bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPERIMENTAL ENERGY LEVELS AND PARTITION FUNCTION OF THE 12C2 MOLECULE
Authors: Furtenbacher Tibor , Szabó István , Császár Attila G. , Bernath Peter F. , Yurchenko Sergei N. , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: June 2016

The carbon dimer, the 12C2 molecule, is ubiquitous in astronomical environments. Experimental-quality rovibronic energy levels are reported for 12C2, based on rovibronic transitions measured for and among its singlet, triplet, and quintet electronic states, reported in 42 publications. The determination utilizes the Measured Active Rotational-Vibrational Energy Levels (MARVEL) technique. The 23,343 transitions measured experimentally and validated within this study determine 5699 rovibronic energy levels, 1325, 4309, and 65 levels for the singlet, triplet, and quintet states investigated, respectively. The MARVEL analysis provides rovibronic energies for six singlet, six triplet, and two quintet electronic states. For example, the lowest measurable energy level of the

state, corresponding to the J = 2 total angular momentum quantum number and the F
1 spin-multiplet component, is 603.817(5) cm−1. This well-determined energy difference should facilitate observations of singlet–triplet intercombination lines, which are thought to occur in the interstellar medium and comets. The large number of highly accurate and clearly labeled transitions that can be derived by combining MARVEL energy levels with computed temperature-dependent intensities should help a number of astrophysical observations as well as corresponding laboratory measurements. The experimental rovibronic energy levels, augmented, where needed, with ab initio variational ones based on empirically adjusted and spin–orbit coupled potential energy curves obtained using the Duo code, are used to obtain a highly accurate partition function, and related thermodynamic data, for 12C2 up to 4000 K.
PROPERTIES OF BLAZAR JETS DEFINED BY AN ECONOMY OF POWER
Authors: Petropoulou Maria , Dermer Charles D.
Published: June 2016

The absolute power of a relativistic black hole jet includes the power in the magnetic field, the leptons, the hadrons, and the radiated photons. A power analysis of a relativistic radio/γ-ray blazar jet leads to bifurcated leptonic synchrotron-Compton (LSC) and leptohadronic synchrotron (LHS) solutions that minimize the total jet power. Higher Doppler factors with increasing peak synchrotron frequency are implied in the LSC model. Strong magnetic fields

B

′

≳
100

G

are found for the LHS model with variability times

≲

10

3

s

, in accord with highly magnetized, reconnection-driven jet models. Proton synchrotron models of

≳
100

GeV

blazar radiation can have sub-Eddington absolute jet powers, but models of dominant GeV radiation in flat spectrum radio quasars require excessive power.
La théologie et la politique modernes : vue d’Afrique
Authors: Katchekpele Léonard Amossou
Published: June 2016

Les pratiques politiques du christianisme interrogent autant la politique que la théologie dans la mesure où les modulations de l’une n’ont pu, historiquement, laisser l’autre sans aménagements. Quelle théologie pour quelle politique ? La réponse moderne à cette double interrogation fera ici l’objet d’un questionnement à partir de la façon dont l’Afrique, durant la colonisation et après, a accueilli, vit et force à reformuler ce désir moderne réciproque de christianisme et de politique.
Exhortation apostolique post-synodale. Amoris Lætitia
Authors: François Pape
Published: June 2016

L’Église catholique se propose avant tout d’accompagner la fragilité de certains itinéraires de vie morale considérés comme « irréguliers ». Elle est dotée pour ce faire des notions de gradualité et de discernement pastoral qui poussent à mieux tenir compte des exceptions créées par des circonstances qui vont jusqu’à exténuer la responsabilité morale.
Clinique d’une coopération
Authors: Garnier Ingrid
Published: June 2016

Aliénor est transférée en néonatologie, à 2 jours de vie, du fait d’un syndrome de sevrage lié aux traitements psychotropes maintenus pendant la grossesse, sa maman présentant des troubles psychiatriques depuis l’adolescence. Nous proposons ici une relecture du parcours de cette triade, sous l’angle des coopérations mobilisées dans le service de médecine néonatale et entre les autres services (psychiatrie, pmi, tisf ...), tissant un maillage interprofessionnel et interinstitutionnel suffisamment souple mais sécurisant, et qui inclut le père engagé, lors du retour au domicile.
Arquitectura, urbanismo y obras públicas civiles y militares en el Atlas Geográfico de España de Tomás López de 1804
Authors: San-Antonio-Gómez C. , Fernández-Sánchez J. S. , Manzano-Agugliaro F.
Published: June 2016

El objetivo que planteamos es analizar cómo Tomás López representó en su Atlas Geográfico de España (AGE) de 1804, la arquitectura, el urbanismo y las obras públicas civiles y militares, un análisis hasta el momento inédito. Para ello se han caracterizado los diferentes símbolos cartográficos que aparecen en los mapas, que constituyen los parámetros de referencia del análisis y transmiten información fidedigna de la forma y significado de lo representado. Para esas tipologías se han encontrado ciento trece símbolos diferentes, lo que da idea de la minuciosidad y riqueza de la información contenida en los mapas. Dieciocho de ellos, son equivalentes con otros tantos símbolos cartográficos de Chevalier, maestro de D’Anville, de quien Tomás López fue discípulo en París. También hay una similitud entre cuatro símbolos del AGE con sus correspondientes signos de las Ordenanzas del Real Cuerpo de Ingenieros de 1803.
Callimachus’ Victoria Berenices: A Case Study in Elegiac Epyllion
Authors: Palmore Aaron
Published: June 2016

Studies of epyllion have largely been limited to texts in dactylic hexameter. Certain elegiac poems, however, are similar to these epyllia in style and theme. Using Callimachus’ Victoria Berenices as a case study, this paper argues that these elegiac poems have a place in the conclusions and investigations of epyllion. After situating the Victoria Berenices relative to previous epinician poetry, the poem is explored in terms of its relationship to archaic elegiac predecessors that also bear resemblances to modern conceptions of epyllion. The discussion of these elegiac epyllia is then read in the context of several ancient literary critics.
The Dynamics of Space in Moschus’ Europa
Authors: Sistakou Evina
Published: June 2016

L'Europè de Moschos est située dans un paysage paradisiaque où la rencontre érotique entre une jeune fille et un dieu déguisé en taureau est parfaitement possible. Trois espaces symboliques, la chambre, la prairie et la mer servent de cadre à l'histoire de l'aventure amoureuse entre Europè et Zeus, fournissant ainsi la clé de l'interprétation de l'ensemble du poème. Le but de cette contribution est d'explorer comment l'espace combiné avec le temps, ce que nous pourrions appeler le chronotope du poème, est conforme à sa qualité générique, de discuter de l'organisation spatiale du récit et de donner ensuite une analyse détaillée des espaces de poème et d'associer l'espace avec l'intrigue réelle en se concentrant sur le potentiel dramatique résultant de la structuration spatiale de l'Europè de Moschos
Le chant funèbre en l’honneur d’Adonis – un epyllion ?
Authors: Kolde Antje
Published: June 2016

L’article s’interroge sur le genre littéraire auquel appartient le poème de Bion intitulé Ἀδώνιδος ἐπιτάφιος, Le chant funèbre en l’honneur d’Adonis. Un rapide aperçu du texte et de deux analyses qui s’attachent à en déterminer le genre littéraire amène à la conclusion que le poète mélange sciemment les apparences de divers genres pour jouer avec les attentes générées chez le lecteur. Si le poème prolonge donc sans doute la réflexion sur les genres qu’ont entamée les auteurs hellénistiques de la première génération, on peut se demander s’il ne pose pas aussi la question de la matière dont peut traiter la littérature – si toutefois elle a encore une matière à traiter.
Strategie poetiche negli Epilli del Corpus Bucolicorum
Authors: Cozzoli Adele Teresa
Published: June 2016

L’epica di III secolo non può essere intesa se non partendo dal presupposto che essa, nella modalità del cosiddetto epillio, rappresenti il tentativo di rinnovare, nelle forme e nel contenuto, un genere il quale più di ogni altro risulta appesantito da una dizione tradizionale, fissa e ripetitiva, e irrigidito da una narrazione circolare, in quanto appunto legato, nella sua genesi, ad una facies diversa della cultura greca, quella dell’oralità. Tentativi di rinnovamento iniziano già nel IV sec. con Cherilo di Samo e Antimaco di Colofone. Callimaco e Teocrito riproducono talvolta alcuni procedimenti simili a quelli già sperimentati da Antimaco, tuttavia la langue omerica viene declinata in essi con una funzionalità molto diversa. Il processo conduce ad un abbassamento del livello dei generi alti con l’introduzione di termini prosastici o dialettali sia pur epicizzati e ad un innalzamento di quello dei generi cosiddetti bassi nella gerarchia letteraria ormai standardizzata dalla codificazione postaristotelica. Una connotazione generale, che percorre tutta la poesia ellenistica, da Callimaco ad Apollonio, concerne invece sia la presenza di σχήματα tragici riprodotti in funzione diegetica (il deus ex machina, la figura del messaggero, racconti mitologici digressivi tipici delle sezioni corali), sia l’uso di scene omeriche topiche, utilizzate come struttura tipologica base rimodulata e variata per le funzionalità narrative più disparate. Gli autori di questi poemetti conservatici nel Corpus bucolicorum hanno ben assimilato i meccanismi e gli espedienti di rinnovamento narrativo, che rappresentano l’esperienza letteraria più rilevante degli autori ellenistici maggiori, e li riproducono con scaltrita tecnica retorica, rivelando per altro talvolta una buona competenza della letteratura arcaica e classica. Tuttavia, rispetto alla necessità di trovare una nuova langue evocativa, straniante e immaginifica, per rinnovare alla radice la poesia, che era stata la fondamentale esigenza callimachea e in maniera diversa impegno non negletto da Apollonio, essi sembrerebbero rimanere freddi; o meglio ne trascurano la rilevanza. Riproducono invece solo le linee innovative più superficiali della poesia di ‘nuovo stile’, in sostanza più facili da imitare e da variare
L'Épithalame d'Achille et de Déidamie : entre eidyllion et epyllion
Authors: Richer Hamidou
Published: June 2016

Cet article propose une interprétation  du poème intitulé « Les noces d'Achille et de Déidamie » que l'on attribue au poète bucolique Bion de Smyrne. Son caractère fragmentaire et apocryphe, ainsi que le mauvais état de sa transmission, en font un texte particulièrement difficile à interpréter. À travers l'étude de sa structure et des références intertextuelles qu'il contient, nous tentons de préciser son statut générique : plutôt que d'établir une frontière stricte entre les epyllia et les poèmes bucoliques, nous pensons que ce poème constitue une tentative originale de conciliation entre ces deux genres poétiques. Cette interprétation nous conduit à distinguer trois usages de la notion d'epyllion qui coexistent dans le discours critique: une courte épopée (sens général) ; un poème qui met en œuvre les principes esthétiques de Callimaque (sens alexandrin); un poème épique par opposition aux poèmes bucoliques (sens généré par le corpus Theocriteum).
L’epillio nelle Dionisiache? Strutture dell’epica nonniana e contesto culturale
Authors: Agosti Gianfranco
Published: June 2016

Il lavoro discute la definizione, proposta da Gennaro D’Ippolito cinquant’anni fa e che gode ancora di una certa fortuna, delle Dionisiache come insieme di epilli, debolmente tenuti insieme da una struttura generale assai tenue. Dopo aver ribadito che la pretesa influenza delle Metamorfosi ovidiane (aspetto complementare della tesi di D’Ippolito) resta da dimostrare ed è piuttosto improbabile, viene discussa la specifica natura ‘nonniana’ degli epilli del poema e la loro integrazione nel tessuto narrativo del poema, attraverso un singolo caso paradigmatico (l’inganno di Ares in Dionisiache 29). Se si può continuare a usare con fini euristici il termine ‘epillio’ per definire gli episodi del poema, occorre tuttavia tenere in considerazione le motivazioni culturali e sociali che hanno indotto Nonno a concepire per il suo ambizioso poema una struttura centrifuga e digressiva.
Scene di profezia nel De raptu Helenae di Draconzio: riprese di moduli epici e tragici (Romulea VIII 119-212)
Authors: Guerrieri Stefano
Published: June 2016

La profezia è uno degli stilemi tradizionali tanto epici quanto tragici che Draconzio ripropone nei suoi epilli. Come esempio dell’impiego di tale modulo si analizza una scena del De raptu Helenae (Romulea VIII) in cui si susseguono in successione tre profezie − di Eleno, di Cassandra, di Apollo −, se ne analizzano la struttura, gli ipotesti, i modelli, sia conservati (alcune profezie dell’Eneide), sia perduti (episodi dei Canti Ciprii, dell’Alexandros di Euripide, dell’Alexander di Ennio), si tenta infine di dimostrare che Draconzio non riprende solo forme ma anche funzioni di questo modulo letterario del passato, quali l’uso dell’anticipazione profetica come rimando intertestuale che collega un’unità narrativa a un ciclo epico più ampio. Un’interpretazione di tal genere potrebbe corroborare un’ipotesi di Diaz de Bustamante, che immagina i Romulea (la raccolta cui l’epillio in questione faceva capo) come un ciclo narrativo di ‘respiro epico’ sulle origini di Roma.
The Breast of Antinous. The Male Body as Erotic Object in Hellenistic Image and Text
Authors: Acosta-Hughes Benjamin
Published: June 2016

The subject of this article is the brief period of young male beauty prior to becoming a fully mature man. For this state to endure beyond the brief time allotted by Nature, something must happen (usually death) that preserves the adolescent beauty at one particular moment. Here Hadrian’s beloved Antinous serves as an emblematic case, his early death, by drowning, insures that his memory (and subsequent wide-spread cult) remains that of an idealized adolescent. Shorter poetry, I posit, and shorter poetic passages are the ideal artistic medium for such portrayals: as the moment of perfection is a brief one, so too the poetry that encapsulates it is more often shorter, self-contained descriptive frame.
Τεθμός tra l’Ecale di Callimaco e gli oracoli di Klaros
Authors: Capuzza Bruna
Published: June 2016

Nel presente articolo si suggerisce l’ipotesi che il dorismo τεθμός, presente in alcuni oracoli epigrafici del santuario di Klaros, costituisca un’ importante testimonianza dei rapporti che intercorrono tra l’opera di Callimaco e la poesia oracolare di Klaros. In particolare, assumendo come estremi dell’analisi l’Ecale callimachea e gli oracoli clarii provenienti dai centri di Hierapolis e Kaisareia Troketta, si cercherà di dimostrare che il reimpiego del vocabolo, inserito nel nesso oracolare κατὰ τεθμόν/κατὰ τεθμά, è da ricondursi a Callimaco. L’argomentazione si articolerà pertanto nell’indagine delle occorrenze letterarie ed epigrafiche di τεθμός/θεσμός dall’età classica all’età imperiale, ossia nel periodo in cui furono prodotti gli oracoli, riservando una particolare attenzione all’ evoluzione semantica del termine sino all’epoca ellenistica. Si noterà che, sebbene il recupero della ‘glossa’ callimachea da parte degli oracoli non sia isolato all’interno della produzione epigrafica in versi in età imperiale, l’impiego sistematico del dorismo nella poesia oracolare di Klaros non può che discendere dall’importanza che Callimaco gli attribuisce nella sua opera.
Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS): Data Impacts and Lessons Learned
Authors: Lara-Lopez Ana , Moltmann Tim , Proctor Roger
Published: June 2016

AbstractAustralia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) is entering its second decade of operation, with data streams developing and growing and long-term time series of key variables being built. Although IMOS was established under an Australian government research
infrastructure program to deliver ocean observations to marine and climate scientists, its open-data approach has translated into broader use of data streams including for operational uses and applications. IMOS has applied a “data-centric” definition of research infrastructure,
which has enabled it to invest in the full cost of infrastructure all the way to the delivery of quality controlled data. This decision to dedicate funding for data management and integration together with its open-data policy resulted in IMOS establishing itself as a “need-driven”
national capability with great relevance and impact. Early establishment of best practices in data management and partnering with the ocean and coastal modeling community ensured data uptake and use. However, some issues that need resolving still remain, and larger investment for data quality
control at whole-of-program level is clearly paramount. As IMOS heads toward its second decade, it is a good opportunity to tackle this issue.
Ocean Observing: Serving Stakeholders in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Iwamoto Melissa M. , Langenberger Fiona , Ostrander Chris E.
Published: June 2016

AbstractOperating an ocean observing system in a region as vast and diverse as the Exclusive Economic Zone of the U.S. Pacific Islands poses common and unique challenges that require tailored solutions. In order to address stakeholder needs for ocean data and information
in a cost-effective and impactful manner, the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) functions under a framework of stakeholder-driven priority setting. This strategy employs an innovative categorization of stakeholders into four general categories for the purpose of delineating
levels of engagement: (a) data super users, (b) industry and natural resource managers, (c) informed public ocean users, and (d) the general public. Stakeholder needs are continuously gathered through many avenues, including staff dedicated to communications and engagement throughout the region
and a higher-level governance framework composed of signatory partners. Principles of degree of need and potential for positive impact are utilized for prioritization. Although PacIOOS cannot engage with all stakeholders in the region, the approach taken to identify, engage, and respond to
stakeholders serves as an effective and efficient method to ensure that both specific ocean stakeholders and stakeholders, writ large, benefit from the resources and efforts expended to advance ocean observing in the region. Two case studies from separate geographies and components of the
PacIOOS program illustrate the value of this stakeholder-driven approach to users in the region. This approach may serve as a model for how to effectively address stakeholder needs and improve decision making through a regional ocean observing system.
Defensive medicine in the emergency department. The clinicians’ perspective
Authors: Cervellin Gianfranco , Cavazza Mario
Published: June 2016

The overuse of medical services is regarded as a growing problem in Western countries, accounting for up to 30% of all delivered care, and carrying a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. One of the leading drivers toward medical overuse is the so-called defensive medicine, which is commonly defined as ordering of tests, procedures, and visits, or, at variance, avoidance of high-risk patients or procedures, aimed to reduce exposure to malpractice liability. Defensive medicine may increase the amount of care provided to the patients (i.e., additional tests or therapies), change care or setting of care (i.e., patients referred to another specialist or another healthcare facility), or impair the optimal care (i.e., refusing risky patients). Some studies seem to confirm a large utilization of defensive medicine in the emergency departments. This article tries to analyze some key points capable to pave the way to a consistent reduction of defensive medicine, thus defining a hierarchical list of priorities, keeping the patient’s health always at the center of the matter.
Extensive functional evaluations to monitor aerobic training in Becker Muscular Dystrophy: A case report
Authors: Tramonti Caterina , Rossi Bruno , Chisari Carmelo
Published: June 2016

Low-intensity aerobic training seems to have positive effects on muscle strength, endurance and fatigue in Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) patients. We describe the case of a 33-year old BMD man, who performed a four-week aerobic training. Extensive functional evaluations were executed to monitor the efficacy of the rehabilitative treatment. Results evidenced an increased force exertion and an improvement in muscle contraction during sustained exercise. An improvement of walk velocity, together with agility, endurance capacity and oxygen consumption during exercise was observed. Moreover, an enhanced metabolic efficiency was evidenced, as shown by reduced lactate blood levels after training. Interestingly, CK showed higher levels after the training protocol, revealing possible muscle damage. In conclusion, aerobic training may represent an effective method improving exercise performance, functional status and metabolic efficiency. Anyway, a careful functional assessment should be taken into account as a useful approach in the management of the disease’s rehabilitative treatment.
Quantitative Computed Tomography and image analysis for advanced muscle assessment
Authors: Edmunds Kyle Joseph , Gíslason Magnus K. , Arnadottir Iris D. , Marcante Andrea , Piccione Francesco , Gargiulo Paolo
Published: June 2016

Medical imaging is of particular interest in the field of translational myology, as extant literature describes the utilization of a wide variety of techniques to non-invasively recapitulate and quantity various internal and external tissue morphologies. In the clinical context, medical imaging remains a vital tool for diagnostics and investigative assessment. This review outlines the results from several investigations on the use of computed tomography (CT) and image analysis techniques to assess muscle conditions and degenerative process due to aging or pathological conditions. Herein, we detail the acquisition of spiral CT images and the use of advanced image analysis tools to characterize muscles in 2D and 3D. Results from these studies recapitulate changes in tissue composition within muscles, as visualized by the association of tissue types to specified Hounsfield Unit (HU) values for fat, loose connective tissue or atrophic muscle, and normal muscle, including fascia and tendon. We show how results from these analyses can be presented as both average HU values and compositions with respect to total muscle volumes, demonstrating the reliability of these tools to monitor, assess and characterize muscle degeneration.
Effects of sensitive electrical stimulation based cueing in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary study
Authors: Sijobert Benoît , Azevedo-Coste Christine , Andreu David , Verna Claudia , Geny Christian
Published: June 2016

This study aims to investigate the effect of a sensitive cueing on Freezing of Gait (FOG) and gait disorders in subjects suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD). 13 participants with Parkinson’s disease were equipped with an electrical stimulator and a foot mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU). An IMU based algorithm triggered in real time an electrical stimulus applied on the arch of foot at heel off detection. Starting from standing, subjects were asked to walk at their preferred speed on a path comprising 5m straight, u-turn and walk around tasks. Cueing globally decreased the time to achieve the different tasks in all the subjects. In “freezer” subjects, the time to complete the entire path was reduced by 19%. FOG events occurrence was lowered by 12% compared to baseline before and after cueing. This preliminary work showed a positive global effect of an electrical stimulation based cueing on gait and FOG in PD.
Inductive powering of subcutaneous stimulators: key parameters and their impact on the design methodology
Authors: Godfraind Carmen , Debelle Adrien , Lonys Laurent , Acuña Vicente , Doguet Pascal , Nonclercq Antoine
Published: June 2016

Inductive powering of implantable medical devices involves numerous factors acting on the system efficiency and safety in adversarial ways. This paper lightens up their role and identifies a procedure enabling the system design. The latter enables the problem to be decoupled into four principal steps: the frequency choice, the magnetic link optimization, the secondary circuit and then finally the primary circuit designs. The methodology has been tested for the powering system of a device requirering a power of 300mW and implanted at a distance of 15 to 30mm from the outside power source. It allowed the identification of the most critical parameters. A satisfying efficiency of 34% was reached at 21mm and tend to validate the proposed design procedure.
Local muscle metabolic demand induced by neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary contractions at different force levels: a NIRS study
Authors: Muthalib Makii , Kerr Graham , Nosaka Kazunori , Perrey Stephane
Published: June 2016

Functional Muscle metabolic demand during contractions evoked by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been consistently documented to be greater than voluntary contractions (VOL) at the same force level (10-50% maximal voluntary contraction-MVC). However, we have shown using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique that local muscle metabolic demand is similar between NMES and VOL performed at MVC levels, thus controversy exists. This study therefore compared biceps brachii muscle metabolic demand (tissue oxygenation index-TOI and total hemoglobin volume-tHb) during a 10s isometric contraction of the elbow flexors between NMES (stimulation frequency of 30Hz and current level to evoke 30% MVC) and VOL at 30% MVC (VOL-30%MVC) and MVC (VOL-MVC) level in 8 healthy men (23-33-y). Greater changes in TOI and tHb induced by NMES than VOL-30%MVC confirm previous studies of a greater local metabolic demand for NMES than VOL at the same force level. The same TOI and tHb changes for NMES and VOL-MVC suggest that local muscle metabolic demand and intramuscular pressure were similar between conditions. In conclusion, these findings indicate that NMES induce a similar local muscle metabolic demand as that of maximal VOL.
Evolution of surface motor activation zones in hemiplegic patients during 20 sessions of FES therapy with multi-pad electrodes
Authors: Malešević Jovana , Štrbac Matija , Isaković Milica , Kojić Vladimir , Konstantinović Ljubica , Vidaković Aleksandra , Dedijer Suzana , Kostić Miloš , Keller Thierry
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine surface motor activation zones for wrist, fingers and thumb extension movements and their temporal change during 20 therapy sessions using advanced multi-pad functional electrical stimulation system. Results from four hemiplegic patients indicate that certain zones have higher probability of eliciting each of the target movements. However, mutual overlap and variations of the zones are present not just between the subjects, but also on the intrasubject level, reflected through these session to session transformations of the selected virtual electrodes. The obtained results could be used as a priori knowledge for semi-automated optimization algorithm and could shorten the time required for calibration of the multi-pad electrode.
Laser-induced carbon pyrolysis of electrodes for neural interface systems
Authors: Oliveira Ana , Ordonez Juan S. , Ashouri Vajari Danesh , Eickenscheidt Max , Stieglitz Thomas
Published: June 2016

The objective of this work is to produce a laser- fabricated polymer-metal-polymer electrode with the merit of a carbon-based coating as the active site. A 10 μm-thick layer of parylene-C is used serving as the insulation layer in which the active site is locally laser-pyrolyzed. Our preliminary results show that the proposed method is promising in terms of fabrication feasibility and desired electrochemical capabilities.
A hybrid functional electrical stimulation for real-time estimation of joint torque and closed-loop control of muscle activation
Authors: Li Zhan , Guiraud David , Andreu David , Fattal Charles , Gelis Anthony , Hayashibe Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2016

As a neuroprosthetic technique, functional electrical stimulation (FES) can restore lost motor performance of impaired patients. Through delivering electrical pulses to target muscles, the joint movement can be eventually elicited. This work presents a real-time FES system which is able to deal with two neuroprosthetic missions: one is estimating FES-induced joint torque with evoked electromyograph (eEMG), and the other is artificially controlling muscle activation with such eEMG feedback. The clinical experiment results on spinal cord injured (SCI) patients and healthy subjects show promising performance of the proposed FES system.
Electrotactile feedback improves performance and facilitates learning in the routine grasping task
Authors: Isaković Milica , Belić Minja , Štrbac Matija , Popović Igor , Došen Strahinja , Farina Dario , Keller Thierry
Published: June 2016

Aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of electrotactile feedback in closed loop training of force control during the routine grasping task. The feedback was provided using an array electrode and a simple six-level spatial coding, and the experiment was conducted in three amputee subjects. The psychometric tests confirmed that the subjects could perceive and interpret the electrotactile feedback with a high success rate. The subjects performed the routine grasping task comprising 4 blocks of 60 grasping trials. In each trial, the subjects employed feedforward control to close the hand and produce the desired grasping force (four levels). First (baseline) and the last (validation) session were performed in open loop, while the second and the third session (training) included electrotactile feedback. The obtained results confirmed that using the feedback improved the accuracy and precision of the force control. In addition, the subjects performed significantly better in the validation vs. baseline session, therefore suggesting that electrotactile feedback can be used for learning and training of myoelectric control.
Towards parameters and protocols to recommend FES-Cycling in cases of paraplegia: a preliminary report
Authors: Araujo Guimarães Juliana , Oliveira da Fonseca Lucas , Cardoso dos Santos-Couto-Paz Clarissa , Padilha Lanari Bó Antônio , Fattal Charles , Azevedo-Coste Christine , Fachin-Martins Emerson
Published: June 2016

Functional Electrical Stimulation assisted cycling (FES-Cycling) is increasingly becoming an alternative option recommended to people with spinal cord injury struggling with paraplegia and interested in practicing sports. In order to propose preconditions to guide FES-Cycling recommendation, we aimed to investigate some features and their potential relationships with responsiveness to Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES). Fourteen volunteers attended a public recruitment forum to be assessed about their responsiveness through the 16-sessions of NMES. Volunteers were separated in two groups (responsive and non-responsive to NMES) which were investigated in the light of some personal, clinical, structural and functional features. Fifty seven percent of the initial sample responded to electrical stimulation with a visual contraction. This responsive group was predominantly composed by subjects presenting traumatic spinal cord injuries above T12 vertebral level. Only two subjects became responsive at the 3rd and 16th sessions. Among the observed features, the etiology and level of injuries seems to be more associated to responsiveness. Our observations seem to indicate that subjects with traumatic spinal cord injury above T12 level were the best potential candidates for FES-cycling.
Tuberculosis 2015: Burden, Challenges and Strategy for Control and Elimination
Authors: Raviglione Mario , Sulis Giorgia
Published: June 2016

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for about 9.6 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths annually. The poorest and socially excluded groups carry the largest burden of disease, which makes it essential to properly address the social determinants of health through poverty reduction measures and targeted interventions on high-risk populations. The spread of multidrug-resistance TB requires special attention and highlights the need to foster research on TB diagnostics, new drugs and vaccines. Although many advances have been made in the fight against TB over the last twenty years, a lot is still needed to achieve global elimination. The new end-TB strategy that was first launched in 2014 by the World Health Organization, is fully in line with the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals that came into effect since January 2016 and sets ambitious goals for the post-2015 agenda. A 90% reduction in TB-related mortality and an 80% decline in TB incidence within 2030 as well as the abolition of catastrophic expenditures for TB-affected people are the main targets of this strategy. Strong government commitment and adequate financing from all countries together with community engagement and appropriate investments in research are necessary in order to reach these objectives.
Active Tuberculosis Case Finding Interventions among Immigrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Italy
Authors: Sañé Schepisi Monica , Gualano Gina , Piselli Pierluca , Mazza Marta , D’Angelo Donatella , Fasciani Francesca , Barbieri Alberto , Rocca Giorgia , Gnolfo Filippo , Olivani Piefranco , Ferrarese Maurizio , Ruffo Codecasa Luigi , Palmieri Fabrizio , Girardi Enrico
Published: June 2016

In Italy tuberculosis (TB) is largely concentrated in vulnerable groups such as migrants and in urban settings. We analyzed three TB case finding interventions conducted at primary centers and mobile clinics for regular/ irregular immigrants and refugees/asylum seekers performed over a four-year period (November 2009-March 2014) at five different sites in Rome and one site in Milan, Italy. TB history and presence of symptoms suggestive of active TB were investigated by verbal screening through a structured questionnaire in migrants presenting for any medical condition to out-patient and mobile clinics. Individuals reporting TB history or symptoms were referred to a TB clinic for diagnostic workup. Among 6347 migrants enrolled, 891 (14.0%) reported TB history or symptoms suggestive of active TB and 546 (61.3%) were referred to the TB clinic. Of them, 254 (46.5%) did not present for diagnostic evaluation. TB was diagnosed in 11 individuals representing 0.17% of those screened and 3.76% of those evaluated. The overall yield of this intervention was in the range reported for other TB screening programs for migrants, although we recorded an unsatisfactory adherence to diagnostic workup. Possible advantages of this intervention include low cost and reduced burden of medical procedures for the screened population.
Contamination of bovine, sheep and goat meat with Brucella spp.
Authors: Casalinuovo Francesco , Ciambrone Lucia , Cacia Antonio , Rippa Paola
Published: June 2016

A study was conducted in order to evaluate the contamination by Brucella spp. of meat from animals slaughtered because they resulted positive for brucellosis at some time during their life, given that European legislation allows these meats to be freely marketed. After slaughter and before delivery to market outlets, swab samples were taken from 307 carcasses of infected animals: 40 cattle, 60 sheep and 207 goats. The swabs were subsequently analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. In addition, bacteriological tests were carried out on the lymph nodes and internal organs of the same animals. Brucella spp. was detected by means of PCR in 25/307 carcasses (8%): 1 bovine (2.5%), 9 sheep (15%) and 15 goats (7.2%) and was isolated, by means of a cultural method, in 136/307 carcasses (44%). Moreover, additional analysis, performed on lymph nodes from the same carcasses that had proved positive by PCR allowed to highlight type 3 Brucella abortus in the bovine carcass and type 3 Brucella melitensis in the sheep and goat carcasses. The study shows that the cattle, sheep and goats meat of animals slaughtered because they have tested positive for brucellosis, may be contaminated by Brucella spp. As this could constitute a real risk of transmission to both butchery personnel and consumers, so the meat of animals infected by Brucella spp. should be analyzed before being marketed and, PCR technique performed on swabs proved more useful, practical and faster than the traditional bacteriological method.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Oxidative Stress Markers for Assessment of Atherosclerosis in Children with β Thalassemia Major
Authors: Jindal Geetanjali , Chavan Prashant , Kaur Ravinder , Jaswal Shivani , Singhal Kamal Kumar , Palta Anshu , Guglani Vishal
Published: June 2016

The present study evaluates carotid intimamedia thickness (CIMT) in children with β thalassemia major to assess atherosclerosis and its relation to the underlying proposed causative mechanisms via lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized lowdensity lipoproteins (LDL), total antioxidant level, and lipid profile. A cross sectional study was conducted on 62 children (31 cases and 31 controls). CIMT by high resolution ultrasound and biochemical parameters i.e., total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, LDL, Oxidized LDL, lipoprotein (a), lipid peroxidation product MDA and total antioxidant were measured in enrolled subjects and compared. In our study, CIMT was significantly increased in β thalassemia major patients’ as compared to healthy controls. Mean CIMT in cases was 0.69 ± 0.11 mm and in controls 0.51 ± 0.07 mm. Mean oxidized LDL (EU/mL) in cases 39.3 ± 34.4 (range 14.4 to 160) was significantly raised (p = 0.02, t test) as compared to controls 23.9 ± 13.4 (range 12 to 70). In our study we found MDA levels (nmol/mL) to be increased in β thalassemia patients as compared to controls. Mean MDA was 10.0 ± 3.27 (4.41 to 17.48) in cases while in controls was 6.87 ± 4.55 (1.5 to 17.9). Our study results show CIMT as an early marker of atherogenesis in β thalassemia major. Oxidative stress markers are also increased in β thalassemia major patients and lipoprotein (a) shows a positive correlation with CIMT. The present study points towards various atherogenetic mechanisms in β thalassemia major.
Compression in vasculitis
Authors: Dini Valentina
Published: June 2016

Not available
Compression after vein harvesting for coronary bypass
Authors: Maleti Oscar
Published: June 2016

Not available
Compression and sports
Authors: Benigni Jean-Patrick
Published: June 2016

Not available
The needs of families accompanying injured patients into the emergency department in a tertiary hospital in Gauteng
Authors: Botes Meghan L. , Langley Gayle
Published: June 2016

Background: Families are not prepared for traumatic injuries of loved ones. Emergency nurses have the important role of caring for patients and families in this time of crisis. Family needs in the critical care setting have been explored using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI), however little is known about family needs in the emergency department.Objectives: This study sought to determine the needs of family members accompanying injured patients into the emergency department, and if these needs were met.Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, study was conducted in a level 1 trauma facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. The population included families of patients admitted to the emergency department, sampling 100 participants. The instrument, based on the CCFNI, was validated in a pilot study in Melbourne, Australia and re-evaluated using the Cronbach Alpha validity test to ensure internal consistency.Five themes were explored: ‘meaning’, ‘proximity’, ‘communication’, ‘comfort’ and ‘support’ and data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Responses to open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Permission from the Human Research Ethics Committee was granted and participants were ensured confidentiality and the option for counselling if required.Results: Themes ranked highly important were ‘meaning’ and ‘communication’. Satisfaction was highest for ‘meaning’. Low satisfaction levels for ‘communication’ were found. Issues regarding prolonged time spent in the emergency department and discrimination were raised.Conclusion: These findings have a negative impact on the family’s satisfaction with care and it is recommended that the nurse’s role in family care be further explored and emphasised.Keywords: Family needs, emergency department, emergency nurses
Reading Ruth 4 and Leviticus 25:8–55 in the light of the landless and poor women in South Africa: A conversation with Fernando F. Segovia and Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara
Authors: Mtshiselwa V. Ndikhokele N.
Published: June 2016

Recent statistics in South Africa shows that women mostly experience poverty as compared to their male counterparts. In the context of the experience of poverty by women, several Old Testament scholars have convincingly explored the theme of poverty in the Hebrew Bible. In her contextual rereading of the Naomi-Ruth Story, Madipoane Masenya (ngwan’a Mphahlele) links the issue of poverty to the theme of land. Also, from the historical-critical and partly, the contextual approach to ancient texts, Esias E. Meyer argues that Leviticus 25:8–55 holds liberating possibilities for women who are invisible in such a text. Based on the argument made by the preceding scholars, firstly, this article argues that in the context from which the texts of Ruth 4 and Leviticus 25:8–55 emerged, some women were both landless and poor. Secondly, it is argued in this article that the context of these texts carries a striking resemblance to the situation of women in modern South Africa, as many women do not own productive land and are poor. Thirdly, this article poses the question: What implications do the ideologies of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and the hermeneutical approach of Fernando F. Segovia to ancient texts bear on the reading of Ruth 4 and Leviticus 25:8–55 in South Africa?Keywords: Book of Ruth; Leviticus; patriarchy; land; poverty; liberation
The contribution of Qumran to historical Hebrew linguistics: Evidence from the syntax of participial negation
Authors: Naudé Jacobus A. , Miller-Naudé Cynthia L.
Published: June 2016

In this article we examine how Qumran Hebrew can contribute to our knowledge of historical Hebrew linguistics. The premise of this paper is that Qumran Hebrew reflects a distinct stage in the development of Hebrew which sets it apart from Biblical Hebrew. It is further assumed that these unique features are able to assist us to understand the nature of the development of Biblical Hebrew in a more precise way. Evidence from the syntax of participial negation at Qumran as opposed to Biblical Hebrew provides evidence for this claim.Keywords: Qumran Hebrew; Biblical Hebrew; historical linguistics;l Dead Sea Scrolls
’n Soeke na die gordel van waarheid?
Authors: Linde Janien
Published: June 2016

No abstract available.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV and AIDS patients at the Kwa-Thema clinic in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Eyassu Melaku A. , Mothiba Tebogo M. , Mbambo-Kekana Nonceba P.
Published: June 2016

Background: Introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has shown reduction in HIV-related mortality and morbidity in people living with HIV and AIDS. Since high levels of adherence of more than 95.0% is required to achieve effective suppression of viral load, researchers found it important to establish whether people are pursuing what is expected of them.Aim and setting: The study was aimed at determining adherence to ART among HIV and AIDS patients at the Kwa-Thema clinic in Gauteng Province.Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Ethical clearance was sort from MEDUNSA Research Ethics Committee. Validity and reliability were maintained throughout the study. A non-probability systematic sampling was used. Data were collected using administered structured questionnaire, and a total of 290 respondents were involved. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 22.Results: The findings indicated that the adherence to ART was 77.0%. Factors that were significantly associated with adherence were gender ( χ2 = 3.78, df = 1, p < 0.05), level of education ( χ2 = 3.52, df = 3, p = 0.032), co-treatment of HIV and other infections ( χ2 = 5.46, df = 4, p = 0.019), ability to follow ART ( χ2 = 12.82, df = 1, p = 0.000 < 0.05), and types of antiretroviral drugs.Recommendation: The study recommends intensification of health education campaign against stigma and gender discrimination. Providing feedback to patients regarding benefits of ART is important.Conclusion: The study concluded that adherence to ART at the Kwa-Thema clinic was suboptimal (less than 95%) at 77%, but comparable with the adherence levels in other developing countries.
Survey of bar-lounges and restaurants regarding compliance with the current smoke-free regulation in Thulamela Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Nemakhavhani Thikolelwi R. , Akinsola Henry A.
Published: June 2016

Background: The Tobacco Products Control Act, No. 83 of 1993 was introduced in South Africa in 1993. Due to the shortfalls of the 1993 Act, the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act, No. 12 of 1999 was passed in 1999. The regulation relating to smoking of tobacco products in public places was gazetted in 2000 and implemented in 2001.Setting: The setting for the study was all selected registered licensed bar-lounges including restaurants within the municipality. Purpose of the study: To examine compliance levels with the current smoke-free regulation at bar-lounges and restaurants in Thulamela Municipality.Objectives of the study: To observe whether structural alterations had been effected to accommodate smoking patrons. To observe whether tobacco-related litter was present in nonsmoking areas and in the outdoor areas within 5 meters of windows and entry ways. To observe whether individuals or groups engaged in smoking in non-smoking areas.Methods: An observational survey was conducted to measure the level of compliance by lounges and restaurants in Thulamela Municipality. A convenience sampling method was used to sample 56 bar-lounges, including restaurants. Data were collected using an observation log. Collected data were analysed using SPSS 20.0.Results: The study findings noted low compliance with the legislation with only one establishment (1.8%) complying with the requirements of the legislation.Conclusion: The level of compliance with the legislation is in a very low state in Thulamela Municipality. Further research is needed to explore factors influencing non-compliance with the regulation.Keywords: Tobacco, legislations, compliance, restrictions, establishments, evaluation
Teachers’ beliefs about child participation in Grade R
Authors: Shaik Naseema
Published: June 2016

The focus of this paper is to examine teachers’ beliefs about child participation in Grade R. Five Grade R teachers working with children between the ages of five and six participated in this study. Participants were interviewed about their epistemological beliefs on teaching and learning in Grade R and specifically the role of child participation in development at this grade level. Data were analysed deductively using typologies by Perry and Rokeach. The findings of this study showed that these teachers’ beliefs concerning child participation were complex, ‘messy’, context-bound and did not fall neatly into one category. Teachers’ views were multidimensional: primitive, dualistic, derived, multiplistic or relative. Teachers drew from different sources of experience and their own knowing to shape their thinking about children’s participatory roles in the Grade R experience and implementation of child participation. The findings show how teachers’ beliefs were influenced by issues of background, tradition, power and voice.

Keywords: teacher beliefs; Grade R; child participation