bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-Chromosome Inactivation during Preimplantation Development and in Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Rebuzzini Paola , Zuccotti Maurizio , Garagna Silvia
Published: June 2020

X dosage compensation between XX female and XY male mammalian cells is achieved by a process known as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). XCI initiates early during preimplantation development in female cells, and it is subsequently stably maintained in somatic cells. However, XCI is a reversible process that occurs in vivo in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, in primordial germ cells or in spermatids during reprogramming. Erasure of transcriptional gene silencing can occur though a mechanism named X-chromosome reactivation (XCR). XCI and XCR have been substantially deciphered in the mouse, whereas they still remain debated in the human. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in the knowledge of X-linked gene dosage compensation during mouse and human preimplantation development and in pluripotent stem cells.
Lung Ultrasound in COVID-19 Pneumonia: Correlations with Chest CT on Hospital admission
Authors: Nouvenne Antonio , Zani Marco Davìd , Milanese Gianluca , Parise Alberto , Baciarello Marco , Bignami Elena Giovanna , Odone Anna , Sverzellati Nicola , Meschi Tiziana , Ticinesi Andrea
Published: June 2020

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an accurate, safe, and cheap tool assisting in the diagnosis of several acute respiratory diseases. The diagnostic value of LUS in the workup of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in the hospital setting is still uncertain. Objectives: The aim of this observational study was to explore correlations of the LUS appearance of COVID-19-related pneumonia with CT findings. Methods: Twenty-six patients (14 males, age 64 ± 16 years) urgently hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia, who underwent chest CT and bedside LUS on the day of admission, were enrolled in this observational study. CT images were reviewed by expert chest radiologists, who calculated a visual CT score based on extension and distribution of ground-glass opacities and consolidations. LUS was performed by clinicians with certified competency in thoracic ultrasonography, blind to CT findings, following a systematic approach recommended by ultrasound guidelines. LUS score was calculated according to presence, distribution, and severity of abnormalities. Results: All participants had CT findings suggestive of bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia, with an average visual scoring of 43 ± 24%. LUS identified 4 different possible ­abnormalities, with bilateral distribution (average LUS score 15 ± 5): focal areas of nonconfluent B lines, diffuse confluent B lines, small subpleural microconsolidations with pleural line irregularities, and large parenchymal consolidations with air bronchograms. LUS score was significantly correlated with CT visual scoring (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) and oxygen saturation in room air (r = –0.66, p < 0.001). Conclusion: When integrated with clinical data, LUS could represent a valid diagnostic aid in patients with suspect COVID-19 pneumonia, which reflects CT findings.
MASTERING ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY SKILLS BY SURGEONS
Authors: Hnatiuk M. S. , Slabyi O. B. , Tatarchuk L. V. , Pokhodun K. A.
Published: June 2020

An informative experiment involved two groups of surgeons during the endoscopic surgery training. The first group comprised the doctors with left hemisphere dominant (right-handed); the second comprised the doctors with right hemisphere dominant (left-handed). Group 1 of doctors showed better and more effective practical skills in endoscopic surgery compare to group 2. According to the results of the educational experiment, it was established that the left-handed and right-handed doctors have different psychophysiological features and they comprehend the necessary practical skills in endoscopic surgery differently. For the effective and comprehensive development of practical skills in this discipline, more attention should be paid to persons with dominance of the right cerebral hemisphere.
ETYMOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF DEVELOPING FUTURE PHYSICIANS’ TERMINOLOGICAL COMPETENCE AS A PEDAGOGICAL PROBLEM
Authors: Palasiuk H. B. , Kolodnytska O. D.
Published: June 2020

Many medical terms have been replaced by descriptive names taken from everyday vocabulary, ancient mythology, etc. due to the lack of an appropriate term reflecting a body organ or a disease in ancient times.

Knowing the etymology of the medical terms contributes to their deeper and better understanding, memorizing and practical use by highly qualified future physicians. All of these issues prompted us to write the article.

Latin was the international language of medicine until the 18th century. Greek terms were created at the times of Hippocrates, Galen and their precursors. Aul Cornelius Celsus established the basis of Latin medical terminology as well as Latin terms were created in the Middle Ages. Most of the Greek terms were Latinized. Modern European languages vocabulary gradually penetrated into medical terminology only in the 19th century.

Much of the medical vocabulary consists of the names due to metaphorization phenomenon of common names, and the names of household items. Such names can be subdivided into three groups according to a theory of nomination. The first group includes lexe­mes according to the association in appearance, e.g., membrana arachnoidea (derives from Geek αραχνη (arachne, es f–a “spider”)) has English equivalent the “arachnoid membrane” of the brain. The second group covers terms due to functional similarity, e.g., incus, ūdis f denoting an “anvil” or “incus” (one of the auditory ossicles contained in the tympanic cavity) resembling the anvil used in black­smithing. Both terms according to the association in appearance and functional similarity belong to the third group, e.g., pelvis, is f denotes a “basin” or “container” in colloquial language and it means a “pelvis” in anatomy, e.g, pelvis minor – the “lesser or true pelvis”, pelvis maior – the “greater pelvis”.

The prospects of further research are in the study of mythonyms and eponyms according to the great importance of developing future physicians’ terminological competence and clinical thinking.
Posicionamento da marca Barcelona
Authors: Sampaio Adriano De Oliveira , Oliveira Janine Pereira Falcão de
Published: June 2020

Este artigo busca analisar as estratégias da Turespaña e da Agència Catalana de Turisme para promover Barcelona. A iniciativa é justificada em função das disputas pela autonomia e independência da Catalunha, por um lado, e por sua integração ao território espanhol, por outro. Essa disputa política e ideológica é produzida discursivamente em uma concorrência de sentidos acerca do território em questão, os quais podem ser percebidos em diferentes produtos simbólicos, a exemplo das peças publicitárias promovidas pela Espanha e pela Catalunha. Para tanto, recorremos à análise de discurso, aos estudos sobre marca lugar e ao modelo semionarrativo para analíse de dois vídeos promocionais dos órgãos de promoção do turismo já citados.
Didática nos cursos de relações públicas
Authors: Ferrari Maria Aparecida , Martins Juliane , Theodoro Victor
Published: June 2020

A didática nos cursos superiores de relações públicas no Brasil tem sido negligenciada por pesquisadores, prova é a escassa literatura encontrada. Dada a carência de informações, a pesquisa apresentada tem como objetivo revelar as práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas em sala de aula. Foram realizadas entrevistas com coordenadores e professores de cursos de relações públicas das cinco regiões brasileiras. Os resultados mostram o panorama atual do ensino de relações públicas com a incorporação de ferramentas tecnológicas, como suporte pedagógico, e trazem uma reflexão sobre os desafios e perspectivas para o futuro.
A formação docente na área de relações públicas
Authors: Belluzzo Regina Celia Baptista , Cabestré Sonia Aparecida
Published: June 2020

Este artigo é uma produção que tem como objetivo destacar e evidenciar os principais fundamentos que têm intima relação com a formação docente na área de relações públicas. Com essa preocupação apresentam-se aspectos, fatos e reflexões r elacionados à trajetória, formação e prática pedagógica do profissional e, ao mesmo tempo, discutem-se as possibilidades de o docente de relações públicas aplicar os princípios da competência em informação no cotidiano da era digital. Com as reflexões apresentadas acredita-se que o desafio de envolver novas competências na formação docente em relações públicas, certamente, trará contribuições benéficas, otimizando os diferentes processos que fazem parte dos cursos de relações públicas.
Neural Systems for Memory-based Value Judgment and Decision-making
Authors: Vaidya Avinash R. , Badre David
Published: June 2020

Real-life choices often require that we draw inferences about the value of options based on structured, schematic knowledge about their utility for our current goals. Other times, value information may be retrieved directly from a specific prior experience with an option. In an fMRI experiment, we investigated the neural systems involved in retrieving and assessing information from different memory sources to support value-based choice. Participants completed a task in which items could be conferred positive or negative value based on schematic associations (i.e., schema value) or learned directly from experience via deterministic feedback (i.e., experienced value). We found that ventromedial pFC (vmPFC) activity correlated with the influence of both experience- and schema-based values on participants' decisions. Connectivity between the vmPFC and middle temporal cortex also tracked the inferred value of items based on schematic associations on the first presentation of ingredients, before any feedback. In contrast, the striatum responded to participants' willingness to bet on ingredients as a function of the unsigned strength of their memory for those options' values. These results argue that the striatum and vmPFC play distinct roles in memory-based value judgment and decision-making. Specifically, the vmPFC assesses the value of options based on information inferred from schematic knowledge and retrieved from prior direct experience, whereas the striatum controls a decision to act on options based on memory strength.
Holding On to the Past: Older Adults Show Lingering Neural Activation of No-Longer-Relevant Items in Working Memory
Authors: Weeks Jennifer C. , Grady Cheryl L. , Hasher Lynn , Buchsbaum Bradley R.
Published: June 2020

Goal-relevant information can be maintained in working memory over a brief delay interval to guide an upcoming decision. There is also evidence suggesting the existence of a complementary process: namely, the ability to suppress information that is no longer relevant to ongoing task goals. Moreover, this ability to suppress or inhibit irrelevant information appears to decline with age. In this study, we compared younger and older adults undergoing fMRI on a working memory task designed to address whether the modulation of neural representations of relevant and no-longer-relevant items during a delay interval is related to age and overall task performance. Following from the theoretical predictions of the inhibitory deficit hypothesis of aging, we hypothesized that older adults would show higher activation of no-longer-relevant items during a retention delay compared to young adults and that higher activation of these no-longer-relevant items would predict worse recognition memory accuracy for relevant items. Our results support this prediction and more generally demonstrate the importance of goal-driven modulation of neural activity in successful working memory maintenance. Furthermore, we showed that the largest age differences in the regulation of category-specific pattern activity during working memory maintenance were seen throughout the medial temporal lobe and prominently in the hippocampus, further establishing the importance of “long-term memory” retrieval mechanisms in the context of high-load working memory tasks that place large demands on attentional selection mechanisms.
Royal Purple Industry in Lod during the Late Roman Period as Reflected in the Lod Mosaic
Authors: Gorzalczany Amir , Rosen Baruch , Sukenik Naama
Published: June 2020

A mosaic discovered in luxurious Roman domus in Lod (Lydda, Diospolis) in Israel, depicted among other maritime creatures Royal Purple yielding mollusks and wicker traps used to catch them. Historical sources indicating that during Late Antiquity residents of Lod dealt in dyeing and exporting textiles (also Royal Purple) were reexamined. Clearly many city inhabitants were involved with textiles, and some of them had their hands permanently dyed. The mosaic hints that the mollusks contributed to their wealth. The problem of inland dyeing with Royal Purple was discussed, as well as the continuation of this industry in the area into the Islamic period.
Development in Religious and Non-Religious Biographies from a Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Bullik Ramona , Özışık Sakin , Steppacher Anika
Published: June 2020

How do people perceive their own religious, spiritual or atheist biography? This is a question that our research team has been focusing on for nearly two decades. Our developmental perspective critically, but constructively relates to Fowler’s (1981) Faith Development Theory, as described in Streib’s (2001) approach of religious styles, paying tribute to the fact that development is not, in most cases, a linear upward process. By combining Fowler’s structural evaluation method with approaches to content analyses, this paper will show the merit of these qualitative methods when looking at (religious) development in different surroundings. For that purpose, we present case studies with different cultural backgrounds. Their different trajectories and possible commonalities will be shown on a structural as well as on a content level. This approach enables us to reconstruct movement within the religious field and will show how this is displayed on a subjective, biographical level.
A Critical Overview of Turkish Measures of Religiosity
Authors: Agilkaya-Sahin Zuhal
Published: June 2020

Turkish measures of religiosity are mainly developed in sociology and psychology of religion and trace back to the 1960s. The first attempts in measuring religiosity in Turkey are weak in terms of statistical analysis and scientific soundness. By the 1980s Turkish measures increase in quantity and quality but show poor originality. Most are adaptations of Western-Christianity religiosity scales and are based on multi-dimensionality of religiosity and religious orientation. Authentic religiosity measures, within a framework special to Turkish culture and religion, i.e. Islam, are underrepresented. Therefore, religiosity studies in Turkey indicate theoretical, methodological and authenticity problems. However, the latest studies are promising. After a brief introduction of the fields of psychology and sociology of religion in Turkey, this study provides a critical overview of religiosity measures in Turkey along with an introduction of some in detail, and gives insights into the challenges of conducting religiosity studies in the Turkish context.
Arabic Philology at the Seventeenth-Century Mughal Court. Saʿd Allāh Khān’s and Shāh Jahān’s Enactments of the Sharḥ al-Radī
Authors: Bahl Christopher D.
Published: June 2020

Persian narrative sources provide a colorful picture of Mughal courtly life, but in order to zoom in on cultural practices one has to turn to the artefacts of cultural pursuits. This article studies one specimen of the empirical treasure trove of Arabic manuscripts in South Asia in order to approach a lacuna in Mughal scholarship: the role of Arabic at the Mughal court. In the following, I will analyze the different paratextual layers of a manuscript of the thirteenth century Arabic grammar commentary Sharḥ al-Radī by Radī al-Dīn al-Astarābādhī to study its reading and transmission. The manuscript version represents a written artefact, which emerged out of a series of intellectual engagements. On the one hand, these textual engagements offer a perspective on the manuscript’s initial owner, Saʿd Allāh Khān (d. 1656), and his intellectual pursuits, as well as the scholarly framework in which he was brought up and worked in. On the other hand, the history of this manuscript’s circulation highlights the treatment of Arabic written artefacts at Shāh Jahān’s court. In an exemplary manner, the manuscript’s history of circulation demonstrates how courtly elites engaged with Arabic during the seventeenth century.
Effect of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester on Fuel-Injector Wear Characteristics
Authors: Jamshaid M. , Masjuki H. H. , Kalam M. A. , Zulkifli N. W. M. , Arslan A. , Zulfattah Z. M.
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the experimental results carried out to evaluate the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) obtained from cotton-seed oil and palm oil on fuel-injector wear characteristics. The cottonseed oil methyl ester (COME) and palm oil methyl ester (POME) were produced in the laboratory
using alkaline transesterification. Gas chromatography based on 'BS EN 14103:2011' standard was used to analyze the percentage of fatty acids in COME and POME. The physicochemical properties of the two methyl esters were measured based on ASTM and EN standards. Various unique blends using
cottonseed–palm oil methyl ester (CPME) were tested. Thirteen (13) different types of fuel blends were prepared from COME, POME, and petroleum diesel fuel (DF100). The wear and lubricity characteristics were measured using a high-frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) based on ASTM D6079
standard. The worn surfaces of the specimen plates were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The COME100, POME100, and CPME100 showed excellent lubricity properties for the fuel injector in terms of lower COF and wear coefficient when
compared with DF100. COME100, POME100 and CPME100 showed lower average COF compared to DF100 by 16.9%, 13.9% and 16.1%, respectively. This may be due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids in the methyl esters composition. Consequently, the fatty acid methyl esters can be used to reduce
the friction and wear of the fuel injectors due to the improvement in the tribological properties of the fuel.
The Missionaries of Francis: The Theology of the People and the Unification of the Argentine Piquetero Movement (2014–2018)
Authors: Forni Pablo
Published: June 2020

Founded in 2014, the Missionaries of Francis is a small social movement organization made up of activists from several other social movement organizations representing informal workers and the unemployed. Its goal was to promote the message of the newly appointed Pope Francis among the poor and excluded. Drawing inspiration from the theology of the people, the movement is contributing new repertoires of contention based on popular religious images and icons to Argentine social movements. Starting in 2016, it has occupied a key role, bringing together ideologically and politically heterogeneous social movement organizations to resist the neoliberal social policies of President Mauricio Macri.

Fundados en 2014, los Misioneros de Francisco son una pequeña organización formada por activistas de varios movimientos sociales que representan a los trabajadores informales y a los desempleados. Su objetivo fue promover el mensaje del recién nombrado Papa Francisco entre los pobres y excluidos. Inspirado en la teología del pueblo, el movimiento está aportando nuevos repertorios de protesta basados en imágenes e íconos de la religiosidad popular a los movimientos sociales argentinos. Ha jugado un papel clave a partir de 2016, reuniendo organizaciones de movimientos sociales ideológica y políticamente heterogéneos para resistir las políticas sociales neoliberales del presidente Mauricio Macri.
The October 2019 Indigenous and Citizens’ Uprising in Ecuador
Authors: Ponce Karina , Vasquez Andrés , Vivanco Pablo , Munck Ronaldo
Published: June 2020

Once again the indigenous movement in Ecuador has shown its considerable capacity for mobilization and the creation of social alliances for change. Media coverage of the October 2019 uprising has been both weak and openly biased, giving credence to a mythical “enemy within.” A chronology of events from the social movements themselves shows that this insurgent event and the aftereffects now being felt have changed the political map of Ecuador and represent a significant blow to the neoliberal project of Lenín Moreno, who replaced President Correa in 2017.

Una vez más, el movimiento indígena en Ecuador ha demostrado su considerable capacidad de movilización y de creación de alianzas sociales para el cambio. La cobertura en medios del levantamiento de octubre de 2019 ha sido poca y abiertamente sesgada, apelando a la idea de un mítico “enemigo interno”. Una cronología de los acontecimientos por parte de los movimientos sociales mismos muestra que este evento insurgente y las actuales secuelas han cambiado el mapa político de Ecuador y constituyen un golpe importante al proyecto neoliberal de Lenín Moreno, quien sustituyó al presidente Correa en 2017.
Revisiting Bolivian “Progressivism”: The Anticommunalism of the Plurinational State
Authors: Salazar Lohman Huáscar
Published: June 2020

As the Bolivian government adopts increasingly conservative and authoritarian features, a policy meant to boost capitalist extractivism is becoming increasingly evident. This should be understood not as the end of a “progressive” government but as the consolidation of a new structure of state power sustained by an anticommunal stance that has involved a redefinition of the government’s alliance with the ruling classes and the systematic dismantling of the social forces that are now struggling to reappropriate political prerogatives in arenas of political organization unrelated to the state.

A medida que el gobierno boliviano adopta características cada vez más conservadoras y autoritarias, se ha hecho cada vez más evidente una política destinada a impulsar el extractivismo capitalista. Esto no debe entenderse como el fin de un gobierno “progresista”, sino como la consolidación de una nueva estructura de poder estatal sostenida en una postura anticomunitaria que implica una redefinición de la alianza entre el gobierno y las clases dominantes, así como el desmantelamiento sistemático de las fuerzas sociales que ahora luchan por la reapropiación de prerrogativas políticas desde ámbitos no estatales de organización política.
Beyond the Institutional Order: Culture and the Formation of New Political Subjects in the Peripheries of São Paulo
Authors: Fontes Leonardo
Published: June 2020

Ethnographic research on the formation of new political subjects in the peripheries of São Paulo in a context of progressive governments and intense economic and social change suggests that cultural groups and especially poetry recitals play a fundamental role in a cultural struggle to articulate the valuation of a more communal way of life and a peripheral identity. In addition to contributing to the emergence of new public issues in the outskirts of São Paulo, the recitals have become known as venues for political formation in opposition to or in addition to more established spaces such as nongovernmental organizations, political parties, and the state itself.

Pesquisas etnográficas sobre a formação de novos sujeitos políticos nas periferias de São Paulo, em um contexto de governos progressistas e intensa mudança econômica e social, sugerem que grupos culturais e, especialmente, saraus de poesia desempenham papel fundamental na luta cultural para articular a valorização de uma sociedade com mais estilo de vida comunitária e uma identidade periférica. Além de contribuir para o surgimento de novas questões públicas nos arredores de São Paulo, os saraus ficaram conhecidos como locais de formação política de oposição contra, ou além de, espaços mais estabelecidos, como organizações não-governamentais, partidos políticos e o próprio Estado.
Policing Work: Emotions and Violence in Institutional Work
Authors: Crawford Brett , Dacin M. Tina
Published: June 2020

We merge research on institutional policing with the growing interest in violence in organization studies to explore how citizen enforcement of regulations can evoke emotion and even, under certain circumstances, turn violent. We draw on long interviews to explore how fly fishing guides enforce catch-and-release fishing regulations in the absence of the state. Our primary theoretical contribution is the development of the policing work construct, including a typology of different policing tactics. Therein, we unpack how emotional thresholds explain shifts away from peaceful enforcement tactics fostered by everyday emotions and towards violent tactics reinforced by extraordinary emotions and a desire for vengeance. We also reflect on the constitutive role of violence in policing work, shedding light on vigilantes as a veiled yet crucial line of defense for enforcing institutions. Finally, we show that institutional custodianship can be claimed by ordinary citizens, motivated by their deep connection to and guardianship of an institution’s integrity.
Democratic legitimacy, political speech and viewpoint neutrality
Authors: Ekeli Kristian Skagen
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this article is to consider the question of whether democratic legitimacy requires viewpoint neutrality with regard to political speech – including extremist political speech, such as hate speech. The starting point of my discussion is Jeremy Waldron’s negative answer to this question. He argues that it is permissible for liberal democracies to ban certain extremist viewpoints – such as vituperative hate speech – because such viewpoint-based restrictions protect the dignity of persons and a social and moral environment of mutual respect. According to Waldron, well-drafted narrow hate speech bans are not democratically illegitimate, and they do not undermine systemic democratic legitimacy – that is, the legitimacy of a democratic political system. In contrast to Waldron, I will argue that democratic legitimacy requires viewpoint neutrality to respect persons as thinking agents. I will defend a civil libertarian doctrine of viewpoint neutrality, and this doctrine requires that citizens in liberal democracies ought to have a legal free speech right to do moral wrong – that is, a legal right to express and defend any political viewpoint or idea, even if it is morally wrong to express, or expose others to, such views. It will be argued that any viewpoint-based restriction on public discourse (including narrow hate speech bans) is democratically illegitimate, and that such restrictions undermine systemic democratic legitimacy.
Automated scoring of junior and senior high essays using Coh-Metrix features: Implications for large-scale language testing
Authors: Latifi Syed , Gierl Mark
Published: June 2020

An automated essay scoring (AES) program is a software system that uses techniques from corpus and computational linguistics and machine learning to grade essays. In this study, we aimed to describe and evaluate particular language features of Coh-Metrix for a novel AES program that would score junior and senior high school students’ essays from their large-scale assessments. Specifically, we studied nine categories of Coh-Metrix features for developing prompt-specific AES scoring models for our sample. We developed the models by capitalizing on the nine features’ informativeness as a function of dimensionality reduction. We used a three-staged scoring framework. The machine scores were validated against a “gold standard” of ratings, that is, those assigned by two human raters. The nine language features reliably captured the construct of the students’ writing quality. We performed a secondary analysis to see how the scoring models performed in relation to other, already established AES systems, and there was no systematic pattern of scoring discrepancy. However, for essays with widely divergent human ratings, the scoring models were disadvantaged owing to the inherent unreliability of the human scores.
Biopsychosocial intervention for stroke carers (BISC): results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial and nested qualitative interview study
Authors: Walker Marion F , Birchall Sheila , Cobley Christine , Condon Laura , Fisher Rebecca , Fletcher-Smith Joanna , Golding-Day Miriam R , Greensmith Christopher , Kontou Eirini , Matias Oliver , Sprigg Nikola , Thomas Shirley A , Whitehead Phillip J
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To determine the feasibility of recruiting to and delivering a biopsychosocial intervention for carers of stroke survivors.

Design:

Feasibility randomised controlled study with nested qualitative interview study.

Setting:

The intervention was delivered in the community in either a group or one-to-one format.

Subjects:

Carers and stroke survivors within one year of stroke onset.

Interventions:

A carer targeted intervention delivered by a research psychologist in six structured two-hour sessions or usual care control. The intervention combined education about the biological, psychological and social effects of stroke with strategies and techniques focussing on adjustment to stroke and caregiving. Stroke survivors in both groups received baseline and follow-up assessment but no intervention.

Main Outcome:

Recruitment rate, study attrition, fidelity of intervention delivery, acceptability and sensitivity of outcome measures used (health related quality of life, anxiety and depression and carer burden six months after randomisation).

Results:

Of the 257 carers approached, 41 consented. Six withdrew before randomisation. Eighteen participants were randomised to receive the intervention and 17 to usual care. Attendance at sessions was greater when treated one-to-one. Feedback interviews suggested that participants found the intervention acceptable and peer support particularly helpful in normalising their feelings. Thirty participants were assessed at follow-up with improvements from baseline on all health measures for both groups.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that a biopsychosocial intervention was acceptable to carers and can be delivered in group and one-to-one formats. Timing of approach and mode of intervention delivery is critical and requires tailoring to the carers individual needs.
Euthanasia in Serbia: Attitudes of Students of Law and Medicine
Authors: Dimovski Darko , Turanjanin Veljko , Kolaković-Bojović Milica , Čvorović Dragana
Published: June 2020

Background

Voluntary active euthanasia represents one of the key topics in the contemporary world medicine, law, religious, ethical and moral issues. Serbia considers legalization of this procedure. Between the others, it is important to examine the student’s attitudes regarding this issue.

Methods

Data were obtained from the faculties of law and medicine, from the universities of Kragujevac and Niš, Serbia. Data were collected during the second half of 2017. The research included 214 students. Due to the nature, subject and hypothesis of the research, the authors used descriptive method and the method of the theoretical content analysis.

Results

Generally, 54% of the students are in favor of legalization of the voluntary active euthanasia. 62, 4% would take part in the referendum on the legalization euthanasia.

Conclusion

The results obtained in the survey on euthanasia on a sample of law and medical students in Niš and Kragujevac indicate that choice of the faculty (law or medicine) influences the structure (share) of responses to particular questions to some extent. However, this influence does not provide ground for conclusion that students’ opinion on legalization and application of euthanasia depends on fact they study law or medicine.
Cardiac hypertrophic risk markers of left ventricle and left atrium in chronic heart failure due to aortic and mitral valve disease
Authors: Jan Muhammad Ishtiaq , Khan Riaz Anwar , Khan Naeem , Mahak Aisha , Shah Azhar Ul Haq Ali , Hussain Syed Tasleem , Kakakhel Ahaq ullah , Murtaza Iram
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic valvular heart disease leads to systolic dysfunction and left atrial enlargement that ultimately results in heart failure.

Purpose

To investigate prognostic importance of Echocardiography and plasma natriuretic peptide levels that increase as a compensatory response and can be used as predictive markers for cardiac hypertrophy.

Material and Methods

The patients were divided into three groups: 51 with left ventricle hypertrophy due to aortic valve disease; 126 with left atrial enlargement due to mitral valve dysfunction; and 76 with both conditions. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) plasma levels were measured in all three respective groups showing dilated cardiomyopathy.

Results

The mean left ventricular end-diastolic dimension at 64.3 ± 1.6 mm ( P < 0.00) and left atrial dimension at 58.3 ± 3.7 mm ( P < 0.00) were significantly high. However, patients with both conditions showed significantly high values for left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (63.3 ± 3 mm, P < 0.00) and left atrial dimension (54.9 ± 4 mm, P < 0.00) when compared with controls. A significant positive correlation was found between plasma natriuretic peptides levels and dilated cardiomyopathy. The mean values of ANP were 173 ± 46.6 pg/mL ( P < 0.00), 140.4 ± 42.4 pg/mL ( P < 0.00), and 295.1 ± 67.5 pg/mL ( P < 0.00), significantly high in all three respective disease groups. The levels of BNP were also significantly high at 189 ± 44.5 pg/mL ( P < 0.00), 166.6 ± 36.6 pg/mL ( P < 0.00), and 323 ± 69.1 pg/mL ( P < 0.00) in the disease groups with left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial enlargement, and the disease group showing both characteristics, respectively.

Conclusion

Significant positive associations were found between left ventricle hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement with ANP and BNP.
Sensory feedback in music performer–instrument interactions
Authors: Nunes-Silva Marília , Janzen Thenille Braun , Rodrigues Ricardo Gomes , Luz Ana Raíssa da
Published: June 2020

Musical performance involves the production of highly accurate sequences of movements in space and time. During a performance, real-time auditory, visual, somatosensory (tactile and kinematic), and movement-related information of the outcome of an action provided within the different sensory systems is integrated into a coherent percept and fed back to the motor system. These sensory feedback mechanisms are, therefore, crucial to maintaining the fluency of production. However, how and to what extent do these feedback mechanisms influence music performance and learning? A growing area of research has investigated the role of different types of sensory feedback on the musicians’ performance. The aim of this integrative review is to overview the recent literature on the role of sensory feedback on music performance, focusing particularly on the individual interaction between musician and instrument. In the first section, we review recent findings regarding the role of auditory, visual, and somatosensory (tactile and kinesthetic) feedback on music performance considering each sensory modality separately. To finalize, we briefly discuss the implications of these findings to support learning and pedagogical practice.
Institutions, social change, and economic development in the periphery: A confrontation between neo-institutionalism and Arrighi and Piselli’s essay on Calabria
Authors: Butzbach Olivier
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of this article is to confront the argument put forward by Giovanni Arrighi and Fortunata Piselli in their 1987 study on capitalist development in Calabria with recent, neo-institutionalist analyses of economic development. In particular, this article asks whether the main building blocks of Arrighi and Piselli’s analysis – the importance of social conflicts in determining the outcome of processes of social change, the multiple paths of peripheralization, the key role played by factor mobility across regions of the periphery – may be used in a discussion of current theories of economic development framed within neo-institutional theory. In particular, it can be argued that articulating a dialogue between neo-institutional analyses of economic change and Arrighi and Piselli’s approach may provide a very fruitful platform for a renewed discussion of the role of institutions in economic development, especially in the periphery of the world-economy. In addition, a reading of the 1987 essay informed by neo-institutional hypotheses and concerns may yield new insights to be gained from ‘Capitalist Development in a Hostile Environment’. The overarching concern of the article is theoretical, and the core of the article will be dedicated, therefore, to a confrontation between Arrighi and Piselli’s 1987 essay, on one hand, and, on the other hand, a selection of significant works within the vast literature that has emerged in recent decades on institutions and development.
Analyzing the Application of Different Sources of Recycled Concrete Aggregate for Road Construction
Authors: Ardalan Nazanin , Wilson Douglas J. , Larkin Tam J.
Published: June 2020

Because of the environmental, planning, and resource restrictions in the exploration and processing of natural aggregates, interest in better utilizing recycled aggregates in road pavement construction is increasing. Several researchers have investigated the characteristics of recycled concrete aggregate (RCAg) with the aim of understanding its performance as a base-course unbound material. As the pavement design techniques and the properties of re-processed RCAg in each country are non-homogeneous, previous international research on recycled aggregate cannot necessarily be incorporated in New Zealand’s pavement specifications. Moreover, RCAg is mainly sourced from vertical or horizontal concrete demolished structures. These sources of material have different engineering characteristics, and there is a lack of information about their performance. This paper investigates the difference between the properties of these two vertical and horizontal sources, and it evaluates their application as an unbound granular base-course material as opposed to an alternative layer in the pavement, for road construction in New Zealand. The physical properties of RCAgs engineering performance (durability) were evaluated through experimental laboratory-based tests. Also, the characteristics of the tested RCAgs were compared with the specification of base-course materials (NZ Transport Agency M4) in New Zealand, and their appropriateness for high-performing pavement construction layers was assessed. According to the tests results, the tested RCAgs have proven to meet the “premium” base-course grade product, and it is expected that recycled crushed concrete, if production processes are appropriately managed, could have great potential use as a base-course material in road construction and in some cases perform better than common natural aggregates.
Algorithm for Tracing Train Delays to Incident Causes
Authors: Halvorsen Anne , Jefferson Darian , Stasko Timon , Reddy Alla
Published: June 2020

Knowledge of the root cause(s) of delays in transit networks has obvious value; it can be used to direct resources toward mitigation efforts and measure the effectiveness of those efforts. However, delays with indirect causes can be difficult to attribute, and may be assigned to broad categories that indicate “overcrowding,” incorrectly naming heavy ridership, train congestion, or both, as the cause. This paper describes a methodology to improve such incident assignments using historical train movement and incident data to determine if there is a root-cause incident responsible for the delay. It is intended as first step toward improved, data-driven delay recording to help time-strapped dispatchers investigate incident impacts. This methodology considers a train’s previous trip and when it arrived at the terminal to begin its next trip, as well as en route running times and dwell times. If the largest source of delay can be traced to a specific incident, that incident is suggested as the cause. For New York City Transit (NYCT), this methodology reassigns about 7% of trains originally without a root cause identified by dispatchers. Its results are provided to NYCT’s Rail Control Center staff via automated daily reports which, along with other improvements to delay recording procedures, has reduced these “overcrowding” categories from making up 38% of all delays in early 2018 to only 28% in 2019. The results confirm both that it is possible to improve delay cause diagnoses with algorithms and that there are delays for which both humans and algorithms find it difficult to determine a cause.
Role of Timetable, Rolling Stock Rescheduling, and Information Strategies to Passengers in Public Transport Disruptions
Authors: Leng Nuannuan , Liao Zhengwen , Corman Francesco
Published: June 2020

In the event of public transport disruption, operating companies produce disposition timetables depending on different rescheduling strategies, such as retiming or rerouting, with services fully/partially cancelled, and also taking into account more complex, adjusted, feasible rolling stock circulation. The aim is to reduce passengers’ delays, thereby limiting detriment to passengers’ activities and their related satisfaction. The key relation between the supply of operating companies and passengers’ satisfaction is information disseminated about running services. This paper innovatively combines an optimization model and an agent-based micro-simulation model (MATSim) to explore passengers’ (dis)satisfaction with different disposition timetables and information strategies, which is helpful for operating companies to offer better services to passengers in cases of public transport disruption. Activity-based agent behaviors in a multi-modal network are simulated and agents’ delays and scores for the city of Zürich, Switzerland, analyzed. Passengers’ (dis)satisfaction is indicated by their delays in the directly affected (i.e., disrupted) trip and utility for their whole trips and activities estimated by a score function. Disruption results in immediate delays for passengers whose planned services fail to run, plus delays for passengers on the line where extra services are planned to run (rerouted). The earlier information on the disposition timetable is disseminated to passengers, the higher their satisfaction during disruption. Compared with full cancellation of train services, computing a precise feasible rolling stock circulation able to handle partial train cancellations can significantly benefit passengers, especially those whose planned services are disrupted, against minor delays incurred by other group of passengers.
Revenue Usages, Pricing Schemes, and Media Discussions for Taxing Ridesourcing Services
Authors: Zhao Jerry Zhirong , Fonseca Camila , Zeerak Raihana
Published: June 2020

Shared mobility is transforming transportation in major urban cities. This paper focuses on taxes and fees on ridesourcing services, particularly those revenue strategies levied on their usages, generally on a per trip basis. These revenue strategies are analyzed from three main aspects. First, the usage of revenues was assessed. The majority of localities use them as a mechanism to cover regulatory costs or fill budget gaps, with very few using the proceeds to improve transportation systems or mobility overall. Second, the different pricing schemes used across localities were looked into. Most localities have adopted a fixed fee/surcharge charged per trip. Only two localities have established differential fees depending on the type of ride, aiming to increase vehicle occupancy and reduce traffic congestion. Lastly, a media analysis was conducted to examine the rationale for imposing a revenue-raising strategy, perceptions of key stakeholders, and ongoing discussions. Most debates around the adoption of the revenue-raising strategy involved the legislative and executive branches of governments at different levels, transportation network companies (TNCs), taxi businesses, and so forth. Supporters argued that the measure contributes to customer safety and the enhancement of equitable transportation options for all residents, while opponents stated concerns about the disproportionate impact of the measure on the middle-class and low-income populations. The findings provide a framework of current practices to assist state and local governments to make informed decisions in relation to TNC taxes and regulations.
Focus-Fight-Finalize (3F): Problem-Solving Steps Extracted From Behavioral Patterns in Block Based Programming
Authors: Çakıroğlu Ünal , Mumcu Suheda
Published: June 2020

This exploratory study attempts to determine problem solving steps in block based programming environments. The study was carried out throughout one term within Code.org. Participants were 15 6th grade secondary school students enrolled in an IT course at a public secondary school. Observations, screenshots and interviews were analyzed together to find out what students do and what they think during problem solving process. As a result, three main steps (focus, fight and finalize) were extracted from students’ behavioral patterns. The results suggest that three steps occur in linear or cyclic manner with regard to the programming constructs required for the solution of the problem. Implications for instructors who desire to provide a better learning experience on problem solving through block-based programming are also included.
Designing a Programming Game to Improve Children’s Procedural Abstraction Skills in Scratch
Authors: P. Rose Simon , Habgood M. P. Jacob , Jay Tim
Published: June 2020

The recent shift in compulsory education from ICT-focused computing curricula to informatics, digital literacy and computer science, has resulted in children being taught computing using block-based programming tools such as Scratch, with teaching that is often limited by school resources and teacher expertise. Even without these limitations, Scratch users often produce code with ‘code smells’ such as duplicate blocks and long scripts which impact how they understand and debug projects. These code smells can be removed using procedural abstraction, an important concept in computer science rarely taught to this age group. This article describes the design of a novel educational block-based programming game, Pirate Plunder, which concentrates on how procedural abstraction is introduced and reinforced. The article then reports an extended evaluation to measure the game’s efficacy with children aged 10 and 11, finding that children who played the game were then able to use procedural abstraction in Scratch. The article then uses game analytics to explore why the game was effective and gives three recommendations for educational game design based on this research: using learning trajectories and restrictive success conditions to introduce complex content, increasing learner investment through customisable avatars and suggestions for improving the evaluations of educational games.