bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram Based on Cytokines for Cardiovascular Diseases in Xinjiang Kazakhs
Authors: Mao Lei , Zhang Xianghui , Hu Yunhua , Wang Xinping , Song Yanpeng , He Jia , Yang Wenwen , Ma Jiaolong , Yan Yizhong , Mu Lati , Zhang Jingyu , Wang Kui , Guo Heng , Ma Rulin , Guo Shuxia
Published: May 2019

Background. This study involved the development of a predictive 5-year morbidity nomogram for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Xinjiang Kazakhs based on cytokine levels. Methods. The nomogram was based on a baseline survey of the town of Nalati in the Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang from 2009 to 2013. By 2016, we had monitored 1508 people for a median time of 5.17 years and identified CVD events in the study population by collecting case information from local hospitals. The study population was divided into the training (n=1005) and validation cohorts (n=503) in a 2 : 1 ratio. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to verify the predictive accuracy of the nomogram. The result was assessed in a validation cohort. Results. At the end of the study, the incidence of CVD in Xinjiang Kazakhs was found to be 11.28%. We developed a new nomogram to predict the 5-year incidence of CVD based on age, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and adiponectin (APN) levels, diastolic blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. The AUC for the predictive accuracy of the nomogram was 0.836 (95% confidence interval: 0.802–0.869), which was higher than that for IL-6 and APN. These results were supported by validation studies. Conclusions. The nomogram model can more directly assess the risk of CVD in Kazakhs and can be used for CVD risk assessment.
A Benchmarking of Learning Strategies for Pest Detection and Identification on Tomato Plants for Autonomous Scouting Robots Using Internal Databases
Authors: Gutierrez Aitor , Ansuategi Ander , Susperregi Loreto , Tubío Carlos , Rankić Ivan , Lenža Libor
Published: May 2019

Greenhouse crop production is growing throughout the world and early pest detection is of particular importance in terms of productivity and reduction of the use of pesticides. Conventional eye observation methods are nonefficient for large crops. Computer vision and recent advances in deep learning can play an important role in increasing the reliability and productivity. This paper presents the development and comparison of two different approaches for vision based automated pest detection and identification, using learning strategies. A solution that combines computer vision and machine learning is compared against a deep learning solution. The main focus of our work is on the selection of the best approach based on pest detection and identification accuracy. The inspection is focused on the most harmful pests on greenhouse tomato and pepper crops, Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. A dataset with a huge number of infected tomato plants images was created to generate and evaluate machine learning and deep learning models. The results showed that the deep learning technique provides a better solution because (a) it achieves the disease detection and classification in one step, (b) gets better accuracy, (c) can distinguish better between Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and (d) allows balancing between speed and accuracy by choosing different models.
Authentication and Authorization for Mobile IoT Devices Using Biofeatures: Recent Advances and Future Trends
Authors: Ferrag Mohamed Amine , Maglaras Leandros , Derhab Abdelouahid
Published: May 2019

Biofeatures are fast becoming a key tool to authenticate the IoT devices; in this sense, the purpose of this investigation is to summarise the factors that hinder biometrics models’ development and deployment on a large scale, including human physiological (e.g., face, eyes, fingerprints-palm, or electrocardiogram) and behavioral features (e.g., signature, voice, gait, or keystroke). The different machine learning and data mining methods used by authentication and authorization schemes for mobile IoT devices are provided. Threat models and countermeasures used by biometrics-based authentication schemes for mobile IoT devices are also presented. More specifically, we analyze the state of the art of the existing biometric-based authentication schemes for IoT devices. Based on the current taxonomy, we conclude our paper with different types of challenges for future research efforts in biometrics-based authentication schemes for IoT devices.
Coping Strategies in Migraine without Aura: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Russo Antonio , Santangelo Gabriella , Tessitore Alessandro , Silvestro Marcello , Trojsi Francesca , De Mase Antonio , Garramone Federica , Trojano Luigi , Tedeschi Gioacchino
Published: May 2019

Background. In the context of a causal relationship between stress and migraine, coping strategies are aimed at managing stressful life events and reducing the distressing emotions connected to them. Methods. Sixty-one consecutive patients with migraine without aura (MwoA) and sixty-one healthy controls (HCs) completed three self-report questionnaires assessing a broad range of coping (cognitive and behavioural) strategies: the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation (CISS), and the Proactive Coping Inventory (PCI). Moreover, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a scale measuring self-perception of stress, global cognitive functioning, depressive symptoms, apathy, state, and trait anxiety, was administered to all participants. Results. No significant difference was found on the scales and subscales of PCI and CISS as well as in the PSS between MwoA patients and HCs. However, the two groups showed different scores in the subscale “turning to religion” of COPE (22.08±5.19 in migraineurs vs. 24.70±4.44 in HCs, p=0.003). A significant negative correlation of the turning to religion score with the HIT-6 score was found. Conclusions. The present study revealed that MwoA patients show a significantly reduced use of the “turning to religion” approach, an emotion-focused coping strategy. Although migraine patients appeared to be less oriented to transcendent (that means a reduced utilization of an adaptive coping strategy), they did not perceive daily living as more stressful than HCs. Finally, the reduced utilization of the “turning to religion” coping strategy is associated with a great impact of migraine on ability to function on the job or at school, at home, and in social situations in migraine patients.
Stem Cell Therapy: A Compassionate Use Program in Perianal Fistula
Authors: Herreros M. D. , Garcia-Olmo D. , Guadalajara H. , Georgiev-Hristov T. , Brandariz L. , Garcia-Arranz M.
Published: May 2019

Aim. To report our experience in a compassionate use program for complex perianal fistula. Methods. Under controlled circumstances and approved by European and Spanish laws, a compassionate use program allows the use of stem cell therapy for patients with nonhealing diseases, mostly complex fistula-in-ano, who do not meet criteria to be included in a clinical trial. Candidates had previously undergone multiple surgical interventions that had failed. The intervention consisted of surgery (with closure of the internal opening or a surgical flap performance), followed by stem cell injection. Three types of cells were used for implant: stromal vascular fraction, autologous expanded adipose-derived, or allogenic adipose-derived stem cells. Healing was evaluated at 6th month follow-up. Outcome was classified as partial response or healing. Relapse was evaluated 1 year later. Maximum follow-up period was 48 months. Results. 45 patients (24 male) were included; the mean age was 45 years, which ranged from 24 to 69 years. Since some of them received repeated doses, 52 cases were considered (42 fistula-in-ano, 7 rectovaginal fistulas, 1 urethrorectal fistula, 1 sacral fistula, and 1 hidradenitis suppurativa). Regarding fistula-in-ano, there were 18 Crohn’s-associated and 24 cryptoglandular. 49 cases (94.2%) showed partial response starting 6.5 weeks of follow-up. 24 cases (46.2%) healed in a mean time of 5.5 months. A year later, all patients cured remained healed. No adverse effects related to stem cell therapy were reported. Conclusion. Stem cells are safe and useful for treating anal fistulae. Healing can be achieved in severe cases.
Muscular Force Patterns during Level Walking in ACL-Deficient Patients with a Concomitant Medial Meniscus Tear
Authors: Huang Hongshi , Yin Wei , Ren Shuang , Yu Yuanyuan , Zhang Si , Rong Qiguo , Ao Yingfang
Published: May 2019

Background. The abnormal knee joint motion patterns caused by anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency are thought to be associated with articular cartilage degeneration. High rates of meniscus tear combined with ACL rupture are observed, and these knees suffer a higher risk of early cartilage degeneration. Research Question. This study investigated lower limb muscular force patterns of ACL-deficient knees with a concomitant medial meniscus tear. Methods. 12 volunteers and 22 patients were recruited, including 12 patients with isolated ACL deficiency (ACLD) and 10 ACL-deficient patients with a concomitant medial meniscus tear (ACLDM). Level walking data at a self-selected speed were collected before surgery. Then, a musculoskeletal dynamic analysis system, AnyBody, was applied to simulate tibiofemoral flexion moments and muscle forces. Results. Our results indicate that the tibiofemoral peak flexion and extension moments in ACLDM patients are significantly lower than in controls. The rectus femoris force in ACLDM patients was significantly lower than in isolated ACL-deficient patients and the controls during mid and terminal stance phase, while no significant difference was found in hamstring and vastus force. Additionally, the gastrocnemius force in ACL-deficient patients both with and without a medial meniscus tear was lower than in controls during mid-stance phase. Significance. The ACLDM patients had lower peak tibiofemoral flexion moment, lower gastrocnemius force in mid-stance phase, and lower rectus femoris force during the mid and terminal stance phase. These results may help clinicians to better understand the muscle function and gait pattern in ACL-deficient patients with a concomitant medial meniscus tear.
Design and Experimental Assessment of a 2D Microwave Imaging System for Brain Stroke Monitoring
Authors: Tobon Vasquez Jorge A. , Scapaticci Rosa , Turvani Giovanna , Bellizzi Gennaro , Joachimowicz Nadine , Duchêne Bernard , Tedeschi Enrico , Casu Mario R. , Crocco Lorenzo , Vipiana Francesca
Published: May 2019

The aim of this paper is to present and experimentally verify the first prototype of a microwave imaging system specifically designed and realized for the continuous monitoring of patients affected by brain stroke, immediately after its onset and diagnosis. The device is a 2D version of the 3D system, currently under construction, and consists of an array of 12 printed monopole antennas connected to a two-port vector network analyzer through a switching matrix so that each antenna can act as a transmitter or receiver, thereby allowing the acquisition of the entire multistatic multiview scattering matrix required for the imaging. The system has been experimentally tested on 2D phantoms with electric properties mimicking the brain. The presence and the evolution of the stroke have been reproduced by filling a proper cavity in the phantom with a liquid having the electric properties of blood. A differential approach has been adopted by acquiring the scattering matrix before and after the filling of the blood cavity. The so achieved differential dataset has been processed by means of a linear imaging algorithm in order to reconstruct the stroke location and dimension. Moreover, the effect of pre- and postprocessing operations on the measured data is investigated. A good agreement has been obtained between the reconstructions and the actual scenario. As a final remark, it is worth noting that the entire data acquisition and processing are sufficiently fast to allow a real-time monitoring.
Regular Analysis of Aero-Diesel Piston Engine between Combustion Chamber Size and Emission
Authors: Pan Zhongjian , Deng Yu , Cheng Lizhi
Published: May 2019

The emission of aero-engines has been a focused issue, studying the regular of combustion chamber size on engine emission performance, with an aviation diesel piston engine as the object of study; the numerical model of diesel combustion spray and emission model are analyzed; and the dynamics grid of the combustion chamber is meshed by FIRE software, analyzing the relationship between the reentrant diameter, the maximum depth of the combustion chamber, and the emission generation, comparing the NOx and soot emissions under different combustion chamber sizes. The results show that reducing appropriately the reentrant-max diameter ratio and max diameter-max depth ratio of the combustion chamber can reduce emissions when maintaining the same compression ratio by adjusting the mid-depth. Modifying the geometry parameters of the combustion chamber to verify regularity, it was found that engine NOx emission decreased by 28% and soot emission decreased by 3.6% when changing the size, which verified the correctness of regular analysis.
Exosomes Derived from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulated by Deferoxamine Accelerate Cutaneous Wound Healing by Promoting Angiogenesis
Authors: Ding Jianing , Wang Xin , Chen Bi , Zhang Jieyuan , Xu Jianguang
Published: May 2019

The exosomes are derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and may be potentially used as an alternative for cell therapy, for treating diabetic wounds, and aid in angiogenesis. This study, aimed to investigate whether exosomes originated from bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) preconditioned by deferoxamine (DFO-Exos) exhibited superior proangiogenic property in wound repair and to explore the underlying mechanisms involved. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for assays involving cell proliferation, scratch wound healing, and tube formation. To test the effects in vivo, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were established. Two weeks after the procedure, histological analysis was used to measure wound-healing effects, and the neovascularization was evaluated as well. Our findings demonstrated that DFO-Exos activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via miR-126 mediated PTEN downregulation to stimulate angiogenesis in vitro. This contributed to enhanced wound healing and angiogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in vivo. Our results suggest that, in cell-free therapies, exosomes derived from DFO preconditioned stem cells manifest increased proangiogenic ability.
Arterial Stiffness Due to Carotid Calcification Disrupts Cerebral Blood Flow Regulation and Leads to Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Muhire Gervais , Iulita M. Florencia , Vallerand Diane , Youwakim Jessica , Gratuze Maud , Petry Franck R. , Planel Emmanuel , Ferland Guylaine , Girouard Hélène
Published: May 2019

Background

Arterial stiffness is associated with cognitive decline and dementia; however, the precise mechanisms by which it affects the brain remain unclear.

Methods and Results

Using a mouse model based on carotid calcification this study characterized mechanisms that could contribute to brain degeneration due to arterial stiffness. At 2 weeks postcalcification, carotid stiffness attenuated resting cerebral blood flow in several brain regions including the perirhinal/entorhinal cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus, determined by autoradiography (
P
<0.05). Carotid calcification impaired cerebral autoregulation and diminished cerebral blood flow responses to neuronal activity and to acetylcholine, examined by laser Doppler flowmetry (
P
<0.05,
P
<0.01). Carotid stiffness significantly affected spatial memory at 3 weeks (
P
<0.05), but not at 2 weeks, suggesting that cerebrovascular impairments precede cognitive dysfunction. In line with the endothelial deficits, carotid stiffness led to increased blood‐brain barrier permeability in the hippocampus (
P
<0.01). This region also exhibited reductions in vessel number containing collagen
IV
(
P
<0.01), as did the somatosensory cortex (
P
<0.05). No evidence of cerebral microhemorrhages was present. Carotid stiffness did not affect the production of mouse amyloid‐β (Aβ) or tau phosphorylation, although it led to a modest increase in the Aβ40/Aβ42 ratio in frontal cortex (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that carotid stiffness alters brain microcirculation and increases blood‐brain barrier permeability associated with cognitive impairments. Therefore, arterial stiffness should be considered a relevant target to protect the brain and prevent cognitive dysfunctions.
Alpha Frequency Entrainment Reduces the Effect of Visual Distractors
Authors: Wiesman Alex I. , Wilson Tony W.
Published: May 2019

Numerous studies have linked alpha frequency (∼10 Hz) visual entrainment to the inhibition of incoming visual information. However, although these studies have provided key evidence for the intrinsic sensitivity of the human brain to incoming alpha frequency signals, they have only examined the negative impact of alpha entrainment on target stimuli. Thus, it remains uncertain whether the perception of distracting or nonimperative stimuli can also be affected by alpha frequency entrainment. In the current study, we address this question using an adapted version of the arrow-based Erikson “flanker” paradigm that incorporates stimuli flickering at two distinct frequencies: 10 Hz (alpha) and 30 Hz. By presenting flickering stimuli in the portions of the visual field where the flanking arrows would soon appear, we aimed to determine whether the frequency of visual entrainment (i.e., 10 Hz vs. 30 Hz) significantly interacted with the congruency of the flanking arrows (representing selective attention processing) using behavioral task performance and neural oscillations as the outcome metrics. Twenty-three healthy adult participants underwent magnetoencephalography during performance of the task. Our results indicated a reduced congruency effect (i.e., a smaller difference between congruent and incongruent trials) in the alpha flicker condition, as compared with the 30-Hz flicker condition, which suggests a robust relationship between alpha entrainment and the active inhibition of distractor stimuli appearing in that portion of the visual field. Supporting this, alpha frequency (but not 30 Hz) entrainment responses in the primary visual cortex also covaried significantly with the behavioral congruency effect.
Companion-Animal Relinquishment: Exploration of the Views Expressed by Primary Stakeholders within Published Reviews and Commentaries
Authors: Lambert Kim , Coe Jason , Nie Lee , Dewey Cate , Sargeant Jan M.
Published: May 2019

There is a need to further understand companion-animal relinquishment in order to prevent it. This study explored published reviews and commentaries, written by primary stakeholders, on companion-animal relinquishment, including 77 reviews and commentaries published between 1973 and 2011. The analysis-method framework is conducive to analyzing reviews and commentaries on a complex social phenomenon such as companion-animal relinquishment. Four themes emerged: identified reasons caretakers relinquish, solutions to relinquishment, euthanasia as an outcome of relinquishment, and the role of research in addressing relinquishment. Research-based views about reasons for relinquishment were most commonly discussed. Only a few research articles were cited, highlighting the impact of these few studies on stakeholders’ perceptions. The predominant solution discussed was education, while future research suggestions focused on investigating interventions. Findings provide insight into the influences on stakeholders’ views, including their use and interpretation of existing research.
Emerging Attitudes towards Nonhuman Animals among Spanish University Students
Authors: Díaz Estela M.
Published: May 2019

Attitudes towards nonhuman animals remain an interesting area of study, especially in non-English-speaking countries in which little research has been conducted. The present paper examines the attitudes of Spanish university students (n = 481) towards 21 nonhuman animal uses and practices as well as attitudes towards human-animal similarities. To determine which variables might underlie those attitudes, this paper analyzes individual correlations and differences based on 11 psychosocial-demographic factors. Highlights from the results are as follows. First, not all animal uses and not all human-animal attributes are perceived equally. Second, there are minor but significant associations between attitudes towards animals and psychosocial- demographic factors. Lastly, the study identifies three clusters of tendencies of animal attitudes: “reckless-speciesist” (28.6%), “caress-speciesist” (45.8%), and “non-speciesist” (25.6%). The findings suggest a need to segment the target audience, to differentiate between goals, and to adapt messages accordingly when designing more effective strategies intended to foster a pro-animal ecosystem.
A Possible Chiastic Center for Primary History (Genesis-2 Kings)
Authors: Messmer Andrew
Published: May 2019

This article builds on the theory that Genesis-2 Kings is a continuous narrative by suggesting that Deut 6:4ff. is the chiastic center.
Sacred Sites as a Threat to Environmental Justice?
Authors: Cladis Mark S.
Published: May 2019

I explore the intersection of environmental spirituality and environmental justice with special attention given to indigenous ecologies. Indigenous communities often employ the language of discrete “sacred sites” to protect portions of their lands from environmental harm. However, the concept of the sacred in Western traditions is typically accompanied by its binary opposite, the profane. Do protected sacred sites implicitly license harm to such “profane” sites as low-income sacrifice zones? Is environmental spirituality in tension with environmental justice? After explicating this problem, I resolve it by exploring indigenous notions of the sacred—notions that are not binary. Indigenous notions allow for treating some discrete lands as places of special power and healing while still maintaining that all lands are sacred and worthy of environmental protection. These are not hierarchical notions of the sacred but variegated ones (or what I call hózhó sacred weaves).
The Function of Tradition in Talmudic Culture: The Discussion about Decapitation
Authors: Blankovsky Yuval
Published: May 2019

This article, following a short methodological introduction, presents an analysis of the Talmudic discussion about the decapitation penalty. This short Talmudic passage has been commented upon by many prominent scholars. However, this article suggests a different reading, one based upon posing an additional interpretive question: “what is the author doing in composing the passage in this particular way?” The valuable insights of past scholars are not dismissed by my reading, but they are placed in a different context and hence possess different meanings. At the heart of my analysis is my ambition to articulate the central issue of the particular discourse in which these Talmudic sources participate. I add an explanation of the parallel Talmudic sources that explicate why each of the source’s authors chooses to present the shared tradition in his own particular way. I demonstrate the benefits of adding this interpretive question and the techniques for answering it.
The Netherlands: The 2018 Agreement between The Ocean Cleanup and the Netherlands
Authors: Roland Holst Rozemarijn
Published: May 2019

The Ocean Cleanup is a Dutch non-profit organisation on a mission to develop and deploy pioneering technology to rid the oceans of plastic. Considering the unique nature of the activity and the technology involved, it is not immediately self-evident which international regulations are directly applicable to this novel use of the high seas. The Dutch government, however, pledged to support the endeavour, and entered into a tailor-made Agreement with The Ocean Cleanup in order to ensure that its activities are conducted in accordance with general international law on maritime safety, the protection of the marine environment, and other legitimate uses of the high seas. This article reflects critically on the parties’ choice to base the Agreement ‘by analogy’ on the Law of the Sea Convention’s provisions on marine scientific research, and analyses the relationship of its core provisions with applicable international law, as well as identifying potential gaps.
Toward a Theology of Church Division
Authors: Kemp Matthew
Published: May 2019

Visible divisions between Christians undercut any theological claim of the church’s unity. Ecclesiology often neglects this disunity as a subject for theological reflection, instead defaulting to either a triumphalist account of a single ecclesial body or a spiritualized, ‘invisible’ unity. Both approaches ultimately avoid, and thus perpetuate, the problem. As a corrective to these trends, this paper considers two theologians who have taken the problem seriously: Carl Braaten and Ephraim Radner. Braaten interprets the Reformation as a renewal movement within the one church, and thus sees denominationalism as a temporary situation which must be directed toward renewal and reunion. Radner argues that the present divisions undermine the legitimacy of all churches, and seeks an ecclesiology that moves beyond any justification of these divisions. By putting Braaten and Radner in conversation, this essay puts forward six insights drawn from both that contribute to deepening theological reflection on church division.
The Catholic Church and the Early Stages of King Leopold II’s Colonial Projects in the Congo (1876–1886)
Authors: Lopes Pereira Jairzinho
Published: May 2019

In what follows I analyse the involvement of the Catholic Church in the early stages of King Leopold’s colonial projects in the Congo. I argue that in a moment of particular political frailty and seduced by the unique missionary opportunities that the King’s projects presented, the Holy See viewed the support for the Leopoldian projects in Africa as the only prudent decision. I demonstrate that, in Belgium, leading Catholic authorities promoted the King’s projects in the Congo under the premises of nationalism and patriotism.
The Conceptualisation of Africa in the Catholic Church
Authors: Nhaueleque Laura António , Bussotti Luca
Published: May 2019

This article aims to show the evolution of the conceptualisation of Africa according to the Catholic Church, using as its key references Daniele Comboni and Adalberto da Postioma, two Italian missionaries who lived in the 19th century and 20th century respectively. Through them, the article attempts to interpret how the Catholic Church has conceived and implemented its relationships with the African continent in the last two centuries. The article uses history to analyse the thought of the two authors using a qualitative and comparative methodology.
Des orphelinats sans orphelins ?
Authors: Bosa Bastien
Published: May 2019

Dans les premières décennies du vingtième siècle, un groupe de missionnaires capucins espagnols a construit, dans le nord de la Colombie, une série d’ établissements éducatifs qu’ ils appelèrent « orphelinats » (même si la plupart des enfants qui y étaient éduqués n’ étaient pas des orphelins) et qui représentaient la mise en place d’ une nouvelle stratégie de conversion/ civilisation des groupes indiens de la région après plusieurs décennies d’ échec. Cet article propose d’ analyser le processus ayant conduit les missionnaires à théoriser cette pratique de séparation des enfants de leur famille comme la plus pertinente pour réaliser leur travail d’ évangélisation. Comment cette méthode – considérée aujourd’ hui comme l’ une des plus controversées d’ un point de vue éthico-moral – a-t-elle été progressivement construite comme la meilleure solution pour convertir les populations indigènes du nord de la Colombie et les incorporer à la nation ? Et surtout, quels sont les registres argumentatifs que les missionnaires ont utilisés pour convaincre les pouvoirs publics d’ apporter leur soutien à cette entreprise fondée sur l’ enlèvement des enfants indigènes à leurs familles ?
Lying, Denying, or Justifying?
Authors: Edel Mirjam
Published: May 2019

In Tunisia under Ben Ali (1987–2011), marked human rights rhetoric coincided with intense repression. This points to a more general puzzle: what happens when authoritarian regimes uphold their repressive power maintenance agendas while simultaneously trying to avoid negative international consequences?

This article argues that authoritarian decision-makers attempt to evade negative consequences from international audiences by applying cushioning strategies in the form of obfuscation, rhetorical justification and/or procedural justification. In that way, they adapt their repressive tactics and manipulate the visibility and perception of their repressive behavior. Ben Ali’s main strategy was to obfuscate, i.e. to deny and cover repression.

However, as international audiences are far from applying the same yardstick to all human rights violations, ruling elites often repress targets differently depending on whether audiences have links and sympathy. Again, this becomes apparent in the Tunisian case study, from which hypotheses are generated for future research.
Transparency Under the Paris Rulebook: Is the Transparency Framework Truly Enhanced?
Authors: Mayer Benoit
Published: May 2019

In December 2018, cop 24/cma 1.3 adopted the Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines for the Transparency Framework under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement. Commenting on this decision, this article reviews and assesses the rules on transparency in the unfccc regime as they will apply during the coming years. Two main themes are identified: differentiation and progression. With regard to differentiation, while the Transparency Framework seeks to apply the same rules to all countries, bifurcation remains in place in some important respects. With regard to progression, the article identifies four aspects in which the adoption of a uniform set of rules has come at the expense of the stringency of the rules applicable to Annex i parties.
Deportees in Society
Authors: Humphrey Caroline
Published: May 2019

This paper discusses forced labour migrations in the Buryat-Mongolian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in the Stalin era. It attempts to set this regional case in the context of deportations and ‘special settlements’ in the USSR as a whole. It points out that forced labour migrants were not only sent to the Buryat Republic from western regions of the USSR; various categories of the ‘repressed’ were also deported from the Republic and displaced within it. The paper focusses on relations between forced migrants and the rest of society, with particular attention to Germans and Lithuanians sent into Buryatia and to Buryats exiled from the same regions.
Deportations, the Spreading of Dissent and the Development of Democracy
Authors: Falk Francesca
Published: May 2019

Instead of preventing protest, deportations on political grounds could – under certain circumstances – help to spread dissent. Accordingly, the spaces deportees were sent became fertile ground for new coalitions. Analysing such spaces furthers our understanding of how resistance may be contained, dispersed and re-constituted. The main part of this article focuses on deportations to the Pontine Islands of Ponza and Ventotene under Italian Fascism. Under such conditions, new political ideas were elaborated. The genesis of the Ventotene Manifesto will be considered as a starting point for a genealogy that opens up alternative trajectories of development for another European Union and, indeed, for today’s understanding of democracy. If, today, Europe closes its borders, it destroys the idea behind such a vision of unification. Therefore, it is urgently necessary not only to recall the genesis of this manifesto, but also the authors’ experience of being refugees.
The Other Diasporas: Western and Southern European Migrants in Charles Booth’s Life and Labour of the People in London
Authors: Renshaw Daniel
Published: May 2019

This article analyses the discourse surrounding diaspora in Charles Booth’s Life and Labour of the People in London, drawing upon the published volumes of that project and the unpublished notebooks used to record observations and interviews. It examines how Western and Southern European migrant groups in London were depicted in Charles Booth’s work at the turn of the twentieth century, comparing these depictions with those of the Irish Catholic and Jewish Diasporas. It focuses on four areas through which the concept of diaspora was interrogated in Life and Labour – through ideas of territory, economic roles, criminality, and the nature of transnational institutions. It will examine patterns of settlement, interactions with the host society, ideas of belonging, and why between 1890 and 1914 Western and Southern European diasporas failed to attract the attention or the opprobrium so apparent in the discourse on Irish and Jewish migrants.
Animal Welfare Across the World
Authors: Rollin Bernard
Published: May 2019

It is important to stress at the beginning of our discussion the current nature of animal welfare in the US and Europe, because ideas that develop there tend to spread across the world, partly for cultural and partially for economic reasons. Historically, animal welfare was associated with good husbandry, treating the animals well in order to ensure their productivity. Almost until the 20th century, the only articulated social ethic pertaining to animals was a prohibition against deliberate sadistic cruelty. Good husbandry persisted, unfortunately, as an ideal only as long as it was essential for the assurance of productivity. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, the “ancient contract” represented by husbandry was abandoned in the name of profit. Subsequently, by the 20th century, animal agriculture had become industrialized and dominated by high-technology, allowing the placing of round pegs in square holes, despite some 10,000 years of the ancient husbandry contract. In addition, animal welfare was compromised by the significant rise of animal research in a science that denied any truck with ethics. It must be recalled that despite widespread belief to the contrary among scientists and production agriculturalists, animal welfare is inescapably in part an ethical notion, not strictly a scientific one. In fact, how one views animal welfare ethically determines the shape of the science studying animal welfare, not vice versa. At least in Western societies, the consensus societal ethic will establish the dominant notion of animal welfare, achieved by extending our ethic for humans. While numerous other societies (for example Hindu or Buddhist societies) have excellent theoretical views of animal welfare, they often fail to be instantiated in practice. Latin America also lacks a robust animal ethic.
Modern Thai Poetics: Pride and Purpose in Modern Poetry
Authors: Chongstitvatana Suchitra
Published: May 2019

The study aims to consider the nature of modern Thai poetics, in particular, poetry concerning the expression or declaration of the poet’s sense of pride and purpose or role as a poet.
The Culture of the Huayao Dai and its Prospects - Comparative Research on the Cultural Characteristics of the Dai Peoples Living in the Upper Reaches of the Red River
Authors: Xiaoyun Zheng
Published: May 2019

Tai people, formally known as of Dai nationality in China, number 1.1 million. One of the greatest concentrated region of Dai people in China is the reaches of the Red River, called the Yuan Jiang River. Here their ethnic culture is particularly to be found. The Dai people of the Red River number about 150,000 which is 13% of the total Dai population of China. Furthermore about half of those 150,000 live in Xin Ping and Yuan Jiang counties, on the upper reaches of the river. Traditionally, the Dai people of the upper Red River were called Huayao Dai, or "Flower Waist" Dai, because of the long and colourful waistband which is an ethnic symbol of the women. The Huayao Dai comprise various sub-ethnic groups, such as Dai Ya, Dai Ka and Dai Saai in Xin Ping county, and Dai Ya, Dai Zhong, Dai Zhang and Dai De in Yuan Jiang county. The Huayao Dai have various cultural features which distinguish them from other Dai. 1) Ethnic fmery, such as the women's waistband, which has a varied cultural significance. 2) Adobe houses, quite different from those of the Dai people outside this region. 3) Festivals, many of which are shared with the Han, but have their own features. The Flower Fair Festival is Huayao Dai. 4) An Animist religion, similar to that of other Dai, but with certain distinguishing features.
Searching for the Red Hue: Problems and Prospects for Global Norms
Authors: Klem E.R.
Published: May 2019

This paper argue for the establishment of global norms and rejects relativism. This is accomplished, not through the usual avenues of explicit epistemic justification, but through an exploration of the more subtle and fundamental values of aesthetics. Klein illustrates this process through the example of red clay architecture of Fatehpur Sikri, and urges theorists to take seriously the search for transcultural objective truths.
The Buddhist Theravāda Councils, and the Preservation of the Buddha’s Teachings
Authors: Busyakul Visudh
Published: May 2019

The traditional way of preserving the teaching of the Buddha in the old days was by commitment of every word into memory. It had to be refreshed by subsequent Sarigāyanā (or Saṅgīti) Councils from time to time. This worked effectively for the Theravāda School, which employed Pali as the textual language, regardless of the geographical site of each individual Council.
The Curricular Canon in Northern Thailand and Laos
Authors: McDaniel Justin
Published: May 2019

Nissaya texts are idiosyncratic vernacular notes composed and used by Buddhist monks in Northern Thailand and Laos between the 16th and early 20th centuries. They evince a particular relationship of the authors with the classical (i.e., originally composed in Pali) scripture of Theravada Buddhism as well as with their intended audience. They reflect certain understandings of the notions of authorship, textual authenticity, the possibility of translation, and homiletics. A comprehensive study reveals the early development of Buddhist curricula in the region and a detailed study pedagogical methods used in these texts affords us a way to describe the nature of Buddhist belief and practice with much greater precision. In this paper, I will demonstrate how the choice of source texts by nissaya translators and the commentarial services they employ reveal the contours of the pre-modern Northern Thai and Lao Buddhist curricula. By focusing on the development of curricula in the region before the middle of the 19th century, we can avoid the vagaries that come with the application of normative notions of the Theravada Buddhist canon to a region of diverse textual production and disparate intellectual expression.
Transformation of Bangkok in the Press During the Reign of Rama V (1868 - 1910)
Authors: Povatong Pirasri
Published: May 2019

This essay describes the emerging public discourse on Bangkok's urban and architectural transformations in print media from the reign of Rama V. It discusses and compares different representations and visions of the civilizing city that were architectured by three groups of publishing elites: the royal elite, the commoner intellectuals, and the Westerners.
Toponyms in the Western Region of Thailand
Authors: Deepadung Sujaritlak
Published: May 2019

Village names or toponyms in the Western region of Thailand, i.e. Kanchanaburi, Nakorn Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakorn and Suphan Buri, in this study are drawn from a complete list of names in Thamniap Thongthii 2535 BC (Provincial Records 1992). The aims of this study are: 1) to analyse the linguistic structure of Thai village names 2) to set up dimensions for the semantic features of the village names in the western region of Thailand and 3) to make a frequency count of the general names which are the first morpheme of a name. The result are as follows: 1) the linguistic structure of the village names is the same as that of the grammatical word structure in Thai 2) there are five major semantic dimensions of the village names, namely, the geographical features which include water or sources of water, elevated land areas and other geographical areas, the nongeographical features which consist of plants, animals, uncultivated or the cultivated land and profession, constructed objects, numbers, persons, and other ethic languages, the locative or directional features which are divided into prepositional locatives and noun locatives, the auspicious features and the descriptive features, and 3) the village names to the western region of Thailand rely significantly on physical geography of the area.
Integrating Implicit and Explicit Grammatical Perspectives on the Acquisition of the English Articles: An Action Research
Authors: Pongpairoj Nattama
Published: May 2019

Articles in English have always been a persistent grammatical problem for the Thai learner. A possible reason for this may be indirect interference, as a similar syntactic distinction involving definiteness and referentiality, does not exist in Thai. How to remedy this problem in second language acquisition is quite a difficult but challenging task.
Philosophical Approach to Conservation of Buddhist Monastery in Thailand
Authors: Khanjanusthiti Pinraj
Published: May 2019

The degree of repair and conservation of a historic building often creates controversy. Guidelines and principles in conservation such as international charters and manifestos of various conservation movements can generate inconclusive debates. A philosophical approach to conservation is based on the value given to the monument and site, since the aim of conservation is" ... the upkeep and maintenance of historic buildings and areas that merit care either due to their cultural significance or due to their social and economic values" (Jokilehto 1992: 109). It is obvious that we want to conserve what we value. Therefore, if the values of a historic monument are agreed upon, planning for its conservation should not create much argument.
A Reflection of English Teaching
Authors: Prapphal Kanchana
Published: May 2019

From the Grammar-Translation Method, the Structural Approach to the Communicative Approach, we have gained insights into how to assist our students to acquire and use the target language. It might be concluded from these approaches that "There is no intellectual growth without some reconstruction, some reworking" (Dewey 1938: 64).
Wanna Change the World? Start with Yourself
Authors: Anantasate Boonsiri
Published: May 2019

To have highly motivated students, a teacher must be motivated in teaching him/herself. If a teacher wants his/her student to get involved in class activities, s/he has to become involved first.
Chinese Language Teaching in Thailand
Authors: Manomaiviboon Prapin
Published: May 2019

This article is about the present day teaching and learning of Chinese in Thailand, particularly over the past seven to eight years. However, before dealing with the state of current teaching and learning, this article will present a concise historical version of Chinese language education in Thailand, so that readers will get a perspective and will be aware of diverse factors affecting Chinese teaching in the country.
A System of Epistemic Modality in Thai
Authors: Rangkupan Suda
Published: May 2019

The paper explores the syntax and semantics of epistemic modality in Thai grammar. Four syntactic categories are found to express epistemic modality—preverbal auxiliaries, initial particles, adverbs and final particles. Epistemic modality can also be further classified; five categories are found to be distinctive in the system of Thai grammar—assumptive, speculative, deductive, dubitative and certainty.
Love Metaphors in Modern Thai Songs
Authors: Ngamjitwongsakul Pattra
Published: May 2019

This paper examines the love metaphors used by contemporary Thai songwriters in their modern Thai songs. The theoretical framework for the study is the theory of conceptual metaphor (Lakoff, 1987, 1993; Lakoff and Johnson, 1980; Lakoff and Turner, 1989). The data, approximately 3,615 songs from Grammy Entertainment Company, were collected from books, tapes, and the internet and were compiled from 1983 to 2000. Only 502 metaphorical expressions describing love were found.
The Evolution of Entertainment Culture in Thai Society: From Sacredness to Popularity
Authors: Puchadapirom Patarawdee
Published: May 2019

Associated with the religious, animistic, and ritual aspects in everyone's lifestyle, entertainment culture has evolved to meet the audience’s changing preferences and different social status in each era. Whether for the royal court or the commoners, both forms of entertainment were found complementing each other, resulting in its legacy and creation of a new variety.
The Role of Chinese Traders on the Growth of Songkhla, 1775-1912
Authors: Choungsakul Srisuporn
Published: May 2019

The article aims to study the growth of Songkhla1 between 1775-1912, marked by two periods of change within Songkhla proper. First, the Na Songkhla family played a major role in the growth of Songkhla between 1775-1896, and its development into an important port city on the gulf coast. Second, between 1896-1912, after the gradual decline of the role and influence of the Na Songkhla family, Chinese traders ascended and took its place, enabling Songkhla to sustain its economic development and dynamism as a port city.
Unakan: A Combination of the Images of Thai Hero and Heroine
Authors: Jatuthasri Thaneerat
Published: May 2019

Focusing on Unakan, the heroine in male disguise in Bot lakhon nai reung Inao, this paper aims at studying the roles and significance of her character that reflect the outstanding image of a heroine in Thai literature. In the story, Butsaba, the heroine, is disguised by her divine ancestor, Patarakala, as a young man named Unakan. The study reveals that Unakan possesses the characteristics of both hero and heroine. By portraying the roles as parallel to Inao, the hero of the story, Unakan is a great warrior and a dignified hero who has irresistible charm to women. She also searches for the lost lover which is generally the role of a hero. These roles are usually found in many versions of the Panji romances. It reflects that the poet kept these outstanding roles of the Panji romances' heroines. Still, Unakan preserves the same characteristics as other heroines in the Thai literary convention. Unakan does not only have perfect beauty and conduct like other Thai ideal women, but she also represents an ideal wife. The character of Unakan has significance to literary aesthetics and values, to the criticism of women’s potential, and to Thai literary tradition.