bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ExosCE: A legal-based computational system for compliance with exoskeletons’ CE marking
Authors: Almpani Sofia , Mitsikas Theodoros , Stefaneas Petros , Frangos Panayiotis
Published: October 2020

Wearable robots are devices intended to improve the quality of users’ life by augmenting, assisting, or substituting human functions. Exoskeletons are one of the most widespread types of wearable robots, currently used extensively in medical applications (and also for industrial, assistive, or military purposes), thus governed by regulations for medical devices and their conformity assessment. On top of that, manufacturers must also specify if their exoskeletons can be categorized as machines and, therefore, additionally apply a number of requirements mandated from machinery regulations. This work focuses on capturing both the abovementioned requirements enacted by the Medical Devices Directive 2017/745 and the Machinery Directive 2006/42 into a single framework. It formalizes into Rules the Conformity Assessment procedures regarding the marketability of exoskeletons indicated by the CE marking (“Conformité Européene”). These Rules, expressed in the Positional-Slotted Object-Applicative (PSOA) RuleML code, were complemented by representative Facts based on real-life cases of commercialized exoskeletons. Additional Exoskeletons Facts can be included by users from other forms (such as MS Excel) and translated into the PSOA RuleML code through the provided Python script. The open-source Exoskeletons’ CE mark (ExosCE) Rules KB was tested by querying in the open-source PSOATransRun system. The ExosCE Rules prototype can assist in the compliance process of stakeholders and in the registration of exoskeletons with a CE mark.
Elastic s+C and Left-moving Yod in the Evolution from Latin to French
Authors: Scheer Tobias , Ségéral Philippe
Published: October 2020

Elastic s+C is the idea that s+C clusters are heterosyllabic by default in all languages, and that some repair will occur in case, pending on language-specific circumstances, a heterosyllabic parse is illegal (preceding long vowel, preceding coda, beginning of the word). The repair at hand is the branching of the s on the following empty nucleus. This generalization is derived from the behaviour of left-moving yod in the diachronic evolution from Latin to French. The floating yod (here coming from palatalization k+i,e > j+ʦ) anchors as a coda if the preceding syllable is open (placēre > plaisir), but is lost in case it is closed (cancellāre > chanceler), except when the syllable-final C is s (cresc(e)re > croistre (mod. croître)). We know independently that intervocalic s+C clusters are regular coda clusters: they block diphthongization (testa > teste (mod. tête)). Hence s is elastic: s+C is a regular coda cluster unless there is a demand for s to vacate its coda position. It is shown that among all syllabic identities for s+C that are entertained in the literature only one is compatible with this pattern: in CsC clusters, i.e. in absence of a preceding vowel, s branches on the following empty nucleus, i.e. the one that separates it from the following C. This is confirmed by an independent pattern: the middle consonant of CCC clusters is lost unless it is s (CsC), but is regularly dropped in sCC clusters. Here as well s+C is a regular coda-onset cluster when preceded by a vowel (sCC), but s elastically becomes a non-coda when preceded by a consonant (CsC). This empirical generalization appears to be an unprecedented finding: s in s+C is a coda when preceded by a vowel, but a (branching) non-coda when not preceded by a vowel. It is shown that it may solve a good deal of the notoriously mysterious behaviour of s+C clusters as such, i.e. in other languages and in synchronic analysis. Word-initially s+C is not followed by a vowel and therefore a non-coda, thus accounting for the typical cross-linguistic pattern whereby s+C is exceptional word-initially, but not word-internally (where it is followed by a vowel). Also, the branching analysis solves the mysterious fact that s only shows exceptional behaviour when it is followed by a consonant: there is no empty nucleus it could branch on when followed by a vowel.
A proof-of-concept study on the impact of a chronic pain and physical activity training workshop for exercise professionals
Authors: Gyurcsik Nancy C. , Tupper Susan M. , Brittain Danielle R. , Brawley Lawrence R. , Cary Miranda A. , Ratcliffe-Smith Don , Blouin Jocelyn E. , Marchant Mackenzie G. , Sessford James D. , Hellsten Laurie-ann M. , Arnold Bart E. , Downe Pamela
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Physical activity is essential for long-term chronic pain management, yet individuals struggle to participate. Exercise professionals, including fitness instructors, and personal trainers, are preferred delivery agents for education and instruction on chronic pain, physical activity, and strategies to use adherence-promoting behavioral skills. However, exercise professionals receive no relevant training during certification or continuing education opportunities to effectively support their participants living with chronic pain. Based on the ORBIT model for early pre-efficacy phases of development and testing of new behavioral treatments, the present Phase IIa proof-of-concept study was conducted. The purpose was to examine the impacts of a newly developed chronic pain and physical activity training workshop on psychosocial outcomes among exercise professionals. Outcomes included knowledge and attitudes regarding chronic pain, attitudes and beliefs about the relationship between pain and impairment, and self-efficacy to educate and instruct participants with chronic pain.

Methods

Forty-eight exercise professionals (M
age=44.4±11.0 years) participated in a three-hour, in-person workshop that was offered at one of four different locations. Participants completed pre- and post-workshop outcome assessment surveys.

Results

Mixed MANOVA results comparing time (pre- versus post-workshop) by workshop location (sites 1 to 4) illustrated a significant within-subjects time effect (p<0.001). All outcomes significantly improved from pre- to post-workshop (p′s<0.001), demonstrating large effect sizes (partial eta-squared values ranging from 0.45 to 0.59).

Conclusions

Findings offer early phase preliminary support for the effectiveness of the chronic pain and physical activity training workshop for exercise professionals. Based on ORBIT model recommendations, findings warrant future phased testing via a pilot randomized clinical trial as well as testing for impacts that trained professionals have on activity adherence among their clients living with chronic pain. Eventual workshop adoption by exercise professional certification organizations would ensure widespread and sustainable access to qualified exercise professionals to help individuals engage in physical activity. By increasing the capacity of available exercise professionals to deliver effective support, active individuals could better manage their chronic pain and live well.
Trajectories in severe persistent pain after groin hernia repair: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Jensen Elisabeth Kjær , Bäckryd Emmanuel , Hilden Jørgen , Werner Mads U.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Severe persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) remains a significant healthcare problem. In the third most common surgical procedure in the U.K., groin hernia repair, including 85,000 surgeries, estimated 1,500–3,000 patients will annually develop severe PPSP. While the trajectory of PPSP is generally considered a continuation of the acute post-surgery pain, recent data suggest the condition may develop with a delayed onset. This study evaluated pain-trajectories in a consecutive cohort referred from groin hernia repair-surgeons to a tertiary PPSP-center. Potential explanatory variables based on individual psychometric, sensory, and surgical profiles were analyzed.

Methods

Patients completed graphs on pain trajectories and questionnaires on neuropathic pain, pain-related functional assessments, and psychometrics. Surgical records and quantitative sensory testing profiles were obtained. Pain trajectories were normalized, and pre- and post-surgical segments were analyzed by a normalized area-under-the-curve (AUC) technique. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the explanatory variables. Significant PCA-components were further examined using multiple logistic regression models.

Results

In 95 patients, the AUC identified groups of post-surgical pain trajectories (p<0.0001): group I (n=48), acute high-intensity pain progressing to PPSP; group II (n=28), delayed onset of PPSP; group III (n=7), repeat-surgery gradually inducing PPSP. Data from groups IV (n=3) and V (n=9) were not included in the statistical analysis due to small sample size and data heterogeneity, respectively. The PCA/logistic analyses indicated that neuropathic pain scores, composite pain scores, and pain-related functional assessments were explanatory variables for groups I and II.

Conclusions

Pain trajectories in PPSP after groin hernia repair are heterogeneous but can be classified into meaningful groups. Examination of pain trajectories, mirroring the transition from acute to severe persistent post-surgical pain, has the potential of uncovering clinically relevant pathophysiological mechanisms.
Association between breast milk adipokines with growth in breast feeding infants, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Soori Maryam , Mohammadi Younes , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Mahmoodi Minoo
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Breast milk adipokines are associated with growth, body mass index (BMI) and weight gain in infants. In this study, the effect of breastmilk adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) on the BMI and weight gain of breast-fed infants was evaluated using systematic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

We used PRISMA checklist for carrying out this study. 752 articles were collected from the database searching and other sources from 1994 to April 2019. According to the criteria in the study, 25 articles remained for evaluation. Eight papers were related to the effect of breast milk leptin on weight gain and BMI of infants that were evaluated by meta-analyzing. The adiponectin articles were surveyed by systematic review.

Results

There was no significant publication bias in the meta-analysis study. The results of random-effect model indicated a reverse and significant correlation between breastmilk leptin with weight gain and BMI (r=−0.331). The adiponectin level in breast milk was associated with the BMI and weight gain of infants.

Conclusions

Meta-analysis indicated a significant inverse correlation between breastmilk leptin with weight gain and BMI in infants; furthermore, the systematic review study expressed significant correlation between breast milk adiponectin with growth (BMI and weight gain) in infants.
Autogenous Shrinkage of Internally Cured Conventional, Latex-Modified, and Very High Early Strength Latex-Modified Concrete and Mortar
Authors: Cavalline Tara L. , Newsome Ross A. , Tempest Brett Q. , Leach Jacob W.
Published: October 2020

Internally cured concrete has been shown to help mitigate early-age cracking and to provide improved durability performance in concrete elements. The increased absorptive capacity of lightweight aggregates (LWA) facilitates delivery of moisture to concrete internally during the curing process. In this study, a range of concrete mortar mixtures representative of mortar contained in bridge deck and pavement concrete mixtures were batched and tested for autogenous shrinkage. Two significantly different LWAs were utilized in this study: one LWA with an absorption typical of most manufactured LWA and one with a relatively low absorption for a manufactured LWA. Autogenous shrinkage test results clearly demonstrated the impact of use of prewetted LWA for internal curing. Reductions in autogenous strain ranged from 30 to 56 % depending on the type of LWA used as well as the percentage replacement of prewetted LWA for normal-weight fine aggregate. The reduction in autogenous shrinkage correlated with LWA replacement rate, and shrinkage was even further reduced for mixtures that included fly ash. Findings indicated that the lower-absorption LWA provides internal curing benefits when used at suitable replacement levels, which may exceed those currently specified by some state highway agencies. Use of the approach to computing LWA substitution rate provided in ACI (308-213)R-13, Report on Internally Cured Concrete Using Prewetted Absorptive Lightweight Aggregate, should provide adequate moisture delivery to support reduction in autogenous shrinkage and internal curing benefits and is suitable for proportioning of both the typical and lower absorption LWA to support internal curing. In addition to reduced autogenous shrinkage, use of prewetted LWA in very high early strength latex-modified concrete mixtures provided workability and work-time advantages.
Damage Evaluation of Poro-Elastic Road Surface with Low Polyurethane Content
Authors: Liao Gongyun , Soares Laura , Wang Hao , Qi Kongqing
Published: October 2020

This study aims to evaluate the damage evolution of poro-elastic road surface with low polyurethane content (PERS-LPC) subjected to cyclic loading with two new damage indicators. A cyclic loading test and dynamic modulus test were conducted on nine different PERS-LPC specimens to develop stress-strain hysteresis curves. The variations of curve perimeter (ΔP) and the enclosed area during the unloading period (ΔA) were proposed to evaluate damage evolution of PERS-LPC specimen as compared with the existing damage indicators. X-ray computed tomography scanning images were obtained to verify the damage evolution within PERS-LPC specimens. The results showed that damage evolution of the PERS-LPC specimen could be captured by the proposed ΔP and ΔA indicators. The PERS-LPC mixture with a low amount of rubber granule (25 %) and polyurethane (4 % by total mass of rubber and aggregate) and 20 % air void exhibited good damage resistance. The study findings can be used to optimize the composition of low-cost PERS-LPC mixtures for durable design.
Effect of Slenderness Ratio of the Specimen on Resonant Column Test Results
Authors: Shinde Ninad Sanjeev , Kumar Jyant
Published: October 2020

To investigate the effect of the slenderness ratio (L/d) of the specimen, resonant column (RC) tests were conducted on dry sand specimens by using three different values of L/d, namely 2, 3, and 4, keeping the same diameter (d = 50 mm) to measure the shear moduli and material damping associated with the shear strain varying approximately from 0.0004 to 0.03 %. For the sake of the comparison, bender element (BE) tests were also performed on the same specimens to examine the effect of L/d on the shear moduli. Different combinations of relative densities and isotropic confining pressures were employed. The current experimental findings based on the simplified theory, which is widely used for analyzing the RC test results, reveal that the measured shear moduli of the specimens become higher for a slender specimen. On the other hand, the damping values were found to be only marginally affected with the changes in L/d. For greater L/d, generally the damping values were found to be slightly higher, especially with greater relative densities. The BE tests, on the other hand, hardly illustrate any variation in shear moduli with the changes in L/d. The shear wave velocities (Vs) from the BE tests were found to be a little greater as compared with the RC tests, and the difference between two sets of results becomes narrower with an increase in L/d. This study reveals that it will be more appropriate to use a L/d equal to 4 rather than 2, especially when testing at isotropic confining pressure ≥ 500 kPa.
The North Korea Question
Authors: Cha Victor D.
Published: October 2020

The North Korean state under a young and unproven leader faces severe challenges. The regime will not change because of a leadership transition or because of the West’s hope of reform. It could crack because its ideology is at odds with the country’s incremental societal change.
Myanmar’s Protracted Transition
Authors: Bünte Marco
Published: October 2020

This article argues that Myanmar is experiencing the beginning of a protracted transition, in which the military, the opposition, and the country’s civil society are renegotiating political space. The protracted transition might take decades, and opposition forces and civil society will face an uphill struggle to fully liberalize the regime.
Israel’s Response to China’s Rise
Authors: Evron Yoram
Published: October 2020

Israel’s China policy has traditionally been influenced by Washington’s explicit and perceived pressure. In the early 2010s, Israel started to explore a more independent path in regard to China. In view of global developments, such a change seemed reasonable. However, prevailing conditions prevent Israel from developing an independent China policy.
The Musical Butterfly Effect in Until Dawn
Authors: Powell Andrew S.
Published: October 2020

The interactive drama, a relatively unexplored area of multimedia music discourse, combines elements of film and video game to provide its audience and participants an evolving experience. Because contemporary works of the medium incorporate further innovations that expand the plethora of branching options, the viability of each narrative path and its potential ending necessitates a flexible analytical model for narrative discourse. Music, if it shares the ability to participate in the narrative, must likewise possess this sense of malleability for the work, as its presence or absence in the presented (selected) pathway is not predetermined but remains in a state of potential at all times. This sense of narrative potential for music is a special quality inherent in the interactive drama, allowing for the filmic and ludic qualities of form and function to remain simultaneously “present” and “absent” in a given narrative and provide critical commentary on the events at hand as well as the overall prospective paths that exist in the web of options. Using the interactive drama Until Dawn, this article will explore the concept of narrative potential through three different musical elements that range in their comparative functions to traditionally filmic or ludic roles and their articulation to the underlying narrative. Regardless of supposed function, the music of Until Dawn reveals that narrative form and function of film and video game cannot be differentiated or simply synthesized, but fully appreciated as a unique form of the interactive drama on the multimedia continuum.
No effect of 10 weeks erythropoietin treatment on lipid oxidation in healthy men
Authors: Risikesan Jeyanthini , Nellemann Birgitte , Christensen Britt , Jørgensen Jens Otto Lunde , Nielsen Søren
Published: October 2020

Studies indicate that erythropoietin (EPO) has effect on lipid and energy metabolism; however, the impact of EPO on lipid oxidation in vivo has not been well documented. Here, we evaluate whether long-term erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment affects the oxidation of plasma very low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG) fatty acids (FA), plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and non-plasma (residual) FA in healthy, young, sedentary men. Infusion of [1-14C]VLDL-TG and [9,10-3H]palmitate was used in combination with indirect calorimetry to assess resting lipid fuel utilization and kinetics, and resting energy expenditure (REE) before and after 10 weeks of ESA exposure compared with placebo. REE increased significantly during ESA compared with placebo (P = 0.023, RM-ANOVA). Oxidation rates of VLDL-TG FA, FFA, and residual FA remained unchanged during ESA compared with placebo. The relative contribution of the lipid stores was greatest for FFA (47.1%) and the total lipid oxidation rate and was not significantly different between ESA and placebo-treated subjects. We conclude that long-term ESA treatment of healthy young men increases REE but does not alter the oxidation rates of plasma and non-plasma FA sources.
Distribution, eco-climatic characterisation, and potential growing regions of Annona cherimola Mill. (Annonaceae) in Mexico.
Authors: Rodríguez-Núñez Jesús Rubén , Campos-Rojas Eduardo , Andrés-Agustín Jorge , Alia-Tejacal Iran , Ortega-Acosta Santo Angel , Peña-Caballero Vicente , Madera-Santana Tomás Jesús , Núñez-Colín Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2020

The cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) is a fruit crop with worldwide commercial importance. However, its distribution and potential growing regions of cherimoya are not defined for Mexico. That is why, this research aims to map the natural distribution of cherimoya and different eco-climatic regions where it is grown in Mexico as well as to map the climatic adaptability with the current climate and a prospection with the climate change scenario, all by different models of GIS. The general distribution model of cherimoya in Mexico showed that it had a chance to find cherimoya “in a natural way” in the biogeographic provinces Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Sierra Madre del Sur and Highlands of Chiapas. Three eco-climatic groups were found in the distribution of cherimoya that corresponded to climates C(m)(w), (A)C(e’), and (A)C(e), respectively. Where the group with climate (A)C(e) had the most restricted distribution. The potential growing regions of excellent adaptation of cherimoya were found in the biogeographic provinces of Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre del Sur and Highlands of Chiapas. Finally, based on eco-crop modelling, it is concluded that climate change will not greatly affect areas of excellent adaptation of cherimoya in Mexico.
Does the respondent's role affect the final value of management effectiveness? The case of Brazilian marine protected areas
Authors: Brandão Camila S. , Da Rocha Wesley , Zapelini Cleverson , Teixeira Jessyca L. , Schiavetti Alexandre
Published: October 2020

Over the last decade, there has been a change in the way protected areas are managed across the world, as their management gradually ceases to be the sole responsibility of the government and is being shared with civil society. This study evaluates the management effectiveness, according to the managers and management boards of 20 marine protected areas (MPAs) on the coast of Brazil, using the Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Area Management (RAPPAM) methodology. There were differences in perspectives of the managers and management boards; 8 MPAs showed a significant difference in management effectiveness values, and 11 MPAs showed a change in management effectiveness category. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the year the management board was established, and the effectiveness value provided by the council, as well as a significant difference between the effectiveness values of the MPAs under federal and state responsibility. In view of these differences, it is suggested that evaluations of management effectiveness should be carried out not only with managers, but also with management boards to reduce possible incongruities caused by the responses of only one person.
Beyond the first glimpse (Analysis of the economic policy in Hungary from 1998–)
Authors: Csillag István
Published: October 2020

There is a sharp contradiction between the economic performance of the Hungarian government of Victor Orbán and the institutional framework (toolkit) by which the seemingly stellar performance of the Hungarian economy has been achieved. It looks like as if the economic playground of the government (disciplined fiscal policy, unorthodox monetary policy and contradictory institutional system) and political-institutional order built by the same government during the last ten years, represent two different worlds. This paper provides a possible explanation to resolve this contradiction by identifying reversed relationship between tools and goals of economic policies. The genuine, hidden but most important goal of the present Hungarian government is to make Orbán and his political family wealthy and make their enrichment legitimate. In disguise of a public policy to achieve this (private, personal) goal, this government needs absolute and uncontrolled power certified by the scenery of the parliamentarian democracy. This private effort should be falsified, which could be achieved if his government pretends that it wants to pursue a disciplined economic policy.
Human development and convergence among the states of former Yugoslavia
Authors: Vujačić Ivan , Petrović-Vujačić Jelica , Tanasković Svetozar , Miljković Marko
Published: October 2020

After the devastation of the Second World War, the federal units of the former Yugoslavia were on their way to catching up with the Western Europe, with different degrees of success. In fact, Yugoslavia was considered a success story among the socialist economies due to its specific self-management system. Nevertheless, among the Federal units that later became independent states, regional differences in development level increased, in spite of the proclaimed policy to narrow them. Enough time has passed since the wars of the breakup and the economic transition to check if this divergence is continuing under a capitalist market system, now that all the countries are on the path to the European Union (EU) accession. The paper tests the convergence hypothesis among the states of the former Yugoslavia in terms of Human Development Index (HDI), as a more complex indicator of country development than GDP per capita. The results of two different approaches to test for the presence of β (beta) and σ (sigma) convergence suggest that the gap between the states of former Yugoslavia is closing, albeit at a slow rate. Given that convergence is slow, the active EU policies aimed at hastening the accession of the currently non-member states of the former Yugoslavia would accelerate the process.
Determinants of foreign direct investment in advanced business services
Authors: Klimek Artur
Published: October 2020

This paper is aimed at investigating determinants of recent flows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into advanced business services (ABS) in the European Union with the distinction between “old” (till 2004) and “new” member states (after 2004 extension). Special attention is put on the Visegrád countries. The factors affecting location decisions of multinational corporations were analysed at the national and regional level. The latter approach proved to be very effective due to the fact that foreign companies operating in ABS are highly unequally distributed across economies. Indeed, there are only few regions in economies attracting bulk of the operations in ABS.

The research method applied in the paper is negative binomial regression, which measures the probability of occurrence of an ABS foreign firm in an economy or a region taking into consideration its characteristics. This research combines macroeconomic, regional and firm-level data. The explanatory variables are divided into two groups: demand and supply. The main conclusion is the high significance of the supply factors. In other words, foreign companies focus on locations offering large number of skilled workers at reasonable prices. The key recommendation for governments interested in attracting ABS type of investment is to focus on the quality of human capital.
How to evaluate the quality of remuneration policy? Evidence from the Polish banking sector
Authors: Słomka-Gołębiowska Agnieszka , Urbanek Piotr
Published: October 2020

In our paper we use an institutional perspective to define the concept of the quality of remuneration policy. Traditional perspective focuses on pay-per-performance relationship between top executives' remuneration and companies' performance. This study is based on the assumption that the acquisition of normatively defined compensation practices and structures is more important for the successful organization than the practices which enhance efficiency defined on the basis of input (compensation) – output (company's performance) relationship. We examine the relationship between the quality of executive remuneration policy and corporate governance standards in banks with a controlling blockholder. Based on the sample of a hand-collected data on corporate governance characteristics, executive remuneration, and financial results of all public banks in Poland from 2005 to 2015, we find that the effective implementation of sound corporate governance practices should be rooted in the form of obligatory normative acts. Consistent with other studies we find a positive and statistically significant relationship between the corporate governance measures and the quality of remuneration policy. In particular, our study shows the significant role of two institutional factors positively determining the efficiency of incentive contracts: remuneration committees and institutional ownership. We also find that the banks controlled by foreign corporations, especially the US–UK–Ireland financial institutions, have a significantly more effective compensation policy than the banks controlled by domestic investors.
A survey on application of machine learning to manage the virtual machines in cloud computing
Authors: Barthwal Varun , Rauthan M.M.S. , Varma Rohan
Published: October 2020

Virtual machine (VM) management is a fundamental challenge in the cloud datacenter, as it requires not only scheduling and placement, but also optimization of the method to maintain the energy cost and service quality. This paper reviews the different areas of literature that deal with the resource utilization prediction, VM migration, VM placement and the selection of physical machines (PMs) for hosting the VMs. The main features of VM management policies were also examined using a comparative analysis of the current policies. Many research works include Machine Learning (ML) for detecting the PM overloading, the selection of VMs from over-utilized PM and VM placement as the main activities. This article aims to identify and classify research done in the area of scheduling and placement of VMs using the ML with resource utilization history. Energy efficiency, VM migration counts and Service quality were the key performance parameters that were used to assess the performance of the cloud datacenter.
Myristic acid as phase change material (PCM) for increased productivity of solar distillation plant
Authors: Ketut Caturwati Ni , Yusvardi Yusuf , Muhamad Komara Fajar
Published: October 2020

The availability of freshwater is increasingly becoming an international concern because of the increase in population and the diminishing forest area as a source of water, leading to a freshwater crisis. The coastal and swamp areas abound in water, but humans cannot consume it due to the quality. One effort that can be done in overcoming this problem is by treating existing raw water with solar distillation methods. However, the main obstacle faced in this method is the intensity of sunlight that is not stable throughout the day so that the productivity of distilled water is disrupted. Using the appropriate phase change material (PCM) is expected to make the distillation process smoother and increase the production of pure water. In this study, myristic acid was used as PCM in double slope solar distillation system. Through observation, it was obtained that the average water temperature in the basin equaled to 42.5 °C while the melting point of the myristic acid was 58 °C. This shows that the use of myristic acid as an energy storage through phase change process does not occur. Therefore, the use of myristic acid as PCM for increasing the productivity of solar distillation in these experiments is not effective because the melting point of PCM is higher than water temperature in the basin. Therefore, material with a phase change temperature below 42.5 °C is more appropriate to use in these conditions.
Enteric pathogens in German police officers after predominantly tropical deployments – A retrospective assessment over 5 years
Authors: Halfter Matthias , Müseler Ulrich , Hagen Ralf Matthias , Frickmann Hagen
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The study was performed to assess the infection risk of German police officers on predominantly tropical deployments, mostly United Nations missions, with gastrointestinal pathogens.

Methods

Police officers were offered PCR-based screening for gastrointestinal pathogens before and after deployment. The screening panel comprised enteroinvasive bacteria (Salmonella spp., Shigella spp./enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Yersinia spp.), enteropathogenic protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Cyclospora cayetanensis), as well as enteric helminths (Ancyclostoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana, Necator americanus, African Schistosoma spp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, and Trichuris trichiura).

Results

G. duodenalis (n = 3), C. jejuni (n = 2), Salmonella spp. (n = 1), Shigella spp./enteroinvasive E. coli (n = 3), and S. stercoralis (n = 3) were detect in 12 out of 133 (9.0%) police officers. The majority had shown gastrointestinal symptoms on deployment and all were asymptomatic at the time of medical assessment. The major infection sites were Sub-Saharan Africa followed by Northern Africa and the Middle East.

Conclusions

Deployment of police officers to tropical deployment sites on United Nations missions is associated with a considerable acquisition risk of gastrointestinal pathogens in a quantitatively relevant minority. Post-deployment screening is advisable to facilitate therapeutic and hygiene-related consequences.
Variations in exercise ventilation in hypoxia will affect oxygen uptake
Authors: Loeppky J.A. , Salgado R.M. , Sheard A.C. , Kuethe D.O. , Mermier C.M.
Published: October 2020

Reports of VO2response differences between normoxia and hypoxia during incremental exercise do not agree. In this study VO2andVEwere obtained from 15-s averages at identical work rates during continuous incremental cycle exercise in 8 subjects under ambient pressure (633 mmHg ≈1,600 m) and during duplicate tests in acute hypobaric hypoxia (455 mmHg ≈4,350 m), ranging from 49 to 100% of VO2peak in hypoxia and 42–87% of VO2peak in normoxia. The average VO2was 96 mL/min (619 mL) lower at 455 mmHg (n.s.P= 0.15) during ramp exercises. Individual response points were better described by polynomial than linear equations (mL/min/W). TheVEwas greater in hypoxia, with marked individual variation in the differences which correlated significantly and directly with the VO2difference between 455 mmHg and 633 mmHg (P= 0.002), likely related to work of breathing (Wb). The greaterVEat 455 mmHg resulted from a greater breathing frequency. When a subject's hypoxic ventilatory response is high, the extra work of breathing reduces mechanical efficiency (E). Mean ∆Ecalculated from individual linear slopes was 27.7 and 30.3% at 633 and 455 mmHg, respectively (n.s.). Gross efficiency (GE) calculated from mean VO2and work rate and correcting forWbfrom aVE–VO2relationship reported previously, gave corresponding values of 20.6 and 21.8 (P= 0.05). Individual variation inVEamong individuals overshadows average trends, as also apparent from other reports comparing hypoxia and normoxia during progressive exercise and must be considered in such studies.
Role of caloric vestibular stimulation in improvement of motor symptoms and inhibition of neuronal degeneration in rotenone model of Parkinson's disease – An experimental study
Authors: Thanalakshmi J. , Archana R. , Senthilkumar S. , Shakila R. , Pazhanivel N. , Subhashini S.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. In order to explore a noninvasive treatment of PD, in the current study the authors evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) using the rotenone-induced rat model of PD. The rotenone models of PD are gaining attention due to high reproducibility. It is also considered to be an improved model to exhibit the pathogenesis of PD and test the neuroprotective effect of various therapeutic interventions.

Materials and methods

Rotenone was i.p. injected (3 mg/kg body weight) to male Wistar albino rats for 21 days to induce PD. As PD is chronic and progressive in nature, the efficacy of chronic CVS intervention was evaluated for 30 days after inducing PD in rats. Motor symptoms were evaluated by assessing locomotor activity in actophotometer, whereas movement analysis was done using Ludolph test and motor coordination was evaluated using rotarod apparatus. The neurochemical and neuropathological changes were also observed in the corpus striatum of rats.

Results

Rotenone administration showed decreased locomotor activity, motor coordination and general movement associated with significant (P < 0.05) reduction in dopamine content in the corpus striatum. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed a marked decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in striatal neurons indicating the significant loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra (SN) following rotenone injection. However, chronic treatment with CVS restored the nerve terminals in the striatum from rotenone damage. CVS treatment improved the dopaminergic system function by restoring dopamine content in the striatum. CVS also improved the motor deformities clearly suggesting the neuroprotective function.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggested CVS to be a safe and simple neuroprotective measure against neurodegenerative changes in PD and a promising noninvasive technique to overcome the motor symptoms associated with it. The findings could be useful for further investigations and clinical applications of CVS in the treatment of PD.
Toward the Field of Interrituality
Authors: Kujawara-Holbrook Sheryl A.
Published: October 2020

Ritual is an essential part of human social experience, and yet there has been comparatively little discussion about the role of interrituality within religious experiences. This article traces some of the major themes in this dialogue as taken from the conversation begun in Volume 2 of Interreligious Studies and Intercultural Theology, guest edited by Professor Marianne Moyaert. Further, this article makes a case for the inclusion of the study of interrituality as an integral part of interreligious experience.
Continuing the Conversation
Authors: Van Doorn-Harder Nelly
Published: October 2020

This issue of Interreligious Studies and Intercultural Theology (ISIT) presents a variety of discussions in the field of interreligious studies and intercultural Theology. The rationale for this wide diversity is that each article covers a field of study that deserves fuller inquiry
Coexistence of Pluralities through Practices of Intercultural Relationships
Authors: Castillo Guerra Jorge E.
Published: October 2020

This article investigates how migrants and refugees contribute to forms of co-existence among peoples with different religious and cultural orientations. Drawing on theories of intercultural philosophy and decolonial thinking, the author focuses on transformations of identity and faith among Catholic Latin American migrants in Europe and the United Sates of America. He argues that when these migrants encounter exclusion and uprooting, processes of transformation converge in parish communities. There they create mutual learning processes leading to new intercultural practices such as the deaconry of culture and relationship.
Latin American Liberation Theology as a Transforming Political Theology
Authors: Silber Stefan
Published: October 2020

Latin American Liberation Theology is a transforming theology in two senses: It is able to transform reality, as it has shown in these past decades, and it is transforming itself. This article shows how both types of meaning interweave. The transformations of Liberation Theology enable it to continuously adapt itself to new challenges in history. At present, this global theological movement is diversifying, or even fragmenting, in order to propose creative and effective solutions to different problems. Specifically, the Option for the Poor, which is at Liberation Theology’s core, currently presents profound challenges to European and Western theologies.
Post-Industrial Asceticism from goop to Kinfolk Magazine
Authors: Cooper Travis
Published: October 2020

This response article comments on Dana Logan’s recent exploration of the religiosity of Gwyneth Paltrow's goop brand in a 2017 publication, “The Lean Closet: Asceticism in Post Industrial Consumer Culture.” I compare and contrast Logan’s work on Paltrow's lifestyle institution with my own analogous research on the Kinfolk movement and its impulses toward ascetic minimalism. From a method and theory standpoint, I analyze in the following the strategies by which Logan deploys the concept of religiosity in studying pop cultural forms such as goop. Thinking about redescription, terminological ambiguity, and the difference between emic and etic categories and labels, I comment on Logan's someone figurative or metaphorical description of goop as a "cultural carrier" of Calvinism and question the linguistic slippages that occur when scholars employ theological and ecclesial terminologies for secondary taxonomic purposes.
(Re)writing, (Re)righting, (Re)riteing Hupa Womanhood
Authors: Gomez Abel
Published: October 2020

In We Are Dancing For You, Risling Baldy explores the meaning and process of the revival of the Ch'ilwa:l, the Flower Dance, a coming-of-age ceremony for women of her tribe. The text opens with an epigraph from Lois Risling, a Hupa medicine woman and the author's mother, "The Flower Dance is a dance that I wish all young women could have. . . .[This dance] does heal. That kind of intensive trauma where women have been abused and mutilated both spiritually and emotionally and physically." (ix). These words offer a sense of what is at stake in this text. As Risling Baldy explains, Native women in what is now known as California were targets of strategic attacks of genocide by settler colonial governments through rape, murder, missionization, boarding schools, and assimilation. Such attacks worked to erase Native women's leadership, power, and ceremonial traditions. We can see the legacy of similar acts of violence in the ongoing epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two spirits across North America. This work is personal, too, as Risling Baldy is a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe in northern California.1 She reflects on her own relationship as scholar and participant of the revitalization of this dance. Risling Baldy's text is particularly interesting in the nuanced ways she links the revival of this ceremony to Hupa cosmology, feminist theory, critiques of menstrual "taboos," embodiment, and decolonial futurity.
Getting the goop on Religion
Authors: Tite Philip
Published: October 2020

Editor's introduction to the Bulletin.
On the Margins of Ritual and Experience
Authors: Seligman Adam
Published: October 2020

This article will explore the importance of shared experience to those participating in interreligious and intercultural exchange. It will argue for the importance of this shared experience, even if the meaning-giving frames of the experience are not shared or held in common. It reflects my experience as Founding Director of CEDAR —Communities Engaging with Difference and Religion, a global NGO devoted to learning how to live together with difference. The program has been in existence for 14 years and has informed some of my more scholarly work on ritual. It is often assumed that sharing ritual action between different religious groups involves, by definition, sharing a frame or creating a new frame of shared meanings which would then embrace both, thus creating a new entity. In the process the difference and defining aspects of each religion would be lost or, at best, relegated to the background. The problematic nature of this approach can be felt in Christian-Jewish meetings when Christians propose that we all now, “pray together” and the Jewish participants become – more often than not – extremely uncomfortable. In opposition to this approach, and relying on the evidence gathered from over a dozen years and more than 15 programs devoted to “living together with difference” I will argue for the possibility of shared experience without necessarily sharing meaning. I will make a claim for the possibility of constructing some degree of trust and solidarity on the basis of a shared past, rather than on shared meaning and the possibilities this entails for connecting disparate groups and individuals as they learn to “live together differently.”
Can “Dangerous Memories” be Communicated? Extending Insights from the Intercultural Theology of Robert J. Schreiter into Dialogue with Subculture and Racialization
Authors: Considine Kevin P.
Published: October 2020

Robert J. Schreiter's groundbreaking work on the connection between theological discourse and intercultural hermeneutics is a sound foundation for a theological project that engages culture and its connection to globalization and racialization within the United States. This essay extends insights from Schreiter's work to bear upon the theological problem within the US context of communicating "dangerous memories" of racialized suffering by bringing Schreiter's insights regarding semiotics and intercultural hermeneutics into engagement with the concepts of subculture and racialization. I conclude that this approach can assist theological communication of "dangerous memories" of racialized suffering through highlighting the aberrant theological anthropology conferred through racialization-and its dehumanizing hierarchy of race that offers and prohibits access to the benefits of globalized society depending upon one's entrance into "whiteness"-and semiotically focusing upon culture and subculture as the locations through which communication is possible. Such an approach may lead to a broader, re-humanizing reinterpretation of the signs, codes, and messages that are intertwined with phenotype.
Conflict, Peace, and Religious Festivals
Authors: Nasir Mohamad Abdun
Published: October 2020

This study elucidates the roots and patterns of conflict and the conditions that facilitate peace and tolerance among Muslims, Hindus, and Christians on Lombok in eastern Indonesia. Known as the island of “a thousand mosques,” Lombok provides examples of how the state, community leaders, and other authorities – both religious and secular – manage a pluralistic society, resolve conflict, and maintain a sense of community. The study reveals that the interreligious conflicts are the result of the island’s history of ethnic and religious segregation. The state policy on religion, which regulates the establishment of places of worship, has further deepened the segregation that sharpened the conflicts. Despite consolidation and mediation by the state, some conflicts remain unresolved because the peacemaking processes are not inclusive of all actors. While Muslims and Hindus perform co-rituals and share commonalities in history and genealogy, which helps to sustain their peaceful relationship, Christians and other minorities seek alternative mechanisms to negotiate their place in the community and adapt to the existing modes of interreligious exchange. For example, many Christians join civic associations or engage in social work, while others participate in public religious-cultural festivals.