bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Positive Iris Feedback: Insights from Climate Simulations with Temperature-Sensitive Cloud–Rain Conversion
Authors: Li R. L. , Storelvmo T. , Fedorov A. V. , Choi Y.-S.
Published: June 2019

Estimates for equilibrium climate sensitivity from current climate models continue to exhibit a large spread, from 2.1 to 4.7 K per carbon dioxide doubling. Recent studies have found that the treatment of precipitation efficiency in deep convective clouds—specifically the conversion rate from cloud condensate to rain Cp—may contribute to the large intermodel spread. It is common for convective parameterization in climate models to carry a constant Cp, although its values are model and resolution dependent. In this study, we investigate how introducing a potential iris feedback, the cloud–climate feedback introduced by parameterizing Cp to increase with surface temperature, affects future climate simulations within a slab ocean configuration of the Community Earth System Model. Progressively stronger dependencies of Cp on temperature unexpectedly increase the equilibrium climate sensitivity monotonically from 3.8 to up to 4.6 K. This positive iris feedback puzzle, in which a reduction in cirrus clouds increases surface temperature, is attributed to changes in the opacity of convectively detrained cirrus. Cirrus clouds reduced largely in ice content and marginally in horizontal coverage, and thus the positive shortwave cloud radiative feedback dominates. The sign of the iris feedback is robust across different cloud macrophysics schemes, which control horizontal cloud cover associated with detrained ice. These results suggest a potentially strong but highly uncertain connection among convective precipitation, detrained anvil cirrus, and the high cloud feedback in a climate forced by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.
Postcolonialism, Anti-colonialism, Nationalism and History
Authors: Doran Christine
Published: June 2019

One of the most outstanding historical developments of the twentieth century was the gaining of national independence from imperial rule by most of the formerly colonized countries, especially in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Yet, rather surprisingly, many of the leading contributors to postcolonial theory, including Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak, Homi Bhabha and others, tend to minimize the significance of national independence and take a dim view of the nationalist movements, leaders and ideologies that struggled for it. The aim of this article is to probe the reasons for this, canvassing postcolonial theorists’ main arguments and outlining certain intellectual currents and commitments, notably poststructuralism, deconstruction and postmodernism, that have contributed to these negative stances. Some counterarguments are presented, as it is suggested that the achievements of nationalist revolutions in the former colonies should be reassessed more favourably. This could be a way of resisting the current hegemonic power of the ideology of globalization.
Optimal control of the power ramp rate with flicker mitigation for directly grid connected wind turbines
Authors: Jalalabadi Esmaeil , Salehizadeh Mohammad Reza , Rahimi kian Ashkan
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a detailed mathematical optimization model of electrolyzer/fuel cell technology connected to the grid through limited rating converters is developed. The model is so defined that it can tackle voltage fluctuation and meet the power ramp rate limitations inflicted by integration of constant-speed wind turbines at the Point of Common Coupling. The flicker mitigation and power ramp rate control problem in the presence of wind generation and variable electrical loads is defined as a nonlinear constrained optimization problem, in which voltage fluctuation is minimized as the objective function and the power ramp rate limitations are respected by the defined real-time ramp rate constraint. The problem is solved using the sequential quadratic programming method, which is a fast solver, by adjusting suitable initial points to be appropriate for real-time applications. The simulation results validate the efficiency of the proposed method and show dramatic improvement in flicker mitigation, power ramp rate control, and system rating reduction in comparison with the proportional–integral control method that was developed in previous studies.
Factors affecting fabric slipperiness
Authors: Suganuma Keiko , Itagaki Masako , Kawada Emi , Sasaki Yumiko , Takemoto Maki
Published: June 2019

Fabric slipperiness is an important property whose impacts include clothing comfort, sports records and the medical or safety performance of anti-slip or slippery textile products. The characteristics of fabric slipperiness have been studied under limited conditions and with samples with regard to the fabric component. In this study, the MIU (average value of the friction coefficient), which is correlated with the slipperiness or non-slipperiness of fabrics, and MMD (fluctuations of the average frictional coefficient), which is correlated with the smoothness or roughness, were measured for more than 50 versatile fabrics by using the friction tester, KES-SE. As a result, it was found that the friction coefficient was mainly determined by the linearity of weave texture, the fuzziness of the fabric and the real contact area between fabrics and rubbed materials, which are proposed as new factors of fabric slipperiness; this approach contrasts with the past approach, which mainly relied on the fabric structure. The relation between MIU and each factor was not analyzed separately but instead analyzed from a new comprehensive and statistical point of view. This approach made it possible to obtain the practical contribution ratio of these factors for application in the design of new slippery or anti-slip textiles that are useful for our lives. On the other hand, the smoothness had nothing to do with those factors, rather, it was related to the three-foundation weave texture of the fabrics.
2030 Global Education Agenda and Challenges Before India
Authors: Singh Kishore
Published: June 2019

Education of which both the individual and society are beneficiaries has a key role in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Education is the foundation of development and all sustainable development goals (SDGs) have educational dimensions. This imparts added significance to the pursuit of Goal 4 on Education, SDG4, of the agenda. Safeguarding education against forces of privatisation and preserving it as a public good is imperative if governments are respectful of their commitments to SDG4 as well as to the 2030 Education Agenda adopted under the auspices of UNESCO. It is incumbent upon the government to expand opportunities of good quality public education to build an inclusive system of education, with positive measures in support of the poor for the eradication of widespread poverty in India. Empowering adults and youth, with a special focus on skills development and pursuit of professional excellence in the drive towards ‘skilled India’ to respond to rising aspirations of youth is central to the pursuit of SDG4. Actions for the implementation of SDG4 as well as 2030 Education Agenda must be guided by the principle of social justice which is enshrined in the Constitution of India.
Book review: Sutapa Dutta, British Women Missionaries in Bengal. 1793–1861
Authors: Tandon Shivangini
Published: June 2019

Sutapa Dutta, British Women Missionaries in Bengal. 1793–1861. UK: Anthem Press, 2017, 178 pp, ₹14,670. ISBN 1783087269 (Hardbound).
A Usability and Acceptance Evaluation of the Use of Augmented Reality for Learning Atoms and Molecules Reaction by Primary School Female Students in Palestine
Authors: Ewais Ahmed , Troyer Olga De
Published: June 2019

The chemical reaction between different molecules is an important learning subject in a chemistry course. Especially for elementary school students, this can be an abstract concept and therefore difficult to understand. One way to facilitate this learning process is to use Augmented Reality (AR) technology, which is considered as an added value compared with classical learning materials such as textbooks, two-dimensional images, video, and so forth. Among the different advantages of using AR technology in the context of the educational domain is the fact that three-dimensional technology is offering a safe environment especially if the students have to perform critical tasks such as simulating chemical reactions. This work investigates students' attitude toward the use of a mobile AR application for learning atoms' and molecules' reactions. In particular, we focused on female students because, in general, female students show less interest in science and technology than male students. We were keen to investigate whether the use of AR technology could change this attitude. The students are able to interact with different AR components to explore the possible reactions in a three-dimensional interface, to understand the structure and shape of atoms and molecules, and to view related explanations in their native language, that is, the Arabic language. The mobile AR application was evaluated by a class of 12- to 13-year-old (7th grade) students in a Palestinian primary school. The number of participants was 50, all female students. After analyzing the results, we can conclude that these female students had a positive attitude toward the use of this AR application in their learning process.
Effects of interference assembly of a tibial insert on the tibiofemoral contact mechanics in total knee replacement
Authors: Chen Zhenxian , Zhang Jing , Gao Yongchang , Chen Shibin , Zhang Xuan , Jin Zhongmin
Published: June 2019

Tibial locking mechanism design is adopted to limit the backside micromotion in fixed-bearing total knee replacement. However, the effect of the interference assembly of a tibial insert on the tibiofemoral contact mechanics was usually ignored. Finite element model of a fixed-bearing total knee replacement with full peripheral locking mechanism was established to simulate the interference assembly of the tibial insert, and the corresponding effects on the tibiofemoral contact mechanics were predicted. Due to the interference assembly of the tibial insert, a maximum Mises stress of 3.24 MPa was found for the tibial insert before loading. Furthermore, the contact stress was increased by 8.77%, and the contact area was decreased by 5.43% under peak load. The interference assembly of the tibial insert in a fixed-bearing total knee replacement changed the tibiofemoral contact mechanics. This study indicated that the level of interference fit should be cautiously designed for the tibial locking mechanism in fixed-bearing total knee replacement for balancing the articular surface wear and the backside wear of the modular tibial insert.
The fourth law of thermodynamics (LMEP) and cognition from first principles: commentary on Barrett’s “On the nature and origins of cognition as a form of motivated activity”
Authors: Swenson Rod
Published: June 2019

Nat Barrett’s “On the nature and origins of cognition as a form of motivated activity” puts a well-focused light on the central problems, plaguing the core of enactivist, or 4E cognitive theories and points to LMEP (the Law of Maximum Entropy Production or the fourth law of thermodynamics) and the thermodynamic groundwork Micheal Turvey and I presented a little less than three decades ago as the pathway in. Here, I offer some brief remarks supporting his efforts as well as some clarifying points following from work done in the ensuing years. We are now at a point where we can dissolve the problems Barrett so cogently identifies and get us to a nomologically grounded theory of embodied, embedded, enactive, and extended cognition, a robust alternative to the failed computationalist model, from first principles.
Infusion-related events during natalizumab: No need for post-infusion monitoring
Authors: Loonstra Floor C , van Rossum Johannis A , van Kempen Zoé LE , Rispens Theo , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Killestein Joep
Published: June 2019

This retrospective cohort study assessed the timing of infusion-related adverse events (IAEs) during natalizumab (NTZ) administration in well-documented relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients who had received NTZ infusions in our centre between 2006 and 2018. In 225 RRMS patients (14,174 NTZ infusions), 276 IAEs (1.95%) occurred in 60 patients. All documented severe IAE occurred during infusion. Of the 19 moderate adverse events, 17 were during infusion. None of the reactions that occurred after the infusion required intervention. These results suggest that post-infusion monitoring is not necessary in patients who do not have an adverse event during infusion.
Comparison between a novel tap water wound irrigation device with sterile saline device in an open traumatic wound animal model
Authors: Sloan Brian K , Mohammad Haroon , Abutaleb Nader S , Seleem Mohamed N
Published: June 2019

Study objective

Open traumatic wounds present to US emergency departments at a rate of approximately 12 million per year. Tap water wound irrigation usage has not been adopted by providers thus negating a potential cost saving of approximately US$65,600,000 per year when compared to saline irrigation. A novel tap water wound irrigation device can reduce bacterial counts in rats inoculated with MRSA as effectively as a commonly used sterile saline wound irrigation system.

Methods

Two groups of six Sprague–Dawley rats were used for this study. Two 3 cm incisions were made into the dorsum of each Sprague–Dawley rat and each incision was inoculated with 100 µl of MRSA. One wound served as the control, the other wound was either irrigated with the sterile saline wound irrigation system or a novel tap water wound irrigation device. The wounds were homogenized, plated, and bacterial colonies were enumerated to determine the final concentration of bacteria in each wound.

Results

There was no significant statistical difference in the reduction of MRSA in wounds treated with the sterile saline system relative to wounds treated with tap water (one-way ANOVA with post hoc Dunnet's test).

Conclusion

The novel tap water wound irrigation device is as effective as the sterile saline wound irrigation device at reducing bacterial counts in a rat laceration model when compared to non-irrigated controls. Adopting the use of a convenient, effective, and inexpensive wound irrigation system using tap water could help save the health care system millions of dollars in direct costs, shipping cost, and would not be affected by saline shortages.
Why Do Advantaged People Feel Unhappy? Effects of Materialistic Values on Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Sudo Naoki
Published: June 2019

This article aims to explore the relationship between income and happiness. As shown by the Easterlin paradox, the relationship between income and happiness is not simple but indeed is rather complicated. The author used finite mixtures of regression models to analyze the data from the National Survey of Social Stratification and Social Mobility conducted in Japan and implemented computer simulations based on the results of the finite mixtures of regression models to examine how changes in social values influence the relationship between income and happiness. Analytical results revealed that people can be categorized into two latent classes: one dominated by materialistic values and the other eschewing materialistic values. Moreover, they clarified that materialistic values have ambivalent influences on individual happiness and average happiness in society. It is concluded that the diffusion of materialistic values might cause paradoxical relationships between income and happiness.
Ophthalmic Artery Occlusion From Injection of Heroin Into the Forehead
Authors: Ploysangam Pimpiroon , Koreishi Faruk , Lema Gareth M.C.
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To report a case of ophthalmic artery occlusion after injection of heroin into the forehead.

Methods:

Retrospective case report.

Results:

A 27-year-old patient with a history of intravenous heroin abuse presented with a left ophthalmic artery occlusion after attempting to inject heroin into a vein in her forehead. Exam was significant for diffuse retinal edema, disc edema, disc hemorrhage, and diffuse retinal hemorrhages. Findings were also noted in the widefield image, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography of the retina.

Conclusions:

This patient suffered from a severe form of talc retinopathy resulting in an ophthalmic artery occlusion after injecting heroin into her forehead. To our knowledge, this is the first instance of combined ophthalmic artery occlusion and talc retinopathy resulting from intentional injection into a superficial facial vein.
Localization of Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Receptor Expression in the Mouse
Authors: Yusta Bernardo , Matthews Dianne , Koehler Jacqueline A , Pujadas Gemma , Kaur Kiran Deep , Drucker Daniel J
Published: June 2019

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), secreted from enteroendocrine cells, attenuates gut motility, enhances barrier function, and augments nutrient absorption, actions mediated by a single GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R). Despite extensive analyses, the precise distribution and cellular localization of GLP-2R expression remains controversial, confounded by the lack of suitable GLP-2R antisera. Here, we reassessed murine Glp2r expression using regular and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), in situ hybridization (ISH), and a Glp2rLacZ reporter mouse. Glp2r mRNA expression was detected from the stomach to the rectum and most abundant in the jejunum. Glp2r transcripts were also detected in cerebral cortex, mesenteric lymph nodes, gallbladder, urinary bladder, and mesenteric fat. Surprisingly, Glp2r mRNA was found in testis by qPCR at levels similar to jejunum. However, the testis Glp2r transcripts, detected by different primer pairs and qPCR, lacked 5′ mRNA coding sequences, and only a minute proportion of them corresponded to full-length Glp2r mRNA. Within the gut, Glp2r-driven LacZ expression was localized to enteric neurons and lamina propria stromal cells, findings confirmed by ISH analysis of the endogenous Glp2r mRNA. Unexpectedly, vascular Glp2rLacZ expression was localized to mesenteric veins and not arteries. Moreover, mesenteric fat Glp2rLacZ expression was detected within blood vessels and not adipocytes. Reporter LacZ expression was not detected in all tissues expressing an endogenous Glp2r transcript, such as gallbladder, urinary bladder, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Collectively, these findings extend our understanding of the cellular domains of Glp2r expression and highlight limitations inherent in application of commonly used technologies to infer analysis of gene expression.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Characterization of Papillary Microcarcinomas With Lateral Neck Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Perera Dilmi , Ghossein Ronald , Camacho Niedzica , Senbabaoglu Yasin , Seshan Venkatraman , Li Juan , Bouvier Nancy , Boucai Laura , Viale Agnes , Socci Nicholas D , Untch Brian R , Gonen Mithat , Knauf Jeffrey , Fagin James A , Berger Michael , Tuttle R Michael
Published: June 2019

Context

Most papillary microcarcinomas (PMCs) are indolent and subclinical. However, as many as 10% can present with clinically significant nodal metastases.

Objective and Design

Characterization of the genomic and transcriptomic landscape of PMCs presenting with or without clinically important lymph node metastases.

Subjects and Samples

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded PMC samples from 40 patients with lateral neck nodal metastases (pN1b) and 71 patients with PMC with documented absence of nodal disease (pN0).

Outcome Measures

To interrogate DNA alterations in 410 genes commonly mutated in cancer and test for differential gene expression using a custom NanoString panel of 248 genes selected primarily based on their association with tumor size and nodal disease in the papillary thyroid cancer TCGA project.

Results

The genomic landscapes of PMC with or without pN1b were similar. Mutations in TERT promoter (3%) and TP53 (1%) were exclusive to N1b cases. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differential expression of 43 genes in PMCs with pN1b compared with pN0. A random forest machine learning–based molecular classifier developed to predict regional lymph node metastasis demonstrated a negative predictive value of 0.98 and a positive predictive value of 0.72 at a prevalence of 10% pN1b disease.

Conclusions

The genomic landscape of tumors with pN1b and pN0 disease was similar, whereas 43 genes selected primarily by mining the TCGA RNAseq data were differentially expressed. This bioinformatics-driven approach to the development of a custom transcriptomic assay provides a basis for a molecular classifier for pN1b risk stratification in PMC.
Migrating cells control morphogenesis of substratum serving as track to promote directional movement of the collective
Authors: Macabenta Frank , Stathopoulos Angelike
Published: June 2019

In Drosophila embryos, caudal visceral mesoderm (CVM) cells undergo bilateral migration along the trunk visceral mesoderm (TVM) in order to form midgut muscles. Mutation of FGF receptor Heartless (Htl) has been shown to cause CVM migration defects, particularly midline crossing of the bilateral groups. Here, we show that htl mutants also exhibit TVM defects including contralateral merging. Both CVM mismigration and TVM contralateral merging are attenuated by restoring FGF signaling specifically in the CVM, suggesting that migrating CVM cells influence TVM morphogenesis; however, the inverse, supplying FGF to the TVM, does not rescue CVM mismigration. In addition, we show that FGF regulates integrin expression in both tissues, but only providing a source of integrin specifically to the TVM attenuates the contralateral merging phenotype. Finally, we demonstrate that the CVM influences cell shape in the TVM, and a loss of CVM results in TVM morphological defects. In summary, this study provides insight into how a migrating collective of cells can influence their tissue substrate and supports the view that morphogenesis of tissues during development is interdependent.
Telomeric small RNAs in the genus Caenorhabditis
Authors: Frenk Stephen , Lister-Shimauchi Evan H. , Ahmed Shawn
Published: June 2019

Telomeric DNA is composed of simple tandem repeat sequences and has a G-rich strand that runs 5′ to 3′ toward the chromosome terminus. Small RNAs with homology to telomeres have been observed in several organisms and could originate from telomeres or from interstitial telomere sequences (ITSs), which are composites of degenerate and perfect telomere repeat sequences found on chromosome arms. We identified Caenorhabditis elegans small RNAs composed of the Caenorhabditis telomere sequence (TTAGGC)n with up to three mismatches, which might interact with telomeres. We rigorously defined ITSs for genomes of C. elegans and for two closely related nematodes, Caenorhabditis briggsae and Caenorhabditis remanei. Most telomeric small RNAs with mismatches originated from ITSs, which were depleted from mRNAs but were enriched in introns whose genes often displayed hallmarks of genomic silencing. C. elegans small RNAs composed of perfect telomere repeats were very rare but their levels increased by several orders of magnitude in C. briggsae and C. remanei. Major small RNA species in C. elegans begin with a 5′ guanine nucleotide, which was strongly depleted from perfect telomeric small RNAs of all three Caenorhabditis species. Perfect G-rich or C-rich telomeric small RNAs commonly began with 5′ UAGGCU and 5′ UUAGGC or 5′ CUAAGC, respectively. In contrast, telomeric small RNAs with mismatches had a mixture of all four 5′ nucleotides. We suggest that perfect telomeric small RNAs have a mechanism of biogenesis that is distinct from known classes of small RNAs and that a dramatic change in their regulation occurred during recent Caenorhabditis evolution.
Radioecological Monitoring of Agroecosystems in the NPP Vicinity: Methodology and Results of Investigations
Authors: Кузнецов В. , Kuznetsov V. , Санжарова Н. , Sanzharova N. , Панов А. , Panov A. , Исамов Н. , Isamov N.
Published: June 2019

Purpose: Justification of the necessity to establish and maintain a system of radioecological monitoring of agricultural ecosystems in the vicinity of nuclear power plants at all stages of the life cycle of a radiation-hazardous facility.

Material and methods: The paper presents methodological approaches (sanitary-hygienic and environmental) to radioecological monitoring of agricultural ecosystems in the region of the NPP location. The tasks of the radioecological monitoring of agricultural ecosystems are defined, and its organisation and management stages are highlighted. The article displays the features of the development of programs and regulations of radioecological monitoring of agricultural ecosystems. The main objects of radioecological monitoring, parameters to be monitored, and also the frequency of monitoring observations are determined. The principles of locating the control points on the monitoring network are substantiated.

Results: The results of radioecological monitoring of agricultural ecosystems in the impact zones of the Kursk and Rostov NPPs are presented. The approaches to the creation of a monitoring network, taking into account the peculiarities of the regions of the NPPs’ location (landscape, soil, economic), are demonstrated. It is shown that the contamination density of agricultural lands by 90Sr varies in the range of 0.47–1.74 kBq/m2, and by 137Cs – 2.7–9.7 kBq/m2 for Kursk NPP and, for Rostov NPP it is 0.36–2.57 kBq/m2 by 90Sr and 2.25–4.55 kBq/m2 by 137Cs. Over the entire period of monitoring observations, none of the samples of agricultural products appeared to have an excess of sanitary and hygienic standards for the content of radionuclides. Due to the consumption of food produced in 30-km observation zones, about 63 Bq/a of 90Sr and 195 Bq/a of 137Cs in the Kursk NPP observation zone and, respectively,133 and 184 Bq/a in the vicinity of Rostov NPP enter the diet of the local population, which is almost 400 times for 137Cs and 10–20 times for 90Sr below the annual ingestion limits respectively. Differences in the accumulation of radionuclides for the same crop in different years of observation come up to 1.5 times, due to the influence of soil and weather conditions, as well as different doses of ameliorants application.

Conclusion: The results of the radioecological monitoring of agricultural ecosystems confirm that the operation of the Kursk and Rostov NPPs in normal mode does not lead to a deterioration of the radiation situation in the regions where they are located. Radiation doses on the local population do not exceed the established standard values. The system of radioecological monitoring of agricultural ecosystems should be an integral component in the general system of radiation safety in the vicinities of NPPs and other radiation-hazardous facilities.
Design of enterprises of sugar and starch industries
Authors: Славянский Анатолий , Slavyanskiy Anatoliy
Published: June 2019

In the textbook on the example of sugar and starch-treacle industries of the food industry, the main issues of design and organization of construction and reconstruction of the food industry. A large reference material on various aspects of enterprise design is given. There are recommendations on the organization of work of students (bachelors and masters) on the diploma project and its design
The Symptoms of the Shift towards an Authoritarian State in Tanzania’s President John Pombe Magufuli’s rule
Authors: Emilia Bamwenda
Published: June 2019

In the early 1990s, political changes in Tanzania led to political liberalization and the reintroduction of formal democratic institutional structures. Political pluralism was established under the control of the ruling party of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which gave it the opportunity to maintain state power, stability within the party and to establish limitations in terms of systemic changes. However, the party’s hegemony was shaken during the last presidential election, where only a slight majority (58%) was won by CCM’s candidate John P. Magufuli. From the moment of taking office as President, he began to implement his electoral postulates. In 2016, Magufuli was appointed the world’s best president by United National Economic and Social Council for tightening and reducing public sector spending. There is no doubt that during the two and a half years of rule, Magufuli introduced significant changes in the governance structures and lives of Tanzanian people. However, his recent methods of governing the state seem to ignore basic human rights, women’s rights, freedom of speech and the press, the independence of courts and respect for the multi-party system in the country.
Gold, Gas and Lies: Extractive Sector in a Sub-Saharan Functional State. The Case of Natural Resource Sector in Tanzania
Authors: Andrzej Polus  , Wojciech Tycholiz
Published: June 2019

Tanzania is usually presented as the most stable state is East Africa. Nevertheless political stability did not go hand in hand with economic development. The recent gas discoveries raised the issue of Tanzania’s readiness for the development of gas sector that will benefit the entire country instead of the rent orientated political elite. The development of the gas sector (although final decision about LNG terminal construction has not been taken yet) is correlated with President John Pombe Magufuli ( JPM) takeover of power and substantial changes on Tanzanian political scene. The Authors posed a question about the basis for a robust mining sector development in Tanzania under President Magufuli. The article’s first part presents Tanzania within the frameworks of “competitive-authoritarian regime” or “developmental neopatrimonial state”. Then we ask whether the system that catapulted JPM to the top job in the country can be change from the inside? Subsequently, we present dysfunctionalities of the Tanzanian mining sector with the special emphasis on gold mining, as well as challenges ahead of the country’s nascent natural gas sector.
The Use of R2P Mechanism by International Community in Cases of Serious Human Rights Infringements in Africa
Authors: Jakub Kościółek
Published: June 2019

The article presents the evolution of the approach to humanitarian intervention that in the 21st century had been framed in the concept of Responsibility to Protect. The article focuses particularly on the possibility of adopting R2P rule in Africa, especially second and third pillar of this mechanism Various cases of conflict in Africa and other types of security threats are discussed herein; those which were actually implemented and situations where they were had to be foregone. This description serves the purpose of defining situations when the R2P mechanism is found useful in continental security measures as well as indicating the factors needed to implement it in practice, regardless of pure declarations from regional states and organizations.
EAC – an Answer for Regional Problems or Failed Solutions in East Africa?
Authors: Anna Cichecka
Published: June 2019

One of the definitions states that regionalism means a common policy or project aimed at increasing informal links and economic, political and social transactions which strengthen integration processes, intensify intergovernmental cooperation and create regional identity among the community. According to the above, it was assumed that firstly, states in a group are stronger and more effective and secondly, that regionalism and regionalization may be regarded as a way to solve some regional problems and to contribute to the development of individual states. This narrative became especially attractive for underdeveloped and dysfunctional regions as it offered an opportunity for changes. As a result, a quantitative increase in regional initiatives started. The article is dedicated to the integration processes in the East Africa region. The main aim of the paper is to examine the situation in East Africa, regarding the role that the East African Community has played in this area. Moreover, an attempt has been made to analyze the integration model adopted by the organization and find out if the EAC is able to solve the main regional problems or rather to propose a failed solution and maintain dysfunctional patterns in the organization.
philosophical inquiry with indigenous children: an attempt to integrate indigenous knowledge in philosophy for/with children
Authors: Elicor Peter paul ejera
Published: June 2019

In this article, I propose to integrate indigenous knowledges in the Philosophy for/with Children theory and practice. I make the claim that it is possible to treat indigenous knowledges, not only as topics for philosophical dialogues with children but as presuppositions of the philosophical activity itself within the Community of Inquiry. Such integration is important for at least three (3) reasons: First, recognizing indigenous ways of thinking and seeing the world informs us of other non-dominant forms of knowledges, methods to produce knowledge and criteria to determine knowledge. Second, the dominance of western standards of producing and determining knowledge, especially in non-western societies, needs to be reduced, balanced and informed by local knowledges and experiences. And third, indigenous knowledges reinforce a culturally responsive P4wC that responds to the challenges arising in multicultural and ethnically diverse classrooms. There are two (2) possible intersections where such integration may take place, namely: a) Epistemology, where I claim that the integration of a “presentational epistemology” immanent in indigenous patterns of thinking provides a counterweight to Lipman’s strong adherence to analytic-representational epistemology, and b) Pedagogy, which takes shape in an “indigenized” Community of Inquiry that highlights the values of interconnectedness, situatedness and relationality.
el lugar de la deliberación en la filosofía para niños de lipman
Authors: Shapiro Carmina
Published: June 2019

Para Lipman la influencia de Dewey se traduce en una cierta concepción y relación entre democracia, ciudadanía y educación. El presente trabajo, sin embargo, no se centra tanto en la base deweyana de Lipman -cosa que ha sido fructuosamente explorada-, como en la particular articulación que Lipman hacer de aquellas nociones para su propuesta de Filosofía para Niños. El modo en que nuestro autor configura la Comunidad de Investigación y Cuestionamiento (CI) pone a la Filosofía en un lugar central, pero paradójicamente secundario. Es decir, en la CI la Filosofía se articula con la “democracia como investigación” de tal manera que el rango de posibilidades que le queda a la Filosofía es limitado. Creemos que uno de los factores principales de esta limitación es la concepción deliberacionista del diálogo en la CI. Ésto es lo que intentaremos desentrañar aquí, como paso inicial de un trabajo que requerirá sucesivas exploraciones.
ecosocial citizenship education: facilitating interconnective, deliberative practice and corrective methodology for epistemic accountability
Authors: Burgh Gilbert , Thornton Simone
Published: June 2019

According to Val Plumwood (1995), liberal-democracy is an authoritarian political system that protects privilege but fails to protect nature. A major obstacle, she says, is radical inequality, which has become increasingly far-reaching under liberal-democracy; an indicator of ‘the capacity of its privileged groups to distribute social goods upwards and to create rigidities which hinder the democratic correctiveness of social institutions’ (p. 134). This cautionary tale has repercussions for education, especially civics and citizenship education. To address this, we explore the potential of what Gerard Delanty calls ‘cultural citizenship’ as an alternative to the disciplinary citizenship that permeates Western liberal discourse. Cultural citizenship emphasises citizenship as communication and continual learning processes, rejecting the idea of citizenship as a fixed set of cultural ideals, norms or values defined and enforced by liberal society’s legal, political and cultural institutions, including education and ‘citizenship training’. However, we contend that a critical first step, essential to democratic correctiveness, is to clear away obstacles created by the privileging of a dominant epistemic position. We conclude that Plumwood’s philosophy alongside John Dewey’s work on democracy and education provide a theoretical framework for effective democratic inquiry aimed towards interconnective, deliberative practice and corrective methodology for epistemic accountability.
metamorfose literária: por leituras que gerem experiências de pensamento nas aulas de filosofia
Authors: Antunes Adriana gusmão , Paiva Jair miranda
Published: June 2019

O presente artigo compartilha uma experiência filosófica vivenciada a partir do acompanhamento e relato de uma aula de filosofia e da questão: que pode uma obra literária/leitura(s) suscitar como uma experiência de pensamento numa aula de filosofia? Seguindo a reflexão do como o ato da leitura literária pode constituir-se viés proponente para principiar experiência de pensamento, fio condutor de um diálogo que movimentará a roda da conversa, dialogamos e traçamos um caminhar paralelo ora por metáfora, ora por comparação, entre o relato dessa experiência vivenciada na escola da rede pública municipal e a transformação/metamorfose da borboleta. A partir de então, projetamos num dizer poético a leveza, o convite para o voo, para possibilidades de perder o chão a fim de ganhar e habitar nos ares que dá, literalmente, voz a uma criança do primeiro ano com provável diagnóstico de autismo, há seis meses inserida no ensino regular, que não falava em público. Pensando a experiência conforme Larrosa (2011) como algo que afeta, perpassa, “isso que me passa”, e o pensar na escola pública a partir de Kohan (2016), como sendo esse um dos paradoxos imperativos e preocupação primeira das práticas educacionais, perseguimos o objetivo de apresentar a filosofia para/com crianças como uma possibilidade real de oportunizar o romper de casulos, a concretização de um ciclo da metamorfose de uma infância ou da própria educação no/para o pensar; apresentamos, enfim, a importância da filosofia na/para a educação, sendo ela literariamente a oportunidade para estimular o pensar.
BEHAVIORS, MOTIVATORS, AND BARRIERS OF SHOPPERS AND NONSHOPPERS AT LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS IN COSTA RICA
Authors: Jensen Melissa Lorena , Alvarado-Molina Nadia , Zúñiga-Escobar Marianela
Published: June 2019

Objetivo. Examinar los comportamientos de compra y las percepciones relacionadas con el uso de ferias del agricultor en una muestra de usuarios y no usuarios de las mismas. Metodología. Diseño transversal, con el uso de una encuesta estructurada en participantes viviendo a un kilómetro de distancia o menos de dos ferias del agricultor específicas (n=240). El análisis cuantitativo incluyó estadísticas descriptivas y bivariadas para comparar usuarios con no usuarios. Las preguntas abiertas se analizaron utilizando codificación temática. Resultados. 56% de la muestra fue usuaria de la feria del agricultor, y en su mayoría, mujeres adultas. Las usuarias tenían ingreso similar, pero nivel educativo menor que las no usuarias. En usuarias, el precio, la calidad de producto y la proximidad a la feria fueron las principales motivaciones de uso. En no usuarias, las horas de operación, la falta de tiempo y los precios fueron las principales barreras. Conclusión. Los hallazgos profundizan en potenciales mejoras de las ferias del agricultor. Los mensajes de promoción se pueden adaptar para resaltar los beneficios que ya son conocidos de las ferias, lo cual conduciría a estrategias de mercadeo más efectivas para promover su uso.DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2019.38990
Social media and surgery
Authors: Sanders David
Published: June 2019

Is it a useful tool or a dangerous weapon?
A second chance
Authors: Alderson Derek
Published: June 2019

Or... is there another winter of discontent ahead?
Battling with harmful demands
Authors: Simmons Gerald
Published: June 2019

How can dentists deal with treatment requests that are, in fact, damaging to the patient?
Self-Organizing Migrating Algorithm Pareto
Authors: Diep Quoc Bao , Zelinka Ivan , Das Swagatam
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we propose a new method named Pareto-based self-organizing migrating algorithm (SOMA Pareto), in which the algorithm is divided into the Organization, Migration, and Update processes. The important key in the Organization process is the application of the Pareto Principle to select the Migrant and the Leader, increasing the performance of the algorithm. The adaptive PRT, Step, and PRTVector parameters are applied to enhance the ability to search for promising subspaces and then to focus on exploiting that subspaces. Based on the testing results on the well-known benchmark suites such as CEC'13, CEC'15, and CEC'17, the superior performance of the proposed algorithm compared to the SOMA family and the state-of-the-art algorithms such as variant DE and PSO are confirmed. These results demonstrate that SOMA Pareto is an effective, promising algorithm.
Load Frequency Control of HVDC Link Interconnected Power System Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Chanana Saurabh , Kumar Saurabh
Published: June 2019

Advances in power electronics have improved grid support functions such as tie-line power control and frequency control, making renewable generation and High Voltage DC (HVDC) links more common in power system applications. Load Frequency Control (LFC) systems handle the complex interactions between the distributed generator and the control area with the HVDC link. In this work, LFC of a two-zone system including parallel AC/DC transmission links has been analysed. The parameters of this system are optimised using advanced genetic algorithm resulting in improved performance of system in terms of reduction in peak overshoots and settling time of frequency measurement, tie line power flow and area control error signals in an interconnected power system. The advantage of having parallel HVDC links is also demonstrated when performance is compared to system interconnected with only AC tie line.
Simulation-Based Rail Traffic Optimizations Applying Multicriterial Evaluations of Variants
Authors: Bažant Michael , Kavička Antonín , Diviš Roman , Varga Michal
Published: June 2019

The contribution pays attention to assessing a selected method related to multicriterial evaluations of variants. That method is exploited for supporting automatized decision-making processes related to special operational situations, which emerge within rail traffic simulators. The relevant case study resolves an optimisation task related to minimizations of total increments of train delays within passenger railway stations. Different optimisation approaches are combined and exploited, and their consequences are investigated by means of numerous simulation experiments. The outcomes of those experiments are processed, and recommendations for the use of appropriate decision-making supports in rail simulators are formulated.
From “Jewification” to “Islamization”: Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Austrian Politics Then and Now
Authors: Hafez Farid
Published: June 2019

The content of right-wing populism is currently built largely upon Islamophobic mobilization, whereas, before the Second Republic of Austria, anti-Semitism was the principal content of populism in Austria. This article engages in a comparative discussion of the anti-Semitic propaganda deployed by political parties before the rise of the Austrofascist state and National Socialist rule in Austria and Islamophobic propaganda in present-day Austria. Specifically, the article compares the anti-Semitic discourse of “Jewification” that circulated between 1876 and 1934 with the current Islamophobic discourse of “Islamization,” which is used by political parties such as the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Christian democratic Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), which together currently form the coalition government in the Republic of Austria. This article comparatively investigates anti-Semitic and Islamophobic topoi to consider what continuities and shifts have occurred within the imagining of the (Oriental) Jewish and Muslim “other.”
Comparison of 3 Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests and a Rapid Antigen Test with Culture for the Detection of Group A Streptococci from Throat Swabs
Authors: Parker Kyle G , Gandra Sumanth , Matushek Scott , Beavis Kathleen G , Tesic Vera , Charnot-Katsikas Angella
Published: June 2019

Background

Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration cleared 3 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) assays for detection of Streptococcus pyogenes [group A Streptococcus (GAS)] in pharyngeal specimens. However, there are limited studies evaluating the performance of these NAAT assays.

Methods

We compared the results of 3 NAATs (cobas Liat, Luminex Aries, and Cepheid Xpert Xpress) and a rapid antigen assay (Quidel QuickVue in-line strep A) with the accepted gold standard method, bacterial culture.

Results

Sixty-eight throat swab specimens collected between August and October 2017 were tested. Compared to bacterial culture, the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for detecting GAS were as follows: cobas Liat: 100%, 97.4%, 96.7%, and 100%; Cepheid Xpert: 100%, 97.4%, 96.7%, and 100%; Luminex Aries: 95.2%, 100%, 100%, and 95.5%. The Quidel QuickVue in-line strep A assay showed poor sensitivity, detecting only 5.2% of culture-positive specimens.

Conclusion

The 3 NAATs have high sensitivity when compared with bacterial culture for detection of GAS. With rapid turnaround time and ease of use, these tests can be considered as reliable point-of-care tests for the diagnosis of GAS, replacing the need for back-up culture.
Kinetic Approach Extends the Analytical Measurement Range and Corrects Antigen Excess in Homogeneous Turbidimetric Immunoassays
Authors: Zaydman Mark A , Brestoff Jonathan R , Logsdon Nicole , Gronowski Ann M
Published: June 2019

Background

Homogeneous turbidimetric immunoassays are widely used in the clinical laboratory and offer short assay times, reduced reagent costs, and the potential for full automation. However, these assays have a limited analytical measurement range (AMR) above which antigen excess leads to falsely low estimates of the analyte concentration (i.e., the hook effect). Traditional methods for correction of antigen excess require sample dilution, compromising time and cost-efficiency. Therefore, novel methods that extend the AMR are needed.

Methods

A kinetic model of a generic homogeneous turbidimetric immunoassay was built and then parameterized using a genetic algorithm. Kinetic features that could be used to extend the AMR were identified and subsequently validated with clinical data from consecutive measurements of 2 homogeneous turbidimetric immunoassays: κ serum free light chain and rheumatoid factor.

Results

A novel kinetic parameter, the area under the curvature (AUCU), was derived that increases in proportion to the analyte concentration in a range beyond the AMR of conventional end point methods. When applied to clinical data, the AUCU method provided a log-linear calibration curve in the zone of antigen excess extending the AMR by >10-fold for 2 different immunoassays.

Conclusions

The AUCU method detects and corrects antigen excess, extending the AMR in homogeneous turbidimetric immunoassays. The advantage of this method over conventional methods would be a reduction in the number of repeated samples, resulting in significant time and cost savings.