bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hostility, Chance, and Reason: Clausewitz and Russian Foreign Policy in the 2008 Russo-Georgian War
Authors: Jones Bryan Thomas
Published: July 2018

In 2008, the world stood in shock as Russian troops crossed over into the Republic of Georgia and seemingly annexed the sovereign lands of another nation. This five-day war directly resulted in varying levels of success and the achievement of political and military objectives for the Russian Federation. Several studies and analyses have sought to explain the actions of the Russian military and its leaders in an attempt to discern the primary influences on its current foreign policy and military strategy. However, these studies have devoted little attention towards arguably the most renowned and influential of all military theorists – Carl von Clausewitz. His tenets of philosophical and strategic thought, paired with his development of critical analysis towards the study of war, offer a remarkably relevant lens from which to view the 2008 war and more recent conflicts involving the Russian military. By utilizing Clausewitz’s own methodology of critical analysis in connection with an empirical case study on one of Russia’s recent military actions, this paper will attempt to establish an understanding of Russian foreign policy and military strategy. The research and analysis presented reveals that, contrary to modern arguments, the writings and principles of Carl von Clausewitz are anything but obsolete; when applied to the Russo-Georgian War, various principles of Clausewitzian thought aid in characterizing and explaining the actions and decisions of the armed forces and government of the Russian Federation.
Proyeksi Jangka Panjang Kebutuhan Energi Sulawesi Selatan Menggunakan Skenario Sistem Energi Bersih
Authors: Asri Rishal
Published: July 2018

Tesis Magister Teknik Sistem UGM; Konsentrasi Sistem Energi; Tesis ini membahas mengenai pemodelan dan proyeksi pada salah satu provinsi di Indonesia dan menggunakan skenari energi bersih sesuai RPJMN dan RPJMD pada provinsi tersebut kata Kunci : Proyeksi, Energi, Sulawesi Selatan, Postprint
HOMO DEMOCRATICUS (On the Universal Desirability and the Not So Universal Possibility of Democracy and Human Rights)
Authors: Spagnoli Filip
Published: July 2018

The subject of the thesis - the universal value of human rights and democracy - is highly topical in view of the 'democratic imperialism' of the current (dd 2002) US-government. While leaving aside the problem of the acceptability of war as a means to promote democracy (e.g. the second Gulf War), the thesis focusses on a philosophical, moral and pragmatical defence of the universal application of democracy and human rights. Only if this defence is successful can the discussion on the means and tactics of democratic imperialism begin.The originality of the thesis is its defence of the universal value of both democracy and human rights. Whereas the defence of the universality of human rights has a long tradition, there is as yet almost no literature on the universal desirability of democracy. The defence is partly philosophical, ethical, political, legal and practical. It draws on the history of philosophy and ethics, as well as on political science.
Capital punishment: Ambivalent positions in Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and Chuck Palahniuk's Lullaby
Authors: Matthias Lisa
Published: July 2018

In Who Owns Death? Robert Jay Lifton and Greg Mitchell illustrate the opposing attitudes towards capital punishment, representative of everyone involved in the processes related to it - prison guards, prosecutors, and murder victims’ families. However, the authors do not consider that it is also possible that one and the same person is torn between supporting and opposing the system in place. This thesis, through the analysis of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and Chuck Palahniuk’s Lullaby, explores the possibility that individuals do not always have a clear opinion regarding capital punishment but that it can be as ambivalent as the whole issue itself.
Adela Breton and the Temple of the Jaguar: A Victorian perspective on the art of Chichén Itzá.
Authors: Deer Tatchiana
Published: July 2018

This study has three aims: to assess the archaeological significance of Adela Breton’s work; to explore the relationship between Breton’s perspective and her paintings; and to evaluate the research potential of the Breton collection in light of this evidence. To date, no investigation has considered the value of the Breton collection in relation to Breton’s own ideals and experiences. This thesis therefore seeks to extend prior work to approach this gap in the literature, putting visual culture theories into practice that have yet to be applied to a Western case. The study uses a qualitative approach, analysing key elements of interdisciplinary research to evaluate how far Breton’s perspective influences the significance of her work. To illustrate these ideas, reproductions of murals from a specific temple at Chichén Itzá is used as a case study to tangibly develop the thesis argument. Following this method of approach, the findings reveal that Breton’s subjective experience of Mesoamerica as a Victorian, woman, artist and traveller is imperative to the importance and understanding of her work. The culmination of this thesis prompts a re-thinking of how visual culture theory can be used to further archaeological knowledge, and there is significant potential for future study.
Hybrid Warfare, Hybrid Threats and the Demarcation of Conflict
Authors: Dunn-Lobban Andrew
Published: July 2018

This thesis argues that hybrid warfare is a flawed conceptualisation of warfare. It examines the the concept's application to both the 2006 Lebanon Conflict and the 2014 Russian campaign in Ukraine and how the concept has led to poor understanding of both conflicts. It further argues that it is critical to avoid conflating the concept of war with non-violent strategic behaviour.
Toward a Holistic Model of Policing in the United States
Authors: Smith Avery
Published: July 2018

This thesis suggests a model for improved policing in the United States. It proposes a holistic model derived from varying policing strategies, evidence-based approaches, and contemporary demands on police services.
Domesticating Wilderness: How Nature and Culture Converge in the Museum Space
Authors: Goulet Lisa
Published: July 2018

My thesis compares the Hall of North American Mammals at the American Museum of Natural History and High Line park. I argue that museums and other cultural institutions using museological methodologies seek to construct specific visual rhetorics and narratives in order to shape how visitors define, understand, and place themselves in relation to nature. Both spaces use a combination of artistic display techniques informed by a foundation of scientific knowledge to represent the results of major shifts in thought about how we define nature and respond to problematic human impacts from the eras prior to their construction. The Hall of North American Mammals uses diorama displays that most prominently feature iconic species of animals and majestic landscape paintings, following in a traditional style and appreciation for nature that emerged from specific artistic and scientific developments through the nineteenth century. Conversely, the High Line uses architecture and sculptural planting design to guide visitors along a predetermined series of vignettes that display not only the park itself but also contemporary art and the surrounding New York landscape, following an environmentally-minded ethic that emerged with the twentieth century environmental movement. Though both sites promote an aesthetic appreciation of nature that has origins in the visual culture established in the nineteenth century, the High Line attempts to contemporize this experience through the synthesis of nature and human activity while the Hall of North American Mammals rests more firmly in a dated experience of nature as an other, separated from the human realm.
ESTETIKA BENTUK PERTUNJUKAN TARI LENGGANG PARI DI SANGGAR SENI PERWITASARI KELURAHAN KEMANDUNGAN KECAMATAN TEGAL BARAT KOTA TEGAL
Authors: Lestari Puji
Published: July 2018

Tari Lenggang Pari merupakan komposisi tari berpasangan putra dan putri. Tari Lenggang Pari menggambarkan aktifitas bercocok tanam. Tari Lenggang Pari ditarikan oleh penari putra dan putri sebagai wujud dari lambang kesuburan yang berkaitan erat dengan kemakmuran masyarakat. Estetika bentuk pertunjukan tari Lenggang Pari dapat dilihat dari pola pertunjukan dan elemen pertunjukan tari Lenggang Pari. Masalah yang dikaji adalah bentuk tari Lenggang Pari dan nilai keindahan bentuk tari Lenggang Pari di Sanggar Seni Perwitasari Kelurahan Kemandungan Kecamatan Tegal Barat Kota Tegal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan bentuk dan nilai keindahan tari Lenggang Pari yang dapat dilihat melalui pola pertunjukan dan elemen pertunjukan tari Lenggang Pari. Manfaat penelitian dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk menambah wawasan serta memberikan motivasi, mengenal, mempelajari, dan melestarikan kesenian daerah Kota Tegal yaitu tari Lenggang Pari.Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan yang digunakan adalah pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif, pendekatan estetis koreografis dan pendekatan emik & etik. Lokasi penelitian terletak di Kelurahan Kemandungan Kecamatan Tegal Barat Kota Tegal tepatnya di Sanggar Seni Perwitasari. Pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisa data menggunakan analisa tari menurut konsep Janet Adshead. Teknik pemeriksaan keabsahan data dilakukan dengan meliputi uji kredibilitas dan dilakukan dengan triangulasi diartikan sebagai pengecekan data dari berbagai sumber dengan cara dan berbagai waktu.Berdasarkan hasil analisis data, hasil temuan dari pertunjukan tari Lenggang Pari menunjukan bahwa estetika bentuk pertunjukan tari Lenggang Pari dapat dilihat dari pola pertunjukan dan elemen pertunjukan tari Lenggang Pari. Bentuk pertunjukan tari Lenggang Pari nampak pada pola pertunjukannya yang terdiri dari bagian awal, bagian inti, dan bagian akhir. Serta, elemen pertunjukan yang mendukung pertunjukan tari Lenggang Pari yang terdiri dari tema, alur cerita/alur dramatik, gerak, penari, pola lantai, ekspresi wajah/polatan, tata rias, tata busana, iringan/musik, setting panggung, properti dan pencahayaan.Tari Lenggang Pari sebagai salah satu bentuk tari kerakyatan dari Kota Tegal. Walaupun merupakan tarian kreasi baru diharapkan mampu menggugah semangat generasi muda untuk mempelajari, mencintai, melestarikan serta mengenalkan salah satu bentuk kebudayaan daerah Kota Tegal.
Linezolid induced Serotonin Syndrome in the absence of serotonergic agent
Authors: Manappallil Robin George , Kakkattil Aryasree
Published: July 2018

No abstract
A study on short term outcome of stroke in a rural tertiary care center of Sub Himalayan Terai
Authors: Saha Sanchita , Ghosh Susmita , Chakraborty Sisir , Ghosh Kaushik , Acharyya Amitava , Kundu Piyali , Sherpa Pasang Lahmu , Biswas Atanu
Published: July 2018

Background: Stroke is the second most common cause of mortality in the world, causing immense morbidity and economic burden. The proper knowledge of the factors which influence the good clinical outcome in stroke is utmost strength of the clinicians in India, where post stroke rehabilitative measures are limited.Aims and Objective: To find out the association of outcome of stroke with different risk factors.Materials and Methods: A descriptive observational design study was formulated for a period of six months on hundred stroke patients in internal medicine unit of at North Bengal Medical College & Hospital, India. Patients were selected after proper screening by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The “In-hospital-outcome” of CVA patient was determined by Glasgow outcome scale. The neurological condition was determined by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The Modified Rankin Scale and Barthel Index were utilized to asses disability status of patient in different period of hospital admission. The data were analyzed by EPI INFO software.Results: Clinical outcome showed statistically significant (P<0.05) correlation with age, sex, level of consciousness, blood pressure, diabetes, past history, mass effect, size and depth of infarction and intra-ventricular extension of intra cerebral bleeding. Other parameters like type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), delay in admission, dyslipidemia, presence of heart disease, smoking, alcoholism, family history, depth and volume of intra cerebral bleeding, although showed poorer clinical outcome, their correlation was not statistically significant.Conclusion: In-hospital outcome of stroke as determined by Glasgow outcome scale correlates with diverse clinical parameters including various risk factors.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(4) 2018 1-9
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria amongst Menopausal women in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Inyang-Etoh Paul Columba , Akpan Abasiodiong Udom , Usanga Victor Udo , Ejezie Gabriel Chuks
Published: July 2018

Background: Bacteriuria is considered a common bacterial infection in women particularly in postmenopausal women which consequently may warrant the need to treat the disease for prevention of bacteriuria developing complications.Aims and Objectives: This work was to investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among menopausal women in Calabar, the incriminating bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: Early morning mid stream urine samples from randomly selected 200 women (comprising of 50 premenopausal, 50 menopausal, 50 postmenopausal women and 50 apparently healthy young ladies of menstruating age (control subjects)) between the ages of 50 to 90 years were cultured by Leigh and Williams’s method. Questionnaires were also administered.Results: 24 (16%) of the test group while 3 (6%) of the control group had infection (p=0.008). Subjects aged 35-40 years had the highest prevalence of infection 6 (18.5%), while age group 66-70yrs had the lowest infection rate 0(0%)( P = 0.841). Post-menopausal women had the highest prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria 10(20%) while pre-menopausal and menopausal women had a lower prevalence rate of 7 (14%) each (p=0.0687). The most frequently isolated organism was Staphylococcus aureus (33%) and Ciprofloxacin was the most sensitive antibiotic observed.Conclusion: This work has revealed a high prevalence rate of asymptomatic bacteriuria high level of asymptomatic bacteriuria among menopausal women and the need for routine screening of this category of women for a standard healthy living.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(4) 2018 51-56
Collision tumor of ovary: A rare entity
Authors: Karki Diksha , Karki Smriti , Adhikari Purbesh , Dahal Mona , Adhikari Milan , Adhikari Bindu
Published: July 2018

Collision tumors are composed of two histologically distinct neoplasms in the same organ without intermixture of cell types. The co-occurrence of a serous adenocarcinoma with a mature cystic teratoma is very rare. We present here the case of a 48 years married female with bilateral high grade serous carcinoma of the ovary with left sided mature cystic teratoma.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(4) 2018 61-64
KOMUNIKASI TERAPEUTIK KADER KB DALAM PENYEBARAN INFORMASI PROGRAM KELUARGA BERENCANA INTRAUTERINE DEVICE DI DESA CIMANGGU, BANDUNG BARAT
Authors: Prasanti Ditha
Published: July 2018

Penelitian ini memfokuskan pada proses komunikasi terapeutik yang dilakukan oleh kader program Keluarga Berencana (KB), khususnya dalam melakukan penyebaran informasi mengenai Intrauterine Device (IUD) di Desa Cimanggu, Kabupaten Bandung Barat. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui proses komunikasi terapeutik yang dilakukan oleh kader KB dalam menyebarkan informasi mengenai IUD kepada ibu-ibu di Desa Cimanggu, Kab. Bandung Barat. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara, studi dokumentasi, dan observasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komunikasi terapeutik yang dilakukan oleh tim kader KB meliputi pesan verbal dan pesan bermedia. Pesan verbal disampaikan dari kader KB langsung kepada masyarakat, sedangkan pesan bermedia didistribusikan oleh kader KB melalui pemasangan pamflet, poster, dan spanduk informasi program KB IUD di tempat-tempat umum.
133/1 NUMARALI KAYSERİ ŞER’İYYE SİCİL DEFTERİ’NE (H. 1155- M. 1742) GÖRE KAYSERİ’NİN SOSYO-EKONOMİK, İDARİ VE KÜLTÜREL YAPISI
Authors: ÖCAL Süleyman
Published: July 2018

Osmanlı
tarihinin önemli yazılı kaynaklarından birisi de şer’iyye sicilleridir.
Şer’iyye sicilleri hem kadı tarafından kaleme alınan belgeleri hem de başka
makamlardan gelen emir, ferman, buyrultu gibi belge türlerini ihtiva eder.
Bundan dolayı şer’iyye sicilleri konu ve belge çeşidi olarak gayet zengindir.
Bu zenginlik içerisinde de çeşitli bilim dallarını ilgilendiren ve
aydınlatılması gereken bilgiler bulunmaktadır. Kadı
sicilleri geniş kapsamlı olduğu için birçok konuda dönemini yansıtan bilgiler
vermektedir. Bu çalışmada ise daha çok mahkemelerde ne tür davaların görüldüğü,
davaların nasıl işlendiği, müslim ve gayrimüslimler arasındaki davalar, şer’i
hukukun tatbiki ile kadının görev alanları, Kayseri’ye ait mahalle ve köy
isimleri, Kayseri’de bulunan meslek grupları ve diğer konular ele alınmıştır. Şer’iyye
sicilleri, döneminin olaylarını, toplumun yaşantısını, devletin idare şeklini,
hukukun nasıl işlediğini, toprak sistemini, devletin vergi yapısını,
idarecilerin yükümlülüklerini, vakıfları ve daha birçok konuya ait bilgileri
bünyesinde barındırmasına rağmen tek başına bir sicilin incelenmesiyle bu tür
konular hakkında edinilen bilgi eksik kalmaktadır. Bunun için diğer şer’iyye
sicillerinin ve kaynakların da incelenmesi gerekmektedir.r.
Optimasi Perencanaan Pengambilan Mata Kuliah Dengan Metode Goal Stack Planning
Authors: Saraswati Ni Wayan Sumartini
Published: July 2018

Metode Goal Stack Planning (GSP) telah diterapkan dalam menyusun balok dari keadaan awal yang acak menjadi keadaan yang diinginkan dengan tetap memenuhi syarat-syarat yang telah ditentukan sebelumnya. Dengan menganalogikan sebuah mata kuliah sebagai sebuah balok maka dalam penelitian ini metode GSP akan digunakan untuk mengoptimasi perencanaan pengambilan mata kuliah. Hasil perencanaan tersebut nantinya akan digunakan sebagai sebuah rekomendasi penunjang keputusan bagi mahasiswa ketika dihadapkan pada proses registrasi. Tujuan kedua adalah pembelajaran untuk mengimplementasikan metode Goal Stack Planning pada penyelesaian permasalahan di dunia nyata. Keadaan awal adalah kondisi mata kuliah yang telah dilalui mahasiswa dan dinyatakan lulus. Kondisi akhir adalah rekomendasi perencanaan mata kuliah per semester yang akan ditempuh selanjutnya sehingga tujuan untuk lulus dengan cepat terpenuhi.
Perancangan Video Dokumenter Eksistensi dan Motivasi Tato Rangda di Denpasar
Authors: Fajaraditya Setiawan I Nyoman Anom , Jayanegara I Nyoman , Wiarta I Kadek
Published: July 2018

Tato merupakan salah satu fenomena budaya, yang dalam kehidupan jaman sekarang dikaitkan dengan gaya hidup kaum muda. Damun dalam penilaian secara umum, tato masih dianggap hal yang negatif apalagi jika dikaitkan dengan unsur magis terkait agama. Tato dengan wujud Rangda merupakan salah satu motif pilihan segelintir orang. Pada dasarnya hal ini memiliki makna tersembunyi yang patut diungkap terkait dengan eksistensi dan motivasi yang meliputi fenomena ini. Eksistensi dan motivasi terkait dengan fenomena tato Rangda digali berdasarkan observasi dan wawancara mendalam pada para pelaku tato di Denpasar. Hasil dari pengumpulan datanya akan dikomperasikan, selain dalam bentuk kajian juga dalam bentuk video. Pada kesempatan ini, akan di rangkai dalam sebuah video documenter agar kejelasan fakta oleh para seniman dan kolektor tato ini dapat disaksikan secara langsung. Sehingga apapun hasil yang muncul dapat disikapi secara bijak tanpa menghakimi apapun serta dapat terdokumentasikan dengan baik pada media digital yakni video sehingga kita tidak selalu menutup sudut pandang pada keawaman.
Polio Vaccines: Present and Future
Authors: Chumakov K. , Ishmukhametov A. A.
Published: July 2018

The history of polio vaccines and their use illustrates the concept of evolution of vaccines driven by changing epidemiological and socioeconomic conditions. The development of two vaccines against poliomyelitis – inactivated Salk vaccine (IPV) and live oral Sabin vaccine (OPV) – is among the most consequential achievements of prophylactic medicine of the past century. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses, they were used over the past 50 years in different settings and different regimens and combinations. This resulted in virtual elimination of the disease in almost the entire world with the exception of a few countries. Continuation of the eradication campaign coordinated by WHO may soon result in complete cessation of wild poliovirus transmission, and poliovirus may join smallpox virus in the club of extinct pathogens. However, unlike smallpox vaccination that was stopped after the interruption of virus circulation, vaccination against poliomyelitis will have to continue into the foreseeable future, due to significant differences in the nature and epidemiology of the viruses. This review provides the reasons for the need to maintain high population immunity against polioviruses, makes the case for developing a new generation of polio vaccines, and discusses their desirable properties as well as new vaccine technologies that could be used to create polio vaccines for the post-eradication environment.
Pneumococcal Meningitis in Adults: Clinical-Epidemiological and Diagnostic Aspects
Authors: Elistratova T. A. , Tikhonova E. P. , Protasova I. N. , Emelyashin V. S.
Published: July 2018

Relevance. Foreign and domestic authors notice that over the past thirty years there has been a significant reduction in the incidence of meningococcal infection, in contrast to bacterial meningitis not meningococcal etiology. S. pneumoniae occupies one of the leading places in the etiological structure of bacterial meningitis in the Russian Federation The purpose is of substantiation of the complex approach to the diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis in adults, taking into account the clinical and epidemiological features of the disease and highly sensitive laboratory tests Materials and methods. Was conducted a retrospective analysis of 38 case histories of patients who were hospitalized at the Krasnoyarsk Interdistrict Clinical Emergency Hospital named after NS Karpovich with bacterial meningitis during 2015 to 2017. Results. Among those hospitalized with the diagnosis of «bacterial meningitis» the leading role in the etiology of the disease belonged to Streptococcus pneumoniae (55.2%), in other cases: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp, fungi of the genus Candida spp., E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis, Cryptococcus spp., Some bacteria were detected in associations with other bacterial species or viruses, in 7.8% cases the pathogen was not detected. Conclusion. Microbiological diagnosis of bacterial meningitis requires the use of a set of methods that include not only microscopic, bacteriological and serological (latex agglutination) studies, but also PCR detection of pathogenic microorganisms in the cerebrospinal fluid, who diagnostic value is 46.4%.
Analysis of the Attitude Towards Immunization of Doctors of Various Specialties
Authors: Galina N. P.
Published: July 2018

The adherence of population and health workers to vaccination is currently one of the most important aspects to achieve high effectiveness of immunization programs. Goal. Study of the attitude of doctors to the need for vaccination. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted on the questions of the attitude to immunization of 512 doctors of different specialties. Results. Analysis of questionnaires has shown that 80% of respondents positive attitude to vaccination. More than 84% of respondents believe that vaccination reduces the incidence, but only 54% noted that they have enough information about it. Even with a positive attitude towards immunization in general, there are different opinions about vaccinations against some infections. More than 90% of the respondents vaccinated their children against diphtheria and tetanus, poliomyelitis. Against measles 88%, tuberculosis 87%, pertussis 85%, hepatitis B 80%, epidemic mumps 77%. The inadequate adherence of doctors to vaccination against influenza (57%), pneumococcal infection (43%), Heamopfilus Influenzae infection (31%) and varicella (29%). Conclusion. The adherence of doctors to immunization is deficient. The reasons for this are a low level of knowledge and a lack of reliable information on vaccination. It is necessary to use all possible variants of informing health workers.
First experience with the jump-starting robotic assistance device Cirq
Authors: Krieg Sandro M. , Meyer Bernhard
Published: July 2018

Since spinal navigation became applicable, including robotic assistance into standard navigational setups seems reasonable. A newly released modular robotic assistance for drill stabilization (Cirq, Brainlab) was used in a 74-year-old man undergoing dynamic stabilization of L3–4 via navigated transfascial pedicle screws. The authors demonstrate the second worldwide surgery with this device and the second case performed in their department. They provide insight in its applicability to estimate its further potential in spinal robotics. Although being just the first step of this universal platform, the authors already see clinical benefit by its ease of use and drill support.

The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/oN2ZiHFRFkU.
Navigated robotic assisted thoracic pedicle screw placement for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Booher Grant , Vardiman Arnold
Published: July 2018

A 63-year-old man presented with progressive lower-extremity paresis over the previous 3 months. He had been unable to support himself to ambulate over the previous 3 weeks. The patient was found to have metastatic renal cell carcinoma to T11. He underwent robotic assisted percutaneous placement of T9–L1 pedicle screws and open T11 laminectomy/debulking of tumor. This approach allowed for decreased blood loss without the need for preoperative embolization. After decompression and placement of the hardware, the patient regained the ability to ambulate on his own.

The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/BTFQezhZlB4.
Minimally invasive, robot-assisted iliosacral screw insertion for fusionless fixation in children with neuromuscular scoliosis
Authors: Lefranc Michel , Deroussen F. François , Gouron Richard
Published: July 2018

Fusionless surgery coupled with growing rod techniques is increasingly advocated for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis in general and neuromuscular scoliosis in particular. Iliosacral screws have excellent biomechanical characteristics but are hard to place safely. Here, the authors report on robot-assisted iliosacral screw positioning as part of growing rod surgery for the fusionless correction of early-onset scoliosis. The technique is based on a bilateral double sliding rod construct anchored to the pelvis proximally with 6 hooks or sublaminar bands and distally with iliosacral screws placed by the robot.

The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/5HGH_DiD-ck.
Seeing the Forest and the Trees When Writing a Mathematical Proof
Authors: Abrams Lowell
Published: July 2018

One of the typical challenges facing a mathematics student when writing a proof is the need to understand the interplay of details and broader concepts. I describe a multi-step proof-writing assignment used in a mid-level course for mathematics majors that is designed to help with this challenge by forcing students to incrementally increase their engagement with the various conceptual levels of the material at hand.
Imagining the Essay as Digital Assemblage: Collaborative Student Experiments with Writing in Scalar
Authors: Dixon Dwayne
Published: July 2018

This essay describes a digital, collaboratively designed and interconnected series of essays that were the final project for a first-year class in media and anthropology. These essays were composed using a digital, publically accessible, scholarly publishing platform that allows students to experiment architecturally with arguing related ideas through non-linear text. The result is an intricate, flexible pathway of pages. The assignment is informed by, and attempts to experimentally enact, Fèlix Guattari's concept of the assemblage, emphasizing movement and process of argument and evidence over static, reified trajectories of traditional essay composition. By examining the periphery of their own ideas, students encounter the interpretations of their classmates and discover alternate readings of key themes, which they can then fold into their own writing networks, ultimately creating a textual flow which challenges the singularity of the author and the boundaries of disciplinary thinking.
Abstract Analysis and Revision Assignment Using MS Word Readability Statistics
Authors: Ford Julie Dyke
Published: July 2018

In teaching technical writing for nearly 20 years, I have recognized the importance of including writing assignments focused on improving students' clarity and effectiveness at the sentence level. I present a writing assignment for STEM students ranging from freshman to graduate-level. Students first find a published abstract in their discipline and then use readability tools to analyze the abstract's style. They revise the abstract for better readability while maintaining professional tone. This assignment reinforces research skills, audience awareness, and reflection on sentence-level stylistic choices.
Anti-snake venom potential of Clerodendrum serratum extracts on Bungarus caeruleus and Daboia russelii venom
Authors: Vasudev Shwetha , More Sunil Shivajirao , Annappa Gautham Santhekadur , More Veena Sunil
Published: July 2018

Anti-snake venom therapy is the only treatment for snake bite but leads to acute and chronic conditions which may be severe. The medicinal plants have gained importance over years to find an effective alternative to anti-snake venom. The present study focused on evaluating the potential of Clerodendrum serratum for the anti-snake venom activity. Phytochemicals were extracted from the C. serratum with different solvents. The ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts were found to neutralize the major enzyme toxins (phospholipase A2, protease and hyaluronidase) of Bungarus caeruleus and Daboia russelii venom at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The fibrinogenolytic activity of both the venoms were neutralized. The study proves that the plant C. serratum possesses certain compounds which inhibit the toxins present in the venom of B. caeruleus and D. russelii.
Video Clip of Methodology:
Hyaluronidase assay:   3 min  30 sec   Click to watch
Aflatoxins in Mozambique: Impact and Potential for Intervention
Authors: Cambaza Edgar , Koseki Shigenobu , Kawamura Shuso
Published: July 2018

Aflatoxins have been a known cause of primary liver cancer in Mozambique since pre-independence epidemiological studies. However, their impact goes beyond public health, affecting the country’s economy and raising legal concerns. As a developing country endemic for Aspergillus, the nation has been struggling to keep up with external trade quality demands, delicate policy making, still dealing with the farmers’ limitations to control the contamination. The level and prevalence of aflatoxins show variations over time, geographic location, and across the different commodities. Considering the recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius, the major crops will be highly implicated unless there is major intervention from the authorities to control the toxins.
RETRACTED: Environmental Impact of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Production under Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Noorhosseini Seyyed , Damalas Christos
Published: July 2018

A field experiment was conducted in Astaneh-ye Ashrafieh of Guilan Province in northern Iran to evaluate the environmental impact of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production under three levels of nitrogen (N) use (0, 30, and 60 kg ha−1) applied in the form of urea fertilizer. Six categories of environmental impact (i.e., global warming potential, acidification potential, terrestrial eutrophication potential, depletion of fossil resources, potassium resources, and phosphate resources) were determined. The functional unit was assumed the production of one ton of peanut pod yield. Peanut pod yield increased by 48.8% with N rate 30 kg ha−1 and by 108.6% with N rate 60 kg ha−1, compared with control (without N fertilization). The environmental index (EcoX) values with regard to global warming, acidification, and terrestrial eutrophication potential were 0.18, 0.52, and 0.66 for N rates of 0, 30, and 60 kg ha−1, respectively. Increase in N rate aggravated the emission of NH3 and N2O, resulting in more harmful effect of peanut growth on the environment at higher N rates than control (without N fertilization). The resources depletion index (RDI) values with regard to depletion of fossil resources, potassium resources, and phosphate resources were 0.80, 0.53, and 0.30 for N rates of 0, 30, and 60 kg ha−1, respectively. Increase in N rate and the resultant higher peanut yield mitigated the environmental effects of fertilization mainly by reducing the depletion of phosphate resources. Proper N input is a major consideration for mitigating environmental impacts of N fertilization in crop production and producers should be informed to use the least rate that will give them an economic optimum return over the long run.
Stability of Halloysite, Imogolite, and Boron Nitride Nanotubes in Solvent Media
Authors: Lisuzzo Lorenzo , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Lazzara Giuseppe , Milioto Stefana , Parisi Filippo , Stetsyshyn Yurij
Published: July 2018

Inorganic nanotubes are attracting the interest of many scientists and researchers, due to their excellent application potential in different fields. Among them, halloysite and imogolite, two naturally-occurring aluminosilicate mineral clays, as well as boron nitride nanotubes have gained attention for their proper shapes and features. Above all, it is important to reach highly stable dispersion in water or organic media, in order to exploit the features of this kind of nanoparticles and to expand their applications. This review is focused on the structural and morphological features, performances, and ratios of inorganic nanotubes, considering the main strategies to prepare homogeneous colloidal suspensions in various solvent media as special focus and crucial point for their uses as nanomaterials.
Diagnosis of the Hollow Ball Screw Preload Classification Using Machine Learning
Authors: Huang Yi-Cheng , Kao Chi-Hsuan , Chen Sheng-Jhe
Published: July 2018

The prognostic diagnosis of machine-health status is an emerging research topic. In this study, the diagnostic results of hollow ball screws with various ball-nut preloads were obtained using a machine-learning approach. In this method, ball-screw pretension, oil circulation, and ball-nut preload were considered. A feature extraction was used to determine the hollow ball-screw preload status on the basis of vibration signals, servo-motor speed, servo-motor current signals, and linear scale counts. Preloads with 2%, 4%, and 6% ball screws were predesigned, manufactured, and operated. Signal patterns with various preload features, servo-motor speeds, servo-motor current signals, and linear scale counts were classified using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The features of the vibration signal were classified using the genetic algorithm/k-nearest neighbor (GA/KNN) method. The complex and irregular model of the ball-screw-nut preload could be learned and supervised using the driving motion current, ball-screw speed, linear scale positioning, and vibration signals of the ball screw. The experimental results indicate that the prognostic status of the ball-nut preload can be determined using the proposed methodology. The proposed diagnostic method can be used to prognosticate the health status of the machine tool.
On Partial Cholesky Factorization and a Variant of Quasi-Newton Preconditioners for Symmetric Positive Definite Matrices
Authors: Morini Benedetta
Published: July 2018

This work studies limited memory preconditioners for linear symmetric positive definite systems of equations. Connections are established between a partial Cholesky factorization from the literature and a variant of Quasi-Newton type preconditioners. Then, a strategy for enhancing the Quasi-Newton preconditioner via available information is proposed. Numerical experiments show the behaviour of the resulting preconditioner.
End-of-Life Care in High-Grade Glioma Patients. The Palliative and Supportive Perspective
Authors: Giammalva Giuseppe Roberto , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Azzarello Giorgio , Gaggiotti Claudia , Graziano Francesca , Gulì Carlo , Pino Maria Angela , Maugeri Rosario
Published: July 2018

High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are the most frequently diagnosed primary brain tumors. Even though it has been demonstrated that combined surgical therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy improve survival, HGGs still harbor a very poor prognosis and limited overall survival. Differently from other types of primary neoplasm, HGG manifests also as a neurological disease. According to this, palliative care of HGG patients represents a peculiar challenge for healthcare providers and caregivers since it has to be directed to both general and neurological cancer symptoms. In this way, the end-of-life (EOL) phase of HGG patients appears to be like a journey through medical issues, progressive neurological deterioration, and psychological, social, and affective concerns. EOL is intended as the time prior to death when symptoms increase and antitumoral therapy is no longer effective. In this phase, palliative care is intended as an integrated support aimed to reduce the symptoms burden and improve the Quality Of Life (QOL). Palliative care is represented by medical, physical, psychological, spiritual, and social interventions which are primarily aimed to sustain patients’ functions during the disease time, while maintaining an acceptable quality of life and ensuring a dignified death. Since HGGs represent also a family concern, due to the profound emotional and relational issues that the progression of the disease poses, palliative care may also relieve the distress of the caregivers and increase the satisfaction of patients’ relatives. We present the results of a literature review addressed to enlighten and classify the best medical, psychological, rehabilitative, and social interventions that are addressed both to patients and to their caregivers, which are currently adopted as palliative care during the EOL phase of HGG patients in order to orientate the best medical practice in HGG management.
Ammoniates of Zintl Phases: Similarities and Differences of Binary Phases A4E4 and Their Corresponding Solvates
Authors: Lorenz Corinna , Gärtner Stefanie , Korber Nikolaus
Published: July 2018

The combination of electropositive alkali metals A (A = Na-Cs) and group 14 elements E (E = Si-Pb) in a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 in solid state reactions results in the formation of polyanionic salts, which belong to a class of intermetallics for which the term Zintl compounds is used. Crystal structure analysis of these intermetallic phases proved the presence of tetrahedral tetrelide tetraanions [E4]4− precast in solid state, and coulombic interactions account for the formation of a dense, three-dimensional cation-anion network. In addition, it has been shown that [E4]4− polyanions are also present in solutions of liquid ammonia prepared via different synthetic routes. From these solutions crystallize ammoniates of the alkali metal tetrahedranides, which contain ammonia molecules of crystallization, and which can be characterized by X-ray crystallography despite their low thermal stability. The question to be answered is about the structural relations between the analogous compounds in solid state vs. solvate structures, which all include the tetrahedral [E4]4− anions. We here investigate the similarities and differences regarding the coordination spheres of these anions and the resulting cation-anion network. The reported solvates Na4Sn4·13NH3, Rb4Sn4·2NH3, Cs4Sn4·2NH3, Rb4Pb4·2NH3 as well as the up to now unpublished crystal structures of the new compounds Cs4Si4·7NH3, Cs4Ge4·9NH3, [Li(NH3)4]4Sn4·4NH3, Na4Sn4·11.5NH3 and Cs4Pb4·5NH3 are considered for comparisons. Additionally, the influence of the presence of another anion on the overall crystal structure is discussed by using the example of a hydroxide co-crystal which was observed in the new compound K4.5Sn4(OH)0.5∙1.75 NH3.
Evaluation of an In Situ Hardening β-Tricalcium Phosphate Graft Material for Alveolar Ridge Preservation. A Histomorphometric Animal Study in Pigs
Authors: Leventis Minas , Agrogiannis George , Fairbairn Peter , Vasiliadis Orestis , Papavasileiou Danai , Theodoropoulou Evangelia , Horowitz Robert , Kalyvas Demos
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a resorbable alloplastic in situ hardening bone grafting material for alveolar ridge preservation in a swine model. Seven Landrace pigs were used. In each animal, the maxillary left and right deciduous second molars were extracted, and extraction sites were either grafted with a resorbable alloplastic in situ hardening bone substitute, composed of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), or left unfilled to heal spontaneously. Animals were euthanized after 12 weeks, and the bone tissue was analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically. Linear changes of ridge width were also clinically measured and analyzed. Pronounced bone regeneration was found in both experimental and control sites, with no statistically significant differences. At the experimental sites, most of the alloplastic grafting material was resorbed and remnants of the graft particles were severely decreased in size. Moreover, experimental sites showed, in a statistically nonsignificant way, less mean horizontal dimensional reduction of the alveolar ridge (7.69%) compared to the control sites (8.86%). In conclusion, the β-TCP/PLGA biomaterial performed well as a biocompatible resorbable in situ hardening bone substitute when placed in intact extraction sockets in this animal model.
Entropy Driven Phase Transition in Polymer Gels: Mean Field Theory
Authors: Kaufman Miron
Published: July 2018

We present a mean field model of a gel consisting of P polymers, each of length L and Nz polyfunctional monomers. Each polyfunctional monomer forms z covalent bonds with the 2P bifunctional monomers at the ends of the linear polymers. We find that the entropy dependence on the number of polyfunctional monomers exhibits an abrupt change at Nz = 2P/z due to the saturation of possible crosslinks. This non-analytical dependence of entropy on the number of polyfunctionals generates a first-order phase transition between two gel phases: one poor and the other rich in poly-functional molecules.
Entropy-Based Risk Control of Geological Disasters in Mountain Tunnels under Uncertain Environments
Authors: Xia Yuanpu , Xiong Ziming , Wen Zhu , Lu Hao , Dong Xin
Published: July 2018

Uncertainty is one of the main sources of risk of geological hazards in tunnel engineering. Uncertainty information not only affects the accuracy of evaluation results, but also affects the reliability of decision-making schemes. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate and control the impact of uncertainty on risk. In this study, the problems in the existing entropy-hazard model such as inefficient decision-making and failure of decision-making are analysed, and an improved uncertainty evaluation and control process are proposed. Then the tolerance cost, the key factor in the decision-making model, is also discussed. It is considered that the amount of change in risk value (R1) can better reflect the psychological behaviour of decision-makers. Thirdly, common multi-attribute decision-making models, such as the expected utility-entropy model, are analysed, and then the viewpoint of different types of decision-making issues that require different decision methods is proposed. The well-known Allais paradox is explained by the proposed methods. Finally, the engineering application results show that the uncertainty control idea proposed here is accurate and effective. This research indicates a direction for further research into uncertainty, and risk control, issues affecting underground engineering works.
A Relational Analysis Model of the Causal Factors Influencing CO2 in Thailand’s Industrial Sector under a Sustainability Policy Adapting the VARIMAX-ECM Model
Authors: Sutthichaimethee Pruethsan , Kubaha Kuskana
Published: July 2018

Sustainable development is part and parcel of development policy for Thailand, in order to promote growth along with economic growth, social advancement, and environmental security. Thailand has, therefore, established a national target to reduce CO2 emissions below 20.8%, or not exceeding 115 Mt CO2 Equivalent (Eq.) by 2029 within industries so as to achieve the country’s sustainable development target. Hence, it is necessary to have a certain measure to promote effective policies; in this case, a forecast of future CO2 emissions in both the short and long run is used to optimize the forecasted result and to formulate correct and effective policies. The main purpose of this study is to develop a forecasting model, the so-called VARIMAX-ECM model, to forecast CO2 emissions in Thailand, by deploying an analysis of the co-integration and error correction model. The VARIMAX-ECM model is adapted from the vector autoregressive model, incorporating influential variables in both short- and long-term relationships so as to produce the best model for better prediction performance. With this model, we attempt to fill the gaps of other existing models. In the model, only causal and influential factors are selected to establish the model. In addition, the factors must only be stationary at the first difference, while unnecessary variables will be discarded. This VARIMAX-ECM model fills the existing gap by deploying an analysis of a co-integration and error correction model in order to determine the efficiency of the model, and that creates an efficiency and effectiveness in prediction. This study finds that both short- and long-term causal factors affecting CO2 emissions include per capita GDP, urbanization rate, industrial structure, and net exports. These variables can be employed to formulate the VARIMAX-ECM model through a performance test based on the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value. This illustrates that the VARIMAX-ECM model is one of the best models suitable for the future forecasting of CO2 emissions. With the VARIMAX-ECM model employed to forecast CO2 emissions for the period of 2018 to 2029, the results show that CO2 emissions continue to increase steadily by 14.68%, or 289.58 Mt CO2 Eq. by 2029, which is not in line with Thailand’s reduction policy. The MAPE is valued at 1.1% compared to the other old models. This finding indicates that the future sustainable development policy must devote attention to the real causal factors and ignore unnecessary factors that have no relationships to, or influences on, the policy. Thus, we can determine the right direction for better and effective development.