bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithm of ovulation induction in patients with polycistic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bjelica Artur , Bjelanovic Jelena , Milic Natasa , Mladenovic-Segedi Ljiljana , Ilic Djordje , Dimitrijevic Jelena
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most frequent endocrine
disturbance in the reproductive period of women?s life and the most frequent
cause of anovulatory infertility. Ovulation and pregnancy in patients having
polycystic ovary syndrome may be a result of a wide range of therapeutic
options, and the treatment assumes a gradual approach - from simple
noninvasive to expensive and demanding procedures. Material and Methods. A
systematic literature survey concerning the efficiency of particular
ovulation induction methods in respect of the reproductive outcome was
carried out with the aim of establishing the algorithm for ovulation
induction in infertile patients having polycystic ovary syndrome. The search
was confined to clinical investigations performed on human subjects, reported
in English in the period from the beginning of 2010 to June of 2014.
Conclusion. As a conclusion of this system?atic survey of the efficiency of
ovulation induction methods, which confirms and supplements the knowledge in
this field, it is possible to form the algorithm for ovulation induction in
infertile patients having polycystic ovary syndrome, consisting of the
following subsequent steps: 1) modification of life style, 2) induction with
clomiphene citrate 3) use of metformin, 4) use of aromatase inhibitors, 5)
application of gonadotropins and laparoscopic ovarian drilling - as a
second-line treatment, and 6) assisted reproductive techniques.
Importance of integrated management system applied in health establishments in order to raise treatment quality
Authors: Dodic Biljana , Miljkovic Tatjana , Bjelobrk Marija , Adjic Cemerlic , Adjic Filip , Dodic Slobodan
Published: February 2016

Introduction. The term ?management? is best characterized as ?managing?
economic or social processes to achieve objectives through a rational use of
material and immaterial resources by applying the principles, functions, and
management methods. This study has been aimed at evaluating the value of an
integrated quality management system implemented at the Institute of
Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina to improve the quality of treatment.
Material and Methods. In the period from 2008 to 2010 about 40 employees from
the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina attended various
courses given by the lecturers of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, where
the function and significance of the ?International Standards Organization?
were explained, after which standards of interest were implemented at the
Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina. Results. The Department of
Cardiology has introduced 11 cardiac procedures with 5 special instructions,
14 general procedures, and 7 specific procedures with 2 instructions. The
Department of Cardiac Surgery has introduced 7 procedures to be implemented.
The ?Vojvodina score? model was put into practice for the perioperative
evaluation of cardiac surgery risk. During 2014, the Institute of
Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina obtained accreditation for the period of
7 years. Conclusion. The integrated quality management system must be applied
in order to achieve a high level of health care in the shortest possible time
and with the least possible consumption of material and human resources. The
application of this system in practice gives a realistic insight into the
working processes and facilitates their functioning. It demands and requires
constant monitoring of the system efficiency along with continuous changes
and improvements of all elements of the working processes and functional
units.
Chemotherapy analysis in massive transfusion syndrome
Authors: Stankovic Bratislav , Stojanovic Goran
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Massive transfusion is defined as blood transfusion in
quantities equal to or greater than the estimated patients? blood volume over
a relatively short period of time (3-4 hours). The study was aimed at
analyzing the application of chemotherapy in treatment of patients with acute
massive bleeding and evaluating the results of hemostasis and platelet counts
screening tests in the patients receiving massive transfusions. Material and
Methods. Attempts were made to fully compensate hemostatic factors in 24
patients (14 male and 10 female, aged 23 to 76 years) with acute massive and
uncontrolled surgical bleeding (polytrauma, abdominal aortic aneurysm,
digestive tract bleeding as a result of a farina overdose, mortus fetus) over
the five-year period, wherein a circulating patients? blood volume was
compensated over a relatively short period of time. First the surgical
bleeding was stopped. The objective of chemotherapy was the combined use of
resuspended red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitates and the
platelet concentrate in order to maintain the patients? normal circulating
blood volume and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg) with
hemoglobin value higher than 100 g/l and the hematocrit above 0.30 l/l.
Results. Transfusion treatment of 24 patients with acute bleeding consisted
of an average of 16 to 18 units of resuspended red blood cells (ranging from
4,880 ml to 5,220 ml); fresh frozen plasma (980 ml to 1,220 ml);
cryoprecipitates (an average of 10 to 15 units i.e. 500-750 ml) and
concentrated platelets (approximately an average of 8 to 12 units i.e. 240 to
360 ml). Conclusion. In our study we have confirmed the pathophysiological
mechanism shown in the available medical literature that after transfusion of
a large red blood cell concentrate volume, dilutional coagulopathy develops,
caused by a sharp drop in platelet count and the significantly reduced
activity of unstable coagulation factors in the patient?s circulation.
Otological manifestations of turner syndrome: Clinical and radiological findings
Authors: Djeric Dragoslava , Dudvarski Zoran , Cvorovic Ljiljana
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Turner syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality where all or a
part of one of the X chromosomes is absent or it has other abnormalities.
Besides characteristic abnormalities of short stature and infertility, women
with Turner syndrome have increased risks for tumors of the central nervous
system, especially meningioma and an otologic disease. Meningioma involving
the middle ear is extremely rare, and this condition has never been published
in association with Turner syndrome. Case Report. We present an otologic
manifestation associated with other abnormalities in a patient with Turner
syndrome and discuss diagnosis and possible treatment options. Conclusion.
Multidisciplinary team approach is essential in these patients in order to
evaluate their vulnerability and define therapeutic priorities.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: A case series of eight patients
Authors: Stosic Momcilo , Stojanovic Igor
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a persistent, inflammatory and
recurrent disease of the hair follicles which, in time, results in ugly
scars. Inflammation and obstruction of channel of sweat glands used to be
thought to be the basis of this disease. Case Reports. This paper presents
the cases of 8 patients operated on in the past 3 years. A possibility of an
oversight in making the diagnosis, as well as an underestimation in the
treatment should be taken into consideration. In addition to surgical methods
the authors discuss other therapeutic possibilities taken from the available
literature. This is a retrospective analysis of the surgical findings. The
treatment was multidisciplinary but the surgical excision was the only
option which provided healing without recurrence so far. In our series the
excision could be done to the fascia or to leave a thin layer of adipose
tissue. The reconstruction could be achieved by healing per secundam, by
autologous skin or artificial graft, or by narrowing the wound with a skin
portion. Our results achieved by stage, secondary stitches and rotation
portions were satisfying. Conclusion. In case of advanced disease only
surgery can lead to healing. We performed late surgery because the disease
was diagnozed in advanced stages according to Hurlay. Wide excision was done
in all our patients. The reconstruction was achieved with rotational flap in
3 patients, the wound healing per secundam in 4 patients and with primary
suture in one patient. Our patients did not have recurrences of the primary
disease. The disease was combined in one case with perianal fistula.
Dissipation and persistence of thiacloprid in pepper fruits
Authors: Lazic Sanja , Sunjka Dragana , Begovic Radovan , Vukovic Slavica
Published: February 2016

This study gives insight into the behavior of the neonicotinoid insecticide
thiacloprid in greenhouse production of pepper. Thiacloprid was applied at a
concentration of 96 g a.i./ ha, as recommended by the manufacturer for aphid
control. Degradation of thiacloprid in pepper fruits was evaluated over a
ten-day period, starting from the moment of insecticide application. Sample
preparation was performed using the QuEChERS method for liquid chromatography
with diode array detection for identification and quantification of
thiacloprid residues in extracts of pepper samples. The method was validated
in accordance with the SANCO/12571/2013 document. The obtained mean recovery
value was 83.69%, with RSD 5.05%. Intraday precision was 3.21%. Within a
concentration range from 0.01-2.0 ?g/ml, thiacloprid showed linear
calibration with R2 0.997%, while the quantification limit of the method was
0.01 mg/kg. The results of a field trial showed that thiacloprid dissipated
rapidly from 1.136 mg/kg to 0.321 mg/kg with a loss of 72% in the first two
days after application. Throughout the experimental period, thiacloprid
residues in pepper fruits basically remained at a stable low level, and no
residue exceeding 0.198 mg/kg was detected in the terminal residue
experiment, which was below the MRL of 1.0 mg/kg. The half-life (DT50) of
thiacloprid in pepper fruits obtained in this study was 4.95 days. Finally,
the pre-harvest interval (PHI) for thiacloprid prescribed by Serbian
authorities was proved to be safe enough in greenhouse production of pepper.
A study of suitability of some conventional chemical preservatives and natural antimicrobial compounds in allelopathic research
Authors: Marinov-Serafimov Plamen , Golubinova Irena
Published: February 2016

The impact of three conventional chemical preservatives (sodium benzoate,
potassium sorbate and salicylic acid) and a natural antimicrobial compound
(thymol) on germination, dynamics of growth and accumulation of fresh biomass
(g per seedling) of Lactuca sativa L., cultivar Great Lakes, was studied
under laboratory conditions. The tested conventional chemical preservatives
demonstrated strong inhibitory effects (GI 27.1-0.0%) on germination and
initial development of L. sativa, and they cannot be used in allelopathic
studies in the laboratory. An addition of thymol at 0.5-1.0 ? concentration
showed no inhibitory effect (GI varied 81.7-84.6%) on germination and initial
development of L. sativa. Thymol can therefore be used as a natural
antimicrobial compound in allelopathic studies in the laboratory.
Sociodemographic aspects of scientific and technological progress: Attitude and opinions of Russians
Authors: Nikolaevna Shmigirilova
Published: February 2016

In this article the author, using examples from the recent past on data of
the all-Russian polls, remarks on changing human environment innovations,
which provide scientific and technical progress. The article investigates the
impact assessment of the results of scientific and technical achievements,
positive and negative predictions of the effects of an increasingly wide
application of high-tech products in everyday life. A comparative
sociological analysis of the studies' results, conducted in Russia and
foreign countries regarding the impact of progress on humanity, is shown. The
author's conclusions are presented: Russians refer to the achievements of
scientific-technical progress as positive, but not so optimistic as, for
example, Americans. The respondents are afraid of the intervention of new
technologies in natural evolutionary and genetic processes, substitution of
human relations to relations of order "technology and people", the
proliferation of military equipment in civilian life. The author pays special
attention to the role of women in environmental issues, which exhibits a
strong response to the threats of environmental pollution and, as a rule,
more critically perceive the environmental situation.
Union formation and partner choice among ex-Yugoslav immigrants in Sweden
Authors: Obucina Ognjen
Published: February 2016

The mechanisms of exogamy and endogamy among immigrants are considered
important indicators of social integration in the host society. The goal of
this paper is to analyze the patterns of union formation among ex-Yugoslav of
the first and second generation in Sweden. The study analyzes both marriages
and non-marital childbearing unions. The longitudinal data (1990-2012) stem
from the STAR compilation of the Swedish register data. The data cover the
entire population residing in Sweden. The main analysis is based on
discrete-time multinomial logistic regression. The results show that the
length of stay in Sweden is positively associated with the likelihood of a
union with a native Swedish person and negatively associated with the
likelihood of an endogamous partner choice. A stronger exposure to
ex-Yugoslav immigrants (measured as the share of ex-Yugoslavs in the
municipality) implies a higher likelihood of endogamous union and a lower
likelihood of a union with a native. University educated ex-Yugoslavs are the
most likely to enter a union with a native, with the association being more
pronounced among women. The patterns of intermarriage among ex-Yugoslavs
largely resemble those identified in previous studies on native-immigrants
marriages in Europe. One exception is that the propensity for endogamy is
somewhat more pronounced among women. In order to obtain a more finegrained
picture of the causal mechanisms behind the results reported in this study,
it will be necessary to conduct additional research, combining quantitative
and qualitative methods.
Demographic processes of developmentally peripheral areas in Hungary
Authors: Pénzes János , Pásztor István , Tátrai Patrik
Published: February 2016

The current study investigates the demographic processes and challenges of
the Hungarian developmentally peripheral settlements. Demographic challenges
can be regarded as important consequences of the social and economic
disadvantages in spatial terms. However, the interrelating negative
demographic tendencies cause even more backward situation blocking or
hindering the development. The objective of the current analysis is to
discover the demographic characteristics of the peripheral settlements, to
detect the spatial disparities and to point out the correlation between
backwardness and the investigated demographic phenomena with the help of the
census databases 1980-2011 and local datasets on Roma population. Using
methods of multivariate statistical analysis, seven indicators were selected
in order to achieve the goals of the paper. Backward areas are primarily
characterized by population decrease with significant disparities, but there
were growing communities among them as well. Some small villages in Northern
and Southwestern Hungary will foreseeably face complete depopulation within
few years. Primarily small sized villages faced intense decrease in rate of
natural change, but dynamic population growth was also detected. Migration
loss tends to correlate with the extent of peripherality, as increasing
values of migration balance accompany decreasing ratio of peripheral
settlements in the area. The ratio of elderly population shows an
expressively two-faced character, with the extremely aging and very juvenile
settlements. The ratios of Roma population reflect the scale of
peripherality. Extended ethnic change could be predicted in Northeastern and
Southwestern Hungary and near the Middle Tisza valley. Presented demographic
processes will make the backwardness of most of the peripheral settlements
stable.
HIF-1 Mediates Renal Fibrosis in OVE26 Type 1 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Nayak Bijaya K. , Shanmugasundaram Karthigayan , Friedrichs William E. , Cavaglierii Rita C. , Patel Mandakini , Barnes Jeffrey , Block Karen
Published: February 2016

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 mediates hypoxia- and chronic kidney disease–induced fibrotic events. Here, we assessed whether HIF-1 blockade attenuates the manifestations of diabetic nephropathy in a type 1 diabetic animal model, OVE26. YC-1 [3-(5′-hydroxymethyl-2′-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole], an HIF-1 inhibitor, reduced whole kidney glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial matrix expansion, extracellular matrix accumulation, and urinary albumin excretion as well as NOX4 protein expression and NADPH-dependent reactive oxygen species production, while blood glucose levels remained unchanged. The role of NOX oxidases in HIF-1–mediated extracellular matrix accumulation was explored in vitro using glomerular mesangial cells. Through a series of genetic silencing and adenoviral overexpression studies, we have defined GLUT1 as a critical downstream target of HIF-1α mediating high glucose–induced matrix expression through the NADPH oxidase isoform, NOX4. Together, our data suggest that pharmacological inhibition of HIF-1 may improve clinical manifestations of diabetic nephropathy.
Smart Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bonnet Célia S. , Tóth Éva
Published: February 2016

By visualizing bioactive molecules or biological parameters in vivo, molecular imaging is searching for information at the molecular level in living organisms. In addition to contributing to earlier and more personalized diagnosis in medicine, it also helps understand and rationalize
the molecular factors underlying physiological and pathological processes. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complexes of paramagnetic metal ions, mostly lanthanides, are commonly used to enhance the intrinsic image contrast. They rely either on the relaxation effect of these metal chelates
(T1 agents), or on the phenomenon of paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST agents). In both cases, responsive molecular magnetic resonance imaging probes can be designed to report on various biomarkers of biological interest. In this context, we review
recent work in the literature and from our group on responsive T1 and PARACEST MRI agents for the detection of biogenic metal ions (such as calcium or zinc), enzymatic activities, or neurotransmitter release. These examples illustrate the general strategies that can be applied
to create molecular imaging agents with an MRI detectable response to biologically relevant parameters.
High Added Value – but Many Stumbling Blocks along the Way NTN Biotech Identifies where the Shoe Pinches
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: February 2016

The year 1958, when DNA was first made in a test tube, marked the birth of modern biotechnology. DNA has now developed into an important technology that makes a key contribution in various sectors such as agriculture, environment and cleansing, and it has triggered a veritable boom
in medicine. Today, biologics account for more than 60% of newly approved drugs. They are efficient, save time and money and have few or minimal side effects, fuelling the appetite of big pharma to take over biotech companies. Where will the journey lead?
Lithium/Element Exchange as an Efficient Tool for Accessing Atropo-enriched Biaryls via Arynes
Authors: Panossian Armen , Leroux Frédéric R.
Published: February 2016

This account documents the development of transition metal-free, aryne-mediated aryl-aryl coupling, the 'ARYNE coupling', which began in 2001 in Lausanne. ortho,ortho'-Di-, tri- and even tetrasubstituted biphenyls have now become accessible on a multi-gram scale. The reaction
is perfectly regioselective and the obtained polybromobiphenyls can be submitted to regioselective bromine/lithium interconversions. The access to enantiopure biphenyls is now possible using enantiopure sulfoxides as chiral auxiliaries, which allow for subsequent chemoselective sulfoxide/metal
exchange on each atropo-diastereoisomer with configurational stability of the intermediate biaryllithiums. Direct atropo-diastereoselective ARYNE coupling has been reported more recently.
Long-range Effect of Bromine in the Deprotonative Metalation of Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Mongin Florence
Published: February 2016

Deprotonative metalation has been largely used to functionalize aromatic compounds. The efficiency of such reactions, as well as their regioselectivity, depends on the substituents connected to the rings. In contrast with other groups such as fluorine and methoxy, bromine exhibits a
long-range acidifying effect. Here we try to depict this particular effect of bromine through different examples in which deprotometalation takes place at a remote position.
From Pillar[n]arene Scaffolds for the Preparation of Nanomaterials to Pillar[5]arene-containing Rotaxanes
Authors: Nierengarten Iwona , Deschenaux Robert , Nierengarten Jean-François
Published: February 2016

Pillar[n]arenes are a new class of macrocycles that are efficiently prepared from readily available building blocks. In this particular field, our research teams became interested in the use of a pillar[5]arene core as a compact scaffold for the synthesis of nanomaterials with
a controlled distribution of functional groups on both rims of the macrocyclic framework. Such compounds have found applications in biology as multivalent ligands for specific lectines or as polycationic compounds for gene delivery. Liquid-crystalline derivatives have been prepared by grafting
mesogenic subunits on the pillar[5]arene core. On the other hand, we also became interested in the preparation of pillar[5]arene-containing [2]rotaxanes. In particular, we have shown that pillar[5] arene-based [2]rotaxanes can be obtained from the reaction of amine stoppers with pseudo-rotaxanes
resulting from the association of a pillar[5]arene derivative with a diacyl chloride reagent. Finally, amphiphilic [2]rotaxanes have been prepared and incorporated in thin ordered films at the air–water interface.
Undermatched? School-Based Linguistic Status, College Going, and the Immigrant Advantage
Authors: Callahan Rebecca M. , Humphries Melissa H.
Published: February 2016

Considerable research investigates the immigrant advantage—the academic benefit first- and second-generation students experience relative to native-born peers. However, little work examines how school-based linguistic status may influence this advantage. Contradictory patterns exist: Research identifies both an immigrant advantage and a language minority disadvantage in college going. Although not all immigrant youth are language minorities, many do speak other languages. U.S. educators group immigrant students into three discrete linguistic categories: native English speakers, language minorities not in English as a second language (ESL), and English learner (EL) students. We employ multivariate methods to investigate immigrant college going by linguistic status using the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002. Results suggest an immigrant advantage only among immigrant groups not in ESL and evidence of undermatching—wherein students choose postsecondary options for which they are over-prepared—among high-achieving EL students. Disentangling the immigrant advantage might improve EL students’ college going, stemming this loss of human capital.
Exploring Differences between Successful and Unsuccessful Mental Disorder Defences
Authors: Gulayets Michael
Published: February 2016

Beyond the legal definition of criminal insanity, the verdict of “not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder” (NCRMD) is a social construction. This study explores the differences between individuals who raise the mental disorder defence and are found NCRMD and those who raise this defence and are found guilty. Files of individuals assessed for criminal responsibility over a two-year period on a remand unit at a forensic psychiatric hospital were examined. Approximately one quarter (N = 36) of these individuals were found NCRMD, and the remaining 102 individuals were found guilty. The study examines differences between these groups along various dimensions such as demographic characteristics, offence characteristics, victim characteristics, criminal and psychiatric history, and psychiatric opinion. The results indicate that the most salient factors that distinguish between the two groups are factors related to psychiatric opinion (e.g., diagnosis of a psychotic disorder or recommendations psychiatrists make in reports to the court). The article concludes with a discussion of the impact of psychiatric opinion on the determination of criminal insanity and the apparent forensication of legal and mental health systems.
What Do Meaningful Consequences and Fair and Proportionate Accountability Mean to Youth Offered Extrajudicial Sanctions in Ontario?
Authors: Hyde Carolyn , Marinos Voula , Innocente Nathan
Published: February 2016

Extrajudicial sanctions (EJS) under the YCJA are meant to make youth accountable in a fair and proportionate way and to be a meaningful consequence, yet little is known about whether these goals are being accomplished from the perspective of youth. This exploratory study was aimed at examining the perceptions of young persons who have accepted an EJS in a single courthouse in Ontario. Interviews were conducted with youth (N = 20) who provided critical insight into their views about valuable programs, such as counselling, and less valuable aspects, such as writing an essay about the impact of having a criminal record. Some youth revealed that the process of coming to court to be offered an EJS and accept it was more meaningful and made them more accountable than the requirements of the program itself. This research underscores the importance of considering the perspective of young people if the youth justice system is to accomplish its key goals. Such an approach may not only lead to responses that have a greater impact on their behaviour, but it may also, in turn, shift them to be more active and engaged participants in taking responsibility for their actions and the process of justice.
Understanding Employment Participation of Older Workers: The Canadian Perspective
Authors: Bélanger Alain , Carrière Yves , Sabourin Patrick
Published: February 2016

Canada is expecting rapid population aging over the coming decades, a fact that has led many observers to question the sustainability of its pension systems. The effects of population aging, however, could be mitigated by an extension of the working life. This article presents the results of a critical review of Canadian knowledge about the determinants of retirement age and labour-market participation of older workers. The determinants are grouped under ten “domains” covering micro, meso, and macro levels: labour market, legislation, financial factors, social position, domestic domain, human resource management, work-related factors, health, work ability, and motivation.
The Differential Impact of Universal Child Benefits on the Labour Supply of Married and Single Mothers
Authors: Koebel Kourtney , Schirle Tammy
Published: February 2016

We examine the effects of the Universal Child Care Benefit on the labour supply of mothers. The benefit has a significant negative effect on the labour supply of legally married mothers, reducing their likelihood of participation in the labour force by 1.4 percentage points and hours worked by nearly one hour per week. In contrast, the likelihood of participation by divorced mothers rises by 2.8 percentage points when receiving the benefit and does not affect hours worked. Moreover, the benefit does not have a statistically significant effect on the participation of common-law married mothers or never-married mothers.
Effects of the 2001 Extension of Paid Parental Leave Provisions on Birth Seasonality in Canada
Authors: Compton Janice , Tedds Lindsay M.
Published: February 2016

It is well known that there exists a strong seasonal pattern in births and that the pattern differs across geographic regions. While historically this seasonal pattern has been linked to exogenous factors, modern birth seasonality patterns can also be explained by purposive choice. If birth month of a child is at least partially chosen by the parents then, by extension, it can also be expected that this can be influenced by anything that changes the costs and benefits associated with that choice, including public policy. This paper explores the effect that the 2001 extension of paid parental leave benefits had on birth seasonality in Canada. Overall we find strong results that the pattern of birth seasonality in Canada changed after 2001, with a notable fall in spring births and an increase in late summer and early fall births. We discuss the potential effects of this unintended consequence, including those related to health and development, educational preparedness and outcomes, and econometric modelling.
Faedra Chatard Carpenter, Coloring Whiteness: Acts of Critique in Black Performance
Authors: Larson Jennifer
Published: February 2016

Coloring Whiteness examines how black writers and performers enact or engage whiteness to reveal the instabilities of racial binaries and racialized identities. The study carefully considers performances across genres and offers analysis applicable to both theorists and artists.
Diana Looser, Remaking Pacific Pasts: History, Memory, and Identity in Contemporary Theater from Oceania
Authors: Werry Margaret
Published: February 2016

Looser’s judicious and meticulously researched engagements with complex histories and nuanced debates (from historical ethnography to Polynesian epistemology), together with the archive she has assembled, will make this a deservedly foundational volume in studies of Pacific theatre.
Liang Luo, The Avant-Garde and the Popular in Modern China: Tian Han and the Intersection of Performance and Politics
Authors: Liu Siyuan
Published: February 2016

A significant contribution to research on modern Chinese cultural production and intellectual history, the book examines the half-century career of Tian Han (1898–1968), one of China’s most important writers of modern and traditional theatre and film, and connects his creative work with his social activism.
Mary Noonan, Echo’s Voice: The Theatres of Sarraute, Duras, Cixous and Renaude
Authors: Miller Judith G.
Published: February 2016

This book explores the predominance of the auditory in contemporary French theatre by Nathalie Sarraute, Marguerite Duras, Hélène Cixous, and Nicole Renaude. It offers excellent, well-documented readings of major productions of each playwright’s work but suffers from a lack of sustained argument concerning two key concepts: “the feminine” and “voice.”
Kirsten Shepherd-Barr, Theatre and Evolution from Ibsen to Beckett
Authors: Heuvel Mike Vanden
Published: February 2016

Shepherd-Barr’s study locates key debates within evolutionary science that shaped the form and content of many modern European and American plays. The study is extremely well researched and lucidly presented and will serve scholars and students well as a model for conducting research into science and theatre.
An economic analysis of waiver of tort in negligence actions
Authors: Iacobucci Edward M , Trebilcock Michael J
Published: February 2016

The legal status, scope, and policy implications of the waiver of tort doctrine have been a prominent, controversial, and unresolved feature of many recent class action proceedings in Canada, especially in products liability cases, where plaintiffs have sought to claim disgorgement of profits or revenues as an alternative to proof of damage or injury. The doctrine in recent years has been invoked frequently by plaintiffs in negligence class actions, though its legal status in such a context remains uncertain, as it has not been judicially decided. The article assesses the waiver of tort doctrine from an economic perspective. It argues that decoupling remedies from actual damages in negligence cases generally, or in products liability cases in particular, is not well founded from an economic perspective. Theory and evidence suggests that the deterrence and insurance aspects of negligence law are best achieved by linking remedies to losses actually suffered. In many contexts, disgorgement of gains from activities entailing negligent conduct may induce socially wasteful forms of over-deterrence. Economic analysis does not support the waiver of tort doctrine.
The inhospitable court
Authors: Craig Elaine
Published: February 2016

Who speaks and with what authority, who is believed, what evidence is introduced, and how it is presented are all informed not only by the substantive law and the rules of evidence but also by the rituals of the trial. It is from this legal process as a whole that a judge or jury determines the (legal) ‘truth’ about a woman’s allegation of rape. A sexual assault complainant’s capacity to be believed in court, to share in the production of meaning about an incidence of what she alleges was unwanted sexual contact, requires her to play a part in certain rituals of the trial. Many of these rituals are hierarchical, requiring complainants to perform subordinate roles that mirror the gender-, race-, and socio-economic status-based societal hierarchies in which the problem of sexual violence is rooted. Relying on the work of Robert Cover and interdisciplinary work on ritual for its conceptual framework, this article pursues two objectives. First, it attempts to depict, through the use of trial transcripts, the brutality of the process faced by sexual assault complainants. Second, it exposes some of the institutionalized practices, as manifested through courtroom rituals, that contribute to the inhospitable conditions faced by those who participate in the criminal justice response to sexualized violence.
Heuristic Approach to Identifying Horizontal Curves and Their Parameters Given Lidar Point Cloud Data
Authors: Cook Aaron A. , Saito Mitsuru , Schultz Grant G.
Published: February 2016

Information on the location and characteristics of highways has many applications to highway engineering, such as highway safety analysis, asset management, and highway improvement planning. However, the task of creating an inventory of highway curves in a state is a daunting task, which cannot be done efficiently by field visits. The alternative approach that processes light detection and ranging or GPS data sets to identify highway curves has shown promise as a more efficient method but has also proved to be a difficult task. This paper presents a procedure for curve detection and analysis and also examines the success rate for identification and classification of those curves identified by this method. The basic process began with the roadway divided into segments, each with assigned attributes. The segments with similar attributes were combined into larger sections, each classified as either a curve or a tangent. Segments that were too short to be a true curve were removed. The heuristic analysis used to optimize threshold values for the analysis of these curves was also discussed. It was found that the curve identification success rate of this process, depending on calibration, ranged from 84.4% to 92.9% accuracy (e.g., the segment identified correctly as a curve or tangent), and curve geometries (e.g., points of curvature or points of tangency location correctly found) could be expected to have an accuracy rate of 78.7% to 89.9%.
Combined Crash Frequency–Crash Severity Evaluation of Geometric Design Decisions
Authors: Shea M. Scott , Le Thanh Q. , Porter Richard J.
Published: February 2016

This paper quantified the effects of freeway ramp spacing and auxiliary lane presence on crash frequency and crash severity. Crash frequencies were predicted with a safety performance function, and crash severities were estimated with what was termed a “severity distribution function.” The paper then demonstrated how to combine quantitative knowledge related to the effects of ramp spacing and auxiliary lane presence on both crash frequency and severity into a framework for assessing the overall crash cost for different ramp configurations. Geometric features, traffic characteristics, and crash data were collected for 404 freeway segments in California and Washington State. Negative binomial regression models and multinomial logit regression models were used to estimate the effects of ramp spacing and auxiliary lane presence on expected crash frequencies and crash severities, respectively. Results showed that expected multiple-vehicle crash frequency increased as ramp spacing decreased. Meanwhile, there was a decrease in the proportion of severe crashes (fatal, incapacitating injury) with a decrease in ramp spacing, even though the overall frequency of these severe crashes remained relatively unchanged. Providing an auxiliary lane was expected to decrease crash frequency, although this reduction appeared to be primarily in crashes that were less severe (possible injury and property damage only). The findings appeared to effectively capture the complex relationships between geometric designs and operations and the high sensitivity between speed and crash severity. The paper provided quantitative tools for making informed freeway and interchange design decisions where ramp spacing and auxiliary lanes were considerations.
Quantitative Method for Assessing the Level of Deterioration of round Wood Guardrail Posts
Authors: Plaxico Chuck , Ray Malcolm H. , Ray Archie , Johnson T. Olaf
Published: February 2016

This paper presents results of a study that developed a procedure for measuring the amount of deterioration damage of round wood guardrail posts. The guardrail posts used in the study were extracted from damaged guardrail installations in Ohio. A resistograph device was used to measure the resistance of a [Formula: see text] in. drilling needle passing through the cross section of the guardrail posts. The deterioration damage levels of the posts ranged from severe to essentially undamaged. A data processing procedure was developed to convert the resistograph data into a quantitative damage score. Physical impact tests were then performed to correlate the damage score to the dynamic strength properties of the posts.
Development of Socketed Foundatio for Cable Guardrail Posts
Authors: Rosenbaugh Scott K. , Schmidt Jennifer D. , Faller Ronald K.
Published: February 2016

This study developed socketed foundations for two cable guardrail posts, the S3×5.7 and the Midwest weak post (MWP). The design efforts focused on developing cylindrical, reinforced concrete foundations with a steel tube embedded in the top center to create a socket. Foundations were designed to minimize damage and limit foundation displacements to less than 1 in. Satisfying these criteria ensured that damaged barrier posts could be replaced without the need for repairing or resetting the foundation. The foundations were evaluated for three soil types (weak soil, strong soil, and an asphalt mow strip) to gain an understanding of the link between soil conditions and foundation performance. Fourteen dynamic component tests were conducted on socketed foundation designs. Three socketed foundation options were developed for use with S3×5.7 posts: a 12-in.-diameter foundation in soil, a 15-in.-diameter foundation in soil, and a 12-in.-diameter foundation in asphalt. The S3×5.7 post foundations in soil with 12-in.-diameter sockets were found to be susceptible to concrete shear cracking and fracture, but they remain an option for those who can accept the risks of minor damage during severe impacts. The 15-in.-diameter foundations and those placed in asphalt had no indication of damage. Further, the reduced strength of MWPs resulted in no visible damage to 12-in.-diameter foundations. Guidelines based on site soil conditions and frost line depth were developed for the embedment depth of each foundation–post combination required for resistance to excessive displacements.
Reimagining the Right-of-Way
Authors: Polanski Nathan
Published: February 2016

The public right-of-way has long been viewed as a space to move cars and a conduit for utilities. Traditional roadway practices have focused on maintaining vehicular levels of service, often at the cost of the pedestrian realm, and applying standard sections with little consideration for the context of the street or the community. However, this approach is changing as communities recognize the value and opportunity within the public right-of-way and along transportation corridors and become involved as stakeholders during the design process. Community-driven transportation projects are remaking streets in cities of all sizes, and new best practices are being implemented to reclaim and activate underutilized rights-of-way. As a result, public rights-of-way are increasingly recognized as environmental and economic assets that support active living and healthy environments. FHWA's Livability Initiative recommends design considerations such as complete streets, context-sensitive approaches, green infrastructure, and sustainable roadway design. A core principle of FHWA's context-sensitive solutions approach is to exercise flexibility and creativity to shape effective transportation solutions, while preserving and enhancing community and natural environments. This paper explores three case studies of varying street classifications, scales, and land uses to show how program needs and design approaches initiated the reallocation of space within the right-of-way to benefit all users and achieve social, economic, and environmental goals within an existing transportation network.
Streamlining of Bridge Piers as Scour Countermeasures
Authors: Li Junhong , Tao Junliang
Published: February 2016

Bridge scour is one of the most critical causes of bridge failure. Existing scour countermeasures either passively prevent the development of scour holes by stabilizing the critical shear zone or actively reduce the turbulence intensity in the vicinity of the pier surface. This paper proposes streamlining of the bridge pier as an option to reduce turbulence intensity actively in the local zone and thus decrease overall local scour potential. The effect of the curvature of the pier cross section was evaluated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. To reduce computational cost, two-dimensional CFD simulations were conducted to model the flow fields around test cases having different pier cross sections. Simulation results were systematically analyzed and compared to evaluate the effect of streamlining on the flow field. The cross section that resulted in the smallest value of the maximum bed shear stress was selected as the optimal cross section for the subsequent three-dimensional (3-D) study, which investigated the vortex structures around the pier. Results from this 3-D simulation were compared with those from two other test cases, in which piers had cross-section shapes that are commonly seen in practice. The pier model with the optimal cross section was found to significantly reduce the downward velocity in front of the piers, the maximum bed shear stress, and the overall scour potential. These findings are expected to inform the design of optimal streamlined piers for newly proposed bridges, which could diminish the overall scour potential around piers.
New size-dependent kinetic equations for hydrocarbon production rates from Fischer–Tropsch synthesis on an iron-based catalyst
Authors: Pour Ali Nakhaei , Chekreh Soheila
Published: February 2016

The effect of catalyst nanoparticle size on hydrocarbon production rates in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) has been investigated on an iron-based catalyst. A series of iron oxide particles was prepared via precipitation by a microemulsion method. New size-dependent kinetic models for hydrocarbon production rates were developed using a thermodynamic analysis method. Size-dependent parameters of the models were evaluated using the experimental results with a non-linear optimisation routine by minimising the mean absolute relative residual. Because of the role of iron carbide in the FTS reaction by iron catalysts, the iron carbide particle sizes was considered as an important factor in this paper. Experimental results show that the hydrocarbon product distribution shows a slight shift to lower molecular weight hydrocarbons by decreasing catalyst particle sizes and increasing the reaction temperature. The value of the surface tension energy (σ) for paraffin and olefin production on the iron catalyst is calculated in the range 1.2–0.9 J m–2 and 0.62–0.49 J m–2 respectively. These values are lower than for metals and are related to the presence of iron carbide in the catalytic reaction. Also, σ for paraffin production is higher than that for olefin production. The size- and carbon number-independent activation energies for paraffin and olefin formation are 9.1 and 14.9 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Evolution and Empire: Alfred Russel Wallace and Dutch Colonial Rule in Southeast Asia in the Mid-Nineteenth Century
Authors: Clement Mark
Published: February 2016

While Alfred Russel Wallace is sometimes remembered for his sympathy for ‘savages’, it has also been observed that he was closely associated with European colonial regimes during his long stint of fieldwork in Southeast Asia (1854–62). Moreover, it has been argued that as one of the first scientists to extend natural selection to humans following his return to Britain he acquiesced in the extinction of primitive peoples.

This article examines in detail for the first time the development of Wallace's admiration for the Dutch Cultivation System, which combined paternalistic administration with a government monopoly over the production of cash crops. While travelling through the archipelago Wallace encountered numerous examples of Indo-Dutch creole culture and he himself made significant lifestyle adaptations to local practices. When he first observed the Cultivation System in the Minahasa region of northern Sulawesi Wallace experienced an epiphany as he witnessed the rapid progress towards ‘civilization’ made by former ‘savages’. This, he attributed to the Dutch system, which he believed to be well adapted to the principles of human mental and moral development.

In advocating the Dutch model as a preferable alternative to British free trade and neglect of its civilising mission in India, Australia, and elsewhere, Wallace hoped not only to arrest the decline of primitive societies but also to promote the ultimate uniting of humankind in a single race. In the context of debates over human evolution, slavery, race, and imperial policy in Britain in the 1860s, this was an unusual and radical stance, which challenges simplistic representations of Wallace as a supporter of empire around mid-century who moved towards anti-imperialism in the late Victorian period.