bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CEDAW in the Eyes of the United States
Authors: Al Shraideh Saleh
Published: February 2018

Despite the large number of reservations registered by Member countries, making it one of the, if not the, most heavily reserved human rights treaties; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has managed to achieve a very high rate of states’ membership [1]. Currently, 187 countries out of the 193 United Nations Members are parties to CEDAW [2]. What is strange to digest, however, is the fact that the United States is one of the seven countries that are yet to ratify the Convention [3]. This article provides an insight into the position of the United States from the ratification of CEDAW. It examines the merits of arguments made for and against the ratification and their rationale to provide a better understanding that explains what is considered by many as a buzzling stand of the United States from the Convention.
The Constitutional Court of Romania against the direction of the constitutional moment of 1991
Authors: Roghină Răzvan Cosmin
Published: February 2018

The year 1991, the year when the current Romanian fundamental law came in to force, designed a constitutional moment built on profound political and societal emotions. These emotions pushed the Constituent Assembly in search of an answer, in the form of a solution, to the question „What do we not want?” The answer was: “An authoritarian president / chief of state!” Consequently, the position of the head of state in the political scaffolding received an increased attention. Unlike the Communist president, who exercised great powers, the new president was thought and designed antagonistic to his predecessor. He was reduced to a role of a simple mediator. However, more than 20 years after the fall of the communist regime, the “traditional” authoritarian personality of the president transcended - of course, not as pronounced as in the communist era - the finality of the presidential role and of the presidential attributions stated in the Constitution. As we shall see, the “player president” emerged and got confirmed by the Romanian Constitutional Court against the desideratum of the constitutional moment of 1991.
The Parliament Control on Ombudsman Institution
Authors: Stoicu Narcisa-Mihaela , Moroşteş Anca-Florina
Published: February 2018

The Parliamentary control is exerted not only on the Government but also on some autonomous administrative authorities and on some special bodies under its subordination. The constitutional norms are extremely synthetic on this form of parliamentary control, as only the art. 116 par. 2 of the Constitution stipulates that specialised bodies may be established which to function under Government subordination or as autonomous administrative structures, by organic law.

The Ombudsman Institution is an autonomous administrative authority established according to the Constitutional provisions, the activity of which is under Parliament control.

For the first time, the Ombudsman has been established in Sweden as additional tool to the control exerted by the Parliament on the executive power. Additional guarantees were enforced by it, as being an institution with democratic character, for the defence of the rule of law and for the protection of the individual rights and freedoms.

On the Ombudsman’s appointment and role, the article 58 of the 1991 Romanian Constitution stipulates that the person in charge is to be appointed by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate in joint meeting, its appointment being of five years and that the Ombudsman cannot have another civil or private service except for the teaching positions in higher education.
Further tests of the HYPROP evaporation method for estimating the unsaturated soil hydraulic properties
Authors: Bezerra-Coelho Camila R. , Zhuang Luwen , Barbosa Maria C. , Soto Miguel Alfaro , van Genuchten Martinus Th.
Published: February 2018

Many soil, hydrologic and environmental applications require information about the unsaturated soil hydraulic properties. The evaporation method has long been used for estimating the drying branches of the soil hydraulic functions. An increasingly popular version of the evaporation method is the semi-automated HYPROP© measurement system (HMS) commercialized by Decagon Devices (Pullman, WA) and UMS AG (München, Germany). Several studies were previously carried out to test the HMS methodology by using the Richards equation and the van-Genuchten-Mualem (VG) or Kosugi-Mualem soil hydraulic functions to obtain synthetic data for use in the HMS analysis, and then to compare results against the original hydraulic properties. Using HYDRUS-1D, we carried out independent tests of the HYPROP system as applied to the VG functions for a broad range of soil textures. Our results closely agreed with previous findings. Accurate estimates were especially obtained for the soil water retention curve and its parameters, at least over the range of available retention measurements. We also successfully tested a dual-porosity soil, as well as an extremely coarse medium with a very high van Genuchten n value. The latter case gave excellent results for water retention, but failed for the hydraulic conductivity. In many cases, especially for soils with intermediate and high n values, an independent estimate of the saturated hydraulic conductivity should be obtained. Overall, the HMS methodology performed extremely well and as such constitutes a much-needed addition to current soil hydraulic measurement techniques.
Reassessment of the Goiânia radioactive waste repository in Brazil using HYDRUS-1D
Authors: Pontedeiro Elizabeth M. , Heilbron Paulo F. , Perez-Guerrero Jesus , Su Jian , van Genuchten Martinus Th.
Published: February 2018

In September 1987 an accident occurred with a cesium chloride (CsCl) teletherapy source taken from a cancer therapy institute in Goiânia, Brazil. Misuse of the abandoned source caused widespread contamination of radioactive material (about 50 TBq of 137Cs) in the town of Goiânia. Decontamination of affected areas did lead to about 3,500 m3 of solid radioactive wastes, which were disposed in two near-surface repositories built in concrete in 1995. This paper documents a safety assessment of one of the low-level radioactive waste deposits containing 137Cs over a time period of 600 years. Using HYDRUS-1D, we first obtained estimates of water infiltrating through the soil cover on top of the repository into and through the waste and its concrete liners and the underlying vadose zone towards groundwater. Calculations accounted for local precipitation and evapotranspiration rates, including root water uptake by the grass cover, as well as for the effects of concrete degradation on the hydraulic properties of the concrete liners. We next simulated long-term water fluxes and 137Cs transport from the repository towards groundwater. Simulations accounted for the effects of 137Cs sorption and radioactive decay on radionuclide transport from the waste to groundwater, thus permitting an evaluation of potential consequences to the environment and long-term exposure to the public. Consistent with previous assessments, our calculations indicate that very little if any radioactive material will reach the water table during the lifespan of the repository, also when accounting for preferential flow through the waste.
The HPx software for multicomponent reactive transport during variably-saturated flow: Recent developments and applications
Authors: Jacques Diederik , Šimůnek Jiří , Mallants Dirk , van Genuchten Martinus Th.
Published: February 2018

HPx is a multicomponent reactive transport model which uses HYDRUS as the flow and transport solver and PHREEQC-3 as the biogeochemical solver. Some recent adaptations have significantly increased the flexibility of the software for different environmental and engineering applications. This paper gives an overview of the most significant changes of HPx, such as coupling transport properties to geochemical state variables, gas diffusion, and transport in two and three dimensions. OpenMP allows for parallel computing using shared memory. Enhancements for scripting may eventually simplify input definitions and create possibilities for defining templates for generic (sub)problems. We included a discussion of root solute uptake and colloid-affected solute transport to show that most or all of the comprehensive features of HYDRUS can be extended with geochemical information. Finally, an example is used to demonstrate how HPx, and similar reactive transport models, can be helpful in implementing different factors relevant for soil organic matter dynamics in soils. HPx offers a unique framework to couple spatial-temporal variations in water contents, temperatures, and water fluxes, with dissolved organic matter and CO2transport, as well as bioturbation processes.
New features of version 3 of the HYDRUS (2D/3D) computer software package
Authors: Šimůnek Jiří , Šejna Miroslav , van Genuchten Martinus Th.
Published: February 2018

The capabilities of the HYDRUS-1D and HYDRUS (2D/3D) software packages continuously expanded during the last two decades. Various new capabilities were added recently to both software packages, mostly by developing new standard add-on modules such as HPx, C-Ride, UnsatChem, Wetland, Fumigant, DualPerm, and Slope Stability. The new modules may be used to simulate flow and transport processes in one- and two-dimensional transport domains and are fully supported by the HYDRUS graphical user interface (GUI). Several nonstandard add-on modules, such as Overland, Isotope, and Centrifuge, have also been developed, but are not fully supported by the HYDRUS GUI. The objective of this manuscript is to describe several additional features of the upcoming Version 3 of HYDRUS (2D/3D), which was unveiled at a recent (March 2017) HYDRUS conference and workshop in Prague. The new features include a flexible reservoir boundary condition, expanded root growth features, and new graphical capabilities of the GUI. Mathematical descriptions of the new features are provided, as well as two examples illustrating applications of the reservoir boundary condition.
Effect of temporal averaging of meteorological data on predictions of groundwater recharge
Authors: Batalha Marcia S. , Barbosa Maria C. , Faybishenko Boris , van Genuchten Martinus Th.
Published: February 2018

Accurate estimates of infiltration and groundwater recharge are critical for many hydrologic, agricultural and environmental applications. Anticipated climate change in many regions of the world, especially in tropical areas, is expected to increase the frequency of high-intensity, short-duration precipitation events, which in turn will affect the groundwater recharge rate. Estimates of recharge are often obtained using monthly or even annually averaged meteorological time series data. In this study we employed the HYDRUS-1D software package to assess the sensitivity of groundwater recharge calculations to using meteorological time series of different temporal resolutions (i.e., hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly averaged precipitation and potential evaporation rates). Calculations were applied to three sites in Brazil having different climatological conditions: a tropical savanna (the Cerrado), a humid subtropical area (the temperate southern part of Brazil), and a very wet tropical area (Amazonia). To simplify our current analysis, we did not consider any land use effects by ignoring root water uptake. Temporal averaging of meteorological data was found to lead to significant bias in predictions of groundwater recharge, with much greater estimated recharge rates in case of very uneven temporal rainfall distributions during the year involving distinct wet and dry seasons. For example, at the Cerrado site, using daily averaged data produced recharge rates of up to 9 times greater than using yearly averaged data. In all cases, an increase in the time of averaging of meteorological data led to lower estimates of groundwater recharge, especially at sites having coarse-textured soils. Our results show that temporal averaging limits the ability of simulations to predict deep penetration of moisture in response to precipitation, so that water remains in the upper part of the vadose zone subject to upward flow and evaporation.
The influence of stony soil properties on water dynamics modeled by the HYDRUS model
Authors: Hlaváčiková Hana , Novák Viliam , Kostka Zdeněk , Danko Michal , Hlavčo Jozef
Published: February 2018

Stony soils are composed of two fractions (rock fragments and fine soil) with different hydrophysical characteristics. Although stony soils are abundant in many catchments, their properties are still not well understood. This manuscript presents an application of the simple methodology for deriving water retention properties of stony soils, taking into account a correction for the soil stoniness. Variations in the water retention of the fine soil fraction and its impact on both the soil water storage and the bottom boundary fluxes are studied as well. The deterministic water flow model HYDRUS-1D is used in the study. The results indicate that the presence of rock fragments in a moderate-to-high stony soil can decrease the soil water storage by 23% or more and affect the soil water dynamics. Simulated bottom fluxes increased or decreased faster, and their maxima during the wet period were larger in the stony soil compared to the non-stony one.
Simulating vertical flow wetlands using filter media with different grain sizes with the HYDRUS Wetland Module
Authors: Pucher Bernhard , Langergraber Guenter
Published: February 2018

In this study, the simulation results of four vertical flow wetland systems using the HYDRUS Wetland Module are presented. The four wetland systems comprise three single-stage pilot scale systems and one full-scale two-stage system. The main difference between these systems is the filter media used, referred to as fine media, i.e., sand with a grain size distribution 0.063–4 mm, or coarse media, i.e., sand with grain size distributions between 1–4 mm, respectively. The water-flow simulation of each system is carried out using the single porosity van Genuchten-Mualem model. A good match between measured and simulated volumetric effluent flow rates could be achieved for all wetland systems. For reactive transport simulations, the CW2D biokinetic model was applied. First, simulations were run using the standard CW2D parameter set. For some systems, adjustments of the parameter set were needed in order to avoid unlimited bacteria growth. To better fit measured COD, NH4-N, and NO3-N effluent concentrations, adjustments of few parameters of the standard parameter set were required. The results show that for the VF wetlands with fine sand, no adjustments of the CW2D standard parameter set were needed, while for systems with coarser filter media as the main layer, the standard parameter set had to be adjusted to match simulated and measured effluent concentrations.
Can a change in cropping patterns produce water savings and social gains: A case study from the Fergana Valley, Central Asia
Authors: Karimov Akmal Kh. , Hanjra Munir A. , Šimůnek Jiří , Abdurakhmannov Botir
Published: February 2018

The study examines possible water savings by replacing alfalfa with winter wheat in the Fergana Valley, located upstream of the Syrdarya River in Central Asia. Agricultural reforms since the 1990s have promoted this change in cropping patterns in the Central Asian states to enhance food security and social benefits. The water use of alfalfa, winter wheat/fallow, and winter wheat/green gram (double cropping) systems is compared for high-deficit, low-deficit, and full irrigation scenarios using hydrological modeling with the HYDRUS-1D software package. Modeling results indicate that replacing alfalfa with winter wheat in the Fergana Valley released significant water resources, mainly by reducing productive crop transpiration when abandoning alfalfa in favor of alternative cropping systems. However, the winter wheat/fallow cropping system caused high evaporation losses from fallow land after harvesting of winter wheat. Double cropping (i.e., the cultivation of green gram as a short duration summer crop after winter wheat harvesting) reduced evaporation losses, enhanced crop output and hence food security, while generating water savings that make more water available for other productive uses. Beyond water savings, this paper also discusses the economic and social gains that double cropping produces for the public within a broader developmental context.
Coupling DSSAT and HYDRUS-1D for simulations of soil water dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere system
Authors: Shelia Vakhtang , Šimůnek Jirka , Boote Ken , Hoogenbooom Gerrit
Published: February 2018

Accurate estimation of the soil water balance of the soil-plant-atmosphere system is key to determining the availability of water resources and their optimal management. Evapotranspiration and leaching are the main sinks of water from the system affecting soil water status and hence crop yield. The accuracy of soil water content and evapotranspiration simulations affects crop yield simulations as well. DSSAT is a suite of field-scale, process-based crop models to simulate crop growth and development. A “tipping bucket” water balance approach is currently used in DSSAT for soil hydrologic and water redistribution processes. By comparison, HYDRUS-1D is a hydrological model to simulate water flow in soils using numerical solutions of the Richards equation, but its approach to crop-related process modeling is rather limited. Both DSSAT and HYDRUS-1D have been widely used and tested in their separate areas of use. The objectives of our study were: (1) to couple HYDRUS-1D with DSSAT to simulate soil water dynamics, crop growth and yield, (2) to evaluate the coupled model using field experimental datasets distributed with DSSAT for different environments, and (3) to compare HYDRUS-1D simulations with those of the tipping bucket approach using the same datasets. Modularity in the software design of both DSSAT and HYDRUS-1D made it easy to couple the two models. The pairing provided the DSSAT interface an ability to use both the tipping bucket and HYDRUS-1D simulation approaches. The two approaches were evaluated in terms of their ability to estimate the soil water balance, especially soil water contents and evapotranspiration rates. Values of thedindex for volumetric water contents were 0.9 and 0.8 for the original and coupled models, respectively. Comparisons of simulations for the pod mass for four soybean and four peanut treatments showed relatively highdindex values for both models (0.94–0.99).
Sporadic pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma harboring the ETV6/NTRK3 fusion oncogene in a 7-year-old Japanese girl: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Otsubo Ryota , Mussazhanova Zhanna , Akazawa Yuko , Sato Ayako , Matsuda Katsuya , Matsumoto Megumi , Yano Hiroshi , Matsuse Michiko , Mitsutake Norisato , Ando Takao , Niino Daisuke , Nagayasu Takeshi , Nakashima Masahiro
Published: February 2018

Background:

There have been great concerns about pediatric thyroid cancers after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011.

Case presentation:

We report a case of a 7-year-old Japanese girl with sporadic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) harboring an ETV6/NTRK3 rearrangement. The patient presented with tumors in both lobes and underwent thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. Histopathology showed a classic type of PTC with cervical lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions:

Genetic evaluation showed ETV6/NTRK3 fusion but no BRAF mutations or RET/PTC rearrangements. RET/PTC rearrangement and BRAF mutations often contribute to the pathogenesis of PTC; however, rearrangements of NTRK genes are relatively rare in pediatric PTC. Although NTRK rearrangement has been shown to often present unique pathological types and infiltrative architectures in the western population, such findings were not observed in this patient. Thus, the present case of classic PTC with ETV6/NTRK3 rearrangement highlights the disparate collection of clinic-pathological features compared to the trend in the western population. We therefore emphasize the need to further accumulate clinical as well as genetic data in pediatric PTCs.
Examensklausur ZR Der trickreiche Gebrauchtfahrradhändler
Authors: Caspers Sven
Published: February 2018

Die Klausur behandelt in ihrem ersten Teil die klassische Konstellation der unberechtigten Weiterveräußerung einer dem Veräußerer nicht gehörenden Sache und die sich daraus für den ursprünglichen Eigentümer ergebenden Ansprüche gegen den jetzigen Besitzer der Sache, die sich insbesondere im bayrischen Staatsexamen einer ungebrochenen Beliebtheit erfreut und daher von erheblicher Examensrelevanz ist. Im zweiten Teil wird eine aktuelle kaufrechtliche Problematik behandelt, die jüngst Gegenstand einer BGH-Entscheidung war und die eine für die Praxis gewichtige Klarstellung im neuen Kaufrecht demonstriert hat. Eingerahmt ist der zweite Teil von zwei prozessrechtlichen Standardproblemen, der Feststellung der örtlichen Zuständigkeit des Gerichts und der Frage der Wirksamkeit einer Prorogation.
Theoretical Background for the Decision-Making Process Modelling under Controlled Intervention Conditions
Authors: Bakanauskienė Irena , Baronienė Laura
Published: February 2018

This article is intended to theoretically justify the decision-making process model for the cases, when active participation of investing entities in controlling the activities of an organisation and their results is noticeable. Based on scientific literature analysis, a concept of controlled conditions is formulated, and using a rational approach to the decision-making process, a model of the 11-steps decision-making process under controlled intervention is presented. Also, there have been unified conditions, describing the case of controlled interventions thus providing preconditions to ensure the adequacy of the proposed decision-making process model.
Self-Organisation Perspective to Responsible Innovation in Industry
Authors: Čeičytė Jolita , Petraitė Monika
Published: February 2018

Based on scientific literature analysis, the article examines the complex nature of the responsible innovation concept and provides the conceptual integration of a self-organisation perspective into the concept of responsible innovation within industry. Self-organisation characteristics are presented and argued as useful constructs for a better understanding of responsible innovation processes.
Possibilities of Distributed Leadership Development in the Context of Changes: A Case of Pre-school Education Institutions
Authors: Dambrauskienė Dalia , Liukinevičienė Laima
Published: February 2018

The article discusses distributed leadership of pre-school education institutions in the context of changes. Based on theoretical research data, it is possible to state that Lithuanian legal documents, the administrative environment, and specifics of institutions’ activity create vast possibilities for development of distributed leadership in these organisations.
Consumer Social Responsibility: Example of Cycling Service
Authors: Jesevičiūtė-Ufartienė Laima
Published: February 2018

The article presents research on consumer social responsibility based on the example of cycling service. The author analyses the tourism sector determining a relation between socially responsible behaviour of an organization and consumer behaviour.
Experience of Spiritual Leaders’ Interaction with Employees in Business Organisations
Authors: Katilienė Rasa
Published: February 2018

This article presents a study, the goal of which is to reveal experience of the spiritual leader’s interaction with employees in business organisations. The study is based on P. Ricoeur’s (2000) interpretations and the phenomenological hermeneutics method by A. Lindseth (2004) and A. Norberg (2004) dedicated to the interpretation of interviews. The article presents findings on the interaction of the leader and his/her followers in mid-sized Lithuanian organisations’ culture, i.e., managers’ experiences arising from their core assumptions and revealed through targeted actualisation of employee activities, satisfaction, meaningful work, experience of organisational identity, leader-instigated sense of community and appreciation, and employee awareness.
Measuring Gen-Y Customer Experience in the Banking Sector
Authors: Kyguolienė Asta , Makutėnas Nerijus
Published: February 2018

The article analyses customer experience as the subject of marketing research and presents methods for assessing customer experience. The results of empirical research revealing the Gen-Y customer experience in using the Lithuanian commercial banks’ services are presented.
Change and Innovation Leadership in an Industrial Digital Environment
Authors: Steude Dietrich H.
Published: February 2018

With the high pace of digital innovation processes the risk of digital disruption increases for industrial companies. However, the progress in industrial digitalization accelerates the decision processes and relieves management from routine work. It gives room for creative management challenges like change and innovation processes. Team-oriented methods like Design Thinking are becoming a crucial part of the innovation culture. Industrial leadership must find current ways that are linked to creativity and to a coordinated human interaction. The article ties together the relevant literature and innovative ideas of digital tools, agile methodology and consequences for a flexible organizational structure.
Managerial Solutions that Increase the Effect of Group Synergy and Reduce Social Loafing
Authors: Vveinhardt Jolita , Banikonytė Justina
Published: February 2018

Reduction of social loafing in the organization and increase of group synergy are integral objectives of human resource management, setting high requirements to the quality of managerial solutions. The purpose of this research is to develop managerial solutions that increase the effect of group synergy and reduce the spread of social loafing. The article analyses the concept of the social loafing phenomenon distinguishing the essential demotivators in work groups of organizations. The reasons of occurrence and existence of social loafing are analysed as well, differentiating them into groups. The authors also discuss beliefs and behaviour of employees in organizations that lead to the emergence and (or) suppression of the social loafing phenomenon. Based on a comparative and systemic logical analysis of scientific literature, as well as the results of empirical research, there are developed managerial solutions using the modelling method.
Longitudinal research into purpose in life in outstanding Polish actors
Authors: Mróz Barbara
Published: February 2018

The aim of longitudinal research into personality and axiology is to detect what differences, similarities and changes have occurred in these areas over a period of time. The article examines the character of changes in purpose in life in two generations of Polish actors on the basis of the author’s Personality and Axiological Model (MOA). The longitudinal studies and analyses conducted confirmed the influence of variables related to competence, relationships and autonomy (MOA components) on purpose in life spheres (affirmation of life, self-acceptance, goal orientation, sense of freedom, outlook for the future, attitude to death, univariate model). The study produced interesting results in the character and level of similarities and differences between two different generations of actors, which gives insight into the development of a creative person.
Temperament traits and preferences of music works with specific musical elements
Authors: Gocman Małgorzata
Published: February 2018

The objective of the research was to check the relationship between temperament traits as classified by Pavlov and preferences for works of music containing specified musical elements. 145 students aged 19-26 took part in the study. The respondents completed the Pavlovian Temperament Survey and a Music Preferences Form. Statistical analysis showed that all the temperament traits classified by Pavlov were related to musical elements contained in the subjects’ chosen pieces of music. The following proved to be significant in regard to the subjects’ musical preferences: Tempo, Changes in Tempo, Rhythm Values in Relation to Metrical Basis, Number of Melodic Themes, Scale of Performance, and Meter. The results are consistent with studies indicating the impact of temperament traits (related to the need for stimulation) on music preferences.
Creative attitude and understanding of emotions by artistically-gifted students
Authors: Kuśpit Małgorzata
Published: February 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between creative attitude and the understanding of emotions by artistically-gifted students. The study used the Creative Behaviour Questionnaire (KANH) by S. Popek and the Emotion Understanding Test (EUT) by A. Matczak and J. Piekarska. The empirical research was conducted in art schools in Poland. It included 271 people (girls and boys) of 15-18 years of age. Based on the results that were obtained it was concluded that there are dependencies between creative attitude and the understanding of emotions in the group of students in the study. The higher the level of the creative attitude and non-conformist and heuristic behaviors, the greater the ability the artistically-gifted students had to understand emotions.
Mobbing and discrimination in companies. The importance of prevention
Authors: Chudzicka-Czupała Agata , Grabowski Damian , Wilczyńska Agnieszka
Published: February 2018

The authors of this paper sought to determine the role of companies’ internal policy and of the position of their management boards with regard to the fight against mobbing and discrimination.

Employees at two companies were studied: 34.7% of the staff of a large foreign manufacturing company (201 people) and 54.5% of the staff of a medium-sized Polish service provider company (110 people). The research used the questionnaire method. A qualitative analysis was also performed on the data obtained on the basis of interviews with the employees and of observation.

The results focus on a comparison of the two companies in the study. They refer to the types and frequencies of behavior bearing the hallmarks of mobbing and discrimination as well as to the reactions of the two companies’ management boards to the reports they received.
Stability of 5 mg/mL Nitrendipine Oral Suspension in Syrspend® SF PH4
Authors: Bellay Romain , Bonnaure Anne-Claire , Rault Pauline , Pertuisel Sophie , Lester Marie-Antoinette , Boivin Pierre-Nicolas
Published: February 2018

Background

Nitrendipine is prescribed to children for the treatment of primary hypertension (off-label use). Available specialties (Nidrel®, Baypress® and others generic drugs) are only marketed in tablet form, which is unsuitable for pediatric use. A hospital preparation of nitrendipine oral suspension at 5 mg/mL was developed. The aim of the study was to determine physicochemical and microbiological stability of the nitrendipine oral suspension in order to set a shelf life for the preparation.

Methods

A validated high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the assay of nitrendipine. Nitrendipine oral suspensions were prepared using 20 mg Nidrel® tablets and suspending vehicle Syrspend® SF PH4. These preparations were packaged in amber glass bottles and stored at room temperature. The physicochemical (pH, osmolality, nitrendipine concentration, macroscopic changes) and microbiological stability of the preparation was tested over 90 days. Nitrendipine concentration at day 0 was considered as 100 % and nitrendipine concentration in subsequent samples greater than 95 % were considered stable.

Results

The developed HPLC method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision and specificity. After 90 days, no significant pH and osmolality variation was observed. No microbial growth was noted. Concentrations of nitrendipine were found to be always higher 95 % of the initial concentration.

Conclusions

Nitrendipine oral suspensions 5 mg/mL are stable for at least 90 days when stored at temperature room and in amber glass bottles. This suspension is more suitable for children than tablets and allows obtaining accurate doses based on patient’s body weight.
Developing a Pronunciation Computer Program for the Acquisition of English Phonemes and Word Stress
Authors: Hong Jhao-Nan , Yang James H.
Published: February 2018

This study devised a pronunciation computer program to examine whether mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) could facilitate college students’ acquisition of English phonemes and word stress. Thirty-eight participants enrolled in the remedial English class offered at the language center of a national technological university in central Taiwan. Before the class, they were asked to read a word list. In the following six weeks, they were taught to distinguish and articulate English phonemes and to predict word stress locations using the designed computer program. They were also instructed to review the learning materials using the smart-phone version of the devised program. After the teaching session, each participant was asked again to read the same word list and fill out an assessment questionnaire. The sound analyses show that their readings of English minimal pairs and word stress placement were more accurate than their performances before the instruction. Their responses to the questionnaire indicate that both the given instruction and the designed computer program were satisfactory. In the open-ended questions, some of them said that they have built up a better understanding of phonemes and word stress, and that they would try to predict polysyllabic word stress when reading English articles. The present findings can be further applied to research on MALL-based English pronunciation acquisition.
Accents of English at Czech Schools: Students’ Attitudes and Recognition Skills
Authors: Jakšič Jan , Šturm Pavel
Published: February 2018

The study investigates the attitudes of 254 Czech students towards English as the main language taught at secondary schools. The questionnaire enquired about their perspectives on learning English in general, British and American cultures and accents of English. Such preferences may have implications for pronunciation model selection in TEFL. In addition, the participants evaluated 12 words pronounced in British or American English for pleasantness, and also assigned them to one of the varieties. Despite the predominance of American culture and despite equal distribution of cultural preferences and equal aesthetic evaluation of the accents, the British variety was marked as more prestigious and was also identified more successfully. Interestingly, the findings differed between students from the capital city and those from regional schools.
Overshooting Americanisation. Accent Stylisation in Pop Singing – Acoustic Properties of the Bath and Trap Vowels in Focus
Authors: Konert-Panek Monika
Published: February 2018

The paper addresses the problem of overshoot involved in singing accent stylisation. Selected phonetic features indexed as “American” and “Cockney” are analysed in the singing and speaking styles of a British vocalist, Adele. Overshoot, understood as a greater frequency or an exaggerated quality of a given feature, is characteristic of staged performance (Bell and Gibson 2011; Coupland 2007). PRAAT is used to establish the acoustic properties (F1 and F2) of the BATH and TRAP vowels, as well as the presence or absence of the BATH-TRAP split. The results show that Americanisation regarding the BATH-TRAP split in singing is present and the Americanised vowel tokens are “overshot”, having higher F2 frequency compared with the regular British TRAP vowel.
Foreign Language Learners Acquire L2 Phonetic Detail: Goose and Foot Fronting in Non-Native English
Authors: Šimáčková Šárka , Podlipský Václav Jonáš
Published: February 2018

Whether late learners discern fine phonetic detail in second-language (L2) input, form new phonetic categories, and realize them accurately remains a relevant question in L2 phonology, especially for foreign-language (FL) learning characterized by limited exposure to interactional native input. Our study focuses on advanced Czech learners’ production of the L2 English vowels GOOSE and FOOT. While English /u/ and /ʊ/ have been undergoing fronting, their Czech equivalents, /uː/ and /u/, are fully back. We show that although the spectral differentiation of /u/-/ʊ/ is smaller in the learners’ than in native speech, the vowels being contrasted primarily in length, even FL learners can shift their L2 sound categories towards native-like targets, or in this case, produce English /u/-/ʊ/ as fronted.
The Effect of Incidental Learning on the Comprehension of English Affixes by Arabic-Speaking EFL Learners: Acquisition and Application
Authors: Altakhaineh Abdel Rahman , Zibin Aseel
Published: February 2018

This study aims to examine the effect of incidental learning on the comprehension of 30 English affixes by 50 Arabic-speaking EFL learners in an attempt to determine which affixes are more easily comprehended. We adopt the experimental design of a pre- and post-test to measure the participants’ knowledge of English affixes before and after the treatment, which involved taking part in the prediction of the meaning of English affixed words in context for one academic semester. To this end, we divided the 50 participants into two groups: treatment and control. We administered a 30-item multiple choice test as the pre- and post-test to determine whether the treatment helped the participants expand their knowledge of English affixes.
On the Brink of-Noun vs. On the Verge of-Noun: a Distinctive-Collexeme Analysis
Authors: Wiliński Jarosław
Published: February 2018

This paper uses the terminology of Construction Grammar (Goldberg 1996; 2006) and a corpus-based method to investigate a pair of semantically similar constructions and the lexemes that occur in both of them. The method, referred to as distinctive-collexeme analysis (Gries and Stefanowitsch 2004a), seeks to identify lexemes that exhibit a strong preference for one construction as opposed to another: in other words, to uncover subtle distributional differences between two semantically or functionally near-equivalent constructions. On the basis of the case study dealing with the on the brink of- noun construction versus the on the verge of- noun construction, the paper shows that there are lexemes that prefer one of the investigated patterns over the other. Moreover, the results of the distinctive-collexeme analysis reveal that the frame-constructional semantics is a relevant factor in the choice between these two patterns.
Daluang Manuscripts from Cirebon, Indonesia: History, Manufacture and Deterioration Phenomena
Authors: Rachman Yeni Budi , Salim Tamara Adriani
Published: February 2018

Daluang or dluwang is an Indonesian traditional ‘near paper’ that is made of Saeh, a type of mulberry plant. Daluang or dluwang were used as a writing material in Java during the Islamic era. Cirebon, West Java Province, Indonesia, is one of daluang manuscript collection sources in Indonesia. The manuscripts belong to the local society and the royal family. The objective of this research is to provide a brief history of daluang production and use and to identify deterioration phenomena of daluang manuscripts which belong to the Cirebon society. The data was collected by literature study, interviews and a survey examining daluang manuscripts. The findings from this study are an important documentation of the present condition of daluang manuscripts in Cirebon. Furthermore, this paper offers guidance for a condition survey of daluang manuscript collections and identifies weaknesses in the current practice of preservation, offering suggestions for optimized storage conditions.
Greek Drama in the Hellenistic Period
Authors: Čiripová Dáša
Published: February 2018

This study deals with a period of the Greeco-Roman history related to theatre. Hellenism is a period which is often overlooked by theatre scholars although it is an immensely important and rich transformatory and revolutionary period from a historical point of view. Hellenism is not only marked with the encounter of two worlds, but also with their mutual enrichment. In the world of diverse peoples, theatre and drama turn to lighter themes (comedy is more popular than tragedy), show preference for entertaining theatre forms, gradually divert their attention from serious textual levels and turn to non-verbal genres. Menandros is a typical representative of Hellenistic drama. Unfortunately, a great number of texts and files, which would contain at least mentions of drama production at that time, have been lost.
The Figure of Milan Rastislav Štefánik in Television and Radio Production
Authors: Inštitorisová Dagmar
Published: February 2018

This study deals with television and radio artistic, documentary, and investigative programmes whose thematic focus is the historical figure of Milan Rastislav Štefánik. The analysis examines television and radio recordings from the archives of RTVS, the Slovak Film Institute in Bratislava, and two documentary films produced by the company Kanimex. It focuses on the form of their artistic treatment as well as representation of the personality of Štefánik. In its conclusion, the study summarizes findings about the manner of interpretation of his personality in a model of an audiovisual and audial historical figure.
Scenic Figure: A Step Towards the Phenomenological Grasp of the Problem
Authors: Vinař Josef
Published: February 2018

This text is a posthumous work by Assoc. Prof. Josef Vinař (1934–2015), a lecturer at the Theatre Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Before his death Josef Vinař asked his colleague Jan Vedral to take care of his unfinished theoretical work and make it available. Acting upon this wish and the wish of Vinař’s heirs, Jan Vedral put together a team from some of Vinař’s students (current doctoral students), who compiled Vinař’s theoretical ideas about theatre. The present study is a summary of some of Josef Vinař’s findings and especially his phenomenological ideas about the art of acting. The author prepared it for the Slovak Theatre journal.
Repetitive nerve block for neuropathic pain management: a case report
Authors: Naja Zoher , Naja Ahmad Salah , Rajab Omar , Mugharbil Anas , Shatila Abdul Rahman , Al Hassan Janah
Published: February 2018

Schwannoma is a common neoplasm in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Sciatic nerve schwanommas are rare. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman who was referred for treatment of persistent neuropathic pain in the left lower limb after resection of a schwannoma on the left S1 nerve root. The patient’s history goes back when she was 27 years old and started to have electric-like pain in her lower left limb upon intercourse. Examination revealed a left ovarian cyst which was surgically removed. Her pain persisted despite taking nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Several years later a schwannoma on the left S1 nerve root was detected. The patient had surgical excision of the left S1 nerve root at the plexus along with the schwannoma. Following the surgery, she experienced pain upon sitting and touch, and had a limp in her left leg. She was prescribed NSAIDs, antidepressant and pregabalin. Despite the pharmacological treatment, the patient had persistent mild pain. Upon physical examination, the incision from her previous surgery was 4 cm away from the sacral midline and parallel to S1 and S2. The length of the incision was 3 cm. The patient had severe allodynia upon palpation at the area between S1 and L5 and the visual analog scale (VAS) score increased from 3 to 10. She had severe pain at rest and movement. Her neurologic exam revealed that the left lower extremity motor power showed mild weakness in the leg abduction, foot eversion, plantar and toes flexion, and in the hip extension. The sensory exam showed severe reduction in pinprick and temperature sensation in the lateral aspect of foot, lower leg and dorsolateral thigh and buttocks. Nerve stimulator guided injection was performed at the pain trigger point being 1 cm above the midline of the incision. Upon nerve stimulation the contraction of the gluteal muscle was observed. Then, 20 mL of the anesthetic mixture were injected. The patient had immediate pain relief after the block (VAS 1/10). She remained pain free for 15 days after which pain reappeared but with less severity (3/10). Repetitive sciatic nerve block was performed in a progressive manner and was shown to be effective in managing neuropathic pain.
Efficacy and safety of epidural, continuous perineural infusion and adjuvant analgesics for acute postoperative pain after major limb amputation – a systematic review
Authors: von Plato Hanna , Kontinen Vesa , Hamunen Katri
Published: February 2018

Background and aims:

Treatment of pain following major limb amputations is often a clinical challenge in a patient population consisting mainly of elderly with underlying diseases. Literature on management of acute post-amputation pain is scarce. We performed a systematic review on this topic to evaluate the efficacy and safety of analgesic interventions for acute pain following major limb amputation.

Methods:

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the following key words: [(amputation) AND (pain OR analgesi* OR pain relief)] AND (acute OR postoperative). Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and observational studies investigating treatment of acute pain following major amputations for any indication (peripheral vascular disease, malignant disease, trauma) were included. The review was performed according to the standards described in the PRISMA statement. The Cochrane quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the RCTs.

Results:

Nineteen studies with total of 949 patients were included. The studies were generally small and heterogeneous on outcomes, study designs and quality. There were 16 studies on epidural or continuous perineural analgesia (CPI). Based on five RCTs (n=268) and two observational studies (n=49), epidural analgesia decreased the intensity of acute stump pain as compared to systemic analgesics, during the first 24 h after the operation. Based on one study epidural analgesia caused more adverse effects like sedation, nausea and motor block than continuous perineural local anesthetic infusion. Based on one RCT (n=21) and eight observational studies (n=501) CPI seemed to decrease opioid consumption as compared to systemic analgesics only, on the first three postoperative days, and was well tolerated. Only three trials investigated systemic analgesics (oral memantine, oral gabapentine, iv ketamine). Ketamine did not decrease acute pain or opioid consumption after amputation as compared to other systemic analgesics. Gabapentin did not decrease acute pain when combined to epidural analgesia as compared to epidural analgesia and opioid treatment, and caused adverse effects.

Conclusions:

The main finding of this systematic review is that evidence regarding pain management after major limb amputation is very limited. Epidural analgesia may be effective, but firm evidence is lacking. Epidural causes more adverse effects than CPI. The results on efficacy of CPI are indecisive. The data on adjuvant medications combined to epidural analgesia or CPI is limited. Studies on efficacy and adverse effects of systemic analgesics for amputation pain, especially concentrating on elderly patients, are needed.