as absolute annihilation. Subsequent analyses found that NDE had a direct effect on death anxiety, and that the effect of NDE on death anxiety was also mediated by indirect effects on self-esteem and death representation. Implications of these findings are considered, limitations of the present study are acknowledged, and suggestions for future theory and research are proffered.
The education issues of Syrian students under temporary protection status
Authors: Dolapcioglu Sevda , Bolat Yeliz
Published: December 2019

When the civil war broke out in March 2011 in Syria, Syrian citizens fleeing the war began to emigrate from their country to Turkey, which led to several decisions regarding Turkey’s educational policy. One such decision was to ensure that these immigrants continued their education in temporary educational centers in areas where they resided or in public or private schools. Another was the “Promoting Integration of Syrian Children into Turkish Education System” project. Despite precautionary measures, these migrations brought along many educational issues. The present study examines these problems and suggests solutions by identifying the immigrants’ ongoing educational needs. This study adopted a case study approach to contribute realistic solutions to the educational problems caused by substantial migration. From the data analysis, four main themes emerged: (1) language understanding, (2) adapting to the school culture, (3) support status, and (4) offered solutions.
Book review: Ziya Us Salam, Of Saffron Flags and Skullcaps
Authors: Akram Mohammad
Published: December 2019

Ziya Us Salam, Of Saffron Flags and Skullcaps. New Delhi: SAGE/ Select, 2018, 294 pp., ₹495 (paperback). ISBN: 978-93-528-0734-5.
Acceptance of the Automated Online Collection of Geographical Information
Authors: Felderer Barbara , Blom Annelies G.
Published: December 2019

The ease at which online paradata can be captured in web surveys seems to increase social researchers’ desire to collect such data. Yet little attention is paid to whether respondents actually approve of their collection. This article, therefore, studies online survey respondents’ acceptance of automatically collecting their geographical locations. In wave 4 of the German Internet Panel, we asked respondents for their consent to automatically track their location using a JavaScript. Respondents were also asked to report their location in a set of traditional survey questions. About 62 percent of respondents consented to the automated collection of their location whereas 97 percent provided their location manually. With respect to consent biases, we find evidence that the composition of the achieved sample of geo-located respondents is biased and that the personal characteristics associated with respondents’ willingness to be geo-located differ between the automated tracking and manual provision of geo-information.
Associations Between Psychopathy and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale in Incarcerated Males: A Combined Latent Variable- and Person-Centered Approach
Authors: Garofalo Carlo , Neumann Craig S. , Mark Daniel
Published: December 2019

The present study sought to replicate and extend current knowledge on the relevance of emotion regulation (ER) for psychopathy. In a large sample of incarcerated adult males ( N = 578), latent profile analysis (LPA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to examine person- and variable-centered associations between self-reported ER and both self-report and clinical ratings of psychopathy. With LPA, participants were classified into three profiles corresponding to low, medium, and high ER. The low-ER profile displayed higher affective traits across psychopathy assessments compared with the other profiles. The same pattern of findings was evident for overt behavioral features of psychopathy, but not for interpersonal traits. SEM results were consistent with LPA findings: interpersonal (positively), affective, and lifestyle (negatively) facets had unique associations with a superordinate ER latent variable. Findings replicate and extend prior associations between psychopathy and ER and suggest differential links between ER and affective and interpersonal traits of psychopathy.
Advanced quantitative estimation methods for spasticity: a literature review
Authors: Luo Zichong , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Bian Ruihao , Wong Sengfat , Li Le
Published: December 2019

Post-stroke spasticity seriously affects patients’ quality of life. Spasticity is considered to involve both neural and non-neural factors. Current clinical scales, such as the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Modified Tardieu Scale, lack reliability and reproducibility. These scales are also unable to identify the neural and non-neural contributions to spasticity. Surface electromyography and biomechanical and myotonometry measurement methods for post-stroke spasticity are discussed in this report. Surface electromyography can provide neural information, while myotonometry can estimate muscular properties. Both the neural and non-neural contributions can be estimated by biomechanical measurement. These laboratory methods can quantitatively assess spasticity. They can provide more valuable information for further study on treatment and rehabilitation than clinical scales.
Schwannoma of the long thoracic nerve in the left axilla: a case report
Authors: Tian Jia , Huang Qishun , Chen Zhenbing
Published: December 2019

Schwannoma, which is also known as neurilemmoma, is a type of tumor that arises from the peripheral nerve sheaths. Cases of schwannomas located in different regions have been reported. Some schwannomas present as asymptomatic masses, while others cause discomfort, such as pain and numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool. A 23-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a mass in the left axilla that was misdiagnosed as mammae erraticae. The patient also considered the condition to be mammae erraticae for approximately 14 months because of a lack of symptoms. MRI was recommended by a surgeon from the galactophore department. A giant schwannoma was found. The mass was surgically excised, while preserving the continuity of the long thoracic nerve. Routine histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of a benign schwannoma. Schwannomas located in the axilla are rare and may be easily misdiagnosed as mammae erraticae or enlarged lymph nodes. Early investigation is necessary to make the diagnosis, and surgical excision is usually curative.
What Neuromonitoring Changes Can Be Expected During Hip Arthroscopy in the Pediatric Population?
Authors: Shelton Trevor J. , Patel Akash , Agatstein Lauren , Haus Brian M.
Published: December 2019

Background:

As its indications have evolved, hip arthroscopy is now performed more frequently in pediatric patients. However, despite this increase, there is a lack of evidence in the literature about its safety in this population in regard to traction injury of the nerves of the lower extremity.

Purpose:

To determine neuromonitoring changes of the sciatic, femoral, and obturator nerves during hip arthroscopy in the pediatric population and determine the rate of and risk factors for clinical neurapraxia.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of all pediatric patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with neuromonitoring from December 2013 to October 2018. Neuromonitoring included somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) in the peroneal and posterior tibial nerves and electromyography (EMG) signal for the obturator, femoral, and peroneal and posterior tibial nerves. Traction was applied using a radiolucent traction table. We recorded total traction time, surgery time, SSEP changes >50% after traction application, and EMG activity. We also recorded whether there was a clinical neurapraxia and when nerve function returned, and analyzed surgical and patient characteristic data for risk factors for neurapraxia.

Results:

A total of 89 patients had hip arthroscopy (median traction time, 69 minutes). SSEP changes >50% occurred in 78% of patients in the peroneal nerve and 73% in the posterior tibial nerve. EMG activity was observed in 9% of patients in the obturator nerve, 8% in the femoral nerve, 12% in the peroneal nerve, and 8% in the posterior tibial nerve. Clinical neurapraxia was seen in 19% of patients in either the peroneal nerve or posterior tibial nerve but resolved by 2 days postoperatively. Those who sustained a neurapraxia had a 32-minute longer surgery and 6-minute longer traction time. The clinical rate of neurapraxia of the pudendal nerve was 0%.

Conclusion:

Neuromonitoring changes are common during hip arthroscopy and nearly 1 in 5 pediatric patients will have some decreased sensation in either the peroneal or the posterior tibial nerve that resolves within 1 to 2 days after surgery. In pediatric patients, longer surgery and traction times during hip arthroscopy are associated with a higher rate of neurapraxia than that reported for adults.
Between Boredom, Protest, and Community: Ethnography of Young Activists in a South African Township
Authors: Tournadre Jérôme
Published: December 2019

This article is based on an ethnographic study of the young activists of a South African poor people’s movement. It questions the finding that some of the young poor people in the Global South are trapped by a boredom linked to their socioeconomic incapacity to fully enter into adulthood. Young people are here apprehended through their position within the collective, but also in the framework of the activism they deploy daily in their neighborhoods. The article shows that even though uncertainty has its place there, the lives of these young people cannot be reduced to idleness. Partly built on emotional bonds, their commitment structures their days and gives them access to a politicization that helps them to put their condition into perspective. Above all, it provides them with a valued role within the “community” and, therefore, helps them to fit into their most immediate social environment: their neighborhood.
Understanding the Effect of Central Government Funding on the Service and Advocacy Roles of Nonprofit Organizations in China: A Cross-Regional Comparison
Authors: Yu Jianxing , Shen Yongdong , Li Yong
Published: December 2019

This research examines the effects of government funding on the service and advocacy roles of nonprofit organizations in China through a cross-regional comparison. Based on a nationwide survey of 2,058 nonprofits and in-depth interviews with 65 nonprofit executives from the same sample in 2013–2017, we find that a higher level of central government funding leads to stronger organizational capacity for service provision through leveraging matching funds and to more intensive administrative advocacy and media advocacy. Furthermore, a cross-regional comparison shows that, in contrast to those in nonwestern regions, nonprofit organizations with higher levels of central government funding in the western region engage in more administrative advocacy but less in media advocacy. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of the government’s leverage strategy and selective empowerment in shaping nonprofits’ service and advocacy roles through government funding in China.
Dynamic behavior analysis of a reciprocating mechanism with clearance considering parameter uncertainty
Authors: Shaomin Luo , Zou Yan , Cheng Xu , Juan Li
Published: December 2019

In this study, a numerical investigation on the dynamic characteristics of a reciprocating mechanism with clearance considering parameter uncertainty is presented. For this purpose, complex space motion between parts is converted into simplified motion of basic component based on the proposed mass substitution model. The contact model in motion parts is established using the Lankarani–Nikravesh model, and the friction effect is considering using a modified Coulomb friction model in the proposed methodology. The comparisons between the numerical results, experimental ones, and virtual simulation ones are carried out. The results show that the proposed methodology has a higher efficiency and calculated precision to predict the dynamic behavior of a reciprocating mechanical system with clearance. In addition, the effects of interval clearance and initial force in the gas-operated chamber on the dynamic behavior are analyzed, respectively. Also, the interaction of two factors is discussed to improve the motion stability.
Real-time monitoring of the longitudinal strain of Continuous Welded Rail for safety improvement
Authors: Consilvio A , Iorani M , Iovane V , Sciutto M , Sciutto G
Published: December 2019

Continuous welded rail maintenance plays a significant role in ensuring high levels of rail traffic and safety. Temperature variations, excessive alignment defects, decreased fastening system resistance and train braking (always in the same stretches and in the same direction) may result in rail buckling or rail breaks. The current traditional monitoring systems and procedures for continuous welded rail consist of programmed discontinuous diagnostic surveys that require personnel intervention on site. Moreover, these traditional systems often imply destructive and invasive operations on the track that may lead to interruption of railway operations. This paper proposes a Rail Strain Monitoring System (RSMS) that performs a real-time rail strain monitoring and allows rail inspection without personnel on site. Using strain gauges and temperature sensors, placed on the rail in specific measurement points, the proposed Rail Strain Monitoring System performs a multi-parameter check by measuring, at the same time, the temperature, the rail strain and the neutral temperature of the rail. The paper describes the mode of operation of the Rail Strain Monitoring System, the calibration procedure and the results from the field, and highlights the advantages of this system in comparison to other traditional monitoring systems. The safety improvement that can be achieved with the application of the Rail Strain Monitoring System is analysed. In particular, the reliability of the system is evaluated and compared to the human error probability in the traditional manual inspections. Finally, the reduction of derailment risk and related economic damages is estimated.
A finite element analysis-based study on the dynamic wheel–rail contact behaviour caused by wheel polygonization
Authors: Liu Kai , Jing Lin
Published: December 2019

In this study, an explicit finite element analysis method was adopted to investigate the wheel–rail impact response generated by wheel polygonization, using a three-dimensional wheel–rail rolling contact finite element model. In this model, the infrastructure below the rails and the stiffness and damping of the sleeper supports were considered. Then, the characteristics of the wheel–rail contact zone, the stress/strain state and the wheel–rail impact force of the polygonal wheel–rail system were presented and discussed and were compared with those of the ideally perfect wheel–rail system. A parametrical study was then carried out to examine the influences of train speed and the polygonal order of the wheel on the wheel–rail impact response. The finite element analysis results revealed that the vertical wheel–rail impact force induced by wheel polygonization is related to the wheel radial deviation; the maximum contact force, stress and strain are all elevated with the increase of the order of the polygonal wheel, which suggested that the wheel should be repaired when it is in the initial lower order polygonal state. These findings can provide some theoretical and technical support for the optimal design of the wheel–rail system and the safe operation of high-speed trains.
Frequency of biotinidase gene variants and incidence of biotinidase deficiency in the Newborn Screening Program in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Nara de Oliveira , Januário José Nélio , Felix Gilsimary Lessa Pereira , Nolasco Daniela Magalhães , Ladeira Roberto Vagner Puglia , del Castillo Dora Mendes , Starling Ana Lúcia Pimenta , Norton Rocksane de Carvalho , Viana Marcos Borato
Published: December 2019

Objective

The prevalence of biotinidase deficiency and the frequency of biotinidase gene variants in Brazil are not documented. We aimed to determine the incidence of partial and profound biotinidase deficiency in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to calculate the frequency of biotinidase gene variants in the newborn screening program of Minas Gerais.

Methods

Neonates (1,168,385) were screened from May 2013 to June 2018. Those detected with abnormal biotinidase activity based on semi-quantitative assays underwent confirmatory serum tests. The biotinidase gene was sequenced in all confirmed cases.

Results

The combined incidence of partial and profound biotinidase deficiency was estimated at 1:13,909 live births (95% confidence limit 1:11,235–1:17,217), much higher than the incidence rates reported in other populations worldwide. The most frequent biotinidase gene variants were p.D444H (allele frequency, 0.016), haplotype c.1330G>C;c.511G>A (p.D444H;A171T), p.D543E, c.310-15delT (intronic), p.V199M, and p.H485Q. Together these accounted for 74.6% of the alleles analysed.

Conclusion

Newborn screening for biotinidase deficiency, which revealed a higher incidence in Minas Gerais, is feasible and plays a critical role in the early identification of affected neonates and prevention of symptoms and irreversible sequelae. Biotinidase gene sequencing is a useful tool to confirm the diagnosis, and also provides valuable information about genetic variability among different populations.
New Approaches to Fiscal Federalism in India
Authors: Reddy Y. V.
Published: December 2019

Fiscal federalism in India has been impacted considerably by recent events, in particular, the implementation of the award of the 14th Finance Commission (FC), the implementation of Goods and Services Tax, the replacement of the Planning Commission with the NITI Aayog and the terms of reference of the 15th FC. This article examines the issues unfolding from the developments, analyses the new approaches suggested by economists and policymakers and proposes a way forward that synthesises the approaches, while taking account of the lessons of experience. I argue that FC being the bedrock of fiscal federalism in India, it is necessary to strengthen the hands of FC to give an award that is fair and acceptable to the union and states.
Patterns of Access to Microfinance Loans in India
Authors: Rana Kanika , Viswanathan Brinda
Published: December 2019

Due to various supply and demand factors, households in developing countries may borrow from a single source or combination of sources—formal, informal and microfinance institutions (MFI). Who is accessing what types of loan sources? This study uses Indian Human Development Survey (2011–2012) to analyse, for the first time, households accessing microfinance loans either alone (8%) or in combination with other sources (13%). We find that the more developed southern states have the highest MFI-linked borrowers (39%). Despite the low overall share of MFI borrowing, microfinance supports inclusiveness with higher presence among the economically disadvantaged and socially underprivileged, such as female-headed, casual labour, Other Backward Classes and dalit households. Expectedly, the effects of social networking are more pronounced among MFI-linked borrowers.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Attempts to Quit and Smoking Cessation in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Kuang Hock , Heng Pei Pei , Nik Mohamed Mohamad Haniki , Teh Chien Huey , Mohd Yusoff Muhammad Fadhli , Ling Jane Miaw Yn , Baharom Nizam , Wee Lei Hum , Chan Caryn Mei Hsien , Ho Bee Kiau , Robson Zuraini , Draman Samsul , Ab Rahman Norny Syafinaz , Kartiwi Mira , Ab Rahman Jamalludin
Published: December 2019

Smoking cessation significantly reduces risk of smoking-related diseases and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with attempts to quit and smoking cessation among adult current smokers in Malaysia. Data from the National E-Cigarette Survey 2016 were analyzed. Forty nine percent of current smokers had attempted to quit at least once in the past 12 months and 31.4% of the respondents were former smokers. Multivariable analysis revealed that current smokers with low nicotine addiction and aged below 45 years were more likely to attempt to quit smoking. Being married, older age group, and having tertiary education were significantly associated with smoking cessation. Only half of the current smokers ever attempted to quit smoking and only a third of smokers quit. Stronger tobacco control policies are needed in Malaysia to encourage more smokers to quit smoking. Improved access to cessation support for underprivileged smokers is also needed.
Conventional internal limiting membrane peeling versus temporal inverted internal limiting membrane flap for large macular holes
Authors: Avci Remzi , Mavi Yildiz Aysegul , Yilmaz Sami
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

To compare the functional, anatomical, and morphological results of conventional internal limiting membrane peeling versus temporal inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for the treatment of macular holes larger than 400 μm.

Design:

Retrospective, comparative case series.

Methods:

A total of 33 patients were included, of whom 18 were treated with internal limiting membrane peeling (Group 1) and 15 were treated with temporal inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique (Group 2). Complete ophthalmic examination, such as microperimetry and optical coherence tomography, was performed preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery.

Results:

The closure rates accomplished in Groups 1 and 2 were 72.2% and 100%, respectively (p = 0.036). The mean improvement in best-corrected visual acuity was logMAR 0.49 ± 0.17 in Group 1 and logMAR 0.91 ± 0.15 in Group 2 (p = 0.037). U-shaped closure was achieved in one eye in Group 1 and 12 eyes in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Complete restoration of external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone rates were significantly higher in Group 2 (p = 0.027 and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:

The single-layered temporal inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique improves not only anatomical and morphological but also functional outcomes of surgery for large macular holes. Furthermore, this technique seems to minimize the risk of iatrogenic trauma to the nasal part of the fovea and the corresponding papillomacular bundle fibers.
Ab interno trabeculectomy with the dual blade in juvenile open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Khouri Albert S , Zhu Yan , Sadek Hadeel
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

To introduce the use of the Kahook Dual Blade in the treatment of juvenile open-angle glaucoma.

Patients and methods:

A 14-year-old male was presented with juvenile open-angle glaucoma in the left eye. Ab interno trabeculectomy was performed using a dual-blade device.

Results:

Intraocular pressure was reduced from 28 to 15 mmHg in the left eye after 18 months. There were no complications.

Conclusion:

Dual blade ab interno trabeculectomy is a promising alternate to goniotomy in the treatment of juvenile open-angle glaucoma.
Femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery: A review
Authors: Roberts Harry W , Day Alexander C , O’Brart David PS
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Review scientific literature concerning femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery.

Methods:

Following databases were searched: CENTRAL (Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; Cochrane Library: Issue 2 of 12, June 2019), Ovid MEDLINE® without Revisions (1996 to June 2019), Ovid MEDLINE® (1946 to June 2019), Ovid MEDLINE® Daily Update June 2019, MEDLINE and MEDLINE Non-Indexed Items, Embase (1980–2019), Embase (1974 to June 2019), Ovid MEDLINE® and Epub Ahead of Print, in-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily (1946 to June 2019), Web of Science (all years), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials ( www.controlled-trials.com ), ClinicalTrials.gov ( www.clinicaltrial.gov ) and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform ( www.who.int/ictrp/search/en ). Search terms/keywords included ‘Femtosecond laser’ combined with ‘cataract’, ‘cataract surgery’.

Results:

Based on quality of their methodology and their originality, 121 articles were reviewed, including randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case-controlled studies, case series, case reports and laboratory studies. Each step of the femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery procedure (corneal incisions, arcuate keratotomies, capsulotomy and lens fragmentation) has been discussed with relevance to published outcomes, as well as complication rates of femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery, and what we can learn from the larger studies/meta-analyses and the economics of femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery within different healthcare settings.

Conclusion:

Studies suggest that the current clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery are not different to conventional phacoemulsification surgery and it is not cost effective when compared with conventional phacoemulsification surgery. In its current technological form, it is a useful surgical tool in specific complex cataract scenarios, but its usage has not been shown to translate into better clinical outcomes.
Effect of adding a compassion-focused intervention on emotion, eating and weight outcomes in a commercial weight management programme
Authors: Duarte Cristiana , Gilbert Paul , Stalker Carol , Catarino Francisca , Basran Jaskaran , Scott Sarah , Horgan Graham , Stubbs R James
Published: December 2019

This study examined whether adding a compassion-focused light touch digital intervention into a commercial multicomponent weight management programme improved eating behaviour, self-evaluation and weight-related outcomes. The compassion intervention significantly reduced binge eating symptomatology and dropout, and improved psychological adjustment and self-evaluation, but did not affect weight outcomes. Compassion, self-reassurance and reductions in shame and self-criticism mediated the effect of the intervention on reductions of binge eating symptomatology. Negative self-evaluation, binge eating symptomatology, susceptibility to hunger and eating guilt were significant predictors of dropout. Findings suggest that compassion-based digital tools may help participants better manage binge eating symptomatology and self-evaluation in weight management interventions.
To make what is vertical horizontal: picturing social domination
Authors: Triantafillou Eric
Published: December 2019

In attempting to show how visual epistemology is a crucial terrain of political struggle, this article argues that the popular image of the social pyramid renders the idea of a totalizing structure epistemologically available in a mediasphere devoid of such images. The pyramid evokes how social relations are organized and poses the question of their reorganization as a structure–agency problem. Yet, at the same time, the pyramid critically evokes a totalizing whole, it obscures an abstract form of domination specific to capitalist social life by locating the source of domination in hierarchical power relations as such. The article explores this double nature through an investigation of historical and contemporary images of social pyramids. Attempts by social movement actors to update the pyramid so that it more accurately reflects social reality, reveal the potential and the limitations of a visual epistemology for anticapitalist praxis in the present.