bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Global Class Action and Its Alternatives
Authors: Clopton Zachary D.
Published: February 2018

The “American-style” class action, when combined with private rights, is an important tool of American regulatory policy. And just as American regulation has global reach, the global class action is not unfamiliar to U.S. courts. Yet, global U.S. class actions are facing ever-stronger headwinds. In addition to the recent retrenchment of class actions and international litigation generally, U.S. courts have raised additional barriers to global class actions in particular. This Article’s first goal, therefore, is to document these developments and their consequences for regulation. Against this backdrop, this Article also reviews the options available to foreign lawmakers, foreign courts, foreign litigants and litigation funders, and foreign public enforcers. Foreign lawmakers may provide alternatives to global U.S. class actions; foreign courts and foreign litigants may explicitly or implicitly coordinate to approximate global class resolution; and foreign public enforcers may achieve the goals of global regulatory litigation while avoiding some of its legal impediments. Finally, this Article evaluates these various foreign responses from an institutional perspective, with special attention to the institutional incentives for lawmakers and law enforcers.
Class Actions in the United States and Israel: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Klement Alon , Klonoff Robert
Published: February 2018

Unlike most countries, the United States and Israel have employed the class action procedure for decades. This Article compares the two countries’ class action regimes and examines how the device has evolved in those countries. It examines the current procedures, as well as proposed reforms. It also compares class action statistics in the two countries relating to filings and outcomes. We demonstrate the many common features between the United States and Israeli class action procedures. As we illustrate, these common features have led to robust class action practices in both countries. At the same time, there are profound differences between the types of class actions filed and their outcomes. Thus, while Israel has many more class actions than the United States on a per capita basis, the cases are much less consequential from a monetary and subject matter perspective. We explore possible explanations for these observations. Furthermore, this study identifies features — utilized by the United States and Israel — that can serve as models for other countries that are adopting or amending their own class action regimes.
Class Action Value
Authors: Piché Catherine
Published: February 2018

This Article attempts to clarify a proposition of certain Canadian authors that while class actions represent a significant part of our court activities, they may not truly be compensating our citizens. I argue that leading up to the present study, we did not know for certain whether a class action was an effective mechanism to compensate class members. Through empirical data collected up by the Class Actions Lab from the past twelve years from cases filed in the province of Quebec, District of Montreal, analyzed through the lens of a collective approach to compensation, I demonstrate that Quebec citizens are in fact being compensated by class actions.
When Pragmatism Leads to Unintended Consequences: A Critique of Australia’s Unique Closed Class Regime
Authors: Waye Vicki , Morabito Vince
Published: February 2018

In an effort to ensure access to justice, Australian courts have fashioned a unique hybrid opt in-opt out process known as “closed classes.” The rationale that underlies closed classes is to prevent free-riding that may undercut the position of funders and class action law firms reliant upon entering into agreements with a critical mass of class members. However, multiple closed classes also pose problems for respondents seeking the comfort of finality. To secure settlement and thus ultimately benefit participating class members, Australian courts have formulated a procedure whereby the closed class is opened and nonparticipating class members are invited to either register their claims or opt out so that thereafter those who do not register and those who opt out are effectively precluded by res judicata from making further related claims. We argue that Australian courts’ support of closed classes, while driven by pragmatism, has produced unintended consequences. Many relate to the ethical dilemmas faced by class action law firms and litigation funders seeking to advance the interests of participating class members over and above those of nonparticipating class members. The Full Federal Court has recently approved an alternative common fund approach. However, questions remain as to whether Australian courts are appropriately equipped to measure and compare the alternative transaction costs associated with the current and proposed approach, and whether they are appropriately equipped to determine the commercial rectitude and fairness of litigation funding agreements.
Characterization of Trinuclear Oxo Bridged Cobalt Complexes in Isolation
Authors: Lang Johannes , Fries Daniela V. , Niedner-Schatteburg Gereon
Published: February 2018

This study elucidates molecular structures, fragmentation pathways and relative stabilities of isolated trinuclear oxo bridged cobalt complexes of the structural type [Co3O(OAc)6(Py)n]+ (OAc=acetate, Py=pyridine, n=0, 1, 2, 3). We present infrared multiple photon dissociation (IR-MPD) spectra in combination with quantum chemical calculations. They indicate that the coordination of axial pyridine ligands to the [Co3O(OAc)6]+ subunit disturbs the triangular geometry of the Co3O core. [Co3O(OAc)6]+ exhibits a nearly equilateral triangular Co3O core geometry. The coordination of one or two pyridine ligands disturbs this arrangement resulting in isosceles triangular Co3O core geometries (in the cases of n=1 and 2). Coordination of three pyridine ligands (n=3) results in an equilateral triangular Co3O core geometry as in the case of n=0. Collision induced dissociation (CID) studies reveal that the complexes undergo a consecutive elimination of pyridine and acetate ligands with increasing excitation energy. Relative stabilities of the complexes decrease with the number of coordinated pyridine ligands. The presented results help to gain a fundamental insight into the molecular structure of trinuclear oxo bridged cobalt complexes void of any external effects such as crystal packing or solvation.
Reckoning Informal Politics: Expands the Logic of Survival and Failure of Regional Heads
Authors: Sobari Wawan
Published: February 2018

The qualitative research addresses the political logic of why and how the incumbents succeed and fail in direct election for regional heads (pilkada) in emerging democratic Indonesia. De Mesquita et al. (2003) believe that, to survive in office, a leader needs to offer a benefit at least equal to the greatest possible benefit offered by a potential challenger. Particular to the pilkada cases in Indonesia, Erb and Sulistiyanto (2009) elaborate several factors connected to “reward and punishment” logic that may lead to the incumbents’ survival and failure in re-election bids. This study expands the logic by revealing that populism, rivalry, and tangibility are the core strategies for the successful incumbents in retaining their offices in four rural and urban regions in East Java. Particularly, the survival of an incumbent hinges on his capacity to manage rivalry risks, namely the capability to manage support and opposition both from formal and informal actors through fair or unfair means. These strategies, then, foster the success of patronage-based winning tactics to retain public office in the pilkada. To better assessment, it calls for the importance of democratic accountability as a complementary perspective (to consolidology) in measuring the progress of democracy in the country. 
SULFATION PATHWAYS: The steroid sulfate axis and its relationship to maternal behaviour and mental health
Authors: Davies William
Published: February 2018

Steroid hormones can exist in functionally dissociable sulfated and non-sulfated (free) forms and can exert profound effects on numerous aspects of mammalian physiology; the ratio of free-to-sulfated steroids is governed by the antagonistic actions of steroid sulfatase (STS) and sulfotransferase (SULT) enzymes. Here, I examine evidence from human and animal model studies, which suggests that STS and its major substrate (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEAS) and product (DHEA) can influence brain function, behaviour and mental health, before summarising how the activity of this axis varies throughout mammalian pregnancy and the postpartum period. I then consider how the steroid sulfate axis might impact upon normal maternal behaviour and how its dysfunction might contribute towards risk of postpartum psychiatric illness. Understanding the biological substrates underlying normal and abnormal maternal behaviour will be important for maximising the wellbeing of new mothers and their offspring.
Eu às vezes digo com as letras e outras vezes digo sem as letras, porque eu sei escrever. Evolución de trazos dialectais portugueses no século XX
Authors: Álvarez Pérez Xosé Afonso
Published: February 2018

Examínanse os cambios na distribución xeográfica e na frecuencia de uso que sufriron durante a segunda metade do s. XX cinco fenómenos dialectais do portugués europeo empregados para definir a Nova proposta de classificação dos dialectos portugueses de Lindley Cintra:1. Ausencia / presenza de distinción fonolóxica entre /b/ e /v/.2. Realización apical / predorsodental do fonema fricativo alveolar.3. Conservación / redución do fonema africado postalveolar xordo [tʃ].4. Conservación / redución do ditongo ou, realizado foneticamente como [ou̯] ou [au̯] 5. Conservación / redución do ditongo ei, realizado maioritariamente como [ei̯] / [ɐi̯].Analizouse cuantitativamente un extenso corpus de máis de 100.000 respostas contidas nos cuestionarios inéditos dos dous grandes atlas lingüísticos que describiron Portugal: o Atlas Lingüístico de la Península Ibérica (ALPI) que explorou o territorio luso en 1936 e 1953-1954, e o Atlas Lingüístico-Etnográfico de Portugal e da Galiza (ALEPG), realizado tamén en dúas quendas, 1973-1984 e 1988-1997. O exame cuantitativo (e comparativo) das dúas fontes permitiu afinar a delimitación xeográfica de cada fenómeno en cada época e obter resultados moito máis informativos sobre a súa vitalidade ca os transmitidos pola dialectoloxía clásica. En xeral, ponse de manifesto un forte retroceso dos marcadores dialectais nas últimas décadas, especialmente no que respecta a trazos como a realización africada, moi mal considerada entre a comunidade lingüística. Tamén se pode ver ás claras que as clasificacións dialectais tradicionais, amplamente utilizadas aínda hoxe, non sempre describen a situación real da lingua.
A atuação dos papeis sociais na mudança no sistema de tratamento no português brasileiro: análise de cartas pessoais (1870-1979)
Authors: Dos Santos Lopes Célia Regina , Lennertz Marcotulio Leonardo , De Oliveira Thiago Laurentino
Published: February 2018

Analisamos, neste trabalho, a emergência, no português brasileiro (PB), de um sistema variável de tratamento para a segunda pessoa do singular (2SG) envolvendo as formas tu e você na posição de sujeito. Para tanto, utilizamos uma amostra de cartas pessoais produzidas no estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período de 1870 a 1979. Objetivamos, ainda, controlar questões relativas às relações de poder e solidariedade (Brown e Gilman 1960), aos graus de parentesco e aos papeis sociais dos remetentes e destinatários das cartas. Como pressupostos teórico-metodológicos, adotamos aspectos da sociolinguística laboviana (Weinreich, Labov e Herzog 2006) e da sociolinguística histórica (Conde Silvestre 2007). Os resultados gerais indicaram que houve uma mudança de comportamento em relação às formas de 2SG ao longo do período investigado, com o espraiamento do você e seu caráter polifuncional nos diversos tipos de relação social simétrica e assimétrica e a redução gradativa do tu nas cartas pessoais.
SINIF I. DİV.1 ÇEKİMLİ VAKALARIN TEDAVİ İLE CİNSLER ARASI ÇİĞNEME PATERNLERİ VE OKLÜZYON DEĞİŞİMİ.
Authors: GİRAY Bilgin
Published: February 2018

Amaç: Amaç: Çalışmamız  Cinsler
arası  çiğneme paternlerinin çekimli ve
çekimsiz Klas II.Div.1 vakalarında 
ortodontik tedavi ile  altıncı
ayında görülen değişikliklerin incelenmesidirGereç ve Yöntemler:Büyüme
ve gelişimi kısmen bitmiş tedavi olmak istiyen kronolojik yaş ortalaması 16.8
yaş olan Klas II.Div.1      maloklüzyonlu
 n=31 bireyde altı ay aralıkla yapılan
prospektif klinik çalışmadır. Bu araştırmamızda ;  a) n=18 çekimsiz  klas II Div.1. b) Çekimli KlasII.Div1
n=13  c) Klas II.Div.1 n= 7 Erkek +n=6
Kızdan oluşan tedavi gören maloklüzyonlu bireylerdir. Çekim yapılan grup da  tedavi amacıyla alt ,üst çenede 4 no lu
dişler çekilmiştir.Bulgular::  Tedavinin
başlangıçında  Çekimsiz ile çekimli grup
arasında  Maximum
interküspal posizyon sol  (MxlntlTSCANT0)
Maximum total Kuvvet/zaman saniye  bir
ilişki (P<0.05) görülmüştür. Aynı ilişki Sağ tarafta Maximum interküspal
posizyon  (MxlntRTSCANT) da görülmüştürSonuçlar:: Çekimli Class II Div 1
vakalarında Tedavinin altı aylık periodunda Oklüzyon ,çiğneme performasyonu ve
JVA  ile TMD (temporamandibular disorder)
arasında her bir etkenin doğrudan bir korelasyon göstermemiştir. Ancak tedavi
ve gelişim ile cinsler arası  değişim
görülmedi ise de  İhtiyatlı yaklaşılarak
ilerliyen  zaman periodunda, tedavi sonu
ve retansiyon sonunda da gözlenmelidirAnahtar Kelimeler::  Oklüzyon, TMD,JVA
Photothermoelectric Detection of Phase Transitions in Liquid Thermoelectrics
Authors: C. Tripon  , M. Depriester  , I. Craciunescu  , D. Dadarlat  , A. H. Sahraoui
Published: February 2018

The recently introduced photothermoelectric technique (PTE) was applied to detect first order phase transitions in some liquid thermoelectrics (LTE). The investigated samples were based on dodecanol mixed with tetradodecylammonium nitrate (TDAN) and tetrabutylammonium nitrate (TBAN). It was demonstrated that the Seebeck effect, produced by a LTE, is an useful tool for the detection of phase transitions in the very same material. Additional photopyroelectric (PPE) measurements suported the obtained results.
Effects of Arrangement and Surface Roughness of Transverse Studs on Heat Transfer in Round Tubes
Authors: Jung-Yang San  , Chih-Hsuan Li
Published: February 2018

Four heat transfer enhancing tubes (tubes A – D) with transverse studs are fabricated and tested. The studs are regularly welded in the tubes at a pitch of 53.2 mm. The inner and outer diameters of the tubes are 13.3 and 17.3 mm, respectively. Tubes A, B and C use the same threaded studs (M4) as flow disturbing device, but the arrangements of the studs on the tube walls are different. Tube D adopts the same stud arrangement as tube A, but its studs are smooth instead of threaded. Air is the working fluid in the tubes. For the Reynolds number (Re) in the range of 4000 to 23000, fluid friction and heat transfer data of the four heat transfer enhancing tubes are measured and the results are compared with those of a smooth tube. The transverse studs are quite effective for enhancing the heat transfer in the tubes. Regardless of the Re value and stud arrangement, a twofold increase in the convection heat transfer coefficient can be achieved. It is also found that the stud arrangement and the stud surface roughness are insignificant to the heat transfer. A frequent variation in stud direction or a rough stud surface would result in an increase in pressure drop, instead of an increase in heat transfer.
Cement Stabilization/Solidification of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Sediments Aided by Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Cheng Zhu  , Xiaolei Jia  , Panyue Zhang  , Junpei Ye  , Hongjie Wang
Published: February 2018

Discharge of various wastewater containing heavy metals from metallurgical, chemical engineering industries, etc. into water body results in the accumulation of heavy metals in sediments of rivers and lakes, and further severe sediment contamination. When the severely contaminated sediments are dredged, they must be handled before disposal. In this paper, the dredged sediments were stabilized/solidified with cement aided by coal fly ash. The compressive strength of stabilization/solidification specimens decreased with the increase of sediment/binder ratio. All specimens showed a satisfactory compressive strength except that the compressive strength of the specimen with the high sediment/binder ration of 3.33 was lower than 0.35 MPa, the requirement of US EPA. Coal fly ash effectively acted as the binder, but the excessive addition of coal fly ash resulted in the reduction of specimen compressive strength. The pH of TCLP leachates for the specimens, which met the requirement of the compressive strength, was distributed between 11.07 and 12.50, and the heavy metal concentration of the TCLP leachates was lower than 0.029 mg/L. A similar trend of acid neutralization capacity of the stabilization/solidification specimens was observed as that of the compressive strength. Curing in a hermetically sealed plastic bag at ambient temperature and a longer curing period improved the stabilization/solidification effect. Humidity and temperature played an important role during curing period. Under an aggressive condition with a fixed leachate pH of 4, the stabilization/solidification technology increased the heavy metals fixed to 88.47%, 93.30% and 87.71% for zinc, lead and cadmium, respectively, and the concentration of zinc, lead and cadmium in the leachates was lower than the limits of the identification standards for hazardous wastes-identification for extraction toxicity (GB 5085.3-2007). So cement stabilization/solidification aided by coal fly ash can be an alternative disposal technology for dredged sediments contaminated by heavy metals.
Tasas de interés real neutrales y las normas internacionales de información financiera
Authors: Arrarte Mera Raúl Alberto
Published: February 2018

La presente investigación es del tipo exploratorio-descriptivo-cuantitativa basado en la construcción de flujos creciente y decreciente de ingresos futuros a tasas bajas y altas de interés, esto es, una simulación matemática. Los objetivos son: Evaluar cómo instaurar un factor de descuento neutral, a nivel de América Latina y el Caribe, para aplicar a las normas internacionales de información financiera. Verificar cómo estimar una tasa de interés real neutral. Estudiar si una tasa de interés real neutral normada y transparente coadyuva al combate contra el lavado de activos y la corrupción. Se concluye que, tanto en los países emergente y no emergente, se premia el uso eficiente de los instrumentos macroeconómicos con bajas tasas de interés, por lo contrario, elevadas tasas de interés a los países con superiores índices de inflación por manejo defectuoso de su economía. Confirmamos que es conveniente para nuestros países que el Banco Central de Reserva del Perú, y demás entidades afines de América Latina y el Caribe, normalicen trimestralmente las tasas de interés real neutrales a nivel regional, utilizando las dos lenguas oficiales de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU): español e inglés; aplicando criterios mundiales de instituciones reconocidas como: Reserva Federal de Estados Unidos de Norte América (FED), Bancos Centrales de Reserva de cada país y calificadora de riesgos J.P. Morgan Chase de New York; en base a una canasta de instrumentos como: tasa básica FED, tasas de inflación y/o devaluación, riesgo país, y costo administrativo del dinero.
La auditoria y los niveles de evasión tributaria
Authors: Rengifo Lozano Raúl
Published: February 2018

En nuestro país, la SUNAT viene haciendo grandes esfuerzos con el fin de orientar a todos aquellos contribuyentes que no cumplen con sus obligaciones fiscales frente al Estado, así mismo con aquellos que deben tributar y nunca lo han hecho. En ese contexto es muy difícil detectar a aquellas personas que nunca han tributado y que se encuentran dentro de la economía informal, así mismo, resulta más complicado aún determinar aquellas personas que tributan, pero lo realizan en forma indebida. El presente estudio es de tipo descriptivo, correlacional y de carácter aplicativo; llegándose a demostrar que la auditoría tiene incidencia en los controles de la evasión tributaria.
Implicancia de los canales de acceso financiero en la expansión de los créditos de consumo en el Perú
Authors: Ramos Reyes Joshep Ivan
Published: February 2018

La investigación permitió establecer la relación entre los canales de acceso financiero y los créditos de consumo en el Perú durante el periodo 2007-2016, circunscribiéndose el ámbito de análisis al acceso físico que tiene la población para acceder a servicios financieros. A partir de dicho objetivo, se realizó un análisis descriptivo sobre la relación entre las variables y se utilizaron dos aproximaciones basadas en el análisis de regresión y la determinación del coeficiente de correlación. Siendo así, se obtuvieron como principales resultados que existe una relación muy positiva entre las variables de interés. De este modo, se concluyó que los canales de acceso de oficinas y cajeros corresponsales son los factores que influyeron en la expansión de los créditos de consumo en el país, pero constituye una condición necesaria pero no suficiente para determinar la expansión de los créditos de consumo.
Ausencia de dirección y liderazgo y crecimiento de anomia en entidades del sector público en el Perú
Authors: Espinoza Valenzuela Alberto Benjamín
Published: February 2018

El Estado como toda organización necesita adoptar modelos de Dirección y Gerencia que aseguren los fines y objetivos del buen uso de los presupuestos públicos que se le asignan. Al respecto en los últimos años se ha evidenciado dos fenómenos que han imposibilitado este manejo. Por un lado, la ausencia de funcionarios con capacidad para sumir la Dirección y Gerencia en las Entidades Estatales en el Perú, y por otro, lado el accionar “punitivo” del servidor público caracterizado por la “anomia” sobre la que basa sus actos, el mismo que muchas veces es inculcado al interior del estado, por prácticas y accionar nada eficientes, eficaces y transparentes, sino adquiridos en su formación socio-cultural como es la “anomia moral” caracterizada por la llamada “ Tolerancia media”. Específicamente a través del presente trabajo se analizan y describen las características y tendencias del accionar del trabajador estatal ante estos dos fenómenos cuasi estructurales. Además de las consecuencias que esta situación genera en sus relaciones con el resto de la economía, caracterizada por altos niveles de corrupción y una inadecuada prestación de los servicios públicos para los cuales han sido creados, garantizando la efectividad del gasto en el marco normativo que la legalidad exige para el efecto.
Uso del coeficiente de correlación y desviación estándar en la selección de portafolios de activos financieros de renta variable
Authors: Gomero Gonzáles Nicko Alberto , Masuda Toyofuku Víctor Ricardo , Bazan Castillo Santiago
Published: February 2018

Una característica común de los mercados en donde se negocian activos financieros de renta variable y fija, es su volatilidad. Este escenario de incertidumbre genera oportunidades para acumular riqueza vía estructuración de portafolios óptimos, pero para ello es necesario que el inversionista maneje una serie de herramientas financieras, económicas, matemáticas entre otras, para optar por la mejor posición en este mercado. Por ello para validar los modelos de selección de portafolio se hizo uso de la estadística descriptiva, cuya operacionalización permitió desarrollar carteras de alto y bajo riesgo. El método que se utilizó para el desarrollo del presente trabajo fue de tipo descriptivo, utilizando para ello información histórica de diferentes acciones enlistadas en diferentes índices bursátiles. En el trabajo se llega a demostrar que a través del uso de herramientas estadísticas es posible estructurar portafolios con diferentes grados de riesgo, el cual es medido por la desviación típica, además determinar cómo las acciones reaccionan ante cambios en el mercado bursátil, determinado con ello la Beta de los activos.
Fulbright English Teaching Assistants: preparação conjunta de aulas e codeswitching numa comunidade de prática do programa idiomas sem fronteiras
Authors: Kirsch William , Sarmento Simone
Published: February 2018

This article discusses codeswitching in a community of practice generated by the Languages without Borders Program in a large public university in Southern Brazil. The corpus presented in this article consists of a synoptic chart with the description of 15 events involving at least one English Teaching Assistant (ETA) and has codeswitching as an integral feature, as well as the transcription ofone prototypical interactional event in which codeswitching happens. Ourinterpretation of the data suggests that (1) codeswitching is a central resource in these interactions, and that (2) these interactions seem to culminate in: (a) student teachers practicing and learning English and English-speaking culture from the ETAs, (b) ETAs practicing and learning Portuguese and Brazilian culture from the student teachers. In addition to that, codeswitching seems to be a style that demonstrates engagement in the community.
The teaching of English and Portuguese as additional languages
Authors: Editorial Team BELT+
Published: February 2018

...
Evaluation of Treatment Patterns and Survival Outcomes in Elderly Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Analysis
Authors: Shaib Walid L. , Jones Jeb S. , Goodman Michael , Sarmiento Juan M. , Maithel Shishir K. , Cardona Kenneth , Kane Sujata , Wu Christina , Alese Olatunji B. , El-Rayes Bassel F.
Published: February 2018

Background

Management of pancreatic cancer (PC) in elderly patients is unknown; clinical trials exclude patients with comorbidities and those of extreme age. This study evaluated treatment patterns and survival outcomes in elderly PC patients using linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and Medicare data.

Materials and Methods

Histology codes 8140, 8500, 8010, 8560, 8490, 8000, 8260, 8255, 8261, 8263, 8020, 8050, 8141, 8144, 8210, 8211, or 8262 in Medicare Parts A and B were identified. Data regarding demographic, characteristics, treatments, and vital status between 1998 and 2009 were collected from the SEER. Determinants of treatment receipt and overall survival were examined using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively.

Results

A total of 5,975 patients met inclusion. The majority of patients were non-Hispanic whites (85%) and female (55%). Most cases presented with locoregional stage disease (74%); 41% received only chemotherapy, 30% chemotherapy and surgery, 10% surgery alone, 3% radiation, and 16% no cancer-directed therapy. Patients with more advanced cancer, older age, and those residing in areas of poverty were more likely to receive no treatment. Among patients 66–74 years of age with locoregional disease, surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39–0.74) and surgery in combination with chemotherapy (HR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53–0.91) showed survival benefit as compared with the no treatment group. Among patients ≥75 years of age with locoregional disease, surgery alone (HR = 2.04; 95% CI: 0.87–4.8) or in combination with chemotherapy (HR = 1.59; 95% CI: 0.87–2.91) was not associated with better survival.

Conclusion

Treatment modality and survival differs by age and stage. Low socioeconomic status appears to be a major barrier to the receipt of PC therapy among Medicare patients.

Implications for Practice

Elderly patients with cancer are under-represented on clinical trials and usually have comorbid illnesses. The management of elderly patients with pancreatic cancer is unknown, with many retrospective experiences but low sample sizes. Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked data to analyze treatment patterns and survival of elderly patients with pancreatic cancer on a larger population scale, this study highlights treatment patterns and their effect on survival and proposes possible obstacles to access of care in elderly patients with pancreatic cancer other than Medicare coverage.
The Delft fundamentals: integration of disciplines, projects and analysis
Authors: Bekkering Henco , Hoekstra MaartenJan , Rooij Remon , Wagenaar Cor , Zeinstra Jurjen
Published: February 2018

As part of the renewal in 2013/2014 of the bachelor education curriculum in the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, a new study programme was prepared on the Fundamentals (in Dutch: Grondslagen) of spatial design. The teaching approach, visually presented by some examples and explained in this paper, consists of three closely related elements: (a) lectures and readings on basic concepts of architectural, urban and landscape architectural design, (b) a canon of 160 projects illustrating these concepts and (c) a typo-morphological project analysis exercise. This new, integrated programme was the follow-up of three former, separate study programmes, Basic Concepts of Architectural Design, Basic Concepts of Urban Design, and History of Architecture, Urbanism and Art. The faculty had serious doubts about the educational quality of those study programmes, consisting of 11 small courses of only one or two EC. The curriculum renewal brought a fresh look at study contents, teaching approach and assessment strategies, based on the didactic principles of integrated learning.
Adhesion performance of a universal adhesive in the root canal: Effect of irrigation/adhesive protocol v2
Authors: Jowkar Zahra
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Universal adhesives are new systems that can be used in etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etch (SE) modes. This in vitro study evaluated the bonding performance of a universal adhesive in ER mode and SE mode with two irrigants for luting fiber posts in the root canal. Materials and Methods: After separation of the roots from the crowns of 56 maxillary central incisors and endodontic treatment, 10-mm post space was prepared. The roots were divided into seven groups according to irrigant/adhesive protocol used for cementation of posts: 1) sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigant + acid etching + One-Step Plus, 2) NaOCl + Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) and 3) EDTA + CSE as controls; 4) NaOCl + All-Bond Universal (AB) in ER mode, 5) NaOCl + AB in SE mode, 6) EDTA + AB in SE mode, 7) distilled water + AB in SE mode. Posts were luted using Duo-link. The bonded roots were sectioned into microslices. After push-out bond strength (PBS) testing, data in MPa were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.05).
Validation of an adapted version of Visual Analogue Scale to measure the subjective perception of orgasmic intensity in females: The Orgasmometer - Females v1
Authors: Mollaioli Daniele , Di Sante Stefania , Limoncin Erika , Ciocca Giacomo , Luca Gravina Giovanni , Maseroli Elisa , Fanni Egidia , Vignozzi Linda , Maggi Mario , Lenzi Andrea , A. Jannini Emmanuele
Published: February 2018

The female orgasm represents one of the most complex phenomena in the field of Sexual Medicine. The conjunction of the anatomical, physiological, psycho-relational and socio-cultural components contributes to make the female orgasm still partly unclear. The female orgasmic experience, its correlates and the relation with sexual desire, arousal and lubrication as predictors are highly debated in scientific community. In this context, little is known about the impact of female sexual dysfunction (SD) on sexual pleasure expressed by subjective orgasmic intensity, and there are no suitable psychometric tools suited to investigate this dimension. Thus, we validate an adapted version of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) named Orgasmometer in female subjects, to verify if SD is accompanied by a lower perceived orgasmic intensity. A total of 526 women, recruited through a web-based platform and from sexological outpatient clinic, were enrolled in the study. They were divided into, on the basis of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score in two groups: 1) 112women suffering from SD, (SD Group); and 2) 414 sexually healthy women (Control Group). The participants were requested to fill out the Orgasmometer, recording orgasmic intensity on a Likert scale from 0 (absence of orgasmic intensity) to 10 (maximum orgasmic intensity experienced). Women with SD experienced significantly lower orgasmic intensity than controls, as measured by Orgasmometer (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, masturbatory frequency was positively correlated with orgasmic intensity, as were the lubrication, orgasm and sexual satisfaction domains of the FSFI. The Orgasmometer was well understood, had a good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93) and a high AUC in differentiating between women with and without sexual dysfunction (AUC = 0.9; p < 0.0001). The ROC curve analysis showed that a cut-off <5 had 86.5% sensitivity (95% CI 82,8 – 89,6), 80.4% specificity (95% CI 71.8 – 87.3), 75.4% positive predictive value (PPV) and 89.5% negative predictive value (NPV). In conclusion, the Orgasmometer, a new psychometrically sound tool for measuring orgasmic intensity in female population, demonstrated that SD impair orgasmic intensity.
Cultura Sonidera: Interview with Livia Radwanski
Authors: Radwanski Livia , Casemajor Natalie , Straw Will
Published: February 2018

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Short-term effects of additional sensory information in mobility and gait speed in older fallers
Authors: Carvalho Isabela Feitosa de , Leme Gianluca Loyolla Montanari , Scheicher Marcos Eduardo
Published: February 2018

Background: Postural balance consists of information emanating from the interaction of visual, somatosensory and vestibular systens. This information is impaired in aging, leading to postural control changes in the elderly, increasing the risk of falls in this population. The postural balance may be improved with the addition of sensory information, such as a subpatelar bandage. Objective: To investigate the effect of using additional sensory information in gait speed and functional mobility of older fallers. Methods: 28 elderly women were evaluated, all were considered fallers. The test Timed Up and Go (TUG) was used to assess functional mobility and 10m Test to evaluate the gait speed. The tests were performed with and without the addition of additional sensory information (subpatelar strip). The normality was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test and the results were compared using paired Student t test and Wilcoxon test. Results: There was significant difference in the TUG (p = 0.0006) and in the gait speed (p = 0.004) with and without subpatelar strip. Conclusion: The use of additional sensory information increased the gait speed and functional mobility of older fallers.
Resistance training and cardiovascular autonomic modulation in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sardeli Amanda V , Heeren Marcelo V , Magalhães Lucia S , Rodrigues Bruno , Cavaglieri Cláudia R , Chacon-Mikahil Mara Patrícia T
Published: February 2018

Background. Studies investigating resistance training (RT) effects on cardiovascular autonomic modulation (CAM) have shown controversial results. Objective. To address the effect of RT on CAM in humans, in healthy and unhealthy individuals by analysing the findings of previous studies. Methods. An updated search (MEDLINE on January 18, 2016) found 19 studies testing the basal heart rate variability (HRV) before and after a RT intervention in humans. Results. Although, some individual studies showed significant effects from RT on HRV in both directions, the overall effect (standard difference in means) was not significantly on all HRV parameters analysed (time and frequency domains). No RT subgroup (samples and protocols features) presented significant effect on sympathovagal balance, limiting the comprehension about these variations. Conclusion. We conclude RT does not change humans CAM.
A Systemically Collaborative Approach to Achieving Equity in Higher Education
Authors: Prystowsky Richard
Published: February 2018

Colleges and universities have long recognized the need to address inequities affecting students from underrepresented or underserved groups. Despite efforts undertaken by dedicated individuals, large-scale, national change in this area has not been realized. In this article, we address two major factors underlying this disappointing result—the structures of isolation common in our institutions of higher learning, and the inadequate addressing of our own implicit biases—and offer a model of systemic collaboration aimed at ameliorating these problems so that colleges and universities throughout the nation can achieve the equity goals that have proved so elusive for so many of them.
The Heavy Lifting of Diversity: A Need for Scholar Administrators
Authors: Saffold Jacinta
Published: February 2018

Technological innovation and new economic terrain of the twenty-first century has called for higher education to re-examine how interdisciplinary ethnic studies and minority serving programs are positioned in the twenty-first century. This essay considers the utility of spaces like Black Studies departments and programs like the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship within the structure of Liberal Arts education today from the vantage a recent graduate. In the wake increasing hostility towards minority students and unfavorable media coverage of incidents on campus, colleges and universities must consider how rolling back minority focused academic and programmatic offerings alongside dramatic increases in contingent faculty and administrative staff hiring has left cultural voids. As Liberal Arts educators grapple with narrowing budget constraints and changing campus climates, the call for higher education employees who understand why disciplinary and programmatic offerings are tied to campus climate and how to use such resources grows louder. Scholar Administrators, in their ability to straddle the historically divisive line between faculty and staff, can help usher in a type of diversity that allows each student, faculty, and staff person to bear witness to the humanity in others, which ultimately is the heavy lifting of diversity.
The Changing Roles and Contributions of Campus Diversity Offices and Their Influence on Campus Culture
Authors: Suarez Carmen , Anderson Myron , Young Kathryn
Published: February 2018

Higher education has struggled to include and support students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented and marginalized groups. In recent years, universities have decided to address these struggles explicitly using a variety of different approaches to better support these groups from mandatory trainings to optional events, from external audits to internal campus climate surveys. One promising approach to providing support to marginalized groups has been to employ campus diversity officers and offices. These offices operate at the executive level and take on campus-wide leadership responsibilities, incorporating inclusive excellence and an equity perspective throughout campus policies, functions and culture. In this article programmatic and policy efforts at two public universities are detailed, spotlighting systemic-proactive and individual-reactive policies and programs needed to advance access, diversity, equity, and inclusion across institutions of higher education. Although the approaches each university takes are site and context specific, they both use the role of chief diversity officer to marshal policy and programmatic change to improve the educational experiences for all who work at and learn at these institutions.
A study of utilization pattern of drugs in HIV positive patients at antiretroviral therapy centre of a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Parmar Shailesh P. , Sharma Jay Kumar , Trivedi Hiren R.
Published: February 2018

Background: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and subsequent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a major public health problem. Treatment and therapeutic guidelines have evolved over a period of time. Drug utilization study helps to evaluate changing pattern of drug use, compliance with national guidelines and rational use of drugs.Methods: Authors conducted observational, non interventional, descriptive study in outdoor HIV positive patients for one year. We have analysed collected data using descriptive statistics to determine drug use indicators and utilization pattern of drugs.Results: Study showed that average number of drugs per encounter was 3.96. The most commonly prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) regime was combination of zidovudine, lamivudine with nevirapine (51.92%). Among antiretroviral drugs prescribed, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (49.45%) were the most common drug subclass and lamivudine (33.33%) was the most common antiretroviral drug. Second most common medication class was antibacterial agents (18.77%) and co-trimoxazole (10.11%) was the most common antibacterial agent. The third most commonly prescribed drug class was vitamins namely folic acid and multivitamins (2.63 %). Percentage of encounters with an antibiotic prescribed was 41.46%. Tuberculosis was the most common opportunistic infection. In 90.05% of encounters with ART prescriptions, adherence was more than 95%.Conclusions: Overall the results suggest that the prescribing pattern to be in accordance with national guidelines and reflect changing patterns of drug usage in HIV positive patients in World. Drug use indicators reflect rational approach to prescribing pattern.
Phonetic Perception and Pronunciation Difficulties of Russian Language (From a Canadian Perspective)
Authors: Marren Alyssa
Published: February 2018

This study looked at the most important problems from previously discovered issues of learning Russian, focusing on the students at the University of Victoria. Conclusions made would help professors know the future steps to be taken in assisting students in becoming proficient in Russian. Two groups of students were studied: a group only recently introduced to proper pronunciation and another group who worked extensively for three months on techniques for proper pronunciation. From the two groups of participants, recordings were used to compare the groups to see which problems were apparent at the beginning and which problems continued into higher levels of learning. For both groups, the most important problem was word stress, which, in Russian, differs greatly from English. Other issues found included vowel reduction, palatalization of vowels, assimilation of prepositions to the following word, and intonation. However, the group who worked extensively on these pronunciation issues showed far more improvement than those only introduced to the concepts. It was also discovered that these issues are not resolved subconsciously, and a great deal of time must be spent focusing on them to ensure pronunciation problems do not continue into the more advanced levels of Russian learning. Future steps to be taken in research pertaining to Russian language learning would include how much emphasis instructors of Russian should put on these issues and when the problems disappear.
Studies on genetic variability and character association for yield and yield related traits in french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Lyngdoh Y. A. , Thapa Umesh , Shadap A. , Singh Jogendra , Tomar B. S.
Published: February 2018

Eighteen genotypes of french bean were evaluated for genetic variability and correlation studies for pod yield and its attributing characters. Both GCV and PCV corresponded closely for all the characters indicating low environmental influence. Highest GCV and PCV were recorded for seed weight per pod (145.12 % and 144.87%, respectively). The highest heritability estimate was observed for number of pods per plant (99.71 %). Pod yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated with number of pods per plant, flower per inflorescence, pod set per inflorescence, plant height and number of leaves per plant. Six characters viz., number of pods per plant (0.917), pod girth (0.791), plant height (0.765), flowers per inflorescence (0.529), pod length (0.284) and days to first flowering (0.134) had high and positive direct effect on pod yield. Therefore, plant height, flower per inflorescence and number of pods per plant emerged as the three most important characters influencing pod yield and selection based on these characters may improve the pod yield.
Deteriorative changes in enzyme activity of non-invigorated and invigorated soybean seeds (Glycine max [L.]Merrill, cv. Soyamax)
Authors: Bhattacharya S. , Guha P. , Mandal A. K.
Published: February 2018

Pre-storage seed invigoration treatment in freshly harvested soybean seeds (Glycine max [L.]Merrill, cv. Soyamax) with powdered crude plant materials (red chilli powder@1g/kg of seed; neem leaf powder@2g/kg of seed), chemicals (iodinated calcium carbonate@2g/kg of seed; para-amino benzoic acid and ferulic acid@500mg/kg of seed) and; pharmaceuticals (aspirin @50mg/kg of seed) significantly improved germinability, field performance and productivity over control. Among the treatments, Ferulic acid, aspirin and para-amino benzoic acid showed better results in improving storability and field performance. The wet treatments, soaking-drying showed adverse effect on germinability due to soaking injury. Biochemical studies revealed that the activity of dehydrogenase, amylase (a, b free and b bound), catalase and peroxidase enzymes were higher in all dry treated seeds compared to the untreated control. Among the treatments, ferulic acid followed by aspirin has shown higher enzyme activity. On the basis of the results, pre-storage dry treatments with ferulic acid, aspirin and para-amino benzoic acid may be suggested for improving storability and field performance of stored soybean seed.
Síntesis, análisis estructural, estabilidad química, estudio magnético y efecto percolativo eléctrico del compositor GdBa2Cu3O7−δ /Sr2GdSbO6
Authors: Montana Quintero Nilzon
Published: February 2018

En este trabajo se reporta la síntesis de los materiales Sr2GdSbO6 (SGSO) y GdBa2Cu3O7−δ (GBCO),por el método de reacción en estado sólido y de compósitos GdBa2Cu3O7−δ /Sr2GdSbO6 (GBCO/SGSO)en diferentes proporciones volumétricas. La caracterización estructural de los compuestos sintetizadosse realizó por medio de difracción de rayos X, usando el método de re namiento Rietveld, realizando un análisis cuantitativo de fases en volumen. Los resultados obtenidos permiten con rmar que los dos materiales (GBCO/SGSO) son estables químicamente, coexistiendo en un mismo volumen a 900 C. También se encontró, mediante medidas de magnetización, que el GBCO contenido en cada uno de los diferentescompósitos, conservó sus propiedades superconductoras, ya que se obtuvo la transición al estado supercon- ductor por debajo de una temperatura de 90 K. La caracterización morfológica se realizó mediante medidas de microscopia electrónica de barrido (SEM) y análisis elemental mediante medidas de espectroscopia de energía dispersiva (EDX). El estudio eléctrico se realizó mediante medidas de voltaje en función de la corriente a temperatura ambiente y posterior cálculo de la resistividad volumétrica. El estudio del efecto percolativo se llevó a cabo mediante el cálculo del volumen crítico y de los exponentes críticos en cada una de las fases aislante y conductora, usando el modelo de Kussy [1] y el modelo de respuesta no lineal semi clásica Random Resitor cum Tunelling bond Network (RRTN) [2] contrastando los exponentes críticos, con los encontrados en la literatura.