bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blind recognition of binary cyclic codes
Authors: Jing Zhou , Zhiping Huang , Shaojing Su , Shaowu Yang
Published: August 2013

A solution to blind recognition of binary cyclic codes is proposed in this paper. This problem could be addressed on the context of non-cooperative communications or adaptive coding and modulations. We consider it as a reverse engineering problem of error-correcting coding. The proposed algorithm recovers the encoder parameters of a cyclic, coded communication system with the only knowledge of the noisy information streams. By taking advantages of soft-decision outputs of the channel and by employing statistical signal-processing methods, it achieves higher recognition performances than existing algorithms which are based on algebraic approaches in hard-decision situations. By comprehensive simulations, we show that the probability of false estimation of coding parameters of our proposed algorithm is much lower than the existing algorithms, and falls rapidly when signal-to-noise ratio increases.
Collection and trade of wild-harvested orchids in Nepal
Authors: Subedi Abishkar , Kunwar Bimal , Choi Young , Dai Yuntao , van Andel Tinde , Chaudhary Ram P , de Boer Hugo J , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: August 2013

Background

Wild orchids are illegally harvested and traded in Nepal for use in local traditional medicine, horticulture, and international trade. This study aims to: 1) identify the diversity of species of wild orchids in trade in Nepal; 2) study the chain of commercialization from collector to client and/or export; 3) map traditional knowledge and medicinal use of orchids; and 4) integrate the collected data to propose a more sustainable approach to orchid conservation in Nepal.

Methods

Trade, species diversity, and traditional use of wild-harvested orchids were documented during field surveys of markets and through interviews. Trade volumes and approximate income were estimated based on surveys and current market prices. Orchid material samples were identified to species level using a combination of morphology and DNA barcoding.

Results

Orchid trade is a long tradition, and illegal export to China, India and Hong Kong is rife. Estimates show that 9.4 tons of wild orchids were illegally traded from the study sites during 2008/2009. A total of 60 species of wild orchids were reported to be used in traditional medicinal practices to cure at least 38 different ailments, including energizers, aphrodisiacs and treatments of burnt skin, fractured or dislocated bones, headaches, fever and wounds. DNA barcoding successfully identified orchid material to species level that remained sterile after culturing.

Conclusions

Collection of wild orchids was found to be widespread in Nepal, but illegal trade is threatening many species in the wild. Establishment of small-scale sustainable orchid breeding enterprises could be a valuable alternative for the production of medicinal orchids for local communities. Critically endangered species should be placed on CITES Appendix I to provide extra protection to those species. DNA barcoding is an effective method for species identification and monitoring of illegal cross-border trade.
Role of viruses in the development of breast cancer
Authors: Alibek Kenneth , Kakpenova Ainur , Mussabekova Assel , Sypabekova Marzhan , Karatayeva Nargis
Published: September 2013

The most common cancer worldwide among women is breast cancer. The initiation, promotion, and progression of this cancer result from both internal and external factors. The International Agency for Research on Cancer stated that 18-20% of cancers are linked to infection, and the list of definite, probable, and possible carcinogenic agents is growing each year. Among them, biological carcinogens play a significant role. In this review, data covering infection-associated breast and lung cancers are discussed and presented as possible involvements as pathogens in cancer. Because carcinogenesis is a multistep process with several contributing factors, we evaluated to what extent infection is significant, and concluded that members of the herpesvirus, polyomavirus, papillomavirus, and retrovirus families definitely associate with breast cancer. Detailed studies of viral mechanisms support this conclusion, but have presented problems with experimental settings. It is apparent that more effort needs to be devoted to assessing the role of these viruses in carcinogenesis, by characterizing additional confounding and synergistic effects of carcinogenic factors. We propose that preventing and treating infections may possibly stop or even eliminate certain types of cancers.
Omalizumab may decrease IgE synthesis by targeting membrane IgE+ human B cells
Authors: Chan Marcia A , Gigliotti Nicole M , Dotson Abby L , Rosenwasser Lanny J
Published: September 2013

Background

Omalizumab, is a humanized anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody used to treat allergic asthma. Decreased serum IgE levels, lower eosinophil and B cell counts have been noted as a result of treatment. In vitro studies and animal models support the hypothesis that omalizumab inhibits IgE synthesis by B cells and causes elimination of IgE‐expressing cells either by induction of apoptosis or induction of anergy or tolerance.

Methods

We examined the influence of omalizumab on human tonsillar B cell survival and on the genes involved in IgE synthesis. Tonsillar B cells were stimulated with IL‐4 plus anti‐CD40 antibody to induce class switch recombination to IgE production in the presence or absence of omalizumab. Cell viability was assessed and RNA extracted to examine specific genes involved in IgE synthesis.

Conclusions

We found that omalizumab reduced viable cell numbers but this was not through induction of apoptosis. IL‐4R and germline Cϵ mRNA levels were decreased as well as the number of membrane IgE+ cells in B cells treated with omalizumab. These data suggest that omalizumab may decrease IgE synthesis by human B cells by specifically targeting membrane IgE‐bearing B cells and inducing a state of anergy.
Concentration dependent Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry and Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS ) studies on (E,E)-1-[5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5yl)-1-oxo-2,4-pentadienyl]- piperidine (Piperine) and its analogues
Authors: Khajuria Ravi K , Sharma Neha , Koul Jawahar L , Verma Mahendra K
Published: August 2013

Studies on piperine ((M
1
)) and its synthetic analogues (M
2–18
) by positive electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry were carried out in the flow injection mode of analysis in methanol. The MS experiments on these compounds at concentration 5 ng/μL or above yielded dimeric ionic species [2 M + Na]+ which revealed that piperine and its analogues exhibit clustering of ions when the solutions of these compounds at concentrations 5 ng/μL or above were allowed to move through the electrospray interface of the mass spectrometer. The same clustering of the ions was not observed when the solutions of the same compounds at concentrations below 5 ng/μL were used for similar studies. The formation of the clusters was further confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) studies wherein the fragmentation of dimeric ionic species [2 M + Na]+ led to the formation of sodium adducted monomeric ionic species [M + Na]+. The MS measurements of these compounds by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation (APCI) were on expected lines as there was no clustering of the ions in case of APCI-MS measurements.
Quantifying uncertainties in attenuation estimation at methane-hydrate-bearing zones using sonic waveform logs
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Matsushima Jun
Published: September 2013

Application of seismic attenuation estimation using sonic waveform data is limited because the estimation methods have not yet been fully developed. Although the median frequency shift method is considered to be effective and robust compared to the conventional spectral ratio method, we demonstrated that the median frequency shift methods strongly depend on reference data under lower signal-to-noise ratios. We modified an existing median frequency shift method not to depend on arbitrarily choosing a reference value and to quantify the uncertainties in attenuation estimation. Furthermore, we implied the optimum selection of receiver pairs used for more stable attenuation analysis. Our numerical experiments supported the advantage of the proposed method. Although our main findings by applying the proposed methods in methane hydrate-bearing sediments are almost consistent with past field sonic logging measurements, we find some differences in the magnitude of attenuation values compared to existing sonic attenuation measurements and discuss various possible factors. We believe that more stable and reliable attenuation results can lead to clarifying various factors affecting attenuation estimation, such as the effect of scattering, near-field effects, and source-coupling effects. Furthermore, we emphasized the importance of scattering effect caused by the heterogeneity of the formation and demonstrated the limitation of characterizing the 1D heterogeneity using the sonic logging data spatially sampled at 0.15 m to adequately estimate the effect of scattering attenuation.
Risk assessment and management: forensic methods, human results
Authors: Baird John , Stocks Ruth
Published: September 2013

Risk assessment and management is an integral part of modern clinical practice. In this article we discuss best practice in the assessment and management of risk of harm to others. Unstructured clinical judgement methods have been used for many years, but it is only more recently that actuarial and structured clinical judgement methods have been introduced. These methods are discussed and compared. We describe a process that could be followed by a clinical team and give an illustrative case example. Last, we reflect on aspects of current practice and consider the possible direction of developments in the field.
Autism spectrum disorder in adults: clinical features and the role of the psychiatrist
Authors: Garland Jacqui , O'Rourke Linda , Robertson Dene
Published: September 2013

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong conditions. Although not all adults with ASD require psychiatric input, general adult psychiatrists increasingly find themselves responsible for the care of adults with the disorder. This may present a new and unique challenge to them. Here, we summarise the core clinical features of ASD; discuss appropriate diagnostic practice; review the principles of management; and identify key educational, social care and voluntary services for adults with ASD in the UK.
Supporting self-management in early dementia: a contribution towards ‘living well’?
Authors: Cheffey Jo , Hill Laura , Roberts Glenn , Marlow Ruth
Published: September 2013

There has been increasing interest in how to assist people to ‘live well’ with advancing and incurable conditions late into life. This article considers the progress made in mental health services for adults of working age which promote active involvement in their care and how these principles can be applied to older adults with dementia. The concept of ‘recovery’ and its applicability to dementia care are discussed. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and how it could be translated and modified to the needs of people with dementia are explored. This is especially important in light of the UK National Dementia Strategy, which emphasises early diagnosis and intervention to promote improved care and quality of life.
Understanding the person with dementia: a clinicophilosophical case discussion
Authors: Hughes Julian C. , Beatty Aileen
Published: September 2013

This article examines the notion of personhood and shows how it offers a robust conceptual underpinning to person-centred care. We use a fictitious case vignette to clarify the nature of personhood. Mental health professionals need a broad view of personhood, which we feel is best captured by regarding the person as a 'situated embodied agent'. Using this characterisation, we aim to demonstrate how it can underpin the notion of person-centred care and show the practical implications of this in connection with our fictitious case. The broad view supports a specific approach to people with dementia, but also shows the challenges that face the implementation of good-quality dementia care. Discussion of this case shows both the relevance of philosophy to clinical practice and the ways in which clinical practice can enrich the debates of philosophy.
Cognitive function in schizophrenia: insights from intelligence research
Authors: Joyce Eileen M.
Published: September 2013

Schizophrenia is characterised by generalised cognitive impairment that is both a risk factor and a predictor of outcome. Recent research into human intelligence supports the view that, in schizophrenia, poor performance on disparate cognitive tasks can be explained by dysfunction of a frontoparietal neural network thought to support fluid intelligence.
What's the point of neuropsychoanalysis?
Authors: Ramus Franck
Published: September 2013

Neuropsychoanalysis is a new school of thought attempting to bridge neuroscience and psychoanalysis. Yet few neuroscientists and psychiatrists would have heard of it if it had not recently received public support from notable neuroscientists. The present paper discusses whether such support is warranted.
Selection of autophagy or apoptosis in cells exposed to ER-stress depends on ATF4 expression pattern with or without CHOP expression
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroki , Miyazaki Shuichi , Matsuyama Satoshi , Takeda Masayuki , Kawano Makoto , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Nishimura Kazuhiko , Matsuo Saburo
Published: August 2013

Cells exposed to ER-stress undergo the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) to avoid apoptosis, but may also activate autophagy. However, the signal for selection of one of these two protective responses is unknown. To clarify the key switch between autophagy and apoptosis, we examined the correlation of UPR-related signals with autophagy and/or apoptosis inductions in HepG2 cells exposed to three ER-stress inducers (NaF, tunicamycin, and thapsigargin) with time, including the effect of small interfering RNA on the cell responses. Thapsigargin-induced ER-stress caused only apoptosis after ∼2 hr with Ire1 phosphorylation, and Grp78, ATF4, and CHOP expressions. On the other hand, NaF- and tunicamycin-induced ER-stress caused only autophagy in the early stage by ∼8 hr with ATF4 expression and without CHOP expression. ATF4-siRNA completely inhibited the autophagy induced by NaF or tunicamycin with suppressed ATF4 protein and mRNA expressions, and also inhibited apoptosis by thapsigargin with suppression of both ATF4 and CHOP. CHOP-siRNA had no effect on autophagy activation by NaF and tunicamycin. On the other hand, CHOP-siRNA activated autophagy in thapsigargin-induced ER-stress with significant ATF4 expression, and suppressed apoptosis with CHOP suppression. These results showed that ATF4 is the key signal for autophagy induced by ER-stress, and that autophagy is switched to apoptosis by subsequent CHOP upregulation, suggesting that the changeover switch between autophagy and apoptosis is located between ATF4 to CHOP in the PERK pathway.
FancJ regulates interstrand crosslinker induced centrosome amplification through the activation of polo-like kinase 1
Authors: Zou Jianqiu , Tian Fen , Li Ji , Pickner Wyatt , Long Molly , Rezvani Khosrow , Wang Hongmin , Zhang Dong
Published: August 2013

DNA damage response (DDR) and the centrosome cycle are two of the most critical processes for maintaining a stable genome in animals. Sporadic evidence suggests a connection between these two processes. Here, we report our findings that six Fanconi Anemia (FA) proteins, including FancI and FancJ, localize to the centrosome. Intriguingly, we found that the localization of FancJ to the mother centrosome is stimulated by a DNA interstrand crosslinker, Mitomycin C (MMC). We further show that, in addition to its role in interstrand crosslinking (ICL) repair, FancJ also regulates the normal centrosome cycle as well as ICL induced centrosome amplification by activating the polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). We have uncovered a novel function of FancJ in centrosome biogenesis and established centrosome amplification as an integral part of the ICL response.
Cell-cycle dependent localization of MELK and its new partner RACK1 in epithelial versus mesenchyme-like cells in Xenopus embryo
Authors: Chartrain Isabelle , Le Page Yann , Hatte Guillaume , Körner Roman , Kubiak Jacek Z. , Tassan Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2013

Maternal Embryonic Leucine zipper Kinase (MELK) was recently shown to be involved in cell division of Xenopus embryo epithelial cells. The cytokinetic furrow of these cells ingresses asymmetrically and is developmentally regulated. Two subpopulations of xMELK, the mMELK (for “mitotic” xMELK) and iMELK (“interphase” xMELK), which differ in their spatial and temporal regulation, are detected in Xenopus embryo. How cells regulate these two xMELK populations is unknown. In this study we show that, in epithelial cells, xMELK is present at a higher concentration at the apical junctional complex, in contrast to mesenchyme-like cells, which have uniform distribution of cortical MELK. Interestingly, mMELK and iMELK also differ by their requirements towards cell–cell contacts to establish their proper cortical localization both in epithelial and mesenchyme-like cells. Receptor for Activated protein Kinase C (RACK1), which we identified as an xMELK partner, co-localizes with xMELK at the tight junction. Moreover, a truncated RACK1 construct interferes with iMELK localization at cell–cell contacts. Collectively, our results suggest that iMELK and RACK1 are present in the same complex and that RACK1 is involved in the specific recruitment of iMELK at the apical junctional complex in epithelial cells of Xenopus embryos.
The emerging use of zebrafish to model metabolic disease
Authors: Seth Asha , Stemple Derek L. , Barroso Inês
Published: September 2013

The zebrafish research community is celebrating! The zebrafish genome has recently been sequenced, the Zebrafish Mutation Project (launched by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute) has published the results of its first large-scale ethylnitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis screen, and a host of new techniques, such as the genome editing technologies TALEN and CRISPR-Cas, are enabling specific mutations to be created in model organisms and investigated in vivo. The zebrafish truly seems to be coming of age. These powerful resources invoke the question of whether zebrafish can be increasingly used to model human disease, particularly common, chronic diseases of metabolism such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In recent years, there has been considerable success, mainly from genomic approaches, in identifying genetic variants that are associated with these conditions in humans; however, mechanistic insights into the role of implicated disease loci are lacking. In this Review, we highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of zebrafish to address the organism’s utility as a model system for human metabolic diseases.
Mechanical properties of sand tiger sharkCarcharias taurusvertebrae in relation to spinal deformity
Authors: Huber Daniel , Neveu Danielle E. , Stinson Charlotte M. , Anderson Paul A. , Berzins Ilze K.
Published: August 2013

Approximately 35% of sand tiger sharks Carcharias taurus in public aquaria exhibit spinal deformities ranging from compressed vertebrae and loss of intervertebral space to dislocated spines with vertebral degeneration and massive spondylosis caused by excessive mineralization both within vertebrae and outside the notochordal sheath. To identify the mechanical basis of these deformities, vertebral centra from affected (n = 12) and non-affected (n = 9) C. taurus were subjected to axial compression tests on an MTS 858 Bionix material testing system, after which mineral content was determined. Vertebral centra from affected sharks had significantly lower mineral content and material behavior in nearly all variables characterizing elasticity, plasticity, and failure. These mechanical deficiencies are correlated with size at capture, capture method, vitamin C and zinc deficiency, aquarium size, and swimming behavior in public aquaria. Non-affected C. taurus had greater stiffness and toughness even though these properties are generally incompatible in mineralized structures, suggesting that the biphasic (mineralized, unmineralized phases) nature of chondrichthyan vertebrae yields material behavior not otherwise observed in vertebrate skeletons. However, vertebral centra from non-affected sharks had lower mineral content (33%), stiffness (167 MPa), yield strain (14%), and ultimate strength (16 MPa) than other species of sharks and bony vertebrates, indicating that biomechanical precautions must be taken in the husbandry of this species.
Insulin-like peptides (AmILP1 and AmILP2) differentially affect female caste development in the honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Wang Ying , Azevedo Sergio V. , Hartfelder Klaus , Amdam Gro
Published: August 2013

The food a honey bee female larva receives determines whether she develops into a large long-lived fertile queen or a short-lived sterile worker. Through well-established nutrient sensing and growth promoting functions in metazoans, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling (IIS) pathway has become a focal topic in investigations on how differences in food environment can be translated into internal signals responsible for queen-worker determination. However, low expression levels of two insulin receptors (AmInRs) in honey bee larvae and the failure of one AmInR to influence caste differentiation are in potential conflict with such a classical growth promoting role of IIS in queen-worker development. In view of such an apparent contradiction, and the fact that binding partners and affinities of these two AmInRs have not been worked out, we performed a functional study on insulin-like peptide genes (AmILP1 and AmILP2) in honey bee larvae by using a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene knockdown approach. We found that juvenile hormone (JH) levels were diminished by vAmILP1 dsRNA treatment, while the AmILP2 knockdown caused a reduction in ovary size. Blood sugar titers were not significantly affected by the treatments. From these results we conclude that AmILP2 transcript levels may influence specific organ development, such as the ovary and body mass, while more general traits of caste differentiation, such as mandibles, may require additional regulators. In addition, JH production may be regulated by AmILP1 expressed locally in the brain, similar to the function of certain ILPs in Drosophila.
Effects of reproduction on immuno-suppression and oxidative damage, and hence support or otherwise for their roles as mechanisms underpinning life history trade-offs, are tissue and assay dependent
Authors: Yang Deng-Bao , Xu Yan-Chao , Wang De-Hua , Speakman John R.
Published: August 2013

Life history parameters appear to be traded off against each other, but the physiological mechanisms involved remain unclear. One hypothesis is that potentially energetically costly processes such as immune function, and protection from oxidative stress, may be compromised during reproductive attempts because of selective resource allocation. Lower temperatures also impose energy costs, and hence allocation decisions might be more pronounced when animals are forced to reproduce in the cold. Here, we experimentally tested whether reproduction at different ambient temperatures was associated with elevated oxidative stress and suppressed immune function in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Using a variety of different markers for both immune function and oxidative stress we found that some measures of immune function (serum bactericidal capacity and size of the thymus) were significantly suppressed, while some measures of oxidative protection (serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity) were also reduced, and a marker of oxidative damage (protein carbonyls in serum) was increased, in lactating compared with non-reproductive gerbils. These changes were in line with the selective resource allocation predictions. However, the PHA response and serum total immunoglobulin (IgG) were not suppressed, and other markers of oxidative damage (malonaldehyde MDA (TBARS) and protein carbonyls in the liver) were actually lower in lactating compared with non-reproductive gerbils, consistent with increased levels of SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver. These latter changes were opposite the expectations based on resource allocation. Furthermore other measures of protection (GPx levels in the liver and protein thiols in both serum and liver) and damage (MDA (TBARS) in serum) were unrelated to reproductive status. Ambient temperature differences did not impact on these patterns. Collectively, our results indicated that the infra-red effects of reproduction on immunosuppression and oxidative damage, and hence support or otherwise for particular physiological mechanisms that underpin life history trade-offs, are critically dependent on the exact markers and tissues used. This may be because during reproduction individuals selectively allocate protection to some key tissues, but sacrifice protection of others.
Propositional logic extended with a pedagogically useful relevant implication
Authors: Batens Diderik
Published: September 2013

First and foremost, this paper concerns the combination of classical propositional logic with a relevant implication. The proposed combination is simple and transparent from a proof theoretic point of view and at the same time extremely useful for relating formal logic to natural language sentences. A specific system will be presented and studied, also from a semantic point of view.The last sections of the paper contain more general considerations on combining classical propositional logic with a relevant logic that has all classical theorems as theorems.
Doświadczenia Grecji a argumenty za i przeciw przystąpieniu Polski do strefy euro
Authors: Bill Rafał
Published: September 2013

The Greek experience and the arguments for and against Poland’s accession to the euro area

The article discusses the euro area and the influence of the Greek financial crisis on the Polish perspective on joining the Eurozone. The outbreak of the Greek crisis has dampened European Union new members’ initial enthusiasm for adopting the euro instead of their national currencies. Poland was one of the states intending to enter the euro area a couple of years after its accession to the EU. The global financial downturn has affected these plans and changed attitudes towards the European single currency. The examples of Sweden and Greece have demonstrated that an independent monetary policy can efficiently deal with an economic crisis. Therefore Poland’s path called “The road to the euro” has stalled.
Gaz z łupków – szansa czy zagrożenie?
Authors: Klepner Tomasz
Published: September 2013

Shale gas – a chance or a threat?

The article discusses advantages and threats from the prospective of shale gas extraction in Poland. It lists conditions necessary for the creation of shale gas Eldorado. The author attempts to explain the main effects of shale gas extraction, refutes false assumptions and discusses controversy surrounding gas extraction. The article analyses how the process may influence Poland’s national security and geopolitical situation in Central Europe. The author concludes with a statement that the shale gas extraction might open up great opportunities for Poland and the European Union if the initial assessments of shale gas resources in Poland have been confirmed.
Współczesne mity polityczne
Authors: Włodarczyk Joanna
Published: September 2013

Contemporary political myths. The Round Table myth and the Fourth Republic myth: myths of the creation of a new state

The concept of myth has been explored as a prelude to an analysis of the Round Table and the Fourth Republic of Poland, the political project which reached its peak in 2005-2007. Initially, the myths were designed to reduce the existential uncertainties and give meaning to human actions. Thus, in that sense, they were never false. This scheme has changed when political myth was born, which was purposely created in order to gain more power. The paper, by analyzing political speeches and some examples of election campaigns of 2005 and 2007, discusses the links between the irrational content of myth and the rational techniques used to spread it.
Non-traditional education using cultural heritage: A case study from Syria
Authors: Alkateb Maya
Published: August 2013

This article explores the issue of using culture and cultural heritage as themes in non-traditional education to foster teamwork attitudes and leadership, research and presentation skills, in addition to looking at ones’ environment with a critical eye and valuing culture as an asset. It presents an educational programme where youth from Syria documented oral heritage, explored their cultures with photography as a probing tool and participated in creating public displays of their heritages. In this article, I describe the educational programme, its rationale, the employed concept of culture, faced challenges and learned lessons. Feedback from participants and host communities is discussed and questions for further enquiry are raised, including on the applicability of such programme to promote cultural diversity, the long-term effects on participants, and ways to highlight the value of cultural heritage towards the communities that own it when its continuity is threatened.
Introduction to theatre at primary school: A short-term evaluation of a French experience
Authors: Leroux Jean-Yves , Moureau Nathalie
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study is to observe the impact that an introduction to theatre in schools has on a child’s subsequent theatre attendance. Insofar as it has been generally accepted that cultural consumption by children depends on the child’s family background, it may be possible to justify that governments should provide access to the Arts in schools for children of disadvantaged families. We conduct a study on a French programme called ‘Lectures en scènes’, whose purpose, among others, is to increase child theatre attendance. A statistical survey was distributed among 550 French pupils in the south of France between 2007 and 2009. One-fifth of the children changed their practise: they decided to take courses in theatre or to attend plays the year following the programme. Moreover, the effect is stronger for children belonging to high social classes, a paradox for a programme, which aims at reducing social inequalities. This result could lead the efforts of the government policies to be concentrated on disadvantaged districts.

L’objet de cet article est d’étudier quel impact l’introduction du théâtre à l’école a sur la fréquentation théâtrale ultérieure des enfants. Dans la mesure où il est généralement accepté que les consommations culturelles des enfants dépendent de leur contexte familial, nous posons ici l’hypothèse que l’introduction du théâtre à l’école favorise l’accès à la culture d’enfants venant de contextes défavorisés. Afin de vérifier cette hypothèse, nous avons mené une enquête à partir d’un programme français intitulé “Lectures en scènes”. L’enquête a été menée entre 2007 et 2009 dans le sud de la France auprès d’environ 550 enfants. Un cinquième des enfants ayant suivi le programme a décidé de suivre des cours de théâtre ou d’assister à des représentations au cours de l’année qui a suivi leur expérience. Il apparait toutefois que le changement a été plus marqué pour les enfants appartenant aux classes sociales favorisées, un paradoxe dans la mesure où un des objectifs du programme était de réduire les inégalités sociales. Ce résultat pourrait conduire à préconiser que les politiques d’éducation à la culture concentrent leurs efforts sur les zones géographiques défavorisées.
Becoming arts-based researchers: A journey through the experience of silence in the university classroom
Authors: Fendler Rachel , Onsès Judit , Hernández-Hernández Fernando
Published: August 2013

This visual essay captures the changes that students experienced in the undergraduate class Arts-Based Research, an elective offered at the Fine Arts Faculty of the University of Barcelona. This class was structured around a collaborative enquiry involving both students and professors, which explored the experience of silence in the university classroom. While carrying out the investigation, students learned to research, by researching. In doing so, the group experimented with and became more fluent in different arts-based methodologies, and generated three final results: a video, an article and an installation.

Este artículo visual refleja los cambios experimentados por los estudiantes durante la asignatura optativa de Investigación Basada en las Artes, ofertada dentro del Grado de Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Barcelona. Dicha asignatura se estructuró como una investigación compartida en la que se involucraron tanto los alumnos como los profesores, y cuyo objetivo fue explorar la experiencia de silencio en las clases de la universidad. Durante el proceso de investigación, los estudiantes aprendieron a investigar ... investigando. Así, mientras el grupo experimentaba con diferentes metodologías basadas en las artes, a su vez aprendían más sobre éstas, dando lugar en el final del proceso a un video, un artículo y una instalación.
Project ‘Adriatic Fish and Sailing Ships’ was conducted with 255 children: Visual essay of the art project in Croatia
Authors: Nazor Dijana
Published: August 2013

The project ‘The Adriatic fish’ was conducted with 240 children from a primary school near Split, Croatia. The aim of this project was to show that children can learn and creatively collaborate outside of school, in their surroundings, by finding natural forms (of stones) on the beach. Learning how to observe and recognize the shapes around them, they acquire the skills of research and creating by combining materials (stones and wire). Throughout this project, the students learnt about the species of Adriatic fish. This project helped to develop children’s ability to observe and also encouraged their creative cooperation.

Projekt Jadranske ribice nastao je u suradnji s 240 djece iz osnovne škole pokraj Splita. Ovim projektom nastojalo se pokazati da djeca mogu učiti i kreativno surad-ivati i izvan škole, u svojoj okolini, pronalaženjem prirodnih oblika kamenja na plaži. Ucˇenjem gledanja i prepoznavanjem oblika oko sebe stječu se vještine kreiranja i istraživanja s kombiniranim tehnikama (kamenja i žice). Kroz ovaj projekt učenici su učili i o vrstama Jadranskih riba razvijajući spoznaju o bogatstvu Jadranskog mora i svog podneblja. Cilj projekta bio je razvijanje dječjeg opažanja i zajednička suradnja med-u učenicima.
Book Reviews
Authors: Caines Suzanne , Manifold Marjorie Cohee , Schönau Diederik
Published: August 2013

The Last Art College: Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, 1968–1978, Garry Neill KENNEDY (2012) Cambridge, MA and London: MIT Press, 421 pp., ISBN: 9780262016902, h/bk, £41.95

Debates in Art and Design Education, Nicholas Addison and Lesley Burgess (eds) (2013) London and New York: Routledge, 221 pp., ISBN: 978-0415-61887-8, p/bk, £23.99

The Arts in Education. An Introduction to Aesthetics, Theory and Pedagogy, Mike Fleming (2012) London and New York: Routledge, 134 pp., ISBN 978-0-415-62029-1, p/bk, £ 34.96
Dissatisfaction and Engagement as Motivators of Conceptual Change in a Naturalistic Internet-based Search about HPV
Authors: Hilpert Jonathan C. , Brem Sarah K.
Published: August 2013

Introduction. Although studies of peoples’ knowledge and beliefs about Human Papillomavirus have provided good information to the medical community, few, if any, have addressed how young people construct an understanding of the virus in realistic contexts. This is problematic because increasingly people are turning to the internet for health information before talking with doctors. To address this gap in the literature, we asked participants to conduct an unguided internet search for information about human papillomavirus.Method. We designed a longitudinal study based on the Conceptual Restructuring of Knowledge Model (CRKM), a cognitive model for conceptual change. Using multiple statistical techniques, we found evidence for key characteristics of the CRKM, including the role of dissatisfaction and engagement during conceptual change.Results. Using multiple statistical techniques, we found evidence for key characteristics of the CRKM, including the role of dissatisfaction and engagement during conceptual change. Additionally, although average performance on the knowledge assessment increased by 32%, we found that important misconceptions regarding HPV were persistent after the search.Discussion and Conclusion. Misconceptions appear to stem from participants failing to alter their knowledge structures regarding the mechanisms of transmission, the diversity of HPV genotypes, and the relationship between virus genotypes and the effect a virus has on its host.
The Influence of Experience and Cognitive Style on International Entrepreneurial Intentions: The Contribution of Academic Education in this Relation
Authors: Sommer Lutz
Published: August 2013

Introduction. The paper at hand examines the influence of Cognitive Style (CS) and International Experience (IE) on International Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (IESE) and International Entrepreneurial Intention (IEI) as well as the role of Academic Education (AE) in this context.Method. Based on a survey that was conducted among 111 students the hypotheses were verified by means of various structural equation models.Results. The results showed that IE significantly influences IEI whereas the influence of CS on IEI is significant in none of the models. IESE is neither influenced by IE nor by CS.Discussion. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1) Both Cognitive Styles (CS), analytical as well as intuitive, have to be promoted in Academic Education; (2) Further research is need in measuring Cognitive Style (CS); (3) Existing IE acquired in Academic Education can make an important contribution to overcome obstacles in the formation of IEIs; (4) In contrary to Ajzen (1985) experience can be more than a background factor in contexts like international entrepreneurship.
Autoevaluación: Connotaciones Teóricas y Prácticas. Cuándo Ocurre, Cómo se Adquiere y qué Hacer para Potenciarla en nuestro Alumnado
Authors: Panadero Ernesto , Alonso-Tapia Jesús
Published: August 2013

La autoevaluación es una práctica habitual en las clases en los diferentes niveles educativos. Desafortunadamente un porcentaje elevado de profesores desconoce de qué manera específica afecta al aprendizaje de nuestros alumnos y cómo implementarlo con éxito en las aulas. En este trabajo realizamos un recorrido por las dos corrientes que enfatizan el uso de la autoevaluación (teorías autorregulatorias y evaluación formativa) presentando re-conceptualización de lo que significa autoevaluación. Posteriormente se analiza cuáles son las relaciones entre la autoevaluación y el uso de estrategias de aprendizaje de los alumnos y cómo se adquiere esta capacidad. A continuación se presentarán estrategias pedagógicas que fomentan una buena implementación en el aula para que los profesores podamos ayudar a nuestros alumnos a adquirir la capacidad de autoevaluarse.
Personalidad, Procrastinación y Conducta Deshonesta en Alumnado de distintos Grados Universitarios
Authors: Clariana Mercè
Published: August 2013

Introducción. La personalidad, la procrastinación y la conducta deshonesta en el aula (o cheating) son variables que han demostrado tener una influencia importante en el aprendizaje. Con todo, pocas veces se han estudiado todas juntas y menos teniendo también en cuenta el género del alumno y su elección de la carrera. Este trabajo analiza todas estas variables en estudiantes de distintas facultades de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, UAB (Spain) con el objetivo de identificar diferencias y regularidades entre las titulaciones, que pueden ayudar a los responsables académicos a planificar los estudios para que puedan adaptarse mejor a las características de sus alumnos.Método. Un total de 620 estudiantes de cuatro facultades de la UAB (Ingeniería, Economía, Humanidades y Educación) participaron voluntariamente en la investigación. Contestaron el cuestionario EDA, que evalúa procrastinación y cheating, y una versión S del Big Five Inventory, que mide personalidad. También participaron en una entrevista psicoeducativa individual que se utilizó para contrastar los resultados de los tests.Resultados. Los resultados confirman la idea de que los alumnos de titulaciones universitarias distintas presentan características propias en cuanto a personalidad, procrastinación y cheating. Entre dichas peculiaridades cabe destacar que los alumnos de tecnología puntúan más alto en estabilidad emocional, y los de economía en procrastinación, y también que los estudiantes de educación obtienen notas más altas en consciencia y amabilidad que sus iguales de otras carreras. Todas estas relaciones están mediadas por el género del alumno que es una característica significativa a tener en cuenta en todas las variables estudiadas.Discusión y Conclusiones. Los resultados de este trabajo amplían y matizan los que existían hasta ahora y permiten entender con más nitidez las relaciones que se establecen entre las características de los alumnos y las alumnas y las titulaciones que han elegido en la universidad.
Seeking Convergent Evidence of Epistemological Beliefs: A Novel Survey
Authors: Briell Jeremy E. , Elen Jan , Clarebout Geraldine
Published: August 2013

Introduction. This paper explains the development and testing of a novel paper-and-pencil measure designed to support inferences of five epistemological belief dimensions based on three forms of evidence. The three evidence types are anticipated to converge at a single theoretical level, permitting better-supported inferences than existing survey measures.Method. Data were collected from 12 university-level students from Hong Kong (19 to 34 years of age, M = 24.9, SD = 4.2). Participants completed a survey designed to capture three different sources of evidence of epistemological beliefs: epistemological judgments, intentions, and explicit beliefs. A theoretical level (i.e., dualism, relativism discovered, and contextual relativism) is assigned for each evidence type for each of five dimensions. The theoretical-level assignments across the three evidence sources are then analyzed for convergence.Results. Results indicate the three assigned theoretical levels for each dimension did not converge. Therefore, a comprehensive theoretical level per dimension could not be given. Instead, summative scores could to be determined based on average performance per dimension and for all dimensions combined. As a group, participants scored moderately on all dimensions combined, performing worst on the Organization of knowledge and Justification of knowledge dimensions and best on the Stability of knowledge dimension.Discussion and Conclusions. Three explanations for evidence type variability are discussed: a) the MESSEB is incorrectly eliciting the intended evidence, (b) the types of evidence are not appropriate for inferring the intended epistemological beliefs, and (c) epistemological beliefs are being measured as intended, but variation is genuine and typical. The ramifications of each explanation are discussed along with possibilities to address them in future research.
Relaparotomies after cesarean sections: risk factors, indications, and management
Authors: Shinar Shiri , Hareuveni Mara , Ben-Tal Ofira , Many Ariel
Published: September 2013

Objective: To establish the frequency of post-cesarean relaparotomy, identify its risk factors, indications, and operative management.

Methods: This study was a retrospective matched case control study. Records of all women who underwent a cesarean section (CS) from July 2006 to March 2012 were reviewed. We identified all women who had a relaparotomy within 1 month from their CS. For each woman, two women were matched. We analyzed data regarding obstetrical history, current gestation, surgical parameters, and outcome.

Results: A total of 14,637 CS were performed during this period, of these, 58 cases required a relaparotomy (0.4%). In univariate analysis, female sex and duration of CS were associated with an increased risk for relaparotomy. In multivariate analysis, multiple pregnancies, general anesthesia, duration of operation, and female sex, independently increased the risk for relaparotomy. The leading indications for relaparotomy were hemodynamic shock and subcutaneous hematoma. The most common interventions during relaparotomy were cauterization of subcutaneous vessels, and ligation of large vessels. Overall, women requiring relaparotomy received, on average, 16 units of blood products.

Conclusions: This study highlights risk factors associated with post-cesarean relaparotomy. Surgeons might use this important data to identify women at risk beforehand, and thus, reduce the morbidity associated with relaparotomy.
The Missed and Missing Benefits to Africa in the Absence of Harmonized International Regulation of Traditional Medicinal Knowledge
Authors: Andemariam Senai W.
Published: September 2013

The WHO estimates that traditional medicine(s) (TM) are used in every country around the world in some capacity and that in much of the developing world 70–95% of the population relies on these TM for primary care. It is estimated that at least 25% of all modern medicines are derived, either directly or indirectly, from medicinal plants and that in the case of certain classes of pharmaceuticals, this percentage may be as high as 60%. Some sources claim that that nearly a quarter of all pharmaceutical products worldwide are derived from plant sources. There is a global increase in interest in the use of TM and with it the global expenditure on TM. In 2005, for instance, the global market for traditional medicines was estimated at US$ 60 billion, reached US$ 83 billion in 2008 and is expected to reach US$ 114 billion by 2015.

Africa prides itself as one of the most important pools for this globally important resource. Experience has, however, shown that both at national and at international levels, the continent has not yet been able to benefit from the international trade of TM. The regulation of TM is yet to become comprehensive at international and national levels. Yet, traditional medicinal knowledge has hitherto attracted only a fragmented regulatory attention by international organizations such as the WTO which focus on the various interests that TM represents. Although the harmonized regulation of the environmental, health, intellectual property, trade, cultural heritage, human rights, development and other interests on TM can be a complicated assignment, this article will attempt to show how the rules of international economic law, in tandem with other relevant international instruments, can bring benefit to the African continent by setting rules for sustainable exploitation of TM.