bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer Simulation and Modelling System of Non-Stationary Heat Exchange Processes
Authors: Pilipenko Aleksandr , Petrov Sergei
Published: February 2018

This article suggests the solution to the up-to-date task of improving and increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and quality of functioning of systems, controlling boilers and heating devices, by using computer simulation and modelling of heat exchange processes of the building and operation of the heating systems. The authors present proven (checked) mathematical models, applicable for external protections, rooms, heaters, boilers, insulated and non-insulated piping. The authors offer an automated system of computer simulation and modelling, which not only allows us to solve mathematical models, but also to complement them with information from a real object and improve them by introducing corrective factors and coefficients.
High-Performance Adaptive Neurofuzzy Classifier with a Parametric Tuning
Authors: Gorbachev Sergey , Syryamkin Vladimir
Published: February 2018

The article is devoted to research and development of adaptive algorithms for neuro-fuzzy inference when solving multicriteria problems connected with analysis of expert (foresight) data to identify technological breakthroughs and strategic perspectives of scientific, technological and innovative development. The article describes the optimized structuralfunctional scheme of the high-performance adaptive neuro-fuzzy classifier with a logical output, which has such specific features as a block of decision tree-based fuzzy rules and a hybrid algorithm for neural network adaptation of parameters based on the error back-propagation to the root of the decision tree.
Air Temperature Control System in a Building on the Basis of Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Pilipenko Aleksandr , Petrov Sergei
Published: February 2018

In the article the authors solve a crucial objective of reducing the cost of heating services through the introduction of a system, controlling boilers and heating devices, based on modelling of the building and predicting heating systems functioning and operation. The authors describe the method of mathematical modelling of heating systems of the building and represent the developed mathematical models, pledged and installed into the developed automated system. The authors have offered an automated system of dispatch control of the boilers with the elements of computer simulation and modelling.
Control of Valve Converters with Natural Current Characteristics
Authors: Mendybayev Sergazy , Sarsikeyev Yermek , Kapanova Dameli
Published: February 2018

The article considers the valve converter with a natural current characteristic, which is called the current of parametric, for which the primary is not the source of the electric force but a parametric source of current, to the output of which connected to the counter-parallel thyristor sets assembled on the bridge scheme. The control of thyristors in the current converter is carried out taking into account the characteristic features of the parametric source, to avoid overvoltage on its reactive elements, analyzed algorithmic and modulating functions of the system borne temporary diagrams.
Brevets en plasmonique : les tendances depuis 20 ans
Authors: Viste Pierre
Published: February 2018

La plasmonique fait l’objet d’une attention particulièrement soutenue depuis une vingtaine d’années. Cet intérêt s’explique par son potentiel au niveau des applications qui s’étendent du diagnostic médical aux énergies décarbonées en passant par les communications optiques. Dans cette perspective, une cartographie des brevets focalisée sur ce domaine très actif de la photonique peut apporter un éclairage pertinent.
Comprendre. La diffusion Raman exaltée de surface
Authors: Boubekeur-Lecaque Leïla , Felidj Nordin , Lamy de la Chapelle Marc
Published: February 2018

La spectroscopie Raman est une spectroscopie vibrationnelle très peu sensible qui limite l’analyse d’espèces chimiques aux fortes concentrations. Néanmoins, lorsque des molécules sont placées au voisinage d’une surface métallique nanostructurée, il est possible d’exalter considérablement leur signature Raman. On parle alors de diffusion Raman exaltée de surface. Les remarquables potentialités de cette technique ont nourri de nombreux champs d’étude tant pour le design de substrats dits SERS-actifs, que pour l’exploration d’applications en médecine, pharmacologie, défense ou le monde de l’art.
Mikrobielle Keratitis – Teil 2: mykotische und Akanthamöbenkeratitiden
Authors: Schmack Ingo , Müller Michael , Kohnen Thomas
Published: February 2018

Pilze und Akanthamöben stellen neben Bakterien wesentliche Ursachen für die Entstehung infektiöser Hornhauterkrankungen (mikrobielle Keratitis) und möglicher nachfolgender Erblindung des betroffenen Auges dar. Aufgrund weitgehend unspezifischer Gewebereaktionen, vor allem in den Frühstadien der Entzündung, wird die Diagnose infektiöser Hornhauterkrankungen oftmals erst verspätet gestellt. Insbesondere bei Akanthamöben sind Verwechslungen mit viralen (herpetischen) Keratitiden leicht möglich. Der behandelnde Augenarzt ist daher vor hohe diagnostische Herausforderungen gestellt.
Stressinduzierte Veränderungen des Essverhaltens und gastrointestinaler Peptide bei adipösen und normalgewichtigen Frauen
Authors: Kiessl Gundula , Laessle Reinhold
Published: February 2018

Der vorliegenden Arbeit liegt ein hypothetisches Modell über die Auswirkungen von Stress auf das Essverhalten zugrunde, das biologische, psychologische und verhaltensorientierte Faktoren berücksichtigt. Es wird davon ausgegangen, dass Stress zu einer Beeinträchtigung der Hunger- und Sättigungsregulation führt, indem sowohl die Art des Essverhaltens als auch die Sekretion gastrointestinaler Peptidhormone verändert wird. Basierend auf den Annahmen des Modells wurde ein kontrolliertes Laborexperiment mit 85 adipösen und normalgewichtigen Frauen durchgeführt. Vor und nach einem psychosozialen Stressor wurden Speichelkortisol sowie die gastrointestinalen Peptide PYY und Ghrelin gemessen und mit den Werten aus einer Kontrollbedingung und einer normalgewichtigen Kontrollgruppe verglichen. Außerdem wurden zentrale Kenngrößen der Mikrostruktur des Essverhaltens während des Verzehrs einer Labormahlzeit erfasst. Stress führte bei den adipösen Frauen bei der Labormahlzeit zu einer niedrigen anfänglichen Essgeschwindigkeit, die aber nicht beibehalten wurde, sondern sich zum Ende der Mahlzeit hin beschleunigte. Bei den normalgewichtigen Frauen hingegen kam es nach dem Stressor generell zu einer Stimulierung der Nahrungsaufnahme. Die Steuerung des Essverhaltens bei den Frauen mit Adipositas wurde möglicherweise durch Ghrelin beeinflusst, da der zu erwartende postprandiale Abfall der Ghrelinwerte spezifisch bei der adipösen Gruppe langsamer ausfiel und das demzufolge länger persistierende Hungersignal schneller zur erneuten Kalorienaufnahme beiträgt. Insgesamt sprechen die Ergebnisse für eine Abhängigkeit des laborexperimentellen Essverhaltens adipöser Frauen von externen Reizen wie Stress und für Defizite bei der adäquaten Wahrnehmung des momentanen Hunger- und Sättigungszustands. Eine Generalisierung auf andere Lebensmittel und Stressoren kann jedoch nur unter Vorbehalt angenommen werden. Als biologische Basis für eine veränderte Hungerwahrnehmung deutet sich eine stressspezifisch veränderte Ghrelinsekretion an.
Modified Pereira Suture as an Effective Option to Treat Postpartum Hemorrhage due to Uterine Atony
Authors: Moleiro Maria Lúcia , Guedes-Martins Luís , Mendes Alexandrina , Marques Cláudia , Braga Jorge
Published: February 2018

Nowadays, postpartum hemorrhage is the major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Uterine atony is its main cause; thus, prophylactic measures, as well as medical and surgical fast approaches, have been developed to manage it. The uterine compression sutures are a possible treatment that preserves the uterus and, consequently, the fertility potential. Bearing that in mind, we report two cases of postpartum hemorrhage after caesarean section, successfully treated with a new modification of Pereira suture — longitudinal and transverse uterine sutures were applied after no response was registered to the first-line therapies. Both women recovered, and the postpartum evaluation revealed a normal uterus with an adequate blood supply, suggesting potential fertility, as described in the literature regarding this kind of therapeutic approach.
Influence of Sexual Function on the Social Relations and Quality of Life of Women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Yela Daniela Angerame , Soares Patricia Magda , Benetti-Pinto Cristina Laguna
Published: February 2018

Objective To evaluate the impact of sexual function (SF) in the quality of life (QoL) of women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Methods Case-control study in which 80 women with POI were evaluated using estrogen plus progestogen therapy, compared with 80 women matched by age (±2 years) and presenting preserved gonadal function. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the QoL was evaluated using the World Health Organization's (WHO) QoL assessment instrument (WHOQoL-BREF).

Results The mean age of the women with POI and of the control group was 38.4 ± 7.3 years and 38.1 ± 7.3 years respectively. The QoL, was worse among the POI group, and there were significant differences in the physical (63.4 ± 17.4 and 72.7 ± 15.2 respectively, p = 0.0004) and psychological (63.2 ± 14.6 and 69.3 ± 13.9 respectively, p = 0.0075) domains among this group when compared with the control group. Women with POI presented significantly lower arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction, more dyspareunia and a worse FSFI scores when compared with the control group. All aspects of SF correlate directly with the worsening of the QoL regarding social relationships.

Conclusion Women with POI showed worse QoL and SF than the control group. The psychological aspects (desire, excitement, orgasm and sexual satisfaction) of SF had greater influence on the parameters of the QoL, while the physical aspects (pain and lubrication) had a low impact on the QoL. The poor SF in women with POI is directly correlated with a worsening across multiple domains of the QoL; however, the negative impact is particularly important in the social domain. These results suggest that the improvement in sexuality can improve the social interactions of women with POI.
Hyperglycosylated hCG and Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Straubhar Alli , Soisson Sean , Szczotka Kathryn , Dodson Mark , Silver Robert , Soisson Andrew , Einerson Brett
Published: February 2018

Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship between hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG-H) and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Study Design This was a case–control study of PAS and controls. hCG-H was measured in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy in women with pathologically confirmed cases of PAS and in gestational age-matched controls without PAS. We compared serum hCG-H levels in cases and controls, calculated summary statistics for diagnostic accuracy, and used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to define an optimal cut-point for diagnosis of PAS using hCG-H.

Results Thirty case samples and 30 control samples were evaluated for hCG-H. Mean hCG-H was lower in the case compared with control group (7.8 ± 5.9 μg/L vs. 11.8 ± 8.8 μg/L, p = 0.03). At an optimal cut-point for hCG-H of ≤7.6 μg/L, the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios, negative likelihood ratios, and area under the ROC curve were 66.7%, 69.7%, 2.20%, 0.48%, and 0.68%, respectively.

Conclusion Hyperglycosylated hCG levels in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were lower in patients with PAS than in controls, but hCG-H showed only modest capability as a diagnostic test for PAS.
Kleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom
Authors: Reinmuth Niels , Hoffmann Hans
Published: February 2018

Das kleinzellige Lungenkarzinom stellt eine besonders aggressive Tumorentität dar und ist durch schnellen Progress, sehr frühe Metastasierung und schlechte Prognose charakterisiert. Nur wenige Patienten werden in einem frühen Erkrankungsstadium diagnostiziert, bei dem in ausgewählten Fällen eine chirurgische Resektion diskutiert werden kann. Chemotherapie und Strahlentherapie sind initial häufig effektiv. Allerdings erleiden die meisten Patienten im metastasierten Stadium nach zunächst gutem Ansprechen auf eine platinhaltige Chemotherapie einen Progress mit dann nur limitierten Therapieoptionen.
Korrelation der quantitativen Metamorphopsiemessung und der zentralen Netzhautdicke bei diabetischem Makulaödem und altersassoziierter exsudativer Makuladegeneration
Authors: Claessens Daniela , Schuster Alexander K.
Published: February 2018

Hintergrund Zur Erfassung von Metamorphopsien steht im klinischen Alltag der Amsler-Test zur Verfügung. Dieser erfasst qualitativ Metamorphopsien, zur Quantifizierung von Metamorphopsien und als Verlaufskontrolle wurde der computerbasierte Test „AMD – A Metamorphopsia Detector®“ entwickelt. Das Ziel dieser Studie ist zu untersuchen, ob eine Korrelation zwischen zentraler Netzhautdicke (CRT, gemessen mittels Spectral Domain OCT) und quantifizierter Metamorphopsiemessung bei Patienten mit exsudativer altersassoziierter Makuladegeneration (AMD) und diabetischem Makulaödem (DMÖ) besteht.

Material und Methoden 66 Augen von 66 Patienten (DMÖ: 19 [11 Männer, 8 Frauen; Alter 42 – 76 Jahre]; AMD: 47 [13 Männer, 34 Frauen; Alter 56 – 93 Jahre]) wurden in dieser explorativen Pilotstudie untersucht und in Hinblick auf das Vorliegen eines Makulaödems (zentrale 500-µm-Zone, Cirrus HD-OCT) klassifiziert. Bestkorrigierter monokularer Fernvisus (BCVA), Amsler-Test, Metamorphopsiemessung (AMD – A Metamorphopsia Detector) mit Angabe des Metamorphopsie-Index (MI), binokulare Ophthalmoskopie, SD-OCT mit Messung der zentralen Netzhautdicke (CRT) und ggf. Fluoreszenzangiografie wurden durchgeführt. Die Korrelation von CRT und MI wurde mittels Spearman-Korrelation geprüft.

Ergebnisse BCVA bei DMÖ bzw. AMD betrug (logMAR) 0,27 (SD 0,3) bzw. 0,29 (SD 0,2). Bei Augen mit DMÖ zeigte sich eine Korrelation von MI und CRT mit rho = 0,88 (p < 0,001) und bei Augen mit AMD betrug rho = 0,56 (p < 0,001).

Schlussfolgerung Die Korrelation von CRT und MI war bei DMÖ hoch und bei AMD moderat. Künftige Studien sollen untersuchen, ob sich die Metamorphopsiemessung zur Detektion einer Konversion in eine exsudative AMD eignet und ob dies eine Messung zur Verlaufskontrolle, ggf. als Selbsttest ermöglicht.
Multicenter experience from the UK and Ireland of use of lumen-apposing metal stent for transluminal drainage of pancreatic fluid collections
Authors: Venkatachalapathy Suresh , Bekkali Noor , Pereira Stephen , Johnson Gavin , Oppong Kofi , Nayar Manu , Leeds John , Paranandi Bharat , Penman Ian , Carroll Nicholas , Godfrey Edmund , James Martin , Aithal Guruprasad , McKay Colin , Devlin John , Wong Terry , Makin Alistair , Ryan Barbara , Huggett Matthew
Published: February 2018

Background and study aims Pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) is a common complication of pancreatitis for which endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage is first-line treatment. A new single-device, lumen-apposing, covered self-expanding metal stent (LAMS) has been licensed for PFC drainage. We therefore present our multicenter experience with the LAMS for PFC drainage in a multicenter prospective case series to assess success and complication rates.

Patients and methods All adult patients from 11 tertiary centers who had LAMS placement for PFC from July 2015 to July 2016 were included. Data including indications, technical success, clinical success, collection resolution, stent removal, early and late adverse events (AEs), mortality and recurrence at 6 months were collected.

Results 116 patients, median age 52.5 years (range 16 – 80) and 67 % male, were treated with a single LAMS in each case. The indication was walled off necrosis (WON) in 70 and pseudocyst in 46. Median size of the PFC was 11 cm (5 – 21 cm) and the estimated median necrotic volume in WON was 30 % (5 % – 90 %). Stent insertion was technically successful in 115 (99.1 %) and clinically successful in 109 (94 %). Early serious AEs (SAEs): n = 7 sepsis, n = 1 stent blockage with food, n = 1 stent migration requiring laparotomy, n = 1 stent dislodgement and n = 1 bleeding requiring emboliZation. Late AEs: n = 1 buried stent and n = 1 esophageal fistula. Non-procedure-related deaths: n = 3 (2.5 %).

Conclusion This multicenter case series demonstrates that use of the new LAMS is feasible, effective and relatively safe in draining PFC with a technical success rate of 99 % and cumulative SAE rate of 11.2 %.
Die neue EACTS/ESC-Leitlinie im Spannungsfeld Operation versus Katheterintervention – Perspektive des Herzchirurgen
Authors: Sündermann Simon , Unbehaun Axel , Kempfert Jörg , Falk Volkmar
Published: February 2018

Die neuen Guidelines geben Empfehlungen zur Behandlung aller Herzklappenvitien außer der Pulmonalklappe ab. Insbesondere im Bereich der Aortenklappenstenose und der Mitralklappeninsuffizienz spielen zunehmend katheterbasierte Therapieformen eine Rolle. Das TAVI-Verfahren wird in den neuen Guidelines bei Patienten mit intermediärem Risiko empfohlen. Zur Behandlung der Mitralinsuffizienz ist die Studienlage nicht so umfangreich. Das MitraClip-Verfahren ist die einzige katheterbasierte Therapie, die empfohlen wird – jedoch nur bei Patienten mit hohem Operationsrisiko und nur nach genauer Evaluation inklusive Diskussion im Heart-Team, um eine unverhältnismäßige Anwendung zu vermeiden. Im Bereich der Therapie der strukturellen Herzerkrankung gibt es rasante Entwicklungen. Chirurgen müssen sich mit den katheterbasierten Therapien und Techniken beschäftigen und nicht nur passiv an den Prozeduren teilnehmen, um den gesetzlichen Vorschriften zu genügen.
Die neue ESC-Leitlinie im Spannungsfeld Operation versus Katheterintervention – Perspektive des interventionellen Kardiologen
Authors: Husser Oliver , Blumenstein Johannes , Gaede Luise , Möllmann Helge
Published: February 2018

Die Aktualisierung der ESC-Leitlinien für Herzklappenerkrankungen spiegelt weitgehend den Stand der Forschung wider – insbesondere hinsichtlich der Indikationsausweitung auf Intermediärrisiko-Patienten. Die Empfehlung für spezialisierte Herzklappenzentren ist wissenschaftlich nachvollziehbar und wird zukünftig die guten Ergebnisse konsolidieren und weiter verbessern. Nicht Bestandteil der Aktualisierung sind eine visionäre Ausgestaltung der Indikation sowie eine dezidierte Einstufung bei asymptomatischen und Niedrigrisiko-Patienten. Dies wäre bei zunehmend soliderer wissenschaftlicher Basis möglich gewesen. Die Empfehlung zur interventionellen Mitralklappentherapie beschränkt sich aufgrund der Datenlage auf eine schwache Empfehlung zu perkutanen Edge-to-Edge-Verfahren nur bei inoperablen bzw. Hochrisiko-Patienten. Anstehende Neuerungen in diesem Bereich lassen eine zukünftige Ausweitung der Indikation erwarten.
Laser ablation in an ambient gas: Modelling and experiment
Authors: Moscicki Tomasz , Hoffman Jacek , Szymanski Zygmunt
Published: February 2018

The laser ablation of graphite in ambient argon is studied both experimentally and theoretically in conditions corresponding to the initial conditions of carbon nanotube synthesis by the laser vaporization method. The results of the experiment show that the maximum plasma temperature of 24 000 K is reached 25 ns after the beginning of the laser pulse and decreases to about 4000–4500 K after 10 μs. The maximum electron density of 8 × 1025 m−3 is reached 15 ns from the beginning of the laser pulse. The hydrodynamic model applied shows comparable plasma temperatures and electron densities. The model also replicates well a shock wave and plume confinement—intrinsic features of supersonic flow of the ablated plume in an ambient gas. The results show that the theoretical model can be used to simulate nanosecond laser ablation in an ambient gas from the beginning of the process up to several microseconds.
The any particle molecular orbital grid-based Hartree-Fock (APMO-GBHF) approach
Authors: Posada Edwin , Moncada Félix , Reyes Andrés
Published: February 2018

The any particle molecular orbital grid-based Hartree-Fock approach (APMO-GBHF) is proposed as an initial step to perform multi-component post-Hartree-Fock, explicitly correlated, and density functional theory methods without basis set errors. The method has been applied to a number of electronic and multi-species molecular systems. Results of these calculations show that the APMO-GBHF total energies are comparable with those obtained at the APMO-HF complete basis set limit. In addition, results reveal a considerable improvement in the description of the nuclear cusps of electronic and non-electronic densities.
Atomic force microscopy sees a bright future with simultaneous fluorescence imaging
Authors: Yiu Yuen
Published: February 2018

A new method for aligning an AFM-tip with a fluorescence excitation beam using a 2-D galvanometer links the capabilities of the two to provide site-specific properties.
Simulated tilting salt fingers unlock mysteries of oceanic laminar flow
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: February 2018

A newly presented 2-D numerical model has allowed researchers to understand the role of Reynolds numbers on shear force and salt finger tilt, with far-reaching insight beyond ocean sciences.
The showy and the shy: reinstatement of two species from Ptilotus gaudichaudii (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Hammer Timothy A. , Davis Robert W. , Thiele Kevin R.
Published: February 2018

Ptilotus R.Br. (Amaranthaceae) is a widespread and species-rich Australian genus. One of the most common arid species, Ptilotus gaudichaudii (Steud.) J.M.Black (paper foxtail), currently comprises the following three subspecies: subsp. gaudichaudii, subsp. eremita (S.Moore) Lally and subsp. parviflorus (Benth.) Lally. In the present study, we re-evaluate the morphological basis for the recognition and status of infraspecies in P. gaudichaudii. Evidence from herbarium and field observations supports the reinstatement of Ptilotus gaudichaudii subsp. eremita and subsp. parviflorus to the rank of species as P. eremita (S.Moore) T.Hammer & R.W.Davis and P. modestus T.Hammer respectively.
Variations in horizontal and vertical individualism-collectivism in four regions of Mexico / Variaciones en el individualismo-colectivismo horizontal y vertical en cuatro regiones de México
Authors: Díaz-Loving Rolando , Cruz-Torres Christian E. , Armenta-Huarte Carolina , Reyes-Ruiz Norma E.
Published: February 2018

of beliefs, attitudes, norms, roles and values organized around a theme). One of these syndromes, individualism-collectivism, distinguishes collectivist cultures, which prioritize collective over individual interests, from individualist cultures, which value individual autonomy, achievement and freedom. These dimensions intersect with the horizontal-vertical syndrome, where verticality means the preference for a society organized by hierarchies, in contrast to a horizontal culture, which privileges equality. This paper explores these dimensions using a new instrument in a sample of 990 participants from four regions in Mexico. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses show four theoretically congruent factors with adequate levels of internal consistency reaching metric equivalence criteria in three of the four samples. The scores show greater support for horizontal individualism and less support for vertical collectivism. These results are discussed within the context of a cultural shift towards individualism.
Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy: Old Patterns and New Challenges
Authors: Chaminade Cristina , Lundvall Bengt-Åke
Published: February 2018

Scientific advance and innovation are major sources of economic growth and are crucial for making development socially and environmentally sustainable. A critical question is: Will private enterprises invest sufficiently in research technological development and innovation and, if not, to what degree and how should governments engage in the support of science, technology, and innovation? While neoclassical economists point to market failure as the main rationale for innovation policy, evolutionary economists point to the role of government in building stronger innovation systems and creating wider opportunities for innovation. Research shows that the transmission mechanisms between scientific advance and innovation are complex and indirect. There are other equally important sources of innovation including experience-based learning. Innovation is increasingly seen as a systemic process, where the feedback from users needs to be taken into account when designing public policy. Science and innovation policy may aim at accelerating knowledge production along well-established trajectories, or it may aim at giving new direction to the production and use of knowledge. It may be focused exclusively on economic growth, or it may give attention to impact on social inclusion and the natural environment. An emerging topic is to what extent national perspectives continue to be relevant in a globalizing learning economy facing multiple global complex challenges, including the issue of climate change. Scholars point to a movement toward transformative innovation policy and global knowledge sharing as a response to current challenges.
The Swiss Watch Industry
Authors: Donzé Pierre-Yves
Published: February 2018

The Swiss watch industry has enjoyed uncontested domination of the global market for more than two decades. Despite high costs and high wages, Switzerland is the home of most of the largest companies in this industry. Scholars in business history, economics, management studies, and other social sciences focused on four major issues to explain such success.

The first is product innovation, which has been viewed as one of the key determinants of competitiveness in the watch industry. Considerable attention has been focused on the development of electronic watches during the 1970s, as well as the emergence of new players in Japan and Hong Kong. Yet the rebirth of mechanical watches during the early 1990s as luxury accessories also can be characterized as a product innovation (in this case, linked to marketing strategy rather than pure technological innovation).

Second, brand management has been a key instrument in changing the identity of Swiss watches, repositioning them as a luxury business. Various strategies have been adopted since the early 1990s to add value to brands by using culture as a marketing resource.

Third, the evolution of the industry’s structure emphasizes a deep transformation during the 1980s, characterized by a shift from classical industrial districts to multinational enterprises. Concentration in Switzerland, as well as the relocation abroad of some production units through foreign direct investment (FDI) and independent suppliers, have enabled Swiss watch companies to control manufacturing costs and regain competitiveness against Japanese firms.Fourth, studying the institutional framework of the Swiss watch industry helps to explain why this activity was not fully relocated abroad, unlike most sectors in low-tech industries. The cartel that was in force from the 1920s to the early 1960s, and then the Swiss Made law of 1971, are two major institutions that shaped the watch industry.
Desertification and Re-Greening of the Sahel
Authors: Fensholt Rasmus , Mbow Cheikh , Brandt Martin , Rasmussen Kjeld
Published: February 2018

In the past 50 years, human activities and climatic variability have caused major environmental changes in the semi-arid Sahelian zone and desertification/degradation of arable lands is of major concern for livelihoods and food security. In the wake of the Sahel droughts in the early 1970s and 1980s, the UN focused on the problem of desertification by organizing the UN Conference on Desertification (UNCOD) in Nairobi in 1976. This fuelled a significant increase in the often alarmist popular accounts of desertification as well as scientific efforts in providing an understanding of the mechanisms involved. The global interest in the subject led to the nomination of desertification as focal point for one of three international environmental conventions: the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), emerging from the Rio conference in 1992. This implied that substantial efforts were made to quantify the extent of desertification and to understand its causes. Desertification is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon aggravating poverty that can be seen as both a cause and a consequence of land resource depletion. As reflected in its definition adopted by the UNCCD, desertification is “land degradation in arid, semi-arid[,] and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climate variation and human activities” (UN, 1992). While desertification was seen as a phenomenon of relevance to drylands globally, the Sahel-Sudan region remained a region of specific interest and a significant amount of scientific efforts have been invested to provide an empirically supported understanding of both climatic and anthropogenic factors involved. Despite decades of intensive research on human–environmental systems in the Sahel, there is no overall consensus about the severity of desertification and the scientific literature is characterized by a range of conflicting observations and interpretations of the environmental conditions in the region. Earth Observation (EO) studies generally show a positive trend in rainfall and vegetation greenness over the last decades for the majority of the Sahel and this has been interpreted as an increase in biomass and contradicts narratives of a vicious cycle of widespread degradation caused by human overuse and climate change. Even though an increase in vegetation greenness, as observed from EO data, can be confirmed by ground observations, long-term assessments of biodiversity at finer spatial scales highlight a negative trend in species diversity in several studies and overall it remains unclear if the observed positive trends provide an environmental improvement with positive effects on people’s livelihood.
Federalism as a Theory of Regional Integration
Authors: Dosenrode Søren
Published: February 2018

Federations have existed in a modern form since the constitution of the United States entered into force in 1789. Riker defines a federation as follows (1975, p. 101) “a political organization in which the activities of government are divided between regional governments and a central government in such a way that each kind of government has some activity on which it makes final decision.” The process of getting to the federation, the integration process, is best described as federalism.

There is some agreement on the core of what a federation is, and some disagreement over whether to apply the term “federation” strictly to states and state-like actors or in a broader sense. Federations are concrete ways to organize government, but in many writings, they are also given positive attributes, such as enhanced democracy and efficiency, too.

There are two ways to think about federalism: as a politico-ideological theory of action and as an academic theory of regional integration. The first theory is propagated by writers such as Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi, Jean Monnet, and Altiero Spinelli. This theory is of political rather than academic interest. Academic theories of regional integration are divided into two groups, following the common practice in international relations theory: liberal theories (by far the largest group) and realist theories.

Federalism theory as a theory of regional integration was abandoned too early because, inter alia, it had been linked to the development of the European Community, which was in crisis from the mid-1970s till the mid-1980s. This was a mistake. Federalism theory provides the scholar with at least two tools. First, under the title “federation,” it introduces a large number of theories, methods, and empirical studies on how to analyze the European Union and other regional integration projects. Second, as a federalism theory, especially in the realist or the Riker-McKayian version, it provides a theory of how countries may unite peacefully. This approach must be developed in terms of (a) the concept of threat, which must be broadened to include economic, social, and cultural elements, and (b) the role of a basic common culture, which primarily facilitates the founding of the federation and constitutes the foundation securing the maintenance of the new federation.

A brief analysis of the development of today’s European Union, following the realist approach, demonstrates that, broadly speaking, a correspondence exists between threat and the integration process: In times of threat, the process of integration and federalization advances; in periods of peace and no crisis, the integration process stagnates.
Freedom of Speech
Authors: Riley Jonathan
Published: February 2018

John Stuart Mill is a liberal icon, widely praised in particular for his stirring defense of freedom of speech. A neo-Millian theory of free speech is outlined and contrasted in important respects with what Frederick Schauer calls “the free speech ideology” that surrounds the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and with Schauer’s own “pre-legal” theory of free speech. Mill cannot reasonably be interpreted to defend free speech absolutism if speech is understood broadly to include all expressive conduct. Rather, he is best interpreted as defending an expedient policy of laissez-faire with exceptions, where four types of expression are distinguished, three of which (labeled Types B, C, and D) are public or other-regarding, whereas the fourth (labeled Type A) is private or self-regarding. Types C and D expression are unjust and ought to be suppressed by law and public stigma. They deserve no protection from coercive interference: they are justified exceptions to the policy of letting speakers alone. Consistently with this, a moral right to freedom of speech gives absolute protection to Type B public expression, which is “almost” self-regarding. Type A private expression also receives absolute protection, but it is truly self-regarding conduct and therefore covered by the moral right of absolute self-regarding liberty identified by Mill in On Liberty. There is no need for a distinct right of freedom of expression with respect to self-regarding speech. Strictly speaking, then, an expedient laissez-faire policy for public expression leaves the full protection of freedom of private expression to the right of self-regarding liberty.

An important application of the neo-Millian theory relates to an unjust form of hate speech that may be described as group libel. By creating, or threatening to create, a social atmosphere in which a targeted group is forced to live with a maliciously false public identity of criminality or subhumanity, such a group libel creates, or significantly risks creating, social conditions in which all individuals associated with the group must give up their liberties of self-regarding conduct and of Type B expression to avoid conflict with prejudiced and belligerent members of society, even though the libel itself does not directly threaten any assignable individual with harm or accuse him or her of any wrongdoing of his or her own. This Millian perspective bolsters arguments such as those offered by Jeremy Waldron for suppressing group libels. America is an outlier among advanced civil societies with respect to the regulation of such unjust hate speech, and its “free speech ideology” ought to be suitably reformed so that group libels are prevented or punished as immoral and unconstitutional.
Poland and the European Union
Authors: Karolewski Ireneusz Paweł , Wilga Maciej
Published: February 2018

Multifaceted in its character, the relationship between Poland and the European Union is now more than a quarter of a century old. After the breakdown of the Eastern bloc, Poland signed the Association Agreement with the then European Communities in December 1991, which led up to an EU membership application three years later. Not yet a member, the country had some impact on the Union in the Nice Treaty negotiations (2000–2001), as well as on the European Constitutional Convention proceedings (2001–2003). After a successful EU membership referendum in 2003, reflecting a great deal of societal support, Poland, along with nine other newcomers, became a fully-fledged member of the EU. Once within the bloc, Warsaw was at pains to develop a more coherent EU policy, as it often changed its positions between more collaborative approaches and veto threats, but also absolving a successful rotating EU Council presidency in 2011. The country collaborated with other member states in Central and Eastern Europe—in the Visegrád framework and with the older member states—through the Weimar Triangle, for example, however with sometimes mixed results. Poland has prioritized a number of issues in the EU such as the energy sector, security and defense, and the Eastern partnership, the latter focusing on the EU Eastern neighbors, including Ukraine and Belarus. In particular, during the Ukraine-Russia conflict of 2014–2015, Poland was one of most active actors in the EU foreign policy. However, since 2015 Poland has become a subject of controversy within the EU, regarding the rule of law standards that were criticized by the European Commission and Warsaw’s rejection of a relocation scheme in the EU refugee and migrant policy.
Empirical Knowledge on Foreign Military Intervention
Authors: Pickering Jeffrey , Mitchell David F.
Published: February 2018

While the empirical literature on foreign military intervention has made considerable progress identifying the causes and consequences of military intervention, we still have much to learn about the subject. Mixed and even contradictory results remain common in the literature, and cumulative knowledge has in many instances proven elusive. Arguably the two most prominent theoretical approaches in recent scholarship, the bargaining model and the rivalry approach, have provided important insight into the phenomenon. They would nonetheless benefit from further refinement. Common explanatory variables outside of these two approaches also require further theoretical and empirical development. The literature has recently begun to examine the impact that military intervention has on target societies as well, with particular attention being given to target state democratization, human rights development, and conflict resolution. Empirical research could shed additional light on all of these phenomena by developing more detailed theory and data on intervention targets. It would also profit from incorporating systematic knowledge on leaders’ proclivities to use military force into current theoretical models.
Parliaments as Governmental Institutions
Authors: Congleton Roger D.
Published: February 2018

Research on the origin, evolution, and effects of parliaments on public policies is presented. Progress has been made, but unresolved questions remain. Both historical and contemporary rational choice–based research are discussed, although more attention is given to the latter than to the former.
Reconceptualizing Field Research in Political Science
Authors: Kapiszewski Diana , MacLean Lauren M. , Read Benjamin L.
Published: February 2018

Generations of political scientists have set out for destinations near and far to pursue field research. Even in a digitally networked era, the researcher’s personal presence and engagement with the field context continue to be essential. Yet exactly what does fieldwork mean, what is it good for, and how can scholars make their time in the field as reflective and productive as possible? Thinking of field research in broad terms—as leaving one’s home institution to collect information, generate data, and/or develop insights that significantly inform one’s research—reveals that scholars of varying epistemological commitments, methodological bents, and substantive foci all engage in fieldwork. Moreover, they face similar challenges, engage in comparable practices, and even follow similar principles. Thus, while every scholar’s specific project is unique, we also have much to learn from each other.

In preparing for and conducting field research, political scientists connect the high-level fundamentals of their research design with the practicalities of day-to-day inquiry. While in the field, they take advantage of the multiplicity of opportunities that the field setting provides and often triangulate by cross-checking among different perspectives or data sources. To a large extent, they do not regard initial research design decisions as final; instead, they iteratively update concepts, hypotheses, the research question itself, and other elements of their projects—carefully justifying these adaptations—as their fieldwork unfolds. Incorporating what they are learning in a dynamic and ongoing fashion, while also staying on task, requires both flexibility and discipline.

Political scientists are increasingly writing about the challenges of special types of field environments (such as authoritarian regimes or conflict settings) and about issues of positionality that arise from their own particular identities interacting with those of the people they study or with whom they work. So too, they are grappling with what it means to conduct research in a way that aligns with their ethical commitments, and what the possibilities and limits of research transparency are in relation to fieldwork. In short, political scientists have joined other social scientists in undertaking critical reflection on what they do in the field—and this self-awareness is itself a hallmark of high-quality research.
Agenda Setting and Case Selection on the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Lane Elizabeth A. , Black Ryan C.
Published: February 2018

The Supreme Court’s docket consists of thousands of cases each term, with petitioners hoping at least four justices will be compelled to grant review to their case. The decision to move a case from their docket to their calendar for oral arguments and all intermediate steps is what is known as the agenda-setting process. This is a fundamental step in the judicial process, as the Supreme Court cannot establish precedent and affect policy change without first deciding to review.
Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Anxiety
Authors: Petruzzello Steven J.
Published: February 2018

A historically popular research topic in exercise psychology has been the examination of the exercise-anxiety relationship, with an ever-growing literature exploring the link between exercise and anxiety. In addition to its potential for preventing anxiety and anxiety disorders, an increasing number of studies have examined the utility of physical activity and exercise interventions for the treatment of elevated anxiety and clinical anxiety disorders. A National Institute of Mental Health “state-of-the-art workshop” in 1984 was the first significant call put forth that understanding the anxiety-reducing potential of exercise was important and required further investigation. Since the publication of the evidence that came out of that NIMH workshop in Morgan and Goldston’s 1987 book, “Exercise and Mental Health,” a great deal more has been learned yet key aspects of the relationship between exercise and anxiety remain unknown. There is a great deal of work that remains to make good on the “potential efficacy of exercise.”
Long-Term Potentiation and Long-Term Depression
Authors: Maffei Arianna
Published: February 2018

Synaptic connections in the brain can change their strength in response to patterned activity. This ability of synapses is defined as synaptic plasticity. Long lasting forms of synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation (LTP), and long-term depression (LTD), are thought to mediate the storage of information about stimuli or features of stimuli in a neural circuit. Since its discovery in the early 1970s, synaptic plasticity became a central subject of neuroscience, and many studies centered on understanding its mechanisms, as well as its functional implications.
Annelid Vision
Authors: Harley Cynthia M. , Asplen Mark K.
Published: February 2018

Annelid worms are simultaneously an interesting and difficult model system for understanding the evolution of animal vision. On the one hand, a wide variety of photoreceptor cells and eye morphologies are exhibited within a single phylum; on the other, annelid phylogenetics has been substantially re-envisioned within the last decade, suggesting the possibility of considerable convergent evolution. This article reviews the comparative anatomy of annelid visual systems within the context of the specific behaviors exhibited by these animals. Each of the major classes of annelid visual systems is examined, including both simple photoreceptor cells (including leech body eyes) and photoreceptive cells with pigment (trochophore larval eyes, ocellar tubes, complex eyes); meanwhile, behaviors examined include differential mobility and feeding strategies, similarities (or differences) in larval versus adult visual behaviors within a species, visual signaling, and depth sensing. Based on our review, several major trends in the comparative morphology and ethology of annelid vision are highlighted: (1) eye complexity tends to increase with mobility and higher-order predatory behavior; (2) although they have simple sensors these can relay complex information through large numbers or multimodality; (3) polychaete larval and adult eye morphology can differ strongly in many mobile species, but not in many sedentary species; and (4) annelids exhibiting visual signaling possess even more complex visual systems than expected, suggesting the possibility that complex eyes can be simultaneously well adapted to multiple visual tasks.
State Initiatives on Globalizing Higher Education in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi P. , Sato Machi , Murasawa Masataka
Published: February 2018

The aim of internationalization for Japan during the early postwar period, still emerging from being an ODA (Official Development Assistance) recipient nation, was to promote student exchanges and mutual understanding across nations. Japan then successfully shifted its role to that of an ODA provider in the 1970s, engaging as a responsible citizen in the international community. However, the nation’s competitive edge has slipped with a long-stagnating economy from the mid-1990s onward, the national target has shifted from the ODA provider role towards desperate attempts to regain the lost edge through public investment in research and development as well as promoting internationalization of the nation.

As the notions of world-class universities and global university rankings have prevailed worldwide over the last decade or so, the recent policies established by the Japanese government in response to an increasingly competitive and globalizing environment of higher education have transformed to leveraging domestic universities to compete for placement in the global university rankings. Balancing the reputation demonstrated in the global university rankings and generated inequalities in the service and quality of education provided among these institutions seems to be critically lacking in the current debate and hasty movement toward internationalization by the Japanese government. These hastily made policies do have some strong potential to build Japan’s universities into stronger institutions for learning, research, and producing globally competitive graduates. However, thorough long-range planning, keen insight into the overall impact of the policies, and clear long-term goals will be critical in attaining success.